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58th  Congress,  \ HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES,  j Report 
2d  Session.  i \ No.  646. 


DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY 


OF  THE 


CONSTRUCTION  AND  DEVELOPMENT 


OF  THE 


UNITED  STATES  CAPITOL  BUILDING 
AND  GROUNDS. 


January  30,  1904. — Laid  on  the  table  and 
ordered  to  be  printed. 


WASHINGTON: 

GOVERNMENT  PRINTING  OFFICE. 
1904. 


IV 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


unless  they  present  features  of  special  interest  having  a direct  bearing 
on  the  general  design.  A vast  amount  of  manuscript  correspondence, 
scattered  among  various  repositories  and  in  private  hands,  and  dealing 
with  the  more  intricate  particulars  of  the  conduct  and  financing  of  the 
building  operations,  the  purchase  of  materials,  and  the  employment  of 
service  at  home  and  abroad,  has  been  omitted  after  examination,  on 
account  of  its  slight  importance  and  formidable  bulk. 

The  arrangement  of  the  collection  is  a natural  one,  obviously  sug- 
gested by  the  successive  stages  which  characterized  the  construction 
and  development  of  the  Capitol  building  and  grounds.  Thus  the  early 
transactions  pertaining  to  the  establishment  of  the  permanent  seat  of 
Government  at  the  city  of  Washington  are  set  forth  in  the  preliminary 
section;  the  history  of  the  old  or  central  building  is  developed  in  a 
separate  section,  in  chronological  order,  from  the  outset  down  to  date, 
except  where  clearness  demanded  other  arrangement;  and  likewise  the 
extensions  authorized  in  1850.  and,  successively,  the  new  dome,  the 
grounds,  the  terraces,  and  the  proposed  extension  of  the  central  east 
front. 

The  principal  sources  of  information  utilized  are — 

Statutes  at,  Large  of  the  United  States, 

Manuscript  letters  of  early  Government  officers, 

Annals  of  Congress, 

Register  of  Debates, 

Congressional  Globe, 

Congressional  Record, 

Executive  Papers, 

State  Papers, 

American  State  Papers, 

Messages  and  Papers  of  the  Presidents, 

House  executive  documents, 

Senate  executive  documents, 

House  miscellaneous  documents, 

Senate  miscellaneous  documents, 

House  committee  reports, 

Senate  committee  reports, 

House  Journals,  and 
Senate  Journals. 


DOCUMENTARY  HISTORY 

OF  THE 

CONSTRUCTION  AND  DEVELOPMENT 


OF  THE 

UNITED  STATES  CAPITOL  BUILDING 
AND  GROUNDS. 


H.  Rep.  6T6 


1 


l 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS. 


Page. 

I.  Preliminary 5 

II.  The  Old  Building 14 

III.  The  Extensions _ 408 

IV.  The  Dome 990 

V.  The  Grounds 1032 

VI.  The  Terraces 1200 

VII.  Proposed  Extension  of  Central  East  Front 1264 

VIII.  Index 1284 


3 


I.  PRELIMINARY. 


[Provision  of  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  relating  to  Federal  buildings  at  the  permanent 
seat  of  Government.  (Article  1,  section  8,  clause  17.)] 

Section  8.  The  Congress  shall  have  Power  * * * Xo  exercise  exclusive  Legisla- 
tion in  all  Cases  whatsoever,  over  such  District  (not  exceeding  ten  Miles  square)  as 
may,  by  Cession  of  particular  States,  and  the  Acceptance  of  Congress,  become  the 
Seat  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  and  to  exercise  like  Authority  over  all 
Places  purchased  by  the  Consent  of  the  Legislature  of  the  State  in  which  the  Same 
shall  be,  for  the  Erection  of  Forts,  Magazines,  and  Arsenals,  dock-Yards,  and  other 
needful  Buildings; — And  To  make  all  Laws  which  shall  he  necessary  and  proper 
for  carrying  into  Execution  the  foregoing  Powers,  and  all  other  Powers  vested  by 
this  Constitution  in  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  or  in  any  Department  or 
Officer  thereof. 


[‘  ‘AN  ACT  to  cede  to  congress  a district  of  ten  miles  square  in  this  state  for  the  seat  of  the  government 
of  the  United  States,”  passed  Dec.  23,  1788.  (Laws  of  Maryland,  Lib.  J G,  No.  1,  fol.  77.)] 

Be  it  Enacted,  by  the  General  Assembly  of  Maryland,  That  the  Representatives  of  this 
state  in  the  house  of  representatives  of  the  congress  of  the  United  States,  appointed 
to  assemble  at  New- York  on  the  first  Wednesday  of  March  next,  be  and  they  are 
hereby  authorized  and  required,  on  the  behalf  of  this  state,  to  cede  to  the  congress  of 
the  United  States  any  district  in  this  state,  not  exceeding  ten  miles  square,  which  the 
congress  may  fix  upon  and  accept  for  the  seat  of  government  of  the  United  States. 


[“AN  ACT  for  the  Cession  of  Ten  Miles  Square,  or  any  lesser  Quantity  of  Territory  within  this  State, 
to  the  United  States,  in  Congress  assembled,  for  the  permanent  Seat  of  the  General  Government,” 
passed  Dec.  3,  1789.  (Acts of  the  General  Assembly  of  Virginia,  1789,  p.  19.)] 

Sect.  I.  Whereas  the  equal  and  common  benefits  resulting  from  the  administration 
of  the  general  government  will  be  best  diffused,  and  its  operations  become  more 
prompt  and  certain,  by  establishing  such  a situation  for  the  seat  of  the  said  Govern- 
ment, as  will  be  most  central  and  convenient  to  the  citizens  of  the  United  States  at 
large,  having  regard  as  well  to  population,  extent  of  territory,  and  a free  navigation 
to  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  through  the  Chesapeake  Bay,  as  to  the  most  direct  and  ready 
communication  with  our  fellow-citizens  in  the  western  frontier;  And  whereas  it 
appears  to  this  Assembly,  that  a situation  combining  all  the  considerations  and 
advantages  before  recited,  may  be  had  on  the  banks  of  the  river  Patowmack,  above 
tide  water,  in  a country  rich  and  fertile  in  soil,  healthy  and  salubrious  in  climate, 


5 


6 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


and  abounding  in  all  the  necessaries  and  conveniences  of  life,  where,  in  a location  of 
ten  miles  square,  if  the  wisdom  of  Congress  shall  so  direct,  the  States  of  Pennsylvania, 
Maryland  and  Virginia  may  participate  in  such  location: 

Be  it  therefore  enacted  by  the  General  Assembly,  That  a tract  of  country,  not  exceed- 
ing ten  miles  square,  or  any  lesser  quantity,  to  be  located  within  the  limits  of  this 
state,  and  in  any  part  thereof  as  Congress  may  by  law  direct,  shall  be,  and  the  same, 
is  hereby  forever  ceded  and  relinquished  to  the  Congress  and  the  Government  of  the 
United  States,  in  full  and  absolute  right,  and  exclusive  jurisdiction  as  well  of  soil,  as 
of  persons,  residing  or  to  reside  thereon,  pursuant  to  the  tenor  and  effect  of  the  eighth 
section  of  the  first  article  of  the  constitution  of  government  of  the  United  States: 

Sect.  II.  Provided  That  nothing  herein  contained,  shall  be  construed  to  vest  in 
the  United  States,  any  right  of  property  in  the  soil,  or  to  affect  the  rights  of  indi- 
viduals therein,  otherwise  than  the  same  shall  or  may  be  transferred  by  such  indi- 
viduals to  the  United  States. 

Sect.  III.  And  provided  also,  That  the  jurisdiction  of  the  laws  of  this  Common- 
wealth, over  the  persons  and  property  of  indivduals  residing  within  the  limits  of  the 
cession  aforesaid,  shall  not  cease  or  determine,  until  Congress,  having  accepted  the 
said  cession,  shall  by  law  provide  for  the  government  thereof,  under  their  jurisdiction, 
in  manner  provided  by  the  article  of  the  constitution  before  recited. 


[“AN  ACT  for  establishing  the  temporary  and  permanent  seat  of  the  Government  of  the  United 
States,”  approved  July  16,  1790.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  1,  130.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  a district  of  territory,  not  exceeding  ten  miles  square,  to 
be  located  as  hereafter  directed,  on  the  river  Potomac,  at  some  place  between  the 
mouths  of  the  Eastern  Branch  and  Connogochegue,  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby, 
accepted  for  the  permanent  seat  of  government  of  the  United  States:  Provided,  never- 
theless, That  the  operation  of  the  laws  of  the  State  within  such  district  shall  not  be 
affected  by  this  acceptance,  until  the  time  fixed  for  the  removal  of  the  Government 
thereto,  and  until  Congress  shall  otherwise  by  law  provide. 

Sec.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  President  of  the  United  States  be  author- 
ized to  appoint,  and  by  supplying  vacancies  happening  from  refusals  to  act  or  other 
causes,  to  keep  in  appointment  as  long  as  may  be  necessary,  three  commissioners, 
who,  or  any  two  of  whom,  shall,  under  the  direction  of  the  President,  survey,  and 
by  proper  metes  and  bounds  define  and  limit  a district  of  territory,  under  the  limita- 
tions above  mentioned;  and  the  district  so  defined,  limited,  and  located,  shall  be 
deemed  the  district  accepted  by  this  act,  for  the  permanent  seat  of  the  government 
of  the  United  States. 

Sec.  3.  And  be  it.  f urther  enacted,  That  the  said  commissioners,  or  any  two  of  them, 
shall  have  power  to  purchase  or  accept  such  quantity  of  land  on  the  eastern  side  of 
the  said  river,  within  the  said  district,  as  the  President  shall  deem  proper  for  the  use 
of  the  United  States,  and  according  to  such  plans  as  the  President  shall  approve,  the 
said  commissioners,  or  any  two  of  them,  shall,  prior  to  the  first  Monday  in  December, 
in  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred,  provide  suitable  buildings  for  the  accommo- 
dation of  Congress,  and  of  the  President,  and  for  the  public  offices  of  the  government 
of  the  United  States. 

Sec.  I.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  for  defraying  the  expense  of  such  purchases 
and  buildings,  the  President  of  the  United  States  be  authorized  and  requested  to 
accept  grants  of  money. 

Sec.  5.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  prior  to  the  first  Monday  in  December  next, 
all  offices  attached  to  the  seat  of  the  government  of  the  United  States,  shall  be  removed 
to,  and  until  the  said  first  Monday  in  December,  in  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hun- 


Prd iminary  Transactions. 


7 

dred,  shall  remain  at  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  in  the  state  of  Pennsylvania,  at  which 
place  the  session  of  Congress  next  ensuing  the  present  shall  be  held. 

Sec.  6.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  on  the  said  first  Monday  in  December,  in  the 
year  one  thousand  eight  hundred,  the  seat  of  the  government  of  the  United  States 
shall,  by  virtue  of  this  act,  be  transferred  to  the  district  and  place  aforesaid.  And 
all  offices  attached  to  the  said  seat  of  government  shall  accordingly  be  removed 
thereto  by  their  respective  holders,  and  shall,  after  the  said  day,  cease  to  be  exer- 
cised elsewhere;  and  that  the  necessary  expense  of  such  removal  shall  be  defrayed 
out  of  the  duties  on  imposts  and  tonnage,  of  which  a sufficient  sum  is  hereby  appro- 
priated. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  January  24,  1791:  Annals  of  Congress,  1-3,  p.  1792.] 

MESSAGE  OF  PRESIDENT  GEORGE  WASHINGTON. 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate,  ami  House  of  Representatives: 

In  execution  of  the  powers  with  which  Congress  were  pleased  to  invest  me,  by 
their  act  entitled  “An  act  for  establishing  the  temporary  and  permanent  seat  of 
Government  of  the  United  States;”  and,  on  mature  consideration  of  the  advan- 
tages and  disadvantages  of  the  several  positions  within  the  limits  prescribed  by 
the  said  act,  I have,  by  a proclamation  bearing  date  this  day,  (a  copy  of  which  is 
herewith  transmitted,)  directed  commissioners,  appointed  in  pursuance  of  the  act, 
to  suryey  and  limit  a part  of  the  territory  of  ten  miles  square,  on  both  sides  of  the 
river  Potomac,  so  as  to  comprehend  Georgetown,  in  Maryland,  and  extend  to  the 
Eastern  Branch. 

I have  not,  by  this  first  act,  given  to  the  said  territory  the  whole  extent  of  which 
it  is  susceptible  in  the  direction  of  the  river;  because  I thought  it  important  that  Con- 
gress should  have  an  opportunity  of  considering  whether  by  an  amendatory  law  they 
would  authorize  the  location  of  the  residue,  at  the  lower  end  of  the  present,  so  as  to 
comprehend  the  Eastern  Branch  itself,  and  some  of  the  country  on  its  lower  side,  in 
the  State  of  Maryland,  and  the  town  of  Alexandria,  in  Virginia.  If,  however,  they 
are  of  opinion  that  the  Federal  Territory  should  be  bounded  by  the  water  edge  of  the 
Eastern  Branch,  the  location  of  the  residue  will  lie  to  be  made  at  the  upper  end  of 
what  is  now  directed. 

I have  thought  best  to  await  a survey  of  the  territory,  before  it  is  decided  on  what 
particular  spot  on  the  northeastern  side  of  the  river,  the  public  buildings  shall  be 
erected. 

Geo.  Washington. 

United  States,  January  24,  1791. 

Ordered,  That  this  message  lie  for  consideration. 


[Broadside  in  the  archives  of  the  Department  of  State,  reprinted  in  “Messages  and  Papers  of  the 

Presidents,”  v.  1, 100.]' 

By  the  President  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

A PROCLAMATION. 

Whereas  the  general  assembly  of  the  State  of  Maryland,  by  an  act  passed  on  the 
23d  day  of  December,  A.  D.  1788,  intituled  “An  act  to  cede  to  Congress  a district  of 
10  miles  square  in  this  State  for  the  seat  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States,” 
did  enact  that  the  Representatives  of  the  said  State  in  the  House  of  Representatives 
of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  appointed  to  assemble  at  New  York  on  the  first 
Wednesday  of  March  then  next  ensuing,  should  be,  and  they  were  thereby,  author- 
ized and  required  on  the  behalf  of  the  said  State  to  cede  to  the  Congress  of  the  United 
States  any  district  in  the  said  State  not  exceeding  ten  miles  square  which  the  Con- 
gress might  fix  upon  and  accept  for  the  seat  of  Government  of  the  United  States; 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


And  the  general  assembly  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Virginia,  by  an  act  passed  on 
the  3d  day  of  December,  1789,  and  intituled  ‘ ‘An  act  for  the  cession  of  10  miles  square, 
or  any  lesser  quantity,  of  territory  within  this  State  to  the  United  States  in  Congress 
assembled,  for  the  permanent  seat  of  the  General  Government,”  did  enact  that  a 
tract  of  country  not  exceeding  10  miles  square,  or  any  lesser  quantity,  to  be  located 
within  the  limits  of  the  said  State,  and  in  any  part  thereof,  as  Congress  might  by  law 
direct,  should  be,  and  the  same  was  thereby,  forever  ceded  and  relinquished  to  the 
Congress  and  Government  of  the  United  States,  in  full  and  absolute  right  and  exclu- 
sive jurisdiction,  as  well  of  soil  as  of  persons  residing  or  to  reside  thereon,  pursuant  to 
the  tenor  and  effect  of  the  eighth  section  of  the  first  article  of  the  Constitution  of 
Government  of  the  United  States; 

And  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  by  their  act  passed  the  16th  day  of  July, 
1790,  and  intituled  “An  act  for  establishing  the  temporary  and  permanent  seat  of  the 
Government  of  the  United  States,”  authorized  the  President  of  the  United  States  to 
appoint  three  commissioners  to  survey  under  his  direction  and  by  proper  metes  and 
bounds  to  limit  a district  of  territory,  not  exceeding  10  miles  square  on.  the  river 
Potomac,  at  some  place  between  the  mouths  of  the  Eastern  Branch  and  Connogo- 
cheque,  which  district,  so  to  be  located  and  limited,  was  accepted  by  the  said  act  of 
Congress  as  the  district  for  the  permanent  seat  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States. 

Now,  therefore,  in  pursuance  of  the  powers  to  me  confided,  and  after  duly  exam- 
ining and  weighing  the  advantages  and  disadvantages  of  the  several  situations  within 
the  limits  aforesaid,  I do  hereby  declare  and  make  known  that  the  location  of  one 
part  of  the  said  district  of  10  miles  square  shall  be  found  by  running  four  lines  of 
experiment  in  the  following  manner,  that  is  to  say:  Running  from  the  court-house 
of  Alexandria,  in  Virginia,  due  southwest  half  a mile,  and  thence  a due  southeast 
course  till  it  shall  strike  Hunting  Creek,  to  fix  the  beginning  of  the  said  four  lines  of 
experiment. 

Then  beginning  the  first  of  the  said  four  lines  of  experiment  at  the  point  on 
Hunting  Creek,  where  the  said  ; outheast  course  shall  have  struck  the  same,  and  run- 
ning the  said  first  line  due  northwest  10  miles;  thence  the  second  line  into  Maryland 
due  northeast  10  miles;  thence  the  third  line  due  southeast  10  miles,  and  thence  the 
fourth  line  due  southwest  10  miles,  to  the  beginning  on  Hunting  Creek. 

And  the  said  four  lines  of  experiment  being  so  run,  I do  hereby  declare  and  make 
known  that  all  that  part  within  the  said  four  lines  of  experiment  which  shall  be  within 
the  State  of  Maryland  and  above  the  Eastern  Branch,  and  all  that  part  within  the  same 
four  lines  of  experiment  which  shall  be  within  the  Commonwealth  of  Virginia  and 
above  a line  to  be  run  from  the  point  of  land  forming  the  upper  cape  of  the  mouth  of 
the  Eastern  Branch  due  southwest,  and  no  more,  is  now  fixed  upon  and  directed  to  be 
surveyed,  defined,  limited,  and  located  for  a part  of  said  district  accepted  by  the  said 
act  of  Congress  for  the  permanent  seat  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States  (hereby 
expressly  reserving  the  direction  of  the  survey  and  location  of  the  remaining  part  of 
the  said  district  to  be  made  hereafter  contiguous  to  such  part  or  parts  of  the  present 
location  as  is  or  shall  be  agreeable- to  law). 

And  I do  accordingly  direct  the  said  commissioners,  appointed  agreeably  to  the 
tenor  of  the  said  act,  to  proceed  forthwith  to  run  the  said  lines  of  experiment,  and 
the  same  being  run,  to  survey  and  by  proper  metes  and  bounds  to  define  and  limit 
the  part  within  the  same  which  is  hereinbefore  directed  for  immediate  location  and 
acceptance,  and  thereof  to  make  due  report  to  me  under  their  hands  and  seals. 

In  testimony  whereof  I have  caused  the  seal  of  the  United  States  to  be  affixed  to 
these  presents  and  signed  the  same  with  my  hand.  Done  at  the  city  of  Philadelphia, 
the  24th  day  of  January,  A.  D.  1791,  and  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States 
the  fifteenth. 

[seal.]  Go.  Washington. 

By  the  President: 

Th:  Jefferson. 


Preliminary  Transactions. 


9 


[•‘AN  ACT  to  amend  ‘An  act  for  establishing  the  temporary  and  permanent  seat  of  the  Government 
of  the  United  States,’  ” approved  Mar.  3,  1791.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  1,  214.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  so  much  of  the  act  intitled  “An  act  for  establishing  the 
temporary  and  permanent  seat  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States”  as  requires 
that  the  whole  of  the  district  of  territory,  not  exceeding  ten  miles  square,  to  be 
located  on  the  river  Potomac,  for  the  permanent  seat  of  the  Government  of  the 
United  States,  shall  be  located  above  the  mouth  of  the  Eastern  Branch,  be,  and  is 
hereby,  repealed;  and  that  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  President  to  make  any  part  of 
the  territory  below  the  said  limit  and  above  the  mouth  of  Hunting  Creek  a part  of 
the  said  district,  so  as  to  include  a convenient  part  of  the  Eastern  Branch  and  of  the 
lands  lying  on  the  lower  side  thereof  and  also  the  town  of  Alexandria;  and  the  ter- 
ritory so  to  be  included  shall  form  a part  of  the  district,  not  exceeding  ten  miles 
square,  for  the  permanent  seat  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  in  like  man- 
ner and  to  all  intents  and  purposes  as  if  the  same  had  been  within  the  purview  of 
the  above  recited  act:  Provided,  That  nothing  herein  contained  shall  authorize  the 
erection  of  the  public  buildings  otherwise  than  on  the  Maryland  side  of  the  river 
Potomac,  as  required  by.  the  aforesaid  act. 


[From  “Messages  and  Papers  of  the  Presidents,”  v.  1,  102.] 

By  THE  PltESIDENT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA. 


A PROCLAMATION. 

Whereas  by  a proclamation  bearing  date  the  24t.h  day  of  January  of  this  present 
year,  and  in  pursuance  of  certain  acts  of  the  States  of  Maryland  and  Virginia  and  of 
the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  therein  mentioned,  certain  lines  of  experiment 
were  directed  to  he  run  in  the  neighborhood  of  Georgetown,  in  Maryland,  for  the 
purpose  of  determining  the  location  of  a part  of  the  territory  of  10  miles  square  for 
the  permanent  seat  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  and  a certain  part  was 
directed  to  be  located  within  the  said  lines  of  experiment  on  both  sides  of  the  Potomac 
and  above  the  limit  of  the  Eastern  Branch  jirescribed  by  the  said  act  of  Congress; 

And  Congress  by  an  amendatory  act  passed  on  the  3d  day  of  the  present  month  cf 
March  have  given  further  authority  to  the  President  of  the  United  States  “to  make 
any  part  of  the  territory  below  the  said  limit  and  above  the  mouth  of  Hunting  Creek 
a part  of  said  district,  so  as  to  include  a convenient  part  of  the  Eastern  Branch  and 
of  the  lands  lying  on  the  lower  side  thereof,  and  also  the  town  of  Alexandria:” 

Now,  therefore,  for  the  purpose  of  amending  and  completing  the  location  of  the 
whole  of  the  said  territory  of  10  miles  square  in  conformity  with  the  said  amendatory 
act  of  Congress,  I do  hereby  declare  and  make  known  that  the  whole  of  the  said 
territory  shall  be  located  and  included  within  the  four  lines  following — that  is  to  say: 
Beginning  at  Jones’s  Point,  being  the  upper  cape  of  Hunting  Creek,  in  Virginia, 
and  at  an  angle  in  the  outset  of  45  degrees  west  of  the  north,  and  running  in  a direct 
line  10  miles  for  the  first  line;  then  beginning  again  at  the  same  Jones’s  Point  and 
running  another  direct  line  at  a right  angle  with  the  first  across  the  Potomac  10  miles 
for  the  second  line;  then  from  the  termination  of  the  said  first  and  second  lines  run- 
ning two  other  direct  lines  of  10  miles  each,  the  one  crossing  the  Eastern  Branch 
aforesaid  and  the  other  the  Potomac,  and  meeting  each  other  in  a point. 

And  I do  accordingly  direct  the  commissioners  named  under  the  authority  of  the 
said  first-mentioned  act  of  Congress  to  proceed  forthwith  to  have  the  said  four  lines 
run,  and  by  proper  metes  and  bounds  defined  and  limited,  and  thereof  to  make  due 
report  under  the  hands  and  seals;' and  the  territory  so  to  be  located,  defined,  and 


10 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


limited  shall  be  the  whole  territory  accepted  by  the  said  acts  of  Congress  as  the  dis- 
trict for  the  permanent  seat  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States. 

In  testimony  whereof  I have  caused  the  seal  of  the  United  States  to  be  affixed  to 
these  presents  and  signed  the  same  with  my  hand. 

Done  at  Georgetown  aforesaid  the  30th  day  of  March,  A.  D.  1791,  and  of  the  Inde- 
pendence of  the  United  States  the  fifteenth. 

[seal.]  Go.  Washington. 


[From  the  third  annual  address  of  President  George  Washington,  October  25,  1791.  (“  Messages  and 
Papers  of  the  Presidents,”  v.  1,  106.)] 

Pursuant  to  the  authority  contained  in  the  several  acts  on  that  subject,  a district 
of  10  miles  square,  for  the  permanent  seat  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States 
has  been  fixed,  and  announced  by  proclamation;  which  district  will  comprehend 
lands  on  both  sides  of  the  river  Potomac,  and  the  towns  of  Alexandria  and  George- 
town. A city  has  also  been  laid  out,  agreeably  to  a plan  which  will  be  placed  before 
Congress.  And,  as  there  is  a prospect,  favored  by  the  rate  of  sales  which  have 
already  taken  place,  of  ample  funds  for  carrying  on  the  necessary  public  buildings, 
there  is  every  expectation  of  their  due  progress. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  December  13,  1791:  Annals  of  Congress,  2-1,  p.  48.] 

A message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States  uTas  received,  as  follows: 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate,  and  of  the  House  of  Representatives: 

I place  before  you  the  plan  of  a City  that  has  been  laid  out  within  the  district  of 
Ten  Miles  Square,  which  was  fixed  upon  for  the  Permanent  Seat  of  the  Government 
of  the  United  States. 

G.  Washington. 

United  States,  December  13,  1791. 


T“AN  ACT  concerning  the  territory  of  Colombia  and  the  city  of  Washington,”  passed  December  19, 
1791.  (Laws  of  Maryland,  Lib.  JG,  No.  1,  fol.  431)]. 

Whereas  the  President  of  the  United  States,  by  virtue  of  several  acts  of  congress, 
and  acts  of  the  assemblies  of  Virginia  and  Maryland,  by  his  proclamation,  dated  at 
Georgetown  on  the  thirtieth  day  of  March,  seventeen  hundred  and  ninety-one,  did 
declare  and  make  known,  that  the  whole  of  the  territory  of  ten  miles  square,  for  the 
permanent  seat  of  government  of  the  United  States,  shall  be  located  and  included 
within  the  four  lines  following;  that  is  to  say,  * * * 

II.  Be  it  enacted,  by  the  general  assembly  of  Maryland,  That  all  that  part  of  the  said 
territory  called  Columbia,  w’hich  lies  within  the  limits  of  this  state,  shall  be  and 
the  same  is  hereby  acknowledged  to  be  forever  ceded  and  relinquished  to  the  con- 
gress and  government  of  the  United  States,  in  full  and  absolute  right,  and  exclusive 
jurisdiction,  as  well  of  soil  as  of  persons  residing,  or  to  reside,  thereon,  pursuant  to 
the  tenor  and  effect  of  eighth  section  of  the  first  article  of  the  constitution  of  govern- 
ment of  the  United  States;  provided,  that  nothing  herein  contained  shall  be  so  con- 
strued to  vest  in  the  United  States  any  right  of  property  in  the  soil,  or  to  affect  the 
rights  of  individuals  therein,  otherwise  than  the  same  shall  or  may  be  transferred  by 
such  individuals  to  the  United  States:  and  provided  also,  that  the  jurisdiction  of  the 


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MAP  OK  PETER  CHARI.ES  [..’ENFANT,  09' 


Preliminary  Transactions. 


11 


laws  of  this  state,  over  the  persons  and  property  of  individuals  residing  within  the 
limits  of  the  cession  aforesaid,  shall  not  cease  or  determine  until  congress  shall  by 
law  provide  for  the  government  thereof,  under  their  jurisdiction  in  manner  provided 
by  the  article  of  the  constitution  before  recited. 

-x-  * -x- 


[From  “Messages  and  Papers  of  the  Presidents,”  v.  1,  136.] 

United  States,  February  18,  1793. 
Gentlemen  af  the  Senate  and  of  the  Home  of  Representatives: 

I now  lay  before  you  a report  and  plat  of  the  territory  of  the  United  States  on  the 
Potomac,  as  given  in  by  the  commissioners  of  that  territory,  together  with  a letter 
from  the  Secretary  of  State,  which  accompanied  them.  These  papers,  being  original, 
are  to  be  again  deposited  with  the  records  of  the  Department  of  State  after  having 
answered  the  purpose  of  your  information. 

Go.  Washington. 


[“An  Act  to  retrocede  the  county  of  Alexandria,  in  the  District  of  Columbia,  to  the  State  of  Virginia,” 
approved  July  9,  1846.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  9,  35.)] 

Whereas,  no  more  territory  ought  to  be  held  under  the  exclusive  legislation  given 
to  Congress  over  the  District  which  is  the  seat  of  the  General  Government  than  may 
be  necessary  and  proper  for  the  purposes  of  such  a seat; 

And  whereas,  experience  hath  shown  that  the  portion  of  the  District  of  Columbia 
ceded  to  the  United  States  by  the  State  of  Virginia  has  not  been,  nor  is  ever  likely 
to  be,  necessary  for  that  purpose; 

And  whereas,  the  State  of  Virginia,  by  an  act  passed  on  the  third  day  of  February, 
eighteen  hundred  and  forty-six,  entitled  “An  act  accepting  by  the  State  of  Virginia 
the  county  of  Alexandria,  in  the  District  of  Columbia,  when  the  same  shall  be 
receded  by  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,”  hath  signified  her  willingness  to 
take  back  the  said  territory  ceded  as  aforesaid:  Therefore, 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That,  with  the  assent  of  the  people  of  the  county  and  town  of 
Alexandria,  to  be  ascertained  as  hereinafter  prescribed,  all  that  portion  of  the  District 
of  Columbia  ceded  to  the  United  States  by  the  State  of  Virginia,  and  all  the  rights 
and  jurisdiction  therewith  ceded  over  the  same,  be,  and  the  same  are  hereby,  ceded 
and  forever  relinquished  to  the  State  of  Virginia,  in  full  and  absolute  right  and  juris- 
diction, as  well  of  soil  as  of  persons  residing  or  to  reside  thereon. 

-x  * * 


[From  “Celebration  of  the  One  Hundredth  Anniversary  of  the  Laying  of  the  Corner  Stone  of  the 
Capitol  of  the  LTnited  States,”  by  Gen.  Duncan  S.  Walker,  p.  115.  Public  document:  1896.] 

THE  CAPITOL,  WITH  SOME  NOTICE  OF  ITS  ARCHITECTS. 

By  Edward  Clark. 

The  original  portion  of  the  Capitol  is  constructed  of  sandstone  from  quarries  at 
Aquia  Creek,  Virginia.  Its  dimensions  are  352  feet  4 inches  by  229  feet  in  depth. 

The  extensions  were  begun  in  1851,  and  were  occupied  by  Congress  in  1859.  The 
material  used  is  white  marble  from  quarries  at  Lee,  Mass.;  that  in  the  columns  from 
quarries  at  Cockeysville,  Md.  The  extensions  were  completed  in  1861 ; the  dome,  in 
1863;  and  the  terraces,  in  1891.  The  entire  frontage  of  the  building  is  751  feet  4 
inches,  and  its  greatest  depth  350  feet.  Total  cost,  including  terraces,  $14,455,000. 


12 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  duty  of  erecting  the  public  buildings  at  the  permanent  seat  of  government  was 
intrusted  by  Congress  to  President  Washington  and  three  commissioners  to  be 
selected  by  him.  In  1792  designs  were  solicited  by  this  commission  and  many  plans 
were  presented,  but  few  were  thought  worthy  of  consideration.  An  award  was  made 
to  Dr.  William  Thornton  and  to  Mr.  Stephen  Hallette  for  designs  by  Lhem  sub- 
mitted, and  although  Dr.  Thornton’s  plan  was  followed  to  some  extent,  he  not  being 
a trained  architect,  the  work  of  constructing  the  building  was  intrusted  to  Stephen 
Hallette. 

Mr.  Hallette  came  to  the  United  States  from  France  just  previous  to  the  Revolu- 
tion and  established  himself  in  Philadelphia.  In  1792  he  became  Architect  of  the 
Capitol,  continuing  as  such  until  1794.  Upon  his  retirement  the  control  of  the 
building  passed  into  the  hands  of  James  Hoban,  who,  as  surveyor  of  the  public 
works,  had  been  previously  connected  with  the  construction  of  the  building. 

Hoban  was  a native  of  Ireland,  and  had  settled  in  Charleston,  S.  C.,  just  after  the 
Revolutionary  war.  His  principal  work  was  designing  and  constructing  the  Presi- 
dent’s Mansion.  His  connection  with  the  Capitol  continued  for  ten  years,  or  until 
1802,  during  which  period  George  Hatfield,  as  architect,  was  also  engaged  upon  the 
work  from  1795  to  1798. 

Hatfield  was  an  Englishman  by  birth,  educated  as  an  architect  in  London.  He 
designed  also  the  old  State,  War,  and  Navy  Department  buildings  and  the  present 
city  hall. 

In  1803  Benjamin  H.  Latrobe  was  appointed  by  President  Jefferson.  He  con- 
tinued in  the  service  until  1817,  with  the  exception  of  the  period  of  the  last  war  with 
Great  Britain.  He  restored  the  portions  of  the  building  destroyed  during  that  war. 

Mr.  Latrobe  was  born  and  educated  in  his  profession  in  England,  coming  to 
America  in  1796.  While  living  in  Philadelphia  he  designed  and  constructed  many 
public  buildings  in  that  city.  It  is  to  his  genius  we  owe  the  design  and  finish  of  the 
Senate  Chamber,  now  occupied  by  the  Supreme  Court,  the  old  Flail  of  Representa- 
tives, and  the  interior  of  the  wings  of  the  central  building.  Upon  his  resignation,  in 
1817,  Charles  Bullfinch,  of  Boston,  Mass.,  was  appointed  his  successor. 

Mr.  Bullfinch  constructed  the  Rotunda,  Library  rooms,  and  central  porticoes. 
His  connection  with  the  building  ceased  upon  its  completion,  in  1830,  and  the 
Capitol  was  then  placed  in  charge  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds 
until  1851,  when  the  plans  of  Thomas  LL  Walter  for  the  extension  were  adopted  and  he 
was  appointed  architect  to  construct  the  wings.  The  work  was  commenced  by  laying 
the  corner  stone  of  the  south  wing  July  4, 1851.  The  entire  work  was  prosecuted  with 
vigor.  The  Hall  of  Representatives,  south  wing,  was  occupied  December  16,  1857, 
and  the  Senate  Chamber,  in  the  north  wing,  January  4,  1859. 

Mr.  Walter  was  born  in  Philadelphia,  and  had  designed  many  of  the  principal 
structures  in  that  city,  among  which  is  Girard  College  for  Orphans.  He  resigned 
his  charge  in  1865,  and  was  succeeded  by  the  present  architect,  Edward  Clark,  his 
pupil,  who  is  a native  of  the  same  city. 

During  Mr.  Clark’s  term  of  sendee  the  porticoes  of  the  wings  were  finished,  the 
marble  terraces  and  grand  stairways  constructed,  and  the  Capitol  grounds  extended 
and  remodeled,  the  latter  under  plans  furnished  by  Frederick  Law  Ohnsted,  land- 
scape architect. 

Among  those  who  have  been  connected  with  the  construction  of  the  wings  of  the 
Capitol  and  the  new  dome,  the  important  services  of  Gen.  M.  C.  Meigs  should  be 
noticed  As  captain  of  Engineers,  United  States  Army,  he  served  for  several  years 
in  charge  of  the  engineering  part  of  the  work,  and  much  is  due  to  his  skill  in  the 
construction  of  the  Dome  and  in  planning  and  arranging  the  heating  and  ventilating 
apparatus  of  the  wings. 

[Edward  Clark  died  January  6, 1902.  Elliott  Woods,  succeeding  him,  was  appointed 
Superintendent  of  the  Capitol  Building  and  Grounds,  February  20,  1902,  under  the 


NORTHEAST  VIEW  OF  CAPITOL,  1903. 
Shown  by  photograph  of  model. 


Preliminary  Transactions. 


13 


following  provision,  contained  in  the  urgent  deficiency  act  approved  February  14, 
1902:  “ Hereafter  the  office  of  Architect  of  the  Capitol  shall  be  designated  as  Super- 
intendent of  the  Capitol  Building  and  Grounds,  and  the  Superintendent  of  the  Cap- 
itol Building  anil  Grounds  shall  hereafter  exercise  all  the  power  and  authority  here- 
tofore exercised  by  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  and  he  shall  be  appointed  by  the 
President:  Provided,  That  no  change  in  the  architectural  features  of  the  Capitol 
building  or  in  the  landscape  features  of  the  Capitol  grounds  shall  be  made  except 
on  plans  to  be  approved  by  Congress.”] 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Elliott  Woods,  Superintendent  of  the  Capitol  Building  and  Grounds,  July 
1,  1903  (pamphlet  edition,  p.  3).] 

The  Capitol  building  contains  430  rooms  now  devoted  to  office,  committee,  and 
storage  purposes;  679  windows;  550  doorways;  140  fireplaces;  90  toilets;  45  urinals; 
261  wash  basins  and  sinks;  14  bath  tubs;  15  ventilating  fans  and  18  motors;  8 eleva- 
tors; 2,048  horsepower  of  boilers  for  heating  and  lighting;  8 steam  pumps  for  boiler 
and  lire  service;  the  lighting  service  equivalent  to  25,000  incandescent  lamps  of  16 
candlepower  each,  and  14,518  square  feet  of  skylights  formed  of  iron  and  glass. 


II.  THE  OLD  BUILDING 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington 
and  District  of  Columbia,  v.  1.  41:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

THE  COMMISSIONERS  TO  THE  PRESIDENT. 

George-Town,  Now.  26th  1791. 

Sir:  A variety  of  considerations  have  induced  us  to  think,  that  many  and  great 
benefits  might  result  from  the  employment  of  a person  of  intelligence,  to  make  a 
tour  for  a few  months  into  the  Eastern  States,  and  inform  himself  of  the  terms  on 
which  men,  and  materials  may  be  had.  We  are  happy  that  Mr.  Cabot’s  engage- 
ments have  permitted  him  to  undertake  this  office.  We  have  requested  him  to  call 
on  you  before  he  leaves  Philadelphia,  and  hope  you  will  suggest  to  him  whatever 
may  occur  to  you  as  most  proper  to  be  attended  to,  in  addition  to  the  communications 
we  have  imparted  to  him.  * * * 

We  are,  Ac.,  Dd.  Stuart, 

Dl.  Carroll. 

The  President  of  the  United  States. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  1,  74:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

THOMAS  JEFFERSON  TO  THE  COMMISSIONERS. 

Philadelphia,  March  6th,  1792. 

Gentlemen,  * * * I enclose  you  the  Project  of  a Plan  which  is  agreed  on,  if 
you  approve  it — your  answer  will  be  immediately  expected  and  it  is  kept  entirely 
secret,  till  the  subscriptions  are  actually  opened.  With  this  Money  in  aid  of  your  other 
funds,  the  works  may  be  pushed  with  such  spirit  as  to  evince  to  the  world  it  will 
not  be  relaxed.  The  immediate  employment  of  a superintendant  of  activity,  and 
intelligence  equal  to  the  nature  of  his  functions  and  the  public  expectation  becomes 
important.  You  will  doubtless  also  consider  it  as  necessary  to  advertise  immediately 
for  Plans  of  the  Capitol  and  President’s  house.  The  sketch  of  an  advertisement  for 
the  Plan  of  a Capitol  which  Mr.  Johnson  had  sent  to  the  President,  is  now  returned 
with  some  alterations;  and  one  also  for  a president’s  House  both  of  them  subject  to 
your  pleasure,  and  when  accommodated  to  that,  if  you  will  return  them,  they  shall 
be  advertised  here,  and  elsewhere.  The  President  thinks  it  of  prime  importance  to 
press  the  providing  as  great  quantities  of  brick,  Stone,  Lime,  Plank,  Timber,  &c.  this 
year  as  possible.  It  will  occur  to  you  that  the  Stone  should  be  got  by  a skillful 
hand.  Knowing  what  will  be  your  funds  you  will  be  able  to  decide  which  of  the 
following  works  had  better  be  undertaken  for  the  present  year — 

The  cellers  of  both  houses. 

The  foundations  of  one,  or  both. 

* * * p)0  y0U  not  think  it  would  be  expedient  to  take  measures  for  importing 

a number  of  Germans  and  Highlanders?  This  need  not  be  to  such  an  extent  as  to 
14 


The  Old  Building. 


15 


prevent  the  employment  of  eastern  laborers,  which  is  eligible  for  particular  reasons. 
If  you  approve  of  the  importation  of  Germans  and  have  a good  channel  for  it,  you 
will  use  it,  of  course.  If  you  have  no  channel,  I can  help  you  to  one.  * * * 

1 have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  most  perfect  esteem  and  respect,  Gentlemen,  &c., 

Th.  Jeffeeson. 


[Letter  from  President  George  Washington  to  David  Stuart,  one  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  District 
of  Columbia.  (Worthington  Chauncey  Ford’s  collection,  “ The  Writings  of  George  Washington,” 
v.  xii,  pp.  106-7.)] 

Philadelphia,  8 March  1792. 

Dear  Sie, 

* * * 

The  doubts  and  opinions  of  others  with  respect  to  the  permanent  seat  have  occa- 
sioned no  change  in  my  sentiments  on  the  subject.  They  have  always  been,  that 
the  plan  ought  to  be  prosecuted  with  all  the  dispatch  the  nature  of  the  case  will 
admit,  and  that  the  public  buildings  in  size,  form  and  elegance,  should  look  beyond 
the  present  day.  I would  not  have  it  understood  from  hence  that  I lean  to  extrava- 
gance.— A chaste  plan  sufficiently  capacious  and  convenient  for  a period  not  too 
remote,  but  one  to  which  we  may  reasonably  look  forward,  would  meet  my  idea  in 
the  Capitol.  For  the  President’s  House  I would  design  a building  which  should  also 
look  forward  but  execute  no  more  of  it  at  present  than  might  suit  the  circumstances 
of  this  country,  when  it  shall  be  first  wanted.  A Plan  comprehending  more  improve- 
ment executed  at  a future  period  when  the  wealth,  population,  and  importance  of  it 
shall  stand  upon  much  higher  ground  than  they  do  at  present.  * * * 


[Advertisement  for  plans  of  the  Capitol.  (“  Gazette  of  the  United  States,”  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  Mar.  24, 

1792,  and  other  newspapers.)] 

WASHINGTON,  IN  THE  TERRITORY  OF  COLUMBIA. 

A PREMIUM 


Of  a LOT  in  this  City,  to  be  designated  by  impartial  judges,  and  FIVE  HUNDRED 
DOLLARS;  or  a MEDAL  of  that  value,  at  the  option  of  the  party;  will  be 
given  by  the  Commissioners  of  the  Federal  Buildings,  to  the  person  who,  before  the 
fifteenth  day  of  July,  1792,  shall  produce  to  them  the  most  approved  PLAN,  if 
adopted  by  them,  for  a CAPITOL,  to  be  erected  in  this  City;  and  TWO  HUNDRED 
AND  FIFTY  DOLLARS,  or  a MEDAL,  for  the  Plan  deemed  next  in  merit  to  the 
one  they  shall  adopt.  The  building  to  be  of  brick,  and  to  contain  the  following 
compartments,  to  wit: 


A Conference  Room 
A Room  for  the  Representatives 
A Lobby  or  Antichamber  to  the 
A Senate  Room  of  1200  square  fe 
An  Antichamber  or  Lobby  to  th 
12  Rooms  of  600  square  feet  area  each,  for  Committee  Rooms  and  Clerks’  Offices,  to 
be  of  half  the  elevation  of  the  former. 

Drawings  will  be  expected  of  the  ground  plats,  elevations  of  each  front,  and  sec- 
tions through  the  building  of  such  directions  as  may  be  necessary  to  explain  the 
internal  structure;  and  an  estimate  of  the  cubic  feet  of  the  brick- work  composing  the 
whole  mass  of  the  walls. 


sufficient  to  accommodate 
300  persons  each. 

latter 
st  area 
3 last 


These  rooms  to  be  of 
full  elevation. 


March  14,  1792. 


The  Commissioners. 


18 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  1,  104:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

George-Town,  17th  July  1792. 

Sir:  We  had  the  pleasure  of  receiving  your  Plan  for  a Capitol,  and  laid  that  with 
several  others  before  the  President.  Neither  of  them  has  met  with  entire  approba- 
tion. The  Stile  of  Architecture  of  yours  has  atracted,  the  Distribution,  of  the  Parts, 
is  not  thought  sufficiently  convenient.  Perhaps  it  may  be  necessary  to  cover  more 
Area  and  Add  a large  room  or  two  * * * 

We  are,  Sir, 

Tn.  Johnson, 

Dd.  Stuart, 

Danl.  Carroll. 

Samuel  S.  Hallet  to  care  of  Mr.  Taylor  \ 

Secretary  of  State  Office  Philadelphia.  ) 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington 
and  District  of  Columbia,  v.  1,  105:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 


. Mount  Vernon  July  23d  1792 

Gentlemen,  Your  favour  of  the  19th  accompanying  Judge  Turner’s  plan  for  a 
Capitol,  I have  duly  received,  and  have  no  hesitation  in  declaring  that  I am  more 
agreeably  struck  with  the  appearance  of  it,  than  with  any  that  has  been  presented 
to  you.  * * * There  is  the  same  defect,  however,  in  this  plan,  as  there  is  all  the 
plans  which  have  been  presented  to  you — namely,  the  want  of  an  Executive  Apart- 
ment; which  ought  if  possible,  to  be  obtained.  The  Dome,  which  is  suggested  as  an 
Addition  to  the  center  of  the  edifice,  would,  in  my  oppinion,  give  a beauty  and 
granduer  to  the  Pile;  and  might  be  usefull  for  the  reception  of  a Clock,  Bell — 
&c. — The  Pilastrade  too  in  my  judgement,  ought  (if  the  Plan  is  adopted)  to  be  carried 
around  the  semicircular  projections  at  the  end;  but  whether  it  is  necessary  to  have 
the  elevation  of  the  Upper  Story  41  feet  is  questionable;  unless  it  be  to  preserve 
exactness  in  the  proportion  of  the  several  parts  of  the  building; — in  that  Case,  the 
Smaller  Rooms  in  that  Storey  would  be  elivated  sufficiently  if  cut  in  two,  and  would 
be  the  better  for  it  in  the  interior  provided  they  can  be  lighted. — This  would  add  to 
the  number  of  Committee  rooms  of  which  there  appears  to  be  a deficiency.  * * * 
Could  such  a plan  as  Judge  Turner’s  be  surrounded  with  Columns,  and  a colonade 
like  that  which  was  presented  to  you  by  Monsr.  Hallet  (the  roof  of  Hallet’s,  I must 
confess  does  not  hit  my  taste)  without  departing  from  the  principles  of  Architecture, 
and  would  not  be  too  expensive  for  our  means,  it  would,  in  my  judgement,  be  a noble 
and  desirable  Structure.  But,  I would  have  it  understood  in  this  instance  and  always 
when  I am  hazarding  a Sentiment  on  these  buildings,  that  I Profess  to  have  no 
knouledge  in  Architecture,  and  think  we  should  (to  avoid  criticisms)  be  governed  by 
the  established  Rules  which  are  laid  down  by  the  Professors  of  this  Art.  I think 
you  have  engaged  Mr.  Hoben  upon  advantageous  Terms;  and  hope  if  his  industry 
and  honesty  are  of  a Piece  with  the  specimen  he  has  given  of  his  abilities,  he  will 
prove  a usefull  man,  and  a considerable  acquisition.  * * * 

With  great  esteem  and  regard, 

I remain,  Gentlemen,  &c., 

Go.  Washington. 


Th.  Johnson 
Dd.  Stewart 
Danl.  Carroll 

Commissioners. 


The  Old  Building. 


19 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  1,  108:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

THE  COMMISSIONERS  TO  THOMAS  JOHNSON, 

George  Town  3d  August  1792 

Sir,  * * * We  think  it  very  desireable  that  we  should  have  a meeting  as  soon 
as  Judge  Turners  Plan  can  be  forwarded  to  us,  that  we  may  immediately  set  to  dig- 
ging the  foundation  for  the  Capitol.  As  you  will  no  doubt  see  Mr.  Turner,  and 
know  when  it  will  be  ready,  we  shall  leave  the  appointment  of  the  time  to  you. 

We  are,  Sir,  &c., 

Dd.  Stuart, 

Danl.  Carroll. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  1,  111:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  far  Department.] 

Washington  29tli  August  1792 

Sir,  The  President  was  with  us  Monday  and  Tuesday — Judge  Turner  and  Monsr. 
Hallet,  who  had  each  furnished  a Plan,  for  a Capitol  attended — and  occasioned  a 
Special  meeting.  Yours  with  theirs  was  under  consideration.  Something  in  each, 
as  well  as  in  an  Essay  of  Mr.  Harbough’s  gave  information  and  claimed  approving 
notice— none  appeared  so  compleate  in  the  whole  as  to  fix  a decided  Opinion  which 
did  not  appear  to  be  essential  at  this  time,  to  the  progress  of  the  Execution,  therefore 
and  to  give  an  opportunity  for  the  Plans  you  expect  entering  into  Competition  the 
final  Decision  is  put  off.  The  Advertisement  was  drawn  up  without  so  full  a con- 
sideration of  the  Room  necessary,  as  might  have  led  the  Ingenious,  to  sufficiently 
specified  objects,  the  Enclosed  paper  will  appear  the  better  matured  Ideas  of  the 
President  and  Commissioners  on  this  Head.  Tho’  limitted  in  the  means  we  are 
determined  to  embrace  a Plan  which  may  from  its  extent,  its  Design,  and  Taste  do 
credit  to  the  Age  in  which,  we  propose  to  ourselves  to  share  only  in  common  with 
our  Cotemporaries,  for  our  ambition  reaches  so  far,  and  so  far  only,  and  we  shall  be 
happy  to  receive  every  Light  and  Opinion  which  may  tend  to  Effect  this  View.  We 
are  likely  to  collect  a good  dale  of  Architectural,  Ability  and  with  it  a reasonable 
Stock  of  good  Temper  and  Modesty.  * * * 

We  are,  Sir,  &c.,  Th.  Johnson, 

Dd.  Stuart, 

Danl.  Carroll. 

Samuel  Blodget,  Junior,  Esqr. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington 
and  District  of  Columbia,  v.  1,  125:  Office  of  Public  Building  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

THE  COMMISSIONERS  TO  MR.  WILLIAM  THORNTON. 

Georgetown  4th  Be  1792. 

Sir,  Your  letter  of  9th  Ulmo  is  now  before  us.  We  have  to  inform  you  that  as 
none  of  the  plans  sent  in  for  the  Capitol  met  with  our  entire  approbation,  Mr.  Hallet 
a French  artist  was  engaged  to  prepare  one,  which  he  tells  us  will  be  finished  by  the 
first  of  next  Month.  As  we  shall  then  forward  it  immediately  to  the  President,  we 
think  it  will  be  best,  for  you,  to  lodge  your  plan,  with  the  Secretary  of  State,  for  the 
President’s  inspection,  who,  when  he  returns  Mr.  Hallets,  plan  will  also  send  us 
yours. 

We  are,  &c., 


Dd.  Stuart, 
Danl.  Carroll. 


20 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[From  Washington  Chauneey  Ford’s  “Writings  of  Washington,”  v.  12,  215.] 

PRESIDENT  GEORGE  WASHINGTON  TO  THE  COMMISSIONERS. 

Philadelphia,  18  December,  1792. 

Gentlemen,  Your  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  State  dated  if  I recollect  rightly  the  5th 
instant  intimating  among  other  things,  that  you  had  failed  in  an  attempt  which  had 
been  made  to  import  workmen  from  Scotland,  equally  with  that  for  obtaining  them 
from  Holland,  fills  me  with  real  concern;  for  I am  very  apprehensive  if  your  next 
campaign  in  the  Federal  City  is  not  marked  with  vigor,  it  will  cast  such  a cloud  over 
this  business,  and  will  so  arm  the  enemies  of  the  measure,  as  to  enable  them  to  give 
it  (if  not  its  death  blow)  a wound  from  which  it  will  not  easily  recover.  No 
means  therefore,  in  my  opinion,  should  be  left  unessayed  to  facilitate  the  operations 
of  next  year.  Eyery  thing,  in  a manner,  depends  upon  the  celerity  with  which  the 
public  buildings  are  then  carried  on. — Sale  of  Lots — private  buildings — good  or  evil 
report — all,  all  will  be  regulated  thereby. — Nothing  therefore  short  of  the  absolute 
want  of  money,  ought  to  retard  the  work. 

The  more  I consider  the  subject,  the  more  I am  convinced  of  the  expediency  of 
importing  a number  of  workmen  from  Europe  to  be  employed  in  the  Federal  City. 
The  measure  has  only  oeconomy  to  recommend  it,  but  it  is  important  by  placing  the 
quantity  of  labor  which  may  be  performed  by  such  persons  upon  a certainty  for  the 
term  for  which  they  shall  be  engaged. 

Upon  more  minute  inquiry  I am  informed  that  neither  the  merchants  here  nor  in 
Holland  will  undertake  to  procure  redemptioners  from  Germany;  and  that  the  most 
eligible  and  certain  mode  of  obtaining  from  thence  such  mechanics  and  laborers  as 
it  may  be  thought  advisable  to  procure  from  that  quarter,  will  be  to  engage  some 
person,  a German,  to  go  from  hence  into  Germany,  where  he  is  acquainted,  to  pro- 
cure the  requisite  number  of  men  and  bring  them  to  the  shipping  port,  which  is 
generally  Amsterdam  or  Rotterdam,  and  that  any  merchant  here  (who  is  engaged 
in  shipping  trading  to  Holland)  will  engage  to  have  a vessel  ready  to  take  them  on 
board  at  a time  which  shall  be  fixed,  and  bring  them  to  any  port  in  the  United 
States  that  may  be  specified  and  receive  the  amount  of  their  passage  on  delivery  of 
them. 

» * * 

It  is  not  however,  my  wish  that  the  idea  of  importing  workmen  should  be  confined 
solely  to  Germany — I think  it  ought,  to  be  extended  to  other  places  particularly 
Scotland,  from  whence  many  good  and  useful  mechanics  may  undoubtedly  be 
had.  * * * 

Upon  the  whole,  it  will  readily  be  perceived  in  what  a serious  light  I consider 
delay  in  the  progress  of  the-  public  buildings,  and  how  anxious  I am  to  have  them 
pushed  forward. — In  a word,  the  next  year  is  the  year  that,  will  give  the  tone  to  the 
City.  * * * 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  nnd  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  1,  131:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

MR.  JEFFERSON  TO  THE  COMMISSIONERS. 

Philadelphia,  23d  December,  1792. 

Gentlemen,  Thinking  it  best  that  you  should  receive  all  possible  information  on 
the  subject  of  procuring  workmen,  in  order  that  you  may  avail  yourselves  of  such 
parts  of  it  as  circumstances  render  eligible,  I have  the  honor  to  mention  to  you,  that 
in  a conversation  with  Mr.  Pierpoint.  Edwards  and  Colonel  Wadsworth  of  Connecticut, 
they  inform  me  that  any  number  of  house  Carpenters  may  be  got  in  that.  State,  as 
far  perhaps  as  500,  or  1000,  their  wages  f of  a Dollar  and  to  be  fed.  They  have  but 


The  Old  Building. 


21 


few  Masons,  however  some  may  be  had,  they  combine  their,  the  cutting  and  laying 
stone,  and  laying  brick,  they  mention  one  Trowbridge  as  one  of  their  best  work- 
men. however  1 could  not  find  that  he  had  ever  done  anything  higher  than  stone 
steps,  he  never  had  even  cut  a column,  his  wages  a Dollar  a day  and  fed.  they 
think  also  that  common  labourers  may  be  got  there,  they  observe  that  Connecticut 
is  a better  place  to  apply  to  than  Boston  where  there  being  a greater  demand  for 
workmen,  they  are  dearer  and  more  difficult  to  draw  from  their  own  Country.  I 
have  the  honor  to  be  with  great  esteem,  Gentlemen,  &e., 

Th.  Jefferson. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  1,  134:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

THE  COMMISSIONERS  TO  THE  MUNICIPALITY  OF  BOURDEAUX. 

City  of  Washington,  4th  Jany.  1793 

Sirs,  We  have  the  Honor  to  be  intrusted,  by  General  Washington,  President  of 
the  United  States,  with  the  Commission  of  raising  the  public  buildings,  for  the 
accommodation  of  Government,  in  the  Capitol  of  the  American  States,  and  conduct- 
ing the  affairs  of  this  new  City — An  honor  that  swells  our  ambition,  to  express  in 
some  Degree  in  the  Stile  of  our  Architecture,  the  sublime  sentiments  of  Liberty  which 
are  common  to  Frenchmen  and  Americans.  We  wish  to  exhibit  a grandure  of  con- 
ception, a Republican  simplicity,  and  that,  true  Elegance  of  proportion  which  corre- 
sponds to,  a tempered  freedom  excluding  Frivolity,  the  food  of  little  minds.  Our 
Country  is  young  in  Arts — from  whence  may  we  better  expect  Assistance  than  from 
the  only  nation  who  think  and  act  as  America  on  the  End  of  Government  and  the 
rights  of  man?  where  the  Arts  have  been  sedulously  cultivated  for  ages  and  whose 
peopled  Cities  cannot  feel  the  emigration  of  a number  most  useful  here  in  cementing 
the  Fraternal  Affections  of  the  two  nations.  We  request  that  Mr.  Fenwick  may 
have  your  permission  to  engage  some  of  your  Citizens  to  come  over  to  us — we  shall 
not  distinguish,  to  their  prejudice,  between  them  and  our  own  Citizens,  we  have 
written  to  him,  but  his  Attempt  is  to  depend  on  your  acceding  to  our  wishes.  While 
we  deplore  some  of  those  events  which  cannot  possibly  be  wholly  prevented  in  a great 
Revolution,  we  rejoice  Personally  and  our  nation  rejoices  in  the  liberty  of  French- 
men. May  their  affairs  be  wisely  conducted,  and  they  free  and  happy.  Permit  us 
to  present,  by  the  Hands  of  Mr.  Fenwick  a Plan  of  the  City  of  Washington  for  your 
acceptance.  We  are  with  sentiments  of  high  Respect  and  Esteem,  your  &c., 

Tii.  Johnson, 

3 Copies  to  be  sent  at  different  ^ Dd.  Stuart, 

Opportunities.  Danl.  Carroll. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  1, 135:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

THE  COMMISSIONERS  TO  MR.  FENWICK. 

Washington,  4th  Jany,  1793. 

Sir:  We  have  occasion  for  a considerable  additional  number  of  Mechanicks  to 
effect  the  public  buildings  in  the  City.  W e have  excellent  free-stone  and  have  resolved 
to  make  the  walls  of  it,  for  the  propriety  and  durability  of  the  work  and  to  lead  the 
taste.  Stone-cutters  are  scarce  here  and  must  be  plenty  in  France.  We  do  not  know 
to  what  degree  those  Edifices  may  be  - ornamented,  but  in  our  Taste  not  to  a high 
Degree.  We  have  had  conversation  with  your  Mr.  Mason,  and  also  with  a Mr. 
Hallet,  a French  Architect  who  is  retained  in  the  Public  service,  and  stauds  high  in 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


22 


our  opinion,  they  both  encourage  our  hopes  to  avail  ourselves  of  the  ability  of 
French  Mechanics  for  whom  we  have  a real  predeliction,  hut  would  not  move  in 
it  without  the  permission  of  the  Municipality.  * * * You  will  present  our  letter 
to  the  Municipality  with  a Plan  of  the  City,  to  which  you  may  join  as  from  yourself 
one  of  the  Almanacks  sent  you  not  interesting  there  as  an  Almanack  but  from  its 
containing  as  far  as  it  goes  a true  and  by  no  means  exaggerated  account  of  this 
situation.  If  you  have  permission  to  enter  into  engagements  with  the  Citizens,  we 
wish  you  to  send  us  fifty  or  Sixty  plain  Stone-cutters  and  Masons,  at  least  two  thirds 
Stone-cutters  of  the  number  you  may  send.  The  terms  are  enclosed  than  which  we 
cannot  conceive  more  generous  can  be  desired.  * * * 

We  are  Sir,  &c.,  Tn.  Johnson, 

Du.  Stuart, 

Danl.  Carroll. 


p g * * * 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City-  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  1,  142:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

TIIE  COMMISSIONERS  TO  SAMUEL  BLODGET. 

Washington  5th  Jany.  1793 

Sir:  * * * You  are  retained  for  one  year  commencing  the  first  instant,  as  Super- 
visor of  the  Buildings  and  in  general  the  Affairs  committed  to  our  care  * * * 
in  general  our  idea  is  that  you  are  to  be  next  in  power  to  ourselves  and  to  extend 
your  attention  to  the  Economical  and  executive  part  advising,  or  making  in  our 
Absence  the  contract  fo-r  Materials,  Labour,  and  the  like,  * * * We  have  taken 
the  Measures  most  likely  as  we  judge  to  succeed  for  the  Introduction  of  foreign 
Mechanics — the  number  we  have  attempted  is  greater  than  we  want,  we  shall  probably 
fail  of  some  and  if  all  should  come,  the  only  possible  bad  consequence  will  be  dis- 
tressing our  friends  in  no  great  degree.  Plain  Stone-cutters  we  most  want  and  they 
have  been  our  principal  Object,  without  a good  many  we  shall  be  at  a stand.  Where- 
fore if  it  should  be  in  your  way  we  wish  you  to  forward  an  immediate  increase.  We 
are  strong  enough  we  are  told,  in  Carpenters  * * * Mr.  Hoban  is  to  Endeavour 
to  get  a good  Brickmaker  from  Philadelphia  * * * We  may  have  a good  many 
Negro  Labourers.  * * * 

We  are  Sir,  &c.,  , Th.  Johnson, 

Dn.  Stuart, 

Danl.  Carroll. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Presidents  of  the  United  States,  p.  29:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds, 

War  Department.] 

[Private.] 

Philadelphia,  31  January,  1793. 

Gentlemen:  I have  had  under  consideration  Mr.  Hallet-’s  plans  for  [the  Capitol, 
which  undoubtedly  have  a great  deal  of  merit.  Doctor  Thornton  has  also  given  me 
a view  of  his.  These  last  came  forward  under  some  very  advantageous  circum- 
stances. The  Grandeur,  Simplicity,  and  Beauty  of  the  exterior — the  propriety  with 
which  the  apartments  are  distributed — and  economy  in  the  mass  of  the  whole  struc- 
ture, will,  I doubt  not,  give  it  a preference,  in  your  eyes,  as  it  has  done  in  mine,  and 
those  of  several  others  whom  I have  consulted,  and  who  are  deemed  men  of  skill  in 
Architecture.  I have  therefore  thought  it  better  to  give  the  Doctor  time  to  finish 
his  plan,  and  for  this  purpose  to  delay’ till  your  next  meeting  a final  decision. — Some 
difficulty  arises  with  respect  to  Mr.  Hallet,  who  you  know  was  in  some  degree  led 


Rep.  646 


THORNTON’S  WEST  ELEVATION.  SHOWING  ALTERNATE  DESIGN  FOR  DOME. 


The  Old  Building. 


23 


into  his  plans  Dy  ideas  we  all  expressed  to  him.  This  ought  not  to  induce  us  to 
prefer  it  to  a better;  but  while  he  is  liberally  rewarded  for  the  time  and  labour  he 
has  expended  on  it,  his  feelings  should  be  saved  and  soothed  as  much  as  possible. 

I leave  it  to  yourselves  how  best  to  prepare  him  for  the  possibility  that  the  Doc- 
tor’s plan  might  be  preferred  to  his.  Some  ground  for  this  will  be  furnished  you 
by  the  occasion  you  probably  will  have  for  recourse  to  him  as  to  the  interior  of  the 
apartments,  and  the  taking  him  into  service,  at  a fixed  allowance,  and  I understand 
that  his  necessities  render  it  material  that  he  should  know  what  his  allowance  is 
to  be. — 

With  great  esteem  I am,  Gentlemen,  your  most  Obdt.  Servt., 

Go.  Washington. 

The  Commissioners  of  the  Federal  District. 


[From  H.  A.  Washington’s  “ Writings  of  Thomas  Jefferson,  v.  3,  508.] 

MR.  JEFFERSON  TO  MR.  CARROLL. 

Philadelphia,  February  1,  1793. 

Dear  Sir:  Doctor  Thornton’s  plan  of  a capitol  has  been  produced,  and  has  so  cap- 
tivated the  eyes  and  judgment  of  all  as  to  leave  no  doubt  you  will  prefer  it  when  it 
shall  be  exhibited  to  you;  as  no  doubt  exists  hereof  its  preference  over  all  which 
have  been  produced,  and  among  its  admirers  no  one  is  more  delighted  than  him 
whose  decision  is  most  important.  It  is  simple,  noble,  beautiful,  excellently  dis- 
tributed, and  moderate  in  size.  The  purpose  of  this  letter  is  to  apprize  you  of  this 
sentiment.  A just  respect  for  the  right  of  approbation  in  the  commissioners  will  pre- 
vent any  formal  decision  in  the  President  till  the  plan  shall  be  laid  before  you  and 
be  approved  by  you.  The  Doctor  will  go  with  it  to  your  meeting  in  the  beginning 
of  March.  In  the  meantime,  the  interval  of  apparent  doubt  may  be  improved  for 
settling  the  mind  of  poor  Hallet,  whose  merit  and  distress  interest  every  one  for  his 
tranquillity  and  pecuniary  relief.  I have  taken  the  liberty  of  making  these  private 
estimates,  thinking  you  would  wish  to  know  the  true  state  of  the  sentiments  here  on 
this  subject,  and  am  with  sincere  respect  and  esteem  for  your  colleagues  and  ydur- 
self,  dear  sir, 

Your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington 
and  District  of  Columbia,  v.  1,  155:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

THE  COMMISSIONERS  TO  MR.  JEFFERSON. 

Washington  7th  Feby  1793. 

Sir,  * * * We  shall  send  you  by  the  first  opportunity  to  be  met  with,  some  of 
the  Samples  of  Marble  from  the  Potomac  which  we  have  had  polished.  Tho’  we  are 
much  pleased  that  we  shall  at  length  be  furnished  with  the  Plan  of  a Capitol  so 
highly  satisfactory  to  the  President,  and  all  who  have  seen  it,  we  feel  sensibly  for 
poor  Hallet,  and  shall  do  everything  in  our  power  to  sooth  him,  we  hope  he  may 
be  usefully  employed  notwithstanding.  * * * 

We  are,  Sir,  &c., 

Dd.  Stuart, 

Danl.  Carroll. 

* * * 


24 


Documentary  11 /.story  of  the  Capitol. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  y.  1,  117:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

Philadelphia,  March  3d,  1793 

Gentlemen,  This  will  be  handed  to  you  by  Doctor  Thornton  of  this  City,  who 
goes  forward  to  lay  before  you  a Plan  which  he  has  prepared  for  the  Capitol  to  be 
built  in  the  Federal  City.  Grandeur,  Simplisity  and  Convenience,  appear  to  be  so 
well  combined  in  this  Plan  of  Doctor  Thornton’s,  that  I have  no  doubt  of  its  meet- 
ing with  that  approbation  from  you,  which  I have  given  it  under  an  attentive  inspec- 
tion, and  which  it  has  received  from  all  those  who  have  seen  it  and  are  considered 
as  judges  of  such  things. 

How  far  the  expences  of  such  a building,  as  exhibited  by  the  plan,  will  comport 
with  the  funds  of  the  City,  we  will  be  the  best  judges,  after  having  made  an  estimate 
of  the  quantity  of  materials  and  labour  to  be  employed  in  executing  it. — And  to 
obviate  objection  that  may  be  raised  on  this  head,  it  should  be  considered,  that  the 
external  of  the  building  will  be  the  only  immediate  expence  to  be  incurred. — The 
internal  work — and  many  of  the  ornamental  without,  may  be  finished  gradually,  as 
the  means  will  permit,  and  still  the  whole'  be  compleated  within  the  time  contem- 
plated by  law  for  the  use  of  the  building. — 

With  very  great  esteem,  I am,  Gentlemen,  &c., 

Go.  Washington. 

The  Commissioners  of  the  Federal  District. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  1,  165:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

TIIE  COMMISSIONERS  TO  THE  PRESIDENT. 

George  Town,  lltli  March,  1793. 

Sir:  Doctor  Thorntons  Plan  for  a Capitol  has  been  laid  before  us;  the  rooms  for  the 
different  Branches  of  Congress  and  the  Conference  room,  are  much  to  our  satisfaction 
and  its  outward  appearance  we  expect  will  be  striking  and  pleasing.  On  the  whole 
it  gains  our  preference  tho.  we  cannot  but  fear  that  several  of  the  Small  rooms,  of 
which  there  seems  to  us,  there  are  more  than  necessary  will  want  Light,  perhaps 
by  lessening  the  number  of  them  the  Objection  may  in  some  Measure  be  obviated. 
We  have  no  estimate  accompanying  the  Plan,  nor  can  one  be  found  soon  which  could 
give  much  satisfaction:  In  our  Idea  the  Capitol  ought  in  point  of  propriety  to  be  on  a 
grand  Scale,  and  that  a Republic  especially  ought  not  to  be  sparing  of  expences  on 
an  Edifice  for  such  purposes,  yet  under  the  uncertain  state  of  our  funds  depending 
altogether  on  opinion  though  the  current  seems  to  be  gaining  strength  we  cannot  but 
feel  a degree  of  anxiety  for  the  Event  of  Expensive  undertakings,  when  According  to 
the  Candor  of  the  World  our  Characters  will  be  judged,  not  on  present  Circumstances 
but  on  efficiency  or  want  of  funds  when  the  Fact  is  disclosed.  * * * 

We  are  Sir,  with  great  regard  and  true  esteem,  your  most  Obt.  Servts., 

Th.  Johnson, 

Dd.  Stuart, 

Danl.  Carroll. 

P.  S.  We  expect  the  work  will.go  on. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  1,  170:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

THE  COMMISSIONERS  TO  SAMUEL  BLODGET. 

Geo.  Town  13th  March  1793 

Sir:  It  is  very  desirable  that  the  Buildings  in  the  Neighborhood  of  the  Principal 
Points  in  the  City  particularly  the  Capitol  and  the  Presidents  House  should  be  in  a 


. Rep.  646 — 58 


The  Old  Building. 


25 


Style  which  will  prove  agreeable  instead  of  offensive  to  the  view.  We  therefore 
request  that  in  the  sales  of  Lots  in  such  situations,  you  will  be  attentive  to  the  prob- 
ability of  handsome  Buildings  being  placed  on  them  at  an  early  Period. 

We  are,  &c., 

Th.  Johnson, 

Dn.  Stuart, 

Danl.  Carroll. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  1,  171:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

THE  COMMISSIONERS  TO  MR.  HALLET. 


Geo.  Town  13th  March  1793 


Sir,  The  plan  you  first  offered  for  a Capitol  appeared  to  us  to  have  a great  share 
of  Merit,  none  met  with  entire  Approbation,  yours  Approaching  the  nearest  to  the 
leading  Ideas  of  the  President  & Commissioners.  Your  Time  has  been  engrossed 
in  unremitted  Efferts,  under  your  Hope  and  our  wishes  that  you  would  have  car- 
ried the  Prize.  Our  Opinion  has  preferred  Doctor  Thorntons  and  we  expect  the 
President  will  confirm  our  Choice.  Neither  the  Doctor  or  yours  can  demand  the 
Prize  under  the  Strict  Terms  of  our  Advertisement,  but  the  Public  has  been  bene- 
fited by  the  Emulation  Exited  and  the  End  having  been  answered  we  shall  give 
the  reward  of  500  Dollars  and  a Lot  to  Dr.  Thornton.  You  certainly  rank  next  and 
because  your  Application  has  been  exited  by  particular  request,  we  have  resolved  to 
place  you  on  the  same  footing  as  near  as  may  be,  that  is  to  allow  a Compensation  for 
every  Thing  to  this  Time,  100  £ being  the  Value  of  a Lot  and  500  Dollars. 

We  are,  &c., 


Th.  Johnson, 
Dd.  Stuart, 
Dan.  Carroll. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  1,  177:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

George  Town  5 April  1793 

Sr,  The  President  has  given  his  formal  approbation  of  your  plan.  You  will  there- 
fore be  pleased  to  grant  powers  or  put  the  business  in  a way  of  being  closed  on  the 
acknowledgments  your  success  entitles  you.  As  soon  as  the  nature  of  the  work  and 
your  convenience  will  permit,  we  wish  to  be  in  possession  of  your  explanations  and 
remarks  with  the  plan  for  we  wish  to  mark  out  the  ground  and  make  preparations 
and  even  begin  to  lay  the  Foundation  this  fall. 

We  are,  &c.,  T.  Johnson, 

Dd.  Stuart, 

Danl.  Carroll. 

Doer.  Wm.  Thornton,  Phila. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  1,  180:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

THE  COMMISSIONERS  TO  THE  PRESIDENT. 

George  Town  9th  April  1793 

Sr.  * * * The  spot  for  the  Capitol  is  with  us  much  more  important,  it  is  obvious 
that  there  will  be  a great  difference  of  expence  between  the  pitch  of  the  hill  and  the 
high  flatt.  * * * Doct.  Thornton  threw  out  an  idea  that  the  Capitol  might  be 


26 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


thrown  back  to  the  desirable  Spot  and  the  center  ornamented  with  a Figure  of 
Columbus.  The  idea  seems  not  to  be  disapproved  by  Mr.  Blodget,  and  Ellicot 
thinks  there’s  room  enough — it  does  not  seem  to  us  that  there  is  any  striking  impro- 
priety and  with  that  you  could  consider  it  on  the  spot  where  you  could  have  the 
most  perfect  idea  of  it.  * * * 

We  are,  &e.,  T.  Johnson, 

Dd.  Stuart, 

Danl.  Carroll. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  1,  185:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

Geo.  Town  23rd  June  1793. 

Sr.  * * * We  had  desired  Mr.  Hallet  to  study  Doct.  Thornton’s  plan  of  a 
Capitol,  we  thought  it  prudent  that  the  whole  together  and  every  part  seperately 
should  be  in  the  mind  of  some  person  who  was  to  see  to  the  execution,  perhaps  it 
may  lie  Hallet — perhaps  not,  he  has  been  industrious  and  reports  rather  unfavorable 
on  the  great  points  of  practicability  time  and  expence  he  has  simplified  and  abridged 
the  plan,  we  have  had  not  great  time  to  consider  it.  Mr.  Blodget  and  Mr.  IJoben 
seem  to  be  in  favour  of  it  and  so  does  Williamson,  we  wish  for  your  Instructions,  as 
it  would  be  a lengthy  work  to  go  into  particulars  in  writing  if  our  ideas  were  the 
most  perfect,  we  begg  leave  to  refer  you  to  Mr.  Blodget  Hoben  and  Hallet  whose  verbal 
information  will  be  better  than  any  we  can  give  you.  * * * 

We  are,  Sir,  Very  truly  and  respectfully,  your  most  Obt,  Humbl.  Servts., 

Th  Johnson, 

Dd.  Stuart, 

Danl.  Carroll. 

The  President. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  1,  195:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

Philadelphia  July  17th  1793 

Sir,  According  to  the  desire  expressed  in  your  letter  of  June  30th  I called  together 
Doctr.  Thornton,  Mr.  Hallet,  Mr.  Hoben  and  a judicious  undertaker  of  this  place, 
Mr.  Carstairs,  chosen  by  Doctr.  Thornton,  as  a competent  Judge  of  the  objections 
made  to  his  plan  of  the  Capitol  for  the  City  of  Washington. — These  objections  were 
proposed  & discussed  on  a view  of  the  plans.  The  most  material  were  the  following. 
1st.  The  inter  colonnations  of  the  Western  and  Central  peristyles  are  too  wide  for 
the  support  of  the  architraves  of  stone;  so  are  those  of  the  doors,  in  the  Wings. — 
2d.  the  Colonnade  passing  through  the  middle  of  the  conferrence-rooms  an  ill  effect 
to  the  eye  and  will  obstruct  the  view  of  the  members;  and  if  taken  away  the  ceiling 
is  too  wide  to  support  itself. 

3d.  The  floor  of  the  Central  peristyle  is  too  wide  to  support  itself. — 1.  The  stair 
ways  on  each  side  of  the  conferrence  room,  want  head  room.  5.  The  windows  are  in 
some  important  instances  masked  by  the  Galleries. — 6.  Many  parts  of  the  building 
want  light  and  air  in  a degree,  which  renders  them  unfit  for  their  purposes. — This  is 
remarkably  the  case,  with  some  of  the  most  important  apartments,  to  wit,  the  Cham- 
bers of  the  Executive  & the  senate,  the  Anti-chambers  of  the  senate  & representa- 
tives, the  Stairways,  &c.  Other  objections  were  made,  which  were  surmountable, 
but  those  preeeeding  were  thought  not  so,  without  an  alteration  of  the  plan. 

This  alteration  has  in  fact  been  made  by  Mr.  Hallet  in  the  plan  drawn  by  him 
wherein  he  has  preserved  the  most  valuable  ideas  of  the  original,  & rendered  them 
susceptible  of  execution;  so  that  it  is  considered  as  Dr.  Thornton’s  plan,  rendered 


The  Old  Building. 


27 


into  practicable  form.  The  persons  consulted  agreed  that  in  this  reformed  plan,  the 
objections  before  stated  were  entirely  remedied,  and  that  it  is  on  the  whole  a work 
of  great  merit.  But  they  were  unanimously  of  the  opinion  that  in  removing  one  of 
the  objections,  that  is  to  say,  the  want  of  light  and  air  to  the  Executive  and  senate 
Chambers,  a very  capital  beauty  in  the  original  plan,  to  wit,  The  Portico  of  the  Eastern 
front,  was  suppressed,  and  ought  to  be  restored;  as  the  recess  proposed  in  the  mid- 
dle of  that  front  instead  of  the  portico  projecting  from  it  would  probably  have  an 
extreme  ill  effect.  They  supposed  that  by  advancing  the  executive  Chamber  with 
the  two  rooms  on  its  flanks,  into  a line  with  the  Eastern  front  or  a little  projecting  or 
receding  from  it,  the  portico  might  be  re-established,  and  a valuable  passage  be 
gained  in  the  Centre  of  the  edifice,  lighted  from  above,  and  serving  as  a common  dis- 
engagement to  the  four  capital  apartments,  and  that  nothing  would  be  sacrificed  by 
this,  but  an  unimportant  proportion  of  light  and  air  to  the  senate  & representa- 
tives’ rooms,  otherwise  abundantly  lighted  & aired. 

The  arrangement  of  the  windows  in  front  and  different  levels  was  disapproved, 
and  a reformation  of  that  circumstance  was  thought  desirable,  tho  not  essential. 

It  was  further  their  opinion  that  the  reformed  plan  would  not  cost  more  than  half 
what  the  original  one  would. — I need  not  repeat  to  you  the  opinions  of  Colo. 
Williams,  an  undertaker  also  produced  by  Doctr.  Thornton  who  on  seeing  the  plans 
& hearing  the  objections  proposed,  thought  some  of  them  removable,  others  not  so, 
and  on  the  whole  that  the  reformed  plan  was  the  best.  This  passed  in  your  presence 
and  with  a declaration  at  the  same  time  from  Colo.  Williams  that  he  wished  no  step 
to  be  laid  on  opinions  so  suddenly  given.  But  he  called  on  me  the  day  after,  told 
me  he  had  considered  and  conferred  with  Doctor  Thornton  on  the  objections  and 
thought  all  of  them  could  be  removed  but  the  want  of  light  and  air  in  some  cases. 
He  gave  me  general  ideas  of  the  ways  in  which  he  would  remove  the  other  objec- 
tions, but  his  method  of  spanning  the  intercolonnations  with  secret  arches  of  brick, 
and  supporting  the  floor  by  an  interlocked  fraiming  appeared  to  me  totally  inade- 
quate; that  of  unmasking  the  windows  by  lowering  the  galleries  was  only  substitut- 
ing one  deformity  for  another,  and  a conjuctural  expression  how  head  room  might 
be  gained  in  the  stairways,  shewed  he  had  not  studied  them. — I have  employed  Mr. 
Carstairs  to  calculate  the  cost  of  the  whole  masonry  of  the  building  according  to  the 
Philadelphia  prices,  because  the  cost  of  the  Walls  of  a building  furnishes  always  a 
tolerable  conjecture  of  the  cost  of  the  whole,  and  because  I thought  that  a statement 
in  detail,  of  the  Philadelphia  prices  of  materials  and  work,  might  be  of  some  value 
to  the  Commissioners. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. , 

Th.  Jefferson. 


To  the  President  of  the  U.  States. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  1,  193:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

THE  PRESIDENT  TO  THE  COMMISSIONERS. 

Philadelphia  July  25tli  1793 

Gentlemen:  I enclose  for  your  information,  the  copy  of  a letter  from  the  Secretary 
of  State  to  me,  on  the  subject  of  the  objections  made  to  Doct.  Thorntons  plan  of  a 
capitol. — By  this  Letter  you  will  see  that  after  a candid  discussion  it  was  found  that 
the  objections  stated,  were  considered  as  valid,  by  both  the  persons  chosen  by  Doctr. 
Thornton  as  practical  Architects  and  competent  Judges  of  things  of  this  kind. 

And  one  of  them  (Mr.  Carstairs)  who  appeared  to  have  studied  the  matter  with 
most  attention,  pronounced  them  irremediable  without  an  alteration  of  some  parts  of 
the  plan. — The  other  (Col0.  Williams)  proposed  certain  methods  of  obviating  some 


28 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


of  the  objections,  but  in  what  manner  you  will  see,  by  the  enclosed  letter.  The 
plan  produced  by  Mr.  Hallet,  altho’  preserving  the  original  ideas  of  Doct.  Thornton, 
and  such  as  might  upon  the  whole  be  considered  as  his  plan,  was  free  from  those 
objections,  and  was  pronounced  by  the  Gentlemen  on  the  part  of  Doctr.  Thornton, 
as  the  one  which  they,  as  practical  Architects,  would  chuse  to  execute.  Besides 
which,  you  will  see  that,  in  the  opinion  of  the  Gentlemen,  the  plan  executed  accord- 
ing to  Mr.  Ballet’s  ideas  would  not  cost  more  than  one  half  of  what  it  would  if 
executed  according  to  Doctor  Thornton’s.  After  these  opinions,  there  could  remain 
no  hesitation  how  to  decide;  and  Mr.  Hoben  was  accordingly  informed  that  the 
foundation  would  be  begun  Upon  the  plan  exhibited  by  Mr.  Hallet,  leaving  the 
recess  in  the  East  front  open  for  further  consideration. — If  this  meets  your  ideas, 
the  work  of  that  building  will  progress  as  fast  as  circumstances  will  permit. 

It  seems  to  be  the  wish  that  the  Portico  of  the  East  front,  •which  was  in  Doctor 
Thornton’s  original  plan,  should  be  preserved  in  this  of  Mr.  Hallet’s.  The  recess 
which  Mr.  Hallet  proposes  in  that  front,  strikes  every  one  who  has  viewed  the  plan, 
unpleasantly,  as  the  space  between  the  two  wings  or  projections,  is  too  contracted  to 
give  it  the  noble  appearance  of  the  buildings  of  which  it  is  an  imitation;  and  it  has 
been  intimated  that  the  reason  of  his  proposing  the  recess  instead  of  a portico,  is  to 
make  it  in  one  essential  feature  different  from  Doct.  Thornton’s  plan. — But  whether 
the  portico  or  the  recess  should  be  finally  concluded  upon,  will  make  no  difference 
in  Ihe  commencement  of  the  foundations  of  the  building,  except  in  that  particular 
part — and  Mr.  Hallet  is  directed  to  make  such  sketches  of  the  Portico,  before  the 
work  will  be  affected  by  it,  as  will  show  the  advantage  or  disadvantage  thereof. — The 
ostensible  objection  of  Mr.  Hallet  to  the  adoption  of  Doctr.  Thornton’s  East  front  is 
principally  the  depreciation  of  light  and  air,  in  a degree  to  the  apartments  designed 
for  the  Senate  & Representatives. 

With  very  great  regard,  I am,  Gent-.,  Your  most  Obt.  Servt., 

Go.  Washington. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington 
and  District  of  Columbia,  v.  1,  191:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

THE  SECRETARY  OF  STATE  TO  TPIE  COMMISSIONERS. 

Philadelphia  Aug1.  15th  1793 

Gentlemen,  By  this  day’s  post  I have  the  honour  to  return  the  drawings  of  the 
Capitol,  which  bad  been  left,  here  in  order  to  have  an  estimate  made;  I send  also 
that  estimate  together  witb  the  rates  of  the  different  work,  as  made  by  a skilful  work- 
man here,  the  sum  total  it  is  supposed  will  enable  you  to  form  some  idea  of  the  whole 
cost  of  your  building,  as  there  is  a tolerably  well  known  proportion  between  the  cost 
of  the  Walls  of  a building  and  its  whole  cost;  and  the  rates  will  serve  as  information 
perhaps  in  contracts  which  you  may  have  to  make  hereafter. 

I have  the  honor  to  be  with  great  respect,  Gentlemen,  Y’our  most  Obt.  & most  Hum. 
Servt., 

Th.  Jefferson. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  1,  192:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

THE  PRESIDENT  TO  THE  COMMISSIONERS. 

Philadelphia  29th  Augt.  1793 

Gentlemen,  I enclose  you  an  estimate  of  the  cost  of  the  Capitol  for  the  Federal 
City,  upon  Mr.  Hallet’s  plan,  calculated  in  the  Philada.  prices  by  Mr.  Carstairs,  one 


Rep.  646 — 58-: 


a 


ELEVATION.  HALLET’S  MODIFICATION  OF  THORNTON’S  DESIGN. 


The  Old  Building. 


29 


of  the  Architects  brought  forward  by  Doct  Thornton  on  the  late  occasion  of  discuss- 
ing the  objections  offered  to  his  plan. 

Although  it  may  not  be  proper  to  rely  entirely  upon  this  estimate,  yet  it  will  prob- 
ably be  found  a very  useful  document  in  getting  on  with  the  work.  * * * 

With  very  great  regard  I am  Gentl.,  Your  most  Obt.  Servt., 

Go.  Washington. 


[Mss.:  Proceedings  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  v.  1,  197:  Office  of  Public 
Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

At  a meeting  of  the  Commissioners  at  George  Town  on  the  twenty  second  Day  of 
September  1793  and  continued  to  the  25th  of  same  month, 

Present  Thomas  Johnson,  David  Stuart  & Danl.  Carroll  Esquires 

The  following  orders  and  regulations  made. 

23d  Septr  1793. 

The  Commrs.  direct  that  Mr.  James  Hoban  take  on  himself  the  general  superin- 
tendance of  the  Capitol  and  that  the  work  thereof  be  conducted  agreeable  to  the 
orders  and  directions  which  may  be  given  from  time  to  time  concerning  the  same. 

The  Commrs.  resolve  that  the  inner  part  of  the  walls  of  the  President’s  House 
from  their  present  height,  and  the  inner  part  of  the  Avails  of  the  Capitol  from  the 
water  table  be  made  of  sound  strong  bricks,  and  request  Mr.  Hoban  to  provide  with 
that  view,  so  that  there  may  be  no  stop  or  delay  for  AA'ant  of  such  bricks.  The  facing 
of  the  walls  of  these  buildings  are  to  be  made  of  free  stone  and  the  necessary  pro- 
vision is  to  be  made  in  Time  for  that  purpose. 


[Inscription  on  the  silver  plate  deposited  in  the  corner  stone  of  the  original  Capitol,  Sept.  18,  1793. 

(From  “Celebration  of  the  One  Hundredth  Anniversary  of  the  Laying  of  the  Corner  Stone  of  the 

Capitol  of  the  United  States,”  by  General  Duncan  S.  Walker,  page  123. — Public  document:  1896.)] 

This  southeast  corner  stone  of  the  Capitol  of  the  United  States  of  America,  in  the 
city  of  Washington,  was  laid  on  the  18th  day  of  September,  1793,  in  the  thirteenth 
year  of  American  Independence,  in  the  first  year  of  the  second  term  of  the  Presi- 
dency of  George  Washington,  whose  virtues  in  the  civil  administration  of  his  country 
have  been  as  conspicuous  and  beneficial  as  his  military  valor  and  prudence  have  been 
useful  in  establishing  her  liberties,  and  in  the  year  of  Masonry  5793,  by  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States,  in  concert  with  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Maryland,  several 
lodges  under  its  jurisdiction,  and  Lodge  No.  22,  from  Alexandria,  Va. ; Thomas 
Johnson,  David  Steuart,  and  Daniel  Carroll,  Commissioners;  Joseph  Clark,  Right 
Worshipful  Grand  Master  pro  tempore;  James  Hoban  and  Stephen  Hallette,  archi- 
tects; Collin  Williamson,  master  mason. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  2,  74:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

* . City  of  Washington  19th  May  1794 

Sir,  We  have  to  inform  you  that  after  a deliberation  of  some  months  on  the  best 
mode  of  carrying  on  the  work  at  the  Capitol,  we  have  closed  with  Dermott  Roe’s 
propositions  of  doing  it  by  the  piece.  In  consequence  of  this  determination  Mr. 
Hoban  was  instructed  to  set  him  to  work.  As  it  is  of  the  first  importance  that  this 
work  should  be  faithfully  executed,  we  have  to  desire  you  will  superintend  it,  or 
employ  some  one  for  that  purpose,  in  whom  you  can  place  full  Confidence. 

We  are,  &c\, 

Dn.  Stuart,  a 
, Danl.  Carroll.  } ( 11,111  ,s' 


Collin  Williamson. 


30 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  2,  75:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

7 June  1794 

Sir,  We  are  desirous  of  seeing  the  progress  you  have  made  in  your  drafts  of  the 
Capitol.  As  our  stay  here  will  be  short,  we  request  your  attendance  for  that  purpose 
as  soon  as  possible. 

We  are,  &c., 

Dd.  Stuart, 

Danl.  Carroll. 

Mr.  Hallet. 


| Comrs. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington 
and  District  of  Columbia,  v.  2,  76:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department,] 

7th  June,  1794. 

Sir:  We  desire  you  to  inform  the  Masons  who  sent  in  a Memorial  to  us  respecting 
the  work  at  the  Capitol,  that  while  we  are  happy  at  all  times  to  receive  any  informa- 
tion from  those  engaged  in  the  ppblic  Service  and  their  terms  of  work,  we  can  never 
countenance  a riotous  and  disorderly  conduct. 

We  are  well  informed  that  there  are  Several  of  those  who  were  at  work  at  the 
Capitol  who  have  issued  threats  against  Mr.  IJoban  and  Dermott  Roe,  and  that  the 
latter  has  been  for  his  own  safety  compelled  to  take  out  Warrants  against  them. 
Such  it  would  be  improper  to  employ,  without  their  Satisfying  the  above  persons 
of  their  peaceable  conduct  in  future.  In  the  Memorial  presented  to  us,  an  offer  is 
made  for  working  at  4/6  per  perch  having  all  Materials  conveniently  placed  for  them. 
We  empower  you  to  close  with  this  proposition,  and  engage  such  of  them  as  are  not 
included  in  the  above  description  without  their  compliance  with  the  abovementioned 
terms. 

We  are,  &c.,  Dd.  Stuart, 

Danl.  Carroll, 

Mr.  Collin  Williamson. 


| Comrs. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  2,  78:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

Washington  June  24tli  1794 

Sir,  We  entered  on  the  foundation  of  the  Capitol  last  year  under  an  expectation 
that  we  should  have  been  soon  furnished  with  a complete  plan  for  that  Building, 
and  have  since  made  pretty  strong  Instances  to  you  on  that  head.  You  must  be 
sensible  of  the  propriety  of  our  being  in  possession  of  your  Ideas  fully  so  that  your 
Successor,  if  any,  and  ours,  for  it  is  certain  there  will  soon  be  two  such,  may  pursue 
them.  It  is  therefore  our  request  that  you  will  lay  before  us  in  our  Office,  all  your 
Drafts  and  papers  concerning  the  Capitol,  and  that  you  will  give  us  a certain  assur- 
ance by  what  time  you  will  be  able  to  give  us  the  plan  and  a list  of  Materials 
complete. 

You  will  be  pleased  to  recollect  the  conversation  we  had  yesterday,  after  laying 
out  the  lines  for  the  Walls  of  any  parts  of  the  Capitol  we  desire  that  the  execution 
may  rest  with  Mr.  Williamson,  or  the  person  who  under  our  authority  may  be 
appointed  for  that  purpose,  with  whom  you  are  to  hold  intercourse  instead  of  giving 
Orders  to  particular  Masons,  for  we  wish  your  time  not  to  be  taken  up  in  overseeing 
the  Masons,  or  occasion  given  for  Misunderstandings  or  Excuses. 

We  have  determined  to  carry  the  Walls  for  the  present  only  to  the  level  of  the 
highest  part — they  may  remain  so  ’till  the  effect  of  our  addition  of  one  foot  may  be 


The  Old  Building. 


31 


better  ascertained.  And  as  to  the  two  cellars  proposed  on  the  East  side  we  think  it 
may  be  well  to  sink  the  Walls  but  not  to  dig  out  the  Area. 

We  are,  &c., 


Mr.  Hallet. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  2,  80:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 


Sib,  We  very  much  wished  to  be  informed  of  the  Quantity  of  Masonry  done  at 
the  Capitol  in  the  last  year  and  the  present  on  Time  Wages — the  first  requisition  was 
not  clearly  understood,  and  therefore  your  first  return  blended  what  was  done  on 
Time  Wages  and  what  was  done  on  piece  Work.  Your  second  return  on  the  means 
you  have,  makes  the  Quantity  of  Masonry  done  on  Time  Wages  only  2,425  perches. 
On  reviewing  our  Accounts  of  payments  to  Masons  for  that  Service  and  adding  the 
expence  of  tenders,  we  cannot  but  believe  and  hope  that  more  work  is  done  than 
estimated,  and  request  you  will  revise  the  principles  you  laid  down  and  the  calcula- 
tions you  made,  and  let  us  know  the  result. 

We  are,  Sir,  &c.,  Tn  Johnson, 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  2 83:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 


Sib,  We  are  Sorry  to  perceive  from  late  conversations  and  circumstances  that  your 
Ideas  are  not  settled  as  to  the  line  within  which  you  are  to  Act.  * * * In 
general  nothing  has  gone  from  us  by  which  we  intended  or  we  believe  you  could 
infer  that  you  had  the  chief  direction  of  executing  the  work  of  the  Capitol  or  that 
you  or  anybody  else  were  to  introduce  into  that  building  any  departures  from  Doc1 
Thorntons’s  Plan  without  the  President’s  or  Commissioners’  approbation.  Mr. 
Hoban  was  employed  here  before  our  acquaintance  began  with  you  more  especially 
as  chief  over  the  President’s  house,  of  which  he  was  fortunate  enough  to  produce  a 
plan  which  meet  with  general  we  may  almost  say  universal  approbation  and  to 
extend  his  Superintendence  to  any  other  public  buildings  we  might  require.  We 
claimed  his  Services  as  Superior  at  the  Capitol,  and  this  was  explained  so  fully  last 
fall  on  the  Spot,  with  the  addition  that  you  were  to  communicate  with  him  and  be 
governed  by  his  directions,  that  we  flattered  ourselves  the  line  of  each  was  perfectly 
understood. 

It  is  painful  to  have  these  things  to  reiterate  and  we  do  request  that  you  will  signify 
by  letter  your  understanding  of  and  agreement  to  this  line  for  we  cannot  intrust  the 
same  piece  of  business  to  the  direction  of  two  heads  capable  of  pursuing  different 


Th.  Johnson, 
Dd.  Stuaet, 
Danl.  Cabboll, 


Washington  June  25  1794 


Mr.  Hallet. 


Dd.  Stuaet, 
Danl.  Cabboll. 


Commissionees  Office  26th  June  1794  ' 


Wills. 


We  shall  soon  separate  and  therefore  your  speedy  answer  will  oblige 
Sir,  yr.  mo.  obed.  Servts., 


Mr.  Hallet. 


32 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  2,  88:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 


Commissioners  Office  27  June  1794  Evening 
Sir,  We  wish  and  intend  to  Separate  in  the  morning:  We  have  no  answer  to  our 
letter  of  yesterday  to  you  and  it  is  very  desirable  that  we  should  know  your  Mind 
on  it  before  tve  part.  We  are,  Sir,  &c., 

Th.  Johnson,  -j 
Dd.  Stuart,  l Comrs. 
Danl.  Carroll.  J 

Mr.  Hallet. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  2,  91:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

Washington  28tli  June , 1794 

Sir,  Mr.  Stephen  Hallet  who  has  been  employed  by  us  for  some  time  past  has 
lately  taken  up  such  delicacy  that  he  will  not  hold  an  intercourse  with,  or  Submit  to 
the  Superiority  of  Mr.  Hoban,  the  Principal.  On  explanation  we  have  parted,  he 
was  on  a liberal  appointment  but  refuses  to  give  up  the  Plans  and  Essays  of  Plans  as 
you’ll  see  by  the  inclosed.  We  wish  you  to  order  a Replevin  in  Prince  Georges 
County  Court  Thomas  Johnson  Jr.  will  be  Security  on  the  Replevin  Bond  or  fill  up 
a Blank  Bond  with  the  names  of  those  wdio  will  be  sufficient — from  Hallet’s  disposi- 
tion, as  disclosed  in  this  transaction  we  expect  he  will  run  out  all  process  before  he’ll 
give  up  the  papers. 

We  are,  Sir,  &c. 

Th.  Johnson, 

Dd.  Stuart, 

Danl.  Carroll, 

Philip  B.  Key,  Esq. 


Comrs. 


[Mss. : Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  'Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  2, 123:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 


City  of  Washington  Octr.  27th  1794 

Sir,  * * * With  respect  to  the  Stone  Carvers  there  is  such  a difference  both  in 
execution  and  taste,  that  it  may  be  necessary  to  leave  this  to  the  chance  of  your  pro- 
curing them  to  come  over  on  their  own  risk  with  respect  to  the  price  of  their  Services, 
but  on  a certainty  of  it’s  being  very  liberal  according  to  their  respective  merits — from 
8 to  6 at  least  of  such  persons  will  be  necessary;  we  mean  Such  as  would  be  qualified 
to  take  each  of  them  in  charge  a number  of  Stone  Carvers  & Cutters — some  of  them 
should  be  capable  of  cutting  Capitals  of  the  higher  order.  * * * 

We  are,  &c., 

Danl.  Carroll, 


William  Thornton. 


James  Greenleaf,  Esqr. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  2,  150:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

City  of  Washington  December  2d  1794 

Sir,  We  agree  with  you  that  it  will  be  best  to  discharge  the  workmen  from  the 
Capitol,  except  such  as  you  may  employ  in  digging  the  Water  Channell,  which  get 
done  on  the  best  terms  you  can. 


The  Old  Building. 


33 


It  is  necessary  also  to  have  the  well  walled  up.  We  wish  also  that  no  more  Stone 
may  be  carried  to  the  Capitol  than  is  necessary  for  the  well,  but  we  do  not  wish  the 
water  Channell  to  be  walled  at  present. 

Your  obedt.  Servts., 

Danl.  Carroll, 

Gusts.  Scott, 

William  Thornton. 

Collin  Williamson. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  y.  2,  178:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

Washington,  January  29th,  1795. 

Sir,  The  Board  have  for  some  time  contemplated  a statement  of  the  affairs  of  the 
City,  to  be  laid  before  you;  which  has  been  hitherto  delayed  by  the  difficulty  of  col- 
lecting the  several  Documents  necessary  to  accompany  it;  and  which  even  yet  are 
very  far  from  being  perfect. 

* * * 

The  Paper  marked  B will  give  you  some  Idea  of  the  expenditure  already  made  on 
the  Capitol.  What  ultimately  it  may  cost  we  cannot  at  present  exactly  calculate. 
But  we  beg  leave  to  Suggest  the  Idea  whether  it  would  not  be  prudent  in  the  present 
State  of  our  funds  to  forego  carrying  on  more  of  that  building  than  the  immediate 
accommodation  of  Congress  may  require.  It  is  conceived  that  this  may  be  done 
without  at  all  affecting  the  completion  of  the  whole  at  a future  day  on  the  Plan 
approved.  The  Conduct  of  Mr.  Hallet,  whose  capricious  and  obstinate  refusal  to 
deliver  up  such  Sections  of  the  Capitol  as  were  Wanting  obliged  the  late  Commis- 
sioners to  discharge  him,  and  occasioned  some  difficulties  in  this  business. 

The  Board  on  taking  a review  of  the  Consequences  arising  from  being  themselves 
undertakers  in  a great  variety  of  Subjects;  came  to  a Resolution  to  contract  as  far  as 
possible  at  fixed  rates  for  all  Materials  & work;  always  referring  the  power  of  finally 
deciding  between  the  public  & tire  Contractor  on  the  Sufficiency  of  the  Materials 
found  or  work  done.  To  create  competition,  and  to  prevent  all  combination  or 
censure,  they  have  also  advertised  their  wants  with  occasional  promises  of  Advances. 
Hitherto  the  Measure  has  been  attended  with  Success. 

* * * Good  hard  well  burnt  Bricks  not  less  than  500,000  nor  more  than  1 Mil- 
lion to  be  delivered  in  the  Capitol  yard  have  been  contracted  for  at  36  S.  per  thou- 
sand; tho’  the  Selling  price  all  last  Season  in  the  City  and  Geo.  Town  has  been  and 
still  is  from  8 to  10  Dollars  per  thousand.  * * * 

The  cutting  and  laying  the  free  stone  at  the  Capitol  has  been  contracted  for  on 
very  reasonable  terms  with  a Mr.  Dobson  from  England;  who  has  given  very  good 
security  for  his  performance  and  has  commenced  his  operations. 

We  have  before  us  offers  for  laying  Bricks  and  foundation  Stone;  and  we  are  about 
contracting  for  Lime,  the  only  material  of  consequence  not  contracted  for  to  carry  on 
the  operations  of  the  next  Season. 

About  100  Labourers  are  engaged  for  the  year  at  60  Dollars  ' each,  their  Masters 
clothing  them;  and  indeed  every  measure  is  taken  to  prepare  for  pushing  forward 
the  public  buildings  the  next  Season,  to  as  great  an  extent  as  our  finances  will  admit. 

* * * 

The  present  Circumstances  of  our  Affairs  evince  too  plainly  how  desirable  a Loan 
would  be.  Spirited  exertion  in  the  public  buildings,  which  cannot  be  made  without 

H.  Rep.  640 


3 


34 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


money  whilst  it  increased  the  public  confidence  would  give  a great  additional  value 
to  the  public  property  yet  left. 

* * 

Should  any  unexpected  Incidents  prevent  the  public  buildings  from  being  prepared 
in  Time  for  the  reception  of  Congress,  how  deep  would  be  your,  & our  regret. 
Such  an  Event  might  ultimately  shake  the  Dignity,  Honor  & Peace  of  the 
Union.  * * * 

We  have  the  honor  to  be  with  the  utmost  respect  Sir,  Your  Obedt.  Servts., 

Daniel  Carroll, 
Gusts.  Scott. 

William  Thornton. 

I‘.  S.  * * * 

The  President  of  the  U.  S. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  2,  213:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

City  of  Washington  March  20th  1795 

Sir,  * * * Dr.  Thornton  some  time  since  communicated  to  the  Board  his  Ideas 
on  raising  the  foundation  of  the  Capitol.  We  then  were  and  still  are  of  the  opinion 
that  every  measure  which  has  a tendency  to  delay  the  finishing  of  the  Capitol  ought 
to  be  received  with  great  caution.  The  foundation  of  that  building,  already  10  feet 
deep  and  as  many  thick  on  an  average  of  the  whole,  has  cost  upwards  of  sixty  thou- 
sand Dollars.  A work  of  this  vast  magnitude  will  require  great  exertions  to  carry 
it  through  by  the  time  expected;  especially  in  a Country  where  Money  will  not 
always  command  Labor.  The  reasoning  about  the  removal  of  the  earth;  and  the 
Calculations  of  the  comparative  Cost  of  removing  the  Earth  and  raising  the  founda- 
tion had  not  much  weight  with  us;  because  the  removal  of  the  Earth  not  being  im- 
mediately necessary,  we  conceived  that  the  quantity  of  bricks  wanted  for  public  use, 
together  with  those  wanted  by  Individuals  would  daily  lessen  that  Inconvenience. 
Those  reasons  with  many  others  not  necessary  to  be  detailed  induced  us  to  decline 
writing  to  the  President;  nor  should  we  mention  it  now,  had  not  Dr.  Thornton 
informed  us  that  he  lately  had  conversation  with  the  President  upon  the  subject.  It 
becomes  however  high  time  to  know  the  President’s  final  decision  on  the  subject 
and  also  whether  the  Capitol  is,  or  is  not  to  have  a Basement  Story.  The  Nature  of 
the  Materials  to  be  collected  depend  on  the  decision,  and  we  are  embarassed  very 
much  whilst  things  remain  in  their  present  State  of  uncertainty.  We  wish  Dr. 
Thornton  to  lay  before  the  President  everything  relating  to  the  present  State  of  that 
building;  and  that  we  may  be  favored  with  the  President’s  determination.  The 
fixed  determination  of  the  Board  is  to  push  forward  the  Capitol  during  the  present 
Season  beyond  all  other  objects;  but  until  the  next  Story  is  determined  on,  ’tis  im- 
possible to  provide  the  Materials. 

7r 

We  beg  the  favor  of  you  to  communicate  this  Letter  to  Dr.  Thornton. 

We  have  the  honor  to  be  with  Sentiments  of  the  highest  respect, 

Sir,  yr  mo  obed  servts, 

Danl.  Carroll. 

Gusts.  Scott. 

Edmp.  Randolph, 0Esqr., 

Secy  of  State. 


The  Old  Building. 


35 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  2,  218:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 


City  of  Washington  March  80  1795. 

Dr  Sir,  *,  * * We  have  Said  very  little  to  the  Secretary  on  the  Subject  of  the 
Capitol,  but  we  are  of  opinion  any  change  in  the  present  plan  of  the  Capitol  would 
be  attended  with  Consequences  very  fatal  to  the  affairs  of  the  City. 

Danl.  Carroll, 
Gusts.  Scott. 

Dr.  Thornton. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  2,  242:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

City  of  Washington  May  15th  1795 

Sir,  * * * We  are  happy  in  having  it  in  our  power  to  inform  you  that  the 
Capitol  progresses  rapidly  and  that  we  have  at  present  a good  prospect  of  a Plentiful 
supply  of  all  the  Materials  necessary  for  the  present  Season  at  least.  * * * 

We  have  the  Honor  to  be,  with  the  greatest  respect,  Sir,  &c., 

Gusts.  Scott, 

William  Thornton. 

The  President  of  the  United  States. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  3,  13:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

City  of  Washington,  June  86,  1795. 

Sir:  * * * gome  disagreement  among  the  Contractors  for  laying  the  founda- 
tion Stone  at  the  Capitol  and  their  workmen  have  led  to  an  examination  of  the  whole 
of  the  work  done,  which  has  by  no  means  turned  out  to  our  satisfaction.  Mr. 
Hoban  has  attended  from  Day  to  Day,  and  often  twice  and  three  times  a Day,  and 
one  or  other  of  the  Board  has  frequently  visited  them;  yet  bad  work  has  been  put 
into  the  Walls;  and  in  some  parts  prudence  requires  they  should  be  taken  down. 
The  Contractors  being  the  same  who  have  worked  on  the  Capitol  from  the  first 
beginning  of  the  building,  and  being  under  the  immediate  Inspection  of  Mr.  Hoban, 
no  Suspicion  was  entertained  of  any  foul  play,  the  outside  Walls  of  the  North  wing 
are  good  which  will  amply  employ  the  free  stone  Setters,  So  that  no  delay  whatever 
will  ensue:  And  these  people  having  giving  ample  Security  we  hope  ultimately  the 
public  will  not  be  losers. 

We  have  no  doubt  but  that  this  matter  wrill  be  exaggerated  therefore  w7e  have 
thought  it  proper  to  State  the  thing  as  it  really  is.  The  Contractors  are  all  discharged 
and  a better  Set  will,  we  expect  be  engaged  in  a few  Days,  and  it  is  our  Determina- 
tion to  have  a person  employed  to  attend  constantly  at  the  Walls  so  as  to  see  every 
Course  of  Stone  or  brick  as  it  is  laid  on.  Mr.  Hoban  and  Mr.  Blagden  have  been 
three  Days  engaged  in  examining  the  whole  of  the  Walls  and  they  report  that  by 
taking  down  about  one  foot  of  the  Walls  Suggested  and  laying  large  bond  Stone  the 
Walls  will  be  made  perfectly  Secure  and  sufficient,  and  upon  the  North  Wing  the 
Stone  Setters  will  begin  next  Week  to  lay  the  Free  stone. 

We  have  the  Honor  to  be  with  great  respect  Sir,  Your  mo.  obd.  Servts., 

Gusts.  Scott, 

William  Thornton. 

Edmd.  Randolph, 

Secy  of  State. 


3(3 


Documented  y History  of  the  Capitol. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  3,  17:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 


City  of  W ashington,  July  13,  1795. 

Sir,  Your  favor  of  the  6th  Inst,  with  the  Inclosures  have  been  received,  and  we 
beg  leave  through  you  to  assure  the  President  that  every  attention  in  our  power  has 
been  paid  to  the  Capitol.  Had  we  attended  at  the  building  every  day  since  its  com- 
mencement it  is  possible  and  even  probable  the  scene  of  Villainy  carrying  on  might 
have  escaped  detection:  but  these  men  particularly  C.  McD.  Roe  having  all  their 
property  at  Stake,  being  well  recommended  having  long  been  in  public  Trust  here 
without  complaint;  led  to  a belief  that  they  were  incapable  of  a cool  premeditated 
and  deliberate  act  of  Villainy  which  in  its  Consequences  might  have  occasioned  the 
Death  of  thousands.  The  Board  for  Months  past  having  had  no  more  than  two 
Members  with  often  a great  press  of  business,  which  kept  them  constantly  employed 
in  the  Office  at  least  half  their  time,  have  certainly  not  been  able  to  visit  the  Capitol 
so  often  as  Subsequent  Events  have  proved  to  be  necessary.  Those  not  acquainted 
with  the  Motley  Set  we  found  here,  and  who  from  necessity  have  too  many  of  them 
been  still  continued  in  public  Employment,  can  form  no  adequate  Idea  of  the  irk- 
some Scenes  we  are  too  frequently  compelled  to  engage  in.  * * * 

This  Day  the  Workmen  have  commenced  setting  the  free  stone;  and  we  know  of 
nothing  which  will  stop  the  building  except  it  be  the  Want  of  Money.  * * * 

We  have  yet  heard  nothing  of  Mr.  White.  If  ever  the  Affairs  of  the  City  required 
the  united  Exertions  of  a full  Board  this  appears  to  be  the  Crisis. 

We  are  with  the  highest  respect,  Yr.  &c., 


Gusts.  Scott. 
William  Thornton. 


Edwd.  Randolph,  Esqr. , 

Sec’y  of  State. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  3,  41:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

City  of  Washington  37th  September  1795 
Sir:  * * * We  see  with  equal  indignation  and  grief  the  hour  approaching  fast 
when  all  our  Operations  must  cease  for  want  of  a few  thousand  Dollars,  this  too 
when  every  material  is  collected  and  the  season  is  most  favorable  for  the  rapid  pro- 
gression of  the  works.  We  are  Daily  in  Session  exerting  our  best  endeavors,  tho’ 
hitherto  in  vain,  to  form  some  probable  Scheme  to  raise  thirty  or  forty  thousand 
Dollars  to  continue  the  Operations  on  the  public  buildings  till  the  middle  of  Decem- 
ber. The  various  expedients  Have  been  Discussed,  nothing  bearing  even  the  Appear- 
ance of  efficiency  has  occurred.  Should  our  future  Deliberations  be  more  successful 
One  of  the  Board  will  undoubtedly  wait  on  you  to  receive  your  Assent  before  the 
final  Adoption  of  any  measure.  * * * 

With  sentiments  of  Perfect  respect,  We  are  sir,  Your  most  Obed.  Servts., 

Gusts.  Scott, 

William  Thornton, 
Alex.  White. 

The  President  of  the  United  States. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Presidents  of  the  United  States,  p.  09:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds, 

War  Department.] 

Philada.  9th  Novembr,  1795. 

Gentlemen,  Your  Letter  of  the  31st.  ulto  by  Mr.  Hatfield  has  been  received.  I 
have  since  seen  Mr.  Hoban,  & have  had  a good  deal  of  conversation  with  both  of 
them,  in  the  presence  of  each  other,  with  the  plans  before  us. 


The  Old  Building. 


61 


From  the  explanation  of  the  former,  it  would  seem  as  if  he  had  not  been  perfectly 
understood: — or  in  other  words — that  now  he  means  no  change  in  the  interior  of  the 
building,  of  the  least  importance;  nor  any  elsewhere,  that  will  occasion  delay,  or  add 
to  the  expense — but  the  contrary:  whilst  the  exterior  will,  in  his  opinion,  assume 
a better  appearance,  & the  portico  be  found  more  convenient  than  on  the  present 
plan.  As  far  as  I understand  the  matter,  the  difference  lies  simply  in  discarding  the 
basement,  & adding  an  attic  Story,  if  the  latter  shall  be  found  necessary;  but  this 
(the  attic)  he  thinks  maybe  dispensed  with,  as  sufficient  elevation  may  be  obtained, 
in  the  manner  he  has  explained  it,  without — and  to  add  a dome  over  the  open  or 
circular  area  or  lobby,  which  in  my  judgement  is  a most  desirable  thing,  & what  I 
always  expected  was  part  of  the  original  design,  until  otherwise  informed  in  my  late 
visit  to  the  City,  if  strength  can  be  given  to  it  & sufficient  light  obtained. 

However  proper  it  may  have  been  in  you,  to  refer  the  decision  of  the  objection,  of 
Mr.  Hatfield  to  the  Executive 1 shall  give  no  final  opinion  thereon. 

1.  Because  I have  not  Sufficient  knowledge  of  the  subject,  to  judge  with  precision. 
2.  because  the  means  of  acquiring  it,  are  not  within  my  reach. — 3.  if  they  were, 
pressed  as  I am  with  other  matters,  particularly  at  the  eve  of  an  approaching,  per- 
haps an  interesting  session  of  Congress,  I could  not  avail  myself  of  them: — but  above 
all,  because  I have  not  the  precise  knowledge  of  the  characters  you  have  to  deal 
with — the  knowledge  of  all  the  facts  you  have  before  you — nor  perhaps  the  same 
view  you  can  take  of  the  consequences  of  a decision  for  or  against  Mr.  Hatfield’s 
proposed  alterations,  or  of  his  abilities  to  carry  them  into  execution  if  adopted. 

I have  told  him  in  decise  terms,  however,  that  if  the  plan  on  which  you  have 
been  proceeding,  is  not  capitally  defective,  1 cannot  (after  such  changes,  delays,  and 
expenses  as  have  been  encountered  already)  consent  to  a departure  from  it,  if  either 
of  these  consequences  is  to  be  involved  : — but  that  if  he  can  Satisfy  you  of  the  contrary, 
in  these  points, — I should  have  no  objection,  as  he  conceives  his  character  as  an 
architect  is  in  some  measure  at  Stake — and  in  short,  as  the  present  plan  is  nobody’s, 
but  a compound  of  everybody’s,  to  the  proposed  change;  provided  these  things,  as  I 
have  just  observed,  can  be  ascertained  to  your  entire  Satisfaction.  I added  further, 
as  a matter  of  material  moment,  the  short  term  for  which  he  was  engaged,  & what 
might  be  the  consequence  of  his  quitting  the  building  at  the  end  thereof, — or  com- 
pelling fresh — perhaps  exorbitant  terms,  if  a new  agreement  was  to  be  made.  To 
this  he  replied,  that  he  would  not  only  promise,  but  bind  himself,  to  Stick  by  the 
building  until  it  was  finished. — 

On  the  spot — at  the  seat  of  information — with  a view  of  the  materials  on  hand — the 
facility  of  obtaining  others — with  a better  knowledge  of  the  only  characters  on  whom 
you  can  rely  for  carrying  on  the  buildings,  than  I possess; — with  other  details 
unknown  to  me,  you  can  decide  with  more  safety  than  I am  enabled  to  do,  on  the 
measures  proper  to  be  pursued  under  the  embarrassment  which  has  arisen  from  this 
diversity  of  opinion. — That  decision,  be  what  it  may,  will  be  agreeable  to 
Gentlemen, 


Your  Ob1  Serv‘. 

The  Commissioners 

op  the  City  op  Washington. 


Go.  Washington. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public,  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington 
and  District  of  Columbia,  v.  3,  56:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

Commissioners  Office  18th  November  1795. 
Sir,  * * * The  principal  object  of  deliberation  has  been  the  very  important 
and  delicate  subject  of  the  proposed  change  in  the  plan  of  the  Capitol,  the  result 
you  will  see  from  the  enclosed  copies;  and  in  some  measure  the  ground  on  which  the 


88 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


resolution  is  founded,  but  besides  the  assurances  given  by  Doctor  Thornton  in  his  let- 
ter both  Mr.  Hoban  anil  Doctor  Thornton  asserted  that  the  plan  purposed  by  Mr.  Had- 
field  could  not  be  executed  so  as  to  secure  stability  to  the  building.  On  this  point 
the  board  do  not  think  it  necessary  to  give  a decided  opinion,  tho’  the  opinions  of 
those  Gentlemen  had  great  weight  in  their  determination;  And  it  was  not  on  the 
other  side  proved  to  their  satisfaction  that  the  plan  which  has  been  proceeded  on  is 
capitally  defective,  neither  were  the  estimates  of  the  expences  Stated  to  them  with 
such  precision,  as  to  give  preponderancy  in  their  judgment  to  either  plan.  Mr. 
Scott  having  informed  the  President  of  the  event  of  his  mission  the  board  conceive 
it  unnecessary  to  add  anything  on  that  subject.  Mr.  White,  it  is  expected,  will  pro- 
ceed to  Philadelphia  agreeably  to  the  proposition  of  the  Board  approved  by  the 
President  when  last  in  the  City. 

We  are,  Sir,  with  sentiments  of  the  highest  respect,  Your  Obt..  Servts., 

Gusts.  Scott, 

• William:  Thornton, 

Alex.  White. 


To  the  President  of  the  United  States. 


[American  State  Papers,  Class  X,  Mise.,  v.  I,  133.  No.  67.  4th  Congress,  1st  session.  District  of 
Columbia.  Communicated  to  Congress,  January  8, 1796.] 

United  States,  January  8,  1796. 
Gentlemen  of  the  Senate  and  of  the  House  of  Representatives: 

I transmit  to  you  a memorial  of  the  commissioners  appointed  by  virtue  of  an  act 
entitled  “ An  act  for  establishing  the  temporary  and  permanent  seat  of  the  Govern- 
ment of  the  United  States,”  on  the  subject  of  the  public  buildings  under  their 
direction. 

Since  locating  a district  for  the  permanent  seat  of  the  Government  of  the  United 
States,  as  heretofore  announced  to  both  Houses  of  Congress,  I have  accepted  the 
grants  of  money  and  of  land  stated  in  the  memorial  of  the  commissioners.  I have 
directed  the  buildings  therein  mentioned  to  be  commenced  on  plans  which  I deemed 
consistent  with  the  liberality  of  the  grants,  and  proper  for  the  purposes  intended. 

I have  not  been  inattentive  to  this  important  business  intrusted  by  the  Legislature 
to  my  care.  I have  viewed  the  resources  placed  in  my  hands,  and  observed  the 
manner  in  which  they  have  been  applied;  the  progress  is  pretty  fully  detailed  in  the 
memorial  from  the  commissioners;  and  one  of  them  attends,  to  give  further  infor- 
mation, if  required.  In  a case  new  and  arduous,  like  the  present,  difficulties  might 
naturally  be  expected;  some  have  occurred;  but  they  are,  in  a great  degree,  sur- 
mounted; and  I have  no  doubt,  if  the  remaining  resources  are  properly  cherished, 
so  as  to  prevent  the  loss  of  piroperty  by  hasty  and  numerous  sales,  that  all  the  build- 
ings required  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States  may 
be  completed  in  season,  without  aid  from  the  Federal  Treasury.  The  subject  is, 
therefore,  recommended  to  the  consideration  of  Congress,  and  the  result  will  deter- 
mine the  measures  which  I shall  cause  to  be  pursued  with  respect  to  the  property 
remaining  unsold. 

Geo.  Washington. 


To  the  Honorable  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  of  America:  The  memorial  of  the  Com- 
missioners appointed  by  the  President  of  the  United  States,  by  virtue  of  an  act  entitled 
“ An  act  for  establishing  the  temporary  and  permanent  seat  of  Government  of  the  United 
States,”  respectfully  showeth: 

That  the  President  of  the  United  States,  by  virtue  of  the  act  above  mentioned, 
appointed  three  commissioners  for  the  purposes  declared  in  the  said  act,  and  in  an 


The  Old  Building. 


39 


act  to  amend  the  same,  passed  at  Philadelphia,  in  the  year  1791,  who,  under  his 
direction,  did  cause  to  be  surveyed,  and,  by  proper  metes  and  bounds  defined  and 
limited,  a district  of  territory  ten  miles  square,  on  both  sides  of  the  Potomac  river, 
including  the  towns  of  Alexandria,  in  Virginia,  and  Georgetown,  in  Maryland,  for 
the  permanent  seat  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States.  That  the  proprietors 
of  all  the  lands  within  the  following  bounds,  that  is  to  say:  * * * have  con- 
veyed the  same  to  trustees  for  a federal  city,  to  be  laid  out  with  such  streets,  squares, 
parcels,  and  lots  as  the  President  of  the  United  States  should  approve;  the  streets 
and  squares  to  be  the  property  of  the  United  States  solely,  and  the  lots  to  be  equally 
divided  between  the  grantors  and  the  United  States.  That  the  State  of  Virginia  has 
paid  one  hundred  and  twenty  thousand  dollars,  which  had  been  previously  offered 
by  an  act  of  the  Legislature,  on  condition  that  Congress  would  establish  the  perma- 
nent seat  of  Government  on  the  banks  of  the  Potomac,  to  be  applied,  under  the 
direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  towards  erecting  the  necessary  build- 
ings for  the  Federal  Government  ; and  that  the  State  of  Maryland  hath  paid  seventy- 
two  thousand  dollars  for  the  same  purpose.  That  the  commissioners,  in  order  to 
secure  proper  materials  for  the  public  buildings,  directed  by  the  act  above  mentioned, 
at  reasonable  rates,  and  to  facilitate  the  carriage  thereof,  proceeded  to  purchase 
quarries  of  freestone,  to  build  wharves  and  bridges,  and  to  open  such  roads  and  canals 
as  were  deemed  necessary  for  these  purposes;  which  having  accomplished,  they  com- 
menced the  building  of  the  Capitol  and  the  President’s  house,  and  have  made  consid- 
erable progress  therein.  The  commissioners,  considering  that  an  increase  of  houses 
would  induce  settlers  in  the  city,  and  thereby  contribute  much  to  the  accommodation 
of  Congress  and  the  advancement  of  trade  and  manufactures,  did,  in  the  month  of 
December,  1793,  enter  into  a contract  with  two  gentlemen  for  the  sale  of  six  thousand 
lots,  at  the  low  rate  of  eighty  dollars  per  lot,  payable  in  seven  equal  annual  instal- 
ments; the  purchasers  obliging  themselves  to  erect  one  hundred  and  forty  convenient 
brick  dwelling-houses,  each  covering  one  thousand  two  hundred  square  feet,  before 
the  year  1800;  and  engaging  further,  that  all  sales  made  by  them  previous  to  the 
year  1796  should  be  on.condition  that  the  purchasers  should  erect  one  such  house  for 
every  three  lots  purchased.  The  commissioners  have,  from  time  to  time,  sold  lots 
in  small  numbers,  or  singly,  to  various  persons,  to  the  amount  of  ninety-five 
thousand  six  hundred  and  fifty-two  dollars,  and  there  still  remain  unsold  about 
four  thousand  seven  hundred  lotfi;  which,  valued  at  the  average  price  of  those  sold 
as  last  above  mentioned,  are  worth  near  one  million  and  a half  of  dollars.  With 
these  resources  in  their  hands,  your  memorialists  entertain  no  doubt  of  completing 
such  buildings  as  will  be  absolutely  necessary  for  the  reception  of  Congress  before 
the  time  appointed  for  their  removal  to  the  permanent  seat  of  Government;  but 
as  the  punctual  compliance  with  the  contracts  of  individuals  cannot  be  relied  on 
with  that  certainty  which  is  necessary  to  the  carrying  on  of  public  works  to 
advantage,  and  as  the  bringing  into  market  so  large  a portion  of  the  city  property 
as  would  raise  money  sufficient  for  that  purpose  would  greatly  depreciate  its  value, 
your  memorialists  conceive  that  the  loan  of  a sum  of  money,  secured  on  the  city 
property,  would  be  highly  advantageous,  as  it  would  enable  them  to  proceed 
with  more  celerity  in  completing  the  public  buildings  than  a dependence  on  the 
collection  of  debts  and  sale  of  property  will  admit.  The  rapid  progress  of  the 
buildings  would,  in  itself,  be  an  encouragement  to  private  improvements,  and  have 
an  immediate  tendency  to  enhance  the  price  of  lots;  but  could  the  lots  be  generally 
retained  until  the  seat  of  Government  shall  be  removed,  they  will  rise  so  far  beyond 
their  present  value,  that  not  only  all  sums  now  borrowed  on  that  foundation  may  be 
repaid,  but  much  property  reserved  for  the  disposal  of  the  United  States;  yet,  as  the 
laws  of  Maryland,  which  are  still  in  force  in  the  federal  district,  do  not  permit  the 
receiving  of  more  than  an  an  interest  of  six  per  centum  pier  annum,  which,  on  this 
occasion,  it  will  probably  be  necessary  to  exceed,  and  as  money-lenders  in  foreign 


40 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


countries  at  least  may  be  unacquainted  with  the  value  of  the  security  offered,  your 
memorialists  beg  leave  to  submit  to  the  consideration  of  your  honorable  body  the 
propriety  of  giving  your  sanction  to  a loan  on  the  principle  above  stated,  so  far  as  to 
guaranty  the  payment  of  such  sums  as  may  be  deemed  adequate  to  the  purpose  of 
erecting  the  federal  buildings,  or  to  such  an  amount  as  Congress  may  be  satisfied  is 
clearly  within  the  value  of  the  property  pledged,  if  it  shall  be  judged  inexpedient 
either  to  advance  money,  or  at  this  time  to  subject  the  revenues  of  the  United  States 
to  the  eventual  payment  of  moneys  in  future  for  the  above  mentioned  purposes,  and 
to  authorize  the  payment  of  such  interest  as  the  President  of  the  United  States  may 
judge  reasonable.  Should  Congress  adopt  the  proposed  measure,  your  memorialists 
have  no  hesitation  in  expressing  their  confidence  that  not  only  all  the  buildings 
required  by  the  acts  aforesaid  will  be  erected  in  a convenient  and  elegant  style,  and 
in  due  time,  and  (what  is,  perhaps,  unparalleled  among  nations)  at  private  expense, 
but  that  private  buildings  will  progress  in  such  a degree  as  to  afford  sufficient 
accommodation  for  Congress  and  all  their  attendants,  and  render  their  situa- 
tion perfectly  agreeable.  Your  memorialists,  in  contemplating  a measure  which  to 
them  appears  mutually  advantageous  to  the  city  and  to  the  United  States,  have  con- 
sidered what  objections,  if  any,  could  be  raised  against  it;  they  discover  none;  they 
have  heard  none  suggested ; and  they  cannot  believe  that  Congress  will  refuse  their 
aid  to  render  valuable  property  granted  by  individuals  for  public  purposes  on  the 
faith  of  Government,  pledged  by  repeated  acts  of  the  Legislature,  more  especially 
when,  by  giving  that  aid,  no  expense  will  be  incurred ; but,  on  the  contrary,  much 
property  will  be  saved  to  the  United  States.  Your  memorialists,  therefore,  pray  your 
honorable  body  to  pass  an  act,  authorizing  the  President  of  the  United  States  to 
borrow  such  sums  as  on  consideration  of  the  premises  shall  appear  reasonable,  to  be 
secured  on  the  lots  ceded  for  the  use  of  the  federal  city  (now  called  the  city  of 
Washington)  as  above  stated,  at  such  rate  of  interest  as  he  may  judge  expedient,  and 
payable  at  such  time  or  times  as  he  may  judge  proper  after  the  expiration  of  the  year 
1800;  and  to  guaranty  to  the  money-lenders  that,  in  case  the  property  so  pledged 
shall  prove  inadequate  to  the  purpose  of  re-payment,  the  United  States  will  make 
good  the  deficiency. 

Gustavos  Scott, 

William  Thornton, 

Alex.  White. 


[American  State  Papers,  Class  X,  Misc.,  v.  1, 133.  No.  70.  4th  Congress,  1st  session.  City  of  Wash- 
ington. Communicated  to  the  House  of  Representatives,  January  25,  1796.] 

Mr.  Jeremiah  Smith,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  message  from 
the  President  of  the  United  States,  of  the  8th  of  January  instant, « enclosing  a 
memorial  of  the  commissioners  appointed  by  virtue  of  the  “act  for  establishing 
the  temporary  and  permanent  seat  of  Government  of  the  United  States,”  made  the 
following  report: 

That,  having  carefully  perused  the  memorial  and  documents  furnished  by  the  com- 
missioners, and  having  been  attended  by  one  of  them  in  person,  as  the  result  of 
their  inquiries,  they  beg  leave  to  state  for  the  consideration  of  the  House: 

That  considerable  progress  has  been  made  towards  fulfilling  the  object  of  the 
afore-mentioned  act;  the  difficulties  incidental  to  an  undertaking  of  this  nature  are 
chiefly  surmounted. 

Though  much  remains  to  be  done,  yet  almost  every  branch  of  the  business  has 
been  commenced,  and  many  of  the  materials  necessary  for  erecting  the  buildings 


«See  No.  67. 


The  Old  Building. 


41 


are  provided.  The  house  for  the  accommodation  of  the  President  is  in  considerable 
forwardness,  and  the  foundation  of  the  Capitol  is  laid,  and  the  walls  begun;  wharves 
and  bridges  have  also  been  built,  and  the  necessary  roads  opened. 

The  funds  for  defraying  the  expense  of  procuring  the  lands  and  erecting  the  build- 
ings necessary  for  the  accommodation  of  Congress,  of  the  President,  and  for  the 
public  offices,  are  the  lands  ceded  to  the  commissioners  as  stated  in  the  memorial, 
together  with  one  hundred  and  twenty  thousand  dollars  granted  by  the  State  of 
Virginia,  and  seventy-two  thousand  dollars  by  the  State  of  Maryland.  It  is  the 
opinion  of  the  committee  that  these  funds,  if  properly  managed,  are  fully  adequate 
to  the  completing  of  all  the  buildings  required  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Govern- 
ment, in  season,  without  any  aid  from  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States. 

The  commissioners,  soon  after  the  laying  out  of  the  federal  city,  sold  six  thousand 
of  the  public  lots  at  eighty  dollars  each;  the  purchasers  stipulating  to  build  one 
hundred  and  forty  convenient  large  brick  dwelling  houses  in  the  federal  city  before 
the  year  1800;  and  the  said  purchasers  further  stipulating  that  all  sales  made  by 
them  previous  to  1796  should  be  on  condition  that,  for  every  three  lots  so  sold,  one 
such  dwelling  house  should  be  erected. 

The  committee  are  informed  that,  under  this  condition,  upwards  of  six  hundred 
lots  have  been  sold. 

The  commissioners  have,  at  different  periods,  sold  to  sundry  persons  upwards  of 
two  hundred  other  lots,  together  with  a small  number  of  water  lots,  for  the  sum 
of  ninety-six  thousand  six  hundred  and  fifty-two  dollars.  The  payment  of  the  six 
thousand  lots  was  to  be  in  seven  equal  annual  instalments. 

The  whole  amount  of  donations  and  sale  of  lots  is  seven  hundred  and  sixty-eight 
thousand  six  hundred  and  fifty-two  dollars. 

The  commissioners  state  to  the  committee  that,  of  this  sum,  three  hundred  and 
seventy-four  thousand  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  are  already  expended. 

From  this  statement,  which  is  apprehended  to  be  sufficiently  accurate  for  general 
purposes,  it  is  easy  to  form  an  estimate  of  the  resources  remaining  in  the  hands  of 
the  commissioners.  They  are,  the  money  due  on  contracts  for  lots  sold,  being  three 
hundred  and  ninety-four  thousand  four  hundred  and  two  dollars,  payable  in  the 
present  and  four  succeeding  years,  in  sums  nearly  equal,  that  is,  about  eighty  thou- 
sand dollars  annually;  and  the  lots  unsold,  being  four  thousand  six  hundred  and 
ninety-four,  exclusive  of  the  water  lots,  which  occupy  three  thousand  five  hundred 
feet  on  the  water,  and  extend  back  from  sixty  to  a hundred  feet. 

It  is  difficult  to  say,  with  any  degree  of  precision,  what  this  property  will  realize, 
as  much  will  depend  on  the  time  and  manner  of  the  sale. 

It  is  stated  by  the  commissioners  that,  estimating  these  lots  according  to  the  aver- 
age price  of  the  lots  sold,  exclusive  of  the  great,  sale  of  six  thousand  in  1793,  they  are 
worth  one  million  three  hundred  and  ninety-three  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
ninety, dollars;  and  that,  from  the  progress  made  in  the  public  buildings,  and  from 
the  improvements  made  and  contemplated  by  private  persons,  the  value  of  this 
property  must  rapidly  increase. 

The  commissioners  also  state  that,  in  their  opinion,  it  would  be  unsafe  to  calculate 
on  strict  punctuality  in  the  payment  of  the  instalments  as  they  become  due  from 
their  debtors,  though  they  assure  the  committee  that  there  will  eventually  be  no  loss. 

The  committee  have  endeavored  to  state,  as  correctly  as  possible,  the  resources 
now  in  the  hands  of  the  commissioners,  that  these  may  be  compared  with  the  objects 
yet  to  be  accomplished.  The  principal  of  these  are  the  completing  of  the  President’s 
house;  the  Capitol,  at  least  as  far  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  accommodation  of  the 
two  Houses  of  Congress  and  their  officers;  a building  for  the  Judiciary,  and  another 
for  the  several  Departments  of  State,  of  the  Treasury,  in  all  its  branches,  the  Depart- 
ment of  War,  and  the  General  Post  Office;  and  such  improvements  in  the  streets  as 
may  be  essentially  requisite  for  public  convenience. 


42 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  committee  have  availed  themselves  of  the  best  means  of  information  which 
the  shortness  of  the  time  they  have  had  the  subject  under  consideration  would  allow, 
to  form  an  estimate  of  the  sums  necessary  for  these  several  purposes;  and,  though 
certainty  cannot  be  expected,  and  much  must  after  all  be  left  to  conjecture,  they 
apprehend  they  may  with  safety  lie  estimated  at  seven  hundred  thousand  dollars  for 
completing  the  whole. 

The  committee  conceive  that  it  will  he  necessary  to  expend,  till  the  year  1800,  in 
completing  the  several  objects  enumerated,  at  least  the  annual  sum  of  one  hundred 
and  forty  thousand  dollars. 

The  committee  have  already  observed  that  firm  reliance  cannot  be  placed  on  the 
punctuality  of  the  debtors  of  the  public.  If  forty  thousand  dollars  be  taken  as  the 
sum  that  shall  be  annually  received  from  this  source,  there  will  be  an  annual 
deficiency  of  the  sum  of  one  hundred  thousand  dollars. 

If  this  deficiency  be  not  supplied  in  some  way,  it  will  result  that  the  public  build- 
ings will  not  be  in  readiness  for  the  reception  of  Congress  at  the  time  proposed. 

This  deficiency  must  be  supplied  by  the  sale  of  the  lots  belonging  to  the  public,  if 
no  better  mode  can  be  devised. 

The  committee  conceive  that  the  real  interest,  as  well  as  the  good  faith  of  the 
Government,  forbid  the  relinquishment  of  the  objects  contemplated  by  the  act 
establishing  the  permanent  seat  of  Government.  It  is  stated  by  the  commissioners 
that  this  property,  if  sold  under  the  most  unfavorable  circumstances,  would  still  be 
adequate  to  the  purpose;  but  as  this  property  may  justly  be  considered  as  that  of  the 
public,  it  would,  in  the  opinion  of  the  committee,  be  a wanton  sacrifice  of  the  public 
interest,  and  justified  oidy  by  the  most  urgent  necessity,  which  the  committee 
conceive  does  not  exist,  to  raise  the  money’  wanted  in  this  way.  It  is,  in  the  opinion 
of  the  committee,  the  duty  of  Congress,  founded  on  the  truest  principles  of  economy, 
to  cherish  these  funds  so  as  to  make  them  productive  of  the  greatest  public  utility. 

But  two  other  modes  of  accomplishing  the  objects  contemplated  have  presented 
themselves  to  the  view  of  the  committee,  namely,  that  of  annual  advances  from  the 
federal  Treasury  of  the  requisite  sums,  and  that  of  raising  the  same  byr  a loan. 

If  the  state  of  the  public  finances  would  admit  of  it,  the  former  mode  would,  in 
every  view,  be  the  most  eligible,  as  it  would  be  the  most  economical  and  the  most 
certain.  The  public  would,  in  that  case,  derive  all  the  advantage  resulting  from  the 
rapid  increase  of  the  value  of  property  in  this  infant  city,  and  might  reimburse  the 
sums  so  advanced  by  sales,  at  such  times,  and  in  such  manner,  as  would  be  most 
advantageous.  But,  conceiving  that  the  existing  objects  of  expenditure  will  equal, 
if  not  exceed,  the  revenues  already’  provided,  and  that  it  would  not  be  advisable  to 
impose  new  taxes  for  this  object,  the  committee  are  induced  to  believe  that  the  only 
mode  which  can  with  propriety  be  adopted,  at  this  time,  for  supplying  the  deficiency 
stated,  will  be  that  of  a loan  secured  on  the  city’  property,  and  negotiated  under  the 
direction  of  the  President;  and  that-  it  would  conduce  to  the  real  interest  of  the 
public  that  the  United  States  should  guaranty  the  payment  of  the  sums  so  borrowed, 
in  case  the  property  pledged  should  prove  insufficient. 

The  committee  also  conceive  that  it  would  be  proper,  in  order  that  Congress  may 
be  enabled  to  judge  of  the  application  of  the  moneys  so  borrowed,  that  it  be  made 
the  duty  of  the  said  commissioners,  semi-annually,  to  render  to  the  Secretary  of  the 
Treasury  a particular  account  of  their  receipts  and  expenditures,  and  also  of  the 
progress  and  state  of  the  business  intrusted  to  their  care,  and  the  state  of  the  funds 
in  their  hands;  and  that  the  same  be  laid  before  Congress  by  the  said  Secretary  at 
every  session. 

The  committee,  therefore,  recommend  the  following  resolutions: 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  the  United  States  be  authorized  to  borrow’  such 
sums  as,  in  his  judgment,  may’  be  necessary  (not  exceeding  the  sum  of  five  hundred 
thousand  dollars  in  the  v’hole,  and  not  exceeding  two  hundred  thousand  dollars  in 


The  Old  Building. 


43 


any  one  year)  for  completing  the  buildings  requisite  for  the  accommodation  of  the 
Government  of  the  United  States  at  the  city  of  Washington;  the  said  loan  to  be 
secured  on  the  public  property  in  the  said  city,  and  at  such  rate  of  interest  as  he  may 
judge  expedient,  and  payable  at  such  time  or  times  as  lie  may  judge  proper  after  the 
year  1800;  and  that  the  United  States  guaranty  to  the  money-lenders  that,  in  case 
the  property  so  pledged  shall  prove  inadequate,  the  United  States  will  make  good 
the  deficiency. 

Resolved , That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  commissioners  appointed  by  virtue  of  the 
act  entitled  “An  act  for  establishing  the  temporary  and  permanent  seat  of  the  Gov- 
ernment of  the  United  States,”  every  six  months  to  render  to  the  Secretary  of  the 
Treasury  a particular  account  of  the  receipts  and  expenditures  of  all  moneys  intrusted 
to  them,  and  also  the  progress  and  state  of  the  business,  and  the  state  of  the  funds  in 
their  hands,  and,  generally,  an  account  of  their  administration;  and  that,  the  said 
Secretary  lay  the  same  before  Congress,  at  the  next  session  after  the  same  shall  be 
received;  and  that  a bill  or  bills  be  brought  in  accordingly. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  3,  1796:  Annals  of  Congress,  4-1,  p.  290.] 

PERMANENT  SEAT  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

The  House  then  went  into  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  report  of  the  select 
committee  relative  to  the  Federal  city.  This  report  concludes  with  the  following 
resolutions:  * * * 

The  Message  of  the  President  on  this  subject — a particular  detail  of  the  progress  of 
the  public  buildings,  state  of  the  funds  in  the  hands  of  the  Commissioners,  &c., 
signed  Alexander  White;  and  the  act  for  establishing  the  temporary  and  permanent 
Seat  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  on  motion  by  Mr.  J.  Smith,  were  read. 

Mr.  J.  Smith,  Chairman  of  the  select  committee,  who  had  made  the  report,  said, 
that  the  reading  of  the  papers  had  been  called  for,  that  the  Committee  of  the  Whole 
might  have  a full  view  of  the  whole  subject  before  them,  that  they  might  be  able 
more  fully  to  judge  of  the  propriety  of  the  report.  The  committee  had  proposed  a 
Loan  on  the  principle  of  economy.  Mr.  Smith  and  Mr.  Swift  called  for  the  reading 
of  several  other  papers — these  were  accounts  of  the  expenses  hitherto  incurred,  bal- 
ances due  to  the  Commissioners,  &c. 

The  first  resolution  was  then  read. 

Mr.  Swift  observed,  that,  he  would  not  propose  any  thing  which  should  tend  to 
contravene  the  act  for  establishing  the  permanent  Seat  of  the  Government  of  the 
United  States.  He  was  willing  that  that  act  should  be  carrie  1 into  execution,  but 
then  he  was  not  willing  to  go  to  any  unnecessary  expense  to  effect  the  object. 

He  stated  some  objections  to  the  resolution:  he  did  not  think  that  a Loan  was 
necessary  for  the  purposes  of  the  act.  The  funds  in  the  hands  of  the  Commission- 
ers, he  said,  are  sufficient  to  complete  the  public  buildings  in  such  manner  as  to 
accommodate  Congress  at  the  period  pointed  out.  He  referred  to  the  details  of  the 
funds  which  had  been  read.  Another  objection  he  had  to  the  first  resolution,  was 
the  discretion  vested  in  the  President  to  institute  a Loan  at  an  indefinite  rate  of 
interest — another  objection  to  the  resolution,  in  his  mind,  was  the  guarantee  of  the 
Loan  by  the  United  States. 

He  was  averse  from  the  Government’s  being  implicated  in  this  business;  he 
believed  it  was  entirely  unprecedented.  Adverting  to  the  idea  of  the  lots  being 
enhanced  in  price  at  a future  day,  he  very  much  doubted  the  accuracy  of  this.  He 
was  rather  of  opinion  that  the  Government  would  eventually  be  obliged  to  make 
good  the  whole  Loan.  On  the  whole,  he  thought  it  best  for  the  Government  to  have 
nothing  to  do  with  the  business,  but  to  leave  the  management  of  it  to  the  Commis- 


44 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


sioners  by  the  aid  of  the  funds  in  their  hands;  with  economy  they  will  be  sufficient; 
but  the  more  money  there  is  granted,  the  less  will  be  the  economy  in  expending  it. 

Mr.  Murray  said,  that  the  gentleman  had  taken  the  only  ground  which  he  believed 
could  be  taken  to  set  aside  the  report  of  the  committee,  and  that  was  that  due 
economy  had  not  been  observed  in  the  expenditures  already  made;  he  believed  he 
would  be  puzzled  extremely  to  substantiate  this  idea  to  the  amount  of  one  shilling. 

Mr.  M.  said,  that  no  public  money  to  the  amount  of  one  shilling  had  hitherto 
been  expended  on  the  Federal  city;  nor  is  any  public  money  now  asked  for.  The 
object. of  the  resolution  is  simply  a Loan — a Loan  on  terms  that  individuals  would 
think  eligible.  Adverting  to  the  objection  on  account  of  the  interest,  he  did  not 
suppose  with  the  gentleman  that  ten,  fifteen,  or  twenty  per  centum  would  be  neces- 
sary; he  had  been  informed  that  it  could  be  procured  for  eight  per  centum. 

Taking  a general  view  of  the  subject,  he  remarked,  that  all  that  was  asked,  was 
as  little  as  could  be  expected.  It  is  not  a grant,  a gift;  it  is  simply  to  guarantee  a 
loan  for  a public  economical  purpose. 

Mr.  Gallatin  objected  to  the  indefiniteness  of  the  rate  of  interest.  He  said  it  would 
militate  against  the  loans  proposed  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury.  He  moved 
that  the  resolution  should  be  amended  so  as  to  express  the  rate  of  interest  at  six 
per  cent. 

Mr.  Brent  said  he  hoped  that  the  motion  would  not  obtain.  The  sum  of  500,000  dol- 
lars is  so  inconsiderable  compared  with  the  loans  contemplated  by  the  Secretary  of  the 
Treasury,  amounting  to  six  millions;  that  the  rate  of  interest  on  Governmental  loans 
could  not  be  supposed  to  be  effected  by  a rate  of  eight,  ten,  or  twelve  per  cent,  for 
the  sum  mentioned  in  the  report.  The  security  he  considered  so  good,  that  the 
money  would  be  immediately  obtained,  and  the  reimbursement  made  with  ease  at 
almost  any  rate  of  interest.  He  supposed  the  economy  of  the  plan  was  so  obvious, 
that  no  man  who  was  disposed  to  comply  with  the  act  for  establishing  the  permanent 
Seat  of  Government,  would  oppose  it.  Mr.  B.  then  adverted  to  the  objections  offered 
by  Mr.  Swift,  and  entered  into  a general  statement  of  the  affairs  of  the  city,  to  show 
the  policy  and  expediency  of  adopting  the  report  of  the  committee. 

The  Speaker  here  remarked,  that  the  merits  of  the  report  Avere  not  under  consid- 
eration, on  which  Mr.  Brent  waived  any  further  observations. 

Mr.  W.  Smith  stated  the  difficulties  that  would  result  from  not  restricting  the  rate 
of  interest.  He  said  it  was  unprecedented  in  the  practice  of  the  Government;  even 
in  the  loan  for  the  benevolent  purpose  of  making  peace  with  Algiers,  the  rate  of 
interest  was  fixed  at  five  per  cent.  He  adverted  to  the  principle  of  the  report,  and 
said  that  when  the  permanent  Seat  of  Government  was  first  agitated,  assurances  were 
given  that  the  United  States  would  never  be  called  upon  for  any  pecuniary  assist- 
ance. It  has  been  said  that  the  money  is  not  now  asked  for;  but  only  the  guarantee 
of  a loan;  he  observed  on  this,  that  the  Government  ought  to  make  the  same  calcu- 
lations as  it  would  were  the  payment  inevitable  on  its  part,  for  the  public  faith  should 
be  pledged  to  make  good  any  deficiency  that  may  happen.  Mr.  S.  was  proceeding, 
when 

Mr.  Brent  rose  and  said,  he  would  withdraw  his  opposition  to  the  motion.  He 
was  willing  that  six  per  cent,  should  be  inserted. 

Mr.  Giles  moved  that  a blank  should  be  left  for  the  rate  of  interest.  Mr.  Gallatin 
consented  to  vary  his  motion  accordingly. 

Mr.  Harper,  adverting  to  the  period  when  payment  of  the  instalment  shall  com- 
mence, observed,  that  in  the  year  eighteen  hundred,  the  United  States  would  be 
called  upon  for  the  sum  of  1,200,000  dollars,  on  account  of  the  deferred  debt,  &c. 
He  moved  that  the  term  should  be  left  blank. 

Mr.  W.  Smith  seconded  this  motion. 

Mr.  J.  Smith  said,  that  it  was  not  to  be  supposed  that  the  LTnited  States  would  be 
called  upon  to  pay  one  farthing  of  the  loan.  If  the  measure  proposed  should  be 


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45 


adopted,  the  property  in  the  Federal  City  will  immediately  rise  in  value;  but  if  it 
fails,  it  will  paralize  the  whole  business. 

Mr.  Crabb  said,  he  hoped  the  report  would  not  be  altered.  No  man  can  seriously 
suppose  that  the  United  States  will  ever  be  called  upon  to  reimburse  one  shilling  of 
this  money.  The  property  is  now  the  public  property,  and  every  principle  of  pru- 
dence and  economy  forbids  that  it  should  now  be  sold.  But  if  the  public  faith  is 
supported  for  fixing  the  permanent  Seat  of  Government,  the  property  at  the  period 
when  the  instalments  become  due,  when  the  Government  removes  to  the  Federal 
City,  will  lie  so  enhanced  in  value  as  to  furnish  a sum  much  more  than  amply  suffi- 
cient for  the  purpose  of  reimbursement. 

The  term  of  repayment  was  finally  left  blank. 

Mr.  Swift  then  moved  to  strike  out  the  sums  of  500,000  and  200, 000, 'before  the 
word  dollars,  and  leave  blanks. 

A motion  for  the  Committee  rising  prevented  any  further  discussion.  They  rose, 
reported  progress,  and  had  leave  to  sit  again. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  4,  1796:  Annals  of  Congress,  4 — 1,  p.  293.] 

PERMANENT  SEAT  OF  GOVERNMENT. 

The  House  then  went  into  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  report  of  the  select 
committee  relative  to  the  Federal  City. 

The  motion  for  striking  out  the  sums  of  500,000  and  200,000,  before  the  word  dol- 
lars, in  the  first  resolution,  under  consideration. 

Mr.  Macon  supported  the  motion  for  striking  out.  He  offered  some  objections  to 
the  general  scale  of  expenses. 

Mr.  Findley  said  he  was  against  striking  out.  He  was  on  the  select  committee, 
and  recited  the  motives  which  had  governed  them  in  the  report  they  had  brought 
forward.  The  question  submitted  was  not  whether  what  had  been  done  was  proper 
or  not,  but  what  was  necessary  to  complete  the  plan  already  begun.  The  committee 
had  thought  proper  to  report  the  sum  of  500,000  dollars  in  order  to  draw  the  atten- 
tion of  the  House  more  particularly  to  the  object  for  which  the  money  is  wanted. 
Mr.  F.  thought  it  was  always  disgraceful  to  a Legislative  body  to  make  appropria- 
tions which  fall  short;  the  consequence  always  was  further  applications.  The  reso- 
lution only  empowers  the  President  to  borrow  the  sum,  but  it  does  not  follow  that 
it  will  be  all  borrowed  or  expended.  He  said  the  sum  might  be  struck  out,  and 
reinserted  again,  but  he  saw  no  good  purpose  that  would  be  answered  by  this. 

Mr.  Nicholas  was  opposed  to  striking  out.  He  supposed  that  if  a sacrifice  of  the 
public  property  was  not  determined  on,  there  would  be  no  hesitation  in  making  a 
liberal  provision:  a niggardly  supply  on  the  other  hand  would  necessarily  produce 
that  effect, 

Mr.  Crabb.  Mr.  Chairman,  I flatter  myself  that  the  words  five  hundred  thousand 
will  not  be  struck  out  on  any  principle,  but  more  especially  on  the  one  suggested  by 
the  gentleman  from  North  Carolina.  What,  sir,  is  the  object  meant  to  be  obtained 
by  the  memorial  on  which  the  resolution  now  before  you  is  grounded?  Is  it  not  a 
reserve  of  the  public  property,  under  the  well-founded  expectation  of  a rise  in  its 
value?  This  will  not,  cannot  be  controverted.  Then  let  us  examine  the  proposition 
for  annual  loans  and  annual  guarantees,  and  we  shall  find  the  completion  of  this 
desirable  measure  in  a great  extent  defeated,  should  we  adopt  that  proposition.  For, 
inasmuch  as  the  public  confidence  will  be  diminished  by  this  parsimonious  mode  of 
legislation  that  will  require  annual  Legislative  aid,  as  certainly  will  it  operate  as  a 
check  on  the  rise  of  public  property.  If  the  present  application  of  the  City  Com- 


46 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


missioners  is  fully  and  completely  gratified,  public  confidence  will  be  fully  established; 
but  if  left  dependent  on  the  passions  and  prejudices  of  future  Legislatures,  I apprehend 
it  will  not. 

The  gentleman  from  Connecticut,  with  whom  this  motion  for  striking  out  origi- 
nated, yesterday,  more  than  intimated  a waste  and  extravagant  expenditure  of  the 
funds  that  had  already  been  in  the  possession  of  the  Commissioners.  If  this  is  a fact, 
as  the  gentleman  has  made  the  charge,  it  becomes  a duty  in  him  to  designate  and 
point  out  the  particular  objects  of  abuse,  and  that  might  lead  to  a correction  of  them; 
but  round  assertions,  unsupported  by  proof,  can  have  no  good  effect,  and  may  tend 
to  injure  the  reputation  and  interest  of  your  public  agents,  and  at  all  events,  must 
wound  their  feelings,  perhaps  unjustly.  For  a moment  reflect  on  the  nature  and 
origin  of  these  funds,  and  I am  persuaded  the  Committee  will  think  with  me,  that 
expenditures  hitherto  made  by  the  Commissioners,  under  the  direction  of  the  Presi- 
dent, is  hardly  a proper  subject  for  examination  by  this  Committee.  For,  sir,  it  is 
well  known  that  not  one  cent  has  yet  been  expended  by  the  Union  for  the  progress 
or  accomplishment  of  this  great  national  object.  But  the  funds  applied  have  arisen 
from  donations,  or  grants  of  lots  by  private  citizens  of  Maryland,  and  by  voluntary 
liberal  donations  from  the  States  of  Virginia  and  Maryland,  accompanied  by  acts  of 
the  granting  Legislatures,  that  required  annual  accounts  of  the  expenditure.  Then, 
sir,  it  follows,  that  the  Legislatures  that  made  those  grants,  are  the  proper  bodies 
to  make  this  scrutiny.  When  the  United  States  have  made  grants,  or  guaranteed 
loans  to  cherish  and  increase  the  city  funds,  and  thereby  become  responsible,  then, 
sir,  will  that  kind  of  discussion  be  proper:  before  that  it  appears  premature.  The 
necessity  of  this  application  on  the  part  of  the  Commissioners  is  objected  to.  I will 
not  contend  for  the  necessity.  I think  none  existed.  Nor  was  it  policy,  unless 
certain  of  success.  Yet  I feel  satisfied  that  it  is  sound  policy  in  the  General  Govern- 
ment to  aid  and  assist  the  funds  by  complying  with  the  resolution.  Sure,  I am,  that 
if  the  application  had  not  been  made,  the  city  property  was  commensurate  to  all  the 
public  objects  required;  and  no  doubts  rests  on  my  mind,  if  the  resolution  passes,  but 
it  will  increase  the  funds  far  beyond  the  necessary  demands:  but  I feel  it  a duty  to 
declare,  that  I much  doubt  the  sufficiency  of  the  funds,  provided  this  application 
should,  from  an  ill-timed,  illiberal,  contracted  policy,  miscarry.  The  refusal  of  this 
small  parental  aid  would  strongly  convey  the  idea  and  enforce  belief,  that  the  Gen- 
eral Government  was  not  serious,  not  firmly  fixed  in  their  purpose  of  making  the 
present  location  the  permanent  Seat  of  Congress.  Consequently  a sudden  and  dread- 
ful fall  of  lots,  the  value  of  which  depends  on  public  opinion  respecting  that  event. 

And  thus,  sir,  a sacrifice  of  the  public  interest  must  be  the  result  of  such  mistaken 
policy.  And,  sir,  from  this  loss,  one  of  two  evils  must  follow:  that  is,  we  must  either 
have  direct  recourse  to  the  Federal  Treasury  to  supply  this  deficiency,  or  relinquish 
this  momentous  object,  hitherto  so  solemnly  adopted  after  the  fullest  discussion  by 
the  General  Government.  Sir,  the  first  and  least  of  these  evils  should  be  cautiously 
guarded  against;  but,  sir,  the  second  is  an  evil  of  that  extent  and  magnitude,  that  no 
comprehension,  however  extensive,  can  by  anticipation  arrive  at  the  fatal  result;  nor 
no  language,  however  strong,  paint  it  in  proper  colors,  to  show  fully  its  baneful  effects; 
such  a manifest,  indecent,  impolitic  violation  of  public  faith  and  private  rights, 
acquired  under  the  sanction  of  the  original  law,  would  shake  the  Union  to  the  centre, 
if  not  burst  asunder  those  political  bands  that  so  happily  cement  and  bind  this  wide 
extended  Union  in  the  governmental  compact — the  sheet  anchor  of  America,  on 
which  all  her  strength,  wealth,  and  happiness  must  depend. 

The  motion  for  striking  out  500,000  and  200,000  was  carried,  there  is  a blank  con- 
sequently before  the  word  “dollars;”  no  amendment  was  made  to  the  second 
resolution. 

The  Committee  rose  and  reported  the  two  resolutions  with  the  amendments  to  the 
first. 


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47 


The  amendments  were  taken  into  consideration  by  the  House  and  agreed  to. 

The  question  then  was  on  the  first  resolution  as  amended. 

The  debate  was  renewed  on  the  general  policy  and  expediency  of  the  measure. 

Mr.  Kitchell  was  opposed  to  it.  He  said  the  public  faith  was  sufficiently  pledged 
by  the  act  for  establishing  the  permanent  Seat  of  Government.  He  did  not  suppose 
this  would  be  more  firmly  secured  by  going  into  the  measure.  Adverting  to  the 
exigencies  of  the  Government  for  money,  he  considered  the  present  as  the  most 
improper  time  to  make  any  grants  or  loans;  besides,  he  saw  no  necessity  for  them. 
The  funds  already  in  the  hands  of  the  Commissioners  are  sufficient  to  complete  the 
buildings  for  the  accommodation  of  Congress  in  season.  If  money  should  be  wanted 
at  a more  favorable  time,  there  was  no  doubt  it  would  be  granted ; but  at  present  he 
was  opposed  to  doing  anything  in  the  matter. 

Mr.  .T.  Smith  said  there  was  no  doubt  that  Congress  had  a right  to  withhold  their 
aid  in  this  business  at  the  present  time,  or  any  other:  the  only  question  is,  whether 
the  measure  is  expedient  or  not.  The  committee  had'  thought  it  was  on  the  prin- 
ciples of  economy  and  sound  policy. 

The  first  resolution  was  agreed  to,  fifty-seven  members  rising  in  the  affirmative. 

The  second  resolution  was  also  adopted.  They  were  then  referred  to  the  select 
committee  who  brought  in  the  report,  to  prepare  and  bring  in  a bill  or  bills. 

The  resolutions,  as  amended,  are  as  follows: 

* -x-  * 


[House  proceedings  of  February  22,  1796:  Annals  of  Congress,  4-1,  p.  356.] 

LOAN  TO  THE  CITY  OF  WASHINGTON. 

It  was  moved  that  the  unfinished  business  of  Friday  be  laid  aside,  to  take  up  the 
consideration  of  the  bill  authorizing  a loan  for  the  use  of  the  City  of  Washington. 

The  resolution  being  carried  by  a vote  of  forty-eight  against  thirty-four,  the  House 
formed  itself  into  a Committee  of  the  Whole,  Mr.  Muhlenberg  in  the  Chair,  and  the 
first  section  of  the  bill  being  read,  and  also  the  resolution  of  the  House  authorizing 
the  committee  to  bring  in  the  bill — 

Mr.  Swift  wished  to  know  why  the  committee  had  deviated  from  the  principles 
contained  in  the  resolution  directing  them  to  bring  in  the  bill.  By  this  bill  the 
buildings  in  the  City  of  Washington  are  to  be  conveyed  to  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  though  there  were  no  instructions  in  the  resolution  of  the  House  to  this  effect. 

Mr.  Jeremiah  Smith  said  the  lots  were  conveyed  to  the  President,  in  order  to  reim- 
burse the  loan  authorized  by  the  Senate,  and  as  a security  for  the  sum  to  be  borrowed 
by  the  President,  in  consequence  of  the  present  bill. 

Mr.  Brent  said  the  bill  was  framed  in  a mode  which  the  committee  thought  best 
calculated  to  carry  into  execution  the  resolution  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Swanwick  objected  to  the  bill  on  the  principle,  that  if  the  United  States  were 
to  accept  a grant  of  the  lots  in  the  Federal  City,  they  might,  if  they  thought  proper, 
afterwards  grant  such  a sum  as  they  should  suppose  sufficient  for  completing  the 
public  buildings,  out  of  the  general  funds;  but  he  was  entirely  against  opening  a 
loan  for  the  special  purpose;  first,  because  he  thought  it  degrading  to  the  United 
States  to  have  it  observed  in  Europe,  or  elsewhere,  that  they  could  not  complete  the 
buildings  requisite  for  their  own  immediate  use,  without  making  a loan  for  the  pur- 
pose; and  secondly,  because  he  had  no  notion  of  superadding  to  the  public  faith  any 
security  of  lots,  as  it  might  prove  injurious  to  the  United  States  to  have  loans  opened 
in  various  quarters  on  different  securities,  though  ultimately  bottomed  on  the  same 
stock,  viz:  the  credit  of  the  United  States.  On  these  grounds,  lie  was  for  having  the 
bill  recommitted,  to  be  new  modified. 


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Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Nicholas  offered  his  observations  upon  the  bill;  but  from  the  firing  of  cannon, 
the  beating  of  drums,  &c.,  which  took  place  during  his  speaking,  in  honor  of  the 
President’s  birth  day,  the  reporter  could  not  hear  his  sentiments  sufficiently  distinct 
to  attempt  an  abridgement  of  them. 

Mr.  S.  Smith  moved  that  the  fourth  section  of  the  bill  offering  lots  as  a security  of 
money  borrowed,  be  struck  out  as  altogether  unnecessary. 

Mr.  Ckabb  said  the  lots  were  not  offered  in  aid  of  the  credit  of  the  United  States; 
but  as  a security  to  them  for  the  money  borrowed  under  their  authority. 

Mr.  Brent  said,  if  this  section  of  the  bill  was  struck  out,  the  object  of  it  would  be 
defeated.  The  preceding  clause  provides  for  the  conveying  of  the  lots  to  the  Presi- 
dent as  a security  for  any  sum  of  money  he  shall  borrow  for  completing  the 
buildings.  And  provided  the  property  be  not  equal  to  the  payment  of  the  money 
borrowed,  the  United  States  guarantee  the  making  good  the  deficiency.  If  this 
clause  were  struck  out,  the  lenders  of  money  would  have  no  further  security,  if  the 
buildings  were  not  sufficient  to  pay.  So  that,  after  passing  this  act,  the  business 
would  remain  in  the  same  state  it  was  in  before  the  House  took  it  up.  It  has  been 
said,  that  it  would  be  derogatory  to  the  dignity  of  the  United  States  to  offer  these 
lots  as  a security,  in  addition  to  their  own  credit;  but,  that  a person  should  become 
disreputable  by  offering  too  ample  a security,  was  a novel  doctrine  to  him;  and  that 
gentleman’s  ideas  of  dignity  and  his,  were  so  opposite,  as  not  likely  to  meet.  It 
has  been  said,  that  it  will  be  necessary  to  open  a loan  for  600,000  dollars  on  the 
public  account,  and  he  could  not  see  the  dishonor  of  opening  a loan  for  this  object 
more  than  for  that.  The  form  of  the  act  was  necessary  to  secure  the  repayment  of 
money  received  by  the  Commissioners,  and  it  was  necessary  that  the  lots  should  be 
conveyed  to  the  President  as  a guarantee  for  the  money  borrowed.  He  was,  there- 
fore, for  the  bill  remaining  in  its  present  form. 

Mr.  Swift  thought  the  faith  of  the  United  States  sufficient  for  moneylenders,  and 
expressed  his  disapprobation  of  the  bill  in  other  respects. 

Mr.  Hillhouse  said,  if  it  would  be  in  order,  he  should  wish  to  move  that  the 
Committee  rise,  and  that  the  bill  be  recommitted  in  order  to  have  it  moulded  into  a 
somewhat  different  form. 

Mr.  Dayton  wished,  as  there  was  matter  perfectly  new  to  him  introduced  into  this 
bill,  that  the  Committee  would  rise,  that  the  bill  might  be  recommitted,  and  formed 
agreeably  to  the  resolution  of  that  House  authorizing  it  to  be  brought  in. 

Mr.  Jeremiah  Smith  had  the  greatest  respect  for  the  opinion  of  the  last  speaker; 
but  could  not  see  the  difference  stated  by  him  to  exist  between  this  bill  and  the 
resolution  authorizing  the  committee  to  bring  it  in.  This  he  endeavored  to  show  at 
considerable  length,  and  observed,  that  the  committee  did  not  conceive  themselves 
confined  to  the  words,  but  to  the  spirit  of  the  resolution. 

Mr.  Nicholas  justified  the  form  of  the  bill,  as  being  agreeable  to  the  resolution  of 
the  House,  and  said  if  the  fourth  section  was  struck  out,  the  law  would  be  destroyed 
altogether. 

Mr.  Sedgwick  wished  the  bill  to  take  a different  form. 

Mr.  Madison  did  not  see  any  necessity  for  the  Committee  to  rise.  He  thought  the 
bill  conformable  to  the  resolution  of  the  House,  and  sufficiently  simple  in  itself. 

Mr.  Swift  was  for  having  the  bill  recommitted.  He  wished  to  know  how  far  a 
committee  had  the  power  to  deviate  from  a resolution  instructing  them  to  bring  in  a 
bill.  He  said  there  were  new  principles  introduced  into  this  bill  which  he  could 
not  agree  to.  .» 

Mr.  Gallatin  said  there  was  no  necessity  for  recommitting  the  bill.  If  any  pro- 
visions of  the  bill  required  amendment,  the  present  was  the  time  to  amend  them. 
He,  therefore,  saw  no  ground  for  the  Committee  to  rise  on  that  head. 

Mr.  Yarniim  said  he  understood  a motion  had  been  yesterday  made  to  strike  out 
the  fourth  clause  of  the  bill ; but  the  gentleman  who  had  made  the  motion  not  appear- 
ing in  his  place,  he  renewed  the  motion  to  strike  out  that  clause. 


The  Old  Building. 


49 


Mr.  Murray  thought  that  clause  essential.  For  though  he  believed  the  lots  worth 
considerably  more  than  the  money  proposed  to  be  borrowed,  yet  more  implicit  confi- 
dence would  be  placed  on  the  security,  and  it  would  be  a means  of  accelerating  the 
business,  if  the  sanction  of  the  guarantee  of  the  United  States  was  added  to  it. 

Mr.  Varnum  objected  to  the  United  States  guaranteeing  this  loan.  He  did  not 
know  with  any  certainty  what  would  be  the  expense  of  the  proposed  buildings,  or 
the  extent  of  them.  To  guarantee  this  loan,  was  to  guarantee  what  they  knew  not; 
and  if  they  guaranteed  it,  he  believed  they  would  have  the  money  to  pay.  He  was 
of  opinion  the  whole  of  the  buildings  necessary  for  the  use  of  Government  might  be 
built  for  a less  sum  than  was  asked  to  finish  what  was  already  begun.  Why  should 
the  United  States  guarantee  this  loan?  Because  it  would  be  for  the  interest  of  cer- 
tain individuals.  It  would  be  the  interest  of  the  United  States  to  sell  the  whole  of 
the  lots  and  then  guarantee  a loan.  At  any  rate,  before  the  United  States  went  into 
the  business,  they  ought  to  know  to  what  extent  they  pledged  themselves. 

Mr.  Harper  wished  to  suggest  some  ideas  by  which  the  question  might  be  imme- 
diately taken.  The  first  plan  was,  that  the  Commissioners  of  the  Federal  City  mort- 
gage the  property,  and  that  the  United  States  should  give  security;  another  plan 
was,  that  the  property  should  be  vested  in  the  United  States,  and  assigned  to  the 
President.  He  thought  the  latter  plan  the  best,  but  it  would  be  extremely  proper 
that  the  sense  of  the  Committee  should  be  expressed.  If  the  motion,  then,  for  the 
Committee  to  rise  could  be  withdrawn  he  would  move  to  strike  out  certain  words, 
to  introduce  the  proposed  amendment. 

Mr.  Giles  wished  the  subject  to  go  before  the  committee  again;  but,  he  said  it  was 
necessary  they  should  have  instructions  upon  which  to  act,  as  they  could  not  be 
guided  by  a debate  of  that  House  only. 

Several  members  calling  for  a rising  of  the  Committee,  it  rose,  and  asked  leave  to 
sit  again. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  23,  1796:  Annals  of  Congress,  4 — 1,  p.  358.] 

LOAN  FOR  THE  CITY  OF  WASHINGTON. 

The  House  having  resolved  itself  into  a Committee  of  the  Whole,  on  the  bill  for 
authorizing  a loan  for  the  use  of  the  City  of  Washington. 

Mr.  Williams  proposed  an  amendment,  which,  after  a few  observations  from  Mr. 
Murray  and  Mr.  Jeremiah  Smith,  was  withdrawn. 

Mr.  Brent  was  very  desirous  that  a final  decision  should  be  come  to  on  the  sub- 
ject; as  whilst  it  was  yet  pending,  the  property  in  the  Federal  City  was  subject  to 
much  speculation,  the  minds  of  persons  concerned  were  kept  in  an  unsettled  situa- 
tion, and  the  season  was  advancing  in  which  the  Commissioners  wished  to  take  steps 
to  forward  the  undertaking.  He  answered  the  objections  which  had  been  made 
against  the  form  of  the  bill,  and  justified  the  conduct  of  the  committee.  He 
remarked  upon  what  had  been  said  with  respect  to  the  security  offered  for  the  medi- 
tated loan.  He  acknowledged  that  the  credit  of  the  LYiited  States  was  good  for  any 
amount,  and  said  that  the  lots  were  intended  as  a security  to  the  United  States,  and 
not  to  the  persons  who  subscribed  money  to  the  intended  loan. 

Mr.  S.  Smith  understood  that  the  Commissioners  of  the  Federal  City  were  to  make 
the  loan  in  their  own  name;  but  in  this  bill  the  President  of  the  United  States  guar- 
antees the  loan,  which,  he  thought,  would  interfere  with  the  interests  of  the  United 
States.  He  should,  therefore,  vote  for  a recommitment.  The  fourth  clause  of  the 
bill,  he  thought  useless,  and  objected  to  the  making  of  a loan  with  a mortgage  of  lots. 
But  though  he  made  these  objections  to  the  bill,  he  was  in  favor  of  furnishing  money 
to  complete  the  works  in  this  city. 

H.  Rep.  640 


4 


50 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Crabb  said  the  fourth  section  was  a necessary  part  of  the  bill,  which  was  to 
complete  a great  national  object.  He  could  not  see,  therefore,  why  it  should  be 
objected  to.  If,  indeed,  gentlemen  wished  to  defeat  the  whole  business  it  would  be 
well  for  them  to  declare  their  intentions  at  once.  It  has  been  said,  if  the  United 
States  make  the  guarantee,  there  is  no  security,  but  they  may  have  to  pay  the  money. 
There  was  all  the  security  that,  could  be  expected — a vestment  of  the  lots.  It  was 
laudable  to  attend  to  economy  in  public  affairs;  but  there  would  be  no  economy  in 
refusing  to  make  the  guarantee  required,  but  the  reverse;  as,  in  that  case,  the  prop- 
erty would  not  sell  for  one-third  of  its  value;  and  if  the  Government  was  to  be 
removed  there  at  the  time  proposed,  the  money  for  completing  the  necessary  build- 
ings, would  have  to  be  drawn  from  the  Treasury.  He  expatiated  at  considerable 
length  on  the  merits  of  the  bill,  and  insisted  upon  its  conformity  to  the  resolution 
empowering  the  committee  to  bring  it  in. 

Mi'.  II  i LLHorsE  was  in  some  degree  of  the  same  opinion  with  the  member  last  up. 
But  he  thought  it  impossible  to  draw  a bill  which  should  perfectly  correspond  with 
the  resolution  of  the  House  so  frequently  referred  to.  It  had  been  said  yesterday 
that  it  was  not  possible  to  frame  a bill  more  conformable  to  the  resolution  than  the 
one  now  under  discussion.  To  show  that  this  was  possible,  he  had  drawn  up  a clause 
which  would  make  the  bill  in  perfect  unison  with  the  resolution.  [He  read  the 
clause.]  The  bill,  so  altered,  would  not  tie  up  the  lots  so  that  they  cannot  be  sold 
to  raise  the  money.  And  if  this  clause  was  adopted,  the  United  States  would  not  be 
called  upon  for  the  money.  He  wished,  therefore,  the  Committee  to  rise,  and  recom- 
mit the  bill. 

Mr.  W.  Lyman  was  against  the  Committee  rising.  He  wished  the  sense  of  the 
House  to  be  taken,  whether  it  was  in  favor  of  the  United  States  guaranteeing  the 
loan,  or  not.  He  did  not  see  anything  material  in  the  bill  which  was  not  in  the  res- 
olution of  the  House,  except  what  related  to  public  squares. 

Mr.  Murray  said,  to  strike  out  the  fourth  section  of  the  bill  would  be  to  do  violence 
to  the  property  in  the  Federal  City.  The  first  clause  transfers  the  property  into  the 
hands  of  the  President,  and  now  objections  are  raised  against  the  clause  necessary 
to  complete  the  business.  If  gentlemen  mean  to  destroy  the  bill  altogether,  it 
should  be  done  in  a way  not  to  injure  the  property  of  individuals. 

Mr.  Rutherford  spoke  in  favor  of  the  bill. 

Mr.  Swanwick  was  in  favor  of  the  Committee’s  rising  for  the  purpose  of  recom- 
mitting the  bill.  He  objected  to  the  bill  generally  upon  the  same  ground  as 
yesterday,  with  respect  to  joining  the  securities  of  the  lots,  and  the  faith  of  the 
United  States  together.  He  asked  how  the  passing  of  this  bill  could  give  value  to 
the  buildings  of  the  Federal  City?  Is  it  not  already  enacted  that  Congress  shall  sit 
there  in  the  year  1801?  The  value  of  the  lots  was  to  be  increased  only  by  selling 
them  to  a number  of  persons.  The  city  must  owe  its  prosperity  to  its  peculiar 
advantages  as  a commercial  spot,  and  not  from  its  being  the  Seat  of  Government. 
It  was,  therefore,  the  interest  of  the  United  States  to  sell  the  lots  and  induce 
people  to  settle  there.  The  higher  price  the  lots  bore,  the  greater  would  be  the 
obstacles  to  settlement.  If  it  was  the  intention  of  the  United  States  to  grant  money 
for  the  completion  of  the  building,  let  the  House  say  so.  When  it  was  first  proposed 
to  move  the  Government  to  the  Federal  City,  it  was  said  that  it  would  be  the 
interest  of  persons  to  give  lots  to  encourage  the  Government  to  come  there.  The 
security  now  asked  for  was  never  contemplated.  He  had,  however,  no  objection  to 
the  United  States  granting  money,  but  he  was  against  the  making  of  two  loans,  one 
on  the  credit  of  the  United  States,  and  another  on  that  of  the  United  States  and 
certain  lots. 

Mr.  Dayton  did  not  altogether  like  the  present  motion,  and  he  was  against  the 
form  of  the  bill.  He  wished  it  to  be  determined,  whether  the  United  States  were 
only  to  become  eventually  guarantees  for  the  money  borrowed,  and  whether  on  the 


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51 


sale  of  any  lot  it  should  be  exonerated  from  the  loan.  The  property  he  should  wish 
to  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Commissioners,  or  in  the  President,  to  make  sale 
of  it. 

Mr.  Gallatin  was  against  the  Committee  rising,  and  against  the  bill  being  recom- 
mitted, until  principles  be  agreed  upon  on  which  they  mean  the  bill  to  be  recom- 
mitted. Two  or  three  plans,  directly  contrary  to  each  other,  are  produced,  yet  all 
are  in  favor  of  a recommitment.  It  was  necessary  first  to  establish  the  principle. 
A gentleman  had  said  he  had  drawn  up  a clause,  which  would  completely  carry  the 
resolution  of  the  House  into  effect,  but  he  thought  the  bill  before  the  House  more 
conformable  to  that  resolution  than  the  clause  proposed,  which  contains  a different 
principle.  He  wished,  therefore,  that  the  gentleman  would  withdraw  his  motion, 
for  the  purpose  of  settling  the  principle. 

Mr.  Hilliiouse  had  no  objection  to  withdraw  his  motion. 

Mr.  Jeremiah  Smith  thought  it  would  be  economical  in  the  United  States  to  guar- 
antee the  Loan.  He  thought  the  substitute  offered  for  a clause  of  the  bill  more  defect- 
ive than  the  one  it  was  meant  to  supply.  He  said  the  United  States  would  not  lie 
actually  responsible  for  any  part  of  the  money  borrowed;  and  the  committee  had 
thought  they  could  not  do  better  than  place  the  property  under  the  direction  of  the 
President  ; but  if  it  was  thought  too  heavy  a burden  to  be  laid  upon  him,  the  business 
might  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Secretary  of  State  or  Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 

Mr.  S.  Smith  said,  the  House  was  willing  to  give  its  responsibility;  the  way  of 
doing  it,  was  the  matter  contended  for.  If  the  fourth  clause  had  been  agreed  upon 
to  be  struck  out,  he  should  have  introduced  another  in  its  place.  If  the  bill  remained 
in  its  present  state,  he  said,  the  United  States  cannot  sell  the  lots;  the  people,  there- 
fore, who  go  there,  must  purchase  of  speculators,  who  may  ask  what  price  they 
please.  It  has  been  said,  to  strike  out  the  fourth  section  would  be  to  destroy  the  bill; 
if  so,  he  would  not  vote  for  it.  If  the  fourth  section  were  struck  out,  he  would 
return  to  the  second,  and  make  some  alteration  in  it,  so  as  to  pledge  the  faith  of  the 
United  States.  It  was  ridiculous,  he  said,  to  think  of  mortgaging  lots  for  the  money 
to  be  borrowed;  there  was  no  occasion  for  a counter-security  to  the  faith  of  the 
United  States.  The  bill,  in  its  present  form,  was  calculated  to  advance  the  price  of 
the  lots  for  the  interest  of  speculators.  He  would  have  the  faith  of  the  United 
States  pledged  for  the  proposed  Loan,  and  the  lots  consigned  to  them  as  a security. 
He  saw  no  occasion  for  the  first  section  of  the  bill,  as  he  believed  the  property  already 
vested  in  the  United  States,  and  that  the  Commissioners  cannot  convey  any  lots 
without  the  consent  of  the  President — at  least,  that  they  out  not  to  do  it.  He 
wished  the  Loan  to  be  made  by  the  Commissioners,  with  the  guarantee  of  the  United 
States. 

Mr.  Crabb  replied  to  the  arguments  of  the  last  speaker,  and  noticed  what  had 
fallen  from  Mr.  Swanwick  on  the  subject  of  tacking  the  faith  of  the  United  States 
and  the  lots  together.  He  said  that  gentleman  knew  it  to  be  the  practice  of  bankers 
to  require  endorsers  to  the  notes  of  men  of  the  lirst  property,  and  the  guarantee  of 
the  United  States  was  on  the  same  principle.  There  would  be  no  necessity  for  the 
guarantee  of  the  United  States,  if  the  property  was  as  well  known  in  Europe  as  it  is 
known  here.  He  said,  the  House  had  the  assurance  of  the  President,  that  if  the 
property  was  duly  attended  to,  it  would  be  worth  all  the  money  borrowed.  P>ut  sup- 
pose the  property  was  not  worth  the  money,  the  passing  of  this  bill  will  not  lessen, 
but  increase  its  value.  He  said,  the  faith  of  the  United  States  was  already  pledged, 
and  they  were  bound  to  pass  the  present  bill. 

Mr.  Murray  thought  it  would  save  time,  if  the  motion  for  striking  out  the  fourth 
section  was  withdrawn,  for  the  purpose  of  considering  the  first  and  second  sections. 

Mr.  Varnum  consented  to  this,  but  again  cautioned  the  House  against  guarantee- 
ing what  they  did  not  know  the  extent  of.  He  believed  the  property  would  not  be 
equal  to  the  money  to  be  borrowed;  and  although  the  President  considered  the 


52 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


property  as  of  that  value,  yet  it  became  them,  as  a branch  of  the  Legislature,  to  be 
convinced  of  it  also.  If  it  be  true  that  there  is  money  enough  in  the  hands  of  the 
Commissioners  to  complete  the  buildings,  there  is  no  occasion  for  this  Loan. 

Mr.  Jeremiah  Smith  said,  the  committee  who  brought  in  the  bill  thought,  as  the 
United  States  were  made  responsible,  they  ought  to  have  a security  under  their 
immediate  control.  If  this  had  not  been  the  case,  he  should  have  been  against  the 
bill.  He  went  into  an  explanation  of  the  nature  of  the  Federal  City  property,  and 
showed  that  gentlemen  were  mistaken  when  they  said  that  the  United  States  had 
already  the  property  in  their  hands;  they  had  no  control  over  it,  and  could  not  pre- 
vent the  Commissioners  from  alienating  it,  but  if  this  bill  pass,  they  will  have  that 
power,  and  security  for  the  Loan  proposed  to  be  negotiated. 

Mr.  Dayton  conceived  the  object  of  reconsidering  the  first  and  second  clause  was 
to  reconcile  two  opposite  principles  introduced;  this,  he  said,  might  be  done  by  mov- 
ing to  strike  out  a part  of  the  first,  or  a part  of  the  second  clause;  he  thought  the 
latter  would  be  the  best. 

Mr.  LIillhouse  wished  to  move  to  strike  out  the  first  section,  in  order  to  introduce 
another,  which  he  read,  for  guaranteeing  only  a part,  instead  of  the  whole  Loan.  He 
thought  the  business  should  still  remain  in  the  hands  of  the  Commissioners. 

Mr.  Giles  thought  the  plan  proposed  by  the  member  from  New  Jersey  best  adapted 
to  taking  the  sense  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Dayton  proposed  an  amendment  to  the  second  section,  which  went  to  the  pre- 
venting of  lots  being  mortgaged,  and  to  enable  the  President  to  sell  them. 

Mr.  Jeremiah  Smith  would  not  oppose  the  motion,  though  he  thought  there  was 
no  necessity  for  it,  as  he  believed  the  President  would  have  the  same  power  as  the 
bill  stood. 

Mr.  Brent  said,  it  was  the  wish  of  the  committee  that  the  property  might  remain 
in  the  hands  of  the  President,  to  be  disposed  of  as  he  thought  proper;  but  as  differ- 
ent members  seem  to  think  the  property  will  not  be  at  sufficient  liberty  to  be  sold, 
by  the  bill  as  it  stands,  he  should  vote  for  the  amendment.  It  had  been  said,  by  a 
member,  that  before  he  voted  for  the  bill,  he  should  wish  for  information  respecting 
the  extent  of  the  intended  Loan,  &c.  If  that  gentleman  had  attended  to  the  docu- 
ments laid  before  the  House,  he  would  have  seen  accounts  of  all  the  money  received 
and  expended,  and  how  much  was  necessary  to  complete  the  business.  He  may, 
therefore,  be  easy  on  that  subject.  It  had  been  said,  if  the  lots  be  a sufficient 
surety  for  the  Loan,  why  guarantee  it?  At  present,  he  said,  they  were  not  suf- 
ficient. Mr.  B.  observed,  that  the  bill  before  them  would  be  considered  as  the 
touchstone  to  determine  whether  the  Seat  of  Government  will  go  to  the  banks  of 
the  Potomac,  or  not.  Motives  of  policy  and  economy,  and  objections  to  increasing 
the  Public  Debt,  will  not  apply  in  this  case.  The  very  act  provides  funds  to 
guarantee  the  Loan;  for  though  the  property,  until  the  proposed  Loan  be  guaran- 
teed, would  sell  for  a mere  trifle,  when  it  is  guaranteed  it  will  sell  for  a great 
price.  So  great  a difference  would  it  make,  that  he  believed  property  which  will 
then  sell  for  two  millions  of  dollars,  would  not  otherwise  be  worth  one  hundred 
thousand  dollars.  If,  therefore,  gentlemen  are  against  the  bill  from  economical 
views,  they  are  mistaken;  for,  it  was  his  opinion,  the  property  would  not  only  j >ay 
off  the  Loan,  but  eventually  be  a considerable  fund  towards  the  discharge  of  the 
Public  Debt.  It  had  been  suggested  that  the  United  States  were  under  no  obliga- 
tion to  make  this  guarantee.  He  thought  differently;  he  believed  the  credit  of  the 
United  States  materially  concerned.  The  public  have  relied  fully  upon  the  counte- 
nance of  Government  in  this  business;  many  persons,  indeed,  have  made  great  sac- 
rifices to  procure  lots  in  this  new  city,  and  if,  after  holding  out  temptations  to  people, 
the  Government  should  not  go  there  at  the  proposed  time,  all  these  persons  will  be 
ruined,  and  a stain  will  be  laid  upon  the  national  character.  He  hoped,  therefore, 
no  objection  would  be  made  to  carrying  the  bill  into  effect. 


The  Old  Building. 


53 


Mr.  Sedgwick  could  not  assent  to  the  proposed  amendment.  He  had  no  objection 
to  the  guarantee,  but  lie  did  not  consider  the  United  States  as  under  any  obligations 
to  provide  accommodations  for  the  Government  in  the  Federal  City.  The  friends 
of  the  act  when  it  passed,  every  one  who  was  present  at  the  time  must  remember, 
disclaimed  all  intention  of  calling  on  Government  for  this  purpose;  he  could  not 
conceive,  therefore,  with  the  gentleman  who  spoke  last,  that  the  faith  of  the  United 
States  was  any  way  pledged.  Motives  of  accommodation  would,  however,  influence 
him  to  vote  in  favor  of  the  guarantee.  But  he  was  against  the  amendment;  as,  if 
the  funds  proved  inadequate,  every  one  would  look  to  Government  to  make  good 
the  deficiency.  He  was  willing  to  guarantee  the  loan  of  half  a million.  To  pledge 
the  United  States  for  the  whole  of  the  deficiency,  if  ever  so  great,  he  was  not  willing. 

Mr.  Murray  thought  the  objection  of  the  last  speaker  might  be  done  away  with 
by  an  attention  to  the  third  section  of  the  bill,  which  says  the  President  shall  sell 
the  lots,  to  make  good  the  Loan.  He  hoped  the  amendment  would  pass. 

Mr.  Gallatin  said,  an  objection  was  made  to  the  amendment,  because  it  was  a 
deviation  from  the  original  law.  We  are  told,  said  he,  of  a sort  of  contract,  and 
members  are  called  upon  to  recollect  the  conditions.  He  should,  however,  follow 
the  law.  It  is  said,  that  Government  shall  be  at  such  a place,  in  such  a year;  hut  if 
they  change  their  mind,  they  may  establish  Government  where  they  please.  The 
question  is,  whether  the  law  is  to  be  carried  into  effect  or  not.  He  believed  they 
had  the  power  to  determine  this.  The  law  says  the  Government  shall  be  transferred 
at  a certain  time;  by  another  law,  certain  buildings  are  to  be  erected  by  the  Presi- 
dent. The  law  must,  therefore,  either  be  carried  into  effect  or  repealed.  The 
amendment  under  consideration,  Mr.  G.  said,  placed  the  Loan  on  the  credit  of  the 
United  States,  and  not  on  the  lots.  It  was  possible  they  might  have  occasion  to 
borrow  money  on  public  account,  and  it  would  be  an  awkward  circumstance  to  have 
two  different  kinds  of  Loans.  By  this  amendment,  the  President  has  also  the  power 
to  sell  the  lots  when  he  pleases,  and  either  pay  off  the  Loan  with  the  money  or 
deposit  it  in  the  Treasury.  He  was,  therefore,  for  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Sedgwick  explained. 

The  Committee  now  rose,  and  asked  leave  to  sit  again. 


[House  proceedings  of  February  24,  1796:  Annals  of  Congress,  4 — 1,  p.  364.] 

LOAN  TO  THE  CITY  OF  WASHINGTON. 

The  House  having  resolved  itself  into  a Committee  of  the  Whole,  Mr.  Muhlenberg 
in  the  Chair,  on  the  bill  for  authorizing  a Loan  for  the  use  of  the  Federal  City — 

Mr.  Swift  observed,  it  had  been  said  that  the  fate  of  the  bill  depended  upon  the 
fourth  section;  he  thought  not.  He  was  ready  to  guarantee  the  Loan,  but  would 
have  the  money  obtained  on  the  lots,  and  the  faith  of  the  United  States  pledged  only 
for  any  deficiency  which  might  remain  eventually.  He  wished  to  keep  the  United 
States  as  detached  from  the  subject  as  possible,  by  letting  it  remain  in  the  same  chan- 
nel which  was  intended  by  the  original  act.  The  Commissioners  might  then  pro- 
ceed as  usual.  If  this  plan  was  adopted,  he  would  move  not  to  strike  out  the  words 
proposed  to  be  struck  out;  as,  when  the  principle  was  settled,  he  should  wish  the 
bill  to  be  recommitted. 

Mr.  Havens  did  not  think  the  motion  for  striking  out  certain  words  of  great  impor- 
tance. Pie  saw  no  impropriety  in  borrowing  money  on  lots;  he  did  not  think  money 
lenders  would  be  influenced  in  any  considerable  degree  by  the  lots  being  in  the 
security;  but  if  it  was  the  opinion  of  the  majority  of  members,  that  this  would  be  the 
better  plan,  he  should  not  object  to  it. 


54 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Dayton  said  the  words  moved  to  be  struck  out  were  certainly  of  consequence, 
as  they  admitted  of  two  constructions.  If  the  amendment  took  place,  he  said,  the 
United  States  would  not  be  pledged,  as  had  been  stated,  to  finish  the  buildings;  all 
they  would  be  pledged  for  would  be  to  make  good  any  deficiency  which  there  might 
be  before  the  sum  guaranteed  by  the  present  Dill  and  the  amount  of  the  sale  of  the 
lots.  If,  indeed,  the  lots  produce  more  money  than  will  pay  off  the  Loan,  then  the 
surplus  might  be  applied  to  the  finishing  of  other  buildings;  but  he  did  not  consider 
the  United  States  pledged  by  the  present  bill  to  a greater  amount  than  the  sum  with 
which  the  blank  in  the  bill  would  be  filled  up. 

Mr.  Swift  said,  his  wish  was  that  the  business  should  go  on  in  the  hands  of  the 
Commissioners,  as  heretofore.  This  bill,  he  said,  changes  the  original  principle  of 
the  plan,  by  placing  the  whole  of  the  property  in  the  hands  of  the  United  States, 
leaving  it  with  them  to  complete  the  buildings.  When  once  this  is  determined,  he 
said,  the  United  States  might  consider  the  Federal  City  as  a child  of  their  own;  and 
the  moment  it  is  known  that  the  Government  has  interfered  in  the  matter,  every 
expense  attending  it  will  be  increased.  This  Avas  a necessary  consequence,  and 
ought  to  be  guarded  against. 

Mr.  Williams  was  in  favor  of  the  buildings  remaining  in  the  hands  of  the  Commis- 
sioners. He  could  Avish  to  move,  in  order  to  have  an  important  principle  decided  upon 
by  the  committee,  that  the  words  “the  President  of  the  U nited  States  ’ ’ be  expunged. 
Until  this  was  decided  upon,  he  said,  they  might  go  on  from  day  today,  without  mak- 
ing any  progress  in  the  business.  [On  being  informed  by  the  Chairman  that,  his  motion 
was  not  in  order,  Mr.  W.  proceeded  to  remark  generally.]  He  said  it  was  imprudent 
to  go  farther  than  the  original  law  intended.  When  business  of  this  sort,  he  said,  is 
taken  up  by  public  bodies,  there  is  no  end  of  the  expense.  It  had  been  said,  great 
economy  had  been  used  by  the  Commissioners;  he  did  not  think  so.  He  called  for 
the  reading  of  a paper,  which  lay  on  the  Clerk’s  table,  stating  the  expense  already 
incurred;  which  being  read,  he  remarked,  that  for  the  single  article  of  surveying 
alone,  more  than  twenty-two  thousand  dollars  had  been  paid.  It  had  been  com- 
puted, he  he  said,  that  700,000  dollars  would  complete  the  contemplated  buildings, 
but  when  the  high  price  of  materials  and  labor  were  considered,  most  gentlemen 
would  think  Avith  him  that  it  would  require  three  times  that  sum.  It  Avas  calculated, 
he  said,  the  other  day,  that  t.Avo  hundred  thousand  dollars  would  complete  the  build- 
ings for  the  reception  of  Congress.  There  AAere  now  lots  sold  to  the  amount  of  three 
hundred  thousand  dollars;  but  it  is  supposed  there  Avill  be  a failure  in  the  payment 
of  this  sum;  but  it  has  not  been  stated  Avhy.  Is  it  right,  said  he,  for  GoArernment  to 
interfere  in  this  business,  to  ad  vance  the  value  of  property  purchased  by  individuals 
on  speculation?  When  they  legislated,  he  said,  they  should  legislate  with  their  eyes 
open.  A gentleman  had  said,  that,  members  Avbo  opposed  the  bill  would  do  Avell  to 
throw  off  the  cloak;  he  Avished  the  cloak  to  be  thrown  off  on  all  sides.  But  Ave  are 
told,  that  if  Ave  do  not  give  energy  to  this  business  the  public  Avill  not  have  assurance 
that  the  Government  will  be  removed  to  the  Federal  City  at  the  appointed  time. 
There  Avas  no  ground  for  this  remark,  as  the  original  act  stood  unrepealed,  and  he 
hoped  would  remain  so.  He  Avished  to  keep  that  act  in  view,  and  not  A-ary  from  it. 
Fie  said  the  public  buildings  had  been  begun  upon  a Avrong  principle — upon  a plan 
much  too  magnificent;  they  Avere  more  so  than  any  palace  in  Europe:  they  would 
cost  a million  of  dollars  more  than  calculated.  And,  said  he,  everything  must 
be  in  proportion:  the  officers  Avho  go  into  those  palaces  must  haA'e  their  salaries 
proportioned  to  the  grandeur  of  their  habitations. 

Mr.  Williams  supposed  he  should  be  told  this  land  Avas  a gift — but  Avhere  is  the 
gift?  Was  not  every  other  lot  reserved  to  the  proprietors?  and  are  not  these  lots 
noAv  more  valuable  than  the  Avhole  Avas  Avhen  it  Avas  first  laid  out  for  a city?  It  had 
been  resolved,  he  said,  that,  the  permanent  Seat  of  Government  should  be  in  this 
city,  and  he  was  Avilling  it  should  be  so.  He  did  not  think  Avith  some  members,  that 


The  Old  Building. 


55 


by  keeping  the  lots  in  hand  they  would  increase  in  value ; he  thought  the  contrary. 
He  wished  the  House  would  agree  to  complete  the  public  buildings  alone;  for,  he 
believed,  the  instant  the  United  States  guaranteed  a loan  they  would  have  it  to  pay, 
and  he  did  not  think  it  right  to  engage  in  anything  likely  to  increase  the  public  debt. 
He  t hought  the  best  plan  would  be  to  sell  the  whole  of  the  lots  whilst  they  will  bring 
a high  price — he  should  not  object,  however,  to  a reasonable  guarantee,  but  would, 
by  no  means  consent  to  the  United  States  taking  the  business  wholly  into  their  own 
hands. 

Mr.  Dearborn  said,  there  appeared  a reluctance  to  give  the  House  the  documents 
relative  to  the  public  buildings.  The  committee,  he  said,  should  receive  some 
information  on  the  subject  of  the  money  due  on  account  of  lots  sold,  with  respect  to 
a part  of  it  being  doubtful. 

Mr.  Brent  believed,  if  the  gentleman  examined  the  memorial  of  the  Commission- 
ers, he  would  find  the  papers  alluded  to.  The  Commissioners  who  made  sale  of  the 
property,  he  said,  were  not  now  the  Commissioners.  The  contracts  they  made  were 
supposed  to  be  good  at  that  time.  The  first  stipulated  payment  had  been  made,  the 
second  had  been  some  time  due,  and  was  not  paid.  There  was,  therefore,  reason  to 
believe  there  would  be  some  failures.  It  was  one  of  the  conditions  of  these  contracts, 
that  a certain  number  of  houses  should  be  built  in  a given  time.  Part  of  these  houses 
have  been  erected;  he  believed  there  were  nearly  300.  There  is  no  danger,  there- 
fore, he  said,  if  the  purchasers  should  not  complete  their  contract,  of  there  being  any 
eventual  loss;  but,  in  the  meantime,  immediate  resources  are  wanting  to  prosecute 
the  buildings  in  hand. 

Mr-.  Giles  wished  this  subject  might  be  treated  with  candor.  He  hoped  gentlemen 
who  were  opposed  to  the  principle  of  the  bill,  would  allow  the  committee  to  form  as 
unobjectionable  a bill  as  they  were  able.  He  thought  it  unfair  to  prevent  a thing 
being  brought  into  as  perfect  a state  as  possible,  by  attempting  to  destroy  it.  When 
the  bill  has  received  its  final  shape,  gentlemen  could  then  object  to  it  if  they  chose. 
The  present  question  was  on  the  striking  out  of  certain  words,  which  he  did  not 
think  material.  The  arguments  in  favor  of  striking  out  on  the  ground  of  a double 
construction,  had  some  weight,  but  he  did  not  think  the  objection  valid.  The 
guarantee,  said  he,  will  be  sufficient  to  satisfy  every  purchaser;  but  it  was  said,  the 
object  of  this  motion  was  to  reconcile  different  opinions;  if  that  could  be  done  he 
had  no  objection  to  it. 

Mr.  Giles  wished  to  remark  on  what  had  fallen  from  a member  from  Pennsylvania 
yesterday,  with  respect  to  the  law  providing  for  the  removal  of  the  Seat  of  Govern- 
ment. That  law,  he  said,  differed  from  all  others.  The  Constitution,  itself,  he  said, 
prescribes  the  rule,  the  act  only  fixes  the  spot  where  it  should  be  carried  into  effect. 
The  act  is,  therefore,  not  repealable.  The  Constitution  does  not  give  a power  to  fix 
upon  two  spots,  but  upon  one  spot.  He  thought  it  necessary  to  make  this  remark, 
lest  he  might  be  supposed  to  countenance  the  opinion  he  combated.  It  had  been 
remarked  that  it  would  be  in  some  degree  degrading  to  the  United  States  to  borrow 
money  on  the  credit  of  lots;  he  thought  differently,  and  showed  that  it  was  a com- 
mon thing  in  Governments  to  borrow  money  on  different  funds.  It  had  been  wished 
to  disconnect  the  Government  from  the  business.  Whilst  Government  guaranteed 
the  loan,  he  said,  it  would  make  no  difference  whether  the  loan  was  bottomed  on 
the  lots  or  otherwise.  The  nature  of  the  engagement  was  the  same.  The  question 
was  whether  the  House  would  agree  to  guarantee  the  loan,  or  not. 

Mr.  Swanwick  explained  what  he  had  said  on  the  nature  of  loans,  justifying  his 
remarks  on  the  impolicy  of  going  to  Amsterdam  to  borrow  money  to  complete  a 
building  for  their  Legislature  to  meet  in. 

Mr.  Venable  did  not  feel  the  delicacy  of  the  member  who  spoke  last,  on  the  sub- 
ject of  borrowing  money  to  carry  into  effect  the  present  bill.  He  believed  that  gen- 
tleman was  not  disposed  to  give  the  assistance  required;  but  he  thought  the  majority 


56 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


of  the  House  was  in  favor  of  pledging  the  lots.  If  this  was  the  case,  he  should  wish 
to  supersede  the  present  motion  by  striking  out  the  first  and  second  clauses,  to  sub- 
stitute another  in  their  place,  and  amend  the  third  section;  this  will  have  the 
wish ed-for  effect;  the  House  may  fill  up  the  blanks  as  it  pleases,  and  it  will  probably 
never  hear  of  the  subject  again  in  a Legislative  way,  except  in  case  of  a final 
deficiency. 

Mr.  Giles  hoped  the  amendment  proposed  would  accommodate  gentlemen  who 
wished  to  disconnect  the  Government  from  the  business.  He,  however,  thought  it 
a strong  reason  for  Government’s  having  something  to  do  in  the  completion  of  the 
buildings,  that  it  might  have  some  control  over  the  management  of  them.  He  had 
seen,  and  was  acquainted  with,  the  buildings  carrying  on  in  the  Federal  City.  He 
thought  the  house  erecting  for  the  residence  of  the  President  was  much  too  magnifi- 
cent, much  more  so  than  was  intended.  Every  one  thought  so  who  saw  it.  But 
this  was  no  reason  for  obstructing  the  progress  of  the  business.  He  hoped  the  bill 
would  be  formed  in  a manner  so  as  to  meet  the  general  sense  of  the  House.  Though 
he  had  objected  to  the  grandeur  of  the  house  intended  for  the  President,  he  would 
have  the  buildings  for  Congress  erected  on  a grand  scale,  and  fitted  for  the  Repre- 
sentatives of  a great  and  free  people. 

Mr.  Sedgwick  said,  he  had  seconded  the  motion,  because  it  was  in  conformity  to 
the  original  act.  It  undertakes  only  to  guarantee  the  deficiency  between  what  the 
lots  sell  for,  and  the  sum  to  be  borrowed.  Thus  far  he  was  willing  to  guarantee,  and 
thought  this  the  most  unobjectionable  way  of  doing  it. 

Mr.  Sitgreaves  observed,  that  a member  had  said  that  it  was  uncandid  to  obstruct 
the  committee  in  their  endeavors  to  make  the  bill  as  perfect  as  possible.  He  said  it 
was  his  design  to  oppose  the  bill  in  toto.  There  was,  however,  an  objection  to  the 
present  motion,  which  he  thought  it  important  to  make.  He  said,  if  the  lots  were 
conveyed  to  Commissioners,  there  was  no  occasion  for  the  Legislature  to  pass  an  act 
to  enable  them  to  borrow  money;  but  he  understood  the  conveyance  had  been  made 
in  trust;  if  so,  these  trusts  could  not  be  interfered  with  by  the  Legislature,  they 
could  not  be  altered.  If  they  were  conveyed  to  be  sold,  they  cannot  mortgage,  nor 
can  this  House  give  them  authority  to  do  so.  Even  if  the  Commissioners  could  be 
enabled  to  mortgage,  the  one  design  is  incompatible  with  the  other.  The  idea  of 
borrowing  on  mortgage  is  inconsistent  with  the  sale  of  the  lots. 

Mr.  Dayton  said,  the  conveyances  were  made  in  conformity  to  the  original  act  for 
the  use  of  the  United  States;  of  course  it  was  necessary  to  authorize  the  Commis- 
sioners to  make  any  loan;  that  authority  must  go  from  this  House.  The  question  is, 
whether  it  is  best  to  place  the  property  in  the  hands  of  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  or  let  it  remain  in  the  hands  of  the  Commissioners;  he  thought  the  former 
the  best,  as  it  would  be  in  the  power  of  the  President  so  to  manage  the  loan  as  that  it 
might  not  interfere  with  any  lien  made  for  the  use  of  Government.  With  respect  to 
the  objection  respecting  mortgages,  it  was  the  same  which  he  had  already  made,  and 
would  be  removed  by  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Sitgreaves  was  not  perfectly  satisfied  with  respect  to  his  objections,  and  wished 
the  Committee  to  rise,  as,  before  he  gave  a vote  on  the  subject,  he  wished  for  further 
information. 

After  a few  observations  from  Mr.  Giles,  Mr.  Havens,  Mr.  Brent,  Mr.  Venable, 
Mr.  Hillhouse,  Mr.  Nicholas,  and  Mr.  Jeremiah  Smith,  the  Committee  rose,  and 
asked  leave  to  sit  again.. 


The  Old  Building. 


57 


[House  proceedings  of  February  25,  1796:  Annals  of  Congress,  4 — 1,  p.  369.] 

LOAN  TO  THE  CITY  OF  WASHINGTON. 

The  House  resolved  itself  into  a Committee  of  the  Whole,  on  the  bill  authorizing 
a loan  for  the  use  of  the  City  of  Washington;  and  the  motion  being  put  for  striking 
out  the  first  and  second  sections,  in  order  to  introduce  another  in  their  place,  it  was 
carried — 42  against  32. 

The  third  section  being  read, 

Mr.  Venable  moved  an  amendment,  making  the  lots  an  appropriated  fund  for  the 
repayment  of  the  loan. 

Mr.  Jeremiah  Smith  thought  this  amendment  would  not  answer  the  purpose.  By 
it  they  appropriate  property  over  which  they  have  not  absolute  control,  tie  said 
the  fee  simple  of  the  property  was  in  the  hands  of  Trustees  or  Commissioners;  that 
they  have  a right  to  sell,  and  can  make  good  deeds.  There  were  general  words, 
indeed,  in  the  trust  designating  the  use;  yet  if  these  Trustees  were  not  to  appropriate 
the  money  to  the  completion  of  the  public  buildings,  the  titles  which  they  had  given 
to  the  property  sold  would  not  be  injured.  There  was  no  way,  he  said,  in  which 
the  United  States  could  have  an  absolute  sway  over  the  property,  but  by  a convey- 
ance of  it  to  some  person  for  that  purpose.  For  if  the  Commissioners  can  make  a 
good  title,  they  had  no  assurance  that  they  might  not  sell  the  lots,  and  the  United 
States  be  obliged  to  make  good  the  loan.  The  United  States  should,  therefore,  have 
a control  over  the  property  before  the  loan  be  guaranteed.  He  thought  the  amend- 
ment did  not  go  far  enough.  The  lots  should  be  conveyed  to  the  President,  as  a fund 
to  answer  the  guarantee,  which  he  should  have  the  power  of  selling,  whenever  he 
pleased  to  reimburse  the  loan.  Any  bill  which  did  not  give  security  to  the  United 
States,  he  could  not  agree  to. 

Mr.  Venable  said,  the  gentleman  last  up  had  mistaken  the  ground  on  which  this 
property  was  held.  He  asserted  that  the  Commissioners  were  subject  to  the  control 
of  the  President  in  the  sale  of  the  property,  and  that  they  could  not  act  without  him. 
The  conveyance  to  the  Commissioners  was  only  a conveyance  in  trust.  They  now 
come  forward  to  request  the  United  States  to  authorize  them  to  borrow  money,  which, 
if  they  borrow,  they  must  take  up  under  the  control  of  the  President.  The  Com- 
missioners, it  was  true,  might  abuse  their  trust,  but  if  they  did,  they  are  answerable; 
nor  will  the  abuse  of  their  trust  affect  the  title  of  lots  sold  according  to  the  powers 
placed  in  them.  The  amendment,  he  said,  would  not  at  all  alter  the  ground  of  the 
original  act. 

Mr.  Jeremiah  Smith  said,  the  deed  of  conveyance  to  the  Commissioners  was  not  a 
deed  of  trust,  and  that  t he  United  States  had  no  property  in  the  lots.  He  read  some 
clauses  of  the  act  to  prove  his  assertion. 

Mr.  Dwight  Foster  wished  to  hear  the  deed  referred  to  read.  [It  was  read.] 

Mr.  Giles  said,  the  amendment  which  had  been  introduced  into  the  bill,  permits 
the  property  to  remain  in  the  hands  of  the  Commissioners;  the  bill,  as  brought  in, 
proposed  to  convey  the  property  to  the  President.  Objection  was  made  to  the 
bill  in  its  original  form,  because  it  connected  Government  in  the  business.  He 
thought  the  Government  no  more  concerned  by  directing  the  President  to  have  the 
legal,  than  his  having  the  equitable,  right  to  the  property.  All  Government  does 
is  to  guarantee  the  deficiency.  The  only  difference  between  the  two  plans  is,  the 
difference  betwixt  the  responsibility  of  the  President  and  the  responsibility  of  the 
Commissioners.  As  to  the  objection  that  purchasers  would  not  be  ready  to  hold 
property  sold  by  the  Commissioners,  it  had  no  weight;  the  guarantee  would  satisfy 
every  one.  He  had  agreed  to  the  amendment,  but  if  gentlemen  thought  it  material 
that  a conveyance  should  be  made  from  the  Commissioners  to  the  President,  he 
should  not  object  to  it.  He  wished  the  bill  to  be  so  formed,  as  to  meet  general 
approbation. 


58 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capital. 


Mr.  Nicholas  believed  it  was  always  in  the  discretion  of  the  Commissioners  to 
apply  the  money  as  they  pleased;  but  they  cannot  make  a title  to  any  property 
without  the  consent  of  the  President  of  the  United  States.  He  must  be  as  much  a 
party  as  if  the  lots  were  vested  in  him,  and  no  purchaser  who  had  not  the  assent  of 
the  President,  has  a legal  title.  Government  would  not  have  accepted  of  the  grant 
on  other  terms. 

Mr.  Havens  thought  there  was  a considerable  difference  betwixt  the  original  act 
and  the  deed  which  had  been  read.  He  wished  to  know  the  reason  of  it. 

Mr.  Dayton  said,  that  he  had  not  intended  to  have  troubled  the  House  again  on 
this  subject;  but  what  had  fallen  from  the  gentleman  from  New  Hampshire  had 
alarmed  him.  That  gentleman  had  said  that  the  Commissioners  had  an  absolute 
title  of  the  property;  that  they  could  sell  it  as  they  pleased;  so  that  the  United  States 
had  no  right  to  remove  the  Commissioners,  no  right  to  the  buildings,  nor  any  right 
to  appropriate  the  money  arising  from  the  sale  of  lots.  If  this  were  the  case,  he 
would  never  vote  for  the  bill.  It  has  been  also  said  that  the  Commissioners  may 
refuse  to  sell  if  they  choose;  were  this  so,  it  would  furnish  another  reason  for  with- 
holding his  vote.  He  hoped  the  title  of  the  property  would  be  better  understood, 
before  the  bill  was  further  discussed.  Three  different  gentlemen  held  different 
opinions  on  the  subject,  and  he  was  at  a loss  to  decide  on  the  matter. 

Mr.  Hillhouse  thought  the  amendment  did  not  go  far  enough;  he  did  not  think  it 
sufficiently  secured  the  United  States.  He  would  add  a proviso,  “that,  before  the 
lots  were  conveyed  to  the  President,  no  money  should  be  borrowed.”  He  should 
wish  also  to  have  an  additional  amendment,  in  order  to  obviate  the  objections  men- 
tioned by  the  member  from  New  Jersey,  of  the  Commissioners  having  absolute  power 
over  the  lots;  and,  when  the  loan  is  repaid,  if  any  lots  remain,  they  might  be  recon- 
veyed to  the  Commissioners.  If  this  amendment  was  agreed  to.  the  President  would 
have  full  power  over  the  lots. 

Mr.  Brent  said,  in  order  to  convince  the  member  from  New  York  that  the  deed 
which  had  been  read  was  in  conformity  to  the  act,  he  would  read  some  clauses  of 
the  act.  No  particular  mode  of  making  the  conveyance  is  pointed  out,  but  it  is  left 
to  the  President  of  the  United  States  to  make  such  a conveyance  as  he  thought  best. 
This  conveyance  fixes  the  fee  simple  of  the  property  in  the  hands  of  the  Commis- 
sioners, and  obliges  them  to  sell  publicly,  subject  to  the  consent  of  the  President, 
and  that  the  money  arising  from  the  sale  shall  be  appropriated  to  the  erecting  of 
buildings  for  Congress.  The  amendment  is,  therefore,  no  more  than  we  ought  to 
agree  to. 

With  respect  to  what  had  fallen  from  a member  from  New  Hampshire,  that  we 
were  legislating  on  a subiect  on  which  we  had  no  right,  Mr.  B.  said  they  had  a right 
to  designate  the  disposition  of  the  money,  when  it  shall  be  received  by  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States.  By  this  amendment,  it  is  said,  the  Commissioners  may 
dispose  of  the  property  as  they  please;  but  the  consent  of  the  President  of  the 
United  States  is  necessary  before  any  sale  can  be  legitimately  made.  He  could  not, 
therefore,  see  any  ground  for  the  fears  of  gentlemen  on  this  head. 

Mr.  Swift  moved  that  the  Committee  rise.  They  were  come,  he  said,  to  an  impor- 
tant question  on  the  title  of  the  land.  Some  members  say  it  is  in  the  President, 
others  in  the  Commissioners,  who  have  sold  lots  without  the  consent  of  the  Presi- 
dent. The  House  had  heard  the  deed  read,  but  it  was  a matter  that  could  not  be 
determined  upon  in  a moment;  it  required  to  be  examined.  If  the  motion  for  the 
Committee’s  rising  was  carried,  he  should  wish  the  bill  to  be  referred  back  to  a select 
committee. 

Mr.  Brent  hoped  the  Committee  would  not  rise,  but  proceed  with  the  considera- 
tion of  the  bill.  He  could  not  help  thinking  that  the  procrastination  of  this  business 
did  not  arise  so  much  from  any  doubts  entertained  on  the  subject  of  the  title,  as  from 
a dislike  to  the  bill  itself. 


The  Old  Building. 


59 


Mr.  Crabb  said,  the  House  had  already  deliberated  a long  time  upon  this  business. 
If  the  bill  contains  a guarantee,  that  is  all  that  is  warranted.  If  the  house  will  not 
agree  to  this,  let  the  bill  be  thrown  out  at  once.  Clauses  had  been  objected  to  which 
were  immaterial.  If  gentlemen  would  show  themselves  in  their  proper  colors,  they 
might  be  met  on  proper  grounds;  at  present  they  could  not.  A gentleman  had  said 
yesterday  he  blushed  on  account  of  the  magnificence  displayed  in  the  public  build- 
ings carrying  on  in  the  Federal  City,  and  hinted  that  no  gift  had  been  made  to  Gov- 
ernment by  certain  States;  but,  he  said,  the  public  buildings  would  be  an  honor  to 
the  country;  and,  if  he  will  refer  to  the  Journals  of  the  Legislatures  of  Virginia  and 
Maryland,  he  will  find  that  each  of  those  States  have  granted  a considerable  sum  in 
money  towards  erecting  the  public  buildings. 

Mr.  Nicholas  wished  the  Committee  to  rise,  in  order  to  reconsider  the  business. 

Mr.  Giles  said,  there  was  a propriety  in  referring  the  bill  to  a select  committee, 
as  he  thought  they  might  be  aide  to  bring  in  a bill  which  would  meet  the  wishes 
of  the  House. 

The  Committee  rose,  and  the  House  refused  it  leave  to  sit  again.  The  bill  was 
then  agreed  to  be  recommitted,  and  that  four  additional  members  be  added  to  the 
select  committee  to  whom  it  was  referred;  and  Mr.  Brent  wishing  to  decline  to  act 
again  on  the  committee,  a member  was  voted  for  in  his  stead. 

* * * 

Mr.  Dearborn  moved  a resolution  to  the  following  effect:  “ That  the  committee  to 
whom  is  referred  the  bill  authorizing  a loan  for  the  use  of  the  City  of  Washington, 
be  instructed  to  inquire  whether  any,  and  what,  alterations  ought  to  be  made  in  the 
plans  of  the  buildings  intended  for  public  use  at  the  permanent  Seat  of  Government 
of  the  United  States,  and  make  their  report  thereon.” 

Mr.  Murray  hoped  the  resolution  would  not  be  agreed  to.  The  buildings  had  pro- 
gressed towards  such  a state  of  finishing  as  to  put  it  out  of  the  power  of  any  one, 
without  great  waste  of  money,  to  make  alterations  in  them.  And,  though  gentle- 
men may  see  faults  in  the  plans,  or  think  the  buildings  too  magnificent,  yet,  as  they 
had  no  concern  in  originating  these  plans,  and,  as  the  plans  or  errors  are  out  of  the 
reach  of  amendment,  what  reason  is  there  for  the  inquiry?  No  money  is  asked, 
either  of  this  House  or  of  the  United  States;  and  it  would  be,  therefore,  improper  to 
undo  what  has  been  done  by  two  States  who  have  made  large  donations  for  this  pur- 
pose. What,  then,  can  be  the  object  of  this  motion?  Nothing  can  be  done,  except 
gentlemen  can  point  to  any  error  which  can  be  rectified.  And  though  he  admitted 
these  buildings  were  the  property  of  the  United  States,  yet  there  was  a delicacy  in 
interfering  in  a matter  in  which  they  had  not  expended  any  money.  He  hoped, 
therefore,  the  resolution  would  not  be  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Dearborn  said,  that  if  the  committee  found,  upon  due  examination,  that  no 
alteration  can  be  made  with  propriety  in  the  public  buildings  alluded  to,  the}'  would 
report  accordingly.  How  these  facts  were  it  was  at  present  uncertain.  As  to  the 
question  of  delicacy,  he  said,  if  the  business  had  gone  on  without  application  to 
them,  it  would  have  been  improper  to  have  interfered  in  it;  but,  as  the  assistance  of 
Government  was  called  for,  he  thought  it  became  that  House  to  make  the  proposed 
inquiry.  If  the  plan  was  such  as  it  would  be  impolitic  to  carry  into  effect,  it  would 
influence  his  vote  on  the  subject;  but  if  the  plan  was  such  as  he  approved,  it  would 
be  otherwise.  There  could  be  no  danger  in  making  the  inquiry. 

Mr.  Crabb  thought  the  proposed  inquiry  very  improper.  The  law,  said  he,  has 
appointed  the  President  of  the  United  States  to  manage  this  business.  Suppose  the 
inquiry  were  to  take  place,  and  the  buildings  are  found  on  too  large  a scale,  shall 
they  he  pulled  down,  and  smaller  ones  erected?  If  gentlemen  were  indulged,  where 
would  their  inquiries  end?  He  read  the  Message  of  the  President  to  the  House  on 
the  subject,  wherein  he  says  the  sale  of  the  lots  will  be  equal  to  the  expense  of  the 
buildings.  It  would  be  well,  he  said,  if  gentlemen  would  gain  a little  more  infor- 


60 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


mation  on  subjects,  before  they  brought  them  forward.  If  this  had  been  the  case, 
he  thought  much  of  the  debate  which  had  occupied  the  House  for  several  days 
might  have  been  saved. 

Mr.  Dearborn  acknowledged  he  lacked  information,  but  that  he  had  attempted, 
without  effect,  to  gain  it  from  his  accuser. 

Mr.  Bourne  did  not  see  why  the  proposed  resolution  should  not  be  agreed  to. 
Considerable  information  had  come  out  in  the  course  of  the  debate  on  the  subject  of 
the  public  buildings,  and  more  might  be  got.  It  appeared  to  be  a subject  of  doubt 
whether  the  House  have  or  have  not  the  power  of  control  over  these  buildings. 
The  question  is  worth  inquiry.  If  the  committee  thought  an  interference  necessary, 
their  report  would  be  so  framed.  He  believed  much  opposition  to  the  bill  for 
authorizing  the  loan  had  arisen  from  objections  to  the  extravagant  style  of  building 
employed  in  the  Federal  City. 

Mr.  Murray  said,  he  did  not  think  the  resolution  was  worded  as  if  it  was  intended 
to  gain  information.  He  said  the  public  buildings  had  been  erected  under  the  con- 
trol of  the  President,  and  according  to  plans,  as  he  understood,  first  submitted  to 
him.  And,  if  he  has  acted  legally  and  consistently,  if  he  has  not  exceeded  the 
powers  given  him,  why  should  the  House  interfere  in  the  business?  He  believed 
the  trust  had  been  performed  in  the  best  manner.  If  the  object  of  the  resolution 
had  been  to  learn  how  far  certain  buildings  were  progressed,  or  other  information, 
he  should  not  have  objected  to  it;  but  could  not  agree  to  it  in  its  present  form. 

Mr.  Thatcher  wished  to  know  if  the  committee  found  the  buildings  too  large,  they 
were  to  divide  them,  or  cut  off  an  end,  or,  if  not  large  enough,  enlarge  them?  The 
resolution  appeared  to  give  a greater  latitude  to  the  committee  than  he  thought  the 
mover  intended.  It  would  be  difficult  to  form  a judgment  of  the  buildings  unless 
they  were  in  possession  of  the  original  plans. 

Mr.  Giles  thought  the  committee  should  report  facts  to  the  House,  and  not  their 
opinion,  relative  to  the  state  of  the  public  buildings  at  the  permanent  Seat  of  Gov- 
ernment. He  had  a resolution,  which  he  thought  might  be  substituted  in  place  of 
the  one  proposed. 

Mr.  Dearborn  said,  the  resolution  just  read  did  not  go  to  the  length  he  wished. 
He  wished  that  if  the  house  erecting  for  the  President  should  be  thought  too  large 
that  it  might  be  made  the  Capitol,  and  erect  another  in  its  stead,  and  perhaps  on 
another  piece  of  ground. 

Mr.  Swan  wick  said,  the  House  had  been  called  on  to  guarantee  a loan  to  complete 
the  public  buildings  in  the  Federal  City.  It  was  proper,  therefore,  that  they  should 
examine  what  had  been  done  and  what  remains  to  be  done.  This  subject  has  been 
before  the  House  several  days.  New  facts  have  been  developed,  and  it  wras  neces- 
sary to  make  inquiry  in  order  to  mature  the  business.  A gentleman  had  said  the 
subject  was  already  in  very  high  and  respectable  hands;  notwithstanding  this,  he 
had  himself  been  upon  the  spot,  and  could  say  he  had  found  plans  had  been  fre- 
quently changed.  Seeing,  therefore,  that  the  plan  was  not  at  first  perfect,  he  saw 
no  impropriety  in  vesting  the  inquiry  in  a committee.  How  can  this  House  go  into 
a guarantee  without  knowing  the  necessary  facts  relative  to  these  buildings?  The 
House  will  not  be  bound  by  the  committee’s  report,  but  will  act  as  they  please. 
Many  alterations  may  be  made  in  what  is  not  finished.  This  House,  before  now, 
has  not  interfered  in  the  subject;  but  now  the  state  of  the  case  is  altered — Govern- 
ment is  called  upon  for  a guarantee,  and  information  is  necessary. 

Mr.  Giles  said,  if  the  object  of  the  resolution  had  been  information,  he  should  not 
have  objected  to  it.  He  would  ask  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  wffiat  effect 
the  opinion  of  the  select  committee  wTould  have  on  him?  He  wished  the  gentleman 
who  proposed  the  resolution  would  consent  to  have  the  one  he  had  read  substituted 
in  its  place,  and  suffer  the  opinion  to  be  the  result  of  facts. 


The  Old  Building. 


61 


Mr.  Gallatin  said,  it  did  not  appear  to  him  that  the  resolution  proposed  to  be  sub- 
stituted in  place  of  the  one  moved,  included  all  the  ideas  of  the  mover.  lie  supposed 
the  committee  would  not  only  report  their  opinion,  but  the  facts  on  which  it  was 
grounded.  He  saw  no  impropriety  in  incorporating  both  resolutions  into  one.  The 
objections  against  the  motion  are  not  well-founded.  It  is  stated  that  we  have  no 
control  over  the  buildings,  because  the  land  was  given  by  certain  States,  and  because 
they  have  been  erected  under  the  direction  of  the  President.  But,  though  grants 
have  been  made  by  individuals,  the  whole  of  the  value  results  from  the  Government 
being  fixed  there.  The  discretionary  power  was  exclusively  vested  in  the  President. 
It  was  subject  to  one  check;  it  not  only  gave  him  the  power,  but  made  it  his  duty  to 
attend  to  it.  The  grants  not  proving  sufficient,  a demand  is  made  either  to  give 
money  or  guarantee  a loan.  Money  being  asked,  another  check  must  be  introduced, 
to  say  how  far  these  buildings  shall  go.  This  House  has  a right  to  inquire  not  only 
the  past  expense,  but  what  shall  be  expended  in  future.  This  resolution  is,  there- 
fore, proper.  He  was  a friend  to  the  principle  of  the  bill-  itself;  he  did  not  think 
any  great  change  could  be  effected  in  the  plans  of  the  buildings;  but  it  was  necessary 
they  should  have  all  the  information  possible. 

Mr.  Coit  hoped  the  motion  would  prevail;  many  of  the  objections  to  the  bill 
guaranteeing  the  loan  having  arisen  from  a dislike  to  the  extravagance  of  the 
buildings. 

Mr.  Murray  said,  it  evidently  appeared  to  him  that,  in  consequence  of  an  applica- 
te m to  that  House  for  a guarantee,  which  had  been  greatly  perplexed,  under  shelter 
of  objections  and  inquiries,  labors  were  making  rather  to  destroy  than  to  finish  the 
buildings.  Gentlemen  seemed  inclined  to  destroy  the  power  intrusted  to  the  Com- 
missioners, and  with  it  the  property  of  the  city;  and,  after  having  taken  down  the 
present  buildings,  and  fixed  upon  a different  situation  for  them,  they  may  proceed 
to  new  model  the  city,  narrow  the  streets,  &c.,  and,  by  doing  this,  violate  the  rights 
of  private  property.  No  man,  if  this  intermeddling  system  prevails,  can  be  safe; 
and,  as  soon  as  this  principle  is  understood,  it  will  shake  the  property  of  the  place. 
It  is  a city  in  speculation,  and  one  false  step  may  prostrate  it. 

Mr.  Crabb  again  strenuously  opposed  the  resolution. 

Mr.  Cooper  was  opposed  to  the  resolution.  He  said  all  they  had  to  do  in  the 
business  was  to  guarantee  the  loan,  and  get  the  security  of  the  lots  for  the  money. 

Mr.  Sedgwick  said,  he  had  all  along  viewed  the  subject  in  one  point  of  view. 
Accommodations  were  to  be  made  for  Government  without  any  expense  to  the  public. 
The  Commissioners  come  forward  and  say  they  have  property  to  do  this,  but  that 
they  cannot  immediately  procure  money  so  as  to  complete  the  buildings  in  time,  and 
ask  for  a guarantee  to  a loan.  It  was  extraordinary,  he  said,  for  them  to  say  the 
buildings  were  too  magnificent,  too  commodious,  too  expensive.  The  better  the 
buildings  are  the  more  honor  it  will  be  to  those  who  erected  them,  and  to  those  who 
occupy  them.  If  they  were  too  small  and  incommodious,  there  would  be  real  ground 
of  complaint.  If  that  House  undertook  to  say  what  should  be  the  size  of  the  build- 
ings, they  should  do  what  they  had  no  right  to  do.  And,  even  if  they  were  more 
splendid  than  European  palaces,  they  should  be  grateful  for  them.  The  resolution 
was  put  and  carried,  42  against  38. 

Mr.  Giles’s  resolution  being  called  for,  it  was  put  and  carried,  to  the  following 
effect: 

“That  the  said  committee  shall  lie  instructed  to  inquire  into  the  state  of  the  Public 
Buildings  at  the  permanent  Seat  of  Government  of  the  United  States,  into  the  expense 
already  incurred  in  erecting,  and  the  probable  expense  of  completing  the  same.” 


(52 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[American  State  Papers,  Class  X,  Misc.,  v.  I,  142. — No.  78.  4tli  Congress,  1st  Session.  City  of  Wash- 
ington. Communicated  to  the  House  of  Representatives,  March  11, 1796.] 

Mr.  Jeremiah  Smith,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  recommitted  the  bill  author- 
izing a loan  for  the  use  of  the  city  of  Washington,  in  the  District  of  Columbia,  and 
for  other  purposes  therein  mentioned,  with  instructions  to  inquire  whether  any, 
and  what,  alterations  ought  to  be  made  in  the  plans  of  the  buildings  intended  for 
public  use  at  the  said  city;  and,  also,  to  inquire  into  the  state  of  the  public  build- 
ings, the  expenses  already  incurred  in  erecting,  and  the  probable  expenses  of 
completing  the  same,  made  the  following  report  : 

That,  in  their  opinion,  no  alteration  can  with  propriety  now  be  made  in  the  plans 
of  the  public  buildings;  for  information  as  to  the  state  of  the  public  buildings,  the 
expenses  incurred  in  erecting,  and  the  probable  expenses  of  completing  them,  the 
committee  can  only  refer  to  the  original  report  and  the  papers  accompanying,  which 
have  been  read  in  the  House. 

Alexander  White,  one  of  the  commissioners  appointed  by  the  President  of  the 
United  States,  by  virtue  of  an  act  entitled  “An  act  to  establish  the  temporary  and 
permanent  seat  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States,”  respectfully  states  to  the 
committee,  to  whom  the  memorial  of  the  said  commissioners  and  the  President’s 
message  respecting  the  same  were  referred: 

* * * The  foundation  of  the  Capitol  is  laid;  the  foundation  wall  under  ground 
and  above  is  of  different  thicknesses,  and  is  computed  to  average  fourteen  feet  high 
and  nine  feet  thick.  The  freestone  work  is  commenced  on  the  north  wing;  it  is  of 
different  heights,  but  may  average  three  feet  and  a half;  the  interior  walls  are  carried 
up  the  same  height.  The  estimate  to  finish  the  north  wing  is,  for  brick  and  stone 
work,  £22,308  3s.  3d.  Maryland  currency;  for  carpenters’  work  and  materials  £5,870, 
Maryland  currency,  making  $75,141  45.  The  materials  on  hand  are,  freestone  pre- 
pared 1,994  superficial  feet;  freestone  prepared  3,826  feet,  running;  good  freestone  in 
the  rough  440  tons;  inferior  freestone  200  tons;  bricks  267,618;  lime  4,750  bushels; 
timber  prepared  for  use  7,000  feet,  running;  timber  not  prepared  11,000  feet,  running. 

A.  White  has  no  estimate  of  the  remainder  of  the  building,  but  would  observe, 
that  as  the  south  wing  is  to  be  occupied  by  one  large  room  only,  the  expense  must  be 
much  less  than  that  of  the  north  wing,  which  is  considered  as  sufficient  to  accommo- 
date both  Houses  of  Congress  during  the  present  state  of  representation.  The  main 
body,  too,  will  be  finished  in  the  same  way;  and  the  grand  vestibule  may  or  may 
not  be  covered  with  a dome;  architects  differ  in  opinion  with  regard  to  covering  it. 
If  it  should  not  be  covered,  it  will  consist  only  of  an  arcade,  twenty  feet  high  and 
ten  feet  wide;  and  over  that  a colonnade  sixteen  feet  high,  affording  a communica- 
tion from  the  grand  staircase  to  all  the  other  parts  of  the  building.  Upon  the  whole, 
A.  White  thinks  he  goes  beyond  the  necessary  sum,  when  he  estimates  $400,000  for 
finishing  the  whole  building.  * * * 

The  funds  of  the  city  are: 


The  Virginia  donation S120, 000 

The  Maryland  donation 72, 000 

Amount  of  sales  to  Morris  & Greenleaf 480, 000 

Sales  of  other  lots 96, 652 

Harbaugh,  Lee,  Deakins,  and  Cassanove’s  note  (arising  from  the  sale  of  property, 

the  original  cost  of  which  is  charged  in  the  article  of  expenditures) 10, 538 

$779, 185 

Deduct  money  expended a 343, 783 

Deduct  money  due  the  bank  of  Columbia 30, 000 

Deduct  money  due  the  original  proprietors,  for  squares  appropriated 12, 000 

6 384,783 

394, 402 


«This  ought  to  be  $338,565  30;  the  sum  of  $4,217  91,  consisting  of  small  balances  due,  being,  through 
inattention,  stated  as  expenditures. 

6 This  addition  appears  to  be  erroneous;  $1,000  too  little. 


The  Old  Building.  63 

Of  the  last  mentioned  sum,  $378,191  are  not  yet  due,  but  will  become  due  in  the 
following  proportions,  viz: 

In  the  year  1796 
In  the  year  1797 
In  the  year  1798 
In  the  year  1799 
In  the  year  1800 

378,191  05 


$84, 539  19 
80,  719  09 
75, 789  93 
68, 571  42 
68,  571  42 


Leaving  in  the  hands  of  the  commissioners,  were  all  debts  due  to  them  received,  and  debts 

due  from  them  paid $16, 211 

Or,  in  other  words,  there  is  due  to  the  commissioners 58, 211 

And  they  are  indebted 42, 000 

The  real  property  of  the  city  consists  in  4,694  lots,  exclusive  of  water  lots,  averaging  5,265 
square  feet;  1,694  of  these  are  choice  lots,  from  which  Morris  & Greenleaf  were  excluded 
in  their  selection.  The  average  value  of  these  lots,  taking  the  prices  at  which  they  have 

been  sold  from  the  commencement  of  the  city,  is  $285  per  lot,  amounting  to $1, 337, 790 

Water  property,  3,500  feet  front,  at  $16  per  foot 56, 000 


1,393,790 


Lots  no  doubt  vary  in  their  value;  those  from  which  Morris  & Greenleaf  were 
excluded  far  exceed  the  above  average  price;  others  may  fall  considerably  below. 
A.  White  has  no  doubt  but  the  whole  may  be  sold  if  the  public  buildings  can  be 
carried  on  without  immediate  sales  for  $1,000,000,  even  before  the  Government 
removes. 

The  city  has,  likewise,  an  island  of  freestone  of  immense  value,  and  some  other 
property  of  less  note. 

A.  White  is  of  opinion,  that  filling  up  some  gulleys  or  ravines  near  the  Capitol,  and 
paving  the  Pennsylvania  Avenue  from  thence  to  the  President’s  house,  is  all  that  is 
necessary  to  be  done  to  the  streets,  except  clearing  of  stumps  and  grubs,  and  per- 
haps, in  a few  instances,  levelling  previous  to  the  removal  of  Government:  the 
ground  in  general  being  hard  and  gravelly,  will  afford  an  easy  passage  till  the  city 
becomes  populous.  He  can  form  no  estimate  of  the  expenses,  being  unacquainted 
with  such  business,  and  not  having  it  in  contemplation  while  on  the  spot;  he  believes, 
however,  the  necessary  materials  are  convenient. 

Alexander  White. 

January  21,  1796. 


General  account  of  expenditures  by  the  commissioners  of  the  Federal  District,  from  the  12th 
of  April,  1791,  to  the  1st  of  November,  1795. 

* * * 

Capitol $78,035  29 

Engraved  plan  of  the  city  and  territory .-. 370  37 


[House  proceedings  of  March  31, 1796,  Annals  of  Congress,  4--1,  p.  825.] 

LOAN  FOR  THE  CITY  OF  WASHINGTON. 

The  bill  authorizing  a Loan  for  the  city  of  Washington,  and  for  other  purposes  was 
read  a third  time;  and  the  blanks  being  filled  up  as  follows:  the  whole  amount  of 
the  Loan  to  be  filled  up  with  300,000  dollars,  not  more  than  200,000  in  anyone  year, 
and  to  bear  interest  of  six  per  cent,  reimbursable  at  any  time  after  the  year  1803. 

The  question  being  on  the  passage  of  the  bill — ■ 

Mr.  Co  it  declared  himself  against  the  bill.  He  considered  it  as  taking  so  much 
money  out  of  the  Public  Treasury,  and  that  although  it  was  considered  only  as  a 


64 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


guarantee  for  payment  of  money  borrowed  on  very  ample  funds,  it  would  operate  no 
otherwise  than  as  an  absolute  grant.  Indeed  an  absolute  grant,  he  said,  would  be 
less  exceptionable  to  him,  as  he  considered  that  this  bill  was  hanging  out  false  colors 
to  the  public,  as  it  would  tend  to  hold  up  the  idea  that  there  was  a value  in  the  lots 
in  the  city  of  Washington,  which  he  believed  did  not  exist. 

The  value  which  had  been  annexed  to  those  lots,  he  believed,  was  a mere  speculating 
bubble.  This  bill  might  serve  to  keep  it  up  a little  while  longer,  but  he  believed  it 
must  finally  burst.  Upwards  of  four  thousand  lots,  it  was  true,  had  been  sold,  and  the 
public  had  more  than  four  thousand  on  hand,  which  were  said  to  be  worth,  on  an  aver- 
age, 285  dollars  each,  these  with  some  water  lots,  which  are  set  at  16  dollars  per  foot, 
are  estimated  at  more  than  1,300,000  dollars — but,  if  carried  to  market  now,  it  was 
agreed  there  were  no  purchasers  for  them.  Mr.  C.  said,  he  had  inquired  into  the 
situation  of  this  city — he  asked  gentlemen  to  look  at  the  map  of  the  country,  and 
they  might  judge  of  its  situation;  it  was  true,  it  was  nearly  at  the  head  of  the  navi- 
gation of  the  Potomac,  a noble  river,  and  in  a fine  country;  but  there  was  nothing 
to  give  to  this  city  exclusive  possession  of  the  commerce  of  that  country,  or  of  that 
river.  Alexandria,  a few  miles  below  it,  and  Georgetown  a few  miles  only  above,  on 
the  same  river,  had  equal  advantages  of  situation,  and  had  the  preference  of  having 
merchants,  as  he  was  informed,  with  very  considerable  capitals,  already  established  in 
them;  Baltimore,  at  the  head  of  Chesapeake  Bay,  on  this  side,  and  Norfolk,  not  far 
from  the  mouth  of  James  river,  he  conceived  were  situations,  more  especially  consider- 
ing the  strength  of  capitals  already  fixed  at  them,  far  more  advantageous  for  extensive 
commerce.  These  lots,  itmust  be  agreed,  could  beof  no  more  value  than  other  planting 
ground,  unless  there  was  a demand  for  them  as  building  lots.  If  the  Federal  City 
were  likely  to  become  a great  commercial  place,  that,  demand  might  at  some  future 
period  exist,  but  of  this  he  conceived  there  was  not  the  remotest  probability,  and  he 
believed  that  for  the  justice  of  this  opinion,  he  might  safely  appeal  to  every  commer- 
cial man  acquainted  with  the  situation,  and  not  prejudiced  by  local  considerations. 
What,  then,  he  inquired  was  to  cause  a demand  for  these  lots?  The  mere  residence 
of  Congress,  he  conceived,  must  go  but  an  inconsiderable  way  to  the  forming  a 
great  city.  Two  or  three  hundred  houses,  at  the  utmost  extent,  must  suffice  for 
Congress  and  all  its  connexions  and  appendages  for  many  years. 

Mr.  C.  said,  he  had  no  wish  to  obstruct  the  removal  of  the  Seat  of  Government  to 
the  Federal  City.  He  believed  it  would  be  removed,  and  he  wished  it,  and  he  believed 
that  the  buildings  for  the  accommodation  of  Congress  must  finally  be  made  at  the 
public  expense;  but  he  wished  it  to  be  done  in  an  understanding  and  not  in  a covert 
way.  Unfortunately  there  had  already  been  expended  between  three  and  four  hun- 
dred thousand  dollars,  as  he  conceived,  to  what  was  worse  than  no  purpose.  He  did 
not  accuse  any  person  of  having  embezzled  or  misspent  the  public  money,  except  in 
the  extravagance  of  the  plans  which  had  unfortunately  been  adopted — 97,000  dollars 
had  been  expended  on  the  President’s  house,  and  it  is  estimated  that,  nearly  as  much 
more  will  be  wanted  to  complete  it,  and  when  done,  he  conceived  that,  a house  which 
would  cost  only  50,000  would  better  answer  the  purpose;  about  80,000  had  been 
expended  on  the  Capitol,  and  progress  was  scarcely  made  beyond  the  foundation. 
Gentlemen  might  talk  of  elegance,  of  splendor,  and  magnificence,  for  people  who  had 
money  to  spend  for  their  pride  or  pleasure;  these  subjects  deserved  consideration, 
but  in  the  present  state  of  the  finances  of  the  United  States,  he  thought  more  atten- 
ion  should  be  paid  to  use  and  economy. 

Considerable  revenues,  he  observed,  were  now  at  the  disposal  of  the  Commission- 
ers of  the  Federal  City.  If  left  to  use  the  means  they  had  at  command,  he  hoped 
necessity  would  oblige  them  to  contract  the  extravagant  plans  for  the  buildings 
which  had  been  commenced;  but.,  if  the  Public  Treasury  was  once  opened  he  should 
expect  many  future  applications  and  heavy  ones  on  the  Public  Treasury  for  those 
buildings,  which,  he  feared,  would  be  a lasting  monument  of  the  pride  and  folly  of 


The  Old  Building. 


65 


his  country.  He  observed,  that  possibly  he  was  alone  in  these  sentiments,  but  he 
could  not  justify  himself  without  expressing  them,  and,  wishing  to  know  if  any  gen- 
tleman concurred  with  him  in  opposition  to  the  bill,  closed  with  calling  for  the  yeas 
and  yeas. 

Mr.  Sitgreaves  said,  he  also  should  vote  against  the  bill;  he  objected  to  its  form 
and  to  its  substance;  to  the  form,  because  he  thought  it  held  out  a delusive  appear- 
ance of  security  to  the  money-lenders,  and  of  indemnity  to  the  United  States,  by 
professing  to  mortgage  lots  in  the  city  of  Washington,  which,  he  contended,  are  not 
at  the  disposal  of  the  Government.  By  the  deed  of  trust,  which  had  been  read  on 
the  former  debate  of  this  bill,  it  appeared  that  all  the  lands  in  the  Federal  City  had 
been  conveyed  by  the  individuals  who  formerly  owned  them,  to  trustees  in  special 
trust,  to  wit,  that  so  much  of  them  as  might  be  appropriated  for  streets,  squares,  and 
the  sites  of  public  buildings,  should,  by  the  trustees,  be  conveyed  to  the  Commis- 
sioners [appointed  under  the  act  of  1790,  for  establishing  the  temporary  and  perma- 
nent Seat  of  Government]  and  their  successors  for  the  use  of  the  United  States;  that 
the  residue  should  be  laid  out  in  lots,  one-half  whereof  to  be  reconveyed  to  the  other 
granters,  and  the  other  half  to  be  sold  under  the  directions  of  the  President;  that 
the  produce  of  the  sales  should  in  the  first  place  be  applied  to  the  payment  in  money 
of  £25  per  acre,  to  the  granters,  for  all  the  reserved  lands  except  the  streets;  and 
that  the  remainder  of  the  money  or  securities  should  be  paid,  assigned,  and  deliv- 
ered over  to  the  President  of  the  United  States,  for  the  time  being,  as  a grant  of 
money  to  be  applied  for  the  purposes  and  according  to  the  act  of  Congress  before 
mentioned.  From  hence  Mr.  S.  inferred  that,  the  Commissioners,  who  by  the  bill 
are  authorized  to  make  the  Loan  on  the  pledge  of  the  lots,  hold  no  property  in  the 
City  of  Washington,  except  the  streets,  squares,  and  sites  of  the  public  buildings; 
that  the  residue  of  the  lots  are  not  held  in  trust  for  the  United  States,  and  of  course 
cannot  be  mortgaged  by  them,  and  that  the  Government  had  only  a right  to  the 
proceeds  of  the  sales.  This  construction  is  authorized  by  the  remarkable  difference 
between  the  expression  of  the  trust  so  far  as  relates  to  the  lots  directed  to  be  con- 
veyed to  the  Commissioners,  and  those  directed  to  be  sold. 

It  is  also  authorized  by  the  provisions  of  the  act  of  1790,  in  careful  conformity  with 
which  the  deed  appears  to  have  been  drawn;  and  which  empowered  the  Commis- 
sioners to  receive  grants  of  lands  for  the  sites  of  the  buildings,  and  of  money  for  the 
purpose  of  erecting  them.  It  was  clear,  therefore,  that  the  bill  assumed  too  much 
when  it  undertakes  to  mortgage  the  lands,  and  that  all  really  in  our  power  would  be 
to  pledge  the  funds  arising  from  the  sales  after  they  shall  be  paid  over  to  the  Presi- 
dent. But  if  these  lands  are  at  the  disposal  of  the  United  States,  then,  for  the  secur- 
ity of  the  Government,  the  bill  should  go  further,  and  direct  them  to  be  conveyed,  in 
the  first  instance,  to  some  responsible  officer  of  the  Government.  The  trustees  who 
have  at  present  the  legal  title  to  these  lands,  can  in  nowise  be  considered  as  officers 
of  the  Government,  amenable  to  it  in  a public  capacity.  We  cannot  require  of  them 
to  give  security  for  the  faithful  performance  of  their  trust.  We  cannot  impeach 
them  for  a violation  of  it.  We  have  no  other  reliance  than  on  the  respectability  of 
their  private  characters — no  other  remedy  than  a suit  in  chancery,  as  in  common 
cases  of  private  trusts.  When  they  sell  the  land,  they  may  pay  over  the  money,  or 
they  may  not.  Even  the  President  is  not  responsible  in  his  public  character  until 
after  the  money  comes  into  his  hands.  Mr.  S.  was  aware  that  the  Attorney  General 
differed  from  him  in  the  construction  of  the  deed,  and  he  had  great  respect  for  his 
opinion,  yet  when  the  propriety  of  vesting  the  lands  in  a responsible  public  officer, 
an  additional  security  was  suggested  to  the  Attorney  General,  he  hesitated,  and 
eventually  declined  to  give  the  bill  that  shape.  From  these  considerations  Mr.  S. 
inferred  that  the  bill  did  not,  in  fact,  give  the  money,  or  render  the  security  it  pro- 


6(5 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capital. 


fessed  to  offer;  or,  if  it  did,  it  was  deficient  in  the  provision  necessary  for  the  com- 
plete indemnity  of  the  Government. 

On  these  principles  he  objected  to  the  form;  he  objected  also  to  the  substance. 
He  did  not  consider  the  faith  of  the  Government  as  pledged,  by  any  one  act  it  had 
hitherto  done,  to  pass  the  present  bill;  if  good  faith  imposed  no  obligation  on  them; 
he  was  sure  that  prudence  forbade  them  to  do  it;  by  a reference  to  the  act  of  1790, 
no  such  obligation  would  be  found  to  lie  created  by  it;  it  will  appear  by  it  that  the 
Commissioners  are  empowered  to  purchase  or  accept  such  quantity  of  land  within 
the  Federal  territory  as  the  Presdent  shall  deem  proper  for  the  use  of  the  United 
States.  And  to  provide  suitable  buildings  for  the  accommodation  of  Congress,  of  the 
President,  and  of  the  public  offices — and  for  defraying  the  expense  of  such  purchases 
and  buildings,  the  “President  is  authorized  to  accept  grants  of  money” — there  is  for 
this  purpose  no  appropriation  of  public  money  nor  any  promise  of  such  appropria- 
tion; no  guarantee  nor  any  assurance  of  a guarantee;  for  the  expense  of  the  removal 
of  the  public  offices  an  appropriation  is  made;  and  this  provision  shows  that  no  other 
expense  to  the  Government  was  contemplated;  those  who  were  members  of  the  Con- 
gress of  1790  know  the  fact  to  be  so,  that  the  proposed  grants  of  the  States  of  Virginia 
and  Maryland,  and  of  individuals,  were  expected  to  be  competent  to  the  object,  and 
that  such  an  expectation  and  assurance  was  a condition  on  which  the  law  passed;  a 
condition  not  indeed  expressed  in  the  act,  but  which  for  that  reason  we  are  not  the 
less  bound  to  respect;  a condition  the  breach  of  which  would  have  all  the  aggravation 
of  a violation  of  confidence.  The  Government  therefore  not  being  pledged  to  the 
object  of  the  bill,  he  considered  the  House  as  restrained  by  every  consideration  of  pru- 
dence from  acceding  to  it.  Any  gentlemen  who  would  take  the  trouble,  as  he  had  done, 
to  examine  the  papers  on  their  table  would  discern  that,  the  extent  of  the  city,  the 
distribution  and  the  plans  of  the  public  buildings,  had  been  predicated  on  a scale  of 
magnificence  the  eventual  expense  of  which  was  not  within  the  reach  of  calculation, 
or  even  of  conjecture;  would  it  be  proper  then  for  Congress  by  passing  this  bill  to 
give  ground  for  an  opinion  that  the  United  States  were  to  adopt  and  to  become  the 
foster-father  of  those  projects?  Gentlemen  had  affected  to  consider  the  proposed 
measure  as  one  which  could  not  involve  the  Government;  but  a guarantee  implies  in 
itself  the  possibility  of  an  eventual  loss;  it  necessarily  implies  a supposed  deficiency 
in  the  security  to  be  guaranteed.  If  the  loss  in  the  Federal  City  are  themselves  a 
sufficient  security  for  the  proposed  Loan  there  could  be  no  occasion  to  call  in  aid  the 
faith  of  the  Government.  The  bill  therefore  ought  fairly  to  be  considered  as  a grant 
of  money  on  the  part  of  the  United  States  for  the  purpose  of  prosecuting  the  public 
buildings  in  the  City  of  Washington,  and  if  they  once  began  to  grant  money  for  this 
purpose,  he  asked,  when  they  were  to  stop?  He  would  venture  to  say,  never,  if  their 
grants  were  to  keep  pace  with  the  necessities  of  that  institution;  he  believed  the  law 
of  1790  never  would  have  passed  if  the  most  solemn  assurances  had  not  been  given 
that  no  such  application  would  ever  be  made  to  the  Government;  and  he  therefore 
felt  himself  bound  to  oppose  the  bill. 

Mr.  Nicholas  was  not  willing  to  trouble  the  House  on  this  business.  He  would, 
however,  make  a few  observations  on  what  had  fallen  from  the  gentleman  from  Con- 
necticut, with  respect  to  the  value  of  the  property.  He  was  authorized  by  the 
Commissioner  attending  Congress  to  say,  that  4,000  lots  had  been  sold  for  100  dollars 
each,  since  this  question  had  been  first  agitated,  and  it  must  be  evident  that  seventy 
dollars  a lot  would  indemnify  Government  for  the  amount  of  their  guarantee.  He 
did  not  expect,  after  an  investigation  had  been  had  and  report  made,  that  Government 
would  be  safe  in  the  advance  of  500,000  dollars,  that  300,000  could  have  been  objected 
to  because  the  lots  could  not  be  sold  in  a moment.  Many  things  were  of  great  value, 
for  which  purchasers  were  not  at  all  times  to  be  found.  The  remarks  of  the  gentle- 
man from  Pennsylvania,  on  the  law  of  this  case,  might,  from  the  obscurity  of  the 
subject,  he  said,  have  some  weight.  He  would,  therefore,  notice  them.  He 


The  Old  Building. 


67 

objected  to  the  form  of  the  bill,  because  it  was  a deception  of  the  public  and  might 
be  so  on  the  United  States.  The  gentleman  had  questioned  the  power  of  Congress 
to  control  the  disposition  of  the  lots  and  had  given  it  as  his  opinion  it  could  not  be 
done.  Mr.  N.  was  of  opinion  that  the  United  States  being  alone  (after  the  payment 
of  15  or  20,000  dollars  to  the  original  owners  of  the  lots  on  which  the  public  buildings 
are  erecting)  interested  in  the  proceeds  of  the  sale,  Congress  must  have  a control 
over  the  sales  themselves.  This  was  agreed  to  be  the  opinion  of  the  Attorney  Gen- 
eral, who  attended  the  committee.  The  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  had  said,  if 
this  was  the  case  the  bill  was  wrong,  for  it  should  have  required  a conveyance  of  the 
lots  to  some  responsible  officer  of  the  Government  to  have  made  Government  secure. 
If  the  management  is  already  in  the  hands  of  an  officer  of  Government,  and 
the  management  of  the  property  can  be  controlled  by  law,  we  have  all  the 
security  which  could  be  obtained  by  the  conveyance  spoken  of.  If  gentlemen 
attended  to  the  bill,  they  would  find  that  this  property  is  in  the  hands  of  a 
responsible  officer  of  the  United  States;  for  the  trustees  cannot  make  a convey- 
ance but  by  the  consent  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  so  that  he,  in 
effect,  is  himself  the  trustee,  and  they  could  not  have  better  security.  But  he  would 
for  a moment  take  the  gentleman’s  doctrine  as  true.  What  then?  The  President 
must  be  considered  as  a private  person  in  disposing  of  the  lots.  It  was  agreed  that 
as  soon  as  money  was  received  it  went  to  the  President,  in  his  public  character,  and 
he  was  answerable  for  the  application  of  it  to  uses  prescribed  by  law.  It  would  fol- 
low, that  he  might  abuse  his  power  in  the  first  instance,  he  might  sell  the  property 
for  less  than  it  was  worth.  If  the  gentleman’s  doctrine  was  true,  the  United  States 
would  have  no  tie  upon  the  President  to  produce  a fair  sale,  of  the  lot',  but  what 
arises  from  his  regard  to  reputation  and  his  regard  to  his  private  fortune,  which 
would  be  answerable  for  his  conduct.  He  hoped  there  was  no  danger  of  having  any 
man  at  the  head  of  the  Government  on  whom  these  ties  would  not  be  sufficient.  But 
Mr.  N.  did  not  consider  these  observations  as  necessary,  for  he  considered  the  gen- 
tleman’s real  opinion  as  unsound. 

The  arguments  of  gentlemen  themselves  were  sufficient  ground  for  the  present 
guarantee.  They  say  sufficient  money  has  been  given  for  completing  the  buildings, 
if  it  had  been  properly  expended.  If  the  property  had  been  squandered,  was  it  the 
fault  of  those  who  gave  it?  When  gentlemen,  therefore,  say  that  enough  had  been 
given,  if  there  were  any  contract,  such  as  had  been  conjectured  to  exist,  it  proves  it 
to  have  been  fulfilled.  It  was  said  they  had  no  claim  upon  the  United  States.  But 
did  not  the  United  States  say,  “this  is  a proper  situation  for  Government?”  If  it 
were  to  go  there  it  was  certainly  because  it  was  for  the  general  interest,  and  if  there 
were  no  funds,  they  must  find  them.  But  they  were  not  called  upon  for  money. 
They  were  asked  to  guarantee  a Loan  to  prevent  the  waste  of  those  funds  which 
had  been  furnished  by  States  and  private  persons.  lie  hoped  no  doubt  would, 
therefore,  remain  on  the  subject. 

Mr.  PIillhouse  concurred  in  opinion  with  the  Attorney  General  on  this  subject. 
He  said  the  money-lenders  could  not  call  upon  the  United  States  for  their  money, 
until  the  lots  shall  have  been  sold,  and  there  remains  a deficiency,  and  there  is  little 
chance  of  the  President’s  selling  the  property  for  less  than  it  was  worth.  And 
though  they  could  not  control  the  sale  of  the  lots,  it  was  the  money-lenders  who  ran 
the  risk,  and  not  them;  nor  was  there  any  occasion  for  the  United  States  to  take 
care  of  the  money-lenders,  they  would  take  care  of  themselves.  The  bill  was  now 
on  safe  ground;  the  sum  of  the  guarantee  having  been  reduced  from  $500,000  to 
$300,000.  He  was  under  no  apprehension  that  the  United  States  would  even  be  called 
upon  for  a single  shilling.  And  if  they  could  give  facility  to  the  erection  of  the  pub- 
lic buildings,  they  ought  to  do  it.  They  ought  not  to  throw  obstructions  in  the  way. 
He  did  not  consider  the  House  as  pledged  for  any  thing  more  in  passing  the  present 


68  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

bill  than  the  bill  purported.  He  wished  it  now  to  pass,  as  his  former  objections  to 
it  were  done  away. 

Mr.  Rutherford  hoped,  since  the  bill  had  been  amended,  it  would  pass  by  a great 
majority;  for  Congress  to  throw  cold  water  upon  the  proceedings  now,  it  would  be 
unjustifiable.  The  minds  of  the  people  were  drawn  towards  the  Federal  City,  and 
property  would  advance  in  price;  but  if  Congress  should  defeat  the  operations  of  the 
Commissioners,  it  would  operate  to  the  disadvantage  of  the  Union. 

Mr.  Swan  wick  said,  if  he  thought  with  the  gentleman  from  Connecticut,  last 
up,  that  the  United  States  were  not  likely  to  he  called  upon  for  any  part  of  the 
money  which  they  were  about  to  guaranty,  the  measure  would  have  received  his 
approbation;  but  he  did  not  view  the  subject  in  the  same  light  with  that  gentleman. 
He  thought  the)  should  have  to  pay  the  whole  sum,  and  that  300,000  dollars 
would  not  be  the  whole  of  what  that  House  would  be  called  upon  to  provide,  if 
' the  bill  before  them  was  passed.  How  could  they  say  at  what  sum  they 
should  stop?  Was  the  bill  entitled  “an  act  for  providing  money  for  finishing 
the  public  buildings  in  the  Federal  City?”  No.  It  was  “an  act  for  guaranty- 
ing a Loan  for  the  use  of  the  City  of  Washington.”  On  the  same  principle 
they  might  guaranty  loans  for  all  the  cities  in  the  Union.  Why  a Loan  for  the 
City  of  Washington  in  particular?  Was  there  any  reason  why  the  different  cities  in 
the1  Union  should  be  taxed  for  that  city?  Was  it  meant  that  Government  should  go 
through  with  the  business,  and  see  all  interior  improvements  properly  finished  in 
this  new  city?  Nothing  was  mentioned  in  the  bill  for  which  this  money  was  wanted. 
Instead  of  finishing  the  public  buildings,  it  might  be  used  for  paving,  lighting,  or 
otherwise  improving  the  city.  Mr.  S.  observed,  that  it  was  with  Government  as 
with  individuals,  the  facility  of  borrowing  money  frequently  led  to  ruin.  But  it  was 
said  the  lots  were  worth  a great  deal  more  than  they  were  asked  to  guaranty.  He 
was  of  a different  opinion,  and  he  was  afraid  gentlemen  would  find  themselves  dis- 
appointed in  that  particular.  Speculation,  lie  thought,  had  been  at  the  highest 
pitch.  No  sooner  was  it  announced  that  Government  was  to  go  to  this  new  city  at 
a certain  period,  than  the  cry  was  immediately  raised  that  commerce  would  flow 
into  it  from  all  quarters;  that  it  would  become  the  centre  of  all  the  property  in  the 
Union;  that  Ambassadors  would  build  great  seats  there;  that  it  would  be  everything 
that  fancy  could  picture  as  delightful.  What  was  London,  Paris,  or  all  the  cities 
of  the  earth  compared  with  this  city!  What,  said  he,  has  been  the  consequence? 
What  might  have  been  expected  and  what  will  happen  in  all  similar  cases, 
public  opinion  with  respect  to  this  city  will  probably  fall  as  rapidly  as  it  rose.  But, 
said  he,  lots  in  this  city  had  been  objects  of  bargain  and  sale  in  Europe.  Gentlemen 
go  there  and  say,  “This  is  to  be  the  greatest  city  on  earth,  the  lots  are,  it  is  true, 
somewhat  high,  but  they  will  be  ten  times  higher.”  It  was  astonishing,  he  said,  to 
see  and  hear  the  exaggerations  which  had  been  circulated  with  respect  to  this  city. 
He  himself  had  seen  in  a London  paper,  an  account  stating  that  there  was  already 
7,000  houses  built  there.  Persons  in  Europe,  believing  these  representations,  had 
given  high  prices  for  these  lots,  in  the  same  way  as  they  had  been  induced  to  give 
high  prices  sometimes  for  very  indifferent  lands.  Speculation  now,  however,  being 
in  some  degree  flat,  it  must  be  raised  by  the  present  bill.  The  public  must  be 
informed  that  Government  will  take  this  city  upon  their  own  shoulders,  and  it  will 
be  asserted  that  the  United  States  will  take  up  this  city  as  the  Czar  Peter  took  up 
Petersburg.  If  any  foreigner  were  to  embrace  this  idea,  would  he  not  find  himself 
probably  miserably  deceived,  in  the  result?  But,  suppose  the  sum  proposed  to  be 
borrowed  were  to  be  employed  in  finishing  the  public  buildings  intended  for  Govern- 
ment, how  degrading  would  it  be  to  go  into  Europe  to  borrow  money  to  erect  these 
buildings?  If  he  had  studied  to  find  out  a plan  of  degrading  the  honor  or  the  country, 
he  could  not  have  hit  upon  one  more  humiliating.  What  would  be  thought  at  Amster- 
dam, when  the  United  States  were  borrowing  money  to  erect  houses  for  the  different 


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69 


Departments  of  their  Government  to  meet  in.  If  money  was  wanted  for  this  purpose, 
why  not  raise  it  by  taxes?  The  ease  with  which  money  might  be  borrowed  at  a tend- 
ency to  stupify  all  exertion,  and  the  end  of  it  would  be,  that  the  whole  of  their 
revenue  would  go  to  pay  the  interest  of  their  debts  to  foreign  countries.  It  was  the 
opinion  of  most  thinking  men  on  the  subject,  (and  the  President  had  wisely  recom- 
mended the  measure  for  four  successive  years)  that  their  Public  Debt  should  be 
extinguished  with  all  possible  speed.  And  what,  he  said,  was  the  conduct  of  that 
House?  They  say  they  will  pay  every  attention  to  the  subject,  but  still  incur  fresh 
debt.  The  report  of  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  was  before  them,  by  which 
they  saw  how  their  finances  stood.  He  feared  they  should  soon  have  nothing  but 
bills  for  Loans  before  them,  from  finding  it  so  much  more  easy  to  borrow  than  to 
raise  money  by  taxation.  They  were  following  a practice  which  had  brought  Great 
Britain  to  the  brink  of  ruin.  If  the  lots,  said  Mr.  S.,  ever  would  he  of  value,  it  was 
now;  for,  in  matters  of  speculation,  the  more  uncertainty  there  was,  the  greater  room 
there  would  be  for  conjecture  and  calculation.  He  thought  it  very  improbable  the 
property  should  increase  in  value.  For  when  the  Government  shall  be  removed,  it 
may  be  found  that  from  the  shortness  of  the  sessions  of  Congress  there,  the  advan- 
tages which  they  would  confer  would  not  be  very  great,  and  consequently,  that  much 
of  the  speculation  which  had  been  formed  of  the  great  prosperity  of  that  city,  had 
been  founded  in  error.  He  would  not  be  understood  to  say  that  the  City  of  Wash- 
ington might  not  have  a gradual  increase  and  consequence  like  that  of  any  other 
city  in  the  Union,  but  not  that  it  would  grow  as  it  were  spontaneously  in  the  man- 
ner some  gentlemen  seemed  to  expect  it.  For  the  reasons  he  had  mentioned,  he 
should  vote  against  the  passing  of  the  bill;  and  though  the  bill  should  be  carried  by 
a great  majority,  he  should  not  regret  the  vote  though  he  should  be  found  alone  on 
the  occasion. 

Mr.  Havens  said,  the  bill  carried  a refutation  of  the  argument  used  on  its  support 
in  the  face  of  it,  viz:  that  the  lots  are  worth  more  than  the  money  proposed  to  be 
guarantied.  If  the  money-lenders  believe  this  to  he  true,  there  would  be  no  need 
of  a guarantee.  This  guarantee  being  asked  for,  convinced  him  that  it  was  not 
believed  that  the  lots  would  bring  the  money.  He  had  taken  some  pains  to  find 
whether  the  price  the  land  would  command  will  be  likely  to  repay  the  sum  proposed 
to  be  borrowed,  and  could  not  discover  any  well-founded  reasons  for  the  belief. 
Every  gentleman  must  be  sensible  that  if  they  engaged  for  $300,000,  they  engaged 
the  Government  for  the  whole  sum.  But  what  was  meant  when  it  was  said  that 
there  was  some  kind  of  obligation  to  go  to  this  new  city  at  the  time  mentioned?  He 
could  read  no  such  contract.  The  buildings  were  to  be  completed.  When  he  was 
upon  a committee  on  another  subject,  he  made  inquiry  whether,  if  the  buildings 
intended  for  Congress  were  not  completed,  they  might  not  be  accommodated  in  some 
other  way;  and,  if  his  information  was  right,  before  the  year  1800,  there  would  be 
parts  of  the  city  finished  in  which  they  might  be  accommodated;  or,  if  not  in  that 
city,  in  Georgetown,  which  lies  near  it?  He  should  vote  against  the  bill. 

Mr.  Murray  would  remark,  that  the  very  point  in  dispute  had  been  taken  for 
granted.  It  had  been  said,  the  call  for  a guarantied  loan  indicated  in  itself  a con- 
sciousness that  the  lots  were  not  worth  the  sum  to  be  borrowed  upon  their  credit. 
This  he  would  explicitly  deny.  On  the  contrary,  there  is  a full  and  well-grounded 
conviction  that  the  lots  upon  which  the  credit  is  asked  would  at  this  moment  sell 
for  more  than  the  sum  in  view:  and  that,  therefore,  as  mere  money-lenders,  the 
loan  would  be  a safe  bargain.  It  was  likewise  clear,  almost  to  demonstration,  that 
if  the  immediate  pressure  for  money  were  removed,  that  must  otherwise  force  the 
lots  into  the  market,  the  operation  of  the  loan,  when  properly  laid  out  in  the 
improvement  of  the  city,  will  add  value  to  the  lots  pledged,  and  thus  increase 
the  resources  of  the  borrower  in  such  a manner  as  that  he  not  only  will  be  enabled 
to  discharge  the  sum  borrowed,  but  also  have  a great  and  valuable  residuary  as  a 


70 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


fund,  from  which  the  City  of  Washington,  without  internal  taxes,  may  be  embel- 
lished. As  the  United  States  will  have  exclusive  jurisdiction  within  that  city,  it 
was  deeply  their  concern  to  husband  their  resources  so  as  to  make  them  accomplish 
their  present  ends  and  their  future  objects.  Expose  all  the  lots  to  sale  at  present, 
and,  though  you  will  get  the  sum  which  may  be  immediately  necessary,  you  strip 
the  estate  entirely  of  all  resources  in  future  but  those  of  taxation.  If  the  Govern- 
ment feels  any  interest  in  their  own  affairs,  for  the  affairs  of  that  city  as  a peculiar 
scene  of  their  jurisdiction,  are  more  or  less  their  own,  they  will  adopt,  towards  that 
city  and  its  resources,  those  maxims  which,  in  private,  and,  indeed,  public  character, 
constitute  a sound  economy. 

He  had  never  anticipated  the  support  of  the  gentleman  from  this  city,  [Mr.  Swan- 
wick,]  but  he  confessed  he  did  not  expect  so  warm  an  opposition  to  this  bill  from 
that  gentleman.  He  has  taken  great  pains  to  discredit  the  value  of  property  in  the 
city,  and  has  painted  the  city  itself  as  an  airy  fiction  of  speculation,  a mere  sort  of 
castle-building  dream,  such  as  man  oversets  when  he  rises  out  of  bed  from  the  reveries 
of  the  morning.  It  is  true,  he  observed,  that  the  scheme  is  a speculation — the  whole 
of  life  and  its  concerns,  perhaps,  are  no  more;  but  it  is  speculation  rising  from  a con- 
currence of  events  and  local  circumstances  more  favorable  to  a profitable  issue,  than 
any  other  that  had  of  late  presented  itself  to  men  of  genius  and  enterprise.  It  was 
founded  on  nothing  airy  but  to  the  mind  that  could  think  lightly  of  the  sanctity  of 
public  faith;  nothing  groundless,  unless  to  those  whose  interests  led  them  from  a 
fair  calculation  of  those  immense  advantages  that  unite  themselves  in  the  centre  of 
the  Union,  on  one  of  the  noblest  navigable  rivers  in  the  world.  It  was  a speculation 
bottomed  for  the  security  of  its  profits  in  the  faith  of  the  Union.  It  is  impossible 
that  the  gentleman,  who  is  really  so  excellent  a judge  of  good  speculation,  of  com- 
merce, and  of  city  property,  and  whose  property  so  adorns  this  city,  and  so  largely 
contributes  to  its  elegant  amusements — for  that  circus  and  that  hotel  in  view  belong 
to  the  gentleman — should  seriously  believe  that  the  Federal  City  is  an  airy  specula- 
tion. It  must  have  been  in  the  moment  of  poetical  indulgence,  and  been  determined 
in  the  cast  of  character  he  meant  to  assume  in  the  debate,  to  give  us  “T’other  side 
of  the  Gutter,”  which  he  understood  was  an  excellent  dramatic  thing,  as  it  was 
played  in  the  gentleman’s  own  circus,  tie  lamented  that  that  circus  was  not  now 
in  the  Federal  City.  He  observed,  that  were  the  question  at  this  moment  to  be, 
in  what  part  of  the  Union  shall  the  permanent  Seat  of  Government  be?  he  believed 
that  it  would  be  placed  where  it  is  contemplated,  at  the  Federal  City.  If  great 
views  pointed  out  the  banks  of  the  Potomac,  in  Maryland,  to  be  the  proper  place 
under  such  a question,  would  it  not  be  extremely  natural  for  the  Government,  not 
perhaps  to  give,  but  to  lend  money,  in  aid  of  private  enterprise,  for  the  very  rational 
purpose  of  living  in  houses,  in  preference  to  holding  their  sessions,  like  Druids,  in 
the  open  air  or  under  trees?  If  houses  were  deemed  necessary,  if  a thousand  accom- 
modations were  essential  to  the  settling  of  the  Government  there,  what  would  be 
the  duty  of  Government?  Certainly  to  promote,  not  to  discourage  the  growth  of  a 
city,  and  to  lend  money  to  attain  that  end. 

Mr.  Page  said,  he  would  vote  for  the  bill,  because,  if  it  were  not  passed,  it  would 
give  the  public  an  idea  that  they  did  not  mean  to  go  there  at  the  time  appointed. 
He  was  no  friend  to  the  having  a district  of  ten  miles  square,  nor  to  the  magnificence 
displayed  in  the  President’s  house.  He  believed  they  need  not  be  under  any  appre- 
hensions of  loss  from  the  present  guarantee;  but,  if  the  bill  was  rejected,  the  palace 
and  other  public  buildings  erecting  there  would  come  to  nothing. 

Mr.  Swanwick  rose,  and  remarked  upon  what  had  fallen  from  gentlemen  in  reply 
to  his  observations.  When  he  mentioned  the  removal  of  the  Government,  he  did 
not  mean  to  make  any  allusion  to  Philadelphia,  or  to  the  value  of  property  there. 
He  said,  the  gentleman’s  opinions  were  as  erroneous  with  respect  to  the  present  as 
to  the  future.  They  seemed  to  ascribe  the  prosperity  of  Philadelphia  to  the  residence 


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71 


of  Congress  there;  whereas,  if  they  would  look  around  them,  they  would  see  more 
rapid  advances  in  some  other  places  which  had  not  had  the  same  advantage.  A 
gradual  rise  had,  for  some  time,  been  taking  place  in  all  parts  of  America,  owing  to 
a great  influx  of  money  and  increase  of  commerce.  Having  this  opinion  with  respect 
to  Philadelphia,  he  felt  perfectly  indifferent  about  the  removal  of  the  Government — 
it  would  not  take  one  cubit  from  her  stature,  nor  from  the  value  of  the  land  to  which 
the  gentleman  from  Maryland  had  alluded  on  “T’other  side  of  the  Gutter.” 

It  was  said,  that  he  objected  to  the  title  of  the  bill  only.  The  bill,  he  said,  con- 
templated a variety  of  objects,  consequently  the  money  proposed  to  be  borrowed 
might  be  applied  to  any  of  them,  as  he  did  not  find  it  was  confined  to  the  public 
buildings  only.  What  was  the  original  act  for  fixing  the  future  Seat  of  Government, 
of  which  they  had  said  so  much  and  quoted  so  little?  [He  read  the  clause  which 
says  the  President  shall  be  authorized  to  receive  grants  of  land  and  money.]  The 
present  bill  was  much  at  variance  with  the  original  act,  for  it  makes  the  United 
States  become  speculators,  and  guaranty  a large  sum  in  a foreign  country  at  six 
per  cent,  on  the  credit  of  the  lots.  He  could  not  agree  to  this  partnership  of  spec- 
ulation, which  the  Government  was  about  to  enter  into,  because  he  should  not 
himself  choose  to  risk  his  private  property  in  such  an  adventure,  and  thought  it 
a good  rule  not  to  place  the  public  on  ground  he  should  not  like  himself.  But,  it 
was  said,  good  faith  required  that  they  should  guaranty  this  loan,  because  they 
had  said  Government  should  go  there  at  a certain  period.  But  this  was  only  said 
conditionally,  if  proper  buildings  were  prepared  for  their  reception.  It  was  not 
expected  they  should,  at  all  events,  go  there  and  sit  under  the  canopy  of  Heaven. 

The  objections  which  he  had  made  to  the  borrowing  of  money,  did  not  seem  to 
have  the  same  weight  with  other  gentlemen  which  they  had  with  him.  He  said 
there  would  be  a loan  to  be  negotiated  for  the  use  of  Government,  and  he  was  appre- 
hensive the  one  might  interfere  with  the  other.  This  step  was  only  the  commence- 
ment of  the  business.  He  remembered  when  £20,000  were  granted  for  building  the 
house  of  the  President,  in  Philadelphia,  it  was  thought  a very  large  sum,  but  nearly 
twice  that  sum  had  been  asked  for  since,  and  the  house  was  not  yet  finished.  So  it 
would  probably  be  in  this  case.  They  were  applied  to  at  first  for  $500,000,  but  now 
the  sum  was  reduced  to  $300,000.  He  expected  this  would  not  be  the  last  call.  He 
was  against  the  principle  of  the  bill.  He  would  not  make  any  further  observations 
on  the  subject,  nor  would  he  have  risen  again,  had  it  not  have  been  to  notice  some 
rather  personal  remarks  which  had  been  made  on  the  sentiments  he  had  before 
expressed. 

Mr.  Sitgeeaves  said,  it  was  to  be  expected  that  the  members  from  Pennsylvania 
would,  in  giving  opposition  to  this  bill,  have  to  meet  the  reflections  which  they  had 
heard.  He  was,  for  his  own  part,  not  surprised  at  them,  nor,  indeed,  was  he  dis- 
pleased. He  would  submit  to  them,  and  to  much  more,  when  conveyed  with  so  much 
pleasantry  as  had  been  used  by  his  friend  from  Maryland,  [Mr.  Murray.]  But  the 
members  from  Pennsylvania  would  ill  deserve  the  confidence  reposed  in  them  by 
their  constituents  if  they  should  suffer  such  considerations  to  mingle  with  the  discharge 
of  their  public  duty,  or  if  they  could  be  prevented  from  declaring  their  opinions  by  that 
greatest  of  all  weakness,  the  apprehension  that  improper  motives  might  be  attributed 
to  them.  He  could  not  help  considering  that  gentlemen  greatly  overrated  the  advan- 
tages derived  to  the  city  of  Philadelphia  from  Congress  sitting  in  it.  He  had  read  that 
when  one  of  the  Kings  of  England,  in  a fit  of  disgust,  threatened  the  citizens  of  London 
to  remove  his  Court  and  Parliament  to  Oxford,  they  hoped  “his  Majesty  would  not 
take  the  Thames  with  him.”  And,  so  long  as  they  left  the  Delaware  behind  them  the 
city  of  Philadelphia  would,  he  imagined,  feel  no  material  loss  from  the  removal  of 
Congress,  except,  indeed,  the  agreeable  society  of  its  members  during  their  session. 
But  he  considered  this  humorous  kind  of  discourse  on  serious  subjects  as  calculated 
to  keep  out  of  view  more  important  considerations.  He  had  stated  that  the  bill  was 


72 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


an  illusion;  that  the  United  States  assumed  and  held  out  to  the  public  and  to  money- 
lenders a right  to  pledge  property,  which,  he  ventured  to  say,  they  did  not  possess. 
He  had  said  this,  though  the  Attorney  General  and  three  professional  gentlemen  in 
that  House  maintained  an  opposite  opinion;  for  all  his  respect  for  their  sentiments 
could  not  induce  him  to  abandon  his  own  in  that  which  he  had  expressed.  He  had 
not  been  singular,  and  he  trusted  he  had  shown  satisfactory  grounds  on  which  he 
supported  it.  But,  if  the  opinion  of  the  Attorney  General  was  just,  and  the  land 
was  at  the  disposal  of  the  United  States,  he  contended  that  would  be  a decisive 
reason  why  the  bill  should  not  pass,  because  it  did  not  furnish  for  the  United  States 
the  best  indemnity  that,  conformably  to  that  opinion,  the  case  is  susceptible  of. 

It  had  been  agreed,  before  the  recommital,  that  if  greater  security  than  the  bill 
offers  could  be  given  them,  it  ought  to  be  given.  If  the  opinion  contended  for  is 
correct,  the  land  can,  and,  if  it  can,  it  ought  to  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  a respon- 
sible public  officer:  whereas,  at  present  it  was  in  the  hands  of  private  trustees,  per- 
sons no  way  amenable  to  the  United  States,  but  by  process  in  the  Courts  in  the 
common  forms.  He  was  sure  the  President  was  not  publicly  responsible  until  the 
money  came  into  his  hands.  When  grants  of  money  were  paid  into  his  hands  he 
was  responsible  for  them. 

It  has  been  said  the  trustees  could  not  touch  the  money.  From  whence  was  this 
opinion  collected?  The  trustees  alone  can  convey  to  purchasers.  The  money,  by 
the  deed,  is  expressly  appropriated,  first,  to  pay  the  original  price  of  the  land,  and 
must  pass  through  the  hands  of  the  trustees  before  the  residue  can  be  paid  over  to 
the  President  for  public  purposes.  He  had  said  the  present  bill  was  liable  to 
another  objection,  viz:  as  holding  out  a false  view  to  money-lenders,  and  he  had 
been  astonished  to  hear  from  a gentleman  from  Connecticut  [Mr.  Hillhouse]  that 
money-lenders  would  take  care  of  themselves,  and  that  Government  need  not  make 
itself  uneasy  on  that  head.  He  was  sure  that  such  a sentiment  did  not  agree  with 
that  delicate  and  tender  regard  which  that  gentleman  always  appeared  to  profess 
for  the  purity  of  public  credit. 

Mr.  Sitgreaves  said,  he  was  willing  that  Government  should  remove  to  the  new 
city  as  proposed,  and  would  lay  no  obstruction  in  the  way  of  that  removal.  There 
was,  however,  an  essential  difference  between  interposing  obstructions  and  refusing 
aid,  which  we  were  not  bound  to  grant.  They  ought  to  say,  “We  are  bound  to  go 
if  you  are  ready  to  receive  us,  but  we  will  not  become  city  builders.”  This  bill, 
he  said,  was  predicated  on  a possibility  that  we  should  one  day  have  to  pay  the 
money,  for  which  it  pledged  the  United  States  as  guarantee.  He  should  continue  to 
oppose  it. 

Mr.  Brent  said,  the  present  bill  seemed  to  be  peculiarly  obnoxious  to  the  gentle- 
man from  Pennsylvania  last  up,  because  it  purported  to  guaranty  a loan  for  the  erec- 
tion of  public  buildings  in  the  Federal  City.  He  said,  he  was  by  no  means  tenacious 
about  the  title,  so  that  the  object  of  the  bill  was  obtained.  He  said,  the  apprehen- 
sions of  the  gentlemen  from  Pennsylvania  and  Connecticut  were  the  most  unfounded 
that  could  be  imagined,  and  if  they  had  noticed  the  observations  which  had  fallen 
from  his  colleague,  they  must  have  seen  that  they  were  unfounded.  When  they 
recollected  what  the  lots  had  sold  for,  the  number  remaining  on  hand  unsold,  and 
the  price  they  will  most  probably  command,  when  it  is  known  that  Congress  has 
agreed  to  guaranty  the  proposed  loan,  it  must  be  one  of  the  most  idle  apprehen- 
sions to  suppose  that  this  property  will  not  be  a sufficient  guarantee  for  the  amount 
of  the  loan.  Gentlemen  had  said  that  if,  when  the  original  act  passed,  it  had  been 
supposed  that  application  would  have  been  made  to  Government  to  aid  the  erection 
of  the  public  buildings,  it  would  never  have  gone  into  effect.  He  knew  not  what 
might  have  been  the  opinion  at  that  time.  He  formed  his  ideas  from  the  act  of 
Congress  itself.  There  he  found  if  there  were  certain  concessions  made  by  any  State 
for  the  use  of  the  General  Government,  Congress  stipulated  that  the  Seat  of  Gov- 


The  Old  Building. 


73 


ernment  should  be  removed.  In  consequence  of  this  declaration,  two  States  and 
several  individuals  of  the  States  had  made  considerable  sacrifices.  Will  gentlemen, 
then,  say  that,  after  these  circumstances  had  taken  place,  and  these  offers  had  been 
solemnly  accepted,  that  the  faith  of  the  United  States  was  not  pledged?  If  so,  they 
view  the  matter  in  a far  different  light  from  him.  Objections  had  been  made  with 
respect  to  the  security  of  the  United  States  with  respect  to  the  trustees.  It  would  be 
sufficient  to  say  that  these  subjects  were  fully  considered  by  the  select  committee, 
and  they  had  taken  the  opinion  of  the  Attorney  General,  which  was  clear  and  satis- 
factory. Those  who  heard  the  deed  read  would  recollect  that  the  property  was  to  be 
conveyed  to  trustees,  and  sold,  from  time  to  time,  under  the  direction  of  the  Presi- 
dent, the  money  to  be  appropriated  by  him  for  the  erection  of  suitable  public  build- 
ings for  the  use  of  Government.  But,  according  to  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania, 
the  public  had  no  security  but  the  money  might  be  diverted  by  the  trustees  to  other 
purposes.  This  opinion  was  so  far  from  just,  the  trustees  could  never  have  touched 
the  money,  as  the  property  is  to  be  sold  under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the 
United  States.  He  should  be  glad  to  know,  therefore,  what  possible  risk  there  could 
be  in  the  disposal  of  the  property?  The  purchaser  will  see  that  the  trustees  are  the 
sole  agents,  and  that  the  money  is  to  be  under  the  direction  of  the  President.  Can 
it,  then,  be  supposed  that  any  purchaser  will  pay  his  money  other  than  agreeably  to 
the  direction  of  the  President? 

With  respect  to  engagements  on  the  part  of  the  public.  It  had  been  suggested 
that  sufficient  money  had  been  paid  into  the  hands  of  the  President  to  finish  the 
public  buildings.  The  fact  might  be  so.  He  did  not  mean  to  determine  on  the 
misapplication  of  money.  But,  admitting  the  buildings  were  on  too  extensive  a 
scale,  and  the  money  had  been  squandered,  against  whom  does  this  accusation 
retort?  Not  against  those  who  gave  it,  but  on  that  House,  who  had  not  attended 
to  the  expenditure  of  it.  The  fault  rested  with  them,  but  they  were  not,  on  that 
account,  dissolved  from  their  engagement.  The  gentleman  from  Connecticut  said 
he  entertained  no  wish  to  obstruct  the  removal  of  Government,  but  he  was  unwilling 
to  grant  the  proposed  loan.  If  he  objects  to  the  buildings  being  on  too  large  a scale, 
but  is  still  willing  to  transfer  the  Government,  he  should  have  brought  forward  his 
objections  in  an  earlier  stage  of  the  business,  and  suggested  a different  kind  of  plan 
for  the  buildings.  But,  as  he  had  suggested  no  such  plan,  the  gentleman’s  making 
an  objection  to  the  mode  now,  appears  like  an  attack  upon  the  bill  itself.  And,  if 
he  were  of  opinion  that  it  was  desirable  to  remove  the  Government  at  the  time 
appointed,  it  was  essentially  necessary  to  guaranty  the  loan,  as  the  buildings  were 
now  at  a stand  for  the  want  of  the  necessary  aid,  or  they  must  legislate  under  the 
canopy  of  Heaven.  He  trusted,  therefore,  the  gentleman  would  see  the  propriety  of 
voting  for  the  present  bill. 

Mr.  Ckabb  said,  he  should  have  expected  objections  from  any  part  of  the  Union 
sooner  than  from  Pennsylvania.  One  of  the  members  from  that  State  [Mr.  Sit- 
greaves]  had  told  them  that  there  was  no  obligation  on  Congress  from  the  original 
act — at  least  he  knew  not  of  any  such.  But  he  had  forgotten  that  they  were  bound 
to  sit  in  Philadelphia  ten  years;  and,  if  they  might  judge  from  the  gentleman’s  lan- 
guage on  this  occasion,  he  thought  they  might  conclude  he  wished  to  keep  them 
longer.  His  colleague  [Mr.  Swanwick]  traveled  no  further  than  the  title  of  the  bill, 
and  found  a bill  authorizing  a Loan  for  the  City  of  Washington.  But,  if  he  had  read 
the  first  clause  of  the  bill,  he  would  have  found  that  the  money  was  wanted  to  com- 
plete the  public  buildings  in  that  city.  The  same  gentleman  went  on  to  say,  that  it 
was  degrading  to  America  to  borrow  money  in  a foreign  country  to  erect  their  public 
buildings,  and  that,  before  he  should  do  this,  he  would  come  forward  and  lay  taxes 
upon  his  constituents.  If  that  gentleman  was  willing  to  do  this,  he  was  not.  He 
thought  it  would  be  a wanton  abuse  of  their  power  to  lay  a tax  unnecessarily.  He 
had  no  doubt  but  the  lots  would  sell  for  double  the  sum  proposed  to  be  borrowed. 


74 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


It  had  also  been  said  that  a guarantee  amounted  to  a loan.  No  guarantee  could  be 
made  without  such  words.  The  same  gentleman  proceeded,  and  said,  if  the  lots  were 
worth  the  money  why  call  upon  Government  for  a guarantee,  why  not  borrow  money 
upon  the  lots  themselves?  That  gentleman,  said  Mr.  C.,  might  borrow  his  thousands 
or  tens  of  thousands  at  home,  where  his  property  is  known,  but  if  he  were  in  a for- 
eign country,  and  unknown,  he  would  have  need  of  a guarantee  if  he  wanted  to  bor- 
row. He  trusted  the  bill  would  pass  by  a large  majority,  which  would  serve  to  show 
to  the  public  that  they  did  not  mean  to  impede  but  to  cherish  the  growth  of  this 
infant  city. 

The  sense  of  the  House  was  then  taken  by  yeas  and  nays,  and  the  bill  passed,  72 
against  21.  * * * 


[Senate  proceedings  of  April  25,  1796:  Annals  of  Congress,  4 — 1,  p.  74.] 

The  Senate  proceeded  to  consider  the  report  of  the  committee  to  whom  was 
referred  the  bill,  entitled  “An  act  authorizing  a loan  for  the  use  of  the  city  of  Wash- 
ington, in  the  District  of  Columbia,  and  for  other  purposes  therein  mentioned.” 

On  motion,  that  the  bill  be  referred  to  a special  committee,  to  examine  the  esti- 
mates and  expenditures,  and  report  generally  thereon,  it  passed  in  the  negative — 
yeas  12,  nays  13. 

-x-  * * 

And,  after  debate,  the  further  consideration  of  the  bill  was  postponed. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  April  26,  1796:  Annals  of  Congress,  4 — 1,  p.  75.] 

The  Senate  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  committee  to  whom  was 
referred  the  bill,  entitled  “An  act  authorizing  a Loan  for  the  use  of  the  city  of  Wash- 
ington, in  the  District  of  Columbia,  and  for  other  purposes  therein  mentioned.” 

A motion  was  made  to  expunge  from  the  second  section,  these  words: 

“And  if  the  product  of  the  sales  of  all  the  said  lots  shall  prove  inadequate  to  the 
payment  of  the  principal  and  interest  of  the  sums  borrowed  under  this  act,  then  the 
deficiency  shall  be  paid  by  the  United  States,  agreeably  to  the  terms  of  the  said 
Loan.” 

Whereupon,  a motion  was  made  to  postpone  the  motion  for  amendment,  together 
with  the  report  of  the  committee,  until  this  day  se’nnight;  and  on  the  question  to 
agree  to  the  postponement,  it  passed  in  the  affirmative — yeas  13,  nays  11,  as  follows: 

* * * 

On  motion,  that  Mr.  Biter  be  permitted  to  vote  on  the  question,  having  been 
absent  when  it  was  taken,  it  passed  in  the  negative. 


[Senate  proceedings  oi  May  3,  1796:  Annals  of  Congress,  4 — 1,  p.  77.] 

The  Senate  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  committee  to  whom  was 
referred  the  bill,  entitled  “An  act  authorizing  a Loan  for  the  use  of  the  City  of  Wash- 
ington, in  the  District  of  Columbia,  and  for  other  purposes  therein  mentioned.” 

On  motion,  further  to  postpone  the  consideration  of  this  bill,  it  passed  in  the  neg- 
ative— yeas  4,  nays  16,  as  follows:  * * * 

On  motion  to  expunge  the  following  words  from  the  2d  section,  line  16  to  20: 

“And  if  the  product  of  the  sales  of  all  the  said  lots  shall  prove  inadequate  to  the 
payment  of  the  principal  and  interest  of  the  sums  borrowed  under  this  act,  then  the 


The  Old  Building.  75 

deficiency  shall  he  paid  by  the  United  States,  agreeably  to  the  terms  of  the  said 
loans” — 

It  passed  in  the  negative — yeas  8,  nays  16,  as  follows:  * * * 

On  motion  to  insert  these  words  in  the  1st  section,  after  the  words  “six  per  centum 
per  annum,”  “ including  all  charges  and  expenses,”  it  passed  in  the  negative — yeas 
10,  nays  14,  as  follows:  * * * 

Ordered,  That  this  bill  pass  to  a third  reading. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  May  4,  1796:  Annals  of  Congress,  4—1,  p.  79.] 

The  bill  sent  from  the  House  of  Representatives  for  concurrence,  entitled  “An  act 
authorizing  a Loan  for  the  use  of  the  City  of  Washington,  in  the  District  of  Colum- 
bia, and  for  other  purposes  therein  mentioned,”  was  read  the  third  time;  and,  on 
the  question,  Shall  this  bill  pass?  it  was  determined  in  the  affirmative — yeas  16,  nays 
7,  as  follows: 

* * * 

So,  it  was  resolved  that  this  bill  pass. 


[“An  Act  authorizing  a Loan  for  the  use  of  the  City  of  Washington,  in  the  District  of  Columbia,  and 
for  other  purposes  therein  mentioned,”  approved  May  6, 1796.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  1,  461.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  the  commissioners  under  the  act,  entituled  “An  act  for 
establishing  the  temporary  and  permanent  seat  of  the  government  of  the  United 
States,”  be,  and  they  are  hereby  authorized,  under  the  direction  of  the  President  of 
the  United  States,  to  borrow,  from  time  to  time,  such  sum  or  sums  of  money,  as  the 
said  President  shall  direct,  not  exceeding  three  hundred  thousand  dollars  in  the 
whole,  and  not  exceeding  two  hundred  thousand  dollars,  in  any  one  year,  at  an  inter- 
est not  exceeding  six  per  centum  per  annum,  and  reimbursable  at  any  time  after  the 
year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  three,  by  instalments  not  exceeding  one-fifth 
of  the  whole  sum  borrowed  in  any  one  year;  which  said  loan  or  loans  shall  be  appro- 
priated and  applied  by  the  said  commissioners  in  carrying  into  effect  the  above 
recited  act,  under  the  control  of  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

Sec.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  all  the  lots,  except  those  now  appropriated 
to  public  use  in  the  said  city,  vested  in  the  commissioners  aforesaid,  or  in  trustees, 
in  any  manner,  for  the  use  of  the  United  States,  now  holden  and  remaining  unsold, 
shall  be,  and  are  hereby  declared  and  made  chargeable  with  the  repayment  of  all 
and  every  sum  and  sums  of  money,  and  interest  thereupon,  which  shall  be  borrowed 
in  pursuance  of  this  act:  And  to  the  end  that  the  same  may  be  fully  and  punctually 
repaid,  the  said  lots,  or  so  many  of  them  as  shall  be  necessary,  shall  be  sold  and  con- 
veyed, at  such  times,  and  in  such  manner,  and  on  such  terms,  as  the  President  of  the 
United  States,  for  the  time  being,  shall  direct:  And  the  monies  arising  from  the  said 
sales  shall  be  applied  and  appropriated,  under  his  direction,  to  the  discharge  of  the 
said  loans,  after  first  [raying  the  original  proprietors  any  balances  due  to  them 
respectively,  according  to  their  several  conveyances,  to  the  said  commissioners  or 
trustees.  And  if  the  product  of  the  sales  of  all  the  said  lots  shall  prove  inadequate  to 
the  payment  of  the  principal  and  interest  of  the  sums  borrowed  under  this  act,  then 
the  deficiency  shall  be  paid  by  the  United  States,  agreeably  to  the  terms  of  the  said 
loans;  for  it  is  expressly  hereby  declared  and  provided,  that  the  United  States  shall 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


76 

be  liable  only  for  the  repayment  of  the  balance  of  the  moneys  to  be  borrowed  under 
this  act  which  shall  remain  unsatisfied  by  the  sales  of  all  the  lots  aforesaid,  if  any 
such  balance  shall  thereafter  happen. 

Sec.  3.  And  he  it  further  enacted,  That  every  purchaser  or  purchasers,  his  or  their 
heirs  or  assigns,  from  the  said  commissioners  or  trustees,  under  the  direction  of  the 
said  President,  of  any  of  the  lots  hereinbefore  mentioned,  after  paying  the  price,  and 
fulfilling  the  terms  stipulated  and  agreed  to  be  paid  and  fulfilled,  shall  have,  hold, 
and  enjoy  the  said  lot  or  lots  so  bought,  free,  clear  and  exonerated  from  the  charge 
ami  incumbrance  hereby  laid  upon  the  same. 

Sec.  4.  And  he  it  further  enacted , That  the  commissioners  aforesaid  shall,  semi- 
annually, render  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  a particular  account  of  the  receipts 
and  expenditures  of  all  moneys  entrusted  to  them,  and  also  the  progress  and  state 
of  the  business,  and  of  the  funds  under  their  administration;  and  that  the  said  sec- 
retary lay  the  same  before  Congress,  at  every  session  after  the  receipt  thereof. 


[From  the  report  of  George  Hadfield,  Superintendent,  respecting  the  work  done  at  the  Capitol  from 
May  17  to  November  17,  179G  (4 — 2,  House  Ex.  Docs.:  Letter  of  Oliver  Wolcott,  Jun.,  Secretary  of  the 
Treasury,  transmitting  letter  from  the  Commissioners  appointed  under  the  act  “ for  establishing 
the  temporary  and  permanent  seat  of  the  government  of  the  United  States,”  with  sundry  docu- 
ments, communicated  to  the  House  Deeember29, 1796,  Statements  E and  F,  pp.  23  and  25.] 

Report  of  George  Hadfield,  Superintendent,  Respecting  the  Work  done  at  the  Capitol  from 
nth  May  to  the  17th  November , 1796. 

Free  Ston:»  outside  carried  above  rough  Stone  to  the  bottom  of  Second  Story,  23 
feet  high. 

Brick  work,  South  and  West  side,  and  do.  All  over  the  Inside  up  to  the  Second 
Story,  18  feet  do. 

* * * 

Sighed,  George  Hadfield, 

Capitol,  Nov.  17th,  1796. 

Report  of  George  Hadfield,  Superintendent,  Respecting  the  State  of  the  Capitol  on  the  17th 
May,  1796,  when  the  Setting  of  Free  Stone,  and  Laying  of  Brick  commenced. 

The  foundation  is  layed  all  over  the  Building,  and  the  rough  Stone  work  carried 
above  ground,  9 feet  high. 

Free  Stone  out  side  on  the  average,  3-6  do.  do. 

Brick  work  inside,  do.  do.  do. 

* * * 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Presidents  of  the  United  States,  p.  101:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds, 

War  Department.] 

Philadelphia,  99th  Jan.  1797. 

Gentlemen  Having  received  a letter  from  Mr.  George  Walker,  of  which  a copy  is 
enclosed,  with  my  answer;  a senee  of  duty  to  the  public,  and  of  propriaty  as  it 
relates  to  yourselves,  requires  the  transmission  of  both,  to  you;  for  the  purpose 
which  is  expressed  in  the  latter. 

After  the  severe  weather  Ave  have  had,  I think  it  probable  there  Avill  be  an  early 
spring.  In  which  event  I persuade  myself  that  great  exertions  will  be  used  to  for- 


The  Old  Building. 


77 

ward  the  Capitol  in  preference  to  any  other  object. — All  others  indeed  depend,  in  a 
high  degree,  thereon,  and  are  or  ought  to  be  subordinate  thereto. — As  such  therefore 
with  a view  to  remove  those  unhappy  jealousies  (which  have  had  a baneful  influence 
on  the  affairs  of  that  City ) as  to  invigorate  the  operations  on  that  building,  I cannot 
too  often,  nor  too  strongly  enjoin  it  upon  those  who  have  not  already  taken  their 
stands  in  the  City,  to  do  it  without  delay;  and  as  convenient  to  the  important 
theatre,  as  they  can  be  accommodated. 

It  may  be  relied  on,  that  such  among  the  best  disposed  friends  to  the  Act  for  estab- 
lishing the  seat  of  Government,  on  the  Potomac,  there  are  many  who  intermix  doubts 
with  anxiety,  lest  the  principal  building  should  not  be  in  a situation  to  accomodate 
Congress  by  the  epoch  of  their  removal; — and  it  is  not  less  certain,  that  private  build- 
ings (such  are  essential  for  the  accomdation  of  their  members)  will  progress  no  faster 
than  the.  other;  nay  less, — as  buildings  around  the  Capitol  will  be  erected  principally 
by  the  wealthy — by  those  who  would  take  in  boarders,  and  by  shopkeepers; — the 
whole  of  these,  more  than  probable,  will  wait  until  the  accomplishment  of  the  first — 
the  prospect  of  it  I mean  is  reduced  to  a moral  certainty. 

It  is  not  only  of  infinite  importance  therefore  to  make  all  other  measures  yield,  in 
reality  to  this,  but  in  appearance  also; — especially,  under  the  present  difficulty  of 
obtaining  loans,  and  the  uncertainty  of  your  funds;  which  must  depend  upon  public 
opinion,  and  the  confidence  which  is  placed  in  the  administration  of  them.  To  what 
I have  here  said,  I shall  only  add  the  esteem  and  regard  of 

Gentlemen,  your  most  obedt.  servt.,  Go.  Washington. 

The  Commissioners 

of  the  City  of  Washington. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Presidents  of  the  United  States,  p.  102:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds, 

War  Department.! 

Philadelphia,  loth  Feb.  1797. 

Gentlemen,  Several  of  your  letters  have  been  received  within  these  few  days;  and 
notwithstanding  the  accumulation  of  business  consequent  on  the  near  epoch  for  my 
quitting  the  chair  of  government,  the  receipt  of  them  should  not  have  remained  so 
long  unacknowledged  had  I not  placed  , such  as  related  to  the  Power  of  Attorney, 
and  to  some  disputed  points,  into  the  hands  of  the  Law  Officer  of  the  United  States 
for  his  official  opinion;  without  having  received  his  report — owing,  I believe,  to  his 
having  been  hurried,  almost,  as  much  as  myself. 

Thus  circumstanced,  I shall  confine  the  subject  of  this  letter  wholly  to  the  expres- 
sion of  my  sentiments  relatively  to  the  public  buildings;  concerning  it  necessary  that 
you  should  be  informed  of  them  without  delay. 

When  in  the  course  of  the  autumn  you  suggested  the  propriety  of  designative  the 
sites  for  the  Executive  Offices,  and  for  providing  materials  for  their  erection,  I 
yielded  a ready  assent;  and  still  think  that  if  we  had  the  means  at  command,  and 
no  doubt  was  entertained  of  the  adequacy  of  them,  that  these  buildings  ought  to 
commence. 

But  when  the  difficulty  in  obtaining  loans,  and  the  disadvantageous  terms  on  which 
the  money  is  borrowed,  has  since  become  so  apparent;  when  I see  those  whose  interest 
it  is  to  appreciate  the  credit  of  the  City,  and  to  aid  the  Commissioners  in  all  their 
laudable  exertions  brooding  over  their  jealousies,  & spreading  the  seeds  of  distrust; 
and  when  I perceive  (as  I clearly  do)  that  the  public  mind  is  in  a state  of  doubt,  if 
not  in  despair  of  having  the  principal  building  in  readiness  for  Congress,  by  the  time 
contemplated,  for  these  reasons  I say,  and  for  others  which  might  be  enumerated, 
I am  now  decidedly  of  opinion  that  the  edifices  for  the  Executive  Offices  ought  to 
be  suspended;  that  the  work  on  the  house  for  the  President  should  advance  no  faster 


78 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


(at  the  expense  or  retardment  of  the  Capitol)  that  is  necessary  to  keep  pace  there- 
with and  to  preserve  it,  from  injury;  anil  that  all  the  means  (not  essential  for  other 
purposes)  & all  the  force,  ought  to  be  employed  on  the  Capitol. 

In  may  be  relied  on,  that  it  is  the  progress  of  that  building,  that  is  to  inspire,  or 
depress  public  confidence.  Under  any  circumstances  this,  more  or  less  would  be 
the  case;  but  when  it  is  reported  by  many,  I believe  by  some  (without  foundation  I 
am  persuaded)  that  there  is  a biass  elsewhere;  it  is  essential  on  the  score  of  policy, 
& for  the  gratification  of  the  public  wishes,  that  this  work  should  be  vigorously 
prosecuted  in  the  manner  I have  suggested. — And  I require  it  accordingly. — Con- 
sidered in  a simple  point  of  view,  the  matter  stands  thus. — Are  the  funds  sufficient 
to  accomplish  all  the  objects  which  are  contemplated? — If  doubts  arise,  then,  which 
of  those  objects  are  to  be  preferred?  On  this  ground  there  would  be  but  one  opin- 
ion;— every  body  would  cry  out,  the  Capitol.  Again,  admit  that  the  resources  will 
ultimately  be  adequate,  but  cannot  be  drawn  forth  in  the  ratio  of  your  general  wants, 
will  not  the  same  answer,  as  it  respects  time,  apply  with  equal  force  to  the  building 
just  mentioned? — This  then,  seems  to  be  safe  ground  to  proceed  on.  It  would  gratify 
the  public  wishes  & expectation; — might,  possibly,  appease  clamour; — and  if  all  the 
buildings  cannot  be  completed  in  time,  no  material  evil  would  result  from  the  post- 
ponement of  the  subordinate  Offices,  until  the  Capitol  is  in  such  a state  of  forward- 
ness as  to  remove  all  doubts  of  its  being  ready  for  the  reception  of  Congress  by  the 
time  appointed. — Another  good  ( mentioned  in  a former  letter)  would  flow  therefrom; 
which  is,  that  in  proportion  as  that  building  advanced,  & doubts  subsided,  private 
buildings  would  be  erected  where  they  would  be  most  noted  for  the  accomodation  of 
the  members. — The  public  offices  might  shift  (as  they  have  done)  awhile  longer. — I 
write  in  much  haste  (for  this  mornings  Post)  that  the  letter  may  get  to  you  in  the 
course  of  the  week. — If  I have  expressed  myself  in  such  a manner  as  to  be  clearly 
understood  it  is  enough,  you  must  excuse  the  scrawl  & believe  me  to  be  with  esteem 
& regard — Gentm.,  Yr.  Obed., 

Go.  Washington. 

CoMMKS.  OF  THE  ClTY  OF  WASHINGTON. 


[From  the  report  of  George  Hadfield,  Superintendent,  on  the  state  of  the  Capitol,  Nov.  25,  1797. 
(5 — 2,  Letter  of  Oliver  Wolcott,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  accompanying  report  of  the  Commis- 
sioners of  the  City  of  Washington,  communicated  to  the  House  Dec.  14,  1797.)] 

REPORT  OF  WHAT  PROGRESS  HAS  BEEN  MADE  ON  THE  BUILDING  OF 
THE  CAPITOL  FROM  THE  18TPI  OF  MA  Y LAST,  TO  THE  18TH  INSTANT, 
NOVEMBER,  1797;  ALSO,  OF  WHAT  MATERIALS  ARE  ON  HAND. 

The  free-stone  work  on  the  outside  is  raised  as  high  as  the  top  of  the  Corinthian 
capitals  all  round  the  building,  and  on  the  north  side  as  high  as  the  architrave 
of  the  principal  order  which  is  within  11  feet  of  the  whole  height,  so  that  part 
of  the  entablature  and  the  balustrade,  are  only  wanting  to  complete  the  whole  of  the 
intended  elevation.  The  brick  work  is  also  raised  as  high  as  the  roof,  and  the  naked 
flooring  of  the  building  is  almost  entirely  laid,  the  roof  will  shortly  be  finished,  and 
may  be  laid  in  its  place  before  the  ensuing  spring,  when  the  interior  finishing  may 
be  commenced  for  the  completion  of  the  building. 

Dimensions,  &c. 

Feet. 


Average  height  of  the  free-stone  raised  this  season 36 

Total  from  the  foundation  wall 57 

Average  height  of  brickwork  raised  this  season 35 

Total  from  the  foundation  wall 56 

Naked  flooring  laid  in  12  rooms. 

Ditto,  ditto,  in  galleries  4. 


The  Old  Building. 


79 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  23,  1798:  Annals  of  Congress,  5 — 2,  p.  1063.] 

CITY  OF  WASHINGTON. 

The  following  Message  was  received  from  the  President  of  the  United  States: 
Gentlemen  of  the  Senate,  and  Gentlemen  of  the  House  of  Representatives: 

The  enclosed  memorial  from  the  Commissioners  appointed  under  an  act  of  the 
United  States,  entitled  “An  act  for  establishing  the  temporary  and  permanent  seat  of 
the  Government  of  the  United  States,”  representing  the  situation  and  circumstances 
of  the  city  of  Washington,  I take  this  opportunity  to  present  to  both  Houses  of  the 
Legislature,  and  recommend  to  their  consideration.  Alexander  White,  Esq.,  one  of 
those  Commissioners,  is  now  in  this  city,  and  will  be  able  to  give  to  Congress,  or  any 
of  their  committees,  any  explanation  or  further  information  which  the  subject  may 
require. 

John  Adams. 

United  States,  February  23,  1798. 

The  Message  and  the  memorial  accompanying  it  (which  prays  further  assistance 
from  Congress  in  behalf  of  the  Federal  City)  were  ordered  to  be  printed,  and  were 
referred  to  a committee  of  the  following  gentlemen,  viz:  Messrs.  Craik,  Sitgkeaves, 
Brent,  Stanford,  Varnum,  Allen,  and  Sumter. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  4,  238:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

MEMORIAL,  TRANSMITTED  TO  CONGRESS  FEB.  23,  1798,  WITH  A MES- 
SAGE FROM  THE  PRESIDENT. 

* * * The  two  principal  Buildings,  now  far  advanced,  are  on  plans  approved  by 
the  late  President,  they  were  carried  on  under  his  direction  without  any  interference  on 
the  part  of  Congress,  until  the  Session  which  commenced  in  December  1795:  a Com- 
mittee of  the  House  of  Representatives  was  then  appointed  consisting  of  nine  Members, 
who  were  instructed  to  enquire  whether  any,  and  what  alterations  ought  to  be  made  in 
the  plans  of  the  said  Buildings,  and  who  reported  that  no  alteration  could  with  jiro- 
priety  be  made  therein. — Whereupon,  Congress  passed  an  act,  authorizing  the  Com- 
missioners, under  the  controul  of  the  president  of  the  United  States,  to  borrow  $300,000 
under  the  guarantee  of  Congress,  for  the  purpose  of  completing  those  Buildings,  and 
others  required  by  the  said  first  mentioned  Act;  and  placed  the  execution  of  the 
business  under  their  own  immediate  inspection,  by  enacting,  “That  the  Commis- 
sioners shall,  semi-annually  render  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  a particular 
account  of  the  Receipts  and  Expenditures  of  all  monies  entrusted  to  them,  and  also, 
the  progress  and  state  of  the  business  and  funds  under  their  administration;  and  that 
the  said  Secretary  lay  the  same  before  Congress  at  every  session  after  the  receipt 
thereof,”  which  Act  has  been  duly  complied  with  on  the  part  of  the  Commissioners. 

* * * 

Gusts.  Scott, 

W illiam  Thornton, 
Alex  White. 


[From  the  Report  of  the  Committee  to  whom  was  referred,  Feb.  23,  1798,  the  President’s  Message, 
inclosing  a memorial  from  the  Commissioners  of  the  city  of  Washington,  Mar.  8, 1798.  (5—2,  House 

Committee  Reports.)] 

REPORT. 

The  Committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  Message  from  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  inclosing  a memorial  of  the  Commissioners  appointed  under  the  act  for  “estab- 
lishing the  temporary  and  permanent  seat  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States,” 


80 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


representing  the  situation  and  circumstances  of  the  City  of  Washington,  and  solicit- 
ing the  aid  of  the  Federal  Legislature  to  enable  them  to  complete  the  buildings 
requisite  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  at  the 
said  city,  having  taken  into  consideration  the  said  memorial,  together  with  the 
annexed  information  of  the  attending  Commissioner- 

Report  the  following  resolution: — 

Resolved,  That  two  hundred  thousand  dollars  be  appropriated  for  the  compleating 
the  buildings  requisite  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States, 
at  the  City  of  Washington,  to  be  subject  to  the  draughts  of  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  for  the  time  being  not  exceeding  one  third  of  the  said  sum  in  any  one  year. 

Alexander  White,  one  of  the  Commissioners  appointed  by  virtue  of  the  act  of  Con- 
gress, intituled  “An  act  to  establish  the  temporary  and  permanent  seat  of  the  Gov- 
ernment of  the  United  States,  attending  for  the  purpose  of  giving  information,  respect- 
fully states  to  the  Committee,  to  whom  the  memorial  of  the  said  commissioners  and 
the  President’s  message  was  referred, 

That  the  capitol,  in  the  city  of  Washington,  if  the  plan  shall  be  fully  executed,  will 
contain  a main  body  and  two  wings;- — the  main  body  is  composed  of  two  parts — a 
grand  circular  vestibule  to  the  east,  of  112  feet  diameter  and  a conference  room  to  the 
west,  a circle  of  90  feet  diameter,  both  of  full  elevation — the  first  covered  with  a 
dome — the  second  with  a temple — the  latter  will  finish  on  the  outside  with  a colonade 
in  the  center  of  the  west  front. 

The  south  wing  will  contain  the  Representatives’  chamber,  an  ellipsis  of  88  by  66 
full  elevation. 

The  north  wing  is  considered  as  sufficient  to  accommodate  the  Legislature  during 
the  present  state  of  respresentation — It  contains  the  following  apartments: — In  the 
first  story,  the  Senate  room,  56  by  36,  semicircular,  and  two  stories  high — lobby,  38 
by  22 — four  rooms  28  by  35  each — North  entrance,  20  by  45 — East  ditto,  28  by  22 — 
grand  staircase,  36  by  45,  elliptic — small  ditto,  10  by  20.  In  the  second  story — Tem- 
porary Representatives’  chamber,  81  by  35,  two  stories  high — one  room,  40  by  20 — 
one  ditto,  30  by  23, — On  the  third  story — lobby,  38  by  26 — three  rooms,  27  by  31 
each, — -one  room,  29  by  23, — one  ditto,  20  by  45 — one  ditto,  23  by  30 — The  building 
forms  a front  of  350  feet — The  foundation  of  the  whole  is  laid — The  freestone  work 
of  the  north  wing  is  raised  as  high  as  the  Corinthian  capitals  all  round  the  building, 
and  on  the  north  side  as  high  as  the  architrave  of  the  principal  order,  so  that  part 
of  the  entablature  and  the  balustrade  are  all  that  is  wanting  to  compleat  the  intended 
elevation — The  brick  work  is  raised  as  high  as  the  roof,  and  the  naked  flooring  is 
nearly  finished,  being  laid  in  twelve  rooms,  and  four  galleries — The  expense  of 
finishing  this  wing,  exclusive  of  the  materials  on  hand,  is  estimated  by  the  superin- 
tendant  of  the  building  at  46,762  dollars. 

* * * 

The  funds  of  the  city,  on  the  18th  of  November,  1797,  (exclusive  of  the  real 
pi'operty  stated  in  the  memorial,  and  an  island  of  freestone)  consisted  in  the  follow- 
ing sums  arising  from  the  sale  of  lots,  viz.  then  due,  Dollars  65,047.  60-10Qths. — to 
become  due  in  the  year  1797,  Dollars  432.  70-100ths. — to  become  due  in  the  year  1798, 
Dollars  74,669.  37-100ths. — ditto  in  1799,  Dollars  69,469. — ditto  in  1800,  Dollars 
68,571.  43-lOOths. — amounting  to  Dollars  278,190.  10-100ths. — and  Dollars  109. 
76-100ths  in  cash — Since  which  time  the  Commissioners,  under  the  sanction  of  the 
President  of  the  United  States,  have  obtained  a loan  of  100,000  dollars  from  the 
state  of  Maryland,  in  United  States’  six  per  cent,  stock;  which  stock  was  trans- 
ferred in  January  last,  and  is  expected  to  produce  about  84,000  dollars. — The 
debts  due  from  the  Commissioners,  at  this  time,  were  estimated  at  Dollars  36,632. 
58-100ths  including  Dollars  13,091.  51-100ths  payable  to  the  original  proprietors 
of  the  city.  The  annual  expenses  of  the  establishment  are  estimated  as  follows: 
Commissioners’  office,  Dollars,  7,060.  27-100ths.  Surveying  department,  Dollars 
2,947.  85-100ths.  Hospital  for  sick  labourers,  Dollars  291.  14-100ths.  City  of 


The  Old  Building. 


81 


Washington,  Dolls.  2,875.  66-100ths.  Interest  on  200,000  dollars  borrowed  of  the 
state  of  Maryland,  12,000  dollars — Total  Dolls.  25,174  92-lOOths.  So  that  after 
deducting  the  sums  due  and  to  become  due,  to  the  first  of  January,  1799,  inclusive, 
only  Dollars  22,192.  50-100ths.  of  the  money  borrowed  will  remain  to  be  applied 
to  the  buildings:  But  it  is  to  be  observed,  that  there  is  now  due,  for  lots  sold,  Dol- 
lars 65,480.  30- lOOths.  and  in  the  course  of  the  present  year  Dollars  74,669.  35-100ths 
will  become  due,  making  Dollars  140,149.  65-100ths  a sum  exceeding  that  the 
Commissioners  contemplate  to  expend  during  the  ensuing  season;  but  there  being 
no  mode  sufficiently  efficacious  to  enforce  immediate  payments,  the  Commissioners 
apprehended  their  operations  might  be  impeded  by  the  default  of  debtors;  they 
therefore  deemed  it  incumbent  on  them  to  make  known  the  situation  of  the  federal 
buildings,  and  their  resources  for  carrying  them  on,  with  the  probability  of  the  fail- 
ure of  these  resources,  at  least  to  a considerable  degree,  to  the  President  of  the 
United  States,  which  has  been  done  by  a memorial  addressed  to  him,  in  which 
memorial  the  Commissioners  pointed  out  the  measures  which  they  conceived  the 
President  was  authorized  to  pursue  for  their  relief,  and  stated  their  reasons  for  believ- 
ng,  that  these  measures  would  not  prove  effectual  under  existing  circumstances — and 
suggested  the  propriety  of  laying  the  subject  before  Congress — Of  this  the  President 
approved,  and  advised,  that  a full  and  candid  statement  of  the  whole  should  be  laid 
before  Congress,  in  a memorial  to  be  signed  by  the  Commissioners,  and  presented, 
or  at  least  attended  by  one  of  them.  The  Commissioners  have  caused  the  superin- 
tendants  of  the  Capitol  and  President’s  house  to  make  accurate  estimates  of  their 
expense  of  finishing  those  buildings,  and  have  obtained,  from  a master  builder,  an 
estimate  of  the  expense  of  erecting  the  Executive  buildings,  with  a view  of  undertak- 
ing to  build  them;  these  estimates  are  stated  in  the  memorial  to  Congress;  and  the 
Commissioner  attending  now  adds,  the  estimated  annual  expense  of  the  establish- 
ment; this  he  expects  is  beyond  the  expense  of  future  years,  as  one  of  the  surveyors 
is  already  discharged,  and  the  business  of  that  office  drawing  to  a close;  but  esti- 
mates of  the  expense  of  building  generally,  fall  short  of  the  actual  cost;  he  therefore 
wishes  the  Committee  to  consider  120,000  dollars  as  the  sum  requisite  to  finish  the 
Capitol  and  President’s  house. 

* * * 

All  the  material  facts  respecting  the  federal  buildings,  it  is  conceived,  are  stated, 
either  in  the  memorial  of  the  commissioners,  or  in  this  note;  the  object  of  their  rep- 
resentation is,  that  Congress  may  have  the  subject  fully  before  them,  and  be  enabled 
to  judge  of  the  measures  necessary  to  ensure  the  completion  of  those  buildings  in 
due  season;  the  doubts,  which  are  entertained  on  this  subject,  tend  much  to  depre- 
ciate the  property,  as  well  of  the  public,  as  of  the  debtors,  on  the  value  of  which  the 
recovery  of  large  sums  depend;  the  same  cause  operates  with  equal  force  against  the 
erecting  private  buildings,  which  are  so  essential  to  the  agreeable  accommodation  of 
the  government. 

The  commissioner  attending,  being  deeply  impressed  with  the  opinion,  that  the 
property  now  at  the  disposal  of  the  President,  will,  under  proper  management, 
prove  ultimately  sufficient  for  defraying  the  expense  of  all  the  requisite  buildings; 
is  not  desirous,  that  Congress  should  at  this  time  grant  pecuniary  aid  beyond  the 
completion  of  those  deemed  absolutely  necessary — that  is,  houses  for  the  accommo- 
dation of  the  Congress,  the  President,  and  the  Executive  offices — he  considers 
200,000  dollars  an  ample  provision  for  that  purpose,  and  that  appropriations  need 
not  be  made  for  more  than  one  third  part  of  that  sum  in  any  one  year;  he  is  also  of 
opinion,  that  if  the  debts  due  and  to  become  due  can  be  collected,  no  part  of 
the  above  sum  will  be  required  for  the  present  year,  and  a very  small  part,  if  any, 
in  future,  should  Congress  extend  their  views  no  further  than  to  the  buildings  last 
enumerated,  and  he  begs  leave  to  assure  the  committee,  that  such  measures  as  shall 
be  deemed  most  effectual  will  be  pursued  to  enforce  the  payment  of  debts. 

H.  Rep.  646 6 


82 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  4,  272:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 


Philadelphia  11th  March  1798 

Gentlemen,  Since  my  letter  of  the  8th  Inst.,  I have  been  a good  deal  among  the 
Members  of  Congress,  and  am  of  opinion  that  no  law  will  pass  granting  money  for 
the  Federal  Buildings  without  appropriating  it  to  the  objects  which  Congress  may 
approve,  unless  the  President’s  sentiments  on  the  Subject  are  previously  known.  I 
was  alarmed  at  the  consequence  of  that  opinion,  because  I knew  the  investigation 
necessary  to  determine  the  proper  objects  would  lead  to  delay,  and  might  probably 
end  in  the  rejection  of  your  Memorial.  * * * 

I am,  with  Sentiments,  &c., 


Commissioners  op  the  Federal  Buildings, 

Washington. 


p g * * * 


Alex.  White. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  14, 1798:  Annals  of  Congress,  5—2,  p,  1266.] 

CITY  OF  WASHINGTON. 

Mr.  Craik  moved  that  the  House  go  into  a Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  report 
of  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred,  on  the  23d  ult.,  the  Message  from  the  Pres- 
ident of  the  United  States,  enclosing  a memorial  from  the  Commissioners  appointed 
under  the  act  for  establishing  the  temporary  and  permanent  seat  of  the  Government 
of  the  United  States;  which  motion  being  agreed  to,  the  House  went  into  a Commit- 
tee of  the  Whole  on  the  subject,  and  the  memorial  and  report  having  been  read,  the 
following  resolution  was  under  consideration: 

“ Resolved , That  two  hundred  thousand  dollars  be  appropriated  for  completing  the  buildings  requi- 
site for  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  at  the  city  of  Washington,  to  be  subject  to  the  draughts 
of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  for  the  time  being,  not  exceeding  one-third  of  the  said  sum  in 
any  one  year.” 

After  some  observations  by  Mr.  J.  Williams  against  agreeing  to  this  resolution,  on 
the  ground  that  it  was  never  expected  that  Congress  was  to  be  at  any  expense  in 
erecting  the  public  buildings;  but  that  the  States  of  Maryland  and  Virginia  who  had 
ceded  the  land  for  the  purpose  of  the  city,  had  engaged  to  provide  them,  and  except 
they  did  provide  them,  Congress  was  not  obliged  to  remove  there  at  the  time 
appointed, 

Mr.  Gordon  proposed  an  amendment,  to  strike  out  $200,000,  and  insert  “$66,666,” 
as  it  was  stated  that  only  one-third  part  of  the  $200,000  were  to  be  expended  in  any 
one  year. 

This  amendment  occasioned  considerable  debate,  and  was  at  length  negatived, 
there  being  only  22  votes  for  it.  The  resolution  itself  was  then  carried,  by  58  mem- 
bers voting  in  its  favor;  and  a committee  was  appointed  to  bring  in  a bill  accordingly. 

The  resolution  was  advocated  by  Messrs.  Nicholas,  Thatcher,  Rutledge,  S.  Smith, 
Harper,  Craik,  and  T.  Claiborne,  and  opposed  by  Messrs.  Livingston,  Varnum, 
and  J.  Williams. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  19,  1798:  Annals  of  Congress,  5 — 2,  p.  1272.] 

CITY  OF  WASHINGTON. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Craik,  the  House  went  into  a Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the 
bill  making  an  appropriation  for  completing  the  buildings  necessary  for  the  accom- 
modation of  the  Government  at  the  city  of  Washington.  The  bill  having  been  read, 


The  Old  Building. 


83 


Mr.  Gallatin  moved  to  strike  out  the  words,  “for  completing  the  buildings,”  in 
order  to  insert  the  same  words  which  were  used  in  the  original  act  for  establishing 
the  permanent  seat  of  Government,  viz:  “ for  providing  suitable  buildings  for  the 
Government  of  the  United  States.”  His  object  in  this  amendment  was,  not  to  give 
any  sanction  to  the  buildings  now  going  on  for  Government  in  the  city  of  Washing- 
ton, and  oblige  the  Commissioners,  under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  to  proceed  in  finishing  them,  however  improper  they  may  deem  them  for 
the  purpose.  He  wished,  on  the  contrary,  to  leave  the  Commissioners  and  the 
President  at  full  liberty,  either  to  go  on  with  the  present  buildings,  or  to  prepare 
others  upon  a more  suitable  and  economical  plan. 

Mr.  Craik  had  no  objection  to  this  amendment,  and  it  was  accordingly  car- 
ried. * * * 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Apr.  12,  1798:  Annals  of  Congress,  5 — 2,  p.  539.] 

The  Senate  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  committee  to  whom  was 
referred  the  bill,  sent  from  the  House  of  Representatives  for  concurrence,  entitled 
“An  act  making  an  appropriation  for  completing  the  buildings  requisite  for  the  accom- 
modation of  the  Government  of  the  United  States  at  the  city  of  Washington which 
report,  having  been  amended,  was  adopted,  and  the  bill  was  amended  accordingly. 

On  the  question  to  agree  to  the  final  passage  of  the  bill  as  amended,  it  was  deter- 
mined in  the  affirmative — yeas,  17,  nays  6,  * * * 

Resolved,  That  this  bill  pass  with  amendments. 


[House  proceedings  of  Apr.  13,  1798:  Annals  of  Congress,  5 — 2,  p.  1413.] 

CITY  OF  WASHINGTON. 

Mr.  Craik,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  amendments  of  the 
Senate  to  the  bill  providing  an  appropriation  for  completing  the  necessary  buildings 
in  the  city  of  Washington,  reported  it  as  their  opinion,  that  the  amendments  ought 
to  be  agreed  to.  The  report  was  committed  to  a Committee  of  the  Whole,  and 
being  made  the  order  for  this  day,  the  House  resolved  itself  into  a Committee 
of  the  Whole  on  that  subject.  The  Senate  had  struck  out  all  the  bill,  except  the 
enacting  clause,  and  inserted  in  its  place  a provision  for  a loan  of  100,000  dollars, 
which,  together  with  the  200,000  dollars  which  have  already  been  obtained  on  loan 
under  the  authority  of  the  law  in  which  Congress  guarantees  a loan  for  the  city  of 
Washington,  make  up  the  300,000  dollars  there  authorized  to  be  borrowed.  The 
original  bill,  as  sent  from  this  House,  proposed  a grant  of  200,000  dollars;  but  the 
chairman  of  the  select  committee  (Mr.  Craik)  said,  as  he  believed  this  was  all  that 
could  be  got  at  this  time,  he  hoped  the  amendment  would  be  agreed  to.  It  was 
agreed  to  accordingly. 


[“An  Act  supplementary  to  an  act,  intituled  ‘An  act  authorizing  a loan  for  the  use  of  the  city  of 
Washington,  in  the  District  of  Columbia:  and  for  other  purposes  therein  mentioned,’”  approved 
Apr.  18,  1798.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  1,  551.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  the  President  of  the  United  States  be,  and  he  hereby  is, 
authorized  to  cause  to  be  loaned  to  the  commissioners  appointed  under  the  act, 
intituled  “An  act  for  establishing  the  temporary  and  permanent  seat  of  the  govern- 
ment of  the  United  States,”  the  sum  of  one  hundred  thousand  dollars,  fifty  thousand 
of  which  shall  be  advanced  in  the  present  year,  and  the  remaining  fifty  thousand 


84 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


shall  be  advanced  in  the  year  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  ninety-nine;  at  an 
interest  of  six  per  cent,  per  annum,  to  be  computed  upon  each  instalment,  from  the 
time  it  shall  be  advanced;  which  sum  of  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  is  declared 
to  be  in  full  of  the  moneys  which  the  said  commissioners  are  now  authorized  to 
borrow,  under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  by  virtue  of  the 
act,  intituled  “ A n act  authorizing  a loan  for  the  use  of  the  city  of  Washington,  in 
the  district  of  Columbia;  and  for  other  purposes  therein  mentioned.” 

Sec.  2.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  sum  herein  authorized  to  be  borrowed  shall 
be  reimbursed  by  instalments  of  one-fifth  part  of  said  loan,  and  the  interest  thereon, 
commencing  in  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  five,  and  continuing 
annually  thereafter  till  the  whole  shall  be  repaid;  and  all  the  lots  in  the  city  of 
Washington,  now  vested  in  the  said  commissioners,  or  in  trustees,  in  any  manner, 
for  the  use  of  the  United  States,  and  now  remaining  unsold,  excepting  those  set 
apart  for  public  purposes,  shall  be,  and  are  hereby  declared  and  made  chargeable 
with  the  repayment  of  the  sums  which  shall  be  advanced,  in  pursuance  of  this  act, 
and  the  interest  accruing  thereon,  and  shall  be  disposed  of  in  the  manner,  and  under 
the  regulations,  prescribed  by  the  act  herein  last  mentioned. 

Sec.  3.  And  he  it  further  enacted,  That  the  sum  of  fifty  thousand  dollars  for  the 
present  year,  and  of  fifty  thousand  dollars  for  the  next  succeeding  year,  be,  and 
hereby  are,  appropriated  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  out  of  any  money  in  the  treasury 
of  the  United  States,  not  otherwise  appropriated. 


[From  the  report  of  George  Hadfield  on  the  state  of  the  Capitol,  May  21, 1798.  (5—2,  House  Ex.  Docs.: 

Letter  of  Oliver  Wolcott,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  transmitting  letter  of  the  Commissioners  of  the 
City  of  Washington,  communicated  to  the  House  May  29,  1798.)] 

REPORT  OF  THE  PROGRESS  MADE,  ARP)  THE  WORK  DONE  IN  THE 
BUILD  TNG  OF  THE  CAPITOL,  FROM  THE  18TH  OF  NOVEMBER  LAST, 
TO  THE  18 TH  INSTANT,  [MAY  1798;)  ALSO  OF  THE  MATERIALS  ON 
HAND,  PREPARED  AND  UNPREPARED. 

The  free  stone  work  on  the  outside  is  raised  as  high  as  the  upper-part  of  the  frieze 
in  the  principal  order  of  the  building,  which  is  within  nine  feet  of  the  whole  intended 
height,  so  that  the  cornice  and  balustrade  are  only  wanting  to  complete  the  elevation. 

All  the  interior  walls  are  carried  to  their  full  height,  and  levelled  for  the  reception 
of  the  roof  timbers.  The  naked  flooring  in  the  building  is  entirely  completed, 
except  the  floor  over  the  Senate  room.  The  roof  is  entirely  framed,  and  a greater 
part  of  it  already  raised  and  set;  the  remainder  is  now  raising  with  the  utmost  expe- 
dition, and  will  shortly  be  in  its  place  on  the  building — the  carcase,  or  shell  of  the 
building  will  then  be  fit  to  receive  the  interior  finishing.  The  shingles  to  cover  the 
roof  are  dressing,  and  a great  part  of  the  small  timber  for  the  interior  is  already 
prepared  * * * 


[From  the  report  of  James  Hoban,  Superintendent  of  the  Capitol,  on  the  progress  of  that  building 
from  Nov.  18, 1798.  (5—3,  House  Ex.  Docs.:  Letter  of  Oliver  Wolcott,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 
accompanying  letter  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  City  of  Washington,  communicated  to  the  House 
Dec.  11,  1798.)] 

Part  of  the  roof  has  been  framed,  and  the  whole  roof  is  now  raised,  boarded, 
shingled  and  painted. — The  platforms  to  roof,  water  carriages  and  gutters  are  laid 
and  leaded. 

The  girders  to  floor  over  Senate  chamber  are  trussed,  the  framing  prepared,  and 
now  putting  up. 

The  ceiling  joists  are  put  up  for  plastering,  in  Representatives  chamber,  in  the 
apartments  for  committees,  in  lobby,  and  in  north  and  east  vestibules. 


The  Old  Building.  85 

The  bridging  joists  are  laid  in  north  vestibule,  and  in  three  committee  rooms  ready 
for  the  floors. 

Part  of  the  window  frames  and  sashes  are  made,  and  the  remainder  are  preparing. 

The  doors  are  making  for  the  entrances  from  the  principal  staircase  and  lobby  to 
Senate  chamber  and  committee  rooms. 

The  covering  to  eleptic  staircase,  to  lobby  and  back  staircase  is  finished  ready  for 
plastering. 

STONE  WORK. 

Part  of  the  cornice  has  been  worked,  and  the  whole  of  the  cornice  has  been  put  up 
to  the  building. 

The  zocolo,  plinth,  base  and  pedestals  are  all  set  for  balustrade,  and  the  balustrade 
finished  to  the  east  front. 

Tops  prepared  for  six  chimneys. 

Railing  for  balustrade  prepared,  556  feet  superficial.  Ballusters  prepared,  11. 

Free  stone  remaining  on  hand  not  wanted,  499  ton. 

BRICK  WORK. 

All  the  external  and  internal  walls  and  chimneys  are  carried  up  to  their  full  height. 

The  main  sewer  and  sink,  &c.,  to  convey  the  water  from  the  building  is  finished. 

Bricks  remaining  on  hand,  30,000. 

PLANK  AND  TIMBER. 

50,176  feet  of  northern  clear  pine  on  hand,  from  one  to  two  inches  thick,  for  floor- 
ing and  inside  finishing. 

2,080  cubic  feet  of  yellow  pine  timber  for  bridging  joists. 

40,000  shingles  remaining  on  hand,  not  now  wanted. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  5,  234:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

Washington  17  th  April  1799. 

Sir,  We  are  called  upon  by  the  Superintendent  of  the  Capitol  for  several  Drawings 
of  the  Sections  of  the  Capitol,  without  which  he  cannot  progress  with  the  Building. — 

We  have  looked  over  the  original  advertisement,  under  which  you  received  the 
Premium  for  the  plan  of  the  Capitol,  which  evidently  requires  that  the  Author 
should  furnish  the  necessary  Drawings;  and  your  letter  of  the  17th  of  November 
1795,  admits  the  principle. — We  request  the  favor  of  you  to  let  us  know  wrhether 
you  will  furnish  the  Drawings  called  for  by  Mr.  Hoban’s  letter,  a copy  of  which  is 
enclosed,  and  by  what  time. — 

We  are,  Sir,  &c.,  G.  Scott, 

A.  White. 

Dr.  Thornton. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  5,  235:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

Washington,  18th  April,  1799. 

Sir,  We  have  before  us  your  letter  of  the  13th  inst.,  and  enclose  you  a copy  of 
Doct.  Thornton’s  letter  to  us  on  that  subject. — 

We  request  that  you  will  make  the  necessary  Drawings,  and  lay  them  before  the 
Board,  as  soon  as  conveniently  you  can.  — 

We  are,  Sir,  &c., 

G.  Scott, 

A.  White. 


Mr.  James  Hoban. 


86 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  5,  303:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 


Washington,  25th  Septr.  1795. 

Sir,  We  have  the  pleasure  to  inform  you,  that  the  Capitol  is  so  far  advanced  as  to 
authorise  an  expectation  that  it  will  be  ready  for  the  reception  of  Congress  before 
the  expiration  of  the  present  year,  except  the  glazing,  which  cannot  be  so  soon  com- 
pleated,  owing  to  the  Glass  imported  for  that  purpose  arriving  in  a state  unfit  for 
use.  * * * Could  we  collect  the  Debts  due  from  Morris  and  Greenleaf,  we  should 
be  able  to  compleat  all  those  Buildings  and  also  the  President’s  House  before  the 
time  appointed  by  Law  for  the  removal  of  Congress.  * * * 

We  are,  with  sentiments,  &c., 

G.  Scott, 

W.  Thornton, 

A.  White. 

President  of  the  United  States,  near  Boston. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington 
and  District  of  Columbia,  v.  5,  340:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  W'ar  Department.] 

Washington,  21st  Novr.  1799. 

Sir:  The  period  at  which  the  Government  of  the  United  States  is  to  be  transferred 
to  its  permanent  Seat  being  near  at  hand;  and  only  one  session  of  Congress  to  be  held 
previous  to  that  event,  we  have  deemed  it  proper  to  report  to  the  President  the  state 
of  the  federal  Seat,  as  well  with  respect  to  the  public  Buildings  as  the  prospect  of 
accommodation  for  the  Members  of  Congress  and  others  who  must  follow  the  Gov- 
ernment, that  if  he  thinks  it  expedient  to  make  any  communication  to  Congress  at  the 
opening  of  the  Session,  on  that  subject,  he  may  be  possessed  of  the  Documents.  The 
present  State  of  the  Buildings  and  the  means  which  the  Commissioners  possess 
towards  compleating  them,  appear  from  the  Enclosures,  viz,  Reports  of  the  Superin- 
tendent of  the  State  of  each  building,  A — Accounts  of  Receipts  and  Expenditures 
from  18th  May  to  18t.h  Novr.  1799,  B — State  of  the  funds,  18th  Novr.  1799,  C. — Esti- 
mate of  the  expense  of  finishing  the  President’s  House,  D.  * * * 

The  number  and  dimensions  of  the  Rooms  in  the  Capitol  are  stated  in  the  Super- 
intendent’s Report,  to  enable  Congress  to  judge  of  the  sums  necessary  to  appropriate 
for  furnishing  them.  * * * 

We  are,  &c.,  W.  Thornton, 

A.  White. 

President  of  the  United  States. 


[From  the  third  annual  Address  of  President  John  Adams,  Dec.  3, 1799.  (“Messages  and  Papers  of 

the  Presidents,  v.  1,  291.)] 

The  act  of  Congress  relative  to  the  seat  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States 
requiring  that  on  the  first  Monday  of  December  next  it  should  be  transferred  from 
Philadelphia  to  the  District  chosen  for  its  permanent  seat,  it  is  proper  for  me  to 
inform  you  that  the  commissioners  appointed  to  provide  suitable  buildings  for  the 
accommodation  of  Congress  and  of  the  President  and  of  the  public  offices  of  the 
Government  have  made  a report  of  the  state  of  the  buildings  designed  for  those 
purposes  in  the  city  of  Washington,  from  which  they  conclude  that  the  removal  of 
the  seat  of  Government  to  take  place  at  the  time  required  will  be  practicable  and  the 
accommodation  satisfactory.  Their  report  wall  be  laid  before  you. 


The  Old  Building. 


87 


[Reports  of  James  Hoban,  Superintendent  of  the  Capitol,  on  the  progress  of  that  building  from  Novem- 
ber 18,  1798,  to  November  18,1799.  (6—1  State  Papers,  1799-1800:  Letter  of  Oliver  Wolcott,  Secretary 

of  the  Treasury,  transmitting  copies  of  two  letters  from  the  Commissioners  of  the  city  of  Washing- 
ton, with  sundry  documents,  communicated  to  the  House  December  5,  1799,  pp.  8 and  15.)] 

No.  5. 

REPORT  of  James  Hoban,  superintendant  of  the  Capitol,  of  the  progress  of  that 
building  from  the  18th  of  November  1798,  to  the  18th  of  May  1799. 

Committee  Room,  No.  1, — 30  by  24  feet, 

Is  ready  for  plastering;  the  window  frames  are  put  up,  with  trimmings,  as  backs, 
elbows,  sopheats,  and  grounds  for  architraves;  the  doors  trimmed  with  jamb  linings, 
sopheats,  and  grounds  framed  to  receive  architraves,  and  grounds  put  up  to  receive 
base  and  sub-base. 

Committee  Room,  No.  2, — 30  by  35  feet, 

Finished  as  ditto. 

Committee  Room,  No.  3, — 22  by  35  feet, 

Finished  as  ditto. 

Committee  Room,  No.  4, — 31  by  35  feet, 

Finished  as  ditto. 

North  Entrance,  simi-eliptic, — 21  by  45  feet, 

The  window  frames  are  put  up,  the  trimming  for  doors  and  windows  are  prepared 
and  now  putting  up,  and  in  a few  days  will  be  ready  for  plastering. 

Senate  Chamber, — 18  by  86  feet,  semi-eliptic. 

The  window  frames  are  all  put  up,  except  one,  which  is  circular  at  top,  and  which 
is  not  yet  finished;  four  of  the  columns  are  raised  on  the  arcade,  the  ground  work  to 
receive  the  entablature  is  put  up  and  fixed,  and  bracketing  getting  ready  to  receive 
the  cornice;  the  girders,  binding,  bridging,  and  ceiling  joists  are  all  put  up,  and  the 
trimmings  for  doors  and  windows  three-fourths  finished. 

East  Entrance, — 27  by  36  feet. 

The  trimmings  for  doors,  as  jamb  linings,  sopheats,  and  framed  grounds  are  in 
hand,  two-thirds  prepared. 

Eliptic  Stair  Case, — 36  by  45  feet. 

The  stuff  for  geometrical  steps  is  provided,  and  that  work  commenced;  the  frames 
for  doors,  and  grounds  to  receive  architraves  are  put  up. 

The  Center  Lobby, 

Is  two  thirds  finished,  the  framing  and  grounds  are  prepared,  but  not  put  up. 
Representative  Chamber. 

The  window  frames  are  all  put  up,  but  one,  that  is  circular  at  top,  in  the  first 
range,  and  the  window  frames  for  the  second  range,  or  attic  windows  are  made,  but 
not  put  up;  the  trimming  for  all  the  doors  and  windows  of  the  first  range  is  about 
three-fourths  finished;  the  girders  are  trussed,  and  ready  to  put  up  for  the  galleries. 

The  sashes  are  made  for  all  the  frames  that  are  put  up ; one  half  of  the  doors  are 
made  and  wedged,  ready  to  hang. 


STONE  WORK. 

The  balustrade  on  east  front  is  finished ; 236  feet  of  rail  worked  for  north  and 
west  fronts ; 103  balusters  worked  and  turned,  the  whole  set,  and  the  balustrade  on 
the  north  and  west  fronts  finished ; 240  feet  of  astragal  steps  worked  for  east 
entrance,  and  the  foundation  carried  up.  The  remainder  of  the  chimney  tops 
worked  and  set. 

PLASTERING. 

The  scaffolding  is  up  in  the  committee  rooms  numbered  1,  2,  and  3,  and  part  of 
the  ceiling  lathed ; about  one-sixth  of  the  mortar  is  made  to  finish  the  building. 


88 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


PLUMBER. 

The  plumber  has  laid  the  lead  on  the  remainder  of  the  west  platform  to  roof,  and 
cast  lead  for  the  inside  gutters  and  water  carriages. 

I am,  Gentlemen, 

Your  obedient  servant, 

Signed,  James  Hoban. 

Washington,  May  20,  1799. 

The  Commissioners  ] 
of  the  Federal  Buildings) 

30  square  of  flooring  plank  is  prepared  and  ready  to  lay  down. 

18  square  of  flooring  plank  planed  and  jointed,  the  remainder  preparing. 

No.  9. 

REPORT  of  James  Hoban,  Superintendant  of  the  Capitol,  of  the  state  of  that 
building  on  the  18th  of  November  1799,  and  the  progress  made  since  the  18th  of 
May  1799. 

All  the  external  and  internal  stone  and  brick  work  of  the  north  wing  of  the  Capitol, 
is  carried  up  to  the  full  height;  the  chimnies  are  finished  and  lightning  rods  put  up 
and  fixed;  the  gutters  to  roof,  cistern  and  cess-pools  are  all  leaded;  the  roof  painted 
three  coats,  and  sanded,  and  painted  over  the  sanding. 

The  Senate  Chamber, — 86  by  48  feet,  and  41  feet  high,  with  its  lobby  and  gallery 
are  floored;  the  door- ways  are  trimmed  with  framed  jamblinings,  soffits  and  archi- 
traves; the  windows,  straight  and  circular,  are  trimmed  with  backs,  elbows,  soffits 
and  architraves;  the  sashes  are  fitted  to  run  double,  with  brass  pullies,  metal  shieves 
and  patent  fastenings;  the  arcade  piers,  on  a semi-eliptic  plan,  are  trimmed  with 
pannelled  work,  and  the  columns  raised  on  the  arcade,  sixteen  in  number  with  two 
semi-pilasters  to  correspond,  of  the  ancient  ionic  order,  two  feet  three  inches  in 
diameter;  the  entablature  is  finished  with  stucco  ornaments,  and  the  walls  and 
ceiling  finished,  two  coats  of  mortar  floated,  and  one  coat  of  stucco;  the  sulley  seats 
are  framing,  to  form  an  amphitheatre  one  hundred  and  ten  feet  in  circumference. 

The  Representatives  Chamber, — 86  by  35  feet,  and  thirty-six  feet  high,  with  its 
galleries  are  floored;  the  door- ways  trimmed  with  framed  jambs,  soffits  and  archi- 
traves; the  windows,  straight  and  circular,  with  backs,  elbows,  soffits,  pilasters,  and 
architraves;  the  sashes  fitted  to  run  double,  with  brass  pullies,  metal  shieves,  and 
patent  fastenings;  the  front  to  galleries  is  finished;  the  base  and  plinth,  sub-base  and 
cappings  are  all  up,  and  the  whole  wood  painted  one  coat. 

The  cornice,  walls,  cove  and  ceiling  are  done  in  stucco,  finishing. 

Committee  Room,  No.  1, — 30  by  24  feet,  and  18  feet  high, 

Committee  Room,  No.  2, — 30  by  35  feet,  and  18  feet  high, 

Committee  Room,  No.  3, — 22  by  35  feet,  and  18  feet  high, 

Committee  Room,  No.  4, — 31  by  35  feet,  and  18  feet  high, 

Committee  Room,  No.  5, — 21  by  40  feet,  and  21  feet  high, 

Are  all  floored;  the  door  ways  and  windows  trimmed;  the  sashes  are  fitted  to  run 
double;  the  walls  and  ceilings  finished,  and  cornices  done  in  stucco  ornament;  the 
wood-work,  as  architraves,  base  and  plinth,  sub-base  and  skirting,  painted  one  coat. 
North  Hall, — 21  by  45  feet,  and  18  feet  high,  semi-eliptic;  and 
East  Hall, — 22  by  34  feet,  and  18  feet  high,  are  floored;  the  doors  and  windows 
trimmed;  the  sashes  fitted  to  run  double;  the  wood- work  painted  one  coat;  the  walls 
and  ceiling  plastered;  two  coats  of  mortar  floated,  and  one  coat  of  stucco;  the  cornices 
are  finished  with  stucco  ornaments. 

Office  for  Clerk  to  the  Senate,  No.  1, — 22  by  34  feet,  21  feet  high, 

Ditto  Ditto  Ditto,  No.  2, — 22  by  34  feet,  14  feet  high: 

The  doors  and  windows  are  trimmed  with  jambs  and  soffits,  backs  and  elbows;  No.  1 


The  Old  Building. 


89 


is  plastered,  both  walls  and  ceiling,  and  the  cornice  finished  in  stucco;  No.  2 is 
floored  and  the  trimming  up  for  plastering;  all  the  sashes  are  fitted  to  run  double, 
with  pullies,  shieves  and  fastenings. 

Office  for  Clerk  to  the  Representatives, 

No.  1, — 30  by  24  feet,  and  21  feet  high, 

No.  2,-30  by  24  feet,  and  14  feet  high: 

The  floors  are  laid,  and  trimmings  up  to  the  doors  and  windows;  the  sashes  fitted  to 
run  double;  the  plastering  of  No.  1 is  finished,  and  trimmings  painted  one  coat. 

Principal  staircase,  on  an  eliptic  plan, — 36  by  45  feet,  and  56  feet  high,  receiving 
light  from  the  top. 

The  door-ways  are  all  trimmed  with  framed  jambs,  grounds  and  soffits;  the  lantern 
is  finished;  the  steps  prepared  geometrically,  and  ready  to  put  up;  the  plastering  to 
cove  and  walls  is  done,  two  coats  of  mortar  floated,  and  one  of  stucco;  the  cornice 
and  gollochi  finished  in  stucco  ornament.  Back  staircase,  10  by  24  feet,  lighted  from 
the  top,  is  floored,  the  lantern  finished;  the  platforms  and  quarter  paces  are  up,  and 
the  steps  ready  to  put  up;  the  walls  have  been  plastered  one  coat.  Staircase  leading 
to  the  clerk’s  office,  and  roof  circular,  12  feet  diameter,  is  partitioned  and  lathed; 
the  landings  floored,  and  the  steps  preparing  to  put  up. 

Clerk’s  Office, — 86  by  48  feet,  and  14  feet  high:  The  floor  is  laid;  the  windows 
and  doors  trimmed,  and  ceiling  plastered. 

Chamber  in  Attic  Story, — 21  by  40  feet  is  floored,  doors  and  windows  trimmed, 
and  sashes  finished  and  fitted. 

Anti-Chamber  to  Senate, — 22  by  38  feet,  and  18  feet  high:  The  door- ways  are  all 
trimmed  with  framed  jambs  and  soffits,  which  with  the  anti-chamber  to  the  House 
of  Representatives,  receives  light  from  the  top,  and  is  22  by  38  feet  and  36  feet  high; 
the  lantern  is  finished;  the  trimmings  to  all  the  doors  are  up  and  painted  one  coat, 
as  framed  jambs,  and  soffits;  the  ceiling,  cove  and  cornice  finished  in  stucco. 

The  Superintendant  further  reports,  that  the  carpenters  and  joiners  now  employed 
at  the  Capitol,  would  finish  that  building  completely  by  the  first  day  of  February 
1800;  but  as  the  work  is  coming  to  a finish,  not  more  than  half  the  hands  can  be 
employed  after  the  first  of  January  next;  also  that  the  plasterers  now  employed, 
can  finish  the  work  to  be  done  in  three  weeks  from  this  day. 

Signed,  James  Hob  an. 

Washington,  18th  November  1799. 


[From  the  Address  of  the  House  of  Representatives  to  John  Adams,  President  of  the  United  States, 
Dec.  9,  1799.  ("Messages  and  Papers  of  the  Presidents,”  v.  1,  295.)] 

The  buildings  for  the  accommodation  of  Congress  and  of  the  President  and  for  the 
public  offices  of  the  Government  at  its  permanent  seat  being  in  such  a state  as  to 
admit  of  a removal  to  that  District  by  the  time  prescribed  by  the  act  of  Congress,  no 
obstacle,  it  is  presumed,  will  exist  to  a compliance  with  the  law. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  5,  409:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

Washington  S2d  April  1800 

Gentl”.  The  Board  request  the  favor  of  you  to  attend  at  the  Capitol  this  after- 
noon at  3 O’Clock,  with  Mr.  Lenox  & Mr.  Smallwood,  and  to  view  the  several 
Breaches  in  the  plastering  of  that  building,  and  to  report  to  us  your  opinion  of  the 
Work,  and  also  what  parts  of  it  in  your  opinion,  have  been  injured  by  the  carpenters, 
or  by  the  laying  of  the  floors. 

We  are,  &c., 


Messrs.  Densley  & Lisle. 


G.  Scott, 

W.  Thornton. 


90 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[“An  Act  to  make  further  provision  for  the  removal  and  accommodation  of  the  Government  of  the 
United  States,”  approved  Apr.  24,  1800.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  2,  55.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Represenalives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  the  President  of  the  United  States  shall  be,  and  hereby 
is,  authorized  and  empowered  to  direct  the  various  offices  belonging  to  the  execu- 
tive departments  of  the  United  States,  to  be  removed  to  the  city  of  Washington,  at 
any  time  that  he  shall  judge  proper,  after  the  adjournment  of  the  present  session  of 
Congress,  and  before  the  time  heretofore  appointed  by  law  for  such  removal. 

* * * 

Sec.  3.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  for  the  suitable  accommodation  of  Congress, 
at  the  city  of  Washington,  the  secretaries  of  the  four  executive  departments,  or  any 
three  of  them,  shall  be,  and  hereby  are,  authorized  and  directed  to  cause  suitable 
furniture  to  be  forthwith  provided  for  the  apartments,  which  are  to  be  occupied  in 
the  capitol,  at  the  said  city,  by  the  two  houses,  respectively,  and  for  the  offices  and 
committee  rooms  of  each;  and  to  cause  the  said  apartments,  offices,  and  committee 
rooms  to  be  furnished  in  a suitable  manner,  so  as  to  be  ready  for  the  reception  of 
Congress  on  the  day  fixed  by  law  for  the  removal  of  the  government  to  the  said  city; 
and  that  for  defraying  the  expenses  incident  to  the  furnishing  of  the  said  apartments, 
offices,  and  committee  rooms,  and  to  the  removal  of  the  books,  papers,  and  records, 
belonging  to  the  said  offices,  respectively,  there  shall  be,  and  hereby  is,  appropriated 
a sum  not  exceeding  nine  thousand  dollars. 

Sec.  4.  And  be  it  f urther  enacted,  That  for  the  greater  convenience  of  the  members 
of  both  houses  of  Congress  in  attending  their  duty  in  the  said  city  of  Washington, 
and  the  greater  facility  of  communication  between  the  various  departments  and 
offices  of  the  government,  there  shall  be  made  footways  in  the  said  city,  in  suitable 
places  and  directions;  and  that  the  said  footways  shall  be  made  by  the  commissioners 
of  the  said  city,  under  the  direction  of  the  secretaries  of  the  four  executive  depart- 
ments of  the  United  States,  who,  or  any  three  of  whom,  shall  forthwith  take  order 
therefor,  and  in  such  manner,  at  such  places,  and  in  such  directions,  as  they  or  any 
three  of  them  shall  judge  most  proper  for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  and  shall  appoint; 
and  that  if  the  said  secretaries,  or  any  three  of  them,  shall  find,  on  examination, 
that  there  is  not  in  the  hands  of  the  said  commissioners  a sum  sufficient  for  making 
the  said  footways,  over  and  above  what  may  have  been  destined  by  the  said  commis- 
sioners, or  may,  in  the  opinion  of  the  said  secretaries,  or  any  three  of  them,  be  neces- 
sary for  the  accomplishment  of  other  objects  necessary  for  the  accommodation  of  the 
government,  or  its  removal  as  afoi'esaid,  then  the  said  secretaries,  or  any  three  of 
them,  shall  be,  and  hereby  are,  authorized  and  required  to  draw  out  of  the  Treasury 
of  the  United  States,  and  apply  to  the  purpose  of  making  the  said  footways,  any  sum 
which  may  be  necessary  therefor,  not  exceeding  ten  thousand  dollars;  which  sum 
is  hereby  appropriated  for  the  said  purpose.  And  all  the  lots  in  the  city  of  Wash- 
ington, now  vested  in  the  said  commissioners,  or  in  trustees,  in  any  manner  for  the 
use  of  the  United  States,  and  now  remaining  unsold,  excepting  those  set  apart  for 
public  purposes,  shall  be,  and  are  hereby,  declared  and  made  chargeable  with  the 
repayment  of  the  said  sum  of  ten  thousand  dollars,  which  shall  be  advanced  in  pur- 
suance of  this  act,  and  the  interest  accruing  thereon. 

Sec.  5.  And  be  it  f urther  enacted,  That  for  the  purchase  of  such  books  as  may  be 
necessary  for  the  use  of  Congress  at  the  said  city  of  Washington,  and  for  fitting 
up  a suitable  apartment  for  containing  them  and  for  placing  them  therein,  the  sum 
of  five  thousand  dollars  shall  be,  and  hereby  is,  appropriated ; and  that  the  said  pur- 
chase shall  be  made  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Senate  and  Clerk  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, pursuant  to  such  directions  as  shall  be  given,  and  such  catalogue  as  shall 
be  furnished  by  a joint  committee  of  both  houses  of  Congress  to  be  appointed  for 
that  purpose;  and  that  the  said  books  shall  be  placed  in  one  suitable  apartment  in 
the  capitol  in  the  said  city,  for  the  use  of  both  houses  of  Congress  and  the  members 


The  Old  Building.  91 

thereof,  according  to  such  regulations  as  the  committee  aforesaid  shall  devise  and 
establish. 

Sec.  6.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  several  appropriations  aforesaid  shall  be 
paid  out  of  any  moneys  in  the  treasury  of  the  United  States  not  otherwise  appro- 
priated. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  5,  412:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

Washington,  28th  April  1800. 

Sir.  We  request  to  see  you  tomorrow  morning  at  ten  Oclock  at  the  Commissioners 
Office,  that  the  necessary  arrangements  may  be  made  for  the  completion  of  the 
plastering  and  Stucco  Work  at  the  Capitol,  by  you  or  some  other  person,  as  we  cannot 
suffer  it  to  be  longer  delayed. — 

We  are,  Sir,  &e., 

G.  Scott, 

W.  Thornton. 

Mr.  John  Kearney. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  5,  443:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 

City  of  Washington,  July  9th  1800 

Sir,  After  every  Rain,  fresh  leaks  are  observed  in  the  lead-work  of  the  Capitol,  and 
we  have  so  repeatedly  sent  Persons  to  endeavour  to  find  out  the  Leaks  that  we  see  no 
end  to  this  business.  The  walls  are  in  many  places  exceedingly  injured.  The  plaster 
in  some  places  falling  off,  and  we  fear  the  Building  will  be  in  every  respect  so  damaged 
by  a further  delay  in  compleatly  correcting  the  lead-work,  that  we  desire,  you  will 
examine,  in  the  most  minute  manner,  every  part  of  it,  and  render  it  Water-tight.  If 
you  should  not  do  it  effectually,  we  shall  be  under  the  necessity  of  enforcing  the  ful- 
filment of  yr.  Engagement,  by  a law  suit. 

We  are,  Sir,  &c.,  G.  Scott, 

W.  Thornton. 

Mr.  John  Emory. 


[From  the  fourth  annual  Address  of  President  John  Adams.  (Senate  proceedings  of  November  22, 
1800:  Annals  of  Congress,  0 — 2,  p.  722.)] 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate , and  Gentlemen  of  the  House  of  Representatives: 

Immediately  after  the  adjournment  of  Congress  at  their  last  session  in  Philadel- 
phia, I gave  directions,  in  compliance  with  the  laws,  for  the  removal  of  the  public 
offices,  records,  and  property.  These  directions  have  been  executed,  and  the  public 
officers  have  since  resided  and  conducted  the  ordinary  business  of  the  Government 
in  this  place. 

I congratulate  the  people  of  the  United  States  on  the  assembling  of  Congress  at 
the  permanent  seat  of  their  Government;  and  I congratulate  you,  gentlemen,  on  the 
prospect  of  a residence  not  to  be  changed.  Although  there  is  cause  to  apprehend 
that  accommodations  are  not  now  so  complete  as  might  be  wished,  yet  there  is  great 
reason  to  believe  that  this  inconvenience  will  cease  with  the  present  session. 

It  would  be  unbecoming  the  Representatives  of  this  nation  to  assemble,  for  the 
first  time,  in  this  solemn  temple,  without  looking  up  to  the  Supreme  Ruler  of  the 
Universe,  and  imploring  his  blessing. 

May  this  Territory  be  the  residence  of  virtue  and  happiness!  In  this  city  may 
that  piety  and  virtue,  that  wisdom  and  magnanimity,  that  constancy  and  self- 
government  which  adorned  the  great  character  whose  name  it  bears,  be  forever  held 


92 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


in  veneration!  Here,  and  throughout  our  country,  may  simple  manners,  pure 
morals,  and  true  religion,  flourish  forever! 

It  is  with  you,  gentlemen,  to  consider  whether  the  local  powers  over  the  District 
of  Columbia,  vested  by  the  Constitution  in  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  shall 
be  immediately  exercised.  If,  in  your  opinion,  this  important  trust  ought  now  to 
be  executed,  you  cannot  fail,  while  performing  it,  to  take  into  view  the  future 
probable  situation  of  the  Territory  for  the  happiness  of  which  you  are  about  to  pro- 
vide. You  will  consider  it  as  the  Capital  of  a great  nation,  advancing,  with  unex- 
ampled rapidity,  in  arts,  in  commerce,  in  wealth,  and  in  population;  and  possessing, 
within  itself,  those  energies  and  resources  which,  if  not  thrown  away,  or  lamentably 
misdirected,  will  secure  to  it  a long  course  of  prosperity  and  self-government. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  November  26,  1800:  Annals  of  Congress,  6 — 2,  p.  727.] 

Mr.  Tkacy  reported,  from  the  committee  yesterday  appointed  for  the  purpose,  that 
they  had  waited  on  the  President  of  the  United  States,  and  that  he  would  receive 
the  Address  of  the  Senate  this  day,  at  12  o’clock,  at  his  own  house. 

Whereupon,  the  Senate  waited  on  the  President  of  the  United  States  accordingly: 
and  the  President  of  the  Senate,  in  their  name,  presented  the  Address  yesterday 
agreed  to. 

To  which  the  President  made  the  following  reply: 

Mr.  President  and  Gentlemen  of  the  Senate: 

For  this  excellent  Address,  so  respectful  to  the  memory  of  my  illustrious  predeces- 
sor, which  I receive  from  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  at  this  time,  and  in  this 
place,  with  peculiar  satisfaction,  I pray  you  to  accept  of  my  unfeigned  acknowledg- 
ments. With  you,  I ardently  hope,  that  permanence  and  stability  will  be  commu- 
nicated as  well  as  to  the  Government  itself,  as  to  its  beautiful  and  commodious  seat. 
With  you  I deplore  the  death  of  that  hero  and  sage  who  bore  so  honorable  and 
efficient  a part  in  the  establishment  of  both.  Great  indeed  would  have  been  my 
gratification,  if  his  sum  of  earthly  happiness  had  been  completed  by  seeing  the  Gov- 
ernment thus  peaceably  convened  at  this  place,  himself  at  its  head.  But,  while  we 
submit  to  the  decision  of  Heaven,  whose  councils  are  inscrutable  to  us,  we  cannot 
but  hope,  that  the  members  of  Congress,  the  officers  of  Government,  and  all  who 
inhabit  the  city  or  the  country  will  retain  his  virtues  in  lively  recollection,  and  make 
his  patriotism,  morals,  and  piety,  models  for  imitation. 

I thank  you,  gentlemen,  for  your  assurance  that  the  several  subjects  for  legislative 
consideration,  recommended  in  my  communication  to  both  Houses,  shall  receive 
from  the  Senate  a deliberate  and  candid  attention. 

With  you,  gentlemen,  I sincerely  deprecate  all  spirit  of  innovation  which  may 
weaken  the  sacred  bond  that  connects  the  different  parts  of  this  nation  and  Govern- 
ment; and  with  you  I trust,  that,  under  the  protection  of  Divine  Providence,  the 
wisdom  and  virtue  of  our  citizens  will  deliver  our  national  compact  unimpaired  to  a 
free,  prosperous,  happy  and  grateful  posterity.  To  this  end  it  is  my  fervent  prayer, 
that,  in  this  city,  the  fountains  of  wisdom  may  be  always  open,  and  the  streams  of 
eloquence  forever  flow.  Here  may  the  youth  of  this  extensive  country  forever  look 
up  without  disappointment,  not  only  to  the  monuments  and  memorials  of  the  dead, 
but  to  the  examples  of  the  living,  in  the  members  of  Congress  and  officers  of  Gov- 
ernment, for  finished  models  of  all  those  virtues,  graces,  talents,  and  accomplish- 
ments, which  constitute  the  dignity  of  human  nature,  and  lay  the  only  foundation 
for  the  prosperity  or  duration  of  empires. 

John  Adams. 

City  of  Washington,  Nov.  26,  1800. 


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Observations 
exp] anal or)T  of  llie 

33 1 Atl . 


6 veabtf)  of  the  Streets 


,f  fend  immedinle/i/  tc  flublic 
mm/  hr  ecnveni'enlhj  dhided 
inqc  war/.  2he  ether  Streets 


•eiml . tern  ties,  imtl  such  Streets  n. 
r Jivm  ISO  te>  j6'C  Irel  trifle,  mid 


* 


The  Old  Building. 


93 


[From  the  reports  of  James  Hoban,  Superintendent  of  the  Capitol,  on  the  progress  of  that  building  from 
November  18, 1799  to  November  18, 1800.  (6 — 2,  House  Ex.  Docs.:  Letter  of  Oliver  Wolcott,  Secretary 
of  the  Treasury,  accompanying  letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  city  of  Washington,  communi- 
cated to  the  House  December  12,  1800,  pp.  4 and  16.)] 


REPORT  of  James  Hoban,  Superintendant  of  the  Capitol,  of  the  state  of  that  building 
on  the  8th  of  May  1800,  and  the  progress  made  since  the  18th  of  November  1799. 


Of  the  finishing  the  north  wing  of  the  Capitol,  the  following  works  remain  to  be 
done,  viz. 


joiner’s  work. 


The  hand  rail  to  put  up  to  center  lobby,  and  hand  rail  to  gallery  of  Senate  room. 
The  hand  rail  to  work,  and  put  up  to  back  stair  case,  circular. 

The  sashes  to  be  hung,  and  locks  put  on  the  doors. 

Six  chimney  pieces  made,  to  be  put  up. 

Seats  elevated  with  steps  for  President  of  the  Senate,  and  Speaker  of  the  House  of 
Representatives. 

Floors  to  be  raised  for  chairs  and  desks  for  Members  of  the  Senate,  and  House  of 
Representatives. 

Nine  chimney  pieces  to  be  made  and  put  up. 

Borders  to  put  round  all  the  hearths. 

Hand  rail  and  ballusters  to  put  up  to  stair  case,  south-west  angle  of  the  building. 

STUCCO  AND  PLASTERING. 

Eight  columns  to  be  finished,  Cases,  shafts  and  capitals,  arcades  above  the  impost 
and  soffits,  trusses,  to  four  windows,  to  be  done. 

Back  stair-case,  circular,  to  be  plastered. 

PAINTING  AND  GLAZING. 


The  finishing  coat  of  painting  to  be  done,  lantern  sash  to  elliptic  stair  case  to  be 
glazed,  and  soffit  ornamented. 

STONE  CUTTING. 

Hearths  to  set  to  ten  fire  places. 

* * # 


Report  of  James  Hoban,  Superintendant  of  the  Capitol,  on  the  state  of  that  build- 
ing on  the  18th  of  November  1800,  and  of  the  work  done  since  the  18th  of  May 
last. 

In  the  north  wing  of  the  Capitol,  which  is  now  finished,  the  following  work  has 
been  done,  viz. 

The  hand-rail  and  ballusters  have  been  put  up  in  centre  lobby  and  gallery  of  the 
Senate  chamber;  the  hand  rail,  ballusters  and  noseings  have  been  worked  and  put 
up  to  circular  stair-case  in  south-east  angle  of  the  building;  hand-rail  and  ballusters 
put  up  to  stair-case  in  south-west  angle;  the  sashes,  doors  and  window  shutters  have 
been  all  hung  and  locks  put  on  all  thedoors;  the  fire  places  are  finished,  with  chimney 
pieces  and  hearths  of  cut  stone,  and  platforms  raised  for  chairs  and  desks  in  Senate 
chamber,  and  House  of  Representatives. 

STUCCO  AND  PLASTERING. 

Eight  of  the  columns  in  the  Senate  chamber  have  been  finished,  bases,  shafts, 
and  capitals;  the  arcade  has  been  finished  above  the  impost,  with  circular  soffets, 


94 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


mouldings,  &c.  Four  windows  are  finished  with  fancy  trusses,  cornices,  circular 
ornaments,  goloss,  &c.  and  the  circular  stair-case  in  the  south-east  angle  of  the  build- 
ing plastered. 

PAINTING  AND  GLAZING. 

The  whole  of  the  painting  has  been  finished ; the  lantern  sash  to  eliptic  stair-case 
has  been  glazed  and  the  soffet  ornamented. 

James  Hoban. 

Washington,  November  19th,  1800. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  City  of  Washington  and 
District  of  Columbia,  v.  6,  51:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  War  Department.] 


Commissioner’s  Office,  20th  January  1801 

Gentlemen:  As  no  House  has  been  provided  for  the  Judiciary  of  the  United 
States,  we  hope  the  Supreme  Court  may  be  accommodated  with  a Room  in  the 
Capitol  to  hold  its  Sessions,  till  further  provision  shall  be  made,  an  arrangement 
however,  which  we  would  not  presume  to  make  without  the  approbation  of 
Congress. 

We  therefore  request,  that  the  Sense  of  that  Body  may  be  communicated  to  us  on 
the  Subject. 

We  are,  &c. , 

W.  Thornton, 

A.  White, 

W.  Cranch. 

The  Honble.  the  President  of  the  Senate,  & Speaker  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  of  the  United  States. 

(Copy  sent  to  each) 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Jan.  21,  1801:  Senate  Journal,  6 — 2,116.] 

The  Vice-President  communicated  a letter  from  the  Commissioners  of  the  City  of 
Washington,  addressed  to  both  Houses  of  Congress,  requesting  the  assignment  of  a 
room  in  the  Capitol  for  the  temporary  accommodation  of  the  supreme  judicial  court 
of  the  United  States,  which  was  read. 

Whereupon, 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  be  directed  to  inform  the  commissioners  of  the  City 
of  Washington  that  the  Senate  consent  to  the  accommodation  of  the  supreme  court 
in  one  of  the  committee  rooms,  as  proposed  in  their  letter. 


[House  proceedings  of  January  23,  1801:  House  Journal,  6 — 2,  p.  771.] 

Mr.  Rutledge,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred,  on  the  twentieth  instant, 
the  letter  from  the  Commissioners  of  the  city  of  Washington  relative  to  the  accom- 
modation of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States  in  the  Capitol,  made  a report; 
which  was  read  and  considered:  Whereupon, 

Resolved,  That  leave  be  given  to  the  Commissioners  of  the  city  of  Washington  to 
use  one  of  the  rooms  on  the  first  floor  of  the  Capitol  for  holding  the  present  session 
of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States. 


. Kep.  040 — Ob-Z. 


n 


VIEW  OF  CAPITOL  WHEN  FIRST  OCCUPIED  BY  CONGRESS,  1800. 


The  Old  Building. 


95 


[American  State  Papers,  Class  X,  Misc.,  v.  I,  243. — No.  145.  6th  Congress,  2d  Session.  City  of  Wash- 
ington. Communicated  to  the  House  of  Representatives,  February  27,  1801.] 

Mr.  Griswold,  from  the  committee  who  were  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  expendi- 
ture of  money  made  by  the  commissioners  of  the  city  of  Washington,  the  disposition 
of  public  property  made  by  them,  and  generally  into  all  the  transactions  of  the  com- 
missioners which  relate  to  the  trust  confided  to  them  by  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  made  the  following  report: 

That  the  short  period  which  has  elapsed  since  they  have  been  possessed  of  the 
documents  relating  to  the  transactions  of  the  commissioners,  the  imperfect  situation 
of  those  documents  in  several  particulars,  and  the  complicated  nature  of  the  inquiry, 
will  prevent  the  committee  from  presenting  to  the  House  that  full  view  of  the  subject 
which  was  desired.  They  deem,  it,  however,  their  duty  to  submit  the  result  of  their 
inquiry,  so  far  as  the  same  has  been  made. 

By  a general  account  of  receipts  and  expenditures,  hereunto  annexed,  it  appears 
that  the  commissioners  have  expended  more  than  one  million  of  dollars  on  various 
subjects,  which  are  partially  detailed  in  that  statement.  Whether  those  expendi- 
tures have  been  made  with  economy,  or  not,  it  is  not  necessary  for  the  committee  to 
decide,  as  the  House  will  possess  the  same  information  which  the  committee  possess 
on  this  point.  It  may,  however,  be  proper  to  remark  that  the  principal  objects  of 
expense  have  been  the  Capitol,  the  President’s  house,  and  the  two  buildings  erected 
for  the  accommodation  of  the  Executive  Departments;  and  that  the  situation  of  those 
buildings,  being  under  the  eye  of  every  member  of  the  Legislature,  cannot  want  a 
particular  description. 

* * * 

The  view  which  the  committee  have  taken  of  this  subject  has  been  necessarily 
imperfect,  but  it  has  satisfied  them  that,  as  the  Executive  Departments  of  the  Gov- 
ernment are  now  established  at  the  city  of  Washington,  the  expense  of  the  board  of 
commissioners  may  very  well  be  saved;  that  the  business  of  that  board  may  with 
propriety  be  transferred  to  the  Treasury  Department  ; and  that  it  will  be  proper  to 
require  that  the  commisioners  account  with  the  accounting  officers  of  the  Treasury 
for  the  moneys  received  and  expended  by  them. 

The  committee  likewise  believe  that  a plan  of  the  city  of  Washington  ought  to  be 
prepared,  and,  at  the  next  session  of  Congress,  to  receive  the  sanction  of  the  Legis- 
lature, and  means  taken  to  obtain  from  the  trustees  a deed  of  the  streets  and  public 
grounds,  conformably  to  such  plan,  for  the  use  of  the  United  States;  and  that  a law 
ought  to  pass  for  quieting  titles  in  the  District  of  Columbia,  by  authorizing  the  sale 
of  lands  contracted  to  be  sold  where  the  purchase  money  shall  not  be  paid  within 
the  time  limited  for  payment. 

Conformably  to  the  opinions  herein  expressed,  the  committee  respectfully  submit 
to  the  House  the  following  resolutions; 

Resolved,  That  a committee  be  appointed  to  prepare  and  report  a bill  to  abolish  the 
board  of  commissioners  of  the  city  of  Washington,  and  to  direct  that  the  business  of 
that  board  be  transferred  to  the  Department  of  the  Treasury. 

Resolved,  That  a committee  be  appointed  to  prepare  and  report  a bill  directing  the 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  under  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  to 
prepare  a plan  of  the  city  of  Washington,  delineating  the  streets,  squares,  and  public 
grounds  therein,  and  to  report  the  same  to  Congress,  in  December  next. 

Resolved,  That  a committee  be  appointed  to  prepare  and  report  a bill  to  authorize 
the  sale  of  lands  in  the  District  of  Columbia,  under  proper  regulations,  to  raise  the 
moneys  which  may  at  any  time  be  due  and  unpaid  on  contracts  for  the  sale  of  such 
lands. 


96 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Account  of  receipts  and  expenditures  by  the  commissioners  of  the  city  of  Washington,  Dis- 
trict of  Columbia,  from  the  time  of  their  appointment  to  the  18th  of  May,  1796;  since 
which  day  accounts  have  been  rendered  half  yearly. 


Dr.  Cr. 


Receipts. 

Amount 

received. 

Expendi- 

tures. 

Amount,  1791. 

Amount,  1792. 

Amount,  1793. 

Amount,  1791. 

Amount,  1795. 

Amo u n t.  be- 
tween IstJan., 
1796,  and  18th 
May,  1796. 

Total  amount. 

Donation  by  the 
State  of  Virginia. 

Donation  by  the 
State  of  Mary- 
land. 

Sales  of  lots 

Loan  from  the 
Bank  of  Colum- 
bia. 

Leonard  Har- 
baugh,  refunded 
by  him  for  part 
of  the  cost  of  the 
stone  bridge  over 
Rock  creek,  in 
consequence  of 
defective  work. 

John  Dobson  re- 
funded, for  part 
of  sums  ad- 
vanced to  him 
as  a contractor 
for  doing  free- 
stone work  at 
the  Capitol. 

Materials  sold, 
which  were  un- 
tit for  use,  or  not 
wanted  for  the 
public  buildings. 

Dividends  on 
shares  in  Bank 
of  Columbia, 
originally  sub- 
scribed for  by  the 
commissioners. 

Receipts  for  semi- 
annual accounts 
rendered. 

$120,000  00 

72.000  00 

179,109  91 

30.000  00 

600  00 

1,810  81 

917  62 
1,823  50 

610,905  52 
$1,017,167  36 

Capitol ... 
***** 

$8,950  71 

$25, 857  86 

$61,101  16 

$9, 456  20 

$105,365  93 

Commissioners’  Office,  Washington,  February  6,  1801. 

Thomas  Monroe,  Clerk  Com. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Presidents  of  the  United  States,  p.  121:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds, 

War  Department.] 

On  consideration  of  the  three  plans  presented  by  Capt.  Hobens  for  providing  an 
apartment  for  the  H.  of  Representatives  of  the  U.  S.  that  appears  to  me  most  to  be 
approved  which  proposes  to  raise,  to  the  height  of  one  story  only,  the  elliptical  wall 
or  arcade  in  the  Southern  wing  destined  ultimately  for  their  occupation;  without 
carrying  up  at  present  the  external  square  wall  which  to  include  it. 

It  seems  preferable  to  that  which  proposes  a temporary  room  of  scantling  in  the 
center,  to  cost  between  4,  & 5000.  D.  the  whole  of  which  would  be  to  be  taken  away 
in  future,  & nothing  saved  but  what  the  scantling  might  then  be  worth,  whereas,  of 
the  elliptical  room  thought  preferable,  & which  he  supposes  will  cost  5600.  D.  he 
thinks  not  more  than  1000.  D.  will  be  lost  when  the  wing  shall  be  completed  in 


The  Old  Building. 


97 


future:  and  it  seems  desireable  that  whatever  money  is  expended  should  go  as  much 
as  possible  to  the  execution  of  the  permanent  building. 

The  plan  of  raising  the  elliptical  building  only  one  story  seems  preferable  to  that 
for  raising  it  two  stories.  1st  because  it  will  cost  but  half  as  much — a circumstance 
desirable  to  the  present  state  of  the  City  funds  & to  their  immediate  prospects;  2, 
Mr.  Hobens  observes  there  will  be  considerable  inconveniences  in  carrying  up 
the  elliptical  wall  now  without  the  square  one,  & the  square  one  in  future  without 
the  elliptical  wall,  and  that  these  difficulties  increase  as  the  walls  get  higher.  This 
obstacle  then  is  lessened  more  than  one  half  by  raising  the  elliptical  wall  to  one  half 
of  it’s  height  only. 

Another  advantage  in  adopting  the  elliptical  building  is  that,  if  before  it  is  raised 
one  story  the  prospects  of  money  should  brighten  & the  difficulties  of  proceeding 
with  it  separately  from  the  square  wall  should  be  found  less  than  has  been  appre- 
hended, we  can  then  proceed  to  raise  it’s  second  story. 

Tir.  Jefferson, 

June  3d , 1801. 

The  Commissioners  of  the  City  of  Washington. 


[Annals  of  Congress,  Appendix  7 — 2,  p.  1294.] 

Commissioners’  Office,  Dec.  4,  1801. 

To  the  President  of  the  United  Slates: 

The  memorial  of  the  Commissioners  appointed  by  virtue  of  an  act  of  Congress, 
entitled  “An  act  for  establishing  the  temporary  and  permanent  seat  of  Government 
of  the  United  States,  respectfully  showeth: 

That,  on  the  28th  of  January  last,  the  Commissioners  aaaressea  to  me  late  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States  a representation,  stating  such  facts  respecting  the  business 
committed  to  their  charge  as  appeared  necessary  for  the  information  of  the  Govern- 
ment; which  representation  was  by  him  transmitted  to  Congress,  and  by  their  order 
referred  to  a committee;  but  no  measures  having  taken  place  in  consequence  thereof, 
either  by  the  Executive  or  Legislature,  your  memorialists  deem  it  expedient  to  reca- 
pitulate the  most  important  facts  then  stated,  and  to  add  such  other  facts  and  obser- 
vations as  may  tend  to  enable  the  President  to  judge  of  the  measures  proper  to  be 
pursued  by  him,  and  to  aid  the  Legislature  in  their  deliberations,  should  the  subject 
be  submitted  to  their  consideration. 

The  act  of  Congress  authorizing  the  President  to  locate  a district  for  the  perma- 
nent seat  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States;  the  actual  location  of  that  district; 
the  grant  of  lands  for  a federal  city;  the  power  given  by  the  President  to  the  Com- 
missioners to  sell  that  part  of  the  land  so  granted,  which  was  placed  at  his  disposal; 
the  sale  of  six  thousand  lots  to  Morris  & Greenleaf,  by  agreement,  dated  23d  Decem- 
ber, 1793;  the  modification  of  that  agreement  by  another,  entered  into  in  April, 
1794;  the  failure  of  those  gentlemen  to  fulfil  their  contracts,  and  the  various  meas- 
ures pursued  to  obtain  money  to  carry  on  the  public  buildings,  are  recited  in  the 
above  mentioned  representation;  and  copies  of  the  Legislative  acts,  deeds,  and  other 
writings  therein  referred  to  are  annexed,  and  the  whole  printed  for  the  use  of  the 
members  of  Congress.  The  property  belonging  to  the  public  is  therein  stated  to 
consist  of  twenty-four  million  six  hundred  and  fifty-five  thousand  seven  hundred 
and  thirty-five  square  feet  of  ground  in  the  City  of  Washington,  equal  to  four  thou- 
sand six  hundred  and  eighty-two  lots,  of  five  thousand  two  hundred  and  sixty-five 
square  feet  each,  exclusive  of  lots  which  bind  on  navigable  water;  these  form  fronts  to 
the  extent  of  two  thousand  and  fort}’ -three  feet,  and  on  them  are  four  wharves  in  a 
useful  state.  Of  the  first  mentioned  lots,  three  thousand  one  hundred  and  seventy- 
eight  lie  northeast  of  Massachusetts  avenue;  the  remainder,  being  one  thousand  five 

H.  Rep.  646 


7 


98 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


hundred  and  four,  are  situated  southwest  of  that  avenue;  also,  an  island,  containing 
freestone,  in  Aquia  Creek,  in  the  State  of  Virginia.  The  above  property  your 
memorialists  consider  as  worthy  of  public  attention;  its  value  may  be  estimated  by 
the  prices  at  which  lots  have  been  heretofore  sold,  the  cost  of  the  wharves,  and  the 
price  of  the  island. 

* * * Your  memorialists  also  beg  leave  to  state,  that  the  sum  of  fifty  thousand 
dollars,  in  the  United  States  six  jier  cent,  stock,  has  been  borrowed  from  the  State  of 
Maryland,  to  be  repaid  on  the  1st  of  November,  1802,  secured  by  the  bond  of  the 
Commissioners,  and  real  and  personal  security  given  by  private  persons.  The  only 
fund  applicable  to  the  payment  of  this  sum  at  the  disposal  of  the  President  or  Com- 
missioners is,  the  debts  contracted  for  city  lots  purchased  previous  to  passing  the  guar- 
anty law;  this  fund  is,  indeed,  much  more  than  sufficient,  could  those  debts  be 
called  in;  to  accomplish  which,  your  memorialists  have  never  ceased  their  exertions. 
They  are  now  pursuing  a measure  not  before  attempted — a ready  money  sale,  in 
which,  if  they  fail  to  sell  the  property  for  as  much  as  is  due  thereon  to  the  public, 
the  same  policy  should  dictate  to  the  Government  to  pay  the  sum  of  fifty  thousand 
dollars  likewise;  the  last-mentioned  debts,  to  a much  greater  amount,  being  ulti- 
mately secure. 

The  Commissioners  have  only  received  fifty-three  thousand  two  hundred  and 
eigthy-one  dollars  and  eighty-one  cents  from  the  sales  of  property  pledged  by  virtue 
of  the  guaranty  law;  they  have  paid,  in  conformity  to  that  law,  the  sum  of  twenty- 
nine  thousand  six  hundred  and  eighty-seven  dollars  and  ninety-two  cents,  to  the 
original  proprietors,  for  property  appropriated  to  public  use,  and  forty-two  thousand 
dollars  interest,  which  has  accrued  on  money  borrowed  under  the  sanction  of  the 
same  law.  Thus,  the  sum  of  eighteen  thousand  four  hundred  and  six  dollars  and 
eleven  cents,  derived  from  the  funds  applicable  to  the  payment  of  debts  contracted 
on  the  personal  security  of  the  Commissioners,  has  been  applied  to  the  purposes  of 
the  guaranty,  and  thereby  the  necessity  of  selling  at  depreciated  rates  the  property 
pledged  to  Congress  has  been  avoided. 

Your  memorialists  would  also  observe,  that  the  debts  due,  and  to  become  due,  to 
the  city  fund,  and  which  were  considered  as  good,  were  stated  in  the  last  represen- 
tation to  the  President  at  one  hundred  and  forty-four  thousand  one  hundred  and 
twenty  dollars  and  eighty  cents.  Since  which,  forty-six  thousand  and  eighty-one 
dollars  and  ninety-nine  cents  have  been  received;  but  it  may  be  observed,  that  the 
sum  of  eighty  thousand  dollars,  which,  by  the  agreement  of  April,  1794,  was  to  rest 
on  the  bond  of  Morris,  Greenleaf,  and  Nicholson,  is  not  included  in  that-  description 
although  your  memorialists  are  advised  by  their  counsel  that  certain  squares  in  the 
City  of  Washington,  containing  one  thousand  lots,  are  liable  to  the  payment  of  that 
sum;  the  same  being  designated  by  an  agreement  of  the  9th  July,  1794,  as  the  lots, 
the  payment  for  which  Avas  to  rest  on  the  said  bond;  and  this  point  is  now  depend- 
ing for  decision  in  the  court  of  chancery  of  the  State  of  Maryland. 

To  show  the  progress  and  the  present  state  of  buildings  in  the  city,  your  memorial- 
ists ha\re  had  the  number  of  dwelling-houses  takeu,  and  find,  by  an  accurate  report, 
that,  on  the  15th  of  May,  1800,  there  were  one  hundred  and  nine  of  brick,  and  two 
hundred  and  sixty-three  of  wood;  and,  on  the  15th  of  last  month,  there  Avas  an  addi- 
tion of  eighty-four  of  brick,  and  one  hundred  and  fifty-one  of  wood,  besides  se\'enty- 
nine  of  brick,  and  thirty- five  of  Avood,  in  an  unfinished  state;  total  amount,  seven 
hundred  and  thirty-five.  Their  particular  situations  will  appear  from  the  schedule 
which  accompanies  this  memorial. 

The  above  statement  of  facts  and  observations  are,  with  sentiments  of  the  highest 
respect,  submitted  to  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

William  Thornton, 

Alexander  White, 

Tristram  Dalton. 


The  Old  Building. 


99 


Treasury  Department,  .Tan.  15,  1802. 

* * * 

It  is  sincerely  believed,  and  most  respectfully  submitted,  that  no  act  of  Govern- 
ment can  more  effectually  tend  to  increase  the  external  force,  or  to  strengthen  the 
internal  union  of  the  United  States  than  a prompt  and  complete  extinguishment  of 
the  public  debt;  and  that  every  measure  should  be  avoided,  which  may  lead  to  an 
unnecessary  perpetuation  or  prolongation  of  any  part  of  the  same. 

In  this  instance  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  the  resources  of  the  United  States  are 
fully  equal  to  discharge  in  specie  the  five  annual  instalments,  of  forty  thousand  dol- 
lars each,  which  may  eventually  be  payable  on  that  loan,  without  having  recourse 
to  the  expedient  of  creating,  for  that  purpose,  an  additional  six  per  cent,  stock,  to 
that  amount. 

Under  that  impression,  the  Secretary,  with  submission,  but  without  hesitation, 
reports,  that  although  the  resolution  of  the  Legislature  of  Maryland  was  evidently 
adopted  only  with  a view  of  accommodating  the  United  States,  it  cannot,  in  his 
opinion,  be  their  interest  to  avail  themselves  of  the  offer  it  contains. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Albert  Gallatin. 


[From  the  reports  of  James  Hoban,  Superintendent  of  the  President’s  House  and  the  Capitol,  of  work 
done  on  the  Capitol  from  Nov.  18,  1800,  to  December  14,  1801.  (V— 1,  House  Ex.  Docs.:  Letter 

from  Albert  Gallatin,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  covering  two  letters  from  the  City  Commissioners 
of  Washington,  communicated  Dec.  21,  1801,  pp.  22  and  24.)  ] 

Report  of  James  Hoban , superintendant  of  the  President’s  House,  of  work  done,  from  the 
18th  of  November,  1800,  to  the  18th  of  May,  1801. 

* * * 

CAPITOL. 

The  platforms  round  the  lantern  sashes  have  been  papered,  tarred  and  sanded; 
and  all  the  external  and  internal  gutters  have  been  tarred  and  sanded. 

* * * 

(Signed)  James  Hoban. 

Washington,  May  19th,  1801. 


Report  of  James  Hoban,  Superintendant  of  the  Capitol,  of  the  ivork  done  at  that  Building 
from  the  18th  of  May,  1801,  to  the  14th  December,  1801. 

Eliptic  Room,  South  Wing,  70  by  94  feet. 

The  Eliptic  Room  has  been  carried  up  2 feet  8 inches  high,  44  bricks  thick,  and  16 
feet  higher,  34  bricks  thick,  with  16  niches  and  16  arches,  to  form  an  arcade. 

The  girder  and  joist  have  been  laid  and  floored,  the  building  roofed,  boarded  and 
shingled,  the  ceiling  covered,  the  walls  and  ceiling  plaistered. 

The  window  frames  and  sashes,  door  frames  and  doors,  finished. 

A Gallery,  on  a semi-eliptic  plan,  has  been  put  up,  120  feet  long,  with  three  rows 
of  seats. 

A covered  way  has  been  built,  145  feet  long,  from  the  north  to  the  south  wing, 
with  two  flights  of  steps,  and  three  water  closets. 

(Signed)  James  Hoban. 

The  Commissioners  of  the  Federal  Buildings. 

(Copy.) 

(Signed)  Thomas  Munroe, 

Clk.  Comm’rs. 


100 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

[Senate  proceedings  of  Jan.  11,  1802:  Annals  of  Congress,  7 — 1,  v.  7,  pt.  1,  p.  42.] 


MESSAGE  FROM  THE  PRESIDENT. 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate,  and  of  the  House  of  Representatives: 

I now  communicate  to  you  a memorial  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  City  of  Wash- 
ington, together  with  a letter  of  later  date,  which,  with  the  memorial  of  January  28, 
1801,  will  possess  the  Legislature  fully  of  the  state  of  the  public  interests  and  of  those 
of  the  City  of  Washington  confided  to  them.  The  moneys  now  due,  and  soon  to 
become  due,  to  the  State  of  Maryland,  on  the  loan  guarantied  by  the  United  States, 
call  for  an  early  attention.  The  lots  in  the  city  which  are  chargeable  with  the  pay- 
ment of  these  moneys  are  deemed  not  only  equal  to  the  indemnification  of  the  public, 
but  to  insure  a considerable  surplus  to  the  city,  to  be  employed  for  its  improvement; 
provided  they  are  offered  for  sale  only  in  sufficient  numbers  to  meet  the  existing 
demand.  But  the  act  of  1796  requires  that  they  shall  be  positively  sold  in  such 
numbers  as  shall  be  necessary  for  the  punctual  payment  of  the  loans.  Nine  thou- 
sand dollars  of  interest  are  lately  become  due;  three  thousand  dollars  quarter-yearly 
will  continue  to  become  due;  and  fifty  thousand  dollars,  an  additional  loan,  are  reim- 
bursable on  the  first  day  of  November  next.  These  sums  would  require  sales  so  far 
beyond  the  actual  demand  of  the  market,  that  it  is  apprehended  that  the  whole 
property  may  lie  thereby  sacrificed,  the  public  security  destroyed,  and  the  residuary 
interest  of  the  city  entirely  lost.  Under  these  circumstances  I have  thought  it  niv 
duty,  before  I proceed  to  direct  a rigorous  execution  of  the  law,  to  submit  the  sub- 
ject to  the  consideration  of  the  Legislature.  Whether  the  public  interest  will  be 
better  secured  in  the  end,  and  that  of  the  city  saved,  by  offering  sales  commensurate 
only  to  the  demand  at  market,  and  advancing  from  the  Treasury,  in  the  first  instance, 
what  these  may  prove  deficient,  to  be  replaced  by  subsequent  sales,  rests  for  the 
determination  of  the  Legislature.  If  indulgence  for  the  funds  can  be  admitted,  they 
will  probably  form  a resource  of  great  and  permanent  value;  and  their  embarrass- 
ments have  been  produced  only  by  overstrained  exertions  to  provide  accommoda- 
tions for  the  Government  of  the  Union. 

Th:  Jefferson. 

January  11,  1802. 


[American  State  Papers,  Class  X,  Mise.,  v.  I,  260.  No.  153.  7th  Congress,  1st  Session.  City  of  Wash- 
ington. Communicated  to  the  House  of  Representatives,  February  12,  1802.] 

Mr.  Nicholson  made  the  following  report:  The  committee,  to  whom  was  referred 
the  message  of  the  President  of  the  United  States  of  the  11th  ultimo,  transmitting  a 
memorial  of  the  commissioners  of  the  city  of  Washington;  and  to  whom  was  likewise 
referred  a resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  5th  instant,  directing  the 
committee  to  inquire  into  the  expediency  of  discontinuing  the  offices  of  the  said  com- 
missioners, beg  leave  to  report  the  following  resolutions  for  the  consideration  of  the 
House: 

1.  Resolved,  That  from  and  after  the  1st  day  of  March  next,  the  offices  of  two  of  the  commissioners 
of  the  city  of  Washington  ought  to  be  discontinued,  and  thereafter  the  powers  now  vested  in  the  board 
of  commissioners  ought  to  be  vested  in  one  only,  who  ought  to  discharge  all  the  duties  now  required 
to  be  performed  by  the  whole  number. 

2.  Resolved,  That  prior  to  the  1st  day  of  March  next,  the  said  commissioners  ought  to  settle  their 
accounts  with  the  accounting  officers  of  the  Treasury;  and  all  debts  which  have  been  contracted  by 
them  in  their  capacity  as  commissioners,  and  for  the  payment  of  which  no  particular  provision  is 
hereinafter  made,  ought  to  be  discharged  in  the  usual  manner  by  the  commissioner  retained. 

3.  Resolved,  That  so  many  of  those  lots  in  the  city  of  Washington  which  are  pledged  for  the  repay- 
ment of  a loan  of  two  hundred  thousand  dollars,  made  by  the  State  of  Maryland  in  the  years  1796 
and  1797,  to  the  commissioners  of  the  said  city,  ought  to  be  annually  sold,  as  may  be  sufficient  to  pay 
the  interest  and  installments  of  the  said  loan,  as  they  may  respectively  become  due:  provided,  that 
if,  in  the  opinion  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  the  sale  of  a sufficient  number  of  the  said  lots, 
to  meet  the  objects  aforesaid,  cannot  be  made  without  an  unwarrantable  sacrifice  of  the  property, 
then  so  much  money  as  may  be  necessary  to  provide  for  the  deficiency  ought  to  be  advanced  from 
the  Treasury  of  the  United  States. 

4.  Resolved,  That  so  many  of  the  lots  in  the  said  city  which  were  sold  prior  to  the  6th  day  of  May, 
in  the  year  1796,  and  have  reverted  to  the  commissioners,  in  consequence  of  a failure  on  the  part  of 
the  purchasers  to  comply  with  their  contracts,  ought  to  be  sold,  as  will  be  sufficient  to  pay  to  the 


The  Old  Building. 


101 


State  of  Maryland  the  sum  of  fifty  thousand  dollars,  with  the  interest  thereon,  on  or  before  the  1st 
day  of  November  next;  which  sum  was  loaned  by  the  said  State  to  the  commissioners  aforesaid,  in 
the  year  1799:  provided  that,  if  in  the  opinion  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  the  sale  of  a suffi- 
cient number  of  the  said  lots,  to  meet  the  objects  aforesaid,  cannot  be  made  without  an  unwarrant- 
able sacrifice  of  the  property,  then  so  much  money  as  may  be  necessary  to  provide  for  the  deficiency 
ought  to  be  advanced  out  of  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States. 

5.  Resolved , That  all  moneys  advanced  out  of  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States,  in  pursuance  of 
these  resolutions,  ought  to  be  reimbursed  as  soon  as  possible,  after  the  debts  already  contracted  by 
the  commissioners  have  been  discharged,  by  applying  towards  the  reimbursement  every  sum  of 
money  which  may  be  afterwards  raised  out  of  the  city  funds,  until  the  whole  of  the  money  advanced 
shall  be  repaid. 


[Annals  of  Congress,  Appendix  7 — 2,  p.  1312.] 

Commissioners’  Office,  March  23,  1802. 

Sir:  We  are  favored  with  your  letter  of  the  20th  instant,  and,  in  compliance  with 
your  request,  shall  state  the  principal  facts  on  which  you  desire  information. 

Major  L’Enfant’s  plan  of  the  city  was  sent  to  the  House  of  Representatives  on  the 
13th  day  of  December,  1791,  by  President  Washington,  for  the  information  of  the 
House,  and  afterwards  withdrawn.  Many  alterations  were  made  therefrom  by 
Major  Ellicott,  with  the  approbation  of  the  President,  and  under  his  authority;  all 
the  appropriations  (except  as  to  the  Capitol  and  President’s  House)  were  struck 
out,  and  the  plan,  thus  altered,  sent  to  the  engravers,  intending  that  work,  and  the 
promulgation  thereof,  to  give  the  final  and  regulating  stamp.  These  changes  from 
L’Enfant’s  plan  took  place  in  the  year  1792,  and  the  published  plan  appears  to  have 
been  engraved  in  October  of  that  year.  It  has  since  been  pursued  in  all  the  opera- 
tions of  the  city,  under  the  direction  of  the  Commissioners,  as  far  as  it  was  practi- 
cable; but  the  city  not  having  been  surveyed,  and  this  plan  being  partly  made  from 
the  draughts  of  L’Enfant,  and  partly  from  materials  possessed  by  Ellicott,  it  was 
probable  it  would  not  correspond  with  an  actual  mensuration. 

* * * 

We  are,  with  sentiments  of  respect,  sir,  your  obedient  servants, 

William  Thornton, 
Alexander  White, 
Tristram  Dalton. 

The  Hon.  John  Dennis, 

Chairman  uf  a Committee  of  Congress. 


[“AN  ACT  to  abolish  the  Board  of  Commissioners  in  the  City  of  Washington,  and  for  other  pur- 
approved  May  1,  1802.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  2,  175.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled , That  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  June  next,  the  offices  of 
the  commissioners  appointed  in  virtue  of  an  act  passed  on  the  sixteenth  day  of  July, 
in  the  year  seventeen  hundred  and  ninety,  intituled  “An  act  to  establish  the  tempo- 
rary and  permanent  seat  of  the  Government  of  the  United  States,”  shall  cease  and 
determine;  and  the  said  commissioners  shall  deliver  up  unto  such  person  as  the 
President  shall  appoint,  in  virtue  of  this  act,  all  plans,  draughts,  books,  records, 
accounts,  deeds,  grants,  contracts,  bonds,  obligations,  securities,  and  other  evidences 
of  debt  in  their  possession,  which  relate  to  the  city  of  Washington,  and  the  affairs 
heretofore  under  their  superintendence  or  care. 

Sec.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  affairs  of  the  city  of  Washington,  which 
have  heretofore  been  under  the  care  and  superintendence  of  the  said  commissioners, 
shall  hereafter  be  under  the  direction  of  a superintendent,  to  be  appointed  by,  and 


102 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


be  under  the  control  of,  the  President  of  the  United  States;  and  the  said  superin- 
tendent is  hereby  invested  with  all  powers,  and  shall  hereafter  perform  all  duties 
which  the  said  commissioners  are  now  vested  with,  or  are  required  to  perform  by, 
or  in  virtue  of,  any  act  of  Congress,  or  any  act  of  the  general  assembly  of  Maryland, 
or  any  deed  or  deeds  of  trust  from  the  original  proprietors  of  the  lots  in  the  said  city, 
or  in  any  other  manner  whatsoever. 

Sec.  3.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  said  commissioners  shall  forthwith  settle, 
with  the  accounting  officers  of  the  treasury,  their  accounts  for  all  moneys  received 
and  expended  by  them  in  their  capacity  as  commissioners,  and  shall  immediately 
thereafter  pay  to  the  said  superintendent  any  balance  which  may  be  found  against 
them  upon  such  settlement. 

Sec.  4.  And  be  it  f urther  enacted,  That  the  said  superintendent  shall  pay  all  the  debts 
heretofore  contracted  by  the  commissioners,  in  their  capacity  as  such,  the  payments 
of  which  are  not  hereinafter  specially  provided  for,  out  of  any  moneys  received  by 
him  arising  out  of  the  city  funds. 

Sec.  5.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  said  superintendent  shall,  under  the 
direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  sell  so  many  of  those  lots  in  the  city 
of  Washington  which  are  pledged  for  the  repayment  of  a loan  of  two  hundred  thou- 
sand dollars,  made  by  the  State  of  Maryland,  in  the  years  one  thousand  seven  hun- 
dred and  ninety-six  and  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  ninety-seven,  to  the 
commissioners,  for  the  use  of  the  said  city,  as  may  be  sufficient  to  pay  the  interest 
already  accrued  on  the  said  loan,  and  the  interest  and  instalments  thereof,  as  they 
may  respectively  become  due:  Provided,  That  if,  in  the  opinion  of  the  President  of 
the  United  States,  the  sale  of  a sufficient  number  of  the  said  lots,  to  meet  the  objects 
aforesaid,  cannot  be  made  without  an  unwarrantable  sacrifice  of  the  property,  then 
so  much  money  as  may  be  necessary  to  provide  for  the  deficiency  is  hereby  appro- 
priated, and  shall  be  paid  out  of  any  money  in  the  treasury  of  the  United  States  not 
otherwise  appropriated. 

Sec.  6.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  said  superintendent  shall,  prior  to  the 
first  day  of  November  next,  sell,  under  the  directions  of  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  all  lots  in  the  said  city,  which  were  sold  antecedent  to  the  sixth  day  of  May, 
in  the  year  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  ninety-six,  and  which  the  said  com- 
missioners are  authorized  by  law  to  resell,  in  consequence  of  a failure  on  the  part  of 
the  purchasers  to  comply  with  their  contracts;  and  the  moneys  arising  thereupon  shall 
be  applied,  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  November  next,  to  the  payment  of  the  sum 
of  fifty  thousand  dollars,  and  the  interest  thereon,  to  the  State  of  Maryland,  which 
said  sum  was  formerly  loaned  by  the  said  state  to  the  commissioners  for  the  use  of  the 
city  of  Washington:  Provided,  That,  if  a sufficient  sum  to  meet  the  objects  last 
aforesaid,  shall  not  be  produced  by  the  sale  of  the  whole  of  the  lots  aforesaid,  then 
so  much  money  as  may  be  necessary  to  provide  for  the  deficiency  is  hereby  appro- 
priated, and  shall  be  paid  out  of  any  money  in  the  treasury  of  the  United  States, 
not  otherwise  appropriated. 

Sec.  7.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That,  after  the  debts  already  contracted  by  the 
commissioners  shall  have  been  discharged,  all  moneys  advanced  out  of  the  treasury 
in  pursurance  of  this  act,  shall  be  reimbursed  by  the  superintendent,  by  paying  into 
the  treasury  all  moneys  arising  from  the  citvr  funds,  until  the  whole  sum  advanced, 
with  the  interest  thereon,  shall  be  repaid. 

Sec.  8.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  so  much  of  the  act,  intituled  “An  act  to 
establish  the  temporary  and  permanent  seat  of  government  of  the  United  States,” 
passed  on  the  sixteenth  day  of  July,  in  the  year  seventeen  hundred  and  ninety, 
as  relates  to  the  appointment  of  commissioners  shall  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby, 
repealed. 


The  Old  Building. 


103 


[American  State  Papers,  Class  X,  Misc.,  v.  I,  337.  No.  159.  7th  Congress,  2d  Session.  City  of 
Washington.  Communicated  to  Congress,  January  25,  1803.] 

January  24,  1803. 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate,  and  of  the  House  of  Representatives : 

I transmit  a report  by  the  Superintendent  of  the  City  of  Washington,  on  the  affairs 
of  the  city  committed  to  his  care.  By  this  you  will  perceive  that  the  resales  of  lots 
prescribed  by  an  act  of  the  last  session  of  Congress  did  not  produce  a sufficiency  to 
pay  the  debt  to  Maryland  to  which  they  are  appropriated;  and  as  it  was  evident  that 
the  sums  necessary  for  the  interest  and  instalments  due  to  that  State  could  not  be 
produced  by  a sale  of  the  other  public  lots,  without  an  unwarrantable  sacrifice  of  the 
property,  the  deficiencies  were  of  necessity  drawn  from  the  Treasury  of  the  United 
States. 

* * * 

Th:  Jefferson. 

Superintendent’s  Office,  Washington,  December  20,  1802. 

Sir, 

* * * 

The  state  of  the  public  buildings,  directed  to  be  reported,  is  the  same  as  at  the 
last  session  of  Congress,  or  not  materially  changed.  The  private  buildings,  then 
seven  hundred  and  thirty-five  in  number,  have  since  increased  a few  more  than 
one  hundred. 

* * * 

Thomas  Munroe. 

The  President  of  the  United  States. 

* * * 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  9,  1803:  Annals  of  Congress,  7 — 2,  p.  492.] 

Mr.  Mitchell  moved  the  appointment  of  a joint  committee  of  both  Houses  to 
inquire  into  the  state  of  the  public  buildings,  what  repairs  are  required,  and  the 
expense  attending  the  same. 

Mr.  Eustis  offered  two  resolutions — the  one  for  making  provision  by  law  for 
making  such  alterations  in  the  Capitol,  as  are  required  for  the  future  accomodation 
of  Congress;  the  other  appropriating  the  sum  of dollars. 

The  above  resolutions  were  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  12,  1803:  Annals  of  Congress,  7-2,  p.  516.] 

Mr.  Mitchell  moved  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved , That  a joint  committee  of  both  Houses  be  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  state  of  the  public 
buildings  in  the  City  of  Washington,  and  to  report  what  repairs  are  necessary  for  their  preservation, 
with  the  probable  expense  of  such  repairs. 

Ordered,  That  the  said  motion  be  committed  to  a Committee  of  the  Whole  House, 
to  whom  was  this  day  referred  a motion  relative  to  a provision  for  making  such 
alterations  in  the  Capitol  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  future  accommodation  of 
Congress. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  28,  1803:  Annals  of  Congress,  7 — 2,  p.  607.] 

CITY  OF  WASHINGTON. 

Mr.  Randolph,  from  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means,  reported  a hill  concerning 
the  City  of  Washington,  which  was  referred  to  a Committee  of  the  Whole. 

* * * 


104 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Randolph  suggested  to  the  gentleman  from  New  York  the  propriety  of  intro- 
ducing into  this  bill  such  provisions  as  he  thought  proper,  and  had  some  time  since 
alluded  to,  respecting  the  necessary  repairs  to  the  public  buildings. 

Mr.  Mitchill  made  a few  remarks  on  the  necessity  of  making  provision  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  next  Congress,  in  consequence  of  its  augmented  numbers,  and 
for  repairing  several  parts  of  the  buildings  now  in  a state  of  ruin  and  dilapidation; 
and  concluded  by  saying  he  would  prepare  a new  section  to  that  effect. 

Mr.  Dawson  said  he  had  prepared  a new  section  of  this  nature,  which  he  offered 

to  the  Chair,  appropriating dollars,  to  be  applied  under  the  direction  of  the 

President  to  the  repair  of  the  Capitol,  for  the  future  accommodation  of  Congress. 

On  the  suggestion  of  Mr.  Alston,  the  motion  was  varied  so  as  to  embrace  the  public 
buildings  generally. 

Mr.  Meriwether  thought  the  Committee  were  acting  without  proper  information. 

Mr.  Dawson  observed  that  an  estimate  had  been  made. 

Mr.  Bacon  inquired  what  sum  it  was  contemplated  to  appropriate. 

Mr.  Brent  said  an  estimate  had  been  made  by  an  eminent  architect  of  the  sum  that 
would  be  required  for  putting  the  part  of  the  Capitol,  in  which  the  House  sat,  in 
such  a situation  as  to  accommodate  them.  The  estimate,  he  understood,  was 
$40,000. 

Mr.  Morris  asked  if  it  was  not  intended  to  repair  the  other  parts  of  the  Capitol  and 
the  President’s  House,  the  roofs  of  which  were,  he  understood,  so  leaky  as  to  threaten 
both  edifices  with  ruin. 

Mr.  Dawson’s  motion  was  then  agreed  to — ayes  42. 

Mr.  Brent  moved  to  fill  the  blank  with  $50,000.  Carried — ayes  40. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Eustis  the  above  appropriation  was  made  to  embrace  the  keeping 
in  repair  of  the  highway  between  the  Capitol  and  the  President’s  House. 

The  Committee  then  rose  and  reported  the  bill  with  amendments;  to  which  the 
House  agreed,  and  ordered  the  bill  to  be  engrossed  for  a third  reading  today. 


[From  the  “Act  concerning  the  City  of  Washington,”  approved  Mar.  3,  1803.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  2, 

236.)] 

Sec.  5.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  a sum  not  exceeding  fifty  thousand  dollars 
shall  be,  and  is  hereby  appropriated,  to  be  applied  under  the  direction  of  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States,  in  such  repairs  and  alterations  in  the  Capitol  and  other 
buildings  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  accommodation  of  Congress  in  their  future 
sessions,  and  also  for  keeping  in  repair  the  highway  between  the  Capitol  and  other 
public  buildings;  which  sum  shall  be  paid  out  of  any  money  in  the  treasury  of  the 
United  States  not  otherwise  appropriated. 


[Message  from  the  President,  of  the.  United  States,  transmitting  report  of  the  Surveyor  of  the  Public 
. Buildings  at  the  city  of  Washington,  Feb.  22,  1804.  (8 — 1.  House  Ex.  Docs.)] 

To  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States: 

I communicate  to  Congress,  for  their  information,  a report  of  the  surveyor  of  the 
public  buildings  at  Washington,  stating  what  has  been  done  under  the  act  of  the  last 
session  concerning  the  city  of  Washington  on  the  Capitol  and  other  public  buildings, 
and  the  highway  between  them. 

February  22d,  1804.  Th:  Jefferson. 

Washington,  20th  Feb.  1804- 

To  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

Sir,  On  the  4th  of  April  1803,  I had  the  honor  to  lay  before  you  a general  report, 
on  the  state  of  the  public  buildings  in  this  city.  1 now  beg  leave  to  submit  to  you 


The  Old  Building. 


105 


an  account  of  the  progress  that  has  been  made  in  the  works  directed  by  you  in  con- 
sequence of  that  report:  and  in  order  more  clearly  to  explain  the  subject,  I beg  to 
recapitulate  concisely  what  I formerly  stated. 

I.  On  the  North  Wing  of  the  Capitol. 

On  a careful  survey  of  the  north  wing  of  the  capitol  it  was  found,  that  the  want  of 
air  and  light  in  the  cellar  story,  had  begun  to  produce  decay  in  the  timbers, — that 
the  roof  was  leakly,  and  the  ceilings  and  walls  of  several  of  the  apartments  were 
thereby  injured, — that  it  would  be  impossible  to  render  the  Senate  chamber,  the 
extreme  coldness  of  which  of  which  was  a matter  of  complaint,  more  warm  and 
comfortable  without  the  construction  of  stoves  or  furnaces  below  the  floor,  for  which 
purpose  it  would  be  necessary  to  carry  up  additional  flues,  and  to  remove  a very 
large  quantity  of  rubbish  from  the  cellars;  and  that  the  skylights  were  extremely 
out  of  repair. 

During  the  course  of  the  last  season,  therefore  openings  have  been  made  into  all 
the  cellars,  the  decayed  timbers  having  been  replaced  where  immediately  necessary, 
the  floors  that  required  it  have  received  additional  support,  the  senate  chamber  has 
been  rendered  more  comfortable  by  the  introduction  of  warm  air,  by  the  erection  of 
a stove,  by  the  exclusion  of  cold  air  from  the  cellar  by  plaistering, — and  should  the 
plan  adopted  after  the. experience  of  the  present  session  be  approved,  another  stove 
is  ready  to  be  put  up:  all  the  cellars  have  been  cleared  and  the  rubbish  removed. 
In  respect  to  the  roof,  the  best  repairs  which  could  be  made  without  unroofing  the 
whole  wing,  have  been  made,  and  the  leaks  rendered  of  less  importance:  but  the 
early  meeting  of  congress,  and  the  magnitude,  and  the  doubtful  completion  as  to 
time,  of  a thorough  repair  by  taking  off  the  whole  upper  part  of  the  roof,  induced 
me  to  postpone  this  operation.  Every  preparation  however  is  made,  and  the  lead 
which  covers  so  great  a part  of  the  roof,  will  contribute  greatly  to  defray  the  expense 
of  this  thorough  repair. 

The  skylights  have  also  been  only  repaired,  but  it  is  necessary  to  institute  in  their 
room  lanthorn  lights,  with  upright  sashes  and  close  tops.  This  work  has  also  been 
deferred,  and  for  the  same  reasons. 

General  repairs  of  those  parts  of  the  building  which  were  hastily  and  slightly 
executed,  previously  to  the  removal  of  the  seat  of  government,  were  also  necessary, 
and  they  have  been  made. 

II.  On  the  South  Wing  of  the  Capitol. 

On  the  4th  of  April  1803,  it  was  necessary  to  report  to  you,  that  on  opening,  in  order 
to  examine  the  walls  of  the  cellar  story  of  the  south  wing  of  the  capitol,  the  work- 
manship was  found  to  have  been  so  unfaithfully  performed,  as  to  render  it  absolutely 
necessary  to  take  them  down  to  the  foundation,  and  that  even  the  greatest  part  of 
the  materials  were  too  bad  to  be  used  again.  Previously  therefore  to  the  commence- 
ment of  the  work  upon  this  wing,  all  the  old  external  walls  were  removed.  The 
new  work  was  executed  with  the  best  materials,  and  in  the  most  durable  manner 
that  could  be  devised.  Great  disadvantages  were  encountered  at  the  commencement 
of  the  season.  The  long  intermission  of  public  work,  had  scattered  the  workmen, 
and  the  supply  of  materials  was  difficult  and  tardy.  The  work  however  which  has 
been  done,  is  considerable.  The  walls  have  been  raised  to  nearly  half  the  height  of 
the  ground  story.  The  preparations  for  further  progress,  should  the  legislature 
direct  the  same,  are  also  great,  and  materials  are  now  collected  on  the  spot  nearly 
sufficient,  and  already  prepared  to  finish  the  external  walls  of  the  lower  story.  The 
rapidity  and  greater  oeconomy  with  which  the  work  will  in  future  proceed,  is  also  an 
advantage  gained.  A system  for  the  supply  of  materials  is  now  organized, — a great 
number  of  excellent  workmen  are  collected,  and  the  expense  of  machinery,  scaf- 
folding, and  utensils  defrayed. 


106 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  hall  in  which  the  house  of  representatives  are  now  assembled,  was  erected  as 
part  of  the  permanent  building.  I am,  however,  under  the  necessity  of  representing 
to  you,  that  the  whole  of  the  masonry,  from  the  very  foundation,  is  of  such  bad 
workmanship  and  materials,  that  it  would  have  been  dangerous  to  have  assembled, 
within  the  building,  had  not  the  walls  been  strongly  supported  by  shores  from  with- 
out. For  easy  examination,  the  wall  has  been  opened  in  several  places,  and  an  actual 
inspection  will  immediately  explain  the  state  in  which  it  is. 

Besides  the  work  done  to  secure  the  present  building,  it  has  been  lighted  in  the 
best  manner  which  the  construction  of  the  roof  will  admit,  in  order  to  remedy  the 
diminution  of  light  by  carrying  up  the  external  walls.  The  encrease  of  the  number 
of  the  members  of  the  house  this  session,  rendered  it  necessary  to  take  up  the  plat- 
form, and  to  enlarge  the  space  for  seats.  This  has  also  been  done,  and  forms  part  of 
the  expenditure  of  the  season. 

In  my  former  report,  I took  the  liberty  to  suggest  the  propriety  of  considering 
whether  any,  and  what  improvement  of  the  original  plan  of  the  work  might  be 
necessary  for  the  better  accommodation  of  the  house  of  representatives  in  the  south 
wing  of  the  capitol,  so  as  to  bring  the  offices  attached  to  the  house,  nearer  to  the 
legislative  hall.  The  attention  you  have  already  been  pleased  to  give  to  this  subject 
encourages  me  to  suggest  the  necessity  of  an  ultimate  decision  previously  to  the  com- 
mencement of  the  work  of  the  ensuing  season.  * * * 

The  superintendant  of  the  city  has  favored  me  with  the  necessary  information  to 
give  the  following  statement  of  expenditures,  up  to  this  day. 


2.  On  the  north  wing  of  the  capitol. 

a.  In  repairs 1,513  22* 

b.  On  the  senate  chamber 1, 168  34* 

- 2,681  57 

3.  On  the  south  wing, 

a.  Repairs,  &c.  of  the  hall  of  representatives 555  13* 

b.  Materials,  labor,  and  superintendance  of  the  work  of  the  south  wing 31,190  231 

31,745  37 


Your  faithful  humble  servant, 


B.  Henry  Latrobe, 

Surveyor  of  the  public  buildings  of  the  United  Slates  at  Washington. 


P.  S. — I beg  leave  to  add,  that  to  complete  the  work  in  free  stone  of  the  south 
wing,  which  is  the  most  expensive  part  of  the  building,  the  sum  of  thirty  thousand 
dollars  will  be  sufficient,  according  to  the  best  estimate  which  can  be  made. 


[From  the  report  of  the  Committee  to  whom  was  referred,  on  Feb.  22, 1S04,  the  Message  of  the  President 
communicating  a report  of  the  Surveyor  of  Public  Buildings  at  the  City  of  Washington,  communi- 
cated Mar.  6,  1S04.  (8-1.  House  Committee  Reports.)] 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  message  of  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  transmitting  a report  of  the  Surveyor  of  the  public  buildings  at  the  City  of 
Washington,  submit  the  following  report,  in  part: 

From  the  letter  of  the  surveyor  of  the  public  buildings  to  the  President  of  the 
United  States,  it  appears,  that  since  the  last  session  of  congress,  various  necessary 
alterations  and  repairs  have  been  made  on  the  north  wing  of  the  capitol,  essential  to 
the  preservation  of  that  part  of  the  building,  and  for  rendering  the  Senate  chamber 
more  comfortable  and  agreeable  by  the  introduction  of  warm  air,  and  the  erection 
of  stoves; — that  some  repairs  have  been  made  on  the  roof  of  that  wing,  which  for  the 
present  will  diminish  the  leaks,  but  the  early  meeting  of  congress,  prevented  that 
thorough  repair  being  undertaken,  which  seems  to  be  necessary  to  secure  the  build- 
ing from  injury  by  the  weather; — that  for  the  same  reason,  the  erection  of  lantlwrn 


The  Old  Building. 


107 


lights  in  the  place  of  sky  lights  has  been  postponed,  and  the  latter  only  repaired;  that 
on  a strict  scrutiny  the  work  which  had  been  performed  on  the  south  wing,  it  was 
discovered,  that  the  materials  employed,  were  so  extremelv  indifferent,  and  the 
workmanship  executed  with  so  little  fidelity,  that  it  became  a matter  of  necessity  to 
take  down  the  walls  to  their  very  foundations; — that  the  new  exterior  wall,  which  is 
raised  to  half  the  height  of  the  ground  story,  is  executed  with  the  best  of  materials, 
and  in  the  most  durable  manner  that  could  be  devised;  that  preparations  are  made 
for  progressing  with  the  work,  a considerable  quantity  of  materials  collected  and 
prepared  for  finishing  the  external  wall  of  the  lower  story;  a system  for  the  supply 
of  materials  organized;  a great  number  of  excellent  workmen  collected,  and  the 
expense  of  machinery,  scaffolding  and  utensils  defrayed; — that  sundry  necessary 
alterations  have  been  made  in  the  building  at  present  occupied  by  the  House  of 
Representatives,  and  the  elleptical  wall  was  insecure  and  dangerous,  rendered  safe 
and  stable  by  strong  supports  of  timber; — * * * 

From  a letter  addressed  to  your  committee  by  the  surveyor  of  the  public  build- 
ings, which  accompanies  this  report,  it  appears,  that  two  annual  appropriations  of 
fifty  thousand  dollars  each,  will  from  the  best  estimate  which  can  be  made  at  pres- 
ent, completely  finish  the  south  wing  of  the  capitol,  in  a handsome  and  commodious 
manner. 

There  is  no  diversity  of  sentiment  among  the  members  of  your  committee,  in 
expressing  an  opinion,  that  it  would  at  present  be  highly  detrimental  to  the  public 
interests,  to  discontinue  the  work;  and  that  provision  ought  at  least  to  be  made,  for 
putting  the  public  buildings  already  erected  in  a state  of  complete  repair,  and  for 
finishing  the  south  wing  of  the  capitol,  which  is  intended  for  the  accommodation  of 
the  house  of  representatives.  Should  any  considerable  interval  of  time  elapse,  before 
the  work  is  resumed,  the  unavoidable  consequence  must  be  a very  considerable  loss 
to  the  public,  in  timbers,  scaffolding,  machinery,  and  utensils,  which  it  is  repre- 
sented have  been  prepared  for  carrying  on  the  work;  the  workmen  likewise,  who 
have  been  engaged,  will  be  necessarily  dispersed,  and  much  inconvenience  may 
occur  in  re-assembling  artizans  caj^able  of  performing  the  more  difficult  parts  of  the 
work.  In  addition  to  these  suggestions  your  committee  beg  leave  to  observe,  that 
from  the  present  insecure  and  unfinished  state  of  the  public  buildings,  constantly 
exposed  to  the  inclemencies  of  the  seasons,  no  doubt  can  exist,  but  they  will  in  a 
short  time  fall  into  a state  of  ruin  and  decay,  and  that  real  economy  points  out  the 
propriety  of  making  such  an  appropriation  as  shall  be  adequate  to  the  purposes  they 
have  recommended: 

They  therefore  submit  the  following  resolution; 

Resolved,  That  fifty  thousand  dollars  ought  to  be  appropriated  to  be  applied  under 
the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  in  proceeding  with  the  public 
buildings  at  Washington;  and  in  making  such  necessary  improvements  and  repairs 
thereon  as  he  shall  deem  expedient. 

Letter  from  B.  Henry  Latrobe  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee,  dec. 

To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  the  House  of  Representatives  in  Congress,  to  whom  was 
referred  the  message  of  the  President  of  the  United  States  of  the  22d  of  February  1804, 
transmitting  a report  of  the  Surveyor  of  the  public  buildings  of  the  20th  of  February,  1804: 

THE  REPORT  OP  THE  SURVEYOR  OF  THE  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

Washington,  February  28tli,  1804- 

Sir,  In  compliance  with  my  duty,  and  your  desire,  that  I should  give  you  such 
information  respecting  the  original  plan  of  the  capitol  as  approved  by  General 
Washington,  of  the  accommodations  provided  therein  for  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives, together  with  my  opinion  as  to  such  alterations  as  might  further  conduce  to 


108  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

render  the  house  as  commodious  as  possible,  I beg  to  submit  to  you  the  following 
report. 

By  the  act  of  congress  of  the  16th  July  1790,  establishing  the  permanent  seat  of 
Government,  it  is  enacted,  among  others — “that  the  President  shall  appoint  three 
commissioners”  who  shall  “according  to  such  plans  as  the  President  shall  approve”  &c. 
“prior  to  the  1st  day  of  December  1800,  provide  suitable  buildings  for  the  accom- 
modation of  congress,  &c.” 

General  Washington,  at  that  time  president  of  the  United  States,  did  approve  the 
plan  of  doctor  Thornton — and  by  that  approbation,  this  plan  became,  as  it  were,  a 
part  of  the  law,  and  ceased  to  be  liable  to  alteration,  until  the  act  of  Congress  of 
1802-1803,  which  appropriated  50,000  thousand  dollars  towards  the  completion  of 
the  capitol,  and  other  public  purposes,  and  authorised  “ alterations ” in  the  plan. 

Of  the  plan  approved  by  General  Washington,  no  drawing  can  at  present  be  found 
among  the  papers  belonging  to  this  office.  From  the  evidence  of  the  foundations 
which  were  taken  up  during  the  last  season,  from  some  which  still  remain,  and 
especially  from  the  testimony  of  all  those  who  were  first  employed  in  the  execution 
of  the  work,  it  appears  that  it  differed  from  that  which  is  now  to  be  had,  in  many 
essential  points.  The  evidence  of  the  books  of  the  office,  proves  that  it  was  not  con- 
sidered as  practicable.  As  its  author  was  not  a professional  man,  it  was  put  into  the 
hands  of  Mr.  Ifallet — whose  knowledge  and  talents  as  a practical  architect,  are 
proved  by  his  designs,  still  in  the  office — that  its  deficiencies  might  be  corrected.  Mr. 
Ifallet  however,  was  not  continued  in  the  pnblic  service.  Mr.  Hatfield  afterwards 
succeeded  in  the  superintendance  of  the  capitol.  Of  his  judicious  attempts  to  correct 
the  radical  errors  of  the  original  design,  as  far  as  it  could  be  understood  from  the 
imperfect  sketches,  which  were  put  into  his  hands,  instances  are  every  where  to  be 
found  in  the  north  wing  of  the  capitol;  and  it  is  to  be  regretted  that  his  endeavors, 
upon  the  whole,  failed,  and  that  the  public  have  lost  the  benefit  of  his  talents.  After 
the  departure  of  Mr.  Hatfield,  the  public  became  indebted  to  Mr.  George  Blagden, 
of  whose  integrity  and  abilities,  as  the  principal  stone  mason,  his  work  bears  honor- 
able testimony,  for  the  excellent  execution  of  the  freestone  work  of  the  north  wing. 

Under  the  hands  of  Mr.  Hallet,  and  of  Mr.  Hatfield,  the  original  design,  as  far  as 
its  erection  was  attempted,  received  improvement  and  considerable  attention.  The 
various  stiles  of  each  architect  Shew  themselves  in  the  work,  and  prove  the  truth  of 
the  preceding  statement.  The  parts  belonging  to  each  might  be  pointed  out  in 
detail,  if  it  were  interesting  or  necessary. 

When  the  President  of  the  United  States  did  me  the  honor  to  employ  me  in  the 
direction  of  the  work,  my  first  endeavor  was  to  procure  the  drawings  necessary  to 
understand  and  execute  the  original  design;  for  which  purpose  I applied  to  the  author, 
and  received  only  a ground  plan.  Xo  information  as  to  the  execution  of  any  part 
of  the  work,  being  given  by  this  plan  beyond  what  was  already  built,  I searched  the 
papers  of  the  office,  and  applied  to  the  persons  formerly  employed  in  the  work.  I 
was  every  where  disappointed  and  found  that  no  drawings  from  which  the  design  could 
he  understood  or  executed  existed,  and  that  the  plan  of  which  I was  possessed,  inde- 
pendently of  several  parts  being  wholly  impracticable,  did  not  agree  with  the 
foundations  which  were  laid.  I was  also  informed,  and  the  most  indisputable  evi- 
dence was  brought  before  me,  to  prove,  that  no  sections  or  detailed  drawings  of  the 
building  had  ever  existed,  excepting  those  which  were  from  time  to  time  made  by 
Messrs.  Hallet  and  Hatfield,  for  their  own  use  in  the  direction  of  the  work. 

From  what  I have  said,  it  is  evident,  that  I am  unable  to  give  you  any  information 
as  to  the  plan  approved  by  Washington.  But  supposing  the  plan,  now  in  my  pos- 
session, to  be  similar  to  that  which  he  did  approve,  as  far  as  regards  the  south  wing, 
I will  submit  to  you  my  opinion  respecting  the  accommodations  provided  therein  for 
the  house  of  representatives  of  the  United  States. 


The  Old  Building. 


109 


The  whole  area  of  the  south  wing,  being  about  108  by  84  feet  in  the  clear,  is  in  the 
plan  given  to  me  as  the  original  design,  appropriated  to  the  hall  of  representatives, 
and  to  a spacious  lobby  around  it.  The  room  in  which  the  house  now  sits  is  the 
area  intended  for  the  accommodation  of  the  house  in  session,  the  windows  are  to  be 
open  arches,  as  in  the  senate  chamber,  leading  into  the  lobby,  and  the  space  between 
the  wall  of  the  present  house  and  the  external  wall,  is  designed  for  the  lobby  of  the 
house.  Upon  the  wall,  on  which  the  present  roof  rests,  columns  have  been  designed 
to  support  the  roof,  while  the  whole  space  between  the  columns  and  external  wall, 
was  appropriated  to  an  immense  gallery  surrounding  the  house,  in  form  and  size 
exactly  equal  to  the  lobby  below.  A better  idea  of  the  intended  hall  cannot  be  con- 
ceived, than  by  imagining  the  present  senate  chamber  to  be  doubled  and  formed  into 
a compleat  ellipsis,  presenting  a range  of  arches  below  and  of  columns  above,  the 
lobby  and  gallery  being  situated  as  in  the  senate  chamber. 

To  this  arrangement  I think  it  my  duty  to  state  to  you  the  following  objections: 

I.  As  they  respect  use  and  convenience. 

For  the  commodius  dispatch  of  business,  it  appears  to  me  that  the  following  apart- 
ments should  be  closely  attached  to  the  legislative  hall. 

1.  A number  of  committee  rooms. 

2.  A chamber  for  the  speaker,  in  which  he  may  transact  business  with  the  mem- 
bers or  others,  when  not  sitting  in  the  chair  of  the  house. 

3.  An  office  for  the  clerk  of  the  house. 

4.  Offices  for  the  engrossing  clerks. 

5.  An  apartment  for  the  doorkeeper,  in  which  he  may  assort  and  keep  printed 
papers  for  delivery  to  the  members,  distribute  letters,  and  preserve  the  articles 
belonging  to  his  office. 

6.  Another  for  subordinate  officers  of  the  house. 

7.  Closets  of  convenience. 

8.  Fire  proof  repositories  of  records. 

9.  A lobby  sufficient  for  the  convenient  retirement  of  a large  number  of  members 
from  the  house,  but  not  adapted  to  the  purposes  of  a gallery.  The  lobbies  of  the 
house  of  representatives  and  senate,  as  hitherto  used,  have  been  greviously  com- 
plained against  as  nuisances,  and  the  President  of  the  senate  has  not  permitted  the 
introduction  of  strangers  into  the  house  as  heretofore. 

10.  A commodious  gallery,  not  only  overlooking  the  house,  but  comjdetely  com- 
manded by  the  view  of  the  officers  of  the  house. 

My  objections  to  the  present  plan,  arise  from  the  want  of  all  these  accommoda- 
tions in  situations  contiguous  to  the  house,  and  the  want  of  some  of  them  altogether. 
The  north  wing  is  too  remote  to  supply  this  want  consistently  with  the  convenient 
dispatch  of  business. 

I have  mentioned  the  inconvenience  of  a lobby  calculated  to  serve  the  purposes  of 
a gallery.  The  lobby  which  is  proposed  to  surround  the  legislative  hall  has  all  the 
inconveniences  of  a lobby  within  the  walls,  without  the  advantage  of  being  con- 
trolled by  a view  of  the  house.  Its  size  invites  a croud  of  which  the  intervening 
piers  prevent  the  view. 

11.  I might  add  objections  to  the  safe  practicability  of  such  a plan,  as  to  its  appear- 
ance and  as  to  the  difficulty  of  warming  the  house;  but  I will  not  trespass  upon 
your  time  by  the  enumeration  of  professional  objections. 

The  alterations  which  may  be  made  in  the  plan  so  as  to  obviate  all  these  objec- 
tions and  to  supply  all  conveniences,  have  already  been  laid  before  the  President  of 
the  United  States,  and  have  received  his  serious  consideration.  They  are  consistent 
with  the  preservation  of  the  exterior  appearance  of  the  house,  and  at  an  expense  not 
greater  than  that  of  the  plan  proposed. 

The  great  feature  of  this  alteration  is  to  raise  up  the  floor  of  the  legislative  hall  to 
the  level  of  the  present  library,  and  to  use  the  whole  lower  story  as  the  situation  for 


110 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


committee  rooms  and  offices.  The  speaker  and  the  clerk  of  the  house  would  have 
offices  level  with  the  floor  of  the  house.  In  contemplation  of  such  improvement  the 
walis  of  the  house  have  been  carried  up  last  summer,  and  should  the  legislature 
direct  the  further  prosecution  of  the  work,  there  cannot  be  a doubt  but  that  the 
present  expenditures  will  be  so  directed  by  the  President  of  the  United  States,  as  to 
produce  a work,  permanent,  convenient,  and  not  inconsistent  with  the  dignity  of  its 
purpose. 

* * * If  the  system  now  established  for  the  supply  of  materials  be  not  inter- 
rupted, and  the  numerous  workmen  now  collected  be  kept  together,  I have  no  doubt 
but  that  the  south  wing  will  be  completely  finished  for  the  permanent  accommo- 
dation of  the  house,  in  the  year  1805.  But  as  it  may  be  unadvisable  to  occupy  the 
building  while  still  damp — the  fall  of  1806  may  be  considered  as  the  period  at  which 
the  house  will  assemble  in  their  new  hall. 

I am,  with  true  respect,  your  faithful  humble  servant, 

B.  Henry  Latrobe, 


The  Chairman  of  the  Committee 

ON  THE  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Surveyor  of  the  public  buildings  of  the  United,  States, 

at  Washington. 


P.  S.  In  my  report  to  the  President  of  the  United  States,  I have  mentioned  that 
30,000  dollars  would  be  sufficient  to  finish  the  work  in  free  stone  only  of  the  south  wing. 
This  sum  will  not  be  expended  on  the  free  stone  work  during  the  present  year.  It 
is  my  opinion,  from  the  best  estimate  which  I can  make  in  the  present  state  of 
business,  that  two  annual  appropriations  of  50,000  each  will  completely  finish  the 
south  wing  before  the  end  of  1805. 

B.  H.  Latrobe. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  13,  1804:  Annals  of  Congress,  8 — 1,  p.  1183.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

The  House  resolved  itself  into  a Committee  of  the  whole  on  the  report  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  the  sixth  instant,  to  whom  was  referred,  on  the  twenty-second  ultimo,  the 
Message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  communicating  a report  of  the 
Surveyor  of  the  Public  Buildings  at  the  City  of  Washington;  and,  after  sometime 
spent  therein,  the  Committee  rose  and  reported  a resolution  thereupon;  which  was 
read  as  follows: 

Resolved,  That  fifty  thousand  dollars  ought  to  be  appropriated,  to  be  applied  under  the  direction  of 
the  President  of  the  United  States,  in  proceeding  with  the  public  buildings  at  Washington;  and  in 
making  such  necessary  improvements  and  repairs  thereon,  as  he  shall  deem  expedient. 

The  House  proceeded  to  consider  the  said  resolution:  Whereupon,  the  question 
was  taken  that  the  House  do  concur  with  the  Committee  of  the  whole  House  in  their 
agreement  to  the  same;  and  resolved  in  the  affirmative — yeas  57,  nays  23,  as  follows: 

* * * 

Ordered,  That  a bill,  or  bills,  be  brought  in  pursuant  to  the  said  resolution;  and 
that  Mr.  Thompson,  Mr.  Smilie,  Mr.  Huger,  Mr.  John  Campbell,  and  Mr.  Cutts,  do 
prepare  and  bring  in  the  same. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  24,  1804:  Annals  of  Congress,  8 — 1,  p.  301.] 

The  Senate  took  into  consideration  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives 
disagreeing  to  their  amendment  to  the  bill,  entitled  “An  act  concerning  the  public 
buildings  at  the  City  of  Washington;”  and,  on  motion  to  adhere  to  the  amendment, 
it  passed  in  the  negative — yeas  12,  nays  12,  as  follows:  * * * 


The  Old  Building. 


Ill 


On  motion  to  postpone  the  consideration  of  this  bill  to  the  next  session  of  Con- 
gress, it  passed  in  the  negative— yeas  9,  nays  14,  as  follows:  * * * 

Resolved,  That  the  Senate  do  insist  on  their  amendment,  disagreed  to  by  the  House 
of  Representatives,  to  the  said  bill,  ask  a conference  thereon,  and  that  Messrs. 
Anderson  and  Tracy  be  the  managers  at  the  same  on  their  part. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  27, 1804:  Annals  of  Congress,  8 — 1,  p.  305.] 

Mr.  Anderson,  from  the  managers  at  the  conference  on  the  disagreeing  votes  of 
the  two  Houses  on  the  amendment  to  the  bill,  entitled  “An  act  concerning  the  public 
buildings  at  the  City  of  Washington,”  reported  that  they  could  come  to  no  agree- 
ment; but  that  it  was  the  opinion  of  the  managers,  on  the  part  of  the  Senate,  that 
the  bill  be  postponed  to  the  next  session  of  Congress. 

Whereupon,  a motion  was  made,  that  the  further  consideration  of  this  bill  be 
postponed  until  the  next  session  of  Congress;  and  it  passed  in  the  negative — yeas  5, 
nays  19,  as  follows:  * * * 

On  the  question  to  recede  from  their  amendment  insisted  on  to  the  said  bill,  it 
passed  in  the  affirmative — yeas  17,  nays  7,  as  follows:  * * * 


[“An  Act  concerning  the  Public  Buildings  at  the  City  of  Washington,"  approved  Mar.  27,  1804. 

(Stats,  at  Large,  v.  2,  298.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  fifty  thousand  dollars  shall  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby 
appropriated,  to  be  paid  out  of  any  money  in  the  treasury,  not  otherwise  appropri- 
ated, to  be  applied  under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  in  pro- 
ceeding with  the  public  buildings  at  the  city  of  Washington,  and  in  making  such 
necessary  improvements  and  repairs  thereon,  as  he  shall  deem  expedient. 


[Message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  communicating  a report  of  the  Surveyor  of  the 
Public  Buildings  at  the  city  of  Washington,  Dec.  6,  1804.  (8 — 2,  State  Papers.)] 

To  the  Senate,  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States. 

I communicate  for  the  information  of  Congress,  a report  of  the  surveyor  of  the 
public  buildings  at  Washington,  on  the  subject  of  those  buildings,  and  the  applica- 
tion of  the  monies  appropriated  for  them. 

Th:  Jefferson. 

Dec.  6th,  1804. 


Accompanying  a Message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  received  6th 

December,  1804. 

To  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

Sir,  In  reporting  to  you  on  the  manner,  in  which  the  work  on  the  public  build- 
ings of  the  United  States  has  been  conducted,  during  the  year  1804,  I cannot  avoid 
expressing  my  regret,  that  a sensible  portion  of  the  appropriation  by  Congress  has 
necessarily  been  expended  in  pulling  down,  or  repairing  what  was  done  insufficiently, 
previously  to  the  year  1803. 

The  application  of  the  public  money,  to  the  separate  objects  of  the  President’s 
house,  and  the  capitol,  including  the  alteration,  removal,  re-erection  or  repair  of  the 


112 


Documentary  IT! story  of  the  Capitol. 


works,  will  be  separately  stated  in  the  accounts  of  the  superin tendant  of  the  city,  to 
be  rendered  to  the  treasury.  But  as  these  accounts  will  not  be  closed,  until  the 
first  of  January  1805,  he  has  furnished  me  with  the  following  statement,  up  to  the 
present  day,  of  payments  in  the  present  year,  out  of  the  appropriation  of  1804,  and 
a balance  of  the  appropriation  of  1803,  not  expended  in  that  year,  viz. 

CAPITOL. 

Including  all  alterations,  additions  .and  repairs,  in  the  north  wing,  except 

fitting  up  Representatives’  chamber 44,548.20 

For  fitting  up  Representatives’  chamber 689.23 

* * -» 

2.  THE  CAPITOL. 

In  my  former  reports  to  you,  I stated  the  propriety  of  reconsidering  the  plan  of 
the  South  wing  of  the  Capitol;  and  on  the  reasons  given  in  that  report,  and  in  a 
letter  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  appointed 
to  enquire  into  the  subject,  the  plan  which  has  been  the  ground  work  of  all  that 
has  been  done  during  the  season,  was  approved  and  adopted.  By  the  arrangements 
of  this  new  design,  the  House  of  Representatives  will  sit  on  the  principal  story  of  the 
building,  the  whole  of  the  ground  story  being  appropriated  to  the  offices  of  the  house:- 
a situation  the  most  contiguous  which  could  be  obtained,  and  far  preferable,  for 
offices,  to  the  North  wing  or  the  attic  story. 

Various  causes  have  conspired  to  prevent  our  carrying  up,  this  season,  as  large  a 
mass  of  building  as  was  expected.  The  first  and  principal  of  these  have  been,  the 
time,  labor,  and  expense  of  pulling  down  to  the  very  foundation,  all  that  had  been 
formerly  erected.  Bad  as  the  workmanship  appeared  before  the  walls  were  taken 
down,  the  measure  of  removing  them  entirely  was  still  more  justified,  by  the  state 
in  which  they  were  found  to  be  on  their  demolition.  Even  the  materials,  with 
exception  of  the  bricks,  were  not  of  any  important  value  to  the  new  work.  The 
stone  was  fit  only  to  be  used  as  common  rubble,  and  most  of  the  timber  was  in  a 
state  of  decay,  from  the  exclusion  of  air. 

Another  cause  of  delay  in  preparation,  and  an  important  one,  was  the  late  period 
at  which  the  appropriation  was  made.  The  extreme  wetness  of  the  beginning  of 
the  season,  and  the  floods  which  filled  up  some  of  the  quarries,  and  retarded  the 
working  of  others,  afterwards  operated  much  against  the  progress  of  the  building, 
and  threw  great  difficulties  in  our  way.  After  the  work  had  begun,  we  were  again 
interrupted  by  the  sickness  which  prevailed,  and  which  at  one  time,  threatened,  by 
depriving  us  of  many  of  our  best  workmen,  to  put  a stop  to  the  work. 

Under  all  these  inconveniences,  and  others  arising  from  the  nature  of  the  building 
itself,  the  work  has  been  carried  on.  The  best  mode  of  proceeding  would  undoubt- 
edly have  been,  to  have  carried  up  the  interior  with  the  exterior  walls.  But  the 
former  building  stood  within  the  area  of  the  wing.  Had  the  external  walls  been 
suffered  to.  remain  on  the  level  at  which  the  work  was  closed  at  the  end  of  the  year 
1803,  till  the  inner  building  could  be  removed,  and  the  internal  wall  carried  up, 
little  progress  could  have  been  made  in  the  former,  during  the  present  season,  and 
the  stone  cutters  would  have  been  idle.  It  was  therefore  thought  best,  to  carry  up 
all  the  external  Avails  by  themselves,  thereby  forwarding  the  more  slow  progress  of 
the  ornamental  work  in  free-stone,  and  to  construct  them  in  such  a manner,  as  to 
prepare  for  good  bond  with  the  interior  Avork,  and  for  the  support  of  the  Araults  the 
pressure  of  which  they  will  be  required  to  resist.  Thus  has  the  work  been  raised  to 
the  leA^el  of  the  selles  of  the  attic  windows  externally,  and  by  far  the  most  tedious 
and  expensive  part  of  the  Avork  in  free  stone  has  been  completed,  excepting  the 


The  Old  Building. 


113 


cornice,  and  the  capitals  of  the  pilasters.  Of  the  cornice  a large  portion  is  also 
wrought,  and  of  the  30  capitals  16  are  finished. 

Of  the  interior  parts  of  the  building,  all  the  foundations  are  laid,  and  brought  up 
to  the  floor  of  the  cellar  story  on  the  North  side,  and  although  they  do  not  appear  to 
view,  the  work  done  in  them  is  very  considerable.  The  whole  south  half  of  the 
cellar  story  is  vaulted,  and  ready  to  receive  the  walls  of  the  basement  or  office  story. 

Preparations  to  a very  great  extent  have  already  been  made  in  order  to  proceed 
vigorously  with  the  building,  as  soon  as  the  will  of  the  National  legislature  shall  be 
known  to  that  effect,  and  the  season  will  permit.  All  the  free-stone  for  the  external 
walls,  entablature,  and  ballustrade  is  provided  and  the  greater  part  of  it  on  the  spot. 
For  the  internal  colonnade,  all  the  stone  is  ordered,  most  of  it  is  quarried,  and  much 
of  it  is  already  brought  to  the  building.  Early  in  the  season  the  public  quarry  on 
the  island  in  Acquira  creek  was  opened,  and  much  useful  stone  quarried;  and  it 
would  have  been  much  to  the  advantage  of  the  public,  had  the  extent  of  the  appro- 
priation permitted  us  to  have  prosecuted  this  work.  But  it  was  found,  that  to  clear 
out  the  rubbish  of  former  workings,  and  to  provide  for  the  conveyance  of  the  stone 
to  the  water  side,  altho’  ultimately  a measure  of  economy,  would  have  made  too  large 
a deduction  from  the  funds  required  to  carry  on  the  building  itself,  and  contracts  for 
stone  with  individuals  were  therefore  preferred. 

In  the  arrangements  for  erecting  so  large  an  edifice  as,  the  South  wing  of  the 
capitol,  and  for  pulling  down  or  repairing  extensive  works  of  former  construction,  it 
was  not  easy,  perhaps  it  was  impossible,  so  to  proportion  all  the  various  contracts 
and  engagements  for  labor  and  materials  to  the  funds  appropriated  to  their  ultimate 
liquidation,  as  to  keep  within  their  limits,  and  at  the  same  time  to  make  exertions 
equal  to  the  public  expectation  arising  out  of  their  extent. 

In  the  present  instance,  the  contracts  which  are  made,  and  which  are  in  the  prog- 
ress of  their  completion,  will  exceed  in  amount,  what  remains  of  the  appropriation 
of  last  year.  I must  however  at  the  same  time  observe,  that  the  stock  of  materials 
wrought  and  un wrought,  which  are  now  actually  at  the  building,  exceed  greatly  this 
deficiency. — should  the  legislature — on  view  of  the  solid,  permanent,  and  incom- 
bustible manner,  in  which  the  work  has  been  executed,  and  on  consideration  of  the 
evidences  of  fidelity  to  their  duty,  which  those  engaged  in  the  labor  of  the  work 
have  everywhere  exhibited — think  proper  to  proceed  with  the  completion  of  the 
building,  of  their  house,  it  would  very  much  contribute  to  the  early  occupation  by 
the  House  of  Representatives,  if  an  appropriation  exceeding  $50,000  were  made  for 
the  next  season.  Such  an  appropriation,  while  it  would  give  larger  limits  to  the 
exertions  which  might  be  made,  would  by  no  means  disturb  that  system  of  economy 
which  has  hitherto  been  pursued,  but  would  rather  conduce  to  the  most  advanta- 
geous and  provident  purchase  of  all  our  materials.  And  it  is  especially  to  be  consid- 
ered, that  too  early  and  extensive  provision  cannot  be  made,  for  those  parts  of  the 
work,  which  must  necessarily  be  of  wood.  The  time  is  now  at  hand,  at  which 
further  delay  would  be  injurious  and  expensive,  and  should  the  sum  necessary  for 
this  provision,  added  to  the  arrears  which  are  or  will  become  due,  on  outstanding 
contracts,  be  defrayed  out  of  a future  appropriation,  of  only  50,000  dollars, — the 
progress  of  the  solid  parts  of  the  building,  will  be  materially  injured,  and  must  to  a 
certain  extent  be  put  off  to  another  season  beyond  the  next. 

In  my  letter  of  the  28th  February,  1804,  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the 
House  of  Representatives,  to  whom  the  subject  of  the  public  buildings  was  referred, 
I presumed  that  three  annual  appropriations  of  50,000  dollars  each,  would  be  suffi- 
cient to  finish  the  South  wing  of  the  capitol.  This  estimate  was  given  under  state- 
ment of  the  extreme  difficulty  of  estimating  a work  of  this  kind.  One  of  the  appro- 
priations of  50,000  dollars  has  been  granted,  but  from  the  detail  of  the  statements  I 
herein  submit  to  you,  it  will  appear,  that  the  whole  of  it  could  not  possibly  be  made 
applicable  to  the  actual  progress  of  the  work  on  the  capitol. 

II.  Rep.  (ilti 


-8 


114 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Having  thus  endeavored  correctly  and  minutely  to  report  the  progress  of  the  work 
on  the  public  buildings,  during  the  past  season,  I now  most  respectfully  submit  to 
you,  all  the  views  of  the  past,  and  for  the  future,  which  the  facts  suggest. 

B.  Henky  Latrobe, 

Surveyor  of  the  ■public  buildings  of  the  United  States,  at  Washington. 


[House  proceedings  of  Dec.  17,  1804:  Annals  of  Congress,  8 — 2,  p.  836.] 

Ordered,  That  the  Message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  communicat- 
ing a report  of  the  Surveyor  of  the  Public  Buildings  at  the  City  of  Washington,  on 
the  subject  of  the  said  buildings,  and  the  application  of  the  moneys  appropriated  for 
them,  which  were  read  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table,  on  the  sixth  instant,  be 
referred  to  Mr.  Thompson,  Mr.  Nelson,  Mr.  Huger,  Mr.  John  Cotton  Smith,  Mr. 
Goodwyn,  Mr.  Plater,  and  Mr.  Cutts;  that  they  do  examine  the  matter  thereof, 
and  report  the  same,  with  their  opinion  thereupon,  to  the  House. 


[Letter  of  B.  Henry  Latrobe,  Surveyor  of  the  Public  Buildings  at  the  City  of  Washington,  Dec.  30, 
1804,  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  the  House  of  Representatives  on  the  subject  of  said  build- 
ings, presented  Jan.  9,  1805,  accompanying  bill  making  an  appropriation  for  completing  the  south 
wing  of  the  Capitol.  (8 — 2,  House  Com.  Reports.)] 

WILMINGTON,  (del.) 

December  30,  1804. 

Sir,  In  answer  to  your  letter  of  the  21st  of  December,  I beg  leave  to  state  that  the 
sum  necessary  to  finish  that  part  of  the  south  wing  of  the  capitol  which  is  now  in 
progress  is  109,100  dollars,  and  of  that  part  which  corresponds  to  the  recess  in  the 
north  wing,  25,200  dollars,  in  all,  134,300  dollars. 

This  estimate  is  founded  upon  the  best  calculations  that  can  be  made  of  a building 
so  complicated  in  its  construction,  and  of  which  the  materials  and  workmanship  of 
many  parts  are  of  such  a nature,  that  a small  alteration  of  dimension  or  arrangement, 
may  occasion  a considerable  difference  of  expense.  It  is,  I believe,  the  most  accu- 
rate that  under  all  circumstances  can  be  made,  and  I do  not  expect  that  it  will  be 
exceeded. 

-x-  * * rpiie  objects  in  view  would  be  accomplished,  if  Congress  in  their  wisdom 
should  think  proper  to  grant  the  sum  of  100,000  dollars  for  the  use  of  the  public 
buildings  during  the  next  season.  Such  an  appropriation  will  indeed  be  the  only 
means  of  insuring  to  the  House  of  Representativs  the  occupancy  of  their  hall  at  the 
session  of  1806,  and  of  preventing  their  being  confined  for  more  than  one  other  season 
to  the  inconvenient  situation  of  the  Library. 

In  the  above  estimate  I have  included  that  part  of  the  building  which  is  not  yet 
begun,  but  which  will  contain  the  access  to  the  House,  and  correspond  to  the  recess 
part  already  erected  in  the  North  wing; — because,  it  were  well  to  begin  this  part  of 
the  work  as  soon  as  possible,  if  it  should  appear  to  the  President  of  the  United  States 
that  its  progress  will  not  retard  that  of  the  House  itself.  I must  also  remark  that  no 
sum  is  therein  estimated  for  fitting  up  and  furnishing  the  new  House. 

I am  with  great  respect,  your  faithful,  humble  servant, 

B.  Henry  Latrobe, 

Surveyor  of  the  public  buildings  at  Washington. 

P.  S.  The  above  sum  of  109,100  S includes  the  amount  of  all  outstanding  debts. 

P.  R.  Thompson,  Esq. 

Chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  to  whom  teas  referred 
the  President’s  message  on  the  Public  Buildings. 


The  Old  Building. 


115 


[“An  Act  making  an  appropriatiation  for  completing  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  at  the  city  of 
Washington,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Jan.  25,  1805.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  2,  311.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  a sum  not  exceeding  one  hundred  and  ten  thousand  dol- 
lars, shall  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  appropriated,  to  be  applied  under  the  direction 
of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  towards  completing  the  south  wing  of  the  Cap- 
itol, at  the  city  of  Washington. 

Sec.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  a sum  not  exceeding  twenty  thousand 
dollars,  shall  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  appropriated,  to  be  applied  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  to  such  necessary  alterations  and  repairs, 
as  he  may  deem  requisite,  in  the  north  wing  of  the  Capitol,  and  other  public  build- 
ings at  the  city  of  Washington;  which  said  sums  shall  be  paid  out  of  any  monies  in 
the  treasury,  not  otherwise  appropriated. 


[Message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  communicating  a report  of  the  Surveyor  of  the 
Public  Buildings  at  the  city  of  Washington,  on  the  subject  of  the  said  buildings  and  the  application 
of  the  monies  appropriated  for  them,  Dec.  27,  1805.  (9 — 1,  House  Ex.  Docs.)] 

To  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States. 

I lay  before  Congress  a report  of  the  surveyor  of  the  public  buildings,  stating  the 
progress  made  on  them  during  the  last  season,  and  what  may  be  expected  to  be 
accomplished  in  the  ensuing  one. 

Th:  Jefferson. 

December  27,  1805. 


To  the  President  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

The  report  of  the  Surveyor  of  the  public  buildings  of  the  United  States,  at  Washington. 

W ASHiNGTON,  December  22d,  1805. 

Sir:  In  applying  the  appropriations  of  the  last  session  of  Congress,  of  110,000 
dollars,  to  the  prosecution  of  the  work  on  the  south  wing  of  the  capitol,  and  of  20,000 
dollars  to  the  service  of  the  other  public  buildings,  I have  endeavored  so  to  comply 
with  your  directions,  as  to  forward  the  progress  of  the  works  to  the  utmost  extent  of 
the  limited  resources  of  this  city.  The  mass  of  building  which  has  been  erected, 
is  the  best  evidence  of  the  industry  and  fidelity  of  the  workmen  who  have  been 
employed:  but  the  hopes  which  were  entertained  that  it  might  be  possible  to  com- 
plete the  hall  of  representatives  in  time  for  their  occupancy,  during  the  present 
session,  have  been  disappointed.  The  interference  and  competition  of  several  large 
public  and  private  buildings,  which  have  been  carried  on  in  the  district  and  at 
Baltimore,  rendered  it  difficult  to  procure  any  considerable  body  of  workmen;  and 
the  quarries  of  freestone,  at  Acquia,  have  proved  more  than  usually  precarious,  in  the 
supply  of  the  larger  and  liner  blocks  required  for  the  interior  of  the  capitol.® 

At  the  commencement  of  the  season,  the  external  walls  of  the  south  wing  of  the 
capitol  were  carried  up  above  the  windows  of  the  principal  floor,  but  of  the  interior, 


«The  freestone  of  Acquia,  used  in  the  public  buildings,  is  a calcareous  sand  stone,  of  very  excel- 
lent quality,  and  the  quarries  are,  in  appearance,  inexhaustible;  it  is,  however,  subject  to  clay-holes, 
to  nodules  of  iron  ore  (pyrites)  and  to  masses  of  flint;  and  the  hardness  and  durability  of  the  rock 
is  often  very  various  in  the  same  stratum:  it  also  suffers  expansion  and  contraction,  from  moisture 
and  dryness,  to  a greater  degree  than  any  stone  with  which  I am  acquainted:  even  after  a block  is 
taken  out  of  the  quarry  and  delivered  in  the  city,  and  in  some  cases,  after  it  has  been  wrought,  it 
is  liable  to  fly  to  pieces,  if  rapidly  dried  by  violent  heat  or  wind;  but  if  it  once  becomes  dry,  and 
remains  sound,  it  has  never  been  known  to  fail. 


116 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


no  part,  except  one  half  of  the  cellars,  was  constructed.  The  cellar  story,  and  the 
whole  of  the  ground  story,  are  now  completely  built  and  vaulted,  and  all  the  exterior 
and  interior  walls  of  the  upper  stories  are  carried  up.  The  colonnade,  which  is  to 
support  the  roof,  is  not  yet  erected,  but  all  the  bases  are  wrought,  two  thirds  of  the 
shaft  blocks  are  at  the  work,  and  half  of  these  are  wrought.  A great  part  of  the 
entablature  is  also  delivered,  and  of  the  remainder,  a large  portion  is  quarried  and 
ready  to  be  brought  to  the  city.  There  are  also  on  hand,  materials  sufficient  to  com- 
mence the  work  of  the  next  season  with  vigor,  and  early,  without  waiting  for  the 
tardy  supplies  of  the  spring. 

The  whole  of  the  ground  story  being  vaulted,  less  carpenter’s  work  is  required 
than  in  ordinary  buildings.  The  doors,  sashes  and  frames,  with  their  dressings,  are 
now  in  hand.  A considerable  supply  of  excellent  boards,  plank  and  timber  is  pro- 
cured. The  roof  is  also  in  progress,  and  will  be  in  great  forwardness  befoi'e  next 
spring;  nor  will  such  part  of  the  work,  in  freestone,  as  can  be  executed  under  cover, 
be  interrupted  by  the  winter. 

I herewith  submit  a plan  and  description  of  the  ground  story  of  the  south  wing  of 
the  capitol,  as  the  uses  of  the  several  apartments  cannot  be  understood  in  their 
present  state,  without  it. 

I.  A survey  of  the  north  wing  of  the  capitol,  and  especially  of  its  roof,  was  made 
early  in  the  season,  with  a view  to  such  repairs  and  improvements  as  could  be  effected 
with  advantage.  This  survey  was  made  with  great  care,  and  was  the  more  necessary, 
as  several  very  alarming  failures  appeared  in  the  floors  and  timber  work  of  the  build- 
ing. It  was  discovered  that  these  failures  arose,  not  only  from  the  extremely  inju- 
dicious construction  of  the  framings,  but  that  the  rot  had  attacked  timbers  of  principal 
importance.  Such  ceilings,  therefore,  or  parts  of  them,  as  appeared  to  cover  defects, 
were  stripped.  The  ceiling  of  the  library,  now  occupied  by  the  house  of  representa- 
tives, though  cracked,  was  found  to  be  perfectly  safe.  But  it  was  absolutely  neces- 
sary to  support  the  floor  of  the  room  in  a substantial  manner.  This  was  performed 
by  dividing  the  office  of  the  secretary  of  the  Senate  into  two  committee  rooms,  by 
strong  partitions.  Such  other  defects  as  were  discovered  in  the  Senate  chamber, 
and  in  other  apartments,  were  also  corrected  in  such  a manner  as  to  render  every 
part  of  the  wing  secure  from  danger  for  some  time  to  come. 

It  became  however,  evident,  in  consequence  of  the  minute  examination  of  the 
state  of  the  building,  that,  nothing  but  the  safety  of  the  floors  and  ceilings,  and  the 
tightness  of  the  roof,  ought  at  present  to  become  the  objects  of  attention.  For  it  is 
very  certain,  that  had  such  operations  been  undertaken,  as  would  have  rendered  the 
Senate  chamber  more  commodious  and  warm,  and  have  procured  for  that  branch  of 
the  legislature  the  offices  and  committee  rooms  which  are  so  much  wanted,  or  if  any 
attempt  had  been  made  to  accommodate  the  supreme  court  of  the  United  States  in 
such  a manner  as  to  prevent  the  disturbance  of  legislative  proceedings,  by  the  crowd 
of  citizens  that  sometimes  attend  the  court,  and  necessarily  fill  the  passages  and  vesti- 
bules, so  much  time  would  have  been  occupied,  and  such  a general  derangement  of  the 
building  occasioned,  as  to  have  made  it  doubtful,  whether  either  house  would  have 
had  their  chamber  finished  in  sufficient  time  for  the  session.  The  improvements 
made  for  the  better  accommodation  of  the  national  legislature  in  this  wing,  have 
been  postponed  until  after  the  completion  of  the  south  wing. 

# * -st- 

ill. As  none  of  the  works  on  the  public  buildings  are  suspended,  or  completed, 
it  is  not  possible  now  to  give  an  exact  statement  of  the  claims  to  which  the  several 
appropriations  are  liable,  together  with  the  money  already  paid.  On  application 
however  to  the  superintendent  of  the  city  he  has  obligingly  furnished  me  with  the 
present  state  of  his  account  of  monies  paid,  from  which  results  the  following  state- 
ment, which  cannot  materially  differ  from  the  truth 


The  Old  Building. 


117 


1.  Appropriation  for  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol $110, 000 

Dee.  20th,  1805. 

Monies  actually  paid  for  labor  and  materials 07, 894  15 

Estimated  outstanding  claims 7, 500 

Balance  unexpended 34,605  85 


$110, 000 
$20, 000 
282  34 
$20, 000 

* * * 

Whether  the  balance  of  $34,605  85  will  be  sufficient  to  complete  the  south  wing 
of  the  Capitol,  cannot  in  the  present  mixed  state  of  the  work  be  accurately  calcu- 
lated. The  course  of  disappointments,  accidents,  and  fluctuations  in  the  prices  of 
materials  and  labor,  which  always  attend  the  execution  of  so  complicated  a work, 
and  have  especially  occurred  in  this  city,  ■ naturally  tend  rather  to  increase  than 
diminish  the  expense  relatively  to  the  estimate.  And  in  some  instances  this  has 
actually  taken  place.  Should  then  the  balance  now  unexpended  be  exhausted  before 
the  building  be  entirely  ready  for  the  reception  of  the  house,  the  work  must  inevit- 
ably stop,  even  if  it  were  in  such  a state  that  a small  comparative  sum  would  com- 
plete it,  and  thus  one  year  be  lost.  And  it  must  also  lie  taken  into  view,  that  this 
fund  is  liable  to  a deduction  for  a portion  of  the  salaries  which  formed  no  part  of 
the  estimate  of  the  building,  they  being  chargeable  to  the  public  work  generally; 
and  that  it  ought  also  to  cover  the  fitting  up  of  the  house  which  though  indispensibly 
necessary  is  not  chargeable  to  the  building  account,  nor  is  included  in  the  estimate. 

I therefore  respectfully  submit  to  you  the  apparent  necessity  of  a further  appropri- 
ation to  meet  any  eventual  deficiency,  and  to  provide  for  fitting  up  the  house  when 
finished. 

It  is  also  my  duty  to  state  to  you  another  point  which  appears  to  be  of  considerable 
importance. 

As  the  whole  of  the  south  wing  of  the  capitol  is  occupied  by  the  house  of  repre- 
sentatives in  the  great  apartment,  there  could  be  no  approach  or  entrance  into  the 
hall  but  from  the  center  of  the  capitol,  that  is,  through  the  center  of  the  north  wall 
of  the  wing,  which  is  indeed,  both  as  to  beauty  and  convenience,  the  only  proper 
point  of  entrance. 

Now,  as  the  ground  story  is  occupied  by  the  offices,  there  can  be  no  communication 
between  the  house  and  the  offices,  but  by  the  stairs  which  are  intended  to  be  carried 
up  close  to  the  north  wall,  in  that  part  of  the  building  which  corresponds  to  the  south 
end  of  the  north  wing,  in  which  is  placed  the  door  of  entrance,  and  the  vestibule  of 
the  Senate  chamber.  In  the  estimate  submitted  to  the  committee  of  the  house  of 
representatives,  there  was  an  item  for  the  erection  of  this  part  of  the  wing;  but  as 
it  was  not  afterwards  included  in  the  appropriation,  the  work  itself  was  necessarily 
omitted,  much  to  the  disadvantage  of  the  building,  which,  both  in  expense  and  in 
solidity,  loses  by  the  p>artial  erection  of  its  detached  parts,  at  different  periods  of 
time. 

This  part  of  the  work,  I respectfully  presume  it  is  now  necessary  to  erect.  Other- 
wise a very  expensive,  though  only  temporary  building  of  wood,  must  be  constructed, 
containing  the  stair-cases  and  communications  of  the  house  with  its  committee 
rooms  and  offices. 

Under  all  these  considerations,  I beg  to  submit  the  following  estimate  of  sums 
required  to  proceed  to  the  completion  of  the  work  next  season,  independently  of 


the  sums  now  in  hand. 

1.  To  meet  any  eventual  deficiency  in  the  appropriation  for  the  south  wing,  &c $25,000 

2d.  To  erect  that  part  of  the  building,  which  is  to  contain  the  communication  of  the  offices 

with  the  house  of  representatives 13, 000 

3d.  To  render  the  buildings  accessible  by  removing  earth  and  rubbish  to  fill  up,  on  the  south 

front,  to  the  gallery  doors,  and  to  restore  the  communication  with  the  north  wing 2, 000 

Total ■ $40, 0C0 


2.  Appropriation  for  the  other  public  buildings 
Dec.  20th,  1805. 

Monies  actually  paid,  1,  north  wing  Capitol 


118 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


In  the  above  estimate,  I have  confined  myself  to  the  works  on  the  south  wing  of 
the  capital.  The  unexpended  balance,  applicable  to  the  other  public  buildings,  and 
to  the  north  wing,  for  repairs,  and  their  progressive  improvement  and  completion,  is 
six  thousand  two  hundred  fifty  five  dollars  and  ninety-two  cents.  I submit  to  your 
consideration,  in  how  far  this  sum  may  be  sufficient  for  the  probable  expenditure  of 
next  season. 

I am,  with  true  respect,  Yours,  faithfully,  &c. 

B.  Henry  Latrobe, 

Surveyor  of  the  public  buildings,  United  Stales,  Washington. 

PLAN  OF  THE  OFFICE  STORY  OF  THE  SOUTH  WING  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

In  viewing  the  arrangement  of  the  office  story  of  the  south  wing  of  the  capitol,  it 
must  be  remembered,  that  the  place  and  number  of  the  windows  is  unalterably  fixed 
by  those  of  the  north  wing,  and  that  no  light  can  be  procured  from  the  numerous 
apartments  from  the  north  side  of  the  south  wing.  It  must  also  be  considered,  that 
the  hall  of  representatives,  which  occupies  the  whole  of  the  principal  floor  above  in 
one  great  apartment,  cuts  off  all  possibility  of  carrying  the  flues  of  the  fire  places 
through  the  interior  part  of  the  building,  and  also  determines  the  place  of  the  walls 
and  piers  below,  by  the  place  of  the  colonnade  that  will  surround  the  area  of  the 
house,  and  which  approaches  in  the  center  of  each  front  near  to  the  exterior  walls. 

Many  difficulties  have  arisen  from  these  two  sources,  and  objections  have  been 
made  to  the  narrowmess  of  a few  of  the  rooms  which  a knowledge  of  the  facts  may 
remove.  Every  room  however  has  been  so  contrived  that  there  will  be  no  deficiency 
of  light  and  space,  when  the  windows,  many  of  which  are  blocked  up,  by  the  work- 
men, shall  be  opened,  and  the  materials  which  fill  the  apartments  shall  be  removed. 

The  entrance  to  the  office  story  will  be  in  the  recessed  part  of  the  building,  pro- 
posed to  be  added  the  next  season.  Beyond  the  vestibule  are  the  stairs  which  lead 
to  the  hall  of  representatives,  the  stairs  will  be  lighted  by  a lanthorn  light®  in  the 
roof,  and  give  light  both  to  the  vestibule  and  to  the  passage  leading  to  the  offices. 
Beyond  the  stairs  is  a small  octagon  lobby  which  to  the  right  opens  towards  the 
north  wing,  and  to  the  left  leads  to  the  offices.  From  this  lobby  a passage  leads 
towards  the  south,  the  opposite  door  is  that  of  the  clerks  office,  within  this  apart- 
ment. are  two  small  offices  for  the  engrossing  clerks,  and  very  spacious  depositari  s 
of  the  public  records.  A passage  or  coridor  also  extends  from  east  to  west;  at  each 
end  it  opens  into  a waiting  room  on  each  front,  two  smaller  and  one  large.  Each  of 
these  rooms  are  separately  accessible. 

On  each  side  of  the  coridor  by  which  you  enter,  is  a large  vault  to  contain  fuel  and 
coal,  and  also  a stove  or  furnace,  by  which  the  hall  above  will  be  heated,  whenever 
its  fire  places  are  not  sufficient  for  that  purpose.  Those  vaults  communicate  with 
the  very  capacious  cellar  below. 

On  the  east  side,  and  separated  from  this  passage,  are  the  privies,  which  are  so 
constructed  as  to  prevent  their  being  a nuisance,  and  on  the  west  is  a separate  entrance 
to  the  large  north-west  committee  room. 

The  access  to  the  galleries  is  by  external  doors,  near  the  angles  of  the  south  front, 
by  which  the  citizens  may  enter  without  passing  through  any  part  of  the  building, 
or  crouding  the  passages  of  the  house  and  offices. 


[House  proceedings  of  April  17,  1806:  Annals  of  Congress?  9 — 1,  p.  1063.] 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Ely’, 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  the  United  States  be  requested  to  take  effectual 
measures  to  cause  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol  to  be  prepared  for  the  accommoda- 


a a lanthorn  light  consists  of  upright  sashes  placed  round  an  opening  in  the  roof,  and  is  covered 
with  a regular  roof  and  ceiling.  In  a sky  light  the  opening  is  covered  with  glass.  The  former  light 
is  infinitely  preferable  to  the  latter. 


The  Old  Building.  119 

tion  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  by  the  commencement,  of  the  next  session  of 
Congress. 

Mr.  Ely  and  Mr.  Dawson  were  appointed  a committee  to  present  the  aforegoing 
resolution  to  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

[“An  act  making  a further  appropriation  towards  completing  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  at  the 
city  of  Washington,”  approved  April  21.  1806.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  2,  399.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representati  ves  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  a sum  not  exceeding  forty  thousand  dollars,  shall  lie,  and 
the  same  is  hereby  appropriated,  to  be  applied  under  the  direction  of  the  President 
of  the  United  States,  towards  completing  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  at  the  city 
of  Washington,  which  said  sum  shall  be  paid  out  of  any  money  in  the  treasury,  not 
otherwise  appropriated. 


[House  proceedings  of  December  8, 1806:  Annals  of  Congress,  9—2,  p.  129.] 

Mr.  D.  R.  Williams  observed  that,  from  an  apprehension  of  the  state  of  the  ceil- 
ing, he  had  kept  his  seat  not  without  considerable  alarm.  This  induced  him  to  offer 
the  following  resolution: 

Resolved,  That  the  Speaker  of  this  House  be  authorized  to  cause  immediate  measures  to  be  taken 
for  pulling  down  the  plastering,  or  otherwise  securing  the  ceiling  of  the  Chamber  in  which  the  ses- 
sions of  the  House  are  now  held. 

A conversation  of  some  length  took  place  on  this  motion,  in  which  it  was  stated 
that,  notwithstanding  the  assurance  of  the  Surveyor  of  the  Public  Buildings,  the 
plastering  of  the  ceiling  presented  strong  indications  of  insecurity,  so  much  so  as 
to  have  swagged  in  some  places  more  than  half  an  inch;  that  in  another  part  of  the 
House  it  had  actually  fallen,  and  that  the  examination,  on  which  the  opinion  of  Mr. 
Latrobe  was  grounded,  having  been  so  long  ago  as  the  year  1805,  could  not  give  any 
satisfaction  as  to  present  security.  When  the  question  was  put,  and  the  resolution 
agreed  to — ayes  59,  noes  34. 

A motion  was  made  to  adjourn  over  till  Friday,  but  withdrawn,  that  the  Speaker 
might  have  time  before  the  meeting  of  the  House  to-morrow  to  gain  the  necessary 
information  as  to  the  steps  proper  to  be  taken. 


[House  proceedings  of  December  9,  1806:  Annals  of  Congress,  9 — 2,  p.  129.] 

The  Speaker  laid  before  the  House  the  result  of  the  examination  made  in  his 
presence  by  the  Clerk  of  the  Public  Works  relative  to  the  situation  of  the  ceiling 
of  the  House,  as  well  as  the  written  replies  made  by  the  Clerk  to  sundry  questions 
put  to  him,  the  purport  of  which  is  the  preponderating  opinion  of  the  Clerk  that  the 
ceiling  is  secure.  This  opinion  is  however  qualified  by  a doubt  with  respect  to  the 
safety  of  a part  of  the  ceiling.  The  Clerk  further  states,  that  to  secure  this  part  of 
the  ceiling  will  require  two  days,  and  that,  securing  the  whole  will  take  a week. 

After  some  conversation  on  the  subject,  Mr.  Ely  offered  a resolution  for  suspending 
all  further  proceedings  under  the  order  of  yesterday,  which  was  negatived — yeas  40, 
nays  51;  the  Speaker  having  previously  intimated  to  the  House  that  unless  special 
order  was  taken  by  them  he  should  cause,  as  soon  as  an  adjournment  took  place, 
measures  to  be  taken  for  securing  the  ceiling. 


[Message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  communicating  a report  of  the  Surveyor  of  the  Pub- 
lic Buildings  at  the  city  of  Washington,  communicated  Dec.  15,1806  (9— 2,  House  Ex.  Docs.).] 

To  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States. 

I lay  before  congress  a report  of  the  surveyor  of  the  public  buildings,  stating 
the  progress  made  on  them  during  the  last  season,  and  what  is  proposed  for  the 
ensuing  one. 


120 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


I took  every  measure  within  my  power  for  carrying  into  effect  the  request  of  the 
house  of  representatives,  of  the  17th  of  April  last,  to  cause  the  south  wing  of  the 
capitol  to  be  prepared  for  their  accommodation  by  the  commencement  of  the  present 
session.  With  great  regret  I found  it  was  not  to  be  accomplished.  The  quantity  of 
free  stone  necessary,  with  the  size  and  quality  of  many  of  the  blocks,  was  repre- 
sented as  beyond  what  could  be  obtained  from  the  quarries  by  any  exertions  which 
could  be  commanded.  The  other  parts  of  the  work  which  might  all  have  been  com- 
pleted in  time,  were  necessarily  retarded  by  the  insufficient  progress  of  the  stone 
work. 

Th:  Jefferson. 

December  15,  1806. 


TO  THE  PRESIDENT  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  OF  AMERICA. 

The  report  of  the  Surveyor  of  the  public  buildings  of  the  United  States,  at  Washington. 

Washington,  Nov.  25,  1806. 

Sir,  The  difficulty  of  procuring  a sufficient  supply  of  freestone,  of  a quality  suit- 
able to  the  construction  of  the  interior  of  the  house  of  representatives,  and  of  its 
communications,  which  I stated  and  explained  to  you  in  mv  report  of  the  22d  day 
of  December  1805,  has  rendered  the  completion  of  the  south  wing  of  the  capitol,  so 
that  it  could  be  occupied  by  the  house  during  the  approaching  session,  impracticable. 

All  the  parts  of  the  work  which  depended  on  the  covering  of  the  building,  and  the 
construction  of  the  stone  work,  have  therefore  been  necessarily  retarded  or  post- 
poned. In  order  to  prevent  the  disappointment  thus  occasioned,  every  encourage- 
ment was  offered  to  the  quarriers  to  make  extraordinary  exertions. 

But  the  actual  state  of  the  quarries,  the  manner  in  which  the  labourers  are  hired 
and  employed  in  them,  and  the  limited  prospect  of  supply  to  the  public  works  after 
the  present  year,  appear  to  have  offered  insuperable  obstacles;  and  the  last  load 
which  was  wanted' for  the  south  wing,  and  which  should  have  arrived  in  August, 
was  delivered  only  a few  days  ago. 

In  every  other  branch  of  labour  and  of  materials  we  have  been  in  sufficient  for- 
wardness. The  carpenters  work  has  for  some  time  waited  for  the  progress  of  the 
stone  work:  the  roof  was  framed  last  winter;  the  sashes  are  made  and  glazed:  the 
doors  and  shutters  are  in  readiness  to  be  put  together:  and  all  the  work  that  could 
be  fixed  is  in  its  place.  Stone  cutters  have  been  collected  from  distant  parts  of  the 
union,  who  have  often  been  set  to  work  on  parts  of  the  building  that  might  have  been 
postponed  to  another  season,  for  want  of  freestone.  All  the  building  stone  which 
will  be  wanted  is  on  the  spot:  and  the  sand  and  lime  required  for  the  plaistering  has 
been  procured;  and  in  no  other  material  or  preparation  have  we  been  deficient. 

Under  circumstances  so  entirely  beyond  the  controul  of  those  to  whom  you  have 
committed  the  charge  of  the  public  works,  it  has  not  been  possible,  that  the  request 
of  the  house  of  representatives,  urged  by  your  constant  attention  to  the  means  of  its 
accomplishment,  could  be  complied  with.  And  when  it  is  considered,  that  this 
infant  establishment  has  none  of  the  means  of  extraordinary  exertions  which  are  to 
be  found  in  great  and  populous  cities,  that  for  almost  every  material  we  use  we  are 
dependent  upon  distant  places:  for  our  lime  on  the  New  England  states,  for  our  lum- 
ber on  the  Delaware  and  the  Eastern  shore  of  the  Chesapeake,  for  our  iron  on  Penn- 
sylvania; for  many  other  articles  for  which  there  is  no  demand  here,  excepting  for 
the  supply  of  the  public  buildings,  on  Baltimore  and  Philadelphia;  and  that  even 
for  our  freestone,  the  most  important  article  in  the  work,  the  wants  of  the  public 
buildings  are  not  sufficient  to  encourage  the  employment  of  much  capital  and  labour 
in  the  quarries.  When  all  this  is  considered,  it  will  not  appear  surprising  that  the 
most  reasonable  calculations  as  to  time,  and  estimates  as  to  expense,  are  disappointed. 


The  Old  Building. 


121 


Rough  building  stone,  bricks  and  sand  are  to  be  procured  in  sufficient  quantity,  of 
excellent  quality,  and  on  reasonable  notice;  but  of  every  other  material,  provision 
must  be  made  a considerable  time  before  hand,  and  from  distant  sources. 

In  answer  to  a letter  from  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  house  of  repre- 
sentatives, to  whom  your  message  relative  to  the  public  buildings  was  referred,  dated 
December  30,  1N04,  I stated  that  the  sum  required  at  that  time  for  the  complete 


erection  of  the  south  wing,  was 109, 100 

And  of  the  recessed  part  of  the  house,® 25,  200 


$134,  300 

An  appropriation  was  made  in  January  1805,  for  the  completion  of  the 


south  wing,  of 1 10,  000 

And  in  1806  a further  appropriation  of 40,  000 

was  granted  

Total : 150, 000 

The  accounts  of  the  buildings  cannot  be  collected  and  made  up  at  present, 
but  from  a general  view  of  them,  with  which  the  superintendent  of  the 
city  has  politely  favoured  me,  there  appears  to  be  still  applicable  tq  the 
south  wing  of  the  capitol  the  sum  of 11, 000 


To  this  must  be  added  the  amount  of  materials  purchased  for  the  roof  of 
the  north  wing,  in  order  to  be  able  to  finish  the  new  roof  without  delay, 
and  the  necessary  glass  for  repairs  which  was  bought  in  consequence  of  the 
act  prohibiting  the  importation  of  glass  from  England,  and  the  difficulty  of 


procuring  it  from  Germany 5,  000 

Total 16,  000 

Which  being  deducted  from  the  above  appropriations  leaves  a balance  of.  $134, 000 
being  the  sum  already  expended  on  the  south  wing,  out  of  the  appropria- 
tion of $150,  000 


There  still  remains  to  be  finished  the  upper  part  of  the  recess,  and  its  roof,  the 
covering  of  the  roof,  all  the  plaistering,  an  inconsiderable  part  of  the  stonecutting, 
part  of  the  carpenter’s  work,  the  painting,  and  all  the  smaller  works  and  fixings 
required  in  the  ultimate  finishing. 

Independently  of  the  difficulty  of  accurately  estimating  any  work  in  the  progres- 
sive state  in  which  it  was  in  the  year  1804,  the  excess  in  the  estimate  is  to  be 
accounted  for  from  the  rise  in  the  price  of  many  of  our  materials,  especially  free- 
stone, and  also  of  our  labor  in  different  branches,  from  the  charge  of  contingencies 
not  included  in  the  building  estimate,  and  from  the  expensive  exertions  we  have 
made  in  the  present  year. 

To  complete  the  work  on  the  south  wing,  I respectfully  suggest,  that  in  addition 
to  the  money  in  hand  a further  appropriation  will  be  necessary,  and  as  there  cannot 
now  exist  a doubt  but  that  the  house  will  be  ready  before  the  next  session  of  Con- 
gress, I also  beg  leave  to  state,  that  the  numerous  committee  rooms  and  offices, 
together  with  the  increased  size  and  altered  form  of  the  house,  will  require  a special 
appropriation  for  furnishing  the  same,  and  supplying  the  necessary  stoves  and 
fireplaces. 

North  wing.  In  my  report  of  December  22d,  1805,  I stated  the  result  of  a careful 
survey  of  the  north  wing  of  the  capitol.  Towards  the  close  of  the  session,  a large 
part  of  the  ceiling  of  the  central  lobby  fell  down.  The  whole  of  the  plaistering  of 

a Note. — In  my  report  of  the  22d  December,  1805,  by  an  error  of  clerkship,  for  which  I cannot  now 
account,  the  estimated  expense  of  the  recess  is  set  down  at  only  13,000,  instead  of  25,200  dollars,  as 
stated  in  my  letter  of  the  30th  December,  1804,  from  which  this  item  was  copied.  On  reference  to  my 
original  estimate,  which  1 have  re-examined,  the  sum  ought  certainly  to  have  been  $25,200. 


122 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


that  ceiling  has  been  removed;  it  was  found  to  be  in  a very  dangerous  state,  and  on 
examination  of  the  plaistering  of  the  dome  of  the  stair  case,  it  was  judged  prudent  to 
take  down  all  the  ornamental  part  of  the  ceiling,  and  part  of  the  ceiling  itself,  and  to 
re-ceil  it.  The  whole  of  the  ceiling  of  the  Senate  chamber  has  also  been  removed, 
and  new  lathing  and  plaistering  put  in  its  place.  The  plaistering  of  the  columns  which 
were  burst,  has  also  been  secured.  The  other  ceilings  are  judged  to  be  perfectly  safe 
for  the  present. 

Many  attempts  have  been  made  during  the  last  season  to  prevent  the  leakage  of 
the  gutters  and  of  the  sky-lights.  But  as  the  lead  of  the  gutters  is  coated  with  tar 
and  sand,  it  is  not  only  almost  impossible  to  discover  the  place  of  the  leaks,  but  also 
when  discovered  to  cure  them.  To  take  up  the  gutters  without  breaking  up  the 
whole  roof,  its  peculiar  construction  rendered  very  difficult;  and  besides,  unless  at 
the  same  time  its  whole  form  had  been  altered,  it  would  have  been  an  useless 
expense. 

The  necessity  of  accommodating  both  houses  in  the  same  wing,  has  therefore  pre- 
vented any  attempt  of  this  kind,  for  should  a heavy  rain  have  occurred  during  the 
operation,  the  destruction  of  the  plaistering  of  the  walls  and  of  the  ceiling  would 
have  been  such  as  to  have  occasioned  enormous  expense  in  useless  repairs,  and  per- 
haps have  endangered  the  accommodation  of  one  or  both  houses  of  Congress  during 
the  present  session. 

It  being,  however,  ascertained  by  the  present  state  of  the  south  wing  of  the  eapi- 
tol,  that  it  will  certainly  be  finished  before  the  next  session  of  Congress,  I have  to 
lay  before  you,  agreeably  to  your  requisition,  a plan  of  the  alterations  which  may  be 
made  in  the  north  wing,  so  as  to  adapt  it,  not  only  to  the  ample  accommodation  of 
the  Senate  and  of  its  committees  and  officers,  but  also  of  the  judiciary  of  the  United 
States,  without  any  addition  to  the  body  of  the  building. 

The  principle  of  the  proposed  alteration  is  this;  to  appropriate  the  whole  of  the 
lower  or  basement  story  to  the  use  of  the  judiciary,  by  making  the  centre  door  of 
the  north  front  the  entrance,  shutting  up  the  communication  of  the  centre  lobby 
with  the  great  stairs,  and  raising  the  floor  of  the  Senate  chamber  to  the  principal 
floor,  on  the  level  of  the  bases  of  the  external  pilasters.  The  door  and  vestibule  in 
the  east  front,  the  great  stairs  and  the  whole  of  the  upper  part  of  the  building  to  be 
for  the  occupancy  and  use  of  the  Senate. 

The  judiciary  branch  of  government  would  then  have  the  following  accommoda- 
tions: 

A court  room,  on  the  present  floor  of  the  Senate  chamber. 

A grand  jury  room. 

Two  jury  rooms. 

The  office  of  the  clerk  of  the  supreme  court. 

The  office  of  the  clerk  of  the  circuit  court. 

The  Senate  of  the  United  States  would  have  its  door  of  entrance  in  the  recess  on 
the  east  front  as  at  present.  The  great  stairs  would  be  in  the  great  eliptical  area  in 
which  the  stairs  now  are. 

The  Senate  chamber  would  be  over  the  court  room,  being  carried  up  through  the 
upper  story  now'  entirely  unfinished  and  useful  only  for  lumber. 

Three  committee  rooms  would  occupy  the  north  front. 

The  lobby  of  the  house  to  the  south  of  the  Senate  chamber;  and, 

The  secretary’s  office  would  be  on  the  east  front. 

The  library  would  retain  its  present  situation  with  alteration  of  its  form.  Above 
the  committee  rooms  three  other  rooms  vrould  be  on  the  north  front,  which  may  be 
occupied  by  the  records,  and  over  the  office  of  the  secretary  would  be  the  lodging  of 
the  assistant  door  keeper. 


The  Old  Building. 


123 


On  the  ground  floor  would  be  an  internal  court  and  privies,  and  every  apartment 
and  stairs  would  be  perfectly  light. 

These  arrangements  are  very  fully  explained  by  the  drawings  herewith  submitted, 
in  which  the  parts  to  be  added  or  removed  are  distinctly  pointed  out.  The  ease  with 
which  they  may  be  made,  considering  their  extent,  and  the  great  additional  accom- 
modation they  will  afford,  is  very  evident.  No  wall  is  proposed  to  be  pulled  down, 
nor  even  cut  but  in  detached  parts  of  no  consequence  to  its  solidity:  and  I must  here 
remark  that  the  external  and  internal  walling  has  been  most  faithfully  performed,  and 
that  the  walls  are  capable  of  resisting  and  bearing  any  stress  or  pressure  proposed  to 
be  put  upon  them. 

On  the  other  hand  the  plaisterer’s  work  is  universally  bad,  and  scarcely  adheres 
even  to  the  brick  walls,  and  the  carpenter’s  work  is  not  only  rotten,  but  injudiciously 
and  insecurely  put  together. 

Therefore  if  no  alteration  of  arrangement  were  proposed,  the  whole  of  what  is  pro- 
posed to  be  taken  away  by  the  present  design,  would  necessarily  be  taken  away  for 
the  sake  of  security,  much  of  it  immediately,  and  all  of  it  in  the  course  of  a few 
years,  as  soon  as  the  convenience  of  the  legislature  would  permit.  The  expense 
of  t'he  proposed  arrangements  will  therefore  be  comparatively  small,  when  the  neces- 
sary expense  of  repair  is  deducted. 

In  making  these  alterations  and  repairs,  there  will  be  the  advantage  of  working 
under  cover  of  the  present  roof,  an  advantage  of  very  great  importance,  both  in 
point  of  expense  and  of  expedition,  and  the  work  never  being  soaked  by  the  rain, 
will  soon  be  dry  and  the  house  tit  for  occupation.  I respectfully  submit  to  you  the 
following  plan  for  proceeding  in  the  execution  of  this  proposal. 

As  soon  as  the  session  is  ended,  March  4th,  1807,  the  whole  of  the  eastern  side  of 
the  house,  including  the  east  vestibule,  the  small  and  great  stair  case,  the  central 
lobby,  the  north  vestibule  and  the  Senate  chamber,  shall  be  taken  in  hand,  and  the 
alterations  made  with  all  possible  speed. 

The  library  and  all  the  west  apartments  shall  remain  untouched,  and  shall  be 
occupied  by  the  Senate  at  their  next  session  of  1807 — 1808. 

I have  not  the  smallest  hesitation  in  saying  that  the  whole  eastern  part  of  the 
house  will  be  finished  in  1808,  so  as  to  be  occupied  at  the  session  beginning  in  that 
year. 

The  western  apartments  may  then  be  altered  and  can  easily  be  finished  in  one 
season.  Each  half  of  the  roof  can  be  separately  altered,  and  rebuilt  on  a plan  perfectly 
secure.  In  1809 — 1810  the  whole  wing  will  be  completed. 

Estimate  of  expenditures  proposed  to  finish  the  south  wing  for  the  occu- 
pancy of  Congress,  previous  to  the  next  session  « independently  of  the  money 


in  hand 25,000 

Furnishing  the  same 20,  000 

Towards  altering  the  east  side  of  the  north  wing 50,  000 

Contingencies 5, 000 


Total 


100,  000 


* 

I am,  sir, 

With  high  respect, 

Yours  faithfully, 


* 


* 


B.  Henry  Latrobe. 


a I must  observe  that  the  finishing  of  the  capitals  o£  the  columns  of  the  House  of  Representatives 
will  be  the  work  of  a few  years  to  come,  the  time  of  finishing  them  will  depend  on  the  number  of 
artists  which  can  be  procured. 


124 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

[House  proceedings  of  December  15, 1806:  Annals  of  Congress,  9 — 2,  p.159.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Mr.  John  Randolph  offered  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  the  United  States  be,  and  he  hereby  is,  requested  to  cause  to  be  laid 
before  this  House  an  account,  stating  the  several  sums  which  have  been  expended  on  the  Capitol,  the 
President’s  house,  the  public  offices,  the  navy  yard,  and  the  marine  barracks,  respectively;  and  the 
amount  expended  on  other  objects  of  public  expense  within  the  City  of  Washington. 

Messrs.  Alston  and  Olin  suggested  that  it  might  be  embarrassing  to  the  public 
officers  to  give  such  a detailed  and  retrospective  statement. 

Mr.  ,T.  Randolph  replied,  that  his  object  was  to  get  information,  for  which  pur- 
pose he  wished  to  have  a condensed  view  of  the  whole  expenditures  within  the  City 
of  Washington.  At  present,  when  an  appropriation  for  a particular  object  was  called 
for,  he  possessed  no  standard  of  comparison  whereby  to  determine  its  propriety.  He 
wished  to  know  the  aggregate  amount  which  this  sink  of  expense,  of  increasing 
expense,  has  cost  the  nation,  together  with  the  several  items  of  expenditure.  He 
desired  this  information  to  guide  him  in  judging  of  the  future  appropriations  that 
might  be  asked.  Suppose  the  House  should  undertake  to  build  an  University — he 
understood  there  was  such  a project — and  they  should  have  an  estimate  for  it;  by 
knowing  what  these  buildings  had  cost,  the  frequent  appropriations  called  for,  and 
recollecting  that  every  appropriation  was  the  last,  they  would  know  how  to  act,  and 
whether  they  were  about  to  be  involved  in  a sea  of  expense,  the  confines  of  which 
they  could  never  learn.  He  believed  this  had  been  the  case  in  the  building  in  which 
they  sat,  the  conduct  of  the  persons  employed  on  it  having  always  fallen  short  of 
the  promise  made. 

The  resolution  was  then  agreed  to,  without  a division;  and,  on  the  next  day, 
Messrs.  J.  Randolph  and  D.  R.  Williams  appointed  a committee  to  present  it  to  the 
President. 


[Message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  transmitting  accounts  of  expenditures  on  the  Capitol, 
President’s  House,  Public  Offices,  Navy  Yard,  and  the  Marine  Barracks,  respectively,  and  the  amount 
expended  on  other  objects  of  public  expense  within  the  city  of  Washington,  prepared  in  obedience 
to  a resolution  of  the  House  of  Dec.  15, 1806,  communicated  to  the  House  Dec.  23, 1806.  (9 — 2,  House 

Ex.  Docs.)] 

To  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  states. 

I now  lay  before  you  accounts  of  the  sums  which  have  been  expended  by  the 
United  States  on  the  capitol,  the  President’s  house,  the  public  offices,  the  navy 
yard,  and  the  marine  barracks,  respectively,  and  the  amount  expended  on  other 
objects  of  public  expense  within  the  city  of  Washington,  as  requested  by  your  res- 
olution of  the  fifteenth  instant. 

Th:  Jefferson. 

December  23,  1806. 


Superintendent’s  Office, 

Washington,  December  20,  1806. 

Sir,  In  obedience  to  your  letter  of  the  16th  instant,  I have  the  honor  to  transmit 
to  you  herewith  an  account,  stating  the  several  sums  received  from  the  treasury  of 
the  United  States,  and  expended  on  the  capitol,  the  President’s  house,  the  public 
offices,  and  other  objects  of  public  expense  within  the  city  of  Washington. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  With  the  greatest  respect,  Sir, 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 


President  of  the  United  States. 


Thomas  Munroe. 


The  Old  Building. 


125 


An  account  staling  the  several  sums  received  from  the  treasury  of  the  United  Slates , and 
expended  on  the  Capitol,  the  President's  house,  the  Public  offices,  and  other  objects  of 
Public  expense,  within  the  city  of  Washington. 


The  monies  received  for  these  objects  from  the  treasury  of  the 
United  States,  have  been  under  the  authority  of  appropriations 
made  by  the  following  acts  of  congress: 

Dollars,  cents. 


Act-  of  6th  May,  1796  200,  000 

18th  April,  1798 100,000 

24th  April,  1800 10,000 


3d  March,  1801,  (general  appropriation  act) ...  5, 122 

3d  May,  1802 8,000 

2d  March,  1803,  (general  appropriation  act) ...  3,  702  66 

3d  March,  1803 50,  000 

27th  March,  1804  50,  000 

25th  January,  1805 110,  000 

Ditto ‘ 20,000 

1st  March,  1805 ,. 9,000 

21st  April,  1806 40,000 


Received  from  the 
treasury. 


Dollars.  cents. 


310,  000 


295,824  66 


These  monies  have  been  expended  as  follows: 


605,824  66 


ON  THE  CAPITOL. 


Dollars,  cents. 


Act  of  3d  March,  1803.  Of  the  50,000  dollars,  appro- 
priated by  this  act,  there  were  expendod  on 

the  capitol 37,  342  75 

27th  March,  1804.  Of  the  50,000  dollars,  appro- 
priated by  this  act,  there  were  expended  on 

the  capitol 36, 896  04 

25th  January,  1805.  An  appro- 
priation by  this  act,  was  ex- 
pended on  south  wing 110,  000 

And  of  the  $20,000  further  appro- 
priated by  the  same  act,  were  ex- 
pended on  the  north  wing 1, 130  89 

111,  130  89 

25th  April,  1806.  Of  the  appro- 
priation by  this  act,  there  have 
been  expended  on  south  wing  . . 35,  327  96 

Remaining  to  be  expended 4, 672  04 

— — 40,000 


* 


* 


* 


Expenditures. 


225,369  68 


OTHER  OBJECTS  OF  PUBLIC  EXPENSE. 


* * •Si- 

1796,  May  6th.  Of  a loan  of  200,000  dollars,  by  the  state 
of  Maryland,  guaranteed  by  the  United  States,  $120,000 
have  been  paid,  and  $80,000  are  still  due,  (both  sums 

exclusive  of  interest)  paid  from  time  to  time 

1798,  April  18th.  By  this  act  the  United  States  loaned  the 
city  this  sum,  which,  with  the  other  monies  borrowed 
under  the  guarantee  of  the  United  States,  was  expended 
promiscuously,  amongst  the  monies  which  arose  out  of 
the  funds  of  the  city,  on  the  public  buildings,  and  other 
objects  of  expense 


200, 000 


100,  000 


* * * 


126 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 


Note.  It  appears  by  a representation  of  the  late  commissioners  of  the  city  of  Washington,  laid 
before  Congress  in  January,  1801,  that,  exclusive  of  the  grounds  reserved  to  the  United  States,  for 
public  purposes,  which  cost  the  city  funds  #37,774  00,  property  amounting  to  8884,819  88,  estimating 
the  unsold  lots  at  the  prices  for  which  previous  sales  had  been  made,  then  remained  at  the  disposal 
of  the  government.  Since  that  time  the  chancellor  of  Maryland  has  decreed  the  sale  of  1,000  lots, 
not  included  in  the  above  estimate,  for  the  payment  of  80,000  dollars,  purchase  money  due  thereon’ 
with  interest  from  the  1st  May  1800.  The  proceeds  of  these  1,000  lots,  and  150  others,  riot  included  in 
the  commissioners  estimate,  but  since  ascertained  to  belong  to  the  United  States,  may  be  considered 
as  additions  to  the  property  stated  in  that  estimate,  and  will  be  considerably  more  than  equal  to  the 
subsequent  sales  which  have  been  made. 

SUPEEITEND ENT’S  OFFICE, 

Washington,  20tli  December,  1806. 

Thomas  Munroe,  Superintendent. 

* * * 


[House  proceedings  of  February  13,  1807:  Annals  of  Congress,  9 — 2,  p.  495.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

The  House  went  into  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  bill  for  finishing  the  south 
wing  of  the  Capitol,  and  for  other  purposes. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Lewis,  the  first  blank  was  filled  with  §25,000,  which  sum  is  to 
be  applied  towards  finishing  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol. 

The  next  blank  was  in  that  part  of  the  bill  which  makes  an  appropriation  to  fur- 
nish the  Representative  Chamber  for  the  accommodation  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Lewis  moved  to  fill  the  blank  with  §20,000.  On  this  motion  considerable 
debate  arose. 

Mr.  Jackson,  of  Virginia,  wished  to  know  why  so  large  a sum  was  proposed. 

.Mr.  Gregg,  of  Pennsylvania,  asked,  if  the  whole  sum  would  be  wanted  the  present 
year?  The  Legislature  had  been  there  seven  years,  and  there  seemed  little  or  no 
likelihood  that  the  Capitol  would  be  finished  and  ready  for  their  use  in  seven  years 
more.  While  one  part  is  building  another  grows  out  of  repair.  It  had  been  said, 
and  he  believed  with  truth,  that  there  was  danger  of  the  walls  tumbling  down. 

Mr.  Van  Cortlandt,  of  New  York. — lam  surprised,  on  my  ivord.  Gentlemen 
ask  why  money  is  wanted.  If  no  money  is  granted,  the  Capitol  will  not  be  finished 
in  seventy  times  seven  years.  Why,  want  of  money  is  the  very  reason  it  has  not 
been  finished  before. 

Mr.  Lewis,  who  was  the  chairman  of  the  select  committee  that  reported  the  bill, 
said  he  was  no  architect,  and  could  not  determine  the  expense  of  building  in  "Wash- 
ington. The  select  committee  had  agreed  to  the  sums  which  had  been  moved, 
because  they  were  stated  to  be  necessary  by  the  Superintendent  of  the  public  works, 
Mr.  Latrobe.  Mr.  L.  said,  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  (Mr.  Gregg)  had 
assigned  a satisfactory  reason  for  agreeing  to  the  sum  recommended  by  the  commit- 
tee, that,  if  they  were  not  granted  and  repairs  made,  the  walls  would  tumble  down. 

Mr.  Jackson  was  unable  to  conceive  how  twenty  thousand  dollars  could  be  wanted 
to  furnish  one  room.  If  the  sum  is  agreed  to,  the  superintendent  would  think  himself 
obliged  to  procure  gilded  chairs  and  plated  tables.  Mr.  J.  was  in  favor  of  economy, 
not  of  the  economy  of  the  last  eight  or  ten  years,  but  that  of  old  times.  Then  twenty 
thousand  dollars  would  have  been  thought  sufficient  both  to  build  and  furnish  a 
house. 

Mr.  Findley,  of  Pennsylvania,  expressed  his  opinion  in  favor  of  the  motion. 

Mr.  Masters,  of  New  York,  observed,  that  they  had  been  told,  formerly,  that 
twenty  thousand  dollars  was  enough  for  all  the  fortifications  in  the  United  States, 
[a  loud  laugh;]  now,  this  sum  is  proposed  to  furnish  us  with  tables  and  chairs.  He 
thought  it  was  not  a good  contrast. 

The  question  on  agreeing  to  twenty  thousand  dollars  was  lost — ayes  36,  noes  61. 

Mr.  Jackson  proposed  ten  thousand  dollars. 

Mr.  D.  R.  Williams  proposed  five  thousand  dollars. 


The  Old  Building. 


127 


Mr.  Cook  was  glad  the  same  sum  which  had  been  proposed  for  fortifications,  was 
not  agreed  to  for  furnishing  a single  room,  on  account  of  the  name  of  the  thing.  He 
proposed  eighteen  thousand  dollars.  The  motion  was  negatived — ayes  41,  noes  54. 

Mr.  Macon  (the  Speaker)  said,  he  lived  in  a country  where  they  had  no  such 
expensive  furniture,  but,  judging  from  tire  size  of  the  room,  and  the  length  of  time 
in  which  the  House  had  been  building,  [a  laugh,]  he  imagined  the  sum  first  pro- 
posed would  not  be  too  large.  More  than  twenty  thousand  dollars,  he  believed,  had 
been  granted  for  furnishing  the  President’s  house.  He  hoped  they  would  not  spoil 
the  room  for  want  of  one  or  two  thousand  dollars. 

Mr.  Lewis  observed,  that  he  had  no  particular  concern  in  this  subject.  Perhaps 
he  should  never  have  again  the  honor  of  a seat  in  the  House,  and  if  he  did  he  should, 
he  believed,  be  as  willing  to  sit  on  a stool  as  other  gentlemen.  But  the  present  fur- 
niture would  not  suit  the  new  Chamber  in  the  south  wing.  There  were  also  several 
committee  rooms  to  be  furnished.  The  money  was  to  be  expended  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  President;  and,  from  his  known  principles  of  economy,  Mr.  L.  trusted 
that,  however  large  a sum  should  be  granted,  no  more  would  be  expended  than  what 
was  necessary.  Judging  from  the  expense  of  this  House,  and  of  the  President’s,  he 
thought  twenty  thousand  dollars  would  not  be  too  much;  but  as  the  House  had  neg- 
atived that  sum,  he  proposed  seventeen  thousand  dollars. 

Mr.  Jackson  thought  the  furniture  of  this  room  might  suit  again.  If  the  tables 
were  small,  there  would  be  so  much  the  more  room.  The  members  now  felt  much 
inconvenience  from  being  so  confined  in  this  small  Chamber.  As  the  present  fur- 
niture was  good  for  nothing  else,  it  must,  unless  used  by  the  Jlouse,  be  put  into  a 
bonfire.  Mr.  J.  was  against  the  destruction  of  so  much  property. 

Mr.  Smilie,  of  Pennsylvania,  said  that,  when  they  looked  back  to  the  beginning  of 
things  there,  (meaning  the  location  of  the  public  buildings  in  Washington, ) they 
would  find  everything  sacrificed  to  accommodate  the  owners  of  lots.  The  Capitol 
was  placed  in  one  part  of  the  city,  the  Navy  yard  in  another,  and  the  President’s 
house  in  another.  The  Capitol  and  the  President’s  house  are  so  far  apart,  (the  dis- 
tance is  one  mile  and  five-eighths, ) that  it  is  very  inconvenient.  Mr.  S.  had  been 
against  the  building  of  the  Capitol,  and  thought  that  it  would  be  much  better  to  lay 
out  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars  in  building  a brick  house  near  the  Presi- 
dent’s. But  the  question  now  is,  whether  they  would  give  up  the  building,  or  vote 
the  money.  Mr.  S.  was  in  favor  of  the  motion.  The  delay  could  not  be  owing  to 
want  of  money,  for  the  House  had  always  given  all  that  had  been  asked. 

The  question  on  agreeing  to  seventeen  thousand  dollars,  was  carried — ayes  56, 
noes  44. 

That  part  of  the  bill  which  proposes  to  alter  and  repair  the  east  side  of  the  north 
wing,  was  next  considered. 

Mr.  D.  R.  Williams  moved  to  strike  out  the  word  “alter.”  He  was  willing  to 
repair  the  north  wing,  but  to  alter  it  according  to  the  plan  of  the  Superintendent 
would  require  a great  expense,  without  an  adequate  benefit. 

Mr.  Lyon  would  agree  to  the  motion,  but  he  feared,  if  it  were  adopted,  they  would 
never  get  into  the  south  wing.  It  was  much  like  the  story  of  the  carpenter’s  boy, 
who,  being  asked  where  his  master  was,  said  he  had  gone  to  look  for  another  job. 
Mr.  L.  was  afraid,  if  the  motion  vras  agreed  to,  the  completing  of  the  south  wing 
would  be  delayed  until  the  Superintendent  had  found  another  job. 

Mr.  D.  R.  Williams  said,  he  made  this  motion  to  try  the  principle,  whether  the 
House  would  agree  to  the  alterations  contemplated  in  the  north  wing.®  He  knew 

a In  the  original  plan  ol  the  Capitol,  no  room  was  provided  for  the  Courts  of  the  United  States. 
The  Superintendent  of  the  public  buildings,  in  his  report,  proposed  to  make  two  stories  of  the  Senate 
Chamber,  and  apply  the  upper  one  to  the  use  of  the  Courts.  The  Senate  are  to  be  accommodated  on 
the  west  side  of  the  north  wing,  by  demolishing  the  library,  committee  rooms,  &c.,  and  making  in 
their  place  a large  room.  The  bill  which  gave  rise  to  the  debate  was  drawn  in  conformity  to  this 
idea  of  the  Superintendent. 


128 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


but  one  reason  for  the  change.  It  was  to  make  things  correspond  with  the  parlia- 
mentary language.  When  a bill  is  sent  down  from  the  Senate  to  the  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives, it  will,  if  the  alteration  takes  place,  really  descend  as  this  House  will 
be  about  fifteen  feet  lower  than  the  Senate.  Rather  than  incur  a great  expense  for 
this  object,  Mr.  W.  would  rather  alter  the  language  and  say,  a bill  is  sent  up  to  this 
House  and  down  to  the  Senate. 

The  motion  to  strike  out  the  word  “alter”  was  agreed  to — ayes  77. 

Mr.  Jackson  moved  to  strike  out  the  words  “east  side  of.”  Then  the  repairs 
would  extend  to  the  whole  of  the  north  wing,  so  far  as  they  might  be  necessary. 
The  House,  he  said,  was  crazy,  and,  if  assailed  by  a rude  attack,  would  certainly  be 
demolished.  The  motion  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Lewis  said  that,  if  the  bill  had  been  permitted  to  remain  as  it.  wras  reported, 
he  intended  to  move  to  till  the  last  blank  with  fifty  thousand  dollars,  but  as  the  Com- 
mittee had  determined  that  there  should  be  no  alteration  in  the  north  wing,  and 
confined  the  appropriation  to  repairs,  he  had  no  estimate  of  the  sum  with  which  it 
would  now  be  necessary  to  fill  the  blank.  He  must  go  by  guess.  He  had  under- 
stood that  it  would  cost  twenty  thousand  dollars  to  put  a roof  on  the  north  wing, 
which  was  much  wanted,  and  some  other  repairs  were  necessary.  He  therefore 
moved  to  fill  the  blank  with  twenty-five  thousand  dollars. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to  without  debate — ayes  62. 

Fifteen  thousand  dollars  were  then  proposed  for  improvements  on  the  President’s 
house  and  lot,  and  carried  without  a division. 

The  bill,  as  amended,  was  reported  to  the  House,  who  concurred  therein,  and 
ordered  it  to  a third  reading  to-morrow. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  26,  ISO":  Annals  of  Congress,  9—2,  p.  91.] 

The  Senate  resumed,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  the  bill,  entitled  “An  act 
making  appropriations  for  finishing  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  and  for  other  pur- 
poses;” and  the  President  reported  to  the  House  that  the  Committee  of  the  Whole 
had  agreed  to  some,  and  disagreed  to  other,  amendments  reported  by  the  select  com- 
mittee; and  had  also  agreed  further  to  amend  the  bill. 

Whereupon,  a motion  was  made  to  strike  out  the  words  “twenty-five,”  line  sixth 
of  the  bill,  as  reported  by  the  select  committee;  and  it  passed  in  the  negative. 

On  motion,  it  was  agreed  to  strike  out  the  word  “repairing,”  line  eighth,  and 
insert,  in  lieu  thereof,  the  words  “making  a new  roof  and  other  repairs.” 

On  the  question,  Shall  this  bill  be  now  read  the  third  time  as  amended?  it  was 
determined  in  the  affirmative. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  2, 1S07:  Annals  of  Congress,  9 — 2,  p.  673.] 

The  House  proceeded  to  consider  the  amendments  proposed  by  the  Senate  to  the 
bill,  entitled  “An  act  making  appropriations  for  finishing  the  south  wing  of  the 
Capitol,  and  for  other  purposes.”  Whereupon, 

Resolved,  That  this  House  do  agree  to  the  said  amendments. 


[“An  Act  making  appropriations  for  finishing  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  and  for  other  pur- 
poses,” approved  Mar.  3, 1S07.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  2,  432.] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  Stales  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  in  addition  to  appropriations  already  made,  the  follow- 
ing sums  of  money  shall  be,  and  the  same  are  hereby  appropriated,  to  be  applied 
under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  to  the  purposes  herein  after 
mentioned,  that  is  to  say: 


The  Old  Building. 


129 


For  finishing  the  south  wing  of  the  capitol,  twenty-five  thousand  dollars. 

For  furnishing  the  same  for  the  accommodation  of  the  House  of  Representatives, 
seventeen  thousand  dollars. 

For  making  a new  roof  and  other  repairs  to  the  north  wing  of  the. capitol,  twenty- 
five  thousand  dollars.  * * * 

Sec.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  several  sums  of  money  hereby  appro- 
priated, shall  be  paid  out  of  any  money  in  the  treasury,  not  otherwise  appropriated. 


[American  State  Papers,  Class  X,  Misc.,  v.  I,  -182. — No.  227.  10th  Congress,  1st  Session.  City  of  Wash- 
ington— Public  Buildings.  Communicated  to  the  House  of  Representatives,  on  the  28th  of 

October,  1807.] 

Washington,  October  27,  1807. 

Sir:  The  arrangement  approved  by  the  President  of  the  United  States,  and  adopted 
for  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  varies  in  so  many  respects  from  that  of  the  build- 
ings hitherto  appropriated  to  the  session  of  Congress,  that  I beg  leave  most  respect- 
fully to  lay  before  you  some  explanation  of  the  principles  on  which  the  design  was 
formed,  in  order  that  in  deliberating  upon  the  regulations  which  to  the  wisdom  of 
the  House  of  Representatives  may  appear  best  adapted  to  the  holding  of  their  sittings, 
no  information  may  be  wanting  to  them  which  it  is  in  my  power  to  furnish. 

In  the  distribution  of  the  House,  it  is  provided  that  the  access  of  those  citizens 
who  attend  in  the  gallery,  solely  for  the  purpose  of  being  present  at  the  debates,  is 
on  the  south  front,  at  a distance  from  the  eastern  entrance,  which  leads  to  the 
apartments  appropriated  to  legislative  business.  Between  these  parts  of  the  buildings 
there  is  no  communication  whatever,  excepting  by  a small  door  from  the  lobby, 
which  door  is  only  intended  to  admit  the  doorkeeper  into  the  gallery,  in  order  to 
execute  an  order  of  the  House  for  the  exclusion  of  strangers. 

Thus  all  intrusion  upon  the  business  of  the  House,  and  of  its  committees,  may  be 
effectually  prevented  by  regulating  admissions  by  the  eastern  entrance. 

The  ground  floor  is  entirely  appropriated  to  the  use  of  the  committees  of  the  House, 
and  of  the  clerk.  The  committee  rooms  ranged  on  the  east  and  west  fronts  have  an 
ante-chamber  or  waiting-room,  to  each  range,  for  the  use  of  those  citizens  who  have 
to  attend  the  committees,  and  who,  heretofore,  had  no  accommodation  but  such  as 
the  lobby  or  the  gallery  of  the  house  afforded.  Such  persons  must,  of  necessity, 
enter  at  the  eastern  door. 

From  this  entrance  also  the  staircases  lead  up  to  the  door  of  the  house.  Within 
the  house  the  lobbies  are  to  the  right  and  left.  The  position  of  the  doorkeeper 
gives  him  an  immediate  view  of  every  one  who  enters,  while  the  interior  of  the 
house  cannot  be  seen  excepting  from  the  galleries  of  the  lobbies.  There  is,  there- 
fore, no  temptation  to  continuance  in  the  lobby,  but  for  the  sake  of  hearing  the 
debates  from  its  galleries,  in  which  the  presence  of  the  House  will  preserve  order 
and  silence. 

Within  the  colonnade  of  the  house  there  is  no  room  for  any  persons,  not  members 
of  the  House,  excepting  on  the  seats  under  the  northern  part  of  the  wall.  Those 
seats  were  erected  on  the  presumption  that  the  House  might  appropriate  the  same 
to  the  use  of  the  Senators  of  the  United  States,  when  attending  the  House,  and  of 
such  other  persons,  distinguished  by  their  official  characters,  as  the  House  might 
judge  proper  to  admit  to  them. 

It  will  be  in  the  recollection  of  the  members  that,  in  the  north  wing  of  the  Capitol, 
in  which  were  all  the  committee  rooms  and  the  clerk’s  office,  even  during  the  sitting 
of  the  House  in  the  temporary  building,  erected  on  the  site  of  the  south  wing,  every 
one,  without  discrimination,  had  access  to  all  the  passages  of  the  building.  It  was, 
indeed,  impossible  to  distinguish  those  who  ought  from  those  who  ought  not  to  have 
entered.  The  consequence  was,  that  every  part  was  crowded  by  those  who  had,  and 
by  more  who  had  no  business  in  the  house.  There  are  annually  from  four  to  five 

H.  Rep.  646 9 


130 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


hundred  persons  whom  their  affairs  bring  to  the  seat  of  Government  during  the  sit- 
ting of  the  National  Legislature;  for  these  citizens  the  interior  of  the  house  afforded 
the  only  shelter  during  the  severity  of  the  winter.  The  lobby  of  the  house  was, 
therefore,  usually  filled  with  a part  of  them,  to  the  great  inconvenience  of  the  mem- 
bers, and  sometimes  to  the  interruption  of  legislative  business.  Besides  these,  idle  and 
dissolute  persons  ranged  the  whole  building;  the  walls  were  defaced  by  obscenity 
and  by  libels;  the  public  furniture  and  utensils  of  the  House  were  considered  as  fair 
objects  of  depredation;  and,  were  I to  state  the  amount  of  some  of  the  depredations, 
it  would  appear  almost  incredible.  The  committee  rooms  themselves  have  not  been 
secure  from  the  most  improper  intrusion;  and,  to  particularize  only  one  fact,  much 
of  the  leakage  of  the  roof  arose  from  the  smaller  pieces  of  lead,  called  flashings,  being 
stolen. 

I am  very  confident  that,  under  strict  regulations,  the  distribution  of  the  house 
which  I have  described  will  render  it  easily  practicable  to  avoid  all  these  evils;  and 
I beg  very  respectfully  to  submit  such  regulations  as  I presume  would  be  effectual, 
even  before  the  plan  of  the  whole  Capitol,  which  provides  for  the  residence  of  the 
doorkeeper  within  the  house,  can  be  completed. 

While  it  is  thought  proper  to  admit,  without  discrimination,  all  persons  who 
choose  to  go  into  the  galleries,  no  attendant  at  the  gallery  door  will  be  necessary. 
As,  however,  the  lower  gallery  lobbies  will  probably  become  the  stations  of  those 
who  usually  sell  refreshment  in  such  places,  some  restriction  might  jurobably  be  laid 
upon  the  intrusion  of  boys  of  all  colors  beyond  the  outer  door,  by  regulating  the 
occupancy  of  these  lobbies. 

But,  at  the  east  entrance,  it  seems  necessary  that  a respectable  and  responsible 
deputy  of  the  principal  doorkeeper  should  regulate  the  admission  of  all  persons 
whatever,  and  have  in  charge  the  keys  of  all  the  committee  rooms,  control  the  serv- 
ants who  attend  the  fires  of  the  committee  rooms  and  the  furnaces  of  the  House, 
and  prevent  the  defacing  of  the  walls,  as  well  as  the  depredations  hitherto  committed 
on  the  furniture.  The  station  of  such  an  officer  would  be  at  the  foot  of  the  stairs. 
A short  practice  would  enable  him,  without  difficulty,  to  superintend  the  whole  of 
the  ground  story  and  the  stairs  of  the  House. 

Experience  has  long  pointed  out  the  extreme  difficulty  of  preventing  the  walls  of 
public  buildings  from  being  defaced;  but  if,  by  a summary  pirocess  before  a magis- 
trate, those  idle  persons  who  find  amusement  in  so  scandalous  a practice  could  be 
fined,  or  otherwise  punished,  it  might  cease. 

In  the  design  and  construction  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  all  that  1 could 
effect  bv  study  and  labor  has  been  done  to  carry  the  desire  of  the  President,  to  give 
to  the  House  every  practicable  convenience  and  accommodation,  into  execution.  In 
the  permanence  and  solidity  of  the  work,  I hope  nothing  will  be  found  deficient. 
The  size  and  arrangement  of  the  committee  rooms  were,  in  a great  measure,  imposed 
by  the  exterior  form  and  structure  of  the  north  wing,  of  which  the  exterior  of  the 
south  wing  is  necessarily  an  exact  copy.  Much  of  what  might  have  been  better 
arranged  in  the' interior  owes  its  imperfection  to  this  cause.  Upon  the  whole,  it  is 
my  ardent  wish,  and  all  my  ambition  is  centered  in  the  desire,  that  the  personal 
accommodation  of  the  members,  and  the  convenience  of  the  committees  of  the  House, 
upon  which  so  much  depend  the  despatch  and  ease  of  legislative  business,  as  well  as 
the  best  practicable  disposition  and  arrangement  of  the  legislative  hall  itself,  may 
have  been  attained.  I am  conscious  of  irremediable  defects.  I hope,  however,  that 
they  are  not  considerable,  and  grow  out  of  the  necessary  size  and  loftiness  of  an  edi- 
fice, which  must  be  sufficiently  enlarged  to  contain  a numerous  assembly,  while  the 
powers  of  the  human  voice  and  of  the  human  ear  remain  limited  to  a certain  stand- 
ard. Magnificence  is  easily  bought  by  expense,  and  is  infinitely  less  important  than 
utility. 

The  meeting  of  Congress,  at  a period  so  much  earlier  than  was  expected  in  a very 
advanced  part  of  the  season,  has  prevented  the  completion  of  many  small  arrange- 


The  Old  Building. 


131 


ments,  which  will  render  the  house  still  more  commodious.  Every  exertion  is  now 
making  to  complete  them;  and  should  any  part  of  the  work  be  found,  on  experiment, 
to  require  alteration,  provision  is  made  for  its  speedy  and  effectual  correction. 

With  the  highest  respect,  I am  yours,  faithfully, 

B.  Henry  Latrobe, 

Surveyor  of  the  public  buildings,  United  States. 
The  Hon.  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


[American  State  Papers,  Class  X,  Misc.,  v.  I,  p.  719. — No.  249.  10th  Congress,  1st  session.  City  of 
Washington — Public  Buildings.  Communicated  to  Congress,  March  25,  1808.] 

March  25,  1808. 

To  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  Slates: 

I transmit  to  both  Houses  of  Congress  a report  from  the  surveyor  of  the  public 
buildings  of  the  progress  made  on  them  during  the  last  season,  of  their  present  state, 
and  of  that  of  the  funds  appropriated  to  them.  These  have  been  much  exceeded  by 
the  cost  of  the  work  done,  a fact  not  known  to  me  till  the  close  of  the  season.  The 
circumstances  from  which  it  arose  are  stated  in  the  report  of  the  surveyor. 

Th:  Jefferson 

Report  of  the  surveyor  of  the  public  buildings  of  the  United  Stales  at  Washington:  March 

S3,  1808. 

My  report  on  the  progress  and  state  of  the  public  buildings  of  the  United  States  in 
the  city  of  Washington  during  the  year  1807  has  been  delayed  until  all  the  work 
performed  at  the  capitol  and  President’s  house  could  be  measured,  and  the  accounts 
closed  as  nearly  to  the  present  time  as  possible;  and  also  until  those  additions  and 
alterations  could  be  made  in  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol  which  have  been  pointed 
out  as  necessary  by  the  experience  of  the  first  part  of  the  present  session. 

There  remain  now  very  few  (and  those  small)  accounts  in  any  department  of  the 
public  buildings  which  have  not  been  ultimately  settled;  and  the  statement  which  I 
shall  annex  to  this  report  may  be  considered  as  comprising  all  the  demands  against 
them  of  every  kind  up  to  the  present  time.  Ever  since  the  year  1803,  when  the  work 
on  the  south  wing  of  the  capitol  was  commenced,  accounts  of  particular  parts  of  the 
building  have  necessarily  been  in  an  open  state,  although  partial  settlements,  at  as 
short  periods  as  possible,  have  always  been  made.  But  until  the  work  had  arrived 
at  its  present  state,  no  complete  admeasurement  and  valuation  of  the  whole  was  prac- 
ticable. The  accumulated  balances  of  settled  accounts  form  a very  considerable 
total,  which  has  been  increased  by  the  stock  of  particular  kinds  of  materials  on  hand, 
the  purchase  of  which  appeared  highly  prudent,  if  not  absolutely  necessary,  should 
Congress  think  proper  to  proceed  further  with  the  public  works. 

I now  beg  leave  to  report  on  each  of  the  public  buildings,  separately: 

1.  South  wing  of  the  Capitol. 

At  the  close  of  the  year  1806,  the  framing  of  the  roof  of  the  south  wing  was  put  on, 
and  during  the  winter  it  was  covered  in.  The  greatest  exertions  wrere  then  used  to 
finish  the  interior;  and,  notwithstanding  the  early  meeting  of  the  Legislature  in 
October  last,  the  building  was  so  far  completed  as  to  be  occupied  by  the  House  of 
Representatives;  and  at  the  present  moment  this  wing  of  the  Capitol  may  be  con- 
sidered as  finished,  excepting  in  the  following  particulars: 

1.  All  the  wood-work  and  walls  require  to  be  painted.  The  wood-work  is  only 
primed. 

2.  Of  the  24  Corinthian  columns  of  the  Hall  of  Representatives,  the  capitals  of  only 
two  are  entirely  finished;  eight  are  in  a state  of  forwardness;  and  fourteen  are  only 
rough-hewn  or  bosted. 

3.  Only  part  of  the  moulding  of  the  cornice  is  finished. 


132 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


4.  The  sculpture  over  the  entrance  is  incomplete. 

5.  The  enclosure  of  the  lobbies  is  not  yet  finished. 

6.  All  the  chimney  pieces  of  the  principal  story,  and  two  of  the  vestibules,  ten  in 
number,  are  wanting. 

7.  Two  small  capitals  in  the  circular  vestibule  are  still  to  be  carved. 

8.  The  platform  on  the  south  front,  giving  access  to  the  galleries,  is  erected  upon 
the  old  scaffolding,  which,  having  been  some  years  in  use,  is  weak  and  decayed.  It 
is  required  by  the  nature  of  the  ground  that  a permanent  platform  on  arches  should 
be  extended  along  this  front. 

In  respect  to  these  deficiencies,  I beg  leave  to  submit  the  following  remarks: 

To  preserve  the  wood-work,  the  painting  should  lie  performed  in  the  ensuing  season; 
the  walls  are  not  yet  sufficiently  dry  to  admit  it;  but  the  painting  of  the  ceiling  of 
the  Hall  of  Representatives  ought  not  to  be  postponed.  Its  present  state  constitutes 
the  only  defect  which  remains  to  be  corrected  in  that  room,  as  I shall  endeavor  to 
explain,  in  speaking  of  the  very  just  complaints  that  were  made  at  the  commence- 
ment of  the  session  of  the  difficulty  of  hearing  and  speaking  in  it. 

The  sculpture,  which  is  still  deficient,  can  only  he  completed  in  the  course  of  time. 
There  are  at  present  in  the  service  of  the  United  States  two  very  skilful  Italian  sculp- 
tors, Messrs.  Andrei  and  Franzoni,  whose  talents  are  evident  in  their  works.  They 
and  their  pupil,  Somerville,  one  of  our  own  citizens,  will  make  very  considerable 
progress  during  the  next  season;  and  much  other  assistance  can  be  obtained  in  the 
less  difficult  parts  of  the  work. 

The  chimney  pieces  have  been  ordered,  and  may  soon  be  put  up;  and  the  platform 
on  the  south  front  is  not  a work  of  great  expense. 

But,  besides  completing  the  south  wing  in  these  particulars,  it  appears  equally 
necessary  to  erect  during  the  present  year  that  part  of  the  west  front  which  is  opposite 
to  the  eastern  entrance  of  the  house,  and  projects  westward  from  the  northwest  corner 
of  the  present  building.  In  this  part  of  the  work  it  is  intended  to  provide  a dwell- 
ing for  the  doorkeeper  of  the  House,  in  the  height  of  the  office  story,  and  above  to 
have  committee  rooms  for  the  House  of  Representatives.  The  necessity  of  the  work 
arises  from  two  causes,  which  I beg  leave  to  state  to  you. 

1.  In  my  former  reports,  and  especially  in  a printed  letter  to  the  members  of  the 
Legislature,  which  1 have  had  the  honor  to  communicate  to  you,  I explained  the 
reasons  which  obliged  me  to  carry  up  the  external  north  wall  of  the  house  independ- 
ently of  those  internal  walls  with  which  it  is  connected,  and  upon  which  it  depends 
for  the  principal  resistance  against  the  lateral  pressure  of  the  arches  and  roof  of  the 
house.  This  very  bold  undertaking  succeeded  in  enabling  us  to  get  much  more  for- 
ward with  the  work  than  would  have  been  otherwise  possible;  and,  by  the  erection 
of  the  entrance  and  its  communications,  this  wall  is  now  firmly  supported  as  far  as 
they  extend.  But  the  western  end  of  the  wall  still  remains  without  any  counterpoise 
against  the  pressure  outwards  but  what  arises  from  its  own  weight.  The  cellars, 
which  were  formerly  sunk  at  the  northwest  angle  of  the  south  wing,  and  which  for 
many  years  have  been  the  receptacle  of  rain  water,  will,  until  covered,  remain  a 
source  of  injury  to  this  part  of  the  building.  Every  feasible  step  has  been  taken  to 
prevent  the  lodging  of  the  water  in  them,  but  much  mischief  was  done  before  this 
could  be  effected;  and  a gradual  settlement  of  the  northwest  part  of  the  wall  has  been  going 
on  from  the  commencement,  and  still  increases,  though  very  slowly.  It  may  be  observed 
in  the  lobby  of  the  House,  and,  though  not  immediately. dangerous,  it  ought  to  be 
stopped  as  soon  as  possible. 

2.  There  is  another  consideration  which  is  perhaps  of  equal  importance  in  another 
point  of  view. 

On  the  removal  of  the  National  Legislature  to  this  city,  an  act  was  passed  appro- 
priating forever  to  the  use  of  the  doorkeepers  of  the  two  Houses  of  Congress  the 
buildings  erected  for  the  temporary  accommodation  of  the  workmen  while  employed 
on  the  Capitol.  It  was,  perhaps,  not  observed  that  these  buildings  stand  actually  in 


The  Old  Building. 


133 


the  street  which  passes  on  the  south  side  of  the  Capitol  square  and  in  the  Jersey 
avenue,  and  thus  destroy  not  only  the  appearance  and  regularity  of  the  square  and 
streets,  but,  being  placed  high  above  their  level,  are  a dangerous  obstruction  to  the 
intercourse  around  the  Capitol.  They  are,  besides,  so  badly  built,  and  already  so 
rotten,  as  scarcely  to  be  habitable;  and,  from  being  placed  on  the  surface  of  the  vege- 
table mould,  having  no  cellars,  and  having  a very  bad  aspect,  they  are  so  unhealthy 
that,  of  the  families  who  have  inhabited  them,  many  have  died,  and  all  have  been 
afflicted  with  severe  sickness.  Provision  will  require  to  be  made  to  carry  the  inten- 
tion of  the  Legislature  to  provide  dwellings  for  their  doorkeepers  into  effect;  and  a 
slight  observation  of  the  necessity  of  a more  close  attention  to  the  domestic  arrange- 
ments and  expenses,  and  the  better  government  of  the  servants  of  the  House  than  at 
present  can  possibly  be  had,  would  point  out  a powerful  reason  for  the  speedy  erection 
of  this  part  of  the  building,  even  if  it  were  not  necessary  to  the  support  of  what  is 
already  carried  up. 

Before  I close  my  account  of  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  I most  respectfully 
beg  permission  to  notice  in  this  report  the  two  objections  to  the  Hall  of  Congress, 
which  were  discovered  immediately  on  the  opening  of  the  session — the  difficulty  of 
hearing  and  speaking  in  it,  and  the  unpleasant  effect  of  the  mode  adopted  to  warm 
the  house  upon  the  air  of  the  room.  These  objections  have  been  forcibly  stated  and 
permanently  recorded  in  the  speeches  of  the  members,  and  the  appointment  of  com- 
mittees for  the  purpose  of  inquiry  into  their  cause  and  remedy;  and  I crave  this 
permission,  not  only  for  the  purpose  of  personal  exculpation,  but  with  the  hope  that 
the  explanation  I shall  give  will  prove  of  public  utility  in  similar  cases. 

In  every  large  room  the  great  average  distance  of  the  speaker  from  the  hearer  is  a 
cause  of  difficulty  of  hearing  and  speaking  which  cannot  be  removed;  but  the  effect 
of  this  cause  bears  no  proportion  to  that  indistinctness  which  arises  from  the  innu- 
merable echoes  that-  are  reverberated  from  the  walls  and  arched  ceiling  of  such  a 
room  as  the  Hall  of  Representatives.  These  surfaces  give  back  to  the  ear  echoes,  not 
only  of  the  voice  of  the  speaker,  at  a q>erceptible  distance  of  time  from  the  original 
sound,  but  also  distinct  echoes  of  every  accidental  noise  and  separate  conversation  in 
the  house  and  lobbies,  and  renders  debate  very  laborious  to  the  speaker  and  almost 
useless  to  the  hearers.  This  defect  was  foreseen;  and,  in  furnishing  the  house,  the 
curtains  and  draperies  of  the  windows  were  made  as  ample  as  propriety  would  admit; 
draperies  were  hung  in  other  proper  situations,  and  a large  curtain  closed  the  opening 
of  the  columns  behind  the  speaker’s  chair.  But  all  this  drapery  bore  a small  pro- 
portion to  the  extent  of  uncovered  surface,  though  it  rendered  those  particular 
situations  of  the  hearer,  thus  freed  from  echo,  superior  to  all  others. 

If  the  dimensions  of  a room,  erected  for  the  purpose  of  debate,  were  so  moderate 
that  the  echoes  of  the  voice  of  the  speaker  could  reach  the  ear  of  the  hearer,  without 
the  intervention  of  a perceptible  distance  of  time,  then  the  echo  would  strengthen 
and  support  the  voice;  and  we  find  that  this  is  actually  the  case  in  small  lecture 
rooms,  expressly  constructed  to  produce  innumerable  echoes.  But  there  is  a cir- 
cumstance attending  halls  of  debate  which  distinguishes  them  from  rooms  intended 
for  the  lectures  of  one  speaker;  the  impossibility  of  preserving  perfect  silence,  and 
of  confining  persons  to  their  seats,  so  as  to  prevent  all  sound  but  that  of  the  speaker’s 
voice;  for  it  is  evident  that  sounds  front  all  quarters  and  of  all  kinds  will  be  re-echoed 
with  perfect  impartiality. 

The  Hall  of  Representatives  is  one  hundred  and  ten  feet  long  from’  east  to  west, 
and  fifty-five  feet  high;  therefore,  before  the  echo  of  a sound  issuing  from  the  centre 
of  the  floor,  can  return  to  its  place  it  must  travel  one  hundred  and  ten  feet,  a distance 
very  perceptible  to  the  ear  in  the  return  of  echo.  The  distance  will  be  still  greater 
if  the  speaker  be  placed  at  a distance  from  the  hearer.  And  as  the  walls,  in  their 
various  breaks,  return  each  a separate  echo,  their  confusion  must  necessarily  render  it 
almost  impossible  +o  understand  what  is  spoken. 


134 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


From  these  plain  facts  it  is  evident  that  the  walls  of  every  large  hall  of  debate 
should  be  covered  with  tapestry,  or  other  material  which  does  not  reverberate 
sound.  On  reference  to  the  original  drawing  it  will  be  seen  that  this  was  intended, 
but  neither  the  time  nor  the  extent  of  the  appropriation  for  furniture,  which  proved 
insufficient,  for  the  indispensible  articles  of  carpeting,  tables,  chairs,  desks,  and  cur- 
tains, would  admit  it. 

A committee  being  appointed  by  the  House  to  inquire  into  the  causes  and  remedy 
of  the  difficulty  of  hearing  and  speaking,  the  foregoing  facts  and  reasonings  were 
laid  before  them;  and  it  was  proposed  to  suspend  curtains  between  the  columns 
round  the  whole  internal  area  of  the  house,  and  others  behind  the  seats  of  the  gal- 
leries, and  to  paint  the  ceiling  in  flock.  The  proposal  was  approved,  and  has  been 
executed  as  far  as  it  could  be  done  by  hanging  all  the  curtains;  the  painting  of  the 
ceiling  must  be  postponed  until  the  house  rises.  The  fullest  success  attended  this 
measure;  and,  although  the  echoes  of  the  ceiling  produce  in  the  centre  of  the  house 
some  confusion  of  sound,  it  is  a small  inconvenience,  which  will  be  removed.  When 
the  size  of  this  room  is  considered,  it  may  be  safely  asserted  that  it  is  now  as  little 
liable  to  objection  as  any  other  hall  of  debate  in  the  United  States;  that  it  is  in  all 
respects  superior  to  most  others,  and  that,  when  the  proposed  improvements,  which 
are  of  comparatively  small  import,  are  made,  it  will  be  second  to  none  in  every  legis- 
lative convenience.  Another  inconvenience  has  been  felt,  especially  by  some  of  the 
members,  from  the  effect  of  the  stoves  by  which  the  hall  is  warmed  upon  the  air  of 
the  room,  especially  when  the  house  and  galleries  have  been  crowded.  The  mouths 
of  these  stoves  are  in  the  office  story  below  the  hall,  and  a cavity  being  contrived  of 
from  three  to  five  feet  deep,  below  the  platforms  on  which  the  seats  are  placed,  the 
flues  in  this  cavity  wind  to  the  extent  of  two  hundred  feet  before  they  pass  into  the 
chimney.  When  the  session  was  first  opened  the  flues  and  walls  were  damp;  the 
fire  was  injudiciously  forced  by  the  servants  of  the  house,  and  the  heat  and  steam 
was  not  only  unpleasant,  but  highly  injurious  to  the  health  of  many  of  the  members; 
part  of  this  inconvenience  diminished  as  the  flues  became  drier,  and  less  fire  was 
made.  But,  in  order  to  renew  the  air  of  the  house,  the  external  air  has  been  freely 
admitted  into  the  cavity  of  the  flues,  and  a ventilator  is  made  in  the  roof.  The 
principle  on  which  these  stoves  are  constructed  is  not  new,  and  it  has  been  so  often 
and  so  successfully  put  into  practice  that,  when  every  proposed  improvement  is 
made,  and  the  building  has  become  dry,  there  can  be  little,  if  any,  doubt  of  its 
being  productive  of  no  inconvenience  whatever  to  any  individual  member  of  the 
house. 

2.  North  wing  of  the  Capitol. 

The  appropriation  made  at  the  last  session  of  Congress  had,  for  its  principal  object, 
such  a repair  of  the  house,  and  especially  of  the  roof  and  gutters,  as  should  keep  out 
the  weather  and  prevent  the  danger  arising  from  the  frequent  falling  down  of  the 
plastering  of  the  ceilings.  It  was  late  in  the  season  before  the  weather  permitted 
any  part  of  the  roof  to  be  stripped*  for  examination,  and,  when  this  was  done  in  the 
centre  of  the  building,  all  the  timbers  were  found  in  such  a state  of  decay  that 
no  part  of  them  could  be  suffered  to  remain  in  their  place.  The  decay  was  not, 
however,  confined  to  the  timbers  of  the  roof;  the  floors  down  to  the  groundfloor 
were  discovered  to  be  in  the  same  state.  The  floors  and  ceiling  of  the  Senate  cham- 
ber and  library  being  also  rotten,  it  was  judged  most  prudent  and  necessary  to  begin 
with  a thorough  repair  of  the  centre  from  the  foundation,  and  not  to  disturb  these 
apartments,  the  use  of  which  could  not  be  dispensed  with  the  ensuing  session;  for, 
had  the  roof  of  the  Senate  chamber  been  opened,  no  exertions  could  have  com- 
pleted the  repairs  in  proper  time,  while  the  south  wing  called  for  all  the  workmen 
which  by  any  means  we  could  collect.  Besides,  the  permanent  repairs  and  alter- 
ations proposed  for  the  centre  of  the  house  were  of  such  a nature  as  to  stop  the 
leakage  of  every  other  part  of  the  house;  and  it  was,  therefore,  executed  in  the  most 
permanent  manner,  and  on  the  principles  on  which  the  south  wing  has  been  built. 


The  Old  Building. 


135 


All  the  timber  floors,  and  galleries  of  the  centre  lobbies  were  taken  up,  and  the  work 
carried  up  by  solid  vaulting  in  brick  from  the  foundation  of  the  house  to  the  top  of 
the  dome;  a staircase,  much  wanted,  was  made  to  lead  into  the  fuel  cellars;  and 
arched  galleries  constructed,  giving  access  into  the  rooms  in  the  third  story,  which 
have  never  been  finished,  but  which  will  be  highly  useful  apartments  whenever  the 
wing  shall  be  completed. 

In  the  great  staircase  the  old  wooden  skylight  and  cove  was  entirely  taken  down, 
and  a solid  brick  cupola  turned  over  this  large  area  of  forty-five  by  thirty-five  feet, 
and  crowned  by  a lantern  light.  The  stairs  themselves  remain  in  the  same  danger- 
ous and  decayed  state  in  which  they  were  found,  but  they  have  been  properly 
secured  for  the  present. 

All  that  could  be  done  with  the  rest  of  the  roof  was  to  put  it  in  the  best  repair 
that  was  practicable  without  stripping  it.  But  it  cannot  be  denied  that  all  the  tim- 
bers of  the  house,  especially  those  parts  that  are  inserted  into  the  walls,  are  in  a state 
of  the  most  dangerous  decay;  and,  as  far  as  the  ceilings  and  floor  have  been  opened, 
the  dry  rot  is  found  to  have  possession,  and  to  be  making  progress.  It  appears, 
therefoi'e,  unavoidable  that  a, thorough  repair  of  the  whole  house,  upon  the  perma- 
nent construction  of  the  work  of  the  last  season,  should  be  pursued,  more  especially 
as  the  accommodation  of  the  Senate  and  of  the  courts  is  very  far  from  being  con- 
venient to  the  despatch  of  public  business.  On  this  head  I beg  leave  to  refer  to 
my  report  of  last  year,  and  will  now  only  state  once  more  my  opinion  that  the  present 
chamber  of  the  Senate  cannot  be  considered  as  altogether  safe,  either  as  to  the  plas- 
tering, of  which  the  columns  and  entablature  consist,  or  as  to  its  floor  and  ceiling. 

3.  Besides  the  work  executed  in  the  buildings  themselves,  a large  sum  has  been 
expended  in  rendering  them  safe  from  injury,  and  accessible  to  the  members.  The 
quantity  of  earth  to  be  removed  in  front  of  the  south  wing,  and  the  ground  to  be 
raised  to  the  southward  and  eastward,  was  considerable.  A permanent  drain  was 
required  to  prevent  the  wash  of  the  hill  on  which  the  building  stands  to  the  south  of 
the  circular  road,  and  the  road  leading  to  the  house  was  to  be  raised  and  covered 
with  gravel. 

On  the  north  the  main  drain  was  carried  away  by  the  heavy  rains  of  the  season. 
This  drain  has,  for  some  years  past,  been  an  annual  source  of  expense  and  incon- 
venience; it  is  now  durably  constructed.  Nothing  has  been  done  which  did  not 
appear  unavoidable,  or  done  in  a manner  to  require  further  alteration  and  expense; 
and  although  all  the  work  which  does  not  properly  belong  to  the  building  itself  has 
been  expensive,  the  objects  of  the  expense  have  been  permanently  effected. 

* * * 

The  state  of  the  south  wing  of  the  capitol  has  enabled  me  to  make  a complete 
measurement  of  all  the  work  of  every  kind  performed,  at  the  principal  object  of 
expenditure  since  the  year  1803,  and  not  only  in  respect  to  that  work,  but  in  every 
other  department  of  the  buildings;  I have  obtained  settlements  of  accounts  and 
measurements  up  to  the  present  period,  and  also  correct  valuations  of  all  the  work 
lying  contiguous  to  the  buildings  in  a state  of  greater  or  less  preparation.  From 
hence,  by  favor  of  the  superintendent  of  the  city,  I am  enabled  to  lay  before  you  a 
statement  of  all  the  expenditures  and  outstanding  claims  up  to  the  present  time, 
which  may  be  considered  as  correct;  the  unascertained  and  unsettled  accounts  being 
of  very  small  amount  and  importance,  and  capable  of  tolerably  correct  estimation. 
From'  this  statement  it  will  appear  that  the  outstanding  claims  are  of  very  consid- 
erable amount  in  the  aggregate;  an  amount  which  could  only  have  been  reduced  by 
leaving  the  works  in  an  unfinished  and  useless  state.  In  respect  to  the  south  wing 
of  the  capitol,  no  consideration  of  the  risk  of  future  appropriation  operated  with  the 
workmen  who  have  so  long  and  so  faithfully  labored  at  the  public  buildings,  to 
induce  them  to  stop  when  it  was  known  that  the  appropriation  was  exhausted,  and 
by  this  means  very  large  sums  have  become  due  to  two  of  the  principal  and  most 
respectable  persons  engaged  in  the  work.  Another  increase  of  expenditure,  not  as 


186 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


yet  properly  chargeable  to  any  branch  of  the  work,  has  been  incurred  by  the  very 
evident  utility,  if  not  absolute  necessity,  of  supplying  the  public  with  particular 
kinds  of  ironmongery  and  glass,  of  which  it  was  evident  that  no  supply  on  reasonable 
terms  would  shortly  he  attainable.  This  swells  the  amount  of  the  deficit  very  greatly, 
although  the  value  of  the  materials  on  hand  would  be  greater  than  is  stated  if  sold 
at  the  market  price.  I have,  in  the  first  instance,  charged  all  deficiencies  not  spe- 
cially stated  to  its  proper  appropriation  to  the  south  wing  of  the  capital,  and,  in  the 
general  account  current,  which  I subjoin,  I have  given  the  proper  credits  for 


materials  on  hand,  and  moneys  advanced  to  collateral  uses. 

1.  South  wing  of  the  Capitol. 

Appropriation  for  1807 $25,  000 

Amount  of  all  outstanding  claims  not  specially  stated  below.  $40, 598  19 

From  which  deduct  this  sum  in  hand $2, 167  00 

Due  from  the  contingent  funds  of  the  offices  of  State,  War, 

Navy,  and  the  Dost  Office" 3,218  65 

Deficit  on  the  south  wing  and  on  general  charges 35, 212  54  $35,  212  54 

$40,598  19 

2.  North  wing  of  the  Capitol. 

Appropriation  of  1807 $25,000 

Expenditures  in  1808. — Settled  accounts $22, 388  49 

Unsettled  accounts 402  01 

Proportion  of  salaries  of  the  surveyor  of  public  buildings  and 

clerk  of  the  works,  charged  to  the  south  wing  heretofore. . 2, 050  00 

$24,  840  50 

Cash  in  hand 159  50 

$25, 000  00 


* * * 

5.  Furniture  of  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol. 

In  my  former  report  I stated  the  sum  required  to  furnish  the  House  to  be  $20,000. 
This  estimate  did  not  include  the  expense  of  new  desks,  because,  from  the  best  inform 
mation  I could  obtain,  the  old  desks  were  supposed  applicable  to  the  new  House. 
But  the  frequent  removals  of  the  platforms,  and  the  erroneous  opinions  of  those  who 
had  made  them,  led  into  error;  and,  when  the  session  was  closed  and  the  desks 
removed,  it  was  found  utterly  impracticable  either  to  place  the  desks  on  the  new 
platforms,  or  to  accommodate  the  platforms  to  the  desks,  without  destroying  all  con- 
venience within  the  House.  New  desks  have  therefore  been  made.  In  other  respects, 
the  estimate  was  founded  on  very  simple  data,  as  the  numbers  of  tables,  curtains, 
blinds,  chairs,  and  bookcases,  and  the  quality  and  quantity  of  the  carpeting,  and  of 
the  ironmongery,  could  not  be  so  varied  as  to  make  any  material  difference  in  the 
expense;  and  on  inspection,  I trust  it  will  be  found  that  no  unnecessary  furniture 
has  been  introduced  into  the  House  or  committee  rooms. 


The  amount  of  appropriation  Avas $17,  000 

Expenditure  on  new'  desks $ 2, 164  66 

On  all  the  articles  included  in  the  estimate 19,  051  68 


$21,  216  34 
Deficit,  $ 4,  216  34 


a This  sum  Avas  laid  out  in  the  year  1S06.  Avhen,  by  the  falling  in  of  the  old  drains,  and  the  filling 
of  the  cellars  Avith  water,  the  offices  became  unhealthy;  and  it  was  absolutely  necessary  to  remedy 
the  evil  or  desert  the  buildings.  I have  stated  it  below'  as  a deficit,  as  it  has  not  yet  been  repaid. 


The  Old  Building. 


137 


RECAPITULATION. 

1.  South  wing  of  the  capitol $35,  212  54 

2.  To  make  good  the  sum  loaned  to  the  public  offices. 3,  218  65 

* * * 


Estimate  for  the  year  1808. 

To  make  good  the  deficit  of  1807,  including  the  debt  due  from  the  public 


offices $51,  500  00 

To  execute  the  work  deficient  in  the  south  wing 11,  500  00 

To  carry  up  that  part  of  the  west  front  which  is  necessary  to  secure  the 

northwest  angle  of  the  south  wing 15,  000  00 

To  carry  up,  in  solid  work,  the  interior  of  the  wing,  comprising  the 

Senate  chamber 25, 000  00 


I now  beg  leave  to  add  a statement  of  the  actual  expenditures  on  the  north  and 
south  wings  of  the  capitol,  up  to  the  present  time. 

1.  South  wing  of  the  Capitol. 

Expended  from  April,  1803,  up  to  January  1st,  1807,  including  the 


pulling  down  and  rebuilding  the  work  formerly  erected, $216,061  47f 

Cash  on  hand,  1807, $11,  000  00 

Appropriation,  1807, 25,  000  00 

Deficit,  1808, 35,  212  54 

71,212  54 


$287,  274  01J 

$1,  000 
2,  000 
3,  000 
1,500 

1,  500 

1,383 

2,  050 

12,  433  00 

Actual  cost  of  the  south  wing, $274,841  OH 

2.  — North  wing  of  the  Capitol. 

Expended  on  the  north  wing  of  the  capitol,  prior  to  1803, 
including  the  foundations  of  the  south  wing  and  centre.  $337,  735  38 
From  this  sum  deduct  the  full  value  of  the  above  founda- 
tions   30,  000  00 

$307,  735  38 

Expended  in  1803 3,301  75 

Expended  in  1807 24,  840  50 

Total  cost  of  the  north  wing $335,877  63 


All  which  is  most  respectfully  submitted,  by  your  faithful  humble  servant, 

B.  Henry  Latrobe, 

Surveyor  of  the  public  buildings  of  the  United  States. 
To  the  President  of  tiie  United  States. 


Per  contra. 

Materials  on  hand,  Crown  glass, 

Plate  glass  and  ironmongery,  

Sheet  iron,  for  roofing, 

Scaffolding  and  utensils, 

Freestone, 

Glass  and  lead  used  in  other  parts  of  the  works,  not  yet 

charged  to  their  account, 

Proportion  of  salaries  chargeable  to  the  north  wing, 


188 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[House  proceedings  of  April  5,  1808;  Annals  of  Congress,  10-1,  p.  1973.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

Mr.  Stanford,  from  a select  committee,  to  whom  the  President’s  Message,  on  the 
state  of  the  public  buildings  in  the  City  of  Washington,  was  referred,  asked  leave  to 
report  a bill.  This  was  opposed  by  Mr.  D.  R.  Williams,  but  it  was  agreed  to,  forty- 
nine  to  thirty-five.  Mr.  S.  then  reported  a bill  making  an  appropriation  to  cover  an 
unauthorized  expenditure  of  fifty-one  thousand  dollars  upon  the  south  wing  of  the 
Capitol,  and  appropriating  a further  sum  to  complete  the  same.  The  bill  was  read 
the  first  time,  and  a motion  made  that  it  pass  to  a second  reading. 

Mr.  Randolph  hoped  not;  and  for  reasons  which  he  trusted  would  be  satisfactory 
to  all.  When  the  revenue  of  the  United  States  was  suspended,  when  credit  was  ex- 
tended on  custom-house  bonds,  it  was  no  time  for  a wanton  waste  of  the  public  money. 
Fifty  thousand  dollars  have  been  expended  on  this  Capitol  beyond  the  appropria- 
tion for  that  purpose.  If  you  make  good  this  deficit,  you  may  also  for  five  hundred 
thousand  or  five  million  dollars.  The  officer  has  gone  into  an  immense  expenditure, 
which  is  in  every  point  of  view  illegal  and  unjustifiable.  It  is  enough  for  us  to  make 
good  the  expenditures  which  the  Executive  chooses  to  incur  for  the  public  good  on 
his  own  responsibility;  but  to  make  good  what  a private  agent  has  expended,  I will 
never  consent.  If  this  is  done,  there  is  an  end  to  appropriation  laws.  This  expense 
has  been  incurred,  not  by  the  Executive,  not  by  the  Head  of  a Department,  but  by 
a somebody  whom  we  do  not  know.  The  gentleman  from  North  Carolina  (Mr. 
Stanford)  has  presented  a naked  bill,  where  we  ought  to  have  had  an  elaborate 
report.  Whosoever  has  done  this  thing  must  be  responsible  to  the  United  States. 
Take  a plain  case.  You  employ  a workman  to  build  a house  for  one  thousand 
pounds.  He  chooses  for  some  reason  to  lay  out  more  without  consulting  you.  He 
alone  is  responsible  to  those  whom  he  engages;  you  have  nothing  to  do  with  the 
extra  expense. 

If  this  bill  was  agreed  to,  Mr.  R.  said,  he  must  consider  all  control  over  the 
expenditure  of  public  money  as  absolutely  abandoned. 

The  sum  in  question  is  not  a great  thing  for  this  great  nation;  but,  as  Hotspur 
says,  “in  a matter  of  account  I would  cavil  at  the  ninth  part  of  a hair.”  Fifty 
thousand  dollars  is  a smart  item  in  an  account.  It  is  more  than  the  whole  expense 
of  some  State  governments.  Our  chief  resources  are  cut  off,  and  it  behooves  us  to 
husband  our  means  as  carefully  as  possible.  Though  the  sum  is  not  so  great,  yet 
the  precedent  is  of  infinitely  greater  consequence  than  five  millions  of  dollars.  Mr. 
R.  concluded,  by  moving  to  reject  the  bill. 

Mr.  Stanford  lamented  that  so  much  business  had  lately  been  thrown  into  the 
hands  of  the  public  printers  that  the  report  of  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Build- 
ings, which  would  present  a proper  view  of  this  subject,  had  not  been  yet  printed 
for  the  use  of  the  House.  He,  Mr.  S.,  had  been  himself  in  favor  of  a detailed  report; 
but  a majority  of  the  committee  thought  otherwise,  and  instructed  him  to  present  a 
bill,  as  the  shortest  and  best  way  of  getting  rid  of  a bad  business.  The  workmen,  said 
Mr.  S.,  had,  after  a fair  warning  by  the  Superintendent,  proceeded  at  their  own  risk. 
He  would  himself  go  no  further  than  to  make  good  the  deficit;  but  objectionable  as 
that  was  in  principle,  he  would  agree  to  it;  there  was  a sore  which  wanted  a plaster. 

Mr.  Lewis  had  been  a member  of  the  committee  who  reported  this  bill.  He  did 
not  understand  it  to  be  the  opinion  of  the  committee  that  a naked  bill  should  be 
reported,  because  it  was  the  best  way  to  get  rid  of  a bad  business.  He  conceived 
the  faith  of  the  Government  pledged  to  make  good  this  deficit,  inasmuch  as  it  was 
pledged  to  complete  this  room.  Congress  were  convened  at  an  early  period,  and  they 
wanted  a room  to  meet  in.  The  sum  appropriated  was  found  insufficient  to  com- 
plete the  Representative  Hall,  and  the  surveyor  and  workmen  thought  it  best  to 


The  Old  Building. 


139 


proceed  on  their  own  responsibility,  and  throw  themselves  on  Congress.  Mr.  L. 
hoped  the  bill  would  not,  contrary  to  all  usage  and  custom,  be  prematurely  rejected 
in  this  stage. 

Mr.  Dana  conceived  it  proper  to  reject  a bill  only  when  it  was  so  exceptionable, 
and  contained  such  a palpable  absurdity  that  it  ought  not  to  be  deliberated  upon.  Is 
this  such  a bill?  [Here  Mr.  D read  an  extract  from  Mr.  Jefferson’s  Message  at  the 
first  session  of  the  seventh  Congress,  in  which  he  insisted  on  the  necessity  of  “appro- 
priating specific  sums  for  every  specific  purpose,  and  disallowing  all  applications  of 
money  varying  ‘ from  the  appropriation  in  object,  on  transcending  it  in  amount.”] 

The  doctrine  here  advanced,  Mr.  D.  said,  had  always  appeared  to  him  erroneous 
and  not  economical.  It  has  been  renounced  in  practice;  it  has  been  completely 
renounced  this  very  session.  There  may  be  instances  in  which  a public  officer  may 
do  right  in  expending  money,  and  throw  himself  on  the  Government;  he  may 
deserve  commendation  for  this  conduct.  Mr.  D.  concluded  with  saying  that  he  did 
not  give  any  intimation  of  his  final  opinion  on  examining  the  subject  further;  but  he 
was  clearly  for  having  the  bill  go  to  a second  reading. 

Mr.  Eppes  agreed  that  the  Superintendent  had  grossly  abused  his  trust,  and  was 
at 'first  disposed  to  reject  the  hill;  but  as  many  dependent  and  innocent  tradesmen 
and  mechanics  would  he  ruined  by  it,  he  hoped  the  bill  would  he  suffered  for  the 
present  to  lie  on  the  table,  and  a further  inquiry  made  into  the  circumstances  of  the 
case  before  a decision. 

Mr.  Randolph  consented  to  this  course,  though  he  should  renew  his  motion  to 
reject  the  bill  whenever  the  subject  was  called  up.  He  was  willing  to  indemify 
individuals  who  might  suffer,  by  referring  their  petitions  to  the  Committee  of 
Claims,  and  pay  their  just  demands  out  of  the  Treasury.  Mr.  R.  remarked  that  artists 
were  not  very  nice  calculators  in  money  matters.  He  was  not,  therefore,  surprised 
at  the  conduct  of  the  Surveyor  of  Public  Buildings.  Mr.  R.  spoke  very  highly  of 
him  as  an  architect,  and  thought  the  Pennsylvania  Bank  displayed  an  excellent 
taste,  and  the  Representative  hall  did  great  honor  to  his  abilities. 

Mr.  Eppes  varied  his  motion,  and  moved  to  recommit  the  bill  to  the  committee 
who  reported  it,  .with  instructions  to  report  a statement  of  circumstances,  and  to 
inquire  into  the  expediency  of  abolishing  the  office  of  Surveyor  of  the  Public  Buildings. 

Mr.  D.  R.  Williams,  in  a speech  of  some  length,  severely  condemned  the  conduct 
of  the  Surveyor  of  Public  Buildings  in  making  the  expenditure  in  question,  and 
spoke  of  his  ‘ ‘ outrageous  audacity  ’ ’ in  lately  altering  the  arrangement  of  the  Repre- 
sentative Hall  in  respect  to  the  entrance  to  the  galleries. 

Mr.  Stedman  hoped  the  bill  would  be  recommitted.  He  regretted  that  the  com- 
mittee had  not  presented  to  the  House,  wdth  the  bill,  a detailed  report  on  the  sub- 
ject, that  it  might  now  have  proceeded  in  the  ordinary  course.  Much  has  been  said 
on  the  subject  of  specific  appropriations,  and  of  the  impropriety  of  exceeding  them 
on  any  objects  of  expenditure.  Mr.  S.  respected  the  doctrine  laid  down  on  that  sub- 
ject, as  referred  to  by  the  gentleman  from  Connecticut  (Mr.  Dana,)  but,  though  it 
proceeded  from  high  authority,  it  has  been  since  found  to  be  impracticable,  and  he 
believed  it  would  appear  to  have  been  given  up  by  the  same  authority.  That  Mr.  S. 
might  present  to  the  House  the  old  and  the  new  doctrines  distinctly,  so  that  the  con- 
trast may  the  more  strikingly  appear,  he  begged  leave  to  read  the  same  passage  from 
the  President’s  first  Message  to  the  seventh  Congress,  which  was  read  by  his  friend 
from  Connecticut,  (Mr.  Dana:)  * * * 

Mr.  S.  hoped  that  the  committee  in  their  report,  and  the  House  in  considering  it, 
would  be  governed  by  the  doctrine  last  laid  down,  and  in  mercy  to  those  the  value 
of  whose  labors  on  the  public  buildings  had  exceeded  the  sum  appropriated  to  those 
objects,  would  provide  for  their  payment. 

The  question  was  then  taken  on  Mr.  Eppes’ s motion  to  recommit  the  bill,  and  car- 


140 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


lied.  The  committee  were  instructed  to  report  a statement  of  facts,  and  also  to 
inquire  into  the  expediency  of  abolishing  the  office  of  Surveyor  of  the  Public  Build- 
ings. And  the  House  adjourned. 


[Annals  of  Congress,  Appendix,  10-1,  p.  2790. — Communicated  to  the  House  April  21,  1808.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

Mr.  Stanford,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  recommitted  the  bill  to  make 
good  a deficit  in  the  appropriation  of  1807,  and  to  make  a further  appropriation  for 
completing  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  and  for  other  purposes,  “ with  instruc- 
tions to  make  to  the  House  a detailed  report  of  the  circumstances  which  produced 
the  deficit  for  the  public  buildings,  and  how  far  it  may  be  consistent  with  the  public 
interest  to  abolish  the  office  of  Surveyor  of  the  Public  Buildings,”  made  the  follow- 
ing report: 

That  they  have  made  every  research  in  their  power  into  the  causes  and  circum- 
stances which  produced  the  deficit  for  the  public  buildings  for  the  year  1807,  and 
find  that,  by  an  act  of  1802,  the  offices  of  the  then  commissioners  of  the  city  were 
abolished,  and  the  office  of  Superintendent  created;  and  that  on  this  officer  were 
devolved  all  the  powers  and  duties  which  the  commissioners  had  before  exercised. 
The  Superintendent  is,  then,  at  this  time,  under  the  general  control  and  direction  of 
the  President,  the  only  proper  officer  to  disburse  the  moneys,  and  through  whose 
hands  must  pass  all  accounts  and  other  charges  upon  the  funds  of  the  city.  So  soon, 
therefore,  as  it  appeared  to  him  probable  the  appropriations  of  the  year  1807,  par- 
ticularly that  for  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  might  be  exceeded,  he  did  not  fail 
to  suggest  his  fears,  and  to  give  to  the  Surveyor  of  Public  Buildings  due  precaution 
against  such  consequence.  All  this  may  appear  in  more  satisfactory  detail  in  a letter 
from  the  Superintendent,  which  accompanies  this  report,  to  which  the  committee 
beg  leave  to  refer. 

The  Surveyor  of  the  Public  Buildings  appears  not  to  be  an  officer  recognized 
by  the  law,  but  has  been  employed  and  appointed  by  the  President  alone,  as  the 
principal  architect,  to  design,  direct,  and  combine  the  whole  into  one  general 
system,  and  see  to  its  due  execution;  and,  withal,  it  appears  also  to  form  con- 
tracts with  the  different  subordinate  mechanics,  and  with  other  persons,  for  the 
various  materials  wanted  in  the  progress  of  the  work.  This  gentleman,  keep- 
ing mainly  in  view  the  more  appropriate  duties  of  his  own  profession,  that  of 
executing  the  work  in  a style  and  character  which  should  do  honor  to  his  art, 
and  that-  of  accomplishing  it  also  within  a time  more  limited  than  had  been  antici- 
pated in  the  earlier  part  of  the  season,  appears  not  to  have  been  impressed  with 
the  probability  (if,  indeed,  it  should  be  considered  as  coming  within  his  province 
to  be  so,  or  to  guard  against  such  impropriety)  that  the  expenditure  would  exceed 
the  general  appropriations  for  the  different  objects  of  the  public  work,  till  it  had 
actually  happened  so  on  a principal  one,  or  was  certain  to  do  so  to  a considerable 
amount;  and  when  thus  informed  by  the  Superintendent,  and  that  he  (the  Super- 
intendent) should  pass  no  account,  as  such  could  not  pass  the  Treasury  if  he  did, 
which  exceeded  the  funds  placed  in  his  hands  for  such  object.  At  this  stage  of  the 
business,  when  Congress  was  in  a few  weeks  to  be  in  session,  the  Surveyor  laid  a 
state  of  the  case  before  some  of  the  principal  mechanics,  and  a number  of  them,  to 
whom  the  greater  part  of  the  excess  was  likely  to  be  due,  voluntarily  came  forward, 
and,  rather  than  stop  and  proceed  to  the  measurement  of  their  work  while  in  an 
unfinished  state,  agreed  to  progress  with  it  at  their  own  risk,  and  in  the  fullest  con- 
fidence that  Congress  would  not  receive  the  benefit  of  their  labor  without  remunera- 
tion, and  that,  under  the  circumstances  of  the  case,  an  appropriation  would  be  in 


The  Old  Building. 


141 


due  time  made  to  indemnify  them.  A certificate  of  some  of  those  mechanics  to  this 
effect  accompanies  this  report,  to  which  the  committee  also  heg  leave  to  refer. 

To  these  considerations  may  be  also  added  another  circumstance  which  contributes 
to  the  largeness  of  the  present  deficit.  In  the  appropriation  of  the  year  1806,  a con- 
siderable deficit  also  occurred,  (which,  too,  had  grown,  in  part,  out  of  a train  of 
deficits  of  years  still  preceding, ) the  accounts  for  which,  as  the  Superintendent  in  his 
letter  states,  were  not  presented  in  form  to  him  for  payment  till  in  the  year  1807, 
and  were  accordingly  paid  out  of  the  appropriations  of  that  year.  Thus,  then,  the 
deficit  of  the  last  year,  (if  fair  to  estimate  the  probable  amount  of  all  preceding 
deficits,  and  to  take  also  into  view  a considerable  quantity  of  materials  remaining 
now  on  hand  for  future  public  use, ) the  actual  amount  of  w'hat  seems  to  be  the  pres- 
ent deficit  would  be  greatly  diminished.  The  committee,  however,  feel  it  their  duty 
to  say  that  the  Surveyor  of  Public  Buildings  appears  to  have  pursued  the  duties 
coming  within  the  scope  of  his  professional  business  and  charge  with  a laudable  zeal, 
and  with  an  integrity  which  not  a shadow  of  reason  appears  to  them  to  question. 

As  to  the  propriety  of  abolishing  the  office  of  Surveyor  of  Public  Buildings,  the 
committee,  not  finding  such  an  officer  recognised  by  law,  cannot  perceive  how'  the 
President,  under  whose  general  control  all  the  public  -works  of  the  city  are  conducted, 
can  dispense  with  the  employment  of  some  such  principal  architect.  If  he  can,  it  is 
now',  and  will  be  at  other  times,  in  his  power  to  do  so.  It  is  an  office,  indeed,  which 
must  cease  with  the  appropriations  that  sustain  it. 

Upon  the  whole,  the  committee  not  having  been  able  to  discover  that  the  sacred 
principle  of  the  Constitution,  which  enjoins  that  no  money  shall  be  drawn  from  the 
Treasury  but  in  consequence  of  appropriations  made  bylaw',  has  been  at  all  violated; 
and  although  a debt  has  been  incurred,  and  the  public  faith  in  a manner  pledged 
beyond  the  real  amount  of  actual  appropriation  in  the  present  instance,  believe  the 
whole  has  happened  under  circumstances  forming  an  apology  not  slight  in  its  nature, 
and  the  force  of  which,  it  may  be  presumed,  the  House  will  at  once  see.  They, 
therefore,  beg  leave,  with  the  accompanying  documents,  to  offer  the  same  bill  which 
they  before  reported  to  the  House. 


Superintendent’s  Office, 
Washington,  April  15,  1808. 

Sir:  In  reply  to  your  letter  requiring  “information  of  the  circumstances  which 
produced  the  deficit  in  the  appropriation  for  the  Public  Buildings,”  I have  the  honor 
to  state  that  the  moneys  which  have  been  appropriated  for  these  buildings,  and  the 
w'ays  between  the  same,  have  been  placed  in  my  hands  by  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  to  be  disbursed  under  his  direction,  and  accounted  for  with  the  Treasury 
Department;  that,  in  the  execution  of  this  agency,  1 was  obliged,  by  its  nature  and 
necessary  connexion  with  the  duties  and  province  of  the  architect  or  surveyor  of  the 
W'orks,  to  rely  very  much  on  him,  as  well  in  certifying  and  attesting  claims  for  mate- 
rials and  workmanship,  as  in  so  regulating  our  operations  that  the  cost  of  the  work 
of  each  season  should  be  commensurate  with  or  within  the  limit  of  the  appropriation 
made  to  cover  it;  and  the  state  of  the  funds  wras,  for  that  purpose,  from  time  to  time, 
communicated  to  the  architect. 

This  system  was  pursued  with  the  desired  effect  until  the  close  of  the  year  1806, 
when,  after  the  appropriation  of  that  year  had  been  wholly  disbursed,  and  my 
accounts  made  up,  I found  there  were  some  unsatisfied  claims,  but  supposed  the 
amount  was  as  small  as  could  be  expected  in  transactions  of  that  kind  and  extent. 
In  that  supposition,  however,  I wras  disappointed;  for  it  appears  that  a considerable 
portion  of  the  appropriation  for  1807  (which  I understood  and  expected  was  made 
as  adequate  only  to  cover  the  works  of  that  year)  has  been  paid  for  prior  claims, 
though  not  presented  to  me  till  1807.  This  circumstance,  and  the  state  of  our  funds 


142 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


early  last  Fall,  convinced  me  that  the  then  unexpended  balance  would  be  insufficient 
for  effecting  the  contemplated  objects  of  the  season,  particularly  that  the  portion  of 
that  balance  applicable  to  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol  would  fall  short  of  preparing 
it  for  the  reception  of  the  Representatives,  without  incurring  debt,  and  I accordingly 
apprized  the  architect  of  my  apprehensions;  and  then,  as  well  as  often  subsequently, 
gave  him  a view  of  the  funds,  and  invited  his  attention  thereto,  from  time  to  time, 
so  as  to  avoid  unauthorized  debts  by  exceeding  the  appropriations,  which  would 
not  only  be  a violation  of  a principle  of  Government  which  could  not  be  too 
sacredly  regarded,  but  would  also  be  in  contravention  of  the  strict  and  often  repeated 
injunction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  never  to  let  the  cost  of  the  work  of 
any  season  exceed  the  amount  of  the  appropriation. 

The  Surveyor  was  doubtless  fully  impressed  with  the  necessity  and  propriety  of 
being  governed  by  these  obligations  and  considerations  of  duty,  and  stated  that  he 
hoped  and  believed  that,  when  the  account  of  the  south  wing  should  be  justly 
credited  with  various  articles  wholly  charged,  when  purchased,  to  that  account,  but 
afterward  partially  applied  to  other  objects  and  uses,  there  would  be  found  fairly  appli- 
cable to  that  wing  a sum  nearly,  if  not  quite,  sufficient  to  put  it  into  a state  of  timely 
preparation  for  the  ensuing  session  of  Congress;  but  that  the  little  time  within  which 
a great  deal  of  work  was  to  be  done  would  not  admit  of  making  such  measurements 
and  returns  as  would  show  the  precise  state  of  things  before  the  close  of  the  season. 

The  south  wing  fund  soon  after  appeared  on  the  face  of  my  books  to  be  wholly 
disbursed,  and  I declined  charging  any  further  sums  to  that  fund;  but,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  assurance  of  the  Surveyor  that  it  would  be  entitled,  as  before  stated, 
to  considerable  credits,  I made  advances,  on  account  of  many  persons  who  had  mixed 
claims,  out  of  the  north  wing  fund,  and  in  that  way  kept  the  workmen  together, 
and  the  work  progressing  until  Congress  met,  and  time  was  afforded  for  an  appor- 
tionment and  separation  of  those  mixed  transactions,  and  an  accurate  arrangement 
of  all  the  accounts.  By  these,  as  taken  from  the  measurements  and  certified  returns 
of  the  Surveyor,  it  appears  that  a much  larger  debt  or  deficit  has  been  incurred  than 
he  had,  I believe,  ever  conceived,  certainly  than  he  ever  expressed  to  me  an  idea 
of.  This  error  of  misconception  of  the  amount  of  debt,  was,  in  a great  degree, 
caused  by  the  circumstance  of  an  immense  amount  of  stonecutters’  and  other  work 
done  by  contract  not  having  been  previously  measured,  in  consequence  of  difficulty 
alleged  to  attend  the  measurement  of  such  work  in  a progressive  and  unfinished 
state.  Payments  on  account  to  a large  amount  had  been  made  to  these  contractors, 
on  estimates  certified  to  me,  from  time  to  time,  and  known  by  all  parties  to  be 
within  the  amount  due;  but  until  accurate  measurements  were  made,  none  of  us 
supposed  the  balances  due  from  the  public  were  so  large. 

I have  only  to  add,  that,  although  this  excess  is  only  now  discovered,  it  may  fairly 
be  considered  as  arising  out.of  the  works  of  five  years,  amounting  to  between  three 
and  four  hundred  thousand  dollars,  and  of  a nature  and  magnitude  hardly  suscepti- 
ble of  precision  or  exactness,  in  all  their  unforeseen  and  various  ramifications.  It  is 
also  a just  consideration  that,  in  the  amount  of  that  excess,  is  included  materials 
now  on  hand  and  ready  for  public  use,  but  which,  if  put  into  market,  would  reim- 
burse a large  portion  of  the  deficit. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  sir,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

Thomas  Munroe. 

Hon.  Richard  Stanford. 


Washington,  April  5,  1808. 

Sir:  At  your  request,  we  whose  names  are  hereunto  subscribed,  willingly  state  that, 
in  the  course  of  the  year  1807,  and  a considerable  time  previous  to  the  completion 
of  the  public  works  on  which  we  were  engaged,  we  were  apprized  that  the  appro- 
priation of  moneys*by  Congress  was  exhausted,  and  that  we  proceeded  in  the  execu- 
tion of  the  work  committed  to  us,  in  full  confidence  that,  unless  our  work  were 


The  Old  Building. 


143 


insufficiently  or  unfaithfully  performed,  we  should  not  be  permitted  by  the  National 
Legislature  to  lose  the  reward  of  our  labor  or  the  value  of  our  materials. 

George  Blagden,  Stonecutter, 

Thomas  Machen,  Stonemason, 

S.  Meads,  Foreman  of  carpenters, 

Henry  Ingle,  Cabinetmaker  and  ironmonger, 
Griffith  Coombe,  Lumber  merchant. 

B.  Henry  Latrobe,  Esq., 

Surveyor  of  the  Public  Buildings  U S.  at  Washington. 

The  principal  part  of  the  workmen  are  at  present  absent  from  the  city. 

B.  H.  Latrobe. 


[House  proceedings  of  April  23,  1808:  Annals  of  Congress,  10 — 1,  p.  2272.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

The  House  then  went  into  a Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  bill  making  appro- 
priation to  supply  the  deficit  In  the  appropriation  for  the  public  buildings  for  the 
year  1807,  and  for  other  purposes. 

The  bill  having  gone  through  the  Committee  of  the  Whole,  after  filling  up  the 
blanks  for  the  deficit,  and  for  a small  sum  for  finishing  the  wall  round  the  Presi- 
dent’s House,  and  refusing  to  make  an  appropriation  for  the  ensuing  year,  for  other 
purposes,  the  Committee  rose  and  reported  the  bill. 

* * * 

The  House  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  amendments  reported  from  the  Com- 
mittee of  the  Whole  to  the  bill  to  make  good  a deficit  in  the  appropriation  of  eighteen 
hundred  and  seven,  and  to  make  further  appropriation  for  completing  the  south  wing 
of  the  Capitol,  and  for  other  purposes:  Whereupon,  the  first  amendment  reported 
from  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  to  fill  up  the  first  blank  in  the  bill  with  the  words 
fifty-one  thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  was  agreed  to  by  the  House — yeas  75,  nays 
14,  as  follows:  * * * 

The  other  amendments  reported  from  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  being  again 
read,  the  third,  fourth,  fifth,  and  sixth  amendments  were  agreed  to,  and  the  second 
amendment  was,  on  the  question  put  thereupon,  disagreed  to  by  the  House.  The 
said  bill  was  then  further  amended  and,  together  with  the  amendments  agreed  to, 
ordered  to  be  engrossed,  and  read  the  third  time  this  day. 

[House  proceedings  of  April  25,  1808:  Annals  of  Congress,  10 — 1,  pp.  2276.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

The  engrossed  bill  to  supply  the  deficit  in  the  appropriations  for  the  public  build- 
ings, being  read  the  third  time, 

Mr.  Randolph  called  for  the  yeas  and  nays  upon  it. 

Mr.  Randolph  then  opposed  the  bill  at  some  length,  on  account  of  its  infringing, 
as  he  conceived,  every  principle  of  the  Constitution  and  the  law;  for  if  this  were  to 
be  permitted,  they  might  as  well  open  the  Treasury  and  dismiss  their  accounting 
officers  at  once. 

Messrs.  Holland,  Stanford,  and  Smilie,  replied;  they  conceived  that  the  Superin- 
tendent, acting  under  a resolution  of  the  House  to  prepare  the  room  for  the  next 
meeting,  had  done  his  duty  by  preparing  it;  and  was  at  least  justifiable  in  having 
acted  so. 

The  question  was  then  taken,  and  the  bill  was  passed,  73  to  8,  as  follows:  * * * 

[Senate  proceedings  of  April  25,  1808:  Annals  of  Congress,  10—1,  p.  379.] 

A message  from  the  House  of  Representatives  informed  the  Senate  that  they  have 
passed  a bill,  entitled  “An  act  to  make  good  a deficit  in  the  appropriation  of  1807, 


144 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


and  to  make  a further  appropriation  for  completing  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol, 
and  for  other  purposes;”  in  which  they  request  the  concurrence  of  the  Senate. 

The  bill  was  twice  read. 

On  motion,  by  Mr.  Reed,  to  strike  out  of  the  first  section  the  following  words: 
“for  completing  the  wall  of  the  President’s  house,  planting  the  ground,  so  as  to 
close  this  part  of  the  expenditure,  building  a solid  flight  of  steps  to  the  principal 
door,  and  minor  expenses,  fourteen  thousand  dollars:”  it  passed  in  the  negative — 
yeas  3,  nays  18,  as  follows: 

* * * 

On  motion,  by  Mr.  Gregg,  to  insert,  at  the  end  of  the  first  section,  these  words: 
“For  executing  the  work  deficient  in  the  interior  of  the  south  wing,  and  painting, 
eleven  thousand  five  hundred  dollars:”  it  passed  in  the  affirmative — yeas  17,  nays  4, 
as  follows:  * * * 

And  the  bill  having  been  further  amended,  the  President  reported  it  to  the  House 
accordingly,  and  it  was  agreed  that  the  bill  pass  to  the  third  reading  as  amended. 
The  bill  was  then  read  a third  time,  and  passed. 

[House  proceedings  of  Apr.  25, 1808:  Annals  of  Congress,  10 — 1,  2279.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

The  bill  for  making  appropriations  to  supply  the  deficit  in  the  appropriation  for 
public  buildings,  was  returned  from  the  Senate  with  amendments. 

The  first  amendment,  allowing  twenty-five  thousand  dollars  to  carry  up  the  solid 
work  in  the  interior  of  the  north  wing,  being  under  consideration— 

Mr.  Stanford  moved  to  strike  out  that  sum  and  insert  twelve  thousand  five  hun- 
dred dollars — negatived. 

The  amendment  of  the  Senate  was  then  agreed  to,  48  to  22. 

The  next  amendment,  for  appropriating  a sum  for  drains,  bridges,  highways,  &c., 
was  negatived,  42  to  26. 

The  next  amendment,  of  eleven  thousand  dollars  for  finishing  the  interior  of  the 
south  wing,  being  under  consideration — 

Mr.  Stanford  said,  as  they  seemed  willing  to  do  a part,  they  had  as  well  agree  to 
the  whole,  and  appropriate  fifteen  thousand  dollars  also  for  securing  the  northwest 
angle  of  the  south  wing,  and  moved  accordingly — negatived. 

The  amendment  of  the  Senate  was  then  agreed  to,  52  to  21. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  April  25,  1808:  Annals  of  Congress,  10 — 1,  p.  380.] 

FIVE  O’CLOCK,  P.  M. 

A message  from  the  House  informed  the  Senate  that  the  House  agree  to  some,  and 
disagree  to  others  of  the  amendments  of  the  Senate  to  the  act  entitled  “An  act  to 
make  good  a deficit  in  the  appropriation  of  eighteen  hundred  and  seven,  for  com- 
pleting the  public  buildings,  and  for  other  purposes.” 

The  Senate  proceeded  to  consider  their  amendment  to  the  bill,  entitled  “An  act 
to  make  good  a deficit  in  the  appropriation  of  eighteen  hundred  and  seven,  for  com- 
pleting the  public  buildings,  and  for  other  purposes,”  disagreed  to  by  the  House  of 
Representatives;  Whereupon, 

Resolved,  That  they  recede  from  their  said  amendment. 


[“An  Act  to  make  good  a deficit  in  the  appropriation  of  eighteen  hundred  and  seven,  for  completing 
the  public  buildings,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Apr.  25, 1808.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  2,  499.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That,  in  addition  to  the  appropriations  already  made,  the  fol- 
lowing sums  of  money  be,  and  the  same  are  hereby,  appropriated,  to  be  applied, 


The  Old  Building.  145 

under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  to  the  purposes  hereinafter 
mentioned,  that  is  to  say: 

For  making  good  the  deficit  of  eighteen  hundred  and  seven,  including  the  debt  due 
from  the  public  offices,  fifty-one  thousand  five  hundred  dollars. 

* * * 

For  carrying  up,  in  solid  work,  the  interior  of  the  north  wing,  comprising  the  Sen- 
ate chamber,  twenty-five  thousand  dollars. 

For  executing  the  work  deficient  in  the  interior  of  the  south  wing,  and  for  paint- 
ing, eleven  thousand  five  hundred  dollars. 

Sec.  2.  And  be  it  farther  enacted,  That  the  several  sums  of  money  hereby  appro- 
priated, shall  be  paid  out  of  any  money  in  the  treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated. 


LMss.:  Letters  of  the  Presidents  of  the  United  States,  p.  157:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds, 

War  Department.] 


Washington  April  25,  1808. 

Sir,  I took  a note  last  night  of  the  appropriations  of  the  Bill  for  the  public  build- 
ings, they  are  as  follows. 


For  Debts 

For  the  wall  round  the  President’s  square 
Planting  the  grounds. 

Steps  at  the  principal  entrance 

South  wing,  finishing 

North  wing 


“so  as  to  close  this  part  of 
the  expenditure” 


51,400  D. 

14.000.  D. 

11,500.  D.— 

25.000.  D.— - 


We  will  consider  these  heads  singly. 

Debts. — Under  this  head  is  to  be  considered  all  work  done  before  the  date  of  the 
Act;  so  that  all  accounts  should  be  immediately  settled  up  to  April  25,  and  paid  out 
of  this  fund.  What  is  done  from  this  day  forward  is  to  be  charged  to  the  New7 
Appropriations. 

* * * 

South  wing. — You  best  know'  what  is  to  be  done  here,  but  I would  advise  the  dif- 
ferent branches  of  the  w7ork  to  be  done  successively,  paying  off  each  before  another  is 
begun. 

North  wing,  to  be  begun  immediately  and  so  pressed  as  to  be  finished  this  season. 
1,  vault  with  brick  the  cellar  story;  2,  leave  the  present  Senate  Chamber  exactly  in 
it’s  present  state;  3,  lay  a floor  where  the  Gallery  now  is  to  be  the  floor  of  the  future 
Senate  Chamber.  Upon  it  above  to  the  roof  to  give  it  elevation  enough,  leaving  the 
present  columns  uninjured,  until  we  see  that  every  thing  else  being  done  & paid  for, 
there  remains  enough  to  make  these  columns  of  stone. 

You  see,  my  Dear  Sir,  that  the  object  of  this  cautious  preceding  is  to  prevent  the 
possibility  of  a deficit  of  a single  Dollar  this  year.  The  lesson  of  the  last  year  has  been 
a serious  one,  is  has  done  you  great  injury,  & has  been  much  felt  by  myself — it  was 
so  contrary  to  the  principles  of  our  Government,  which  make  the  representatives  of 
the  people  the  sole  arbiters  of  the  public  expense,  and  do  not  permit  any  work  to 
be  forced  on  them  on  a larger  scale  than  their  judgment  deems  adopted  to  the  cir- 
cumstances of  the  Nation. 

I give  to  Mr.  Monroe  a copy  of  this  letter,  that  he  may  conform  his  warrants  to  it — 
matters  of  detail  may  be  the  subject  of  verbal  consultation  between  us  before  I leave 
this  which  will  be  on  the  5th  of  May. 

I salute  you  with  esteem  and  respect,  Th.  Jefferson. 

p g * * * 

Mr.  Latrobe. 

H.  Rep.  646 


10 


146 


Documentary  History  of  tlxe  Capitol. 


[Message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  transmitting  a report  of  the  Surveyor  of  the  Public 
Buildings  of  the  United  States,  in  the  city  of  Washington,  Dec.  1,  1808.  (10—2,  House  Ex.  Docs.)] 

MESSAGE. 

To  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States. 

I transmit  to  both  houses  of  congress,  a report  from  the  surveyor  of  the  public 
buildings,  of  the  progress  made  in  them  during  the  last  season,  of  their  present  state, 
of  the  expenditures  incurred,  and  of  those  which  may  be  requisite  for  their  further 
prosecution. 

Th:  Jeffeeson. 

December  1,  1808. 


Report. 

To  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

The  report  of  the  surveyor  of  the  public  buildings  of  the  United  States,  in  the  city  of  Wash- 
ington, November  18,  1808. 

Sir,  The  several  appropriations  made  at  the  last  session  of  congress,  for  the  progress 
of  the  work  on  the  public  buildings,  have,  during  the  late  recess  of  the  legislature, 
been  applied  to  their  specific  objects  in  the  manner  which  I now  beg  leave  to  report 
to  you. 

I.  South  Wing  of  the  Capitol. 

In  this  wing,  all  the  wood  work  and  the  covering  of  the  roof  have  been  painted; 
the  iron  railing  of  the  vestibule  and  stairs  has  been  provided;  the  sculptors  have 
been  diligently  employed  in  the  interior  of  the  hall  upon  the  figures  of  the  frieze  on 
the  cornice,  and  the  capitals  of  the  columns.  The  ceiling  has  been  painted  in  a mas- 
terly manner  by  Mr.  George  Bridport  of  Philadelphia;  the  lobbies  of  the  house 
have  been  finished,  and  the  inconveniences  experienced  during  the  last  session  have 
been  obviated  by  a great  variety  of  improvements  in  detail. 

II.  North  Wing  of  the  Capitol. 

The  appropriation  for  this  wing  has  been  specifically  applied  agreeably  to  the 
words  of  the  act,  to  carry  up,  in  solid  worh,  the  interior  of  the  north  wing,  comprising  the 
senate  chamber,  according  to  the  design  submitted  to  congress,  in  the  year  1806,  and 
partly  executed  in  1807. 

This  design,  presuming  that  the  brick-work  of  the  building  could  be  depended 
upon,  did  not  contemplate  the  removal  of  the  brick  arcade  surrounding  the  senate 
chamber.  But  on  opening  the  floors,  every  part  of  the  wood-work  was  found  to  be 
much  more  decayed  than  was  ever  apprehended,  so  that  no  one  floor  in  the  whole 
building  could  be  considered  as  safe.  Scarcely  a single  principal  girder  or  beam  was 
entirely  sound,  the  tenants  of  the  oak  joists  were  generally  rotten,  and  the  only 
species  of  timber,  which  had  at  all  withstood  decay,  was  the  pine  and  poplar  of 
which  the  beams  and  the  pillars  were  made.  All  the  white  oak  was  seized  by  the 
dry  rot,  and  even  the  trusses  of  oak,  let  into  sound  beams  of  pine,  were  far  advanced 
in  decay.  a Almost  all  the  plates  and  bond  timber,  which  were  partly  buried  in  the 
walls,  were  in  the  interior  reduced  to  powder;  and  even  many  of  the  pine  posts, 
over  which  the  lathed  and  plaistered  columns  of  the  Senate  chamber  were  formed, 
were  rotten. 

Upon  the  most  decayed  part  of  such  timber  the  back  piers  of  the  senate  chamber 
stood;  they  were  admirably  constructed;  but  of  seven  superficial  feet,  which  each  of 
them  occupied,  five  feet  had  no  other  foundation  to  rest  upon.  Independently  of 
this  general  rottenness  of  the  timber,  the  frequent  alterations  which  the  design  had 


a The  state  of  the  timber  generally,  may  be  observed  as  it  lies  near  the  building  in  a situation  open 
to  inspection. 


The  Old  Budding. 


147 


undergone  during  its  original  progress,  had  weakened  the  work,  and  one  o£  the  most 
heavy  walls  had  been  so  cut  down  in  its  lower  part,  that  whenever  the  timber  had 
given  way,  the  top  must  have  fallen  into  the  senate  chamber. 

It  became  therefore  necessary  to  go  down  to  the  very  foundation,  to  take  down 
and  rebuild  the  arcade,  now  a part  of  the  court  room,  and  to  carry  up  the  whole 
work  solidly  from  the  bottom  of  the  cellar.  All  this  was  accomplished  about  the 
middle  of  September;  but  on  the  19th  of  that  month,  the  floor  of  the  senate  cham- 
ber, with  the  vault  of  the  court  room,  which  supported  it,  fell  in;  and  though  no 
other  part  of  the  work,  except  the  cellar  arches  below,  was  thereby  damaged;  and 
the  value  of  the  loss  suffered  in  labour  and  materials  did  not  exceed  $800,  yet  the 
death  of  Mr.  Lenthall,  clerk  of  the  works,  who  was  buried  in  the  ruins,  renders  this 
accident  a most  serious  misfortune  to  the  public;  for  to  his  consummate  skill  as  a 
mechanic,  and  to  his  unimpeachable  integrity,  the  public  are  indebted,  in  a great 
measure,  for  the  perfect  execution  which  characterizes  the  works  erected  since  the 
year  1803.  The  cause  of  this  accident  is  to  be  found  in  the  manner  in  which  the 
level  floor  of  the  senate  was  raised  upon  the  back  of  the  vault;  in  the  construction  of 
which  my  better  judgment  yielded  to  arguments  of  economy. 

Since  this  accident,  progress  has  been  made  in  rebuilding  this  vault  in  a safer, 
though  less  expeditious  manner;  and  in  a few  weeks  of  the  next  season  all  may 
be  restored. 

In  addition  to  the  apartments  of  the  senate,  a stone  stairs  has  been  executed  by 
Mr.  George  Blagden,  in  a style  of  very  superior  workmanship. 

-x-  -x-  -x- 

The  appropriations  being  now  nearly  exhausted,  the  work  must  soon  be  closed 
and  the  workmen  discharged,  unless  it  should  please  the  legislature  to  proceed 
further  towards  the  completion  of  the  public  buildings.  I,  therefore,  beg  leave  to 
submit  the  following, 

Statement  and  estimate  of  the  work,  proposed  for  the  next  season. 

I.  South  Wing  op  the  Capitol. 

To  continue  the  work  on  the  capitals  of  the  columns  of  the  house  of  representatives, 
to  defray  expense  of  repairs  of  glass,  and  minor  repairs;  to  procure  strong  American 
glass  for  the  large  windows  of  the  hall,  which  have  been  imperfectly  glazed,  and 
independently  of  the  inconvenience,  are  liable  to  frequent  breakage:  and  to  put  up 
10  deficient  chimney  pieces,  will  be  required  $6,000 

I beg  leave  to  remark  that  this  sum  includes  the  salaries  of  the  Italian  Sculptors 
engaged  by  contract  in  the  service  of  the  United  States,  and  who,  when  no  longer 
employed,  are  to.be  sent  home  at  the  public  expense.  The  future  annual  expense 
of  this  wing  will  not  exceed  5000$ 

II.  North  wing  of  the  Capitol,  apartments  of  the  Senate. 

The  apartments  of  the  senate  consist  of 

1.  The  senate  chamber. 

2.  The  vestibule  in  the  centre  of  the  house. 

3.  The  lobby  or  withdrawing  room. 

4.  5.  The  secretary’s  office,  2 rooms,  one  for  the  records. 

6,  9.  Four  committee  rooms:  two  on  a level  with  the  floor  of  the  senate,  two  above 
stairs. 

10,  11.  The  gallery  stairs,  and  committee  room  staircase. 

12.  The  passage  to  the  lobby  and  cloak  room. 

13,  16.  Three  store  rooms  above  stairs. 

18,  19.  The  lower  entrance  and  principal  stairs. 

All  these  apartments  may  be  completely  finished  by  the  middle  of  August  next. 
All  these  rooms  are  ready  for  the  plaisterer  excepting  the  senate  chamber  and  the 


148 


Documentary  ID  story  of  the  Capitol. 


rooms  in  the  recess,  which  are  to  be  rebuilt  from  the  foundation,  being  the  most 
rotten  part  of  the  remaining  building,  except  the  library. 

These  works  will  require,  independently  of  furniture,  $20,000. 

3.  Library  and  offices  of  judiciary  on  the  west  side  of  the  north  wing. 

The  room  now  containing  the  library  is  much  too  small  for  the  books  already  pur- 
chased, which  are  obliged  to  be  piled  up  in  heaps;  and  unless  immediate  steps  be 
taken  to  complete  the  permanent  accommodations  for  the  library,  the  utmost 
embarrassment  will  ensue.  This  and  the  rotten  state  of  the  west  side  of  the  north 
wing,  which  remains  untouched,  induces  me  to  propose  immediate  measures  to  this 
effect.  An  appropriation  of  $25,000  will  carry  up  the  whole  of  this  side  of  the  house 
solidly,  complete  the  staircase,  and  after  the  next  session,  the  library  may  be  fitted 
up  and  receive  the  books  before  the  session  of  1810-11. 

The  library  will  consist  of,  besides  a private  reading  room  for  the  members  of  the 
legislature,  the  great  library,  which  is  calculated  to  contain  not  less  than  40,000 
books  against  its  walls  in  three  stages  or  galleries;  and  two  store-rooms  for  unbound 
books,  pamphlets,  and  deposited  copies  of  the  laws. 

The  apartments  of  the  judiciary  will  be, 

1.  The  court  room. 

2.  The  judges’  chamber  for  consultation  and  library. 

3.  The  office  of  the  marshal. 

4.  do.  of  the  clerk  of  the  supreme  court. 

5.  do.  of  the  clerk  of  the  circuit  do. 

6.  7.  Two  petit  jury  rooms. 

9,  10.  Rooms  for  record. 

11,  13.  Lobbies,  passages  and  stairs. 

I beg  leave  in  one  view  to  exhibit  the  advantages  gained  by  the  alteration  of  the 
north  wing.  The  senatorial  apartments  formerly  consisted  of, 

1.  The  senate  chamber. 

2.  The  secretary’s  office. 

3.  6.  Two  committee  rooms,  one  above,  one  below,  and  two  detached  rooms  over 


the  entrance. 

7,  9.  Two  large  lumber  rooms  above. 

10,  16.  Four  lobbies,  and  two  stair-cases 14 

The  court  occupies  one  room 1 


15 

There  are  three  rooms  and  a stair-case  in  the  brick  part  of  the  wing,  which  are  not 
proposed  at  present  to  be  changed. 

By  the  alterations  is  gained, 


1.  Senatorial  apartments 19 

2.  Judiciary 13 

3.  Library 11 


36 

Besides  the  whole  range  of  cellars  formerly  useless,  neither  light  nor  air  being 
admitted  to  them. 

4.  Addition  to  the  north  west  corner  of  the  south  wing. 

I again  beg  to  point  out  the  necessity  of  building  the  north  west  part  of  the  apart- 
ments of  the  house  of  representatives  in  the  south  wing,  and  to  refer  to  my  report  of 
last  session.  The  accumulation  of  water  in  the  cellars,  formerly  dug  on  this  spot, 
which  cannot  lie  prevented,  continues  to  injure  the  foundation,  and  a perceptible, 
though  small  settlement  of  this  corner  has  taken  place  during  the  present  year.  The 
temporary  water  closets  are  at  present  a great  nuisance,  which  can  only  be  removed 
by, completing  this  part  of  the  design,  which  will  contain  additional  committee 
rooms,  one  for  the  standing  committee  of  the  district  of  Columbia,  and  two  others 
for  special  committees,  for  whom  no  accommodation  whatever  now  exists. 

This  work  will  require  an  appropriation  of  18,000  dollars. 


RECAPITULATION. 


1.  South  wing, 

2.  North  do.  senate, 

3 Do.  library  and  judiciary, 

4.  North  west  corner  of  south  wing, 

-x-  a -x- 


6,  000 
20,  000 
25,  000 
18,  000 


All  which  is  most  respectfully  submitted. 


B.  Henry  Lateobe, 

Surveyor  of  the  public  buildings 

Of  the  United  States. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Dec.  12,  1808:  Senate  Journal,  10 — 2,  p.  307.] 

Mr.  Lloyd  submitted  the  following  motion,  which  was  read  for  consideration: 
Resolved,  That  a committee  be  appointed  to  ascertain  and  report  to  the  Senate,  the 
amount  which  has  been  already  expended  by  the  United  States  on  the  public  build- 
ings in  the  city  of  Washington;  and  also,  to  ascertain  as  near  as  may  be,  the  amount 
which  would  be  required  to  complete  those  buildings. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Dec.  13,  1808:  Senate  Journal,  10 — 2,  p.  307.] 

The  Senate  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  motion  made  yesterday  respecting  the 
expense  of  the  public  buildings. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Bradley, 

The  motion  was  amended  and  agreed  to,  as  follows: 

Resolved,  That  a committee  be  appointed  to  ascertain  and  report  to  the  Senate  the 
amount  which  has  been  already  expended  by  the  United  States  on  the  public  build- 
ings in  the  city  of  Washington;  and,  also,  to  ascertain,  as  near  as  may  be,  the  amount 
which  would  be  required  to  complete  and  finish  the  President’s  house  & square,  and 
the  two  wings  of  the  Capitol. 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Bradley]  Lloyd,  and  Smith,  of  Maryland,  be  the  com- 
mittee. 


[Report  of  the  Committee  of  the  Senate  appointed  to  ascertain  the  expenditures  and  probable  esti 
mates  in  relation  to  the  public  buildings  in  the  city  of  Washington,  Dec.  21,  1808.  (10—2,  State 
Papers.)] 

In  Senate  of  the  United  States, 

December  21st,  1808. 

Mr.  Bradley,  from  the  committee  to  ascertain  the  expenditures  and  probable 
estimates,  in  relation  to  the  Public  Buildings  in  the  City  of  Washington,  made  the 
following 

report: 

The  committee,  appointed  on  the  loth  instant,  “to  ascertain  and  report  to  the 
Senate,  the  amount  which  has  been  already  expended  by  the  United  States  on  the 
Public  Buildings  in  the  City  of  Washington;  and,  also,  to  ascertain,  as  near  as  may 
be,  the  amount  which  would  be  required  to  complete  and  finish  the  President’s 
house  and  square,  and  the  two  wings  of  the  Capitol” — 

Submit  the  following  statement  from  the  Superintendent  of  the  City  of  Washington, 
of  the  amount  already  expended  on  the  Public  Buildings,  and  of  the  contingent 
expenses  incident  thereto — in  which  is  comprised,  not  only  the  money  expended  by 
the  United  States,  but  all  which  has  been  applied  from  any  other  source,  and  the 
fund  from  which  the  same  is  to  be  reimbursed. 


150 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  letter  from  the  Surveyor  of  the  Public  Buildings,  hereto  annexed,  will  shew 
the  estimate  of  the  probable  amount  which  would  be  required  to  complete  and  finish 
the  Public  Buildings,  which  the  committee  have  the  horfor  to  lay  before  the  Senate. 


Superintendent’s  Office, 
Washington  City,  1 6th  December , 1808. 

Sir,  In  reply  to  your  letter  of  the  14th  instant,  I have  the  honor  to  state  to  the 
committee  of  which  you  are  chairman,  that  it  appears  by  the  books  in  this  office, 
that  there  has  been  applied  to  the  erecting,  altering,  and  repairing  of  the  public 
buildings  in  the  City  of  Washington  “from  the  commencement  of  the  present  gov- 
ernment” to  this  day,  the  several  sums  following:  that  is  to  say: 

North  wing  of  the  Capitol, — including  the  cost  of  the  foundation  walls  of 
that  wing  and  the  centre,  and  of  the  temporary  Representatives’ 
chamber  built  in  the  year  1801,  on  the  walls  of  the  South  wing,  and 
since  removed;  together  with  all  other  expenditures  on  the  Capitol 
square  prior  to  the  commencement  of  the  south  wing  in  the  year  1803.  §371,  388. 25 
South  wing  of  the  Capitol, — including  a proportion  of  the  expense  of 
the  original  foundation  walls,  and  pulling  down  and  removing  the 
same;  and  also,  the  cost  of  various  fixtures,  and  articles  of  furniture, 

since  the  jiresent  Representatives’  chamber  has  been  occupied 323,  234.  26 

* * * 

I perceive  Sir,  by  your  letter  that  the  foregoing  are  the  only  items  which  you 
require  me  to  furnish  the  expense  of;  but,  as  there  are  several  others  on  which  the 
monies  that  came  into  the  hands  of  the  late  board  of  commissioners  (as  well  those 
appropriated  by  the  United  States  as  those  arising  from  other  sources)  were  indis- 
criminately applied,  and  blended  in  the  accounts  thereof,  as  then  kept ; — indeed,  as 
a considerable  part  of  the  amount  thus  applied,  is  in  fact,  chargeable  to  the  build- 
ings, though  it  stands  to  the  debit  of  other  accounts  and  cannot  now  perhaps  be 
justly  apportioned,  I have  supposed  that  under  these  circumstances  a full  and  fair 
statement  of  all  expenditures  incidental  to,  or  in  consequence  of  the  establishment  of 
the  permanent  seat  of  government  at  this  city,  made  by  the  commissioners  and  their 
successors  in  office,  would  be  proper  and  necessary  to  present  to  the  committee  a just 
view  of  the  subject  committed  to  them,  and  I accordingly  subjoin  an  account  of  such 
objects  of  expenditure  in  addition  to  those  enumerated  in  your  letter,  as  will  make 
that  statement  complete.  They  are  as  follow:— to  wit— 

* * -si- 

Making  the  total  amount  of  expenditures $1, 441,  819.  73 

Which  was  derived  from  the  following  sources. — to  wit: 

The  treasury  of  the  United  States,  under  appropriations 

by  Congress,  including  appropriations  for  furniture 550.  000.  00 

Donation  by  the  state  of  Virginia 120, 000. 00 

Donation  by  the  state  of  Maryland 72, 000.  00 

Proceeds  of  the  sales  of  lots,  part  of  those  conveyed  by 

the  original  proprietors  to  the  United  States 487, 207. 35 

Proceeds  of  §250,000  six  per  cent,  stock  of  the  United 
States,  borrowed  of  the  State  of  Maryland,  and  sold  for. . 212,  612. 38 

1, 441, 819.  73 

* * * 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  with  high  respect,  sir,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

Thomas  Munroe. 

The  Hon.  S.  R.  Bradley, 

Chairman  of  a-  Com.  of  the  Senate  of  the  U.  S. 

appointed  in  relation  to  the  Public  Buildings  of  the  City  of  Washington. 


The  Old  Building. 


151 


To  the  honorable  general  Bradley,  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  Senate  of  the  United 
States,  appointed  on  the  12th  of  December,  1808,  on  the  subject  of  the  public  buildings  of 
the  United  States. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  of  your  letter  of  the  13th  of  December,  enclosing  a resolu- 
tion of  the  Senate  of  the  United  States  of  the  12th  of  December  1808,  respecting  the 
public  buildings  in  the  city  of  Washington. 

On  the  latter  part  of  this  resolution  which  instructs  the  committee  “to  ascertain  as 
nearly  as  may  be,  the  amount  which  would  be  required  to  complete  and  finish  the 
President’s  house  and  square,  and  the  two  wings  of  the  capitol,”  I beg  to  offer  you 
all  the  information  in  my  power;  the  past  and  current  expenditures  of  the  public 
buildings  being  placed  by  the  President  of  the  United  States  under  the  controul  of 
the  superintendent  of  the  city,  who  possesses  every  information  on  that  point. 

Before  I enter  upon  the  estimate  of  future  expense,  I beg  leave  to  offer  to  you  a 
few  explanations,  without  which  the  committee  will  not  be  able  to  understand  the 
objects  to  which  it  is  proposed  to  be  directed,  either  in  their  extent  or  manner. 

* * * 


2.  The  Capitol. 

As  to  the  estimates  relating  to  the  capitol,  I beg  you  to  receive  the  following 
explanations: 

On  receiving  my  appointment  in  1803,  I did  not  find  in  the  office  any  drawings 
from  which  I could  judge  of  the  intentions  of  mjr  predecessors.  The  only  paper  put 
into  my  hands  was  a ground  plan  of  the  capitol  unaccompanied  by  any  details  from 
which  it  could  be  executed,  and  not  agreeing  with  the  foundations  laid;  it  was  there- 
fore necessary  to  digest  a complete  design  in  detail  for  the  whole  building,  in  which 
the  style  adopted  in  the  north  wing  was  necessarily  preserved  in  the  exterior; 
but  in  the  interior  such  alterations  were  made  as  promised,  in  my  opinion,  to  be 
more  conducive  to  the  convenience  of  the  legislature  than  the  arrangement  indicated 
by  the  paper  in  my  possession. 

As  far  as  the  work  has  hitherto  proceeded,  this  general  plan  has  been  followed,  as 
well  as  in  the  preparations  for  its  further  progress;  and  the  estimates  which  I shall 
submit  to  you  are  founded  on  calculations  made  while  I was  in  the  study  of  this 
design.  I have  on  this  occasion  revised  them,  and  made  such  corrections  as  my  ex- 
perience has  since  suggested. 

In  order  to  give  you  a more  clear  view  of  these  several  objects  of  expenditure,  and 
of  the  periods  at  which  their  accomplishment  may  be  expected,  I have  arranged  them 
in  a table,  exhibiting  in  the  first  column  the  objects  themselves  in  detail;  in  the 
second  their  total  estimated  expense,  and  in  the  following,  the  sums  which  will  be 
required  in  each  year  for  their  accomplishment.  I have  endeavored  to  make  the 
estimate  ample  enough,  and  have  taken  the  more  pains  with  it,  because  my  pro- 
fessional reputation  is  involved  in  it.  But  it  must  be  taken  only  in  the  point  of  view 
in  which  I have  placed  it.  My  successors  in  the  direction  of  the  public  works,  with 
different  views  and  a different  system  of  conducting  them,  may  easily  occasion  very 
sensible  variations  of  the  several  amounts  stated. 


152  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

Estimate  of  the  Sums  and  Periods  required  to  finish  the  Public  Buildings  of  the  United  States. 


Objects  of  Expenditure. 


Total. 


1809. 


1810. 


1811. 


1812. 


1813. 


If.  Wings  of  the  Capitol. 
SOUTH  WING. 


a.  Completing  all  the  carving  of  the  hall  of 
Representatives,  and  painting  all  the 
walls  of  the  house,  including  minor  re- 
pairs   

h.  Platform  along  the  south  front,  pa  ving  along 

the  east  and  west  front,  steps,  &c 

c.  North  west  corner  of  the  wing  (see  my  re- 
port) containing,  the  door-keeper’s  dwell- 
ing— water  closets — pumps— three  com- 
mittee rooms — passages  and  sundry  store 
rooms 


20, 000 
8,000 


6,000 


4.000 

5.000 


4,000 


5. 000 

3. 000 


1,000 


24, 000 


18, 000 


6,000 


NORTH  WING. 


a.  Senate  chamber  and  committee  rooms.  20,000 
Alterations  after  the  experience  of  one 

session,  probable 1,500 


b.  West  side  of  the  house,  containing  the 
library  and  the  offices  of  the  judi- 
ciary,solid  work  and  carpentry 30, 000 

Finishing,  book-cases,  and  fitting  up 

generally 10,000 


c.  S.  W.  corner  of  this,  wing,  containing  the 
door-keeper’s  dwelling — pump  courts — 
privies  and  water  closets — back  stairs  and 
the  great  conference  room 


21,600 


40, 000 


48, 500 


20, 000  1, 500 


25, 000 


15, 000 


30, 000 


18, 500 


213, 000 


84, 000 


71,500 


32, 500  23, 000 


2, 000 


Having,  in  the  general  plan  of  the  Capitol, 
upon  which  the  above  estimates  are 
founded,  comprised  a detailed  design  of 
the  centre  part  of  the  building,  I respect- 
fully submit  to  the  committee,  a descrip- 
tion and  estimate  of  its  expense;  as  also, 
of  regulating  and  planting  the  ground 
within  the  Capitol  square,  in  a manner 
suitable,  and  convenient  to  the  building. 
These  two  objects,  are  not  included  in 
your  requisition,  but  the  information  I 
take  the  liberty  to  offer  you,  may  tend  to 
throw  some  light  on  this  subject. 


Centre  of  the  Capitol. 


a.  Containing  general  communication  of  the 

lower  stories,  of  the  wings  and  principal 
public  staircase — the  great  Vestibule  of 
the  whole  building — ten  rooms  for  com- 
mittee rooms,  or  rooms  for  refreshment — 
an  extensive  portico  on  each  front — on 
the  east,  a flight  of  steps  leading  to  the 
principal  story 

b.  Planting  and  regulating  the  ground  includ- 

ing the  necessary  walling 


225, 000 
25, 000 
§250, 000 


5, 000 
5,000 


100, 000 
5,000 
105, 000 


100, 000 
5, 000 
105, 000 


25.000 

10. 000 

35, 000 


With,  high  respect,  I am  your  obedient  humble  servant, 

B.  Henry  Latrobe, 
Surveyor  of  the  Public  Buildings  U.  States. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Jan.  5,  1809:  Annals  of  Congress,  10 — 2,  p.  306.] 

Mr.  Gregg  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  recommitted  the  bill  making  a further 
appropriation  towards  completing  the  two  wings  of  the  Capitol  at  the  City  of  Wash- 
ington, and  for  other  purposes,  reported  the  bill  without  amendment. 


The  Old  Building. 


153 


The  Senate  proceeded  to  consider  the  bill  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole.  A 
motion  was  made,  by  Mr.  Reed,  to  strike  out  the  words,  “carrying  up  in  solid  work, 
and  repairing  the  west  side  of  the  north  wing,  providing  permanent  accommodations 
for  the  library;”  and  on  the  question  to  agree  to  the  striking  out  of  these  words,  it 
was  determined  in  the  affirmative — yeas  20,  nays  10,  as  follows:  * * * 

And  the  President  reported  the  bill  to  the  House  amended. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Thruston  the  bill  was  further  amended,  by  inserting,  after  the 
word  “staircase,”  the  words,  “and  providing  temporary  and  adequate  accommoda- 
tions for  the  library,  in  the  room  now.used  for  that  purpose,  and  in  the  one  in  which 
the  Senate  now  sit.” 

On  motion,  by  Mr.  Reed,  to  strike  out  from  the  clause  “for  improvements  and 
repairs  of  the  President’s  House  and  square,  including  a carriage  house,”  the  words, 
“and  square it  was  determined  in  the  negative — yeas  15,  nays  14,  as  follows:  * * * 

On  motion,  by  Mr.  Thruston,  the  clause  for  finishing  the  road  on  the  south  side 
of  the  President’s  square,  and  gravelling  the  same,  with  a bridge  across  the  Tiber, 

on  the  north  side  of  Pennsylvania  avenue,  to  accommodate  foot  passengers, 

thousand  dollars,”  was  amended,  by  inserting  the  words  “of  stone  and  brick,” 
after  the  word  “bridge;”  and  on  motion,  by  Mr.  Reed,  to  strike  out  the  whole 
clause  as  amended,  it  was  determined  in  the  affirmative — yeas  16,  nays  14,  as  follows: 
* * * 

On  the  question,  Shall  this  bill  be  engrossed  and  read  a third  time  as  amended?  it 
was  determined  in  the  affirmative. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  17,  1809:  Senate  Journal,  10—2,  p.  347.] 

On  motion,  by  Mr.  Lloyd, 

Resolved,  That  a committee  be  appointed  to  confer  with  the  surveyor  of  the  public 
buildings,  relative  to  the  accommodation  of  the  Senate  at  the  next  session  of  Con- 
gress; and, 

Ordered,  That  Messrs.  Thruston,  Lloyd,  and  Gregg  be  the  committee. 


[Report  of  the  Committee  appointed  to  confer  with  the  Surveyor  of  Public  Buildings  relative  to  the 
accommodation  of  the  Senate,  communicated  to  the  Senate  Feb.  18,  1809.  (10—2,  State  Papers.)] 

In  Senate  of  the  United  States. 

February  18  th,  1809. 

Mr.  Thruston,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  the  surveyor  of  the 
public  buildings,  relative  to  the  accommodation  of  the  Senate  at  the  next  meeting  of 
Congress,  have  had  a conference  with  the  said  surveyor,  and  have  received  from 
him  a written  statement  of  the  most  eligible  plan  in  his  opinion  to  be  adopted,  and 
of  the  expense  incident  thereto,  which  the  committee  beg  leave  to  submit  as  part  of 
their  report;  upon  which  the  committee  offer  to  the  Senate,  for  their  consideration, 
the  following 

resolution: 

Resolved,  That  the  surveyor  of  the  public  buildings  do  cause  to  be  prepared  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  Senate,  at  the  next  session  of  Congress,  the  room  called  the 
Library  Room,  in  the  manner  stated  in  the  said  surveyor’s  report,  with  as  little 
expense  as  may  consist  with  the  reasonable  comfort  of  the  members  and  the  conven- 
ience of  spectators. 


154 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Capitol  U States,  Feb.  18,  1809. 

The  Chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  Senate  United  States,  appointed  February  17,  1809. 

Sir,  I beg  leave  to  report  to  you  on  the  subject  of  your  inquiry  as  to  the  accom- 
modation which  can  be  provided  for  the  Senate  of  the  United  States  at  their  next 
meeting,  on  the  third  Monday  in  May  next;  as  follows: 

It  is  utterly  impossible  to  prepare  the  Senate  chamber  on  the  east  side  of  the  north 
wing,  by  the  time  of  the  next  meeting  of  the  Senate. 

The  chamber  now  occupied  by  the  Senate,  although  convenient  as  a temporary 
accommodation  for  a winter  sesson,  yet  being  on  the  west  side  of  the  house,  and 
exposed  to  the  afternoon’s  sun,  without  the  means  of  complete  ventilation:  and 
being  besides  low,  and  almost  entirely  tilled  by  seats  and  tables  of  the  Senators,  will 
probably  be.  a very  hot,  unpleasant,  and  unwholesome  apartment  during  the  summer 
months;  and  although  an  external  awning,  or  shed,  might  in  some  degree  prevent 
the  effect  of  the  sun’s  rays,  the  other  inconveniences  cannot  be  remedied. 

The  library  above  stairs,  although  at  present  in  a very  dilapidated  condition,  and 
much  too  large  in  its  present  state,  for  the  purpose  of  the  session  of  the  Senate  in 
May  next,  is  the  only  room  in  the  capitoi  adapted  to  the  object  of  your  inquiry.  It 
is  lofty  and  airy,  and  having  two  ranges  of  windows,  will  not  be  darkened  by  the 
blinds  that  exclude  the  western  sun. 

I therefore  propose  to  you — to  remove  the  rough  seats,  benches,  and  enclosures 
erected  for  the  accommodation  of  the  supreme  court;  to  enclose  in  the  centre  of  the 
room  an  area  of  about  50  feet  by  35,  by  a slight  partition  of  scantling,  (of  which  a 
large  stock  is  on  hand,)  board,  canvass  and  paper,  to  place  within  it  the  present 
seats  and  tables  of  the  Senators,  and  thus,  at  a moderate  expense,  to  provide  a cham- 
ber which  will  unite  every  requisite  of  convenience  and  comfort,  and  will  enable  the 
Senate  to  await,  without  being  in  the  smallest  degree  incommoded  by  the  delay, 
the  completion  of  their  permanent  chamber. 

The  expense  of  this  temporary  fitting  up  may  be  defrayed  in  the  first  instance  out 
of  the  building  fund,  and  on  the  meeting  of  the  Senate  in  May,  be  presented  and 
charged  to  the  contingent  or  such  other  fund  as  may  be  assigned  by  law,  or  the  reso- 
lution of  the  Senate.  An  accurate  estimate  cannot  be  given  on  so  short  a notice,  but 
500  dollars  is  deemed  to  be  sufficient  for  this  object. 

Being  before  you  on  this  subject,  I beg  leave  to  state  that  I have  furnished  to  the 
committee  of  the  House  of  Representatives  before  whom  the  bill  from  the  Senate, 
making  further  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings,  is  at  this  time,  an  estimate 
of  the  furniture  required  for  the  new  Senatorial  apartments,  amounting  to  9,000 
dollars, — including  the  expense  of  new,  and  much  more  convenient  tables — those  now 
in  use  being  wholly  unfit  by  their  form  to  stand  on  the  new  platforms,  and 
extremely  inconvenient  from  their  great  length. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  yours  respectfully, 

B.  Henry  Latrobe, 
Surveyor  Public  Buildings  United  States. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  February  22,  1809:  Senate  Journal,  10 — 2,  p.  350.] 

The  Senate  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  committee  appointed  to 
confer  with  the  Surveyor  of  the  Public  Buildings,  relative  to  the  accommodation  of 
the  Senate  at  the  next  meeting  of  Congress;  and 

Resolved,  That  the  Surveyor  of  Public  Buildings  do  cause  to  be  prepared,  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  Senate  at  the  next  session  of  Congress,  the  room  called  the 
Library  Room,  in  the  manner  stated  in  the  said  Surveyor’s  report,  with  as  little 
expense  as  may  consist  with  the  reasonable  comfort  of  the  members,  and  the  con- 
venience of  spectators. 


The  Old  Building. 


155 


[House  proceedings  of  March  1,  1809:  Annals  of  Congress,  10 — 2,  p.  1546.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

The  House  resolved  itself  into  Committee  of  the  Whole,  52  to  24,  on  the  bill  from 
the  Senate,  making  further  appropriations  for  completing  the  two  wings  of  the 
Capitol,  in  the  City  of  Washington,  and  for  other  purposes. 

Mr.  W.  Alston  said  that  he  wished  to  withhold  any  appropriation  but  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  Senate.  Such  extravagance  and  waste  had  characterized  the 
progress  in  the  buildings,  that,  as  long  as  the  present  Superintendent  remained  in 
office,  he  would  not  vote  a cent  further  appropriation.  He  moved  to  strike  out 
every  item  in  the  bill  but  that  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Lewis  objected  to  the  motion.  He  called  for  the  reading  of  the  report  of  the 
Surveyor  of  Public  Buildings  on  the  subject. 

Messrs.  Alston,  Sloan,  Smilie,  and  Stanford,  advocated  the  motion,  and  Messrs. 
Macon,  Nelson,  J.  G.  Jackson,  and  Lyon,  opposed  it  on  the  ground  that  the  build- 
ings, having  been  commenced, "ought  to  be  finished. 

The  motion  for  striking  out  the  appropriation  for  the  Representatives’  Chamber, 
was  negatived,  44  to  31. 

The  Committee  then  refused  to  strike  out  any  part  of  the  bill. 

The  Committee  then  rose  and  reported  the  bill,  which  was  ordered  to  be  read  a 
third  time  to-day. 

The  bill  being  about  to  be  read  a third  time, 

Mr.  Culpeper  moved  that  the  bill  be  recommitted  for  the  purpose  of  striking  out 
the  items  before  moved  to  be  striken  out.  Motion  negatived,  ayes  9. 

The  bill  was  then  read  a third  time  and  passed — yeas  67,  nays  21. 

* «•  * 


[From  the  “Act  making  a further  appropriation  towards  completing  the  two  wings  of  the  Capitol 
at  the  city  of  Washington,  and  forother  purposes,”  approved  Mar.  3, 1809.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  2,  537.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  the  following  sums  of  money  be,  and  the  same  are  hereby 
appropriated,  to  be  applied  under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
that  is  to  say: 

For  improvements  and  repairs  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  six  thousand 
dollars. 

For  completing  the  work  in  the  interior  of  the  north  wing,  comprising  the  Senate 
chamber,  court  room,  &c.  &c.  twenty  thousand  dollars. 

For  completing  the  staircase,  and  providing  temporary  and  adequate  accommoda- 
tions for  the  library,  in  the  room  now  used  for  that  purpose,  and  in  the  one  in  which 
the  Senate  now  sit,  five  thousand  dollars. 


[Report  of  B.  Henry  Latrobe  on  Public  Buildings  communicated  to  the  Senate  June  13, 1809.  11—1, 

Senate'Documents.] 

Capitol,  June  12tli,  1809. 

The  Vice  President  of  the  United  States,  President  of  the  Senate  of  the  United  States. 

Sir,  By  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  I beg  leave  to  lay 
before  you  the  following  report: 

The  work  on  the  east  side  of  the  north  wing  of  the  capitol  is  so  far  advanced  that 
there  can  be  no  reasonable  doubt  of  the  occupation  of  the  permanent  Senate  chamber 
by  the  House,  at  their  ensuing  session,  provided  the  funds  appropriated  to  complete 
the  same  be  sufficient.  In  order  to  ascertain  this  point,  I have  referred  to,  and 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


156 

re-examined  my  former  estimates,  and  find  that  the  sum  of  5,000  dollars,  in  addition 
to  the  balance  of  the  former  appropriation  will  be  required,  and  will  be  sufficient  to 
accomplish  this  object.  This  deficiency  arises  from  expenditures  incidental  to  the 
preparations  for  the  present  session;  from  the  erection  of  the  connexion  between  the 
two  wings  on  the  principal  floor,  and  the  reinstatement  of  the  ceiling  of  the  court 
room. 

I have  also  to  state  to  you,  that  no  jirovision  whatsoever  has  been  made  for 
furnishing  the  Senate  chamber,  its  committee  rooms,  lobbies,  and  offices.  Of  the 
furniture  nowon  hand,  no  part  is  applicable  to  the  new  apartments,  excepting  chairs 
of  various  descriptions,  and  a few  tables.  The  desks  of  the  Senators  are  inconvenient 
from  their  size,  and  being  each  of  a different  length  and  form  cannot  be  adapted  to 
the  regular  distribution  so  necessary  to  the  economy  of  space.  Should  the  Senate 
acquiesce  in  the  proposition  which  has  been  suggested,  and  permit  the  room  to  be 
furnished  with  desks  of  two  seats  each,  the  present  desks  become  also  on  that 
account  quite  useless. 

The  carpets  now  in  use,  have  in  general  undergone  the  wear  of  several  years;  and 
although  a few  of  them  may  be  made  useful,  there  will  be  required  at  least  800  yards 
of  new  carpeting  of  a more  durable  kind  than  that  now  in  the  Senate  chamber. 

Excepting  the  draperies  of  three  windows  there  are  no  hangings  fit  for  use. 

In  order  to  prevent  the  echo,  which  is  the  great  cause  of  difficulty  in  hearing  and 
speaking  in  large  apartments,  it  will  be  necessary  to  hang  at  least  the  circular  wall 
of  the  chamber  with  drapery.  These  hangings  will  form  a considerable  item  in  the 
furniture  required. 

From  the  best  calculation  I have  been  able  to  make  of  the  sum  requisite  for  fur- 
nishing the  Senatorial  apartments  of  the  House  (of  which  I subjoin  a list, ) 10,000 
dollars  will  be  sufficient  to  this  object. 

With  the  highest  respect,  I am,  your  obedient  humble  servant, 

B.  Hjsxry  Latkobe, 

S.  P.  B.  U.  S. 


LIST  OP  THE  APARTMENTS  OF  THE  SENATE. 

1.  Lower  vestibule  and  stairs,  requiring  lamps. 

2.  Upper  vestibule,  to  be  furnished  with  carpets  and  chairs. 

3.  Senate  chamber,  the  Senators  chairs,  and  the  secretary’s  table,  will  be  used. 

4.  Lobby. 

5-8.  Four  committee  rooms. 

9-10.  Secretary’s  offices. 

11-13.  Three  store  rooms  above  stairs. 

14.  Closet  for  hats,  &c. 

15.  Committee  rooms,  stairs. 

For  the  apartments  4 to  15  there  is  no  furniture  whatever,  excepting  some  chairs, 
and  a few  tables. 

B.  H.  Latrobe. 


[“An  Act  making  an  appropriation  to  finish  and  furnish  the  Senate  chamber,  and  for  other  pur- 
poses,” approved  June  28,  1809.  (Stats,  at.  Large,  v.  2,  552.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  to  defray  the  expenses  of  finishing  and  furnishing  the 
permanent  Senate  chamber,  its  committee  rooms,  lobbies  and  other  apartments,  the 
sum  of  fifteen  thousand  dollars  is  appropriated,  to  be  paid  out  of  any  monies  in  the 
treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated. 


The  Old  Building. 


157 


Sec.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  to  defray  the  expense  incurred  in  fitting 
up  the  temporary  Senate  chamber,  and  repairing  and  providing  articles  of  furniture, 
the  further  sum  of  sixteen  hundred  dollars  be  appropriated,  the  same  to  be  paid  out 
of  any  monies  in  the  treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  November  28,  1809:  Senate  Journal,  11 — 2,  p.  406.] 

The  President  communicated  a letter  from  the  surveyor  of  the  public  buildings, 
stating  the  difficulties  that  have  prevented  the  entire  completion  of  the  permanent 
Senate  chamber;  which  letter  was  read. 


[American  State  Papers,  Class  X,  Misc.,  v.  II,  16.— No.  271.  11th  Congress,  2d  Session.  City  of  Wash- 
ington-Public Buildings.  Communicated  to  Congress,  December  22,  1809.] 

December  16,  1809. 

To  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States: 

I transmit  to  both  Houses  of  Congress  a report  from  the  Surveyor  of  the  Public 
Buildings,  of  the  progress  made  on  them  during  the  last  season,  and  of  other  explana- 
tions relative  thereto. 

James  Madison. 

The  report  of  the  Surveyor  of  the  Public  Buildings  of  the  United  Stales. 

Washington,  December  11,  1809. 

Sir:  During  the  past  season,  the  appropriations  made  by  law  have  been  severally 
applied  to  the  purposes  for  which  they  were  designated,  in  the  manner  which  I now 
beg  leave  to  submit  to  you: 

1.  — South  wing  of  the  Capitol. 

Agreeably  to  the  intention  of  the  last  appropriation,  further  progress  has  been 
made  in  the  sculpture  of  the  capitals  and  cornices  of  the  hall  of  Representatives.  It 
will  be  observed  that,  on  the  east  side  of  the  house,  two  capitals  are  completely 
finished,  and  eight  others,  as  well  as  the  cornice,  are  in  very  considerable  forward- 
ness. The  intermission  of  the  work  during  the  summer  session,  has  prevented  still 
greater  progress.  Chimney-pieces  have  been  provided  for  the  lobbies  and  Committtee 
of  Ways  and  Means,  and  in  a variety  of  smaller  details,  the  accommodations  of  the 
house  have  been  improved.  The  propriety  of  further  considering  the  best  mode  of 
ventilating  and  warming  the  house  has  induced  the  postponement  of  any  alteration 
in  the  fire-places  of  the  hall  itself. 

A severe  hail  storm  in  the  month  of  June  broke  almost  all  the  glass  on  the  south 
front  of  the  house,  and  occasioned  a very  considerable  expense  of  glass  in  addition 
to  that  contemplated  by  the  appropriation. 

2.  — North  wing  of  the  Capitol. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  season,  the  wood  work  of  the  interior  having  been 
removed,  progress  had  been  made  in  rebuilding  the  chamber,  and  other  apartments 
of  the  Senate,  in  solid  brickwork.  Many  circumstances  have  since  occurred  to  pre- 
vent the  entire  completion  of  this  work  before  the  commencement  of  this  present 
session.  The  preparations  for  the  session  of  last  summer,  the  intermission  of  the 
principal  part  of  the  work  during  the  presence  of  Congress,  and  especially  the 
scarcity  of  workmen,  and  the  difficulty  of  procuring  materials,  rendered  the  greatest 


158 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


and  most  expensive  exertions  necessary  to  complete  the  accommodations  of  the  Sen- 
ate, so  far  as  that  they  may  now,  in  a few  days,  be  permanently  occupied;  some  parts 
of  the  chamber  itself  still  remain  unfinished ; but  means  have  been  taken  that  no  incon- 
venience shall  be  thereby  occasioned  to  the  business  of  the  house;  and  during  the 
next  recess,  what  is  still  deficient  may  be  easily  completed. 

The  court  room,  the  office  of  the  Clerk  of  the  Supreme  Court,  and  the  office  and 
library  of  the  judges  have  also  been  nearly  completed,  and  may  be  occupied  the 
approaching  session  of  the  court. 

* * * 

1.  — South  wing  of  the  Capitol. 

To  the  perfect  accommodation  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  nothing  is  so  much 
wanted  as  a sufficient  number  of  committee  rooms.  The  standing  committees  of  the 
House  are  eight,  and  it  has  been  moved  to  increase  their  number  to  nine.  When  the 
House  first  occupied  the  south  wing,  the  number  of  committees  and  committee  rooms 
was  only  seven.  The  Committee  of  the  District  of  Columbia  has  been  since  then 
created,  and  great  inconvenience  has  been  experienced  for  want  of  a room  sufficiently 
spacious  for  their  increasing  business.  At  present  their  sittings  are  held  in  the  small 
chamber  fitted  up  for  the  use  of  the  President  whenever  he  comes  to  the  Capitol; 
should  the  number  of  standing  committees  be  increased,  it  will  be  impossible  to  find 
a room  in  which  they  can  be  accommodated. 

For  special  committees  there  is  no  accommodation  whatever;  and  it  is  well  known 
to  the  members  of  the  House  that  great  inconvenience,  interruption,  and  delay  of 
business  arises  from  this  source.  On  these  considerations,  as  well  as  on  others,  which 
I beg  leave  to  lay  before  you,  I must  again  point  out  the  advantages' that  will  arise 
from  the  erection  of  the  northwest  part  of  the  south  wing,  and  to  refer  to  my  reports 
of  the  two  last  sessions.  This  part  of  the  building  will  contain  several  spacious  com- 
mittee rooms,  and  provide  a proper  situation  for  the  water  closets,  which,  in  their 
present  temporary  situation,  are  a great  annoyance  to  the  lobbies  and  to  the  Hall  of 
Representatives. 

There  is,  however,  another  reason  for  the  speedy  erection  of  this  -work;  the 
foundation  of  this  corner  of  the  house  is  naturally  bad,  and  the  cellars  which  have 
been  dug  there  originally,  collect  a large  quantity  of  -water,  which  continues  to 
injure  them.  This  angle  of  the  house  was  designed  and  built  in  full  expectation  that 
it  would  be  supported  by  a mass  of  -work  in  this  place;  the  appropriation  solicited 
for  this  purpose  has  been  annually  postponed,  and  the  settlement  of  the  wall,  which 
has  been  the  consequence,  is  now  so  considerable  that  I cannot  help  urging,  with 
much  solicitude,  that  the  propriety  of  adding  to  the  safety  as  well  as  to  the  accom- 
modations of  the  building,  may  be  taken  anew  into  consideration.  1 beg  leave  to 
refer,  for  a more  detailed  representation  of  these  and  other  motives  for  making  the 
appropriation,  to  my  report  of  the  23d  March,  1808. 

The  terms  on  which  the  Italian  sculptors  employed  on  the  Capitol  are  engaged,  as 
well  as  the  necessity  of  proceeding  to  finish  the  capitals  of  the  columns  of  the  interior 
of  the  Hall  of  Representatives,  will  require  a moderate  appropriation  for  that  object. 

The  manner  in  which  the  House  of  Representatives  is  now  warmed  and  ventilated 
requires  further  consideration,  and  considerable  improvement.  This  subject  was 
referred,  at  the  session  of  June  last,  to  a committee.  It  was  not  then  acted  upon  to 
the  extent  suggested,  but  the  expense  of  the  improvement  having  been  estimated,  I 
have  added  it  to  the  Statement  submitted. 

2.  — North  wing  of  the  Capitol. 

The  separate  appropriation  submitted  in  my  last  report,  (December  1st,  1808,)  for 
the  library  and  judiciary  having  been  postponed,  the  court  room  and  those  offices  on 
the  ground  story,  which  support  the  Senate  chamber,  and  other  apartments  of  the 


The  Old  Building. 


159 


Senate  above,  were  necessarily  constructed  out  of  the  general  funds  of  the  north 
wing,  as  otherwise  the  latter  could  not  possibly  have  been  built.  This  circumstance 
is  taken  into  consideration  in  the  estimate  submitted  below. 

The  whole  east  side  and  centre  of  the  north  wing  being  now  permanently  com- 
pleted, excepting  the  parts  deficient  in  the  Senate  chamber,  the  iron  work  of  the 
staircase,  and  some  minor  details,  I again  beg  leave  to  call  your  attention  to  the  west 
side  of  this  wing;  it  is  intended  to  contain  the  library,  and  is  in  such  a state  of  decay 
throughout,  as  to  render  it  dangerous  to  postpone  the  work  proposed.  It  is  now  the 
only  part  of  the  Capitol  that  remains  to  be  solidly  rebuilt. 

But  independently  of  this  consideration,  the  increasing  extent  of  the  library  of 
Congress  induces  me  to  represent  to  you  the  necessity  of  constructing  the  rooms 
intended  permanently  to  contain  it.  Should  the  work  be  commenced  in  the  approach- 
ing season,  the  books  may  be  removed,  and  the  library  and  reading  rooms  fitted  up 
for  use  by  the  session  after  the  next. 

* * * 

Estimate. 


1.  South  wing,  sculpture,  warming  and  ventilating  the  house $7,500 

South  wing,  north  west  addition 25,000 

2.  North  wing,  defraying  the  expense  of  completing  the  court  room  and  the  offices  of  the 

judiciary  on  the  east  side,  completing  the  Senate  chamber,  and  for  the  library 40,000 

North  wing,  for  the  platform  and  external  access  on  the  north  side 5, 000 

3.  President’s  house,  offices,  wall,  and  grounds 20,000 

4.  Highways 6, 000 


103, 500 

In  submitting  to  you  this  report  and  estimate,  I hope  I may  be  permitted  to  add, 
that  the  late  period  of  the  session  at  which  Congress  have  usually  taken  the  subject 
of  the  public  buildings  into  consideration  most  materially  affects,  not  only  the  expense 
of  the  work,  but  the  ability  of  those  to  whose  direction  they  are  entrusted  to  perform 
their  duty  in  that  manner  which  is  most  for  the  public  interest.  To  explain  how  this 
happens,  I will  enter  a little  into  detail.  It  is  the  general  practice  of  all  those  who  hire 
labor  either  for  agricultural  or  other  purposes,  to  engage  their  hands  on  the  1st  of 
January;  on  that  day  all  the  best  laborers  are  disposed  of  for  the  season.  Those 
who  are  afterwards  hired  are  few,  expensive,  and  generally  inferior  hands.  This 
circumstance  must  materially  affect  that  part  of  our  work  which  depends  upon  the 
quarries.  No  orders  can  be  given  till  the  legislative  will  is  known,  which  has 
hitherto  always  been  at  the  latter  end  of  the  session;  the  consequence  is,  that  our 
best  hands  often  leave  us  to  search  employment  elsewhere;  the  quarriers  being 
unprepared  for  labor,  find  it  difficult  to  deliver  stone  before  midsummer  or  the  begin- 
ning of  August,  and  that  at  a great  expense;  the  mechanics  are  to  be  sought  after  in 
other  places,  often  their  travelling  expenses  to  be  paid,  and,  in  fact,  nothing  effectual 
can  be  done  till  the  latter  part  of  the  season,  when  the  necessity  of  being  prepared 
for  the  meeting  of  Congress  requires  exertions  in  which  expense  becomes  only  a sec- 
ondary object;  and,  at  last,  the  best  endeavors  are  sometimes  unsuccessful.  In 
respect  to  common  laborers,  and  to  almost  all  the  building  artisans  who  have  been 
brought  up  in  this  neighborhood,  unless  they  can  be  engaged  and  employed  during 
the  winter,  they  cannot  be  depended  upon  until  some  time  in  July.  In  March  the 
fishing  season  commences  for  shad  and  herrings,  and  lasts  till  the  middle  of  May. 
Every  man  who  has  not  profitable  employment  in  hand,  or  who  is  not  under  engage- 
ments, then  resorts  to  the  shores.  As  soon  as  the  fishing  season  is  over  the  harvest 
commences,  and  until  the  end  of  the  harvest,  no  great  exertions,  which  depend  upon 
these  numerous  classes  of  our  people,  can  be  made.  During  the  last  season,  and  that 
of  the  year  1807,  when  it  was  necessary  to  complete  the  Hall  of  Representatives, 
these  causes  have  acted  most  materially  to  the  public  disadvantage;  and  I have 
thought  it  my  duty  to  state  the  facts  to  you  more  particularly,  in  hopes  that  should 


160  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

they  be  laid  by  you  before  the  National  Legislature,  they  may  have  the  weight 
which  they  merit. 

All  of  which  is  most  respectfully  submitted. 

B.  Henry  Latrobe, 

Surveyor  of  the  Public  Buildings  of  the  United  States. 
To  the  President  of  the  United  States. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  December  29,  1809:  Senate  Journal,  11 — 2,  p.  420.] 

Mr.  Bradley  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from  the  Sur- 
veyor of  the  Public  Buildings,  of  the  28th  of  November  last,  reported  the  following 
resolution  : 

Resolved,  That,  from  and  after  the  first  day  of  January  next,  the  Senate  will  hold 
their  session  in  the  new  Senate  chamber  lately  provided  in  the  north  wing  of  the 
Capitol. 


[Report  of  the  Committee  on  the  President’s  Message  communicating  a report  of  the  Surveyor  of  the 
Public  Buildings,  accompanying  a bill  making  further  appropriations  for  completing  the  Capitol 
and  for  other  purposes,  communicated  to  the  House  January  11,  1810.  (11 — 2,  House  Committee 
Reports.)] 

REPORT. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  message  of  the  President  of  the  United 
States  communicating  a report  of  the  surveyor  of  the  public  buildings,  Report: 

That  they  have  carefully  examined,  and  maturely  considered,  the  propriety  of  con- 
tinuing the  improvements,  as  recommended  in  the  report  of  the  surveyor  of  the  public 
buildings,  and  are  of  opinion  that  whatever  may  be  the  propriety  of  progressing  with 
the  public  buildings  or  of  altering  those  already  erected,  it  is  not  deemed  prudent  at 
this  time,  when  a resort  to  loans  may  be  necessary  for  the  support  of  the  Government, 
that  any  improvements  whatever  should  be  made,  which  can  be,  with  any  sort  of 
propriety,  dispensed  with.  They  therefore  take  the  liberty  of  recommending  that 
the  expenditures  for  the  public  buildings  at  this  time  be  restricted  to  the  objects  speci- 
fied in  the  bill  which  the  committee  ask  leave  to  report. 


[MSS.:  B.  II.  Latrobe.  Correspondence  relating  to  the  Capitol  at  Washington,  v.  2,613:  Library  of 

Congress.] 

The  President  of  the  U.  S. 

Capitol  Jany  18th  1810 

Sri;  In  the  original  design  of  the  Senate  Chamber,  submitted  to  and  approved  by 
the  late  President,  it  was  intended  to  place  a range  of  seats  along  the  semicircular  wall 
of  the  room  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Members  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 
This  design  was  in  progress  of  execution  during  the  Summer  Session  and  was 
advanced  and  remarked  upon  by  several  members  of  the  Senate.  The  result  of  the 
conversations  which  arose  upon  the  subject  was  that  a committee  was  appointed  to 
direct  the  arrangement  of  the  seats  of  the  Senate  Chamber,  which  committee  ordered  the 
seats  proposed  for  the  Members  of  the  House  of  Representatives  to  be  omitted,  and 
the  seats  of  the  Senators  to  be  placed  first  in  order  from  the  wall. 

* * * But  as  there  is  some  delicacy  felt  as  to  the  manner  of  revoking  the  order 
of  the  committee  of  the  Senate,  and  the  expenditures  of  the  Public  buildings  are  by 
law  placed  under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  I am  desired  by 
Vice-President  of  the  United  States  to  state  to  you  that  it  is  his  wish  that  the  original 


The  Old  Building.  161 

design  should  be  restored  and  to  request  your  direction  on  the  subject-  as  my  sanction 
for  so  doing.  * * * 

I have  therefore  desired  the  Clerk  of  the  Works,  Mr.  Henry  I.  Latrobe  to  wait 
upon  you  with  the  original  documents  and  to  receive  your  directions. 

The  alteration  will  be  very  easily  effected. 

I am,  with  high  respect 

Yours  faithfully,  B.  Henry  Latrobe. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  February  6, 1810:  Senate  Journal,  11 — 2,  p.  435.] 

The  Senate  resumed,  as  in  committee  of  the  whole,  the  bill  to  engage,  for  a short 
period,  a corps  of  volunteers  in  the  service  of  the  United  States;  and 

On  motion,  by  Mr.  Bayard, 

It  was  agreed  to  postpone  the  bill  for  the  purpose  of  considering  the  report  of  the 
committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  from  the  surveyor  of  the  public  build- 
ings, of  the  28th  of  November  l^st;  and 

On  motion,  by  Mr.  Bayard, 

The  report  having  been  amended,  was  agreed  to  as  follows: 

Resolved,  That,  from  and  after  Saturday,  the  10th  instant,  the  Senate  will  hold 
their  session  in  the  new  Senate  chamber,  lately  provided  in  the  north  wing  of  the 
capitol. 


[House  proceedings  of  May  1,  1810:  Annals  of  Congress,  11 — 2,  p.  2051.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

The  House  resolved  itself  into  a Committee  of  the  Whole,  on  the  bill  making 
further  appropriations  for  completing  the  Capitol,  &c. 

Considerable  debate  took  place  on  the  proposed  appropriations:  Messrs.  Ran- 
dolph and  W.  Alston  opposing  them;  and  Messrs.  Lewis,  Macon,  Lyon,  Key,  and 
Love,  supporting  them. 

The  House  refused  the  appropriation  for  completing  the  wall  around  the  Presi- 
dent’s square,  appropriating,  however,  five  thousand  dollars  for  the  repair  of  the 
President’s  house. 

Mr.  W.  Alston  offered  the  following  section  as  an  amendment  to  the  bill,  which 
was  agreed  to: 

“And  be  it  farther  enacted,  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Superintendent  of  the  City,  prior  to  any 
further  advances  of  money  being  made,  to  call  for  all  claims  due  on  account  of  materials  furnished, 
or  work  done,  on  the  public  buildings,  in  order  that  the  same  may  be  liquidated  and  paid." 

The  Committee  rose,  and  reported  the  bill  as  amended. 

The  report  of  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 


[From  the  "Act  making  further  appropriations  for  completing  the  Capitol,  and  for  other  purposes,” 
approved  May  1,  1810.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  2,607.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  in  addition  to  the  appropriations  heretofore  made,  the 
following  sums  of  money  be,  and  the  same  are  hereby  appropriated,  to  be  applied 
under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  to  the  purposes  hereinafter 
mentioned,  that  is  to  say: 

For  sculpture,  and  warming  and  ventilating  the  chamber  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, seven  thousand  five  hundred  dollars. 

For  defraying  the  expense  of  completing  the  court-room,  and  the  offices  of  the 
judiciary,  on  the  east  side,  completing  the  ^Senate  chamber  and  stopping  the  leaks 
in  the  roof  of  the  north  wing  of  the  Capitol,  twenty  thousand  dollars. 

H.  Rep.  046 11 


162 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[House  proceedings  of  Dec.  28,  1810:  House  Journal,  11—3,  p.  404.] 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Alston, 

Resolved , That  the  President  of  the  United  States  be  requested  to  cause  to  be  laid 
before  this  House  an  account  of  the  money  appropriated  on  the  first  of  May,  one 
thousand  eight  hundred  and  ten,  for  completing  the  Capitol,  and  for  other  purposes, 
distinguishing  the  sums  expended  for  each  item  of  appropriation,  and  the  sums 
expended  in  payment  of  debts  previously  incurred. 

Mr.  Alston  and  Mr.  Richards  were  appointed  a committee  to  present  the  foregoing 
resolution  to  the  President  of  the  United  States. 


[Message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  transmitting  reports  of  the  Superintendent  of  the 
City  and  of  the  Surveyor  of  the  Public  Buildings,  on  the  expenditure  of  the  money  appropriated 
May  1, 1810,  for  completing  the  Capitol,  communicated  to  the  House  Jan.  15, 1811.  (11 — 3,  Executive 
Papers.)] 

MESSAGE. 

To  the  house  of  representatives  of  the  United  States. 

I transmit  to  the  house  of  representatives,  reports  of  the  superintendent  of  the 
city,  and  of  the  surveyor  of  the  public  buildings,  on  the  subject  of  their  resolution 
of  the  28th  of  December  last. 

James  Madison. 

January  14th,  1811. 


-x-  * * 

Washington,  January  3,  1811. 

Sir:  In  obedience  to  your  directions  that  I should  furnish  to  you  all  the  informa- 
tion on  the  subject  of  the  expenditure  of  the  appropriation  of  May  1st,  1810,  in  my 
possession,  I have  to  report  to  you  as  follows: 

In  my  report  dated  December  11,  1809,  I stated,  that  although  the  estimate  sub- 
mitted by  me,  on  December  1st,  1808,  of  the  sum  requisite  for  the  court  room  and 
library,  has  not  been  considered  in  the  appropriation,  it  had  been  absolutely  necessary 
to  carry  up  the  court  room  and  offices  on  the  east  side  of  the  north  wing  of  the  capi- 
tol,  in  order  to  support  the  senate  chamber  and  committee  rooms,  which  are  imme- 
diately over  them.  This  expenditure  is  stated  to  have  been  taken  into  consideration 
in  the  estimate  a of  forty  thousand  dollars,  necessary  for  defraying  the  expense  of  com- 
pleting the  court  room  and  the  offices  of  the  judiciary,  on  the  east  side  of  the  north  wing; 
completing  the  senate  chamber,  and  for  the  library.  The  court  room  and  the  offices  of  the 
judiciary  on  the  east  side,  were  then  completed:  the  senate  chamber  required  to  its 
completion,  a sum  not  exceeding  two  thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  and  the  library 
was  not  begun.  I hoped  to  have  carried  up  the  solid  work  under  cover  of  the  pres- 
ent roof,  during  the  season  of  1810.  Twenty  thousand  dollars,  however,  only  were 
granted;  and  the  whole  appropriation  for  the  public  buildings  was  made  liable  to 
the  expenses  already  incurred.  The  principal  part  of  these  expenses  were  created 
by  the  necessity  of  constructing  the  court  room  and  offices,  under  the  senate  chamber. 

The  expense  of  fitting  up  and  furnishing  the  court  room  having  never  been  esti- 
mated by  me,  or  contemplated  by  the  words  of  any  law  making  appropriation  for 
the  public  buildings,  I took  no  steps  whatever  to  fit  up  and  furnish  the  room,  until 
the  propriety  of  so  doing  was  urged  by  the  judges  of  the  courts,  who  had  been 
obliged  to  hold  their  sittings  at  a tavern.  I then  understood  that  the  contingent 
fund  of  the  judiciary  was  liable  to  this  expense,  the  accounts  being  properly  certified 
by  the  judges. 


a In  my  report  dated  December  11,  1809. 


The  Old  Building. 


163 


Under  these  impressions,  the  court  room  was  fitted  up  and  furnished;  and  the 
accounts  being  made  up,  were  submitted  to  the  chief  justice  of  the  United  States, 
whose  letter  and  certificate  are  enclosed.  On  submission,  however,  to  the  officers  of 
the  treasury,  it  was  decided  that  these  accounts  be  paid  out  of  the  appropriation 
of  May  1st,  1810;  and  their  amount,  as  appears  by  the  books  of  the  superintendent 
of  the  city,  has  accordingly  been  paid  out  of  that  fund. 

This  decision,  wholly  unexpected  by  me,  reduced  the  sum  applicable  to  the  public 
works  so  much,  that  I immediately  discharged  all  the  workmen  and  laborers,  except- 
ing those  that  were  necessary  to  render  the  hall  of  representatives  and  the  senate 
chamber,  which  had  been  dismantled,  capable  of  being  occupied  by  the  legislature 
during  their  present  session;  and  excepting  the  artists,  who  being  engaged  under 
special  contracts,  could  not  be  discharged  by  me,  but  who  were  fully  apprized  of  the 
state  of  the  funds  of  the  public  buildings.  These  persons,  therefore,  continue  to  be 
employed. 

To  these  circumstances  it  is  owing  that  the  expenditures  on  the  public  buildings 
have  been  confined  to  the  objects  named  in  my  detailed  report  of  the  28th  of 
December,  1810. 

I am,  very  respectfully,  &c. 


B.  Henry  Latro3e, 
Surveyor  of  the  public  buildings. 


The  President  of  the  United  States. 

* * * 


[Message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  transmitting  a report  of  the  Surveyor  of  the  Public 
Buildings,  communicated  to  Congress  Jan.  15,  1811.  (11—3,  Executive  Papers.)] 

MESSAGE. 

To  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States. 

I transmit  to  congress  a report  from  the  surveyor  of  the  public  buildings,  relative 
to  the  progress  and  present  state  of  them. 

James  Madison. 

January  14.  1811. 

The  Report  of  the  Surveyor  of  the  Public  Buildings  of  the  United  States. 

Washington,  December  38,  1810. 

Sir,  The  appropriation  of  the  first  of  May,  1810,  has  been,  agreeably  to  the  pro- 
visions of  the  law,  applied  to  the  objects  enumerated  in  this  report.  The  outstanding 
accounts  being  collected,  settled,  and  ascertained,  it  appeared  that  enough  would 
remain  to  make  progress  towards  the  further  completion  of  the  works.  But  the  expense 
of  fitting  up  and  furnishing  the  court  room  and  offices  of  the  judiciary  of  the  United 
States,  an  expense  not  estimated  as  belonging  to  the  funds  of  the  public  buildings, 
having  by  a decision  of  the  treasury  department,  been  considered  as  contemplated 
by  the  law  to  be  paid  out  of  the  appropriation  of  the  1st  May,  1810,  it  became  neces- 
sary to  discharge  almost  all  our  workmen  in  June,  and  there  remained  nothing  to 
pay  the  wages  and  salaries  of  those  persons  who  are  engaged  under  specific  contracts. 

Some  progress,  however,  had  been  made,  and  the  following  work  has  been  per- 
formed. 

1.  North  icing  of  the  capitol. 

The  senate  chamber  has  been  finished  in  all  its  substantial  parts.  But  the  legis- 
lature not  having  risen  before  the  month  of  May,  it  was  late  in  the  season  before 
the  more  solid  work  could  be  finished.  The  plaistering  of  the  east  wall  has  there- 
fore been  put  off,  to  avoid  the  damp  it  would  have  occasioned  during  the  present 
session.  On  this  account,  the  hangings  of  that  side  of  the  room  have  not  been  put  up. 


164 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  improvements  pointed  out  by  the  experience  of  the  last  session,  have  been 
made  in  the  chamber  itself;  and  the  secretary’s  office  has  been  furnished  with  shelves 
and  book  cases.  The  south  wing  having  employed  most  of  the  sculptors  engaged  by 
the  public,  there  remains  still  much  to  be  done  in  the  sculpture  of  the  senate  chamber. 
2.  South  wing  of  the  capitol. 

The  principal  expenditure  in  the  south  wing  of  the  capitol,  has  been  on  the 
interior  of  the  hall. of  representatives.  All  the  capitals  on  the  west  side  of  the  house 
have  been  under  the  hands  of  the  sculptors,  and  are  far  advanced.  There  remain 
only  two  over  the  entrance  that  are  not  yet  touched,  out  of  twenty-four  capitals. 
With  the  aid  of  four  American  artists,  instructed  by  Mr.  Andrei,  they  may  now  all 
be  finished  in  twelve  months. 

A great  variety  of  minor  improvements  and  repairs,  annually  incident  to  the  occu- 
pation of  the  house  by  the  legislature,  have  been  made. 

Towards  ventilating  and  warming  the  house  in  a more  perfect  manner,  nothing 
has  been  done  beyond  the  purchase  of  a steam  apparatus."  On  the  mode  of  warm- 
ing the  house  by  means  of  steam,  which  is  now  so  generally  used  in  Europe  in  large 
halls,  I made  a report  three  years  ago,  to  the  speaker  of  the  house  of  representatives. 
I remain  still  of  the  same  opinion,  as  to  its  being  the  best  mode  that  can  be  adopted. 
During  a former  season,  this  subject  was  referred  to  a select  committee,  who  made  a 
report  to  the  house.  But  nothing  was  done;  and  it  seemed  to  be  understood,  that 
further  inquiry  should  be  made.  I respectfully  hope,  that  as  the  house  have  once 
entered  into  the  consideration  of  this  "Subject,  a decision  may  be  obtained,  as  to  the 
manner  of  effecting  both  the  ventilation  and  the  warming  of  the  hall,  in  the  course 
of  the  present  session. 

* * *• 

It  is  now  my  duty  again  to  solicit  your  attention  to  the  state  of  the  west  side  of 
the  north  wing  of  the  capitol.  The  decay  of  the  timbers  of  the  roof  and  floor  is  such, 
as  to  render  partial  repair  impossible,  and  as  to  prevent  any  effectual  security  against 
leakage.  All  the  east  side  of  the  wing  is  safe  against  fire  or  decay,  and  it  will  in 
future  require  no  expenditure  but  for  painting,  completing  the  unfinished  plaistering 
and  a few  small  parts  of  the  hand-rails,  &c.  most  of  which  are  prepared,  and  those 
small  annual  repairs  of  glass  and  accidents,  which  are  unavoidable  in  every  inhabited 
building. 

I also  beg  leave  to  refer  to  my  former  reports,  on  the  propriety  of  adding  to  the 
south  wing  the  building  required,  both  for  the  support  of  that  corner,  and  for  the 
better  accommodation  of  the  house  of  representatives  by  more  numerous  committee 
rooms,  and  domestic  conveniences. 

The  platforms  necessary  to  approach  each  entrance  of  the  capitol  on  the  north  and 
south,  would  also  be  advantageously  erected,  and  I have  submitted  an  estimate  for 
them  below. 

Should  the  legislature  think  proper  to  make  further  appropriations  for  the  objects 
specified  in  this  report,  I beg  leave  to  submit  the  following  estimate  for  consideration: 

ESTIMATE. 

For  sculpture,  being  for  the  wages  of  two  Italian  sculptors  engaged  under  a 
specific  contract,  and  for  wages  of  the  assistants  and  of  two  laborers  to 
attend  them,  scaffolding,  utensils,  tools  and  all  expenses  incident  to  this 

branch $6,  000 

For  ventilating  and  warming  the  south  wing,  painting  on  the  roof,  repairing 
of  glass,  moving  and  replacing  furniture  and  carpets,  and  all  incidental 
work 3,  500 


a This  apparatus  cost  ninety-seven  dollars. 


The  Old  Building. 


165 


For  replacing  The  expenditure  of  fitting  and  furnishing  the  court  room  and 
offices,  thereby  covering  all  outstanding  claims  excepting  current  wages  by 


agreement §2,  432 

For  salaries  and  their  arrears,  and  all  contingent  expenses 4,  000 

* * * 


For  the  plaistering  and  residue  of  finishing  in  the  senate  chamber,  minor 


repairs  and  painting,  additional  shelves  and  book-cases,  and  fitting  up  the 
room  over  the  secretary’s  office  as  a deposit  of  books  and  papers  not  in  use.  2,  500 
a For  the  permanent  construction  of  the  west  side  of  the  north  wing  and  the 
north  west  angle  of  the  south  wing,  as  high  as  the  same  can  be  carried  in 

the  season  of  1811  20,  000 

For  the  regulating  of  the  ground  in  front  and  on  the  sides  of  the  capitol  and 

repairs  of  the  roads 2,  500 

For  the  platforms  to  the  north  and  south  entrances 8,  000 

* * * 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 


B.  Henry  Latrobe. 


To  the  President  of  the  U.  S. 


[House  proceedings  of  January  14,  1811:  Annals  of  Congress,  11 — 3,  p.  517.] 

COMPLETING  THE  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  Macon  submitted  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  the  United  States  be  requested  to  cause  to  be  laid  before  this  House 
an  estimate  of  the  sum  necessary  to  finish  the  Capitol,  designating  what  may  be  necessary  to  finish 
each  wing,  and  the  main  building,  and  what  time  may  be  required  to  finish  the  whole  building. 

Mr.  Rhea  moved  to  strike  out  so  much  of  the  resolution  as  would  confine  it  to  an 
inquiry  into  the  necessary  repairs  of  the  north  and  south  wings,  and  the  expenses  of 
them. 

Mr.  Lewis  expressed  his  surprise  that  any  objection  should  be  made  to  receiving 
information,  whatever  disposition  there  might  be  to  act  on  it.  The  resolution  went 
to  an  object  which,  in  the  opinion  of  Mr.  L.,  ought,  long  ago,  to  have  attracted  the 
attention  of  Congress,  and  he  was  happy  to  see  it  now  taken  up. 

Mr.  Macon  said,  he  wished  to  have  a whole  view  of  the  subject,  and  not  to  go  on 
for  ever  by  little  and  little  to  vote  a great  amount  of  money  without  having  any  esti- 
mate. He  said  they  had  better  look  at  the  subject  altogether.  He  had  no  idea,  how- 
ever, that  Congress  would  now  appropriate  a large  sum  of  money  to  this  object;  every 
body  knew  the  Treasury  was  not  in  a situation  to  afford  it;  but  he  was  opposed  to 
the  motion  of  Mr.  Rhea,  because  he  wished  to  have  a view  of  the  whole  subject. 

Mr.  Stanford  said  he  had  no  objection  to  calling  for  further  estimates;  but  the 
House  had  already  had  several  estimates  of  the  expense  of  finishing  each  of  the 
wings,  which  were  among  the  printed  documents  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Pickman  hoped  the  amendment  would  not  prevail,  although  he  might  feel  as 
little  interest  in  the  subject  as  any  one,  because  he  did  not  expect,  after  the  end  of 
the  present  session,  ever  to  see  Washington  again;  but  it  would  be  a great  gratifica- 
tion to  him  to  know  that  this  building  was  finished,  and  that  it  should  not  stand  as 

a Note. — In  the  present  state  of  the  building,  it  is  not  possible  to  give  a very  correct  estimate  of 
the  expense  of  finishing  either  the  west  side  of  the  north  wing,  or  of  building  the  north  west  angle 
of  the  south  wing.  If,  however,  twenty  thousand  dollars  be  appropriated  to  these  objects,  the  work 
may  be  carried  up  during  the  next  season  so  high,  that  a perfectly  accurate  estimate,  or  even  a con- 
tract might  be  made  for  its  ultimate  expense.  As  nearly  as  I can  now  estimate  this  expense,  it  would 
not  exceed,  for  the  north  west  angle,  thirty-four  thousand  dollars;  nor  for  the  west  side  of  the  north 
wing,  twenty  thousand  dollars. 


Documentary  IDstory  of  the  Capitol. 


166 

a monument  of  extravagance — of  extravagance  produced  by  the  mode  in  which 
money  had  been  appropriated  and  expended  for  it.  If  the  Government  should  go 
on,  as  it  had  done  for  eight  or  ten  years,  making  alterations  or  repairs,  the  buildings 
would  be  in  no  better  state  than  they  are  now,  although  they  would  have  cost  a 
great  deal  more  money  than  if  an  appropriation  were  at  once  made  to  finish  the 
whole.  He  therefore  hoped  the  resolution  would  pass  without  amendment. 

Mr.  Rhea  said,  if  he  believed  the  gentleman  from  North  Carolina  was  seriously 
disposed  to  do  that  which  his  motion  proposed  to  inquire  into,  he  might  agree  to  it. 
If  the  buildings  were  finished,  repairs  would  always  be  necessary,  until  materials 
should  be  discovered,  as  durable  in  their  nature  as  time  itself.  The  idea  that  the 
making  a large  appropriation  at  once  would  preclude  the  necessity  of  other  appro- 
priations was  as  reasonable  as  that,  because  a man  made  a hearty  dinner  one  day, 
he. should  eat  none  for  a week  afterwards. 

Mr.  Rhea’s  motion  for  amendment  was  negatived. 

On  the  suggestion  of  Mr.  Tallmadge,  the  resolution  was  so  amended,  with  the 
consent  of  Mr.  Macon,  as  to  call  for  an  account  of  the  debts  due  to  individuals  at  this 
time  for  work  done  on  the  Capitol;  and  also  for  an  account  of  the  whole  moneys 
expended  on  the  public  buildings. 

As  amended,  the  resolution  was  agreed  to,  and  a committee  appointed  to  present 
it  to  the  President  of  the  United  States. 


[Message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  transmitting,  in  compliance  with  House  resolution 
of  January  14, 1811,  reports  from  the  Superintendent  of  the  City  and  of  the  Surveyor  of  Public  Build 
mgs,  exhibiting  the  sum  already  expended  on  the  Capitol,  the  sum  necessary  to  finish  each  wing, 
and  the  sum  due  for  labor  and  materials,  communicated  to  the  House  Feb.  20, 1811.  (11-3,  State 
Papers.)] 

MESSAGE. 

To  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States. 

I transmit  to  the  house  of  representatives,  reports  from  the  superintendent  of  the 
city,  and  the  surveyor  of  the  public  buildings,  complying  with  their  resolution  of 
the  14th  of  January. 

James  Madison. 

February  25,  1811. 


Superintendents’ s Office, 
Washington,  January  19,  1811. 

Sir,  I have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  an  account,  required  by  a resolution 
of  the  house  of  representatives  of  the  14th  instant,  of  the  monies  expended  on  the 
capitol  in  the  city  of  Washington,  from  its  commencement  to  that  day. 

I have  the  honor  to  be, 

With  the  greatest  respect, 

Sir, 

Your  obedient  servant, 


Thomas  Munroe. 


President  United  States. 


Account  of  monies  expended  on  the  Capitol  in  the  city  of  Washington,  including 
the  disbursements  on  the  two  wings,  the  centre  building,  temporary  representatives 
chambers  erected  in  1801,  and  all  other  expenditures  on  the  Capitol  square,  from  the 
commencement  to  the  14th  of  January.  1811,  viz. 

Charged  to  an  account  in  the  books  of  the  late  commissioners,  headed 


The  Old  Building. 


167 


CAPITOL. 

Embracing  all  expenditures  made  under  their  direction  on  the  founda- 
tion walls  of  the  main  building  and  two  wings;  erecting  the  north 
wing,  and  temporary  representatives  chamber,  and  all  other  disburse- 
ments on  the  Capitol  square  prior  to  3d  March,  1803 $337,  735.  38 

SOUTH  WING  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

Disbursed  since  the  3d  March,  1809,  being  monies  appropriated  by 
Congress ' $298,714.91 

NORTH  WING  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 


Disbursed  since  the  3d  March,  1809,  being  monies 
Congress. 

Total  expenditures 

Superintendent’s  Office, 

Washington,  January  19,  1811. 


appropriated  1 >y 
$125,  034.  75 

$761,  485.  04 


Thomas  Munroe. 


Washington,  February  11,  1811. 

Sir,  The  inclosed  list  of  claims  outstanding  against  the  public  buildings  is  submitted 
to  you,  in  obedience  to  your  directions.  The  two  first  items  arise  from  engagements 
which  have  subsisted  for  some  years,  and  have  not  been  closed.  The  latter  exhibits 
the  amount  of  the  demands  against  the  public  for  labor  and  materials  delivered;  the 
certified  vouchers  of  which  are  deposited  with  the  superintendent  of  the  city  of 
Washington. 

I am,  with  the  highest  respect,  your’s, 

B.  H.  Latrobe, 
Surveyor  public  buildings  U.  S. 


The  President  of  the  United  States. 


List  of  claims  outstanding  against  the  public  buildings  of  the  United  States  on  the 
1st  of  February,  1811. 


I.  Sculptors  and  their  assistants  * * * $1, 433. 18 

This  sum  is  included  in  the  sum  of  $6,000  in  the  estimate  of  the  sur- 
veyor of  the  public  buildings,  of  December  28,  1810. 

II.  Salaries  * * * 1, 750 

III.  Labor  and  material  * * * 3, 319. 74J 


$6,  502.  924 


February  11,  1811. 


B.  Henry  Latrobe, 
Surveyor  public  buildings  United  States. 


Washington,  February  23,  1811. 

Sir,  In  obedience  to  your  directions  that  I should  furnish  to  you  the  information 
required  by  the  resolution  of  the  house  of  representatives  of  the  14th  of  January, 
which  may  be  within  the  duties  committed  to  me,  I beg  leave  to  submit  to  you  the 
following  statement. 

Of  the  centre  of  the  Capitol,  no  estimate  can  be  presented  without  a more  definite 
plan  than  I possess  of  that  part  of  the  building.  1 have  therefore  transmitted  only 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


168 

an  estimate  of  the  wings  to  which,  and  to  the  settlement  of  the  outstanding  claims 
against  the  public  buildings,  I have  devoted  my  best  attention. 

1.  Estimate  of  the  expense  of  completing  the  North  wing  of  the  Capitol  of  the  United 
States. 

1.  Of  the  west  part  of  the  wing  containing  on  the  principal  floor,  the 

library  and  two  reading  rooms,  and  on  the  ground  floor,  1 grand  jury  room, 
two  jury  rooms,  1 clerk’s  office,  1 marshal’s  office,  independently  of  any 
furniture $25,000 

2.  For  that  part  of  the  house  the  front  of  which,  westward,  is  carried  up  in 
brick  work  in  a temporary  manner,  and  which  is  to  contain  the  conference 
room  of  both  houses  on  the  principal  floor,  and  below,  the  dwelling  of  the 
doorkeeper,  a court,  privies,  stairs  to  the  upper  rooms  and  to  the  roof, 


pumps,  &c.  &c. 

Freestone  work 17,500 

Digging  foundation,  drains,  pumps,  scaffolding 10,  000 

All  other  work 27,  500 

55,000 

3.  To  complete  a great  variety  of  small  unfinished  details,  painting,  &c. 
in  the  part  occupied  at  present  by  the  senate  and  judiciary 5,  000 


Total  north  wing 85,  000 


II.  Estimate  of  the  expense  of  completing  the  South  wing  of  the  Capitol. 

1.  The  only  part  of  the  south  wing  which  is  incomplete,  is  the  north-west 
angle,  containing  five  committee  rooms,  the  stairs,  the  doorkeepers  dwell- 
ing, a court,  water  closets,  pumps,  &c. 

Work  in  freestone 17, 500 

Foundations,  &c 10, 000 

All  other  work 28,  500 

56,000 

2.  To  complete  a variety  of  small  details  unfinished  in  the  part  now  occu- 
pied, as  painting,  &c.  &c - 5,000 

61,  000 

These  estimates  have  been  made  in  detail  and  with  great  care.  The  work  may  be 
completed  in  two  years  from  the  first  of  August  next,  the  intermediate  time  being 
required  for  preparatory  arrangements. 

To  these  estimates  should  be  added  that  of  the  platforms  of  the  north  and  south 
fronts,  which  if  extended  along  the  whole  fronts  and  returned  at  the  west  ends,  will 
cost,  according  to  a detailed  estimate,  $17,000. 

Of  the  sums  set  down  in  these  statements,  the  reported  estimate  of  the  28th  of 
December,  1810,  contains  the  items  (being  the  7th  and  9th)  of  $20,000  for  the  wings, 
and  $8,000  for  the  platforms,  which  are  therein  only  calculated  to  pass  the  gallery 
and  court  room  doors, 

I am  fully  persuaded,  that  in  submitting  these  estimates,  I have  not  made  any 
error  or  omission  of  importance. 

With  the  highest  respect,  I am  yours,  &c. 

B.  H.  Latrobe, 
Surveyor  of  the  P.  B.  U.  S. 

The  President  of  the  United  States. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  24,  1S12:  House  Journal,  12 — 1,  p.  263.] 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Bacon, 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  the  United  States  be  requested  to  cause  to  be  laid 
before  this  House  an  account,  in  detail,  of  all  sums  now  due,  and  to  whom,  for  labor, 


CAPITOL,  1814. 


The  Old  B 1 t lid  in  g. 


169 


materials,  and  other  services,  of  every  nature  and  kind  whatsoever,  which  have  here- 
tofore been  furnished  and  performed  towards  erecting  or  repairing  the  Capitol,  and 
the  President’s  House,  or  for  procuring  furniture  for  the  same:  also,  whether  any, 
ami  what,  compensations  are  now  allowed  for  the  service  of  superintending  these 
objects,  and  the  nature  of  those  services. 

Mr.  Bacon  and  Mr.  Piper  were  appointed  a committee  to  present  said  resolution  to 
the  President  of  the  United  States. 


[House  proceedings  of  Apr.  7,  1812:  House  Journal,  12 — 1,  p.  278.] 

The  message  received  yesterday  from  the  President  of  the  United  States  was  read, 
and  is  as  follows: 

To  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States: 

I transmit  to  the  House  of  Representatives  a report  of  the  Superintendent  of  the 
city,  in  compliance  with  their  resolution  of  the  twenty-fourth  of  March,  to  which 
I add  a letter  from  B.  Id.  Latrobe,  connected  with  that  subject. 

James  Madison. 

April  6,  1812. 


[House  proceedings  of  Apr.  7,  1812:  Annals  of  Congress,  12 — 1,  p.  1263.] 

The  letter  of  the  Superintendent  transmits  to  the  President  a statement  in  detail 
made  by  Mr.  Latrobe,  by  whom  the  expenditure  had  been  authorized,  of  the  amount 
due  for  work  on  the  Public  Buildings,  the  total  or  recapitulation  of  which  is  as 


follows: 

Capitol 5,  967  79 

Sculptors 3,823  75 

President’s  House 1,683  52 

General  Expenses 2,  950  00 


814,425  06 

The  Message  and  documents  were  referred  to  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means. 


[“An  Act  making  an  appropriation  for  the  purpose  of  discharging  all  the  outstanding  claims  for 
the  construction  and  repair  of  the  Capitol  and  the  President’s  House;  for  the  compensation  of  the 
late  Surveyor  of  the  Public  Buildings,  and  for  furniture  for  the  different  apartments  of  the  Capitol, 
and  for  other  purposes,"  approved  July  5,  1812.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  2,  775.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  for  the  purpose  of  satisfying  all  outstanding  claims  for 
services  performed  and  materials  furnished  for  the  construction  and  repair  of  the 
capitol  and  President’s  house,  including  therein  the  sum  of  two  thousand  five  hun- 
dred dollars  for  the  compensation  of  the  late  surveyor  of  public  buildings,  to  the 
first  of  July,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eleven,  when  his  duties  in  that  capacity 
ceased;  for  furniture  for  the  different  apartments  of  the  capitol,  and  for  contingent 
expenses  relating  thereto,  the  sum  of  fourteen  thousand  five  hundred  and  seventy- 
three  dollars  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  appropriated  to  be  applied  to  the  discharge 
of  the  claims  before  mentioned,  and  to  no  other  purpose  whatsoever. 

Sec.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  that  a sum  not  exceeding  one  thousand  dollars 
be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  appropriated  for  the  purpose  of  enabling  the  President 
of  the  United  States  to  return  to  their  native  country,  the  two  Italian  sculptors 
lately  employed  on  the  public  buildings,  and  to  close  the  original  contract  made 
with  them  on  behalf  of  the  United  States. 


170 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Sec.  3.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  superintendent  of  the  city  of  Wash- 
ington be  authorized  to  contract  for  the  completion  of  the  sculpture  in  the  south 
wing  of  the  capitol,  under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  and 
that  the  sum  of  four  thousand  dollars  lie  appropriated  towards  defraying  the  expense 
of  the  same. 

Sec:.  4.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  a sum  not  exceeding  four  thousand  dollars 
be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  appropriated  for  the  completing  the  sculpture  and  the  work 
on  the  galleries  of  the  Senate  chamber,  the  railing  of  the  stairs  and  minor  works, 
deficient  in  theeast  part  of  the  north  wing  of  the  capitol,  and  for  temporary  repairs 
to  the  roof. 

Sec.  5.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  aforesaid  sums  shall  be  paid  out  of  any 
monies  in  the  treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  27,  1813:  House  Journal,  12 — 2,  p.  716.] 

Mr.  Dawson,  from  the  committee  appointed  to  inquire  what  alterations,  if  any,  are 
necessary  in  their  chamber,  for  the  future  accommodation  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, made  a report,  which  was  read. 

Mr.  Dawson,  from  the  same  committee,  reported  a bill  making  an  appropriation 
for  alterations  to  lie  made  in  the  chamber  of  the  House  of  Representatives;  which 
was  read  the  first  time,  and,  on  motion,  the  said  bill  was  read  the  second  time,  and 
committed  to  a committee  of  the  Whole  House  on  Monday. 

Ordered  that  the  report  be  recommitted  to  a select  committee. 


[“An  Act  making  an  appropriation  for  alterations  and  repairs  in  the  Capitol,”  approved  Mar.  3, 

1813.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  2,  822.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  a sum  not  exceeding  five  thousand  dollars  shall  be,  and 
the  same  is  hereby  appropriated,  to  be  applied  under  the  direction  of  the  President 
of  the  United  States,  in  such  repairs  or  alterations  in  the  chamber  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  as  maybe  necessary  for  their  accommodation  in  their  future  sessions, 
having  in  view  as  well  the  increased  number  of  the  members,  as  the  better  lighting, 
ventilating,  and  warming  the  chamber;  which  sum  shall  be  paid  out  of  any  money 
in  the  treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated. 

Sec.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  five  hundred  dollars  be  appropriated  to 
repair  the  roof  of  the  capitol,  to  be  paid  out  of  any  money  in  the  treasury  not  other- 
wise appropriated. 


[“An  Act  making  an  appropriation  for  finishing  the  Senate  Chamber  and  repairing  the  roof  of  the 
north  wing  of  the  Capitol,”  approved  July  26,  1813.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  3,  48.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  a sum  not  exceeding  nine  thousand  five  hundred  dollars 
be,  and  the  same  is  hereby  appropriated,  to  be  applied  under  the  direction  of  the 
President  of  the  United  States,  to  finishing  the  Senate  Chamber,  and  repairing  the 
roof  of  the  north  wing  of  the  Capitol;  which  sum  shall  be  paid  out  of  any  money  in 
the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated. 


The  Old  Building. 


171 


[From  the  state  paper,  “An  Exposition  of  the  -Causes  and  Character  of  the  War,”  subsequently 
attributed  to  Alexander  J.  Dallas,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  bearing  date  Feb.  10,  1815,  and  printed 
in  the  Annals  of  Congress,  Appendix  13-3,  p.  1416  et  seq.] 

DESTRUCTION  OF  THE  CAPITOL  AND  OTHER  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS,  WAR 

OF  1812. 

Although  the  necessary  precautions  had  been  ordered  to  assemble  the  militia  for 
the  defence  of  the  city,  a variety  of  causes  combined  to  render  the  defence  unsuccess- 
ful; and  the  enemy  took  possession  of  Washington  on  the  evening  of  the  24th  of 
August,  1814.  The  commanders  of  the  British  force  held,  at  that  time,  Admiral 
Cochrane’s  desolating  order,  although  it  was  then  unknown  to  the  Government  and 
the  people  of  the  United  States;  but,  conscious  of  the  danger  of  so  distant  a separa- 
tion from  the  British  fleet,  and  desirous,  by  every  plausible  artifice,  to  deter  the  citi- 
zens from  flying  to  arms  against  the  invaders,  they  disavowed  all  design  of  injuring 
private  persons  and  property,  and  gave  assurances  of  protection  wherever  there  was 
submission.  General  Ross  and  Admiral  Cockburn  then  proceeded  in  person  to  direct 
and  superintend  the  business  of  conflagration  in  a place  which  had  yielded  to  their 
arms,  which  was  unfortified,  and  by  which  no  hostility  was  threatened.  They  set 
fire  to  the  Capitol,  within  whose  walls  were  contained  the  halls  of  the  Congress  of 
the  United  States,  the  hall  of  their  highest  tribunal  for  the  administration  of  justice, 
the  archives  of  the  Legislature,  and  the  National  Library.  They  set  fire  to  the  edifice 
which  the  United  States  had  erected  for  the  residence  of  their  Chief  Magistrate;  and 
they  set  fire  to  the  costly  and  extensive  buildings  erected  for  the  accommodation  of 
the  principal  officers  of  the  Government  in  the  transaction  of  the  public  business. 
These  magnificent  monuments  of  the  progress  of  the  arts,  which  America  had  bor- 
rowed from  her  parent  Europe,  with  all  the  testimonials  of  taste  and  literature  which 
they  contained,  were,  on  the  memorable  night  of  the  24th  of  August,  consigned  to 
the  flames,  while  British  officers  of  high  rank  and  command  united  with  their  troops 
in  riotous  carousals  by  the  light  of  the  burning  pile.  * * * [Admiral  Cochrane’s 
order,  above  referred  to,  dated  Aug.  18,  1814,  is  printed  in  Annals  of  Congress, 
Appendix  13-3,  p.  1281.] 


[From  “Messages  and  Papers  of  the  Presidents,”  v.  1,  545.] 

By  the  President  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

A PROCLAMATION. 

Whereas  the  enemy  by  a sudden  incursion  have  succeeded  in  invading  the  capital 
of  the  nation,  defended  at  the  moment  by  troops  less  numerous  than  their  own  and 
almost  entirely  of  the  militia,  during  their  possession  of  which,  though  for  a single 
day  only,  they  wantonly  destroyed  the  public  edifices,  having  no  relation  in  their 
structure  to  operations  of  war  nor  used  at  the  time  for  military  annoyance,  some 
of  these  edifices  being  also  costly  monuments  of  taste  and  of  the  arts,  and  others 
depositories  of  the  public  archives,  not  only  precious  to  the  nation  as  the  memorials 
of  its  origin  and  its  early  transactions,  but  interesting  to  all  nations  as  contributions 
to  the  general  stock  of  historical  instruction  and  political  science;  and  * * * 
Whereas  these  proceedings  and  declared  purposes,  which  exhibit  a deliberate  dis- 
regard of  the  principles  of  humanity  and  the  rules  of  civilized  warfare,  and  which 
must  give  to  the  existing  war  a character  of  extended  devastation  and  barbarism  at 
the  very  moment  of  negotiations  for  peace,  invited  by  the  enemy  himself,  leave  no 
prospect  of  safety  to  anything  within  the  reach  of  his  predatory  and  incendiary 
operations  but  in  manful  and  universal  determination  to  chastise  and  expel  the 
invader: 


172 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Now,  therefore,  I,  James  Madison,  President  of  the  United  States,  do  issue  this 
my  proclamation,  exhorting  all  the  good  people  thereof  to  unite  their  hearts  and 
hands  in  giving  effect  to  the  ample  means  possessed  for  that  purpose.  * * * 

In  testimony  whereof  I have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  caused  the  seal  of  the 
United  States  to  be  affixed  to  these  presents. 

Done  at  the  city  of  Washington,  the  1st  day  of  September,  A.  D.  1814,  and  of 
the  Independence  of  the  United  States  the  thirty-ninth. 

[seal.]  James  Madison. 

By  the  President: 

James  Monroe, 

Secretary  of  State. 


[Special  Message  of  President  James  Madison.  ("Messages  and  Papers  of  the  Presidents,”  v.  1,  546.)] 

Washington,  September  17, 1814. 

The  President  of  the  Senate  of  the  Un  ited  States. 

Sir:  The  destruction  of  the  Capitol  by  the  enemy  having  made  it  necessary  that 
other  accommodations  should  be  provided  for  the  meeting  of  Congress,  chambers  for 
the  Senate  and  for  the  House  of  Representatives,  with  other  requisite  apartments, 
have  been  fitted  up,  under  the  direction  of  the  superintendent  of  the  city,  in  the 
public  buildings  heretofore  allotted  for  the  post  and  other  public  offices. 

With  this  information,  be  pleased,  sir,  to  accept  assurances  of  my  great  respect  and 
consideration 

James  Madison. 


[From  the  sixth  annual  Message  of  President  James  Madison.  (‘‘Messages  and  Papers  of  the  Presi- 
dents,” v.  1.  547.)] 

Washington,  September  20,  1814- 
Fellow-citizens  of  the  Senate  and  of  the  House  of  Representatives: 

* * * In  the  events  of  the  present  campaign  the  enemy,  with  all  his  augmented 
means  and  wanton  use  of  them,  has  little  ground  for  exultation,  unless  he  can  feel 
it  in  the  success  of  his  recent  enterprises  against  this  metropolis  and  the  neighboring 
town  of  Alexandria,  from  both  of  which  his  retreats  were  as  precipitate  as  his 
attempts  were  bold  and  fortunate.  In  his  other  incursions  on  our  Atlantic  frontier 
his  progress,  often  checked  and  chastised  by  the  martial  spirit  of  the  neighboring 
citizens,  has  had  more  effect  in  distressing  individuals  and  in  dishonoring  his  arms 
than  in  promoting  any  object  of  legitimate  warfare;  and  in  the  two  instances  men- 
tioned, very  deeply  to  be  regretted  on  our  part,  he  will  find  in  his  transient  success, 
which  interrupted  for  a moment  only  the  ordinary  public  business  at  the  seat  of 
•Government,  no  compensation  for  the  loss  of  character  with  the  world  by  his  viola- 
tions of  private  property  and  by  his  destruction  of  public  edifices  protected  as  monu- 
ments of  the  arts  by  the  laws  of  civilized  warfare. 

* * * Our  enemy  is  powerful  in  men  and  in  money,  on  the  land  and  on  the 
water.  * * * He  has  avowed  his  purpose  of  trampling  on  the  usages  of  civilized 
warfare,  and  given  earnests  of  it  in  the  plunder  and  wanton  destruction  of  private 
property.  * * * His  barbarous  policy  has  not  even  spared  those  monuments  of 
the  arts  and  models  of  taste  with  which  the  country  had  enriched  and  embellished 
its  infant  metropolis.  From  such  an  adversary  hostility  in  its  greatest  force  and  in 
its  worst  forms  may  be  looked  for.  The  American  people  will  face  it  with  the 
undaunted  spirit  which  in  their  revolutionary  struggle  defeated  his  unrighteous 
projects.  His  threats  and  his  barbarities,  instead  of  dismay,  will  kindle  in  every 
bosom  an  indignation  not  to  be  extinguished  but  in  the  disaster  and  expulsion  of 
such  cruel  invadei's.  * * * 


H.  Rep.  646 — 58-2. 


ORIGINAL  CAPITOL  AFTER  THE  FIRE  OF  1814. 


The  Old  Building. 


173 


/ 


[American  State  Papers,  Class  X,  Misc.,  v.  II,  246.] 

ON  THE  BURNING  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 


Monticello,  September  21 , 1814. 

Dear  Sir:  Hearn  from  the  newspapers  that  the  vandalism  of  our  enemy  has  tri- 
umphed at  Washington  over  science  as  well  as  the  arts,  by  the  destruction  of  the 
public  library,  with  the  noble  edifice  in  which  it  was  deposited.  Of  this  transaction, 
as  that  of  Copenhagen,  the  world  will  entertain  but  one  sentiment.  They  will  see  a 
nation  suddenly  withdrawn  from  a great  war,  full-armed  and  full-handed,  taking 
advantage  of  another  whom  they  had  recently  forced  into  it,  unarmed,  and  unpre- 
pared, to  indulge  themselves  in  acts  of  barbarism  which  do  not  belong  to  a civilized 
age.  When  Van  Ghent  destroyed  their  shipping  at  Chatham,  and  De  Ruyter  rode 
triumphantly  up  the  Thames,  he  might,  in  like  manner,  by  the  acknowledgment  of 
their  own  historians,  have  forced  all  their  ships  up  to  London  bridge,  and  there  have 
burnt  them,  the  tower,  and  city,  had  these  examples  been  then  set.  London,  when 
thus  menaced,  was  near  a thousand  years  old;  Washington  is  but  in  its  teens. 

* 1 * * 


Samuel  II.  Smith,  Esq. 


Th:  Jefferson. 


CAPTURE  OF  THE  CITY  OF  WASHINGTON. 

[Annals  of  Congress,  Appendix  13—3,  pp.  1518, 1728 — Communicated  to  the  House,  November  29, 1814.] 

In  the  House  of  Representatives, 
September  23,  1814- 

Resolved,  That  a committee  be  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  causes  of  the  success 
of  the  enemy  in  his  recent  enterprises  against  this  metropolis,  and  the  neighboring 
town  of  Alexandria ; and  into  the  manner  in  which  the  public  buildings  and  prop- 
erty were  destroyed,  and  the  amount  thereof,  and  that  they  have  power  to  send  for 
persons  and  papers. 

Mr.  Johnson  of  Kentucky  , Mr.  Lowndes,  Mr.  Stockton,  Mr.  Miller,  Mr.  Golds- 
borough,  Mr.  Barbour,  and  Mr.  Pickens,  were  appointed  the  said  committee. 

Mr.  R.  M.  Johnson  made  the  following  report: 

The  committee  charged  with  an  inquiry  so  intimately  concerning  the  character  of 
Administration,  the  sensibility  of  the  nation,  and  the  honor  of  its  arms,  as  the 
causes  of  success  of  the  enemy  in  his  recent  enterprises  against  this  metropolis,  &c., 
have  endeavored  to  combine  despatch  with  effect,  in  the  manner  in  which  they 
have  collected  the  facts  and  views  presented  in  the  following  statement : 

* -x-  * 


No.  14. 

Report  from  the  Superintendent  of  the  Public  Buildings. 

Office  of  Superintendent, 

Washington,  Oct.  29,  1814- 

Sir:  In  answer  to  the  inquiries  you  made  of  me  yesterday,  I have  the  honor  to 
state  that  the  whole  cost  of  the  under-mentioned  public  buildings,  from  the  com- 
mencement to  the  burning  by  the  enemy,  appears  as  follows: 

North  wing  of  the  Capitol,  including  the  foundation  walls  of  both  wings, 


and  of  the  centre  or  main  building,  and  of  alterations  and  repairs  . $457,  388  36 

South  wing  of  the  Capitol 329,  774  92 

President’s  House 334,334  00j 

Public  Offices 93,  613  82 


$1,215,111  21 2 


174 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


At  the  instance  of  a committee  of  the  Senate,  the  remains  of  those  buildings  have 
been  examined  by  architects  and  master  builders,  all  of  whom  report  it  as  their 
opinions,  that  the  walls  of  the  President’s  House,  and  both  wings  of  the  Capitol,  with 
some  inconsiderable  repairs,  will  be  safe  and  sufficient  to  rebuild  on.  The  walls  of 
the  two  offices,  particularly  of  the  upper  stories,  are  deemed  insufficient  to  bear  new 
roofs,  and  will  require  taking  down  and  renewing,  as  far  as  shall  be  found  necessary. 
The  amounts  of  the  estimates  for  repairing  and  rebuilding  the  five  edifices,  making 
the  offices  tire  proof,  with  some  other  improvements  suggested,  are  from  three  hun- 
dred and  fifty  thousand  dollars  to  upwards  of  six  hundred  thousand  dollars.  The 
largest  estimate,  however,  embraces  an  expense  of  considerable  amount,  for  complet- 
ing the  west  part  of  the  north  wing  for  a library,  which  none  of  the  lower  estimates 
includes.  The  average  amount  estimated,  of  putting  all  the  buildings  in  the  state  the 
enemy  found  them,  appears,  by  dividing  the  aggregate  amount  of  the  estimates  by 
the  number  of  them,  to  be  about  four  hundred  and  sixty  thousand  dollars,  allowing 
for  the  materials  of  the  burnt  buildings,  which  may  be  used  in  rebuilding. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  &c. 

Thomas  M unroe. 


Hon.  R.  M.  Johnson. 


[House  proceedings  of  Oct.  20, 1814:  Annals  of  Congress,  13 — 3,  p.  413.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

Mr.  Lewis,  of  Virginia,  said,  the  House  having  decided  that  Congress  should  not 
remove  from  this  place,  he  thought  it  proper  some  steps  should  be  immediately  taken 
towards  making  a provision  for  the  better  accommodation  of  the  different  Depart- 
ments of  the  Government.  With  this  opinion  he  moved  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved , That  the  Committee  of  the  District  of  Columbia  be  instructed  to  inquire  into  the  expedi- 
ency of  rebuilding  or  repairing  the  President’s  House,  the  Capitol,  and  Public  Offices,  and  into  the 
expenses  necessary  for  that  purpose;  and  whether  the  public  interest  or  convenience  would  be  pro- 
moted by  any  change  or  alteration  of  the  sites  of  said  buildings. 

Mr.  Gholson,  of  Virginia,  said,  he  saw  no  reason  for  stirring  the  question  of  chang- 
ing the  sites  of  these  buildings  at  present,  and  hoped  the  gentleman  would  expunge 
that  part  of  his  motion. 

Mr.  Lewis  said  he  was  of  the  same  opinion  as  his  colleague  in  respect  to  the  expedi- 
ency of  changing  the  sites  of  the  public  buildings;  but,  as  some  gentlemen  in  the 
House  were,  he  knew,  of  a different  opinion,  he  had  thought  it  best  to  place  the 
question  in  its  broadest  shape  before  the  Committee. 

Mr.  Grosvenor,  of  New  York,  moved  to  refer  the  subject  to  a select  committee, 
instead  of  the  standing  committee  as  proposed.  It  was  a subject  interesting  to  the 
whole  United  States,  and  the  importance  of  which  was  not  limited  to  the  District 
only.  He  thought,  therefore,  it  should  be  referred  to  a general  committee.  He 
took  occasion  to  Say,  that  the  decision  having  been  made  on  the  question  of  removal, 
it  ought  to  be  final;  and  during  this  Congress,  at  least,  he  was  not  disposed  to  move 
it  again.  It  was  the  duty  of  this  Congress,  he  conceived,  to  proceed  in  preparing  for 
the  better  accommodation  of  the  Government  here. 

After  some  further  conversation,  Mr.  G.’s  amendment  was  agreed  to — ayes  87;  and 
Mr.  Lewis,  Mr.  Kent,  of  Maryland,  Mr.  Hanson,  Mr.  Bowen,  Mr.  Grosvenor,, 
Mr.  Sharp,  and  Mr.  Condict,  were  appointed  the  said  committee. 


[American  State  Papers,  Class  X,  Misc.,  V.  II,  252.— No.  375.  13th  Congress,  3d  Session.  Rebuilding 
the  Capitol,  President's  house,  and  other  public  buildings  in  the  City  of  Washington.  Communi- 
cated, to  the  House  of  Representatives,  November  21,  1814.] 

Mr.  Lewis,  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred  a resolution  “to  inquire  into 
the  expediency  of  rebuilding  or  repairing  the  President’s  house,  Capitol,  and  public 


The  Old  Building. 


175 


offices,  and  of  the  expense  necessary  for  that  purpose,  and  whether  the  public  interest 
or  convenience  would  be  promoted  by  any  change  or  alteration  of  the  sites  of  said 
buildings,”  made  the  following  report: 

That,  amongst  the  first  steps  deemed  necessary  in  discharge  of  the  duties  assigned 
them,  they  caused  the  superintendent  of  the  city  to  lay  before  them  the  reports  of 
several  architects  and  mechanics  of  reputed  skill  and  character,  who  had,  at  his 
request,  examined  the  remains  of  the  public  buildings,  all  of  whom  reported,  as 
their  opinion,  that  the  walls  generally  had  not  been  materially  damaged,  and  were 
not  rendered  unsafe  or  insufficient  to  rebuild  on,  conformably  either  to  the  former 
plans,  or  to  some  variations  suggested,  or  such  as  may  be  adopted  as  improvements 
in  the  rebuilding. 

These  reports  were  accompanied  by  estimates  of  various  amounts,  forming  an  average 
of  $458,000.  The  whole  first  cost  of  these  buildings  appears  to  be  $1,215,110  10. 

With  the  view  of  better  understanding  the  grounds,  and  probable  accuracy  of  the 
reports  and  estimates,  the  committee  attended  personally  at  the  Capitol,  and  examined 
the  state  of  that  building,  where;  after  a conference,  and  making  such  inquiries  of 
an  architect  on  the  spot  as  were  considered  proper,  they  were  induced  to  believe 
that  the  walls  of  both  wings  of  the  Capitol  may  be  safely  built  on,  and  that  the 
estimated  expense  of  about  $250,000  for  repairing  the  same  was  as  nearly  accurate, 
and  as  mucti  to  be  relied  on  as  could  be  reasonably  expected,  or  as  circumstances 
either  admitted  or  required. 

With  the  foregoing  information,  the  committee  proceeded  to  a due  and  general 
consideration  of  the  subject-matter  referred  to  them,  and  readily  came  to  the  decision 
that  it  was  expedient,  either  to  repair  the  late  buildings,  or  to  build  others  in  their 
stead  on  different  sites;  but  as  it  appeared  that  the  latter  could  not  be  effected  with- 
out incurring  a great  additional  expense,  so  much  greater  (as  the  committee  con- 
ceived) than  would  be  counterbalanced  by  any  ‘‘public  interest  or  convenience,”  to 
be  derived  from  “a  change  of  sites,”  they  were  of  opinion  that  it  would  be  inexpe- 
dient to  make  such  change.  Connected  with  this  part  of  the  duty  prescribed  to  the 
committee,  it  may  not  be  improper  that  they  should  state  to  the  House  the  repre- 
sentations of  sundry  individuals  who  allege,  and  offer  to  prove,  that  the  designation 
of  the  present  site  by  President  Washington,  who  possessed  full  power,  having  been 
always  considered  by  him  as  part  of  the  permanent  plan  of  the  city,  they  purchased 
at  very  advanced  prices,  and  improved  lots,  on  the  faith  of  those  designations,  near 
those  sites;  the  supposed  permanency  whereof  has  ever  since  sustained  the  value  of 
all  adjacent  and  contiguous  property;  but  that,  if  those  sites  were  now  to  be  altered 
or  abandoned,  without  some  equivalent  public  establishment  being  made  thereon, 
they  apprehend  that  this  property  would  become  comparatively  valueless,  during  the 
lifetimes  of  the  present  holders  at  least.  The  committee,  however,  desire  it  to  be 
understood  that  other  views  and  considerations,  having  induced  their  decision  on 
this  member  of  the  resolution  under  which  their  inquiries  were  directed,  did  not 
enter  into  the  discussion  of,  or  give  any  opinion  on  the  force  and  validity  of,  those 
considerations. 

From  the  suggestions  of  the  architects  consulted,  and  also  from  the  observations 
of  the  committee,  they  are  of  opinion  that  parts  of  the  walls,  arches,  and  columns 
of  the  late  buildings  are  in  a state  requiring  a small  expense  for  workmanship  and 
materials,  to  preserve  them  from  injury  by  the  weather,  and  from  falling  down, 
thereby  endangering  the  vaulting  which  supports  some  of  the  floors,  and  which,  at 
present,  is  very  little,  if  at  all,  weakened  by  the  burning;  but  as  there  is  no  money 
applicable  to  the  payment  of  such  expense,  inconsiderable  as  it  may  be,  the  commit- 
tee beg  leave  to  suggest  the  propriety  of  an  appropriation  for  that  object. 

The  committee  think  it  not  irrelative  to  the  object  of  their  inquiries,  though  it  is 
not  specifically  enjoined,  to  state  also  that  the  several  banks  within  the  District  of 
Columbia,  desirous  of  facilitating  an  object  so  interesting  to  the  district,  have  made 


17(3 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


a formal  and  binding  offer  in  writing,  to  advance  on  loan  to  the  Government,  upon 
reasonable  terms,  the  sum  of  §500,000,  to  be  applied  exclusively  to  the  purpose  of 
rebuilding  or  repairing  the  President’s  house,  Capitol,  or  public  offices. 

Conformably  to  the  foregoing  statement  the  committee  ask  leave  to  report  a bill. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  1,  1815:  Annals  of  Congress,  13 — 3,  p.  202.] 

The  Senate  resumed,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  the  consideration  of  the  bill 
making  appropriations  for  repairing  or  rebuilding  the  public  buildings  within  the 
city  of  Washington. 

On  motion,  by  Mr.  Mason,  that  the  further  consideration  thereof  be  postponed  to 
the  second  Monday  in  March  next,  it  was  determined  in  the  negative — yeas  7,  nays 
22,  as  follows:  * * * 

Mr.  Fromentin  moved  to  recommit  the  bill  to  a select  committee,  further  to 
consider  and  report  thereon.  The  motion  was  postponed  until  to-morrow. 

[There  took  place  on  the  subject  an  interesting  debate.  Messrs.  Lacock,  Barbour, 
Daggett,  and  Kerr,  were  the  principal  advocates  of  the  bill,  and  Messrs.  Mason, 
Dana,  and  German,  its  principal  opponents.] 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  3,  1815:  Annals  of  Congress,  13 — 3,  p.  216.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

The  Senate  resumed,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  the  consideration  of  the  bill 
making  appropriations  for  repairing  or  rebuilding  the  public  buildings  within  the 
City  of  Washington. 

Mr.  Fromentin  had  moved  yesterday  to  recommit  the  bill  to  a select  committee. 
On  this  motion  Mr.  F.  addressed  the  Chair  as  follows: 

Mr.  President:  I am  called  upon  to  give  the  reasons  which  prompted  me  to  make 
the  motion  now  under  consideration.  I will  endeavor  to  give  to  the  Senate  such  an 
account  of  my  motives  as  will  enable  them  to  judge  of  the  propriety  of  the  reference. 

It  may,  perhaps,  not  be  useless  on  this  occasion  to  take  a retrospective  view  of  the 
length  of  time  which  has  elapsed,  after  the  erection  of  those  buildings  was  deter- 
mined on,  before  they  could  be  used  for  the  purposes  for  which  they  were  intended, 
and  of  the  sums  of  money  which  have  been  spent  upon  their  construction.  We  shall 
be  the  better  able  to  anticipate  the  probable  time  when  these  buildings  may  again 
be  occupied  by  Congress,  and  to  form  a correct  estimate  of  the  sums  of  money  which 
we  may  have  to  appropriate  for  those  purposes. 

Sir,  it  is  more  than  twenty-three  years,  if  I am  correctly  informed,  since  the  public 
edifices,  proposed  now  to  be  rebuilt,  were  begun  to  be  erected.  None  of  them,  at  the 
time  of  their  destruction  by  the  enemy,  were  completely  finished;  and  I believe,  the 
south  wing  of  the  Capitol  was  not  ready  for  the  reception  of  the  House  of  Iiepre- 
sentatives  more  than  four  or  five  years  before  it  was  destroyed.  If  it  be  found  neces- 
sary to  rebuild,  instead  of  repairing,  the  other  hopeless  alternative  offered  by  the  bill 
on  your  table,  you  may  reasonably  expect,  taking  into  consideration  the  present 
situation  of  the  country,  especially  if  the  war  should  continue,  and  thereby  the  diffi- 
culty of  procuring  materials,  and  of  getting  workmen,  should  be  increased,  that  the 
two  wings  of  the  Capitol  may  be  finished,  and  ready  for  the  reception  of  both  Houses 
of  Congress,  in  about  ten  or  twelve  years. 

The  public  buildings,  including  the  President’s  House,  did  not  cost  less  than  fif- 
teen hundred  thousand  dollars.  We  are  told  that  five  hundred  thousand  dollars 
will  replace  those  edifices  in  statu  quo.  Sir,  notwithstanding  my  respect  for  the 
artists  who  have  given  an  opinion  on  this  subject,  I have  still  some  doubts  of  the 
practicability  of  making  use  of  the  walls  as  they  are  now  standing.  The  architects 


The  Old  Building. 


177 


themselves  are  not  positive  on  that  point.  They  gave  their  opinion  before  the  very 
severe  frost,  which  we  had  this  Winter,  had  its  effect  upon  those  susceptible  and 
unprotected  walls.  Their  opinion,  if  a new  examination  was  now  had,  might  be 
materially  different;  and  the  committee  themselves,  by  reporting  a bill  for  repair- 
ing or  rebuilding  the  public  buildings,  instead  of  confining  themselves  to  reporting 
a bill  for  repairing,  have  manifested  a doubt,  which  it  cannot  be  improper  for  me  to 
entertain.  If,  then,  you  should  ultimately  be  compelled  to  rebuild  (and  I firmly 
believe  you  will)  the  expense  for  rebuilding  cannot  be  much  less  than  the  original 
cost  of  construction.  The  materials  which  you  may  save  will  about  pay  the  expense 
of  taking  down  the  walls  before  you  can  rebuild. 

Great,  indeed,  I should  almost  say  incalculable,  must  be  the  advantages  presented 
by  this  favorite  situation,  which,  under  the  pressure  of  our  present  emergencies,  could 
induce  this  Congress  to  sacrifice  such  immense  sums  of  money.  Three  principal 
reasons  have  been  adduced  in  support  of  this  bill  by  its  friends.  The  pride  of  the 
nation  has  been  appealed  to,  and  pressed  into  the  service  of  this  bill.  Sir,  when 
gentlemen  intrench  themselves  behind  the  inexpugnable  bulwark  of  pride,  it  would 
be  in  vain  to  use  any  arguments  directed  to  their  sober  judgment.  As  well  might 
you  attempt,  sword  in  hand,  to  pierce  the  heart  of  your  enemy,  protected  from  your 
attack  by  a fortress,  flanked  with  a hundred  cannon.  The  fortress  is  to  be  taken 
first;  and  I know  of  no  argument  strong  enough  to  batter  down  the  fortress  erected 
by  pride.  There  is  but  one. way  to  come  at  it,  sir;  and  it  is  by  erecting  alongside  of 
it  another  pride  fortress,  and  then  fairly  to  begin  the  assault  on  both  sides. 

I,  too,  have  my  pride — not  a pride  to  be  fed  upon  the  unpaid  blood  of  the  soldier 
who  wins  our  battles;  not  a pride  to  be  gratified  by  the  vain  and  useless  display  of  a 
borrowed,  ragged  magnificence.  No,  sir;  my  pride  is  less  voracious,  it  is  less  osten- 
tatious. Provide  for  filling  the  ranks  of  your  Army;  provide  for  clothing,  feeding, 
and  paying,  your  soldiers  and  sailors.  Instead  of  borrowing  money  for  building  costly 
edifices,  borrow  money  for  protecting  against  an  invading  foe  the  edifices  yet  standing. 
Drive  the  enemy  from  the  country;  then,  indeed,  my  pride  will  be  satisfied;  then  I 
will,  with  pleasure,  vote  money,  as  much  money  as  you  please,  for  rebuilding  our 
public  edifices;  and  then  the  more  magnificent  the  plan,  the  more  elegant  its  execu- 
tion, the  more  my  pride  will  be  gratified. 

It  is  further  said,  in  support  of  this  bill,  that-  the  plan  recommended  by  the  bill 
was  the  plan  of  Gen.  Washington,  and  under  the  sanction  of  that  imposing  name  an 
attempt  is  made  to  mislead  our  understanding.  True,  sir,  this  was  the  plan  of 
Washington — but,  under  what  circumstances?  Washington  was  then  President  of 
the  United  States.  The  country  then  was  rich;  the  country  was  prosperous.  An 
extensive,  unrestricted,  and  almost  unlimited  commerce  brought  then  to  the  remotest 
corner  of  this  vast  continent  all  the  treasures  of  a tributary  world.  The  anxious  eye 
of  Washington  measured  the  distances,  and  his  capacious  mind  was  not  discouraged 
by  them.  The  rapid,  the  almost  prodigious  progress  of  every  improvement  under 
his  auspicious  Administration,  justified,  in  the  opinion  of  that  great  and  modest  man, 
the  anticipated  expectations  of  corresponding  improvements  under  the  Administra- 
tion of  his  successors.  Put,  sir,  what  has  been  the  result?  Instead  of  realizing  the 
high  expectations  of  General  Washington,  from  causes  which  it  is  foreign  to  my  sub- 
ject here  to  investigate,  this  country  once  rich,  is  now  poor;  this  country  once  pros- 
perous, is  now  fallen.  I hope,  sir,  it  will  rise  again;  but  till  then,  speak  not  to  me 
of  what  Washington  did.  Speak  what  Washington  would  now  advise;  I say  advise. 
The  recollection  of  General  Washington’s  unshakeable  firmness  in  the  year  1795, 
forbids  the  idea  of  the  possibility  of  his  ever  having  had  to  act  under  such  an  accu- 
mulation of  distressing  circumstances. 

When  I cast  my  eyes  on  this  wilderness,  dignified  with  the  name  of  a city;  a city 
to  be  sure,  very  unlike  the  old-fashioned  European  city,  alluded  to  by  the  Irishman, 
who,  when  placed  in  the  middle  of  it,  complained  that  he  could  not  see  the  city, 

H.  Rep.  616 12 


178 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


there  were  so  many  houses!  Sir,  we  run  no  risk  of  hearing  of  any  such  complaints 
about  this  city.  Every  Irishman  who  arrives  here  may  have  a full  view  of  the  whole 
ground  at  once.  None  of  those  encumbrances  called  houses  to  limit  the  boundless 
prospects.  Or,  if  there  be  a few,  he  may,  among  those  few,  open  a complaisant  gap 
through  which  his  inquisitive  eye  may  pierce  to  a distance,  limited  only  by  the  foot 
of  the  surrounding  hills.  But,  sir,  the  subject  is  too  serious  to  admit  of  its  being  thus 
long  treated  with  levity.  Let  me  then  return  to  it,  and  seriously  inquire  about  the 
present  state  and  future  prospects  of  this  city.  What  do  we  see  here?  Twelve  or 
fifteen  clusters  of  houses  at  a considerable  distance  from  each  other,  bringing  to  our 
recollection  the  appearance  of  a camp  of  nomad  Arabs,  which,  however,  if  con- 
nected together,  would  make  a very  respectable  town,  not  much  inferior,  perhaps, 
to  the  capital  of  Virginia;  and  here  and  there  an  insulated  house;  the  whole  of  it, 
when  seen  from  the  ruins  of  our  public  edifices,  looking  more  like  the  place  where 
proud  Washington  once  stood,  than  where  humble  Washington  now  lies.  If, 
sir,  such  is  the  situation  of  this  city,  after  fifteen  years  since  the  Government  removed 
here,  during  the  six  first  years  of  which  period  there  prevailed  not  only  in  this 
country,  but  all  over  Europe,  a degree  of  enthusiasm  bordering  upon  madness  respect- 
ing the  future  destinies  of  this  metropolis,  and  during  which  period  of  six  years,  too, 
this  country  enjoyed  still  the  benefits  of  the  Administration  of  Washington,  whose 
good  deeds  for  several  years  after  his  death  were  still  in  force — Washington,  in  his 
tomb,  still  securing  the  prosperity  of  this  his  beloved  country — if,  sir,  such  be  now 
the  situation  of  this  city,  what,  in  the  present  state  of  things,  are  our  prospects  for 
the  future?  Awful,  indeed.  How  many  ages  must  elapse  before  this  chaos  is  likely 
to  assume  anything  like  a describable  shape?  How  many,  before  these  disjointed, 
distracted,  warring  elements  may  be  brought  together,  so  as  to  form  a whole,  which 
may  entitle  it  to  be  what  it  now  purports  to  be,  but  what  it  is  not.  Is  it  not  time, 
then,  that  we  should. give  up  the  unsuccessful  experiment?  Is  it  not  time,  that  we 
should  adopt  less  lofty  ideas,  that  we  should  assume  sentiments,  that  we  should 
express  opinions  more  conformable  to  our  present  situation.  Troja  fuit , fait  Ilium. 
It  becomes  us  to  be  modest.  Our  laws  to  be  wholesome,  need  not  be  enacted  in  a 
palace.  A large,  convenient,  unadorned  house,  which  will  receive  its  lustre  from 
Congress,  instead  of  Congress  borrowing  it  from  the  house,  in  the  neighborhood  of 
the  public  offices,  in  a part  of  the  city  which  is  best  calculated  by  its  actual  improve- 
ments to  afford  accommodation  to  the  members,  and  to  facilitate  their  communica- 
tions with  each  other,  will  answer  our  purpose  much  better  than  the  plan  recom- 
mended by  the  bill  on  your  table;  and  if  the  place  to  erect  those  edifices  be  judi- 
ciously selected,  it  is  to  me  quite  immaterial  in  what  quarter  of  this  city.  For  want 
of  the  necessary  information  as  to  the  quantity  of  ground  still  owned  by  the  Gov- 
ernment in  the  different  parts  of  this  city,  I could  not  now  form  any  opinion  as  to 
the  spot  where  it  would  be  proper  to  concentrate  all  our  public  edifices,  whether 
temporarily  or  permanently.  But  I may  be  allowed  to  express  a wish  that  it  may 
be  found  convenient  to  place  them  as  near  as  possible  to  Georgetown,  not  very  dis- 
tant from  the  improvements  known  under  the  appellation  of  the  Six  and  Seven 
Buildings;  and  I have  little  doubt,  but  that,  when  in  compliance  with  the  uniform 
laws  of  nature,  you  shall  have  blown  up  a soul  into  this  city  by  creating  a heart  from 
which  the  blood  may  uninterruptedly  circulate  to  the  remotest  extremities,  the 
improvements  will,  by  degrees,  extend  in  every  direction,  until  the  now  most  dis- 
tant parts  from  that  spot,  no  longer  shrivelled,  sickly,  lingering,  rootless  slips, 
destined  to  vegetate  a few  mornings,  in  an  unncongenial  soil,  being  in  their  turn 
reconnected  with  a sturdy,  robust  trunk,  from  which  they  will  derive  an  invigorating 
sap,  will  soon  spread  a wide  hospitable  foliage,  and  become  a flourishing  portion  of 
a city,  the  future  prosperity  of  which  cannot  now,  if  it  come  at  all,  be  secured  in 
any  other  way. 

I am  not  unaware,  sir,  that  such  a plan  will  call  into  action  against  it  all  the  pri- 
vate interests  which  will  conceive  themselves  to  be  aggrieved  by  it.  But,  let  private 


The  Old  Building. 


179 


interest  beware.  In  my  opinion,  unless  some  such  plan  is  resorted  to,  without  some 
such  compromise  is  made,  the  Government  will  not,  cannot  remain  here  many  years. 
The  inconveniences  are  too  serious,  and  they  are  not  to  he  surmounted.  I speak 
not  of  them  with  reference  to  the  individual  inconvenience  of  the  members.  I speak 
of  them  in  reference  to  their  public  duties.  It  is  unnecessary  to  repeat  what  I before 
stated,  when  I had  the  honor  to  address  you  on  the  subject  of  this  bill.  Only  reflect 
on  the  only  mode  in  which  we  can  transact  business  in  this  place.  Selected  from 
various  places  of  this  immense  empire,  we  meet  here,  not  altogether  free  from  the 
prejudices  which  prevail  more  or  less  in  every  part  of  the  country  we  come  from. 
This  social  intercourse  which  ought  to  prevail,  which  I am  sure  should  prevail,  did 
we  know  each  other  otherwise  than  through  the  incorrect  medium  of  party  represen- 
tation, is  entirely  prohibited  by  the  insuperable  obstacles  which  the  present  situation 
of  this  city  puts  in  our  way.  To  these  local  prejudices  are  to  be  added  party  spirit, 
prejudices  which  pursue  us  unremittingly,  and  will  not  let  go  their  hold  of  us  in  this 
very  sanctuary.  This  party  spirit,  instead  of  being  softened  into  something  like  con- 
ciliation, by  a constant  intercourse,  is  hardened  into  unutterable  asperity  by  the 
mode  of  life,  we  are  compelled  from  imperious  circumstances,  to  pursue  in  this  place. 
The  very  houses  where  we  board  have  become  a test  by  which  to  ascertain  the  polit- 
ical opinions  which  we  are  supposed  to  profess.  We  never  meet,  but  in  battle  array. 
Is  it  wonderful,  that  under  these  discouraging  circumstances,  so  many  months  should 
be  wasted  in  transacting  business  which,  under  less  unfavorable  auspices,  might  have 
been  gone  through  in  as  many  weeks.  Sir,  it  is  my  firm  conviction,  that  if  we  pro- 
ceed on  to  passing  this  bill  in  its  present  shape,  the  question  of  removal  of  the  seat  of 
the  Government  from  this  place,  which  was  advocated  at  the  beginning  of  this  session 
in  the  other  branch  of  the  Legislature,  will  soon  want  no  advocate  at  all;  it  wall  soon 
become  a matter  of  necessity,  of  sheer  necessity.  There  may  be  still  many  unsuc- 
cessful attempts,  but,  sir,  the  best  interests  of  the  nation  cannot  forever  be  sacrificed. 
After  some  struggling,  an  attempt  will  succeed  at  last;  and  it  will  then  be  too  late  for 
the  opposers  of  the  plan  which  I have  suggested  to  give  themselves  up  to  unavailing 
repentance. 

Mr.  President,  I want  to  prevent  such  a state  of  things.  1 am  unwilling  to  bring  for- 
ward again,  at  any  time,  the  question  of  a permanent  seat  of  Government.  I want  this 
sacred  spot — sacred  still  in  my  eyes,  although  temporarily  polluted  by  the  foot  of  the 
enemy,  as  long  as  it  bears  the  name  of  Washington;  I want  this  spot  to  remain  forever 
the  permanent  seat  of  the  Government  of  theUnited  States.  But,  sir,  I know  of  but  two 
ways  to  accomplish  that  object;  either  by  a temporary  removal  by  the  very  act  provid- 
ing for  which  we  should  provide  likewise  for  our  return;  not  provide  simply;  1 do  not 
mean  bv  a clause  in  the  bill  to  that  effect,  but  by  previous  appropriations,  by  contracts, 
which  it  should  not  be  in  the  power  of  any  succeeding  Congress  to  repeal,  or  by  an 
immediate  concentration  of  the  public  buildings  on  a modest,  economical  and  com- 
modious plan.  Of  these  two  modes,  I prefer  the  last,  as  likely  to  meet  with  fewer 
obstacles,  as  being  much  less  expensive,  but  principally  as  being  much  more  consonant 
to  the  principles  of  the  justice  which  we  owe  to  the  people  of  this  District.  Sir,  when 
this  bill  was  reported,  I inquired  from  the  honorable  chairman  of  the  committee  who 
reported  it,  for  the  papers  relating  to  the  original  fixation  of  the  several  places  for 
the  building  of  the  public  edifices.  I inquired  for  the  contracts  with  the  original 
proprietors  of  the  soil,  or  with  the  purchasers.  I was  answered,  that  there  was  no 
such  instrument.  I shall  take  no  advantage  from  this  concession;  in  my  view  of  the 
subject,  there  was  a contract — a solemn  contract;  anti  if  by  any  possible  way  it  could 
be  avoided,  I would  not  now  agree  to  altering,  in  its  most  inconsiderable  dispositions, 
any  part  of  the  original  plan.  I am  sensible,  that  by  so  doing,  we  seem  to  punish 
the  people  of  this  District  for  having  placed  too  much  confidence  in  our  words.  In 
our  words,  did  I say?  In  our  acts,  sir!  Look  at  the  new  ruins  of  the  monuments  on 
yonder  hill.  Were  these  massy  Avails,  which  have  set  at  defiance  the  whole  power  of 
an  enemy  bent  on  destruction,  intended  to  last  only  the  short  space  of  a dozen  years? 


180 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


In  these  surviving  walls  I read,  in  characters  not  to  be  effaced,  the  contract  of  the 
nation  with  the  people  of  the  District.  I find  in  these  walls  an  agreement  signed, 
sealed,  and  delivered.  Certainly,  sir,  you  must  be  convinced,  from  what  I have  just 
now  said,  that  I do  not  dissemble  to  myself,  and  that  I am  not  willing  to  conceal  from 
others,  the  equity  of  the  claims  of  the  people  of  this  District.  But  what  is  to  be  done? 
Imperious  necessity  commands  a sacrifice  of  some  sort.  A compromise  must  take 
place.  You  have  but  a choice  of  evils.  The  very  bill  on  your  table  promises  a tardy 
relief  to  the  people  on  Capitol  Hill,  at  the  end  of  ten  or  twelve  years.  Under  these 
impressions,  and  under  the  belief  too,  that  the  people  of  the  District  at  large  are  ulti- 
mately to  be  benefitted  by  a concentration,  for  the  reasons  previously  advanced, 
however  a few  may  appear  likely  to  be  sufferers  by  any  ultimate  determination  as  to 
the  spot  where  the  concentration  is  to  take  place;  and  under  an  unshakeable  per- 
suasion, that  by  a strict  adherence  to  the  old  plan,  in  our  present  circumstances,  as 
recommended  by  the  bill  on  your  table,  the  people  of  this  District,  by  grasping  at 
too  much,  will  ultimately  lose  all — from  motives  of  economy;  from  motives  of  duty 
to  the  people  of  the  United  States;  from  motives  of  indispensable  convenience  to  our- 
selves to  enable  us  faithfully  to  discharge  our  public  duties;  from  motives  of  justice 
to  the  people  of  this  District — I have  been  induced  to  make  the  motion  to  refer  that 
bill  to  a committee,  for  the  purpose  of  reporting  another  bill  to  concentrate  the  public 
buildings.  Sir,  I am  disposed  to  sacrifice  everything,  but  my  duty  to  the  people  of 
the  United  States  at  large,  to  keep  the  seat  of  Government  here;  and  if  you  agree  to 
concentrate  the  public  buildings,  in  the  hope  of  speedy  improvements,  by  which 
many  of  the  inconveniences  which  now  affect  the  public  interest  will  be  removed,  I 
am  perfectly  reconciled  to  remaining  in  this  city.  But,  sir,  if  we  are  to  remain  here 
as  we  now  are,  with  no  other  cheering  prospects  than  those  presented  in  the  bill  on 
your  table,  I do  not  hesitate  to  declare,  that  any  place  in  the  United  States  appears 
to  me  preferable  to  Washington,  and  the  sooner  we  go,  no  matter  where,  no  matter 
how  heavy  the  amount  of  compensation  justly  due  to  the  inhabitants  of  this  District, 
the  better. 

When  Mr.  F.  had  concluded — 

The  question  to  recommit  the  bill  to  a select  committee,  was  determined  in  the 
negative— yeas  13,  nays  20,  as  follows: 

On  motion,  by  Mr.  Lacock,  to  strike  out,  of  section  1,  line  4,  after  the  words 
“Capitol,”  the  words  “and  public  offices; ”•  and  to  insert,  after  “Washington,” 
line  5,  “and  that  two  suitable  buildings  for  public  offices  be  erected  on  such  part  of 
the  Capitol  square  as  shall  be  designated  by  the  President  of  the  United  States;” 
and  to  insert,  in  the  4th  line,  the  word  “and,”  before  “Capitol:”  a division  of  the 
question  was  called  for  by  Mr.  Dana,  and  was  taken  on  striking  out,  and  determined 
in  the  negative — yeas  13,  nay  IS,  as  follows: 

• ■H-  -ft- 

And  the  bill  having  been  amended,  by  striking  out  the  second  section  thereof,  the 
President  reported  it  to  the  House  accordingly;  and  the  bill  was  ordered  to  be 
engrossed  and  read  the  third  time  as  amended.  . 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  7,  ISIS:  Annals  of  Congress,  13—3,  p.  1132  ] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

The  House  then,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Lewis,  resolved  itself  into  a Committee  of  the 
Whole  on  the  bill  from  the  Senate  making  an  appropriation  of  five  hundred  thousand 
dollars,  for  repairing  or  rebuilding  the  public  buildings  in  the  City  of  Washington. 
[The  money  is  to  be  borrowed  of  banks  or  individuals  within  the  District,  at  six  per 
cent,  interest,  for  rebuilding  or  repairing  the  Capitol,  the  President’s  House,  and 
public  offices,  on  their  present  sites.] 


The  Old  Building. 


181 


A debate  arose  on  this  bill  which  occupied  the  remainder  of  the  daj^’s  sitting. 

The  advocates  of  the  main  object  of  the  bill  were,  Messrs.  Lewis,  Fisk  of  Vermont, 
Rhea  of  Tennessee,  Ingersoll,  Wright,  Grosvenor,  Duval,  Bowen,  McIvim,  Ship- 
herd,  Hawkins,  and  Pearson;  its  opponents,  Messrs.  Alston,  Farrow,  and  Webster. 
Of  those  who  advocated  the  bill,  there  were  several  (Messrs.  Ingersoll,  Grosvenor, 
Duvall,  and  Shipherd)  who  have  been  in  favor  of  a removal  of  the  Seat  of  Govern- 
ment; but,  considering  the  question  as  settled  by  the  votes  in  both  Houses,  desired 
now  to  see  the  city  rebuilt  and  beautified. 

The  debate  was  not  so  much  on  the  expediency  of  rebuilding  or  repairing  the 
public  buildings,  as  on  the  mode  of  doing  it. 

Mr.  Goldsboro  ugh  moved  to  strike  out  from  the  bill  the  “ President’s  House,”  so 
as  to  confine  the  repairs  to  the  Capitol  and  public  offices,  with  a view  to  leave  the 
repair  of  the  President’s  Plouse  to  times  of  more  leisure  and  tranquillity  than  the 
present,  and  also  with  a view  to  a future  concentration  of  the  public  buildings. 

This  motion,  after  debate,  was  negatived  by  a large  majority. 

Air.  Grosvenor  then  moved  an, amendment,  the  object  of  which  was,  to  cause  the 
public  offices  to  be  removed  to  the  public  grounds  on  Capitol  Hill,  near  the  Capitol. 
This  motion,  after  debate,  was  agreed  to,  66  to  56. 

The  Committee  than  rose  and  reported  the  amendments  to  the  House;  and  the 
House  forthwith  adjourned. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  8,  1815:  Annals  of  Congress,  13 — 3,  p.  1134.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

The  House  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  Committee  of  the  Whole, 
on  the  bill  for  making  appropriations  for  repairing  or  rebuilding  the  public  buildings 
in  the  city  of  Washington. 

That  amendment  being  under  consideration  which  requires  the  public  offices  to  be 
built  on  Capitol  Hill — 

Mr.  Lewis,  of  Virginia,  rose  and  said,  that  he  hoped  the  House  would  not  concur 
in  the  amendment  made  in  Committee  of  the  Whole.  After  the  lengthy  discussion 
of  this  subject  yesterday,  it  was  with  extreme  reluctance  that  he  again  obtruded 
himself  upon  the  patience  of  the  House;  but  the  deep  stake  which  the  State  he  had 
the  honor  to  represent,  in  part,  had  in  its  decision,  he  trusted  would  be  a sufficient 
apology. 

Mr.  L.  said,  that  since  yesterday,  he  had  been  enabled  to  fortify  the  opinions  he 
had  advanced  in  opposition  to  the  amendment,  by  an  authority  which  ought  to  be 
revered  by  all.  He  had  obtained  the  correspondence  between  General  Washington, 
then  President  of  the  United  States,  and  Air.  Adams  his  successor,  and  the  commis- 
sioners for  the  city,  upon  the  subject 'of  the  location  of  the  public  offices,  which  he 
would  take  the  liberty  of  reading.  He  then  read  a letter  from  Air.  White,  one  of 
the  commissioners,  who  stated  ‘‘that  in  a conversation  with  General  Washington 
upon  the  subject  of  the  location  of  the  public  buildings,  the  General  was  decidedly 
of  opinion,  that  the  offices  of  the  different  departments  should  be  as  convenient  to 
the  President  as  possible,  and  that  it  was  unnecessary,  for  any  public  convenience, 
that  they  should  be  contiguous  to  the  Legislative  Hall;  indeed,  that  the  officers  had 
complained  to  him  when  in  Philadelphia,  that  it  was  impossible  to  attend  to  their 
public  duties  from  the  constant  call  of  the  members,  and  that  they  were  obliged  to 
deny  themselves.”  He  also  read  a letter  from  the  commissioners  of  the  city,  to 
General  Washington  at  Mount  Vernon,  requesting  him  to  fix  on  the  sites  for  the 
public  offices,  and  his  answer,  fixing  a day  for  that  purpose — and  a letter  from  Air. 
Adams,  ratifying  and  confirming  the  acts  of  the  commissioners  in  fixing  the  sites  of 
the  public  offices  under  the  direction  of  General  Washington. 


182 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Thus  then,  said  Mr.  L.,  we  have  not  only  the  opinion  of  that  illustrious  man,  as  to 
the  most  proper  sites  for  the  public  offices,  but  we  have  evidence  that  ought  to  sat- 
isfy the  most  incredulous,  that  he  actually  came  upon  the  ground,  and  marked  the 
very  spots  upon  which  the  buildings  were  to  be  placed,  and  these  acts  were  officially 
confirmed  by  his  successor,  Mr.  Adams.  But  my  honorable  friend  from  New  York 
(Mr.  Gteosvenor)  has  said,  that  General  Washington  had  been  teased  and  importuned 
by  those  interested  into  the  location  he  had  made.  Sir,  said  Mr.  L.,  my  honorable 
friend  can  know  little  of  the  character  of  that  great  man,  if  he  believes  there  existed 
a being  who  dared  approach  him  in  that  way.  No,  sir,  as  soon  would  he  attempt 
to  grasp  the  forked  lightning,  as  to  intimate  a wish  that  he  would  swerve  from  his 
public  duty. 

There  were  many  considerations,  said  Mr.  L.,  why  no  changes  ought  to  be  made 
in  the  present  plan  of  the  city,  or  of  the  sites  for  the  public  buildings;  and  that 
which  operated  most  irresistibly  with  him  was,  that  it  was  a plan  sanctioned  by  that 
greatandgood  man,  whose  name  it  bears.  Sir,  said  Mr.  L.,  whatthatman  hasdone, 
let  no  mortal  attempt  to  undo.  His  ways  are  not  to  be  mended  by  man.  This  House 
is  not  competent  to  do  it.  He  considered  the  two  public  edifices  the  foundation 
stones  of  which  our  ever  to  be  revered  hero,  statesman,  and  patriot,  laid,  as  perma- 
nently fixed,  by  public  faith;  particularly  as  maps  were  distributed  throughout 
Europe,  with  the  sanction  of  President  Washington,  designating  the  sites  of  the 
Capitol,  President’s  House,  and  other  public  buildings,  and  that  foreigners  had  been 
induced  to  purchase  property,  judging  of  its  value  from  its  contiguity  to  some  one  of 
the  public  edifices  as  marked  upon  the  map.  Change  the  situation  of  your  city, 
and  they  are  deceived  and  injured;  hereafter  they  will  have  no  confidence  in  your 
acts.  We  have  been  told,  that  large  quantities  of  our  public  stock  have  been  lately 
sent  to  Holland  for  sale.  Is  it  to  be  believed,  sir,  with  a knowledge  of  what  we  are 
about  to  do,  (for  it  is  in  that  country  that  our  city  lots  have  been  sold,  and  held  as 
security  for  money  borrowed, ) that  they  will  trust  us  for  a cent,  when  everything 
which  they  deemed  sacred  is  thus  violated?  No,  sir,  they  will  not,  and  I will  say, 
they  ought  not  to  trust  us.  But,  sir,  if  we  have  no  regard  to  our  plighted  faith  to 
foreigners,  let  us  at  least  save  our  own  people.  Do  not,  by  this  act,  ruin  thousands 
of  honest,  industrious  mechanics,  who  have  at  very  advanced  prices  purchased  and 
improved  lots  near  the  present  sites,  under  an  assurance  and  firm  belief  in  their 
permanency.  Let  us  not  do  an  act  which  will  excite  distrust  abroad  and  contempt 
at  home. 

But,  why  are  gentlemen  desirous  of  removing  the  offices  from  their  present  sites 
near  the  President’s  House,  to  the  Capitol  square?  It  had  been  shown,  he  hoped 
satisfactorily,  that  their  appropriate  place  was  near  the  President’s  House,  and  not 
the  Capitol.  The  President  must  necessarily  have  considerable  intercourse  with  the 
offices;  but  he  was  unable  to  see  the  necessity  of  any  personal  intercourse  between 
the  members  of  the  Legislature  and  the  offices.  It  is  known  that  all  public  business 
between  Congress  or  its  members,  and  the  public  offices,  is  done  by  a resolution  of 
the  House,  or  by  letter  from  any  individual  member,  which  is  conveyed  by  a mes- 
senger of  Congress  paid  for  that  purpose. 

In  addition  to  the  reasons  given  for  a preference  of  the  old  sites,  there  would  be  a 
saving  of  more  than  one  half  of  the  expense.  The  committee,  to  whom  this  subject 
was  confided,  attended  personally  at  the  Capitol,  and  examined  the  state  of  that 
building,  when,  after  a conference,  and  making  such  inquiries  of  an  architect  on  the 
spot,  as  was  considered  proper,  they  were  induced  to  believe  that  the  walls  of  both 
wings  of  the  Capitol  might  be  safely  built  on,  and  that  the  estimated  expense  of 
about  §250,000  for  repairing  the  same,  was  as  nearly  accurate,  as  could  be  reasonably 
expected.  The  President’s  House  and  the  offices  were  not  so  particularly  examined, 
but  it  was  the  opinion  of  the  committee,  that  the  whole  might  be  repaired  for  about 


The  Old  Building. 


183 


$500,000,  which  would  be  $715,110  less  than  the  firstcost  of  those  buildings.  But,  Mr. 
L.  said  there  was  another  objection  which  would  be,  with  him,  an  insuperable  one;  and 
that  was,  that  he  would  not  be  compelled  by  an  act  of  the  enemy  to  abandon,  or 
changein  the  smallest  degree,  any  of  the  plans  of  the  public  edifices  they  had  destroyed. 
He  would  rebuild  them  precisely  on  the  same  ground;  not  a stone  or  brick  should 
be  changed,  but  they  should  be  finished  in  a style  of  increased  magnificence  and 
grandeur.  It  never  should  be  said,  because  the  enemy  had  destroyed  our  Capitol, 
that  Congress  were  afraid  to  rebuild  it,  lest  it  might  again  be  destroyed.  No,  let  us 
have  another  trial,  and  if  we  cannot  then  defend  our  Capitol,  it  will  be  time  to  put 
an  end  to  the  war  in  the  best  way  we  can.  My  friend  from  North  Carolina  (Mr. 
Gaston)  objects  to  an  appropriation  of  so  much  money  at  a time  like  this,  when  the 
Treasury  is  bankrupt,  our  soldiers  unpaid,  &c.,  for  repairing  the  public  buildings; 
but  he  has  no  objection  to  double  the  sum  for  the  purpose  of  rebuiling  on  new  sites. 
How  inconsistent!  The  gentleman  from  North  Carolina  ought  to  recollect,  that  not  a 
cent  of  this  appropriation  would  come  out  of  the  Treasury.  The  banks  of  the  District 
had  generously  and  magnanimously  come  forward  and  offered  to  loan  the  amount 
wanted  upon  reasonable  terms,  for  the  accomplishment  of  an  object  so  interesting  to 
the  District;  and  it  was  probable  that  the  sales  of  lots  belonging  to  the  public  in  the 
city,  would  furnish  money  enough  to  reimburse  the  loan  before  it  became  due. 
Reject  this  amendment — pass  this  bill,  which  will  restore  public  confidence,  and 
there  will  be  no  difficulty  in  selling,  at  good  prices,  the  property  of  the  public, 
which  is  now  worthless.  My  friend  from  New  Hampshire  (Mr.  Webster)  says,  he 
does  not  think  this  a proper  time  to  make  an  appropriation  for  building  up  the  Cap- 
itol, and  recommends  that  some  trifling  alterations  be  made  in  the  present  room, 
which  will  then  answer  very  well  until  we  have  peace.  Mr.  L.  said,  he  congratu- 
lated his  friend  upon  the  sudden  change  of  his  feelings.  It  was  but  a few  days  since, 
the  gentleman  could  not  exist  in  this  confined,  inconvenient,  and  unwholesome  room, 
and  nothing  but  the  pure  atmosphere  of  Philadelphia  would  satisfy  him;  but  now  it 
seems,  when  it  is  ascertained  he  cannot  get  to  Philadelphia,  that  he  is  perfectly 
reconciled  with  the  present,  room,  and  thinks  it  good  enough  for  wTar  times.  The 
gentleman  from  New  Hampshire  also  complains,  that  this  city  is  deficient  in  popula- 
tion, in  wealth  and  commerce,  and  therefore  an  improper  place  for  the  seat  of  Gov- 
ernment. If  it  be  true  that  it  is  thus  deficient,  to  what,  I ask,  is  it  to  be  ascribed? 
Let  those  who,  like  the  gentleman  from  New  Hampshire,  are  desirous  of  removing 
the  seat  of  Government,  answer.  It  is  to  the  repeated  efforts  to  remove,  to  retrocede, 
and  to  concentrate,  which  have  been  alternately  made  for  the  last  twelve  years  in 
Congress,  that  the  population  and  wealth  of  Washington  have  not  equalled  any  other 
town  on  the  continent  of  its  age.  What  prudent  man,  I ask,  would  risk  his  fortune  in 
making  improvements  in  a place,  that  was  every  year  threatened  with  destruction,  by 
the  very  power  who  ought  to  foster  and  protect  it?  If  inconveniences  have  been  felt 
from  the  dispersed  population  of  the  city  and  the  want  of  accommodations,  those  alone 
are  accountable  who  by  their  own  acts  have  produced  both.  The  people  of  this  District 
are  political  orphans.  They  have  been  abandoned  by  their  legitimate  parents,  and 
calim  protection  of  us,  who  are  constitutionally  bound  to  protect  them ; but,  instead  of 
extending  to  them  the  parental  hand  of  affection  and  assistance,  we  cruelly  abandon 
them  to  their  fate.  If  they  ask  us  for  bread,  we  give  them  a stone.  If  they  even  ask  us 
for  justice,  we  tell  them  they  are  rudely  importunate.  Instead  of  extending  to  them 
the  parental  hand  of  affection,  we  do  all  in  our  power  to  blight  and  destroy  their 
fair  prospects.  If  we  arc  not  disposed  to  be  their  guardians  and  friends,  let  us  at 
least  do  nothing  to  injure  them;  let  them  pursue  undisturbed  their  own  way,  and 
you  will  not  have  to  complain  of  the  want  of  population,  wealth,  or  accommoda- 
tions in  the  city.  There  are  few  places  in  the  United  States  possessing  greater  com- 
mercial advantages  than  Washington;  placed  at  the  head  of  an  excellent  navigation, 


184 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


supported  by  an  extensive  and  wealthy  back  country  in  Virginia  and  Maryland,  and 
in  a climate  extremely  healthy;  if  it  has  but  fair  play  it  will  soon  rival  many  of  the 
most  important  towns  in  the  Union,  in  wealth  and  population. 

The  public  are  greatly  interested  in  promoting  the  welfare  of  the  city,  as  it  would 
make  very  valuable  a large  property  given  by  the  proprietors  of  the  land  on  which 
the  city  stands,  which  at  present  is  worth  nothing.  The  proprietors  of  the  city  gave 
the  land  to  the  public,  with  an  undersaanding  that  the  sites  for  the  public  buildings 
should  remain  unchanged;  therefore  the  present  alteration  would  be  unjust  as  to  them- 
The  States  of  Virginia  and  Maryland  have  both  a deep  stake  in  the  permanency  of 
the  seat  of  Government.  Virginia  made  a donation  of  $120,000,  and  a cession  of  a 
moiety  of  ten  miles  square  of  her  territory,  including  a town  which  was  the  pride  of 
the  State.  Maryland  made  a donation  of  $75,000  and  a cession  of  a moiety  of  ten 
miles  square  of  her  territory,  including  a town,  second  to  one  only  in  the  State;  and 
these  States  will  not  view  with  complacency  any  act  which  may  have  a tendency  to 
jeopardize  the  Seat  of  Government. 

All  the  country  within  fifty  miles  of  the  seat  of  Government,  both  in  Virginia  and 
Maryland,  are  greatly  interested  in  the  welfare  of  the  city,  and  representing,  as  I do, 
an  adjoining  district,  whose  property  would  diminish  at  least  50  per  cent,  in  value, 
if  the  Government  is  removed,  I trust  I shall  be  excused  for  the  solicitude  I have 
manifested,  and  the  time  I have  occupied  in  the- discussion. 

The  amendment  was  also  opposed  by  Messrs.  Mason,  Forsyth,  and  others,  and 
advocated  by  Messrs.  Grosvenor  and  Wright. 

The  question  having  been  taken  after  much  debate,  by  yeas  and  nays,  was 
decided — For  the  amendment  55,  against  it  77. 

■fc  vr  ■5? 

The  effect  of  this  decision  is,  that  the  public  offices  shall  be  rebuilt  on  their  old 
sites. 

Mr.  Bigelow  moved  to  amend  the  bill  so  as  to  require  the  President,  previously  to 
expending  the  money  to  be  appropriated,  to  cause  to  be  laid  before  Congress  a plan 
and  estimates  for  the  buildings;  by  which,  he  believed,  one-half  of  the  expense 
might  be  saved. 

This  motion  was  opposed  as  unnecessary,  by  Mr.  Lewis,  and  negatived — ayes  39. 

Mr.  Farrow  assigned  the  reasons  why  he  should  vote  against  the  bill;  not  because 
he  was  against  rebuilding,  but  because  of  the  great  scarcity  of  money  in  the  Treasury. 

Mr.  Stanford  moved  to  recommit  the  bill,  with  instructions  to  make  some  report  as 
to  concentration,  and  the  manner  and  method  of  executing  the  provisions  of  the  bill. 

This  motion  was  opposed  by  Mr.  Lewis,  and  negatived — ayes  44. 

The  question  on  ordering  the  bill  to  be  read  a third  time,  was  then  decided  as 
follows: 

■*  * * 

Yeas,  67;  nays,  55. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  9,  1S15:  Annals  of  Congress,  13 — 3,  p.  1141.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

The  bill  from  the  Senate  making  an  appropriation  for  rebuilding  or  repairing  the 
public  buildings  in  the  City  of  Washington  was  read  a third  time. 

Mr.  Pickering  spoke  against  the  bill,  on  the  general  ground  of  opposition  to  the 
permanency  of  the  seat  of  Government. 

A motion  was  made  bv  Mr.  Webster,  that  the  said  bill  be  recommitted  to  a select 
committee,  with  instructions  so  to  alter  the  bill  as  to  appropriate  twenty  thjusand 


The  Old  Building. 


185 


dollars  to  the  preservation  of  the  public  buildings  in  the  City  of  Washington,  and  to 
the  improvement  and  repairs  of  the  building  in  which  Congress  now  sit,  for  its  bet- 
ter accommodation  therein — said  sum  to  be  paid  out  of  any  moneys  in  the  Treasury 
not  otherwise  appropriated — and  to  strike  out  of  the  bill  the  appropriation  of  the 
sum  of  five  hundred  thousand  dollars. 

This  motion  was  advocated  by  the  mover,  and  by  Messrs.  Grosvenor,  Gaston, 
Wright,  and  Alston;  and  opposed  by  Messrs.  Lewis,  Fisk  of  New  York,  Rhea  of 
Tennessee,  and  McKim.  The  debate  was  long  and  warmly  contested  by  the  affirm- 
ative side  of  the  House. 

The  question  being  taken  thereon,  it  was  determined  in  the  negative — yeas  67, 
nays  79.  * * * 

Mr.  Taylor  moved  that  the  said  bill  be  recommitted  to  the  Committee  for  the  Dis- 
trict of  Columbia,  with  instructions  to  prepare  and  report  to  this  House  amendments 
for  concentrating  the  public  buildings,  to  be  erected  in  the  City  of  Washington,  for 
the  accommodation  of  the  Government. 

And  the  question  being  taken  thereon,  it  was  determined  in  the  negative — yeas  65, 
nays  78.  * * * 

After  much  zealous  debate,  the  question  was  then  taken,  Shall  the  bill  pass?  and 
passed  in  the  affirmative — yeas  78,  nays  63.  * * * 


[“An  Act  making  appropriations  for  repairing  or  rebuilding  the  public  buildings  within  the  city  of 
Washington,”  approved  Feb.  13,  1815.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  3,  205.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  the  President  of  the  United  States  cause  to  be  repaired  or 
rebuilt  forthwith,  the  President’s  House,  Capitol  and  public  offices,  on  their  present 
sites  in  the  city  of  Washington,  and  that  he  be  authorized  to  borrow,  at  an  interest  not 
exceeding  six  per  centum  per  annum,  from  any  bank  or  banks  within  the  District  of 
Columbia,  or  from  any  individual  or  individuals,  a sum  not  exceeding  five  hundred 
thousand  dollars,  to  be  applied  exclusively  to  that  object. 


[Msr.:  Letters  of  the  Presidents  of  the  United  States,  p.  174:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds, 

War  Department.] 

Montpelier  May  23,  1815. 

Gentlemen,  I have  reed,  your  letter  of  the  16th  inclosing  a letter  from  Messrs. 
Carroll,  Law  & May,  with  your  answer. 

It  is  very  agreeable  to  learn  that  your  progress  & prospects  are  so  favorable  to  the 
undertaking  committed  to  you. 

In  carrying  into  execution  the  law  for  rebuilding  the  public  Edifices,  it  will  best 
comport  with  its  objects  & its  provisions,  not  to  deviate  from  the  models  destroyed, 
farther  than  material  & manifest  convincing,  or  general  & known  opinion,  may  bring 
the  alterations  within  the  prescribed  contemplation  of  Congress.  How  far  those  pro- 
posed by  Mr.  Latrobe,  for  whose  judgment  & taste  I have  great  respect,  are  of  this 
character,  I suspend  an  opinion,  until  I can  form  one  with  the  advantage  of  being  on 
the  spot,  which  will  not  be  delayed  very  many  days.  In  the  mean  time,  the  general 
progress  of  the  business  will  probably  not  be  affected. 

From  the  view  of  the  subject  which  first  presents  itself,  it  does  not  appear  that  the 
object  of  the  letter  from  the  gentlemen  above  named,  can  be  legally  complied  with. 


186 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  fund  for  the  rebuildings,  being  exclusively  appropriated  to  that  object,  is  not 
applicable  to  any  other, — and  the  present  case  will  not,  like  the  unforseen  & contin- 
gent one  produced  by  the  destruction  of  the  public  buildings,  justify  a resort  to  the 
fund  provided  for  cases  of  necessity  and  contingency. 

It  is  to  be  understood  however  that  no  interference  is  intended,  with  any  purpose 
they  may  form,  of  providing  of  themselves  & tendering  to  Congress,  accommodations, 
on  such  conditions  as  they  may  think  equitable  & proper.  It  is  meant  only  that  the 
Executive  is  not  authorized  to  contribute  to  it  by  advances  from  the  Treasury;  or  to 
anticipate  in  any  manner  the  course  which  it  lies  with  Congress  to  adopt. 

Accept  my  respects, 

James  Madison. 


John  P.  Vanness, 
Rich’d.  B.  Lee, 


French  Ringold. 


[House  proceedings  of  Dec.  14, 1815:  Annals  of  Congress,  14 — 1,  p.  386. J 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Lewis,  the  Committee  for  the  District  of  Columbia  were 
instructed  to  inquire  into  the  expediency  of  completing  the  Capitol,  by  erecting  a 
centre  building,  according  to  the  original  plan. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  16,  1816:  Annals  of  Congress,  14 — 1,  p.  997.] 

Mr.  J ewett  submitted  the  following  resolution;  which  was  read  and  ordered  to  lie 
on  the  table: 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  the  United  States  be  requested  to  cause  to  be  laid  before  this  House, 
a statement  of  all  expenses  which  have  been  incurred  in  the  City  of  Washington,  under  the  authority 
of  the  United  States,  for  erecting  edifices  of  any  kind,. and  for  repairing  and  ornamenting  buildings 
of  any  kind,  and  for  improving  the  streets  and  squares  of  the  city,  and  for  all  other  purposes  of  orna- 
ment and  improvement,  (excepting  the  navy  yard  and  its  buildings  and  improvements,)  designating, 
as  specifically  as  the  nature  of  the  case  will  admit,  the  years  when  the  several  expenditures  were 
incurred,  the  purposes  to  which  they  were  applied,  and  the  funds  out  of  which  the  same  were  paid 
or  appropriated,  distinguishing  between  such  payments  as  were  made  out  of  the  Treasury  of  the 
United  States,  and  such  as  were  made  out  of  the  proceeds  of  the  sales  of  the  public  property  within 
the  District  of  Columbia,  or  out  of  other  district  funds,  or  donations  received:  and  also  a statement 
of  the  amount  of  the  funds  derived  from  the  sale  of  lots,  and  other  public  property  within  the  City  of 
Washington,  and  of  the  probable  value  of  the  public  property  remaining  on  hand. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  17,  1816:  Annals  of  Congress,  14 — 1,  p.  997.] 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Jewett,  the  House  proceeded  to  consider  the  resolution  submitted 
by  him  yesterday,  and  the  same  being  again  read,  was  agreed  to  by  the  House;  and 
Mr.  Jewett  and  Mr.  Thomas  were  appointed  a committee  to  present  the  said  reso- 
lution to  the  President. 


[American  State  Papers,  Class  X,  Mise.  v.  II,  294.  No.  402.  14th  Congress,  1st  Session.  City  of  Wash- 
ington: Public  expenditures,  and  value  of  public  property.  Communicated  to  the  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives, March  11,  1S16.] 

I transmit  to  the  House  of  Representatives  a report  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treas- 
ury, complying  with  their  resolution  of  the  17th  of  February. 

James  Madison. 

March  11,  1816. 


The  Old  Building. 


187 


The  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  to  whom  the  President  of  the  United  States  referred 
the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  17th  of  February,  1816, 
requesting  a statement  of  certain  expenses  which  have  been  incurred  for  public 
edifices  and  improvements  in  the  city  of  Washington,  under  the  authority  of  the 
United  States,  has  the  honor  to  report: 

That  the  annexed  schedule  A,  certified  by  the  superintendent  of  the  city,  contains 
a general  abstract  of  the  receipts  and  expenditures,  and  of  the  objects  of  expendi- 
ture, in  relation  to  the  city  of  Washington,  under  the  authority  of  the  United  States, 
so  far  as  the  same  occurred  under  the  agency  of  the  board  of  commissioners,  or  of  the 
superintendent  of  the  city,  respectively,  from  the  year  1791  to  the  1st  of  January, 
1816. 

That  the  annexed  schedule  B,  certified  by  the  Register  of  the  Treasury,  contains  a 
statement  of  moneys  which  have  been  advanced  by  the  United  States,  and  of  the 
objects  of  expenditure,  in  relation  to  the  city  of  Washington,  other  than  those 
included  in  the  preceding  schedule. 

That  from  the  schedule  A it  appears  that  the  aggregate  of  the  expend- 
itures under  the  board  of  commissioners  and  the  superintendent  of 
the  city,  amounted,  on  the  1st  of  January,  1816,  to  the  sum  of $1,  746,  014  46 


Of  which  there  was  drawn  from  the  treasury  the  sum 

of $970,  944  08 

Of  which  there  was  received  upon  donation  from  the 

States  of  Maryland  and  Virginia  the  sum  of 192,  000  00 

Of  which  there  was  received  from  the  sale  of  lots,  as- 
signed by  the  original  proprietors  as  a grant,  the 
sum  of 583,  070  38 


$1,  746,  014  46 

That,  from  the  schedule  B,  it  appears  that  the  aggregate  amount  of 
the  moneys  advanced  by  the  United  States,  upon  specific  appropri- 
ations and  authorized  loans,  in  addition  to  the  above,  amounted,  on 
the  1st  of  January,  1816,  to  the  sum  of 261,  325  45 

The  gross  amount  of  expenditures,  on  the  1st  of  January,  1816,  being 

the  sum  of $2,  007,  339  91 

That  the  value  of  the  public  property  remaining  on  hand  is  estimated  by  the  super- 
intendent of  the  city,  in  a letter  dated  the  27th  of  February,  1816,  at  the  sum  of 
$1,724,000. 

1.  About  5,200  standard  and.building  lots  of  5,265  square  feet  each, 
which,  estimated  at  $180  per  lot,  the  average  price  of  the  lots 


heretofore  sold,  would  amount  to  the  sum  of $936,  000  00 

2.  Five  hundred  and  forty-one  acres  of  ground  in  the  city  of  Wash- 

ington, reserved  for  the  use  of  the  United  States,  which,  esti- 
mated at  the  same  rate,  though  deemed  of  much  greater  value, 
would  amount  to  the  sum  of 740,  000  00 

3.  Lands  and  freestone  quarries  in  Virginia,  wharves  and  water  lots 

in  the  city  of  Washington,  and  debts  due  for  property  sold, 

about 48,  000  00 


$1,724,000  00 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 


Treasury  Department,  March  6,  1816. 


A.  J.  Dallas, 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 


188 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


A. 

General  abstract. — Account  of  receipts  and  expenditures  in  relation  to  the  city  of  Washing- 
ton, under  the  authority  of  the  United  States,  in  which  the  late  Board  of  Commissioners 
and  the  Superintendent  of  the  city,  their  successor  in  office,  had  any  agency,  from  the  com- 
mencement, in  the  year  1791,  to  the  1st  of  January,  1816;  prepared  in  obedience  to  a res- 
olution of  the  House  of  Representat  ives  of  the  United  States,  passed  on  the  17th  of  February, 
1816. 


Receipts. 


Donations  from  State  of 

Virginia,  1791 $120, 000. 00 

Donations  from  State  of 
Maryland,  1791 72,000.00 


From  the  Treasury 
the  United  States, 
In  the  year  1798. 
In  the  year  1799. 
In  the  year  1800. 
In  the  year  1802. 
In  the  year  1803. 
In  the  year  1804. 
In  the  year  1805. 
In  the  year  1806. 
In  the  year  1807. 
In  the  year  1808. 
In  the  year  1809. 
In  the  year  1810. 
In  the  year  1811. 
In  the  year  1812. 
In  the  year  1813. 


of 

viz: 


$50, 000. 00 
50,  000. 00 
10. 000. 00 
49, 650. 93 
52, 000. 00 
112, 423. 91 

130.800. 00 

132. 400. 00 
111,000.00 
137, 196. 24 

59. 600. 00 

37. 500. 00 
3, 300. 00 

18. 573. 00 
16,500.  00 


Sales  of  lots  and  other  property 
within  the  District  of  Columbia, 
assigned  to  the  United  States  by 
the  original  proprietors  thereof, 
to  be  applied  as  a grant,  agreea- 
bly to  the  act  of  Congress  estab- 
lishing the  temporary  and  perma- 
nent seat  of  the  Government  of 
the  United  States 


Amount. 


Expenditures. 


Amount, 


$192, 000. 00 


970, 944. 08 


583, 070. 38 


On  the  Capitol,  including  both 
wings,  foundation  ol  the  centre, 
all  alterations,  additions,  and 
repairs,  temporary  buildings,  and 
other  works  for  the  accommoda- 
tion of  Congress 

On  the  President’s  house  and  ap- 

tenant  grounds 

On  the  public  offices 

On  thegroundsin  the  city  of  Wash- 
ington reserved  for  the  use  of  the 

United  States 

On  the  stone  quarries  on  Aquia 
creek,  in  Virginia,  and  in  the  city 
of  Washington  on  land  pur- 
chased for  and  still  belonging  to 

the  United  States 

On  surveying  the  territory  and 
city,  and  markingand  bounding 
the  same,  including  the  expense 
of  engraving  maps  and  plans, 
planting  corner-stonesof  squares, 
and  of  preparing  a general  sys- 
tem of  graduation 

On  opening  and  improving  streets. 
On  a stone  bridge,  (which  fell 
down,)  and  the  present  wooden 
drawbridge  and  adjoining  cause- 
way at  the  mouth  of  Rock  creek, 
deducting  $9,333.33.  the  amount 
of  the  sale  of  a portion  of  ground 
on  the  Georgetown  side  of  said 
causeway,  jvhich  was  ceded  to 
the  commissioners  for  that  pur- 
pose   

On  a wooden  bridge  over  Tiber 

creek,  in  Seventh  street  west 

On  a wooden  bridge  over  James’s 

creek,  in  N street  south 

On  wharves  to  land  freestone  and 
other  building  materials  on,  viz: 
one  on  the  Eastern  Branch,  one 
on  the  Potomac  river,  and  one 

at  the  mouth  of  Rock  creek 

On  temporary  buildings  for  work- 
men and  laborers,  including  a 
house  used  as  a hospital  for  sick 
laborers  hired  by  the  year,  and 
the  expense  of  medicine  and  at- 
tendance   

On  the  canal  from  Tiber  creek  to 

James’s  creek 

On  interests,  commissions,  and  dis- 
counts on  loans  and  other  pecun- 
iary transactions,  including  those 
relating  to  loans  of  $250,000,  by 
the  State  of  Maryland,  of  United 
States  six  per  cent,  stock  in  the 
years  1797,  1798,  and  1799,  repaid 
finally  in  1808;  this  being  the 
amount,  after  deducting  nett  pro- 
ceeds or  amont  derived  from  said 
loans  on  the  sale  of  the  stock  so 
borrowed,  or  the  difference  be- 
tween the  nominal  amount  bor- 
rowed and  repaid  with  interest, 
and  that  actually  received  and  ap- 
plied   

On  the  city  of  Washington,  em- 
bracing all  other  expenses  in- 
curred, and  not  included  in  any 
of  the  above-enumerated  ac- 
counts, being  for  purposes  of  a 


$804, 343. 22 

334,  ,482. 19 
117, 184. 66 

38, 697. 92 


30, 225. 31 


67, 469. 76 
33, 646. 82 


12,775.40 
1,425.00 
841. 59 


9,130.17 


4, 681. 23 
5,670. 61 


165, 533. 93 


The  Old  Building. 


189 


General  abstract. — Account  of  receipts  and  expenditures  in  relation  to  the  city  of  Washing- 
ton, under  the  authority  of  the  United  States,  etc. — Continued. 


Receipts. 

Amount. 

Expenditures. 

Amount. 

general  nature,  such  as  salaries 
of  commissioners,  superinten- 
dents, clerks,  and  others  em- 
ployed as  theirpermanent  agents 
and  assistants;  office  rent,  fuel, 
stationary,  and  furniture;  print- 
ing, drawing,  authenticating  and 
recording  deeds,  plats,  and  di- 
visions of  squares:  law  proceed- 
ings, and  awarded  valuations 
of  buildings  removed  out  of 
streets;  and  the  various  other 
subjects  of  expenditure  in  the 
preparatory  arrangements  and 
progressive  operations  in  the  af- 
fairs of  the  city  from  1791  to  1816, 
not  so  properly  chargeable  to 
any  other  account 

$119, 906. 65 

$1, 746, 014. 46 

$1,746, 014.46 

E.  E. 

Office  of  Superintendent  of  the  City  of  Washington, 

February  Z7,  1816. 


Thomas  Munrob, 

Superintendent. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Apr.  3,  1816:  Annals  of  Congress,  14 — 1,  p.  280.] 

Mr.  King,  front  the  committee  appointed  on  the  subject,  submitted  the  following 
motion  for  consideration : 

Resolved , That  the  Senate  approve  of  the  alterations  suggested  for  the  enlargment  of  the  Senate 
room,  and  the  better  arrangement  of  the  offices  of  the  Senate;  and  that  the  plan  of  the  proposed 
alterations  drawn  by  the  surveyor  of  the  public  buildings,  together  with  a copy  of  this  resolution,  be 
transmitted  to  the  President  of  the  United  States. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Apr.  6,  1816:  Annals  of  Congress,  14 — 1,  p.  296.] 

The  Senate  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  resolution  submitted  the  3d  instant, 
approving  the  alterations  suggested  for  the  enlargment  of  the  Senate  room,  and  the 
better  arrangement  of  offices  of  the  Senate;  and  agreed  thereto. 


[From  the  “Act  making  an  appropriation  for  enclosing  and  improving  the  public  square  near  the 
capitol;  and  to  abolish  the  office  of  commissioners  of  the  public  buildings,  and  of  superintendent, 
and  for  the  appointment,  of  one  commissioner  for  the  public  buildings,”  approved  Apr.  29,  1816. 
(Stats  at  Large,  v.  3,  325.)] 

Sec.  6.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  President  of  the  United  States  be,  and 
hereby  is,  authorized  and  empowered,  in  repairing  the  public  buildings  in  the  city 
of  Washington,  to  make  such  alterations  in  the  plans  thereof,  respectively,  as  he 
shall  judge  proper,  for  the  better  accommodation  of  the  two  houses  of  Congress,  the 
President  of  the  United  States,  and  the  various  departments  of  the  Government,  or 
any  of  them. 


[American  State  Papers,  Class  X,  Misc.  v.  II,  426. — No.  431.  14th  Congress,  2d  Session.  City  of 
Washington:  Progress  made  in  rebuilding  the  public  edifices.  Communicated  to  the  House  of 
Representatives,  February  18,  1817.] 

Mr.  Condict  made  the  following  report: 

The  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings  have  been  unable  to  obtain,  until  the  13tli 
instant,  an  estimate  of  the  expenses  to  be  incurred  in  re-erecting  the  public  edifices, 
which  has  necessarily  delayed  to  so  late  a period  of  the  session  the  report  which 
they  now  present  to  the  House. 


190 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Early  in  the  session  the  committee  addressed  a letter  to  Colonel  Lane,  the  com- 
missioner, desiring  him  to  furnish  a statement  of  the  progress  made  in  repairing  the 
buildings,  the  amount  of  moneys  disbursed,  with  such  other  information  on  the 
subject  as  he  might  think  important. 

On  the  3d  January  the  committee  addressed  a second  letter  to  the  commissioner, 
requesting  a statement  exhibiting  the  number  of  laborers  employed  during  the  season, 
and  the  compensation  given  them;  the  names  and  number  of  persons  employed 
either  as  clerks,  superintendents,  master  workmen,  or  overseers,  not  actually 
employed  at  hand  labor,  with  the  wages  allowed  them;  and,  also,  whether  any  dif- 
ference is  made  in  the  price  of  a day’s  labor  in  different  seasons. 

On  the  29th  of  January  the  committee  requested  to  be  furnished  with  a detailed 
estimate  of  the  probable  expenses  to  be  incurred  in  completing  the  buildings,  and 
what  particular  causes  had  retarded  the  progress  of  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol, 
and  when  it  might  probably  be  ready  for  the  accommodation  of  Congress.  This 
correspondence,  including  the  answers  of  Colonel  Lane,  the  commissioner,  with  the 
accounts  of  his  disbursements,  the  reports  made  to  him  by  the  architects  of  the  Cap- 
itol and  President’s  house,  their  respective  estimates,  &c.,  are  all  included  herein, 
and  submitted  as  a part  of  this  report.  Besides  the  detailed  account  of  disbursements 
made  to  individuals  for  the  various  items  of  expenditure,  there  is  submitted  here- 
with a summary  showing  the  amount  expended  for  materials,  for  labor,  and  incidental 
expenses,  each  item  separately,  for  the  Capitol  and  for  the  President’s  house. 

Another  view  of  the  expenditures  is  submitted,  showing  the  amount  disbursed  by 
the  three  commissioners  under  the  act  of  1815,  on  each  of  the  public  buildings,  viz: 
the  Capitol,  President’s  house,  and  the  offices,  as  well  as  the  sum  expended  by  the 
present  commissioner  on  each  one  of  the  same  objects. 

The  committee  have  every  reason  to  believe  that  the  commissioner,  Colonel  Lane, 
has  faithfully  devoted  his  time  and  services  to  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  and  that 
the  public  moneys  intrusted  to  his  care  have  been  applied  as  economically  as  circum- 
stances would  permit.  In  some  instances  a high  price  has  been  paid  for  materials, 
owing  to  the  scanty  supplies  furnished  by  the  markets  of  this  place,  and  where  the 
immediate  want  of  the  article  did  not  allow  time  to  seek  it  elsewhere. 

The  committee  deem  it  their  duty  also  to  state  that  a considerable  sum  has  been 
expended,  and  much  time  lost,  in  pulling  down  and  rebuilding  a part  of  the  work 
done  in  1815,  from  a change  of  the  plan  of  the  Senate  chamber  and  the  adjacent 
apartments.  For  particulars,  they  refer  to  the  commissioner’s  letter  of  15th  Febru- 
ary, 1815. 


To  enable  the  commissioner  to  proceed  with  the  greatest  despatch  in  completing 
the  public  buildings,  the  committee  have  thought  it  advisable  that  an  additional 
appropriation  be  made  for  the  service  of  the  coming  year,  and  therefore  submit  the 
following  resolution  for  the  consideration  of  the  House: 

Resolved,  That  it  is  expedient  to  appropriate  the  further  sum  of  dollars 

towards  the  completion  of  the  public  buildings. 


Capitol,  November  28,  1816. 

Sir:  Agreeably  to  your  desire,  I submit  the  following  report  upon  the  present  state 
of  the  Capitol,  and  upon  the  progress  which  has  been  made  in  repairing  and  com- . 
pleting  the  building  during  the  late  season. 

1.  The  south  wing  of  the  Capitol. 

The  south  wing  of  the  Capitol  remains  internally  in  the  state  in  which  it  was  left 
at  the  close  of  the  year  1815,  excepting  in  as  far  as  the  suggestions  of  the  committee  of 
the  House  of  Representatives  to  the  person  appointed  to  superintend  the  repairs  of  the  Capi- 


The  Old  Building. 


191 


iol  have  been  so  far  executed  as  to  prepare  the  south  windows  of  their  hall  for  an 
access  to  a platform  along  the  south  front.  Externally,  all  the  injury  which  was  done 
to  the  windows  and  doors  by  the  fire  has  been  repaired. 

To  account  for  the  apparently  neglected  state  of  this  part  of  the  Capitol,  it  is  neces- 
sary to  enter  into  a detail  of  the  circumstances  which  occasioned  it.  When  Congress 
resolved  to  repair  and  rebuild  the  public  buildings,  the  District  was  divested  of  all 
building  materials.  The  hall  of  Representatives  was  so  ruined  that,  although  the 
columns  and  the  vault  they  supported  still  stood,  it  was  inevitably  necessary  to  take 
them  down,  so  as  to  clear  the  whole  area  of  the  principal  story  of  the  former  work. 
On  this  occasion  a plan  was  submitted  to  and  approved  by  the  President,  by  which 
the  inconveniences  experienced  in  the  former  House  were  endeavored  to  be  obvi- 
ated, and  the  areas  both  of  the  House  and  gallery  considerably  enlarged.  To  execute 
this  plan,  and  to  repair  the  public  buildings  generally,  large  supplies  of  freestone 
were  necessary.  The  quarries,  which  are  situated  forty  miles  below  the  city  on  the 
Potomac,  had  been  neglected  for  some  years,  and  time  and  much  labor  were  required 
to  open  them.  Contracts  were  made  by  the  proper  officers  for  the  freestone  with 
several  persons,  proprietors  of  the'  old  quarries,  and  new  quarries  were  opened  and 
engaged  in  the  supply.  But  as  yet  no  stone  equal  in  quality,  and  as  fit  for  the  most 
important  parts  of  the  work  as  that  formerly  produced,  has  been  found  in  any  old  or 
new  quarry;  and,  as  far  as  the  work  has  proceeded,  stone  of  coarser  texture  has  una- 
voidably been  employed,  strength  and  durability  being  the  only  qualities  which 
could  be  attended  to. 

For  the  columns,  and  for  various  other  parts  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  no 
freestone  that  could  be  at  all  admitted  has  been  discovered.  Other  resources  were 
therefore  sought  after.  A stone  hitherto  considered  only  as  an  incumbrance  to  agri- 
culture, which  exists  in  inexhaustible  quantity  at  the  foot  of  the  most  southeasterly 
range  of  our  Atlantic  mountains,  (probably  along  the  greatest  part  of  their  extent, 
but  certainly  from  the  Roanoke  to  the  Schuylkill,)  and  which  the  present  surveyor 
of  the  Capitol,  and  probably  others,  had  many  years  ago  discovered  to  be  a very 
hard  but  beautiful  marble — this  was  examined,  and,  after  much  labor  and  persever- 
ance, has  been  proved  to  answer  every  expectation  that  was  formed,  not  only  of 
its  beauty,  but  of  its  capacity  to  furnish  columns  of  any  length,  and  to  be  applicable 
to  any  purpose  to  which  colored  marble  can  be  applied.  The  present  commissioner 
of  the  public  buildings  has,  therefore,  entered  into  a contract  for  all  the  columns, 
and  progress  has  been  made  in  quarrying  them.  They  may  be  procured  each  in  a 
single  block,  should  the  transportation  be  found  convenient,  A block  of  one  of  the 
pilasters  lies  ready  to  be  brought  down  to  Washington,  and  will  probably  arrive  in  a 
few  days.  The  quarries  are  situated  in  Loudoun  county,  Virginia,  and  Montgomery 
county,  Maryland. 

But  not  only  for  the  columns,  but  for  the  entablature  also,  many  very  important 
blocks  are  still  deficient,  which  must  necessarily  be  of  freestone.  Those  which  have 
been  procured  have  been  wrought  as  fast  as  they  arrived,  or  are  now  in  hand.  The 
whole  number  of  blocks  required  is  296;  on  the  spot  and  wrought,  106;  on  the  spot, 
unwrought,  15;  deficient,  November  28,  1816,  175.  Of  the  plain  work  in  freestone, 
forming  the  front  of  the  gallery  and  the  south  side  of  the  hall,  the  whole  is  here 
wrought,  and  ready  to  be  set. 

It  is  evident,  therefore,  that  it  would  have  been  imprudent  and  useless  to  take 
down  the  temporary  roof  which  protects  the  committee  rooms  in  the  lower  story. 
No  time  would  have  been  gained,  and  a very  considerable  expense  would  have  been 
incurred  in  replacing  it  at  the  close  of  the  season. 

2.  North  wing  of  the  Capitol. 

The  north  wing  of  the  Capitol  was  left  after  the  fire  in  a much  more  ruinous  state 
than  the  south  wing.  The  whole  of  the  interior  of  the  west  side  having  been  con- 
structed of  timber,  and  the  old  shingle  roof  still  remaining  over  the  greatest  part  of 


192 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


the  wing,  an  intensity  of  heat  was  produced  which  burnt  the  walls  most  exposed  to 
it,  and,  being  driven  by  the  wind  into  the  Senate  chamber,  burnt  the  marble  columns 
to  lime,  cracked  every  thing  which  was  of  freestone,  and,  finding  vent  through  the 
windows  and  up  the  private  stairs,  damaged  the  exterior  of  the  wing  very  materially. 
Great  efforts  were  made  to  destroy  the  court  room,  which  was  built  with  uncommon 
solidity,  by  collecting  into  it,  and  setting  fire  to,  the  furniture  of  the  adjacent  rooms. 
By  this  means  the  columns  were  cracked  exceedingly;  but  it  still  stood,  and  the 
vault  was  uninjured.  It  was,  however,  very  slenderly  supported,  and  its  condition 
dangerous.  Of  the  Senate  chamber  no  parts  were  injured  but  such  as  were  of  marble 
or  freestone.  The  vault  was  entire,  and  required  no  repair  whatever.  The  great 
staircase  was  much  defaced  but  might  have  been  reinstated  without  being  taken 
down. 

In  this  state  the  north  wing  was  found  when  the  work  on  the  Capitol  was  com- 
menced in  1815.  The  plan  of  that  wing  was  determined  in  1807,  and  laid  before 
Congress.  The  original  document  having  escaped  destruction,  the  work  was  begun 
in  conformity  thereto,  and  some  progress  made  in  the  construction  of  the  offices  of 
the  judiciary  and  of  the  library,  when  a very  important  and  extensive  improvement 
of  the  apartments  of  the  Senate  was  suggested  by  that  honorable  body,  and  ordered 
by  the  President  to  be  carried  into  execution. 

In  pursuance  of  this  order,  it  was  necessary  to  take  down  the  vaults  which  had 
been  constructed  on  the  west  side  of  the  house,  and  to  raise  them  to  the  level  of  the 
principal  floor.  This  alteration  was  the  only  one  which  affected  the  work  carried 
up  in  the  year  1815.  It  was  effected  in  the  months  of  May  and  June.  The  ruinous 
state  of  the  building  further  required  that  the  dome  of  the  centre  vestibule,  the  col- 
onnade, and  all  the  vaulting  of  the  court  room,  and  the  dome  of  the  great  stairs,  with 
all  the  walls  as  far  as  they  were  injured,  should  be  taken  down.  The  enlargement  of 
the  Senate  chamber  required  that  the  great  dome  of  that  apartment  and  its  semicir- 
cular wall  be  entirely  removed,  and  that  the  arches  and  walls  of  the  two  committee 
rooms,  and  the  lobby  adjoining  the  chamber,  should  also  be  demolished.  All  this 
was  promptly  accomplished,  and  the  new  apartments  carried  up  with  all  the  speed 
which  was  consistent  with  solidity;  so  that  all  the  committee  rooms  on  the  floor  of 
the  Senate  are  completely  constructed  and  vaulted,  and  the  wall  of  the  Senate  cham- 
ber itself  has  advanced  to  the  height  of  ten  feet  from  the  floor. 

The  new  vault  of  the  court  room,  much  more  extensive  than  the  former,  is  also 
completed.  All  the  new  work  is  so  constructed  as  in  no  part  whatever  to  bear  on 
the  old  walls,  but  to  serve  as  a support  to  them;  and  the  whole  is  so  bound  and  con- 
nected together  as  to  render  the  building  much  more  strong  and  durable  than  it  was 
before  the  conflagration. 

Having  now  complied  with  your  request  to  “ report  to  you  on  the  present  state  of 
the  Capitol,”  I will  further  remark,  that  in  the  newly  discovered  marble  of  the 
Potomac  there  is  an  inexhaustible  resource  of  the  most  beautiful  building  material, 
in  a situation  easily  accessible  by  water,  from  whence  it  may  lie  transported  to  the 
very  foot  of  Capitol  hill;  and  that  for  our  future  operations  the  extended  ivork  on 
the  freestone  querries  will  not  probably  fail  to  afford  the  supplies  which  have  hitherto 
been  wanting. 

In  complying  with  your  request  to  report  on  the  work  done  during  the  present  year, 
including  the  pulling  down  as  well  as  building  up,  I have  confined  myself  to  the  trans- 
actions of  the  season;  but  I will  add,  that  there  is  still  to  be  made  a very  consider- 
able change  in  the  south  part  of  the  north  wing,  in  order  to  complete  the  design 
suggested  by  the  Senate.  For  these  alterations  a considerable  quantity  of  materials 
is  provided,  and  other  preparations  made. 

I am,  very  respectfully,  B.  Hexky  Latrobe, 

Surveyor  of  the  Capitol  of  the  United  States. 

The  Commissioner  of  Pubic  Buildings , United  States. 


The  Old  Building. 


193 


Capitol,  December  3,  1816. 

Sir:  I now  beg  leave  to  comply  with  that  part  of  your  letter  of  the  25th  of  Novem- 
ber which  requires  an  estimate  of  the  principal  materials  required  to  complete  the  repairs 
of  the  Capitol , ancl  a notice  of  the  materials  on  hand. 

-x-  * -x- 

B.  Henry  Latrobe,  Surveyor  of  the  ZJ.  S.  Capitol. 
To  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


* 


RECAPITULATION. 


Disbursements  on  account  of  the  Capitol  of  the  United  States 53, 551  13 

Disbursements  on  account  of  the  President’s  House 34,  772  13J 

Disbursements  on  account  of  the  Treasury  Office 1,  051  94 

Disbursements  on  account  of  contingent  expenses 1,  203  531- 


Total  amount $90,  578  74 


Errors  excepted. 


Samuel  Lane,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

Washington,  December  12,  IS  16. 


Notes. — Of  the  above  disbursements,  the  sum  of  forty  thousand  five  hundred  and 
sixty-six  dollars  fifty  cents  was  paid  for  materials  delivered  under  contracts  made 
with  the  former  commissioners,  fixing  the  quantity  and  price  beyond  my  control; 
and,  in  general,  the  salaries  of  architects,  superintendents,  &c.,  were  determined 
prior  to  my  entering  upon  the  duties  of  commissioner. 

The  vouchers  numbered  as  above  have  been  deposited  by  me  in  the  office  of  the 
Auditor  of  the  Treasury. 

S.  Lane. 


Washington,  January  4,  1817. 

Sir:  I have  had  the  honor  of  receiving  your  letter  of  the  3d  instant,  requiring  a 
statement  exhibiting  the  following  particulars,  viz: 

“1.  The  number  of  hands  employed  during  the  past  season,  &c.,  and  the  compen- 
sation given  them.” 

I beg  leave  to  refer  to  the  papers  marked  A and  B,  as  containing  the  information 
here  required;  they  being  reports  (one  from  each  building)  such  as  I have  caused  to 
be  made  every  other  day  through  the  season.  The  number  of  hands,  however, 
varies  almost  daily.  Perhaps  the  reports  here  referred  to  may  exhibit  about  the 
average  number.  [The  statements  A and  B are  not  to  lie  found.] 

“2.  The  names  and  number  of  persons  employed,  either  as  clerks,  superintend- 
ents, master  workmen,  or  overseers,  not  actually  engaged  at  hard  labor,  and  the  com- 
pensation allowed  them.” 

To  provide  checks  against  abuses  in  the  disbursement  of  public  money,  either  on 
account  of  labor  or  materials  furnished,  and  to  insure  the  faithful  execution  of  every 
branch  of  the  work,  as  w ell  as  to  embrace  the  professional  skill  and  talents  requisite 
for  conducting  a great  national  work,  it  was  an  arrangement  made  at  the  commence- 
ment of  the  public  buildings  here,  and  experience  has  fully  established  its  utility,  to 
appoint  subordinate  agents  in  each  department,  who,  though  not  required  to  per- 
il. Rep.  6L6 13 


194 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


form  manual  labor,  have  more  important  and  more  arduous  duties  to  discharge.  The 
following  list  comprises  the  persons  of  this  description,  viz: 

AT  THE  CAPITOL. 

B.  Henry  Latrobe,  architect 

Shadrach  Davis,  clerk  of  the  works 

Henry  Hillman,  foreman  of  the  stone-cutters 

John  Queen,  foreman  of  the  bricklayers® 

Leonard  Harbaugh,  foreman  of  the  carpenters 

Thomas  Howard,  overseer 

-x-  * 

It  is  attempted  to  apportion  the  compensation,  as  far  as  is  practicable,  to  the 
services  rendered.  Thus,  among  workmen  of  the  same  class,  different  rates  of  pay 
are  established,  according  to  their  different  degrees  of  merit.  Thus,  too,  the  wages 
of  the  same  person  vary  with  the  seasons  of  the  year.  During  the  winter  months 
the  bricklayers,  and  about  three-fourths  of  the  laborers,  are  discharged.  The  stone- 
cutters and  carpenters  working  in  shops,  with  the  laborers  requisite  to  attend  them, 
are  retained.  In  graduating  the  wages  of  these  to  the  different  lengths  of  the  day,  it 
is  found  necessary  to  pay  some  attention  to  the  custom  and  usages  at  other  buildings. 
Thus,  while  from  the  stone-cutters  during  the  winter  season  fifty  cents  per  day,  or 
one-fifth  of  their  pay,  is  deducted,  from  the  carpenters  the  proportion  is  only  about 
one-thirteenth,  or  thirteen  cents  per  day.  Of  the  latter  none  are  now  retained  but  of 
the  best  kind,  selected  after  a long  trial  of  their  merit;  and  to  drive  away  these  by  a 
greater  reduction  of  wages  would  be  a serious  injury  to  the  public  works,  and  one  not 
easily  repaired.  Besides,  it  is  a fact  that  those  persons  (as  well  as  most  of  the  others 
employed  on  the  public  buildings)  hat^e  been  retained  through  the  summer  at  lower 
wages  than  were  generally  given  for  the  same  services  by  individuals,  and  that 
the  carpenters  were  induced  to  stay  only  by  an  expectation  of  permanent  employ- 
ment through  the  winter.  The  wages  of  the  laborers  on  the  winter  establishment 
are  reduced  from  one  dollar  to  eighty-seven  and  a half  cents  per  day. 

With  great  respect,  I have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

Hon.  Lewis  Condict, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings. 


Compensation. 

$2,  500  00  per  annum. 
4 00  per  day. 

3 75  do. 

3 00  do. 

2 50  do. 

2 12£  do. 


Disbursements  made  between  the  30th  of  April,  1816,  and  1st  of  January,  1817,  on  account 

of  the  Capitoh 


1st.  For  materials  as  follows,  viz:  * * * 140,072  13 

2d.  For  labor  as  follows,  viz:  * * * 31,088  36i 

3d.  Incidental,  that  is, 

Freight,  drayage,  cartage,  wharfage,  tools,  &c.  &c 3, 963  91 

Sundries,  not  chargeable  under  the  above  heads 987  76£ 


$76. 112  17 


* * * 

Errors  excepted. 

Washington,  January  22,  1817. 

S.  Lane,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


«When  the  bricklayers  are  discharged,  the  compensation  of  their  foreman  stops,  of  course. 


The  Old  Building. 


195 


Washington,  January  31,  1817. 

Sir:  In  answer  to  that  part  of  your  letter  of  the  29th  instant  which  requires  informa- 
tion as  to  the  probable  time  when  the  Capitol  may  be  ready  for  the  accommodation 
of  Congress,  I have  the  honor  of  stating  that,  if  every  practicable  exertion  be  made, 
the  Representatives  chamber  may  admit  of  their  reception  in  the  autumn  of  1818. 
That  the  Senate  chamber  may  be  completed  by  that  time  admits  of  no  doubt. 

Upon  the  other  subjects  embraced  by  your  letter  I shall  report  as  soon  as  the 
inquiries  which  they  demand  will  permit. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant,  Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

Hon.  Lewis  Condict, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings. 

Washington,  February  1,  1817. 

Sir:  In  reply  to  that  part  of  your  letter  of  the  29th  ultimo  requiring  information 
as  to  the  causes  which  have  retarded  the  progress  of  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol, 
I beg  leave  to  report,  that,  when, I first  entered  the  office  of  Commissioner  of  Public 
Buildings,  I found  that  my  predecessors,  actuated  by  a laudable  desire  of  renovating 
the  Capitol  of  the  United  States  in  the  most  complete  manner,  and  “believing  that 
the  sculptured  ornaments  could  be  procured  on  cheaper  terms  in  Italy,  made  out  of 
the  best  statuary  marble,  than  in  this  country,  made  of  the  freestone  heretofore  used,” 
had  despatched  in  August,  1815,  an  artist  to  Italy,  with  instructions  to  procure  the 
twenty-four  Corinthian  capitals  for  the  Representatives  chamber,  and  had  for  that 
purpose  deposited  funds  to  a considerable  amount  in  Europe.  These  capitals  were 
expected  and  directed  to  have  been  shipped  at  Leghorn  previous  to  the  1st  of  April 
last;  but,  owing  to  causes  not  yet  explained,  no  intelligence  is  received,  though  daily 
expected,  of  their  arrival  in  this  country.  It  was  further  stated  by  the  architect  that 
no  freestone  of  the  quality  heretofore  used,  or  that  ought  to  be  used,  for  the  columns 
of  the  Representatives  chamber,  was  now  to  be  procured  at  any  of  the  quarries  from 
which  we  drew  our  supplies  of  that  article,  and  that  therefore  it  was  necessary  to 
resort  to  some  other  material.  Quarries  of  native  marble  of  a beautiful  texture, 
and  in  a situation  on  the  Potomac  offering  facilities  of  water  carriage  to  the  foot 
of  the  Capitol  hill,  having  been  partially  explored,  I was  induced  to  enter  into 
a contract  for  the  delivery  of  the  columns  from  these  quarries;  and,  although  some 
progress  has  been  made  in  execution  of  this  contract,  yet  the  difficulties  which 
have  interposed  on  account  of  the  novelty  of  the  undertaking,  and  other  circum- 
stances, have  considerably  diminished  the  confidence  at  one  time  entertained  of  com- 
plete success.  Until  the  columns  and  their  capitals  were  procured  and  in  place, 
nothing  materially  advancing  the  completion  of  the  south  wing  could  be  done  more 
than  we  have  been  doing.  Under  these  circumstances,  it  was  thought  most  advis- 
able to  direct  our  efforts  for  the  present  principally  towards  the  repair  of  the  north 
wing  and  the  President’s  house,  which  afforded  ample  room  for  the  employment  of 
our  hands,  and  where  our  progress,  I flatter  myself,  has  been  such  as  to  satisfy  those 
best  acquainted  with  the  obstacles  which  have  been  encountered. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

Hon.  Lewis  Condict. 


Washington,  February  12,  1817. 

Sir:  I now  transmit  the  estimates,  required  by  your  letter  of  the  29th  ultimo,  ot 
the  sum  necessary  to  complete  the  repairs  of  the  public  buildings,  amounting  to 
$386,661.30.  Of  the  $500,000  appropriated  by  the  act  of  the  13th  of  February,  1815, 
there  remains  unexpended  the  sum  of  $114,602.55,  which,  deducted  from  the  esti- 
mate above  mentioned,  leaves  the  sum  of  $272,058.75  unprovided  for. 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


196 

As  it  is  extremely  desirable  to  proceed  in  the  repairs  of  those  buildings  with  all  the 
despatch  which  the  nature  of  the  undertaking  will  admit,  and  as,  with  this  view,  the 
disbursements  of  the  current  year  probably  ought  to  exceed  the  sum  now  applicable 
to  this  purpose,  1 would  respectfully  suggest  the  expediency  of  Congress  making  an 
additional  appropriation  during  the  present  session. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

Honorable  Lewis  Condict, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  dec.  &c. 


* * * 

Estimate  of  the  probable  expense  of  finishing  the  north  and  south  wings  of  the  Capitol  of  the 

United  States. 


North  wing,  * * * §107,941  00 

South  wing,  * * * 126, 490  00 


Sum  total §234,  431  00 

February  12,  1817.  B.  II.  Latrobe,  S.  C.  U.  S. 

* *■  * 

Washington,  February  15,  1817. 

Sir:  The  following  circumstances  have  contributed  materially  towards  increasing 
the  expenditures  in  repairing  the  public  buildings: 

1st.  In  the  spring  of  last  year  a very  extensive  improvement  of  the  apartments  of 
the  Senate  was  suggested  by  that  honorable  body,  and  ordered  by  the  President  of 
the  United  States  to  be  carried  into  execution.  In  pursuance  of  this  order,  it  became 
necessary  to  take  down,  not  only  the  work  which  had  been  constructed  the  preced- 
ing season,  but  the  enlargement  of  the  Senate  chamber  required  that  the  great  dome 
of  that  apartment,  and  its  semicircular  wall,  should  be  entirely  removed,  and  that 
the  arches  and  walls  of  the  committee  rooms,  and  the  lobby  adjoining  the  chamber, 
should  be  demolished,  and  that  much  additional  strength  and  solidity  should  be 
given  to  the  whole  structure.  Thus  did  this  new  arrangement  not  only  produce  the 
loss  of  one  season’s  labor  and  expenditures  on  the  north  wing  of  the  Capitol,  but 
consumed  a considerable  part  of  another  season  in  undoing  what  had  already  been 
done. 

2d.  The  injury  of  the  exterior  walls  of  the  President’s  house  was  found  to  reach 
much  deeper  than  had  been  apprehended.  It  was  not  until  some  time  last  summer 
that  we  desisted  from  taking  down  those  walls,  and  not  until  a considerable  part  of 
them  had  been  levelled  to  their  foundation. 

If  to  these  causes  be  added  the  unexampled  rise  in  the  price  of  labor  and  materials, 
it  ought  not,  perhaps,  to  be  a matter  of  surprise  that  the  original  estimates  should 
be  found  deficient. 

With  great  respect,  I am,  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


Hon.  Lewis  Condict,  &c. 


The  Old  Building. 


197 


Expenditures  on  public  buildings  by  the  three  Commissioners  of  1815 , and  by  Commis- 
sioner Lane  to  January,  1817,  showing  the  sums  expended  on  each  of  the  public  build- 
ings, viz:  Capitol,  President' s house,  and  offices,  dec. 


$500,  000  00 

$225,000  00 

160,397  45 

385, 397  45 

$114,602  55 

Expenditures  by  the  former  commissioners,  for  which  vouchers 
have  been  received  and  allowed  at  the  Treasury  : 

On  account  of  the  Capitol 

* * * * * 
Expenditures  by  the  present  commissioner,  for  which  vouchers 
have  been  received  up  to  the  1st  of  January,  1817,  as  follows: 

On  account  of  the  Capitol 

***** 

$79,211  64 
76,112  17 

Errors  excepted. 

Washington,  February  15,  1817. 

Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  26,  1817:  Annals  of  Congress,  14 — 2,  p.  1033.] 

Mr.  Condict  presented  a petition  of  Benjamin  Henry  Latrobe,  Surveyor  of  the 
Capitol  of  the  United  States,  in  the  City  of  Washington,  stating  the  reasons  of  his 
not  being  able  to  furnish  in  time  to  the  Committee  on  Expenditures  on  the  Public 
Buildings,  a detailed  estimate  of  the  moneys  necessary  to  complete  the  Capitol,  and 
praying  that  such  steps  may  be  taken  as  may  enable  him  to  place  his  conduct, 
respecting  the  estimate  submitted  and  the  plan  of  the  Capitol,  in  its  true  light; 
which  petition  was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 


[From  the  Memorial  of  B.  Henry  Latrobe,  Surveyor  of  the  Capitol,  Communicated  to  the  House 
Feb.  26,  1817.  (14 — 2,  House  Rep.  No.  98.)] 

To  the  honourable  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States,  the  memo- 
rial of  B.  Henry  Latrobe,  surveyor  of  the  capitol  of  the  United  States,  respectfully 
showeth — 

That  on  the  first  day  of  the  present  month  your  memorialist  received  a letter  from 
the  commissioner  of  the  public  buildings,  dated  the  30th  of  January,  by  which  he 
was  requested  to  make  a detailed  estimate  of  the  expense  of  completing  both  wings 
of  the  capitol  of  the  United  States,  for  the  information  of  your  committee  of  the 
Public  Buildings.  Your  memorialist  immediately  waited  upon  the  commissioner, 
and  stated  to  him  that  if  the  capitol,  like  the  President’s  House,  had  been  required 
only  to  be  rebuilt  in  the  manner  in  which  it  formerly  existed,  he  could  more  easily 
have  complied  with  his  desire,  by  the  assistance  of  the  drawings  in  his  possession; 
but  that,  as  the  whole  of  the  interior  of  both  wings  had  been  entirely  changed,  it 
would  be  impossible  to  make  the  drawings  in  detail  which  were  indispensable  to 
such  an  estimate  as  he  expected,  within  the  limited  time;  that  even  to  determine 
many  of  these  details  was  impracticable,  as  they  would  depend  upon  the  state  in 
which  the  walls  would  be  found  in  the  progress  of  the  work.  * * * 

Your  memorialist  a few  days  afterwards,  not  aware  that  the  committee  had  acted 
on  the  partial  information  before  them,  and  had  already  reported  to  your  honour- 
able House,  waited  upon  the  chairman  of  the  committee  and  fully  explained  the 
difficulties  attending  the  estimate.  But  to  his  utter  surprise  and  mortification  he 


198 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


has  observed,  by  the  printed  report  of  the  committee,  that  his  estimate  was  unac- 
companied by  any  explanation,  and  that  his  conduct  is  severely  censured,  by  impli- 
cation, in  the  expressions  used  in  the  report. 

•x-  * -x- 

B.  Henby  Lateobe, 
Surveyor  of  the  Capitol  United  States. 

February  22,  1817. 


[From  the  “Act  making  further  provision  for  repairing  the  public  buildings,  and  improving  the 
public  square,”  approved  Mar.  3,  1817.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  3,  389.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That,  for  the  purpose  of  repairing  the  public  buildings,  a sum 
not  exceeding  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby,  appropriated, 
to  be  applied,  by  the  commissioner,  under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United 
States. 

* * * 

Sec.  3.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  moneys  so  appropriated  shall  be  paid  out 
of  any  moneys  in  the  treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated. 


[Mss.:  Letters  of  the  Presidents  of  the  United  States,  p.  181:  Office  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds, 

War  Department.] 

Washington  4th  April  1817. 

To  Col.  Lane, 

Sib,  To  enable  you  the  better  to  execute  the  orders  heretofore  given  for  the  com- 
pletion of  the  public  buildings,  with  the  greatest  possible  dispatch,  I consider  it 
proper  to  communicate  my  sentiments  in  a more  precise  form,  as  to  the  manner  in 
which  some  parts  of  the  Capitol  shall  be  finished  and  of  the  arrangement  necessary 
to  be  observed  in  conducting  the  work. 

It  appearing  by  a report  from  Gen’l.  Swift  and  Lt.  Col.  Bumford  that  the  marble 
on  the  Potomack  from  which  it  has  been  proposed  to  obtain  the  columns  intended 
for  the  chamber  for  the  House  of  Representatives  and  of  the  Senate,  is  of  sufficient 
solidity  to  sustain  the  weight  to  be  placed  on  them,  and  likewise  that  it  will  be  more 
adviseable  to  construct  the  dome  to  be  erected  over  the  House  of  Representatives  of 
wood  than  of  brick,  I have  on  due  consideration  adopted  their  suggestions  in  both 
instances. 

The  dome  of  the  Senate  will  be  erected  of  brick.  You  will  therefore  hasten  to 
obtain  the  columns  from  that  quarry,  and  to  take  the  necessary  measures  on  the 
estimate  of  the  Architect  Mr.  Latrobe  for  procuring  the  wood  required  for  the  con- 
struction of  the  first  mentioned  dome  and  of  brick  for  the  other.  The  wood  it  is 
expected  will  be  furnished  by  the  dept,  of  the  Navy,  the  amount  of  the  articles  to 
be  replaced  hereafter. 

The  great  object  to  which  you  will  direct  your  exertions  is  the  placing  the  Capitol 
in  a state  to  accommodate  Congress  at  the  next  session.  This  may  be  done  with  proper 
exertions.  You  must  procure  and  have  in  readiness  all  the  materials  requisite  for 
every  part  of  the  work,  employ  an  adequate  force,  and  manage  it  with  ability  and 
industry. 

The  Architect  will  furnish  immediately  three  plans  of  the  building  with  details 
applicable  to  each  room  with. estimates,  for  materials,  for  every  part,  especially  those 
connected  with  the  accommodation  of  Congress  next  winter.  The  plan  which  may 
be  reported  is  not  to  be  changed.  Mr.  Latrobe  has  doubtless  digested  it  long  since 
in  his  own  mind  and  will  in  a few  days  furnish  it. 


The  Old  Building. 


199 


It  is  expected  that  the  architect  will  divide  the  work  to  be  done  in  each  wing  of 
the  Capitol,  in  such  manner  that  the  greatest  possible  force  may  be  employed  on 
each  part.  It  is  in  this  way  only  that  the  greatest  despatch  may  be  obtained.  This 
arrangement  should  be  made  and  the  articles  procured  without  a moments  delay. 
On  a detailed  statement  of  the  number  of  workmen  who  may  be  employed  with 
advantage,  on  each  branch,  or  part  of  the  work,  it  is  not  doubted  that  they  may  be 
procured;  and  in  the  mean  time  on  a conjectural  statement  (if  the  estimate  is  not 
instantly  furnished  by  the  Architect)  you  should  send  for  the  workmen  to  New 
York  & Boston. 

Let  Mr.  Latrobe  employ  two  good  draftsmen  to  assist  him  in  preparing  his  drafts 
and  estimates. 

A division  of  labour  is  equally  necessary  in  respect  to  the  columns.  It  divides 
itself,  naturally  into  two  parts,  the  getting  the  stone  from  the  quarry  and  the  shap- 
ing it  afterwards.  Mr.  Leckie  will  take  charge  particularly  of  the  first,  and  Mr. 
Hartnet  of  the  second,  and  you  will  procure  for  each,  as  many  workmen  as  can  be 
advantageously  employed  in  his  branch.  Mr.  Leckie  will  deliver  over  the  blocks 
to  Mr.  Hartnett. 

You  will  provide  tools,  lumber,  nails,  spikes  and  provisions,  for  Mr.  Leckie,  who 
will  cause  sheds  to  be  erected  for  the  workmen,  for  cooking  and  as  store  houses 
■without  delay.  The  provisions  ought  to  be  issued,  at  proper  stated  periods,  and 
returns  and  receipts  to  be  kept  of  them. 

You  must  pay  the  workmen  every  week  of  which  rolls  and  receipts  should  be  kept. 

You  may  employ  a clerk  at  the  quarry,  who  on  your  responsibility,  shall  take 
charge  of  the  provisions  and  pay  the  workmen,  keeping  regular  accounts  thereof. 
You  will  report  to  me  every  Monday  morning,  the  progress  of  the  work  in  concise 
terms,  in  every  branch  of  the  public  works. 

Gen’l.  Swift  will  aid  in  procuring  you  workmen  in  New  York  & Captn.  in 

Philadelphia. 

With  respect  to  the  House  of  the  President  I shall  say  something  in  another 
letter.  * * * The  plastering  ought  to  be  commenced  in  both  buildings  immedi- 
ately. Are  the  laths  and  other  materials  prepared? 

With  respect,  James  Monroe. 


[From  the  first  annual  Message  of  President  James  Monroe,  Dec.  2,  1817.  (“Messages  and  Papers  of 

the  Presidents,”  v.  2,  19.)] 

Although  the  progress  of  the  public  buildings  has  been  as  favorable  as  circum- 
stances have  permitted,  it  is  to  be  regretted  that  the  Capitol  is  not  yet  in  a state  to 
receive  you.  There  is  good  cause  to  presume  that  the 'two  wings,  the  only  parts  as 
yet  commenced,  will  be  prepared  for  that  purpose  at  the  next  session.  The  time 
seems  now  to  have  arrived  when  this  subject  may  be  deemed  worthy  the  attention  of 
Congress  on  a scale  adequate  to  national  purposes.  The  completion  of  the  middle 
building  will  be  necessary  to  the  convenient  accommodation  of  Congress,  of  the 
committees,  and  various  offices  belonging  to  it.  * * * Most  nations  have 

taken  an  interest  and  a pride  in  the  improvement  and  ornament  of  their  metropolis, 
and  none  were  more  conspicuous  in  that  respect  than  the  ancient  republics.  The 
policy  which  dictated  the  establishment  of  a permanent  residence  for  the  National 
Government  and  the  spirit  in  which  it  was  commenced  and  has  been  prosecuted  show 
that  such  improvement  was  thought  worthy  the  attention  of  this  nation.  Its  central 
position,  bet  ween  the  northern  and  southern  extremes  of  our  Union,  and  its  approach 
to  the  west  at  the  head  of  a great  navigable  river  which  interlocks  with  the  Western 
waters,  prove  the  wisdom  of  the  councils  which  established  it. 


200 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Jan.  26,  1818:  Annals  of  Congress,  15 — 1,  p.  132.] 

Mr.  Goldsborough  submitted  the  following  motion  for  consideration: 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  the  United  States  be  requested  to  cause  a statement 
of  expenditures  upon  the  public  buildings,  and  an  account  of  their  progress,  to  be 
annually  laid  before  Congress  at  the  commencement  of  each  session. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Jan.  28,  1818:  Annals  of  Congress,  15 — 1,  p.  138.] 

The  Senate  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  motion,  of  the  26th  instant,  for  request- 
ing a statement  of  expenditures  upon  the  public  buildings,  and  an  account  of  their 
progress,  to  be  annually  laid  before  Congress,  at  the  commencement  of  each  session; 
and  agreed  thereto. 


[■‘An  Act  making  further  provision  for  repairing  the  public  buildings,”  approved  Jan.  27,  1818 

(Stats,  at  Large,  v.  3,  405.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  for  the  purpose  of  repairing  the  public  buildings,  a sum, 
not  exceeding  two  hundred  thousand  dollars,  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby,  appro- 
priated, to  be  paid  out  of  any  moneys  in  the  treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated, 
and  to  be  applied  by  the  commissioner,  under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the 
United  States. 


[American  State  Papers,  Class  X,  Misc.  v.  II,  484.— No.  448.  15th  Congress,  1st  session.  City  of  Wash- 
ington: Progress  made  in  rebuilding  the  public  edifices.  Communicated  to  the  Senate,  February 
16.  1818.] 

w ashington,  February  13,  1818. 

To  the  Senate  of  the  United  States: 

In  compliance  with  a resolution  of  the  28th  of  January  last  I now  transmit  to  the 
Senate  a statement  of  the  expenditures  upon  the  public  buildings,  and  an  account  of 
their  progress,  for  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  seventeen. 

James  Monroe. 


Office  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 

February  10,  1818. 

Sir:  In  obedience  to  a resolution  of  the  Senate  of  the  United  States  passed  the  28th 
ultimo,  I enclose  a statement  of  the  expenditures  upon  the  public  buildings  during 
the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  seventeen,  marked  A;  also  a report  and 
estimate  for  the  Capitol,  marked  B,  and  of  the  President’s  house,  marked  C. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

President  of  the  United  States. 


A. 


Abstract  of  disbursements  made  by  Samuel  Lane,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  during 

the  year  1817. 

Capitol  * * * - $159,655  11 


Errors  excepted. 

Washington,  February  10,  1818. 

Samuel  Lane,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


The  Old  Building. 


201 


B. 

February  5,  1818. 

Sir:  Since  the  time  when  I entered  upon  the  duties  of  surveyor  of  the  Capitol  of 
the  United  States,  I have  been  occupied  in  examining  into  the  state  of  the  building, 
and  in  viewing  the  original  plans  and  designs  for  the  work  already  commenced. 
Great  progress  having  been  made  towards  rebuilding  the  north  and  south  wings,  it 
will  be  necessary  to  complete  them  according  to  the  designs  already  adopted,  and  on 
the  foundations  already  made.  From  a knowledge  of  the  plans,  and  from  the  view 
of  the  work  as  far  as  it  has  advanced,  I have  no  doubt  that  the  public  rooms  of  Con- 
gress will  be  very  splendid,  and  exhibit  favorable  specimens  of  correct  taste  and  of  the 
progress  of  the  arts  in  our  country.  I have  been  engaged  in  preparing  drawings  for 
the  centre  of  the  Capitol,  and  hope  soon  to  be  able  to  present  several  designs  to  the 
President  of  the  United  States,  from  which  he  may  select  the  one  he  may  most 
approve  for  computing  the  building. 

Agreeably  to  your  desire,  I have  taken  measures  to  obtain  as  correct  an  estimate  as 
circumstances  will  allow  of  the  probable  expense  of  finishing  the  two  wings.  State- 
ments have  been  given  me  from  those  at  the  head  of  each  branch  of  business,  which 
have  enabled  me  to  present  the  following: 

Of  the  work  prepared  and  materials  on  hand. 

A large  quantity  of  freestone  is  prepared  for  finishing  the  Representatives  room, 
and  the  marble  stairs  and  back  stairs  of  the  north  wing  are  ready  to  be  laid  as  soon 
as  the  season  will  permit.  The  dome  of  the  north  wing  is  ready  for  the  copper  cov- 
ering, and  the  frame  of  that  of  the  south  wing  is  two-th'irds  prepared. 

All  the  window  frames  and  sashes  are  made,  and  a great  part  of  the  doors;  a suffi- 
cient quantity  of  copper  for  the  roofs  is  on  hand,  and  of  glass  for  the  windows,  and 
about  100,000  feet  of  boards  and  plank,  and  30,000  feet  of  scantling  and  timber. 

It  is  estimated  that  about  four  hundred  tons  of  freestone  are  wanted  for  the  Rep- 
resentatives room,  viz.  * * * 941  stones. 

* * * 

Of  marble  columns,  pilasters,  dec. 

There  are  18  columns  and  4 pilasters  in  hand,  of  which  3 columns  and  2 pilasters 
are  completely  finished;  two  columns  in  hand  polishing,  and  others  in  various  stages 
of  finishing;  the  stonecutting  work  of  all  is  done,  except  five  pieces  of  columns  and 
one  pilaster,  now  at  the  quarry;  four  columns  are  not  yet  taken  out  of  the  block. 

It  is  estimated  that  all  the  columns  for  the  Senate  and  Representatives  rooms  may 


be  finished  by  August  next. 

Expenses  necessary  to  finish  them $28,  000  00 

Marble  chimney-pieces. 

20  for  committee  rooms,  at  $80  each, $1,  600  00 

20  for  committee  rooms,  at  $100  each, 2,  000  00 

10  for  principal  rooms,  at  $200  each, 2,000  00 

2 marble  door-cases  at  entrance  of  Representatives  and  Senate 

rooms, 1,000  00 

16  marble  pilasters  in  upper  circular  wall  of  Senate  chamber, 

at  $200  each, 3,  200  00 

— 9,  800  00 

Carving. 

20  cinctures  of  marble  to  columns,  at  $100  each, $2,  000  00 

11  bases  to  marble  columns,  at  $100  each, 1, 100  00 


202 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


12  Corinthian  capitals,  at  $200  each, $2, 400  00 

12  Ionic  capitals,  at  $166  each, 1, 982  00 

■ — $7,  482  00 


Sculpture  of  allegorical  figures  of  emblematic  bas-relief,  &c.  It  is  impos- 
sible to  estimate  the  cost  of  separate  figures,  but  the  expense  of  the 
artists  now  employed  for  one  year,  exclusive  of  materials,  will  be 8,  000  00 

$53,282  00 


RECAPITULATION. 


Estimate  of  stone  work $38, 665  00 

Estimate  of  work  on  north  wing 41,  277  58 

Estimate  of  work  on  south  wing 44, 578  88 

Estimate  of  marble  columns,  carving,  and  sculptured  figures 53, 282  00 


$177,  803  46 


The  above  estimate  is  exclusive  of  the  piazza,  which  I find  by  the  plan  is  intended 
to  be  attached  to  the  north  and  south  ends  of  the  building,  and,  being  wholly  of 
stone,  will  probably  cost  $50,000.  As  these  piazzas  may  be  built  at  any  future  time, 
I propose  to  omit  proceeding  the  ensuing  season,  but  to  bestow  the  labor  that  they 
would  require  on  the  foundations  and  walls  of  the  centre. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

Charles  Bulfinch, 
Surveyor  Capitol  U.  S. 

Samuel  Lane,  Esq., 

Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings , U.  S. 

* * * 


[American  State  Papers,  Class  X,  Misc.  v.  II,  510.— No.  454.  15th  Congress,  1st  Session.  City  of  Wash- 
ington: Expenditures  for  rebuilding  the  public  edifices.  Communicated  to  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, April  3,  1818.] 

Mr.  Tucker,  of  Virginia,  from  the  Committee  on  the  Expenditures  of  the  Public 
Buildings,  reported : 

That,  having  called  on  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings  for  his  accounts 
of  expenditures,  they  received  from  him  the  abstract  marked  A,  which  accompanies 
this  report. 

From  this  abstract,  it  will  appear  that,  from  the  30th  of  September,  1816,  to  the 
1st  of  October,  1817,  the  disbursements  on  account  of  the  public  buildings  were  as 
follows: 

For  the  Capitol $104,  337  27 

For  the  marble  quarry 25,205  43 

$129,542  70 

* * * 

From  the  letter  marked  B,  enclosed  at  the  request  of  the  committee,  as  appears  by 
the  letter  C from  the  commissioner,  it  appears  that  the  accounts  of  the  commissioner 
at  the  Comptroller’s  office  have  been  settled  up  to  the  30th  of  September,  1817,  and 
that  there  was  at  that  time  an  unsettled  balance  standing  against  him  of  $72,503  58; 
but,  from  the  letter  of  the  commissioner,  marked  D,  it  appears  that  “the  contingent 


The  Old  Building. 


203 


expenses  of  the  office,  and  the  sums  advanced  upon  contracts  not  yet  completed, 
and  for  materials  and  labor,  where  no  regular  voucher  had  been  received,  amounted, 
on  the  31st  of  December  last,  to  the  sum  of  $80,57613.”  It  is  alleged,  and  your 
committee  believe  truly  so,  that  the  existence  of  the  balance  against  the  commis- 
sioner on  the  settlement  at  the  office  of  the  Comptroller  arises  from  the  vouchers  not 
yet  being  completed  for  the  support  of  certain  items  in  the  account.  This  may  well 
be  the  case,  as  many  of  the  transactions  require  advances  to  be  made  before  complete 
vouchers  can  be  given ; and  not  a few  of  the  articles  have  been  procured  from  for- 
eign countries,  from  whence  the  vouchers  may  not  yet  have  been  received.  The 
incomplete  vouchers  were  submitted  to  the  inspection  of  the  committee. 

With  a view  of  obtaining  such  information  as  might  enable  your  committee  to 
fulfil  the  duty  assigned  them,  and  afford  information  to  the  House,  the  letter  marked 
E was  written  to  the  commissioner,  from  whom  the  letter  marked  F was  received  in 
reply;  and  the  papers  marked  G and  Id  have  been  received  through  the  same 
channel. 

From  a reference  to  the  laws,  and  from  these  documents,  the  following  statement 
in  relation  to  the  subject  of  appropriation  results: 

The  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings  previous  to  the  present  session  of  Con- 


gress have  been  as  follows: 

Amount  appropriated  February  13,  1815 $500,  000  00 

Amount  appropriated  March  3,  1817 100,  000  00 

600,  000  00 

The  disbursements,  as  per  document  F,  up  to  the  1st  of  January,  1818, 
have  amounted  to 681,454  17 

Making  an  excess  of  disbursement  beyond  the  appropriation  of $81,  454  17 


But  this  has  been  more  than  provided  for  by  the  appropriation, 
during  the  present  session,  of  a further  sum  of  $200,000;  making  the 
sum  hitherto  appropriated  for  the  rebuilding  of  the  public  edifices  in 


this  city  equal  to $800,  000  00 

Of  which,  on  the  1st  of  January  last,  had  been  expended 681,  454  17 

Leaving  on  that  day  unexpended  only  the  sum  of 118,545  83 

But,  from  the  documents  F,  G,  and  H,  it  appears  that  on  the  5th 
of  February,  1818,  the  estimate  of  the  sums  necessary  to  complete  the 
public  buildings  amounted  to 269,  572  00 

Making  the  further  sum  of $151,  026  17 


which  it  will  be  necessary  to  appropriate  for  the  completion  of  the  buildings.  Indeed, 
as  experience  has  proved  that  the  estimates  fall  far  short  of  the  actual  cost,  and  as, 
in  the  interval  between  the  1st  of  January,  1818,  and  the  5th  of  February,  when  the 
estimates  were  made,  a considerable  sum  must  have  been  disbursed  out  of  the  sum 
of  $118,545  83,  it  is  probable  that  $200,000  more,  at  the  least,  will  be  wanting. 


Hence,  the  appropriations  hitherto  having  amounted  to $800,000  00 

And  the  contemplated  appropriations  to 200,  000  00 


The  cost  of  rebuilding  the  public  edifices,  exclusive  of  the  centre, 
must  amount  to  at  least $1,  000,  000  00 


Your  committee  feel  it  a duty  to  call  the  attention  of  the  House  to  two  facts  in  con- 
nexion with  the  foregoing: 

1st.  That  the  estimated  expense  of  rebuilding  all  the  public  edifices  in  the  year 
1815  fell  short  of  $500,000,  as  appears  by  the  report  of  the  committee  on  the  subject. 
2d.  That,  from  the  document  marked  F,  it  appears  that  the  original  cost  of  the 


204 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


whole  of  the  public  buildings  amounted  only  to  the  sum  of  $1,214,291  94.  But  this 
did  not  include  the  finishing  the  large  room  in  the  President’s  house  and  the  con- 
templated porticoes.  Whether  the  heavy  expenses  of  pulling  down  walls,  removing 
rubbish,  and  the  other  charges  arising  from  the  state  of  detruction  in  which  the 
buildings  were,  will  account  for  the  cost  of  rebuilding  so  far  exceeding  the  estimates, 
and  approaching  so  nearly  the  original  cost,  though  so  large  a quantity  of  the  most 
expensive  materials  were  on  hand,  and  so  much  work  completed,  your  committee  do 
not  feel  competent  to  decide. 

It  would  have  afforded  much  satisfaction  to  the  committee  to  have  been  able  to 
ascertain,  with  accuracy,  the  cause  of  the  great  excess  of  expenditure  above  the  esti- 
mates, and  of  the  near  approximation  of  the  cost  of  rebuilding  to  the  original  cost  of 
the  work.  The  rise  in  the  price  of  materials  and  of  labor  but  imperfectly  accounts 
for  it,  and  they  are  compelled  to  attribute  it  to  the  alterations  which  take  place  in 
the  plans,  and  which  occasion  the  pulling  down  of  vast  portions  of  finished  work, 
not  only  to  the  great  loss  of  labor,  but  to  the  great  destruction  and  waste  of  mate- 
rials. These  sources  of  expense,  it  is  expected,  will  not  again  occur. 

Your  committee  have  no  doubt  of  the  faithful  application  of  the  public  moneys  by 
the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  of  whose  fidelity  and  zeal  they  have  no  doubt. 
It  is  difficult  for  them  to  decide,  and  it  is  probably  not  within  their  province  to 
determine,  whether  the  course  which  has  been  pursued  has  been  judicious;  but  as 
the  quarry  has  been  opened  at  very  considerable  expense,  from  which  the  columns 
for  the  Capitol  are  procured,  they  beg  leave  to  refer  to  the  document  marked  I for 
the  reasons  which  induced  the  undertaking  of  this  work. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 


I. 

Washington,  January  24,  ISIS. 

Sir:  In  laying  before  you  the  abstract  of  my  disbursements  for  the  last  year,  it 
may  not  be  improper  to  give  some  explanation  of  the  circumstances  under  which 
those  charged  to  the  marble  quarry  were  made. 

The  former  Commissioners  of  the  Public  Buildings  had  determined  to  substitute 
for  the  columns  of  the  House  of  Representatives  the  variegated  marble  of  the  upper 
Potomac  in  place  of  the  coarse  material  of  freestone  heretofore  used;  but,  before 
they  had  completed  their  arrangements  for  this  object,  the  task  devolved  on  me.  A 
contract  was  therefore  entered  into  with  a marble  mason  for  the  columns  required, 
at  $1,550  each,  delivered  in  this  city;  and  a sum  of  money  advanced,  upon  security, 
to  the  contractor.  But  the  difficulties  and  expenses  attending  an  enterprise  of  this 
kind  proved  to  be  greater  than  had  been  calculated  upon.  In  short,  the  money 
advanced  and  the  private  resources  of  the  contractor  were  expended  before  much 
progress  had  been  made  at  the  quarry;  and  the  contractor  being  unable  to  give  such 
security  as  would  authorize  further  advances,  to  the  extent  which  might  be  required, 
it  became  necessary  to  abandon  the  undertaking  altogether,  or  to  adopt  some  other 
mode  of  carrying  it  into  effect. 

After  a full  investigation  of  the  state  of  the  quarry  by  persons  of  science  and  skill, 
and  a consideration  of  all  the  circumstances  connected  with  this  subject,  it  was  thought 
best  to  prosecute  the  works  at  the  quarry;  and,  as  no  contractor  of  responsibility 
could  be  procured,  this  could  only  be  done  by  employing  artists  and  hands  on  the 
public  account.  These  inquiries,  and  the  necessary  arrangements  with  the  owner 
and  lessee  of  the  quarry,  were  not  completed  until  the  latter  end  of  March  last. 

As  much  time  had  already  been  lost;  as  the  repairs  of  the  Capitol  were  in  danger 
of  being  delayed  for  want  of  the  columns;  and  as  the  season  for  engaging  hands  had 
passed  by,  great  and  persevering  exertions  were  necessary  to  procure  the  requisite 


The  Old  Building. 


205 


number  of  workmen.  Hence,  sir,  you  will  observe  many  charges  of  agents  whom  I 
was  compelled  to  employ  in  travelling  through  the  country,  in  different  directions, 
to  engage  and  send  on  hands. 

The  quarry  being  situated  in  a country  where  no  accommodation  could  be  had  for 
the  workmen,  imposed  on  me  the  necessity  of  purchasing  materials  and  erecting 
temporary  huts,  of  laying  in  provisions,  utensils  for  cooking,  bedding,  &c.,  and,  in 
some  instances,  clothing  for  servants,  hired  of  their  masters  with  that  condition. 

The  introduction  in  the  repairs  and  embellishment  of  the  public  buildings  of  a new 
and  beautiful  material,  inexhaustible  in  quantity,  and  conveniently  situated  in  rela- 
tion to  the  seat  of  Government,  was  thought  to  be  an  object  of  some  importance;  but 
to  me  the  establishment  has  been  a source  of  perpetual  anxiety  and  vexation,  which 
could  have  been  rendered  supportable  only  by  the  aid  of  a gentleman  of  probity  and 
bigh  standing  in  the  county,  Mr.  Solomon  Davis,  who,  from  motives  of  friendship  to 
me,  undertook  to  superintend  the  whole..  In  his  judgment,  vigilance,  and  integrity 
I knew  I ought  to  confide. 

This  short  statement,  it  is  hoped,  will  suffice  to  explain  some  items  of  a character 
not  usual  in  public  accounts. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

Saml.  Lane,  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings. 

Hon.  Henry  St.  George  Tucker. 


[15 — 1,  House  Com.  Report  No.  190.] 

REPORT  IN  PART  OF  THE  COMMITTEE  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

Apr.  4,  1818. — Read  and  committed  to  a committee  of  the  whole  House,  on  the 
bill  making  appropriations  for  the  Public  Buildings,  and  for  furnishing  the  Capitol 
and  President’s  House. 

The  committee,  amongst  the  duties  assigned  to  them,  have  believed,  that  to  pro- 
vide for  the  accommodation  of  Congress  at  their  next  session,  was  not  the  least  inter- 
esting. They  made  only  inquiry  as  to  the  certainty  of  finishing  the  wings  of  the 
capitol  in  time  for  that  accommodation,  and  the  answer  of  the  commissioner  laid  on 
your  table,  gives  the  unequivocal  affirmance  that  the  wings  will  be  finished.  To  this, 
adequate  appropriations  are  proposed.  The  further  duty  of  providing  for  commit- 
tees, then  presented  itself.  The  south  wing  will  furnish  but  nine  committee  rooms. 
In  vain  they  looked  to  the  north  wing  even  for  temporary  accommodation.  In  the 
centre  building  will  be  found  a sufficient  supply.  But  they  cannot  be  counted  on 
for  use  in  less  than  two  or  three  years.  In  the  interim,  the  house  now  occupied,  or 
a temporary  building,  must  be  resorted  to.  The  estimate  of  the  architect,  herewith 
presented,  shows  the  cost  of  a temporary  building  will  be  $3,634,  and  therefore,  in 
cost  and  convenience  to  be  preferred.  The  committee  recommend  the  following 
resolutions. 

Resolved,  That  the  house  now  occupied  by  Congress,  be  returned,  as  soon  after  the 
present  session,  as  the  public  convenience  will  permit. 

Resolved,  That  a temporary  building,  to  furnish  twelve  committee  rooms,  be 
erected  near  the  capitol. 

NUMBER  OF  ROOMS  IN  PROPOSED  CENTRE  BUILDING. 

Grand  rotunda,  ninety  feet  diameter. 

One  Court  room. 

Grand  jury,  or  law  library. 

Judge’s  room. 

Library,  and  two  reading  rooms. 


206 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Committee  rooms,  on  ground  floor 12 

Do.  second  floor 4 

Do.  third  floor 4 

Do.  fourth  floor 6 


26 

Omit,  court  room,  will  add— committee  rooms 10 


36  rooms 

Estimate  for  building  a House  for  Committee  Rooms,  100  feet  by  42.  Story  10 
feet  high,  containing  12  rooms  and  passage,  * * * $3,634.84. 

If  lengthened  sufficiently  to  give  sixteen  rooms  the  expense  would  be  4,850  dollars. 
Respectfully  presented. 

Charles  Bulfinch, 
Architect,  Capitol,  U.  S. 

Samuel  Lane,  Esq.,  Commissioner, 

March  31,  1818. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings,  and  for  furnishing  the  Capitol  and 
President’s  house,”  approved  Apr.  20,  1S18.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  3,  458.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  there  be  appropriated,  for  the  completion  of  the  wings  of 
the  capitol,  in  addition  to  the  sum  of  two  hundred  thousand  dollars  already  appro- 
priated, the  further  sum  of  eighty  thousand  dollars. 

For  procuring  materials,  laying  the  foundation,  and  other  preparations,  for  the 
centre  building  of  the  Capitol,  one  hundred  thousand  dollars. 

* * * 

For  erecting  a temporary  building  for  committee  rooms  near  the  capitol,  three 
thousand  six  hundred  and  thirty-four  dollars. 

For  furnishing  the  representative  chamber  and  committee  rooms,  thirty  thousand 
dollars. 

For  furnishing  the  senate  chamber  and  committee  rooms,  twenty  thousand  dollars. 

* * * 

Which  said  several  sums  of  money,  hereby  appropriated,  shall  be  paid  out  of  any 
money  in  the  treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated. 

Sec.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  sum  hereby  appropriated  for  furnishing 
the  Representative  chamber,  shall  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  Speaker 
of  the  House  of  Representatives;  that  for  the  Senate  under  the  direction  of  the  Vice 
President  of  the  United  States ; and  the  remaining  sums  under  the  direction  of  the 
President  of  the  United  States. 


[American  State  Papers,  Class  X,  Misc.  v.  II,  528 — No.  459.  15th  Congress,  2d  Session.  City  of  Wash- 
ington: Public  Buildings.  Communicated  to  the  Senate,  November  27,  1818.] 

November  26,  1818. 

To  the  Senate  of  the  United  States: 

I lay  before  the  Senate  a report  from  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  made 
in  compliance  with  a resolution  of  the  28th  of  January  last,  requiring  a statement  of 
the  expenditures  upon  the  public  buildings,  and  an  account  of  their  progress,  to  be 
annually  exhibited  to  Congress. 


James  Monroe. 


The  Old  Building. 


207 


Washington,  November  23,  1S18. 

In  obedience  to  a resolution  of  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  passed  the  28th  day 
January,  1818,  requiring  a statement  of  expenditures  upon  the  public  buildings,  and 
an  account  of  their  progress,  to  be  annually  laid  before  Congress,  I enclose  the  paper 
marked  A,  exhibiting  the  amount  of  my  disbursements  from  the  1st  of  October,  1817, 
to  the  1st  of  October,  1818;  and  the  papers  marked  B and  C,  containing  statements 
of  the  progress  made  in  the  public  buildings  during  the  current  year. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

S.  Lane, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

The  President  of  the  United  States. 


A. 


Amount  of  disbursements  made  by  Samuel  Lane,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  from 
the  1st  of  October,  1817,  to  the  1st  of  October,  1818. 


On  account  of  the  wings  of  the  Capitol 

On  account  of  the  centre  of  the  Capitol  . . . 

* * 

Errors  excepted. 


Washington,  November  23,  1818. 


$204,349  87 

4,071  05 

* 

Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


B. 

Capitol,  November  21,  181S. 

Sir:  In  your  communication  of  the  16th  instant,  you  request  me  to  report  the  state 
of  the  public  buildings  under  my  charge,  and  the  progress  made  therein  during  this 
year.  In  compliance  with  this  request,  I beg  leave  to  present  the  following: 

on  the  north  wing. 

The  stonemasons  have  built,  on  the  outside,  the  entire  balustrade  of  the  east  and 
west  sides,  and  the  attic  of  the  north  front,  and  the  stone  cupola  over  the  dome. 
Inside,  they  have  laid  the  marble  stairs  leading  to  the  principal  floor,  completed  the 
colonnade  of  the  vestibule  and  part  of  the  gallery  of  the  Senate  chamber.  The  roof 
has  been  covered  with  copper;  the  apartments  and  passages  of  the  upper  story  are 
plastered  and  paved;  and  the  doors,  shutters,  and  other  carpenter’s  work  will  be 
finished  in  a few  days.  The  offices  and  committee  rooms  of  the  principal  story  and 
lower  story  are  in  the  same  degree  of  forwardness.  The  court  room  is  proceeding  in 
a state  of  preparation  for  the  use  of  the  court  in  December.  The  ceiling  of  the  Senate 
chamber  is  rough  plastered;  but  a delay  has  been  occasioned  in  building  the  marble 
colonnade  and  gallery,  from  a disappointment  in  receiving  the  materials  from  New 
York,  which  I will  explain  more  fully  hereafter. 

on  the  south  wing. 

The  columns  of  Potomac  marble  of  the  Representatives  room  have  been  prepared 
and  set  in  their  places;  the  stone  entablature  with  which  they  are  crowned,  and  the 
brick  arches  connecting  them  with  the  walls,  are  built;  the  stone  enclosure  forming 
the  breast  of  the  gallery  is  nearly  complete;  the  ribs  of  the  dome  ceiling  are  raised 
and  secured;  the  outer  roof  is  now  raising,  and  will  be  covered  in  a fortnight,  and 
the  balustrade  is  nearly  entire. 


208 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


ON  THE  CENTRE. 

A great  body  of  earth  and  of  old  foundation  has  been  removed  to  prepare  for  the 
new  work  on  the  west  of  the  centre.  The  foundations  of  the  basement  story  are  laid, 
and  the  cellar  walls  of  the  rotundo  are  carried  to  the  height  to  receive  the  arches 
which  will  form  the  ground  floor.  Large  quantities  of  freestone  are  prepared,  and 
the  workmen  are  employed  in  fitting  it  for  its  place.  The  external  walls  of  the  base- 
ment are  commenced,  and  these,  with  the  partition  walls,  will  be  urged  on  as  long 
as  the  season  will  permit.  I think  I may  state  with  confidence  that  the  work  of 
every  description  has  been  executed  in  the  most  thorough  and  satisfactory  manner. 

As  a general  expectation  existed  that  the  public  rooms  would  be  ready  for  use  in 
some  part  of  the  present  session  of  Congress,  I beg  leave  to  state  some  occurrences 
which  have  occasioned  delay,  and  caused  the  building  to  appear  in  a more  unfinished 
state  than  it  would  otherwise  have  done. 

Towards  the  close  of  April,  when  the  workmen  were  prepared  to  commence  build- 
ing the  stone  cupola  of  the  north  wing,  such  evident  marks  of  weakness  were  seen 
in  the  great  arch  that  was  to  support  it  that  it  became  necessary  to  take  measures  to 
strengthen  it.  After  considering  the  best  means  for  this  purpose,  it  was  thought 
proper  to  take  down  the  work  which  loaded  the  arch,  and  to  build  up  a hollow  cone 
of  brick  work,  from  a solid  foundation,  over  the  attic  story  to  the  opening  in  the 
centre  of  the  roof,  which  might  support  the  cupola  and  strengthen  the  arch:  this 
was  done  with  the  utmost  despatch,  but  occasioned  a delay  of  one  month.  The 
effect  of  losing  so  much  time  in  the  best  season  of  the  year  was  to  prevent  the  cop- 
pering of  the  roof,  which  could  not  be  done  while  the  heavy  stone  work  and  masonry 
were  executing.  The  delay  of  the  copper  covering  prevented  the  plastering  and 
inside  finishing;  for  it  is  certain  that,  if  this  delay  had  not  happened,  the  whole  of 
the  plastering  and  wood  work  of  this  wing  would  be  now  completed.  I enclose  a 
copy  of  the  detailed  report  of  the  state  of  the  arch,  and  of  the  proceedings  thereon, 
which  I presented  at  the  time  to  the  President  of  the  United  States  and  to  yourself, 
to  which  I now  refer  for  those  particulars. 

Another  cause  of  delay  has  been  occasioned  by  engaging  some  work  from  a dis- 
tance, of  which  we  have  been  disappointed — I allude  to  the  rich  and  costly  colonnade 
and  gallery  of  the  Senate  chamber.  This  is  to  be  wholly  of  marble,  and  was  con- 
tracted for  in  New  York,  to  be  executed  there,  and  to  be  delivered  here  in  Novem- 
ber, 1817 ; but  such  has  been  the  disappointment  that,  though  the  greater  portion  of 
it  is  on  hand,  many  pieces  are  now  wanting,  and  some  indispensably  necessary  to 
proceeding.  Repeated  letters  have  been  written,  and  two  special  messengers  sent  to 
urge  on  this  work,  which  was  promised  long  since,  and  is  now  hourly  expected. 

The  large  columns  of  Potomac  marble  were  essential  to  forming  the  Representa- 
tives chamber  and  building  the  south  wing;  attention  was  paid  to  this  object,  when 
an  interruption  was  put  to  this,  and  all  other  stone  work,  by  a combination  among 
the  workmen  to  demand  an  increase  of  wages.  This  combination  was  so  organized 
as  to  threaten,  at  one  time,  an  entire  suspension  of  the  work;  but  was  happily  over- 
come, after  a total  loss  of  thirty  days,  and  a partial  loss  of  many  more,  owing  to  the 
derangement  of  work  occasioned  by  it. 

These  causes  must  account,  in  a degree,  for  the  present  unfinished  state  of  the  wings. 
I am  not  sanguine  enough  to  assert  that  they  could  have  been  fit  for  use  if  these  cir- 
cumstances had  not  occurred;  but  the  north  wing  would  have  been  finished,  and  the 
south  wing  much  further  advanced. 

The  massiness  and  solidity  of  the  work,  and  the  great  elevation  to  which  a large 
portion  of  the  materials  must  be  conveyed,  will  account  for  the  apparently  slow 
progress.  From  three  hundred  to  three  hundred  and  fifty  mechanics  and  laborers 
have  been  employed  daily;  and,  in  my  opinion,  a greater  number  could  not  have 
worked  to  advantage.  Permit  me  to  add,  that,  since  the  combination  among  a cer- 


The  Old  Building. 


209 


tain  class  of  workmen  was  suppressed,  the  work  has  proceeded  with  spirit,  and  with 
a remarkable  degree  of  good  order  and  propriety  of  conduct. 

Respectfully  submitted  by  your  humble  servant, 

Charles  Bulfinch, 
Architect  of  Capitol  United  States. 

Samuel  Lane,  Esq., 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


C. 

Report  of  the  state  of  the  arch  in  the  roof  of  the  north  wing , May  1,  1818. 

When  I entered  upon  the  duties  of  my  office  as  architect  of  the  Capitol,  and 
examined  the  state  of  the  building,  I found  that  a large  arch  had  been  built  above 
the  third  story  of  the  north  wing,  which  was  intended  to  support  the  stone  cupola 
or  lantern  on  the  centre  of  the  dome.  I was  pleased  with  the  ingenuity  and  bold- 
ness of  the  design  by  which  it  was  intended  that  a great  number  of  chimneys  should 
be  carried  upon  this  arch,  and  rise  in  the  piers  of  the  cupola  between  its  windows. 
On  inquiring  of  the  principal  workmen  and  overseers,  I was  told  that  this  arch  had 
been  constructed  under  the  particular  direction  of  Mr.  Latrobe,  and  that  the  stones 
of  the  band  or  curb  that  formed  the  opening  on  the  crown  of  the  arch  were  cut  by 
his  particular  orders,  and  put  in  their  places  before  he  left  the  superintendence  of 
the  building.  1 felt  perfect  confidence  in  Mr.  Latrobe’s  genius  as  an  architect,  and 
his  acknowledged  skill  as  an  engineer,  that  he  had  well  considered  the  hazard  of  the 
proposed  construction,  and  had  taken  every  precaution  against  danger;  and  I gave 
directions  to  the  workmen  to  proceed  strictly  according  to  their  orders  from  him. 

By  the  23d  of  April  the  chimney  flues  were  all  brought  into  their  position  on  the 
crown  of  the  arch,  when  the  master  workman  thought  it  would  be  proper  to  loosen 
the  centres,  that  the  arch  might  be  proved  and  take  its  bearing  before  the  stone 
cupola  should  be  built.  On  loosening  the  centre,  it  was  found  that  the  crown  of  the 
arch  settled  with  it,  and  that  the  stones  round  the  circular  opening  had  moved  in  a 
few  minutes  so  far  as  that  the  opening  was  four  inches  larger  in  one  direction  than 
in  the  other;  the  joints  appearing  violently  compressed  in  some  parts,  and  open  on 
the  others.  The  workmen  left  it  in  alarm,  and  considered  it  very  hazardous.  The 
clerk  of  the  works  informed  me  of  the  circumstance,  and  I immediately  went  on  the 
roof  to  view  it,  with  the  clerk,  the  principal  of  the  stone  department,  and  the  master 
mason.  I soon  came  to  the  determination  that  the  arch  could  not  bear  the  weight 
of  the  flues  and  stone  cupola,  estimated  at  two  hundred  tons  more  than  it  was 
already  charged  with;  and,  after  inspecting  the  foundation,  resolved  to  build  a cone 
of  brick  from  the  bottom  of  the  dome  to  the  circular  opening  above,  for  the  purpose 
of  strengthening  the  arch  and  supporting  the  cupola. 

As  I had  been  informed  that  General  Swift  and  Colonel  Bomford  had  been 
formerly  commissioned  by  the  President  of  the  United  States  to  examine  the  north 
wing  to  ascertain  the  state  and  solidity  of  the  walls,  I immediately  wrote  to  those 
gentlemen  to  request  them  to  inspect  the  arch,  and  consider  the  mode  in  which  I 
proposed  to  secure  it;  they  obligingly  came  and  examined  the  work,  and  determined 
that  it  could  not  support  any  additional  burden,  and  approved  of  the  plan  I pro- 
posed, of  a hollow  cone. 

The  following  description  of  the  arch  will  exhibit  some  of  the  causes  of  its  failure: 

The  great  arch  in  the  roof  of  the  north  wing  is  forty  feet  in  span  from  north  to 
south,  and  thirty  feet  wide  from  east  to  west,  and  rises  in  a semicircle;  it  is  intended 
1o  support  a stone  cupola  twenty-two  feet  in  diameter,  with  six  windows  in  its  cir- 
cumference, and  as  many  piers  between  them,  in  which  eighteen  chimney  flues  are 

H.  Rep.  646 14 


210 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


to  be  carried  up  from  the  different  apartments  of  the  building.  A circular  opening 
is  made  in  the  crown  of  the  arch  fifteen  feet  wide,  (the  inner  diameter  of  the  cupola, ) 
to  convey  light  to  the  interior,  and  particularly  to  the  vestibule  of  the  Senate 
chamber. 

One  cause  of  the  failure  of  this  arch  arises  from  the  circumstance  that  the  circular 
opening  is  not  in  the  centre;  but  while  there  are  ten  feet  of  solid  work  on  the  west, 
there  are  only  five  feet  to  the  east  of  the  opening.  Of  the  eighteen  brick  flues  which 
are  to  be  led  round  this  circle,  twelve  are  brought  from  the  west,  three  from  the 
south,  and  three  from  the  north,  but  none  from  the  east,  to  serve  as  a counterpoise 
or  buttress  of  consequence.  When  the  weight  was  brought  on  the  arch,  the  ten- 
dency of  the  whole  was  to  press  on  the  easterly  part,  which,  being  the  weakest,  and 
having  nothing  to  assist  it  to  sustain  the  pressure,  was  forced  out  of  form. 

On  taking  down  the  centring,  which  opened  the  soffit  or  under  side  of  the  arch  to 
view,  another  cause  of  weakness  appeared:  the  arch,  which  is  two  bricks  thick,  is 
ornamented  with  large  caissons  or  coffers  of  three  feet  square,  sunk  the  depth  of  one 
brick,  or  half  its  thickness;  these  destroy  the  bond  and  connexion  of  the  work,  as  is 
apparent  from  the  cracks  round  the  stone  curb  in  the  centre,  which  take  their 
directions  along  the  caissons.  Four  of  the  blocks  of  freestone  which  formed  the 
curb  are  cracked  by  the  great  pressure  upon  them.  From  these  appearances,  it  is 
evident  that  it  would  be  dangerous  to  trust  the  arch  to  bear  the  weight  that  is  now 
upon  it,  and  that  it  would  be  wholly  incompetent  to  sustain  the  stone-  lantern  that 
was  contemplated  in  addition. 

Charles  Bulfinch. 

May  1,  1818. 

Pursuant  to  the  plan  proposed  above,  a cone  of  brick  work  has  been  made  under  the 
opening  of  the  arch;  the  chimney  flues  are  now  brought  into  their  right  position,  and 
carried  up  to  the  top  of  the  dome  roof.  The  work  appears  fair  and  substantial,  and 
capable  of  sustaining  the  stone  lantern  which  will  now  immediately  be  built  upon 
it.  _ The  alteration  has,  however,  occasioned  a delay  of  one  month  in  finishing  the 
roof  of  the  north  wing. 

May  23,  1818. 

[Benj.  Henry  Latrobe,  late  Surveyor  of  the  Public  Buildings,  under  date  of  Dec.  8,  1818,  writes  an 
answer  to  the  criticisms  made  upon  his  work  by  Charles  Bulfinch,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  in  his 
report  of  Nov.  21,  1818.  Latrobe’s  document  communicated  to  the  Senate  on  Jan.  5,  1819,  and 
reprinted  in  American  State  Papers,  Class  X,  Miscellaneous,  v.  II,  531-1 


[15 — 2,  House  Report  No.  77.] 

REPORT  Of  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings,  accompanying  “A  Bill  mak- 
ing appropriations  for  the  Public  Buildings,  for  the  purchase  of  a Lot  of  Land,  and 
furnishing  a supply  of  Water  for  the  use  of  certain  Public  Buildings.”  January 
7,  1819. — Read,  and,  with  the  bill,  committed  to  the  committee  of  the  whole, 
to-morrow. 

The  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings  report:  That  the  Committee  have  examined 
the  public  buildings,  and  entertain  the  opinion  that  more  has  been  effected  towards 
their  completion  the  past,  than  perhaps  in  any  of  the  preceding  years.  They  think 
the  cause  of  the  failure  to  complete  the  wings  of  the  capitol,  may  be  attributed  to 
the  magnitude  of  the  work,  and  other  causes  assigned  by  the  architect  in  his  report. 
The  appropriation  made  last  April,  for  finishing  the  wings  is  found  inadequate,  and 
the  additional  sum  of  fifty-one  thousand  three  hundred  and  thirty-two  dollars  is 


. Kep.  646 


The  Old  Building. 


211 


required  to  complete  the  same.  This  large  deficiency  is  accounted  for  by  the 
architect,  whose  estimate,  together  with  a letter  from  the  commissioner  is  herewith 
presented. 

In  order  to  progress  with  the  centre  building  of  the  capitol,  the  committee  propose 
to  make  an  adequate  appropriation,  as  they  think  that  a competent  number  of  work- 
men should  be  constantly  employed  thereon. 

* * * 

The  committee  have  thought  it  their  duty  again  to  inquire,  as  to  the  time  neces- 
sary for  finishing  the  wings  of  the  capitol,  and  the  answer  of  the  commissioner  gives 
the  assurance  of  their  completion  before  the  probable  meeting  of  the  next  Congress. 
From  the  forward  state.of  the  wings,  the  committee  think  the  commissioner’s  expec- 
tations will  be  realized.  They  therefore  recommend  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved,  That  the  house  now  occupied  by  Congress,  be  returned  as  soon  after  the 
present  session,  as  the  public  convenience  will  permit. 


Office  of  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 

December  15th,  1818. 

Sir:  Your  letter  of  the  7th  instant,  requiring  a statement  of  the  appropriation 
necessary  to  progress  with  the  centre  building  of  the  capitol;  * * * I have  had 
the  honor  of  receiving  and  beg  leave  to  submit  the  following  as  an  answer,  in  part: 

The  paper  marked  A,  exhibits  the  additions,  made  by  the  architect  at  the  capitol, 
to  his  estimates  of  last  year,  of  the  sum  necessary  to  complete  the  wings  of  that 
building,  amounting  to  51,332  dollars. 

The  paper  marked  B,  shows  the  sum  which  will  be  required  for  the  centre  build- 
ing in  the  course  of  next  year. 

* * * 

I should  have  no  hesitation  in  answering  your  inquiry,  as  to  when  the  wings  of  the 
capitol  will  be  ready  for  the  reception  of  Congress,  but  for  the  disappointment  of  all 
my  former  expectations  upon  this  subject.  If  the  causes  of  delay  stated  in  the  report 
of  the  architect  (already  laid  before  you)  had  not  occurred;  if  in  short,  we  had  real- 
ized our  expectations,  by  finishing  the  wings  just  before  the  meeting  of  Congress,  it 
is  extremely  doubtful  if  it  would  have  been  adviseable  for  that  body  to  have  occu- 
pied their  rooms,  in  the  green  and  damp  state  in  which  they  must  have  been  found. 
By  embracing  another  season,  the  whole  can  be  completed  with  that  deliberation 
essential  to  works,  where  durability  and  elegance  ought  to  combine,  and  leave  time 
for  proper  ventilation,  before  the  probable  meeting  of  the  next  Congress. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

Sam’l.  Lane, 

Commissioner  Public  Buildings. 

Hon.  Joseph  Bellinger, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  dec.  &c.  dec. 


A. 

(Copy.) 

December  12,  1818. 

Samuel  Lane,  Esq., 

Sir:  I enclose  for  your  inspection  a statement  of  certain  expenses  on  the  wings  of 
the  capitol,  some  of  which  have  already  been  incurred,  and  others  are  contemplated 
for  the  next  season,  which  from  my  then  recent  arrival,  were  unforeseen  by  me,  and 


212  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

therefore  not  included  in  the  estimate  which  formed  the  basis  of  the  appropriation 
of  last  year. 

Expenses  of  taking  down  work  over  the  arch  in  the  north  wing,  of  build- 
ing the  brick  cone  to  support  the  cupola,  of  plastering  and  finishing  the 


same 1 ^ $2, 000.  00 

Cost  of  marble  work  for  the  galleries  of  the  Senate  chamber,  contracted 

for  in  New  York 15,  000.  00 

Marble  work  for  representatives  room,  executed  in  Philadelphia 1,  300.00 


Estimated  expense  of  a new  double  flight  of  circular  stairs  in  the  south 
wing,  to  lead  to  the  representatives  room;  with  the  alterations  of  the 
vestibule  necessary  to  make  the  entrance  to  that  room  more  spacious 
and  convenient 8,  000.  00 

26,  300.  00 

The  following  materials  were  on  hand  at  the  time  of  making  out  my  former 
estimate,  but  as  they  were  procured  in  Europe,  and  the  bills  had  not 
then  arrived  they  could  not  be  included  in  the  estimate,  viz:  24  Corin- 
thian capitals,  for  the  representatives  room,  and  12  ionic  ditto,  for  Sen- 


ate’s chamber,  from  Italy 10,  750  00 

Ironmongery  and  copper  for  roof,  from  London 14,  282  18 


§51,  332  18 

I submit  to  your  consideration,  whether  a special  appropriation  for  the  above 
should  not  be  requested,  amounting  to  fifty-one  thousand  and  three  hundred  and 
thirty-two  dollars. 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

(Signed)  Charles  Bulfinch. 


B. 

(Copy.) 

The  within  estimate  is  for  materials  and  amount  of  labor,  that  will  be  required  for 
prosecuting  the  work  on  the  centre  of  the  capitol,  in  the  year  1819.  In  making  this 
estimate,  it  is  calculated  to  carry  up  the  walls  and  partitions  to  the  level  of  the  floor 
of  the  principal  story,  during  the  summer  and  autumn;  and  to  have  on  hand  a suffi- 
cient supply  of  freestone  to  reach  to  the  caves  of  the  wings,  to  be  prepared  in  the 
winter  of  1819,  during  which  time  the  carpenters  will  be  also  employed  in  making 
doors,  windows,  &c. 

This  estimate  is  exclusive  of  the  north  and  south  wings,  and  of  the  unexpended 
balance  of  the  appropriation,  made  for  the  centre  at  the  last  Session  of  Congress. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

(Signed)  Charles  Bulfinch, 

Architect  of  the  Capitol,  U.  S. 

Samuel  Lane,  Esq. 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


Estimate  of  Materials  and  Labor  required  on  the  Centre  of  the  Capitol  during  the  year  1819. 


Freestone  for  walls,  surface  20,000  ft. 

2 feet  thick  is  2,800  tons  at  §12 §33,  600 

Ditto,  ashler  for  inside  of  lower  rotunda,  428  tons  at  §12 5, 136 

Carting  the  above  3,228  tons  at  §1 3, 228 


Blue  stone  to  build  back  walls,  front  basement  wall,  and  angles  of  rotunda, 
2,500  perches,  at  §2.25 


5,625 


The  Old  Building. 


213 


Bricks,  for  partition  walls  and  arches,  M 2,000,  at  $10 $20,  000 

Lumber,  of  boards  and  plank  for  centering  of  arches,  of  joist,  for  windows 
and  door  frames,  sashes  and  doors 8,  245 

77,  084 

WORKMANSHIP. 

Work  on  freestone,  at  $12  per  ton $33,  600 

Laying  rough  stone,  2,500  perches,  mortar  included,  at  $3 7,  500 

Ditto,  2,000  bricks  ditto  at  $5 10,  000 

Carpenter’s  work  on  centres,  doors,  windows,  &c 8,  460 

136,  644 


* * * 

[“An  Act  making  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings,  for  the  purchase  of  a lot  of  land,  and  fur- 
nishing a supply  of  water  for  the  use  of  certain  public  buildings,”  approved  Mar.  3,  1819.  (Stats,  at 

Large,  v.  3,  516.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  there  be  appropriated  for  finishing  the  wings  of  the  Capitol, 
in  addition  to  the  sums  already  appropriated,  the  further  sum  of  fifty-one  thousand 
three  hundred  and  thirty-two  dollars. 

For  erecting  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol  one  hundred  and  thirty-six  thousand 
six  hundred  and  forty-four  dollars. 

* * * 

Which  said  several  sums  of  money,  hereby  appropriated,  shall  be  paid  out  of  any 
money  in  the  treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated. 

Sec.  2.  A nd  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  several  sums  hereby  appropriated,  shall 
be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States. 


[16 — 1,  Senate  Report  No.  3.] 

In  Senate  op  the  United  States, 

December  20,  1819. 

Mr.  Roberts,  from  the  committee  appointed  on  the  16th  instant,  who  were  directed 
to  ascertain  whether  convenient  apartments  could  be  had  in  the  North  Wing  of  the 
Capitol,  for  the  accommodation  of  the  committees  and  officers  of  the  Senate,  reports: 
That  they  find  the  basement  story,  besides  the  supreme  court  room,  contain  six 
apartments,  provided  with  fire  places  and  lighted.  One  of  these  is  occupied  by  the 
clerk  of  the  supreme  court,  and  four  others  by  the  marshal  and  the  clerk  of  the 
circuit  court  of  Washington  county.  This  occupancy,  the  committee  understand  to 
be  not  within  the  original  design  of  the  edifice.  The  last  session  of  the  circuit  court 
was  held  in  the  supreme  court  room.  Another  session  commences  within  a few  days, 
and  the  committee  believe  it  would  be  highly  inconvenient  that  court  should  sit  in 
the  Capitol  while  the  Senate  are  in  Session;  or,  indeed,  that  it  should  in  future  be 
held  there.  The  committee  believe,  however,  the  supreme  court  may  eligibly  occupy 
the  chamber  constructed  and  furnished  for  their  accommodation,  and,  the  clerk  of 
that  court,  and  the  marshal,  may  each  retain  an  apartment  for  offices  near  the  court 
room,  which  appear  to  be  necessary  appendages  thereto.  Four  suitable  committee 
rooms  will  then  be  left  in  the  basement  story. 

In  the  principal  story,  beside  the  Senate  Chamber,  there  are  six  apartments,  one 
of  which  must  necessarily  be  occupied  by  the  Secretary’s  office,  and  one  by  the 
Sergeant-at-arms,  leaving  four  for  committees. 

The  apartments  in  the  attic  story  are  all  required  for  the  library.  Eight  chambers 
may  therefore  be  in  a short  time  prepared  for  the  reception  of  committees. 


214 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capital. 


The  committee  apprehend  this  number  to  be  as  few  as  will  be  found  compatible 
with  convenience  and  despatch  in  the  transaction  of  business. 

There  are  thirteen  standing  committees  that  must  frequently  meet  for  deliberation, 
and  select  committees  must  often  be  raised.  The  committee  believe  some  arrange- 
ment for  the  occupation  of  the  rooms  by  committees  is  desirable,  and  they 
respectfully  submit  the  following:  No.  7,  to  be  occupied  by  the  committee  on  the 
contingent  fund  and  select  committees;  No.  10,  by  those  on  the  District  of  Columbia, 
and  the  post-office  and  post  roads;  No.  11,  by  that  on  public  lands;  No.  13,  by 
those  on  military  and  naval  affairs;  No.  27,  by  the  committees  on  foreign  relations 
and  finance;  No.  30,  by  those  on  commerce  and  manufactures,  and  on  the  militia 
affairs;  No.  32,  by  that  of  claims;  No.  34,  by  those  on  the  judiciary  and  on  pensions. 
To  give  effect  to  this  arrangement,  the  following  is  submitted: 

Resolved,  That  the  proper  officers,  with  as  little  delay  as  possible,  cause  the  above 
enumerated  eight  rooms  to  be  labelled  and  furnished  for  the  purposes  aforesaid. 


[16 — 1,  House  Ex.  Doe.  No.  15. — Message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  transmitting  a 
report  of  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings,  Dec.  28,  1819.] 

To  the  Senate  mid  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States: 

I transmit  to  Congress  a report  from  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings, 
which,  with  the  accompanying  documents,  will  exhibit  the  present  state  of  those 
buildings,  and  the  expenditures  thereon,  during  the  year  ending  the  30th  of  Septem- 
ber last. 

James  Monroe. 

Washington,  December  24tli,  1819. 


Office  of  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 

Washington,  December  24,  1819. 

The  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings,  in  the  City  of  Washington,  has  the 
honor  of  submitting  to  the  President  of  the  United  States  the  enclosed  papers, 
marked  A,  B,  C,  exhibiting  the  progress  made  in,  and  expenditures  on  account  of, 
those  buildings,  during  the  year  ending  the  30th  day  of  September  last. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

Saml.  Lane. 


A. 

[copy.] 

Samuel  Lane,  Esq. 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

Sir:  In  presenting  a report  of  the  progress  of  the  work  on  the  Capitol  of  the  United 
States,  according  to  annual  custom,  permit  me  to  congratulate  you  on  the  completion 
of  the  public  rooms,  and  of  the  necessary  offices  for  the  reception  of  both  Houses  of 
Congress.  The  work  has  been  well  executed,  with  great  solidity,  and  with  an  atten- 
tion to  convenience  and  elegance,  which  make  the  arrangements  for  the  National 
Legislature  equal  to  those  of  any  other  country,  and  which,  I hope,  will  meet  public 
approbation. 

The  work  on  the  Centre  of  the  Capitol  has  also  been  carried  on,  during  the  past 
season,  in  a style  conformable  to  the  other  parts  of  the  building.  The  walls  are 
raised  to  the  height  contemplated  in  the  estimates  presented  at  the  last  session  of 
Congress;  and  workmen  are  now  engaged  in  preparing  the  materials  of  free-stone 
for  the  continuance  of  the  work.  The  expense  of  this  part  of  the  building  has  not 
exceeded  the  estimates;  but  a large  amount  of  excess,  above  what  was  expected, 


The  Old  Building. 


215 


having  occurred  in  finishing  the  wings,  I think  it  my  duty  to  point  out  some  of  the 
causes  which  have  occasioned  it;  and  which  will  serve  to  explain,  that  it  has  not 
arisen  from  misapplication  of  the  public  money,  but  from  some  omissions  and  unfore- 


seen expenses  that  could  not  be  controled. 

In  my  estimate  of  1818,  I stated,  from  information  then  given  me,  that 
there  was  on  hand  sufficient  copper  for  the  roofs,  and  glass  for  both 
wings;  it  has  been  found  necessary  to  purchase  an  additional  quantity 

of  copper,  to  the  amount  of $2,  368  17 

And  of  glass,  to  the  amount  of 5,  378  26 

The  chimney  pieces,  chiefly  from  Italy,  have  exceeded 599  47 

The  marble  capitals,  from  Italy,  stated  at  $10,750,  by  the  accounts 

adjusted  since,  exceed  that  sum 1,241  36 

The  marble  colonnade  for  Senate  chamber,  executed  in  New  York, 

stated  in  the  printed  estimates  at  15,000,  has  exceeded  that  sum 6, 375  99 

Freight  of  the  same  from  from  New  York 355  28 

Expense  of  quarrying,  transporting,  and  finishing  the  columns  of  Potomac 
marble,  was  estimated  by  the  superintendent  of  that  department,  in 

1818,  at  28,000;  it  has  exceeded  that  amount 30, 145  55 

Painting  the  outside,  not  contemplated  in  the  estimates,  but  found 

necessary  to  be  done 3,  000 

Cast  iron  work  to  strengthen  the  arches 1,  757  94 

Work  on  the  grounds,  within  the  Capitol  enclosure 1,  500 

Salaries  of  sculptors  of  figures,  one  year,  omitted  in  estimate 7,  000 


$59, 722  2 

The  above  articles  will  account  for  a large  portion  of  the  excess;  the  balance  must 
be  attributed  to  the  difficulty  of  estimating  with  accuracy  the  expense  of  work  of  so 
unusual  a nature,  and  on  so  large  a scale. 

Respectfully  submitted,  by  your  obedient  servant, 

[Signed]  Charles  Bulfinch, 

Architect  of  Capitol  of  United  States. 

Washington,  December  15, 1819. 

-x-  * * 


C. 


Amount  of  disbursements  made  by  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  between 
the  1st  of  October,  1818,  and  30th  of  September,  1819,  on  account  of  the  following 
buildings: 

Wings  of  the  Capitol  United  States 181,  317  68 

Centre  of  do.  160,  925  76 

-*  * * 


Errors  excepted. 

Washington,  December  23,  1819. 


Saml.  Lane,  Com.  R.  B. 


[From  the  third  annual  Message  of  President  James  Monroe.  (“Messages  and  Papers  of  the  Presi- 
dents,’’ II,  54.)] 

Washington,  December  7,  1819. 
Fellow- Citizens  of  the  Senate  and  of  the  House  of  Representatives: 

The  public  buildings  being  advanced  to  a stage  to  afford  accommodation  for  Con- 
gress, I offer  you  my  sincere  congratulations  on  the  recommencement  of  your  duties 
in  the  Capitol. 

* -*  * 


James  Monroe 


216 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[16-1,  House  Report  No.  33.] 

REPORT  of  the  Committee  on  so  much  of  the  President’s  Message  as  relates  to  the 
Public  Buildings,  January  6,  1820. 

The  Committee  on  so  much  of  the  President’s  Message  as  relates  to  the  Public 
Buildings,  report,  in  part,  that,  from  the  various  facts  and  documents  laid  before 
them,  it  appears  that  “the  work  of  the  centre  building  has  been  carried  on  in  a style 
conformable  to  the  other  parts  of  the  building.  The  ■walls  have  been  raised  to  the 
height  contemplated  in  the  estimates  presented  at  the  last  session  of  Congress,  and 
workmen  are  now  engaged  in  preparing  the  materials  for  the  continuance  of  the 
work.’’  As  yet,  “the  expense  of  this  part  of  the  building  has  not  exceeded  the  esti- 
mates;” a and  your  committee  entertain  a strong  hope  that  it  will  not  become  neces- 
sary to  change  their  language,  and  hereafter  recommend  an  additional  appropriation 
to  cover  an  “excess  of  expenditure;'’'’  but  that  the  exercise  of  a prudent  forethought,  and 
more  correct  numerical  calculations,  by  those  to  whom  the  erection  of  this  “proud 
edifice”  has  been  entrusted,  will  afford  ample  testimony  that  public  confidence  in 
their  integrity  and  abilities  is  not  misplaced. 

In  relation  to  the  two  wings  of  the  Capitol,  the  President’s  House,  and  the  two 
new  Executive  Offices,  it  appears  that  the  appropriations  of  the  two  last  years  have 
not  been  sufficient  to  meet  the  expenditures.  The  appropriations  in  1818  and  1819, 
for  the  completion  of  the  wings,  (exclusive  of  $200,000  theretofore  appropriated) 
amounted  to  the  sum  of  $131,332:  this  sum  has  been  found  insufficient  by  $75,000. 
The  sum  of  $15,214  was  appropriated,  in  1819,  for  “ finishing  the  President’s  House:  ” 
the  expenditures  have  exceeded  this  sum  by  $13,174  66.  In  1818,  the  sum  of  $180,741 
was  appropriated  for  building  two  new  Executive  Offices:  it  proved  insufficient  for 
those  objects  by  $11,015  71  cents. 

Your  committee  have  examined  into  the  causes  of  this  great  excess  beyond  the 
appropriations,  and  have  been  satisfied  that  the  expenditures  have  actually  been  made. 
The  letter  of  Mr.  Bulfinch  (A,)  together  with  the  letter  of  the  Commissioner  of  the 
Public  Buildings,  (marked  No.  1)  and  the  several  communications  and  documents 
accompanying  it  (marked  No.  2,  3,  4,  5,  and  6, ) will  account  for  a large  part  of  the 
excess  in  finishing  the  wings  of  tlm  Capitol.  From  these  documents,  it  will  also 
appear,  that  the  particulars  in  which  the  excess  accrued  appear  to  be  more  in  out- 
standing and  unascertained  accounts  and  claims  than  in  error  in  the  estimates  upon 
which  the  appropriations  were  made. 

* * * 

The  committee  think  it  but  justice  to  Mr.  Bulfinch  to  observe,  that  the  estimates 
heretofore  submitted  by  him,  (soon  after  his  coming  into  office, ) in  relation  to  com- 
pleting the  wings  of  the  Capitol,  were  necessarily  founded  upon  the  information  and 
data  furnished  by  others,  to  which  their  insufficiency  for  the  intended  objects  may 
be  traced,  in  a great  measure;  and  that  it  was  scarcely  possible  for  him,  at  that  time, 
to  have  a knowledge  of  outstanding  and  unpaid  accounts  and  unadjusted  contracts. 

In  order  to  defray  these  various  expenses,  found  necessary  beyond  the  appropria- 
tions, it  appears  that  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings  has  resorted  to  a 
transfer  of  appropriations,  intended  for  other  objects,  which  it  was  not  immediately 
necessary  or  practicable  to  execute,  and  to  a loan  from  one  of  the  banks.  To  what 
extent,  and  under  what  authority,  he  acted,  in  relation  as  well  to  the  transfers  as 
the  loan,  will  appear  from  the  letters  hereto  annexed  ( marked  No.  7 and  8. ) 

The  committee  beg  leave  to  report  a bill,  making  appropriations  to  supply  the 
deficiencies  in  the  appropriations  heretofore  made  for  completing  the  repairs  of  the 
two  wings  of  the  Capitol  and  the  President’s  house  and  the  erection  of  two  new 
executive  offices. 


a See  Mr.  Bulfinch’s  letter  marked  A. 


The  Old  Building. 


217 


A. 

Samuel  Lane,  Esq. 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

Sir:  In  presenting  a report  of  the  progress  of  the  work  on  the  Capitol  of  the 
United  States,  according  to  annual  custom,  permit  me  to  congratulate  you  on  the 
completion  of  the  public  rooms,  and  of  the  necessary  offices  for  the  reception  of  both 
Houses  of  Congress.  The  work  has  been  well  executed,  with  great  solidity,  and 
with  an  attention  to  convenience  and  elegance,  which  make  the  arrangements  for 
the  National  Legislature  equal  to  those  of  any  other  country;  and  which,  I hope, 
will  meet  public  approbation. 

The  work  on  the  Centre  of  the  Capitol  has  been  carried  on,  during  the  past  season, 
in  a style  conformable  to  the  other  parts  of  the  building.  The  walls  are  raised  to 
the  height  contemplated  in  the  estimates  presented  at  the  last  session  of  Congress; 
and  workmen  are  now  engaged  in  preparing  the  materials  of  free-stone  for  the  con- 
tinuance of  the  work.  The  expense  of  this  part  of  the  building  has  not  exceeded 
the  estimates;  but  a large  amount  of  excess,  above  what  was  expected,  having 
occurred  in  the  finishing  of  the  wings,  I think  it  my  duty  to  point  out  some  of  the 
causes  which  have  occasioned  it,  and  will  serve  to  explain  that  it  has  not  arisen 
from  misapplication  of  the  public  money,  but  from  some  omissions  and  unforeseen 
expenses,  that  could  not  be  controlled. 

In  a report  made  by  the  former  architect,  to  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public 
Buildings,  dated  September  26,  1817,  the  following  answers  were  given  by  him  to 
inquiries  made  by  the  Commissioner: 

Quere.  Is  the  wood-work  of  both  wings  prepared,  particularly  doors  and  sashes? 

Answer.  All  but  the  mahogany  doors  and  sashes  of  the  House  of  Representatives, 
and  the  inferior  dressings  to  be  supplied  as  required. 

Quere.  Are  all  the  plank,  scantling,  and  wooden  materials  in  general,  for  the  com- 
pletion of  both  wings,  now  on  hand  at  the  Capitol?  If  not,  what  are  the  deficien- 
cies? 

Answer.  “The  roofs  and  domes  are  so  complicated  and  difficult,  that,  although  the 
utmost  attention  has  been  given  heretofore,  to  ascertain  the  quantity  wanted,  and 
there-  is  now  apparently  sufficient  timber  on  the  ground,  yet  some  extraordinary 
pieces,  as  to  size  and  shape,  may  be  required  which  may  not  be  in  our  possession; 
and  I would  recommend  a further  supply  of  solid  logs  of  large  dimensions,  to  the 
amount  of  500  cubic  feet.” 

In  consequence  of  the  above  statements,  I represented,  in  my  estimates  of  February 
5,  1818,  made  within  one  month  from  my  commencing  the  superintendence  of  the 
Capitol,  that  all  the  window  frames  and  sashes  were  made,  and  great  part  of  the 
doors;  and  I presumed,  from  the  same  report,  that  the  quantity  of  timber  and  plank 
on  hand  was  sufficient  to  complete  the  wings.  But  at  the  opening  of  the  season  for 
work,  it  was  found  that  a great  number  of  doors  and  windows  were  wanting,  besides 
all  the  frames  and  sashes  for  the  cupolas  and  sky-lights  of  both  wings. 

It  has  since  been  found  necessary  to  purchase  lumber  to  supply  this 


deficiency;  and  for  materials  for  the  interior  work  of  the  court  room, 

Senate  chamber,  and  galleries,  and  Representatives’  room  and  galleries, 

to  the  amount  of $4,  841  28 

The  cost  of  windows  and  doors,  supposed  to  be  on  hand,  but  found 

deficient,  may  be  stated  at 3,  000  00 

I also  stated,  from  information  then  given  me,  that  there  was  on  hand 
sufficient  copper  for  the  roofs,  and  of  glass  for  both  wings;  we  have 

purchased  an  additional  quantity  of  copper,  to  the  amount  of. 2,  368  17 

And  of  glass,  to  the  amount  of 5,  378  26 

The  marble  colonnade  for  the  Senate  chamber,  from  New  York,  stated  in 

the  printed  estimates  at  15,000  dollars,  has  exceeded  that  sum 6,  375  99 


218 


Documentary  History  of  the  Cajpltol. 


Freight-  of  the  same  from  New  York $355  28 

The  account  of  marble  capitals,  from  Italy,  stated  at  10,750  dollars,  by  the 

account  adjusted  since,  exceeds 1, 241  36 

The  chimney  pieces,  chiefly  from  Italy,  have  exceeded 599  47 

Expense  of  quarrying,  transporting,  and  finishing  the  columns  of  Potomac 
marble,  was  estimated  by  the  superintendent  of  that,  branch,  in  1818,  at 

28,000  dollars:  it  has  exceeded  that  sum 30,145  55 

Painting  the  outside  walls,  not  contemplated  in  the  estimates,  but  found 

necessary  to  be  done 3, 000  00 

Cast  iron  work,  to  strengthen  the  arches  inside 1,  757  94 

Work  on  the  grounds,  within  the  Capitol  inclosure 1,  500  00 

Salaries  of  sculptors  of  figures,  one  year,  omitted  in  estimates  of  1819, 
because  stated  as  an  annual  charge  in  1818 7, 000  00 


67,563  30 

The  above  articles  will  account  for  a large  portion  of  the  excess:  the  balance  must 
be  attributed  to  the  difficulty  of  estimating,  with  accuracy,  the  expense  of  work  of 
so  unusual  a nature  and  on  so  large  a scale. 

Respectfully  submitted,  by  your  humble  servant, 

Charles  Bulfinch, 
Architect  of  Capitol  of  U.  S. 

Washington,  Dec.  20,  1819. 


Additional  estimate  for  the  wings,  December,  1818. 


Expenses  of  taking  down  work  over  the  circle  in  North  wing;  of  build- 
ing brick  cone  to  support  the  cupola  and  finishing  the  same $2,  000 

Cost  of  marble  work  for  gallery  of  Senate  Chamber,  executed  in  New 

York 15,  000 

Marble  work  for  Representatives’  door,  executed  in  Philadelphia 1,300 

Estimated  expense  of  improvements  in  vestibule  of  South  Wing 8, 000 


26, 300 

The  following  materials  were  on  hand  at  the  time  of  making  the  former 
estimate,  but  as  they  were  procured  in  Europe,  and  the  bills  had  not 
then  arrived,  they  could  not  be  included  in  the  estimate,  viz: 


24  Corinthian  capitals  for  Representatives  room,  and 

12  Ionic  do.  for  Senate  Chamber  from  Italy 10,750 

Ironmongery  and  copper  for  roof,  from  London 14,  282  18 


$51,332  18 


Estimate  of  materials  and  labour  to  be  expended  on  the  centre  of  the  Capitol,  for  1819. 


Freestone  for  walls,  surface  20,000  feet,  two  feet  thick,  is  2,800  tons,  at  12 

dollars $33,600 

Freestone  ashlar  for  lower  rotunda,  428  tons 5, 136 

Carting  the  above,  3,228  tons,  at  1 dollar 3, 228 

Blue  stone  for  backing  walls  and  angles  of  rotunda,  2,500  perch,  at  $2.25. . . 5, 625 

Bricks  for  partition  walls  and  arches,  2,000,000  at  $10 20, 000 

Lumber,  of  boards  and  plank,  for  centering  of  arches  of  joist,  for  window 
and  door  frames,  sashes,  &c 8, 245 


The  Old  Building. 


219 


WORKMANSHIP. 


Work  on  freestone,  at  12  dollars  per  ton $33,  600 

Laying  rough  stone,  2,500  perch,  mortar  included,  at  $3 7,  500 

Laying  2,000,000  bricks,  do.  do.  at  $5  10,000 

Carpenters’  work  on  centres,  doors,  &c 8,  460 


$136,  000 


* * * 

No.  2. 


[Copy.] 

January  18,  1818. 

Sir:  In  presenting  to  you  the  abstract  of  disbursements  made  be  me  during  the 
last  year,  it  may  not  be  improper  to  give  some  explanation  of  the  circumstances 
under  which  those  charged  to  the  marble  quarry  were  made. 

The  former  commissioners  of  the  public . buildings  had  determined  to  substitute, 
for  the  columns  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  the  variegated  marble  of  the  Poto- 
mac, in  place  of  the  coarse  material  of  freestone,  heretofore  used.  But  before  they 
had  proceeded  far  in  their  arrangements  for  this  object,  the  task  devolved  upon  me. 
A contract  was  therefore  entered  into  with  a marble  mason,  for  the  columns  required, 
at  $1,550,  each,  delivered  in  this  city;  and  a sum  of  money  advanced,  upon  security, 
to  the  contractor.  But  the  difficulties  and  expenses  attending  an  enterprize  of  this 
kind,  proved  to  be  greater  than  had  been  calculated  upon.  In  short,  the  money 
advanced  was  expended,  before  much  progress  had  been  made  at  the  quarry;  and 
the  contractor  being  unable  to  give  such  security  as  would  authorize  further  advances 
to  the  extent  which  might  be  required,  it  became  necessary  to  abandon  the  under- 
taking altogether,  or  to  adopt  some  other  mode  of  carrying  it  into  effect. 

After  a full  investigation  of  the  state  of  the  quarry,  by  persons  of  science  and  skill, 
and  a consideration  of  all  the  circumstances  connected  with  this  subject,  it  was 
thought  best  to  prosecute  the  work  at  the  quarry  (no  other  contractor  offering)  by 
employing  artists  and  hands  on  public  account.  These  inquiries,  and  the  necessary 
arrangements  with  the  contractor,  (who  had  obtained  a lease  of  the  quarry)  were 
not  completed  until  about  the  middle  of  March  last  (1817.) 

As  much  time  had  already  been  lost,  as  the  completion  of  the  repairs  of  the  Capitol 
was  likely  to  be  delayed  for  want  of  the  columns,  and  as  the  season  for  engaging 
hands  had  passed  by,  great  and  persevering  exertions  were  necessary  to  procure  the 
requisite  number  of  workmen:  Hence,  you  will  observe  many  charges  of  agents, 
whom  I was  compelled  to  employ  in  travelling  through  the  country  in  different 
directions,  to  engage  and  send  on  hands. 

The  quarry  being  situated  in  a country  where  no  accommodation  could  be  had 
for  the  workmen,  imposed  on  me  the  necessity  of  purchasing  materials,  and  erect- 
ing temporary  huts , of  laying  in  provisions,  utensils  for  cooking,  bedding,  &c.  &c. 
and,  in  some  instances,  servants  were  hired  of  their  masters,  with  a condition, 
(usual  in  the  country)  of  finding  them  in  clothing. 

To  introduce,  in  the  repair  and  embellishment  of  the  public  buildings,  a new 
and  beautiful  material,  inexhaustible  in  quantity,  and  conveniently  situated  in  rela- 
tion to  the  seat  of  government,  was  thought  to  be  an  object  of  some  importance. 
But  the  establishment  has  been,  to  me,  a source  of  perpetual  anxiety  and  vexation; 
which  could  have  only  been  rendered  supportable  by  the  aid  of  a gentleman  of 
property  and  high  standing  in  the  county,  Mr.  Solomon  Davis,  who,  from  motives 
of  friendship  to  me,  undertook  to  superintend  the  whole.  In  his  judgment,  vigi- 
lance, and  integrity,  I knew  I ought  to  confide. 


220 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


This  short  statement,  it  is  hoped,  will  be  sufficient  to  explain  and  justify  some 
items,  of  a character  not  usual  in  public  accounts. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  &c.  &c. 

[Signed]  Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  Public  Buildings. 

lion.  Henry  St.  George  Tucker, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings. 


No.  3. 


December  20,  1819. 

Dear  Sir:  I enclose  the  copy  of  a letter  which  I had  the  honor  of  addressing  to 
your  predecessor,  explanatory  of  my  accounts  at  the  marble  quarry;  and  I beg  to  know 
when  I may  wait  on  you  with  these  accounts. 

My  agency  in  this  affair  was  confined,  pretty  much,  to  unremitting  exertions  to 
keep  the  expenditure  within  the  smallest  limits  possible.  Upon  finding  the  con- 
tractor could  not  comply,  I laid  the  business  before  the  President.  He  directed  gen- 
eral Swift,  then  at  the  head  of  the  corps  of  engineers,  and  colonel  Bomford,  of  the 
ordnance  department,  in  company  with  Mr.  Latrobe,  architect  at  the  Capitol,  to  visit 
the  quarry,  and  report  to  him  what  ought  to  be  done.  So  great  interest  did  the 
President  take  in  having  a correct  decision,  that  he  accompanied  the  gentlemen  above 
named  on  their  survey  in  person.  The  result  of  all  which  was,  an  unanimous 
opinion  that  I ought  to  go  on  with  the  work. 

All  appearances,  calculations,  and  estimates,  turned  out  to  be  illusive.  After  the 
most  flattering  prospects,  we  had  frequently  to  encounter  unexpected  disappoint- 
ments. A large  block,  quarried  with  great  expense  of  time  and  labor,  and  promis- 
ing to  furnish  the  whole  residue  of  the  columns,  would  often  turn  out  to  be  full  of 
dry  veins,  and  in  working  would  fall  to  pieces;  when  another  part  of  the  quarry 
would  be  tried,  perhaps,  with  no  better  success.  So  we  went  on,  until,  instead  of 
$1550,  the  highest  estimate  for  the  cost  of  a column,  they  actually  amounted  to 
something  like  $5000  each. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 


Saml.  Lane. 


Honorable  Thomas  W.  Cobb. 


No.  4. 

[A  COPY.] 

W ashington,  17th  March,  1817. 

Gentlemen:  In  examining  the  Capitol  in  its  present  state  of  repair,  and  the  plan 
for  its  completion,  I find  that  it  is  proposed  to  embellish  the  Chamber  of  the  House 
of  Representatives  with  twenty-two  columns  of  marble,  and  to  erect  over  the  chamber 
an  arch  of  brick  to  support  the  roof,  which  arch  will  rest  on  the  columns;  imposing 
on  them  a weight  of  at  least  600  tons.  The  foundation  on  which  the  columns  rest 
is  of  stone,  and,  as  it  is  represented,  is  supported  likewise  by  arches.  It  is  important 
to  me  to  know  whether  these  columns,  regarding  the  foundation  on  which  they  rest, 
and  the  quality  of  the  marble  of  which  they  are  composed,  will  support  such  an 
immense  weight.  Equally  important  is  it  to  ascertain  whether  an  arch  of  brick  may 
be  placed  over  the  Representatives’  Chamber  to  bear  its  own  weight,  and  the  weight 
to  be  imposed  on  it,  without  incurring  any  the  least  danger  of  its  falling  in,  either  by 
breaking  or  sinking  the  columns,  or  forcing  the  walls,  and  destroying  that  assembly, 


The  Old  Building. 


221 


or  whoever  may  be  there.  I have  to  request  that  you  will  investigate  and  report  to 
me  your  opinions  on  these  points,  giving  notice  to  the  superintendent  of  the  public 
buildings  and  to  the  architect,  that  they  may  be  present,  and  afford  to  you  every 
explanation  and  facility  necessary  for  the  purpose. 

I wish  you  to  extend  your  investigation,  in  like  manner,  to  the  Senate  Chamber, 
over  which,  I understand,  a similar  arch  is  to  be  raised,  and  which  is  likewise  to  be 
supported  by  columns. 

It  is  highly  important,  as  well  for  the  early  accommodation  of  Congress,  as  the 
preservation  of  a just  economy,  that  this  building  should  be  finished  with  the  great- 
est possible  expedition.  To  hasten  it,  1 have  requested  a detailed  plan  of  the  build- 
ing in  all  its  parts,  a copy  of  which  is  to  be  furnished  to  me,  another  to  the  super- 
intendent, and  a third  retained  by  the  architect.  I have  instructed  the  architect  to 
divide  each  wing  of  the  building  into  as  many  parts  as  its  structure  will  admit  of, 
and  to  employ  as  many  workmen  on  each,  as  may  be  engaged  in  it  with  advantage. 
As  the  service  which  I have  requested  of  you  to  perform  will  give  you  an  opportunity 
of  inspecting  the  whole  building,  I shall  be  glad  that  you  would  avail  yourself  of  it, 
to  examine  into  its  present  state,  and  the  plan  of  conducting  the  work,  and  to  sug- 
gest to  me  any  ideas  which  may  occur  to  you,  tending  either  to  promote  despatch, 
greater  solidity  and  strength  in  the  building,  or  otherwise  to  advance  the  public 
interest  in  regard  to  it. 

[Signed]  Jas.  Monroe. 

Gen.  Swift, 

Col.  Bomford. 


No.  5. 

Washington,  19tli  March,  1817. 

Sir:  We  have  the  honor  to  report  to  you  the  result  of  our  observations  made  upon 
the  Capitol,  and  our  opinions  relative  to  the  construction  of  parts  of  that  edifice,  con- 
formably to  your  letter  of  instructions,  dated  17th  instant. 

After  a general  view  of  the  ground  plans  and  sections  of  the  Capitol,  we  proceeded, 
in  company  with  Mr.  Latrobe  and  Col.  Lane,  to  examine  that  part  of  the  founda- 
tions of  the  Capitol  which  are  above  ground,  to  wit:  the  arches  and  piers  in  the 
cellar,  and  those  in  the  next  story;  it  is  our  opinion  that  those  arches  and  piers  are 
faithfully  constructed,  and  that  they  are  of  sufficient  strength  to  support  the  super- 
structure of  walls,  columns,  and  domes  of  brick  covered  with  copper,  contemplated 
by  the  architect,  Mr.  Latrobe. 

The  marble  columns  intended  to  embellish  and  support  the  domes  of  the  Repre- 
sentative and  Senate  chambers,  will,  in  our  opinion,  have  sufficient  base  and  solidity 
to  sustain  the  brick  domes;  it  would,  however,  be  necessary  that  the  bricks  for  the 
domes  tee  moulded  for  that  especial  purpose,  well  burned,  and  laid  with  great  care; 
the  addition  suggested  by  the  architect,  of  a triple  band  of  iron  to  surround  and 
strengthen  the  base  of  the  domes,  would  lie  important.  It  is  proper  to  remark,  that, 
although  a dome  of  masonry  may  be  considered  more  durable  than  one  of  wood,  and 
maybe  safely  erected,  yet  it  is  our  opinion  that,  where  time  and  expense  are  primary 
objects,  a dome  of  well  seasoned  timber,  covered  with  copper,  may  be  erected  with 
more  expedition,  and  at  a less  expense,  than  one  of  brick,  and  would  also  quiet 
apprehensions  which  are  frequently  entertained  in  vaulted  apartments. 

The  directions  which  have  been  given  relative  to  plans  of  the  building,  division  of 
labor,  and  employment  of  many  workmen,  will,  if  strictly  obeyed,  complete  the 
Capitol  in  a reasonable  time. — We  would  advise  that  materials,  for  at  least  three 
months  in  advance,  be  constantly  kept  on  hand;  that  means  be  taken  to  ascertain 
what  time  would  be  required  to  procure  and  complete  the  requisite  columns  and 
entablatures  from  the  quarry,  and  if  any  serious  delay  be  likely  to  attend  the  pro- 


222 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


curing  of  those  columns,  &c.  upon  the  present  plan,  that  a contract  be  made  with 
some  northern  sculptors  and  stone-cutters,  to  furnish  the  columns  and  entablatures 
in  the  shortest  time. 

We  have  the  honor  to  be,  most  respectfully,  your  obedient  humble  servants. 

J.  G.  Swift,  Brig.  Gen. 

G.  Bomfoed,  Lt.  Col.  of  Ord. 

To  his  excellency  James  Monroe, 

President  of  the  U.  S. 

P.  S.  It  is  understood  that  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  erected  with  so  much 
taste  by  Mr.  Latrobe,  required  but  three  years  for  its  completion;  it  will  not,  there- 
fore, appear  improbable,  that,  by  a zealous  exertion,  the  Representative  and  Senate 
chambers  may  be  sufficiently  finished  in  the  current  year  for  the  accommodation  of 
Congress.  Should  the  effort  fail  in  success,  it  will,  at  all  events,  insure  an  early  com- 
pletion of  the  Capitol. 

J.  G.  Swift, 

G.  Bomfoed. 


No.  6. 

Washington,  31st  March,  1817. 

Sir:  In  addition  to  the  communication  which  we  have  had  the  honor  to  make  to 
you  respecting  the  capitol,  we  recommend,  that,  in  order  to  secure  a prompt  execu- 
tion of  your  design  to  complete  the  capitol,  it  be  made  the  express  duty  of  the  archi- 
tect to  furnish  to  the  commissioner,  in  the  shortest  practicable  time,  the  detailed  plans 
necessary  for  the  capitol,  commencing  with  those  apartments  that  can  be  advanced 
with  the  greatest  speed,  to  wit:  the  Representatives’  Hall,  the  Senate  Chamber,  and 
the  communications  to  those  apartments;  the  architect  shall  also  furnish  estimates 
of  the  number  of  workmen,  and  kind  and  quantity  of  materials:  the  plans,  after  hav- 
ing your  sanction,  shall  not  be  varied.  Let  it  be  the  express  duty  of  the  commis- 
sioner to  cause  workmen  and  materials  to  be  procured,  without  delay,  agreeably  to 
the  estimates.  Let  it  be  the  further  duty  of  the  architect  to  see  that  the  workmen 
carry  on  the  work  regularly,  and  agreeably  to  the  plan  sanctioned  as  aforesaid.  Let 
one  hundred  good  men  and  a leader  be  procured  from  New-York  or  Boston,  and 
sent  to  Washington,  to  work  upon  the  capitol.  Let  the  architect  employ  two  good 
draughtsmen  to  prepare  triplicates  of  all  plans  and  such  other  drawing  as  may  be 
required. 

Respecting  the  quarry.  The  examination  of  the  quarry  made  in  your  presence, 
has  convinced  us,  that  all  the  columns  which  may  be  required  for  the  capitol,  can 
be  procured  in  season  from  that  quarry.®  To  expedite  the  work  at  the  quarry,  we 
recommend,  that,  in  addition  to  the  men  that  may  be  procured  in  and  about  Wash- 
ington, Baltimore,  Georgetown,  and  the  vicinity  of  the  quarry,  let  there  be  hired 
and  sent  on  from  Philadelphia,  thirty  or  forty  quarry  men,  and  twenty  stone 
cutters — from  New-York  the  same  numbers.  Captain  Reese  can  attend  to  the  pro- 
curing of  the  men  at  Philadelphia — Gen.  Swift,  at  New-York. 

Let  Mr.  Lukie  be  employed  to  take  charge  of  the  quarry;  let  him  divide  his  men 
into  convenient  working  squads,  and  let  it  he  his  duty  to  deliver  blocks  of  marble  to 
Mr.  Hartnet,  as  fast  as  they  can  be  quarried.  Let  Mr.  Hartnet  have  as  many  stone 
cutters  as  he  can  employ. 

The  commissioner  will  provide  tools,  and  also  lumber,  nails,  and  spikes,  to  Mr. 
Lukie,  who  will  cause  sheds,  for  cutters’  cooking  and  lodging,  to  be  erected  at  the 
quarry  without  delay. 


a The  white  marble  entablatures  can  be  procured  from  New-York,  and  forwarded  to  Washington  in 
season  to  complete  the  colonnades. 


The  Old  Building. 


223 


The  commissioner  shall  furnish  provisions  at  the  quarry,  which  shall  be  issued 
every  days.  Regular  returns  of,  and  receipts  for,  issues  shall  be  kept.  The  com- 
missioner shall  pay  the  wages  of  workmen,  &c.  at  the  quarry,  every  week;  rolls  and 
receipts  being  kept  as  usual  in  such  cases. 

The  commissioner  may  employ  a clerk  at  the  quarry,  who,  under  the  commission- 
er’s responsibility,  shall  pa)7  the  workmen,  issue  provisions,  keep  the  accounts  and 
public  property.  The  commissioner  shall  report  to  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  every  Monday  morning,  the  work  done  at  the  quarry  the  preceding  week. 

Upon  further  reflection,  since  we  had  the  honor  to  address  you  last,  relative  to 
the  domes  at  the  capitol,  we  are  convinced  that  it  will  be  best  to  construct  both 
domes,  to  wit:  that  over  the  Representatives’  Hall  and  that  over  the  Senate  Chamber, 
of  wood;  and  that  both  wings  of  the  capitol  have  wooden  roofs,  connected  with  the 
domes — the  whole  to  be  covered  with  copper.  The  base  of  both  domes  to  be  encircled 
with  three  iron  bands. 

A zealous  exertion  of  the  commissioner  and  architect  to  execute  the  work  upon 
the  capitol  which  you  contemplate, > will,  in  our  opinions,  prepare  both  the  Senate 
Chamber  and  Hall  of  Representatives,  to  receive  the  Congress  at  its  next  session. 

The  reasons  which  have  induced  us  to  prefer  wooden  domes,  are,  the  saving  of 
time,  and  the  comparison  of  weight  being  in  the  ratio  of  fifty  tons  wood,  Ac.  to  four 
hundred  tons  masonry,  and  the  conviction  that  wooden  domes,  being  well  con- 
structed and  carefully  covered  with  copper,  will  surely  last  half  a century. 

We  have  the  honor  to  be,  your  most  respectful  humble  servants, 

J.  G.  Swift,  B.  G. 

G.  Bojiford, 

Lieut.  Col.  of  Ordnance. 

To  his  Excellency  James  Monroe. 


No.  7. 

House  of  Representatives, 

4th  January,  1820. 

Sir:  In  the  course  of  your  explanations,  before  the  committee,  of  the  causes  of  the 
excess  in  the  expenditures  beyond  the  appropriations  made  for  finishing  the  wings  of 
the  Capitol,  the  President’s  House,  and  the  erection  of  two  new  Executive  Offices, 
you  mentioned  that,  in  order  to  effect  these  objects,  and  particularly  the  first,  you 
had  been  compelled  to  have  transferred  to  them  appropriations  intended  for  other 
purposes,  and  to  negociate  a loan  of  money  with  one  of  the  banks:  the  committee  have 
directed  me  to  inquire,  whether,  in  the  transfer  of  these  appropriations,  and  in 
obtaining  the  loan,  you  acted  by  the  order,  or  consent,  of  the  President  of  the  United 
States.  You  will  also  be  pleased  to  state  what  appropriations,  or  parts  thereof,  were 
thus  transferred,  and  what  was  the  amount  of  the  loan  contracted  by  you. 

I am,  Sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

Thomas  W.  Cobb. 

Colonel  Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  Public  Buildings. 


No.  8. 

Washington,  January  5,  1819. 

Sir:  Your  letter  of  the  4th  inst.  requiring  me  to  state,  whether,  in  obtaining  a 
loan  for  carrying  on  the  repairs  of  the  Capitol,  and  in  applying  to  that  object  other 
appropriations,  I acted  by  the  order  and  consent  of  the  President  of  the  United 
States;  and,  also,  a statement  of  the  appropriations  thus  transferred,  and  the  amount 
of  the  loan  contracted  by  me,  I have  had  the  honor  of  receiving. 


224 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Early  in  September  last  it  was  ascertained  that  the  appropriations  for  repairing 
the  Wings  of  the  Capitol  would  fall  considerably  short  of  accomplishing  that  object, 
and  that  other  funds  must  be  resorted  to,  or  the  reasonable  expectations  of  Congress 
again  disappointed.  This  discovery  was  laid  before  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  and  I received  his  directions  to  press  forward  the  work  as  fast  as  was  prac- 
ticable; to  appropriate,  to  this  object,  such  other  funds  as  were  not  likely  to  be 
immediately  called  for,  and  to  accept  a proposition  of  the  United  States’  Branch 
Bank,  at  this  place,  of  permitting  me  to  overdraw,  for  the  payment  of  current  bills, 
to  the  amount  of  $50,000;  the  account  to  be  settled  at  the  end  of  each  week,  and  the 
sum  found  due,  to  go  upon  interest,  until  reimbursed. 

The  appropriations  thus  temporarily  diverted  from  their  specified  objects,  are  as 
follows: 

For  slating  the  old  executive  offices,  (it  having  been  found  impracticable 
to  procure  slate,  of  the  proper  quality,  before  next  season,)  the  sum  of.  $10,000  00 


For  procuring  fire  engines,  &c.,  though  contracted  for,  not  likely  to  be 

delivered  before  the  meeting  of  Congress,  the  sum  of 4, 500  00 

For  purchasing  a lot  of  ground,  and  supplying  the  public  offices  and 
President’s  house  with  water,  which,  owing  to  the  exorbitant  demands 
of  the  proprietors  of  the  ground,  could  not  be  immediately  carried  into 

effect,  the  sum  of 9, 125  00 

Of  the  appropriation  for  carrying  on  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol, 

not  called  for  before  winter,  the  sum  of 25, 565  37 

Advanced  by  the  bank,  as  above 50,  000  00 


99, 190  37 


I have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  Public  Buildings. 

Honorable  Thomas  W.  Cobb, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  &c. 


No.  9. 

1818,  April  1st,  specific  appropriations  commence. 
Disbursements  on  account  of  the  wings  of  the  Capitol — 


For  the  2d  quarter $46, 820  46 

3d  do 54, 731  60 

4th  do  46,  022  52 

1819.  For  the  1st  do : 36,793  04 

2d  do  , 29,  720  09 

3d  do  68,  782  03 


282,869  74 

Amount  of  bills  entered  in  the  4th  quarter 33, 339  63 


316, 209  37 

Bills  outstanding. 

Marble  work  from  NewATork 19,347 

Pay  roll  for  December,  1819 3,320  59 

Several  small  bills,  amount  estimated  at 606  45 

23, 274  04 


339,  483  41 


The  Old  Building. 


225 


Balance  o£  appropriation. 


Appropriation  of  1818 


April  1st,  1818 


Do.  1819 


$133, 125  41 
80,  000  00 
51,332  00 


$264,457  41 


Deficiency 


75,026  00 


[House  proceedings  of  Jail.  24,  1S20  : Annals  of  Congress,  16 — 1,  p.  936.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


The  engrossed  bill  making  appropriations  to  supply  the  deficiency  in  the  appropri- 
ations heretofore  made  for  the  completion  of  the  repairs  of  the  wings  of  the  Capitol, 
for  finishing  the  President’s  House,' and  the  erection  of  two  new  Executive  offices, 
was  read  a third  time,  and  the  question  stated  on  its  passage. 

A debate  of  about  an  hour  ensued  on  this  bill — not  so  much  on  the  question 
whether  it  ought  or  ought  not  to  pass,  as  on  the  circumstances  which  called  for  it. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Virginia,  and  Mr.  Randolph  argued  against  the  practice  of  trans- 
ferring and  of  exceeding  appropriations  for  specific  objects,  and  against  the  responsi- 
bility assumed  by  the  President  in  this  case,  of  borrowing  money  for  the  purpose  of 
completing  the  public  buildings.  These  gentlemen  protested  warmly  against  the 
unconstitutionality  of  such  unauthorized  exercises  of  power  by  the  Executive,  their 
dangerous  tendency,  the  culpability  of  permitting  them,  &c. ; that  no  Executive 
officer  had  the  power  to  pledge  Congress  to  make  good  sums  which  he  should  raise 
and  expend,  without  the  authority  of  law,  &c.  ■ 

Messrs.  Cobb,  Livermore,  Taylor,  Foot,  Clagett,  and  Rhea,  although  not  at  all 
differing  from  the  former  gentlemen  in  the  correctness  of  the  doctrines  they  advanced, 
supported  this  appropriation,  and  justified  the  steps  on  the  part  of  the  Executive 
which  had  called  for  it;  arguing  that  Congress  had  required  of  the  Executive 
expressly  to  have  these  buildings  repaired  and  rebuilt;  that  they  had  felt  and 
expressed  dissatisfaction  because  the  Capitol  Avas  not  in  readiness  at  the  last  session 
for  the  reception  of  Congress;  that  the  President,  consulting  the  convenience  and 
accommodation  of  the  Legislature,  and  finding  the  appropriations  not  sufficient  for 
the  object,  had  diverted  the  funds  to  it  which  had  been  appropriated  to  other  objects 
in  the  city,  and  had  directed  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings  to  accept  an 
advance  of  money  which  had  been  tendered  by  one  of  the  city  banks,  to  make  up 
the  remaining  deficiency,  relying  on  Congress  to  make  it  good;  that  what  he  had 
done  was  in  pursuance  of  what  he  deemed  his  duty  in  providing  for  the  accommoda- 
tion of  Congress;  and  that,  however  just  the  objections  in  the  abstract,  and  to 
ordinary  cases,  the  President  was  in  this  justifiable,  &c. 

The  question  was  then  taken  on  the  passage  of  the  bill,  and  carried,  without  a 
count,  and  the  bill  was  sent  to  the  Senate  for  concurrence. 


ADDITIONAL  REPORT  of  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings.  February  16, 
1820. — Printed  by  order  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

The  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings,  in  reporting  the  accompanying  Bill,  mak- 
ing appropriations  for  continuing  the  work  on  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol,  and 
other  purposes,  would  take  occasion  to  observe: 

That,  since  the  conflagration  of  the  public  buildings,  in  1814,  appropriations  have 


[16 — 1,  House  Report  No.  69.] 


II.  liep.  016 15 


226 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


been  made  by  Congress  for  the  following  purposes:  1.  Rebuilding  and  repairing  the 
north  and  south  wings  of  the  Capitol.  * * * 10.  A temporary  building  for  com- 
mittee rooms.  11.  Enclosing  and  improving  the  Capitol  square.  12.  Purchasing 
fire-engines,  and  building  houses  for  the  same.  13.  The  erection  of  the  centre  build- 
ing of  the  Capitol. 

I.  Rebuilding  and  repairing  the  north  and  south  wings  of  the  Capitol.  On  examina- 
tion, the  committee  find  that  the  sum  of  $679,159  14  has  been  expended  upon  this 
object,  between  the  13th  of  February,  1815,  and  the  1st  of  January,  1820,  and  for 
which  sum  the  accounts  are  in  a course  of  settlement  at  the  proper  office.  There  are 
other  expenditures  for  which  the  accounts  have  not  been  settled;  but,  it  is  believed, 
the  appropriation  made  at  this  session,  for  supplying  the  deficiency  informer  appro- 
priations, will  be  amply  sufficient  to  cover  them.  A further  appropriation  is  called 
for,  towards  the  completion  of  the  wings,  of  $1,500,  as  contained  in  the  estimates  of 
Mr.  Bulfinch,  the  architect,  for  “painting  the  inside  of  both  wings,”  and  which  he 
thinks  indispensable.  The  exjienses  of  such  additions  and  alterations  as  the  two 
branches  of  Congress  may  order,  for  their  greater  comfort  and  accommodation,  must 
be  provided  for  as  the  cases  arise.  The  expenses  of  this  nature,  already  incurred 
and  directed  during  the  present  session,  amount,  as  appears  by  the  paper  marked  A, 
to  the  sum  of  $1,367,  which,  with  the  $1,500  mentioned  above,  is  all  that  will  be 
required,  at  this  time,  for  the  wings. 

* * * 

10.  Erecting  a temporary  building  for  Committee  Rooms,  for  which  the  sum  appropri- 
ated was  $3,634,  by  the  act  of  the  20th  of  April,  1818.  The  building  is  completed 
and  now  in  use,  and  it  is  understood  the  appropriation  will  be  amply  sufficient,  and, 
perhaps,  more  than  sufficient. 

II.  Enclosing  and  improving  the  Capitol  Square,  for  which,  by  the  acts  of  April  29th, 
1816,  and  March  3d,  1817,  the  aggregate  sum  of  $68,658  was  appropriated.  The 
expenditures,  according  to  the  accounts  shewn  by  the  Commissioner,  have  amounted 
to  the  sum  of  $71,602  57,  and  a further  sum  of  $1,147  25  remains  due  and  unpaid. 
The  committee  refer  to  Col.  Lane’s  letter,  marked  B,  as  well  to  account  for  this  excess, 
as  for  the  manner  in  which  a part  of  it  has  been  supplied.  The  wall  and  iron  rail- 
ing have  been  completed.  The  gates  (being  seven  in  number)  have  yet  to  be  made 
and  fixed.  The  committee  are  of  opinion  that  the  work  is  well  done,  of  lasting 
materials,  and  upon  unobjectionable  terms.  It  is  scarcely  necessary  that  the  gates 
should  be  undertaken  this  year.  The  work  upon  the  grounds  has  been  commenced; 
but,  until  the  materials,  workshops,  &c.,  now  spread  over  them,  and  wanted  for  the 
centre  building,  can  be  removed,  it  is  inexpedient  to  appropriate  money  for  its  com- 
pletion. The  architect,  in  his  estimate,  herewith  submitted,  has  called  for  the  sum 
of  $1,500  for  graduating  the  hill  in  some  parts,  and  for  raising  the  earth  in  others,  as 
well  for  greater  convenience  in  carrying  on  the  work  of  the  centre  building,  as  event- 
ually improving  the  appearance  of  the  grounds  on  the  west  side  of  the  capitol.  If, 
indeed,  this  is  necessary,  in  the  progress  of  the  centre  building,  (and  the  committee 
have  been  assured  that  it  is,)  there  can  be  no  objection  to  the  appropriation. 

12.  Purchasing  Fire  Engines,  and  building  houses  for  them.  The  sum  appropriated 
for  this  purpose,  by  the  act  of  the  3d  of  March,  1819,  was  $4,500,  the  appropriation 
was  diverted  to  the  completion  of  the  wings  of  the  capitol,  but  has  been  replaced  by 
the  appropriation  already  made  during  this  session.  The  engines  have  been  pro- 
cured, and  the  sum  is  believed  to  be  sufficient  to  answer  the  purposes  intended. 

13.  The  erection  of  the  Centre  Building  of  the  Capitol.  A committee  of  this  House,  in 
the  session  of  1817-18,  by  their  report,  recommended  the  commencement  of  this 
work;  and,  by  an  act  passed  on  the  20th  of  April,  1818,  the  sum  of  $100,000  was 
appropriated  for  this  purpose.  The  act  of  March  3d,  1819,  appropriated  a further  sum 
of  $136,644,  for  the  same  object.  With  these  sums  the  walls  of  the  building  have 
been  raised  as  high  as  was  contemplated;  and  the  expenditures  have  conformed,  as 


The  Old  Building. 


227 


nearly  as  could  be,  to  the  estimates.  Upon  the  requisition  of  a former  committee  of 
this  House,  the  plan  has  been  changed  from  the  design  of  the  late  architect,  Mr. 
Latrobe,  so  as  to  afford  more  convenience,  and  a greater  number  of  necessary  rooms. 
This  alteration  has  been  approved  by  the  President,  and  it  is  believed  that  it  will 
not  affect  either  the  beauty  of  the  building,  or  increase  the  cost  of  erection,  inasmuch 
as  its  external  appearance  is  substantially  preserved,  and  its  size  diminished.  The 
committee  have  examined  the  materials  and  style  of  workmanship  of  what  has  been 
done,  and  have  been  well  satisfied  with  both.  Having  an  eye  to  the  necessity  of 
curtailing  the  expenditures  of  government  at  the  present  period  as  much  as  possible, 
their  first  inquiry  was  as  to  the  expediency  of  suspending  this  work  until  a more 
flattering  account  of  the  state  of  the  Treasury  should  be  presented.  They  do  not 
hesitate  in  saying,  that  prudence  and  economy  both  require  that  the  building  should 
be  urged  as  fast  as  a proper  regard  for  its  faithful  execution  will  permit,  until  the 
walls  shall  be  raised  to  the  intended  height,  and  the  whole  covered,  so  as  to  be 
effectually  protected  from  injury  by. the  action  of  the  weather;  leaving  to  future 
deliberations  of  Congress  to  judge  of  the  propriety  of  completing  its  interior.  To  this 
object  the  committee  directed  the  commissioner  and  architect  to  prepare  and  conform 
their  estimates  for  the  ensuing  year.  The  estimate  is  hereto  annexed,  marked  C, 
amounting  to  $114,769,  inclusive  of  the  two  sums  required,  as  herein  before  stated, 
for  painting  the  inside  of  the  wings,  and  the  improvement  of  the  grounds  west  of  the 
Capitol. 

Before  closing  their  report,  the  committee  think  it  proper  to  observe,  that,  in  so 
far  as  the  public  buildings  have  advanced,  the  unexpected  expenses  of  their  repairs, 
since  their  conflagration,  inclusive,  the  appropriations  heretofore  made,  and  to  be 
made  until  they  shall  be  completed,  can  only  be  considered,  for  the  most  part,  as 
advances  made  at  the  Treasury,  which  will  be  reimbursed  by  the  sales  of  the  public 
property  in  the  City  of  Washington,  which  has  cost  the  government  but  little.  At 
the  time  of  the  cession  of  this  territory,  as  the  seat  of  the  general  government,  this 
property  was  considered  as  a source  of  revenue  which  would  be  amply  sufficient  for 
the  erection  of  all  the  public  buildings;  and,  if  the  document,  herewith  presented, 
marked  D,  is  not  unreasonable,  it  will  yet  be  sufficient  to  complete  such  as  are 
undertaken.  But  for  their  destruction,  there  is  no  doubt  of  the  correctness  of  the 
calculation,  made  many  years  since,  of  the  sufficiency  of  the  fund  for  its  object. 

* * * 

Charles  Bulfinch, 

Architect  of  Capitol  U.  S. 

February  9th,  1820. 


B. 

Office  of  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 

Washington,  February  4,  1820. 

Sir:  In  carrying  into  effect  the  act  of  April  29th,  1816,  for  enclosing  and  improving 
the  capitol  square,  after  determining  the  plan  of  the  work,  it  was  thought  most 
advisable  to  offer  the  execution  of  it  to  the  competition  of  the  public.  Notices 
inviting  separate  proposals  for  each  part  of  the  work  were  accordingly  issued,  and  the 
proposals  of  Griffith  Coornbe  being  accepted,  a contract  was  entered  into  with  him, 
and  the  work  immediately  commenced.  The  act  above  mentioned  authorized  the 
enclosure  of  that  part  of  the  square  lying  east  of  the  capitol  only;  but,  at  their  next 
session,  Congress  directed  the  semi-circular  area  west  of  the  capitol  to  be  included. 
By  this  arrangement,  the  line  of  enclosure  intended  to  pass  on  the  east  front  of  the 
capitol,  and  embraced  by  Mr.  Coombe’s  contract,  was  rendered  unnecessary,  and  a 
modification  of  the  contract  followed.  It  was  finally  agreed,  between  Mr.  Coornbe 
and  myself,  that,  his  contract  should  be  extended  to  embrace  the  semi-circular  area, 


228 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


in  lieu  of  the  straight  line  referred  to,  with  such  additional  allowance  for  circular 
work,  as  should  he  awarded  by  referees,  to  he  mutually  chosen  after  the  work  was 
completed.  Colonel  George  Bomford  and  Mr.  Robert  Leckie  were  chosen  for  this 
purpose.  From  the  nature  of  the  agreement,  the  amount  payable  to  Mr.  Coombe 
could  not  be  ascertained  until  the  work  was  done.  It  happened  to  exceed  the  sum 
I had  calculated  upon.  The  payments  already  made  amount  to  $71,602  57  and 
there  remains  due  to  Mr.  Coombe  the  further  sum  of  $1,147  25.  After  exhausting 
the  appropriation,  I resorted,  for  the  payment  of  some  pressing  claims,  to  the  centre 
fund.  In  this  way  the  appropriation  has  been  unintentionally  exceeded  by  the  sum 
of  $4,091  82.  I need  not  add  that  this  sum  is  greatly  wanted. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  Public  Buildings. 

Honorable  Thomas  W.  Cobb, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Public  Buildings. 


C. 

Samuel  Lane,  Esq. 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

Sir:  Agreeably  to  your  desire,  I enclose  to  you  an  estimate  of  the  amount  that 
will  be  wanted  for  the  further  progress  of  the  work  on  the  eapitol  of  the  United 


States,  for  the  year  1820,  as  follows: 

For  preparing  and  setting  stone  work  now  on  hand  for  the  east  wall  and 

walls  of  western  projection,  and  colonnade  of  lower  rotunda $15,  600  00 

Six  hundred  tons  of  free  stone  for  upper  rotunda,  at  $10 6,  000  00 

Working  and  setting  the  same 5,400  00 

Fifteen  hundred  perch  blue  stone  for  backing  the  walls,  labor  and  mortar 

included,  at  $5 7,500  00 

Two  million  bricks,  labor  and  mortar  included  at  $13 26,  000  00 

Timber  and  boards  for  roof  of  west  projection,  for  centreing  of  arches  for 

doors  and  windows,  scaffold  poles,  erecting  the  same,  and  labor 3,  600  00 

Carpenter’s  work,  making  centres,  frame,  roof,  &c 15,585  00 

Laborers  attached  to  carpenters 1, 878  00 

Nails  and  spikes 1, 500  00 

Two  iron  bands  bedded  in  the  stone,  to  surround  the  walls,  50001bs  each, 

is  10,0001bs.  at  10  cts 1, 000  00 

Carving  capitals  to  jiilasters  and  trusses  to  windows 10,  000  00 

15890  feet  of  copper  for  the  roof,  16  ounces  to  the  foot,  at  40  cents 6, 356  00 

lOOOlbs.  block  tin  for  do.  at  35  cents 350  00 

Painting  the  inside  of  both  Avings 1,  500  00 

Work  on  regulating  grounds,  west  side 1, 500  00 

1000  tons  of  free  stone,  to  be  procured  for  use  in  1821,  and  worked  in  the 

winter 10,  000  00 

Carting  the  same 1,000  00 


Your  obedient  servant, 


114, 769  00 

Charles  Bulfinch, 

Architect  of  Capitol  U.  S. 


January  18,  1820. 


The  Old  Building. 


229 


d. 


Expenditures  on  the  wings  of  the  Capitol  to  the  destruction  of  the 

same,  Aug.  1814 §788,  071  08 

* * * 

Repairs  on  wings  of  Capitol  to  January,  1820 079, 159  14 

* * * 


Statement  of  Resources  for  erecting  Public  Buildings  in  the  city  of  Washington. 

Donation  from  the  state  of  Virginia  in  1791,  towards  pub- 
lic buildings §120,  000  00 

Donation  from  state  of  Maryland 72,  000  00 

Amount  of  sales  of  public  lots  to  January  1,  1820  706,  811  88 

898,811  88 

Valuation  of  public  property,  viz: — 

5,155  building  lots  for  sale,  at  §180,  the  average  price  of 

former  sales 927,900  00 

542  acres  of  ground  reserved  for  use  of  United  States,  at 

same  rate 740,000  00 

Land  and  free  stone  quarries,  wharves  and  water  lots 48,  000  00 

1,  715,  900  00 


2,614,711  88 

From  the  foregoing  statement,  it  appears  that  the  donations  and  actual  sales,  together 
with  the  public  lands,  at  a very  low  estimation,  will  more  than  balance  the  amount 
of  expenditure  at  the  present  time;— 

But  if  we  add  to  the  amount  expended  of 2,  415,  602  27 

The  probable  expence  of  the  centre  of  the  Capitol,  and  completing 

the  square 800,  000  00 

The  amount  will  be 3,  215,  602  27 

And  if  to  amount  of  resources  of 2,  614,  711  88 

Is  added  on  the  value  of  the  land  to  make  double  the 
present  low  estimate 1,  668,  800  00 

This  amount  will  be §4,  283,  511  88 


It  seems  but  reasonable  to  anticipate  the  above  increase  in  value  of  this  property, 
from  the  natural  growth  of  the  city,  under  the  fostering  care  of  the  government. 

If  this  expectation  should  be  realized,  it  will  appear  that  the  public  buildings  have 
been  erected  from  the  proceeds  of  property  created  by  locating  the  seat  of  govern- 
ment in  this  place,  and  that  a fund  will  remain  for  further  improvements. 


Expenditures  on  the  Public  Buildings  in  Washington  City,  from  the  commencement  thereof, 
to  the  24th  day  of  August,  1814- 

* * * 

Proceeds  and  estimates  of  public  property  in  the  City  of  Washington,  viz. 

* * * 

Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  Public  Buildings. 

* * 


230 


Documentary  ID  story  of  the  Capitol. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  to  supply  the  deficiency  in  the  appropriations  heretofore 
made  for  the  completion  of  the  repairs  of  the  north  and  south  wings  of  the  Capitol,  for  finishing  the 
President’s  house,  and  the  erection  of  two  new  executive  offices,”  approved  Feb.  10,  1820.  (Stats,  at 
Large,  v.  3,  541.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America, 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  the  deficiency  in  the  appro- 
priations heretofore  made  for  completing  the  repairs  of  the  north  and  south  wings 
of  the  Capitol,  for  finishing  the  President’s  house,  and  the  erection  of  two  new  execu- 
tive offices,  the  following  sums  be,  and  the  same  are  hereby,  respectively,  appropriated, 
that  is  to  say: 

For  completing  the  repairs  of  the  north  and  south  wings  of  the  Capitol,  the  sum  of 
seventy-five  thousand  dollars. 


[American  State  Papers,  Class  X,  Misc.  XI,  587.  No.  488.  16th  Congress,  1st  session.  City  of  Wash- 
ington: Public  Buildings.  Communicated  to  the  House  of  Representatives,  March  21, 1820.] 

Mr.  Meigs,  from  the  Committee  on  the  Expenditures  upon  the  Public  Buildings, 
reported : 

That  they  have,  in  pursuance  of  their  duty  generally,  and  in  obedience  to  the  reso- 
lution of  the  House  of  Representatives  requiring  the  committee  to  ascertain  whether 
the  expenses  upon  the  public  buildings  cannot  be  lessened  without  arresting  their 
progress,  made  such  inquiries  as  seemed  to  the  committee  necessary  to  obtain  the 
requisite  information;  that  the  paper  annexed  (marked  A)  containing  an  account  of 
the  expenditures  from  the  13th  of  February,  1815,  to  the  1st  of  January,  1820,  was, 
at  the  request  of  the  committee,  rendered  to  them  by  Samuel  Lane,  the  Commis- 
sioner of  Public  Buildings.  This  statement  exhibits  an  expenditure  of  81,491,363  24, 
of  which  nearly  one  million  of  dollars  was  expended  on  repairs  of  the  damage  done  by 
the  enemy  in  1814.  The  paper  annexed,  ( marked  B, ) also  rendered  by  request  from 
the  commissioner,  exhibits  a view  of  the  total  expenditures  upon  the  public  build- 
ings in  the  city  of  Washington,  from  the  commencement  to  the  1st  of  January,  1820, 
and  also  a view  of  the  value  and  proceeds  of  the  public  lands  in  the  District  of 
Columbia.  The  latter  statement  is  exhibited  in  order  that  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives may  know  the  just  relation  of  the  national  expenditures  upon  edifices  in  the 
District  to  the  national  acquisitions  in  the  same.  According  to  this  view,  it  aq>pears 
that  the  valuation  of  the  public  lands  and  actual  amount  of  sales,  added  to  donations 
from  the  States  of  Virginia  and  Maryland,  exceed  the  national  expenditures  upon 
public  buildings  within  the  District  by  nearly  8400,000. 

The  committee,  having  obtained  this  general  information  relative  to  the  subject 
of  their  appointment,  proceeded  to  ascertain,  as  far  as  was  in  their  power,  the  rela- 
tive prices  of  materials  and  wages  of  artists  and  laborers  at  different  periods  during 
the  progress  of  the  works  done  in  the  District,  and  present  a table  thereof,  which  is 
annexed,  (marked  C;)  also  a letter  from  the  Commissioner  of  tLe  Public  Buildings, 
with  another  table,  (marked  D, ) in  which  the  estimate  of  prices  of  materials  is  not 
made  for  1820;  but  it  is  stated  that  these  are  reduced,  particularly  the  price  of  brick 
The  wages  of  workmen  are  here  estimated  much  lower  than  they  have  been  in 
former  years,  as  will  appear  on  examining  the  same. 

It  does  not  appear  to  the  committee  that  lower  wages  than  those  exhibited  for 
1820  can  be  expected  in  this  District;  and  the  committee  believe  that  the  commis- 
sioner has  used  every  exertion  in  his  power  to  regulate  these  expenditures  by  similar 
expenses  in  Baltimore,  Philadelphia,  and  New  York,  and  has  obtained  workmen 
and  materials  upon  as  good  terms  as  could  reasonably  be  expected,  when  it  is  con- 
sidered that  many  of  the  workmen,  and  some  of  the  materials,  are  not  to  be  obtained 
except  from  distant  parts  of  the  country. 


The  Old  Building. 


231 


The  committee  have  endeavored  to  make  themselves  acquainted  with  the  general 
character  of  the  work  which  is  designed  to  be  bestowed  upon  the  centre  building  of 
the  Capitol;  and  it  appears  to  them  that  it  cannot  properly  be  conducted  with  less 
attention  to  ornament  than  is  designed,  without  injury  to  that  fitness  of  parts  which 
becomes  a whole,-  and  they  are  pleased  to  find  that  the  principal  ornament  of  the 
centre  work  will  not  consist  of  expensive  sculpture,  but  of  its  simple  form — the 
rotundo.  The  committee  think  proper  to  suggest  to  the  House,  however,  that,  as  it 
is  contemplated  to  form  the  dome  of  the  centre  of  brick  work,  in  imitation  of  the 
Pantheon  at  Rome,  and  as  such  work  will,  when  added  to  the  great  weight  of  the 
edifice,  require  the  most  serious  attention  to  the  foundations  of  the  whole  edifice  to 
secure  its  safety,  and  as,  from  the  examination  which  the  committee  have  had  occa- 
sion to  make,  they  feel  convinced  that  these  foundations  require  attention,  it  is 
worthy  the  consideration  of  the  House  whether  effectual  means  should  not  be  taken 
to  give  perfect  security,  especially  on  the  westerly  side  of  the  edifice,  by  means  of 
walls  of  sufficient  weight  and  compactness  to  counteract  the  apparent  tendency  of 
damage  to  the  Capitol  in  that  direction. 

This  consideration  ought  to  precede  the  execution  of  the  massive  work  which  is 
destined  to  complete  the  centre  building. 

The  latter  suggestion  may  not  appear  to  fall  precisely  within  the  bounds  of  duty 
prescribed  to  the  committee;  but  as  the  prevention  of  damage  to  the  public  build- 
ings will  be  a saving  of  expense  in  the  end,  they  have  thought  it  not  proper  to 
omit  it. 

It  appears  to  the  committee  desirable  that  the  Capitol  should  be  finished  as  soon 
as  may  be  conveniently  done  with  regard  to  the  goodness  of  the  work.  It  is  evident 
that  the  unfinished  parts  are  injured  every  winter  by  that  exposure  to  the  weather 
which  they  seem  unavoidably  to  sustain;  and  the  prosecution  of  the  work  ought  to  be 
encouraged  by  the  reflection  that  the  national  acquisition  in  the  District  approaches 
so  nearly  its  expenditure,  that  it  maybe  presumed  the  total  expenditure  will  not 
(when  the  Capitol  shall  be  finished)  much,  if  at  all.  exceed  the  acquisition,  and 
would  not  have  equalled  it  unless  that  expenditure  had  been  swelled  one  million  by 
the  ruthless  vandalism  of  the  enemy,  who  applied  the  torch  of  destruction  to  the 
first  national  ornaments  he  approached. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

H.  Meigs,  Chairman. 


A. 

Abstract  of  appropriations  and  expenditures  on  account  of  the  public  buildings  in  the  city 
of  Washington,  &c.,  between  the  13th  of  February,  1815,  and  the  1st  of  January,  1820. 

APPROPRIATIONS. 


1815.  February 

13 

For  repairing  the  Capitol,  President’s  house,  and 
public  offices 

$500, 000. 00 
100, 000. 00 
200,  000.  00 
80, 000. 00 

1817.  March 

30 

....  .do 

1818.  January 
1818.  April 

27 

do 

20 

For  completing  the  wings  of  the  Capitol 

* * * 

1819.  March 

3 

For  finishing  the  wings  of  the  Capitol 

* * * 

51,332.00 

1818.  April 

1819.  March 

20 

100, 000. 00 
136, 641. 00 

3 

do r. .* 

$236, 644. 00 

1816.  April 

1817.  March 

29 

3 

For  enclosing  and  improving  Capitol  square 

do 

30, 000. 00 
38, 658. 00 

68, 658. 00 

* * * 

232 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Abstract  of  appropriations  and  expenditures  on  account  of  the  public  buildings  in  the  city 
of  Washington , &c.- — Continued. 

EXPENDITURES. 


1820.  January  1 

On  the  wings  of  the  Capitol,  to  this  date 

$679, 159. 14 

* * * 

Do 

On  centre  building  of  the  Capitol 

8193, 705. 46 
71, 602-57 

Do 

On  enclosing  and  improving  Capitol  square 

Amount  of  expenditures  for  which  regular  vouchers, 
admissible  at  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States, 
had  been  received  on  the  1st  day  of  January,  1820. 

1, 491, 363. 24 

Errors  excepted : 


Washington,  January  22,  1820. 


Samuel  Lane, 

Comm  issioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


B. 


Proceeds  and  estimates  of  public  property  in  the  city  of  Washington. 

Amount  of  sales  of  public  lots  to  the  1st  of  January.  1820  

Five  thousand  one  hundred  and  fifty-five  building'lots  for  sale,  estimated 
at  8180  each 

$706, 811. 88 

927, 900. 00 

740. 000. 00 
48, 000. 00 

$2, 422, 711. 88 
192, 000. 00 

Five  hundred  and  forty-two  acres  of  ground,  reserved  for  the  use  of  the 

United  States,  estimated  at  the  same  rate,  would  amount  to 

Freestone  quarries,  wharves,  water  lots,  &c 

Donation  from  the  State  of  Virginia,  for  the  use  of  the  public  buildings, 

120, 000. 00 
72, 000. 00 

2, 614, 711. 88 

Expenditures  on  the  public  buildings  in  the  city  of  Washington,  from  the  com- 
mencement thereof  to  the  1st  day  of  January,  1S20. 

788, 071. 08 
679, 159. 14 

* * * * 

Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

I 

A table  showing  the  price  of  materials  and  labor,  at  several  different  periods,  as  given  at  the 
public  buildings  in  Washington  city. 


From  1793  to 
1800. 

From  1800  to 
1812. 

From  1815  to 
1818. 

$1.25  to  $1.33 

$1.50  to  $1.75 

$2. 50  to  $2.  75 

1. 50  to  1.  75 

1. 50  to  1. 75 

2. 00  to  2.25 

1.00  to  1.50 

1.00  to  1.50 

1.62  to  1.88 

1.00 

7.00  to  8.00 

8.00  to  9.00 

10. 00  to  12. 00 

7.00 

7.00  to  7.50 

9. 00  to  9. 50 

4. 66| 

4. 66| 

7.50 

1.50  to  2.00 

1.50  to  2.00 

3. 00  to  4.00 

1.00 

1.25  to  1.50 

2.00 

Samuel 

Lane, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


Washington,  January  25,  1820. 


The  Old  Building. 


233 


Washington,  March  11,  1820. 

Sir:  In  consequence  of  the  desire  which  you  expressed  to  ascertain  the  wages 
given  at  the  public  buildings  in  this  city,  I beg  leave  to  submit  the  annexed  table, 
exhibiting  as  well  the  prices  of  labor  at  different  periods  as  of  the  principal  mate- 
rials. Since  this"  business  has  been  confided  to  me,  I have  procured  semi-annually 
from  New  York,  Philadelphia, .and  Baltimore,  reports  of  the  wages  given  at  each  of  those 
places,  and  have  endeavored,  as  far  as  practicable,  to  regulate  the  wages  here  accord- 
ingly. These  reports  have  generally  shown  a small  advance  at  Baltimore  over 
Philadelphia,  and  at  the  latter  over  New  York.  I have  been  compelled  to  continue 
nearly  the  same  rate  of  advance  at  this  place,  notwithstanding  my  efforts  to  check 
it  by  employing  agents  at  New  York  and  Philadelphia  to  engage  and  send  on  hands. 
So  great  and  general  has  been  the  demand  for  workmen,  until  latterly,  that  it  was 
only  by  great  exertions  that  we  could  retain  the  requisite  number  without  yielding  to 
exorbitant  demands.  Labor  and  materials  of  most  kinds  are  now  rapidly  approach- 
ing their  minimum,  and  it  is  calculated  that  buildings  may  be  carried  on  this  season 
for  at  least  one-third  less  than  could  have  been  done  two  years  ago. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

Hon.  Henry  Meigs,  Chairmon,  &c.,  &c. 


D. 


A table  showing  the  wages  and  prices  of  materials  at  the  public  buildings  in  Washington 

city. 


Prom  1793  to 
1800. 

From  1800  to 
1812. 

F rom  1815  to 
1818. 

1819. 

1820. 

Stonecutters’  wages  per  day.. 
Bricklayers’  wages  per  day  . . 
Carpenters’  wages  per  day  . . . 

Laborers’  wages  per  day 

Freestone,  per  ton 

Hard  brick,  per  thousand 

Plank  flooring,  per  100  feet. . . 
Plank,  inch,  clear,  per  100  feet 
Plank,  inch,  rough,  per  100 
feet 

SI.  25  to  Jl.  33 
1.50  to  1.75 

1.00  to  1.50 
.75 

7.  00  to  8.00 

7.00 
4.  66f 

1.50  to  2.00 

1.00 

SI.  50  to  $1. 75 
1.50  to  1.75 
l.OO.to  1.50 
75 

8. 00  to  9.00 

7. 00  to  7.50 
4.  66| 

1.50  to  2.00 
1.25  to  1.50 

$2. 50  to  82. 75 

2. 00  to  2.25 
1.62  to  1.88 

1.00 

10. 00  to  12.00 
9.  00  to  9.50 
7.  50 

3. 00  to  4.00 

2.00 

$1.50  to  $1.75 
1.50  to  1.75 
1. 33  to  1. 50 
.88 

6. 00  to  10. 00 
7.  50  to  8. 50 

4.00 

1.50  to  2.00 

1.00  to  1.25 

SI.  33  to  1.50 
1 . 33  to  1. 50 
1.00  to  1.25 
. 75 

No  purchases 
of  materials 
this  year,  but 
■ thepricesare 
reduced, par- 
tic  ularl  y 
brick. 

Samuel  Lane, 

Com  missioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


[“An  Act  making  farther  appropriations  for  continuing  the  work  upon  the  centre  building  of  the 
Capitol,  and  other  public  buildings,”  approved  Apr.  11,  1820.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  3,  562.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  Stales  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled , That,  for  continuing  the  work  of  the  centre  building  of  the 
Capitol,  and  other  public  buildings,  in  the  city  of  Washington,  the  following  sums  of 
money  be,  and  the  same  are  hereby,  appropriated,  viz: 

For  continuing  the  work  on  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol,  one  hundred  and 
eleven  thousand  seven  hundred  and  sixty-nine  dollars. 

For  painting  the  inside  of  the  north  and  south  wings  of  the  Capitol,  and  providing 
for  the  expense  of  making  such  alterations  therein  as  have  been  directed  during  the 
present  session  of  Congress,  two  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty-seven  dollars. 

* * * 

For  making  alterations  and  improvements  in  the  Senate  chamber,  for  the  better 
accommodation  of  the  Senate,  two  thousand  four  hundred  dollars. 

Sec.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted.,  That  the  said  several  sums  be  paid  out  of  any 
moneys  in  the  treasury,  not  otherwise  appropriated. 


234 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[House  proceedings  of  Nov.  27,  1820:  Annals  of  Congress,  16-2,  458.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

The  following  message  was  received  from  the  President  of  the  United  States: 

To  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives: 

In  conformity  with  a resolution  of  the  Senate  of  the  28th  of  January,  1818,  I com- 
municate herewith  to  the  House  of  Representatives  the  report  of  the  Commissioner 
of  the  Public  Buildings,  required  by  that  resolution. 

James  Monroe. 


Washington,  Nov.  22,  1820. 

To  the  President  of  the  United  States: 

Sir:  The  expenditures  on  account  of  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol,  from  Octo- 
ber 1,  1819,  to  the  30th  of  September,  1820,  as  far  as  regular  vouchers  have  been 
received,  amount  to  one  hundred  and  twenty-seven  thousand  three  hundred  and 
ninety-six  dollars  and  fourteen  cents.  For  the  progress  made  in  this  building,  I beg 
leave  to  refer  to  the  report  of  the  Architect,  a copy  of  which,  marked  A,  is  annexed. 
I have  the  honor  to  be,  most  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


A. 


Washington,  Nov.  19,  1820. 

Si : At  the  close  of  the  season  for  active  operations,  I present  a statement  of  the 
proceedings  for  the  past  year,  and  of  the  progress  made  on  the  Capitol  of  the  United 
States. 

The  alterations  and  improvements  suggested  for  the  Representatives’  Room  and 
Senate  Chamber  have  been  effected  within  the  amount  of  the  estimated  expense. 
Considerable  progress  has  also  been  made  in  regulating  and  improving  the  grounds: 
the  planting  of  trees  and  shrubbery  will  be  continued  while  the  weather  will  permit. 

The  work  on  the  centre  of  the  Capitol  has  been  urged  on  with  as  much  force  and 
despatch  as  the  solid  nature  of  its  construction  would  allow.  The  external  walls  of 
the  west  projection,  and  the  greater  part  of  the  internal  walls  connected  with  them, 
have  been  raised  to  the  height  contemplated  in  the  estimate  for  the  year.  The  roof 
is  raised  on  the  north  flank  of  the  centre,  and  that  for  the  south  flank  is  prepared, 
but  has  been  prevented  from  being  put  on  by  the  inclemency  of  the  weather  in 
October,  and  by  an  unusual  sickness  among  the  workmen.  The  wall  of  the  east 
front  is  not  raised  as  high  as  was  expected,  from  an  opinion  that  it  would  be  more 
advisable  that  the  inner  walls  of  the  great  rotunda  should  be  carried  on  at  the  same 
time,  for  the  purpose  of  making  a more  equal  bearing,  and  pressing  more  regularly 
on  the  foundation.  The  walls  of  the  rotunda  have  accordingly  been  commenced, 
and  give  an  opportunity  of  viewing  the  style  and  manner  in  which  it  will  be  finished. 
Although  a portion  of  the  labor  has  been  differently  bestowed  from  what  was  first 
contemplated,  yet  it  is  believed  that  it  will  appear  that  the  change  was  judicious, 
and  that  as  much  progress  has  been  made  in  the  work  as  was  promised  or  expected; 
that  it  has  been  done  with  economy;  and  that  the  expense  has  been  kept  within  the 
estimates. 

Respectfully  submitted  by  your  obedient  servant, 

Charles  Bulfinch, 
Architect  Capitol  U.  S. 

Samuel  Lane,  Esq.,  Commissioner,  &c. 


The  Old  Building. 


235 


[16-2,  House  Report  No.  40.] 

REPORT  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  on  the  practicability  of  making 
such  alterations  in  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives  as  will  better  adapt  it 
to  the  purposes  of  a deliberative  assembly,  &c.  January  19,  1821. — Read,  and 
committed  to  a committee  of  the  whole  house  tomorrow. 

The  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings,  to  whom  was  referred  the  resolution  of 
this  House,  of  the  19th  December,  1820,  instructing  them  “to  inquire  into  the  prac- 
ticability of  making  such  alterations  in  the  present  structure  of  the  Hall  of  the  House 
of  Representatives,  as  shall  better  adapt  it  to  the  purposes  of  a deliberative  assembly; 
and,  if  no  such  alteration  can  be  effected,  to  ascertain  whether  it  be  practicable  to 
provide  a suitable  hall  in  the  centre  building  of  the  eapitol,”  report: 

That,  in  obedience  to  the  above  recited  resolution,  they  have  examined  the  practi- 
cability of  making  any  alterations  in  the  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  that 
would  render  it  more  convenient  for  the  transaction  of  public  business,  with  all  the 
attention  in  their  power. 

They  have,  also,  submitted  the  different  plans  for  this  purpose,  that  have  occurred 
in  the  course  of  their  inquiries,  or  that  have  been  suggested  to  them,  to  the  exami- 
nation of  the  architect  of  the  public  buildings,  who  has  furnished  them  with  his 
opinion  of  the  alteration  most  likely  to  produce  the  desired  effect  in  the  hall  of  the 
House  of  Representatives,  accompanied  with  a drawing  exhibiting  the  form  and 
construction  of  such  alteration,  and  an  estimate  of  the  expense  of  its  construction. 

From  the  result  of  their  own  inquiries,  as  well  as  the  examination  of  the  public 
architect,  the  committee  have  reason  to  believe,  that  a level  glass  ceiling,  at  the  foot  of 
the  dome,  resting  on  the  stone  entablature  over  the  columns,  would,  in  a great  meas- 
ure, prevent  the  evils  that  are  now  experienced  from  the  expansion  of  the  voice  and 
the  reverberation  of  the  sound;  and  is,  on  every  account,  the  most  eligible  alteration 
for  this  purpose  of  which  the  room  is  susceptible,  compatible  with  the  preservation 
of  the  proportions  of  the  hall  and  the  use  of  the  gallery,  and  least  injurious  to  the 
beauty  of  its  appearance. 

But,  although  the  committee  have  no  doubt  that  the  alteration  suggested  may  be 
so  constructed  as  to  be  perfectly  secure,  and  might  contribute  to  improve  the  facility 
of  speaking  and  hearing,  in  the  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  yet,  they  think 
it  questionable  whether  the  alteration  is  absolutely  necessary,  and  whether  the  dis- 
advantages incident  to  it  would  not  counterbalance  the  benefits  to  be  derived  from  it. 

Independently  of  the  objection  arising  from  the  expense,  in  the  present  state  of 
the  Treasury,  it.  is  objectionable  on  other  accounts — it  would  lessen  the  circulation  of 
the  air  in  the  room,  and  render  it  sooner  liable  to  become  impure — would  obstruct 
the  view  of  the  dome  and  impair  the  beauty  of  the  hall. 

Experience  proves  that  the  members  speak  with  more  ease,  and  hear  more  readily, 
at  the  present  session,  than  they  did  during  the  last.  The  difference,  it  is  believed, 
is  in  a great  measure  to  be  ascribed  to  the  drying  of  the  walls,  and  there  can  be  but 
little  doubt  but  that  further  improvement  may  be  expected  from  the  same  cause. 

The  centre  building  of  the  eapitol  does  not  furnish  a suitable  hall  for  the  members 
of  the  House  of  Representatives.  The  only  room  that  would  admit  them  is  the  one 
destined  for  the  library  of  Congress,  and  that,  in  the  opinion  of  the  committee,  is 
not  calculated  for  their  convenient  accommodation,  or  the  admission  of  spectators. 

The  committee  are  induced  to  believe,  that,  by  carpeting  the  gallery,  to  prevent 
the  noise  which  arises  from  moving  from  one  place  to  another,  and  by  strict  order  in 
the  House,  business  may  now  be  done  with  tolerable  facility,  and  a few  years’  expe- 
rience will  ascertain  the  full  effect  of  the  drying  of  the  walls. 

The  committee  are,  therefore,  of  opinion,  that  provision  should  be  made  for  car- 
peting the  gallery;  and,  that  any  further  alteration  in  the  hall  should  await  the 
result  of  further  experience.  They  submit  the  following  resolution,  viz. 

Resolved,  That  a sum  of  money  be  added  to  the  appropriations  for  the  public  build- 
ings, for  the  present  year,  for  the  purpose  of  carpeting  the  gallery  of  the  House  of 
Representatives. 

All  which  is  submitted. 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


236 


Hon.  Silas  Wood, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings. 

Sir:  I have  received  your  communication,  enclosing  the  resolution  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  “to  inquire  into  the  practicability  of  making  such  alterations  in  the 
present  structure  of  the  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives  as  shall  better  adapt  it 
to  the  purposes  of  a deliberative  assembly.”  I have  attended  to  the  subject,  and 
have  considered  the  various  suggestions  that  have  been  made,  with  a view  to  the 
desired  improvement,  and  beg  leave  to  present  the  following: 

The.  plan  of  the  hall  under  consideration  was  drawn,  by  the  distinguished  artist 
who  commenced  the  restoration  of  the  Capitol,  from  the  most  approved  remains  of 
antiquity;  it  was  taken,  apparently,  from  the  designs  of  the  Grecian  and  Roman 
theatres,  traces  of  which  are  still  extant;  and  no  form  could  be  devised  better 
adapted  to  such  buildings;  the  whole  audience  being  arranged  in  concentric  semi- 
circular rows,  and  facing  the  Prosceniam,  or  place  of  exhibition,  where  all  that  was 
spoken  was  delivered  from  the  stage  or  space  in  front  of  the  semicircle.  This  form 
has  also  been  adopted,  of  late,  in  the  legislative  halls  at  Paris;  but  it  is  not  found 
altogether  convenient  for  a deliberative  assembly,  where  the  speakers  are  seated 
indiscriminately,  and  frequently  with  a large  portion  of  the  members  in  their  rear;  in 
consequence  of  which  it  has  become  customary  there  to  select  particular  spots  for 
desks  or  tribunes,  as  stations  for  those  who  wish  to  address  the  assembly.  If  such  a 
measure  could  be  adopted  here,  it  would,  in  a great  degree,  remove  the  present  com- 
plaint; as  it  is  found,  when  religious  services  are  performed,  that  the  voice  of  the 
preacher  is  well  heard,  in  every  part  of  the  hall,  assisted,  as  he  is,  by  the  silence 
which  the  solemnity  of  worship  enjoins,  but  which  is  too  much  interrupted  on  other 
occasions. 

Several  suggestions  have  been  made  for  improvement  of  the  hall: 

1st.  To  raise  the  floor; 

2d.  To  contract  the  space  by  a partition  of  glass  in  the  place  of  the  present  bar; 

3d.  To  form  a level  ceiling  at  the  foot  of  the  dome,  resting  on  the  stone  entabla- 
ture, over  the  columns. 

I cannot  think  that  any  great  advantage  would  be  derived  from  raising  the  floor; 
because  it  could  not  be  done  more  than  three  feet,  without  disfiguring  the  columns 
and  destroying  all  the  beauty  of  their  proportions;  and  the  chief  difficulty  of  hearing 
is  occasioned  by  the  reverberation  and  confusion  of  sounds  from  the  lofty  and  smooth 
ceiling,  which  would  not  be  affected  by  this  mode  of  alteration. 

The  second  proposal,  to  reduce  the  space  by  a glass  partition,  is  also  objectionable; 
as,  in  my  opinion,  it  would  produce  no  effect,  unless  carried  very  high,  to  shut  out 
the  galleries,  which  the  habits  of  our  country  have  made  indispensable;  and  this 
mode  would  not  remove  the  difficulty  of  the  dome. 

The  third  proposal,  of  a flat  ceiling,  affords  a prospect  of  greater  advantage  than 
any  other;  it  would  reduce  the  absolute  height  of  the  room,  in  the  centre,  upwards 
of  twenty  feet,  in  which  space  much  of  the  voice  is  lost;  and  would  check,  in  a great 
measure,  and  perhaps  wholly,  the  reverberation  and  echo  complained  of.  Although 
it  would  be  a subject  of  much  regret  that  the  beauty  of  the  form  and  decoration  of 
the  dome  should  be  obscured,  yet  these  considerations  must  yield  to  the  convenience 
of  the  legislative  body.  To  impair  the  appearance  of  the  room  as  little  as  possible, 
I propose  that  this  ceiling  be  made  of  glass,  and  present  a drawing  in  which  its  form 
and  construction  are  shown;  the  panes  to  be  made  as  large  as  convenient,  and  the 
principal  ribs  to  be  gilded.  This  ceiling  would  be  preferable  to  one  of  w'ood  and 
plaster,  because  in  that,  case  it  would  hide  entirely  the  present  dome,  excepting  the 
opening  of  the  sky-light,  which  must  be  retained,  but  which  would  lose  much  of  its 
usefulness  from  the  angle  in  which  the  light  would  be  received,  and  which  would 
hardly  reach  the  outer  rows  of  the  circle. 


The  Old  Building. 


237 


I submit  an  estimate  of  the  expense  of  a glass  ceiling,  amounting  to  five  thousand 
dollars.  If  this  plan  is  approved  by  the  honorable  House  of  Representatives,  the 
work  could  be  executed  in  the  recess. 

With  respect  to  the  other  inquiry  of  the  resolution,  “ whether  it  be  practicable  to 
provide  a suitable  hall  in  the  “centre  building?”  I would  inform  the  committee, 
that  the  walls  of  a room  are  built,  intended  for  the  principal  library  room,  ninety- 
two  feet  long  and  thirty-four  wide:  it  is  not  so  large  as  the  temporary  hall  on  the 
east  of  the  Capitol  square,  which  was  eighty  by  forty-six  feet,  and,  being  narrower 
and  longer,  would  not  accommodate  the  seats  and  desks  so  well.  There  is  no 
arrangement  made  for  galleries,  though  they  might  be  added  at  the  ends,  but  would 
be  subject  to  great  inconvenience  from  the  necessity  of  using  the  same  stair-case  by 
all  persons  indiscriminately.  This  room,  however,  cannot  be  made  ready  for  use  in 
less  than  two  years’  time;  for  all  the  stone-work  of  the  western  colonnade  must  be 
completed,  together  with  an  attic  skreen  and  ballustrades,  before  the  roof  can  be 
coppered,  which  will  be  as  much  as  can  be  executed  during  the  present  year,  and 
one  more  will  lie  necessary  to  finish  the  room  and  the  stairs  leading  to  it. 

Experience,  I think,  has  proved  that  the  objections  to  the  present  hall  are  not  so 
forcible  as  they  were  last  season,  but  that  the  members  are  better  heard  as  they 
become  accustomed  to  the  room  and  to  the  pitch  of  voice  required;  yet,  if  it  should 
be  considered  so  inconvenient  that  the  necessity  of  improving  it  should  be  thought 
indispensable,  and  would  justify  the  expense,  I would  recommend  that  the  glass 
ceiling  be  built,  and  a trial  made  of  its  utility  at  the  next  session;  in  the  mean  time, 
the  outside  of  the  centre  projection  would  be  finished,  but  nothing  would  be  done 
to  the  inside  of  the  library,  until  such  orders  might  be  given  for  the  finishing  of  that 
room  as  circumstances  should  suggest  to  be  expedient  and  best. 

Respectfully  submitted,  by  your  obedient  servant, 

Charles  Bulfinch. 


Estimate  of  the  expense  of  a glass  ceiling  over  the  Representatives'  Hall. 


234  feet  of  circular  curb,  or  frame  work,  at  75  cts §175  50 

328  feet  of  straight  curb,  at  50  cts 164  00 

159  do.  do.  at  62  cts 98  58 

3,180  feet  of  circular  sashes,  at  50  cts 1,  590  00 

1,050  feet  of  straight  sash,  at  35  cts 367  50 

750  feet  of  iron  rods,  to  suspend  the  frame,  at  15  cts 112  50 

Scaffolding,  materials,  and  work 200  00 

3,180  feet  best  glass,  at  50  cts 1, 590  00 

3,180  feet  glazing  and  putty,  at  10  cts . - 318  00 

Painting  and  gilding 383  92 


Total 5,000  00 

Respectfully  submitted. 


Charles  Bulfinch. 

January  10,  1821. 


[House  proceedings  of  Jan.  30,  1821:  Annals  of  Congress,  16-2,  p.  984.] 

Mr.  Wood,  from  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings,  made  a detailed  report 
upon  the  subject  of  the  appropriations  and  expenditures  upon  the  said  buildings 
during  the  last  year,  accompanied  with  a bill  making  further  appropriations  for  the 
same;  which  bill  was  twice  read,  and  committed  to  a Committee  of  the  Whole. 


238 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[16-2,  House  Report  No.  50.] 

REPORT  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  with  a bill  making  appropriations 

for  the  Public  Buildings.  January  30,  1821. — Read,  and,  with  the  bill,  committed 

to  a committe  of  the  whole  House  on  the  bill  making  appropriations  for  the  sup- 
port of  government  for  the  year  1821. 

The  Committee  on  the  public  buildings  report  that  they  have  carefully  examined 
the  different  branches  of  labor  and  expenditure  connected  with  the  progress  of  the 
Public  Buildings,  during  the  last  year;  and  have  reviewed  the  estimates  presented 
by  the  Commissioner  and  public  Architects  of  the  work  contemplated  to  be  per- 
formed the  present  year. 

The  alterations  and  improvements  in  the  Senate  Chamber,  and  in  the  Hall  of  the 
PI  ouse  of  Representatives,  that  were  authorized  by  law  at  the  last  session  of  Con- 
gress, to  render  those  rooms  more  convenient  for  the  transaction  of  the  public  busi- 
ness, have  been  effected  within  the  amount  of  the  estimated  expense,  and  within 
the  appropriations  made  for  those  purposes. 

The  work  on  the  Centre  Building  has  been  continued,  and,  with  the  exception  of 
a small  portion,  omitted  in  consequence  of  the  sickness  of  the  workmen  and  the 
intemperance  of  the  season,  as  much  has  been  done  as  was  contemplated  by  the 
estimate.  Some  alteration  has  been  made  in  the  order  of  the  execution  of  the  work; 
but  the  Committee  are  perfectly  satisfied  that  the  change  was  judicious  and  proper. 

It  appears,  from  a statement  furnished  by  the  Commissioner,  that  the  labor  and 
materials  have  been  procured  on  better  terms  than  they  were  the  preceding  year; 
the  work  appears  to  be  well  done,  and  the  expenditure  on  this  part  of  the  Public 
Buildings-  has,  also,  been  kept  within  the  estimates  and  appropriations. 

The  Committee  would  have  been  gratified  if  they  could,  with  propriety,  have 
recommended  a diminution  of  the  annual  appropriation  to  this  object,  by  diminish- 
ing the  annual  amount  of  work  to  be  done  upon  the  Centre  Building;  but  prudence 
and  economy  obviously  require  that  the  walls  should  be  erected,  and  the  whole 
building  covered,  before  any  considerable  reduction  in  the  annual  appropriation  for 
the  Centre  Building  would  be  consistent  with  the  public  interest. 

The  Committee  have  been  furnished  by  the  public  Architect  with  the  subjoined 
estimate  of  the  cost  of  the  labor  and  materials  necessary  in  the  prosecution  of  the 
work  the  present  year,  including  materials  for  the  ensuing  season;  and,  also,  a pro- 
vision for  the  improvement  of  the  ground  around  the  Capitol,  amounting  to 
$120,643  29. 

The  estimate  for  the  Centre  Building  is  calculated  with  a view  to  complete  the 
enclosure  of  the  west  front;  to  carry  up  the  stone  and  brick  work  of  the  east  front, 
and  the  walls  of  the  Rotundo,  to  the  springing  of  the  dome. 

From  the  letter  of  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings,  accompanying  this 
report,  it  appears,  that  there  remains  unexpended  of  former  appropriations  to  the 
different  Public  Buildings  the  sum  of  $26,173  56. 

The  Committee  have  studied  to  subject  this  source  of  expense  to  some  retrench- 
ment, correspondent  to  what  is  contemplated  in  other  branches  of  public  expendi- 
ture, in  the  only  way  in  which  it  is  susceptible  of  retrenchment.  From  the  increas- 
ing value  of  money,  and  the  consequent  diminution  in  the  price  of  almost  every 
article  used  in  building,  it  is  presumed  that  the  work  may  be  accomplished  within 
the  estimated  expense;  that  the  progress  of  the  building  will  not  be  retarded  or 
embarrassed  by  a small  reduction  of  the  estimate;  and,  the  Committee  are  of 
opinion,  that  an  appropriation  of  $80,000,  together  with  the  unexpended  balances  of 
former  appropriations,  will  be  adequate  to  the  completion  of  the  estimated  improve- 
ments on  the  Centre  Building,  the  present  year. 

* * * 

There  are,  also,  some  small  improvements  deemed  necessary'  in  the  Hall  of  the 
House  of  Representatives,  and  in  the  Library,  the  whole  of  which  are  not  estimated 
to  exceed  the  sum  of  six  hundred  dollars. 

The  Committee  have  prepared  a bill  making  the  above  mentioned  appropriations, 
which  they  have  directed  to  be  reported  to  the  House. 


The  Old  Building. 


239 


Appropriations  and  Expenditures  on  account  of  the  Public  Buildings  and  Ground  in  Wash- 
ington City,  for  the  year  1820. 


1820. 
April  11 


April  11 


April  11 


April  11 
May  15 


Centre. 

Appropriation  “ for  continuing  the  work  of  the  Centre  Building  of  the  Capitol”. 
Disbursements  from  April  1st  to  December  31st,  1820 

*111, V69  00 
95,  607  63 

Unexpended  balance 

*16,161  37 

Wings  of  the  Capitol  United  States. 

Appropriation  ‘‘for  painting  the  inside  of  the  north  and  south  wings  of  the 

2,  867  00 
2, 842  90 

' Disbursements  to  December  31st,  1820  

Unexpended  balance 

*24  10 

Senate  Chamber. 

Appropriation  “for  making  alterations  and  improvements  in  the  Senate 
Chamber,  ” 

2,  400  00 
1,217  84 

Disbursements  to  December  31,  1820 

*1, 182  16 

Capitol  Square. 

Appropriation  “ for  graduating  the  ground,  &c.”  1,500  00 

Do 2, 000  00 

3, 500  00 
2,  937  46 

*562  54 

* * * 

Note. — The  disbursements  above  stated,  include  those  only  for  which  regular 
vouchers  had  been  received,  on  the  31st  December  last. 

Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  Public  Buildings. 

Washington,  January  11,  1821. 


Office  of  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 

January  25,  1821. 

Sir:  In  compliance  with  your  letter  of  the  23d  inst.  I enclose  a list  of  the  unex- 
pended balances  of  the  appropriations  of  last  year,  for  the  Public  Buildings;  the 
estimate  of  the  Architect,  of  the  sum  required  for  carrying  on  the  Centre  Building  of 
the  Capitol,  during  the  present  year;  a table  of  wages  and  prices  of  materials;  and 
an  estimate  of  the  sum  which  it  would  require  to  complete  coppering  the  President’s 
House. 

From  the  first  mentioned  of  these  papers  it  appears,  that  of  the  appro- 
priation of  April  11th,  1820,  for  continuing  the  work  on  the  Centre 
Building  of  the  Capitol,  there  remained  unexpended  on  the  31st  day  of 

December  last,  the  sum  of $16, 161  37 

To  this  must  be  added  the  balance  of  former  appropriations  remaining 
on  hand  the  1st  day  of  April,  1820,  amounting  to 19,  502  82 

Total  unexpended  balance  of  all  appropriations  on  account  of  the 

Centre 35,664  19 

From  this  sum  deduct  the  payments  made  since  the  31st  of 

December  last 6,790  63 

Outstanding  bills  for  free  stone  delivered,  per  Architect’s  esti- 
mate   - 2,  700  00 

9,  490  63 


26, 173  56 


240 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Leaving  to  cover  all  other  outstanding  bills,  and  for  current  expenditures  until  a 
further  appropriation  is  made,  the  sum  of  twenty-six  thousand  one  hundred  and 
seventy  three  dollars,  fifty-six  cents. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  Public  Buildings. 

Hon.  Silas  Wood, 

Chairman  Committee  Public  Buildings,  &c. 


December  6,  1820. 

Sir:  I herewith  present  an  estimate  of  the  expense  of  materials  and  labor,  for  the 
further  progress  of  the  work  on  the  Capitol  of  the  United  States  for  the  year  1821. 

I contemplate,  in  the  course  of  the  ensuing  year,  to  complete  the  stone  work  of 
the  west  front,  to  roof  that  projection,  to  insert  all  the  window  frames  and  sashes, 
and  to  carry  up  the  stone  and  brick  work,  of  the  east  front,  and  the  walls  of  the 
rotundo,  to  the  level  for  springing  the  dome.  I have  also  asked  a further  supply  for 
improving  the  grounds,  and  for  providing  materials  for  the  following  season. 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Charles  Bulfinch,  Architect  Capitol.  V.  S. 

Samuel  Lane,  Esq. 


ESTIMATE  of  the  expense  of  materials  and  labor  required  for  the  further  progress  of  the 
work  on  the  Capitol  of  the  United  States , for  the  year  1821.  * * * 


RECAPITULATION. 


Stone  cutter’s  estimate $35, 383  54 

Free  stone  do 23, 850  00 

Carpenter’s  do 25,557  75 

Bricks,  carving,  painting,  &c 35,852  00 


Respectfully  submitted. 
December  6,  1820. 


$120,  643  29 

Charles  Bulfinch,  Arch.  Cap.  U.  S. 


* 


TABLE,  shewing  the  wages,  a nd  prices  of  mater  ials  given  at  the  Public  Buildings  in  Wash- 
ington City,  during  the  years  1818  and  1820. 


1818. 

1820. 

$2  50@$2  75 
2 00(5)  2 25 

$1  25@$1  50 
1 50 

1 62@  1 88 
1 00 

1 00@.  1 25 
70@  75 

5 50(5)'  7 00 

10  00@12  00 
9 00@  9 50 

5 50@  6 00 
1 25@  1 50 

3 00@  3 50 

Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  Public  Buildings. 


Washington,  January  11,  1821. 


The  Old  Building . 


241 


[“An  Act  making  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings,”  approved  Mar.  3,  1821.  (Stats,  at  Large, 

V.  3,  635.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled , That,  for  continuing  the  work  on  the  centre  building  of  the 
capitol,  and  other  improvements  on  the  public  buildings,  the  following  sums  of 
money  be,  and  hereby  are,  apppropriated : 

For  continuing  the  work  on  the  centre  building,  the  sum  of  eighty  thousand  dollars. 
* * * 

For  graduating  and  improving  the  ground  around  the  Capitol,  two  thousand 
dollars. 

For  improvements  in  the  Senate  chamber,  and  in  the  hall  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, and  in  the  library,  seven  hundred  dollars. 

Sec.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  unexpended  balances  of  appropriations 
to  other  public  buildings,  are  hereby  appropriated  to  the  centre  building. 

Sec.  3.  And  be  it  further  enacted , That  the  said  several  sums  of  money  be  paid  out 
of  any  moneys  in  the  treasury,  not  otherwise  appropriated. 


[Message  from  tlie  President  of  the  United  States,  transmitting  the  annual  report  of  the  Commis- 
sioner of  the  Public  Buildings,  Jan.  17,  1822.  (17 — 1,  House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  26.)] 

To  the  House  of  Representatives: 

In  compliance  with  a resolution  of  the  Senate,  requesting  the  President  “to  cause 
a statement  of  expenditures  upon  the  public  buildings,  and  an  account  of  their  prog- 
ress, to  be  annually  laid  before  Congress,  at  the  commencement  of  each  session,”  I 
herewith  transmit  the  annual  report  of  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings. 

James  Monroe. 

Washington,  January  15th,  1822. 


Washington,  January  8,  1822. 

To  the  President  of  the  United  States: 

Sir:  The  expenditures  on  account  of  the  public  buildings,  and  ground,  in  this  city, 


during  the  year  1821,  have  been  as  follows: 

Carrying  on  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol $102,  314  29 

Improving  the  Capitol  square 2,  000  00 

Covering  the  roof  of  the  President’s  house  with  copper 5,405  32 

Slating  the  old  Executive  offices,  (part  done  in  1820,) 5,  736  67 


Total $115,  456  28 


For  the  progress  made  in  the  centre  building,  during  the  same  period,  I beg  leave 
to  refer  to  the  annexed  report  of  the  Architect.  The  President’s  house  is  entirely 
covered  in  with  copper,  but  the  Architect  reports  that  some  finishing  will  be  neces- 
sary to  be  done  next  season,  requiring  about  $300.  Thus  the  whole  will  be  com- 
pleted for  about  $1,100  less  than  the  appropriation.  The  old  Executive  offices  have 
been  slated  with  the  very  best  materials,  and  workmanship,  for  the  sum  above 
stated,  being  $4,263  33  less  than  the  estimate  and  appropriation. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect, 

Your  most  obedient  servant,  Saml.  Lane, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


H.  Rep.  646 16 


242 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


To  Samuel  Lane,  Esq.,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings: 

The  following  is  presented  as  a report  of  the  proceedings  on  the  Capitol  of  the 
United  States,  for  the  past  year. 

During  the  winter,  workmen  were  employed  in  preparing  materials,  particularly  of 
freestone,  for  spring  use.  They  commenced  early  in  April  the  work  on  the  walls, 
which  proceeded  regularly  until  the  middle  of  August,  when  a very  general  sickness 
prevailed  among  the  workmen,  and  several  of  the  principal  superintendents,  which 
occasioned  interruption  and  delay,  but,  by  great  exertion,  in  the  month  of  November, 
the  building  was  brought  into  the  state  in  which  it  now  appears,  and  not  far  short  of 
what  was  hoped  and  anticipated  at  the  time  of  presenting  the  estimates  for  the  year. 

The  whole  of  the  stone  work  of  the  western  projection  is  complete,  except  the 
chimneys,  and  some  carved  decorations  in  the  cornice,  and  some  pannels.  The 
roofs  are  all  raised,  and  covered  with  copper,  except  a small  portion  over  the 
library.  The  east  wall  is  raised  within  one  course  of  what  was  expected,  and  the 
walls  of  the  rotunda  are  of  the  same  level.  All  the  window  frames,  shutters,  and 
dressings,  are  ready  for  use,  and  the  glass,  from  the  best  Boston  manufactory,  is  on 
hand.  A quantity  of  stone  is  provided,  and  is  preparing  for  the  next  season,  and 
the  carpenters  are  engaged  in  making  sashes,  doors,  &c. 

Considerable  progress  has  been  made  in  graduating  the  square,  and  regulating  the 
grounds;  and  the  improvements  ordered  for  the  Senate  chamber  and  Representa- 
tives’ hall  have  been  executed.  The  materials  have  been  purchased  at  the  lowest 
rate,  and  with  strict  attention  to  economy,  and  the  work  has  been  done  with  solidity 
and  correctness. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

Charles  Bulfinch, 
Architect  of  Capitol  of  U.  States. 

Washington,  Jan.  4,  1822. 


[17 — 1,  House  Report  No.  76.] 

REPORT  of  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings,  with  a bill  making  appropri- 
ations for  the  Public  Buildings.  March  25,  1822. — Read,  and,  with  the  bill,  com- 
mitted to  the  committee  of  the  whole  House,  to  which  is  committed  the  bill  mak- 
ing appropriations  for  the  support  of  government  for  the  year  one  thousand  eight 
hundred  and  twenty-two. 

The  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings  report: 

That  they  have  attentively  examined  the  Public  Buildings,  and,  upon  examina- 
tion, find  that  the  work  upon  the  Centre  Building  has  progressed,  but  has  not  been 
brought  to  that  state  of  perfection  which  was  calculated  by  the  estimates  of  the  last 
year;  all,  however,  that  Avas  anticipated  has  been  done  except  covering  with  copper 
a small  portion  of  the  roof  OA^er  the  Library;  and  the  chimneys,  and  some  carved 
decorations,  and  some  pannels,  on  the  west  projection;  and  one  course  of  stone  on 
the  east  projection. 

The  failure  to  complete  the  stone  work  that  was  contemplated  is  attributed,  by 
the  Architect,  to  the  general  sickness  Avhich  prevailed  among  the  workmen,  and 
several  of  the  principal  superintendents,  Avhich  occasioned  much  interruption  and 
delay;  but,  by  strenuous  exertions  in  the  month  of  November,  the  building  was 
brought  into  that  state  in  which  it  now  appears,  which  is  not  far  short  of  what  was 
anticipated  by  the  last  estimate. 

The  expenditure  has  been  kept  Avithin  the  appropriation,  and  the  work  has  been 
executed  Avith  correctness  and  solidity. 

* * * 

The  committee  haAre  received  from  the  Public  Architect  the  subjoined  estimates 
of  the  cost  of  labor  and  materials  necessary  to  prosecute  the  work  on  the  Centre 


The  Old  Building. 


243 


Building  the  present  year,  and  for  the  improving  and  regulating  the  public  ground 
around  the  Capitol.  The  estimate  for  the  Centre  Building  is  calculated  with  a view 
to  finish  all  the  Committee  rooms,  and  to  complete  the  large  dome  over  the  Centre 
Building;  the. cost  of  which  has  been  calculated,  in  the  subjoined  estimate  of  the 
Architect,  in  three  different  materials,  “viz.”  stone,  brick,  and  wood. 

From  the  deliberation  which  the  committee  have  given  the  subject,  they  recom- 
mend the  dome  to  be  built  of  wood;  and  the  appropriation  they  propose  is  founded 
on  the  estimate  for  a dome  of  that  description.  The  committee  have  examined  the 
progress  which  has  been  made  in  graduating  and  improving  the  ground  around  the 
Capitol,  and  are  of  the  opinion,  that  the  labor  which  has  been  done  in  these  two 
branches  of  expenditure  is  not  as  much  as  should  have  been  performed  for  the 
several  appropriations  which  have  been  made  for  these  improvements;  and  the 
committee  are,  moreover,  of  the  opinion,  that  such  appropriations  must  ever  continue 
unprofitable  whilst  there  remains  such  quantity  of  stone  and  rubbish  scattered  over  the 
ground  which  is  to  be  improved,  and  therefore  recommend,  that  no  appropriation  for 
these  improvements  be  made  the  present  year.  Should  the  view  which  the  committee 
have  taken  of  this  subject  be  approved  by  the  House,  they  recommend  an  appro- 
priation of  $120,000  which,  in  addition  to  the  unexpended  balance  of  the  appropri- 
ation on  the  Executive  office,  will,  in  their  opinion,  be  sufficient  to  bring  the  Centre 
Building  to  that  state  which  is  proposed  by  the  estimate.  The  committee  have 
been  furnished  with  the  subjoined  estimate  iyv  the  Commissioner,  which  is  calcu- 
lated to  finish  the  south  jiortico  to  the  President’s  House,  to  paint  the  inside  of  the 
building,  to  graduate  and  construct  the  culvert  from  the  building,  and  for  partial 
repairs  annually.  The  committee  recommend  an  appropriation  of  $2,200  for  paint- 
ing, constructing  the  culvert,  and  for  annual  repairs,  which,  in  addition  to  the 
unexpended  balance  on  the  President’s  house,  will  make  $3,300,  the  sum  required. 
The  committee  would  have  been  gratified  if  they  could  have  recommended  the 
appropriation  necessary  to  complete  the  south  portico,  but,  in  consequence  of  the 
large  appropriation  which  will  be  necessary  to  carry  on  the  centre  building  of 
the  Capitol,  they  cannot  at  present  recommend  such  appropriation,  for  they  are  of 
the  opinion  that  it  is  more  for  the  interest  of  the  public  to  bring  the  Capitol  to  that 
state  of  progress  towards  completion  which  it  is  calculated  to  do  by  the  estimates  for 
the  present  year,  than  to  complete  the  south  portico  to  the  President’s  house,  which 
can,  in  its  present  state,  be  protected  from  sustaining  much  injury  ’till  such  time  as 
the  appropriation  can  be  made  more  consistently  with  the  public  interest  than  at 
present. 

The  committee  have  prepared  a bill  making  the  above  mentioned  appropriations, 
which  they  have  directed  to  be  reported  to  the  House. 

Office  of  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 

Washington,  January  8th,  1822. 

Sir:  The  expenditures  on  account  of  the  public  buildings  and  ground  in  this  city, 


during  the  year  1821,  have  been  as  follows: 

Carrying  on  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol $102,  314  29 

Improving  the  Capitol  square 2,  000  00 

* * * 


For  the  progress  made  in  the  centre  building  during  the  same  period,  I beg  leave 
to  refer  to  the  annexed  report  of  the  architect.  * * * The  estimates  for  the 
present  year  are  preparing,  and  when  completed  shall  be  submitted  to  you. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  Public  Buildings. 

Hon.  William  S.  Blackledge, 

Chairman,  dec.  dec.  dec. 


244 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


To  Samuel  Lane,  Esq.  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings: 

The  following  is  ji  resented  as  a report  of  the  proceedings  on  the  Capitol  of  the 
United  States  for  the  past  year. 

During  the  winter,  workmen  were  employed  in  preparing  materials,  particularly 
of  free  stone  for  spring  use;  they  commenced  early  in  April  the  work  on  the  walls, 
which  proceeded  regularly  until  the  middle  of  August,  when  a very  general  sickness 
prevailed  among  the  workmen,  and  several  of  the  principal  superintendents,  which 
occasioned  interruption  and  delay;  but  by  great  exertion,  in  the  month  of  November, 
the  building  was  brought  into  the  state  in  which  it  now  appears,  and  not  far  short  of 
what  was  hoped  and  anticipated  at  the  time  of  presenting  the  estimates  for  the  year. 

The  whole  of  the  stone  work  of  the  western  projection  is  complete,  except  the 
chimneys  and  some  carved  decorations,  and  some  pannels:  the  roofs  are  all  raised 
and  covered  with  copper,  except  a small  portion  over  the  library.  The  east  wall  is 
raised  within  one  course  of  what  was  expected,  and  the  walls  of  the  rotundo  are  of 
the  same  level.  All  the  window  frames,  shutters,  -and  dressings,  are  ready  for  use, 
anil  the  glass,  from  the  best  Boston  manufactory,  is  on  hand.  A quantity  of  stone 
is  provided  and  is  preparing  for  the  next  season,  and  the  carpenters  are  engaged  in 
making  sashes,  doors,  &c. 

Considerable  progress  has  been  made  in  graduating  the  square  and  regulating  the 
grounds;  and  the  improvements  ordered  for  the  Senate  Chamber  and  Representative 
Hall  have  been  executed.  The  materials  have  been  purchased  at  the  lowest  rate 
and  with  strict  attention  to  economy;  and  the  work  has  been  done  with  solidity  and 
correctness. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

Charles  Bulfinch. 

Architect  of  Capitol  United  States. 

Washington,  January  4th,  1822. 


Office  of  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 

Washington , February  5,  1822. 

Sir:  I now  enclose  the  estimate  of  the  Architect,  of  the  sum  necessary  for  carrying 
on  the  centre  building  of  the  capital;  and,  also,  a comparative  view  of  the  expense  of 
a brick  and  stone  dome  over  that  building,  exhibiting  a difference  in  favor  of  the 
former  of  thirty-five  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eighty-one  dollars.  It  will  be  for 
Congress  to  determine,  whether  the  greater  security,  durability,  and  elegance  afforded 
by  a stone  dome,  will  not  more  than  countervail  the  difference  in  first  cost.  I also 
enclose  an  estimate  of  certain  repairs,  &c.  deemed  essential  for  the  preservation  of 
the  President’s  house. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  sir,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  Public  Buildings. 

Hon.  William  S.  Blackledge, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  Ac. 

To  Samuel  Lane,  Esq.,  Commissioner  oj  Public  Buildings: 

Sir:  I now  present  to  you  the  estimates  of  expense  of  continuing  the  work  on  the 
Capitol  for  the  current  year.  In  which,  I propose  to  finish  all  the  committee  rooms 
of  the  centre,  to  build  the  great  dome  over  the  rotundo,  and  to  lay  the  foundation  of 
the  east  portico. 

I also  hand  an  estimate  of  the  dome  built  of  brick  (on  which  the  general  estimate 
is  founded)  and  one  built  wholly  of  stone,  which  would  be  preferable  in  some 
respects,  for  solidity,  and  not  requiring  future  repairs;  but  am  apprehensive  the 
expense  would  prevent  so  large  an  appropriation  as  it  would  require. 

I am,  with  great  respect,  your  most  obedient  servant, 


Charles  Bulfinch. 


The  Old  Building. 


245 


RECA  PITULATION. 


Carpenter’s  work $17,964  52 

Stone  do 57,  304  67 

Brick  do 12,  260 

Copper  and  Iron  work 7,  760 

Plastering 20, 830 

Carving,  painting,  &c 13,  075 

Grounds,  &c 3, 150 


Total  amount $132,  344  19 


Respectfully  submitted. 

Charles  Bn, finch,  Arch.  Cap.  U.  S. 

February  4,  1822. 

Comparative  view  of  the  expense  of  a Dome  of  Brick  and  of  Stone. 

FOR  A BRICK  DOME. 


Carpenter’s  work  on  centre,  with  materials  complete $5,000 

180  tons  of  stone  for  bond  course 1,  622  40 

work  on  do 2,  895 

setting  do 677  50 

600,000  brick,  work  included 8,400 

Copper  7,500  feet  do.  4,500 

Painting  2,000  yards,  at  20  cents 500 

Plastering  2,324  do.  at  60  cents 1,394 


$24,988  90 

FOR  A STONE  DOME. 

Free  stone,  2242  tons,  at  $9 $20, 178 

Work  on  do.  15689  feet,  at  $1.75 27,455  75 

Setting  do.  at  3 per  cent,  on  the  work 8,  236  50 

Copper  as  above 4,  500 

Painting  do 500 


$60,  870  25 

Difference  between  brick  and  stone, $35,  881  35 


The  estimates  are  made  including  the  expense  of  a brick  dome;  if  a stone  dome 
should  be  preferred,  the  above  amount  of  35,881  dollars  must  be  added. 

Charles  Bulfinch. 

* * * 


Estimate  of  the  expense  of  a dome  of  wood  on  a foundation  of  stone  work,  to  cover  the 


rotunda  of  the  Capitol. 

Inside  dome  to  form  ceiling  and  pannels,  * * * $10,136 

Outside  Dome  for  covering,  * * * 3,  265 

Copper,  the  same  amount  as  for  the  other  estimates $4,  500 

Painting  do.  do.  do 500 

Plastering  do.  do.  do 1,394 

6, 394 

$19,  795 

Respectfully  submitted  by 


Hon.  W.  S.  Blackledge, 

Chairman,  Ac. 


Charles  Bulfinch. 


246 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


. [17-1,  House  Report  No.  79.] 

REPORT  of  the  Committee  on  the  Expenditures  on  the  Public  Buildings,  March 
26,  1822. 

The  Committee  on  Expenditures  on  the  Public  Buildings,  report: 

That  it  appears,  from  the  statement  of  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings, 
laid  before  the  Committee,  that  his  disbursements  on  account  of  the  centre  building 


of  the  Capitol,  during  the  year  1821,  were  as  follows,  viz. 

For  materials 832,  209  50 

Freight,  whai'fage,  drayage,  tools,  smith’s  bill,  fuel,  stationery,  &c.  7,  922  49 

Compensation  to  architect,  clerk,  and  three  persons  at  the  head  of 

carvers’,  stone-cutters’,  and  carpenters’  departments _.  8,250  00 

Labor,  including  pay  of  five  persons  employed  as  foremen  and 
overseers 53,  932  30 


Amount  expended  on  centre  building  of  Capitol  in  1821 $102,  314  29 

And  there  was  expended  on  the  President’s  house,  in  the 

same  year,  the  sum  of $5, 405.  32 

On  old  Executive  offices 5,  736.  67 

On  ground  around  the  Capitol 2, 017.  56 

13, 159  55 


Amount  expended  on  the  public  buildings  and  Capitol  square  in  1821..  $115,473  84 

Appropriations. 


3d  March,  1821. 
1st  Jan.  1821. 

For  the  work  on  centre  building-  of  Capitol,  in  addition  to 
unexpended  balances  of  appropriations  to  other  buildings. 
The  unexpended  balance  of  former  appropriations  for  the 
centre  building,  as  appears  by  commissioner’s  letter  of 
25th  January,  1821,  was 

80, 000 
35,664  19 

The  unexpended  balance  of  appropriations  of  11th  April, 
1820,  for  wings  of  Capitol  and  Senate  chamber,  transferred 

993  26 

S116, 657  45 
* * * 

3d  March,  1821. 

For  graduating  and  improving  the  ground  around  the  Cap- 
itol   

2,000 

Amount  applicable  to  public  buildings  and  Capitol  square 
in  1821  

8136, 502  45 

From  the  foregoing  statement  it  will  be  perceived  that,  with  the  exception  of  a 
small  excess  in  the  disbursement  on  Capitol  square,  the  expenditures  have  been 
kept  within  the  appropriations;  that,  on  the  1st  January,  1822,  there  was  an  unex- 
pended balance  of  appropriations  for  the  centre  building,  and  wings  of  the  Capitol, 
of  14,343  dollars  16  cents,  applicable  to  the  work  on  the  centre  building,  and  that 
the  amount  of  the  sums  expended  on  the  President’s  house,  the  old  Executive 
offices,  and  the  ground  around  the  Capitol,  in  1821,  is  less,  by  $6,685  45,  than  the 
amount  of  appropriations  for  those  objects  by  the  acts  of  the  3d  of  March,  1819,  and 
the  3d  March,  1821.  An  appropriation  of  $700,  by  the  act  of  the  3d  March,  1821, 
for  improvements  in  the  Senate  chamber,  and  in  the  hall  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, and  in  the  Library,  is  not  embraced  in  the  above  statement. 

The  Committee  are  of  opinion  that  the  materials  were  purchased  at  moderate 
prices,  that  the  labor  was  procured  on  reasonable  terms,  and  that  the  work  has  been 
executed  in  a substantial  and  workmanlike  manner.  The  papers  herewith  sub- 
mitted were  received  from  the  office  of  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings. 
The  paper  marked  A shews  the  quantities  of  several  kinds  of  materials  purchased 
for  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol  in  1821,  and  their  prices;  that  marked  B shews 
the  number  of  persons  employed  by  the  Commissioner  to  jdan  and  superintend  the 
execution  of  the  work,  and  to  keep  the  accounts;  also,  the  compensation  allowed  to 
each;  and  the  paper  marked  C shews  the  number  of  day’s  works  performed  on  the 
centre  building  of  the  Capitol  by  the  different  descriptions  of  artizans  and  laborers 
during  the  last  year,  and  the  amounts  paid  them  for  their  services. 


The  Old  Building . 


247 


Abstract  of  Labor  and  Materials  employed  on  the  Centre  Building  of  the  Capitol  of  the 
United  States,  during  the  year  1821. 


Labor,  including  pay  of  architect,  clerk,  foremen,  and  overseers 

1,258  tons  of  freestone at  $5  50  to  $7  00  per  ton. . 

1,212,045  hard  burnt  brick 5 50  to  6 00  per  M .. 

1,136  barrels  of  Thomaston  lime 1 25  to  1 75  per  bbl.. 

3,596  do.  of  sand 21  per  “ .. 

65,371  feet  of  lumber 10  00  to  30  00  per  M .. 

20,472  lbs.  of  sheet  copper 31  per  lb  .. 

All  other  materials 

Incidental  expenses,  ( i.e . freight,  wharfage,  drayage,  tools,  smiths’ 
bills,  &c) 

Total 


$62, 182  30 
8,  111  48 
7,  074  43 
1,  748  74 
755  16 
1,006  99 
6,  346  32 
7, 166  38 

7,922  49 


102,314  29 


* * * 


Wages  paid  at  the  Capitol  of  the  United  States,  in  the  year  1821. 


Summer. 

Winter. 

Carvers 

..  $1  50 

per  day. 

$1  37£  per  day. 

Stone  Cutters 

..  1 374 

do. 

1 25  do. 

Bricklayers 

..  1 50 

do. 

Carpenters 

..  1 124 

do. 

1 00  do. 

Coppersmiths 

..  1 124 

do. 

Laborers 

■X- 

* 

75 

* 

do. 

70  do. 

Errors  excepted. 

Washington,  February  11,  1822. 

Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

* * * 

[17 — 1,  House  Report  No.  86.] 

REPORT  of  the  Committee  on  the  Expenditures  on  the  Public  Buildings.  April  8, 
1822. — Read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

The  Committee  on  the  Expenditures  on  the  Public  Buildings,  report: 

That  the  statement  in  their  report  of  the  26th  ultimo,  brought  to  view  the  amount 
of  funds  furnished  the  late  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings,  in  1821,  for  defray- 
ing the  expense  of  the  work  on  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol,  the  President's 
house,  the  old  Executive  offices,  and  Capitol  square,  and  the  amount  of  expenditures 
during  the  same  year  on  account  of  said  buildings  and  Capitol  square.  At  that  time 
the  committee  did  not  suppose  it  necessary  to  embrace  in  their  statement  expendi- 
tures made  prior  to  1821,  or  appropriations  not  connected  with  the  expenditures  of 
that  year;  but,  since  the  date  of  their  former  report,  the  committee  have  been 
induced  to  request  the  clerk  of  the  commissioner’s  office  to  furnish  them  with  a 
statement  of  all  the  appropriations  and  expenditures  made  on  account  of  the  public 
buildings,  and  grounds  connected  with  them,  during  the  time  the  late  commissioner 
was  in  office.  By  the  statement  furnished,  and  which  is  herewith  presented  to  the 
House,  it  will  be  perceived  that  the  sum  of  $10,594  44  is  due,  mostly  from  sundry 
persons  to  whom  advances  in  money  have  been  heretofore  made;  and  that  there  is  a 


248 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


balance  of  $13,028  80,  due  from  the  estate  of  the  late  commissioner.  The  amount  of 
these  sums  considerably  exceeds  the  amount  of  the  unexpended  balances  mentioned 
in  the  report  of  the  26th  March;  and  it  now  appears  that  there  is  not  at  this  time 
any  money  on  hand  to  defray  the  expense  of  continuing  the  work  on  the  centre 
building  of  the  Capitol. 


* * * 
Appropriations. 


1815,  Feb. 

15 

For  repairing  public  buildings  in  Washing- 

ton 

500,  000 

Expended  by  former  commissioners,  this 

sum 

187,045  95 

Balance,  which  came  into  the  hands  of  S. 

Lane 

312,954  5 

1817,  March 

3 

For  completing  repairs  of  public  buildings  . 

100,  000 

1818,  Jan. 

29 

For  do  - do 

200,  000 

April 

20 

Wings  of  Capitol 

80,  000 

1819,  March 

3 

Wings  of  Capitol 

51,332 

1820,  Feb. 

10 

Wings  of  Capitol 

75,  000 

April 

11 

Wings  of  Capitol 

5,  267 

1821,  March 

3 

Wings  of  Capitol 

700 

1818,  April 

20 

President’s  House 

15,  214 

1820,  Feb. 

10 

President’  sib  iuse 

13, 174  66 

April 

11 

President’s  House 

1, 100 

854,741  71 

1818,  April 

20 

Centre  building  of  the  Capitol 

100,  000 

1819,  March 

3 

Centre  building  of  the  Capitol 

136,  644 

1820,  April 

11 

Centre  building  of  the  Capitol. 

111,  769 

1821,  March 

3 

Centre  building  of  the  Capitol 

80,  000 

428,  413 

1816,  April 

29 

Enclosing  and  improving  the  Capitol 

square 

30,  000 

l.si 7,  March 

3 

Enclosing  and  improving  the  Capitol 

square 

38,  658 

1820,  April 

11 

Enclosing  and  improving  the  Capitol 

square 

5,  591 

May 

15 

Enclosing  and  improving  the  Capitol 

square • 

2,  000 

1821,  March  3 

Do  do 

2,000 

78,249 

* * 
Expenditures. 


1822,  March  22 


On  repairing  the  wings  of  the  Capitol,  per 

abstract  A 630,  778  43 

On  repairing  President’s  House,  per  ab- 
stract A 215,  594  19 

On  repairing  War  and  Treasury  offices 1, 206  56 

Contingent  expenses,  embracing  a variety 
of  accounts  not  properly  chargeable  to  any 

one  of  the  above  buildings 6,  674  17 

854,  253  35 

On  centre  building,  per  abstract  A 424,  088  69 


Enclosing  and  improving  the  Capitol  square 78,266  56 


* * 

Washington,  April  5th,  1822, 

J.  Elgar,  Clerk. 


The.  Old  Building. 


249 


A. 


Annual  expenditures. 


Date. 

Wings  of 
Capitol. 

Centre 

Building. 

1816 

76, 112  17 
168,779  51 
200, 131  98 
157,383  67 
27,  744  95 
626  15 

1817 

1818 

1819  

1820  

1821 

45, 936  93 
147,768  53 
119, 043  35 
102,314  29 
9,025  59 

1822  

Total 

630, 778  43 

424,088  69 

* * * 


Washington,  April  5,  18:22. 

J.  Elgar,  Clerk. 


[House  proceedings  of  Apr.  10,  1822:  Annals  of  Congress,  17-1,  p.  1517.] 

The  bill  making  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings  was  then  taken  up,  and 
Mr.  Blackledge,  chairman  of  the  committee,  in  support  and  explanation  of  the  bill, 
observed  that,  in  reporting  it,  the  committee  were  of  opinion,  the  sooner  the  build- 
ings are  completed,  the  greater  will  be  the  advantage  to  the  Government.  They 
were  more  confirmed  in  their  opinion  on  this  subject,  when  they  reflected  upon  the 
large  sums  which  had  already  been  expended  upon  the  public  buildings,  and 
the  appropriations  which  would  yet  be  required  to  complete  them.  The  appropria- 
tion asked  for  at  this  time,  Mr.  B.  observed,  was  larger  than  the  appropriation  of  the 
last  year,  and  he  was  also  aware  of  the  greater  caution  which  is  at  all  times  exercised 
by  the  House  in  appropriating  the  public  money,  which  is  by  no  one  more  approved 
than  by  himself,  but  he  felt  it  a duty  incumbent  on  him  to  advocate  that  sum,  which, 
if  appropriated,  would  have,  in  his  opinion,  a greater  tendency  to  promote  the  public 
interest,  than  a less  sum.  Should  the  work,  however,  which  is  proposed  to  be  done 
the  present  year  be  completed,  he  was  authorized  to  say,  that  the  annual  appropria- 
tions would  in  future  be  less.  The  committee  were  anxious  to  recommend  a less 
appropriation  at  this  time,  but  were  convinced  that  it  could  not  be  done  consistently 
with  the  public  interest,  and  the  sum  asked  for,  was  estimated  for  a wooden  dome. 
If  gentlemen  will  refer  to  the  report  of  the  Committee  on  Expenditures,  they  can- 
not, said  Mr.  B.,  for  a moment  hesitate  to  agree  with  the  Building  Committee  in  their 
opinion;  they  will  there  find  that  there  is  annually  paid  to  the  architect,  the  super- 
intendents, and  head  workmen,  on  the  Capitol,  §14,000.  By  procrastinating  the 
work,  this  item  of  expenditure  will  continue  to  swell,  and  by  the  time  the  building 
was  completed,  would  form  no  inconsiberable  item  in  the  whole  expenditure.  He 
therefore  hoped  there  would  be  no  objection,  on  the  part  of  this  Committee  to  fill 
the  blank  with  the  sum  of  $120,000,  which  was  asked  for  by  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings. 

The  recommendations  of  the  committee  were  thereupon  respectively  agreed  to; 
when 

Mr.  Cocke  proposed  to  add  a proviso,  similar  to  that  which  had  been  adopted  in 
reference  to  the  Navy  appropriation  bill,  which  was  agreed  to. 

The  Committee  then  rose,  and  reported  the  said  bills  as  amended. 

In  the  House.  * * * The  question  of  concurrence  with  the  Committee  of  the 
Whole  in  their  report  upon  the  bill  in  relation  to  the  public  buildings,  being  under 
consideration — 

Mr.  Smith,  of  Maryland,  proposed  to  add  the  sum  of  six  thousand  dollars  to  the 


250 


Documentary  History  of  tlie  Capitol. 


amount  reported  for  building  of  wood,  the  dome  of  the  centre  building  of  the  Capi- 
tol, with  the  view,  and  for  the  purpose,  that  it  be  built  of  brick. 

Mr.  Taylor  expressed  an  opinion,  that  the  construction  of  a dome  of  wood  of  so 
great  extent,  would  be  preferable  to  one  of  brick,  and  the  question  being  taken,  the 
motion  was  lost,  and  the  amendments  of  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  were  respec- 
tively concurred  in,  and  the  bill  was  ordered  to  be  engrossed  for  a third  reading. 


[“An  Act  making  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings,”  approved  May  1,  1822.  (Stats,  at  Large, 

y.  3,  673. )] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate,  and  Home  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That,  for  continuing  the  work  on  the  centre  building  of  the 
Capitol,  and  other  improvements  on  the  President’s  house,  the  following  sums  of 
money  be,  and  hereby  are,  appropriated: 

For  continuing  the  work  on  the  centre  building,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and 
twenty  thousand  dollars. 

* -x-  * 

For  improving  the  grounds  around  the  Capitol,  twelve  hundred  and  fifty  dollars. 

Sec.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  said  several  sums  of  money  be  paid  out 
of  any  moneys  in  the  Treasury,  not  otherwise  appropriated:  Provided,  however,  That 
no  money  appropriated  by  this  act  shall  be  paid  to  any  person  for  his  compensation 
or  perquisites,  who  is  in  arrears  to  the  United  States,  until  such  person  shall  have 
accounted  for,  and  paid  into  the  Treasury,  all  sums  for  which  he  may  be  liable. 


[Message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  transmitting  a Report  of  the  Commissioner  of  the 
Public  Buildings,  Dec.  10, 1822.  (17 — 2,  House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  9.)] 


MESSAGE. 

I now  transmit  to  both  Houses  of  Congress  the  Report  of  the  Commissioner  of 
Public  Buildings,  made  in  obedience  to  a Resolution  of  the  Senate,  passed  the  28th 
day  of  January,  1818. 

James  Monroe. 

December  10th,  1822. 


Office  of  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 

Washington,  December  10,  1822. 

To  the  President  of  the  United  States, 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  report  that  the  expenditures  on  account  of  the  public 
buildings  and  ground,  in  this  city  from  the  8th  of  May  to  the  7th  of  December,  1822, 
have  been  as  follows,  viz: 

Centre  of  the  Capitol  - - $110,  040  74 

Capitol  Square  - - - 780  25 

-x-  * * 

Some  painting  and  necessary  repairs  have  been  done  to  the  interior  of  the  House. 
For  the  progress  made  in  carrying  on  the  centre  of  the  Capitol,  and  present  state  of 
that  building,  I beg  leave  to  refer  to  the  report  of  the  architect. 

I have  the  honor  to  remain, 

With  the  greatest  respect,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

J.  Elgar, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


The  Old  Building. 


251 


Washington,  December  9,  1822. 

Sir:  The  season  for  continuing  the  external  work  on  the  Capitol  being  near  its  close, 
I present  a statement  of  the  progress  made  thereon,  during  the  past  year. 

The  exterior  of  the  western  projection  has  been  completed,  by  finishing  the  copper 
covering,  painting  the  walls,  and  inserting  the  window  frames  and  sashes;  the  scaf- 
folding is  removed,  and  this  front  of  the  building  exhibits  the  appearance  it  is  intended 
to  retain,  being  deficient  only  in  the  iron  railings  between  the  columns  of  the  loggia, 
which  are  in  forwardness,  and  will  soon  be  executed.  The  two  principal  stories  of 
committee  rooms,  with  their  extensive  passages  or  corridors,  are  plastered,  and  a great 
portion  of  the  carpenter’s  work  is  finished.  The  principal  labor  of  the  season  has 
been  devoted  to  raising  the  dome  of  the  centre.  For  this  purpose,  the  interior  walls 
of  the  rotunda  were  continued:  as  soon  as  appropriations  were  made  in  the  spring, 
they  were  raised  to  the  full  height,  and  covered  with  the  entablature  and  blocking 
course.  The  exterior  walls  were  carried  up  with  stone,  formed  into  large  pannels, 
and  crowned  with  a cornice  and  four  receding  gradins;  about  two  thirds  of  the  interior 
dome  is  built  of  stone  and  brick,  and  the  summit  of  wood.  The  whole  is  covered 
with  a wooden  dome  of  more  lofty  elevation,  serving  as  a roof;  it  is  hoped  that  a few 
days  of  favorable  weather  will  enable  the  workmen  to  sheath  it  securely,  when  it 
will  be  in  readiness  for  the  copper  covering.  It  will  be  finally  crowned  with  a bal- 
ustrade, to  surround  a sky-light  of  twenty-four  feet  diameter,  intended  to  admit  light 
into  the  great  rotunda.  This  work  has  required  a great  effort  to  complete  it,  from 
the  mass  of  stone  and  other  materials  employed  in  it,  and  raised  and  secured  at  so 
great  a height.  I cannot  omit  this  occasion  to  mention  the  ingenuity  and  persever- 
ing diligence  of  the  superintendents  of  each  branch  of  the  work,  and  the  cheerful  and 
unremitted  exertions  of  the  workmen,  in  their  endeavors  to  execute  their  orders, 
and  to  bring  this  part  of  their  labors  to  a close.  I sincerely  hope  that  the  effects  of 
our  joint  efforts  will  meet  the  approbation  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  and 
the  Representatives  of  the  Nation. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

Charles  Bulfinch, 

Architect  of  the  Capitol  of  the  United  States. 

Joseph  Elgar,  Esq 

Commissioner  of  Public  Bu  ildings. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  4,  1823:  Annals  of  Congress,  17-2,  p.  802.] 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Hill,  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings  were  instructed  to 
consider  and  report  what  alterations  will  be  necessary  to  be  made  in  the  Hall  of  the 
Representatives,  so  as  to  accommodate  the  increased  number  of  members  of  which 
the  Eighteenth  Congress  will  consist. 


[17 — 2,  House  Report  No.  90.] 

REPORT  of  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings,  upon  the  subject  of  the  alter- 
ations necessary  to  be  made  in  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  Eighteenth  Congress.  Feb.  13,  1823. 

The  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings,  to  which  was  referred  the  resolution 
directing  them  to  inquire  and  report  the  alterations  necessary  to  be  made  in  the 
Representatives’  Hall,  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Eighteenth  Congress,  report  to 
the  House  the  subjoined  report  of  the  Public  Architect,  made  to  the  Committee,  on 
the  subject  of  this  resolution. 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


252 

The  Committee  approve  of  the  plan,  suggested  by  the  Architect,  and  recommend  it 
to  the  House.  The  sum  necessary  to  effect  this  alteration,  the  Committee  will 
include  in  the  bill  making  appropriation  for  the  Public  Buildings.  The  Committee 
submit  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved,  That  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings  be  directed  to  make  the  > 
alteration  in  the  Representatives’  Hall,  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Eighteenth 
Congress,  which  the  Architect  recommends  in  his  report  to  the  Committee  on  the 
Public  Buildings. 


REPORT  OF  THE  ARCHITECT. 

February  12,  1823. 

Sir:  In  compliance  with  the  request  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  I now 
present  a plan  of  the  floor  of  the  Representative  Hall  of  the  United  States,  exhibiting 
the  manner  in  which  may  be  disposed  the  additional  seats  which  will  be  necessary 


for  the  accommodation  of  the  next  Congress. 

The  number  of  members  in  the  18th  Congress  will  be 213 

And  of  delegates  from  Territories 3 


216 


I propose  to  take  away  the  stone  platforms  which  project  in  advance  of  the  prostyle, 


or  straight  range  of  columns. 

This  space  will  give  room  for  9 seats  on  each  side 18 

Three  desks  in  the  second  circular  range,  on  each  side,  now  occupied  by  one 

person,  may  be  altered  for  two  each 6 

The  number  of  seats  on  the  present  floor 192 


216 


The  expense  of  the  alteration  and  furniture,  may  be  estimated  as  follows: 


18  new  desks  @ $10 $180 

6 alterations  in  desks  @ $5 30 

24  chairs  © $20  480 

Stone  work,  iron,  and  carpenter’s  do 500 


Respectfully  submitted,  by  your  obedient  servant, 
Hon.  W.  S.  Blackledge. 


1, 190 


Charles  Bulfinch. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  19,  1823:  Annals  of  Congress,  17 — 2,  p.  1061.J 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

The  House  proceeded  to  consider  the  report  made  on  the  13th  instant,  by  the 
Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings;  and  the  report  being  read,  as  follows,  viz: 

* * * 

The  question  was  taken  to  agree  to  the  resolution  submitted  in  the  said  report, 
and  passed  in  the  affirmative. 


The  Old  Building. 


253 


[17 — 2,  House  Report  No.  91.] 

REPORT  of  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings,  accompanying  “a  bill  making 
appropriations  for  the  Public  Buildings.”  Febr.  14,  1823. 

The  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings  make  the  following  report: 

The  committee  have  examined  the  work  which  has  been  done  on  the  Centre 
Building  of  the  Capitol,  in  the  last  year;  and,  as  far  as  they  are  capable  of  judging, 
think  that  the  work  has  been  executed  with  correctness  and  solidity,  and  in  the 
style  of  architecture.  By  the  report  of  the  Commissioner,  of  December  7th,  1822,  it 
appears,  that  the  expenditure  has  not  exceeded  the  appropriation;  the  expenditure, 
at  that  time,  amounting  to  $113,040  74,  only.  The  committee  are  of  the  opinion, 
that  more  labor  was  done  during  the  last  year,  and  for  the  sum  expended,  than  in 
any  preceding  year.  All,  however,  that  was 'calculated  by  the  last  estimates,  has  not 
been  accomplished.  The  Centre  Dome  has  not  been  coppered,  and  the  committee 
rooms,  in  the  attic  story  of  the  Centre  Building,  have  not  been  finished;  much, 
however,  has  been  done  on  them.  The  Committee  are  of  the  opinion,  that  the 
failure  to  accomplish  all  that  was  calculated  by  the  last  estimates  is  to  be  attributed 
to  the  advanced  period  of  the  year  when  the  vacancy  was  filled  in  the  office  of  Com- 
missioner of  Public  Buildings,  which  had  been  occasioned  by  the  death  of  the  late 
Commissioner,  and  the  appropriation  made  for  the  Public  Buildings.  It  will  be 
recollected,  that  this  vacancy  was  not  filled,  nor  the  appropriation  made,  until  May; 
after  which,  contracts  remained  to  be  made  for  most  of  the  materials  necessary  to 
carry  on  the  Centre  Building,  and,  particularly,  the  Centre  Dome.  The  committee 
have  taken  a view  of  the  improvements  made  in  the  Capitol  Square,  during  the  last 
year,  and  are  satisfied  that  greater  progress  has  been  made  in  its  improvement,  than 
in  any  former  year.  The  Commissioner’s  report  shows,  that  the  expenditure  for 
this  improvement  has  not  exceeded  the  appropriation,  as  the  expenditure  has  been 
$780  25. 

* * * 

The  committee,  feeling  perfectly  satisfied  with  the  Commissioner’s  management  of 
the  public  interest,  which  has  been  committed  to  his  charge,  they  feel  it  their  duty  to 
express  their  unqualified  approbation  of  the  correct  and  able  manner  in  which  that 
officer  has  discharged  the  duties  of  his  office. 

The  committee  have  subjoined  the  Architect’s  estimate  of  the  sum  necessary  to 
carry  on  the  Centre  Building  the  present  year.  This  estimate  proposes,  among  other 
things,  to  finish  the  east  Portico,  to  a certain  extent;  and  contains  an  estimate  for 
the  improvement  of  the  Capitol  Square. 

* * * 

The  committee  have  reported  a bill,  making  an  appropriation  for  the  several 
objects  specified  in  their  report. 


Estimate  of  the  expense  of  continuing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  of  the  United  States,  for  the 

year  1823. 

* * * 

RECAPITULATION. 


Carpenters’  work  and  materials $20,  489  18 

Copper  and  iron  work 9,  420  34 

Brick,  stone,  and  marble  work 50,555  41 

Carving,  painting,  and  glazing 11, 458  12 


254  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

Mastering $4,443  10 

Grounds,  &c 3, 150  00 

$99,516  15 


Respectfully  submitted. 

Charles  Bulfinch, 
Architect  of  Capitol  of  U.  S. 

To  Joseph  Elgar,  Esq. 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

January  9,  1823. 


[17 — 2,  House  Report  No.  93.] 

REPORT  of  the  Committee  on  Expenditures  on  the  Public  Buildings,  Feb.  18,  1823. 
The  Committee  on  the  Expenditures  on  the  Public  Buildings,  report: 

That  they  have  carefully  examined  the  accounts  of  expenditures  on  the  public 
buildings,  during  the  last  year,  and  are  of  opinion  that  the  accounts  laid  before 
them  by  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings,  exhibit  a fair  statement  of  the 
sums  of  money  drawn  from  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States,  at  different  times, 
under  the  act  of  the  1st  of  May,  1822,  and  of  the  manner  in  which  it  was  expended. 
The  money,  when  drawn  from  the  Treasury  by  warrants,  was  deposited  in  the  Office 
of  Discount  and  Deposite  of  the  Bank  of  the  United  States,  in  this  city,  to  the  credit 
of  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings,  and  no  part  of  it  was  withdrawn  from 
said  deposite,  otherwise  than  by  the  check  or  checks  of  said  Commissioner,  drawn 
by  him  for  the  payment  of  debts  contracted  on  account  of  the  public  buildings;  nor 
does  it  appear  that  any  part  of  said  money  was  paid  to  any  person  for  his  compensa- 
tion or  perquisites,  who  was,  at  the  time,  in  arrears  to  the  United  States.  The  prices 
paid  for  materials  and  labor  are  considered  reasonable:  generally  not  higher,  and,  in 
some  instances,  lower,  than  in  former  years.  From  observation  and  inquiry,  the 
Committee  are  induced  to  believe,  that  the  artizans  and  other  persons  employed, 
were  industrious  and  faithful  in  the  execution  of  their  work;  and  that  the  progress 
in  the  work  on  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol,  during  the  last  year,  compared 
with  the  money  expended  thereon  in  the  same  period,  was  as  great  as  could  have 
been  reasonably  expected. 

The  sum  appropriated  by  the  act  of  the  1st  May,  1822,  for  continuing  the  work 
on  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol,  was  $120,000;  and  there  was  received  for 
refuse  materials  sold,  the  sum  of  $1,341  56;  amount  of  both  sums  $121,341  56.  The 
amount  expended  on  the  centre  building  of  the  capitol,  by  the  present  commis- 
sioner, in  1822,  was  $113,124  28.  The  sum  appropriated  by  the  same  act  for  con- 
structing a culvert  to  the  President’s  House,  painting,  and  necessary  repairs  of  the 
same,  was  $3,300;  and  the  sum  expended  thereon  in  1822,  and  since  the  passage  of 
said  act,  was  $3,054  35.  The  sum  appropriated  for  improving  the  ground  around  the 
Capitol,  by  the  act  aforesaid,  was  $1,250;  and  the  sum  expended  thereon  was  $845  50. 

From  the  foregoing  statement,  it  appears,  that  the  expenditures  in  each  case  were 
kept  within  the  appropriations;  and  that,  on  the  1st  January,  1823,  the  unexpended 
balances  of  the  before  mentioned  appropriations,  were  as  follow,  viz: 

Of  the  sum  appropriated  for  continuing  the  work  on  the  centre  building 
of  the  Capitol,  including  the  sums  which  were  received  for  refuse  mate- 
rials sold $8,217  28 

Of  the  sum  appropriated  for  constructing  a culvert  to  the  President’s 

House 245  65 

And  of  the  sum  appropriated  for  improving  the  ground  around  the 
Capitol 404  50 

$8,867  48 

* * 


Amount  of  said  balances 


The  Old  Building. 


255 


A. 

Abstract  of  disbursements  made  by  Joseph  Elgar,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 
during  the  year  1822,  on  account  of  the  Centre  Building  of  the  Capitol  of  the  United 
Stales. 

* * * 


RECAPITULATION. 


Superintendence  and  labor 61,077  49 

Materials 47,  764  04 

Incidental  expenses 4,  282  75 


$113, 124  28 

Washington,  January,  1828. 

J.  Elgar,  Com.  Pub.  Buildings. 


Office  of  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 

Washington,  January  4,  1823. 

Sir:  I had  the  honor  to  receive  your  letter  of  the  2d  instant,  requiring  a statement 
of  the  money  drawn  by  me  from  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States,  under  the  act 
making  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings  of  the  1st  of  May,  1822,  and  an 
account  of  the  sums  expended  by  me,  since  that  date;  requiring,  also,  information, 
whether  the  progress  of  the  work  has  equalled  the  calculations  of  the  architect,  in 
his  estimate  of  last  year;  whether  any  deduction  can  be  made  from  the  compensation 
of  the  persons  employed  at  the  Capitol;  whether  any  part  of  the  balance,  standing 
against  sundry  persons  on  the  books  of  the  late  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 
has  been  collected;  and  whether  the  whole,  or  any  part  of  the  balance  due  from  the 
estate  of  said  Commissioner,  has  been  paid. 

I have  the  honor  to  submit,  herewith,  abstracts  of  my  accounts  for  the  year  1822. 
In  my  opinion,  the  work  done  on  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol  has  not  exceeded 
the  rate  at  which  it  was  estimated.  All  the  work,  upon  which  the  estimate  of  last 
year  was  predicated,  has  not  been  completed,  but,  it  is  believed,  that  the  sum  appro- 
priated fell  short  of  the  estimate  in  as  great  proportion. 

On  the  first  day  of  October  last,  I gave  notice  to  the  persons  employed  at  the  Capi- 
tol, of  general  reduction  of  salaries,  to  commence  with  the  present  year,  as  follows: 
the  architect  to  be  reduced  from  2,500  to  2,000  dollars  per  annum;  and  the  superin- 
tendents of  the  carvers’,  stone  cutters’,  and  carpenters’  departments,  each,  to  be 
reduced  from  1,500  to  1,250  dollars  per  annum.  No  further  reduction  is  thought 
expedient  at  this  time. 

* * * 

With  great  respect,  I have  the  honor  to  remain,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

J.  Elgar,  Com.  P.  B. 

Hon.  Jeremiah  Nelson, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee 

on  Expenditures  on  the  Public  Buildings,  &c. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  3,  1823:  Annals  of  Congress,  17 — 2,  p.  1172.] 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Blackledge,  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings  was 
ordered  to  furnish  such  of  the  rooms  in  the  centre  building  as  shall  be  finished,  for 
the  reception  of  the  Committees  of  the  Eighteenth  Congress,  and  the  additional 
rooms  for  the  Clerk’s  department;  and  that  the  necessary  expense  be  paid  out  of  the 
contingent  fund  of  the  House. 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


256 

[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  support  of  government  for  the  year  one  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  twenty-three,”  approved  Mar.  3,  1823.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  3,  762.)] 

For  carrying  on  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol,  one  hundred  thousand  dollars. 


[“An  Act  making  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings,”  approved  Mar.  3,  1823.  (Stats,  at  Large 

v.  3,  784.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  A merica 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  the  following  sums  of  money  be,  and  the  same  are  hereby, 
appropriated,  to  wit: 

* * * 

For  making  the  necessary  alteration  in  the  Representatives’  Hall,  for  the  accom- 
modation of  the  eighteenth  Congress,  the  sum  of  one  thousand  two  hundred  dollars. 

* * * 

For  an  allegorical  ornament  for  a clock  for  the  use  of  the  Senate,  two  thousand 
dollars. 

Sec.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted , That  said  several  sums  of  money  be  paid  out  of 
any  moneys  in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated. 


[Message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  transmitting  a report  of  the  Commissioner  of  the 
Public  Buildings,  Dec.  18, 1823.  (18-1,  House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  8.)] 

To  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States: 

In  compliance  with  a resolution  of  the  Senate,  of  the  28th  January,  1818,  I,  here- 
with, transmit  to  Congress  the  report  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 
shewing  the  expenditures  on  Public  Buildings,  and  other  objects  committed  to  his 
care,  during  the  present  year. 

James  Monroe. 


.Office  of  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 

Washington,  December  8,  1823. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  state,  that  the  expenditures  on  the  Public  Buildings,  and 
other  objects  committed  to  my  care,  during  the  present  year,  have  been  as  follows: 

Continuing  the  work  on  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol  United  States.  $94,  778  45 
Alterations  in  the  Representatives’  hall,  for  the  accommodation  of  the 


Eighteenth  Congress 1,200  00 

An  allegorical  ornament  for  a clock  for  the  use  of  the  Senate 2, 000  00 

Improving  the  ground  around  the  capitol 896  53 

* * * 


For  the  progress  made  in  the  work  on  the  principal  buildings,  I beg  permission  to 
refer  to  the  reports  of  the  respective  architects. 

I have  the  honor  to  remain,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

J.  Elgar, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

The  President  of  the  United  States. 


The  Old  Building. 


257 


REPORT  OF  THE  ARCHITECT  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

Joseph  Elgar,  Esq. 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

Sir:  In  preparing  the  report  of  the  progress  of  the  work  on  the  Capitol  of  the 
United  States  during  the  present  year,  I look  back  to  the  estimates  presented  the 
9th  January  last,  in  which  I proposed,  on  the  exterior,  to  cover  the  dome  with  cop- 
per, to  build  the  chimneys  and  cope  the  walls  with  stone,  and  to  raise  the  arcade, 
which  is  to  support  the  eastern  portico,  to  the  height  of  the  first  story.  In  the  inte- 
rior, I contemplated  to  finish  the  upper  suite  of  committee  rooms,  and  the  corridor 
connected  with  them;  the  library  and  rooms  on  the  principal  floor,  and  the  hemi- 
sphere of  the  dome;  to  raise  one  flight  of  back  stairs,  and  two  stories  of  the  principal 
stairs;  to  pave  the  passages  and  rotundo  with'  stone,  and  to  make  the  alterations  in 
the  Representatives’  hall. 

The  whole  of  the  above  described  work  has  been  carried  on,  and  the  greater  part 
is  finished.  Some  disappointment  and  delay  were  experienced  from  the  want  of  a 
supply  of  lime  in  the  spring,  and  from  the  difficulty  of  getting  stone  from  the  quar- 
ries, owing  to  the  heavy  rains  of  the  early  part  of  summer.  The  front  arcade  is 
raised  to  the  height  expected,  but  the  brick  arches  to  form  the  platform  have  not 
been  turned;  even  if  other  circumstances  had  permitted,  I think  it  would  not  have 
been  advisable  to  have  done  it,  as  the  mortar  could  not  have  hardened,  and  the 
joints  would  have  been  exposed  to  injury  from  weather. 

The  great  staircase  is  made  passable;  but  the  paving  of  the  side  platforms,  and  the 
iron  railing,  are  not  complete.  The  flagging  of  the  rotundo,  and  the  carpenter’s 
work  of  the  library,  remain  to  be  finished;  as  the  materials  are  on  hand,  the  work 
may  be  executed  within  the  year  from  the  date  of  the  appropriation.  A number  of 
carvers  have  been  employed  in  preparing  the  capitals  of  the  columns  wanted  for  the 
next  year;  they  will  be  continued  on  this  branch:  and  other  stone  work  will  be  getting 
in  readiness  during  the  winter.  The  above  statement  exhibits  a full  view  of  the 
progress  of  the  building,  and  of  the  particular  cases  in  which  it  may  seem  to  come 
short  of  expectation,  with  the  causes  that  may  be  assigned  therefor.  Upon  the  whole, 
it  must  appear  to  have  been  a season  of  exertion;  that  the  time  and  appropriation 
have  not  been  misapplied,  and  that  the  work,  in  all  its  branches,  has  been  executed 
in  the  best  manner,  and,  I am  happy  to  add,  without  any  untoward  accident. 

With  respect  to  the  convenience  of  arrangement  and  style  of  design,  I indulge  the 
hope,  that,  as  they  have  obtained  the  sanction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
they  will  also  be  approved  by  the  members  of  both  bodies  of  the  Legislature,  for 
whose  use  they  are  specially  intended.  In  the  corridors,  and  adjoining  rooms,  I 
have  aimed  at  convenience  and  ease  of  access.  In  the  rotundo,  a bold  simplicity 
has  been  studied,  suitable  to  a great  central  entrance  and  passage  to  more  richly 
finished  apartments.  This  room  is  ninety-six  feet  in  diameter,  and  of  the  same 
height;  its  walls  are  divided  into  twelve  compartments,  by  stone  pilasters,  or  Gre- 
cian Antse;  four  of  these  compartments  are  occupied  by  doors,  and  the  others  by 
pannels  to  receive  paintings.  The  Antse  support  a Grecian  entablature,  decorated 
with  Isthmean  wreaths  in  the  frieze,  apparently  in  honor  of  the  subjects  of  national 
history  to  be  exhibited  below.  The  concave  of  the  dome  is  divided  into  five  ranges 
of  large  and  deep  caissons,  finished  plainly;  and  a border  of  Grecian  honeysuckle 
surrounds  the  opening  of  the  skv-light  twenty-four  feet  in  diameter,  which  gives 
light  to  the  whole  rotundo. 

The  library-room  is  ninety-two  feet  long,  thirty-four  feet  wide,  and  thirty-eight 
feet  high;  it  is  finished  with  alcoves  or  recesses  for  books,  according  to  the  most 
approved  models  of  rooms  for  this  use,  with  a gallery  above,  giving  access  to  other 
alcoves.  The  ceiling  is  richly  finished  in  pannels  of  stucco,  with  three  sky-lights. 

H.  Rep.  646 17 


258 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


This  room  opens  to  the  west,  upon  an  extensive  loggia,  or  covered  walk,  from  which 
the  variegated  prospect  of  the  city,  the  river,  the  public  grounds,  and  the  surround- 
ing heights,  appear  to  great  advantage. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

Charles  Bulfinch, 
Architect  of  the  Capitol  of  the  U.  States,  j 

December  6,  1823. 

* * * 


[18 — 1,  House  Report  No.  60.] 

REPORT  of  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings,  in  relation  to  the  operations 

on  said  buildings  during  the  last  year,  and  to  their  present  state.  Feb.  12, 

1824. — Accompanied  by  a bill  making  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings. 

The  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings  make  the  following  report: 

The  Committee  have  examined  the  work  which  has  been  done  on  the  centre  build- 
ing of  the  Capitol,  during  the  year  preceding,  and  find  that  as  much  progress  has 
been  made  towards  its  completion,  as  was  proposed  in  the  estimate  of  the  Architect. 

* * * 

The  Committee  have  likewise  cast  their  eye  on  the  improvements  made  in  the 
Capitol  square  the  last  season.  They  are  satisfied  that  the  money  appropriated  for 
this  purpose,  has  been  judiciously  and  economically  expended;  though,  from  the 
smallness  of  the  sum,  not  much  of  utility  or  ornament  could  be  effected. 

By  the  report  of  the  Commissioner,  dated  December,  1823,  it  appears  that  the 
expenditures  on  the  above  objects,  have,  in  no  instance,  exceeded  the  appropria- 
tions. Upon  a full  survey  of  the  subject,  the  Committee  find  reasons  to  be  highly 
gratified  with  the  ability,  promptitude,  and  faithfulness,  displayed  by  the  Commis- 
sioner in  the  management  of  the  public  interests  cam mitted  to  his  trust.  They  are 
also  disposed  to  award  due  praise  to  the  Architects,  not  only  for  their  assiduity  and 
zeal  in  prosecuting  the  work  on  the  public  edifices;  but,  also,  for  the  style  of  the 
workmanship — uniting  ornament  with  strength,  and  giving  solidity  to  grandeur. 

The  Committee  have  annexed  the  Architect’s  estimate  of  a sum  necessary  to  carry 
on  the  work  proposed  to  be  done  on  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol  the  present 
year.  This  estimate  proposes  to  finish  the  interior  of  the  building,  and  to  raise  the 
columns  of  the  Portico,  with  the  architraves,  together  with  some  improvements  in 
the  Capitol  square. 

* * * 

They  are  also  of  the  opinion  that,  as  the  state  of  the  public  Treasury  will  justify 
the  expenditure,  the  soundest  maxims  of  national  economy  require  that  the  public 
buildings,  with  all  convenient  expedition,  should  be  carried  to  that  state  of  perfec- 
tion which,  according  to  the  original  design,  was  contemplated.  Subjoined,  likewise, 
are  estimates  of  the  expense  for  making  repairs  and  improvements  in  the  room  of  the 
Supreme  Court,  in  the  Capitol,  and  for  paving  a foot-walk  in  front  of  the  public 
grounds  and  open  spaces  between  the  Capitol  and  Navy  Office,  with  the  observations 
of  the  Commissioner  thereon. 

In  the  opinion  of  the  Committee,  the  convenience  and  utility  of  these  improve- 
ments are  too  obvious  to  need  further  recommendation. 

The  Committee  offer  a bill,  making  appropriation  for  the  several  objects  specified 
in  their  report. 


The  Old  Building.  259 

Estimate  of  the  Expense  of  the  work  on  the  Capitol  of  the  United  States,  for  the  year  1824. 

It  is  contemplated  to  finish  the  interior  of  the  building,  and  to  raise  the  columns 
of  the  Portico,  with  the  Architrave. 

Carpenter’s  materials  and  work,  * * * $7,048.20. 

Stone  and  brick  work,  East  Portico,  to  consist  of  twenty-four  columns  and  two 


pilasters,  * * * $31,827.31. 

Third  flight  of  great  central  stairs,  * * * 5,  904  43 

North  back  stairs,  from  first  story  to  the  roof,  * * * 1,978  65 

Spiral  stairs,  to  the  south,  * * * 1,  705  50 

Paving  the  upper  and  lower  rotundo,  basement  passages,  &c.,  * * * 16,527  93 

Plastering  and  stucco  work,  * * * 3, 782  30 

Iron  work,  &c.,  * * * 4,386  85 

Carving  and  painting,  * * * 10, 258  90 

Grounds,  &c.,  * * * 3,738  83 

* * * 


Respectfully  submitted, 

Charles  Bulfinch, 
Architect  of  Capitol  of  the  United  States. 

Joseph  Elgar,  Esq. 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


* 


* 


■X- 


Estimate  of  the  expense  of  materials  and  labor,  for  repairs  and  improve- 
ments on  the  room  of  the  Supreme  Court,  in  the  Capitol;  being  indispen- 
sably necessary  for  the  comfort  ami  accommodation  of  the  court  * * * $63657 
Respectfully  submitted. 

Charles  Bulfinch, 
Architect  of  Capitol  of  U.  States. 

Joseph  Elgar,  Esq. 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

* * * 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  13,  1824:  Annals  of  Congress,  18—1,  pp.  1778,  1779.] 

The  House  having  under  consideration  the  amendments  to  the  bill  making  appro- 
priations for  the  support  of  the  Government  for  1824 — 

Mr.  Cushman,  of  Maine,  addressed  the  House  to  the  following  effect : * * * The 

Capitol,  in  which  we  exert  our  talents  and  display  our  eloquence  for  the  common 
defence  and  general  welfare,  stands  on  an  eminence  which  overlooks  a vast  extent  of 
country.  As  far  as  the  eye  can  extend  its  vision,  the  rural  scenery  around  borders 
on  the  sublime  and  beautiful;  and,  to  me,  it  seems  that  this  site,  and  landscape,  and 
the  objects  presented  to  view,  invite  us,  with  a powerful,  though  silent,  eloquence, 
to  give  to  the  metropolis  of  our  nation  correspondent  magnificence  and  beauty. 

The  proud  oppressors  of  the  earth,  at  different  periods  of  time,  have  erected  cities 
to  their  own  fame,  and  adorned  them  with  spoils  of  conquered  nations.  Not  so  is  it 
with  the  city  of  Washington.  The  people  of  the  United  States,  prompted  by  motives 
which  do  honor  to  the  Republican  character,  decreed  it,  and  are  rearing  it  up  to 
perpetuate  the  name  of  the  Father  of  his  Country.  As  long  as  our  Republic  shall 
remain,  it  will  be  a standing  monument  to  his  glory. 

And  will  it  not  Tie  gratifying  to  the  best  feelings  of  patriotism,  and  become  a noble 
excitement  to  emulation,  to  behold  the  stately  structures  corresponding  to  the  great- 
ness of  his  achievements,  reflecting  the  splendor  of  his  talents  and  the  munificence 
of  his  virtues.  But,  in  all  things,  Mr.  Speaker,  I would  observe  the  golden  mean. 


260 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


I am  no  advocate  for  extravagant  expense,  empty  parade,  and  useless  ostentation. 
I only  aim  at  simple  grandeur.  But  I certainly  entertain  the  opinion  that,  of  all 
governments,  a republic  ought  to  appear  with  sober  pomp  and  modest  splendor. 
Not  the  dazzling  radiance  of  a throne  is  here  reflected;  but  the  mild  lustre,  the 
serene  majesty,  of  the  sovereign  people. 

Whatever  be  the  intrinsic  excellence  of  an  individual,  it  not  unfrequently  happens, 
that,  for  the  want  of  a certain  decorum,  a bland  manner,  or  an  ingratiating  deport- 
ment, his  superior  endowments  are  of  diminished  utility  to  himself  and  to  his  fellow- 
men.  “Dead  flies  cause  the  ointment  of  the  apothecary  to  send  forth  an  unsavory 
perfume;  so  doth  a little  folly  him  who  is  in  reputation  for  wisdom  and  honor.”  It 
is  the  same  with  government.  For  the  want  of  a smooth  and  attractive  exterior,  by 
which  the  harsh  features  of  power  are  softened,  it  alienates  public  opinion,  and  loses 
somewhat  of  its  authority  to  promote  the  public  good.  Hence,  the  wisdom  of  giving 
to  our  Republic,  and  all  appurtenant,  those  graceful  decorations,  which,  by  the  law 
of  our  nature,  conciliate  attachment  and  engage  esteem. 

In  the  course  of  my  reading,  I have  somewhere  met  with  an  observation  of  this 
import — “Great  men  first  make  the  government,  and  then  the  government  makes 
great  men.”  Certain  it  is,  that  onr  Government  wras  founded  by  men  preeminently 
great.  And  it  is  equally  true  that  they  endowed  it  with  the  capacity  to  produce 
their  own  likeness.  “My  heart’s  desire,  and  even  prayer  to  God,”  is,  that  this 
native  tendency,  or  inherent  capacity,  may  never  be  counteracted  or  impaired  by  a 
short-sighted,  narrow-minded,  heart-sickening,  energy-destroying  policy.  I have 
no  sympathies  in  common  with  those  politicians,  on  whatever  part  of  the  globe  they 
may  dwell,  who  are  for  waging  an  exterminating  war  with  all  that  is  decorous  and 
ornamental  in  society;  whose  policy,  whatever  be  their  motive,  tends  to  replunge 
the  civilized  world  into  the  depths  of  Gothic  ignorance  and  grossness,  and,  Vandal- 
like,  to  involve  the  lofty  column,  the  magnificent  dome,  the  superb  structures,  the 
proud  monuments  of  art,  the  boast  and  glory  of  refined  ages,  together  with  the 
works  of  genius  and  taste,  in  one  indiscriminate  ruin.  It  is  the  office  of  the  states- 
man not  to  pull  down,  but  to  build  up;  not  to  deteriorate,  but  to  improve  his  coun- 
try. And  the  genuine  patriot,  in  the  work  of  amelioration  and  embellishment,  will 
feel  the  generous  ardor,  the  noble  enthusiasm,  of  the  poet  who  paints  for  eternity. 
Our  Republic  is  not  destined  to  crawl  on  the  ground,  and  feed  on  dust,  like  the  ser- 
pent. It  is  now  erect,  and  in  the  image  of  its  creators.  Its  genius,  like  theirs,  is 
elevated  and  noble.  The  American  Eagle  is  capable  of  a flight  as  lofty,  and,  in  the 
cause  of  liberty  and  humanity,  far  more  glorious,  than  the  Roman.  This  emblem  of 
our  greatness  already  appears  with  healing  under  her  wings,  which,  in  due  time,  I 
trust,  will  be  benignly  extended  over  all  oppressed  nations. 

Mr.  McArthuk,  of  Ohio,  rose  in  reply.  He  should  not  attempt,  he  said,  to  follow 
the  gentleman  from  Maine,  in  all  the  windings  of  the  learned  speech  he  had  just 
delivered.  For  himself,  he  was  a backwoodsman,  brought  up  in  tents  and  camps, 
and  not  practised  in  making  fine  speeches.  * * * As  to  the  magnificence  of  this 
Hall  and  the  Capitol,  to  which  the  gentleman  had  alluded,  the  expenditure  to  produce 
it  was,  in  a great  measure,  money  thrown  away.  This  Hall,  as  a place  for  speaking, 
was  nearly  useless — it  was  merely  by  accident  that  any  thing  could  be  heard  at  his 
seat  that  was  read  from  the  Clerk’s  table — members  voted  in  the  dark — and  might 
be  voting  away  the  public  money  without  knowing  it,  for  the  want  of  distinctly  hear- 
ing the  resolutions  read  at  the  Clerk’s  table.  Government  would  yet  have  to  aban- 
don it,  and  build  a plain  square  room,  where  members  could  hear  what  each  other 
said.  He,  therefore,  thought  that  the  style  of  this  Hall  ought  to  be  no  guide  in 
erecting  our  public  buildings;  and  he  hoped  never  to  see  it  followed.  * * * 

Mr.  Kremer,  of  Pennsylvania,  said  * * * Perhaps  the  gentleman  might  think 
this  Hall,  too,  was  a monument  of  “simple  grandeur” — but,  for  his  part,  Mr.  K. 
said,  he  thought  it  was  a monument  of  pride  and  extravagance,  and  not  of  old  Repub- 


The  Old  Building. 


261 


lican  principles.  He  could  not  undertake  to  answer  the  gentleman’s  line  speech;  to 
him,  a great  part  of  it  was  unintelligible;  and,  in  reply  to  some  quotations  he  had 
made  in  it,  from  a dead  language,  he  should  answer  in  his  own  mother  German 
tongue:  Ich  babe  es  nicht  verstanden.a  He  did  not  believe  that  any  man  had  a right  to 
entail  debt  upon  posterity.  Congress,  to  be  sure,  had  the  power  to  do  so,  but  they 
could  not  do  it  on  any  moral  principle.  And,  before  we  set  about  making  monu- 
ments of  “simple  grandeur”  we  had  better  be  sure  that  we  have  the  money  to  make 
them  in  our  pocket.  He  did  not  think  Congress  had  a right  even  to  put  up  a neces- 
sary building,  till  we  were  able  to  pay  for  it — [a  laugh,  and  a call  to  order],  * * * 

Mr.  Sharpe,  of  New  York,  made  a farther  inquiry  about  some  stone  which  were 
dressed,  and  lay  in  front  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Cushman  explained. 


[From' the  “Act,  making  appropriations  for  the  support  of  the  Government  for  the  year  one  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  twenty-four,”  approved  Apr.  2,  1824.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  4, 16.)] . 

For  continuing  work  on  the  centre  building,  eighty-six  thousand  dollars. 


[18 — 1,  House  Report  No.  106.] 

REPORT  of  the  Committee  on  the  Expenditures  on  the  Public  Buildings.  April  13, 
1824.— Read:  Ordered  that  it  lie  upon  the  table. 

The  Committee  on  the  Expenditures  on  the  Public  Buildings,  report  : 

That  the  account  of  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings,  herewith  presented, 
marked  A,  exhibits  a correct  statement  of  the  sums  of  money  appropriated  by  the 
acts  of  the  3d  of  March,  1823,  for  carrying  on  the  work  on  the  Public  Puddings;  for 
improving  the  ground  around  the  Capitol;  * * * together  with  a statement  of 
the  unexpended  balances  of  the  money  appropriated  for  the  Public  Buildings,  and 
for  the  ground  around  the  Capitol,  by  the  act  of  the  first  of  May,  1822,  which  appro- 
priations, ami  unexpended  balances  amount  to  §143,659  01,  including  the  sum  of 
§592  92,  received  for  refuse  copper  sold.  Said  account  also  exhibits  a correct  state- 
ment of  the  sums  of  money  expended  upon  the  Public  Buildings,  ground  around 
the  Capitol,  * * * amounting  to  §131,468  22,  and  shews  an  unexpended  balance 
of  said  appropriations,  on  the  31st  of  December,  1823,  of  §12,190  79. 

The  statement  in  the  paper  marked  B shews  the  sums  of  money  paid  to  the 
Architect,  and  to  the  superintendents  of  the  different  branches  of  the  work  on  the 
centre  building  of  the  Capitol,  for  their  respective  annual  salaries,  the  amount  of 
wages  paid  to  the  different  denominations  of  artizans,  and  other  laborers,  their  pay 
per  day,  and  the  number  of  days’  work  performed  by  them  during  the  last  year; 
the  sums  paid  for  materials,  and  the  quantity  and  price  of  the  several  kinds  of 
materials  purchased. 

This  paper  also  exhibits  an  account  of  incidental  expenses;  and,  by  way  of  reca- 
pitulation, states,  that  the  sums  expended  in  1823,  for  superintendence,  and  for  labor 
in  carryingon  the  work  on  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol,  amounted  to.  §68,  937  32 
That  the  sums  expended  for  materials,  for  said  buildings,  amounted  to.  33,  214  96 
And,  that  the  sums  paid  for  sundries,  as  per  account  of  incidental 
expenses,  amounted  to 2, 146  30 

§104,  298  58 


I didn’t  understand  the  gentleman. 


262 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  committee  further  report,  that  the  expenditures  upon  the  aforesaid  objects 
of  appropriations  were  kept  within  the  limits  of  their  respective  appropriations;  that 
the  materials  and  labor  were  procured  at  reasonable  prices;  that  they  have  reason  to 
believe  that,  the  work  has  been  well  executed,  and  that  the  progress  of  the  woi'k,  on 
the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol,  during  the  last  year,  corresponded,  in  a good 
degree,  with  the  expenditure  upon  that  building  during  the  same  period. 

The  committee  have  given  the  accounts,  herewith  presented,  a careful  investiga- 
tion; and,  while  they  have  the  satisfaction  of  expressing  their  approbation  of  the 
manner  in  which  said  accounts  are  kept,  by  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings, 
they  cannot  refrain  from  expressing  their  opinion,  that  the  advance  of  two  thousand 
dollars,  made  to  Mr.  Enrico  Causici,  by  the  order  of  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  prior  to  any  work  having  been  performed  by  said  Causici,  towards  the 
completion  of  a contract  made  with  him  “for  an  allegorical  ornament  for  a clock, 
for  the  use  of  the  Senate,”  was  not  authorized  by  the  act  concerning  the  disburse- 
ment of  public  money,  of  January  31,  1823.  The  committee,  therefore,  in  explana- 
tion of  this  subject,  submit  the  following  papers,  viz: 

A copy  of  the  bond  and  contract  of  Mr.  Causici,  and  his  sureties,  with  the  Com- 
missioner of  the  Public  Buildings,  the  order  of  the  President,  and  the  receipt  for  the 
payment  of  the  money,  marked  C. 

A copy  of  a letter  from  Mr.  Causici,  dated  at  New  York,  February  16th,  1824,  to 
the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings,  marked  D. 

A letter  from  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings  to  the  Chairman  of  the 
Committee  on  the  Expenditures  on  the  Public  Buildings,  dated  April  6,  1824, 
marked  E. 

* * * 


B. 

Abstract  of  Expenditures  made  by  Joseph  Elgar,  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings, 
from  the  1st  of  January,  to  the  31st  of  December,  1823,  on  account  of  the  Centre  Building 
of  the  Capitol  of  the  United  States. 

* * * 

RECAPITULATION. 


Superintendence  and  labor §>68, 937  32 

Materials 33, 214  96 

Incidental  expenses 2, 1 46  30 


Total §104,  298  58 


Washington,  January  1,  1824- 

J.  Elgar,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 
Note.  Of  the  above  sum  there  has  been  expended,  since  the  appro- 


priation of  the  3d  of  March,  1823,  the  sum  of §96, 199  95 

Leaving  an  unexpended  balance  of  that  appropriation,  of 3, 800  05 


§100,  000  00 


[18 — 1,  Senate  Report  No.  80.] 

In  Senate  of  the  United  States,  May  21,  1824. 

Mr.  Dickerson,  from  the  Joint  Committee  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives, 
to  whom  was  referred  the  resolution  directing  them  to  make  such  distribution  of 


The  Old  Building. 


263 


the  rooms  of  the  Centre  Building  cf  the  Capitol,  as  the  business  and  convenience 
of  the  two  Houses  of  Congress  require,  reported: 

That,  in  the  Centre  Building,  besides  the  Rotunda  and  Library  room,  the  purposes 
of  which  are  already  designated,  there  are  the  following  rooms: 

IN  THE  BASEMENT  STORY. 


2 Corner  rooms  . 
2 Looking  West. 
2 Smaller  do.  . 
1 Looking  North 
1 Do.  South 


19  by  27  feet. 
22  30 

14  30 

18  24 

18  24 


8 Rooms  suitable  for  committees 

4 Opening  into  Courts. 

SECOND  STORY. 


2 Corner  rooms 

2 Looking  West 

2 Do.  South  and  North  ... 

1 Looking  on  South  Court 

1 Do.  on  North  Court 

1 Looking  West,  under  Library 
4 Open  to  East  Courts 


19  by  27  feet. 


22 

30 

18 

24 

19 

20 

19 

24 

30 

42 

17 

17 

8 


13 


13 


IN  THE  THIRD  STORY. 


2 Corner  rooms 19  by  27  feet. 

2 Looking  South  and  North 18  24 

2 Do.  do.  12  18 

1 On  South  Court 19  20 

1 On  North  do 19  24 


IN  THE  FOURTH  STORY. 


2 Corner  rooms 19  by  27  feet. 

2 Looking  South  and  North 18  24 

2 Do.  do.  12  18 

1 On  South  Court 19  20 

1 On  North  do 19  24 


37 

The  committee  have  appropriated  the  room  in  the  third  story,  adjoining  the 
Library  room,  and  on  the  north  of  it,  and  the  room  adjoining  thereto  on  the  east, 
numbered  22,  as  reading  rooms,  to  be  connected  with  the  Library.  They  recom- 
mend that  the  room  adjoining  that  last  mentioned,  and  on  the  east  of  it,  numbered 
23,  be  appropriated  as  a consultation  room  for  the  use  of  the  Judges  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  the  United  States.  They  also  recommend  that,  until  Congress  shall  make 
a further  disposition  of  the  large  room  under  the  Library  in  the  second  story,  the 
same  may  be  occupied  by  the  Columbian  Institute  as  a place  for  holding  their  meet- 
ings, and  a place  of  deposit  for  their  books,  papers,  furniture,  and  collections. 

As  to  the  remaining  rooms,  the  committee  have  appropriated  all  those  north  of  the 
centre  of  the  building,  except  the  fourth  story,  to  the  Senate,  and  all  those  south 


264  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

of  the  centre,  together  with  the  whole  of  the  fourth  story,  to  the  House  of 
Representatives. 

The  committee  therefore  submit  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America  in 
Congress  assembled. , That  the  distribution  of  the  rooms  in  the  Centre  Building  of  the 
Capitol  be  made  agreeably  to  the  above  report. 


[House  proceedings  of  May  21,  1824:  Annals  of  Congress,  18 — 1,  p.  2683.] 

COMMITTEE  ROOMS,  &c. 

Mr.  Taylor,  from  the  joint  committee  appointed  by  the  two  Houses  of  Congress  to 
make  such  distribution  of  the  rooms  of  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol,  as  the 
business  and  convenience  of  the  two  Houses  require,  made  the  following  report,  viz: 

* * * [Identical  with  Senate  Rep.  No.  80. J 

The  report  and  resolution  were  read,  and  agreed  to  by  the  House. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Taylor,  it  was  then  resolved  that  a committee  be  appointed  to 
make  distribution  of  the  rooms  in  the  Capitol,  appropriated  to  the  use  of  the  House 
of  Representatives;  and  Mr.  Taylor,  Mr.  Hamilton,  Mr.  Kent,  Mr.  Tod,  Mr.  Hemp- 
hill, Mr.  Condict,  and  Mr.  Eddy,  were  appointed  the  said  committee. 


[House  proceedings  of  May  26,1824:  Annals  of  Congress,  18 — 1,  p.  2764.] 

COMMITTEE  ROOMS,  &c. 

Mr.  Taylor,  from  the  Commitee  appointed  to  make  distribution  of  the  rooms  in 
the  Capitol  appropriated  to  the  use  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  reported  that, 
the  committee  had  distributed  the  rooms  in  the  following  manner: 

To  the  Speaker,  No.  3,  of  the  south  wing; 

To  the  Committee  of  Elections,  The  room  in  the  fourth  story  of  the  centre  build- 
ing over  No.  23; 

To  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means,  No.  77  of  the  south  wing; 

To  the  Committee  of  Claims,  No.  50  of  the  south  wing; 

To  the  Committee  on  Commerce,  No.  40  of  the  centre  building; 

To  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Lands,  The  northwest  corner  room  of  the  fourth 
story; 

To  the  Committee  on  the  Post  Office  and  Post  Roads,  No.  42  of  the  centre  build- 
ing; 

To  the  Committee  of  the  District  of  Columbia,  The  southwest  corner  of  the  base- 
ment story; 

To  the  Committee  on  the  Judiciary,  The  room  in  the  fourth  story  over  No.  14; 

To  the  Committee  on  Pensions  and  Revolutionary  Claims,  No.  69  of  the  south 
wing; 

To  the  Committee  on  Public  Expenditures,  No.  43  of  the  centre  building; 

To  the  Committee  on  Private  Land  Claims,  No.  39  of  the  centre  building; 

To  the. Committee  on  Manufactures,  The  room  in  the  fourth  story  over  No.  15; 

To  the  Committee  on  Agriculture,  The  room  in  the  fourth  story  over  No.  22; 

To  the  Committee  on  Indian  Affairs,  No.  59  of  the  south  wing; 

To  the  Committee  on  Military  Affairs,  The  room  to  the  right  of  the  west  entrance 
on  the  basement  story; 

To  the  Committee  on  Naval  Affairs,  No.  64  of  the  south  wing; 

To  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Affairs,  The  southwest  corner  room  of  the  fourth 
story; 


The  Old  Building. 


265 

To  the  Committee  of  Revisal  and  Unfinished  Business,  No.  70  of  the  south  wing; 

To  the  Committee  of  Accounts,  No.  63  of  the  south  wing; 

The  Committees  on  Expenditures  in  the  different  Departments,  shall  have  the  right 
of  holding  their  meetings  in  the  rooms  appropriated  to  the  committee  appointed  on 
the  subjects  to  which  they  severally  relate; 

To  the  Clerk  of  the  House  and  his  Clerks,  Nos.  14,  15,  16,  of  the  centre  building; 

To  the  Sergeant  at  Arms,  No.  2 of  the  south  wing; 

The  unappropriated  rooms  shall  be  subject  to  the  order  and  disposal  of  the  Speaker 
until  the  further  order  of  the  House. 

The  said  report  was  read;  whereupon  it  was  resolved  that  this  House  do  agree  to 
the  same. 


[Message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States;  transmitting  a report  of  the  Commissioner  of  the 
Public  Buildings,  Dec.  14, 1824.  (18 — 2,  House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  8.)] 

To  the  House  of  Representatives: 

Agreeably  to  a resolution  of  the  Senate,  of  28th  January,  1818,  requesting  the 
President  “to  cause  a statement  of  expenditures  upon  the  Public  Buildings,  and  an 
account  of  their  progress,  to  be  annually  laid  before  Congress,  at  the  commencement 
of  each  session,”  I herewith  transmit  a report  from  the  Commissioner  of  Public 
Buildings,  which  contains  the  information  required. 

James  Monroe 

Washington,  December  13,  1834- 

REPORT  OF  THE  COMMISSIONER  OF  THE  PUIS  [JO  BUILDINGS  TO  THE  PRESIDENT. 

Office  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 

Washington,  December  10,  1824- 

Sir:  In  obedience  to  a resolution  of  the  Senate,  passed  the  28th  day  of  January, 
1818,  requesting  the  President  of  the  United  States  “to  cause  a statement  of  expendi- 
tures upon  the  Public  Buildings,  and  an  account  of  their  progress,  to  be  annually 
laid  before  Congress,  at  the  commencement  of  each  Session,”  I have  the  honor  to 
report,  that  the  expenditures  of  the  present  year  are  as  follows: 

Centre  building  of  the  Capitol $89,849  65 

* * * 

The  interior  of  the  Capitol  is  now  finished,  with  the  exception  of  some  painting  on 
the  stone  work,  which  is  not  sufficiently  seasoned  to  receive  it,  and  the  has  relief 
ornaments  of  the  Rotundo.  The  estimates  of  the  present  year  were  predicated  upon 
putting  up  the  whole  colonnade  of  the  Portico,  and  its  architrave.  In  this  we  have 
not  entirely  succeeded.  The  quarry,  from  which  alone  the  column  shafts  could  be 
procurred  in  solid  blocks,  failed  to  furnish  them  of  suitable  quality,  as  fast  as  had 
been  anticipated;  thirteen,  only,  out  of  twenty-four,  arriving  in  time  to  be  worked 
and  set.  But,  to  the  portion  of  architrave  already  set,  the  frieze  has  been  added, 
and  other  work  on  the  cornice  and  pediment,  not  embraced  by  the  estimate,  will 
have  been  done,  equivalent  to  the  part  which  it  was  found  impracticable  to  execute. 
In  the  mean  time,  the  quarrying  is  prosecuted  with  vigor;  and,  from  present  appear- 
ances, the  residue  of  the  shafts  will  be  ready  for  delivery  early  in  the  Spring.  The 
accompanying  report  of  the  Architect  gives  the  detail  of  the  operations  at  the  Capitol, 
and  pays  a just  tribute  to  the  memory  of  Mr.  Andrei. 

* * * 

I have  the  honor  to  remain,  Sir,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

J.  Elgar,  Comm.  Pub.  Buildings. 

The  President  of  the  United  States. 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 


266 

REPORT  OF  THE  ARCHITECT  OF  THE  CAPITOL  TO  THE  COMMISSIONER  OF  THE  PUBLIC 

BUILDINGS. 

W ashington,  December  8 , 1824. 

Sir:  The  close  of  the  season  for  active  operations  on  the  work  of  the  Capitol 
requiring  a report  of  the  progress  and  present  state  of  the  building,  I have  the  pleas- 
ure to  announce,  that  the  whole  interior  of  this  national  edifice  is  now  complete, 
with  the  exception  of  some  ornamental  sculpture,  and  the  painting  of  part  of  the 
work,  which  was  too  fresh  and  damp  to  receive  it  at  this  time.  The  work  has  been 
executed,  according  to  designs  approved  by  the  President  of  the  United  States,  of 
the  best  materials,  and  in  the  most  faithful  manner. 

During  the  past  season,  the  committee  rooms  and  passages  of  the  basement  have 
been  finished,  the  North  and  South  stairs  of  the  centre,  and  the  upper  flight  of 
the  principal  stairs,  have  been  built,  the  lower  rotundo  paved,  and  the  arches 
finished  which  support  the  floor  of  the  principal  rotundo.  This  spacious  apart- 
ment has  been  also  paved  in  the  best  manner,  and  otherwise  finished,  except- 
ing the  carved  ornaments  to  the  upper  panels.  The  Library  and  contiguous  rooms 
are  complete,  and  are  furnished  and  occupied  for  use.  On  the  exterior  of  the  build- 
ing, great  progress  has  been  made  on  the  eastern  portico;  thirteen  columns  and  two 
angle  pilasters  are  raised,  and  covered  with  the  architrave  and  frieze;  but  it  was  not 
found  practicable  to  complete  the  whole  colonnade,  from  disappointments  arising 
from  the  difficulty  of  quarrying  and  transporting  the  large  blocks  of  stone  for  the 
columns,  which  are  each  in  one  entire  piece;  but  enough  has  been  done  to  shew  the 
convenience  which  this  addition  to  the  building  will  afford,  and  the  effect  which 
this  principal  feature  of  the  Eastern  front  will  produce. 

While  the  past  season  has  been  one  of  unusual  good  health  among  the  workmen  in 
general,  we  have  to  regret  the  death,  after  a short  illness,  of  Mr.  Giovanni  Andrei, 
the  Superintendent  of  the  ornamental  works  of  sculpture  and  carving.  This  gentle- 
man came  to  this  city  in  the  year  1806,  from  Carrara,  in  Italy,  where  he  had  been 
selected  by  the  correspondent  of  Mr.  Jefferson,  then  President  of  the  United  States, 
as  a sculptor,  well  qualified  to  take  charge  of  the  decorative  branch  of  the  work; 
which  he  superintended,  under  the  direction  of  the  several  Architects  who  have  been 
employed  on  the  building,  until  the  time  of  his  death,  in  October  last.  His  ability 
and  refined  taste  are  fully  evidenced  in  the  ornamental  parts  of  the  Capitol,  mod- 
elled by  him,  and  executed  under  his  inspection;  while  all,  who  have  been  officially 
connected  with  him,  can  bear  witness  to  his  fidelity  and  persevering  industry,  and  to 
the  urbanity  and  correctness  of  his  deportment.  In  expressing  my  respect  for  the 
character  of  Mr.  Andrei,  and  regret  at  his  loss,  I hope  it  will  not  be  considered 
improper  to  make  this  mention  of  him,  in  a report  on  a work  which  his  talents  have 
so  much  contributed  to  improve. 

Respectfully  presented. 

Charles  Bulfinch, 
Architect  Capitol  U.  States. 

Joseph  Elgar,  Esq.  Comm'  r Public  Buildings. 


[18-2.  House  Report  No.  38.] 

REPORT  of  the  Committee  on  the  Expenditures  on  the  Public  Buildings  in  the  year 
1824.  January  24,  1825. — Ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

The  Committee  on  the  Expenditures  of  the  Public  Buildings,  report: 

That  they  have  bestowed  particular  attention  upon  the  accounts  laid  before  them 
by  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings,  and  find  that  the  sum  of  $96,020  93  was 
expended,  during  the  last  year,  on  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol:  that  $84,332  99 


The  Old  Building. 


267 


of  that  sum  were  expended  after  the  passage  of  the  act  of  the  2d  April,  1824, 
appropriating  $86,000  for  continuing  the  work  on  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol. 
The  excess  of  the  whole  year’s  expenditure,  over  the  appropriation  just  mentioned, 
was  principally  defrayed  bjr  the  use  of  unexpended  balances  of  former  appropria- 
tions for  the  public  buildings;  including  the  sum  of  $4,280  27  paid  by  the  adminis- 
trator towards  the  debt  due  from  the  estate  of  Samuel  Lane,  late  Commissioner  of 
the  Public  Buildings.  By  the  aforesaid  act,  the  following  sums  were  also  appropri- 
ated, viz:  $640  for  alterations  and  repairs  in  the  room  occupied  by  the  Supreme 
Court,  $2,000  for  improving  Capitol  square,  and  painting  the  fence  around  the  same; 
and  $5,000  for  making  a footway  in  front  of  the  public  grounds  and  open  spaces 
between  the  Capitol  and  the  Navy  Office.  The  objects  of  these  several  appropria- 
tions have  been  completed,  or  nearly  so,  and  the  expenditure  has  in  no  case 
exceeded  the  approjiriation.  By  an  act  passed  the  3d  March,  1823,  the  sum  of 
$19,000  was  appropriated  for  finishing  the  south  portico  of  the  President’s  House; 
and  by  the  act  of  the  26th  May,  1824,  the  sum  of  $3,289  50  was  appropriated  for 
furnishing  the  rooms  in  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol.  * * * A thorough 
examination  of  the  accounts  and  vouchers  laid  before  them  by  the  Commissioner  of 
the  Public  Buildings,  and  information  otherwise  derived,  induce  the  committee  to 
believe,  that  the  aforesaid  expenditures  were  made  conformably  to  law,  and  with 
proper  attention  to  economy  and  the  public  interest.  The  materials  and  labor  were 
procured  on  reasonable  terms,  and  the  work  appears  to  have  been  well  executed, 
both  in  regard  to  style  and  its  character  for  durability  and  usefulness. 

It  was  contemplated  in  the  estimate  furnished  by  the  architect  in  February  last, 
to  raise  the  whole  colonnade  of  the  eastern  portico  of  the  Capitol  in  the  course  of  the 
last  season.  This  portion  of  the  work  has  been  but  partly  accomplished.  The  Com- 
missioner states,  that  the  whole  colonnade  could  not  be  completed,  because  the 
quarry  failed  to  furnish  suitable  blocks  for  the  columns,  as  fast  as  had  been  antici- 
pated; he,  however,  represents  that  other  work,  not  embraced  in  the  estimate,  has 
been  done,  equivalent  to  that  which  it  was  found  impracticable  to  execute.  Some 
branches  of  the  work  on  the  centre  building  of  the  Capitol  having  been  nearly  com- 
pleted, the  Commissioner  has  been  able  to  dispense  with  the  services  of  one  superin- 
tendent and  several  overseers,  heretofore  employed  on  the  work.  The  papers 
herewith  submitted,  afford  a plain  and  correct  view  of  the  transactions  of  the  Com- 
missioner of  the  Public  Buildings  during  the  last  year. 

* * * 

A. 

Abstract  of  Expenditures  made  by  Joseph  Elgar , Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  on 
the  Centre  Building  of  the  Capitol,  for  the  year  1834. 

* * * 


RECAPITULATION". 


Superintendence  and  labor 67,385  24 

Materials 26,  293  05 

Incidental  Expenses 2,  342  64 


Errors  excepted : 96,  020  93 


Washington,  January  1st,  1825. 

J.  Elgar, 

Commissioner  Public  Buildings. 

Note — Of  the  above,  the  sum  of  $84,332  99  has  been  expended  subsequent  to  the 
appropriation  of  the  2d  of  April,  1824. 


J.  E. 


268 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  1,  1825:  Register  of  Debates,  18 — 2,  v.  1,  p.  410.] 

GENERAL  APPROPRIATION  BILL. 

The  House  then  passed  to  the  unfinished  business  of  yesterday,  which  was  the 
bill  making  appropriations  for  the  support  of  Government  for  the  year  1825. 

On  that  section  of  the  bill  which  makes  appropriation  for  the  public  buildings  in 
Washington  City,  Mi-.  Cocke,  of  Tenn.,  moved  an  amendment,  which  went  to  pro- 
vide that  no  part  of  the  sum  appropriated,  should  be  applied  to  pay  the  sum  offered 
by  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings  for  a design  to  ornament  the  tympanum 
of  the  Portico  of  the  Capitol. 

On  this  amendment  some  conversation  arose  between  the  chairman  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  Ways  and  Means  and  the  member  from  Tennessee.  It  was  stated,  on  one 
hand,  that  the  offer  made  by  the  Commissioner  was  done  in  consequence  of  the 
advice  and  direction  of  the  Executive;  that  it  was  in  coincidence  with  the  course 
pursued  on  other  similar  cases;  that  the  ornament  for  the  Capitol  was  fit  and  neces- 
sary ; and  the  reward  calculated  to  call  forth  taste  and  genius  in  preparing  it,  &c. 
On  the  other  hand,  it  was  contended  that  the  providing  of  this  design  was  a part  of 
the  duty  of  the  architect,  who  receives  a salary  for  his  services — that,  the  offer  was 
unauthorized  on  the  part  of  the  Commissioner,  and  unnecessary.  The  amendment, 
however,  was  at  length  withdrawn  by  the  mover. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  support  of  government,  for  the  year  one  thousand 
eight  hundred  and  twenty-five,”  approved  Feb.  25,  1825.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  4,  90.)] 

For  the  public  buildings  in  Washington  City,  for  the  year  one  thousand  eight 
hundred  and  twenty-five,  eighty  thousand  dollars. 


[House  of  Representatives.  19th  Congress,  1st  session.  Rep.  No.  11.] 

ALTERATIONS  IN  THE  HALL. 

December  29,  1825. — Read,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 

Mr.  M’Duffie,  from  the  Select  Committee  appointed  on  the  subject,  made  the 
following  report: 

The  Select  Committee  raised  for  the  purpose  of  inquiring  into  the  practicability  of 
improving  this  Hall,  beg  leave  to  report,  in  part,  by  recommending  the  House  to 
adopt  the  following  resolutions: 

1st.  Resolved,  That,  for  the  purpose  of  experiment,  it  is  expedient  that  a tempo- 
rary floor  be  constructed  in  this  Hall,  on  a horizontal  plane  at  the  elevation  of  the 
bottom  of  the  pillars. 

2d.  Resolved,  That,  for  the  like  purpose,  it  is  expedient  that  a temporary  seat  be 
erected  for  the  Speaker,  immediately  in  front  of  the  present  entrance,  leaving  suffi- 
cient space  in  the  rear  for  the  members  to  enter;  and  that  the  seats  of  the  members 
be  arranged  in  lines  fronting  the  Speaker. 

3d.  Resolved,  That,  for  the  like  purpose,  it  is  expedient  that  a partition  be  erected 
immediately  in  the  rear  of  the  line  of  columns  near  the  Speaker’s  chair,  and  raised 
to  the  elevation  of  twelve  feet. 

4th.  Resolved,  That  the  expense  of  these  experiments  be  defrayed  from  the  con- 
tingent fund  of  this  House. 


The  Old  Building. 


269 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  6,  1826:  Register  of  Debates,  19 — 1,  v.  2,  pt.  1,  p.  1306.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS -CAPITOL,  &C. 

Mr.  Campbell  said,  he  should  be  glad  if  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Ways 
and  Means  would  state  to  the  House  the  particulars  making  up  the  sum  of  one  hun- 
dred thousand  dollars,  which  the  bill  proposes  to  appropriate  for  the  Public  Build- 
ings for  this  year. 

Mr.  McLane,  rising  to  give  the  required  explanation,  took  occasion  to  suggest  to 
the  House  the  propriety  of  taking  this  matter  wholly  out  of  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
Committee  of  Ways  and  Means.  It  had,  heretofore,  always  been  confided  to  the 
Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings,  and  he  was  satisfied  that  it  was  proper  that  it 
should  be  placed  in  the  hands  of  such  a committee.  The  items  composing  the  pro- 
posed appropriation,  had  been  furnished  in  detail  by  the  Superintendent  of  the 
Public  Buildings — and  he  read  them  from  a table  which  he  held  in  his  hand,  as  fol- 
lows: 

“For  erecting  ‘offices  ’ to  each  end  of  the  Capitol,  eighty  thousand  dollars;  but,  as 
they  cannot  be  completed  in  one  season,  it  is  proposed  to  ask  for  this  object,  at  present, 

the  sum  of $50,  000 

For  completing  the  portico  and  steps 18,  970 

Deduct  balance  of  last  year’s  appropriation 5,  494 

13,476 

For  area  wall  and  railing  to  West  front 20,  000 

For  repairs  of  Library  and  alterations  for  greater  security 3,  000 

For  sculptor’s  and  carver’s  work  in  the  Rotunto  and  Pediment,  and  for  paint- 
ing and  gilding 11,250 

For  continuing  the  work  on  the  ornament  for  a clock  for  the  Senate 2,  000 

For  improving  the  Capitol  Square,  including  a footway  on  the  outside  of  the 

wall 6,  000.” 

This,  Mr.  McL.  said,  was  all  the  information  which  it  was  in  his  power  to  afford 
in  regard  to  this  subject. 

Mr.  Wickliffe  said,  he  was  opposed  to  commencing  any  addition  to  the  Capitol,  at 
least  until  the  building  was  finished  on  its  present  plan.  He  therefore  moved  to 
strike  out  one  hundred  thousand  and  insert  fifty  thousand  dollars,  so  as  to  leave  no 
appropriation  for  the  commencement  of  any  new  work. 

Mr.  Bartlett  said,  there  might  be  a propriety  in  continuing  the  whole  of  this 
subject  over  to  a future  day.  The  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings  had  the  sub- 
ject before  it,  and  had  called  on  the  Architect  for  information  respecting  it.  Mr.  B. 
suggested  the  propriety  of  striking  the  whole  appropi’iation  out  of  this  bill,  leaving 
the  subject  for  future  consideration,  that  the  project  for  ranges  of  offices,  &c.  might 
be  deliberately  examined  and  passed  upon  by  the  House. 

Mr.  Wickliffe  said,  he  had  no  objection  to  take  the  motion  of  the  gentleman 
as  his  own.  My  object,  said  he,  is  to  put  our  veto  on  the  erection  of  additional 
buildings,  believing  the  buildings  already  sufficiently  extensive:  for  really,  he  said, 
to  a stranger,  there  was  already,  from  its  being  a perfect  labyrinth,  almost  as  much 
difficulty  to  get  out  of  it  as  some  find  in  getting  in  to  this  House. 

Mr.  McLane  said,  he  should  cheerfully  assent  to  any  course  the  House  might 
choose  to  take  to  relieve  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  from  this  subject.  It 
did  not  belong  to  them,  but  ought  to  connect  itself  with  the  Committee  on  the  Pub- 
lic Buildings;  and  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means,  finding  it  embraced  in  the 
estimates  from  the  Treasury,  had  most  reluctantly  entered  into  the  consideration  of 
it.  For  his  part,  he  should  be  glad  the  House  would  strike  out  the  whole  item,  and 
incorporate  whatever  appropriation  for  this  object  might  be  thought  expedient,  in  a 
separate  bill. 


270 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  question  to  strike  the  whole  appropriation  for  the  Public  Buildings  out  of  this 
bill,  was  then  determined  in  the  affirmative. 


[Rep.  No.  66,  House  of  Representatives.  19th  Congress,  1st  session.] 
i A BRA  R Y FI  RE-PROOF. 

REPORT  of  the  Library  Committee  of  the  House,  on  the  subject  of  rendering  the 
Library  room  fire-proof,  February  6,  1826. 

The  Committee  of  the  House  of  Representatives  on  the  Library,  who  were 
instructed,  by  a resolution  of  the  House,  of  the  3d  of  January,  to  inquire  into  the 
expediency  of  rendering  the  library  room  fire-proof,  have  attended  to  that  subject, 
and  beg  leave  to  report : 

That  this  part  of  the  Capitol  could  not  be  rendered  perfectly  fire-proof,  without 
being  wholly  rebuilt,  from  the  f<  mndations  of  the  western  front.  The  present  walls 
of  that,  part  of  the  building  are  not  of  a solidity  to  sustain  an  arched  roof.  The 
wooden  alcoves  might  be  removed,  and  others  of  stone  substituted,  but  the  introduc- 
tion of  such  a quantity  of  stone,  into  the  hall  of  the  library,  would  probably'  be  pro- 
ductive of  a dampness,  very'  injurious  to  the  books.  It  would  also  be  attended  with 
great  expense,  as  appears  from  the  accompanying  letter  from  the  architect  of  the 
Capitol. 

It  is  supposed,  that  the  danger  of  fire  would  be  diminished,  by  removing  the 
wooden  parapet  of  the  galleries,  and  substituting  an  iron-railing  in  its  place.  But  as 
this  would  but  partially  preclude  the  possibility  of  fire;  as  it  would  be  attended  with 
considerable  expense,  and  other  inconvenience;  and  as  the  library'  can,  in  the 
judgment  of  the  Committee,  be  made  sufficiently  safe,  by  proper  care  of  the  lights 
and  fires;  the  Committee  do  not  deem  it  expedient  that  the  House  should  adopt  any 
measure  in  the  premises.  They',  therefore,  recommend  the  passage  of  the  following 
Resolution: — 

Resolved,  That  the  Library'  Committee  of  the  House  of  Representatives  be  dis- 
charged from  the  farther  consideration  of  a Resolution  of  the  House,  of  the  3d  of 
January  last,  on  the  subject  of  causing  the  library  room  to  be  made  fire-proof. 

February  3d,  1826. 

Sir:  In  compliance  with  the  direction  of  the  Committee  of  the  Library,  communi- 
cated to  me,  I have  taken  measures  to  ascertain  what  mode  could  be  adopted,  for 
rendering  the  library  fire-proof. 

The  floor  of  this  room  is  wholly  of  brick,  constructed  upon  arches,  and  is  incom- 
bustible. The  arched  ceiling  is  framed  of  wood,  thickly  plaistered  with  a hard  coat 
of  mortar  and  stucco;  no  change  could  be  made  in  this  part,  as  the  walls  could  not 
sustain  the  strain  and  pressure  of  a brick  arch  of  so  great  a span.  The  alcoves  are  of 
wood,  with  brick  partitions:  this  wood  work  might  be  removed,  and  stone  and  iron 


substituted,  at  the  following  expense: 

Free  stone,  432  tons,  at  §9 $ 3,  888 

Work  on  do.  plain  face,  11,542.6  feet  at  35  cts 4,  039  87J 

Do.  on  sunk  mouldings,  2,302,  100 2,302 

Setting  the  above,  including  iron  and  lead 2, 557  25 

Carving  12  pilaster  capitals,  at  40 , 480 

Do.  4 do.  with  returns,  at  60  - 240 

Do.  4 half  pilasters,  20 . 80  * 

Do.  40  trusses  20  800 

Brick  work  in  arches  and  backing,  21,750,  at  13  282  75 

Iron  railing  to  the  galleries,  and  repairs  of  ceiling  and  painting 4,  000 


$ 18,  669  87 £ 


The  Old  Building. 


271 


But  it  is  a subject  which  deserves  consideration,  whether  such  a mass  of  stone 
would  not  be  injurious,  and  in  a few  years  ruinous  to  the  books,  from  the  conden- 
sation of  moisture,  from  the  atmosphere  upon  free  stone.  This  might  be  prevented 
in  winter,  by  fires  constantly  kept  in  the  room,  but  would  prevail  in  all  changes  of 
weather  of  spring  and  summer.  From  an  apprehension  of  damage  from  this  cause, 
to  valuable  books,  I have  observed,  in  all  the  large  public  libraries,  which  I have  had 
the  opportunity  of  seeing,  that  no  other  material  than  wood  is  used  near  the  books. 
This  is  the.  case  at  the  British  Museum,  and  at  the  Bodleian  Library  in  England,  at 
the  Royal  and  National  Library  of  Paris,  and  at  the  Vatican  at  Rome;  and,  in  sev- 
eral instances,  the  books  are  shut  up  in  wooden  cases. 

In  reply  to  the  other  part  of  your  communication,  I am  of  opinion,  that  the  dan- 
ger of  fire  might  be  considerably  diminished,  by  taking  away  the  part  of  wood  work, 
that  forms  the  parapet  of  the  galleries,  and  by  putting  an  iron  railing  in  its  place; 
and  by  paving  the  gallery  floor  with  brick. 

The  amount  of  these  alterations,  with  the  expenses  attending  the  repairs  of  the 
Library  room,  would  be  $4000,  which  sum  is  inserted  in  the  estimates,  for  continu- 
ing the  works  at  the  Capitol,  the  ensuing  year. 

I am,  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Charles  Bulfinch, 
Architect  of  Capitol  of  United  States. 

Hon.  Edward  Everett, 

Chairman  of  the  Library  Committee  of  the  House. 


[Rep.  No.  122.  House  of  Representatives.  19th  Congress,  1st  session.  March  17,  1826.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

Mr.  Van  Rensselaer,  from  the  Select  Committee,  to  which  was  referred,  on  the 
third  of  January  last,  the  subject  of  “Finishing  and  furnishing  the  Public  Build- 
ings,” made  the  following  report  : 

The  Committee,  appointed  under  a Resolution  of  the  House,  of  the  third  of  Janu- 
ary, “To  inquire  what  measures  it  may  be  proper  for  Congress  to  adopt,  at  this  time, 
to  cause  the  Public  Buildings  to  be  finished  and  furnished,”  beg  leave  to  report: 

That  they  have  had  the  subject  of  the  above  named  resolution  under  careful  con- 
sideration. In  order  to  assist  their  inquiries,  the  Committee,  at  their  first  meeting, 
addressed  a series  of  questions  to  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings,  of  which 
a copy  accompanies  this  report,  (A.)  In  answer  to  these  interrogatories,  the  Com- 
mittee have  received  several  communications  and  estimates  from  the  commissioner 
and  the  architect  of  the  Capitol. 

* * * 

The  part  of  their  instructions  which  has  required  most  of  the  attention  of  the 
Committee,  has  been  that,  which  refers  to  the  finishing  of  the  Capitol.  In  addition 
to  completing  the  Eastern  Portico,  the  small  interior  courts,  and  some  other  work 
on  the  interior,  as  specified  in  the  estimates  of  the  architect,  some  objectsof  consider- 
able consequence  remain  to  be  provided  for.  A proper  place  for  the  deposite  of  wood 
is  deemed  necessary,  for  the  reasons  stated  in  the  communication  of  the  architect, 
marked  (I. ) To  provide  for  this  object,  for  the  privies,  fora  guard  room  and  engine 
house,  and  other  necessary  offices,  the  Committee  have  directed  numerous  plans  to 
be  submitted  to  them,  and  the  same  are  now  respectfully  submitted  to  the  House. 
As  considerable  objections  exist  to  the  erection  of  wings,  the  Committee  have, 
after  great  deliberation,  determined  to  recommend,  to  the  adoption  of  the  House, 
plan  No.  2.  This  plan  provides  for  the  erection  of  a broad  area  wall,  on  the  western 
front,  contrived  so  as  to  form  a terrace,  with  arches  beneath  for  wood.  This  plan 
will  have  the  great  advantage  of  masking  the  basement  story  of  the  western  front, 
which  was  rendered  necessary  by  the  declivity  of  the  ground,  and  was  required  for 


272 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


committee  rooms,  but  which  is  at  present  a serious  blemish  on  a building,  otherwise 
among  the  first  in  the  world.  The  construction  of  this  wall  will  restore  it  to  the 
rules  of  taste,  at  the  same  time  that  the  main  objects  of  convenience  will  be  attained. 

In  most  of  the  plans  submitted  to  the  Committee  by  the  architect,  provision 
was  made  for  stable  room  and  stalls  for  the  horses  and  carriages,  employed  in 
the  service  of  Congress  by  the  messengers  anil  officers  of  the  two  Houses.  The 
Committee,  after  much  consideration,  have  determined  not  to  recommend  an 
appropriation  for  these  objects,  as  appurtenant  to  the  Capitol.  The  proper  care  and 
supervision  of  the  Capitol  and  Square  will  probably  require  the  establishment  of  the 
office  of  a permanent  superintendent,  and  a bill  for  that  purpose  has  already  been 
reported  in  the  Senate.  Should  such  an  office  be  created,  the  convenience  of  the 
public  service  will  probably  require  the  erection  of  a dwelling  house,  for  his  accom- 
modation, in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  Capitol,  and  connected  with  such  a dwel- 
ling house,  the  Committee  apprehend  that  provision  can  be  made  for  the  necessary 
stabling,  more  advantageously  than  in  any  other  place. 

The  paper  marked  ( K)  contains,  in  the  first,  part,  estimates  of  the  work  to  be  done, 
for  the  most  part,  immediately  upon  the  Capitol,  during  the  year  1826.  These  esti- 
mates are  arranged  in  five  articles;  the  first,  second,  third,  and  fifth  articles  are 
approved  by  the  Committee,  and  recommended  to  be  sanctioned  by  the  House.  In 
the  fourth  article,  the  Committee  recommend  to  appropriate  $3,500,  instead  of 
6000,  for  sculptors;  and  to  omit  the  appropriation  of  $2000  “ for  continuing  the  work 
on  a design  for  a clock  for  the  Senate  Chamber.”  The  Senate  having  heretofore 
made  provision  for  this  object  from  its  own  contingent  fund,  the  Committee  deem  it 
respectful  to  that  body  to  leave  the  subject  entirely  in  their  hands.  For  the  fourth 
item  of  the  estimates,  on  paper  K,  the  Committee  accordingly  recommend  an  appro- 
priation of  $8,748.75,  instead  of  $13,248.75,  reducing  the  sum  total  of  that  part  of  the 
estimate  from  838,586.78,  to  $34,086.75. 

For  the  various  objects  already  specified  and  requiring  to  be  provided  for,  the 
Committee,  after  much  consideration,  have  adopted  and  determined  to  recommend 
to  the  House,  that  which  is  designated,  in  the  second  part  of  the  paper  (K,)  as  plan 
No.  2.  The  entire  expense  of  carrying  this  plan  into  execution  will  be  $99,242.71. 
But,  as  it  will  be  impossible  to  execute  the  whole  of  it  in  one  season,  the  Committee 
recommend  an  appropriation  towards  the  execution  of  this  plan  of  $65,914,  making 
with  the  appropriations  already  recommended  for  work  to  be  done  on  and  about  the 
Capitol,  in  the  year  1826,  the  sum  of  $100,000. 

The  situation  to  which  the  Public  Buildings  are  now  brought,  having  rendered 
the  period  of  their  entire  completion  a matter  of  certain  calculation,  the  Committee 
directed  the  architect  to  inform  them  what  time  would  be  required,  and  what 
expense  would  be  further  necessary,  to  carry  into  execution  all  that  still  remained 
to  be  done.  The  estimated  expense,  as  appears  by  the  postscript  of  the  letter  marked 
(I,)  is  $130,000,  in  addition  to  the  appropriation  of  100,000,  which  is  asked  for  the 
service  of  this  year;  and  the  Committee  are  gratified  to  be  able  to  add  that  the  whole 
work  remaining  to  be  done  may  be  executed  in  the  year  1827. 

The  paper  marked  (L, ) relates  to  the  purchase  of  Hose  for  the  Engine  connected 
with  the  Public  Buildings,  and  the  Committee  recommend  an  appropriation  of  $300, 
for  that  object. 

In  conformity  with  the  foregoing  recommendations  the  Committee  report  a Bill. 


I. 

Letter  from  the  Architect  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee. 

Sik:  In  compliance  with  the  request  of  the  Committee  for  finishing  the  Public 
Buildings,  which  has  been  handed  to  me  by  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 


The  Did  Building. 


273 


I have  considered  the  various  modes  in  which  the  out-buildings  and  appendages, 
necessary  and  indispensable  to  the  completion  of  the  Capitol,  could  be  arranged;  and 
have  prepared  four  distinct  ground  plans,  with  explanatory  elevations  and  estimates. 

In  making  all  these  plans,  I have  considered  it  proper  to  provide  suitable  places  of 
deposite  for  the  large  quanities  of  fuel  annually  consumed,  amounting  to  about  400 
cords.  This  supply  of  wood  has  hitherto  been  stowed  in  the  vaults  forming  the 
cellars  of  the  North  and  South  wings.  It  may  perhaps  be  thought  that  these  vaults, 
being  formed  of  very  massy  walls  and  arches  of  brick,  are  safe  from  any  hazard  of 
fire;  and  hitherto  no  accident  has  occurred.  But  it  must  be  considered  that  these 
cellars  are  divided  and  subdivided  by  walls  in  a very  intricate  arrangement,  rendered 
more  so  by  the  additional  walls  built  to  accommodate  the  changes  in  the  form  of  the 
halls  above,  upon  the  re-building  of  the  edifice;  that  no  light  can  be  admitted  from 
windows  to  extend  into  the  vaults;  and  that,  in  consequence,  all  the  wood  must  be 
stowed  away  by  the  light  of  lanthorns,  and  that  every  attendant  on  the  fires  of  the 
public  halls,  of  the  court  room,  of  the  library,  and  of  the  numerous  committee  rooms, 
must  use  lights  of  some  kind,  either  lamps  or  lanthorns,  for  getting  the  daily  supply 
of  fuel.  Under  these  circumstances,  I respectfully  suggest,  whether  it  would  be 
prudent  to  continue  to  deposite  the  fuel  in  such  situations,  which  may  be  rendered 
more  dangerous  by  the  neglect  or  carelesness  of  any  one  of  the  attendants.  The 
confinement  of  heat  and  dense  smoke,  in  the  intricate  passages,  would  render  it  very 
difficult  to  extinguish  fire  among  the  w’ood  in  the  vaults.  It  cannot  be  determined 
to  What  degree  they  might  be  affected  by  fire,  but  if  it  should  burst  one  of  the  arches, 
the  consequences  to  the  building  above  might  be  fatal;  and  the  freestone  walls,  Avhich 
have  already  been  weakened,  would  be  calcined  wherever  the  flames  should  reach. 

In  addition  to  the  offices  wrhich  are  indispensable,  and  will  occur  to  every  one,  it 
is  found  that  an  engine  house  and  a guard  house  will  be  wanted,  and  stabling  on 
each  of  the  wings,  for  horses  used  by  the  messengers;  to  these  I have  added  some 
covered  carriage  houses  for  the  convenience  of  members  who  use  their  own  carriages 
or  horses,  and  wish  to  shelter  them  in  bad  weather.  In  two  of  the  plans  offered,  I 
have  proposed  to  mask  the  basement  story  of  the  Western  projection,  by  building  a 
wall  at  a suitable  distance  to  admit  light  to  the  committee  rooms;  and  to  form  a ter- 
race and  glacis  of  earth,  which  would  raise  the  appearance  of  the  hill,  and  give  the 
building  a uniform  level  in  every  direction;  and  would  restore  it  to  the  generally 
received  rules  of  proportion  in  Europe.  This  basement  story  became  necessary,  in 
constructing  the  centre  of  the  Capitol,  from  its  original  position  on  the  declivity  of 
a hill,  and  advantage  was  taken  of  it,  to  convert  it  into  committee  rooms,  which  are 
convenient  and  much  wanted. 

With  respect  to  that  part  of  your  communication,  which  asks  for  a statement  of 
all  the  work  necessary  to  complete  the  Capitol  and  its  appendages,  with  estimates 
for  the  same,  I find  it  difficult  at  present  to  give  a precise  answer.  The  finish  of 
the  ground,  &c.  will  depend  in  a great  measure  on  the  plans  adopted  for  the  coming 
season.  But  I will  enumerate  the  following,  as  what  nowr  occurs: 

An  iron  railing  from  the  wings  of  the  Capitol,  North  and  South,  to  the  boundary 
wall. 

The  same  along  the  whole  line,  to  enclose  the  grounds  Easterly. 

A pavement  along  these  railings  for  persons  on  foot,  and  a suitable  smooth  and  har'd 
finishing  of  the  carriage  way. 

Iron  gates,  with  stone  piers,  on  four  sides  of  the  square,  to  the  garden,  with  two 
porter’s  lodges. 

A flight  of  stone  steps  on  the  West  side,  to  rise  to  the  level  of  the  building,  and  a 
general  graduation  and  improvement  of  the  ground. 

All  these  accompaniments  must  be  in  a style  to  accord  with  the  mass  and  impor- 
tance of  the  building.  I would  also  suggest,  that  as  the  stairs  to  the  Bepresentatives’ 

H.  Rep.  616 18 


274 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 


Hall  are  much  worn  and  must  soon  be  replaced,  I would  propose  to  alter  the  posi- 
tion of  the  stains,  to  give  more  room  and  light  to  the  entrance  of  the  Hall,  which  is 
now  very  confined  and  dark.  I also  mention  that  four  panels  in  the  Rotundo  will 
be  vacant,  after  the  paintings  on  hand  shall  be  put  up,  and  that  it  may  be  advisable 
that  measures  should  be  taken  to  obtain  additional  paintings  on  national  subjects,  to 
fill  the  space. 

Respectfully  presented  by 

Charles  Bulfinch, 

Architect  of  Capitol  U.  S. 

Hon  8.  Van  Rensselaer, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  for  finishing  and  furnishing  the  Public  Buildings. 

P.  S.  The  Committee  having  expressed  their  earnest  wish  to  be  informed  of  the 
time  when  all  these  objects  could  be  effected,  and  a general  amount  of  the  probable 
cost,  I have  no  hesitation  in  saying,  that,  if  proper  measures  are  taken  to  procure 
materials  in  season,  the  work  on  the  building  and  its  appendages  and  grounds,  may 
be  completed  in  the  year  1827;  and  am  of  opinion,  that  an  appropriation  of  §130,000, 
in  addition  to  what  is  asked  for  this  year,  will  be  sufficient  for  all  the  objects 
enumerated.  1 


K. 

I.  Estimate  for  the  work  on  the  Capitol  in  1826. 
EAST  PORTICO. 


1.  To  finish  the  same,  with  steps  in  front  and  to  the  entrances, 

North  and  South,  per  particular  statement  handed  in §18,  769  82 

Deduct  balance  on  hand  last  year 5, 494  00 

§13,  275  82 

IMPROVEMENTS  INSIDE. 

2.  Finishing  doors  of  Rotundo 100  00 

Stoves  for  passages,  and  Rotundo 500  00 

Three  iron  grated  doors,  each  1043  lbs.  at  20  cts 625  SO 

Repairs  of  Library 1,500  00 

Finishing  4 courts,  stone  steps,  paving,  &c 1, 446  41 

4, 172  21 


EXTERNAL  IMPROVEMENTS. 


3.  Paving  the  foot-walk  round  Capitol  square,  extending 

3225  feet,  at  §1  16 3,  741  00 

Graduating  and  improving  the  grounds 2,  259  00 

6,  000  00 

SCULPTORS,  CARVING,  AND  PAINTING. 

4.  For  Sculptors •. 6,000  00. 

Carvers 4, 150  00 

Painting  walls  of  Rotundo,  1700  yards,  at  25 455  00 

Gilding  and  finishing  4 picture  frames 600  00 

Glazing  350  squares  in  lower  Rotundo,  at  121- 43  75 

For  continuing  the  work  on  a design  for  a Clock  for  the 

Senate  Chamber 2,000  00 

13, 248  75 


The  Old  Building. 


275 


MISCELLANEOUS  EXPENSES. 


5.  Four  Carpenters  for  6 months,  at  1 20  per  day $720  00 

6 Labourers  for  do.  at  80 720  00 

Horse  and  Cart  for  removing  rubbish 450  00 

$1, 890  00 


$38,  586  78 


II.  Statement  of  various  modes  of  building  the  external  Offices,  at  the  Capitol. 


By  Flan  No.  1. 

A building  140  feet  long  on  the  north $40,  955  84 

Another  of  same  dimensions  south 40,  955  84 

81,911  68 

Cost  of  area  wall  and  glacis  of  earth 16,  588  00 

Steps  and  arches  in  the  centre 21,  021  71 

37, 607  71 

Rough  stone  foundations  to  platforms  on  the  North  and 

South,  230  perches,  at  3 690  00 

Balustrade,  or  iron  railing 1,  600  00 

2,  290  00 


$121,819  39 

By  Plan  No.  2.  

Cost  of  Area,  to  include  vaults  for  fuel  under  the  terrace, 

and  necessaries  in  the  Area 62, 152  71 

Platforms  North  and  South,  as  above 2,  290  00 

Carpenter’s  work,  and  materials,  centres,  Ac 800  00 

4 Lodges  at  North  and  South  entrances,  containing 
Engine-house,  Guard-house,  and  Porter’s  houses,  with 

piers  to  Carriage-way,  at  7,000  dollars  each 28,  000  00 

2 Flights  of  steps  from  platforms  to  area 6,  000  00 

37,  090  00 


$99,242  71 


By  Plan  No.  3. 

Two  buildings,  of  a crescent  form,  to  include  Stables, 

Engine-house,  Guard -house,  and  Carriage -houses, 

each 22,684  51 

Another  of  same  dimensions 22,  684  51 

- — : 45,369  02 

Arches  for  wood  under  platforms,  North  and  South,  with 
Colonnade  leading  to  Necessaries;  and  stairs  from  the 

ground  to  the  top 33,  698  80 

Another  of  same  size 33,  698  80 

7 67,  397  60 

Four  flights  of  steps  from  the  platforms 12,  000  00 

Removing  and  placing  3000  cubic  yards  earth 300  00 

12,  300  00 


$125,  066  62 


Documentary  History  of  tlie  Capitol. 


27  6 

By  Plan  No.  4- 

An  Area  wall,  concealed  by  a bank  of  earth,  or  glacis  of 
turf,  with  arches  under  the  terrace,  to  contain  200  cords 
of  wood  on  each  side;  with  Stables,  Engine-house,  and 
Guard-house;  Necessaries  in  the  Area  yard.  A plat- 
form on  the  North  and  South,  bounded  by  a Balustrade, 

or  iron  railing,  per  particular  estimates $89,  629  71 

The  above  are  respectfully  presented,  by  ^ 

Charles  Bulfinch, 
Architect  of  Capitol  of  U.  S. 

March  6,  1826. 

Hon.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings. 


* 


* 


[Senate  proceedings  of  May  2,  1826:  Register  of  Debates,  19-1,  v.  2,  pt.  1,  p.  665.] 

Mr.  Randolph  then  rose,  and  said:  I rose  yesterday  to  give  notice  which  I had  not 
power  to  do,  of  a motion  that  I should  submit  to  the  Senate  this  morning.  Some 
weeks  ago  I gave  notice  that,  unless  some  abler  member,  having  more  influence,  both 
de  facto  and  de  jure,  in  this  body,  should  take  the  thing  into  consideration  and  move 
in  the  business,  that  I would  bring  forward  a motion  to  raise  a committee  on  the 
accommodation  of  this  body  generally.  I then  went  into  detail  on  the  different  sub- 
jects, which  I shall  not  go  into  now,  but  content  myself  with  observing  that  we  have 
here — I will  not  say  what  is  not  to  be  found  any  where  else  in  Washington — splendor 
without  comfort,  without  neatness,  without  accommodation.  I respectfully  submit 
this  resolution  to  the  Senate,  hoping  that  it  will  be  acted  on  now,  as  I gave  notice  so 
long  ago,  that  I would  bring  it  up  if  nobody  else  did;  and  as  I attempted  to  give 
notice  yesterday  that  I would  call  it  up  this  morning.  I have  made  it  as  broad  as 
possible,  that  the  committee  may  take  the  whole  subject  into  their  consideration  and 
report  at  large.  I wish  it  to  be  distinctly  understood  that  the  resolution  which  is 
made  thus  broad,  does  not  only  relate  to  the  regulation  of  this  chamber,  but  to  the 
other  subjects  which  I indicated  on  a former  occasion,  soon  after  we  came  out  of 
Executive  business,  when  there  was  no  one  in  the  gallery;  which  I was  very  glad  of. 

Resolved,  That  a committee  be  appointed,  to  consist  of  three  members,  who  shall 
take  into  consideration  the  present  arrangement  of  the  Senate  Chamber,  and  report 
such  provisions  as  they  shall  deem  requisite  for  promoting  the  accommodation  of  the 
Senate,  and  the  convenience  and  order  of  its  proceedings. 

The  resolution  was  agreed  to,  and  Messrs.  Randolph,  Lloyd,  and  Benton,  were 
chosen  the  committee. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  May  18,  1826:  Register  of  Debates,  19-1,  v.  2,  pt.  1,  p.  754.] 

Mr.  Randolph,  from  the  Select  Committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration 
the  present  arrangement  of  the  Senate  Chamber,  and  report  such  provisions  as  they 
shall  deem  requisite  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Senate,  and  the  order  of  its  pro- 
ceedings, made  a report,  accompanied  by  the  following  resolutions: 

Resolved , That dollars  be  appropriated,  out  of  any  moneys  in  the  Treasury, 

not  otherwise  appropriated,  to  the  construction,  under  the  direction  and  control  of 
the  Vice  President,  or  President  of  the  Senate,  of  suitable  and  convenient  accommo- 
dation for  the  use  of  the  Senate,  and  that  a proper  officer  be  appointed  to  attend  and 
take  charge  of  the  same. 


The  Old  Building.  277 

Resolved,  That  an  estimate  of  the  expense  thereof  be  laid  before  the  Senate  at  their 
next  session. 

Resolved,  That  no  person  be  admitted,  as  of  right,  to  the  floor  of  the  Senate,  except 
members  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  ex-members  of  both  Houses,  the  Piesi- 
dent,  Heads  of  Departments,  and  Judges  of  the  Supreme  and  inferior  Courts  of  the 
United  States,  unless  introduced  by  the  Vice  President,  who  shall  issue  his  written 
order  therefor. 

Resolved,  That  the  officers  of  the  House  be  responsible  to  the  Vice  President,  or 
President  of  the  Senate',  for  the  discharge  of  their  respective  duties;  and  that,  with 
the  exception  of  the  Secretary,  they  be  summarily  removed  from  office  for  any 
neglect  of  duty. 

Resolved,  That  the  room  be  arranged  under  the  direction  of  the  Vice  President,  or 
President  of  the  Senate,  so  as  to  enable  him  to  keep  order  more  effectually  in  the 

lobby  and  in  the  gallery;  and  that dollars  be  appropriated  for  that  object,  out 

of  any  moneys  in  the  Treasury,  not  otherwise  appropriated,  to  be  expended  under 
the  direction  of  the  Vice  President,  or  President  of  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Randolph  moved  the  immediate  consideration  of  the  resolutions;  but,  as  they 
embraced  an  appropriation  of  money,  by  the  rules  they  required  three  readings. 
They  were  accordingly  twice  read,  but  the  third  reading  requiring  unanimous  con- 
sent, and  it  being  objected  to,  they  were  not  read  the  third  time  this  day 


[House  proceedings  of  May  17,  1826;  Register  of  Debates,  19-1,  v.  2,  pt.  2,  p.  2654.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Everett,  the  House  went  into  Committee  of  the  IVhole,  Mr. 
Lathrop  in  the  chair,  on  the  bill  making  appropriation  for  completing  and  furnishing 
the  Public  Buildings. 

-x-  * -x- 

After  some  further  conversation  between  Messrs.  Forsyth,  Everett,  and  Bartlett, 
this  item  was  agreed  to,  and  the  House  took  up  the  next,  viz:  “ For  continuing  the 
work  on  the  Capitol,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  thousand  dollars.” 

Mr.  Everett  went  into  a full  explanation  of  this  item  in  the  bill.  It  proposed  no 
new  building,  but  only  the  erection  of  a strong  wall  around  the  basement  story  of 
the  Western  front,  at  such  a distance  as  to  enclose  an  area,  which  was  to  be  arched 
over,  and  covered  with  earth  and  sods.  This  would  answer  the  double  purpose  of 
hiding  a defect  universally  complained  of  in  that  front  of  the  Capitol — (a  defect  not 
chargable  on  the  present  architect,  but  arising  from  the  position  of  the  building  on 
the  brow  of  a hill) — and,  also,  of  furnishing  a convenient  repository  for  the  great 
quantity  of  wood  which  is,  by  the  present  usage,  kept  in  the  cellars  of  the  Capitol 
itself,  to  the  manifest  danger  of  that  building. 

Mr.  Beecher  and  Mr.  Forsyth  made  inquiries  to  ascertain  whether  this  appropria- 
tion was  to  be  the  last  for  the  completion  of  the  Capitol  and  grounds,  or  whether  it 
was  to  be  a beginning  of  further  appropriations. 

Mr.  Everett  stated,  that  it  would  be  neither  the  one  nor  the  other,  but  was  about 
half  of  the  whole  sum  requisite.  An  additional  appropriation  would  be  needed  for 
the  next  year,  of  about  $137,000.  That  would  cover  every  expense  required  to  finish 
the  Capitol  itself,  with  the  grounds  and  gates  around  it,  and  the  wholeplan  could  be 
completed  by  the  close  of  the  year  1827. 

Mr.  Ingham  did  not  rise  to  oppose  the  appropriation,  but  said  that  he  had  noticed, 
on  the  walls  of  the  Rotundo,  certain  carvings  in  stone;  and  among  them,  the  com- 
mencement of  a design  which  he  understood  to  be  intended  to  represent  the  treaty 
made  by  William  Penn.  He  was  persuaded  that  no  person  could  cast  his  eye  on  the 


278 


Documentary  11 /‘story  of  the  Capitol. 


figure  intended  for  that  great  and  venerable  person,  and  not  turn  away  in  disgust. 
To  see  a character  so  eminent  for  the  principles  of  peace,  and  so  distinguished  by 
his  opposition  to  every  thing  in  the  shape  of  military  employment,  portrayed  as  him- 
self, wearing  a sort  of  military  uniform,  with  a large  cocked  hat  upon  his  head,  could 
produce  nothing  but  surprise  and  disgust.  He  had  always  heard  and  read  that  Wil- 
liam Penn  was  a portly  figure,  with  rather  a commanding  and  dignified  appearance; 
but  the  figure  here  sculptured  was  a dwarf,  and  his  appearance  more  ludicrous  than 
any  thing  else.  Nor  could  any  descendant  of  the  Pilgrims  look  on  the  female  figure 
in  another  compartment  of  the  same  room,  and  be  told  it  was  meant  to  represent  one 
of  those  who  landed  at  Plymouth,  and  not  feel  an  emotion  of  indignation.  He  wished 
to  know  if  these  pieces  of  sclupture  were  to  be  left  in  their  present  state,  or  were  to 
be  removed? 

Mr.  Everett  agreed  in  the  opinion  expressed  by  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania 
as  to  these  pieces  of  carving — lie  was  as  much  mortified  as  that  gentleman  at  their 
appearance,  and  would  be  as  glad  to  get  rid  of  them — but,  poor  as  they  would  be,  he 
thought  that,  if  finished,  they  would  not  present  so  great  a blemish  as  if  left  in  their 
present  situation.  He  made  some  farther  explanations;  when 

Mr.  Whittlesey  moved  to  strike  out  $100,000  and  insert  $38,586  78,  which  sum  he 
saw  reported  as  sufficient  to  complete  the  Capitol  upon  the  present  plan.  He  thought 
the  Western  front  needed  no  concealment,  but  was  decidedly  the  hansomest  front 
presented  by  this  building.  He  thought  no  serious  danger  could  arise  from  keeping 
fuel  in  the  vaults  of  the  building. 

Mr.  Mall  ary  expressed  an  opinion  as  to  the  Western  front,  directly  the  reverse  of 
that  given  by  Mr.  Whittlesey,  and  defended  the  necessity  and  propriety  of  appro- 
priations to  beautify  the  public  buildings. 

Mr.  Cook  adverted  to  the  late  fire  in  the  Library,  as  shewing  the  danger  to  which 
a single  candle  might  expose  the  building. 

Mr.  Whittlesey  asked  if  the  danger  of  the  Library  could  be  obviated  by  finishing 
the  Western  front? 

Mr.  Mercer  insisted  on  the  value  of  the  proposed  improvement,  as  going  to  give 
additional  strength  to  a part  of  the  Capitol,  which,  from  its  situation,  was  found  to 
require  it.  The  position  of  so  large  a building  on  the  very  brow  of  a hill,  produced 
an  unequal  pressure  on  its  foundations,  and  had  a tendency  to  cause  the  building  to 
split  asunder;  some  indications  of  which  might  already  be  perceived  over  some  of  the 
windows.  It  was  a fact  that  the  key-stone  in  one  of  the  arches  had  dropped  as  much 
as  a quarter  of  an  inch.  An  arch,  springing  from  a terrace  wall,  which  wall  was  sup- 
ported by  an  embankment,  must  aid  very  much  in  strengthening  that  side  of  the 
building. 

Mr.  Stevenson,  of  Pennsylvania,  said  he  regretted  that,  at  the  end  of  the  session, 
the  House  should  have  got  into  a grave  debate  about  a wood  house.  He  agreed  with 
the  gentleman  from  Ohio,  that  the  present  building  ought  to  be  finished,  but  that  no 
new  erection  should  be  commenced.  He  then  went  into  a calculation,  from  the  com- 
mittee’s report,  to  shew  that  this  wood-house  was  to  cost  $192,000.  If  it  was  danger- 
ous to  have  a large  quantity  of  wood  in  the  cellars,  there  might  be  a repository  in  the 
neighborhood — there  was  room  enough  out  of  doors.  Nor  could  there  be  any  great 
want  of  committee  rooms;  for  he  perceived  that  some  of  the  rooms  were  appropriated 
for  eating  and  drinking. 

Mr.  Everett  complained  of  the  unfairness  of  this  representation.  The  application 
of  the  area  to  the  keeping  of  wood,  was  only  incidental.  The  sum  of  $192,000  was 
not  to  build  a wood-house,  but  to  complete  the  Capitol;  to  put  up  gates;  to  build 
the  steps  up  the  slope,  and  finish  the  grounds  round  about  it;  nor  was  there  any 
proposal  to  build  new  committee  rooms. 

Mr.  Bartlett  further  explained  the  necessity  of  the  proposed  wall  and  area; 
referred  to  the  danger  from  such  a mass  of  wood  beneath  the  Capitol;  and  ludi- 
crously described  a tour  of  examination  which  he  had  made  through  the  vaults.. 


The  Old  Building. 


279 


Mr.  Stevenson  replied  to  Mr.  Everett,  disclaiming  all  intention  of  turning  the 
subject  into  ridicule,  or  treating  the  committee  with  disrespect. 

Some  further  explanations  were  then  made  by  Mr.  Everett — when 
The  question  was  taken  on  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Whittlesey,  and  decided  in  the 
negative;  ayes  57,  noes  69. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings  in  Washington,  and  for  other  pur- 
poses,” approved  May  22,  1826.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  4,  194.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America, 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  the  following  sums  be,  and  the  same  are  hereby,  respect- 
ively appropriated,  to  be  paid  out  of  any  money  in  [the]  treasury  not  otherwise 
appropriated,  for  the  following  purposes;  thatistosay:  * * * for  continuing  the 
work  on  the  Capitol,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  thousand  dollars. 


[Doc.  No.  6.  19th  Congress,  2d  session.  Executive.  Public  buildings.  Message  from  the  President 
of  the  United  States,  transmitting  the  annual  statement  of  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Build- 
ings, of  the  expenditure  on  the  same,  and  of  the  progress  of  the  said  buildings,  Dec.  8,  1826. — Bead, 
and  referred  to  the  Committee  on  the  Expenditures  on  the  Public  Buildings.] 

To  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  Stales. 

Washington,  8th  December,  1826. 

In  compliance  with  a Resolution  of  the  Senate  of  the  28th  January,  1818,  I trans- 
mit a Report  of  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings,  containing  the  annual 
statement  of  Expenditures  on  those  buildings,  and  the  account  of  their  progress, 
required  by  the  said  Resolution. 

John  Quincy  Adams. 


< 

Washington,  December  7th,  1826. 

To  the  President  of  the  United  States: 

Sir:  The  progress  of  the  work  on  the  Capitol,  during  the  present  season,  has  not 
fully  equalled  our  expectations.  The  principal  part  of  it  consisted  of  offices  and 
appendages,  not  embraced  by  the  original  design,  in  relation  to  which,  no  provision 
could  be  made  until  sanctioned  by  an  appropriation.  That  act  was  among  the  latest 
of  the  last  session;  and  subsequent  to  its  passage,  bills  were  to  make  out  for  the 
material,  which  was  then  in  the  quarry.  A section  of  the  work  has,  however,  been 
carried  up,  and  materials  provided,  and  in  a course  of  preparation,  for  the  remainder. 
The  East  front,  and  its  massy  approach,  have  been  finished,  with  the  exception  of 
the  ornamental  figures,  which  are  advancing  as  rapidly  as  their  due  execution  will 
permit.  The  library  has  been  restored.  The  injury  it  had  sustained  was  found  to 
be  much  more  extensive  than  had  been  anticipated.  The  adhesion  of  the  stucco, 
and  the  plastering  of  the  dome,  was  so  far  destroyed  that  its  entire  removal  became 
necessary.  Some  progress  has  been  made  in  regulating  the  ground,  and  in  extend- 
ing the  footways  round  it.  The  work  suffered  a severe  loss  by  the  accidental  death 
of  Mr.  Blagden,  which  happened  earl}’  in  the  season.  Possessing  in  a high  degree 
the  science,  and  practical  knowledge  of  his  profession,  he  had  conducted  in  its  most 
important  branch,  the  construction  of  the  Capitol,  almost  from  its  commencement, 
with  a precision,  and  fidelity,  which  he  carried  into  all  the  relations  of  life. 

* * * 

The  Expenditures  on  these  objects,  and  others,  have  been  as  follows:  Capitol  and 
grounds,  $70,045  03. 

I have  the  honor  to  remain,  with  great  respect,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

J.  Elgar, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


280 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[House  proceedings  of  Jan.  15,  1827:  Register  of  Debates,  19-2,  y.  3,  p.  714.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

Mr.  Miner  moved  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings  be  instructed  to  inquire  and 
report  a statement  to  this  House,  shewing  the  time  at  which  the  public  buildings 
were  commenced  in  this  city;  the  amount  of  money  that  has  been  expended  on  them 
in  each  year,  designating  the  expenditures  on  each  building,  separately;  what  sums 
have  been  paid  for  improving  the  grounds  adjoining  the  President’s  House,  and  the 
sums  for  improving  the  grounds  adjoining  the  Capitol.  And  also,  that  the  commit- 
the  procure  and  lay  before  this  House,  a statement  and  estimates  of  the  work  contem- 
plated to  be  done  to  finish  the  public  buildings,  and  complete  the  improvement  of  the 
grounds  adjoining  the  same,  and,  with  as  much  precision  as  possible,  the  time  when 
the  whole  will  be  completed.  And,  that  the  committee  inquire  into  the  expediency 
of  accelerating  the  work  by  the  employment  of  additional  laborers,  or  by  such  other 
means  as  they  may  judge  proper. 

Mr.  Miner  said,  he  hoped  the  gentlemen  composing  the  Committee  on  the  Public 
Buildings  would  not  think  he  was  trespassing  upon  their  precincts,  or  that  the  reso- 
lution implied  a doubt  of  their  proper  attention  to  the  duties  assigned  them.  He 
had  perfect  confidence  in  the  committee,  but  he  wished  through  them  to  obtain  some 
information,  that  he  thought  would  be  useful;  and  more  especially  it  was  his  wish 
to  attract  the  attention  of  the  House  distinctly  to  the  subject  of  the  public  buildings. 
It  is  now  more  than  thirty  years  since  they  were  commenced — near  three  millions  of 
dollars  has  been  expended  on  them.  I have  been  said  Mr.  M.,  an  occasional  visiter 
to  Washington  City  for  twenty  years  past,  and  at  all  times  have  I witnessed  the  same 
confusion  about  the  Capitol — the  same  rolling  of  huge  stones,  and  the  same  din  of 
workmen.  Is  this  never  to  cease?  He  thought  the  buildings  should  be  finished  in 
the  same  elegant  style  in  which  they  were  begun:  but  he  thought  it  was  high  time 
they  were  finished.  Solomon’s  Temple  was  but  seven  years  in  building;  these  build- 
ings had  been  in  the  hands  of  the  workmen  more  than  seven  and  twenty  years.  Mr. 
M.  said,  he  was  not  disposed  to  withhold  liberal  appropriations  for  the  benefit  of  the 
District;  but  it  seemed  sellish  to  lav  out  so  much  for  our  own  accommodation  and  so 
little  to  other  objects.  The  citizens  of  Georgetown  wanted  aid  to  build  a bridge:  we 
could  not  afford  to  aid  them;  all  our  appropriations  must  be  laid  out  on  the  public 
buildings.  If  rightly  informed,  more  than  80,000  dollars  had  been  expended  on  the 
lot  on  which  the  Capitol  was  erected — a handsome  fence  was  built  around  it,  but  all 
the  rest  was  a scene  of  desolation.  The  President’s  garden  was,  and  always  had  been, 
a scene  of  confusion — to  him  it  seemed  as  if  the  same  cartmen,  who  were  there  ten 
years  ago,  were  still  employed  hauling  dirt  from  one  part  of  the  enclosure  to  the 
other — there  was  none  of  the  elegance,  the  repose,  and  the  beauty,  which  there 
should  be  in  the  garden  of  a private  gentleman.  Last  year  it  was  proposed  to  take 
down  the  wall  around  the  President’s  House,  to  rebuild  it  on  a different  plan — the 
work  was  like  Penelope’s  web;  what  was  done  at  one  time  was  undone  at  another, 
and  never  finished.  We  have  made  the  Cumberland  road  for  several  hundred  miles. 
It  was  a free  road,  and  had  his  approbation;  but  said  Mr.  M.,  a citizen  of  Alexandria 
cannot  visit  the  City  of  Washington  without  two  or  three  demands  on  his  purse  by 
way  of  toll  for  travelling  the  roads  within  the  District.  He  thought  this  was  wrong. 
He  thought  these  buildings  and  grounds  should  be  completed,  and  that  we  should 
turn  our  attention  to  other  objects,  and  to  improving  other  parts  of  the  District. 
With  the  view  of  bringing  the  moral  power  of  the  House,  the  power  of  its  opinion, 
to  bear  on  the  subject,  he  had  called  its  attention  to  the  matter,  and  introduced  the 
resolution. 


The  Old  Building. 


281 


Mr.  Cocke  said,  that  it  was  in  vain  for  the  gentleman  to  expect  to  attain  the  object 
in  view  so  long  as  those  who  are  engaged  in  the  superintendence  of  these  public 
works  are  permitted  to  present,  every  session,  new  plans  and  new  estimates,  for 
extending  and  altering  them.  The  matter  would  never  be  brought  to  a close,  so  long 
as  this  House  held  out  to  these  persons,  that  we  want  them  to  devise  ways  and  means 
for  spending  more  of  the  public  money.  They  would  never  fail  to  respond  to  such 
an  intimation.  He  therefore  suggested  to  the  honorable  mover  so  to  modify  his  reso- 
lution as  to  cut  off  all  farther  plans. 

Mr.  Miner  said  he  meant  to  censure  no  one.  He  did  not  think  the  duties  imposed 
by  the  resolution  would  prove  so  onerous  as  were  imagined,  as  a table  existed  con- 
taining the  principal  part  of  the  information.  But  he  wished  the  whole  spread 
before  the  members,  that  it  might  make  its  proper  impression. 

Mr.  Everett  was  not  disposed  to  oppose  the  resolution,  but  thought  that  that  part  of 
it  which  directed  the  committee  to  report  all  the  sums  heretofore  appropriated  for  this 
object,  could  answer  no  purpose  but  a mere  gratification  of  curiosity,  and  would,  at 
the  same  time,  impose  upon  the  committee  a laborious  investigation  of  documents 
extending  for  twenty-seven  years,  or,  indeed,  from  the  foundation  of  the  city.  He 
could  not  see  the  practical  advantage  of  such  a retrospect.  Here  the  buildings  are, 
nor  will  it  aid  at  all  the  completion  of  them  to  discover,  by  this  investigation,  what 
has  been  expended  on  them  in  years  past;  and  he  would  take  the  liberty  of  suggest- 
ing that  gentlemen  ought  to  take  a somewhat  liberal  view  of  this  subject.  He  had 
no  wish  to  shelter  from  blame  any  persons  on  whom  it  ought  to  rest;  but  gentlemen 
should  recollect  the  time  at  which  the  bill  making  appropriations  for  carrying  on  the 
public  buildings,  passed  this  House.  It  was  at  so  late  a period  that  no  orders  for 
stone  could  be  sent  to  the  quarries  till  after  the  22d  of  May.  The  stone  had  then  to 
be  quarried  and  shipped,  so  that  great  delay  was  unavoidable,  in  the  progress'of  the 
work.  At  the  present  session,  the  bill  must  necessarily  be  passed  in  good  season,  if 
at  all,  as  the  session  must  terminate  on  the  4th  of  March.  He  was  not  desirous  of 
opposing  the  call  which  the  gentleman  desired,  but  thought  it  required  from  the  com- 
mittee a pretty  onerous  task,  and  one  which,  when  performed,  would  be  attended 
with  little  actual  benefit. 

Mr.  Miner  replied,  that  the  duty  would  not  be  so  onerous  as  the  gentleman  from 
Massachusetts  seemed  to  suppose;  if  he  was  not  misinformed,  the  committee  could, 
in  half  an  hour,  lay  their  hand  on  a full  statement  of  all  the  expenditures  down,  at 
least,  as  far  as  1803.  In  bringing  forward  this  resolution  he  had  had  no  intention  of 
implying  censure  on  any  one;  but  he  desired  to  attract  the  attention  of  the  House  to 
the  subject,  in  the  hope  that  its  moral  power  might  be  brought  to  bear  upon  it.  The 
information  sought,  would,  he  felt  persuaded,  be  acceptable  to  all  the  members. 

Mr.  Bartlett  observed,  that  no  estimates  were  made,  unless  in  obedience  to  a reso- 
lution of  the  House.  The  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings  had,  last  session, 
directed  the  Superintendent  to  cause  the  Architect  to  prepare  an  estimate,  for  the 
entire  completion  of  the  whole  plan.  Hitherto  appropriations  for  these  buildings 
had  been  in  broken  sums,  for  the  several  objects  respectively.  But  last  year,  in 
obedience  to  the  requirement  of  the  committee,  the  Architect  had  furnished  those 
plans,  which  the  House  had  seen.  They  embraced  the  whole  of  the  additions  con- 
templated to  be  made,  some  of  which  had  been  approved,  and  others  rejected  by  the 
committee;  and  the  appropriation  had  been  specific  in  its  character,  providing  for  so 
much  of  the  approved  objects  as  could  be  accomplished  within  the  year.  The 
obtaining  of  a detailed  history  of  all  that  had  been  done  and  expended  in  the  prog- 
ress of  the  public  buildings,  and  the  grounds  around  them,  could  not,  he  should 
think,  be  material. 

Mr.  Miner  said,  since  he  had  heard  the  views  of  the  gentlemen  on  the  subject,  he 
would  consent  that  the  resolution  should  for  the  present  lie  upon  the  table. 

It  was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  accordingly. 


282 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[House  of  Representatives.  Rep.  No.  75.  19th  Congress,  2rl  Session,  Feb.  7,  1827.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

Mr.  Van  Rensselaer,  from  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings,  to  which  was 

referred  so  much  of  the  President’s  Message  as  relates  to  the  progress  of  the  Public 

Buildings,  made  the  following  report: 

The  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings,  to  whom  was  referred  so  much  of  the 
President’s  Message,  of  December  8th,  as  relates  to  the  progress  of  the  Public  Build- 
ings, have  had  that  subject  under  consideration,  and  beg  leave  to  report,  as  follows: 

That,  at  the  last  session  of  Congress,  the  Committee  of  the  Public  Buildings 
expressed  the  opinion  to  the  House,  that  all  which  remains  to  be  done  towards  com- 
pleting the  Public  Buildings,  might  be  accomplished  during  the  years  1826  and  1827. 
The  late  period  at  which  the  appropriation  bill  was  passed  occasioned  a loss  of  nearly 
three  months  of  that  season  of  the  year  best  adapted  to  out-doors  work,  and  a corre- 
sponding delay  in  finishing  what  remains  to  be  done  upon  the  Capitol,  and  its 
enclosures.  Aware  of  the  inconvenience  resulting  to  Congress  from  protracting  the 
work,  and  of  the  general  desire  felt  that  it  should  be  brought  to  a close,  the  com- 
mittee directed  their  first  attention  to  the  inquiry,  what  measures  could  be  adopted  to 
secure  its  completion  during  the  year  1827.  The  obstacles,  they  learned,  would  con- 
sist in  the  difficulty  of  procuring,  within  a limited  time,  a sufficient  quantity  of  the 
harder  kind  of  free  stone,  which  would  be  needed,  and  in  the  scarcity  of  stone- 
cutters. Further  inquiry  has  removed  the  first  obstacle,  and  information  has  been 
received  that  a sufficient  quantity  of  stone  can  be  procured  from  the  quarry.  In 
compliance  with  the  urgent  recommendations  of  the  committee,  the  Commissioner 
of  the  Public  Buildings  has  exerted  himself  to  remove  the  second  difficulty,  and  all 
practicable  measures  will  be  pursued  by  him  to  increase  the  number  of  stone-cutters, 
to  such  an  extent  as  that  the  work  remaining  to  be  done  maybe  finished  the  present 
year. 

The  principal  work  required  to  be  done  is  the  completion  of  the  area-wall,  on  the 
Western  front,  already  commenced;  a flight  of  steps  on  the  Western  front;  platforms 
on  the  South  and  North  wings;  a railing  to  connect  the  South  and  North  wings  with 
the  enclosure  of  the  Capitol  Square;  a railing  to  separate  the  garden,  on  the  Eastern 
front,  from  the  carriage-road  to  the  Capitol  steps;  and  the  gates  at  the  various 
entrances.  These  constructions,  with  the  graduation  of  the  ground  within  the  limits 
of  the  Capitol  square,  constitute  about  all  which  remains  to  be  done,  in  immediate 
connection  with  the  Capitol.  The  estimates  of  the  cost  of  this  work  will  be  found 
in  papers  marked  A and  B.  No  part  of  it  can  be  dispensed  with,  and  the  committee 
have  adopted  the  simplest  plan,  and  the  lowest  estimate,  viz:  Design  No.  3,  in  paper 
B,  striking  out  the  item  of  81,000  for  guardhouse  and  jrolice  office. 

In  their  report  of  last  year,  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings  thus  expressed 
themselves:  “In  most  of  the  plans  submitted  to  the  Committee  by  the  Architect, 
provision  was  made  for  stable  room  and  stalls  for  horses  and  carriages  employed  in 
the  service  of  Congress,  by  the  messengers  and  officers  of  the  two  Houses.  The  com- 
mittee, after  much  consideration,  have  determined  not  to  recommend  an  appropria- 
tion for  these  objects,  as  appurtenant  to  the  Capitol.  The  proper  care  and  supervi- 
sion of  the  Capitol  and  Square  will  probably  require  the  establishment  of  the  office 
of  a permanent  superintendent,  and  a bill  for  that  purpose  has  already  been  reported 
to  the  Senate.  Should  such  an  office  be  created,  the  convenience  of  the  public  ser- 
vice will  probably  require  the  erection  of  a dwelling  house  for  his  accommodation, 
in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  Capitol,  and,  connected  with  such  a dwelling  house, 
the  committee  apprehend  that  provision  can  be  made  for  the  necessary  stabling, 
more  conveniently  than  any  where  else.” 


The  Old  Building. 


283 


The  time  has  now  arrived  when  it  is  necessary  to  make  a provision  of  some  kind 
for  this  object.  The  space  now  occupied  by  the  temporary  buildings,  hitherto  used 
for  the  purpose  of  stabling,  must  be  taken  into  the  permanent  plan  of  graduating  and 
enclosing  the  grounds.  Some  provision,  it  is  supposed,  must  also  be  made  for  the 
accommodation  of  Members  of  Congress,  and  others,  having  business  at  the  Capitol, 
who  come  thither  on  horseback,  or  in  their  own  carriages.  It  is  also  necessary  to 
erect  a permanent  engine  house.  Various  plans  for  these,  and  some  kindred  pur- 
poses, were  last  year  submitted  by  the  Architect  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings. All  these  plans  contemplated  the  erection  of  the  buildings  in  question,  within 
the  Capitol  square.  The  committee,  however,  then  felt,  and  still  feel,  an  invincible 
reluctance  to  the  obstruction  of  the  square  with  buildings  for  the  purposes  above- 
mentioned,  and,  indeed,  to  the  commencement  of  new  and  costly  buildings  of  stone 
for  any  purpose.  Adopting  the  idea  suggested  in  the  Report  of  last  Winter,  that 
accommodations  would  be  wanted  for  the  officer  or  officers  who  might  be  charged 
with  the  general  superintendence  of  the  Capitol  and  Square,  and  that  convenient 
provision  might,  at  the  same  time,  be  made  for  stabling,  and  engine  house,  the  com- 
mittee directed  plans  and  estimates  to  be  submitted  to  them,  of  suitable  buildings 
for  the  purposes  aforesaid,  to  be  erected  on  two  spots  of  ground,  the  proj^ertv  of  the 
public,  immediately  adjacent  to  the  Capitol,  on  North  and  South  Capitol  Streets, 
respectively,  and  extremely  well  suited,  as  is  believed,  to  furnish  the  accommoda- 
tion required,  at  the  smallest  possible  expense.  The  estimate  will  be  found  in  the 
paper  marked  C. 

* * * 

To  meet  the  expense  of  miscellaneous  repairs  in  the  Capitol,  a small  sum  is 
requested  by  the  architect,  and  §500  is  recommended  by  the  committee  for  that 
purpose. 

In  conclusion,  the  committee  beg  leave  to  observe,  that  they  have  done  every  thing, 
within  their  competency,  to  ensure  the  completion  of  the  Public  Buildings  during 
the  present  year.  They  hope  the  House  will  not  be  disappointed  in  the  result;  but 
they  deem  it  necessary  to  remark,  that,  in  so  great  a quantity  of  work  as  must  be 
effected — all  requiring  to  be  executed  in  the  most  perfect  manner — the  most  zealous 
efforts  of  all  concerned  are  not  sure  to  bring  within  a previously  estimated  limit  of 
time,  the  completion  of  the  whole  enterprise. 

The  following  appropriations,  (as  explained  by  the  foregoing  statement,)  are 
recommended  by  the  committee: 


For  work  to  be  done  per  estimate  A §104,  789  05 

Deduct  the  item  of  engine  house,  guard  house,  and  two  por- 
ter’s lodges  (not  recommended  by  the  committee,) 28,000  00 

Deduct  the  item  of  picture-frames,  (not  recommended, ) 1,200  00 

29,200  00 

75,  589  05 

For  work  to  be  done,  as  per  estimate  B 9,  125  00 

Piers  and  gates 11,  094  00 

Two  buildings  of  brick  for  stables,  engine  house,  keeper’s  house,  &c. 

culverts  and  fence 16,216  00 

Repairs 500  00 

Repairs  and  improvements  at  the  War  and  Navy  Departments 1,  495  35 

Fire  apparatus 1,  227  00 


115,  246  40 

Balance  of  last  year’s  appropriation 25,  545  00 


§89,701  40 


284 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


A. 


The  following  estimate  was  first  furnished,  by  the  Architect,  of  the 
expense  of  continuing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  for  the  year  1827  * * * $104,789  05 

Remaining  of  last  year’s  appropriation 29,955 

Deduct  paid  for  490  tons  of  stone  since  the  Commissioner’s  report, 

at  $9 4, 410 

25,  545  00 


Respectfully  presented  by 
January  11,  1827. 


$79,  244  05 

Charles  Bulfinch,  Arch’t  of  Cap. 


* 


* 


* 


C. 

Estimate  of  buildings,  for  keeper's  house,  stabling,  and  engine  house. 


I estimate  the  buildings  on  the  enlarged  plan,  at $7,  000 

A bell  of  250  lbs.  at  100 

Expense  of  freight  and  fixtures 30 

Culvert  350  ft.  at  $1  75 r. 612 

1,220  ft.  rail  fence  round  two  triangles,  at  30  cts 366 


$8, 108 

The  same  on  the  North  side. 

Respectfully  presented, 

Charles  Bulfinch. 

February  5th,  1827. 

* * * 


[Doc.  No.  93.  19th  Congress,  2d  session.  Ho.  of  Reps.  State  Dept.  Improvement  in  Hall  of  House 
of  Representatives.  Letter  from  the  Secretary  of  State,  transmitting  a report  of  the  board  of  inspec- 
tion, appointed  19th  of  May  last,  in  relation  to  improvements  of  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, U.  S.  &e.  &c.,  Feb.  12,  1827.  Referred  to  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings.] 


Washington,  9th  February,  1827. 

I have  the  honor  to  transmit,  herewith,  to  be  laid  before  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, a report  from  the  Board  of  Inspection,  appointed  by  a resolution  of  the 
House,  of  the  19th  May  last,  in  respect  to  improvements  in  the  Representatives’ 
Hall,  so  as  to  make  it  better  suited  to  the  purposes  of  a deliberative  assembly,  together 
with  several  documents  referred  to  and  made  a part  of  this  report. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  with  high  respect, 

Your  obedient  servant, 


H.  Clay. 


The  Hon.  John  W.  Taylor, 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


The  House  of  Representatives  having,  on  the  19th  May,  1826,  resolved,  “That  the 
Clerk  of  this  House  be  authorized  to  employ  William  Strickland,  of  Philadelphia,  to  act 
in  conjunction  with  the  architect  now  employed  in  completing  the  Capitol,  in  devising 


The  Old  Building. 


285 


a plan  for  improving  the  Hall,  so  far  as  to  render  it  better  suited  to  the  purposes  of  a 
deliberative  assembly:  That  the  Secretary  of  State,  the  Secretary  of  War,  and  the 
Attorney  General,  be  requested  to  act  as  a Board  of  Inspection,  on  the  aforesaid 
contemplated  improvement,  during  the  recess  of  Congress;  and  that,  if  the  said  archi- 
tects can  devise  any  plan  for  accomplishing  the  object,  that  shall  receive  the  sanction 
of  the  Board  aforesaid,  they  be  authorized  to  execute  the  same,  under  the  direction 
of  the  said  Board.  Resolved,  that  the  expenses  be  defrayed  out  of  the  contingent 
fund;”  The  undersigned,  constituting  the  Board  of  Inspection  appointed  by  the  said 
resolution,  have  the  honor  to  report  : That  shortly  after  the  termination  of  the  last 
session  of  Congress,  the  Clerk  of  the  House  communicated  to  Mr.  William  Strickland 
the  substance  of  the  resolution,  and  requested  his  attendance  at  Washington,  to 
co-operate  in  the  accomplishment  of  its  object:  that  it  was  not  convenient  to  Mr. 
Strickland  to  attend  until  some  time  in  July,  when,  in  the  absence  of  the  undersigned 
and  the  Clerk,  he  visited  the  city,  and  examined  the  Hall  of  the  House,  in  company 
with  Mr.  Bulfinch:  That  the  Clerk,  on  the  28th  August  last,  addressed  a letter  to 
Mr.  Strickland,  (of  which  a copy  accompanies  the  report,  marked  A,)  to  which  he 
received  an  answer,  under  date  the  12th  September  last,  of  which  the  paper  marked 
B,  is  a copy:  That  the  undersigned  being  desirous  to  be  present  in  the  Hall  with 
Messrs.  Strickland  and  Bulfinch,  when  they  examined  it,  requested  the  Clerk  to  ask 
the  attendance  of  the  former  again  at  Washington,  and,  accordingly,  he  came  here 
in  October  last,  as  early  as  he  could  consistently  with  other  engagements:  That  the 
undersigned  were  present  when  those  gentlemen  inspected  the  Hall,  and  discussed 
various  plans  of  improvement  which  were  suggested:  that  Mr.  Strickland’s  opinion 
as  to  the  most  effectual  improvement  will  be  seen  in  his  report  to  the  Board,  under 
date  the  31st  of  October  last,  hereto  annexed,  marked  C,  and  that  of  Mr.  Bulfinch 
in  his  report  under  date  the  1st  November  last,  also  hereto  annexed,  marked  D: 
That,  from  the  perusal  of  those  reports  it  will  appear  that  both  the  architects  concur 
in  opinion,  that  the  only  effectual  remedies  of  the  defects  complained  of  in  the  Hall, 
are,  1st.  to  suspend  a flat  ceiling  of  lath  and  plaster  over  the  whole  arena  of  the  Hall 
within  the  columns,  and  upon  a level  with  the  stone  cornice  or  springing  line  of  the 
same;  or,  2dly.  To  break  up  the  existing  smooth  surface  of  the  dome,  by  deeply 
sunk  caissons,  in  the  manner  of  the  ceiling  of  the  Senate  Chamber  and  the  Rotundo. 
Both  the  architects  agree  that  the  first  mentioned  plan  would  materially  impair  the 
symmetry  and  proportions  of  the  Hall,  and  Mr.  Bulfinch  thinks  it  might  injuriously 
diminish  the  cubic  volume  of  air  in  the  Hall. 

That  it  became  altogether  unnecessary  for  the  undersigned  to  give  their  sanction 
to  either  of  the  two  suggested  plans,  because  the  vacation  between  the  last  and  the 
present  session  of  the  House  was  too  short  to  admit  of  the  execution  of  either,  so  as 
to  have  the  Hull  prepared  in  time  for  the  accommodation  of  the  House:  that  the 
long  vacation  which  will  en§ue,  after  the  termination  of  the  present  session  of  Con- 
gress, will  be  sufficient  to  allow  of  the  execution  of  either  of  them  to  which  the 
House  may  think  proper  to  give  its  sanction. 

That  the  undersigned  suggested  to  the  architects  the  propriety  of  testing  the  effi- 
cacy of  the  suspended  ceiling,  by  stretching  a covering  of  silk  over  the  space  which 
it  was  intended  to  occupy;  but  it  was  stated  that  the  absorbent  qualities  of  that,  or 
of  any  cloth,  are  such  as  would  prevent  its  being  a fair  experiment;  and  that  it  was 
also  mentioned,  that,  in  the  year  1814,  such  a test,  (though  not  with  silken  cloth,) 
was  applied,  and  that  the  inconveniences  which  it  occasioned  induced  the  House 
quickly  to  direct  its  removal. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

H.  Clay, 

James  Barbour, 

W m.  Wirt. 

Washington,  8th  February,  1827. 


286 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


A. 


Washington,  28th  August,  1826. 

Wm.  Strickland,  Esq.  Philadelphia. 

Sir:  I was  disappointed  in  not  finding  you  in  Washington  when  I arrived,  on  the 
3d  July,  having  heard,  in  Carlisle,  of  your  intended  visit  to  Washington.  From 
the  conversation  I have  had  with  Mr.  Bulfinch,  I am  led  to  believe,  that  you  think 
that  no  alteration  can  be  made  in  the  Hall,  which  would  be  beneficial,  except  a flat 
ceiling  of  plaster.  I write  now,  to  ascertain  whether  you  have  made  up  your  mind 
definitively;  or,  if  you  could  not  come  down  again  to  Washington,  immediately  after 
the  6th  September,  as  Mr.  Clay  will  then  be  at  home.  I wish  you,  very  much,  to 
see  the  Committee,  as  several  expedients  have  been  suggested;  such  as  a flat,  plas- 
tered ceiling;  a glass  ceiling;  a glass  cover,  at  the  height  of  say  thirty  feet,  supported 
by  brass  pillars,  and  rather  concave,  (taking  down  the  galleries,  and  having  the 
auditory  on  a level  with  the  Hall,)  raising  the  floor  to  the  level  of  the  walk  behind 
the  Speaker’s  chair,  making  it  either  level,  or  rising,  in  the  usual  form,  from  front 
to  rear. 


On  all  these  different  suggestions,  I am  certain,  the  Committee  would  be  pleased 
to  have  your  opinion,  and  would  rather  converse  and  explain,  than  write. 

Please  to  inform  me  how  soon  you  could  come  down. 

Yours,  most  respectfully, 

M.  St.  Clair  Clarke. 

Clerk  Ho.  of  Reps.  U.  S. 


B. 

Philadelphia,  Sejot.  12th,  1826. 

Matthew  St.  Clair  Clarke,  Esq. 

1 Vashington. 

Sir:  It  will  be  out  of  my  power  to  visit  Washington  during  the  present  month. 
When  I examined  the  Hall  of  Representatives,  in  July  last,  I came  to  the  conclu- 
sion, that  no  alteration  could  be  effectively  made  to  correct  the  reverberation  of  the 
voice  in  that  room,  except  by  the  removal  of  the  dome:  This  may  be  properly  done, 
by  the  construction  of  a flat  ceiling,  of  lath  and  plaster,  over  the  whole  area,  upon  a 
level  with  the  cornice  of  the  room.  For  the  sake  of  light,  the  glass  lantern  should 
be  continued  to  the  ceiling,  and  be  made  to  occupy  a much  larger  diameter  than  it 
now  does.  I am  aware,  however,  that  this  plan  would  affect  the  proportions  of  the 
room;  but  these  may  be  retained,  in  a great  degree,  by  any  skilful  artist,  who  could, 
by  painting  the  flat  ceiling,  represent  a dome,  nearly  as  perfect  as  the  real  one. 

The  expedients  you  mention,  as  having  been  suggested,  are  all  pbjectionable,  and 
would  have  but  a very  partial  effect,  in  removing  the  great  cause  of  the  resonance. 
The  glass  cover  would  be  difficult  and  expensive  to  construct;  and,  when  done, 
would  form  a very  unsightly  object:  To  the  eye,  the  glass  and  its  supports  would 
distort  the  compartments  of  the  dome,  and  produce  a very  disagreeable  effect.  In  a 
few  years  it  would  become  opake,  and  completely  coated  with  dust. 

To  take  down  the  galaries,  and  have  the  auditory  on  a level  with  the  floor  of  the 
Hall,  would  have  the  effect  of  increasing  the  difficulty  of  hearing,  by  opening  a 
greater  space  through  which  the  voice  would  be  spent  and  broken,  by  the  interven- 
tion of  the  semicircular  screen  of  columns,  which  support  the  dome. 

To  raise  the  floor  to  the  level  of  the  logia  behind  the  Speaker’s  chair,  would  be,  in 
fact,  simply  equivalent  to  lowering  the  ceiling  a few  feet,  which  would  only  serve  to 
make  the  echo,  or  return  of  the  voice,  more  sudden  upon  the  speaker,  or  hearer. 
While  the  great  cause  of  the  reverberation  exists,  viz.  the  dome,  nothing  short  of  its 
removal  can  be  relied  on,  as  a corrective  to  the  present  difficulty  of  speaking,  and 
being  heard. 

Yours,  very  respectfully,  William  Strickland, 

Arch,  and  Eng. 


The  Old  Building. 


287 


c. 

The  Hon.  Henry  Clay. 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  to  whom  teas  referred 

the  alteration  of  the  Halt  of  Representatives. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  communicate  to  you  the  result  of  an  examination  which 
I have  made,  not  only  to  ascertain  the  extent  of  the  difficulty  of  speaking  and  being 
heard  in  the  Hall  of  Representatives,  but  also  with  a view  to  point  out  the  best  plan 
of  diminishing  the  quantity  of  echo,  or  reverberation  of  sounds,  which  exists  in  some 
degree  in  this  chamber. 

Without  attempting  to  trouble  you  with  a general  application  of  the  laws  or 
doctrines  of  sound  to  the  various  forms  of  rooms,  or  particularly  to  the  one  under 
consideration,  I will  simply  state  my  opinion  of  the  cause  of  echo  in  the  Hall,  to  be 
principally  owing  to  the  reflection  of  the  voice  from  so  large  a portion  of  unbroken 
spherical  surface  contained  in  the  ceiling  of  the  dome.  The  effect  has  been  invari- 
ably observed  in  all  circular  rooms  having  vaulted  ceilings;  and  were  the  side  walls 
of  the  Hall  formed  with  a plain  circular  surface,  like  the  ceiling,  and  not  intercepted 
by  the  present  screen  of  columns,  the  reverberation  would  be  proportionably 
increased. 

The  remedy  which,  in  my  opinion,  can  be  successfully  resorted  to  in  this  instance, 
is,  to  break  up  the  plain  surface  of  the  dome  by  the  introduction  of  numerous  deeply 
sunken  pannels  bounded  by  raised  stiles  or  margins.  A practical  illustration  of  the 
efficacy  of  this  method,  in  preventing  the  echo  of  sounds,  may  be  witnessed  at  any 
time  in  the  Senate  Chamber,  a room  which  nearly  corresponds  in  plan  with  the  Hall 
of  Representatives,  except  in  the  painted  pannels  of  the  dome,  which  in  that  of  the 
Senate  Chamber  are  real  and  profuse. 

One  other,  and  a more  effectual  plan,  may  be  had  by  the  suspension  of  a flat  ceil- 
ing of  lath  and  plaster  over  the  whole  arena  of  the  Hall  within  the  columns,  and 
upon  a level  with  the  stone  cornice,  or  springing  line  of  the  dome;  but  I hesitate  in 
recommending  its  adoption,  convinced  as  I am  that  the  construction  of  a level  ceiling 
would  materially  injure  the  symmetry  and  proportions  of  the  room,  and  that  no  sin- 
gle item  of  supportable  inconvenience  should  be  redressed  in  this  manner,  by  the 
expense  of  so  much  architectural  harmony  and  beauty. 

I would,  however,  beg  leave,  Sir,  to  suggest  to  you  the  propriety  of  trying  the  effect 
of  opening  the  dome  by  a series  of  large  pannels,  with  small,  but  proportionably  raised 
margins  or  stiles,  as  the  only  resource  left,  to  render  the  room  suitable  for  the  pur- 
poses of  legislation,  v'ithout  injury  to  its  well  proportioned  features. 

Very  respectfully  submitted  by  your  obedient  servant, 

William  Strickland. 

Washington,  October  31,  1826. 


D. 

To  the  Honorable  the  Secretary  of  State,  Secretary  of  War,  and  Attorney  General: 

The  subscriber,  present  Architect  of  the  Capitol  of  the  United  States,  respectfully 
presents  the  following  report: 

On  the  19th  of  May  last,  the  House  of  Representatives  passed  a resolution  “that 
the  Clerk  of  the  House  be  authorized  to  employ  Mr.  William  Strickland,  of  Phila- 
delphia to  act  in  conjunction  with  the  Architect  now  employed  in  completing  the 
Capitol,  in  devising  a plan  for  improving  this  Hall,  so  as  to  render  it  better  suited  to 
the  purposes  of  a deliberative  assembly.”  Upon  invitation  from  the  Clerk  of  the 
House,  made  in  pursuance  of  the  above  resolution,  Mr.  Strickland  visited  the  city  on 
the  1st  of  .July  last,  when,  in  company  with  the  subscriber,  he  examined  the  plan 
and  construction  of  the  Hall,  when  the  difficulties  that  had  been  complained  of  were 
pointed  out  to  him.  Not  being  able  to  remain  in  the  city  longer  than  one  day  at 


288 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


that  time,  Mr.  Strickland  promised  to  take  the  subject  into  consideration,  and  to 
communicate  the  result,  which  he  did  in  his  letter  of  September  12th.  He  also,  on 
a repetition  of  the  invitation,  again  visited  the  city  on  the  21st  October. 

At  this  time,  the  subscriber  laid  before  Mr.  Strickland  the  original  plans  and  sec- 
tions of  the  Hall,  with  copies  of  all  the  investigations  of  the  various  Committees 
who,  in  different  years,  had  been  appointed  to  consider  the  subject,  and  the  several 
reports  of  the  Architect  made  to  such  Committees,  containing  suggestions  of  altera- 
tions, and  reasonings  thereon;  also  various  papers  from  other  scientific  men,  whom 
the  committees  had  been  able  to  consult.  Mr.  Strickland  remained  several  days, 
and  examined  all  these  papers  fully,  and  formed  a report  of  his  opinion,  as  given  in 
his  letter  addressed  to  the  Secretary  of  State.  In  this  report  Mr.  Strickland  agrees 
with  the  report  of  the  Architect,  made  in  1822,  that  the  only  effectual  remedy  against 
the  reverberation  of  sounds  would  be  aflat  ceiling;  he  expresses  his  preference  that 
it  should  be  made  solid  and  permanent,  with  painted  or  stucco  ornaments;  but,  as 
such  a ceiling  would  reduce,  perhaps  injuriously,  the  cubic  volume  of  airintheroom, 
and  impair  the  beauty  of  its  form  and  proportion,  he  suggests  the  breaking  of  the 
present  smooth  painted  surface  of  the  dome  into  deeply  sunk  caissons,  in  the  manner 
of  the  ceiling  of  the  Senate  Chamber  and  of  the  Rotundo.  In  addition  to  this  report, 
it  was  agreed  that  it  would  be  of  advantage  to  fill  solidly  under  the  floor  of  the  cir- 
cular space  outside  of  the  bar  of  the  Hall. 

The  proposals  fully  agree  with  the  opinion  of  the  Architect,  as  expressed  in  former 
reports.  Any  thing  would  be  of  use  that  would  check  the  tendency  of  the  smooth  sur- 
face of  the  dome  to  return  sounds,  either  by  reflecting  or  conducting  them  too  sud- 
denly, and  thereby  prevent  the  present  resonnances.  In  this  way  a beneficial  effect 
may  be  expected  from  sinking  deep  coffers  or  caissons;  but  it  is.  much  to  be  feared 
that  it  would  not  be  so  material  an  assistance  as  to  afford  a complete  remedy  of  the 
difficulty  of  hearing  and  speaking. 

Respectfully  presented,  by  your  obedient  servant. ' 

Charles  Bulfinch. 

Washington,  Nov.  1 , 1826. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  23,  1827:  Register  of  Debates.  19-2.  v.  3.  p.  1364.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

The  House,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Everett,  resolved  itself  into  a Committee  of  the 
Whole,  on  the  state  of  the  Union,  Mr.  Cocke  in  the  Chair,  and  took  up  the  bill 
making  appropriations  for  the  Public  Buildings. 

The  bill  was  read,  as  follows: 

Be  it  enacted,  A-c.  That  the  following  sums  be,  and  the  same  are  hereby,  respectively  appropriated, 
to  be  paid  out  of  any  money  in  the  Treasury,  not  otherwise  appropriated,  for  the  following  purposes; 
that  is  to  say:  For  completing  the  rvork  remaining  to  be  done  on  and  about  the  Capitol,  the  Capitol 
Square,  and  its  enclosures,  and  for  buildings  for  keepers,  engine  house,  and  stabling,  the  sum  of 
eighty -six  thousand  four  hundred  and  seventy-nine  dollars  five  cents;  for  repairs  on  the  Capitol,  the 
sum  of  five  hundred  dollars;  for  repairs  and  improvements  at  the  War  and  Navy  Departments,  the 
sum  of  one  thousand  four  hundred  and  ninety-five  dollars  .and  thirty-five  cents;  for  additional  fire 
apparatus,  the  sum  of  one  thousand  tv  o hundred  and  twenty-seven  dollars. 

* * * 

Mr.  Campbell  referred  to  some  of  the  estimates,  on  which  he  asked  fpr  informa-, 
tion.  He  thought  that  the  wall  which  is  now  in  the  progress  of  erection,  instead  of 
being  useful  or  ornamental,  will  be  the  reverse.  He  objected  to.  the  appropriation 
of  six  hundred  dollars  for  stoves  to  warm  the  rotundo.  He  also  thought  the  appro- 
priation of  twelve  hundred  dollars,  for  a railing  to  protect  the  pictures,  ought  not  to 
be  made.  If  persons  wished  to  injure  them,  they  could  cross  the  railing.  There  was 
an  appropriation  of  ten  thousand  dollars  for  two  brick  buildings,  for  engine  house, 


The  Old  Building. 


289 


keeper’s  house,  &c.  He  contended  that  we  should  not  pursue  this  extravagant 
expenditure,  which  had  been  heretofore  useless.  He  would  submit  an  amendment 
to  reduce  the  appropriation  for  stabling  for  horses,  and  buildings  for  carriages.  He 
thought  the  accommodations  for  the  horses  of  messengers,  and  for  carriages,  also,  for 
them,  was  too  great.  It  might  be  necessary  for  them  to  have  a Dearborn  to  go  to 
the  Post  Office  and  the  Printer’s.  Mr.  C.  concluded  by  moving  to  take  30,000  dol- 
lars from  the  amount  appropriated  in  the  bill. 

Mr.  Everett  explained,  that  the  appropriation  of  last,  year  was  stated,  and  under- 
stood to  be,  only  in  part,  embracing  as  much  of  the  work  as  could  be  done  last  year. 
It  was  then  stated,  that  a further  sum  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars 
would  be  required  for  this  year.  The  Committee  reduced  this  sum  to  eighty-six 
thousand  four  hundred  and  seventy-nine  dollars  and  five  cents:  so  that  nearly 
70,000  dollars  less  are  asked  for  this  year,  than  was  proposed  last  year.  He  then 
replied  to  the  objections  stated  by  the  gentleman  from  Ohio,  and  explained  the 
character  of  the  Avork  for  which  the  appropriation  is  asked.  He  stated  that  the 
original  plan,  if  carried  into  effect,  would  cause  a door  to  be  made  into  the  room  now 
occupied  by  the  Columbian  Institute.  It  Avould  be  necessary  to  do  this,  although  he 
regretted  such  necessity.  He  did  not  Avish  to  divide  the  room.,  He  proposed  that 
the  entrance  on  this  side  should  be  into  a spacious  A'estibule.  He  reminded  the 
Committee  that  he  Avas  not  the  advocate  of  the  wall  which  is  noAV  in  the  process  of 
erection.  He  had  desired  a different  plan,  which  Avas  rejected  by  the  House.  The 
Architect  then  presented  the  present  plan,  Avhich  the  Committee  thought  the  best. 
The  ground  of  its  adoption  Avas,  that  it  would  conceal  the  defect  in  this  part.  There 
was  no  remedying,  owing  to  the  original  vice  in  the  building,  its  situation,  but  to 
mask  the  loAArer  story.  The  situation  would  be  proper  for  a barn  and  a stable;  but 
not  for  such  a building  as  the  Capitol.  He  informed  the  Committee  that  the  appear- 
ance of  the  Avail  will  be  different  from  AArhat  it  now  is.  It  had  been  objected  that 
the  Avail  would  cover  too  much,  taking  in  part  of  the  second  story.  He  had  taken 
pains  to  examine,  and  was  satisfied  of  the  inaccuracy  of  this  apprehension.  The 
effect  of  this  wall  at  a distance,  will  be  to  make  the  building  appear  to  be  near  the 
declivity  of  a natural  hill,  instead  of  being  on  it.  It  Avas  the  opinion  of  gentlemen 
of  taste  and  science  that  the  effect  will  be  beautiful. 

The  gentleman  had  objected  to  the  appropriation  for  stoA'es.  They  are  intended 
for  the  passages  more  than. the  rotundo;  and  he  put  it  to  the  gentleman,  if  there  Avas 
not  a danger  in  passing  abruptly  from  this  warm  room  to  those  long,  cold  passages. 
There  is  an  air  of  discomfort  about  this  building,  which  reminded  him  more  of  the 
Bastile  than  any  other  building  he  was  ever  in.  The  rotundo  is  cold,  and  it  appears 
to  be  a desirable  object  to  render  it  more  warm  and  comfortable.  The  railing  to 
guard  the  pictures  Avas  suggested,  both  by  the  artist  and  the  architect,  as  necessary. 
The  artist  had  found  an  individual  striking  at  the  picture  with  a stick;  and,  on  being 
asked  why  he  did  so,  he  said  he  was  endeavoring  to  find  out  if  it  Avas  painted  on  the 
stone.  To  guard  against  such  danger  to  the  paintings,  the  railing  was  proposed.  It 
Avas  intended  to  make  it,  so  as  to  exclude  the  approach  near  enough  to  injure  the 
pictures. 

As  to  the  brick  buildings  to  which  the  gentleman  referred,  the  reasons  which 
induced  the  Committee  to  recommend  them  will  be  found  in  the  report.  He  stated 
that  the  Committee  had  opposed  every  proposition  for  new  buildings  and  unneces- 
sary expenditures.  These  buildings  Avere  recommended  from  motives  of  economy. 
As  to  the  number  of  messengers,  the  gentleman  could  speak  to  this  fact  as  Avell  as 
himself.  There  are  four  employed  to  each  House  to  fold.  There  is  a vehicle 
employed  in  carrying  the  mail.  He  belieAred  that  the  messengers  Avere  diligently 
employed,  and  the  stabling  is  no  more  than  is  necessary  for  the  four  horses,  and  for 
the  horses  which  may  belong  to  those  who  have  business  with  Congress. 

H.  Rep.  646 19 


290 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


He  hoped  the  original  appropriations  would  stand.  The  Committee  had  studied 
economy  on  every  point;  and  impressed  its  necessity  on  the  Architect.  When  it 
was  considered  how  much  easier  it  is  to  suggest  retrenchments,  than  to  show  their 
propriety,  lie  hoped  the  amendment  would  not  be  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Campbell  made  some  further  remarks.  He  was  certainly  not  acquainted  with 
the  plan;  although  he  was  apprenticed  to  a joiner  and  house-carpenter,  he  did  not 
comprehend  it  sufficiently.  No  doubt  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  had  made 
himself  acquainted  with  the  subject.  If  the  stoves  are  necessary  for  the  passages 
and  rotundo,  the  sum  required  he  thought  to  be  sufficient.  He  thought  the  princi- 
ple of  building  houses  for  the  keepers  was  wrong.  If  we  pay  them  salaries  they 
should  find  their  own  houses.  What  may  be  considered  economy  in  Massachusetts, 
would  be  considered  extravagance  in  Ohio.  He  thought  four  thousand  dollars 
would  build  a good  keeper’s  house,  and  two  thousand  dollars  would  build  stables. 
He  would  not  find  accommodations  for  members’  horses. 

Mr.  Wickliffe  observed  that  he  was  decidedly  opposed  to  any  appropriation,  which 
had  for  its  object  the  commencement  of  new  buildings,  appendant  to  the  Capitol. 
We  have  now  a mass  of  buildings  covering  more  than  an  acre  of  ground,  and  before 
we  have  finished  them  we  are  called  upon  to  appropriate  money  to  commence  new 
apartments.  The  root  of  the  whole  evil,  the  cause  of  the  immense  expenditure  and 
waste  of  public  money,  upon  this  Colossal  Labyrinth,  may  be  traced  to  the  fact  that  we 
have  some  four  or  five  gentlemen  who  are  drawing  an  annual  salary  from  the  public 
Treasury,  whose  interest  it  is,  and  whose  ingenuity  is  tasked,  between  the  end  and 
commencement  of  Congress,  to  project  some  new  scheme  or  fancied  improvement 
upon  which  to  expend  the  public  money.  These  salaries  will  continue  until  you 
finish  this  building;  they  will  never  finish  it,  as  long  as  you  will  furnish  them  money 
to  waste  upon  it.  Unless  Congress  will  check  the  appropriations,  the  finishing  of  the 
Capitol,  like  the  payment  of  the  public  debt,  will  always  be  “anticipated.”  It  is  a 
curious  fact,  sir,  [said  Mr.  W.]  I occasionally  meet,  in  my  District,  old  men  who 
worked  upon  this  building  in  their  youth,  who  are  utterly  astonished  to  learn  that 
the  Capitol  is  still  unfinished.  Why  is  it  that  this  nation,  with  all  its  resources,  has 
been  unable  to  finish  this  house  in  a period  of  thirty  years?  The  question  is  solved 
by  a reference  to  your  Architect’s  and  Superintendent’s  salaries. 

At  the  last  Session  of  Congress  we  had  projected,  by  this  ingenious  architect  of 
ours,  some  new  and  splendid  additions  to  this  House,  which  he  was  pleased  to  style 
“ External  Offices,”  estimated  to  cost  only  about  $20,000.  An  appropriation  for  this 
purpose  found  its  way,  somewhat  strangely,  into  our  annual  appropriation  bill,  and, 
upon  my  motion,  it  was,  by  a very  large  vote,  stricken  out.  At  the  end  of  the  Session, 
(as  is  unfortunately  too  often  the  case  with  all  bills  making  appropriations  of  money) 
the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  presented  us  with  a bill  asking  for  an  appropria- 
tion to  commence  this  wall,  this  hoop,  in  the  West  front,  which  was  recommended 
to  the  House  as  necessary  for  wood-houses,  stables,  &q.  Indeed,  the  gentleman  from 
Virginia,  whom  I now  have  in  my  eye,  [Mr.  Mercer]  with  great  earnestness  pressed 
the  appropriation,  upon  the  ground  that  this  wall  was  necessary  to  give  strength 
to  the  House;  he  said  that  the  Capitol  having  its  location  upon  the  edge  or  side  of  a 
hill,  it  was  seriously  apprehended  that  the  West  front  would  yield  to  the  unequal 
pressure  of  the  rest  of  the  building. 

Gentlemen  may  now  ascertain,  without  much  speculation,  what  degree  of  strength  ~ 
this  semi-circle  gives  the  Capitol.  * * * I then  entertained  the  opinion  that  I 
now  do,  that  it  was  an  useless  waste  of  public  money,  and  voted  against  the  passage 
of  the  bill.  There  was  not  time  for  the  House  then  to  examine  into  the  nature  of 
this  improvement.  You  have  built  a wall  in  front  of  the  House,  and  now  we  are 
called  upon  to  appropriate  $21,000  to  erect  steps  to  get  over  it  so  as  to  get  into  the 
Capitol.  I would  freely  vote  a sum  sufficient  to  tear  it  down. 

We  are,  also,  called  upon  to  appropriate,  by  this  bill,  16,000  to  build  stables  and 


The  Old  Building. 


291 


carriage  houses  for  the  use  of  the  horses  and  carriages  of  our  messengers,  and  our 
honorable  selves  too.  At  what  jiioint  will  we  stop?  When  yon  build  the  stables,  we 
will  then  find  it  necessary — quite  necessary,  to  purchase  provender,  at  public 
expense,  to  feed  pur  horses.  I put  it  to  gentlemen  to  say,  if  it  is  right  to  waste  (I 
call  it  downright  waste)  16,000  dollars  to  build  stables  for  any  such  purpose. 

But,  sir,  this  is  not  all.  We  are  called  upon  to  appropriate  money  to  procure 
stoves,  &c.  to  heat  the  immense  rotunda  for  the  purpose  of  making  it  a more  com- 
fortable resort  for  loungers  and  idlers;  I presume  it  cannot  be  necessary  for  the 
better  conducting  the  business  of  this  House.  You  w ant  a house  built  at  public 
expense  for  a Superintendent  of  this  Capitol  (which  you  propose  to  appoint,  with  a 
fixed  salary)  to  live  in.  Create  the  office,  with  the  salary  you  propose,  and  I will 
guaranty  at  least  one  hundred  applicants  for  the  office,  who  will  furnish  their  own 
house.  I hope  the  motion  to  strike  out  will  prevail. 

Mr.  Fobsyth  w'as  in  favor  of  the  appropriation  tp  finish  the  work  begun  the  last 
year  on  the  brow’  of  the  hill.  He  would  vote,  also,  for  the  erection  of  stoves  to  warm 
the  rotundo  and  the  passages — places  through  which  members  must  go  to  reach  their 
Committee  Rooms,  when  the  House  is  not  in  session,  and  which  were  now  damp, 
uncomfortable,  and  unhealthy.  He  was  opposed,  however,  to  the  plan  of  erecting  a 
circular  railing  in  that  rotundo.  He  could  not  suppose  it  necessary,  for  the  protec- 
tion of  the  pictures  now  there,  or  which  might  hereafter  be  placed  there — a notice  to 
all  visitors,  being  at  the  doors  or  on  the  wall,  not  to  touch  the  pictures,  would,  he 
was  satisfied,  be  sufficient  to  protect  them  from  all  injury.  Mr.  F.  said  he  had  been 
for  man}7  years  an  anxious  and  curious  spectator  of  the  progress  of  the  public  build- 
ings. Since  the  conflagration  of  1814,  vast  sums  had  been,  indeed,  expended,  yet 
much  had  been  done.  In  the  re-edification  of  the  building,  various  changes  had  been 
made,  some  of  which,  especially  those  in  this  Hall,  w7ere  not  in  his  judgment,  advan- 
tageous or  correct,  had  necessarily  increased  the  cost  of  the  work.  The  period  seemed 
to  be  approaching,  when  there  would  be  an  end  of  it.  If  abuses  had  been  com- 
mitted— and  he  was  quite  satisfied  there  had  been  many — they  might  be  traced,  not  to 
the  improvidence  of.  our  appropriations,  but  to  the  extravagance  of  the  expenditure 
of  the  sums  appropriated.  Instead  of  scrutinising  the  sums  appropriated,  we  should 
employ  ourselves  more  usefully  in  scrutinising  the  accounts  rendered,  guarding 
against  extravagant  contracts  for  labor  and  materials,  encouraging  diligent  and 
economical  agents,  and  punishing,  by  dismission  from  our  employment,  those  w ho 
were  profligate  or  wasteful.  The  gentleman  from  Kentucky  [Mr.  Wickliffe]  had 
pointed  to  one  fruitful  source  of  unnecessary  expense.  Our  agents  are  salaried  officers, 
whose  emoluments  cease  w’hen  the  buildings  are  finished.  We  bribe  them,  therefore, 
to  make  the  work  interminable.  No  doubt,  persons  so  situated  will  tax  their  ingenu- 
ity to  devise  plans  for  additions,  recommended  by  convenience  and  taste.  But  these 
cannot  be  made  without  our  approbation,  after  being  carefully  considered  by  our  Com- 
mittee. Every  proposition  foi*  additional  expenditure  ought  to  be  carefully  sifted, 
and  with  the  recollection  that  it  is  made  by  those  who  have  an  interest  in  multiplying 
the  objects  of  expense.  Mr.  F.  did  not  mean  to  insinuate  that  it  was  practicable  to 
avoid  all  imposition,  or  that  the  system  of  paying  salaries  necessarily  produced 
abuse.  He  was  directing  the  attention  of  the  Committee  to  the  only  and  the 
proper  means  of  guarding  against  abuse — means  in  the  power  of  the  House,  and 
which  ought  to  be,  if  they  had  not  been,  used.  Mr.  F.  said  he  looked  with  great 
anxiety  to  the  period  in  when  this  building  shall  be  finished — when  it  shall  be 
placed  under  the  care  of  some  person  who  shall  be  responsible  to  us  for  the  uses  to 
which  every  part  of  it  shall  be  devoted.  At  present,  this  Hall  is  under  the  care 
of  the  Speaker,  and  the  officers  of  the  House;  the  Senate  Chamber  of  the  Vice 
President  and  officers  of  the  Senate;  but  the  residue,  excepting  the  Library  and 
Committee  Rooms,  is  considered  the  common  property  of  every  person  who  chooses 
to  occupy  it,  with  very  little  regard  to  the  purposes  for  which  it  is  used.  Mr.  F. 


292  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

would  not  attempt  to  particularise — it  was  not  necessary.  No  gentleman  could 
walk  through  the  Capitol,  Avithout  seeing  objects  of  disgust.  Those  who  have 
been  residents  of  the  city  for  three  or  four  Winters  past  could  not  have  forgot- 
ten the  strange  uses  to  which  the  rotunda  had  been  applied.  It  became 
first  a great  show-shop,  for  the  exhibition  of  Panoramas;  Avhere  gentleman 
could  have,  for  half  a dollar  a head,  a view  of  the  city  of  Paris,  from  the  top 
of  the  Thuilleries,  with  the  Palace  Garden  under  his  feet;  the  Facade  of  the  Lux- 
embourg, the  Garden  rambles,  the  Hall  of  Legislation,  the  Churches,  the  river 
Seine,  the  Pont  Neuf,  &c.  &c.  Then  came  the  Ariew  of  the  Garden  of  Versailles, 
Avith  its  alleys  and  fountains,  and  the  Emperor  Alexander  walking  in  state,  and,  by 
Avay  of  contrast,  an  American  gentleman  leaning  in  state.  Mr.  F.  said  he  never 
passed  the  panoramic  circle  without  being  so  forcibly  reminded  of  a song  AA'hich  had 
attracted  his  fancy  when  a school  boy,  that  he  expected  to  hear  it  ringing  in  his  ears: 

If  to  see  my  show  you’r  Avilling, 

Give  me  von  leetle  English  shilling: 

Quickly  come,  for  I must  go,  Avith  my  doodle  doodle  doo. 

The  only  change  necessary  to  make  the  song  strictly  appropriate,  Avas  to  name  the 
higher  price — half  a dollar  instead  of  a shilling.  Mr.  F.  had  inquired  who  had 
licensed  these  exhibitions,  and  the  answer  Avas,  as  is  usual  in  such  cases,  nobody  did 
it.  Mr.  F.  believes  that  the  late  Vice  President,  and  the  late  Speaker  of  the  House, 
as  lovers  of  the  fine  arts,  had  been  applied  to  for  permission,  but  both  disclaimed 
jurisdiction’ over  the  premises.  No  doubt  both  treated  the  OAvner  of  the  paintings,  a 
most  amiable  and  accomplished  artist,  Avith  great  kindness,  as  he  deserved.  Having 
no  authority  to  permit,  they  did  not  forbid,  and  so  the  thing  Avas  done;  and  all  the 
world,  Avho  chose  to  sport  their  half  dollars,  came  to  see  the  shoAV.  To  members  of 
Congress,  it  Avas  particularly  convenient  to  pass,  in  the  twinkling  of  an  eye,  from  the 
dull  debate  to  the  centre  of  gay  Paris  and  attractive  Versailles.  The  room  was  next 
converted  into  a great  exhibition  hall  for  domestic  manufactures.  In  order  to  estab- 
lish the  superiority  of  our  domestic  fabrics,  they  Avere  collected,  at  least  choice  speci- 
mens of  them,  in  the  A'ast  space;  and,  in  order  to  give  the  domestic  articles  a decided 
preference,  all  foreign  articles  Avere  carefully  excluded.  There  Avas  a rare  show, 
indeed,  of  articles  of  first  necessity,  essential  to  our  independence:  triangles  of  steel, 
to  be  struck  by  careful  and  musical  houseAvives,  in  place  of  ringing  A'ulgar  bells  for 
their  servants — stoves  and  stew-pans — pianos,  on  AA'hich  the  initiated  young  ladies 
played  for  the  gratification  of  the  gaping  throng — mouse  traps  and  Avatch  ribbons. 
An  exhibition  only  Avas  advertised,  but  all  the  articles  Avere  carefully  marked  with 
prices,  and  sundry  good  bargains  Avere  driven  by  the  domestic  manufacturers  and  the 
spectators.  Mr.  F.  met  a friend  who  had  just  purchased  a Avatch  ribbon.  He  boasted 
of  the  goodness  of  his  bargain — it  Avas  ready  cut  to  his  hand,  and  he  gave  for  it  sixty- 
two  and  a half  cents. 

This  led  to  a proposal  in  the  newspapers,  addressed  to  members  of  Congress,  by 
some  lover  of  his  country.  During  the  visit  of  our  A'eteran  General,  our  friend,  the 
friend  of  mankind,  Lafayette,  some  one  proposed  to  the  members  of  Congress  to  give 
him  a great  ball  in  the  rotundo.  This  scheme,  aimed  at  our  pockets,  did  not  take. 
We  gave  a dinner,  not  a ball;  thank  Heaven  the  rotundo  Avas  not  the  banquetting 
room. 

Mr.  F.  Avas  not  sure  that  the  dinner  Avas  more  agreeable  than  a ball  would  have  been 
to  our  honored  guest.  As  a true  son  of  France  and  chivalry,  he,  no  doubt,  loved  best 
those  associations  from  Avhich  that  sex  Avhich  adorns  all  society,  and  gives  to  it  its 
highest  enjoyments,  is  not  excluded.  But  as  Ave  members  are  mostly  in  the  Avorst  of 
all  ages,  the  middle  age  of  man,  eating  AA'as  preferred  to  dancing,  and  the  ball  did  not 
take.  Mr.  F.  AA'as  not  disposed  to  censure,  especially,  the  proposition  to  dance  in 
the  rotundo;  it  Avould  have  been  quite  as  proper  and  innocent,  and  as  defensible  as 
the  previous  uses  made  of  the  same  place.  In  fact,  a great  deal  could  have  been  said 


The  Old  Building. 


293 


in  its  favor.  The  music  would  have  sounded  merrily  under  the  splendid  vault;  and 
what  a charming  space  for  belles  and  beaux  to  thread  the  mazes  of  the  cotillion, 
and  to  twine  together  the  magic  circles  of  the  seducing  waltz!  No  treading  upon 
toes  or  tearing  of  frills  to  be  apprehended.  Although  the  dancing  proposal  was 
not  adopted,  the  rotundo  has  ever  since  been  devoted  to  the  purposes  of  exhibition. 
Has  any  body  a picture  to  exhibit,  it  is  hung  up  on  the  wall;  has  any  one  a model 
of  a machine  to  show,  it  is  spread  out  on  the  floor;  and  whether  for  shelling  corn, 
peeling  apples,  or  cutting  up  snags  and  sawyers  in  the  Mississippi,  it  is  duly  set  in 
motion  for  the  instruction  of  the  curious.  Mr.  F.  loved  the  line  arts,  and  derived 
the  usual  pleasure  from  paintings  and  statuary.  He  was  gratified  and  amused  by 
curious  specimens  of  mechanical  ingenuity,  and,  in  their  proper  place,  he  thought 
the  public  exhibition  of  them  highly  useful — he  wished  to  be  understood  as  confin- 
ing his  censure  to  the  exhibition  of  them  in  the  building,  originally,  and  still  designed, 
for  nobler  purposes.  He  saw,  with  pleasure,  the  time  approaching,  when  this  whole 
pile  would  be  finished,  and  placed  under  the  care  of  some  one  who  would  be  respon- 
sible to  the  public  and  to  Congress,  if  any  part  of  it  should  be  devoted  to  unworthy 
or  unsuitable  purposes. 

Mr.  Bartlett  animadverted,  with  some  severity,  on  the  remarks  of  Mr.  Wickliffe, 
and  stated  the  course  which  had  been  pursued  by  the  Committee  on  the  Public 
Buildings,  in  reducing  the  estimates  and  expediting  the  fulfilment  of  what  remained 
of  the  plan. 

Mr.  Wickliffe  replied  to  some  statements,  by  Mr.  Bartlett,  of  the  history  of  last 
year’s  appropriations.  The  bill,  said  he,  which  I referred  to  in  my  former  remarks, 
passed  without  much  discussion,  just  before  our  adjournment,  without  that  full  infor- 
mation which  was  necessary.  Did  any  gentleman,  (save  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings)  at  the  last  session,  dream  of  the  erection  of  this  wall  in  such  a manner,  as 
to  require  the  sum  of  twenty  one  thousand  dollars  to  build  steps  to  get  over  it,  and 
that  you  were  to  break  through  the  vrall  a new'  door,  and  spoil  one  of  the  best  rooms 
in  the  Capitol,  when  they  voted  for  the  bill?  I am  certain  I did  not,  though  opposed 
to  its  passage.  If  you  pass  this  appropriation  (though  I am  neither  a prophet,  nor 
the  son  of  a prophet)  I will  venture  to  predict  that  our  good  Architect,  before  the 
work  is  done,  will  have  some  new  improvement  recommended,  either  for  its  sup- 
posed necessity,  or  its  great  taste.  We  will  finish  our  Capitol  when  we  terminate  his 
salary,  and  not  before. 

Mr.  Burges  made  some  general  remarks  and  criticisms  on  the  plan  and  appearance 
of  the  Building,  the  effect  of  the  wall  and  embankment  intended  to  mask  the  foun- 
dation story  of  the  West  front.  He  made  some  ludicrous  remarks  on  the  sculpture 
of  William  Penn,  whose  cocked  hat  it  had  taken  a whole  season  to  alter:  and  whose 
full-bottomed  wig  contained  many  more  curls  than  Mr.  B.  had  ever  seen  on  the  head 
of  any  other  Christian.  He  opposed  the  appropriation  for  the  steps  of  the  West 
front,  the  stables,  houses,  &c. 

Mr.  Verplanck,  after  some  general  criticisms  on  the  architecture  of  the  Capitol,  the 
genius  of  L’  Enfant  and  Latrobe,  and  the  very  singular  features  by  which  their  design 
was  characterized,  concluded  that  there  was  nothing  better  to  be  done  than  to  com- 
plete the  plan  in  consistency  with  what  had  already  been  done.  He,  the  artist, 
being  a foreigner,  and  better  acquainted  with  court  and  military  costume,  than  the 
Christian,  and  having  no  authorities  to  consult,  in  utter  despair  he  hewred  off  the  hat 
of  William  Penn,  and  put  on  another.  It  appears  that  he  has  again  gone  wrong. 
He  should  regret  to  have  the  room  of  the  Columbian  Institute,  which  was  useful  for 
political  as  well  as  scientific  purposes,  broken  into,  but  he  knew  of  no  better  mode 
than  is  laid  down  by  the  present  plan.  He  should  vote,  therefore,  for  the  appro- 
priation. 

After  a few  words,  in  reply,  by  Mr.  Everett. 

Mr.  Dwight  moved  to  reduce  the  appropriation,  by  omitting  the  iron  railing  pro- 
posed to  be  placed  in  the  Rotundo,  before  the  pictures. 


The  01 d Building. 


295 


unfinished  work  on  the  Capitol,  its  approaches  and  dependencies;  and  estimates 
were  furnished  of  the  probable  expense  of  completing  the  same.  These  having  been 
submitted  to  the  committee,  they  expressed  their  resolution  to  have  the  work  exe- 
cuted with  all  possible  despatch,  and  directed  special  exertions  to  be  made  for  col- 
lecting materials,  and  obtaining  an  additional  number  of  workmen.  These  views  of 
the  committee  received  the  sanction  of  Congress,  and,  in  consequence,  at  the  open- 
ing of  the  season,  materials  were  procured,  and  efforts  made  to  obtain  the  number  of 
workmen  required;  but,  notwithstanding  the  encouragement  offered,  only  a small 
addition  could  be  made  of  such  as  were  effective  and  serviceable.  In  proceeding 
upon  the  work,  attention  was  directed  to  such  parts  as  were  most  essential,  and 
which  would  produce  a general  approach  towards  the  completion  of  the  building, 
and  regulation  of  the  grounds. 

* * * 

Considerable  progress  has  been  made  in  the  sculpture  in  the  panel  over  the  prin- 
cipal east  door  of  the  Rotundo,  and  in  the  tympanum  of  the  pediment  of  the  portico; 
and  the  whole  of  the  work  of  the  portico  has  been  painted,  where  it  was  not  encum- 
bered with  scaffolds. 

A house  has  been  built  to  accommodate  the  fire-engine;  and  apparatus,  furnished 
by  order  of  Congress;  and  every  convenience  is  provided  for  the  use  of  the  fire  com- 
pany, to  make  effectual  their  services,  which  are  voluntary  and  gratuitous.  A bell 
of  sufficient  size  is  placed  on  the  tower,  to  be  used  in  necessary  cases  of  alarm  from 
fire. 

In  the  interior  of  the  building,  the  sculptures  of  the  Rotundo  have  been  finished, 
and  the  walls  painted.  Two  warm  air-stoves,  of  the  most  powerful  and  improved 
construction,  have  been  placed  below,  with  apertures  in  the  floor,  for  the  admission 
of  warm  air,  to  correct  the  dampness  of  the  Rotundo,  the  effect  of  which  cannot,  how- 
ever, be  fully  felt,  until  the  opening  in  the  centre  shall  be  closed,  either  solidly  or 
by  a sky-light.  The  floor  of  the  Representatives’  Hall  has  been  taken  up  and  relaid, 
after  the  space  was  filled  solidly  with  bricks;  this  was  done  with  a design  to  prevent 
the  noise  arising  from  walking,  and  to  lessen  the  reverberation  of  sounds:  the  effect 
is  found  to  be  very  advantageous.  The  alterations  in  the  Senate  Chamber  have  been 
effected,  and  a private  stair,  for  the  convenience  of  the  members,  has  been  contrived 
and  executed  in  a temporary  manner. 

The  above  is  air  abstract  of  all  that  could  be  effected  during  the  past  season,  with 
the  utmost  diligence  and  attention  of  the  superintendents  and  workmen.  The  fol- 
lowing remain  to  be  done  to  bring  the  work  on  this  great  national  edifice  to  a close: 
To  finish  three  courts  in  the  interior  of  the  building;  the  piers,  gates,  and  entrances 
on  every  side  of  the  enclosure;  a quantity  of  pavement  at  the  west  approach,  and 
round  the  areas  of  the  wood  vaults;  a flight  of  steps  on  each  flank  of  the  western 
terrace,  the  materials  for  which  are  provided.  The  building  also  requires  a general 
painting  and  repair.  I would  suggest  the  necessity  of  renewing  the  stairs  to  the 
Representatives’  Hall,  with  the  harder  and  much  superior  stone  now  used  for  such 
purposes;  and  the  expediency  of  paving  with  flags  the  passages,  now  covered  with 
tiles,  which  are  much  worn,  and  irregular.  A gallery  is  also  wanted  in  the  Senate 
Chamber,  to  prevent  the  necessity  of  admitting  strangers  on  the  floor:  A design  for 
this  purpose,  will  be  offered  for  the  consideration  of  the  Senate.  A general  attention 
to  the  regulation  and  improvement  of  the  grounds,  will  be  required,  and  some  accom- 
modation for  necessary  stabling,  and  the  convenience  of  such  police  officers  as  may 
be  appointed  for  the  guard  and  security  of  the  Capitol.  All  these  objects  may  be 
effected  in  the  ensuing  season,  with  a moderate  addition  to  the  unexpended  appro- 
priation of  the  past  year. 

In  closing  this  report,  I ask  leave  to  add,  that  the  Rotundo  cannot  be  considered 
complete,  while  the  four  large  panels  are  suffered  to  remain  vacant;  and  to  suggest  a 
hope,  that  measures  may  be  taken  to  supply  them  with  paintings,  conformable  to 
"the  others,  on  great  national  subjects.  In  the  mean  time,  frames  might  be  made  at 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


296 

present  with  more  economy  than  at  any  time  after  the  workmen  are  discharged,  and 
their  appearance  would  give  an  air  of  finish  to  the  room. 

I have  taken  the  liberty  to  make  this  report  a statement  of  the  work  executed,  and 
of  what  remains  to  be  done,  that  the  whole  might  be  exhibited  in  one  view;  which 
is  respectfully  presented  by 

Charles  Bulfinch, 
Architect  of  Capitol  of  United  States. 

Joseph  Elgar,  Esq., 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

* * * 


[Doc.  No.  180.  House  of  Representatives.  20th  Congress,  1st  Session.  To  accompany  hill  No.  158 — 
appropriation  public  buildings.  Estimates  of  appropriations  necessary  to  complete  the  public 
buildings.  February  11, 1828. — Accompanying  bill  (No.  158)  making  appropriations  for  the  Public 
Buildings,  and  for  other  purposes.] 

February  1,  1828. 

ESTIMATE  FOR  WORK  ON  THE  CAPITOL  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES  FOR  1828. 


To  finish  8 gate  piers — stone  on  hand $1,440  00 

To  build  4 do.  on  east  line  of  the  square _ 2,  000  00 

4 iron  gates  and  railing  to  the  square 2, 240  00 

Two  flights  of  steps  on  flanks  of  terrace — stone  on  hand 1, 095  80 

Iron  banisters  to  do 300  00 

Cast  iron  railing  and  two  gates 150  00 

4 iron  doors  under  the  terrace 800  00 

To  finish  four  courts  inside  the  building 1,  446  41 

Stone  flagging  at  west  entrance  and  on  the  arches 4,  750  00 

Brick  paving  in  outside  courts,  round  the  areas 700  00 

Four  picture  frames,  complete,  in  Rotundo 1, 200  00 

To  close  the  opening  in  centre  of  Rotundo 404  00 

Eight,  octagon  sashes  in  dome - 46  00 

Warm  air  ducts  over  the  openings  in  the  floor 50  00 

North  and  South  entrances  to  the  square,  with  a lodge  or  guard-house  to 

each  9,  304  00 

East  entrance,  with  two  lodges  for  porter  and  gardener  4, 116  00 

Sculptors  and  Carvers . 3, 000  00 

Work  on  grounds  within  the  square 3,  000  00 

Finishing  iron  railing 1,  500  00 

Contingencies,  superintending,  &c 3,  000  00 

Painting  new  w'ork 518  00 

Four  carpenters’  pay  for  six  months - 720  00 

Six  laborers’  do  do 720  00 

Horse  and  cart  for  the  year 450  00 


$42,  950  21 

REPAIRS. 


Taking  up  brick  pavement  in  the  basement  story  of  the 


building,  and  flagging  with  stone 6, 297  56 

Painting  the  old  work  generally 1, 500  00 

Supply  of  glass  wanted 300  00 

8, 097  56 


The  Old  Building. 


297 


NEW  WORK. 


Private  stairs  to  Senate  vestibule 450  41 

Iron  banisters  to  do 150  00 

Iron  gallery  to  Senate  Chamber,  and  stairs  leading  thereto 2,  045  50 

New  stairs  and  improvements  at  entrance  of  Hall  of  House  of 

Representatives - 5,  000  00 

Public  grounds  north  of  Capitol  and  Avenue  brought  into  or- 
der and  fenced - 3,000  00 

10,645  00 

61,  693  67 

Deduct  balance  on  hand 5,  600  49 


Respectfully  submitted. 


Joseph  Elgar,  Esq. 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


56,093  18 

Charles  Buleinch, 
Architect  of  Capitol  of  United  States. 


* * * 

February  7,  1828. 

Hon.  S.  Van  Rensselaer. 

Sir:  In  reply  to  your  inquiry  respecting  the  expenditures  on  the  Public  Buildings, 
I beg  leave  to  look  back  to  a statement  made  by  me,  at  the  request  of  the  Committee, 
in  the  session  of  1826.  I then  enumerated  all  the  unfinished  parts  of  the  Capitol, 
and  stated,  as  the  best  opinion  I could  form,  that  the  sum  of  130,000  dollars,  in  addi- 
tion to  the  sum  of  100,000  asked  for  at  that  time,  would  complete  the  Capitol  and  its 


dependencies. 

An  appropriation  was  made,  in  1826,  of $100,  000  00 

Another  “ in  1827,  of 83,985  00 

I now  ask,  to  complete  the  work 42,  950  21 


$226,  935  21 

which  is  about  3,000  dollars  less  than  I stated,  in  1826. 

With  respect  to  the  expenses  of  the  past  year  exceeding  the  estimates,  1 can  only 
state,  as  the  cause,  the  extent,  the  massiness  of  the  work;  some  uncertainty  of  the 
necessary  depth  of  foundations,  in  earth  that  had  been  repeatedly  moved;  and 
increased  price  of  stone,  from  our  urgency  to  obtain  a supply;  and  some  extra  work 
to  op>en  a private  stairway  to  the  Senate  vestibule.  But  I beg  leave  to  mention,  that 
the  whole  sum  asked  for,  of  $42,950,  should  not  be  considered  an  excess  over  last 
year’s  estimates;  but  the  following  should  be  deducted,  being  articles  of  improve- 
ment, now  brought  forward,  and  also  the  balance  now  in  hand,  viz: 


From  amount  of  present  estimate. : $42,950  21 

Deduct  2 guard-houses  proposed,  north  and  south,  each  1,560. . $3, 128  00 

2 lodges,  at  the  west,  each  1,450  2,  900  00 

Deduct  an  extra  quantity  of  stone  flagging 1,  500  00 

picture  frames 1,  200  00 

to  close  openings  in  Rotundo 450  00 

to  finish  iron  railing 1,500  00 


10,678  00 

Balance  on  hand 5,600  49 

16,278  49 


26,  671  '72 


298 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


This  sum  of  $26,671  72,  is  the  true  amount  of  excess  over  the  estimates  of  last  year; 
and  to  account  for,  and  apologize  for  this,  I beg  to  refer  you  to  the  statement  on  the 
other  side. 

Respectfully,  your  ob’t  servant,  Charles  Bulfinch. 


[Senate  procedings  of  April  17,  1.S28:  Register  of  Debates,  20 — 1,  v.  4,  pt.  1,  p.  663.] 

ARRANGEMENT  OF  SEATS. 

Mr.  Smith,  of  South  Carolina,  moved  to  take  up  a resolution  offered  by  him  a few 
days  since,  in  relation  to  changing  the  seats  of  the  Senate  Chamber. 

Mr.  Van  Buren  suggested  that  the  resolution  had  better  be  postponed  to  a later 
period  of  the  session,  as  the  alteration  could  not  probably  be  made  this  year. 

Mr.  Smith,  of  South  Carolina,  did  not  accede  to  the  suggestion,  and  the  resolution 
was  considered.  On  the  question  of  agreeing  to  the  resolution,  Mr.  Smith,  of  South 
Carolina,  went  into  a detailed  statement  of  the  inconveniences  of  the  present  situa- 
tion of  the  seats,  and  the  impossibility  of  hearing  the  remarks  of  Senators.  If  it  was 
not  necessary  to  hear  and  be  heard,  the  present  plan  might  be  retained;  but  if  it  was 
desirable  to  act  understandingly  on  the  business  of  the  Senate,  the  former  plan  ought 
to  be  restored.  In  the  few  remarks  made  by  the  gentleman  from  Louisiana  [Mr. 
Johnston]  this  morning,  he,  Mr.  S.,  could  hear  but  now  and  then  a word. 

Mr.  Branch  opposed  the  change. 

Mr.  Van  Bcren  said,  that  there  might  be  inconvenience  in  the  present  arrange- 
ment, but  the  plan  had  not  been  adopted  without  good  cause.  He  stated  the  incon- 
veniences of  the  former  arrangement,  and  suggested  that  the  better  course  would  be 
to  appoint  a committee  to  consider  and  report  what  change  ought  to  be  made  in 
the  seats. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Kentucky,  opposed  the  change,  remarking  that  his  position  under 
the  present  arrangement  was  far  better  than  that  which  he  had  formerly  occupied. 
If  he  voted  for  the  proposition,  he  should  give  up  his  own  convenience  to  oblige 
others.  He  thought  it  would  be  admitted  that  it  was  better  for  the  President  not  to 
sit  opposite  the  centre  door,  at  which  strangers  were  continually  entering;  and  that 
he  must  have  been  inconvenienced  by  the  talking  of  Senators  in  the  lobby,  behind 
his  former  seat,  which  could  not  but  have  interrupted  business.  He  was  willing  to 
vote  for  referring  this  motion  to  a committee  of  three,  who  could  report  whether  an 
alteration  was  expedient. 

Mr.  Smith,  of  South  Carolina,  said,  that  the  gentleman  from  New  York  seemed  to 
think  that  there  had  not  been  sufficient  experience  of  the  present  plan.  He,  Mr.  S., 
recollected  that,  when  the  plan  was  changed,  it  was  said  that  it  could  be  tried,  and,  if 
it  was  not  approved,  it  could  be  turned  back.  In  the  present  position,  neither  the 
Chair  nor  the  Secretary  could  be  heard  by  more  than  half  the  members.  Senators 
had  also  now  got  a habit  of  turning  round  from  the  Chair  to  address  those  behind 
them,  and  if  they  did  not  do  it,  they  could  not  be  heard  by  those  so  situated.  As  to 
the  passage  which  it  had  been  said  had  caused  so  much  inconvenience  to  the  Presi- 
dent, it  could  not  be  so  annoying  as  to  have  the  door  slapping  every  moment  close 
behind  his  chair.  That  passage  had,  since  the  change,  become  a thorougfare,  and 
seemed  to  be  looked  upon  as  a great  national  road,  where  persons  were  continually 
passing;  and  he  thought  there  would  not  be  a hundredth  part  of  the  confusion 
there,  if  the  President’s  seat  were  restored,  that  there  was  at  present. 

Mr.  Smith,  of  Maryland,  said,  that  when  he  addressed  the  Chair,  he  could  not  be 
heard  by  those  behind  him.  He  had,  however,  found  out  the  other  day  that  there 
was  a secret  in  this  matter.  He  observed  that  the  Senator  from  Massachusetts  [Mr. 
Webster]  turned  round  and  addressed  those  in  the  rear;  and  he  had  imitated  the 
example,  but  found  it  very  awkward,  and  that,  he  was  obliged  to  turn  to  address  the 
Chair  occasionally.  The  arrangement  was  inconvenient,  and  it  would  be  very 
desirable  to  change  it. 


H.  Rep.  646—58-2. 


EXTERIOR  OF  BULFINCH  DOME. 


The  Old  Building. 


299 


Mr.  Benton  said  a few  words,  but  in  an  uncommonly  low  tone.  He  was  under- 
stood to  say  that  he  was  in  favor  of  the  present  arrangement,  because  the  Chair  was 
better  accommodated  by  it. 

The  President  said,  that,  as  allusion  had  been  made  to  the  Chair,  he  desired  that 
this  question  might  be  decided  without  regard  to  his  convenience.  It  was  true,  that, 
as  the  seats  were  formerly  arranged,  the  Chair  had  great  difficulty  in  hearing  the 
Senators  whose  seats  were  at  the  two  extremities  of  the  chamber;  and  that  the  talk- 
ing in  the  passage,  behind  the  Chair,  caused  some  disturbance  and  interruption  of 
the  business. 

Mr.  Chandler  supported  the  resolution. 

Mr.  Johnston,  of  Louisiana,  objected  to  the  restoration  of  the  former  plan, 
although  he  admitted  that  there  were  inconveniences  in  the  present  arrangement. 
He  hoped  a committee  would  be  appointed  to  consult  upon,  and  report  what  change 
was  requisite. 

Mr.  Benton  moved  to  lay  the  resolution  on  the  table. 

Mr.  Smith  desired  the  question  now  to  be  put  on  agreeing  to  the  resolution.  A 
division  being  made,  it  was  decided  in  the  negative — ayes  20,  noes  21. 


[House  proceedings  of  Apr.  28,  1828:  Register  of  Debates,  20 — 1,  v.  4,  pt.  2,  p.  2506.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  the  Public 
Buildings,  the  House  went  into  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union, 
Mr.  Little  in  the  Chair — and  took  up  the  bill  making  an  appropriation  for  complet- 
ing the  Public  Buildings. 

* * * 

Mr.  M’Lean,  of  Ohio,  then  moved  to  amend  the  bill,  by  striking  out  that  part  of 
it  which  went  to  provide  for  the  erection  of  a house  for  a Superintendent,  in  the 
words  following: 

“For  building  a house  for  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Buildings,  §5000.” 

After  some  opposition  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Everett,  this  amendment  was  agreed  to 
by  the  House. 

The  item  of  fifty-nine  thousand  five  hundred  and  tw'enty-eight  dollars  and  eight 
cents,  for  completing  the  work  remaining  to  be  done  on  and  about  the  Public  Build- 
ings, as  reported  by  the  committee,  being  under  consideration. 

Mr.  Woods,  of  Ohio,  inquired  if  it  included  the  estimate  for  lodges  and  guard 
houses  at  the  gates? 

Mr.  Everett  replied  that  it  included  two  lodges  at  the  Western  gate,  fronting  the 
Pennsylvania  Avenue,  and  also  guard  houses  at  the  North  and  South  gates. 

Mr.  Woods  then  moved  to  reduce  the  sum  to  $53,500,  so  as  to  exclude  both  these 
objects. 

This  motion  was  opposed  by  Messrs.  Taylor,  Everett,  and  Marvin,  when 

Mr.  Dwight  moved  to  fix  the  sum  at  $56,400,  so  as  to  retain  two  lodges  at  the  West- 
ern gate,  fronting  Pennsylvania  Avenue,  but  dispense  with  the  guard-houses  at  the 
Northern  and  Southern  gates. 

After  some  discussion  by  Messrs.  Mercer  and  Dwigh'e, 

Mr.  Woods  withdrew  his  motion,  when 

Mr.  Wickliffe  moved  to  reduce  the  sum  to  $51,000,  by  excluding  an  appropriation 
of  $5,000,  to  alter  the  stair-case  leading  to  the  Llouse  of  Representatives. 

The  question  was  then  taken,  first  on  the  sum  proposed  by  the  committee,  and 
negatived.  It  was  next  put  on  $56,400,  and  the  votes  not  making  a quorum, 

Mr.  Everett  explained  the  necessity  and  advantage  of  substituting  for  the  present 


300 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


very  confined  and  inconvenient  stair-case,  one  which  should  come  up  with  a circular 
sweep  into  the  vestibule  at  present  existing  between  the  House  of  Representatives 
and  the  Rotundo.  If  this  were  done,  the  lobby  without  the  Hall  might  he  enlarged 
and  enlightened,  and  persons  having  business  with  the  Members  would  have  a con- 
venient space  in  which  to  wait  for  them  in  the  Hall,  &c.  The  present  stair  case 
must,  at  all  events,  be  taken  down  for  repairing,  and  the  steps  replaced  by  a harder 
material.  The  addition  of  a few  thousand  dollars  would  secure  a very  great  and 
desirable  improvement  in  the  access  to  the  Hall. 

Mr.  Mercer  wished  to  understand  whether  this  alteration  would  not  prevent  the 
completion,  at  a future  day,  of  a plan  he  had  long  had  at  heart;  which  was,  to  remove 
the  circular  wall  that  now  supports  the  Gallery,  let  down  the  Gallery  to  the  base  of 
the  columns,  give  a rectangular  form  to  the  Hall,  admit  the  light  of  two  more  win- 
dows at  the  sides  and  facilitate  the  ventilation  of  the  apartment?  To  complete  his 
plan,  and  reined}'  the  great  defect  as  to  hearing,  it  would  then  be  requisite  to  throw 
a glass  arch  over  the  whole  Hall,  which,  as  he  was  assured  by  competent  architects, 
might  be  done  for  less  than  §10,000.  It  was  not  his  purpose  to  propose  such  an 
alteration  now,  but  he  wished  to  know  whether  the  arrangements  at  present  contem- 
plated would  not  interfere  with  such  a plan. 

Mr.  Everett  explained,  and  shewed  that  the  proposed  alteration,  so  far  from  pre- 
venting, would  greatly  facilitate  the  execution  of  the  project  of  the  gentleman  from 
Virginia,  the  leading  features  of  which  he  entirely  approved. 

The  question  on  filling  the  blank  with  §56,400  was  then  taken,  and  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Wickliffe  now  renewed  his  motion  for  51,000  dollars,  but  it  having  been  op- 
posed, as  not  in  order,  he  withdrew  it,  declaring  his  purpose  again  to  renew  it  when 
the  bill  should  come  into  the  House. 

Mr.  Everett  now  moved,  (though  not  by  instruction  of  the  Committee)  the  follow- 
ing amendment: 

“For  an  entrance  and  door  way  into  the  Capitol,  from  the  top  of  the  terrace,  on 
the  Western  front,  §3,121  10.” 

He  explained  the  propriety  of  such  an  alteration  in  the  West  front,  as  greatly 
increasing  the  convenience  of  all  persons  wishing  to  enter  the  Capitol  on  that  side, 
and  as  being  indispensible  to  the  symmetry  of  that  front  of  the  building,  which,  in 
its  present  state,  had  no  entrance  but  by  a lower  door,  beneath  the  level  of  the 
terrace. 

Mr.  Mitchell,  of  Tennessee,  warmly  opposed  this  amendment,  as  creating  a useless 
expense.  He  inveighed  against  the  appropriation  which  had  already  been  expended 
in  the  construction  of  the  terrace,  and  the  wood  vaults  beneath  it.  He  expressed 
his  approbation  of  the  plan  suggested  by  Mr.  Mercer,  as  pointing  to  an  improvement 
of  substantial  utility;  and  concluded  by  urging  a speedy  payment  of  the  public  debt. 

The  question  was  then  taken  on  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Everett,  and  it  was  carried. 
Ayes  72,  Hoes  36. 

* * * 


[Senate  proceedings  of  May  1,  1828:  Register  of  Debates,  20 — 1,  y.  4,  pt.  1,  p.  728.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Eaton,  the  bill  making  appropriations  for  public  buildings  was 
taken  up. 

Mr.  Dickerson  moved  to  strike  out  that  portion  of  the  bill  -which  provided  for  the 
construction  of  a door  in  the  western  front  of  the  Capitol,  on  a level  with  the  terrace. 

Mr.  Dickerson  supported  his  motion  with  a few  remarks,  tending  to  show  that  no 
necessity  existed  for  such  an  entrance,  and  that  the  appearance  of  the  building  would 
be  injured  by  it. 


The  Old  Building. 


301 


Mr.  Ridgley  said  a few  words  in  opposition  to  the  motion. 

Mr.  Benton  spoke  at  length  against  the  motion,  and  assigned  many  reasons  why 
the  alteration  ought  to  be  made.  He  had  last  year  opposed  the  project,  on  the  sup- 
position that  the  wall  of  the  building  would  be  injured  by  it;  but  he  had  since  formed 
a different  opinion,  and  was  convinced  that  the  improvement  might  be  safely  made, 
and  would  be  altogether  eligible. 

Messrs.  Dickerson  and  Macon  further  advocated  the  motion. 

Mr.  Chambers  observed  that  he  had  opposed  this  plan  last  year,  but  had  since 
been  convinced  of  its  utility.  He  believed  that  the  improvement  would  at  some 
period  be  made,  and  that  it  would  be  economy  to  provide  for  its  completion  at  the 
present  time. 

The  motion  was  then  rejected. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
May  2, 1828.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  4,  265-6.)] 

For  completing  the  work  remaining  to  be  done,  on  and  about  the  Public  Buildings, 
fifty-six  thousand  four  hundred  dollars  and  eight  cents. 

For  an  entrance  and  doorway  into  the  Capitol,  from  the  top  of  the  terrace  on  the 
western  front,  three  thousand  one  hundred  and  twenty-one  dollars  and  ten  cents. 


[House  proceedings  of  May  26,  1828:  Register  of  Debates,  20 — 1,  v,  4,  pt.  2,  p.  2768.] 
NATIONAL  PAINTINGS. 

Mr.  Everett  submitted  the  following  resolution. 

Resolved,  That  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings  be,  and  he  is  hereby 
authorised  to  cause  the  proper  measures  to  be  taken  to  secure  the  paintings  in  the 
Rotunclo  from  the  effects  of  dampness,  under  the  direction  of  John  Trumbull,  and  to 
allow  the  said  John  Trumbull  a reasonable  compensation  for  the  same. 

Mr.  Haynes  moved  to  amend  the  resolution,  by  striking  out  that  part  of  it  which 
directed  this  work  to  be  performed  under  the  superintendence  of  Mr.  Trumbull. 

After  some  conversation  between  Messrs.  Everett  Haynes,  Weems,  and  S.  Wood, 
on  the  propriety  of  employing  an  experienced  artist  in  this  operation,  the  amendment 
was  rejected.  Ayes  52,  Noes  58. 

The  resolution  was  then  adopted. 


[From  the  report  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  communicated  to  the  House  Dee.  2, 1828. 
(20 — 2,  House  Doc.  No.  2,  p.  170.)] 

Washington,  Nov.  29,  1828. 

To  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  report  that  the  expenditures  for  the  current  year,  on  the 
public  buildings  in  this  city,  have  been,  as  far  as  is  now  ascertained,  as  follows: 
Capitol  and  grounds $59,020  09 

* * * 

These  buildings  are  now  completed  to  the  extent  authorized  by  existing  appropria- 
tions, with  the  exception  of  a small  portion  of  paving  in  the  corridors  of  the  Capitol, 
the  material  for  which  could  not  be  procured  in  due  season,  and  the  ornamenting 
the  grounds  around  that  building,  necessarily  a progressive  work.  * * * 

I have  the  honour  to  remain,  with  the  highest  respect,  sir,  your  most  ob’t 
• serv’t,  I.  Elgar. 


302 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[Doe.  No.  10.  20th  Congress,  2d  session.  House  of  Representatives.  National  paintings.  Letter 
from  John  Trumbull  to  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  on  the  subject  of  the  National 
Paintings  in  the  Rotundo  of  the  Capitol.  Dec.  9,  1828 — Read,  and  laid  upon  the  table.] 

To  the  Hon.  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Reps.  U.  S. 

Sir:  On  the  30th  of  May  last,  I received  from  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public 
Buildings  a copy  of  the  resolution  of  the  honorable  the  House  of  Representatives, 
dated  the  26th  of  May,  authorizing  him  to  take  the  proper  measures  for  securing  the 
paintings  in  the  Rotundo  from  the  effect  of  dampness,  under  my  direction. 

I had  always  regarded  the  perpetual  admission  of  damp  air  into  the  Rotundo  from 
the  crypt  below,  as  the  great  cause  of  the  evil  required  to  be  remedied;  and,  of 
course,  considered  the  effectual  closing  of  the  aperture  which  had  been  left  in  the 
centre  of  the  floor  as  an  indispensable  part  of  remedy.  I had  communicated  my 
opinions  on  this  subject  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings, 
and  had  been  informed  that  this  had  been  ordered  to  be  done. 

So  soon,  therefore,  as  I received  information  from  the  Commissioner  that  this  work 
was  completed,  (as  well  as  an  alteration  in  the  skylight,  which  I had  suggested,)  and 
that  the  workmen  and  incumbrances  were  removed  out  of  the  room,  I came  on,  and 
proceeded  to  take  the  several  measures  for  the  preservation  of  the  paintings,  which 
are  stated  in  detail  in  the  following  report,  which  I beg  leave  to  submit  to  the  House. 

1st.  All  the  paintings  were  taken  down,  removed  from  their  frames,  taken  off  from 
the  panels  over  which  they  are  strained,  removed  to  a dry  warm  room,  and  there 
separately  and  carefully  examined.  The  material  which  forms  the  basis  of  these 
paintings  is  a linen  cloth,  whose  strength  and  texture  is  very  similar  to  that  used  in 
the  topgallant-sails  of  a ship  of  war.  The  substances  employed  in  forming  a proper 
surface  for  the  artist,  together  with  the  colors,  oils,  &c.  employed  by  him  in  his 
work,  form  a sufficient  protection  for  the  threads  of  the  canvass  on  this  face,  but  the 
back  remains  bare,  and,  of  course,  exposed  to  the  deleterious  influence  of  damp  air. 
The  effect  of  this  is  first  seen  in  the  form  of  mildew;  it  was  this  which  I dreaded;  and 
the  examination  showed  that  mildew  was  already  commenced,  and  to  an  extent  which 
rendered  it  manifest  that  the  continuance  of  the  same  exposure,  which  they  had 
hitherto  undergone,  for  a very  few  years  longer,  would  have  accomplished  the  com- 
plete decomposition  or  rotting  of  the  canvass,  and  the  consequent  destruction  of  the 
paintings.  The  first  thing  to  be  done  was  to  dry  the  canvass  perfectly,  which  was 
accomplished  by  laying  down  each  picture  successively  on  its  face,  upon  a clean  dry 
carpet,  and  exposing  the  back  to  the  influence  of  the  warmth  of  a dry  and  well  aired 
room.  The  next  thing  was  to  devise  and  apply  some  substance  which  would  act 
permanently  as  a preservative  against  future  possible  exposure. 

I had  learned  that,  a few  years  ago,  some  of  the  eminent  chemists  of  Trance  had 
examined  with  great  care  several  of  the  ancient  mummies  of  Egypt,  with  a view  to 
ascertain  the  nature  of  the  substance  employed  by  the  embalmers,  which  the  lapse 
of  so  many  ages  had  proved  to  possess  the  power  of  protecting  from  decay  a sub- 
stance otherwise  so  perishable  as  the  human  body.  This  examination  had  proved 
that,  after  the  application  of  liquid  asphaltum  to  the  cavities  of  the  head  and  body, 
the  whole  had  been  wrapped  carefully  in  many  envelopes,  or  bandages  of  linen,  pre- 
pared with  wax.  The  committee  of  chemists  decided  further,  after  a careful  exami- 
nation and  analysis  of  the  hieroglyphic  paintings  with  which  the  cases,  &c.,  are 
covered,  that  the  colors  employed,  and  still  retaining  their  vivid  brightness,  had  also 
been  prepared  and  applied  with  the  same  substance. 

I also  knew  that,  towards  the  close  of  the  last  century,  the  Antiquarian  Society  of 
England  had  been  permitted  to  open  and  examine  the  stone  coffin  deposited  in  one 
of  the  vaults  of  Westminster  Abbey,  and  said  to  contain  the  body  of  King  Edward  I., 
who  died  in  July,  1307.  On  removing  the  stone  lid  of  the  coffin,  its  contents  were 
found  to  be  closely  enveloped  in  a strong  linen  cloth,  waxed.  Within  this  envelope 
were  found  splendid  robes  of  silk,  enriched  with  various  ornaments  covering  the 


The  Old  Building. 


803 


body,  which  was  found  to  be  entire,  and  to  have  been  wrapped  carefully  in  all  its 
parts,  even  to  each  separate  finger,  in  bandages  of  fine  linen,  which  had  been  dipped 
in  melted  wax;  and  not  only  was  the  body  not  decomposed,  but  the  various  parts  of 
the  dress,  'such  as  a scarlet  satin  mantle,  and  a scarlet  piece  of  sarsnet  which  was 
placed  over  the  face,  were  in  perfect  preservation,  even  to  their  colors.  The  knowl- 
edge of  these  facts  persuaded  me  that  wax,  applied  to  the  back  of  the  paintings, 
would  form  the  best  defence,  hitherto  known  to  exist,  against  the  destructive  effects 
of  damp  and  stagnant  air;  and  therefore, 

2dly.  Common  beeswax  was  melted  over  the  fire  with  an  equal  quantity  (in  bulk) 
of  oil  of  turpentine;  and  this  mixture,  by  the  help  of  large  brushes,  was  applied  hot 
to  the  back  of  each  cloth,  and  was  aftewards  rubbed  in  with  hot  irons,  until  the 
cloths  were  perfectly  saturated. 

3dly.  In  the  mean  time,  the  niches  in  the  solid  wall,  in  which  the  paintings  are 
placed,  were  carefully  plaistered  with  hydraulic  cement,  to  prevent  any  possible 
exudation  of  moisture  from  the  wall;  and  as  there  is  a space  of  from  2 to  8 inches 
deep  between  the  surface  of  the  wall  and  the  back  of  the  panels  on  which  the  cloths 
are  strained,  I caused  small  openings  to  be  cut  in  the  wall,  above  and  under  the  edge 
of  the  frames,  and  communicating  with  those  vacant  spaces,  for  the  purpose  of  admit- 
ting the  air  of  the  room  behind  the  paintings,  and  thus  keeping  up  a constant  venti- 
lation, by  means  of  which  the  same  temperature  of  air  will  be  maintained  at  the 
back  of  the  paintings  as  on  their  face. 

4thly.  The  cloths  were  finally  strained  upon  panels,  for  the  purpose  of  guarding 
against  injury  from  careless  or  intentional  blows  of  sticks,  canes,  &c.,  or  children’s 
missiles.  These  panels  are  perforated  with  many  holes,  to  admit  the  air  freely  to 
the  back  of  the  cloths;  and  being  perfectly  dried,  were  carefully  painted,  to  prevent 
the  wood  from  absorbing  or  transmitting  any  humidity.  The  whole  were  then 
restored  to  their  places,  and  finally  cleaned  with  care,  and  slightly  revarnished. 

5thly.  As  the  accumulation  of  dust  arising  from  sweeping  so  large  a room,  and, 
what  is  much  worse,  the  filth  of  flies,  (the  most  destructive  enemies  of  painting,)  if 
not  carefully  guarded  against,  renders  necessary  the  frequent  washing  and  cleaning 
of  the  surface  of  pictures,  every  repetition  of  which  is  injurious,  I have  directed  cur- 
tains to  be  placed,  which  can  be  drawn  in  front  of  the  whole,  whenever  the  room  is 
to  be  swept,  as  well  as  in  the  recess  of  the  Legislature  during  the  Summer,  when 
flies  are  most  pernicious. 

6thly.  As  nothing  is  more  obvious  than  the  impossibility  of  keeping  a room  warm 
and  dry  by  means  of  fire,  so  long  as  doors  are  left  open  for  the  admission  of  the 
external  air,  I have  further  directed  self-closing  baize  doors  to  be  prepared  and 
placed,  so  that  they  will  unavoidably  close  behind  every  one  who  shall  either  enter 
or  leave  the  room. 

When  the  doors  are  kept  closed,  and  fires  lighted  in  the  furnaces  below,  to  supply 
warm  air,  I find  the  temperature  of  this  vast  apartment  is  easily  maintained  at  about 
63  degrees  of  Fahrenheit;  and  the  simple  precaution  of  closed  doors  being  observed, 
in  addition  to.  the  others  which  I have  employed,  I entertain  no  doubt  that  these 
paintings  are  now  perfectly  and  permanently  secured  against  the  deleterious  effects 
of  dampness. 

I regret  that  I was  not  authorized  to  provide  against  the  danger  of  damage  by  vio- 
lence, whether  intended  or  accidental.  Curiosity  naturally  leads  men  to  touch,  as 
well  as  to  look  at,  objects  of  this  kind;  and,  placed  low  as  they  are,  not  only  the 
gilded  frames  and  curtains,  but  the  surface  of  the  paintings  are  within  the  reach  of 
spectators:  repeated  handling,  even  by  the  best  intentioned  and  most  careful,  will, 
in  the  course  of  a few  years,  produce  essential  damage.  But  one  of  the  paintings 
testifies  to  the  possibility  of  their  being  approached,  for  the  very  purpose  of  doing 
injury:  the  right  foot  of  General  Morgan,  in  the  picture  of  Saratoga,  was  cut  off  with 
a sharp  instrument,  apparently  a penknife.  I have  repaired  the  wound,  but  the  scar 


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Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


remains  visible.  If  1 had  possessed  the  authority,  I should  have  placed  in  front,  and 
at  the  distance  of  not  less  than  ten  feet  from  the  wall,  an  iron  railing,  of  such  strength 
and  elevation  as  should  form  a complete  guard  against  external  injury  by  ill-disposed 
persons;  unless  they  employed  missiles  of  some  force. 

I beg  leave  to  commend  to  the  attention  of  the  House  this  farther  precaution. 

All  which  is  most  respectfully  submitted  to  the  Idouse,  by 

Jno.  Trumbull. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings,  and  other  purposes,”  approved 
Mar., 3,  1829.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  4,  362.)  ] 

For  repairs  and  other  work  necessary  to  be  done  on  or  about  the  capitol  and  its 
enclosures,  eighteen  thousand  seven  hundred  and  sixty-two  dollars  and  sixty-three 
cents. 


[House  of  Representatives,  21st,  Congress,  1st  session.  Rep.  No.  83.  Hall  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, U.  S.  Memorial  of  Robert  Mills,  of  South  Carolina,  January  14,  1830.  Referred  to  the 

Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  and  ordered  to  be  printed.] 

The  memorial  of  Robert  Mills  respectfully  showeth: 

That  he  lias  for  some  time  had  under  consideration,  the  subject  of  the  cause  and 
remedy  of  the  defect  existing  in  the  Hall  of  Representatives  of  Congress,  with  reference 
to  the  difficulty  experienced  in  hearing  and  speaking,  and  would  ask  the  leave  of  the 
House  to  submit  for  its  consideration  the  enclosed  plan  and  explanation,  (being  the 
substance  of  a letter  addressed  to  the  State  Department  some  years  ago  on  this  sub- 
ject) exhibiting  the  cause  of  the  evil  complained  of,  and  the  means  of  rectifying  it,  at 
very  small  cost;  and  without  either  injury  to  the  beauty  of  the  room,  or  inconven- 
ience to  the  members. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Robert  Mills. 

City  of  Washington,  January  14,  1830. 


Washington,  October,  1826. 

The  Hon.  the  Secretary  of  State  of  the  United  States: 

Dear  Sir:  After  the  conversation  which  I had  the  honor  yesterday  to  have  with 
you,  in  relation  to  certain  projected  alterations  and  improvements  in  the  Hall  of 
Representatives  of  Congress,  with  a view  to  rendering  it  a better  speaking  and  hear- 
ing room,  it  will  be  only  necessary  here  to  recapitulate,  and  briefly  to  examine, 
certain  fundamental  principles  on  the  doctrine  of  sound,  then  advanced,  and  upon 
which  were  grounded  all  the  arguments  urged  in  favor  of  making  such  improve- 
ments, corresponding  with  the  plans  submitted  by  me. 

It  is  a received  axiom  in  the  science  of  acoustics,  that  sound,  in  its  propagation, 
is  subject  to  the  same  general  laws  which  govern  light  in  its  transmission — that  is 
to  say, 

1st.  That,  like  light,  it  radiates  from  a centre. 

2d.  That  it  is  subject  to  reflection  and  refraction. 

3d.  That  its  angle  of  reflection  is  always  equal  to  its  angle  of  incidence,  &c. 

If  any  doubt  rested  on  our  minds  upon  these  points,  we  may  soon  remove  them, 
with  a little  attention  to  what  occurs  in  our  daily  experience.  For  instance:  if  we 
place  ourselves  at  a proper  distance  opposite  to  a wall,  and  at  right  angles  with  the 
same,  and  speak  aloud,  we  shall  instantly  be  sensible  of  a distant  echo,  or  return  of 
the  original  sound;  and  also  experience  a considerable  support  to  the  voice.  Now, 
if  we  move  out  of  a square  line  with  this  wall,  (a. few  feet  only, ) we  shall  receive  no 


The  Old  Building. 


305 


return  of  the  sound,  or  no  echo,  and  realize  a sensible  depression  of  the  voice.  The 
echo,  however,  or  the  reflection  of  the  original  sound,  has  been  conveyed  to  the  ear 
of  some  one,  who,  by  accident  or  design,  is  placed  in  that  point  of  the  plane  on 
which  we  stand,  where  the  reflected  ray  will  strike,  and  this  will  be  found  to  be 
exactly  equi-distant  from  the  perpendicular  of  the  plane  of  the  wall  that  we  are. 
Again: 

You  have  noticed  the  ringing  of  a bell,  in  walking  through  a town,  or  where  there 
are  buildings  in  the  vicinity,  and  have  been  sensible  of  more  distinctness  in  the  sound 
at  times  than  at  others;  the  cause,  on  examination,  may  be  traced  to  some  intervening 
wall,  and  it  will  be  discovered  that  the  angle  you  make  with  that  wall  is  the  same 
that  the  bell  makes. 

These  two  simple  facts  (which  may  be  tested  at  any  time)  prove  that  the  rays  of 
sound  (if  we  may  so  speak)  proceed  in  straight  lines,  and  are  subject  to  reflection 
exactly  in  the  ratio  of  the  angle  made  by  the  rays  impinging  against  the  reflecting 
surface.  Upon  this  principle,  whispering  galleries  are  sounded,  and  also  sounding 
boards  placed  over  rostrums  and  pulpits.  Such  echoes  as  reach  the  ear  at  the  same 
moment  of  time  are  Called  consonant  echoes,  and  according  to  the  number  of  these  are 
tne  strength  and  unity  of  the  original  sound;  and  vice  versa,  in  proportion  to  the 
deficiency  of  these  consonant  echoes,  and  to  the  increase  of  such  as  are  dissonant, 
(rays  of  sound  reaching  the  ear  at  different  periods  of  time,)  is  the  confused  nature 
of  the  sound. 

Now,  that  the  perfection  of  the  original  sound  is  in  the  ratio  of  the  multitude  of 
consonant  or  homogeneous  echoes,  may  be  easily  demonstrated  by  placing  ourselves 
in  the  centre  of  a well  constructed  circular  room,  where  the  reflecting  surface  is 
equi-distant  all  round,  and  comparing  the  effect  of  the  voice  there  with  its  effect  at 
any  other  point  within  the  circumference  of  that  circle.  The  Hall  of  Congress,  at 
present,  exhibits  & partial  example  of  this  fact,  as  the  strength  of  the  voice  increases 
and  its  distinctness  is  more  perceptible  as  we  approach  the  Speaker’s  chair,  because 
the  number  of  consonant  echoes  increase,  whilst  those  that  are  dissonant  decrease: 
hence,  near  the  Speaker’s  chair  is  the  best  place  not  only  to  speak,  but  to  be  heard. 
The  voice  here  receives  the  support  of  a ring  of  consonant  echoes  from  the  ceiling, 
and  from  those  parts  of  the  walls  of  the  room  which  are  parallel  with  the  curved 
line  formed  by  the  columns  of  the  gallery.  The  rotundo  of  the  Capitol  exhibits 
another  instance  in  point.  The  superior  strength  of  the  voice  is  very  evident  when 
you  speak  at  the  centre,  compared  to  what  it  is  at  the  circumference;  but  the  lofti- 
ness of  the  walls  and  the  form  of  the  ceiling  produce  such  a multitude  of  dissonant 
echoes,  as  to  destroy  the  good  effects  of  this  form  of  room,  which  under  a different 
arrangement  of  the  elevation  would  have  been  a good  speaking  room;  as  it  now  is, 
the  effect  of  a number  of  voices  speaking  there  is  to  produce  a perfect  Babel. 

From  the  premises  laid  down,  and  which  facts  warrant  us  to  believe  correct,  we 
infer  that,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  irregular  reflecting  surfaces  in  any  room, 
is  the  increase  of  dissonant  echoes,  and  consequently  of  indistinctness  of  the  voice. 

We  may  now  safely  proceed,  after  what  has  been  said,  to  develop  the  cause  and 
point  out  the  means  of  rectifying  the  evil  found  to  exist  in  our  hall. 

On  the  first  view  of  this  room,  we  are  forcibly  struck  with  the  fact  of  its  incapacity 
to  effect  a distinct  conveyance  of  the  voice.  Here,  a number  of  irregular  surfaces,  or 
walls,  are  seen  running  in  different  directions — all  of  which  necessarily  tend  to  pro- 
duce an  infinite  variety  of  echoes,  the  principal  part  of  which  are  dissonant,  and 
hence  the  buzz  which  frequently  follows  on  speaking.  * * * 

In  all  that  has  been  advanced,  reference  is  had  only  to  the  perpendicular  lines  of 
surface  of  the  room;  taking  it  for  granted  that  no  material  defect  exists  either  in  the 
form  or  position  of  the  ceiling,  but  that  it  is  in  perfect  accordance  with  correct 
principles  in  acoustics,  namely:  1st,  that  the  curved  line  which  it  forms  corresponds 

H.  Rep.  646 20 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


306 

with  some  portion  of  a perfect  sphere;  and  2d,  that  this  curve  line  is  described  from  a 
point  below  the  floor  of  the  hall,  or  at  least  below  the  ear  of  the  hearer.  If  this  be  not 
the  case,  then  it  generates  a ring  of  discordant  echoes,  which,  perpetually  crossing  each 
other  above  the  ear,  must  also  contribute  to  produce  indistinctness  of  sound.  If, 
on  examination,  this  state  of  things  is  found  to  exist  in  any  serious  degree,  then,  in 
addition  to  the  other  alteration  of  the  room,  it  might  be  found  requisite  to  raise  the 
floor  to  a height  proper  to  produce  the  desired  effect.  I am  led,  however,  to  believe 
that  the  correction  of  the  fundamental  error  pointed  out,  will  be  all  .that  would  be 
needed  to  remedy  the  great  cause  of  complaint,  and  the  raising  of  the  floor  rendered 
unnecessary. 

To  accomplish,  practically,  the  object  we  have  in  view,  I would  respectfully  recom- 
mend to  the  committee  the  adoption  of  the  following  plan  of  proceeding: 

To  construct  a screen  or  partition  behind  the  columns  in  the  gallery  so  as  to  form 
a curve  line  parallel  with  the  line  described  by  the  columns.  * * * This  screen 
may  be  so  ornamental  as  to  correspond  in  design  with  the  other  parts  of  the  room, 
and  appear  as  part  of  the  original  plan.  Apertures,  if  necessary,  may  be  made  in 
this  partition,  so  as  to  afford  to  spectators  behind  it  the  same  advantages  of  seeing 
and  hearing  which  they  now  have. 

This  plan  combines  so  much  of  simplicity  and  economy  in  its  construction,  and 
the  object  to  be  accomplished  is  so  important,  that  I should  hope  little  difficulty 
will  occur  in  carrying  it  into  execution.  When  to  this  is  added  the  certainty  of  its 
contributing  to  the  beauty  of  the  hall,  I feel  assured  that  it  will  receive  the  favorable 
consideration  of  the  committee.  I trust,  sir,  that  no  plan  will  be  put  into  execution 
which  will  tend  to  mar  the  beauty  of  the  hall,  under  the  impression  that  it  will  rectify 
the  evil  in  question.  The  only  plan  capable  of  remedying  this  evil  is  in  perfect  con- 
sistency with  the  symmetry  of  the  room.  A flat  ceiling,  which,  I understand,  has 
been  suggested,  I assure  you,  would,  so  far  from  producing  any  good  result,  actually 
increase  the  evil,  and  certainly  prove  a deformity  in  the  room.  The  root  of  the  evil, 
as  I have  proved,  (I  hope  satisfactorily, ) lies  not  in  the  ceiling,  but  in  the  walls:  some 
defect  may,  possibly,  be  found  in  the  ceiling  also,  arising  out  of  its  present  loftiness, 
but  this  is  of  minor  importance.  The  irregularity  of  the  surface  of  the  walls  behind 
the  columns  is  the  great  source  of  the  evil  complained  of:  a spherical  ceiling,  when 
properly  formed,  is,  as  before  shown,  a powerful  auxiliary  to  the  voice  in  supporting 
and  strengthening  it. 

In  summing  up  these  brief  remarks,  I would  only  observe  that,  should  the  com- 
mittee think  proper  to  confide  to  my  care  the  arrangement  and  execution  of  the  plan 
for  rectifying  the  evil  we  have  been  considering,  I will  devote  to  the  object  that  atten- 
tion which,  I have  little  hesitation  in  saying,  will  result  in  realizing  all  that  can  be 
wished.  The  subject  of  acoustics  has  long  engaged  my  attention  in  consequence  of 
having,  in  the  early  day  of  my  professional  practice,  recommended  the  adoption  of 
new  forms  of  rooms  for  forensic  debate,  and  also  where  the  place  of  the  speaker  was 
permanent.  Twenty  years  of  experience  has  fully  confirmed  me  in  the  correctness 
of  the  principles  then  laid  down  and  acted  upon  in  the  construction  of  many  public 
rooms  for  speaking.  Several  years  ago  I was  requested  by  the  architect  of  the  Cap- 
itol (Mr.  Bulfinch)  to  give  him  my  ideas  on  the  cause  and  means  of  rectifying  the 
defects  in  the  conveyance  of  the  voice  in  the  hall,  which  I did.  Mr.  Poinsett,  (our 
minister  to  Mexico, ) when  in  Congress,  made  me  a similar  request,  in  order  that  he 
might  communicate  the  same  to  the  committee  appointed  by  the  House  on  this  sub- 
ject. In  both  of  these  papers  I went  into  a minute  investigation  of  the  subject,  detail- 
ing the  governing  laws  of  sound,  and  their  adaptation  to  the  circumstances  under 
which  our  hall  was  placed.  Should  the  committee  wish  to  examine  these  papers, 
they  will,  no  doubt,  find  them  among  the  documents  of  the  above-mentioned  com- 
mittee; if  not,  and  should  what  I have  here  written  be  not  sufficiently  explanative,  I 
shall  be  happy  of  the  opportunity  of  entering  more  fully  into  the  subject,  either 
verbally  or  in  writing. 


The  Old  Building. 


307 


Receive,  sir,  the  assurances  of  my  high  consideration  and  respect. 

Robert  Mills, 

Engineer  and  Architect,  of  South  Carolina- 
's. B. — -It  will  be  necessary  here  to  remark,  that,  after  the  above  communication 
was  made  to  the  State  Department,  I was  informed  that  an  engagement  had  some  time 
before  been  entered  into  by  the  committee  with  a professional  gentleman  to  examine 
and  report  a plan  for  improving  the  hall,  which  I was  not  then  aware  of:  no  other 
proposition  on  the  subject  could,  therefore,  be  considered  until  the  result  of  the  first 
was  ascertained.  R.  M. 


[House  of  Representatives.  Rep.  No.  123.  21st  Congress,  1st  Session.  Memorial  of  Charles  Bulfmch, 
on  the  subject  of  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives.  January  25,  1830.  Referred  to  the 
Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings.] 


To  the  Honorable  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States : 

The  subject  of  improving  the  Representatives’  Hall  of  the  Capitol  being  again 
referred  to  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings,  I beg  leave  to  present  an  abstract 
of  the  proceedings  and  reports  formerly  had  on  that  subject,  with  such  additional 
suggestions  as  appear  to  me  applicable  at  the  present  time. 

With  much  respect,  their  obedient  servant, 

Charles  Bulfinch. 


January  24,  1830. 


Upon  Congress  being  reinstated  at  the  Capitol,  in  1820,  it  was  found  that  a diffi- 
culty existed  both  in  speaking  and  hearing,  in  the  Representatives’  Hall;  this  was  at 
first  imputed  to  the  resonances  and  echoes  occasioned  by  the  unfurnished  state  of 
the  Hall,  and  to  the  freshness  and  dampness  of  the  new  work.  To  remedy  this  defect, 
draperies  were  ordered  to  be  suspended  in  front  of  the  galleries,  and  between  the 
columns  of  the  Prostyle  of  the  Logia;  and  carpets  were  spread  in  the  galleries. 
These  measures  produced  some  effect  in  lessening  the  reverberations,  but  did  not 
entirely  remedy  the  inconveniences  complained  of.  In  the  Session  of  1821,  a large 
Committee,  of  24  Members,  was  raised,  to  “inquire  into  the  practicability  of  making 
such  alterations  in  the  present  structure  of  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives 
as  shall  better  adapt  it  to  the  purposes  of  a deliberative  assembly.”  This  Commit- 
tee attended  to  the  subject  fully,  and  consulted  the  Architect  (and  such  scientific 
persons  whose  opinions  could  be  readily  obtained)  when  several  very  contradictory 
theories  and  projects  were  suggested.  The  Architect  had  the  honor  of  presenting 
the  following  report: 


Report  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Comm  ittee  on  Public  Buildings, 

1821. 

Sir:  I have  received  your  communication,  enclosing  the  resolution  of  the  House 
of  Representatives  “to  inquire  into  the  practicability  of  making  such  alternations  in 
the  present  structure  of  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives  as  shall  better  adapt 
it  to  the  purposes  of  a deliberative  assembly.”  I have  attended  to  the  subject,  and 
have  considered  the  various  suggestions  that  have  been  made,  with  a view  to  the 
desired  improvement,  and  beg  leave  to  present  the  following: 

The  plan  of  the  Hall  under  consideration  was  chosen  by  the  distinguished  Artist 
who  commenced  the  restoration  of  the  Capitol,  from  the  most  approved  remains  of 
Antiquity;  it  was  taken,  a pparently,  from  the  designs  of  the  Grecian  and  Roman 
Theatres,  traces  of  which  are  still  extant ; and  no  form  could  be  devised  better  adapted 
to  such  buildings;  the  w'hole  audience  being  arranged  in  concentric  semi-circular 
rows,  and  facing  the  Proscenium  or  place  of  exhibition,  where  all  that  was  spoken 
was  delivered  from  the  stage  or  space  in  front  of  the  semi-circle.  This  form  has  also 


808 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


been  adopted  of  late  in  the  legislative  halls  at  Paris;  but  it  is  not  found  altogether 
convenient  for  a deliberative  assembly,  where  the  speakers  are  seated  indiscrimi- 
nately, and  frequently  with  a large  portion  of  the  members  in  their  rear;  in  conse- 
quence of  which,  it  has  become  necessary  there,  to  select  particular  spots  for  desks 
or  tribunes,  as  stations  for  those  who  wish  to  address  the  assembly.  If  such  a meas- 
ure could  be  adopted  here,  it  would  in  a great  degree  remove  the  present  complaint; 
as  it  is  found,  when  religious  services  are  performed,  that  the  voice  of  the  preacher 
is  well  heard  in  every  part  of  the  hall,  assisted  as  he  is  by  the  silence  which  the 
solemnity  of  worship  enjoins,  but  which  is  too  much  interrupted  on  other  occasions. 

Several  suggestions  have  been  made  for  the  improvement  of  the  Hall : 1st,  To  raise 
the  floor.  2d,  To  contract  the  space  by  a partition  of  glass,  in  place  of  the  present 
bar.  3d,  To  form  a level  ceiling  at  the  foot  of  the  dome,  resting  on  the  stone  entab- 
latures, over  the  columns. 

I cannot  think  that  any  great  advantage  could  be  derived  from  raising  the  floor, 
because  it  could  not  be  done,  more  than  three  feet,  without  disfiguring  the  columns 
and  destroying  all  the  beauty  of  their  proportions;  and  the  chief  difficulty  of  hearing 
is  occasioned  by  the  reverberation  and  confusion  of  sounds,  from  the  lofty  and  smooth 
ceiling,  which  would  not  be  affected  by  this  mode  of  alteration. 

The  second  proposal,  to  reduce  the  space  by  a glass  partition,  is  also  objectionable, 
as,  in  my  opinion,  it  would  produce  no  effect,  unless  carried  very  high  to  shut  out 
the  galleries;  which  the  habits  of  our  country  have  made  indispensable;  and  this 
mode  would  not  remove  the  difficulty  of  the  dome. 

The  third  proposal,  of  a flat  ceiling,  affords  a prospect  of  greater  advantage  than 
any  other.  It  would  reduce  the  absolute  height  of  the  room  in  the  centre,  upwards 
of  twenty  feet,  in  which  space  much  of  the  voice  is  lost;  and  would  check,  in  a great 
measure,  and  perhaps  wholly,  the  reverberation  and  echo  complained  of.  Although 
it  would  be  a subject  of  much  regret,  that  the  beauty  of  the  form  and  decoration  of 
the  dome  should  be  obscured,  yet  these  considerations  must  yield  to  the  convenience 
of  the  Legislative  body.  To  impair  the  appearance  of  the  room  as  little  as  possible, 
I propose  that  this  ceiling  be  made  of  glass,  and  present  a drawing,  in  which  its  form 
and  construction  are  shown;  the  panes  to  be  made  as  large  as  convenient,  and  the 
principal  ribs  to  be  gilded.  This  ceiling  would  be  preferable  to  one  of  wood  or 
plaster,  because,  in  that  case,  it  would  hide  entirely  the  present  dome,  excepting  the 
opening  of  the  sky-light,  which  must  be  retained,  but  which  would  lose  much  of  its 
usefulness  from  the  angle  in  which  the  light  would  be  received,  and  which  would 
hardly  reach  the  outer  rows  of  the  circle. 

I submit  an  estimate  of  the  expense  of  a glass  ceiling,  amounting  to  five  thousand 
dollars.  If  this  plan  is  adopted  by  the  honorable  House  of  Representatives,  the  work 
could  be  executed  in  the  recess. 

Experience,  I think,  has  proved,  that  the  objections  to  the  present  Hall  are  not  so 
forcible  as  they  were  last  season,  but  that,  the  members  are  better  heard,  as  they 
become  accustomed  to  the  room,  and  to  the  pitch  of  voice  required;  yet,  if  it  should 
be  considered  so  inconvenient  that  the  necessity  of  improving  it  should  be  thought 
indispensable,  and  would  justify  the  expense,  I would  recommend  that  the  glass 
ceiling  be  built,  and  a trial  made  of  its  utility  at  the  next  session. 

Respectfully  presented  by 

Charles  Bulfinch. 

No  decisive  measures  were  taken  in  consequence  of  this  examination  and  report, 
and  the  evil  still  being  complained  of,  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  was  again 
directed,  at  the  following  session,  to  consider  the  subject  anew,  when  the  archicect 
presented  the  following  report  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee: 

Sir:  In  obedience  to  the  wish  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  I have  paid 
attention  to  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  to  consider  what  alter- 


The  Old  Building. 


309 


ations  were  practicable  in  the  present  structure  of  the  Hall  of  ,the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, to  adapt  it  better  to  the  purposes  of  a deliberative  assembly. 

This  subject  has  been  under  consideration  with  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings  of  1820  and  1821,  at  which  times,  I presented  to  them  my  observations,  to 
which  I now  beg  leave  to  refer  in  the  papers  marked  No.  1 and  No.  2. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  I have  since  been  attentive  to  the  subject,  to  investigate 
the  mode  in  which  sound  expands  in  large  rooms,  and  to  endeavor  to  form  some 
practical  conclusions. 

The  investigation  of  the  laws  which  regulate  the  diffusion  of  sound,  has  been  less 
carefully  attended  to  than  any  other  part  of  Natural  Philosophy,  and  very  seldom 
has  the  practical  architect  received  any  assistance  on  this  point  from  scientific  men, 
or  been  willing  to  submit  his  designs  to  their  control. 

Every  work  on  Natural  Philosophy,  in  general,  contains  observations  on  acoustics, 
and  endeavors  to  explain  the  principles  of  musical  instruments,  the  vibrations  of 
strings,  and  the  nature  and  cause  of  echoes;  but  these  principles  have  seldom  been 
applied  for  useful  and  practical  purposes,  to  the  construction  of  the  interior  of  large 
rooms  for  deliberative  assemblies.  Places  of  public  worship  and.  theatres  have 
received  a greater  share  of  attention,  and  the  result  of  experience  on  such  apart- 
ments, has  been  to  avoid  lofty  domes,  and  arched  ceilings  of  great  elevation.  The 
manner  in  which  sound  operates  on  the  air,  has  been  the  subject  of  much  inquiry; 
the  theory  generally  adopted,  supposes  that  sound  is  projected  in  direct  lines,  and 
that  it  is  governed  by  the  same  principles  as  rays  of  light;  and  that  it  is  reflected 
from  the  substances  which  it  encounters,  in  angles,  equal  to  the  angles  of  incidence. 
Another  theory  supposes  that  sound  is  propagated  by  an  undulatory  motion  of  the 
air,  and  that  resonnances  and  echoes  are  produced  by  the  sound  being  conducted 
along  the  surface  of  intervening  walls  or  other  bodies. 

The  most  judicious  and  practical  writer  on  this  subject  that  I have  had  the 
opportunity  to  consult,  is  Saunders,  on  the  construction  of  Theatres.  I beg  per- 
mission to  quote  from  him  a few  observations.  “The  supposition  of  sound  being 
reflected  on  the  same  principles  as  light,  has  been  very  generally  admitted,  and  in 
order  to  support  this  theory,  it  is  asserted  that  sound  is  propagated  in  direct  rays. 
Accordingly,  Kircher,  and  most  of  those  who  follow  him,  after  explaining  the  prog- 
ress of  sound  to  be  undulative,  go  on  comparing  its  properties  with  those  of  light; 
which  is  clearly  refuted  by  Sir  Isaac  Newton,  who  says,  ‘a  pressure  on  a fluid  medium 
cannot  be  propagated  in  right  lines,  but  will  be  always  inflecting  and  diffusing  itself 
every  way,  beyond  any  obstacle  that  may  be  presented  to  it.  Sounds  are  propagated 
with  equal  ease  through  crooked  tubes,  and  through  straight  lines;  but  light  was 
never  known  to  move  in  any  curve,  nor  to  inflect  itself.’  The  French  Encyclo- 
pedists, who  adopt  the  theory  of  the  reflection  of  sound,  are  obliged  to  qualify  it  by 
acknowledging  that  the  theory  is  still  vague  and  uncertain,  and  that  the  comparison 
of  the  laws  of  the  reflection  of  sound  with  that  of  light,  may  be  true  to  a certain 
point,  but  it  is  not  without  restrictions,  because  sound  is  propagated  in  every  direction, 
and  light  in  right  lines  only.” 

Mr.  Saunders,  after  a course  of  experiments,  comes  to  this  conclusion,  that  sound 
is  effected  by  vibration  among  the  particles  of  air,  and  moves  in  a circular  undu- 
lating form.  That  echo  is  produced  by  conduction,  and  not  by  reflection,  as  heretofore 
imagined.  It  depends  on  the  conductor,  and  the  nature  and  form  of  the  substance  it 
meets  with.  He  asserts  that,  after  a smooth  surface  of  water,  stone  is  the  most  powerful 
conductor  of  sound;  experience  proves  that  smooth  walls  of  plaster  are  next  in  order, 
then  surfaces  of  wood,  and  lastly,  hangings  of  tapestry  or  woollen  cloth. 

These  observations  and  results  are  important,  when  applied  to  the  Hall  of  the 
House  of  Representatives.  The  difficulty  of  hearing  and  speaking  arises,  in  the  first 
place,  from  the  great  size  of  the  room;  and  is  an  evil  which  must  always  be  appre- 
hended in  any  room  constructed  to  afford  such  ample  conveniences  for  so  numerous 


310 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


a body,  unless  the  speakers  will  consent  to  mount  a tribune,  situated  in  the  most 
favorable  position:  and  in  the  second  place,  from  the  resonnances  or  echoes,  occa- 
sioned by  the  dome  of  60  feet  elevation  from  the  floor.  If  these  echoes  could  be 
checked,  the  difficulty  of  speaking  and  hearing  would  be,  in  a great  measure, 
removed.  For  this  purpose,  I ventured  to  propose,  in  1821,  a horizontal  ceiling  of 
glass;  but  this  is  liable  to  objections,  from  the  great  difficulty  of  keeping  so  large  a 
surface  clean,  and  from  the  bad  effect  to  be  apprehended  on  the  air  of  the  room, 
from  reducing  it  so  much  in  its  dimensions. 

Private  individuals  have  no  motive  for  making  experiments  on  the  principles  of 
the  expansion  of  sound,  and  companies  of  proprietors  of  buildings  are  deterred  from 
doing  it,  by  the  uncertainty  of  the  effect,  and  by  the  expense.  An  opportunity  is  at 
present  offered  to  Congress,  to  authorize  some  experiments  during  the  recess,  which 
may  be  productive  of  good  consequences,  and  would,  at  least,  extend  a knowledge 
of  the  true  principles  which  govern  the  operations  of  sound.  With  this  view,  I take 
the  liberty  to  mention  the  following: 

The  Grecian  and  Roman  Theatres  were  constructed  without  roofs,  and  were  entirely 
open  above;  but  it  was  usual  to  stretch  a covering  of  sail  cloth  over  the  circular  seats, 
to  protect  the  audience  from  the  inclemency  of  the  weather.  I would  take  a hint 
from  this  practice,  and  propose,  that  cords  should  be  strained,  at  the  springing  of  the 
dome,  to  support  a ceiling  of  light  woollen  cloth  or  flannel,  projecting  ten  feet  from 
the  columns,  within  the  semicircle.  If  the  theory  of  conduction  of  sound  be  correct, 
this  horizontal  projection  will  prevent  it  reaching  the  dome,  to  occasion  the  echoes 
complained  of.  The  experiment  might  be  tried  at  moderate  expense,  and,  if  found 
effectual,  the  ceiling  might  be  finished  afterwards,  in  a more  permanent  manner. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

Charles  Bulfinch. 

March  11th,  1822. 

In  consequence  of  this  last  suggestion,  orders  were  given  to  stretch  a covering  of 
canvass  over  the  whole  Hall;  which  was  done,  as  speedily  as  possible,  at  the  height 
of  the  blocking  course  above  the  columns.  This  ceiling,  composed  of  an  unelastic 
substance,  checked  the  reverberation  but  too  fully;  it  not  only  put  a stop  to  the 
echoes,  but  seemed  to  absorb  the  volume  of  sound;  and,  rendering  the  Hall  dark,  by 
obstructing  the  sky  light,  it  was  removed  after  a few  days. 

Another  experiment  was  tried,  at  a following  session,  of  reducing  the  dimensions 
of  the  Hall,  by  framing  a wooden  partition  between  the  columns  of  the  prostyle;  but 
no  good  effects  were  experienced  from  this  measure,  to  counterbalance  the  inconven- 
ience from  the  loss  of  space  and  light,  and  the  partition  was  removed  after  one  week’s 
trial. 

No  other  attempt  was  made  to  remedy  the  evil  complained  of,  until  May  19,  1826; 
when  the  House  resolved,  “That  the  Clerk  of  this  House  be  authorized  to  employ 
William  Strickland,  of  Philadelphia,  to  act  in  conjunction  with  the  architect  now 
employed  in  completing  the  Capitol,  in  devising  a plan  for  improving  the  Hall,  so 
far  as  to  render  it  better  suited  to  the  purposes  of  a deliberative  assembly;  That  the 
Secretary  of  State,  the  Secretary  of  War,  and  the  Attorney  General,  be  requested  to 
act  as  a Board  of  Inspection,  on  the  aforesaid  contemplated  improvement,  during  the 
recess  of  Congress;  and  that,  if  the  said  architects  can  devise  any  plan  for  accom- 
plishing the  object,  that  shall  receive  the  sanction  of  the  Board  aforesaid,  they  be 
authorized  to  execute  the  same,  under  the  direction  of  the  said  Board.  Resolved, 
That  the  expense  be  defrayed  out  of  the  contingent  fund.” 

In  pursuance  of  this  resolution,  Mr.  Strickland  was  invited  to  make  the  examina- 
tion desired,  and  attended  to  this  service  -in  the  Summer  of  1826,  after  which  the 
following  statements  were  presented  to  the  House  in  February,  1827. 

* * * [19 — 2,  House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  93.] 


The  Old  Building. 


311 


This  report  of  Mr.  Strickland,  seemed  to  put  the  subject  at  rest:  for  no  further 
notice  was  taken  of  it,  until  late  in  the  long  session  of  1828;  when,  from  the  warmth 
of  the  season,  complaints  were  made  of  the  want  of  ventilation  in  the  Hall,  and  this, 
with  the  former  difficulty  of  hearing,  caused  a short  debate;  but  no  order  was  taken 
thereon.  The  architect,  however,  conceiving  it  to  be  his  duty  to  meet  every  sugges- 
tion for  the  improvement  of  the  building  under  his  care,  applied  himself,  in  the 
recess,  to  prepare  drawings,  which  he  laid  before  the  Committee,  in  1829;  but  they 
did  not  think  proper  to  make  any  report  thereon  to  the  House. 

These  drawings  make  part  of  the  present  communication.  By  this  design,  it  is 
proposed  to  bring  the  galleries  down  nearly  to  the  floor  of  the  Hall,  of  the  extent  of 
four  intercolumniations  on  the  East  and  West;  by  which  means,  two  large  windows 
on  each  side  would  be  opened  to  view,  and  would  afford  a more  equal  diffusion  of 
light,  and  secure  complete  ventilation.  Should  this  plan  be  adopted,  the  objection 
to  removing  the  dome  would  lose  its  force,  on  the  score  of  reducing  the  cubic  volume 
of  air,  and  a fiat  ceiling  might  be  substituted.  I present  two  drawings  of  ceilings, 
one  of  glass,  and  another  composed  of  glass  and  plaster;  should  either  of  them  be 
approved  by  the  Committee,  estimates  can  be  furnished  of  the  expense,  previous  to 
presenting  the  report  to  the  House.  The  whole  alteration  of  both  the  galleries  and 
ceiling,  might  be  made  during  the  recess  of  Congress. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Charles  Bulfinch. 

January  24th,  1830. 


[Ho.  of  Reps.  Rep.  No.  291.  22d  Congress,  1st  session.  Public  Improvements  in  Washington. 

February  15,  1832.] 

Mr.  Washington,  from  the  Committee  for  the  District  of  Columbia,  to  which  the 
subject  had  been  referred,  made  the  following  report: 

* * -si- 

No.  15. 

Capitol,  IT.  S.,  Feh.  6,  1830. 

* * * 

The  expenditures  on  the  public  buildings  in  this  city,  have  been  as  follows: 


On  the  wings  of  the  Capitol,  previous  to  their  destruction  in  1814 $788,  071  98 

* * * 

Rebuilding  the  wings  of  the  Capitol 687, 126  00 

* * * 

Erecting  centre  building  of  the  Capitol 957,  647  36 

* * * 


J.  Elgar, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

* * * 

Your  committee  further  report,  that  they  have  taken  into  consideration  the  expe- 
diency of  providing  for  the  introduction  of  an  adequate  supply  of  pure  spring  water, 
for  the  use  of  the  members  of  Congress,  and  officers  of  the  Government  in  the  public 
departments,  and  are  sensibly  impressed  with  the  importance  of  provisk >n  being  made 
to  effect  so  desirable  an  object. 

A square  has  been  purchased,  by  appropriation  of  Congress,  at  the  cost  of  $6,900  34, 
on  which  there  is  a fountain  capable  of  supplying  the  President’s  house  and  the 
departments  with  a sufficiency  of  water  to  fill  reservoirs  as  a protection  against  fire, 
and  for  other  purposes.  By  an  estimate  of  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Build- 
ings, accompanying  this  report,  it  appears  that  the  expense  of  conducting  the  water 
to  those  buildings,  will  not  exceed  $5,700. 

The  committee  need  only  refer  Congress  to  the  statement  of  the  Commissioner  of 
the  Public  Buildings,  made  part  of  this  report,  to  satisfy  every  member  of  the  expe- 


312 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


diency,  and  indeed  necessity,  of  having  a supply  of  pure  spring  water  brought  to  the 
Capitol,  as  well  for  the  health  and  comfort  of  the  members,  as  the  security  of  the 
building  against  fire. 

From  the  reports  of  experienced  engineers,  herewith  submitted,  it  appears  that  an 
abundant  supply  of  the  purest  spring  water  can  be  brought  to  the  Capitol,  at  an 
expense  inconsiderable  when  compared  with  the  importance  of  the  object. 

The  committee  would  further  recommend,  that  the  rough  brick  pavement  (tempo- 
rarily laid)  from  the  western  gate  to  the  Capitol,  should  be  removed,  and  flagging  of 
the  Seneca  stone  substituted.  An  estimate  for  this  object,  made  by  the  commissioner, 
is  appended. 

The  committee  beg  leave  to  report  a bill  in  conformity  with  the  above  recommen- 
dations. 


A. 


House  of  Representatives, 

January  26,  1832. 

Sir:  The  Committee  for  the  District  of  Columbia  wishes  to  obtain  such  information 
as  it  may  be  in  your  power  to  supply,  in  answer  to  the  following  queries: 

What  sum  has  been  paid  for  the  spring,  and  ground  on  which  it  is  situated,  for  the 
purpose  of  supplying  the  President’s  house  and  public  offices  with  water  to  drink, 
and  to  fill  reservoirs  as  security  against  fire?  and  what  quantity  of  ground  is  con- 
tained in  such  lot? 

What  number  of  pumps  are  on  the  Capitol  square?  what  is  the  quality  and  quantity 
of  water  they  afford?  and,  in  the  event  of  fire  to  any  extent,  would  they  supply  water 
adequate  to  its  extinguishment? 

What  distance  is  water  now  brought  for  the  use  of  the  members  and  officers  of 
Congress? 

Have  not  examinations  been  made  to  ascertain  the  practicability  of  bringing  water 
into  the  upper  stories  of  the  Capitol?  and  can  an  adequate  supply  of  pure  spring 
water  be  obtained,  both  for  drinking  and  to  fill  reservoirs?  and  at  what  expense? 

The  committee  will  thank  you  to  give  an  early  answer,  and  will  be  pleased  to 
receive  any  suggestions,  upon  the  subjects  above  named,  you  may  think  proper  to 
make. 


Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

To  Joseph  Elgar,  Esq.  Commissioner  of  the  Pub.  Buildings. 


G.  C.  Washington. 


B. 

Washington,  January  27,  1832. 

Sir:  In  answer  to  the  inquiries  contained  in  your  letter  of  the  26th  instant,  I have 
the  honor  to  state,  that,  by  authority  of  an  appropriation  by  Congress,  I have,  with 
much  difficulty,  succeeded  in  purchasing  from  the  private  owners  the  square  num- 
bered 249,  on  which  is  a fountain  capable  of  supplying,  it  is  supposed,  the  public 
offices  and  President’s  house  with  water  for  ordinary  purposes,  and  to  keep  up  reser- 
voirs as  a protection  against  fires.  The  square  contains  174,4174  square  feet,  and  has 
cost  the  sum  of  $6,900  34. 

2.  The  greatest  distance  to  which  the  water  would  have  to  be  conveyed  is  3,704 
feet,  and  iron  pipes  of  sufficient  size  cost  one  dollar  per  foot,  including  all  expenses. 
The  reservoirs  and  hydrants  are  estimated  at  about  $2,000. 

3.  There  are  two  pumps  in  the  Capitol  yard,  and  one  in  an  open  court.  The 
quality  of  the  water  in  all  of  them  is  bad,  entirely  unfit  for  drinking.  All  the  water 


The  Old  Building. 


813 


used  for  that  purpose  in  the  building  is  brought  from  a pump  on  New  Jersey  avenue, 
distant  about  420  yards.  The  quantity  of  water  afforded  by  the  pumps  in  the  yard 
is  small. 

In  the  case  of  the  lire  which  happened  in  the  library,  the  alarming  fact  was  dis- 
closed, just  as  the  lire  was  got  under,  that  the  water  was  exhausted;  and  if  the  lire 
had  continued  a few  minutes  longer,  the  destruction  of  the  entire  roof  would  have 
been  inevitable. 

The  situation  of  the  Executive  offices,  and  their  invaluable  contents,  is  equally 
hazardous — indeed,  from  their  combustible  materials,  more  so.  Without  a copious 
supply  of  water,  the  costly  apparatus,  provided  by  Congress  for  the  protection  of 
those  buildings  and  of  the  Capitol,  must  be  unavailing. 

4.  In  obedience  to  a resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  I procured  surveys 
to  be  made  by  Mr.  Dumeste,  of  the  corps  of  U.  S.  engineers,  of  the  fountains  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  Capitol.  A copy  of  his  report  and  estimate  is  handed  to  you,  showing 
that  pure  spring  water  can  be  procured,  in  quantity  sufficient  for  all  useful  purposes, 
at  elevations  capable  of  being  conveyed  into  the  Capitol,  and  at  an  expense,  which, 
it  is  respectfully  submitted,  bears  no  proportion  to  the  magnitude  of  the  object. 

I have  the  honor  to  remain,  your  faithful  servant, 


J.  Elgar. 


Hon.  George  C.  Washington. 


C. 

Estimates  for  conveying  water  to  the  Capitol. 

Washington,  February  27,  1830. 

Sir:  To  enable  you  to  comply  with  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives 
of  the  1st  instant,  I submit  for  your  consideration  the  following  facts,  by  me  collected 
at  your  request. 

The  country  around  Washington,  to  the  distance  of  five  miles,  lias  been  explored, 
and  every  spring  of  any  note  has  been  duly  considered. 

In  addition  to  the  springs  herein  mentioned,  I have  gauged  four  springs,  situated 
from  one  to  two  miles  west  of  Georgetown;  the  united  supply  derived  from  said 
springs  was  15i  gallons  per  minute,  and  the  whole  of  them  of  an  altitude  much 
above  the  top  of  the  capitol.  The  distance  being  so  great,  I did  not  think  it  neces- 
sary to  make  an  actual  survey  of  them  until  you  should  see  cause  to  require  it.  I 
submit  herewith  estimates  of  all  the  springs  from  which  levels  have  been  traced. 

First  estimate — Smith’s  large  spring. 


For  14,268  feet  of  a cast  iron  pipe,  four  inches  in  the  interior  diameter,  laid, 

including  every  expense $21,  402 

For  1,064  feet  oi  additional  pipe,  to  convey  the  water  about  the  grounds  of 

the  Capitol,  at  $1  50  per  running  foot 1,  596 

For  reservoirs  for  collecting  the  water  at  the  source,  and  for  reservoirs  on 

the  Capitol  hill 6,500 

For  all  ornamental,  and  for  all  other  expenses,  to  convey  the  water  through 

the  Capitol 2, 000 

For  contingencies  and  unforeseen  incidents 800 

32,  298 

For  purchase  of  spring  and  right  of  way 


Amount 


314 


Documentary  History  of  tlie  Capitol. 


The  above  named  spring  is  situated  north  of  the  capitol,  and  yielded,  in  the  month 
of  February,  seven  gallons  per  minute.  From  the  best  information  I can  procure,  I 
am  of  the  opinion  that  it  is  a durable  spring.  The  water  is  of  a good  quality,  and 


its  height  is  30'  9"  02///  above  the  basement  story  of  the  Capitol. 

Second  estimate — Smith’s  second  spring,  on  the  same  ground. 

For  13,884  feet  of  a cast  iron  pipe,  four  inches  in  the  interior  diameter, 

laid,  including  every  expense,  at  $1  50  per  running  foot $20,  820 

For  1,064  feet  of  additional  pipe,  to  convey  the  water  about  the  grounds  of 

the  Capitol,  at  $1  50  per  running  foot 1,  596 

For  reservoirs  for  collecting  the  water  about  the  source,  and  for  reservoirs 

on  the  Capitol  square. 6, 500 

For  all  ornamental,  and  for  all  other  expenses,  to  convey  the  water  through 

the  Capitol 2, 000 

For  contingencies  and  unforeseen  incidents 800 


31,716 

For  purchase  of  spring  and  right  of  way 

Amount 

This  spring  yielded,  in  the  month  of  February,  three  gallons  per  minute.  From 
the  best  information  I can  procure,  I am  inclined  to  think  it  a durable  one.  The 
water  is  of  a good  quality,  and  its  height  is  37'  4"  82"'  above  the  basement  story  of 
the  Capitol. 

Third  estimate — Spring  in  the  same  neighborhood,  known  by  the  name  of  Dunlap’s  spring. 
For  13,570  feet  of  a cast  iron  pipe,  four  inches  in  the  interior  diameter,  includ- 


ing every  expense $20,  355 

For  1,064  feet  of  additional  pipe,  to  convey  the  water  about  the  grounds  of 

the  Capitol 1,596 

For  reservoirs  for  collecting  the  water  at  the  source,  and  for  reservoirs  on 

the  Capitol  square 6,  500 

For  all  ornamental,  and  for  all  other  expenses,  to  convey  the  water  through 

the  Capitol 2,  000 

For  contingencies  and  unforeseen  incidents 800 


31,251 

For  purchase  of  spring,  and  right  of  way 


Amount 

This  spring  yielded,  in  the  month  of  February,  four  and  a half  gallons  per  minute. 
From  the  best  information  I can  procure,  I am  inclined  to  think  it  a durable  fountain. 
The  water  is  of  a good  quality,  and  its  height  is  33'  9"  42'"  above  the  basement 


story  of  the  Capitol. 

Fourth  estimate — Large,  spring  east  of  the  Capitol. 

For  11,062  feet  of  a cast  iron  pipe  five  inches  in  the  interior  diameter,  at  $2 

per  running  foot,  including  every  expense $22, 124 

For  reservoirs  for  collecting  the  water  at  the  source,  and  for  reservoirs  at  the 

foot  of  the  Capitol  hill > 6,  500 

For  all  ornamental,  and  for  all  other  expenses,  to  convey  the  water  about  the 

foot  of  the  Capitol  hill 2, 000 

For  contingencies  and  for  unforeseen  incidents 1, 000 

31,  624 

For  purchase  of  spring,  and  right  of  way 


Amount 


The  Old  B uilding. 


315 


The  above  spring  yielded,  in  the  month  of  February,  thirty-two  gallons  per  min- 
ute, and  is,  by  far,  the  best  in  this  vicinity.  It  is  on  the  level  of  the  pavement  at 
the  foot  of  the  hill  by  the  western  gate. 

Fifth  estimate — Showing  the  cost  of  uniting  the  two  first  named  springs  in  this  report , and 
conveying  the  same  to  the  Capitol. 


For  608  feet  of  a cast  iron  pipe,  three  inches  in  the  interior  diameter,  laid, 

including  every  expense,  at  $1  per  running  foot $608 

For  13,772  feet  of  a cast  iron  pipe,  four  and  a half  inches  in  the  interior 

diameter,  laid,  including  every  expense,  at  $1  75  per  running  foot 24, 101 

For  1,064  feet  of  additional  pipe  to  convey  the  water  about  the  grounds  of 

the  Capitol,  at  $1  50  per  running  foot 1,  596 

For  reservoirs  for  collecting  the  water  at  the  sources,  and  for  reservoirs  on 

the  Capitol  square 7,  000 

For  all  ornamental,  and  for  all  other  expenses,  to  convey  the  waters  through 

the  Capitol 2,  000 

For  contingencies  and  for  unforeseen  incidents 800 


36, 105 

For  purchase  of  two  springs,  and  for  right  of  way 


Amount 

Sixth  estimate — Showing  the  cost  of  uniting  the  three  first,  named  springs , and  conveying  the 

same  to  the  Capitol. 


For  3,627  feet  of  a cast  iron  pipe,  four  inches  in  the  interior  diameter,  laid, 

including  every  expense,  at  $1  50  per  running  foot $5, 440  50 

For  12,837  feet  of  a cast  iron  pipe,  live  inches  in  the  interior  diameter,  laid, 

including  every  expense,  at  $2  per  running  foot 25,  674 

For  1,064  feet  of  additional  pipe,  to  convey  the  water  about  the  grounds  of 

the  Capitol „ 1, 596 

For  reservoirs  for  collecting  the  water  at  the  sources,  and  for  reservoirs  on 

the  Capitol  square 8,  000 

For  all  ornamental,  and  for  all  other  expenses,  to  convey  the  water 

through  the  Capitol 2,  000 

For  contingencies,  and  for  unforeseen  incidents 1,000 


43,  710  50 

For  purchase  of  the  springs,  and  right  of  way 


Amount 

The  three  springs  above  named  yielded,  in  the  month  of  February,  fourteen  and  a 
half  gallons  per  minute. 

In  submitting,  for  your  consideration,  the  above  facts  and  approximate  estimates, 
I beg  leave  to  remark  that  I have  not  had  time  to  arrive  at  the  cost  with  as  much 
percision  as  might  be  desired.  I tbink  I have  assumed  prices  which  will  be  found 
ample  for  the  work  in  contemplation.  The  pipe  may,  upon  further  investigation, 
require  different  dimensions;  and  the  quantity  of  water  may  vary  according  to  the 
seasons. 

I am,  sir,  your  most  olxl’t  serv’t. 

J.  A.  Dumeste. 

To  Joseph  Elgar,  Esq. 

Commissioner  of  the  Pub.  Buildings. 


316 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


D. 

To  the  Hon.  the  Committee  foe  the  District  of  Columbia: 

Gentlemen:  On  the  subject  of  supplying  public  buildings  with  water,  I have  the 
honor  to  refer  you  to  my  letter  of  March  30,  1830,  reported  by  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings,  April  5,  1830,  which  gives  an  expose  of  the  relative  merits  of  the 
several  streams  contiguous  to  the  city,  capable  of  affording  the  requisite  supply  of 
water  for  the  purposes  in  question.  According  to  the  examinations  then  made  and 
reported,  the  main  springs  of  the  Tiber  was  found  to  gauge  as  follows:  No.  1,  seven 
gallons  per  minute;  No.  2,  three  gallons  per  minute;  No.  3,  four  and  a half  gallons 
per  minute;  total,  fourteen  and  a half  gallons  per  minute;  and  the  expense  of  bringing 
the  same  to  the  Capitol  was  estimated  at  §43,710,  exclusive  of  the  purchase  of  spring 
rights.  If  the  head  spring,  No.  1,  yielding  seven  gallons  per  minute,  was  only  brought 
to  the  Capitol,  the  expense  would  be  about  §32,000,  besides  the  right  of  the  spring. 

But  to  avail  ourselves  of  all  the  advantages  furnished  from  these  sources,  it  was 
proposed,  in  the  event  of  resorting  to  the  Tiber,  to  construct  a basin,  at  a point  where 
all  the  main  springs  discharge,  to  collect  their  united  streams,  and  use  them  to  the 
best  advantage.  By  this  means,  a more  abundant  supply  of  water  would  be  obtained, 
which  would  suffice  not  only  for  the  Capitol,  but  the  President’s  house,  public  offices, 
navy  yard,  penitentiary,  &c.  Upon  this  plan  of  bringing  in  the  waters  of  the  Tiber, 
it  was  shown  that  there  would  be  more  economy  than  resorting  to  even  a single  main 
spring,  the  expense  being  estimated  from  §20,000  to  §40,000,  according  to  the  extent 
of  supply. 

From  the  location  of  the  Tiber  head  springs,  in  regard  to  the  position  of  the  pub- 
lic buildings — lying  so  far  to  the  north  and  east  of  the  city,  which  would  cause  a 
great  extent  of  pipe  to  be  laid  before  any  useful  discharge  of  waters  from  it  would  be 
required,  and  the  importance  of  having  an  abundant  supply  of  water,  not  only  for 
common  purposes,  but  to  answer  the  growing  demands  of  the  city,  irrigating  the 
public  grounds,  and  providing  the  means  of  averting  the  scourge  of  conflagration. 
From  these  considerations,  the  attention  of  the  committee  was  called  to  another 
source  of  supply  in  the  waters  of  Rock  creek.  The  position,  capacity,  and  quality,  of 
this  stream,  were  pointed  out  as  favorable  for  all  purposes  demanded  by  the  public 
buildings,  and  sufficient  to  meet  every  exigency,  whether  of  a public  or  private 
nature. 

Lying  on  the  west  side  of  the  city,  this  stream,  brought  in,  would  pass  through  the 
most  populous  parts  of  the  city,  along  by  the  President’s  house,  public  offices,  Post 
office,  &c.  before  reaching  the  Capitol;  and  thus  every  portion  of  the  conduit,  con- 
veying the  water,  may  be  profitably  employed,  and,  eventually,  may  be  made  to 
reimburse  the  first  cost.  The  vicinity  of  Georgetown  to  the  main  reservoir,  would 
enable  that  place  also  to  derive  the  advantages  of  a supply  of  water,  of  which  it 
stands  so  much  in  need;  and  thus  a very  extensive  good  may  be  disseminated  with  a 
very  little  increase  of  expense  beyond  what  the  bringing  in  of  the  waters  of  Tiber 
would  cost,  the  supply  of  which  would  be  limited  to  a small  extent  of  the  city. 

The  whole  expense  of  conducting  the  waters  of  Rock  creek  to  the  Capitol  was  esti- 
mated to  be  about  $50,000.  The  main  supply  pipe,  or  conduit,  would  be  very  little 
longer  than  what  would  be  required  to  bring  the  springs  of  the  Tiber  to  the  Capitol. 

There  is  another  source  of  supply  of  water,  which  may  be  pointed  out,  still  more 
abundant  than  that  afforded  by  Rock  creek,  equally  available,  and  which  might  be 
brought  in  at  an  expense  probably  not  greater  than  either  of  those  stated  above; — I 
allude  to  the  waters  of  the  Potomac,  supplied  from  the  Little  falls  by  means  of  the 
Chesapeake  and  Ohio  canal,  commencing  with  an  elevation  of  thirty-seven  feet  above 
tide,  which  would  furnish  a considerable  water  power  to  pump  into  the  reservoir, 
on  the  adjacent  high  grounds,  the  requisite  supply  to  any  extent  demanded.  The 
location  and  relative  elevation  of  this  reservoir,  would  command  the  highest  build- 
ings in  the  city,  and  a large  portion  of  Georgetown. 


The  Old  Building. 


317 


The  waters  of  large  streams  are  always  to  be  preferred  to  those  of  springs,  being 
softer,  more  wholesome,  and  better  adapted  for  culinary  purposes:  where  a choice, 
therefore,  is  had,  the  larger  stream  should  always  be  given  a preference  over  the 
smaller,  and  especially  over  springs. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted,  by,  gentlemen,  yours,  &c. 

Robert  Mills. 

January  13,  1832. 


E. 


Estimate  for  paving,  with  flagging,  the  walk  from  the  west  gate  to  the  entrance  of 
the  Capitol,  viz: 

7,102  square  feet  of  paving,  at  $1 87, 102 


February  4,  1832. 


J.  Elgar. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  16,  1832:  Register  of  Debates,  22—1,  v.  8,  pt.  2,  p.  1830.] 

STATUE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  following  resolution,  reported 
from  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings  bn  the  14th  instant: 

Resolved , That  the  President  of  the  United  States  be  authorized  to  employ  Horatio 
Greenough,  of  Massachusetts,  to  execute,  in  marble,  a full  length  pedestrian  statue 
of  Washington,  to  be  placed  in  the  centre  of  the  rotundo  of  the  capitol;  the  head  to 
be  a copy  of  Houdon’s  Washington,  [in  the  capitol  at  Richmond,]  and  the  acces- 
sories to  be  left  to  the  judgment  of  the  artist. 

Mr.  Whittlesey  moved  to  lay  the  resolution  on  the  table;  but  the  motion  was 
negatived  without  a count. 

Mr.  Jarvis  said  that,  at  the  close  of  the  revolutionary  war,  the  Congress  of  the 
United  States,  ten  States  being  present  by  their  representatives,  had  unanimously 
voted  a statue  of  General  Washington,  as  a testimony  of  their  esteem  for  his  virtues, 
and  the  services  he  had  rendered  to  his  country.  A resolution  had  passed  unan- 
imously in  1799,  for  a monument  instead  of  a statue.  In  1800,  the  monument  had 
been  exchanged  for  a mausoleum.  This  last  resolution  had,  in  effect,  proved  as 
fruitful  as  those  which  had  preceded  it.  Several  of  the  States  had,  in  the  mean- 
while, showed  their  sense  of  Washington’s  virtues  and  services,  by  erecting  statues 
to  his  memory.  The  United  States  had  done  nothing  but  pass  resolutions.  When 
we  looked  round  for  the  statue,  the  monument,  the  mausoleum  they  had  ordered,  it 
was  not  to  be  seen.  These  things  existed  nowhere  but  in  the  journals  of  Congress. 
It  was  time  that  something  more  effectual  should  be  done.  He  remembered  a 
proverb  he  had  often  heard,  that  “Brag  is  a good  dog,  but  Holdfast  is  a better:”  and 
it  was  always  recalled  to  his  recollection  when  he  thought  upon  the  statue  of  Wash- 
ington. He  hoped  this  national  reproach  would  at  length  be  done  away,  and  that 
this  Congress  would  perform  what  other  Congresses  had  only  promised. 

Mr.  Whittlesey  said  that,  from  what  had  recently  taken  place,  he  was  led  to  oppose 
every  proposition  for  a statue,  monument,  or  mausoleum;  and,  as  he  desired  to  record 
his  vote  in  the  negative,  he  asked  that  the  question  might  be  decided  by  yeas  and 
nays.  And  it  was  so  ordered  by  the  House. 

Mr.  Polk  inquired  of  the  committee  some  information  in  reference  to  the  artist 
whose  name  had  been  introduced  into  the  resolution. 

Mr.  Dearborn  stated,  in  reply,  that  the  name  of  Mr.  Greenough  was  better  known 
in  Europe  than  in  this  country,  as  he  had  been  abroad  for  several  years.  The  repu- 


318 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


tation  of  this  artist  was  not.  of  the  second  grade.  He  was  considered  as  about  to 
become  the  successor  of  Canova  and  of  Chantry.  Some  specimens  of  the  power  of 
his  chisel  had  reached  the  United  States,  among  which  were  several  busts,  and  a 
group,  containing  two  figures,  which  he  had  executed  from  a design  by  Raphael,  at  the 
request  of  one  of  our  countrymen  of  distinguished  literary  reputation,  (Mr.  Cooper.) 
This  group  had  been  exhibited  in  several  of  our  largest  cities,  and  had  excited  the 
universal  admiration  of  all  persons  familiar  with  the  fine  arts.  Mr.  D.  said  he  was 
authorized  to  say  that  the  greatest  sculptor  of  the  present  day  viewed  Greenough  as 
about  to  become  his  rival,  and  destined,  if  possible,  to  surpass  him.  The  committee 
finding  that  we  2'jossessed  a native  citizen  capable  of  producing  a work  of  distinguished 
excellence,  felt  themselves  bound  to  give  him  the  preference  over  all  foreigners.  Had 
the  case  been  unfortunately  different,  then  they  would  have  been  compelled  to  look 
abroad  to  the  sculptors  of  Europe.  No  other  American  sculptor  had  yet  appeared 
who  was  fit  to  be  entrusted  with  the  execution  of  Washington’s  statue.  Mr.  Green- 
ough had  no  rival  among  his  countrymen:  he  stood  alone;  and,  therefore,  there  was 
nothing  invidious  in  the  introduction  of  his  name  into  the  resolution.  Mr.  D.  said 
he  felt  confident  that  when  the  work  should  have  been  completed,  the  whole  world 
would  consider  it  not  only  as  honorable  to  the  country,  but  as  conferring  immortality 
upon  the  artist. 

Mr.  Wayne  was  not  opposed  to  the  object  of  the  resolution;  but,  as  he  understood 
that  the  group  the  gentleman  had  referred  to  would  shortly  be  brought  to  this  city, 
he  thought  it  would  be  better  to  defer  the  fixing  upon  the  artist  until  the  members 
should  have  had  an  opportunity  to  satisfy  themselves  as  to  the  merit  of  the  indi- 
vidual proposed. 

Mr.  Carson  inquired  whether  a Mr.  Persico  had  not  been  employed  on  some  work 
of  this  kind. 

dir.  Everett  replied  that  Mr.  Persico  had  been  employed  by  the  Government,  but 
upon  an  entirely  different  design:  the  execution  of  two  statues,  of  war  and  peace,  to 
fill  the  two  niches  on  either  side  of  the  eastern  entrance  of  the  rotundo. 

The  question  was  now  put,  and  decided  in  the  affirmative  by  yeas  and  nays,  as 
follows — yeas  114,  nays  50. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  June  25,  1832:  Register  of  Debates,  22-1,  v.  8,  pt.  1,  p.  1126.] 

STATUE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

The  Senate  then,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Robbins,  took  up  for  consideration  the  joint 
resolution,  (as  amended  by  the  Committee  on  the  Library, ) authorizing  the  President 
to  contract  for  a full  length  pedestrian  statue,  in  marble,  of  General  Washington,  to 
be  placed  in  the  rotundo,  with  an  appropriation  of  |5,000. 

Mr.  Forsyth  inquired  the  object  of  this  appropriation;  if  it  were  contemplated  as 
sufficient  for  the  purpose. 

As  giving  a full  view  of  the  subject,  Mr.  Poindexter  requested  the  report  of  the 
Library  Committee  to  be  read.  It  detailed  the  proceedings  had  in  the  House  of 
Representatives,  where  the  resolution  had  originally  been  adopted,  authorizing  the 
employment  of  Mr.  Greenough,  the  American  artist,  to  execute  the  work;  and  con- 
tained a copy  of  a letter  from  the  Department  of  State,  informing  Mr.  Greenough, 
now  in  Italy,  thereof,  with  instructions  respecting  the  same;  the  head  to  be  modeled 
after  that  of  Houdon’s  statue,  the  rest  of  the  outlines  to  be  left  to  the  artist’s  own 
taste,  &c. 

Mr.  Forsyth  could  see  no  occasion  for  the  appropriation  wffiich  had  been  intro- 
duced into  the  resolution;  it  was  a departure  from  the  object  of  the  resolution  itself, 
which  was  merely  for  the  President  “to  make  a contract.”  Itcould  not  be  supposed 
that  |5,000  would  be  any  use,  for  he  believed  that  a v7ork,  such  as  contemplated, 
could  not  be  had  completed  for  less  than  20  or  25,000  dollars. 


The  Old  Building. 


319 


Mr.  Poindexter  explained.  It  was  not  expected  that  the  appropriation  would 
cover  the  full  cost.  It  was  merely  to  enable  the  President  to  take  the  preliminary 
steps  in  making  the  contract.  The  general  appropriation  bill  had  originally  con- 
tained two  appropriations,  one  in  regard  to  this  memorial  of  Washington,  the  other 
in  regard  to  Mr.  Jefferson.  They  had  both  been  stricken  out  on  account  of  their 
supposed  informality,  to  be  introduced  as  separate  measures. 

Mr.  Miller  objected  to  such  appropriations,  where  the  specific  sum  required  was 
not  known.  In  this  mode  yearly  and  indefinite  grants  would  be  called  for  to  cover 
the  cost  till  completed,  and  it  was  hard  to  say  where  it  might  end. 

After  some  further  explanation  from  Mr.  Poindexter  and  Mr.  Chambers, 

Mr.  Clay  said  that  he  strongly  hoped  the  resolution  would  be  allowed  to  be 
engrossed  for  a third  reading.  Of  the  many  illustrious  men  to  whom  their  country 
owed  a debt  of  gratitude,  Washington  was  the  only  one  to  whom  he  would  think  it 
prudent  to  pay  the  homage  now  contemplated.  An  image — a testimonial  of  this 
great  man,  the  father  of  his  country,  should  exist  in  every  part  of  the  Union,  as  a 
memorial  of  his  patriotism,  and  of  the  services  rendered  his  country ; but  of  all  places, 
it  was  required  in  this  capital — the  centre  of  the  Union — the  offspring,  the  creation, 
of  his  mind  and  of  his  labors.  An  appropriation  for  this  individual  purpose,  atanother 
period  of  the  session,  had  been  introduced  in  the  general  measure,  and  was  afterwards 
struck  out,  on  the  understanding  of  being  brought  forward  in  the  present  mode.  But, 
even  since  that  time,  they  had  an  additional  motive  for  this  act.  Application  for  the 
remains  of  this  great  man  had  been  made  by  the  representatives  of  the  nation,  to 
bestow  on  them  a national  tribute  of  honor;  and  this  application  had  met  with  a 
refusal.  The  death  of  the  proprietor  of  the  spot  where  those  remains  rested,  had  but 
just  taken  place;  and  into  whose  hands  they  should  now  fall — into  the  possession  of 
a friend  or  stranger,  in  the  event  of  a sale  of  the  property  or  otherwise,  it  was  impos- 
sible to  conjecture;  but  such  being  the  casualties  to  which  they  were  liable,  it 
behooved  them  (the  Congress  of  theUnited  States)  the  more  to  adopt  means  to  secure 
a representative  of  those  relics,  that  might  endure  for  future  ages.  The  resolution 
had  his  hearty  concurrence,  and  he  hoped  it  would  pass  without  objection. 

The  question  being  put  on  the  engrossing  for  a third  reading,  the  yeas  and  nays 
were  ordered,  on  the  call  of  Mr.  Hayne,  and  were  as  follows: 

Yeas,  * * * 30. 

Nays,  * * * 10. 


[Ho.  of  Reps.  Rep.  No.  495,  22d  Congress,  1st  session.  Alteration  of  the  Hall  House  of  Reps.  June 
30,  1832. — Read,  and  laid  upon  the  table.] 

Mr.  Jarvis,  from  the  select  committee  to  which  the  subject  had  been  referred,  made 
the  following  report: 

The  select  committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  resolution  respecting  the  altera- 
tion of  the  Hall  of  Representatives,  report  that  they  have  had  the  subject  under 
consideration,  and  have  agreed  to  recommend  the  following  alterations: 

1st.  The  floor  to  be  raised  to  the  level  of  the  foot  of  the  columns  which  surround 
the  hall. 

2d.  The  chair  of  the  Speaker  to  be  placed  near  where  the  principal  entrance  now 
is,  and  the  seats  of  the  members  to  be  turned  so  as  to  preserve  their  relative  position 
to  the  chair. 

3d.  A circular  wall  to  be  built  back  of  the  third  seat  in  the  gallery. 

The  committee  offer,  as  a part  of  their  report,  a communication  to  the  Committee 
on  Public  Buildings  from  Robert  Mills,  an  ingenious  architect  now  in  this  city,  and 
refer  to  it  for  the  reasons  of  the  alterations  recommended,  as  well  as  for  an  explana- 
tion of  the  details  of  these  and  other  minor  alterations  therein  proposed;  and  for  the 
purpose  of  carrying  the  same  into  effect,  they  offer  the  following  resolution: 


320 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Resolved,  That  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  cause  the  Hall  of  Representa- 
tives to  be  altered  during  the  recess  of  Congress,  according  to  the  plan  of  Robert 
Mills,  herewith  submitted,  and  under  the  superintendence  of  said  Mills;  and  that 
the  expense  be  paid  out  of  the  contingent  fund  of  the  House. 


City  of  Washington, 

February  4, 1832. 

Gentlemen:  In  submitting  the  annexed  plans  of  proposed  improvements  in  the 
Hall  of  Representatives,  writh  a view  to  meeting  certain  requisitions  connected  with 
providing  additional  accommodations  for  members’  seats,  and  increasing  the  facilities 
of  hearing  and  speaking,  permit  me  to  enter  into  a brief  expose  of  the  principles  upon 
which  these  plans  are  founded,  previous  to  entering  upon  their  details. 

The  present  plan  of  the  hall  is  manifestly  defective  as  a hearing  and  speaking  room 
for  forensic  or  popular  debate.  This  defect  was  discovered  at  an  early  day  after  its 
occupancy,  and,  with  a view  to  remedying  it,  the  draperies  suspended  between  the 
columns  (which  now  decorate  the  room)  were  introduced.  These  curtains  had  some 
effect  in  lessening  the  reverberations  of  sound,  but  the  inconvenience  complained  of 
still  existed. 

In  the  session  of  1821,  so  important  was  the  subject  considered,  that  a committee 
of  twenty-four  members  was  appointed  to  “ inquire  into  the  practicability  of  making 
such  alterations  in  the  present  structure  of  the  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives  as  shall 
better  adapt  it  to  the  purposes  of  a deliberative  assembly.'”  The  result  of  the  investiga- 
tion of  this  committee  is  contained  in  a report  submitted  by  the  architect  of  the 
Capitol,  Mr.  Bulfineh,  who  recommended  the  suspension  of  a glass  ceiling  at  the  foot 
of  the  dome,  but  nothing  was  done  towards  testing  the  merits  of  this  plan;  and  the 
evil  still  being  complained  of  at  the  following  session,  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings  was  instructed  to  investigate  the  subject  anew,  when  the  architect  again 
reported  his  views,  and,  at  his  suggestion,  a cloth  covering  was  stretched  across  the 
Hall  at  the  foot  of  the  dome.  The  effect  of  this  covering  was  not  only  to  check  com- 
pletely the  reflections  or  echoes  from  the  ceiling,  but  to  darken  the  Hall  so  seriously 
as  to  induce  its  immediate  removal. 

Another  experiment  was  tried  at  the  following  session,  which  went  to  reduce  the 
dimensions  of  the  hall.  A partition  was  made  between  the  columns  back  of  the 
Speaker’s  chair,  so  as  to  exclude  the  prostyle;  but  no  good  effect  was  experienced 
from  this  measure,  “and  the  partition  was  removed  after  a week’s  trial.” 

In  1826,  the  subject  of  grievance  in  the  hall  was  renewed,  and  “the  Secretaries  of 
State  and  War  and  the  Attorney  General”  were  requested  to  act  as  a board  of 
inspection  on  the  contemplated  improvement  during  the  recess  of  Congress;  and 
should  any  plan  be  approved,  that  the  same  should  be  carried  into  execution.  A 
professional  gentleman  of  Philadelphia  (Mr.  Strickland)  was  called  in  to  the  aid  of 
the  architect  of  the  Capitol  to  devise  plans  of  improvement,  who,  after  a consulta- 
tion, recommended  “the  suspension  of  a flat  ceiling  of  lath  and  plaster  over  the  whole 
area  of  the  hall,  within  the  columns,  and  upon  a level  with  the  stone  cornice.”  Nothing, 
however,  was  done  towards  carrying  this  plan  into  execution,  and  it  was  not  until 
1828  that  the  subject  was  again  agitated;  but  no  satisfactory  solution  of  the  difficulty 
in  question  being  given  to  warrant  the  committee  to  recommend  the  construction  of 
a flat  ceiling,  and  thereby  destroy  the  beauty  of  the  hall,  no  report  w'as  made  to  the 
House. 

Passing  through  Washington  in  1821,  I was  requested  by  the  architect  of  the  Cap- 
itol, and  subsequently  (1827)  by  the  Secretary  of  State,  to  give  an  opinion  on  the 
causes  of  the  difficulty  of  hearing  in  the  hall,  and  the  means  of  remedying  the  defect. 
On  these  requisitions,  I submitted  two  papers  on  the  subject  to  these  gentlemen, 


OLD  HALL  OF  REPRESENTATIVES,  SOUTHWEST  VIEW. 


The  Old  Building. 


321 


wherein  was  discussed  the  theory  of  acoustics,  (as  regards  the  laws  of  sound,)  and 
the  application  of  its  principles  to  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the  Hall  of  Repre- 
sentatives: explanatory  diagrams  accompanied  these  papers,  showing  the  design  of 
the  room,  and  the  practical  effect  of  two  modifications  of  plan.  These  papers  were 
referred  to  by  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  in  his  last  report;  but,  laying  down  a 
theory  totally  at  variance  with  that  he  had  assumed  as  the  correct  one,  they  were 
never  brought  forward. 

On  a visit  which  I made  the  Seat  of  Government  in  1830,  I took  the  liberty  of 
calling  the  attention  of  the  House  to  the  substance  of  my  communication  to  the 
Secretary  of  State  in  1827,  which  was  referred  to  a committee;  who,  after  investigat- 
ing the  plan  submitted,  made  a favorable  report  to  the  House.  With  a view,  in 
part,  to  test  the  correctness  of  the  principle  upon  which  the  proposed  improvements 
were  based,  a temporary  partition  was  directed  to  be  constructed  in  the  gallery,  so  as 
to  form  an  unbroken  line  of  wall  behind  the  columns  and  parallel  therewith.  A 
very  sensible  difference,  both  in  hearing  and  speaking,  was  experienced  by  the 
members  and  audience  from  the  execution  of  this  part  of  the  plan,  though  of  a tem- 
porary character.  Another  essential  part  of  the  design  could  not  be  tested  during 
the  sitting  of  the  House,  namely — raising  the  floor;  but  the  committee  was  satisfied 
that  it  would  be  effective  in  its  operations  to  answer  the  object  in  question.  The 
House  not  making  any  appropriation  for  carrying  the  plan  reported  by  the  com- 
mittee into  execution,  the  partition  which  had  been  put  up  was  taken  down  in  the 
recess,  and  the  hall  restored  to  its  original  state  as  it  now  stands.  This  circum- 
stance will  enable  those  who  were  members  of  the  House  in  the  last  Congress  to 
judge  of  the  difference  in  effect  between  the  two  modifications  of  plan. 

Every  day’s  experience  satisfies  me  of  the  correctness  of  that  theory  I have  advo- 
cated, associated  with  the  conveyance  of  sound,  and  upon  which  I have  based  all 
my  plans  of  rooms  intended  for  the  accommodation  of  deliberative  bodies.  The 
opportunities  which  I have  had  of  testing  the  principles  of  this  theory  by  actual 
practice,  in  the  construction  of  several  rooms  of  large • dimensions,  (one  of  which  is 
greater  in  area  than  the  Hall  of  Rejwesentatives, ) enable  me  to  speak  with  confi- 
dence on  this  subject;  and  I therefore  do  not  hesitate  in  saying  that  it  is  jorac- 
ticable  to  give  to  the  present  hall  all  the  advantages  in  hearing  and  speaking  of  which  it  is 
susceptible. 

The  plan  of  the  Hall  of  Representatives  was  adopted  as  the  best  form  of  room  to 
answer  the  damands  of  a deliberative  assembly.  This  form  was  selected  by  the 
French  government  for  its  Chamber  of  Deputies  on  the  recommendation  of  the  most 
eminent  architects  of  France.  The  theatres  both  of  Greece  and  Rome  were  all  on 
the  semicircular  plan;  and  in  the  construction  of  our  modern  theatres,  the  same  form 
is  adopted.  In  the  execution  of  the  plan  of  the  Hall  of  Representatives  some  radical 
errors  were  committed,  which  have  almost  defeated  the  object  of  its  design.  The  first 
error  was  the  breaking  of  the  circular  line  of  wall  by  running  the  colonnade  above;  and 
in  addition  to  this,  breaking  the  circular  line  of  wall  back  of  these  columns  into  irregular 
surfaces.  The  second  error  consisted  in  sinking  the  floor  or  raising  the  dome  beyond  their 
proper  relative  position  to  each  other.  The  third  error  lies  in  the  location  of  the  Speaker’s 
chair,  and  consequently  the  seats  of  the  members. 

To  remedy  the  first  error,  I have  proposed  to  construct  a wall  behind  the  third  seat 
in  the  galleries,  so  as  to  keep  up  the  circular  line  complete  and  parallel  to  that  of  the 
columns. 

By  reference  to  my  letter,  printed  by  order  of  the  House  in  1830,  accompanied  by 
diagrams  of  explanation,  the  reasons  upon  which  this  part  of  the  plan  was  based  will 
be  seen. 

Sound  being  subject  to  the  same  general  laws  which  govern  light,  viz:  radiating  from 
a centre  every  way  from  its  original  source,  and  subject  to  reflection  and  refraction, 

H.  Rep.  (IdG 


21 


322 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


it  follows  that,  in  the  construction  of  a room  for  speaking  or  hearing  to  the  best 
advantage,  the  form  should  be  such  as  to  give  the  greatest  number  of  consonant 
echoes;  or.  in  other  words,  that  as  few  of  the  rays  of  sound  (or  reflections  of  the 
voice)  should  cross  each  other  as  practicable.  Now,  the  circular  form  is  that  best 
adapted  to  produce  the  fewest  dissonant  echoes,  and  to  give  the  most  distinct  sound 
of  what  is  spoken.  By  examining  the  diagrams  attached  to  my  printed  letter,  the 
operations  of  tire  voice,  under  both  modifications  of  plan,  will  be  made  manifest, 
and  the  reason  why  there  is  less  confusion  in  the  original  sound  from  the  arrange- 
ment of  plan  No.  2,  to  what  is  experienced  by  the  arrangement  of  plan  No.  1.  The 
explanations  affixed  to  the  diagrams  are  so  explicit  that  I need  not  trouble  the  com- 
mittee further  on  this  head. 

The  second  error,  which  consists  in  the  too  great  loftiness  of  the  room,  I have  proposed 
to  remedy  by  raising  the  floor  to  the  general  level  of  that  of  the  prostyle  behind  the 
Speaker’s  chair,  or  as  high  as  would  be  consistent  with  propriety,  having  reference 
to  the  columns  encompassing  the  hall. 

It  is  a fundamental  principle  in  acoustics,  that,  where  a room  to  speak  in  (to  be 
distinctly  heard)  is  covered  with  a domical  or  cylindrical  ceiling,  the  point  describ- 
ing the  curve  line  of  the  same  must  be  below  the  ear  of  the  Speaker  or  hearer;  and  if 
this  point  is  below  the  floor,  the  ear  will  be  less  sensible  of  the  return  of  the  voice. 
If  this  rule  is  not  attended  to,  and  the  point  describing  the  curve  is  above  the  ear  of 
the  Speaker,  the  ring  of  echoes  or  reflected  sounds  from  this  ceiling  will  cross  each 
other  above  the  ear,  and  produce  a sensible  echo.  That  the  point  describing  the  dome 
of  the  hall  is  above  the  floor,  is  proved  by  standing  in  the  axis  and  centre  of  the  plan 
of  the  room,  (just  in  front  of  the  Clerk’s  desk,)  and  stamping  the  foot  or  clapping 
the  hands;  for  a distinct  repetition  of  the  original  sound  will  be  heard. 

The  rotundo  of  the  Capitol  exhibits  a striking  example  of  the  truth  of  this  position. 
Any  attempt  to  speak  in  this  room  results  in  the  utter  confusion  of  the  voice,  simply 
because  the  point  which  describes  the  dome  is  elevated  so  high  (being  on  the  top 
of  the  great  cornice)  that  the  rays  of  sound  striking  the  dome  are  reflected,  and  (as 
soon  as  they  pass  the  cornice  level)  cross  each  other,  and  then  are  subject  again  to 
reflection  from  the  walls,  so  that  by  the  time  they  reach  the  ear,  the  original  sound 
is  broken  and  scattered  in  various  directions,  striking  the  ear  at  sensible  moments  of 
time. 

Could  we  elevate  ourselves  so  as  to  stand  on  a level  with  the  cornice  or  spring  of  the 
dome,  and  there  speak,  the  voice  would  be  found  distinct,  strong,  and  clear.  At  this 
level  were  a light  enclosure  constructed,  this  dome  would  be  one  of  the  most  perfect 
whispering  galleries  in  the  world — equal  to  that  of  St.  Paul’s,  London,  famed  in  the 
annals  of  travellers. 

It  is  to  be  regretted  that  we  should  be  deprived  of  witnessing  so  great  a curiosity 
as  this  splendid  expanse  of  dome  presents,  and  which  is  so  •well  calculated  to  develop 
the  theory  of  sound,  when  it  is  in  our  power  to  enjoy  it  by  the  construction  of  a simple 
balustrading  or  enclosed  walk ' around  the  circle  on  the  top  of  the  great  cornice,  and 
opening  a communication  with  it  through  one  of  the  stairways  above.  Permit  me  to 
call  the  attention  of  the  committee  to  this  interesting  subject. 

I come  now  to  the  third  fundamental  error  in  the  plan  of  the  hall — namely,  the 
location  of  the  Speaker's  chair,  and  consequently  those  of  the  members. 

From  the  facts  and  reasonings  previously  stated  and  referred  to,  it  will  readily  be 
seen,  by  examining  the  plan,  that  the  Speaker’s  chair  is  exactly  in  the  reversed  p>osi- 
tion  to  ivhere  it  ought  to  stand.  If  it  is  true  that  a circular  surface  of  wall  is  better 
adapted  for  the  transmission  of  sound  than  the  straight  surface — which  cannot  be 
doubted,  except  we  will  not  receive  the  testimony  of  ancient  and  modern  practice  in 
the  construction  of  rooms  expressly  designed  for  public  speaking,  for  these  invariably 
are  found  to  assume  the  circular  form — therefore,  if  this  circular  line  is  broken  in 
any  way,  a proportionate  defect  arises  in  the  capacity  of  the  room  to  support  the 


Drawing  N‘.’l 

OF  THE  PLAN  OF  THE  HALL  OF  REPRESENTATIVES 
as  it  now  is.  with  a Diagram  lo  the  explanations 


References.—  The  dotted.  Lines  /.  /,  t$u:  emanating  frvrro  the. point  or  Speaker  L represent  the  primary  or  original  rays 
of  sound.,-  the,  dotted  lines  2.2,  At.  forming  angles  with  the  first  hues  at  the  point  where  they  impinge,  against  the  walls, 
represent  the  secondary  or  reflected  rays  of  sound,  .--the  stars  at  certain  points  of dvtmecOmc  of  the  reflected  rays,  represent,, 
the  number  of  'disonant  echoes,  produced  from  the,  above,  number  of  primary  rays 


The  Old  Building. 


323 


voice  and  convey  it  distinctly  to  the  ear;  and  it  also  follows  that  in  speaking,  the 
direction  of  the  voice  should  be  towards  the  circular  surface,  and  not  the  straight.  If 
we  refer  to  the  position  of  the  speakers  in  theatres,  we  will  find  that  they  all  speak  to  the 
circle;  and  if  we  examine  the  legislative  hall  of  France,  (which  we  have  said  was  of 
a similar  form  to  our  hall, ) we  will  find  that  the  orator  speaks  to  the  circle,  the  tribune 
from  whence  he  speaks  being  located  expressly  to  meet  this  necessity.  The  evi- 
dence of  the  fact  that  speakers  should  speak  to  the  circle  is  to  be  found  in  our  own 
hall,  for  it  is  only  when  they  do  this  that  the  voice  is  comparatively  distinctly  heard; 
and  it  is  well  known  that  little  or  no  difficulty  occurs  in  hearing  what  is  said  from 
the  chair  or  from  the  Clerk’s  desk.  These  facts  are  sufficient  to  satisfy  us  of  the 
propriety  and  advantage  of  reversing  the  present  arrangement  of  the  Speaker’s  chair 
an<l  members’  seats,  so  that  the  latter  should  front  the  circle.  Independent  of  the 
benefit  which  would  result  to  hearer  and  speaker  by  doing  this,  there  would  be  other 
advantages  gained,  namely:  getting  rid  of  the  disagreeable  effect  of  the  light  shining 
into  the  eyes,  and  almost  blinding  the  vision.  Every  one  is  sensible  of  this  on 
entering  the  hall,  and  must  be  satisfied  that  it  is  an  evil.  Again:  the  members  will 
front  the  audience,  which  certainly  is  most  agreeable  to  those  who  address  the 
Chair:  this  House  being  the  popular  branch  of  the  legislature,  the  people  would 
wish  to  hear  what  is  said  by  their  representatives. 

Much  more  might  be  here  written  on  this  subject  to  prove  the  benefits  which  would 
flow  to  the  House  from  the  execution  of  the  plans  of  improvement  proposed;  but  I 
forbear  to  tire  the  committee  in  urging  it  further,  and  shall  close  after  a few  miscel- 
laneous observations. 

The  different  experiments  which  have  been  made  at  different  times  to  rectify  the 
evils  complained  of  in  the  hall,  go  to  prove  the  correctness  of  the  principles  herein 
advocated  on  the  conveyance  of  sound:  1st.  The  introduction  of  draperies  between 
the  columns  tended  to  shut  out,  in  a great  degree,  the  return  of  the  voice  from  the 
walls  behind,  which  was  favorable,  as  the  echoes  from  the  surfaces  are  mostly  what 
are  termed  dissonant,  or  reaching  the  ear  at  different  periods  of  time.  These  curtains 
being  of  an  unelastic  substance,  destroyed  or  deadened  the  sound. 

Though  this  plan  effected  a partial  remedy  of  the  evil  complained  of,  it  was  at  a 
sacrifice  of  much  surface  of  wall,  which,  under  a different  form,  would  have  tended 
to  increase  the  strength  and  distinct  utterance  of  the  voice.  2d.  The  spreading  of 
the  canvass  cloth  over  the  whole  hall,  so  as  to  shut  off  the  reflections  of  the  voice  from 
the  dome,  went  to  prove  the  importance  of  this  form  of  ceiling  to  hearer  and  speaker; 
for  as  long  as  this  cloth  canopy  existed,  it  so  completely  (as  in  the  case  of  the  draper- 
ies) absorbed  the  sound  of  the  voice,  that  it  could  scarcely  be  heard;  and,  further,  it 
went  to  prove  that  were  a flat  ceiling  to  take  its  place,  the  evil  complained  of,  instead 
of  being  remedied,  would  be  increased.  To  say  nothing  of  the  serious  injury  in  point 
of  beauty  which  the  hall  would  sustain  were  a flat  ceiling  to  supersede  the  present 
domical  one,  there  would  be  a positive  reduction  in  the  powers  of  this  ceiling  to  sus- 
tain the  voice — for  this  simple  reason,  that  in  the  place  of  a ring  of  consonant  echoes 
which  the  present  ceiling  can  be  made  capable  of  giving,  there  would  be  but  one  re- 
flected from  the  flat  ceiling,  and  consequently  the  voice  would  lose  in  its  support  in 
the  ratio  of  the  difference  in  the  number  of  consonant  echoes.  It  has  been  well,  there- 
fore, that  the  hall  has  escaped  being  disfigured  by  such  a useless  canopy.  The  mem- 
bers when  in  their  seats  have,  no  doubt,  sometimes  been  startled  by  the  sudden  sound 
of  a voice  as  from  one  close  by,  and  been  astonished  when  they  looked  for  the  speaker, 
to  find  him  at  the  opposite  end  of  the  room.  The  secret  of  this  phenomenon  lies  in 
the  domical  ceiling,  and  the  mathematician  would  beable  to  trace  the  person  speaking 
(among several  speakers)  by  calling  to  mind  that  principle  in  acoustics  which  deter- 
mines theangle  of  incidence  to  be  equal  to  the  angle  of  reflection.  Now,  this  fact  goes 
to  confirm  the  truth  of  the  doctrine  we  have  endeavored  to  establish — namely,  that 
sound  is  transmitted,  like  light,  in  straight  lines,  and  not  in  undulatory  lines.  In 


324 


Documentary  ID  story  of  the  Capitol. 


further  proof  of  this,  certain  points  might  be  selected  for  both  speaker  and  hearer  in 
the  hall,  where  the  whole  force  of  the  speaker’ s voice  would  fall  on  the  ear  of  the  hearer; 
and  these  points  could  be  calculated  with  mathematical  precision.  Let  any  member, 
whilst  another  is  addressing  the  House,  walk  along  the  inner  side  of  the  prostyle  just 
behind  the  columns,  and  he  will  reach  a point  in  that  line  where  his  ear  will  be 
arrested  by  a powerful  impulse  of  the  speaker’s  voice.  Now,  let  him  draw  a line  so 
as  to  strike  the  circular  surface  of  the  dome  or  wall  at  any  point,  and  observe  the 
angle,  and  then  draw  another  line  from  thence  to  the  speaker,  and  he  will  find  that 
the  two  angles  (the  angle  of  incidence  and  reflection)  will  be  equal. 

The  third  experiment,  which  filled  up  the  space  between  the  columns  of  the  pro- 
style, went  to  prove  that  not  even  reducing  the  space  of  the  room,  and  giving  a close 
flat  surface  to  this  portion  of  it,  benefited  the  hearing  any.  Sound  travels  with  great 
rapidity,  (1,142  feet  in  a second  of  time,)  and  it  is  not  always  the  smallest  rooms 
that  are  the  best  to  hear  and  speak  in.  It  must  be  recollected  that  it  is  not  the  size 
but  the  form  of  the  room  that  constitutes  it  a good  or  bad  speaking  and  hearing  room. 
I could  construct  a room  which  should  hold  five  or  ten  thousand  persons,  in  which 
the  voice  in  a common  tone  would  be  distinctly  heard  at  the  most  distant  points 
in  it.  I have  already  had  a room  built  which  has  held  four  thousand  persons, 
where  every  word  of  the  speaker  was  as  well  heard  at  the  extreme  distance  as  imme- 
diately near.  I could  take  the  rotundo,  which  is  now  a perfect  Babel  of  sounds,  and 
make  it  as  perfect  a speaking  room  as  there  is  in  the  world. 

I shall  now  close  by  giving  a brief  description  of  the  drawings  herewith  submitted. 

Plan  No.  1 exhibits  the  hall  as  it  now  is,  with  the  seats  and  desks  of  the  members, 
and  the  Speaker’s  chair,  in  the  position  they  now  hold. 

Plan  No.  2 exhibits  the  hall  as  proposed  to  be  arranged,  with  a view  to  realize  the 
benefits  promised  thereby,  not  only  increasing  the  facilities  of  hearing  and  speaking, 
but  adding  to  the  comfortable  accommodation  of  the  House,  providing  ample  space 
for  any  increase  of  members,  even  to  the  number  of  300,  and  retaining  all  the  desks 
with  the  seats. 

Associated  with  this  plan,  it  is  proposed:  1st.  To  make  a change  in  the  space  under 
the  galleries,  taking  in  one  portion  of  this  space  on  each  side  of  the  hall  for  the  use  of 
the  House,  as  private  lobbies  or  conference  rooms;  opening  the  space  between  the  col- 
umns into  these  rooms,  so  as  to  get  the  benefit  of  the  large  windows  here,  and  thus 
adding  much  to  the  comfort  of  the  hall  both  in  respect  to  light  and  air. 

It  will  be  seen  that,  by  a new  arrangement  of  the  remaining  space,  and  making  a 
stairway  up  into  the  angular  spaces  above,  more  useful  accommodations  will  be 
afforded  than  are  now  had. 

2d.  For  the  better  lighting  of  the  hall,  it  is  proposed  to  open  all  the  attic  windows 
to  the  south  under  the  prostyle,  (now  closed  up.) 

3d.  Some  accommodations  for  lady  visitors  have  been  desired,  in  galleries  appro- 
priated for  their  use,  separated  from  the  common  galleries,  and  having  private  or 
distinct  entrances  to  the  same.  This  plan  contemplates  making  such  a provision,  by 
dividing  off  a portion  at  each  end  of  the  present  galleries,  and  either  using  the  stair- 
Avays  that  now  lead  to  these  galleries  at  the  south  end  of  the  building,  or  construct- 
ing neAV  stairways  upon  a more  enlarged  scale,  Avhich  may  be  constituted  the  prin- 
cipal entrances  into  the  hall. 

The  present  entrance  into  the  hall  does  not  comport  with  the  dignity  of  the  room, 
as  it  is  both  dark  and  circuitous.  The  ample  space  within  the  projecting  blocks 
against  Avhich  the  galleries  terminate,  alloAvs  two  grand  stair-cases  to  be  constructed 
which  Avoulcl  be  ivell  lighted,  and,  opening  into  the  private  lobbies  of  the  House, 
would  be  a great  convenience  to  the  members. 

All  Avhich  is  respectfully  submitted  by,  gentlemen,  yours,  &c., 

Robekt  Mills. 

The  Hon.  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings. 


Drawing*  N '! 2 . 


OF  THE  PLAN  OF  THE  HALL 

as  it  is  proposed  to  be  Improved. "with  a Diagram  Lo  llie  explanations 


References—  The  dotted  tines  /./.  raduituuj  From  the  point-  nr  Speaker  I represent  the  primary  rays  of  sound , iht  dotted- 
lines  7.  it,  kx.iiirrniruj  an  cni.f/le  with  the.  first- lines,  at  the  point  what,  they  strike,  the.  watt. represent  the  echoes  of  the.  origin  a), 
sound . As  no  two  of  these  reflected,  rays  or  echoes  cross  each  other:  d follows.  that  no  d/sonant  sounds  or  echoes  outproduced, 
ty  this  arrangement  of  wall ; consequently,  the  voice  will  he  more  distinctly  heard  ,und  t he  speaker  will  no!  he  utcorn 
moiled  by  a . hu/./.inp  so und, -the  tine  behind  the  columns, shows  where  the pmiUion  may  he  brought  to  reduce  the  compass 
at  the.  voujp. 


The  Old  Building. 


325 


[From  the  “Act  supplementary  to  the  several  acts  making  appropriation  for  the  civil  and  military 
service  during  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty-two,”  approved  July  14,  1832. 
(Stats,  at  Large,  v.  4,  581.)] 

To  enable  the  President  of  the  United  States  to  contract  with  a skilful  artist  to 
execute,  in  marble,  a pedestrian  statue  of  George  Washington,  to  be  placed  in  the 
centre  of  the  Rotundo  of  the  Capitol,  the  sum  of  five  thousand  dollars. 


[House  of  Representatives  Doc.  No.  11, 22d  Congress,  2d  session.  Public  improvements  in  Washington. 
Report  of  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings,  of  the  Expenditure  of  the  appropriations  for 
Public  Improvements  in  the  City  of  Washington,  in  the  year  1832.  December  13,  1832. — Read  and 
referred  to  the  Committee  for  the  District  of  Columbia.] 

Washington,  December  13,  1832. 

Sir:  In  obedience  to  the  act  of  March  3,  1829,  “ making  appropriations  for  the 
public  buildings,  and  other  purposes,”  I have  the  honor  to  report,  that  the  expendi- 
tures out  of  the  appropriations  of  last  session,  committed  to  my  charge,  have  been  as 
follows: 

**■* 

Conveying  water  to  the  Capitol $24,222  71 

* 

Improving  the  Capitol  square 997  67 

* ir  * 

Alterations  and  repairs  in  the  Capitol 1,  442  04 

* * * 

Paving  the  walk  from  the  western  gate  to  Capitol 4,  572  34 

* * * 

The  advanced  state  of  the  season  when  the  appropriations  were  made,  and  the 
awful  epidemic  which  visited  our  city  shortly  thereafter,  paralyzing  to  a great  extent, 
and  for  a considerable  time,  every  effort  to  procure  laborers,  have  prevented  the 
completion  of  the  principal  works.  The  annexed  report  of  Mr.  Wever,  who  superin- 
tends the  improvement  of  Pennsylvania  avenue,  will  show  the  progress  made  in  that 
work.  The  act  of  last  session  directs  that  the  centre  way  be  paved  in  a permanent 
manner,  and  the  side-ways  covered  with  the  best  gravel  that  could  be  obtained.  It 
was,  however,  found  impracticable  to  carrjr  on  both  operations  at  the  same  time, 
without  great  inconvenience  and  increased  expense.  The  gravelling  of  the  side-ways 
was  therefore  suspended  until  the  paving  of  the  centre  was  finished;  and  this  circum- 
stance affords  an  opportunity  of  authorizing  the  entire  width  of  the  avenue  to  be 
done  in  the  same  permanent  manner,  if  it  should  meet  the  approbation  of  Congress. 
Mr.  Wever’s  report  exhibits  an  estimate  of  the  difference  in  expense  which  this 
would  occasion. 

A fountain  of  pure  water,  discharging  sixty  gallons  per  minute,  has  been  secured, 
and  the  water  conveyed  in  iron  pipes  to  within  a short  distance  of  its  ultimate  ter- 
mination at  the  Capitol.  One  of  the  capacious  reservoirs  is  nearly  finished,  and  the 
material  for  the  other  is  being  prepared. 

The  fountain  on  square  two  hundred  and  forty-nine  has  been  conducted  in  iron 
pipes  to  the  nearest  offices;  but  it  has  yet  to  be  extended  to  the  President’s  House 
and  more  remote  offices,  and  the  reservoirs  and  hydrants  are  to  construct. 
Respectfully  submitted. 

J.  F.i. gar,  Com.  Pub.  Buildings. 
Hon.  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


* 


* 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


326 

[From  the  Act  making  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Mar.  2,1833.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  4,  G50. )] 

For  alterations  in  the  Representatives  Hall,  to  accommodate  the  twenty-third 
Congress,  according  to  a plan  recommended  by  a select  committee  of  the  House  of 
Representatives,  of  thirtieth  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  thirty-two,  thirteen  thou- 
sand dollars. 


[House  of  Representatives  Doe.  No.  19,  23d  Congress,  1st  session.  Public  Buildings.  Report  of  the 
Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings,  of  the  expenditure  of  appropriations  for  the  improvement 
of  the  Capitol,  &c.  &e.  &c.  during  the  year  1833.  Dec.  20,  1833.— Read,  and  laid  upon  the  table.] 


Office  of  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 

Washington,  December  IS,  1833. 

Sir:  In  obedience  to  the  act  of  March  the  3d,  1829,  “ making  appropriations  for  the 
public  buildings  and  other  purposes,”  I have  the  honor  to  report  that  the  expendi- 
tures of  the  current  year,  under  my  direction,  have  been  as  follows,  viz. 


Alterations  and  repairs  in  the  Capitol , 

* * * 

Improving  Capitol  square 

* * * 

Conveying  water  to  the  Capitol 

* * * 

Paving  terrace  and  footway 

Enclosing  and  improving  public  grounds 

* * * 


812,  260  40 

2,202  57 

13,879  91 

11,759  12 
6,499  72 


I have  the  honor  to  be  your  most  obedient  servant, 

To  the  Hon.  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


J.  Elgar. 


[House  proceedings  of  June  7,  1834 — Register  of  Debates,  23-1,  v.  10,  pt.  4,  p.  4414.] 

The  bill  making  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings  and  grounds,  and  for  other 
purposes,  was  taken  up. 

* * * 

Mr.  E.  Everett  moved  an  item  of  82,000,  for  restoring  the  Speaker’s  chair  to  its 
former  position  in  the  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

The  motion  was  opposed  by  Messrs.  Clay,  Burd,  R.  M.  Johnson,  and  Hardin;  and 
supported  by  the  mover,  and  Messrs.  Ewing,  Sutherland,  Whittlesey,  Parker, 
and  Mercer. 

It  was  eventually  negatived. 


[From  the  ‘‘Act  making  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings  and  grounds,  and  for  other  pur- 
poses,” approved  June  30,  1834.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  4,  722.)] 

For  alterations  and  repairs  of  the  Capitol,  including  the  repairs  of  the  roof,  six 
thousand  two  hundred  and  ninety-two  dollars. 


The  Old  Building. 


327 


[Ho.  of  Reps.  Doe.  No.  35,  23d  Congress,  2d  session.  Public  buildings.  Report  of  the  Commissioner  of 

Public  Buildings,  transmitting  statements  exhibiting  the  amount  of  moneys  expended,  &c.  Dec. 

23,  1834. — Read,  and  laid  upon  the  table.] 

Office  of  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 

December  22,  1834. 

Sir:  In  obedience  to  the  act  of  Congress  passed  March  3, 1829,  entitled  “An  act  making 
appropriations  for  the  public  buildings  and  other  purposes,”  1 have  the  honor  to 
report  that  the  moneys  appropriated  for  the  payment  of  the  “excess  of  expenditures 
beyond  the  appropriations  made  by  the  late  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  dur- 
ing the  last  year,”  and  for  the  payment  of  outstanding  claims  for  work  done  on  the 
Pennsylvania  avenue,  have  been  applied  to  the  objects  for  which  they  were  intended; 
and  that  the  alterations,  repairs,  and  improvements,  committed  to  my  charge,  have 
been  faithfully  executed  under  skilful  and  experienced  workmen. 

The  paper  marked  A exhibits  the  amount  of  moneys  expended  and  paid  away,  for 
which  propor  vouchers  have  been  procured. 

It  affords  me  pleasure  to  state  that  the  expenditures  are  within  the  amount  appro- 
priated, and  that  there  will  be  in  my  hands,  on  the  31st  instant,  when  the  operations 
for  the  year  will  close,  a balance  of  sixteen  hundred  and  twenty-five  dollars  to  lie 
placed  to  the  credit  of  the  United  States;  to  which  sum  may  be  added  nine  hundred 
and  forty-two  dollars  and  eighty-nine  cents  for  old  iron  and  scrap  copper  sold  for  the 
benefit  of  the  United  States;  making  a total  amount  of  two  thousand  five  hundred 
and  sixty-seven  dollars. 

The  Capitol  and  the  President’s  house  have  received  some  important  and  neces- 
sary improvements.  Among  those  of  the  Capitol,  the  most  important  improvement 
has  been  the  new  covering  of  the  centre  dome.  The  stairs  on  the  ceiling  and  wall  of 
the  rotundo  rendered  the  leaks  in  the  roof  of  the  dome  as  disfiguring  as  they  were 
dangerous  to  the  structure  itself.  The  paper  marked  B explains  the  cause  of  those 
leaks,  and  the  plan  adopted  to  prevent  their  recurrence. 

The  water  closets  to  the  House  of  Representatives,  which  had  become  so  intoler- 
ably offensive,  have  been  reconstructed  on  a new  plan,  entirely  free  from  the  incon- 
veniences of  the  former.  The  rain  water  is  collected  from  the  roof  of  the  Capitol, 
and  conducted  by  a spout  into  a large  cistern  lined  with  lead;  from  which  it  is  con- 
veyed, by  small  leaden  pipes,  into  a china  basin,  in  each  of  the  five  water  closets,  for 
the  purpose  of  cleansing  them.  The  valves,  which  admit  and  shut  out  the  water,  are 
worked  by  the  shutting  and  opening  of  the  door. 

The  error  in  the  original  construction  of  the  east  and  west  reservoirs  has  been  cor- 
rected, by  laying  a line  of  cast  iron  pipes  from  the  bottom  of  each,  for  the  purpose  of 
occasionally  cleansing  them  and  purifying  the  water.  The  paper  marked  C explains 
the  manner  of  their  construction. 

The  water  at  the  west  hydrant  stopped  running  frequently  during  the  year,  and 
the  cause  in  every  instance  was  traced  either  to  the  defective  manner  in  which  the 
joints  of  the  pipes  were  leaded,  or  to  the  defective  metal  of  which  the  pipes  were 
made.  Some  of  the  pipes  were  wrapped  with  coarse  canvas,  and  clamped  with  iron 
bands,  to  stop  the  holes  before  they  were  laid.  In  one  instance,  where  an  angle  is 
made  in  their  direction,  in  order  to  conduct  the  water  on  the  old  line  of  pipes,  through 
the  cellar  of  the  Capitol,  a pipe  snapped  off  two  feet  from  the  end,  and  discovered  a 
part  of  the  metal  to  be  no  thicker  than  a common  wafer. 

By  the  contract  entered  into  between  Mr.  John  A.  Smith  (the  former  proprietor  of 
the  spring  which  supplies  the  reservoirs  with  water)  and  the  late  Commissioner  of 
Public  Buildings,  Mr.  Smith  conveyed  to  the  United  States  all  the  water  within  an 
enclosed  wall  of  about  eight  feet  square,  with  the  wall  and  ground  around  the  same. 
It  has  been  ascertained,  by  several  measurements  during  the  past  summer,  that  the 
spring  within  that  enclosure  yields  sixteen  gallons  of  water  per  minute — a quantity 
barely  sufficient  to  supply  one  of  the  reservoirs  with  running  water.  To  try  the  effect 


328 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


of  the  water  on  the  pipes  and  reservoirs,  Mr.  Smith  consented  to  let  in  two  other 
springs;  and  there  are  now  running  from  the  two  reservoirs  twenty-two  gallons  of 
water  per  minute  more  than  the  United  States  are  entitled  to.  The  paper  marked 
D contains  a proposition  from  Mr.  Smith  to  sell  to  the  United  States  an  additional 
quantity  of  water. 

The  hydrant  under  the  arcade,  at  the  west  front  of  the  Capitol,  has  been  incased 
and  ornamented  with  beautiful  marble,  by  Mr.  Holdsworth,  from  a tasty  design  of 
Mr.  Mills. 

The  water  closets  in  the  same  neighborhood  have  been  removed  to  a more  retired 
situation,  and  their  places  ornamented  with  evergreens,  and  secluded  from  their 
former  use  by  a neat  iron  railing. 

* * * 

The  grounds  about  the  Capitol  and  the  President’s  house  have  been  improved  by 
graduation,  turfing,  and  planting. 

On  the  repetition  of  an  outrage,  in  May  last,  by  breaking  down  a public  enclosure, 
and  turning  in  cattle,  it  was  discovered  that  there  was  no  way  of  reaching  the  offend- 
ers 1 >ut  by  the  slow  process  of  a writ  of  trespass.  To  provide  a more  summary  remedy, 
Congress,  at  their  last  session,  authorized  the  corporation  of  Washington  to  extend 
their  regulations,  for  the  preservation  of  the  public  peace  and  order,  to  all  the  public 
buildings  and  public  grounds  within  the  city  of  Washington,  whenever  the  applica- 
tion of  the  same  should  1 >e  requested  by  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings.  In 
conformity  with  the  act  of  Congress,  the  corporate  authorities  of  Washington  did,  at 
the  request  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  extend  their  regulations  to  all 
the  public  buildings  and  public  grounds  within  the  city  of  Washington;  and  declared 
that  any  person  guilty  of  disorderly  and  unlawful  conduct  in  or  about  the  same,  or 
who  should  wilfully  injure  the  buildings,  trees,  or  shrubs,  or  should  pull  down,  impair, 
or  otherwise  injure  any  fence,  wall,  or  other  enclosure,  or  should  injure  any  sink, 
culvert,  pipe,  hydrant,  cistern,  lamp,  or  bridge,  or  should  remove  any  stone,  gravel, 
sand,  or  other  property  of  the  United  States,  on  any  part  of  the  public  grounds  or 
lots  belonging  to  the  United  States  within  the  city  of  Washington,  should,  upon  con- 
viction thereof  before  a single  magistrate,  be  fined  a sum  not  less  than  five  or  more 
than  twenty  dollars,  to  be  collected  and  applied  as  other  fines  are;  and  they  further 
declared  that  if  any  person  should  tie,  or  in  any  manner  fasten  any  horse,  mule,  or 
other  animal,  to  any  of  the  trees,  boxes,  or  other  protections  thereof,  on  any  of  the 
public  grounds  belonging  to  the  United  States  in  the  city  of  Washington,  or  should 
drive  any  cart,  wagon,  or  other  carriage  whatever,  on  any  of  the  paved  or  gravelled 
footways  in  and  on  any  of  the  aforesaid  public  grounds,  or  should  ride  thereon, 
except  at  the  intersections  of  streets  and  avenues,  that  each  and  every  offender  should 
forfeit  and  pay  for  every  offence  a sum  not  less  than  one  or  more  than  five  dollars,  to 
be  recovered  and  applied  as  aforesaid.  This  act  of  the  corporation  will,  it  is  believed, 
afford  great  protection  to  the  public  property. 

* * * 

Estimates  of  the  appropriations  necessary  for  the  alterations  and  repairs  of  the 
public  buildings,  and  for  the  improvement  of  the  public  grounds,  have  been  laid 
before  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings. 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant,  W.  Noland, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

Hon.  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


The  Old  Building. 


329 


A. 

Appropriations  and  expenditures  for  1834- 


Heads  of  appropriations. 


Appropria- 
tions ex- 
pended and 
paid. 


Alterations  and  repairs  of  the  Capitol,  including  the  repairs  of  the  roof 

Laying  pipes  for  the  purpose  of  draining  the  east  and  west  reservoirs 

Salary  of  the  gardener  employed  in  superintending  the  Capitol  square  and  other  public 

grounds 

Lighting  lamps,  keeping  the  grounds  and  walks  in  order,  and  planting  in  the  Capitol 

square  and  adjacent  public  grounds 

* * * 


85, 359  26 
2,309  82? 

916  66 

4, 399  48i 


Completing  waterworks  at  the  President’s  house,  the  Executive  Buildings,  and  the 

Capitol 

Excess  of  expenditures  beyond  the  appropriations  made  by  the  late  Commissioner  of 

Public  Buildings  during  the  last  year  

Construction  of  an  ornamental  hydrant  of  marble  at  the  west  fountain  in  front  of  the 

Capitol , 

* * * 


571  69i 
22, 756  81? 
1, 021  77 


B. 

Capitol,  November  1,  1834- 

Sir:  The  work  in  re-covering  the  principal  dome  is  finished,  and  there  is  every 
reason  to  believe  that  the  purpose  for  which  the  re-covering  was  ordered  has  been 
effected,  viz.  stopping  the  leaks  which  were  making  rapid  progress  in  injuring  the 
walls  in  that  part  of  the  building. 

In  covering  the  roofs  with  copper,  there  were  two  different  modes  adopted.  The 
first  was  to  cover  the  joints  of  the  sheet  with  prepared  battens  of  wood,  fastened 
with  large  screws  through  the  copper  into  the  sheathing  boards.  The  second  mode 
was  to  fasten  the  copper  to  the  sheathing  hoards,  with  straps  and  small  screws,  and 
then  to  form  a double  turned  joint  with  the  edges  of  the  sheets;  consequently  requir- 
ing no  pierced  holes  through  the  external  surface  of  the  copper,  by  which  the  rain 
could  find  its  way  into  the  building.  I have,  after  minute  attention  and  long  experi- 
ence, discovered  the  latter  mode  to  be  much  superior  to  the  former,  so  much  so,  that 
ever  since  the  roofs  of  the  west  projection  of  the  centre  building  were  covered,  (all 
with  the  double  joints,)  there  has  not  a leak  come  under  my  notice,  except  from 
accidental  causes,  such  as  the  overflowing  of  the  gutters  by  the  accumulation  of  the 
ice  and  snow  during  the  winter;  whilst  the  domes  which  were  covered  after  the 
former  mode,  or  with  battens,  have  leaked. 

The  difference  between  the  old  and  new  modes  of  putting  on  the  copper  was  very 
striking  during  the  progress  of  the  work.  In  heavy  rains  the  new  work  was  quite 
dry  underneath,  while  the  water  poured  in,  in  every  direction,  from  the  old,  occa- 
sioned by  the  expansion  of  the  copper,  which  caused  the  wooden  battens  that  were 
placed  longitudinally  over  the  single  joints  of  the  copper  to  spring  and  draw  out  the 
screws. 

The  new  work  has  been  executed  faithfully,  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge,  and  with 
the  strictest  attention  to  economy. 

Intermixing  the  new  copper  with  the  old  was  done  for  various  reasons:  1st.  It 
was  thought  that  the  new  would  bind  the  old  in  some  degree. 

2d.  It  enabled  us  to  carry  on  the  work  to  better  advantage,  and,  at  the  same  time, 
ensure  the  object  of  keeping  the  interior  of  the  dome  dry  during  the  progress  of  the 
work.  It  was  very  little  more  trouble  to  arrange  it  systematically  than  otherwise. 

I would  beg  leave  to  suggest  that  a due  regard  to  the  preservation  of  the  building, 
and  to  economy,  would  require  that  some  arrangement  be  made  for  having  the  snow 
removed  during  the  winter  from  the  gutters  on  the  roof.  In  cases  of  sudden  rains 
after  snow,  when  the  gutters  are  blocked  up,  the  water  is  dammed  back  and  over- 
flows upon  the  roof;  this  is  attended  with  many  bad  consequences;  among  others, 


330 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


causing  leaks  where  there  would  he  none.  It  the  snows  were  speedily  removed,  and 
a free  passage  given  to  the  water,  many  of  the  repairs  which  are  annually  necessary, 
and  are  expensive  in  themselves,  would  be  prevented. 

If  a man  of  judgment  were  appointed  to  superintend  this  work,  no  injury  what- 
ever would  be  done  to  the  copper,  &e.  by  the  workmen  who  might  be  employed. 

I am,  dear  sir,  yours,  with  respect, 

Pringle  Slight, 

Superintendent. 

To  Major  Noland, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


C. 

Washington,  December  4,  1834. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  report  to  you  that  the  cast  iron  pipes  laid  from  the  bottom 
of  the  east  and  west  reservoirs  at  the  Capitol,  for  the  purpose  of  draining  out  the 
water  and  sediment  when  found  necessary  for  their  purification,  are  now  com- 
pleted. 

The  utmost  care  has  been  observed  in  the  selection  of  good  pipes,  and  the  manner 
in  which  they  have  been  joined  together;  as  also  in  their  connexion  with  the  walls 
of  the  reservoirs,  which  had  to  be  cut  through,  and  the  openings  rebuilt,  which  has 
been  done  in  a substantial  manner,  and  so  as  to  prevent  any  leak  therefrom. 

The  simplest  method  has  been  adopted  in  the  construction  of  the  valves  for  draw- 
ing off  the  water,  and  has  proven  to  answer  remarkably  well;  at  the  same  time  great 
care  has  been  taken  to  guard  the  reservoirs  from  injury,  either  wilful  or  accidental, 
by  placing  a valve  at  the  receiving  and  discharging  end  of  the  pixies  of  each  reservoir. 

The  water  of  the  east  reservoir,  when  necessary  to  be  cleansed,  is  conveyed  into 
the  cellar  of  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  to  a point  where  there  is  a common  sewer 
which  passes  through* the  building;  the  outlet  of  which  is  below  the  Caxiitol,  on  the 
north  side  of  Pennsylvania  avenue,  near  the  Tiber  creek. 

The  water  of  the  west  reservoir  is  discharged,  at  a distance  of  about  fifty  feet,  into 
a common  sewer  likewise,  from  whence  it  is  conveyed  in  a drain  across  Pennsylvania 
avenue,  where  it  is  left  unprovided  for,  to  find  its  way,  along  the  south  side  of  the 
Botanic  Garden,  into  the  Washington  City  canal. 

I would  beg  leave  to  recommend  to  your  notice  the  waste  pixie  at  Tiber  creek,  and 
the  one  on  the  north  side  of  the  red  hill,  also  the  air  pipe  on  the  top  of  the  red  hill, 
(on  the  main  line  of  x>ipes  from  Mr.  Smith’s  spring  to  the  Capitol,)  as  being  in  a 
very  unprotected  state.  Their  contiguity  to  the  public  road,  their  exposure  to  pub- 
lic view,  and  the  easy  access  by  which  they  can  be  approached,  render  them  striking 
objects  for  injury  to  evil  disposed  persons. 

As  these  waste  xnpes  are  useful  and  necessary,  and  cannot  be  dispensed  with,  I 
would  recommend  that  they  be  protected  in  a similar  manner  to  the  one  constructed 
at  the  outlet  of  the  cleansing  pixie  at  the  bottom  of  the  west  reservoir,  which  will 
effectually  guard  them  from  injury,  accidental  or  designed. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 


Rich’d  Holdsworth. 


Major  Wm.  Noland, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


D. 


Effingham,  December  17,  1834- 

Sir:  A year  or  two  back  I sold  to  Mr.  Elgar,  your  predecessor  in  office,  as  much 
pure  spring  water  as  he  might,  upon  reflection  and  consultation,  conceive  to  be  nec- 


The  Old  Building. 


331 


essary  for  the  use  of  the  Capitol,  to  be  taken  from  springs  here  on  my  farm;  by 
uniting  three  or  four,  it  was  ascertained  they  would  yield  about  ninety  gallons  a 
minute,  with  an  elevation  sufficient  to  throw  the  water  into  either  House  of  Con- 
gress. Mr.  Elgar  built  his  reservoirs  with  a view  to  that  quantity,  and  laid  his  pipes 
(six  inches  bore)  proportionably  large;  but  for  some  sufficient  cause,  I presume,  not- 
withstanding the  large  scale  on  which  the  works  were  completed,  he  determined  to 
take  but  one  of  my  springs,  and  that  a small  one,  yielding  only  sixteen  gallons  a 
minute;  this  quantity,  1 understood  during  the  past  summer  and  fall,  was  insufficient 
to  keep  the  water  pure,  and  constantly  running  in  the  two  reservoirs,  and,  conse- 
quently, 1 gave  permission  to  Mr.  Holdsworth  to  throw  other  springs  into  the  reser- 
voir here;  he  did  so,  and  has  informed  me  the  discharge  now  at  the  Capitol  is  about 
thirty-eight  or  forty  gallons  a minute. 

I have  been  anxious  to  see  you  since  this  change,  but  have  been  too  much  engaged, 
and  now  write  to  say  to  you  that  you  may  have  the  same  privilege  I gave  to  Mr. 
Elgar,  that  is,  to  take  whatever  quantity  you  may  think  necessary,  upon  terms 
reasonable  and  fair. 

With  great  respect,  yours,  &c. 

Jno.  A.  Smith. 

Wm.  Noland,  Esc. 

* * * 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  civil  and  diplomatic  expenses  of  government  for  the 
year  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  thirty-five,”  approved  Mar.  3,  1835.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  4, 
770.)] 

For  alterations  and  repairs  in  the  Capitol,  including  the  domes  of  the  chambers  of 
the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  replacing  and  renewing  the  copper  of  the 
same,  and  painting  the  ceiling  of  the  Rotundo,  twelve  thousand  live  hundred  dollars. 


[House  of  Representatives  Doc.  No.  97,  24th  Congress,  1st  Session.  Report  of  the  Commissioner  of 
Public  Buildings.  Feb.  1,  1836. — Read,  and  laid  upon  the  table.J 

Office  of  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 

December  18,  1835. 

Sir:  In  compliance  with  the  act  of  Congress,  passed  March  3,  1829,  entitled  “An 
act  making  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings  and  other  purposes,”  I have  the 
honor  to  report,  that  the  expenditures  on  the  public  buildings,  and  other  objects 
committed  to  my  charge,  during  the  present  year,  have  been  as  follow: 

For  alterations  and  repairs  of  the  Capitol,  the  domes  of  the  chambers  of 


the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  and  replacing  and  renewing 

the  copper  of  the  same $12,  345  89 

For  salary  of  the  gardener  employed  in  superintending  the  Capitol 

square,  and  other  public  grounds 916  66 

For  lighting  lamps,  and  keeping  the  grounds  and  walks  in  order,  includ- 
ing the  cost  of  trees  and  shrubs 4,  333  674 

For  protection  of  the  waste  water  pipes,  and  air  pipe  of  the  aqueduct  of 

the  Capitol,  and  repairs  of  the  pipes 521  55| 

' * * * 

For  preparing  the  niches  for  the  reception  of  the  statues,  at  the  east  front 

of  the  Capitol 460  00 

For  repairing  the  culvert  at  the  west  front  of  the  Capitol 322  42] 

* * * 


332 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


It  gives  me  pleasure  to  state  that  the  expenditures  do  not  exceed  the  appropria- 
tions; and  that  there  will  he  in  my  hands,  on  the  31st  instant,  when  the  operations 
of  the  year  will  be  brought  to  a close,  a balance  to  be  placed  to  the  credit  of  the 
United  States. 

The  United  States  will  also  be  credited  with  the  sum  of  $2,022  12  for  scrap  copper, 
sold  on  their  account. 

The  alterations  and  repairs  required  to  be  made,  under  the  several  appropriations, 
have  been  duly  attended  to,  and  faithfully  executed. 

The  Capitol  has  undergone  several  necessary  repairs  and  improvements.  The 
most  important  improvement  has  been  the  replacing  and  renewing  the  copper  on  the 
roofs  of  the  north  and  south  wings,  which  were  in  so  leaky  a condition,  from  the 
defective  mode  of  covering,  as  to  endanger  the  safety  of  the  building. 

The  letter  marked  A,  from  the  master  workman,  explains  the  manner  in  which  the 
work  has  been  executed,  and  suggests  several  improvements,  to  which  I beg  leave, 
respectfully,  to  call  the  attention  of  the  honorable  body  over  which  you  preside. 

* ■Jf  -jf 

Estimates  of  the  appropriations  necessary  for  the  alterations  and  repairs  of  the 
public  buildings,  and  for  the  improvement  of  the  public  grounds,  will  be  laid  before 
the  proper  committee. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  your  obedient  servant, 

William  Noland, 
Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

Hon.  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


A. 

Capitol,  November  9,  1835. 

Sir:  Having  completed  the  work  of  re-coppering  the  roofs  on  the  two  wings  of  the 
Capitol,  I have  the  pleasure  of  reporting  that  fact  to  you.  I am  also  gratified  to  be 
enabled  to  state,  that  the  many  difficulties  which  presented  themselves  throughout 
the  progress  of  the  work,  have  been  overcome,  and  that  the  work  has  been  well  and 
faithfully  executed,  and  in  its  progress  and  accomplishment  a strict  attention  has 
been  paid  to  the  public  interest. 

In  the  progress  of  the  work,  the  timber,  in  some  parts  of  the  roof,  was  found  to  be 
in  a very  decayed  state;  this  was  more  particularly  the  case  over  the  principal  stair- 
way leading  up  to  the  Senate  chamber.  From  that  part  alone,  we  took  out  and 
removed  several  cart  loads,  and  supplied  its  place  with  timber  well  seasoned,  and  of 
good  quality. 

As  regards  that  portion  of  the  roof  over  the  principal  stairway,  and  entrance  to  the 
Representatives  Hall,  (an  areaaf  about  80  feet  by  30,)  it  becomes  my  duty  to  inform 
you,  that  I discovered  accidentally  that  the  timbers  are  also  so  decayed  and  rotten, 
as  to  render  their  removal  and  the  substitution  of  new  timber  absolutely  indispensa 
ble,  but  the  season  was  so  far  advanced  before  this  discovery  was  made,  that  it  was 
deemed  imprudent  to  risk  the  uncovering  of  it. 

A third  part  of  the  curb  around  the  base  of  the  cupola  or  lantern,  over  the  Repre- 
sentatives Hall,  was  also  completely  decayed.  It  has  been  removed,  and  replaced 
with  good  and  sound  timber. 

A platform  has  been  laid  for  the  protection  of  the  copper  covering  of  the  flat  roof 
over  the  west  portico. 

I would  here  also  take  the  liberty  to  suggest  that,  something  more  might  be  done 
for  the  preservation  of  the  internal  structure  of  the  principal  dome. 

The  four  projecting  courses  of  freestone,  and  top  surface  of  the  cornice,  that  sur- 
rounds the  external  base  of  the  dome,  might  be  coppered.  It  would,  it  is  believed, 


The  Old  Building. 


338 


be  a very  great,  if  not  an  effectual  preventive  against  the  dampness  that  has  been 
working  secretly,  but  effectually  searching  its  way  through  the  walls  and  ceiling,  to 
the  serious  and  almost  irreparable  injury  to  the  building.  I refer  you  to  the  section 
showing  the  external  and  internal  dome,  which  accompanies  this  letter. 

Painting  the  copper  white  would  prevent  it  being  detected  by  the  eye,  so  that  the 
appearance,  when  viewed  from  the  ground,  would  not  be  affected. 

I would  likewise  suggest,  during  the  next  spring,  and  even  in  the  summer  months, 
that  fires  be  kept  steadily  in  the  furnaces  (for  heating  the  rotundo)  to  dry  out  the 
dampness  that  still  remains,  and  will  long  continue  to  remain,  within  the  walls. 

Until  the  walls  of  the  rotundo  become  perfectly  dry,  it  would  be  injudicious  to 
repair  the  ceiling. 

The  public  convenience  sustains  serious  injury  for  the  want  of  a suitable  out-build- 
ing, to  be  used  as  a work  shop,  in  the  different  branches  of  mechanics  necessarily 
employed  about  so  extensive,  and  magnificent  a building  as  the  Capitol,  and  I would 
respectfully  suggest  the  expediency  and  propriety  of  the  erection  of  such  a building. 

It  is  necessary,  also,  as  a place  of  safe  keeping  and  deposite,  for  much  valuable 
public  property,  materials,  and  working  tools.  As  various  professions  are  almost 
constantly  required  to  perform  mechanic’s  work  about  the  Capitol  during  the  sessions 
of  Congress.  And  in  winter,  if  workmen  are  exposed  to  the  piercing  cold,  they  cannot 
do  justice  to  the  public,  while  their  health  is  frequently  injured.  The  work  shops 
now  made  use  of,  are  not  only  unfit  for  the  protection  of  workmen  from  the  weather, 
but  are  unsafe  as  a depository  for  the  public  property:  they  are  mere  open  sheds, 
long  since  built,  and  are  now  rotting  down. 

I am,  sir,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

Prixgle  Slight, 

Master  Workman. 

To  Major  William  Noland, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


[House  proceedings  of  May  11,  1836:  Register  of  Debates,  24 — 1,  v.  12,  pt.  3,  p.  3617.] 

REPRESENTATIVES’  HALL. 


Mr.  Mercer  asked  leave  to  submit  a motion  to  direct  the  select  committee  of  twenty- 
four,  to  which  was  referred  an  inquiry  into  the  proper  mode  of  managing  contested 
elections  before  the  House,  to  ascertain  whether  a better  hall  for  the  purposes  of  a 
deliberative  body  than  the  present  hall  of  Representatives  can  be  provided  within  the 
Capitol,  and  have  leave  to  report  by  bill  or  otherwise. 

Mr.  M.  obtained  leave  to  make  a short  statement,  which  he  thought  would  satisfy 
the  House  that  the  resolution  ought  to  tie  adopted.  He  said  he  had  gone  to  the  hall 
of  the  Library  with  an  experienced  architect,  and  had  examined  the  rooms  and  the 
walls,  and  he  found  that  a room  could  be  provided  there,  of  the  dimensions  of  ninety 
feet  by  fifty.  He  said  the  chord  of  the  circle  of  the  present  House  was  ninety  feet, 
and  the  space  occupied  by  the  House  was  about  fifty  feet  deep.  He  was  satisfied 
that  a hall  could  be  made  where  the  Library  now  is,  as  good  and  convenient  for  a 
deliberative  assembly  as  could  be  devised  if  a Capitol  was  about  to  be  constructed 
anew;  and  he  hoped  the  resolution  would  be  adopted,  that  the  House  might  have 
the  report  of  a committee  upon  the  subject. 

Objections  being  made  to  acting  upon  the  proposition  at  this  time, 

Mr.  Mercer  moved  that  the  rules  be  suspended  for  the  purpose  of  acting  upon  it; 
and  the  question  being  taken,  there  appeared:  Ayes  97,  noes  49 — not  quite  two  thirds. 


334 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[House  of  Representatives  Doc.  No.  266,  '24th  Congress,  1st  Session.  New  Hall  House  of  Representa- 
tives. .June  1,  1836. — Laid  before  the  House,  and  ordered  to  be  printed.] 

Washington,  May  28,  1836. 

Dear  Sir:  That  you  might  have  a better  view  of  the  arrangement  of  plan  for 
a new  hall  upon  the  site  of  the  library  room,  I have  the  honor  to  lay  before  you  the 
accompanying  drawings.  It  will  be  seen,  that  but  a small  portion  of  the  corridor 
would  be  required  to  add  to  the  necessary  width  for  the  hall,  so  that  ample  space  for 
lobbies  would  remain  on  each  side.  The  line  of  the  present  wall  of  the  library  is 
from  A to  B,  and  the  stair  cases  at  A and  B are  the  same  as  now  exist  in  this  room. 
The  stone  steps  which  now  occupy  that  part  of  the  corridor  near  the  entrance  of  the 
library  room,  are  represented  on  the  plan  as  removed  to  the  outside,  in  the  covert, 
so  that  they  would  answer  the  same  purposes  they  do  now,  and  provide  a spacious 
way  to  the  galleries  of  the  House.  The  desks  in  the  drawing  are  represented  con- 
secutive with  the  main  line  of  wall,  and  it  will  be  found  to  be  in  every  respect  most 
convenient  and  economical  of  space:  the  main  galleries  will  be  better  accommodated 
around  the  circle  than  along  the  diameter  line.  As  it  is  proposed  to  have  a large 
lantern  or  sky  light  in  the  ceiling  of  the  hall,  the  windows  to  the  west  may,  if 
required,  lie  skreened.  The  inlets  to  the  hall  are  both  numerous  and  convenient. 
The  location  of  the  clerk’s  rooms,  and  the  position  which  the  other  officers  of  the 
House  may  occux>y,  are  sketched  on  the  plan,  by  which  it  will  be  seen  that  as  many 
conveniences  are  afforded  the  House  in  this  location  as  in  the  other. 

Some  niches  are  thrown  in  around  the  circle  of  the  wall,  in  their  thickness,  •which 
may  be  appropriated  to  the  reporters,  or  reserved  for  settees. 

A section  of  the  hall  is  represented  in  one  of  the  drawings,  wdiich  will  give  you 
an  idea  of  the  proportion  of  the  room  under  the  elevation  contemplated,  which  is  but 
twenty  feet  to  the  spring  of  the  ceiling,  and  to  this  is  given  the  slight  curvature  of 
five  feet,  making  the  whole  height  of  the  room  several  feet  less  than  half  the  heighth 
of  the  p resent  hall.  A line  is  marked  on  this  drawing  to  show  the  present  height  of 
the  ceilings  of  the  library  room.  The  space  left  between  the  two  ceilings  would  be 
sufficient  to  furnish  many  useful  rooms,  such  as  a library  room  for  the  house,  folding 
rooms,  document  rooms,  &c.  In  the  drawing,  the  disposition  of  the  desks  are  seen, 
as  also  the  galleries.  Upon  the  plan  will  be  found  the  comparative  areas  of  the  new 
and  present  hall.  By  reducing  the  width  of  the  present  desks  a little,  and  substi- 
tuting a lighter  and  smaller  chair  to  each,  (both  of  which  may  be  done  without  less- 
ening the  comfort  of  the  members, ) the  same  accommodation  or  number  of  desks 
may  be  obtained  upon  the  new  arrangement.  A lobby  of  six  feet  is  afforded  back  of 
the  outer  range  of  desks,  and  of  eight  feet  to  that  in  front  of  the  clerk’s  desk.  Three 
feet  four  inches  are  given  for  the  width  of  the  platform  of  each  desk,  and  there  are 
eight  ranges  of  these,  which  may  afford  250  seats. 

The  promenade  furnished  by  the  western  colonnade  is  more  than  equivalent  to  the 
loggia  in  the  present  hall.  Thus  the  same  accommodations  may  be  obtained  by  the 
new  arrangement,  which  are  now  furnished  by  the  existing  hall,  with  a difference  of 
space  or  area  for  the  travel  of  the  voice  of  nearly  one-half;  and  this  reduced  again 
nearly  one-half  by  the  reduction  in  the  height  of  the  two  ceilings.  All  these  circum- 
stances must  effect  a very  important  change  in  favor  of  the  new  room,  as  respects  the 
comfort  of  speaking  and  hearing. 

It  will  be  seen,  also,  that  the  execution  of  this  plan  will  not  be  either  difficult  or 
expensive,  neither  will  it  require  any  great  length  of  time  to  accomplish. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted,  by,  dear  sir, 

Yours,  &c. 


The  Hon.  Charles  F.  Mercer. 


Eobert  Mills. 


OLD  HALL  OF  REPRESENTATIVES,  NORTH  VIEW. 


I 


I 


The  Old  Building. 


335 


[From  the  “Act  in  addition  to  the  act  [entitled  ‘An  act  making  appropriations,  in  part,  for  the  sup- 
port of  Government,  for  the  year  eighteen  hundred  and  thirty-six,  and  for  other  purposes,’’’ 
approved  July  4,  1836.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  5,  114.)] 

For  alterations  and  repairs  of  the  Capitol,  including  repairs  of  the  roof  over  the 
principal  stairway  to  the  Representatives’  hall,  and  coppering  the  projecting  steps  and 
top  surface  of  the  cornice  round  the  base  of  the  dome  of  the  rotunda,  six  thousand 
three  hundred  and  eighteen  dollars  and  seventy-five  cents. 


[House  of  Representatives.  Rep.  No.  294.  24th  Congress,  2d  Session.  Paintings  for  the  rotundo. 

February  28,  1837.— Read,  and  laid  upon  the  table.] 

Mr.  McKeon,  from  the  Select  Committee  to  which  the  subject  had  been  referred, 
made  the  following  report: 

The  select  committee,  to  which  was  referred  the  resolution  of  the  23d  June,  1836, 
that  a joint  committee  be  appointed  to  contract  with  one  or  more  competent  American 
artists  for  the  execution  of  four  historical  pictures,  upon  subjects  serving  to  illustrate 
the  discovery  of  America,  the  settlement  of  the  United  States,  the  history  of  the 
revolution,  or  the  adoption  of  the  constitution,  to  be  placed  in  the  vacant  panels  of 
the  rotundo,  the  subject  to  be  left  to  the  choice  of  the  artists,  under  the  control  of 
the  committee,  report: 

They  have  applied  to  Messrs.  Vanderlyn,  Wier,  Inman,  and  Chapman,  to  under- 
take the  execution  of  the  said  paintings.  Two  of  these  gentlemen  have  agreed  to 
accept  the  trust,  and  there  is  but  little  doubt  that  the  other  two  will  also  undertake 
the  task.  The  committee  have  agreed  that  a fair  compensation  should  be  allowed  to 
the  artists  engaged  in  this  national  work.  Great  labor  and  some  time  will  be  required 
for  a proper  execution  of  the  pictures.  Intended,  as  they  are,  for  monuments  as 
well  of  the  state  of  the  arts  in  this  country  at  the  present  period,  as  for  memorials  of 
important  events  connected  with  the  history  of  the  nation,  liberal  support  ought  to 
be  extended  to  tho- e to  be  employed  by  the  Government.  The  committee  have 
agreed  to  allow  ten  thousand  dollars  for  each  picture,  and  recommend  that  two  thou- 
sand dollars  for  each  lie  appropriated  at  the  present  session.  This  plan  of  partial 
payment  was  practised  in  the  case  of  the  paintings  now  in  the  rotundo;  as  the  artists 
necessarily  will  be  subjected  to  some  expense,  it  has  been  deemed  just  to  give  them 
a portion  of  the  amount  to  be  paid  for  the  several  works. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Robert  Mills,  Architect  of  the  Public  Buildings,  Dec.  1,  1837.  (25 — 2, 

House  Doc.  No.  28.)] 

Washington,  December  1,  1837. 

Sir:  The  progress  made  in  the  public  buildings  under  my  charge,  during  the  last 
season,  has  been  considerable,  evincing  a zeal  and  industry  in  the  operatives  on  those 
works  creditable  to  them,  and  advantageous  to  the  public  interests. 

* * * 

The  Capitol. — The  various  improvements  and  alterations  directed  by  Congress  to  be 
made  in  this  building,  under  my  charge,  have  been  all  completed,  namely,  enlarging 
the  space  of  the  library  of  the  House,  and  document  room,  and  making  them,  with 
the  folding-room,  post  office,  and  sergeant-at-arms’  rooms,  fire  proof;  enclosing  the 
crypt  with  sashed  doors,  and  guarding  all  the  external  outlets  by  double  doors,  so  as 
to  render  the  whole  of  the  interior  of  the  Capitol  more  comfortable  during  the  winter. 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 


386 

But.  a general  system  of  warming  this  building  is  much  required,  and  a plan  for 
this  purpose  will  be  submitted. 

* * * 

Respectfully  submitted. 

Robert  Mills, 

Architect  of  the  Public  Buildings. 

William  Noland,  Esq., 

Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings. 


[Prom  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  civil  and  diplomatic  expenses  of  Government  for  the 
year  eighteen  hundred  and  thirty-eight,”  approved  Apr.  6, 1838.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  5,  222.)] 

For  alterations  and  repairs  of  the  Capitol,  and  incidental  expenses,  six  thousand 
three  hundred  and  thirty-one  dollars. 


[Prom  the  “Act  for  the  relief  of  Chastelain  and  Ponvert,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  July  21, 
1840.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  6,  815.)] 

For  cost  of  preparing  suitable  foundation  for  supporting  the  Colossal  Statue  of 
Washington,  in  the  centre  of  the  rotunda  of  the  Capitol,  two  thousand  dollars. 


[House  proceedings  of  Dec.  18,  1840:  Congressional  Globe,  26—2,  p.  39.] 

Mr.  Wm.  Cost  Johnson  moved  that  when  the  House  adjourned,  it  adjourn  to  Mon- 
day next.  Mr.  J.  observed  that  some  time  would  be  required  to  repair  and  replace 
the  seats,  which  had  been  damaged  by  the  fall  of  the  chandelier.  He  hoped,  there- 
fore, that,  the  motion  would  be  concurred  in. 

The  question  being  taken,  it  was  decided  in  the  affirmative. 


[House  proceedings  of  Dec.  23,  1840:  Congressional  Globe,  26 — 2,  p.  52.] 

On  motion  of  Mr.  McClellan, 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  inquire  whether 
the  falling  of  the  chandelier  in  the  hall  of  the  House  was  caused  by  a defect  in  work- 
manship and  construction;  and  also  whether  any  money  has  been  paid  by  the  Clerk, 
and  if  not,  whether  any  ought  to  be  paid,  to  the  constructor  of  the  chandelier. 


[House  of  Representatives,  Rep.  No.  70, 26th  Congress,  2d  session.  Palling  of  the  chandelier.  Jan.  6, 
1841. — Read,  and  concurred  in  by  the  House.] 

Mr.  Leonard,  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  made  the 
following  report: 

The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  to  whom  were  referred  certain 
inquiries  as  to  the  “falling  of  the  chandelier,”  and  other  matters  in  relation  thereto, 
by  resolution  of  the  House,  adopted  December  23,  1840,  in  the  following  words: 

On  motion  of  Mr.  McClellan, 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  inquire  whether  the  falling  of  the 
chandelier,  in  the  hall  of  the  House,  was  caused  by  a defect  in  the  workmanship  and  construction; 
and,  also,  whether  any  money  has  been  paid  by  the  Clerk,  and,  if  not,  whether  any  ought  to  be  paid 
the  constructor  of  the  chandelier, 


OLD  HALL  OF  REPRESENTATIVES. 


The  Old  Building.  337 

Beg  leave  to  report  that,  on  referring  to  the  journal  of  the  last  session,  page  818, 
they  find  the  following: 

House  of  Representatives, 

Friday , April  24,  1840. 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  resolution  reported  by  Mr. 
Lincoln,  on  the  4th  April  instant,  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  which 
resolution  was  read  and  agreed  to,  and  is  as  follows: 

Resolved,  That  the  Clerk  of  this  House  be  directed  to  procure,  under  instructions 
from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  a chandelier  of  suitable  description,  and  of 
sufficient  size  and  capacity,  for  the  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  and  to  be  of 
American  manufacture;  and  that,  when  procured,  the  Commissioner  of  Public 
Buildings  cause  the  same  to  be  securely  and  properly  suspended  in  the  hall  for  use. 

In  compliance  with  this  resolution,  the  committee,  as  appears  from  the  following 
extracts  from  their  minutes,  entered  immediately  upon  the  discharge  of  the  duty 
imposed : 

House  of  Representatives, 

Committee-room  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  May  8,  1840. 

Whereas  the  House  of  Representatives,  at  the  present  session,  on  a report  of  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  adopted  a resolution  “that  the  Clerk 
of  this  House  be  directed  to  procure,  under  instructions  from  the  Committee  on  Pub- 
lic Buildings,  a chandelier,  of  suitable  description,  and  of  sufficient  size  and  capacity, 
for  the  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  and  to  be  of  American  manufacture; 
and  that,  when  procured,  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  cause  the  same  to 
be  securely  and  properly  suspended  in  the  hall  for  use:”  Now,  therefore,  in  execu- 
tion of  said  order, 

Be  it  resolved  by  said  committee,  That  the  Clerk  be,  and  he  is  hereby,  instructed  to 
contract  with  Messrs.  Henry  N.  Hooper  & Co.,  of  Boston,  Massachusetts,  to  manu- 
facture a glass  chandelier,  with  lamps  and  plain  shades,  conforming  mainly  in  plan 
and  pattern  to  the  design  of  the  largest  size  exhibited  by  the  said  Hooper  & Co.  to 
the  inspection  of  said  committee,  and  referred  to  in  their  written  communication  on 
the  same  subject,  with  such  modifications  and  improvements  in  the  arrangement  of 
parts  and  manner  of  finish  as  the  judgment  and  taste  of  the  artists  shall  approve,  and 
so  constructed  as  to  admit  of  adaptation,  at  the  least  expense,  to  the  use  of  chemical 
oil,  or  for  gas,  if  the  House  shall  hereafter  so  direct;  and  that  the  Commissioner  of 
Public  Buildings  cause  the  same,  under  the  personal  superintendence  and  direction 
of  the  said  Hooper  & Co.,  in  reference  to  position,  elevation,  and  safety,  to  be  prop- 
erly suspended  for  use  in  the  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  as  soon  as  the 
work  may  be  fitly  accomplished,  and  previous  to  the  commencement  of  the  next 
session  of  Congress. 

Levi  Lincoln, 

Chairman  Com.  Pub.  Buildings,  House  of  Reps. 

In  pursuance,  then,  of  the  order  of  the  House  and  the  instructions  of  the  com- 
mittee, the  Clerk  entered  into  a written  contract  with  Messrs.  Henry  N.  Hooper  & 
Co.,  of  Boston,  for  the  chandelier.  The  committee  have  examined  that  contract, 
and  have  come  to  the  conclusion  that  its  provisions  have  been  fully  complied  with. 
As  to  the  falling  of  the  chandelier,  the  committee  have  only  to  say  that  they  con- 
sider it  as  one  of  those  casualties  incident  to  all  material  things,  and  which,  like 
almost  every  one  that  occurs,  it  is  easy  to  see  how  it  might  have  been  avoided  when 
too  late.  It  appears,  however,  that  the  utmost  caution  was  used  to  submit  the 
materials  of  the  chandelier  to  very  severe  tests  before  they  were  suspended,  and  no 
effort  was  spared  to  give  every  assurance  of  its  safety,  as  will  appear  from  the  fol- 
lowing letter  to  the  committee  by  Messrs.  Hooper  & Co. : 

Gentlemen:  We  wish  to  lay  before  you  some  facts  relative  to  the  construction  of 
the  unfortunate  chandelier,  to  show  to  you  that  we  spared  no  time,  care,  or  expense, 

II.  Rep.  646 22 


338 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


to  make  such  an  article  as  would  be  creditable  to  the  place  it  was  to  occupy,  and  to 
ourselves  as  constructors. 

The  whole  weight  of  the  chandelier,  with  the  suspending-rod  was 3,408  lbs. 

Of  which,  the  lamp  weighed 546  lbs. 

the  oil 144  “ 

shades  and  chimneys _ 117  “ 


807  lbs. 


Weight  of  balance-ball  was — brass  and  iron 255 

lead 3,  448 

3,  703 


Weight  of  chandelier  and  balance 7,  111  lbs. 

The  most  important  object  for  us  to  ascertain  was  the  size  of  the  chain  suitable  to 
suspend  the  same  safely.  We  consulted  various  authors  on  the  subject,  and  also 
made  some  experiments  for  further  proof;  which  satisfied  us,  before  we  adopted  the 
size  of  the  chain.  We  then  had  the  iron  made  expressly  for  the  chain,  by  the  Boston 
Iron  Company.  The  chain,  of  the  size  we  adopted,  is  stated  to  sustain,  single  strand, 
2,619  pounds;  which,  fourfold,  as  was  used  on  the  chandelier,  is  10,476  pounds — this 
being  but  one-third  of  what  the  metal  is  stated  to  sustain;  but  it  is  considered  the 
safe  load. 


After  the  chains  were  completed,  they  were  proved  by  sustaining  4,200  pounds  on 
single  strand;  which,  fourfold,  is  16,800  pounds;  and  it  sustained  that  weight  without 
alteration. 

The  amount  of  weight  such  a chain  is  stated  to  sustain,  taking  the  lowest  estimate, 
is  31,000  pounds  fourfold. 

All  of  the  rivets  are  made  of  cast-steel;  which  is  proved  to  sustain,  in  comparison 
with  wrought  iron,  as  5 is  to  13. 

We  apprehend,  gentlemen,  that  it  will  be  found,  on  investigation,  that  the  result 
of  the  destruction  of  the  chandelier  was  owing  to  other  causes  than  not  sufficient 
strength  of  materials,  or  quality  of  workmanship;  and  that  it  resulted  from  those 
causes  over  which  we  could  have  no  control. 

Yours,  respectfully, 


Henry  N.  Hooper  & Co. 


To  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings. 


Upon  inquiry,  the  committee  find  that  no  money  has  been  paid  by  the  Clerk  to 
the  constructors.  The  remaining  materials  of  the  chandelier  are  valued  at  $400, 
which  Messrs.  Hooper  & Co.  are  willing  to  take  back. 

In  view  of  all  the  circumstances,  the  committee  have  come  to  the  conclusion  to 
recommend  to  the  House  a strict  compliance  with  the  contract  before  referred  to,  by 
directing  the  Clerk  to  pay  over  to  Messrs.  Hooper  & Co.  such  balance  as  may  be 
coming  to  them,  after  deducting  the  $400  aforesaid. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Robert  Mills,  Architect  of  the  Public  Buildings,  Dec.  15, 1840,  transmitted 
with  the  annual  report  of  W.  Noland,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  communicated  Jan.  13, 
1841.  (26 — 2,  House  Doc.  No.  58.)] 

THE  FOUNDATIONS  OF  TPIE  STATUE  OF  WASHINGTON. 

According  to  the  act  of  Congress  requiring  suitable  foundations  to  be  prepared,  to 
receive  the  statue  of  Washington,  to  be  placed  in  the  centre  of  the  rotundo  of  the 
Capitol,  I have,  under  the  instructions  of  the  honorable  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy, 
to  whom  this  subject  was  referred,  caused  very  substantial  foundations  to  be  laid,  to 
receive  this  colossal  statue — weighing,  with  its  pedestal,  30  tons. 


H.  Rep.  6-J6 — 58-2. 


SOUTHWEST  VIEW  OF  THE  OLD  CAPITOL,  1840. 


The  Old  Budding. 


339 


As  these  foundations  had  to  be  commenced  on  those  constituting  the  tomb  of 
Washington,  below  the  crypt,  (constructed  when  the  foundations  of  the  rotundo 
were  laid, ) I examined  these  thoroughly,  took  up  the  stone  floor  of  the  crypt  at  this 
point,  and  worked  down  to  the  solid  masonry  around  the  vault. 

In  the  design  of  this  foundation  for  the  statue,  I have  made  it  comport  with  the 
architecture  of  the  crypt,  leaving  the  thoroughfare  at  the  four  cardinal  points  of  the 
centre  uninterrupted;  the  half  points  being  only  closed,  and  here  presenting  large 
niches  for  the  reception  of  statues,  or  tripods  for  lamps. 

Respectfully  submitted: 

Robert  Mills, 

Architect  of  the  Public  Buildings. 

The  Commissioner  op  the  Public  Buildings. 


[From  the  “Act  legalizing  and  making  appropriations  for  such  necessary  objects  as  have  been 
usually  included  in  the  general  appropriation  hills  without  authority  of  law,  and  to  fix  and  pro- 
vide for  certain  incidental  expenses  of  the  Departments  and  offices  of  the  Government,  and  for 
other  purposes,”  approved  Aug.  26,  1842.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  5,  532.)] 

For  taking  down  and  removing  the  two  furnaces  beneath  the  Hall  of  the  House  of 
Representatives,  and  building  three  new  ones  on  the  floor  beneath  the  crypt,  exca- 
vating a coal  vault,  constructing  additional  flues  for  hot  and  cold  air  for  the  better 
ventilation  of  the  Hall  and  passages,  nine  thousand  six  hundred  and  thirty-four 
dollars. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  2,  1843;  Congressional  Globe,  27-3,  p.  381.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  civil  and 
diplomatic  bill  for  1844 — 

Mr.  Evans  moved  (on  the  recommendation  of  the  Library  Committee)  an  amend- 
ment appropriating  $5,000  for  removing  the  statue  of  Washington  from  the  rotundo 
in  the  Capitol,  to  the  east  side  of  the  Capitol  grounds,  with  a view  of  placing  it  on  a 
pedestal,  under  shelter,  and  in  a proper  position. 

Mr.  King  adverted  to  the  several  propositions  at  first  made  for  placing  the  statue 
in  the  rotundo,  ancl  also  his  original  proposition  to  place  it  in  the  public  grounds. 
He  had  at  first  objected  to  its  being  placed  in  the  rotundo,  having  foreseen  that  it 
would  not  answer. 

Mr.  Evans  remarked  that  Mr.  Greenough  was  here;  and  probably  a better  time 
never  would  arrive  for  making  this  necessary  removal.  The  sum  was  small,  and 
he  hoped  the  amendment  would  be  adopted. 

Mr.  King  asked  where  it  was  to  be  placed. 

Mr.  Evans  replied,  just  where  the  Senator  himself  had  first  recommended. 

Mr.  Allen  thought  a sitting  statue  never  could  be  placed  in  any  light  to  show  bet- 
ter than  where  it  was.  He  should  vote  against  the  removal. 

The  amendment  was  adopted. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  civil  and  diplomatic  expenses  of  Government  for  the 
fiscal  year  ending  the  thirtieth  day  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  forty-four,”  approved  Mar.  3, 
1843.  (Stats,  at  Large,  V.  5,  642,  644.)] 

For  the  removal  of  the  statue  of  Washington,  from  its  present  location,  and  per- 
manently placing  the  same  on  a proper  pedestal,  and  covering  it  temporarily  in  the 
enclosed  and  cultivated  public  grounds  east  of  the  Capitol,  directly  in  front  of  the 
main  entrance  and  steps  of  the  east  front  of  the  Capitol,  * * * the  sum  of  five 
thousand  dollars. 

For  constructing  two  furnaces  under  each  end  of  the  first  story  of  the  centre  of  the 
Capitol,  for  warming  the  rooms  and  passages  upon  and  above  said  first  story,  includ- 


340 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


ing  the  Congress  library  room,  according  to  the  proposition  of  John  Skirving  to  the 
chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  seven  thousand  nine  hundred  and 
seventy-three  dollars. 


[Senate,  380,  29th  Congress,  1st  Session.  Petition  of  A.  B.  Durand  and  others,  praying  that  Professor 

Morse  may  be  employed  to  execute  the  painting  to  fill  the  panel  in  the  rotundo  of  the  Capitol,  set 

apart  for  Mr.  Inman,  since  deceased.  May  26,  1816.— Referred  to  the  Committee  on  the  Library. 

June  8, 1846. — Ordered  to  be  printed.] 

To  the  honorable  the  Senate  of  the  United  States: 

The  undersigned,  the  friends  of  Professor  Samuel  F.  B.  Morse,  beg  leave  respect- 
fully to  represent: 

That  Professor  Morse,  whose  early  life  for  thirty  years  was  devoted  to  the  cultiva- 
tion of  the  art  of  painting,  studied  for  four  years  in  the  Boyal  Academy  of  London, 
then  under  the  presidency  of  that  distinguished  painter,  Benjamin  West;  but  Mr. 
Morse  was  more  especially,  while  in  England,  under  the  tuition,  in  historical  paint- 
ing, of  the  late  Washington  Alston,  and  was  a fellow-pupil  under  the  same  master 
with  Leslie,  so  well  known  as  now  one  of  the  first  painters  in  England;  when  he 
returned  to  this  country,  and  practised  painting  with  distinguished  success. 

In  the  year  1826,  Professor  Morse  was  the  principal  instrument,  aided  by  other 
artists,  in  founding  and  establishing,  at  great  personal  sacrifices,  the  National  Acad- 
emy of  Design,  one  of  the  most  flourishing  of  the  institutions  of  the  city  or  State  of 
New  York.  From  its  foundation,  for  nineteen  years  he  was  annually  unanimously 
chosen  to  preside  over  the  academy,  and  then  declined  a re-election,  from  causes 
which  will  be  presently  explained. 

In  1829  he  again  visited  Europe  to  perfect  himself  in  historical  painting,  having  in 
view  to  offer  himself  as  a candidate  for  the  commission  to  paint  one  of  the  great  his- 
torical pictures  to  be  placed  in  the  rotundo  of  the  Capitol,  and  pursued  his  studies 
for  three  years  in  Rome,  Naples,  Florence,  Venice,  and  Paris;  and,  with  the  common 
consent  of  the  artists  and  connoisseurs  of  this  country,  it  was  conceded  that  this  honor 
would  unquestionably  be  conferred  upon  him,  and  for  this  object  he  had  made  all 
the  requisite  preparation  for  a painting  to  represent  the  germ  of  the  republic.  That 
the  committee  of  Congress,  then  appointed,  (contrary  to  the  universal  expectation 
of  those  best  qualified  to  judge  of  the  merits  of  the  several  candidates,)  set  aside  the 
claims  of  Professor  Morse,  and  as  an  evidence  of  the  sense  of  injustice  which  was  felt 
among  the  profession,  we  can  state  that  the  late  eminent  and  excellent  artist,  Mr. 
Inman,  wrote  President  Van  Buren  a letter,  in  which  he  offered  to  resign  the  panel 
which  had  been  assigned  to  him,  expressing  his  hope  that  Professor  Morse  might  be 
appointed  to  supply  his  place — a generous  offer,  which  the  committee  to  whom  this  let- 
ter was  referred  did  not  think  proper  to  accept.  That,  as  a further  expression  of  the 
sense  of  the  injustice  done  to  Professor  Morse,  in  rejecting  his  application  to  be  employed 
as  one  of  the  painters,  an  association  was  voluntarily  formed,  of  twenty-nine  artists  and 
amateurs  of  New  York  and  Philadelphia,  (among  whom  we  note  the  names  of  three 
out  of  the  four  successful  candidates  for  these  pictures, ) who  subscribed  a sum  of 
money,  and  appointed  a committee  of  their  body  to  request  Professor  Morse  to 
paint  for  them,  in  small,  the  picture  he  had  intended  to  paint  for  the  rotundo, 
had  Congress  seen  fit  to  grant  him  the  commission.  Although  the  money  was  sub- 
scribed, the  neglect  to  pay  promptly  the  quarterly  instalments  embarrassed  Professor 
Morse  in  the  progress  of  painting  the  picture,  and,  after  every  effort  to  proceed,  he 
was  reluctantly  compelled  to  abandon  his  enterprise.  He  consequently  laid  aside 
his  pencil,  determining  to  devote  himself  for  a while  to  pursuits  which  would  furnish 
him  with  the  means  of  resuming  his  picture  at  a future  day;  to  which  determination 
the  country  is  indebted  for  the  successful  establishment  of  his  magnetic  telegraph — an 
invention  destined  to  associate  his  name  in  our  country’s  annals  with  that  of  Frank- 
lin— an  invention  of  which  the  country  may  justly  be  proud — the  benefits  of  which 
are  but  beginning  to  be  appreciated  and  understood. 


OLD  SENATE  CHAMBER,  SHOWING  WESTERN  GALLERY. 


The  Old  Building. 


341 


The  death  of  Mr.  Inman  now  presents  an  opportunity  of  securing  to  the  country  a 
painting  which,  we  have  no  doubt,  will  form  one  of  the  chief  ornaments  of  the  Cap- 
itol, and  also  of  retrieving  the  error  which  refused  the  commission  to  an  artist  to 
whom  the  arts  of  design  in  our  country  are  so  much  indebted  for  his  self-sacrificing 
devotion  to  their  interests  for  so  many  years. 

As  the  friends  of  Professor  Morse,  we  beg  leave  to  present  to  the  due  consideration 
of  your  honorable  body  his  claims  for  exec.utiug  the  painting  of  the  panel  now  vacated 
by  the  decease  of  Mr.  Inman;  claims  which  we  are  sure  the  great  body  of  those 
whom  he  has  benefited  as  an  artist  would  sanction. 

While  Professor  Morse  will,  very  probably,  (under  the  circumstances,)  not  recjuest 
the  commission  by  any  personal  solicitation  for  himself,  we  are  assured  that  he  will 
accept  the  commission,  if  offered  to  him  by  Congress. 

That  the  commission  may  be  so  conferred  your  petitioners  will  ever  pray. 


A.  B.  Durand, 

Pres’t  N.  A.  of  Design, 
Thomas  S.  Cummings, 

Jno.  G.  Chapman, 

John  L.  Morton, 

F.  W.  Edmonds, 

G.  C.  Verplanck, 

J.  F.  E.  Prudiiomme, 

Jon.  Goodhue, 

P.  Perit, 

Philip  Hone, 

Frederick  K.  Spencer, 
Alfred  Jones, 


James  Harper, 

Chas.  C.  Ingham,  V.  P.  N.  A., 
S.  De  Witt  Bloodgood, 

R.  Watts,  Jr.,  M.  D., 

Prof,  of  Anatomy. 
Regis  Giejewus, 

Jasper  F.  Cropsey, 

Chas.  L.  Elliott, 

Jas.  J.  Mapes, 

Jas.  Renwick, 

Clinton  Roosevelt, 

Geo.  P.  Morris, 

Henry  C.  Shumway. 


[“An  Act  making  Appropriation  to  meet  the  expenses  incurred  in  consequence  of  the  late  fire  at  the 
Capitol,”  approved  Jan.  13,  1852.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  10,  1.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  the  sum  of  five  thousand  dollars  be,  and  the  same  is 
hereby,  appropriated  out  of  any  money  in  the  treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated, 
to  be  expended,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary,  under  the  direction  of  the 
Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  in  discharge  of  the  expenses  incurred  in  the  extin- 
guishment of  the  late  tire  in  the  Library  Room,  the  removal  of  the  rubbish,  and  the 
preservation  of  such  books  and  other  articles  as  may  have  been  saved,  and  the  con- 
struction of  a tin  roof  for  the  preservation  and  protection  of  that  portion  of  the 
building  now  exposed. 

* * * 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Jan.  27,  1852:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 1,  p.  398.] 

LIBRARY  OF  CONGRESS. 

Mr.  Pearce  submitted  the  following  resolution;  which  was  considered  by  unanimous 
consent,  and  agreed  to: 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  be  instructed  to  inquire  into  the 
expediency  of  enlarging,  repairing,  and  refitting  the  principal  apartment  heretofore 
occupied  by  the  Library  of  Congress,  so  that  it  may  be  entirely  fire-proof  and  capable 
of  further  extension  in  harmony  with  the  general  plan  of  the  Capitol,  upon  the 
removal  of  the  Senate  and  Llouse  of  Representatives  and  their  offices  to  the  wings 
of  the  Capitol. 


342 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[Senate.  Rep.  Com.  No.  63.  32d  Congress,  1st  session.  In  the  Senate  ol  the  United  States.  Feb.  4, 

1852.] 

Mr.  Hunter  made  the  following  report  (to  accompany  bill  S.  No.  184): 

The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  to  whom  was  referred  a resolution  directing 
them  to  inquire  into  the  expediency  of  enlarging,  repairing  and  refitting  the  princi- 
pal apartment  lately  occupied  by  the  library  of  Congress,  so  that  the  same  may  be 
entirely  tire-proof  and  capable  of  extension  in  harmony  with  the  general  plan  of  the 
capitol,  have  had  same  under  consideration  and  report  : 

In  connexion  with  this  subject  they  have  examined  the  report  of  the  architect, 
Mr.  Walter,  to  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  upon  the  subject  of  repairing 
the  library.  After  an  examination  of  the  plan  proposed  in  this  report  and  the  draw- 
ings which  accompany  it,  they  have  concurred  in  the  recommendation  of  the  archi- 
tect, and  submit  his  report,  which  is  hereto  annexed,  as  expressing  their  views.  But 
being  well  aware  that  experience  often  suggests  the  propriety  of  changes  in  the 
details  of  a plan  during  the  process  of  construction,  they  have  deemed  it  best  to  leave 
it  to  the  discretion  of  the  President  to  make  such  changes  in  the  details  of  the  plan 
as  may  be  consistent  with  the  general  arrangement,  and  yet  improve  the  appearance 
and  usefulness  of  the  room.  In  view  of  the  necessity  for  some  immediate  provision 
to  meet  the  want  of  a Congressional  library,  the  committee  have  deemed  it  advisable 
to  repair  at  once  the  former  library  room,  and  for  that  purpose  submit  the  accom- 
panying bill.  In  the  event  of  the  passage  of  this  bill,  your  committee  recommend 
that  the  drawings  shall  be  deposited  with  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior. 

Architect’s  Office  U.  S.  Capitol, 
Washington,  D.  C. , January  27,  1852. 

Sir:  In  compliance  with  the  request  contained  in  your  letter  of  the  27th  ultimo,  I 
have  made  an  examination  of  the  capitol,  in  reference  to  the  extent  of  the  injury 
done  to  the  building  by  the  burning  of  the  library  of  Congress,  and  the  best  means 
of  repairing  the  damage.  I have  likewise  prepared  plans  for  reconstructing  the 
library,  which  are  herewith  submitted. 

In  view  of  the  irreparable  loss  the  country  has  sustained  by  the  destruction  of  the 
old  library,  I have  considered  it  an  indispensable  element  in  the  design  now  pre- 
sented, to  use  no  combustible  materials  whatever,  in  any  part  of  the  work;  the 
alcoves,  cases,  galleries,  doors,,  window-shutters,  ceilings,  and  the  brackets  that  sup- 
port them,  are  all  designed  to  be  of  cast-iron;  the  shelves  for  the  books  of  thick  glass, 
or  enamelled  iron;  the  framing  of  the  roof  of  wrought  iron;  the  sheathing  of  copper, 
and  the  floor  of  stone.  In  a library  thus  constructed,  fire  will  be  out  of  the  question, 
and  the  materials  of  which  it  is  formed  will  not  be  subject  to  decay  nor  deterioration. 

By  the  plans  here  proposed  it  is  contemplated  to  enlarge  the  library  so  as  to 
embrace  the  entire  western  projection;  this  will  give  a room  of  twenty-nine  feet  six 
inches  by  seventy  feet  two  inches  at  each  end  of  the  original  library,  extending  to 
the  roof,  lighted  by  skylights,  with  two  additional  apartments,  each  eighteen  feet 
six  inches  by  thirty-five  feet,  for  private  reading-rooms  for  senators  and  members  of 
the  House  of  Representatives  respectively;  thus  making  a suite  oifive  rooms,  embrac- 
ing an  extent  of  three  hundred  and  two  feet. 

It  will  not,  however,  be  possible  to  carry  out  the  entire  plan  until  accommodations 
are  provided  in  the  new  wings  for  the  officers  of  Congress  and  committees  now  occu- 
pying the  north  and  south  rooms  of  the  western  projection;  I therefore  propose  to  fit 
up  the  old  library,  according  to  the  plans,  without  changing  its  dimensions,  and  to 
complete  the  archways  intended  to  lead  into  the  end  rooms,  leaving  a sufficient 
thickness  of  wall  remaining  to  separate  the  library  and  the  said  rooms  until  the 
proper  time  arrives  for  carrying  out  the  entire  design. 

In  this  portion  of  the  plan,  which,  as  before  remarked,  constitutes  the  reconstruc- 
tion of  the  old  library,  there  will  be  two  stories  of  alcoves,  the  second  story  receding 
three  feet  from  the  front  of  those  below,  so  as  to  admit  of  forming  a gallery  on  top 


The  Old  Building. 


343 


with  but  little  projection;  the  same  arrangement  will  be  repeated  on  the  top  of  the 
second  story  alcoves,  so  as  to  form  a gallery  to  the  third  story,  which  will  consist  of 
cases  against  the  wall,  with  divisions  and  ornamental  pilasters  corresponding  to  the 
openings  below.  The  galleries  will  all  be  protected  by  continuous  railings  of  iron. 
The  floors  of  the  galleries  will  consist  of  cast-iron  plates,  and  the  approach  to  them 
will  be  by  means  of  two  semicircular  stairways  formed  of  iron  and  recessed  in  the 
end  walls. 

Each  of  the  lower  alcoves  will  be  inclosed  by  ornamental  iron  gates. 

The  ceiling  will  be  composed  of  thin  iron  plates,  cast  with  deep  sunken  panels, 
filled  in  with  enriched  mouldings  and  centre  ornaments. 

The  room  will  be  lighted,  in  addition  to  the  windows  in  the  west  front,  by  eight 
skylights,  each  six  feet  square  in  the  clear,  making  two  hundred  and  eighty-eight 
square  feet  of  glass.  Each  skylight  will  be  filled  in  with  ornamented  glass,  forming 
part  of  the  design  of  the  ceiling,  and  protected  on  top  by  thick  plates  of  glass  placed 
on  the  line  of  the  roof. 

The  floor  will  be  composed  of  marble  tiles,  the  walls  plastered,  and  the  interior 
painted  in  colors  appropriate  to  the  materials  of  which  it  is  composed. 

I propose  to  warm  this  portion  of  the  building  by  means  of  hot-water  pipes  enclosed 
in  chambers  erected  in  the  present  furnace-rooms  in  the  cellars,  and  connected  with 
boilers  for  heating  the  water;  the  external  air  to  be  admitted  into  these  chambers, 
where  it  will  be  warmed  aud  conducted  by  flues  to  the  library,  and  such  of  the  adja- 
cent rooms  as  are  heated  by  the  present  furnaces.  The  quality  of  the  heat  thus  pro- 
duced is  not  only  unobjectionable,  as  it  regards  health  and  comfort,  but  it  is  pecu- 
liarly adapted  to  the  warming  of  libraries,  as  it  retains  its  original  moisture,  and  is  not 
injurious  to  the  binding  of  the  books,  besides  being  free  from  dust  and  other  impurities. 

The  room  will  be  ventilated  by  means  of  apertures  in  the  ceiling,  opening  into  the 
space  between  the  ceiling  and  the  roof,  from  which  the  foul  air  will  be  extracted  by 
means  of  an  air-shaft,  in  which  a vicuum  will  be  produced  by  artificial  heat. 

The  execution  of  the  entire  plan  here  proposed  will  in  no  way  impair  the  stability 
of  the  structure,  but  rather  promote  it;  none  of  the  main  walls  will  be  disturbed,  the 
removal  of  the  arches  over  the  rooms  will  relieve  the  outer  walls  of  horizontal  pres- 
sure, and  the  aggregate  weight  of  the  superstructure  will  be  reduced;  all  of  which 
are  important  considerations  when  it  is  remembered  that  the  western  projection  has 
always  had  a tendency  to  settle  off  from  the  rest  of  the  building,  which  is  shown  by 
the  cracks  in  the  angles  on  the  outside. 

The  injury  to  the  building  produced  by  the  fire  is  almost  exclusively  confined  to 
the  library.  The  floor  being  composed  of  bricks  laid  on  the  arches  of  the  rooms 
below,  and  the  surrounding  walls  being  of  great  thickness,  extending  above  the  roof 
in  the  form  of  parapets,  the  firemen  were  enabled  to  keep  the  fire  under  control  and 
prevent  it  from  communicating  to  other  parts  of  the  building.  The  walls  are,  how- 
ever, so  much  injured  as  to  make  it  necessary  to  take  down  and  rebuild  the  upper  por- 
tion of  them,  including  the  entire  parapets,  and  to  repair  them  generally  throughout. 

The  western  front  has  sustained  so  much  injury  around  the  windows,  as  to  make  it 
necessary  to  take  out  the  stone  work  between  the  pilasters  as  high  as  the  bottom  of 
the  upper  panels,  and  substitute  it  with  new  material ; the  panel,  and  sculpture  appear 
to  be  uninjured;  and  as  far  as  I can  now  judge,  they  may  remain. 

The  inner  portions  of  the  columns  have  suffered  very  seriously;  the  injured  parts 
may,  however,  be  cut  out  and  replaced  by  new  stone,  without  removing  them,  as 
the  repairing  will  be  obscured  by  repainting  them. 

I would  further  suggest,  in  connexion  with  these  improvements,  the  removal  of 
the  stairway  leading  into  the  attic,  in  front  of  the  main  door  of  the  library:  this  stair- 
way is  of  but  little  use,  as  both  ends  of  the  building  have  other  convenient  approaches; 
I therefore  propose  its  removal,  with  all  the  columns  and  archways  connected  with 
it.  The  stairway  by  which  the  rotundo  is  approached  will  then  be  better  lighted, 


344 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


the  approach  to  the  library  will  be  free  and  light,  and  the  library  door  will  be  in  full 
view  from  the  rotundo.  This  door  may  be  richly  embellished  with  the  columns  and 
entablature  which  now  support  the  stairs  in  question,  and  a rich  marble  balustrade 
may  be  placed  around  the  stairway  leading  from  below,  Avhich  will  form  a tasteful 
and  convenient  improvement.  This  colonnade,  with  the  low  arches  leading  to  the 
library,  are  the  most  objectionable  features  of  the  building,  besides  interfering  with 
the  passage  of  light  to  the  stairway  most  used  by  the  members,  and  also  to  the 
approach  to  the  library;  I can,  therefore,  see  no  reason  why  they  should  not  be 
removed. 

I have  estimated  the  cost  of  carrying  out  that  portion  of  the  plan  now  proposed, 
embracing  the  space  heretofore  occupied  by  the  library,  together  with  all  the  afore- 
mentioned repairs  and  alterations,  the  whole  of  which  are  to  be  executed  of  incom- 
bustible materials  as  hereinbefore  stated,  and  find  that  it  will  amount  to  $72,500. 

I am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Tho.  U.  Walter, 

Architect  U.  S.  Capitol. 

William  Easby,  Esq., 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


[“An  Act  to  provide  for  the  Repair  of  the  Congressional  Library  Room,  lately  destroyed  by  Fire,” 
approved  Mar.  19,  1852.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v,  10,  3.)] 

Be  it  enacted  bg  the  Senate  and,  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  the  sum  of  seventy-two  thousand  five  hundred  dollars  be, 
and  the  same  is  hereby  appropriated  to  the  repair  of  the  Congressional  Library  room, 
which  was  lately  destroyed  by  fire,  according  to  the  plan  described  in  the  report  and 
drawings  which  were  submitted  by  the  architect  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  and 
approved  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  of  the  Senate:  Provided,  however, 
That  the  work  shall  be  executed  under  the  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior, 
and  be  subject  to  such  a modification  of  the  details  as  may  be  consistent  with  the 
general  arrangements  of  the  plan,  and  necessary  and  proper  in  the  opinion  of  the 
President  of  the  United  States. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Thomas  U.  Walter,  Architect  of  Public  Buildings,  Dec.  1,  1852.  (32 — 2, 
House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  1,  p.  582,  585.)] 

LIBRARY  OF  CONGRESS. 

On  the  27th  of  January  last  I submitted  designs  for  reconstructing  the  main  library 
room,  with  arrangements  for  future  extension,  which  were  adopted,  and  on  the  19th 
of  March  an  appropriation  of  $72,500  was  made  to  carry  out  the  plans.  The  work 
was  immediately  commenced,  and  every  possible  exertion  has  been  made  to  complete 
it  before  the  assembling  of  Congress;  it  will,  however,  be  out  of  our  power  to  finish 
it  entirely  for  several  weeks  to  come,  notwithstanding  the  workmen  have  been  con- 
stantly and  energetically  employed,  night  and  day.  The  entire  room  is  fitted  up 
with  iron,  and  the  ceiling  is  composed  of  the  same  material,  so  that  nothing  com- 
bustible enters  in  any  way  into  its  construction. 

The  damage  done  by  the  fire  to  the  western  front  has  all  been  repaired. 

The  hot  water  furnaces,  for  warming  the  library  and  the  adjacent  rooms  are  com- 


pleted and  in  operation. 

The  appropriation  made  for  “the  repairs  of  the  Congressional  Library,” 

by  the  act  of  Congress  approved  March  19,  1852,  amounted  to $72,500  00 

Of  which  there  have  been  expended  to  the  present  date  (December  1, 

1852) 51,703  24 

Leaving  an  unexpended  balance  of 20,  796  76 

* * * 


The  Old  Building. 


345 


Immediately  after  the  destruction  of  this  portion  of  the  Capitol  by  fire,  which 
occurred  on  the  24th  of  December  last,  I was  requested  by  the  Commissioner  of 
Public  Buildings  to  make  an  examination  in  reference  to  the  extent  of  the  injury, 
to  report  thereon,  and  to  prepare  plans  and  estimates  for  repairing  the  damage. 

On  the  27th  of  January  I submitted  a design  for  reconstructing  the  principal 
apartment  of  the  library  within  its  original  limits,  with  such  an  arrangement  as 
would  admit  of  its  future  enlargement,  together  with  a report  and  an  estimate,  all 
of  which  were  subsequently  transmitted  to  the  Senate  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings and  Grounds,  and  on  the  19th  of  March  last,  an  act  was  passed  by  Congress 
appropriating  the  sum  of  $72,500  for  carrying  out  the  design. 

As  the  plans  contemplated  the  execution  of  the  entire  work  of  iron,  proposals 
were  invited  from  several  establishments  which  were  supposed  to  possess  undoubted 
facilities  for  working  in  that  material  with  expedition  and  accuracy,  and  the  con- 
tract was  finally  awarded  to  Messrs.  James  Beebe  & Co.,  of  New  York,  they  being 
the  lowest  bidders.  Articles  of  agreement  were  entered  into  by  the  parties  on  the 
21st  of  June  last,  and  the  work  was  commenced  as  soon  as  the  patterns  could  be 
prepared. 

The  great  inconvenience  occasioned  by  the  loss  of  the  former  library  rendered  it 
highly  important  to  have  the  room  finished,  if  possible,  before  the  assembling  of 
Congress,  and  to  effect  this  object  every  possible  exertion  has  been  used.  The  con- 
tractors have  kept  as  many  men  constantly  employed,  day  and  night,  as  the  nature 
of  the  work  would  admit,  and  have  left  no  means  unemployed  to  bring  it  to  a speedy 
conclusion.  Several  weeks  were  lost  by  unforseen  difficulties,  which  occurred  in 
preparing  the  room  for  the  contractors;  and  considerable  time  was  consumed  in 
waiting  for  the  patterns  for  the  ornamental  work,  which  the  pattern-makers  found 
it  impossible  to  prepare  as  rapidly  as  they  were  required.  But  notwithstanding 
these  hindrances,  which  could  neither  have  been  foreseen  nor  avoided,  the  work  has 
progressed  with  unexampled  rapidity.  The  ceiling,  which  is  wholly  of  iron,  is 
entirely  finished,  and  the  alcoves  and  shelves  will  be  completed  in  a few  days,  so 
that  but  little  yet  remains  to  be  done  to  finish  all  the  iron  work.  The  whole  of  this 
immense  iron  room  will  therefore  have  been  cast,  fitted,  and  put  up  in  less  than  six 
months;  and  as  far  as  my  own  knowledge  goes,  it  is  the  first  room  ever  made  exclu- 
sively of  iron. 

The  damage  done  by  the  fire  to  the  western  front  of  the  building  has  all  been 
repaired.  The  moulded  dressings  around  the  windows,  and  all  the  injured  portions 
of  the  wall,  the  columns,  and  the  pedestals  have  been  removed  and  replaced  by  other 
stone  from  the  same  quarry;  so  that  every  part  of  the  work  is  rendered  as  permanent 
and  free  from  blemish  as  it  was  before  the  fire.  The  sculptured  panels  above  the 
windows  sustained  no  injury,  except  being  defaced  by  smoke.  Such  portions  of  the 
inside  walls  as  were  injured,  were  cutout  and  replaced  by  new  materials. 

Description  of  the  design. — The  library,  when  completed,  will  embrace  the  entire 
western  projection  of  the  present  Capitol.  The  main  room,  which  is  the  part  of  the 
design  now  being  finished,  is  91  feet  long,  34  feet  wide,  and  38  feet  high.  It  occupies 
the  centre  of  the  western  projection,  and  will  connect  at  each  end  with  a room  of 
corresponding  height,  29  feet  6 inches  wide,  and  70  feet  2 inches  long.  These  rooms 
will  be  fitted  up  with  iron  cases,  and  iron  ceilings,  similar  to  those  of  the  main 
library.  They  will  also  be  roofed  with  copper  laid  on  iron  rafters,  and  lighted  by 
ornamental  skylights.  The  connexion  between  the  centre  and  the  end  rooms  will 
be  made  by  openings  of  10  feet  in  width  by  28  feet  6 inches  in  height,  crowned  by 
elliptical  arches.  These  openings  are  already  formed  in  the  walls,  so  as  to  admit  of 
being  cut  through  with  but  little  labor.  There  will  also  be  two  additional  apart- 
ments, each  18  feet  6 inches  by  35  feet,  one  of  which  is  now  temporarily  occupied  by 
the  library;  thus  forming  a suite  of  five  rooms,  embracing  an  extent  of  302  feet. 
These  smaller  apartments  will  be  appropriated  to  the  use  of  Senators  and  members 
of  the  House  of  Representatives  as  private  reading  rooms. 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


346 

The  entire  plan  cannot,  however,  be  carried  out  until  accommodations  are  pro- 
vided in  the  new  wings  for  the  officers  of  Congress,  and  the  committees  now  occupy- 
ing the  north  and  south  rooms  of  the  western  projection. 

The  main  library  room,  which,  as  before  stated,  is  now  nearly  completed,  embraces 
the  space  occupied  by  the  old  library  before  the  fire.  On  both  sides  of  the  room  are 
three  stories  of  iron  cases,  each  9 feet  6 inches  in  height.  The  lower  story  consists  of 
alcoves  projecting  8 feet  6 inches  into  the  room,  with  cases  on  each  side  of  the  pro- 
jections. The  second  story  has  similar  alcoves,  excepting  that  their  projection  is  but 
5 feet,  which  leaves  a platform  of  3 feet  6 inches  in  width,  resting  on  the  cases  below, 
and  which  constitute  a commodious  gallery.  A similar  platform  is  constructed  on 
the  alcoves  of  the  second  story,  forming  a gallery  to  approach  the  upper  cases;  thus 
making  three  stories,  receding  as  they  ascend.  These  galleries  are  continued  across 
the  ends  of  the  room,  where  they  are  supported  by  massive  brackets. 

The  alcoves  are  nine  feet  eight  inches  in  width,  from  centre  to  centre,  with  an 
ornamented  pier  forming  the  head  of  each  projection.  The  architraves  which  cross 
the  alcoves  are  finished  with  shields,  crowning  bands  and  corner  ornaments.  The 
shields  are  designed  as  tablets  to  receive  the  names  of  the  general  subjects  on  which 
the  books  in  the  respective  alcoves  treat. 

The  galleries  are  all  floored  with  cast  iron  plates,  and  protected  by  pedestals  and 
railings;  they  are  approached  by  two  semicircular  stairways  of  cast  iron,  recessed  in 
the  end  walls  of  the  room. 

The  ceiling  is  wholly  composed  of  iron;  it  is  suspended  from  strong  iron  trusses, 
which  likewise  constitute  the  support  of  the  roof;  it  rests  on  twenty-four  massy  con- 
soles, ornamented  with  foliage,  fruits,  and  scrolls.  Each  of  these  consoles  weighs 
nearly  a ton.  Their  projection  from  the  face  of  the  walls  is  five  feet  six  inches,  their 
height  five  feet  four  inches,  and  their  wddth  twenty-one  inches.  The  entire  ceiling 
is  divided  into  deeply  sunken  panels,  and  embellished  with  ornate  mouldings  and 
foliated  pendants. 

The  room  is  lighted,  in  addition  to  the  five  windows  in  the  western  front,  by  eight 
sky-lights  in  the  ceiling,  each  six  feet  square  in  the  clear,  filled  in  with  ornamented 
glass,  and  protected  by  an  upper  sky-light  of  seventy-seven  feet  in  length  by  ten  feet 
six  inches  in  width,  placed  on  a corresponding  angle  with  the  roof,  and  covered  with 
thick  plates  of  glass.  The  roof  is  covered  with  copper,  secured  by  copper  wire  to  the 
iron  rafters. 

The  furnaces  for  warming  this  portion  of  the  building  are  completed,  and  in  oper- 
ation. They  consist  of  hot  water  pipes  enclosed  in  chambers  erected  in  the  old  fur- 
nace room  in  the  cellar,  and  connected  with  boilers  for  heating  the  water.  The 
external  air  is  admitted  into  these  chambers,  where  it  is  warmed  and  conveyed  by 
flues  into  the  library,  and  such  of  the  adjacent  rooms  as  were  heated  by  the  old 
furnaces. 

By  an  act  of  Congress,  approved  March  19,  1852,  there  was  appropriated 

for  “the  repairs  of  the  Congressional  Library”  the  sum  of $72, 500  00 

Of  which  there  have  been  expended,  to  the  present  date,  (Dec.  1, 1852,).  51,  703  24 


Leaving  an  unexpended  balance  of 


20,  796  76 


A detailed  account  of  the  expenditures  up  to  the  31st  of  the  present  month,  inclu- 
sive, will  be  transmitted  to  you  on  the  1st  of  January  ensuing. 

* * * 


Hon.  Alex.  H.  H.  Stuart, 

Secretary  of  the  Interior. 


Thomas  U.  Walter, 
Architect  of  the  Public  Buildings. 


The  Old  Building. 


347 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Alexander  H.  H.  Stuart,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Dec.  4, 1852  (32-2,  House 

Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  1,  45.)] 

The  arrangements  for  the  new  library  room  are  also  nearly  completed,  with  the 
exception  of  the  painting  and  gilding.  The  galleries,  piers,  alcoves,  columns,  doors, 
stairways,  shelving,  ceiling,  consoles,  and,  indeed,  all  of  the  new  fixtures,  are  of  iron. 
The  trusses  of  the  roof  are  also  of  iron,  covered  with  copper;  so  that  no  combustible 
material  is  used  in  any  part  of  it.  The  plan  of  this  work  was  designed,  and  the 
drawings  and  specifications,  in  detail,  were  prepared,  by  Mr.  Thomas  IT.  Walter, 
the  architect  of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  and  the  execution  of  them  was  intrusted 
to  Messrs.  Beebee  & Co.,  of  New'  York.  When  completed,  it  will  present  the  first 
specimen  of  a room  constructed  entirely  of  iron;  and  I think  I may  add,  that  for 
convenience  and  beauty  of  arrangement  it  will  be  without  a rival.  The  workman- 
ship is  of  the  most  admirable  quality;  and  when  we  look  at  it  as  it  now  stands,  and 
reflect  that  it  consists  of  more  than  ten  thousand  separate  pieces,  of  an  aggregate 
weight  of  four  hundred  tons,  and  that  it  was  planned  in  Washington,  and  executed 
in  New  York,  more  than  two  hundred  miles  from  the  hall  in  which  it  was  to  be 
placed;  and  when  we  see  that  every  part  of  it  fits  together  with  the  precision  of  cabi- 
net work,  we  are  at  a loss  whether  to  ascribe  most  honor  and  praise  to  the  genius 
and  taste  of  the  architect  who  conceived  and  marked  out  the  design,  or  to  the  skill 
and  fidelity  of  the  contractors  who  performed  the  work. 

The  damage  done  to  the  outside  of  the  western  front  of  the  Capitol  by  the  fire  of 
December,  1851,  which  was  more  extensive  than  was  at  first  supposed,  has  been 
repaired,  and  the  building  rendered  as  permanent  and  free  from  blemish  as  before 
the  accident  occurred. 


[House  of  Representatives.  Ex.  Doc.  No.  18.  32d  Congress,  2d  Session.  Estimate — Congressional 
Library.  Letter  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  transmitting  an  estimate  to  cover  deficiency 
in  the  appropriation  for  repairing  the  Congressional  Library.  Jan.  14, 1853— Referred  to  the  Com- 
mittee of  Ways  and  Means.] 

Treasury  Department, 

December  39,  1853. 

Sir:  In  conformity  with  a request  contained  in  a letter  from  the  Secretary  of  the 
Interior  of  the  28th  instant,  a copy  of  which  is  enclosed,  I have  the  honor  to  trans- 
mit herewith  a letter  to  that  officer,  of  same  date,  from  Thomas  U.  Walter,  architect, 
&c. , accompanied  by  an  estimate  to  cover  a deficiency  in  the  appropriation  for  ‘ ‘ the 
repairs  of  the  Congressional  Library.” 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant,  Tho.  Corwin, 

Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 

Hon.  Linn  Boyd, 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


Department  of  the  Interior, 

Washington,  December  38,  1853. 

Sir:  In  accordance  with  the  desire  intimated  in  a letter  from  the  Committee  of 
Ways  and  Means  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  of  the  2d  of  January  last,  as  to  the 
manner  in  which  special  estimates  shall  be  communicated  to  them,  I have  the  honor 
to  transmit  herewith  a letter,  of  the  present  date,  from  Thomas  IT.  Walter,  esq., 
architect,  &c.,  accompanied  by  an  estimate  to  cover  a deficiency  in  the  appropriation 
for  “repairs  of  the  Congressional  Library”  of  $20,500,  and  request  that  it  may  be 
communicated  to  the  House  of  Representatives. 

I am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Alex.  H.  II.  Stuart,  Secretary. 

Hon.  Tho.  Corwin, 

Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 


348 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Architect’s  Office,  U.  S.  Capitol, 
Washington,  D.  C.,  December  28,  1852. 

Sir:  I find  that  there  will  be  a deficiency  of  appropriation  for  “the  repairs  of  the 
Congressional  Library”  of  $20,500,  which  has  occurred  in  consequence  of  the  injuries 
from  the  fire  being  greater  than  were  at  first  supposed,  and  from  the  impossibility  of 
estimating  accurately  the  cost  of  so  novel  and  difficult  a work,  as  well  as  from  a more 
expensive  finish  having  been  decided  upon  than  was  at  first  contemplated. 

I find  my  estimate  of  quantities  in  the  iron  work  (which  is  the  largest  item  of 
expense)  to  correspond  very  nearly  with  the  actual  amount  of  material  used;  but  it 
was  impossible  to  say  with  certainty  what  the  prices  would  be  until  the  bidders  for 
the  work  had  submitted  their  proposals.  In  order  to  show  the  uncertainty  of  the 
cost  of  so  unusual  a work,  I subjoin  a list  of  the  aggregate  of  each  of  the  bids,  founded 
on  the  quantities  ascertained  by  my  own  estimate,  which,  as  before  remarked,  has 
proved  to  be  substantially  correct. 


E.  Corning  & Co.,  of  Albany $87,  636 

Theo.  J.  Gillies,  of  New  York 85,869 

J.  T.  Ames,  of  Massachusetts 77, 492 

R.  H.  Lathrop,  of  Albany 72,968 

John  B.  King  & Co.,  of  Albany 7 72,  851 

Carnley,  King,  & Co.,  of  New  York 72,646 

Bogardus  & Hoppen,  of  New  York  72, 518 

Janes,  Beebe,  & Co.,  of  New  York 59,  872 


It  will  be  observed  that  all  the  bids  except  the  last  exceed  the  whole  amount  of 
the  appropriation,  viz:  $72,500;  and  the  difference  between  the  highest  and  the  low- 
est is  $27,764.  The  lowest  bid  was  accepted;  and  I have  the  satisfaction  to  say  that 
the  work  has  been  executed  as  well  and  as  faithfully  as  it  could  have  been  done  by 
any  one. 

The  style  of  finish  I propose  to  give  to  the  work  is  as  follows: 

All  the  plain  surfaces  of  the  ceiling,  both  horizontal  and  vertical,  to  be  gilded  in 
three  shades  of  gold  leaf,  so  disposed  as  to  give  depth  and  effect  to  the  panels. 

All  the  ornamental  mouldings,  pendants,  and  drops  of  the  ceiling  to  be  finished  in 
gold  bronze,  and  the  prominent  parts  to  be  tipped  with  gold,  burnished,  so  as  to 
produce  a decided  and  sparkling  effect  against  the  dead  gold  surfaces. 

The  large  consoles  to  be  painted  in  light  bronze,  green,  tipped  with  gold  bronze 
and  burnished  gold,  for  the  purpose  of  giving  relief  to  the  fruits  and  foliage. 

All  the  cases,  the  railings,  and  the  remaining  iron  work  to  be  finished  with  light 
gold  bronze,  tipped  on  all  the  parts  which  receive  the  strongest  light  with  burnished 
gold. 

The  walls  to  be  frescoed  in  ornamental  panels,  corresponding  with  the  rest  of  the 
work. 

In  the  finish  of  this  room  I desire  to  keep  up  the  idea  of  the  whole  being  com- 
posed of  metal,  which  could  not  be  done  if  other  than  metallic  colors  were  used;  and 
I think  that  the  effect  of  the  finish  here  proposed  will  be  perfectly  harmonious,  and 
will  impart  to  the  room  a brilliancy  and  richness  consistent  with  its  architecture. 
The  estimate  here  given  is  founded  on  this  description  of  finish. 

I am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Tho.  U.  Walter, 

Architect  of  “ Repairs  of  Congressional  Library .” 

Hon.  Alex.  H.  H.  Stuart, 

Secretary  of  the  Interior. 


The  Old  Building. 


349 


Architect’s  Office,  U.  S.  Capitol, 
Washington,  I).  C. , December  28,  1852. 


Estimate  for  furnishing  “repairs  of  Congressional  Library,”  wrought-iron 

door,  with  lock  and  hanging,  in  north  end  of  room,  now  in  hands §100 

Main  entrance  door  of  Library  with  architraves  inside  and  outside,  all  of  iron . 350 

Balance  due  on  roof 850 

Bill  for  priming  and  painting  all  the  iron  work  at  the  foundry,  and  after  it 

was  put  up 950 

Balance  due  on  cast-iron  work 6,  700 

Ornamental  iron  railing  around  all  the  galleries,  including  putting  up 2,  700 

Due  for  December  pay-roll  of  bricklayers  and  laborers 320 

Due  John  Skirving,  foreman,  wages 350 

Estimate  for  finishing  plastering 250 

Do.  cement  and  workmanship  of  floor 350 

Do.  gilding,  bronzing,  and  painting,  including  scaffolding 12,000 

Incidental  expenses — say 935 


25,  855 

Balance  of  appropriation  on  hand  this  day,  December  28, 1852 5,  355 


20,  500 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  15,  1853:  Congressional  Globe,  32-2,  p.  623.] 

The  Senate,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  having  under  consideration  the  bill  to 
supply  deficiencies  in  the  appropriations  for  the  service  of  the  fiscal  year  1853 — 

Mr.  Brodhead.  I desire  to  move  an  amendment,  for  the  purpose  of  making  an 
inquiry  of  the  honorable  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Finance,  who  is  also  a mem- 
ber of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings.  I move  to  strike  out  the  clause — 

For  the  completion  of  the  repairs  of  the  Library  room  authorized  by  the  act  approved  March  19, 
1852,  $20,500. 

At  the  last  session  we  appropriated  §75,000  for  this  purpose.  This  appropriation 
will  make  §95,500  for  fitting  up  and  repairing  one  room. ' I know  nothing  against 
the  integrity  of  the  architect  who  has  this  work  in  charge;  but  I thought,  when  the 
§75,000  were  asked  for,  that  it  was  a very  large  sum  to  require  to  fix  up  one  room 
and  to  repair  it  for  the  reception  of  books;  and  now,  when  §20,500  in  addition  is 
asked  for,  I think  there  ought  to  be  some  explanation  of  it  given  to  the  Senate.  It 
may  be  proper  that  §95,500  should  be  appropriated  for  this  purpose,  but  it  does  seem 
to  me  to  be  a very  large  amount. 

Mr.  Hunter.  It  is  true  that  the  expenditure  for  the  repair  of  the  Library  room  is 
likely  to  exceed  the  estimate  originally  made  by  the  architect.  We  all  know  that 
that  room  was  destroyed  by  fire.  It  was  impossible  to  ascertain  from  a superficial 
inspection  how  far  the  building  had  been  injured.  In  taking  down  the  portions 
which  were  burned,  it  was  found  that  the  injury  was  much  greater  than  had  been 
supposed.  In  addition  to  that,  it  is  to  be  observed — this  I am  told  by  the  Architect, 
and  I presume  it  is  so — that  this  is  the  largest  room  made  of  iron  in  the  world, 
and  of  course  there  would  be  a greater  liability  to  error  in  estimating  for  a room  of 
that  sort,  when  the  first  experiment  Avas  to  be  made,  than  there  Avould  be  in  regard 
to  any  other.  The  Architect  showed  me  the  bids  for  the  iron  alone,  and  they 
ranged  from  seventy-odd  thousand  dollars — nearly  the  amount  originally  appro- 
priated— down  to  fifty  thousand  dollars.  He  took  the  lowest  bid;  and  it  seems  to 
have  been  very  well  executed.  But  it  Avas  found  that,  in  order  to  finish  this  room,  it 
would  require  an  additional  sum.  I believe  it  passed  through  the  supervision  of  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings  in  the  House  of  Representatives.  This  is  the  esti- 


350 


Documentary  Jlist ary  of  the  Capitol. 


mate.  When  completed,  the  room  will  probably  be  one  of  the  most  beautiful  in  the 
world.  The  Architect  designs  to  finish  it  in  such  a style  as  may  present  this  new 
species  of  architecture  in  a more  elegant  and  inviting  form;  and  surely  no  man  has 
more  interest  than  the  Senator  from  Pennsylvania  in  the  material  which  is  adopted 
in  the  construction  of  that  room.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Borland.  I desire  to  take  this  occasion  to  say  a word  upon  the  subject  of  this 
Architect’s  estimates.  I know  the  argument  that  the  Senator  from  Virginia  has 
made  to  my  friend  from  Pennsylvania  is  a yery  strong  one.  We  have  heard  of  a 
great  many  different  kinds  of  arguments.  There  is  the  argumentum  ad  hominem,  and 
there  are  various  other  arguments.  The  argument  applied  to  the  Senator  from  Penn- 
sylvania, seems  to  be  the  argumentum  adferrum.  The  Senator  from  Texas  made  the 
same  appeal  to  the  Senator  from  Pennsylvania  the  other  day,  and  the  Senator  from 
Virginia  renews  it  to-day.  I am  afraid  that  this  constant  striking  of  my  friend  from 
Pennsylvania  with  an  iron  argument,  if  he  is  not  a man  of  iron  nerve,  will  break 
down  his  resolution. 

But,  Mr.  President,  I desire  to  avail  myself  of  the  occasion  offered  by  the  proposed 
amendment,  to  say  a word  with  regard  to  the  contracts  which  this  Architect  has 
been  making  for  the  public  works;  and  I do  so  for  the  purpose  of  supplying  a small 
omission  which  I made  a few  moments  ago.  Speaking  in  regard  to  this  matter  of 
contracts,  I will  state  a single  fact  which  has  been  proved  before  the  Committee  on 
Frauds.  It  will  strike  the  Senate,  I think,  as  a very  extraordinary  one.  The  con- 
tracts made  for  the  marble  to  be  used  in  the  construction  of  the  extension  of  the 
Capitol,  were  very  curiously  worded.  A difference  is  made  in  the  pieces  of  marble 
containing  thirty  cubic  feet  and  over,  and  those  containing  less  than  thirty  cubic 
feet;  and  there  is  a very  extraordinary  difference.  The  Architect  pays  for  the  mar- 
ble, in  pieces  of  thirty  cubic  feet  and  over,  $1  98  per  cubic  foot,  and  for  pieces  under 
thirty  cubic  feet  in  size,  sixty-five  cents  a cubic  foot.  In  receiving  the  estimates 
from  the  different  individuals  who  propose  to  furnish  this  marble,  he  received,  of 
course,  as  to  the  aggregate  number  of  cubic  feet  that  would  be  required  in  the  build- 
ing. There  were  various  amounts  stated:  Mr.  Smith,  of  New  York,  to  whose  high 
character  as  a man  of  integrity  the  Senator  from  New  York  will  bear  testimony, 
came,  at  the  request  of  the  Architect,  and  submitted  an  estimate  for  thirty-five  thou- 
sand cubic  feet.  The  Architect  told  him  that  he  thought  it  was  too  little;  that  more 
would  be  required,  and  suggested  fifty  thousand  cubic  feet  as  the  estimated  amount 
for  the  whole.  Upon  that,  Mr.  Smith  based  a proposition  to  furnish  it  at  a certain 
price.  That  was  the  largest  amount  then  which  the  Architect  deemed  necessary. 
He  made  the  contract  with  others,  estimating  for  one  hundred  thousand  cubic  feet — 
more  than  double  what  he  at  first  supposed  would  be  necessary — but  it  is  found  that 
about  one  half  of  this  one  hundred  thousand  cubic  feet  has  been  received  in  pieces 
over  thirty  cubic  feet  in  size.  Now,  sir,  a very  simple  estimate  shows  what  is  the 
result,  and  what  we  find  before  our  eyes  every  day,  namely:  that  at  least  half,  or 
more  than  half,  has  been  furnished  in  pieces  over  thirty  cubic  feet  in  size.  With 
what  result?  Why,  sir,  they  bring  these  pieces  here,  and  at  the  expense  of  the 
Government  cut  them  up  into  small  pieces;  so  instead  of  getting  the  small  pieces 
which  were  needed,  at  sixty-five  cents  per  cubic  foot,  they  pay  $1  98  per  cubic  foot 
for  large  pieces,  and  bring  them  here,  and,  at  an  additional  expense  to  the  Govern- 
ment, cut  them  up  in  small  pieces.  What  is  the  difference?  The  Commissioner  of 
Public  Buildings  states  the  difference.  He  makes  an  estimate  of  what  came  under 
his  own  observation,  which  he  communicated  to  Mr.  Walter,  the  Architect,  of  more 
than  $65,000  paid  out,  which  ought  not  to  have  been  paid.  So  much  for  the  con- 
tracts and  estimates  and  statements  which  the  Architect  may  make.  I have  no  com- 
ment to  make  upon  it.  I state  this  as  a fact,  proved  beyond  all  controversy,  which 
any  man  can  see  to  be  true  by  looking  at  the  thing  as  it  is  passing  every  day  before 
our  eyes.  I leave  the  Senate  to  judge  what  confidence  should  be  placed  in  the  state- 
ments and  estimates  of  the  Architect. 


The  Old  Building. 


351 


Mr.  Brooke.  I do  not  rise  to  say  anything  about  this  amendment;  but  I rise  for  the 
purpose  of  protesting  against  any  member  of  any  investigating  committee  which  is  now 
in  session,  divulging  what  has  been  testified  before  that  committee,  until  the  report 
is  complete,  and  published  by  the  authority  of  the  Senate.  The  statements,  so  far  as 
they  have  been  made,  are  entirely  ex  parte.  The  investigating  committee  has  the 
power  of  arraigning  the  individuals  brought  before  it,  and  they  hear  testimony  con- 
cerning charges  that  have  been  made.  The  characters  of  men  are  involved;  and  the 
simple  rule  of  justice  requires  that  these  charges,  and  the  proof — the  ex  parte  proof — 
so  far  had  upon  them,  should  not  be  divulged  to  the  world,  until  the  parties  impli- 
cated and  accused  have  had  an  opportunity  to  defend  themselves.  I rise,  as  I re- 
marked, simply  for  the  purpose  of  protesting  against  any  such  course  of  proceeding. 

Mr.  Borland.  The  Senator  from  Mississippi  protests  against  my  use  of  these  papers. 
Has  that  Senator  forgotten  that  before  I took  them  from  the  committee- room,  1 pro- 
posed it  to  the  committee,  and  received  its  permission  to  use  them  for  this  very  pur- 
pose? I did  not  take  them  to  bring  them  to  the  Senate  without  stating  the  use  which 
I was  going  to  make  of  them,  which  was  rendered  necessary  because  this  appropria- 
tion was  pending  before  us. 

Mr.  Brooke.  I was  not  aware  that  the  Senator  had  the  consent  of  the  committee; 
but  if  he  had,  it  makes  no  difference.  I protest  against  the  principle  of  the  thing, 
whether  he  comes  with  the  permission  of  the  committee  or  not. 

Mr.  Walker.  Money  is  about  being  appropriated  for  certain  public  objects.  I differ 
from  the  honorable  Senator  from  Mississippi  in  this.  I believe  it  to  be  the  duty  of 
that  committee,  either  by  its  individuals  or  in  its  aggregate,  to  make  known  such 
general  facts  to  the  Senate  as  may  put  us  on  our  guard  in  reference  to  these  appro- 
priations. Sir,  if  with  the  knowledge  which  we  possess,  we  should  sit  quietly  by 
and  see  $400,000  appropriated  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  and  $20,500  for  the 
Library  room,  and  not  make  known  that  there  was  danger  ahead,  and  that  injury 
had  been  sustained  by  the  Government,  1 should  think  that  we  were  derelict  in  our 
duty.  I think  the  Senator  from  Arkansas  has  mentioned  nothing  more  and  nothing 
less  than  it  was  his  duty  to  mention.  Why,  sir,  he  did  not  even  skim  the  surface 
of  what  he  might  say,  but  he  said  enough,  if  confidence  can  be  placed  in  what  he 
says— and  I know  no  Senator  in  whom  more  confidence  should  be  placed — to  alarm 
the  Senate,  and  make  it  take  care  of  what  it  is  doing.  I do  not  think  there  has  been 
any  outrage  committed  upon  the  individuals  of  the  Senate,  or  other  members  of  the 
committee,  by  what  the  Senator  from  Arkansas  has  mentioned. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I hope  that  this  line  of  debate  will  not  proceed  further.  It  seems  to 
me  that  it  cannot  be  well  to  go  further  into  it,  as  we  are  anxious  to  dispose  of  the 
bill  this  morning.  The  contracts  to  which  the  Senator  from  Arkansas  alludes  are 
contracts  in  relation  to  a subject  which  has  been  passed  by — not  to  the  Library  room. 
We  are  all  anxious  to  have  that  room  completed,  and  without  this  additional  appro- 
priation it  cannot  be  done.  We  must  either  vote  the  money  or  suspend  the  work, 
and  thus  postpone,  perhaps  for  another  year,  the  advantages  which  we  derive  from 
the  Congressional  Library.  But  I suppose  that  the  Senator  from  Arkansas  is  not 
opposing  this  additional  appropriation  for  the  Library.  He  is  only  deriving  from 
this  an  opportunity  to  expose  the  frauds  which  he  discovers  in  relation  to  the  other 
matters.  I hope  we  shall  be  allowed  to  take  a vote  upon  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Borland.  I did  not  rise  to  oppose  this  amendment  particularly,  but  simply 
for  the  purpose  of  saying  this:  The  Senator  from  Pennsylvania  asked  a question  with 
reference  to  this  very  appropriation,  and  the  grounds  upon  which  it  is  based.  The 
Senator  from  Virginia,  in  explaining  that  appropriation  and  the  grounds  upon  which 
it  is  given,  stated  as  an  authority  for  the  amount  required  the  estimate  of  the  Archi- 
tect employed  on  the  extension  of  the  Capitol.  In  order  to  make  an  answer  to  that, 
and  to  show  how  much  authority  of  that  kind  can  be  relied  on  in  determining  this 
question  with  regard  to  the  amount  of  the  appropriation  required,  I deemed  it  my 


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Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


duty  to  call  the  attention  of  the  Senate  to  the  facts  which  exist,  in  order  to  put  the 
Senate  in  possession  of  the  means  of  judging  for  themselves.  That  was  my  reason. 

One  word  as  to  that  which  the  Senator  from  Mississippi  chooses  to  regard  as  so 
very  wrong  in  the  exposures  which  I have  made.  Why,  sir,  the  facts  are  not  only 
before  the  committee,  but  they  are  published  in  the  newspapers;  at  least  rumors 
about  the  matter  are  published.  In  that  state  of  things,  propositions  are  made  to 
expend  large  sums  of  money.  In  connection  with  that  proposition,  I,  as  a member 
of  a committee  charged  by  the  Senate  with  the  performance  of  certain  duties,  have 
ascertained  certain  facts,  and  when  could  I more  appropriately  make  those  facts 
known  than  when  the  subject  was  before  us?  When'  ought  the  statement  to  be 
made  known,  except  at  the  time  when  it  can  do  some  good  by  enabling  the  Senate 
to  legislate  intelligently?  The  Senator  from  Mississippi  says  I have  no  right  to 
speak  of  these  things.  I speak  of  them  as  making  a report.  I have  the  consent  of 
the  committee  to  bring  these  things  forward,  and  to  that  extent  it  is  a report.  I do 
it,  not  only  by  my  own  authority,  but  by  that  of  the  committee.  The  Senator  seems 
not  to  have  been  aware  of  the  permission  of  the  committee  that  this  statement  should 
be  made,  but  certainly  he  was  in  the  committee  room  at,  the  time  the  permission  was 
given,  and  I thought  that  he  also  gave  his  assent.  At  any  rate  these  are  the  facts; 
and  I hold  it  to  be  never  wrong  to  expose  frauds  committed  upon  the  Government. 
Whatever  other  Senators  may  think,  I not  only  think  it  right  at  all  times  when  the 
facts  are  ascertained  to  make  them  known,  but  I shall  certainly  do  it  when  any  sub- 
ject comes  before  us  which  makes  it  necessary,  in  my  opinion,  to  mention  them. 

Mr.  Brodhead.  Having  obtained  the  information  that  I desired,  I withdraw  the 
amendment. 


[From  the  “ Act.  to  supply  Deficiencies  in  the  Appropriations  for  the  Service  of  the  Fiscal  Year  ending 
the  thirtieth  of  June,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty-three,”  approved  Mar.  3, 1853.  (Stats, 
at  Large,  v.  10,  181.)] 

For  the  completion  of  the  repairs  of  the  Congressional  Library  room,  authorized 
by  the  act  approved  March  nineteenth,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-two,  twenty 
thousand  five  hundred  dollars. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  2,  1S59:  Congressional  Globe,  35-2,  p.  1579.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  Sundry 
Civil  bill  for  1860 — 

Mr.  Bayard.  I propose  an  amendment,  by  the  instruction  of  the  Committee  on  the 
Judiciary,  to  come  in  on  page  9,  after  line  one  hundred  and  ninety-six,  which  I send 
to  the  Chair: 

For  the  altering,  fitting  up,  and  furnishing,  the  former  Senate  Chamber  for  the  Supreme  Court, 
with  the  twelve  rooms  for  the  use  of  the  court,  its  officers  and  records,  and  for  the  drainage  water 
and  gas  pipes:  and  for  fitting  up  the  former  Supreme  Court  room  for  the  law  library  of  Congress, 
which  rooms  are  hereby  assigned  for  these  purposes  according  to  the  plan  prepared  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Supreme  Court,  §38,000. 

Mr.  President,  a very  brief  statement  will  show  the  object  of  that  amendment,  and 
the  necessity  of  it.  When  the  Capitol  was  enlarged,  it  was  always  considered  and 
understood,  I believe  universally,  that,  after  it  wras  completed,  and  we  occupied  the 
wing,  the  former  Senate  Chamber  was  to  be  appropriated  to  the  use  of  the  Supreme 
Court.  Under  these  circumstances,  since  our  removal  here,  the  matter  has  been 
brought  to  the  attention  of  the  court  as  to  what  accommodations  they  would  require 
in  connection  with  the  Senate  Chamber  to  be  occupied  by  them.  The  plan  was 
accordingly  made  out,  which  is  admirably  suited  for  the  convenience  of  the  Court; 
but,  in  connection  with  it,  there  was  also  suggested  an  idea,  arising  from  the  want  of 


The  Old  Building. 


353 


room  in  the  present  law  library  of  Congress,  that  it  was  indispensably  necessary  that 
another  library  should  be  provided.  Therefore,  in  connection  with  this  plan,  as  the 
estimates  were  given,  is  the  removal  of  the  present  law  library,  which  now  contains 
fifteen  thousand  volumes,  and  the  library  is  over-crowded,  to  the  present  Supreme 
Court  room;  which  can  be  so  fitted  up  with  shelves  as  to  accommodate  a library  of 
nearly  twenty-two  thousand  volumes,  giving  ample  room  to  the  library  for  many 
years  to  come;  and  afterwards,  the  accommodation  can  be  extended  by  interior 
arrangements. 

This  is  the  general  idea,  the  rooms  to  be  occupied  are  not  more  than  sufficient. 
The  plan  is  a specific  one.  It  was  drawn  up  by  the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol 
extension,  in  accordance  with  the  wishes  and  design  of  the  court.  I can  state  to  the 
Senate  precisely  what  the  accommodation  is,  because  it  is  right  that  they  should 
know  it.  The  old  cloak-room  of  the  Senate,  which  is  nothing  more  than  a passage 
way,  together  with  the  corridor  and  passage  from  the  wing  through  the  main  build- 
ing, are  entirely  devoted  to  the  court.  Crossing  that,  there  is  a small  strip  or  a 
small  room  lying  by  the  corridor  which  was  formerly  part  of  the  reception  room. 
That  is  to  be  the  robing-room  of  the  judges.  Next  to  that  comes  the  Vice  President’s 
room,  which  is  to  be  the  conference  room  of  the  court.  Adjoining  that  is  the  for- 
mer Secretary’s  office,  which  is  to  be  converted  into  an  audience  room,  where  the 
judges  will  receive  any  person  whom  it  is  necessary  to  see  during  the  sitting  of  the 
court.  Adjoining  are  the  offices  of  the  clerks  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Senate,  which 
are  appropriated,  first,  to  the  clerk  of  the  Supreme  Court,  and  the  other  to  the  deputy 
clerk  of  the  Supreme  Court.  The  former  Finance  Committee  room  is  appropriated, 
under  this  amendment,  tothemarshal’sroom.  The  small  cloak-room,  onthesouth  side 
of  the  Senate  Chamber,  is  appropriated  for  the  reporter’s  office.  Descending  to  the 
lower  story,  the  present  Supreme  Court  room  is  to  Ire  converted  into  a library  with 
iron  shelves,  and  the  same  system  as  the  present  general  library  of  Congress,  to  be 
fitted  up  for  the  law  library  of  Congress  in  the  same  manner.  When  so  fitted  up, 
it  will  be  fire  proof,  and  capable  of  containing  nearly  twenty-two  thousand  volumes. 
The  former  conference  room  of  the  Supreme  Court  is  to  be  used  as  the  judges’  study 
in  connection  with  the  library. 

Mr.  Hunter.  Will  the  Senator  inform  me  who  made  the  estimate? 

Mr.  Bayard.  It  was  made  at  the  request  of  the  court  by  the  superintendent  of  the 
Capitol  extension. 

Mr.  Hunter.  Mr.  Meigs? 

Mr.  Bayard.  Yes,  sir;  and,  further,  I will  state  to  the  honorable  Senator  the 
remainder  of  the  detail.  The  first  estimate  was  $50,000.  Finding  that  objections 
existed  to  that  sum,  I had  a long  conversation  with  the  superintendent,  and  made 
several  suggestions  to  him  in  reference  to  part  of  what  I considered  ornamental  work, 
and  the  changes  that  might  possibly  be  advisable,  and  under  those  suggestions  he 
has  reduced  the  estimate  to  $38,000  for  the  whole  work.  It  was  originally  $50,000. 
All  the  changes  can  be  accomplished  for  $38,000. 

I will  add  further,  that,  in  point  of  fact,  the  Government  will  not  incur  one  dollar 
of  expense  in  the  future  arising  from  this  appropriation;  because,  if  these  accommo- 
dations are  given,  which  are  useless  to  us  for  any  other  purpose,  the  Capitol  being 
sufficient  for  that,  purpose,  the  Supreme  Court  will  have  its  conference  room  in  the 
Capitol,  and  the  arrangement  is  made  under  that  view.  Under  the  present  law,  their 
conference  room  is  up  town,  as  we  call  it,  and  we  pay  for  it  $200  a month,  or  $2,400 
a year,  which  is  more  than  the  interest  at  even  six  per  cent,  of  the  money  to  be 
expended  for  the  purpose  of  these  permanent  improvements.  I think,  therefore,  it 
would  he  wisdom  to  make  the  appropriation,  and  get  rid  of  the  necessity  of  having 
this  conference  room,  which  is  entirely  disconnected.  Taking  the  whole  details — and 
I examined  them  with  great  accuracy — 1 think  they  are  cut  down  to  the  lowest  point 

H.  Rep.  6d0 


23 


354 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

at  which  a proper  improvement  of  the  building  for  the  accommodation  of  the  court 
can  lie  made.  If  we  are  willing  to  give  to  a coordinate  branch  of  the  Government 
proper  accommodations  for  the  performance  of  their  duties,  as  was  intended  when 
the  Capitol  was  extended,  I think  the  Senate  cannot  hesitate  to  embody  this  as  an 
amendment  to  the  bill. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  I simply  wish  to  call  attention  to  one  fact.  Here  is  a proposition 
to  fit  up  the  old  Senate  Chamber  and  the  Supreme  court-room,  and  twelve  additional 
rooms.  Now,  I would  like  to  know  what  use  there  can  be  for  twelve  rooms  in  addi- 
tion to  those  two,  making  fourteen  in  all,  for  the  Supreme  Court? 

Mr.  Bayard.  I will  give  the  answer  to  the  honorable  Senator.  The  plans  are  in 
the  committee-room.  He  could  have  seen  them  at  any  time,  if  he  had  seen  fit  to  do 
so;  and  I think  he  would  have  been  satisfied.  They  are  called  rooms,  and  they  are 
rooms  strictly  speaking,  but  I have  endeavored  to  explain  them;  for  instance:  the 
retiring  room,  so  called,  which  was  nothing  more  than  a passage-way,  in  which  Sen- 
ators used  to  hang  up  their  cloaks  on  the  north  side  of  the  Senate  Chamber,  is  for 
the  judges.  Then  there  is,  as  I stated,,  a robing  room,  which  is  a small  portion  of 
the  old  reception  room  which  is  left  from  the  space  taken  off  by  the  corridor  in 
passing  through.  It  is  very  small.  Then  comes  the  former  Vice  President’s  room, 
which  is  to  be  the  conference  room  of  the  court,  and  they  abandon  the  old  confer- 
ence room  for  which  we  now  pay  $2,400  a year.  Then  there  is  an  audience  room, 
which  is  a room  adjoining,  which  formerly  was  occupied  by  the  Secretary  of  the 
Senate;  it  is  a very  narrow  room,  though  long  enough.  Then  I mentioned  the 
clerk’s  rooms.  There  is  also  a small  room,  formerly  the  cloak  room,  on  the  south 
side,  appropriated  to  the  reporter;  and  the  old  Finance  Committee  room  given  to  the 
marshal.  All  those  officers  require  rooms. 

When  you  descend  to  the  lower  story  you  have  the  judge’s  study  in  connection 
with  the  library,  which  is  their  former  conference  room.  You  have  the  Attorney 
General’s  office,  formerly  cut  off  in  part  from  the  present  Supreme  Court.  You 
have  the  room  now  occupied  by  the  clerk  of  the  Supreme  Court  for  the  Attorney 
General.  You  have  the  adjoining  room  to  be  occupied  for  what  is  called  the  libra- 
rian’s room,  and  I will  explain  that  as  the  Senator  is  so  critical  upon  the  plan.  The 
explanation  is  this:  the  Supreme  Court  have  a duplicate  of  certain  works  that  are 
used  in  the  law  library,  and  which  are  not  permitted  to  be  taken  out  by  any  person 
but  the  court.  They  are  reserved  in  order  that  the  court  may  always  have  access  to 
books  that  are  indispensable  in  the  course  of  their  labors  here.  That  library  amounts 
to  some  one  thousand  five  hundred  volumes.  It  is  now  in  the  conference  room  up 
town.  The  law  librarian’s  room  is  to  be  fitted  up  with  iron  shelves  for  this  library 
of  the  judges,  capable  of  holding  three  thousand  four  hundred  volumes.  After  exam- 
ining its  capacity  throughout,  that  is  what  it  would  amount  to.  That  constitutes 
another  room. 

Then  next  to  that  comes  the  present  law  library,  which  it  is  proposed  by  the  plan 
to  convert  into  a record  room.  This  is  essentially  necessary,  as  at  present  the 
Supreme  Court  have  no  room  for  the  deposit  of  the  records  of  the  court.  I had  occa- 
sion, a few  days  ago,  to  go  into  that  court  and  inquire  for  records  not  four  years  old, 
and  it  took  four  or  five  hours  before  they  could  be  found,  because,  for  the  want  of 
room  for  the  proper  position  of  placing  records,  it  was  impossible  to  find  them  with- 
out great  labor.  You  must  give  them  proper  accommodations  for  their  records. 
The  idea  is  to  fit  up  the  record  room  in  such  a manner  that  it  shall  be  fire  proof,  and 
afford  ample  accommodations  for  the  regular  keeping,  and  for  the  safe-keeping  of 
the  records  of  the  highest  court  known  to  the  laws  of  the  land. 

These  constitute  all  the  rooms.  I have  mentioned  what  they  are  for.  I think 
none  of  them  unreasonable.  None  of  them  are  wanted  for  any  other  purpose  what- 
ever. I am  entirely  satisfied,  from  a minute  examination  of  the  estimates  and  the 
reductions  made,  that  the  mode  in  which  the  changes  are  to  be  made  is  economical 


The  Old  Building. 


355 


to  the  Government,  arid  not  one  dollar  will  be  expended  more  than  ia  requisite  for 
the  purposes  for  which  we  ought  to  make  appropriations. 

Mr.  Wilson.  I think,  Mr.  President,  that  we  had  better  not  adopt  this  amend- 
ment this  year,  and  especially  to  the  extent  that  is  now  proposed.  We  may  as  well 
wait  another  year.  It  may  be  that-  we  may  want  to  go  back  there  ourselves.  For 
my  own  part,  I will  vote  to  go  back  there  to-night,  and  give  the  Supreme  Court  this- 
room;  for,  in  my  judgment,  in  no  sense  does  this  Chamber  equal  the  other,  either 
for  order,  for  hearing,  or  speaking,  or  anything  connected  with  the  legislation  of  the 
country.  I do  not  see  the  necessity  of  going  into  any  additional  expense  in  order  to 
fit  up  that  room,  at  present,  for  the  Supreme  Court.  I think  we  had  better  wait 
another  year. 

Mr.  Bayard.  I desire  to  have  the  yeas  and  nays  on  the  amendment. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered;  and  being  taken,  resulted— yeas  28,  nays  19; 

* . * * 

So  the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

[An  incidental  debate  concerning  an  appropriation  for  converting  of  the  old  Senate 
Chamber  into  a room  for  the  Supreme  Court  occurred  in  the  Senate  on  June  11,  1860, 
in  connection  with  a proposition  to  reconstruct  the  new  Senate  Chamber:  Congres- 
sional Globe,  36 — 1,  p.  2829,  reproduced  under  the  section  relating  to  the  Capitol 
Extension.  ] 


[House  proceedings  of  June  15,  1860:  Congressional  Globe,  36-1,  p.  3050.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  State  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Senate  amendments  to  the  Sundry  Civil  bill  for  1861 — ■ 

Twenty -ninth  amendment: 

For  converting  the  old  Senate  Chamber  into  a court-room,  the  old  court-room  into  a law  library, 
and  for  fitting  up  the  rooms  in  connection  with  them,  for  the  use  of  the  Supreme  Court  and  its  offi- 
cers, $25,000:  Provided,  The  work  can  be  finished  for  that  sum;  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of 
the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 

The  Chairman.  The  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  recommend  a concurrence. 

Mr.  Ashley.  I move  to  amend  by  striking  out  “$20,000,”  from  the  appropriation. 
I would  like  to  ask  the  gentlemen  who  have  this  bill  in  charge  how  $25,000  can  be 
expended  in  fitting  up  two  rooms  of  this  Capitol? 

Mr.  Crawford.  I may  be  mistaken;  but  my  recollection  is,  that  the  Committee  of 
Ways  and  Means  recommended  a non-concurrence  in  this  amendment.  At  any  rate 
I hope  this  committee  will  non-concur. 

Mr.  Ashley.  Twenty-five  thousand  dollars  for  fixing  up  two  rooms  for  the  Supreme 
Court!  Why,  sir,  I undertake  to  say  that  we  can  fix  up  a room  for  $5,000,  fit  for 
any  court  upon  earth,  let  alone  this  court.  I cannot  conceive  how  that  amount  of 
money  can  be  expended. 

Mr.  Sherman.  I hope  the  committee  will  non-concur. 

Mr.  Stevenson.  I hope  the  committee  will  concur  in  this  amendment.  I think  the 
Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States  ought  to  have  a court-room  suitable  to  its  char- 
acter, and  suited  to  the  character  of  this  Government;  and  I tell  gentlemen  over  the 
way  that  $25,000  is  not  too  much  for  this  purpose.  I understand  that  the  Senate  pro- 
pose to  convert  the  old  Supreme  Courtroom  intoa  library  room,  and  construct  a stair 
to  it  from  the  old  Senate  Chamber;  and  to  convert  the  old  Senate  Chamber  into  a 
court-room,  and  they  are  to  have  a clerk’s  room  also.  This  will  cost  $25,000.  I hope 
this  Congress  will  not  allow  the  Supreme  Court  of  a Government  like  ours  to  sit  in 
the  cellar  of  the  Capitol,  and  have  strangers,  when  they  come  here  arid  ask  to  be  shown 
the  greatest  judicial  tribunal  of  the  country,  to  be  taken  down  cellar.  I understand 
that  the  original  estimate  was  much  larger  than  this,  and  Ido  not  think  that  $25,000 
is  too  much.  The  old  Senate  Chamber  is  of  no  use  now,  and  it  is  a good  location  for 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


35(3 

the  Supreme  Court.  It  is  hallowed  by  many  sacred  memories,  and  we  should  take 
measures  to  preserve  it  in  a proper  manner,  and  I know  of  no  better  means  than  this. 

Mr.  Sherman.  I am  perfectly  willing  that  the  old  Senate  hall  shall  be  fitted  up  for 
a Supreme  Court  room.  I thought  the  amount  proposed  to  be  appropriated  to  be  too 
large.  I do  not  see  how  $25,000  can  be  expended  profitably  for  that  purpose.  I hope 
the  committee  will  non-concur,  and  let  the  amendment  go  to  a committee  of  confer- 
ence, and  let  the  proper  amount  be  fixed  by  them. 

Mr.  Vallandigham.  The  estimate  last  year  was  $38,000. 

The  amendment  was  not  agreed  to. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  year 
ending  the  thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-one,”  approved  June  25, 1860.  (Stats,  at 
Large,  v.  12,  110.)] 

For  converting  the  old  Senate  chamber  into  a court  room,  the  old  court  room  into 
a law  library,  and  for  fitting  up  the  rooms  in  connection  with  them,  for  the  use  of 
the  Supreme  Court  and  its  officers,  twenty-five  thousand  dollars:  Provided,  The  work 
can  be  finished  for  that  sum,  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  Commissioner 
of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 


[From  the  annual  reportof  B.  B.  French,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  Oct.  13,  1863.  (38-1, 

House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  660.)] 

I would  respectfully  call  attention  to  the  old  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 
If  Congress  does  not  intend  to  devote  it  to  any  practical  use  it  should  be  placed  in 
such  order  as  not  to  bean  “eyesore”  in  this  noble  building.  It  is  a magnificent 
room  in  its  proportions  and  colonnades,  and  there  are  associations  connected  with  it 
that  should  render  it  almost  as  sacred  as  the  old  Flail  of  Independence  in  Philadel- 
phia. It  is  to  be  hoped  that  Congress  will  consider  what  is  proper  to  be  done  with 
this  now  forlorn  looking  and  dismantled  room. 


[House  proceedings  of  Jan.  5,  1864:  Congressional  Globe,  38-1,  p.  99.] 

THE  OLD  HALL  OF  THE  HOUSE. 

Mr.  Morrill  asked  unanimous  consent  to  introduce  a joint  resolution  requesting  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings  to  examine  and  report  as  to  the  expediency  of  setting 
apart  the  old  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives  as  a hall  for  statuary;  and  also  as 
to  the  cost  of  a new  flooring  and  bronze  railing  on  each  side  of  the  passage-way 
through  the  hall,  for  the  reception  of  such  works  of  art. 

Mr.  IVashburne,  of  Illinois.  I object;  and  the  reason  is  that  I propose  to  intro- 
duce a resolution  to  remove  the  seat  of  Government  from  this  barren  and  isolated 
country  at  the  earliest  moment. 


[House  proceedings  of  Jan.  6,  18fi4:  Congressional  Globe,  38-1,  p.  110.] 

HALL  FOR  STATUARY. 

Mr.  Morrill  introduced  the  following  resolution,  and  moved  the  previous  question 
on  its  adoption: 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  be  requested  to  examine  and  report  as  to  the 
expediency  of  setting  apart  the  old  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives  as  a hall  for  statuary ; and 
also  as  to  the  cost  of  a new  flooring  and  bronze  railing  on  each  side  of  the  passage-way  through  the 
hall,  preparatory  to  the  reception  of  such  works  of  art. 

The  previous  question  was  seconded,  and  the  main  question  ordered;  and  under 
its  operation  the  resolution  was  agreed  to. 


The  Old  Building. 


357 


[House  proceedings  of  June  20,  1S64:  Congressional  Globe,  38-1,  p.  3106.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  State  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Sundry  Civil  bill  for  1865 — 

Mr.  Rice,  of  Maine.  I offer  the  following  amendment,  to  come  in  after  line  one 
hundred  and  forty-four,  on  page  7: 

To  enable  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  to  repair  the  old  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives by  removing  the  old  floor  and  placing  the  whole  generally  in  a proper  condition,  $1,500. 

I simply  want  to  say  in  regard  to  that  amendment  that  the  Commissioner  desires 
this  sum,  and  says  that  it  is  absolutely  necessary  in  order  to  put  the  Hall  in  anything 
like  a decent  condition,  and  inasmuch  as  the  appropriation  for  fitting  up  the  Hall  as 
a hall  of  statuary,  of  which  I was  in  favor,  failed,  I trust  that  the  Hall  will  be 
decently  repaired,  so  as  not  to  be  an  eyesore  to  everybody. 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  I move  to  amend  the  amendment,  so  as  to  provide 
for  the  removal  of  all  the  fruit  stands  and  things  of  that-  kind  from  the  old  Hall. 

Mr.  Rice,  of  Maine.  I accept  that  as  a modification  of  my  amendment. 

Mr.  Stevens.  I offer  the  following  as  a substitute  for  the  amendment: 

Be  it  farther  enacted,  That  a marble  floor,  similar  to  that  of  the  Congressional  Library  or  the  Senate 
vestibule,  shall  be  constructed  in  the  old  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  using  such  marble  as 
may  be  now  on  hand  and  not  otherwise  required;  and  that  suitable  structures  and  railings  shall  be 
therein  erected  for  the  reception  and  protection  of  statuary,  and  the  same  shall  be  under  the  super- 
vision and  direction  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  and  so  much  of  the  moneys  now  or 
heretofore  appropriated  for  the  Capitol  extension  as  may  be  necessary,  not  exceeding  the  sum  of 
$20,000,  is  hereby  set  apart  and  shall  be  disbursed  for  the  purposes  hereinbefore  mentioned;  and  the 
President  is  hereby  authorized  to  invite  each  and  all  the  States  to  provide  and  furnish  statues  in 
marble  or  bronze,  not  exceeding  two  in  number  for  each  State,  of  men  who  have  been  citizens  thereof 
and  illustrious  from  their  historic  renown  or  from  distinguished  civil  or  military  services,  such  as 
each  State  shall  determine  to  be  worthy  of  this  national  commemoration,  and  when  so  furnished,  the 
same  shall  be  placed  in  the  old  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives  in  the  Capitol  of  the  United 
States,  which  is  hereby  set  apart,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary,  as  a national  statuary  hall 
for  the  purposes  herein  indicated. 

Mr.  Holman.  I rise  to  a point  of  order.  The  moneys  appropriated  by  law  for  the 
purpose  of  the  Capitol  extension  cannot  be,  in  an  appropriation  bill,  diverted  from 
that  purpose  to  another. 

Mr.  Stevens.  Mr.  Chairman,  this  item  has  reference  to  the  Capitol  itself,  and  is  a 
part  of  the  work  upon  the  Capitol.  Therefore,  according  to  all  the  rulings,  the 
amendment  is  perfectly  in  order.  Whether  or  not  it  should  be  agreed  to  is  an  entirely 
different  question. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  overrules  the  point  of  order. 

Mr.  Stevens.  I have  offered  that  amendment  because  I know  that  the  opposition 
of  the  gentleman  from  Maine  to  tinkering  and  patching  that  floor  any  more  is  a 
proper  one.  We  have  marble  lying  about  here  quite  sufficient,  as  I understand  from 
the  architect,  to  make  that  floor.  It  is  thought  that  it  may  be  done  for  $5,000,  though 
the  appropriation  asked  is  $20,000,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary.  But  it 
is  believed  that  $5,000  will  make  a good  marble  floor  and  put  up  the  railing.  We  all 
know  how  these  beautiful  columns  are  being  destroyed  and  defaced  by  every  person 
who  chooses  to  inscribe  a great  man’s  name  upon  them.  They  are  really  becoming 
ridiculous;  and  the  worst  of  it  is  that  the  names  of  half  the  members  of  Congress  are 
omitted.  [Laughter.]  I think  it  time  that  some  pains  were  taken  to  preserve 
these  beautiful  pillars  from  dilapidation  and  ruin;  and  I think  that  the  marble  floor 
may  be  made  out  of  the  materials  now  on  hand  at  a cost  of  no  more  than  I have 
stated,  which  is  the  cheapest  way  of  doing  it.  It  is  not  adding  anything  to  the  appro- 
priation, but  merely  diverting  it. 

Mr.  Rice,  of  Maine.  Mr.  Chairman,  I do  not  contend  against  this  proposition.  It 
is  precisely  the  same  as  was  reported  some  time  since  from  the  committee  of  which  I 
have  the  honor  to  be  chairman,  and  which  passed  the  House. 


358 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Price.  Mr.  Chairman,  I know  that  it  is  no  use  to  oppose  any  appropriation 
here,  but  I must  at  least  protest  against  this.  There  are  other  appropriations  in  this 
bill  which  I presume  could  have  been  dispensed  with.  I do  not,  however,  know  the 
facts,  and  therefore  did  not  oppose  them.  This  appropriation,  I am  satisfied,  we  can 
dispense  with.  We  all  know  that  the  Government  has  no  money  to  expend’in  super- 
fluous matters,  for  things  that  can  be  done  without.  Therefore  I am  opposed  to  the 
amendment  of  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania,  and  to  all  other  appropriations  that 
can  be  dispensed  with  till  this  war  is  over. 

A Member  on  the  Democratic  side.  It  is  out  of  order  to  say  anything  against  an 
appropriation. 

Mr.  Price.  It  may  be  out  of  order. 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  It  is  undoubtedly  out  of  order  to  speak  against  appro- 
priations in  this  House. 

Mr.  Price.  So  far  as  appropriations  are  concerned  I know  there  are  always  just 
enough  of  votes  against  any  attempt  to  strike  them  out  to  secure  the  failure  of  such 
attempt.  I would  appeal  to  the  other  side  of  the  House  to  come  to  the  rescue;  but 
unfortunately  it  is  just  as  extravagant  as  this  side.  [Laughter.]  I have  almost  lost 
all  confidence  in  my  friends  here.  They  vote  almost  universally  for  such  appropria- 
tions as  are  asked.  I have  not  voted  for  a single  appropriation  that  I knew  to  be 
wrong;  and  where  I have  voted  for  such  as  were  superfluous,  it  has  been  through 
ignorance.  I presume  that  some  of  the  appropriations  voted  in  have  been  wrong, 
but  I do  not  know  it;  but  I know  that  we  can  get  along  very  well  without  expend- 
ing money  on  this  old  Hall  till  the  war  is  over  if  it  ever  ends.  And  if  it  is  not  to 
end  in  a national  triumph  I do  not  want  to  have  the  work  done  for  Jeff.  Davis.  I do 
not  know  that  he  is  going  to  get  possession  of  it,  but  I know  that  we  require  every 
dollar  that  the  Government  can  get  to  pay  our  soldiers  in  the  field,  and  to  keep  the 
machinery  of  war  in  operation.  I therefore  hope  that  no  appropriation  shall  be 
made  that  can  be  dispensed  with  until  we  pay  our  honest  debts  to  the  country  and 
to  the  soldiers  in  the  field. 

Mr.  Mallory.  I rise  to  oppose  the  amendment  of  the  gentleman  from  Iowa,  and  in 
doing  so  I may  be  permitted  to  express  my  gratification  that  the  gentleman  has  at 
last  learned  where  the  true  friends  of  economy  are  to  be  found  in  this  House.  I 
think  he  has  paid  only  a deserved  compliment  to  the  Democratic  party  in  saying 
that  he  will  henceforward  call  only  on  that  party  to  aid  him  against  the  extrava- 
gance proposed  by  gentlemen  on  the  other  side. 

Mr.  Price.  1 merely  wish  to  correct  misapprehension  in  the  mind  of  the  gentleman 
from  Kentucky.  I have  not  at  last  arrived  at  the  idea  of  appealing  to  gentlemen 
upon  the  other  side  to  sustain  me  in  matters  of  economy.  I have  done  it  continu- 
ally, but  then  there  is  another  misapprehension  on  the  part  of  the  gentleman,  which 
is  in  the  supposition  that  any  heed  has  been  paid  to  my  appeals.  I find  that  they 
are  almost  invariably  disposed  to  vote  for  these  extravagant  appropriations. 

Mr.  Mallory.  The  statement  of  the  gentleman  from  Iowa,  then,  is  broader  than  I 
supposed.  He  says  now  he  did  not  say  that  he  hereafter  would  call  on  gentlemen  on 
this  side  of  the  House,  but  that  he  has  all  along  looked  to  us  to  sustain  measures  of 
economy.  I merely  wish  to  say  to  him  and  to  other  gentlemen  on  that  side  that 
they  will  do  well  to  follow  the  lead  of  this  side,  not  only  in  respect  to  voting  down 
extravagant  appropriations,  but  also  in  respect  to  great  questions  of  public  policy. 
I can  tell  the  gentleman  that  he  will  find  a great  deal  of  good  help  over  here  if  he 
will  apply  upon  all  these  questions,  and  I take  his  disposition  to  call  upon  us  as  a 
good  augury.  In  respect  to  this  particular  appropriation,  however,  I am  afraid  I 
cannot  go  with  the  gentleman.  I confess,  in  this  instance,  I am  in  favor  of  the 
appropriation  recommended  by  my  venerable — perhaps  I ought  to  say  young — friend 
over  there. 


The  Old  Building. 


359 


Mr.  Stevens.  I shall  have  to  rise  to  a question  of  order.  I desire  to  know  whether 
it  is  in  order  for  an  old,  gray,  bald-headed  man  to  call  a young  man  venerable. 
[Laughter.  ] 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  sustains  the  question  of  order.  [Laughter.  ] 

Mr.  Mallory.  I beg  pardon  of  the  gentleman.  Whatever  gray  hairs  I may  have 
are  apparent,  and  if  the  gentleman’s  were  as  much  so,  perhaps  he  might  not  raise 
the  question  of  order.  However,  I give  him  the  benefit  of  the  protection  he  has 
provided  himself  with.  [Renewed  laughter.] 

Mr.  Chairman,  seriously  I think  this  appropriation  ought  to  pass,  and  I hope  the 
House  will  not  vote  it  down.  It  is  not  extravagant;  it  is  something  to  which  we 
ought  to  give  a little  attention.  - 1 will,  however,  make  one  suggestion  to  the  gentle- 
man. He  provides  for  permitting  each  State  to  place  in  the  old  Hall,  in  bronze  or 
marble,  the  statues  of  two  of  their  most  eminent  living  men.  I think  the  amend- 
ment ought  to  say  dead  men.  I think  we  ought  to  give  these  places  to  the  memory 
of  the  great  men  of  the  nation  who  are  gone,  to  those  who  are  now  dead  or  shall  be 
at  the  time  these  statues  are  placed  there. 

Mr.  Stevens.  I accept  the  suggestion  of  the  gentleman,  and  will  modify  my  amend- 
ment so  as  to  say  two  persons  already  deceased,  or  deceased  before  the  statues  shall 
be  received. 

Mr.  Morrill.  This  question  is  not  one  connected  with  the  question  whether  we 
shall  continue  the  appropriations  for  the  Capitol  extension  or  not.  If  we  continue 
them,  then  I contend  that  this  is  manifestly  correct;  if  we  do  not  continue  them,  I 
think  this  amendment  ought  to  be  adopted;  it  is  doing  nothing  more  than  we  ought 
to  do  for  the  preservation  of  the  building.  We  have  this  marble  here  lying  round 
the  Capitol  entirely  useless;  we  also  have  machines  so  that  it  can  be  cut  with  the 
utmost  facility  and  with  very  little  delay.  The  old  floor,  as  every  one  knows,  is  in  a 
state  of  decay,  and  ought  to  be  replaced.  This  proposition  simply  is  to  provide  a 
marble  floor  such  as  now  covers  most  of  the  rooms  and  corridors  about  the  Capitol. 
If  the  foundation  of  the  floor  should  prove  to  be  sufficient,  the  expense  would  be 
very  little;  if  that,  too,  has  to  be  replaced,  the  expense  will  of  course  be  something 
more.  It  does  not  necessarily  increase  the  appropriation  in  the  bill  at  all,  and  I 
hope  the  amendment  will  be  adopted. 

Mr.  Price.  In  reply  to  the  gentleman  from  Vermont  I want  to  say  first  this:  I do 
not  propose  to  vote  for  the  appropriation  of  $300,000  to  continue  the  work  on  this 
Capitol ; and  I shall  not  vote  for  this,  because  if  this  passes  it  may  be  considered  as  a 
reason  for  voting  for  the  other.  I propose,  therefore,  to  begin  here.  Now,  I desire 
to  say  in  respect  to  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky,  [Mr.  Mallory,]  who,  after  the 
speech  made  by  him,  declared  his  intention  to  vote  for  it,  that,  like  a great  many 
other  men,  his  talk  is  good  but  his  practice  is  bad.  He  talks  economy  well,  but  he 
votes  economy  badly.  I want  men  to  vote  right,  and  I am  not  particular  whether 
they  talk  right  or  not. 

I will  say,  Mr.  Chairman,  that  there  is  not  a member  of  this  House  who,  in  con- 
science, would  make  these  appropriations  in  reference  to  their  own  private  affairs. 
I think  that  we  ought  to  confine  ourselves  to  indispensable  appropriations  and  do 
without  everything  that  can  be  dispensed  with  until  we  have  paid  the  expenses  of 
this  war.  I do  not  want  to  see  widows  and  orphans  and  disabled  soldiers  refused 
for  want  of  money  to  pay  their  just  claims  while  we  are  passing  these  appropriations 
which  are  entirely  unnecessary.  I will  say  that  I have  only  succeeded,  after  pro- 
tracted effort,  in  securing  the  payment  of  $150  due  to  an  Iowa  soldier  who  lost  his 
leg  upon  the  battle-field  during  this  war.  While  we  refuse  such  paltry  sums  to  our 
soldiers  we  vote  millions,  as  if  the  Treasury  were  overflowing. 

Mr.  Steele,  of  New  York.  Mr.  Chairman,  I do  not  propose  to  enter  into  any 
extended  discussion  on  this  subject,  but  in  my  judgment  every  soldier  as  well  as 


360 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


every  man  in  this  country  feels  a just  pride  in  the  Capitol  of  the  nation.  The  last 
thing  they  want  to  see  done  is  the  work  upon  this  building  stopped.  I hope  that  it 
will  not  be  stopped.  I hope  that  we  shall  go  on  with  the  improvements,  and  that 
all  reasonable  and  proper  expenses  will  be  provided  for,  so  that  the  work  may  be 
continued  upon  this  great  work  in  which  the  nation  takes  a just  pride.  I shall  there- 
fore vote  for  this  appropriation  as  reasonable  and  proper. 

Mr.  Schenck.  Mr.  Chairman,  I propose  to  vote  for  this  amendment,  and  I do  it 
mainly  for  the  reason  assigned  by  the  gentleman  from  New  York  [Mr.  Steele]  who 
has  just  addressed  the  House.  I never  pass  through  the  old  Hall  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  without  feeling  myself  reproached  by  the  spirits  that  haunt  that 
place.  I look  around  to  see  where  the  venerable  John  Quincy  Adams  trembled  in 
his  seat  and  voted,  and  I see  a huckster  woman  selling  gingerbread.  I look  to  see 
where  Calhoun  sat — for  there  was  a time  when  we  might  speak  with  reverence  even 
of  him — I look  to  see  where  he  sat,  and  where  Clay  sat,  and  I find  a woman  selling 
oranges  and  root  beer.  I look  around  the  floor  where  these  men  stood  and  uttered 
their  patriotic  sentiments  in  the  day  when  patriotic  sentiments  were  heard  with  rev- 
erence everywhere  and  by  every  man,  and  I see  a floor  rotting  and  trembling  under 
my  tread. 

Sir,  I have  none  of  that  narrow  feeling  of  economy  of  the  gentleman  from  Iowa, 
[Mr.  Price.]  I believe  there  are  occasions  when  liberality  becomes  true  economy; 
and  I know  that  it  is  important  to  keep  a rallying  point  here  of  which  we  shall  all 
be  proud.  I feel,  with  the  gentleman  from  New  York,  that  the  expenditure  is  a 
proper  one  for  an  object  that  we  much  need,  and  that  will  repay  us  thousands. 

This  Capitol  is  now  the  rallying  point  of  our  patriotism,  and  every  part  of  it 
should  be  made  to  correspond  with  the  greatness  and  glory  of  the  Republic.  Gen- 
tlemen look  around  in  the  gingerbread  box  in  which  we  legislate  now  and  seem  to 
forget  everything  that  ought  to  be  kept  in  remembrance  in  connection  with  the  old 
Hall,  which  I this  day  regard  as  better  fitted  for  our  deliberations  than  the  beautiful 
room  in  which  we  now  are.  There  is  grandeur,  simplicity,  character  to  be  found 
there  not  to  be  found  here,  and  from  which  we  are  rapidly  divesting  it  by  the  base 
uses  to  which  we  are  suffering  it  to  be  put. 

Mr.  Price.  I should  like  to  ask  the  gentleman  a question. 

Mr.  Schenck.  I cannot  yield.  I am  expressing  some  sentiments  which  will 
induce  me  to  go  for  the  appropriation.  The  gentleman  has  addressed  the  House 
some  three  or  four  times  already  on  the  subject. 

Mr.  Chairman,  the  condition  of  that  old  Hall,  I repeat,  is  a disgrace  and  a reproach 
to  us.  Why,  as  you  enter  that  old  Hall  you  pass  by  a bronze  door  which  cost  thirty- 
five  or  forty  thousand  dollars,  twice  as  much  as  is  proposed  to  keep  the  old  Hall  in 
order,  and  that  bronze  door  opens  upon  these  apple-stands  and  upon  these  hucksters. 
I would  drive  them  all  out,  as  others  were  scourged  in  former  times  from  the  tem- 
ples, and  I would  put  in  their  places,  if  not  the  statues  of  the  greatest  men  of  the 
country,  something  at  least  which  shall  be  creditable  to  this  country,  either  in  the 
shape  of  a library  or  works  of  art,  and  I would  place  the  Hall  in  that  good  order  and 
decent  condition  which  will  not  make  us  blush  as  we  pass  through  that  Hall  as  we 
go  from  one  end  of  this  gilded  building  to  the  other. 

I stand,  sir,  by  the  old  Hall;  and  for  the  reason  that  I wish  it  thus  restored  and 
made  as  it  ought  to  be  and  no  longer  remain  a disgrace  to  us,  I shall  vote  for  the 
amendment  proposed  by  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania. 

Mr.  Price.  In  reply  to  the  gentleman  I will  say  that  if  he  considers  the  expendi- 
ture of  money  which  does  not  belong  to  us  but  belongs  to  other  people  as  narrow- 
minded economy,  then  he  and  I have  read  political  economy  out  of  different  books. 
It  will  be  time  enough  to  adorn  that  Hall  when  we  have  money  to  expend,  and  until 
that  time  arrives  I shall  oppose  all  amendments  of  that  kind. 

The  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

The  amendment  as  amended  w;as  agreed  to. 


The  Old  Building. 


361 


[From  the  '"Act  making  Appropriations  for  sundry  Civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  Year 

ending  the  Thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-five,  and  for  other  Purposes,"  approved 

July  2,  1864.  (Stat.  at  Large,  v.  13,  347).] 

Sec.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  a marble  floor,  similar  to  that  of  the  con- 
gressional library  or  the  Senate  vestibule,  shall  be  constructed  in  the  old  hall  of  the 
House  of  Representatives,  using  such  marble  as  may  be  now  on  hand  and  not  other- 
wise required,  and  that  suitable  structures  and  railings  shall  be  therein  erected  for 
the  reception  and  protection  of  statuary,  and  the  same  shall  be  under  the  supervision 
and  direction  of  the  commissioner  of  public  buildings;  and  so  much  of  the  moneys 
now  or  heretofore  appropriated  for  the  capitol  extension  as  may  be  necessary,  not 
exceeding  the  sum  of  fifteen  thousand  dollars,  is  hereby  set  apart  and  shall  be  dis- 
bursed for  the  porses  [purposes]  hereinbefore  mentioned.  And  the  President  is 
hereby  authorized  to  invite  each  and  all  the  states  to  provide  and  furnish  statues, 
in  marble  or  bronze,  not  exceeding  two  in  number  for  each  state,  of  deceased 
persons  who  have  been  citizens  thereof,  and  illustrious  for  their  historic  renown  or 
from  distinguished  civic  or  military  services,  such  as  each  state  shall  determine  to  be 
worthy  of  this  national  commemoration;  and  when  so  furnished  the  same  shall  be 
placed  in  the  old  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  in  the  capitol  of  the  United 
States,  which  is  hereby  set  apart,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary,  as  a 
national  statuary  hall,  for  the  purposes  herein  indicated. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Thomas  U.  Walter,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1,  1864. 

(38-2,  House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  695.)] 

CENTRE  BUILDING  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

In  order  to  make  a finish  of  the  Capitol,  it  will  be  necessary  to  remove  the  present 
wooden  cupolas  from  the  centre  building,  and  to  reconstruct  the  entire  roof;  also  to 
remove  the  immense  stacks  of  chimneys  which  now  disfigure  the  work.  The  finish 
which  it  was  intended  to  give  to  the  roof  of  this  part  of  the  Capitol,  at  the  time  the 
design  for  the  extension  was  adopted,  is  shown  by  a wooden  model  of  the  entire 
structure,  which  was  made  when  the  wings  were  commenced,  and  is  now  in  this 
office. 

The  necessity  for  this  improvement  is  twofold:  first,  as  a matter  of  taste;  the 
present  unsightly  structures,  which  disfigure  the  top  of  the  old  building,  are  alto- 
gether inconsistent  with  architectural  propriety,  and  have  been  added  from  time  to 
time  since  the  work  came  out  of  the  hands  of  its  original  architects;  and,  second,  the 
whole  of  this  roof,  with  all  the  constructions  connected  with  it,  are  composed  of 
wood,  and  are  liable  at  any  time  to  take  fire  and  deface  other  portions  of  the  work, 
as  was  the  case  with  the  old  Congressional  Library. 

The  whole  of  the  centre  building  is  vaulted,  so  that  if  the  wooden  roofs  were 
removed,  and  replaced  by  copper  laid  upon  iron  rafters,  similar  to  those  of  the  wings 
of  the  Capitol  and  the  Congressional  Library,  the  entire  building  would  be  wholly 
fire-proof. 

The  old  chimneys,  before  referred  to,  are  a very  great  defect,  and  although  they 
may  not  be  vacated,  the  tops  may  be  removed  and  so  formed  as  to  finish  on  a level 
with  the  balustrade,  like  those  of  the  wings,  without  interfering  with  their  draught. 
A few  feet,  more  or  less,  in  the  height  of  these  chimneys,  situated  as  they  are,  at  the 
base  of  such  a structure  as  the  dome,  can  have  no  effect  upon  their  draught;  other 
means  than  mere  elevation  must  be  resorted  to  in  order  to  render  them  of  an}'  use 
to  the  building. 

At  the  present  prices  of  materials  and  labor,  it  will  require  about  $200,000  to  effect 
these  improvements. 


362 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  B.  B.  French,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  Nov.  8,  1864.  (38-2, 
House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  pp.  680-1.)] 

In  the  course  of  the  past  season  some  very  prominent  improvements  have  been 
made.  Congress  appropriated  $15,000  out  of  the  appropriation  for  the  Capitol  exten- 
sion for  constructing  a marble  floor  and  making  other  improvements  in  the  old  hall 
of  the  House  of  Representatives.  This  was  a very  limited  sum  for  doing  the  large 
amount  of  work  required,  even  when  the  provision  of  the  act  making  the  appropria- 
tion, that  “such  marble  as  may  now  be  on  hand,  and  not  otherwise  required,” 
should  be  used  in  tiling,  is  taken  into  consideration.  The  work  was,  however,  com- 
menced in  the  most  economical  manner  possible,  and  has  gone  on,  and  we  expect, 
by  the  time  Congress  assembles,  to  have  the  passage  way  from  the  main  entrance, 
from  the  rotundo  to  the  bronze  doors  at  the  south  side  of  the  hall,  finished  and 
closed  in  with  a proper  railing.  It  is  hoped  that  by  employing  men  engaged  on  the 
Capitol  extension,  and  using  the  waste  material,  that  the  entire  job  may  be  com- 
pleted for  the  sum  appropriated,  but  it  is  very  doubtful  whether  it  can  be. 

* * * 

Workmen  are  now  engaged  in  removing  the  unsightly  scaffolding  in  the  centre  of 
the  rotundo,  the  temporary  roof  will  soon  be  taken  away,  and  the  magnificent  work 
of  the  inner  dome,  now  completed,  will  be  in  view  from  the  floor.  No  work  that  has 
ever  been  done  in  iron  can  surpass  it,  and  it  will,  I have  no  doubt,  be  pronounced 
* by  all  most  creditable  to  the  architect  who  planned  it,  the  iron  workers  who  fur- 
nished it  and  put  it  up,  and  all  concerned  in  any  way  in  its  erection  and  finish.  It 
is  one  of  the  greatest  works  of  the  age. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  27,  1865:  Congressional  Globe,  38-2,  p.  1149.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  State  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Senate  amendments  to  the  Legislative,  Executive,  and  Judicial  bill 
for  1866 — 

Twelfth  amendment: 

On  page  8,  after  line  six,  insert  : 

For  an  enlargement  of  the  Library  of  Congress,  so  as  to  include  in  two  wings,  built  fire-proof,  the 
space  at  either  end  of  the  present  Library,  measuring  about  eighty  feet  in  length  by  thirty  feet  in 
width,  in  accordance  with  a plan  to  be  approved  by  the  Committee  on  the  Library,  $160,000. 

The  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  recommended  concurrence  with  an  amend- 
ment to  add  the  words  “to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  the 
Interior.” 

The  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  I would  like  to  make  an  inquiry  in  reference  to  this 
matter.  My  attention  was  called  in  a differing  direction  when  this  amendment  was 
read.  Is  it  an  amendment  in  regard  to  an  appropriation  for  the  enlargement  of  the 
Library? 

The  Speaker.  It  is. 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  I am  opposed  to  it  and  I wish  to  state  my  reasons. 
This  subject  was  before  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library  of  which  I was  a mem- 
ber, and  they  refused  to  recommend  the  appropriation.  It  is  a very  large  one  of 
$160,000,  and  I do  not  think  the  Treasury  is  in  a situation  to  stand  such  an  expendi- 
ture at  this  time.  / 

Mr.  Frank.  The  committee  agreed  to  report  it. 

Mr.  Stevens.  The  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  have  acted  according  to  what 
they  considered  to  be  the  action  of  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library.  We  have 
no  feeling  about  it.  We  would  just  as  soon  have  it  non- concurred  in  and  let  it  go 
back  to  the  Senate. 


The  Old  Building. 


363 


Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  I am  as  favorable  to  the  Library  as  anybody  here, 
and  I would  be  glad  to  have  this  improvement  made,  yet  I think  we  can  postpone  it 
for  two  or  three  years,  when  it  will  not  cost  half  as  much. 

Mr.  Frank.  Air.  Speaker,  the  appropriation  reported  by  the  Committee  of  Ways 
and  Means  is  necessary,  because  no  more  room  exists  in  the  Library  for  the  continu- 
ally accruing  accessions  of  books. 

It  is  necessary  because  a large  portion  of  the  books  now  belonging  to  Congress  are 
unprovided  with  shelf-room,  and  inaccessible  except  at  great  expenditure  of  time 
and  convenience.  This  applies  especially  to  the  set  of  British  Parliamentary  docu- 
ments, consisting  of  three  thousand  volumes  in  folio,  full  of  invaluable  information, 
which  is  daily  wanted  for  reference.  These  volumes  are  all  upon  the  floor,  because 
no  shelves  can  be  provided  for  them  in  the  present  Library. 

It  is  necessary,  in  order  to  secure  the  invaluable  Library  which  former  Congresses 
have  built  up  at  great  expenditures  of  care  and  money,  from  another  fire.  The  books 
of  the  Library,  from  the  first  purchase  of  Air.  Jefferson  until  date  have  cost  some- 
what over  four  hundred  thousand  dollars.  The  fire  of  December,  1851,  destroyed 
all  except  twenty  thousand  volumes  of  the  Library.  The  present  Library  numbers 
over  eighty-four  thousand  volumes,  less  than  half  of  which  (or  forty  thousand  vol- 
umes) are  contained  in  the  fire-proof  portion  of  the  Library.  The  remainder  are 
stored  in  dark  corners  and  passage-ways  of  the  old  Capitol,  surrounded  with  wood- 
work, and  liable  to  accident,  from  the  firing  of  a flue,  (which  was  the  occasion  of 
the  former  fire, ) or  other  cause. 

It  is  necessary,  in  order  to  provide  some  space  where  current  newspapers  and  peri- 
odicals, both  American  and  foreign,  can  be  filed  and  consulted  by  members;  at 
present  there  are  not  ten  feet  of  room  anywhere  for  such  a purpose,  and  the  very 
valuable  files  of  political  and  literary  journals,  taken  in  the  Library  are  useless  to 
Congress  until  bound,  when  they  have  lost  their  freshness,  and  much  of  their 
interest. 

The  appropriation  asked  is  8160,000,  and  the  plan  of  the  architect  accompanying 
the  estimate  proposes  to  provide  an  increase  of  room  equal  to  nearly  double  the  pres- 
ent fire-proof  Library,  which  cost  892,000.  The  iron  work  was  then  put  up  in  com- 
petition and  the  lowest  of  seven  bids  was  accepted.  The  present  estimate  is,  therefore 
far  from  extravagant,  considering  the  enlargement  secured,  and  it  can  be  done  for 
the  amount,  notwithstanding  the  advanced  cost  of  materials,  as  the  patterns  from 
which  the  ornamental  iron  work  was  cast  are  still  on  hand. 

The  present  plan  was  originally  designed  to  be  carried  out  in  1852,  when  the 
Library  room  was  rebuilt,  but  the  space  embraced  in  the  two  wings  was  then  occupied 
by  the  House  officers,  and  it  was  therefore  left  incomplete.  Twelve  years  have 
elapsed,  and  the  great  increase  of  the  Library  has  been  such  that  its  number  of  vol- 
umes is  quadrupled,  while  no  additional  room  of  a permanent  character  has  been 
provided. 

The  Library  has  asked  for  no  appropriation  beyond  its  regular  annual  one  for 
books  since  1852,  until  last  session,  when  84,000  was  appropriated  for  a marble  floor 
in  lieu  of  carpets.  The  Library  had  got  along  for  eleven  years  with  but  one  carpet 
and  no  renewal  of  furniture,  exhibiting  an  economy  of  expenditure  sufficiently  rare, 
if  not  unequaled,  in  any  department  of  the  Government.  It  is  therefore,  with  some 
confidence  that  Congress  is  now  asked  to  provide  permanently  for  the  security  of  the 
invaluable  literary  stores  which  have  been  accummulated  in  the  Capitol,  and  to  pro- 
tect which  from  injury  or  destruction  no  amount  of  care  can  be  ill  bestowed. 

The  constant  donations  from  State  Governments  and  from  foreign  Powers  of  works 
illustrating  the  history,  statistics,  politics,  and  legislation  of  our  own  country  and  of 
other  parts  of  the  world,  cannot  be  accommodated.  These  donations  might  be 
largely  increased  upon  application,  without  expense  to  the  Library  fund,  and  a vast 
amount  of  valuable  information,  useful  in  the  practical  legislation  of  Congress,  could 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


364 

be  obtained,  catalogued,  and  permanently  filed  for  the  use  of  members.  Every  State 
and  Territory  in  the  Union  should  have  a file  of  its  public  documents  in  the  Capitol, 
but  the  officers  of  the  Library  have  been  for  years  deterred  from  seeking  these  addi- 
tions, because  there  was  not  room  enough  to  contain  them. 

The  appropriation  required  is  not  unreasonably  high,  as  may  be  seen  by  comparing 
the  cost  of  similar  library  accommodations  elsewhere.  The  new  reading-room  of  the 
British  Museum  (constructed  entirely  within  the  old  edifice)  cost  £100,000,  or $500,000. 
The  Boston  Public  Library  building  cost  (exclusive  of  the  ground)  $240,000.  The 
sum  of  $160,000,  although  large  in  itself,  is  not  so  in  comparison  with  the  great  object 
of  providing  safe  and  permanent  room  for  this  rich  historical  collection,  which  is  rap- 
idly increasing,  and  much  of  which,  if  destroyed,  could  never  be  replaced. 

I think  it  is  unnecessary  to  say  anything  more  upon  this  subject. 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  I move,  pro  forma,  to  increase  the  amount  $1,000.  1 

do  not  suppose  that  there  is  any  doubt  that  this  Library  building  may  be  improved; 
perhaps  there  is  a necessity  for  this  additional  room.  But  I do  say  that  1 lliink  we 
can  get  along  without  it  a year  or  two  longer  as  well  as  for  the  past  two  or  three  years; 
and  that  in  one  year  from  this  time  an  appropriation  of  $100,000  would  do  the  same 
amount  of  work  that  $160,000  will  now  do. 

Mr.  Spalding.  I wish  to  ask  if  this  appropriation  will  add  anything  to  the  security 
of  the  Library  as  it  now  is? 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  I think  myself  the  Library  is  sufficiently  secure.  This 
may  add  to  the  security  of  the  Library,  but  I think  it  is  sufficiently  secure  now"  for 
all  practical  purposes. 

Mr.  Frank.  In  reply  to  the  gentleman  from  Ohio,  [Mr.  Spalding,]  I would  state 
that  only  about  one  half  of  the  books  connected  with  the  Library,  or  belonging  to 
the  Library,  are  now  in  the  fire-proof  apartment.  The  other  half  are  stored  away  in 
other  rooms,  liable  to  be  destroyed  by  fire,  as  books  were  many  years  ago.  This 
appropriation  is  designed  to  make  it  all  fire-proof. 

Mr.  Garfield.  I think  no  gentleman  will  deny  that  any  number  of  books  left  in  a 
wooden  receptacle  are  liable  to  destruction  by  fire.  There  is  scarcely  a library  in 
the  country,  collegiate,  State,  or  national,  that  has  not,  at  some  time,  suffered  to  a 
greater  or  less  extent  by  fire.  And  it  is  true  that  to-day  you  cannot  find  a single 
perfect  set  of  the  official  archives  of  the  Government  anywhere  in  existence,  because 
in  1851,  under  circumstances  similar  to  those  now  existing,  nearly  the  half  of  our 
Congressional  Library  was  destroyed  by  fire.  Now,  when  we  have  forty  thousand 
books  lying  in  a wooden  receptacle,  to  leave  them  there  liable  to  be  burned 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  Where  are  those  forty  thousand  volumes  at  this 
time? 

Mr.  Garfield.  All  the  books  of  the  Library  which  are  outside  the  fire-proof  apart- 
ments of  the  Library  are  exposed  to  this  danger.  If  the  gentleman  will  go  through 
the  wrings  of  the  building  on  either  hand  of  the  fire-proof  apartment  of  the  Library, 
he  will  find  these  cords  and  cords  of  our  most  valuable  books  stacked  up  on  the 
floors.  There  is  absolutely  not  even  shelf  room  for  them.  And  it  is  impossible  to 
get  at  some  of  them  without  disturbing  a pile  of  books  perhaps  twenty  feet  high  in 
some  instances.  They  are  not  available  for  use  now  because  there  is  not  even  shelf 
room  for  them.  Dare  we  go  on  and  leave  the  third  most  valuable  library  in  the 
United  States  of  America  in  a condition  in  which  it  is  liable  to  have  one  half  of  it 
destroyed?  Really  three  fourths  of  the  value  of  the  Library  may  be  destroyed  by 
fire  any  day. 

Mr.  Kasson.  I would  make  a further  statement  in  this  connection.  This  appropri- 
ation was  asked  for  and  urged  very  strongly  upon  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means 
at  the  last  session,  and  the  session  before  also.  At  the  last  session  I know  it  was 
deferred  for  the  same  consideration  now  proposed,  namely,  that  it  may  bear  post- 
ponement still  longer.  The  time  has  come  when  this  is  pressed  again  upon  our  con- 
sideration. Now,  while  I voted  at  that  time  for  deferring  this  appropriation,  I am 


The  Old  Building. 


365 


one  of  those  who  have  become  convinced  that  is  altogether  unsafe  to  continue  that 
valuable  library  as  it  is  now.  And  further,  we  are  increasing  the  number  of  books 
every  year,  with  no  place  in  which  to  put  them,  or  where  they  can  be  made  useful; 
and  we  must  either  stop  appropriating  for  books  or  we  must  provide  additional  room 
for  them. 

Mr.  Garfield.  I am  glad  to  hear  the  testimony  of  the  gentleman  from  Iowa  [Mr. 
Kasson]  on  this  subject,  and  I would  say  further,  that  the  additions  to  our  Library 
in  the  way  of  donations  are  such  that  at  the  present  rate  we  shall  soon  have  no  place 
at  all  in  which  to  put  them  unless  this  appropriation  is  granted.  I would  be  willing 
that  almost  an}'  appropriation  in  this  bill  should  be  cut  down,  or  should  be  entirely 
thrown  out,  rather  than  have  this  appropriation  fail.  I hope  we  will  provide  for 
saving  the  books  we  already  have  on  hand  rather  than  risk  them  for  another  year 
as  they  have  been  risked  for  a year  past.  Beside  the  question  of  risk,  there  is  the 
question  of  utilizing  our  Library  so  as  to  make  it  available  for  members,  which  will 
lead  me  to  vote  for  this  appropriation. 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  I withdraw  my  amendment  to  increase  the  appropri- 
ation $1,000. 

Mr.  Wadsworth.  I renew  the  amendment.  I hope  this  Senate  amendment  will  be 
adopted.  As  remarked  by  the  gentleman  from  Iowa,  [Mr.  Kasson,]  the  attention 
of  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means,  and  of  the  Library  Committee  has  heretofore 
been  called  to  the  necessity  of  this  appropriation;  and  it  was  with  a great  deal  of 
reluctance  on  my  part  that  I was  compelled,  in  view  of  the  pressing  necessities  of  the 
Government,  to  vote  to  defer  this  appropriation  last  year.  But  I am  convinced  that 
we  are  neglecting  a very  important  duty  that  is  pressing  upon  us. 

This  appropriation  rests  upon  two  necessities,  either  of  which  ought  to  be  sufficient 
to  sustain  it — the  necessity  of  preserving  our  present  Library,  and  the  equal  necessity 
of  increasing,  and  improving,  and  enlarging  that  Library.  If  our  present  collection 
were  perfectly  safe,  I trust  we  should  not  be  content  to  neglect  the  proper  extension 
and  enlargement  of  our  Library.  As  remarked  by  the  gentleman  from  Ohio,  [Mr. 
Garfield,]  our  present  collection  is  not  safe.  Fully  one  half  of  that  Library  is 
exposed  to  the  peril  of  fire;  it  is  not  in  a secure  fire-proof  condition.  The  recent 
burning  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution  should  warn  us  that  at  any  moment  a much 
greater  calamity  may  befall  the  Congressional  Library.  I do  hope  that  by  the  votes 
of  gentlemen  on  both  sides  of  the  House  this  appropriation  may  be  made. 

Mr.  Pruyn.  I wish  to  say,  Mr.  Speaker,  in  reference  to  the  condition  of  the  Library, 
that  I have  visited  it  personally  several  times  and  I know  that  the  statements  which 
have  been  made  on  this  floor  in  regard  to  its  condition  are  true.  A very  great  num- 
ber of  valuable  books  are  now  piled  on  the  floor.  They  are  inaccessible,  and  liable 
to  be  destroyed  by  an  accident  such  as  that  which  happened  several  years  ago. 

I wish  also  to  say  that  adequate  room  should  be  provided  in  this  building  for  a 
really  national  library,  a library  in  which  we  can  accumulate  the  materials  of  our 
own  history,  in  which  we  are  now  lamentably  deficient.  It  is  mortifying  to  Ameri- 
cans, but  it  is  a fact,  that  any  person  who  may  wish  to  write  the  history  of  our  coun- 
try, must  now  go  the  British  Museum;  for  its  collection  of  American  books  is  vastly 
superior  to  that  of  any  library  in  this  country.  This  should  not  be  so.  We  should 
have  ample  arrangements  for  the  reception  of  books,  and  after  those  arrangements 
are  completed,  a large  appropriation  should  be  made  for  the  purpose  of  perfecting 
the  great  national  Library  of  the  country  in  respect  to  our  own  history,  and  putting 
it  on  a par  at  least  with  the  library  of  the  British  Museum.  I hope,  therefore,  that 
this  appropriation  will  be  made,  as  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  has  said,  liberally 
and  freely,  by  the  votes  of  both  sides  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Wadsworth.  1 withdraw  my  amendment  to  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I call  the  previous  question  upon  this  amendment. 

The  previous  question  was  seconded,  and  the  main  question  was  ordered;  and 
under  the  operation  thereof  the  amendment  was  concurred  in. 


366 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  legislative,  executive,  and  judicial  expenses  of  the 
Government  for  the  Year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-six,  and  additional 
appropriations  for  the  current  fiscal  Year,”  approved  Mar.  2, 1865.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  13, 448.)] 

For  an  enlargement  of  the  library  of  congress,  so  as  to  include  in  two  wings,  built 
fire-proof,  the  space  at  either  end  of  the  present  library,  measuring  about  eighty  feet 
in  length  by  thirty  feet  in  width,  in  accordance  with  a plan  to  be  approved  by  the 
committee  on  the  library,  one  hundred  and  sixty  thousand  dollars,  to  be  expended 
under  the  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  B.  B.  French,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  Oct.  12,  1865.  (39-1, 

House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  799.)] 

THE  CAPITOL. 

The  old  building  has  undergone  many  changes  since  my  last  report.  When  that 
was  made  we  had  just  commenced  constructing  the  marble  floor  in  the  old  hall  of 
representatives.  The  appropriation  of  $15,000  was  expended,  and  a further  appro- 
priation of  three  thousand  eight  hundred  and  seventy-five  dollars  was  made  at  the 
last  session  to  complete  the  same.  The  work  has  been  completed  for  some  time,  and 
the  attention  of  the  President  has  been  called  to  the  law  of  July  2,  1864,  authorizing 
him  “to  invite  each  and  all  the  States  to  provide  and  furnish  statues,  in  marble  or 
bronze,  not  exceeding  two  in  number  for  each  State,  of  deceased  persons  who  have 
been  citizens  thereof,  and  illustrious  for  their  historic  renown  or  from  distinguished 
civic  or  military  services,  such  as  each  State  shall  determine  to  be  worthy  of  this 
national  commemoration,”  to  be  placed  in  that  hall,  which,  by  that  act,  was  set 
apart,  “or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary,  as  a National  Statuary  Hall.”  And 
I have  received  official  notice  from  the  Department  of  State  that  circulars  had  been 
sent  to  the  governors  of  all  the  States,  notifying  them  of  the  law  of  Congress,  and 
inviting  them  to  call  the  attention  of  their  several  legislatures  to  the  subject.  No 
statuary  has  yet  been  sent  from  any  of  the  States. 

Under  the  law  of  last  session,  authorizing  “an  enlargement  of  the  library  of  Con- 
gress so  as  to  include  in  two  wings,  built  fire  proof,  the  space  at  either  end  of  the 
present  library,”  and  appropriating  $160,000  therefor,  the  work  is  now  going  on 
most  successfully,  under  the  contract  made  with  the  Architectural  Iron  Works  Com- 
pany, of  New  York,  by  your  direction,  by  which  that  company  contracted  to  do  the 
work,  in  accordance  with  certain  specifications  drawn  out  by  the  architect  of  the 
Capitol  extension,  Thomas  U.  Walter,  esq.,  for  the  sum  of  $146,000.  The  work  has 
now  progressed  so  far  as  that  the  insides  of  the  two  wings  are  torn  out,  and  are  both 
ready  to  receive  the  roofs,  which  will  be  in  place  probably  before  the  meeting  of 
the  ensuing  Congress.  The  roofs  once  on,  the  other  work  will  proceed  rapidly  to 
completion. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1,  1865.  (39-1, 

House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  811.)] 

ENLARGEMENT  OF  THE  CONGRESSIONAL  LIBRARY. 

The  walls  and  arches  have  been  taken  out  of  the  north  and  south  w'ings,  and  the 
iron  rafters  are  being  placed  over  the  north  wing.  Nearly  all  the  alcoves,  shelves, 
galleries,  &c.,  for  one  room  are  prepared  at  the  foundry  in  New  York,  and  will  soon 
be  ready  for  shipment.  Owing  to  some  inaccuracy  in  the  plans,  some  changes  have 
been  made  in  the  rafters,  which  will  lead  to  slight  delay  and  increased  expenditure. 


The  Old  Building. 


367 


An  offset  in  the  walls  of  the  south  wing  has  been  discovered  since  the  partition  walls 
were  taken  out,  which  will  increase  the  depth  of  some  of  the  alcoves,  and  conse- 
quently their  capacity  for  books.  Additional  shelving  has  been  ordered,  so  as  to 
make  serviceable  every  portion  of  the  wall  space. 

The  gallery  leading  to  the  dome,  which  cut  off  part  of  the  library-room  in  the 
north  wing,  has  been  abolished,  and  the  approach  made  by  a gallery  across  the 
small  court.  This  change  adds  much  to  the  capacity  of  the  library. 

It  is  proposed  to  change  the  mode  of  heating,  from  warm-air  furnaces  to  steam; 
the  heat  from  warm-air  furnaces  being  considered  objectionable,  and,  in  such  large 
rooms,  uncertain. 

[From  the  annual  report  of  James  Harlan,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Dec.  4,  1865.  (39 — 1,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  p.  xvi.)] 

An  act  of  last  session  authorized  “an  enlargement  of  the  Library  of  Congress,  so  as  to 
include  in  two  wings,  built  fire-proof,  the  space  at  either  end  of  the  present  Library.” 
The  then  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension  prepared  the  requisite  plans  and  specifi- 
cations for  the  work.  Competition  was  invited  by  newspaper  publication  in  several 
of  the  large  cities  of  the  Union,  and  a contract  for  the  labor  and  materials  awarded 
to  a responsible  party  for  the  sum  of  $146,000,  being  $14,000  less  than  that  appropri- 
ated by  Congress.  The  work,  although  delayed  by  unforeseen  causes,  has  been 
faithfully  and  successfully  prosecuted,  and  its  completion  will  not  be  long  deferred. 
Additional  expenditure  must  be  incurred  for  the  introduction  of  water  into  the 
Library,  the  cutting  off  and  replacing  the  gas  mains  which  supplied  the  building  and 
passed  through  the  wings  which  will  be  occupied  by  the  Library,  and  other  incidental 
alterations  which  were  not  anticipated  and  specified  by  the  architect,  but  which,  as 
the  work  progresses,  are  found  to  be  necessary. 


[From  the  “Act  making  additional  Appropriations,  and  to  supply  the  Deficiencies  in  the  Appropria- 
tions for  sundry  civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal  Year  ending  the  thirtieth  of  June, 
eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-six,  and  for  other  Purposes,”  approved  April  7,  1866.  (Stat.  at  Large, 
v.  14, 18.)] 

For  fitting  up  rooms  in  the  basement,  under  the  court-room  of  the  Supreme  Court, 
for  a consultation  room  for  the  court,  six  thousand  five  hundred  dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  sundry  Civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  Year 
ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-seven,  and  for  other  Purposes,”  approved  July 
28,  1866.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  14,  317.)] 

CONGRESSIONAL  LIBRARY. 

To  complete  the  extension  of  the  library  of  Congress,  twenty-two  thousand  dollars. 
For  furniture  for  the  two  wings  of  the  extension  of  the  congressional  library,  and 
for  sliding  cases  for  illustrated  books,  ten  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  O.  H.  Browning,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  19,  1866.  (39-2,  House  Ex. 

Doe.  No.  1,  14.)] 

The  extension  of  the  Library  is  nearly  completed.  The  work  has  been  done  in 
the  most  substantial  and  elegant  style,  and  the  rooms  are  now  an  appropriate  setting 
for  the  rich  literary  treasures  within  them.  It  is  proposed  to  heat  them  with  steam 


368 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


from  the  boilers  in  the  basement,  by  means  of  Gould’s  apparatus.  The  Commis- 
sioner of  Public  Buildings  urges,  on  sanitary  grounds,  the  necessity  of  warming  the 
passages  of  the  center  building,  and  of  improving  the  manner  of  heating  and  venti- 
lating the  Supreme  Court  rooms.  The  expenditures  on  the  Library  extension  from 
October  31,  1865,  were  $137,926  61,  leaving  a balance  of  $31,129  50. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  sundry  Civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  Year 
ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-eight,  and  for  other  Purposes,”  approved  Mar. 
2,  1867.  (Stat.  at  Large,  v.  14,  462.)] 

For  heating  with  steam  the  Supreme  Court  room,  law  library,  and  the  passages 
and  stairways  adjacent  [to]  the  court-room,  and  for  other  improvements  and  repairs 
of  said  court-room,  fifteen  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  and  to  supply  Deficiencies  in  the  Appropriations  for  the 
Service  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty- 
seven,  and  for  other  Purposes,”  approved  Mar.  2,  1867.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  14,  469.)] 

For  six  iron  stairways,  repairs  and  repainting  in  the  library  of  Congress,  and  for  a 
new  skylight  in  the  central  library,  five  thousand  two  hundred  and  sixty  dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1,  1867.  (40-2, 

House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  p.  526.)] 

ENLARGEMENT  OF  THE  CONGRESSIONAL  LIBRARY. 

The  wings  have  been  completed,  and  the  additional  stairways  supplied.  New  glass 
have  been  put  in  the  inner  skylight,  and  other  improvements  and  repairs  have  been 
made  to  the  principal  room. 

This  work  has  been  more  extensive  than  was  originally  contemplated;  the  princi- 
pal items  being  the  enlargement  of  the  north  wing,  and  supplying  additional  shelving. 
There  are  over  4,000  lineal  feet  more  shelving  than  was  at  first  provided  for.  Some 
changes  had  to  be  made  for  the  accommodation  of  the  books  of  the  Smithsonian 
library,  and  in  consequence  of  the  expense  attending  these  and  other  changes,  the 
funds  appropriated  have  not  been  sufficient  to  pay  the  claims.  A balance  is  due  the 
Architectural  Iron  Works  Company  of  $5,922  46,  for  which  deficiency  an  appropria- 
tion is  asked. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  and  to  supply  Deficiencies  in  the  Appropriations  for  the 
Service  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty- 
eight,  and  for  other  Purposes,”  approved  July  25,  1868  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  15,  172.)] 

Capitol  Building. — For  the  payment  of  outstanding  liabilities  incurred  by  the  late 
commissioner  of  public  buildings  for  materials  furnished  and  labor  done  in  repairing 
the  old  portion  of  the  capitol  building  prior  to  and  during  the  fiscal  year  ending  June 
thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-seven,  five  thousand  four  hundred  and  eighty- 
four  dollars  and  twenty -two  cents:  Provided,  That  no  part  of  the  sum  hereby  appro- 
priated shall  be  paid  until  the  said  accounts  shall  have  been  fully  examined  and 
approved  by  the  proper  accounting  officers  of  the  treasury. 


The  Old  Building. 


369 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1,  1873.  (43-1, 

House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  1,  767.)] 

Attention  is  called  to  the  unfinished  condition  of  the  rotunda  and  inner  portion  of 
the  dome.  I recommend  that  its  walls  be  encrusted  with  ornamental  marbles;  the 
pilasters  and  first  cornice  taken  away,  and  the  floor  laid  with  encaustic  tile.  I?y 
omitting  the  first  cornice,  and  letting  the  story  terminate  at  the  line  of  the  second 
cornice,  which  cornice  should  be  enlarged,  the  wall  of  the  rotunda  will  have  greater 
apparent  height,  and  the  anomaly  of  three  cornices — similar  members — so  near  each 
other,  will  be  abolished. 

Lofty  doorways,  with  sculptured  enrichment,  should  be  made,  and  the  vault  of  the 
rotunda  decorated  with  painted  enrichments.  While  these  changes  will  entail  a large 
expenditure,  I consider  them  necessary  to  make  a complete  and  harmonious  finish  to 
this  the  principal  feature  of  the  building. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-five,  and  for  other  purposes,’’  approved 
June  23,  1874.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  18,  214.)] 

For  replacing  the  defective  portion  of  the  roof  on  the  Capitol,  near  the  dome,  by  a 
copper  roofing  of  fireproof  construction,  and  for  erecting  fire- walls,  fifteen  thousand 
dollars:  Provided,  That  such  portion  of  the  old  materials  as  cannot  be  used  profitably 
in  the  repairs  of  the  Capitol  shall  be  sold  and  the  proceeds  covered  into  the  Treasury. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  Oct.  1,  1877.  (45-2,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  1,  899.)] 

The  belt  of  the  Rotunda,  intended  to  be  enriched  with  bassorelievos,  is  being  em- 
bellished in  real  fresco,  representing  in  light  and  shadow  events  in  our  history, 
arranged  in  chronological  order,  beginning  with  the  landing  of  Columbus  and  ending 
with  a period  of  our  revolutionary  history. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  June  9,  1880:  Congressional  Record,  46-2,  p.  4330.] 

The  Senate,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  having  under  consideration  the  Sun- 
dry Civil  bill  for  1881— 

Mr.  Morrill.  I have  one  more  amendment  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings and  Grounds  to  offer. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  amendment  will  be  reported. 

The  Chief  Clerk.  After  line  1596  it  is  proposed  to  insert: 

For  fire-proofing  the  old  Hall  of  Representatives  and  the  rooms  adjoining,  and  for  shelving  in  the 
basement  and  cellar  stories,  such  rooms  as  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives  may  select 
for  the  reception  of  books,  files,  and  stationery,  which  are  to  be  moved  from  the  rooms  connected 
with  the  old  Hall,  $36,500:  Provided , That  so  much  of  the  sum  herein  appropriated  as  may  be  neces- 
sary for  the  reconstruction  of  the  inner  portion  of  the  Hall  may  be  used  during  the  present  fiscal 
year,  and  the  balance  for  changing  the  roof  is  hereby  made  available  during  the  fiscal  year  ending 
June  30,  1882. 

Mr.  Morrill.  1 desire  to  say  that  if  that  amendment  shall  pass  it  will  take  from 
the  Treasury  but  $10,000  this  year,  and  the  remainder  will  be  expended  the  next  year. 
I will  state  the  necessity  for  the  amendment. 

The  roofs  over  the  old  Senate  Chamber  and  over  the  old  Plall  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  are  nothing  but  wood,  and  they  are  surrounded  by  immense  piles  of 

II.  Rep.  (>46 2L 


370 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


documents  and  papers  that  are  very  combustible.  If  a fire  were  to  occur  under  either 
of  these  roofs  it  would  be  very  destructive  to  the  Capitol.  I feel  that  there  is  a great 
responsibility  upon  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  for  years  that 
this  has  been  neglected.  It  is  quite  time  that  this  Capitol,  at  least,  should  be  made 
fire-proof.  These  two  roofs  over  the  old  Senate  Chamber  and  the  old  Hall  of  the 
House  of  Representatives  are  composed  of  nothing  but  wood,  and  I trust  there  will 
be  an  entire  willingness  on  the  part  of  the  Senate  to  have  these  two  roofs  replaced, 
one  to  begin  this  year,  and  the  appropriation  will  probably  be  made  the  next  year 
for  the  other.  This  §10,000  would  be  expended  in  fixing  the  lower  part  of  the  Hall 
so  as  to  sustain  the  roof,  and  so  as  to  make  that  fire-proof  as  well  as  the  rest  of  the 
building.  There  is  now  merely  a wooden  partition  separating  it  from  a room  of 
documents. 

Mr.  Beck.  When  the  Senator  fiom  Vermont  was  before  the  subcommittee  this 
question  was  very  well  presented  by  him,  but  we  came  to  a conclusion  which  I desire 
to  state  for  the  benefit  of  the  Senate,  and  they  may  do  as  they  like.  All  that  portion 
of  the  Capitol  that  lies  beyond  the  center  of  the  Rotunda • 

Mr.  Morrill.  I desire  to  correct  the  Senator  so  far  as  that  fact  is  concerned. 

Mr.  Beck.  I have  not  stated  one  yet. 

Mr.  Morrill.  The  Statuary  Hall  is  set  apart  by  a special  act  of  Congress,  and  is  no 
more  under  control  of  the  House  of  Representatives  than  of  the  Senate.  It  is  placed 
exclusively  under  the  control  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Beck.  We  regarded  the  Senate  and  the  House  as  taking  jurisdiction  up  to  the 
center  of  the  Rotunda.  All  the  rooms  beyond  that  on  the  other  side  are  occupied 
by  the  House,  and  those  on  this  side  by  the  Senate.  When  the  question  came  up  as 
to  repairing  the  roof  of  the  old  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives  and  of  arrang- 
ing it  under  the  the  direction  of  the  Speaker  of  the  House  into  such  rooms  as  might 
be  of  most  use  to  the  House  of  Representatives,  we  regarded  that  as  a matter  which 
the  House  of  Representatives  themselves  ought  to  attend  to  and  ought  to  arrange. 
They  have  made  no  suggestion  in  that  direction,  and  do  not  seem  to  desire  any  addi- 
tional room  or  to  have  any  fitted  up  for  their  use.  The  Committee  on  Appropriations 
of  the  Senate  did  not  think  that  it  was  a proper  thing  for  us  to  do,  especially  as  there 
is  some  jealously  between  the  two  Houses  with  regard  to  the  jurisdiction  over  divers 
matters,  to  be  fitting  up  rooms  under  the  direction  of  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  for  the  use  of  the  House  of  Representatives.  When  they  want  any- 
thing done  at  that  end  of  the  Capitol  they  will  be  sure  to  send  us  here  the  appropriation 
to  do  it.  That  is  the  idea  we  had.  I think  it  is  safer  and  better  to  let  this  alone  at 
present,  especially  as  there  is  no  urgent  necessity  except  the  fact  that  these  roofs  are 
not  fire-proof.  They  may  burn  up,  of  course,  next  year,  but  they  have  been  stand- 
ing a good  many  years  without  burning  up,  and  I hope  will  stand  a hundred  years 
longer  without  burning  up. 

In  the  midst  of  so  many  necessary  appropriations  we  did  not  feel,  first,  like  inter- 
fering with  the  House  in  matters  at  their  end  of  the  Capitol,  and,  second,  in  spending 
money  except  where  it  is  absolutely  necessary  for  the  public  good.  For  that  reason 
we  could  not  recommend  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Morrill.  The  exigency  is  so  great  that  I shall  ask  for  the  yeas  and  nays  upon 
this  amendment. 

Mr.  Beck.  All  right. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

Mr.  Cockrell.  I should  like  to  ask  the  Senator  from  Vermont  why  he  puts  in  an 
appropriation  for  the  fiscal  year  1882  when  there  will  be  another  session  of  Congress 
before  the  proper  appropriations  for  that  year  are  made? 

Mr.  Morrill.  For  the  reason  that  it  is  necessary  to  make  contracts  for  the  iron  roof 
in  advance,  and  there  is  no  time  to  do  it  this  year  after  the  meeting  of  Congress  in 
December;  but  there  would  be  time  if  the  appropriation  is  made  in  this  form  to  make 


The  Old  Building. 


371 


contracts  for  the  iron  roof;  and  next  year  will  be  the  short  session  of  Congress,  and 
there  will  be  ample  time  to  complete  it.  There  would  not  be  this  year. 

Mr.  Cockrell.  Will  the  Senator  answer  another  question? 

Mr.  Morrill.  I will,  if  1 can. 

Mr.  Cockrell.  I believe  the  Senator  from  Vermont  was  chairman  for  a long  series 
of  years  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  Senate,  and  1 
believe  that  the  party  to  which  he  belongs  had  absolute  control  of  the  Senate  and 
the  House.  I have  not  been  advised  of  any  increase  in  the  risk  and  danger  of  loss 
by  fire  in  the  last  six  months  or  a year.  If  this  thing  was  so  absolutely  important, 
why  did  not  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  during 
the  eight  or  ten  years  last  past  have  provision  made  for  securing  the  building  against 
these  risks  and  loss,  and  why  is  it  so  urgent  just  at  this  particular  time  that  we  shall 
not  only  appropriate  for  this  fiscal  year  but  for  the  fiscal  year  1882? 

Mr.  Dawes.  The  Senator  from  Missouri  really  forgets.  The  Senator  from  Ver- 
mont has  been,  in  season  and  out  of  season,  year  after  year,  pressing  this  measure, 
and  the  danger  has  been  increasing  year  after  year  as  the  documents  are  piled  up 
under  the  roof  there  and  old  furniture  put  in  there.  Shavings  are  put  in  there 
from  repairs,  and  every  year  adds  to  the  danger  of  burning  down  the  middle  part  of 
this  Capitol,  if  not  the  whole  of  it.  When  the  Senator  from  Vermont  represented  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  when  he  was  chairman  of  it,  and 
when  some  one  else  was  chairman  of  it  during  the  last  Congress,  these  same  meas- 
ures were  brought  forward  and  urged  upon  Congress,  but  Congress  does  not  seem 
willing  to  listen  until  the  danger  is  upon  it.  Even  the  Senator  from  Kentucky  thinks 
that  it  is  safer  as  against  fire  not  to  interfere  with  the  province  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  over  the  other  side  of  a line  drawn  through  the  center  of  the  Ro- 
tunda, as  if  the  fire  when  it  broke  out  would  pay  any  particular  regard  to  that  line 
when  it  was  consuming  the  roof  of  this  building.  He  presents  the  idea  that  it  would 
be  safer  to  keep  distinctly  in  mind  where  the  dividing  line  in  this  building  is 
between  the  House  of  Representatives  and  the  Senate  when  you  undertake  to  pro- 
tect the  roof  from  fire,  when  it  is  all  packed  up  full  of  documents  and  books!  Two 
or  three  years  ago  we  undertook  to  dispose  of  a quantity  of  those  books  to  make 
room  for  more,  and  the  place  is  filled  up  with  documents. 

I trust,  with  the  Senator  from  Kentucky,  that  no  fire  will  come  there,  but  I do 
not  think  it  will  be  perfectly  safe  to  dispose  of  it  on  a question  of  jurisdiction.  A fire 
does  not  stop  to  consider  the  jurisdiction. 

I suggest  to  the  Senator  from  Missouri  that  the  Senator  from  Vermont  is  the  last 
man  against  whom  this  complaint  should  be  made;  and  so  of  any  other  member  of 
the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  this  Congress  or  of  any  of  the 
last  five  Congresses,  who  have  had  occasion  to  know  to  what  this  building  is  exposed. 
If  any  person  should  go  with  a lighted  candle  or  with  a cigar,  or  if  anybody  should 
come  in  contact  with  the  gas-light  up  under  these  roofs  or  drop  a match  or  anything 
of  that  kind,  it  would  consume  the  whole  of  them;  it  could  not  be  extinguished,  and 
we  should  then  stop,  I suppose,  in  the  Senate  Chamber  to  plead  the  question  of 
jurisdiction. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from 
Vermont,  [Mr.  Morrill,]  on  which  the  yeas  and  nays  have  been  ordered. 

The  question  being  taken  by  yeas  and  nays,  resulted — yeas  23,  nays  21. 

* * * 

So  the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Beck.  I desire  to  give  notice  that  I shall  ask  for  a separate  vote  by  yeas  and 
nays  on  this  amendment  in  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Morrill.  And  I hope  we  shall  have  a very  much  larger  vote  in  favor  of  it  at 
that  time. 


372 


Documentary  History  o f the  Capitol. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  June  15,  1880:  Congressional  Record,  46-2,  p.  4561.] 

The  Senate  having  under  consideration  the  conference  report  on  the  sundry  civil 
bill  for  1881 — 

Mr.  Beck.  There  are  some  items,  very  small,  in  relation  to  the  improvement  of 
the  Senate  Chamber,  which  the  Senator  from  Vermont  [Mr.  Morrill]  laid  before 
our  committee;  they  are  agreed  to.  As  to  the  amendment  in  relation  to  Statuary 
Hall,  that  was  agreed  to.  But  amendment  numbered  122,  which  was  inserted  by 
the  Senate,  providing  that  the  stationery,  tiles,  and  books  of  the  House  were  to  be 
removed  from  the  rooms  connected  with  the  old  hall,  the  House  conferees  protested, 
as  I believed  they  would,  that  they  could  not  have  their  tiles  placed  down  in  the 
basement;  that  we  had  no  power  to  require  them  to  do  so.  They  did  not  want  this 
requirement  put  upon  them,  and  I am  bound  to  say  that  I receded  from  that  some- 
what willingly,  although  the  Senator  from  Vermont  was  very  anxious  about  it.  The 
House  was  determined  not  to  change  their  committee-rooms  except  on  careful 
examination  of  what  was  best  to  have  done  themselves,  and  as  it  pertains  solely  to 
them  their  arguments  were  very  good,  I think.  At  any  rate,  they  would  not  listen 
to  this  amendment  being  made  part  of  the  bill. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  Oct.  1, 1880.  (46-3,  House  Ex. 

Hoc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  2,  437.)] 

Bpt  little  progress  has  been  made  on  the  frescoes  of  the  belt  in  the  Dome,  owing 
to  the  illness  and  death  of  the  late  Constantino  Brumidi.  Philip  Costagini,  an  artist 
of  acknowledged  merit,  educated  in  the  same  school  as  the  former  artist,  is  now  engaged 
on  these  frescoes,  and  shows  by  his  work  that  he  is  a master  in  the  art. 


[From  the  “ Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-two,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Mar.  3,  1881.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  21,  449.)  ] 

* * * For  work  on  the  Capitol  and  general  repairs  thereof,  for  fire-proofing  the 

gallery  of  the  National  Statuary  Hall  and  the  rooms  adjoining,  for  shelving  the  rooms 
for  the  accommodation  of  the  House  documentary  library,  for  cutting  doorway  from 
the  northwestern  room  to  connect  the  Congressional  Library,  and  for  shelving  such 
rooms  in  the  basement  story  of  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol  as  the  Speaker  may 
designate  for  the  reception  of  the  stationery  and  files  to  be  moved  from  the  rooms 
connected  with  the  Hall,  fifty  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  Oct.  1,  1881.  (47-1,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  V.  2,  822.)] 

Mr.  Costaggini  has  painted  in  fresco  on  the  belt  of  the  rotunda  the  “ Settlement  of 
New  England,”  “Oglethorp  and  the  Indians,”  and  “Lexington.”  He  has  also  com- 
pleted “Penn  and  the  Indians,”  left  unfinished  by  Mr.  Brumidi,  and  he  is  now 
engaged  on  the  “Reading  the  Declaration  of  Independence.”  It  is  proper  to  state 
here,  that  Mr.  Brumidi  made  the  designs  for  these  sections  only  in  small  size  and  Mr. 
Costaggini  has  had  to  make  the  full-sized  cartoons. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  10,  1882:  Congressional  Record,  47-1,  p.  1946.] 

Mr.  Voorhees.  The  Joint  Select  Committee  on  additional  accommodations  for  the 
Library  of  Congress  directed  the  Librarian  some  time  ago  to  propound  certain  inter- 


The  Old  Building. 


373 


rogatories  to  General  Meigs  on  the  subject  of  the  proposed  reconstruction  of  the 
Capitol  building.  The  answer  of  General  Meigs,  together  with  the  letter  addressed 
to  him  by  Mr.  Spofford,  by  the  direction  of  the  committee,  I present  to  the  Senate 
and  ask  that  they  may  be  printed  for  the  use  of  the  Senate  and  referred  to  the  joint 
select  committee. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  It  will  be  so  ordered,  if  there  be  no  objection. 


[Senate  Mis.  Doc.  No.  65,  47th  Congress,  1st  Session.  Letter  from  Major-General  M.  C.  Meigs,  in 
response  to  questions  from  the  Joint  Select  Committee  on  Additional  Accommodations  for  the 
Library,  touching  the  proposed  plan  for  raising  the  dome  of  the  Capitol  in  order  to  secure  addi- 
tional space.  March  16,  1882. — Referred  to  the  Select  Committee  on  Additional  Accommodations 
for  the  Library  of  Congress  and  ordered  to  be  printed.] 

Library  of  Congress, 

Washington,  March  9,  1882. 

Sir:  I am  desired  by  the  chairman  of  the  Joint  Select  Committee  on  Additional 
Accommodations  for  the  Library  of  Congress  to  request  your  views  regarding  a pro- 
posed plan  for  raising  the  dome  of  the  Capitol  50  feet,  in  order  to  secure  additional 
space  in  and  near  the  rotunda  for  the  Library.  The  points  concerning  which  your 
judgment  is  requested  may  be  embodied  in  the  following  queries: 

1.  Will  the  old  foundations,  being  constructed  for  a building  of  69  feet  in  height, 
be  able  to  stand  the  additional  weight  of  a superincumbent  structure  of  another  50 
feet  height? 

2.  Will  the  old  walls,  which  were  constructed  to  sustain  no  further  burden  than 
the  roof,  be  strong  enough  to  bear  the  proposed  additional  stories,  which  include 
walls,  partitions,  fire-proof  floors,  iron  shelving,  and  a dead-load  of  books  and  papers 
closely  packed  together,  with  the  accidental  weights  to  which  library  floors  are 
subject? 

3.  Will  the  foundations  of  the  circular  dome-wall,  originally  constructed  for  a 
wooden  dome,  and  now  bearing  the  load  of  the  iron  dome,  be  strong  enough  if  an 
additional  wall  of  50  feet  height  be  inserted  between  the  present  wall  and  the  dome 
proper? 

4.  Will  the  present  wall  of  the  dome  be  strong  enough  to  carry  an  additional  wall 
of  50  feet  in  height? 

5.  What  is  your  opinion  of  the  scheme  of  bodily  raising  the  dome  50  feet  higher, 
especially  in  view  of  the  fact  that  its  foundation  is  117  feet  below  the  base  of  it 
proper?  And  what  is  your  opinion  of  taking  it  to  pieces  and  putting  it  up  again? 

6.  Could  that  scheme  (provided  it  were  otherwise  practical)  be  executed  without 
demolishing  the  entire  old  or  center  part  of  the  Capitol  building?  Is  it  a practical 
scheme  or  a visionary  one? 

With  high  respect,  your  obedient  servant,  A.  R.  Spofford, 

Librarian  of  Congress. 

Maj.  Gen.  M.  C.  Meigs, 

Washington,  L>.  C. 


Washington,  March,  13,  1882. 

Hon.  A.  R.  Spofford, 

Librar  ian  of  Congress: 

Sir:  I return  the  questions  submitted  to  me  by  you  at  the  request  of  the  Commit- 
tee on  Additional  Accommodations  for  the  Library  of  Congress,  and  reply  to  them. 

In  1856,  upon  request  of  a committee  of  Congress,  I reported  upon  the  strength  of 
the  walls  of  the  dome  and  their  ability  to  bear  the  weight  of  the  iron  dome  then  in 


374 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


course  of  erection  under  my  superintendence.  This  report  and  the  calculations  of 
strength  and  stability  will  be  found  in  Id.  It.  Mis.  Doc.  No.  65,  1856,  Thirty-fourth 
Congress,  first  session. 

In  1860,  the  dome  having  been  raised  to  a height  of  about  60  feet  above  the  cornice 
of  the  rotunda,  this  question  was  again  raised,  and  Capt.  W.  B.  Franklin,  then  in 
charge,  again  investigated  it  with  the  aid  of  more  complete  working  drawings  of  the 
iron  work  at  a period  when  the  work  had  made  greater  progress. 

His  conclusions  will  be  found  in  Senate  Mis.  Doc.  No.  29,  Thirty-sixth  Congress, 
1860,  first  session,  at  pages  8 to  11. 

These  may  be  stated  as  follows: 

Pounds. 

Total  weight  upon  upper  part  of  dome  supporting  wall,  at  its  weakest 

section 13,  600, 000 

Pressure  per  square  foot  upon  the  masonry  of  the  wall  at  that  weakest 

part 10,  700 

Load  upon  the  foundation  walls  at  level  of  cellar  floor 51, 292,  000 

Pressure  per  square  foot 13, 071 

The  greatest  pressure  per  square  foot  is  at  the  level  of  the  basement  floor,  where 
the  total  weight  is  44,770,000  pounds,  and  the  pressure  per  square  foot  is  13,477 
pounds,  say  13,500  pounds. 

The  experiments  which  I made  in  1856  upon  the  strength  of  brick  and  mortar 
gave  the  breaking  strain  at  from  192,000  pounds  to  339,000  pounds  per  square  foot. 
General  Morin’s  experiments  gave  for  brick  from  123,000  up  to  307,277  pounds  per 
square  foot. 

Ten  thousand  seven  hundred  pounds,  the  pressure  at  the  weakest  point  of  the  sus- 
taining wall,  is  less  than  one-eleventh  of  the  least  strength  of  brick,  as  given  by 
General  Morin  and  by  my  own  experiments. 

The  pressure  at  the  level  of  the  basement  floor  appears  to  be  less  than  one-fiftieth 
of  that  necessary  to  crush  the  stone  of  which  the  wall  appears  at  that,  point  to  be 
built.  The  project  upon  whose  safety  I am  invited  to  give  an  opinion,  appears  from 
your  letter,  and  from  the  elevation  thereof  which  I have  seen,  to  be  to  raise  the  roof 
of  the  center  building  of  the  Capitol  fifty  feet,  and  in  doing  this  to  raise  the  ironwork 
of  the  dome  by  the  same  height. 

To  consider  the  effect  first  of  raising  the  dome.  This  wrould  require  the  interposi- 
tion of  50  feet  of  masonry  between  the  part  to  be  lifted  and  the  wall  at  the  point  of 
separation. 

The  supporting  wall  now  properly  proportioned  to  its  load,  is  five  feet  thick.  Its 
mean  length,  being  the  circumference  of  the  circle,  is  31 1 feet.  It  would  contain,  there- 
fore, 77,750  feet  of  additional  brick  masonry,  which  would  weigh  7,750,000  pounds. 
This  is  more  than  one-half  what  the  wall  now  carries,  and  would,  therefore,  increase 
by  more  than  one-half  the  load  per  square  foot  upon  the  masonry,  now  10,700  pounds, 
making  it  16,000,  which  is  beyond  the  limit  or  coefficient  of  safety  almost  universally 
adopted  by  architects  and  engineers,  even  for  walls  of  moderate  height  as  compared 
with  their  thickness. 

But  as  the  thin  5-foot  wall  of  the  rotunda  is  now  37  feet  high  above  the  tops  of  the 
adjoining  wralls  which  tend  to  support  it,  if  we  add  50  feet  thereto  we  shall  have  a 
thin  unbraced  wall  87  feet  in  height,  upon  the  lower  part  of  which  will  be  a load  of 
21,324,000  pounds,  producing  a pressure  at  its  weakest  section  greater  than  the  limit 
in  universal  use  by  architects  and  engineers  of  reputation. 

I do  not  think,  therefore,  that  it  will  be  prudent  to  put  this  additional  load  upon 
the  wralls  under  the  dome. 

The  walls  of  the  center  building  were  designed  and  built  by  Mr.  Latrobe,  a most 
eminent,  skillful,  and  well-educated  architect.  It  is  to  be  presumed  that  he  duly 
proportioned  their  dimensions  to  the  load  which  he  intended  them  to  bear.  Our 


The  Old  Building. 


375 


examination  of  the  walls  of  the  rotunda  by  the  same  architect  shows  that  they  are 
justly^  proportioned  to  their  load,  which,  contrary  to  the  common  opinion,  has  not 
been  much  increased  by  the  substitution  of  an  iron  for  a wooden  dome.  The 
wooden  dome  sprang  from  a great  mass  of  masonry,  which  was  removed  before  the 
iron  work  was  begun,  and  the  table  at  page  10  of  Doc.  29,  Report  of  Captain 
Franklin,  shows  that  the  load  per  square  foot  upon  the  wall  at  floor  of  basement  is 
less  than  it  was  originally,  and  that  at  the  top  of  the  part  of  the  old  wall  retained  it 
has  been  increased  by  only  1,631  pounds  per  square  foot  above  that  for  which  Mr. 
Latrobe  designed  it. 

By  the  only  plan  of  the  center  building  now  within  my  reach  the  outer  walls  of 
of  its  upper  story  appear  to  be  3 feet  thick.  It  would,  therefore,  not  be  wise  to  nearly 
double  their  height  and  to  add  to  the  load  upon  them  the  weight  of  two  additional 
stories  and  two  more  floors  with  the  enormous  load  which  past  experience  shows  a 
library  floor  is  to  be  subjected  to  when,  the  shelf  space  being  all  filled,  the  rooms 
become  storerooms  for  books.  Bookbinders  with  modern  hydraulic  presses  so  con- 
solidate their  volumes  that  bound  books  must  be  classed  as  heavy  goods,  and  store- 
houses for  their  preservation  must  be  made  of  great  strength. 

It  became  my  duty  to  examine  into  the  condition  of  the  walls  and  foundations  of 
the  old  building  while  engaged  in  the  construction  of  the  dome.  I cut  into  the 
foundation  wall  near  the  northwest  corner  of  the  main  center  building,  or  of  the 
library  projection;  I do  not  now  remember  which.  But  it  was  into  a south  wall  near 
one  of  those  corners.  I found  the  mortar  to  be  of  lime  and  sand,  having  no  consistency 
in  the  heart  of  the  wall.  Cement  was  not  used  when  that  building  was  erected. 
The  mortar  was  soft,  easily  removed  from  the  joints  by  the  fingers  without  the  aid 
of  tools,  and  when  squeezed  in  the  hand  it  retained  the  shape  thus  given  to  it  like 
plastic  clay.  For  a short  distance  from  the  faces  of  the  wall  it  had  dried.  But  this 
was  its  condition  in  the  heart  of  the  masonry. 

The  soil  on  which  the  wall  rested  being  exposed,  it  proved  to  be  rather  moist  clay 
into  which,  after  so  many  years  compression  by  this  lofty  wall,  I had  no  difficulty 
in  sinking  the  blade  of  a common  spade  by  putting  my  weight  upon  it. 

An  inspection  of  the  keystones  of  the  arches  over  the  lower  windows  of  this  part 
of  the  building  shows  that  they  have  dropped,  some  of  them  more  than  others. 

These  keystones  are  wedge  shape  and  could  drop  only  by  the  spreading  in  length 
of  wall  in  which  they  are  inserted.  Therefore,  these  have  already,  and  under  their 
present  load  been  motion,  settlement,  in  the  walls  of  the  center  or  old  portion  of  the 
Capitol. 

The  columns  of  the  north  and  south  porticos  are  of  Aquia  Creek  sandstone,  of  the 
weakest  stone  and  of  the  weakest  order  known  to  classic  architecture. 

The  proportions  of  the  five  classic  orders  are  held  by  artists  to  be  the  most  perfect 
and  correct  productions  of  art  in  architecture.  The  Corinthian,  the  lighest  column,  is 
always  reserved  for  the  upper  stories  of  a building,  those  carrying  the  least  load. 
For  a portico  or  colonnade  in  the  lower  story,  the  Tuscan,  the  Doric,  or  the  Ionic  is 
always  used. 

In  this  case  it  is  proposed  to  raise  another  set  of  porticos  fifty  feet  in  height  upon 
the  columns  of  sandstone  built  to  support  only  one  entablature. 

An  inspection  of  the  heavier  order  of  sandstone  columns  on  the  south  front  of  the 
Patent  Office,  which  are  of  the  Grecian- Doric  order,  one  of  the  stoutest  and  strongest 
of  the  classic  orders,  shows  that  many  of  them  are  split  from  bottom  to  top  by  the 
weight  of  the  pediment  which  they  support.  It  does  not  appear,  therefore,  to  be 
prudent  to  put  50  feet  more  of  portico  upon  those  sandstone  columns  of  the  old  Capitol. 

You  do  not  ask  my  opinion  upon  the  architectural  effect  of  putting  50  feet  more 
upon  the  center  building  and  dome  of  the  Capitol.  I have  had  to  study  this  build- 
ing for  years,  and  my  admiration  for  the  genius  and  skill  of  the  architect,  Latrobe, 
increases  with  years. 


376 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


What  has  been  added  to  it  has  been  mere  extension  to  accommodate  the  needs  of 
a growing  nation.  The  wings  are  of  the  same  order  and  harmonize  in  style  and 
detail  with  Latrobe’s  work.  When  the  building  was  so  greatly  extended  horizon- 
tally by  addition  of  the  wings,  something  was  needed  to  mark  more  distinctly  the 
center,  and  a dome  rising  288  feet  above  the  ground  was  added.  I think  that  this  is 
all  that  was  needed,  and  that  the  building  is  now  complete. 

Were  the  walls  on  which  it  rests  of  sufficient  strength,  it  would  be  possible  to  lift 
the  dome  vertically  fifty  feet  into  the  air,  building  up  the  wall  as  it  rose,  for,  with  a 
sufficient  base  to  work  upon,  enough  screws  could  be  used  to  lift  the  eight  or  ten 
millions  of  pounds  which  it  would  be  necessary  to  lift.  But  with  a base  of  at  least 
doubtful  strength,  it  would  be  a dangerous  and  perhaps  fatal  enterprise.  To  take  it 
to  pieces  and  rebuild  it  is  possible,  though  very  costly.  But  the  proportions  of  the 
supporting  walls  as  above  described  forbid  either  attempt. 

To  raise  the  center,  even  were  it  safe,  would  not  improve  its  architecture.  To 
thrust  out  the  central  portico  beyond  the  line  of  those  of  the  wings  would  reduce 
the  apparent  size  of  the  building,  for  in  oblique  views  the  projecting  center  would 
conceal  the  portico  of  either  the  Senate  or  House  wing.  Whereas  now,  from  all 
eastern  points  of  view  from  north  to  south,  all  three  porticos  are  distinctly  seen,  and 
nowhere  is  to  be  found  a great  building  of  such  rich  and  graceful  composition  as  the 
present  Capitol  of  the  United  States. 

I am,  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 


M.  C.  Meigs, 

Brevet  Major-General , U.  S.  A.,  retired. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-four,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Mar.  3,  1883.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  22,  632.)] 

To  convert  the  rooms  adjoining  the  Old  Hall  of  Representatives,  excepting  the 
rooms  occupied  as  the  document  and  stationery  rooms,  together  with  the  rooms  and 
passages  connected  with  them  in  the  gallery  story,  including  the  gallery  itself,  and 
the  space  over  the  entablature  of  the  colonnade  at  the  south  end  of  the  hall,  to  the 
use  of  the  library  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  and  make  the  same  to  communi- 
cate with  the  Library  of  Congress,  through  the  document-room,  ten  thousand 
dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Cornelius  N.  Bliss,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  16,  1897.  (55-2,  House 

Doc..  No.  5,  cii. )] 

The  Architect  calls  attention  to  the  unfinished  frieze  in  the  Rotunda,  and  recom- 
mends the  completion  thereof,  and  an  appropriation  for  complete  renovation  and 
painting  of  the  Rotunda  and  main  arch  of  the  Dome. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect,  of  the  Capitol,  July  1,  1899.  (56-1,  House  Hoc. 

No.  5,  Mis.  Reps.,pt.  1,415  and  429.)] 

EXPLOSION  AND  FIRE. 

On  the  afternoon  of  Sunday,  November  6,  1898,  the  Supreme  Court  section  of  the 
Capitol  Building  was  damaged  by  an  explosion,  succeeded  by  a fire  of  considerable 
intensity.  The  following  is  given  as  the  result  of  a thorough  investigation  made  by 
this  office,  assisted  by  Glenn  Brown,  esq. , architect,  and  Prof.  Charles  E.  Munroe, 
expert  on  explosives.  The  reports  of  Messrs.  Brown  and  Munroe  are  printed  in  full 
in  the  appendix  to  this  report,  and  are  evidences  of  the  faithful  manner  in  which 
their  ivork  was  undertaken,  and  for  which  I now  express  my  thanks. 


SUPREME  COURT  CHAMBER,  1890  (OLD  SENATE  CHAMBER). 


The  Old  Building. 


377 


During  the  progress  of  the  investigation  into  the  cause  of  the  explosion  several 
theories  were  advanced  and  successively  taken  up.  The  subjects  were:  Explosives 
criminally  placed,  sewer  gas,  gases  generated  from  electric  wires  and  coal  bunkers, 
and  illuminating  gas.  The  last  proposition,  that  the  explosion  was  caused  by  illumi- 
nating gas,  was,  by  the  nature  of  evidence,  the  one  most  worthy  of  acceptance. 

* -x-  -* 

I beg  to  call  attention  to  the  necessity  for  fireproofing  the  roof  of  the  old  portion 
of  the  Capitol,  and  for  some  action  which  will  provide  iireproof  cases  for  the  docu- 
ment rooms  and  libraries  in  the  building.  I recommend  that  an  appropriation  be 
made  for  this  work  in  accordance  with  estimates  hereafter  submitted. 

The  following  is  also  recommended  and  estimates  therefor  will  be  submitted: 

For  completing  the  frieze  in  the  Rotunda  and  for  painting  and  decorating  the 
Rotunda  and  interior  of  the  Dome. 

For  the  construction  of  new  elevators  for  the  House  wing  of  the  Capitol  in  accord- 
ance with  increased  needs  of  Congress. 

For  the  improvement  of  the  ventilation  of  the  IlalL  of  Representatives  and  the 
introduction  of  improved  machinery  to  accomplish  same. 

For  continuing  the  new  roof  over  the  committee  rooms  in  the  terrace  and  extend- 
ing same  to  the  northeast  and  southeast  corners  of  the  building. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Dec.  7,  1899:  Congressional  Record,  56-1,  p.  136.] 

Mr.  Spooner  introduced  a joint  resolution  (S.  R.  28)  relating  to  the  use  of  the 
rooms  lately  occupied  by  the  Congressional  Library  in  the  Capitol;  which  was  read 
twice  by  its  title,  and  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Rules. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Dec.  11,  1899:  Congressional  Record,  56-1,  p.  177.] 

SPACE  FOR  COMMITTEE  ROOMS. 

Mr.  Spooner.  I am  directed  by  the  Committee  on  Rules,  to  whom  was  referred  the 
joint  resolution  (S.  R.  28)  relating  to  the  use  of  the  rooms  lately  occupied  by  the 
Congressional  Library  in  the  Capitol,  to  report  it  favorably  without  amendment,  and 
I ask  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  Senate  that  it  be  acted  upon  at  this  time. 

There  being  no  objection,  the  joint  resolution  was  considered  as  in  Committee  of 
the  Whole. 

Mr.  Spooner.  I will  say  about  the  joint  resolution  that  under  the  law  as  it  now 
stands  both  Houses  have  jurisdiction  of  the  space.  It  is  necessary,  therefore,  to 
pass  a joint  resolution  giving  each  House  a portion  of  the  space.  A similar  measure 
has  heretofore  passed  the  Senate.  If  this  joint  resolution  shall  pass  the  other  House, 
it  will  give  us  twelve  new  committee  rooms.  The  plans  are  already  made,  and  it  is 
of  the  utmost  importance  for  the  convenience  of  Senators  and  the  transaction  of  pub- 
lic business  in  the  Senate  that  we  should  have  those  committee  rooms  at  the  earliest 
possible  time. 

The  joint  resolution  was  reported  to  the  Senate  without  amendment,  ordered  to  be 
engrossed  for  a third  reading,  read  the  third  time,  and  passed. 


[Senate  Document  No.  40,  56th  Congress,  1st  Session.  Congressional  Reference  Library.  Letter  from 
the  Librarian  of  Congress  relative  to  a “Congressional  Reference  Library  at  the  Capitol.”  Dec.  14, 
1899. — Referred  to  the  Committee  on  the  Library  and  ordered  to  be  printed.] 

The  Library  of  Congress, 

Washington , December  13,  1899. 

Sir:  In  considering  the  removal  of  the  main  portion  of  the  Library  of  Congress  to 
the  new  building,  it  has  always,  1 believe,  been  assumed  that  there  would  remain, 


378 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


or  be  replaced,  in  the  Capitol,  certain  books  of  reference.  Indeed,  the  present  appro- 
priation act  provides  for  certain  attendants  for  a ‘ ‘ Congressional  reference  library  at 
the  Capitol.”  The  purpose  of  such  reference  books  would  be  to  give  immediate 
response  to  such  inquiries,  as,  to  be  answered  effectively,  must  be  answered  imme- 
diately; and,  second,  to  aid  to  the  use  of  the  main  collection  by  suggesting  authorities 
in  the  literature  of  any  given  subject. 

No  Congressional  reference  library  at  the  Capitol  now  exists.  The  Library  of 
Congress  is  represented  there  merely  by  the  terminal  of  the  pneumatic  tube  and 
book  railway.  Any  books  desired  from  it  for  the  use  of  members,  even  for  the 
simplest  inquiry,  must  traverse  a distance  which,  with  the  request,  represents  half  a 
mile  and  a delay  of  from  twenty  to  thirty  minutes. 

During  the  past  few  months  the  authorities  of  the  Library  have  been  getting 
together  certain  books  to  form  the  basis  of  a reference  collection  at  the  Capitol. 
These  are  partly  duplicates  culled  from  the  main  collection  and  partly  the  result  of 
purchases  which,  under  the  circumstances,  I have  felt  justified  in  making  to  the 
extent  of  nearly  $2,000  from  our  general  appropriation  for  books.  These  amount  to 
over  2,000  volumes;  encyclopedias,  dictionaries,  atlases,  gazetteers,  manuals,  and 
standard  reference  books,  particularly  in  history  and  statistics;  the  best  collected 
editions  of  the  writings  of  the  fathers  of  the  Republic,  and  miscellaneous  material  in 
government,  political,  and  economic  science.  With  the  above  are  certain  books 
upon  topics  likely  to  be  under  discussion  during  the  present  session — e.  g.,  finance, 
subsidies,  interoceanic  canals,  colonial  administration.  These  latter  constitute  a 
special  deposit  which  may  be  changed  from  time  to  time  as  occasion  may  require. 

Together  with  the  above  material  would  be  placed  the  best  bibliographic  aids  that 
could  be  furnished  for  supplying  information  ( 1 ) as  to  what  the  Library  of  Congress 
contains;  (2)  as  to  what  is  contained  in  the  other  libraries  of  the  District;  (3)  as  to 
what  is  in  print  upon  any  given  subject. 

In  charge  of  this  material  would  be  placed  attendants  who  would  offer  competent 
personal  assistance  to  its  use,  and  would  make  requisition  upon  the  main  collection 
for  such  further  material  as  may  currently  be  required  to  answer  particular  inquiries. 

Within  three  weeks  the  first  installment  of  the  above  collection  will  be  ready  for 
use,  but  space  for  it  in  the  Capitol  has  yet  to  be  assigned.  It  will  require  shelving 
and  space  for  consultation  and  administration.  The  shelving  should  be  open  and 
well  lighted,  so  that  members  may  handle  books  directly,  so  far  as  they  care  to  do 
so,  without  the  intervention  of  an  attendant.  The  space  assigned  should,  of  course, 
be  convenient  to  both  Houses  of  Congress. 

Details  as  to  the  amount  of  space  and  facilities  requisite  I defer  until  these  shall  be 
specifically  requested. 

A duplicate  of  this  communication  has  been  forwarded  to  the  Speaker  of  the  House 
of  Representatives. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

Herbert  Putnam, 

Librarian  of  Congress. 

The  President  Pro  Tempore  op  the  Senate. 


[House  proceedings  of  Jan.  8.  1900:  Congressional  Record,  56-1,  p.  686.] 

ROOMS  FORMERLY  OCCUPIED  BY  LIBRARY  OF  CONGRESS. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  Mr.  Speaker,  I offer  the  following  privileged  report. 

The  Speaker.  The  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  presents  another  privileged 
report  from  the  Committee  on  Rules. 


The  Old  Building. 


379 


The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

Joint  resolution  (S.  R.  28)  relating  to  the  use  of  the  rooms  lately  occupied  by  the  Congressional 

Library  in  the  Capitol. 

Resolved  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representat  i ves  of  the  United  States  of  America  in  Congress  assembled, 
That  that  portion  of  the  rooms  and  space  recently  occupied  by  the  Library  of  Congress  in  the  Capitol 
building  north  of  a line  drawn  east  and  west  through  the  center  of  the  Rotunda  shall  be  used  for 
such  purpose  as  may  hereafter  be  designated  by  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  and  that  portion 
of  such  rooms  and  space  south  of  said  line  shall  be  used  for  such  purpose  as  may  hereafter  be  desig- 
nated by  the  House  of  Representatives. 

The  Committee  on  Rules,  to  whom  was  referred  S.  R.  28,  “relating  to  the  use  of  the  rooms  lately 
occupied  by  the  Congressional  Library  in  the  Capitol,’’  have  considered  the  same  and  report  it  with 
the  recommendation  that  it  be  amended  as  follows: 

Strike  out  all  after  the  resolving  clause  and  insert  the  following: 

“ That  the  rooms  and  space  recently  occupied  by  the  Library  of  Congress  in  the  Capitol  building 
shall  be  occupied  and  used  hereafter  for  the  purpose  of  a reference  library  for  the  use  of  the  Senate 
and  House  of  Representatives.” 

And  that  as  amended  the  resolution  do  pass. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  Mr.  Speaker,  in  connection  with  that  report  I desire  to  have  read  a 
letter  addressed  to  the  Speaker  of  the  House. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows:  [Letter  of  Herbert  Putnam.] 

Mr.  Dalzell.  Mr.  Speaker,  I should  like  to  have  order.  This  is  a matter  in  which 
the  House  is  interested. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  must  ask  the  House  to  be  in  order.  This  is  a matter 
affecting  each  one  of  the  members. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  Mr.  Speaker,  as  is  well  known,  the  space  formerly  occupied  by  the 
Congressional  Library  is  not  now  used  for  any  purpose.  The  Senate  have  sent  over 
to  the  House  a joint  resolution  which  proposes  that  this  space  shall  be  divided  into 
two  equal  parts,  one  part  to  be  assigned  to  the  Senate  and  the  other  to  the  House, 
and  to  be  disposed  of  as  the  respective  Houses  may  see  fit. 

There  has  been  a great  deal  of  difference  of  opinion  as  to  what  was  the  most  advis- 
able method  of  disposing  of  this  space,  and  the  Committee  on  Rules  have  therefore 
reported  a resolution  devoting  it  to  the  purposes  of  a reference  library;  not  so  much 
perhaps  with  a view  to  committing  the  House  to  that  idea,  as  for  the  purpose  of 
getting  the  whole  matter  into  conference,  where  it  may  be  finally  determined  in 
accordance  with  the  views  of  a majority  of  both  Houses.  If  the  matter  should  be 
disposed  of  in  accordance  with  the  report,  the  question  then  would  go  to  a committee 

of  conference  of  the  two  Houses,  who,  under  the  rules  of  the  House  and  Senate  and 
0 

the  terms  of  the  report,  would  have  jurisdiction  of  the  whole  matter,  to  dispose  of 
it  as  they  might  see  fit. 

Mr.  Hopkins.  Mr.  Speaker,  I would  like  to  ask  the  gentleman  a question. 

The  Speaker.  Does  the  gentleman  yield  to  the  gentleman  from  Illinois? 

Mr.  Dalzell.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Hopkins.  I would  like  to  know  if  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  has  made  any 
estimate  of  the  cost  of  carrying  out  the  purpose  as  expressed  in  the  resolution  of  the 
Senate. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  In  reply,  I would  say  that  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  has  made  a 
plan  and  an  estimate  of  the  cost,  as  I understand,  of  carrying  out  the  plan  of  the 
Senate,  and  if  the  space  were  divided  into  committee  rooms  it  would  cost  $125,000. 

Mr.  Faris.  Mr.  Speaker,  we  can  not  hear.  I desire  to  call  attention  to  the  fact 
that  we  are  unable  to  hear  what  is  being  said  down  there  in  front. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  must  again  request  the  House  to  be  in  order,  so  that  gen- 
tlemen may  hear  the  discussion. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  In  reply  to  the  gentleman  I will  state  an  inquiry  was  made  as  to 
whether  or  not  any  estimate  was  made  by  the  Architect  of  the  cost  of  carrying  out 
the  Senate  proposition.  As  1 understand,  the  Architect  has  made  a plan  and  has 
furnished  an  approximate  estimate,  and  the  cost,  as  he  fixes  it,  would  be  $125,000. 


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Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


This  is  a matter,  Mr.  Speaker,  in  which  the  House  is  quite  as  much  interested  as  the 
Senate,  if  not  more  interested,  and  it  seems  to  me  that  it  would  not  be  inadvisable 
that  we  should  have  some  expression  of  opinion. 

Mr.  Hopkins.  As  I understand  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  the  House  reso- 
lution provides  that  the  space  formerly  occupied  by  the  Congressional  Library  shall 
continue  in  the  form  that  it  is  now,  and  then  have  a few  books  placed  there  for  a 
reference  library  for  the  benefit  of  both  the  Senate  and  House. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  Yes;  I would  say  to  the  gentleman  that  the  House  resolution  simply 
provides  for  a reference  library.  It  must  be  borne  in  mind,  however,  that  over 
800,000  books  have  been  taken  out  of  that  old  Congressional  Library,  and  a reference 
library  would  not  probably  contain  more  than  2,000  to  2,500  books. 

Mr.  Hopkins.  The  purpose  of  the  resolution  is  to  devote  the  entire  space  formerly 
occupied  by  this  public  library  to  the  proposed  reference  library  now? 

Mr.  Dalzell.  The  purpose  of  the  resolution  is  rather  to  send  the  matter  to  confer- 
ence in  such  a shape  that  the  conference  committee  will  have  jurisdiction  of  the  whole 
subject,  so  as  to  report  not  simply  in  accordance  with  the  Senate  resolution  nor  yet  in 
accordance  with  the  House  resolution,  but  upon  some  plan  that  will  dispose  of  the 
sjiace  in  the  spirit  of  both  resolutions. 

Mr.  Paris.  We  could  not  hear  back  hear,  and  I will  ask  the  gentleman  what  com- 
mittee reports  this  resolution? 

Mr.  Dalzell.  The  Committee  on  Rules. 

Mr.  Cummings.  I should  like  to  ask  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  a question. 

The  Speaker.  Does  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  yield  to  the  gentleman  from 
New  York? 

Mr.  Dalzell.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Cummings.  I would  like  to  ask  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  if  it  is  pro- 
posed to  connect  the  reference  library  and  the  Congressional  Library  by  means  of  a 
pneumatic  tube,  so  that,  by  visiting  the  old  library,  within  four  or  five  minutes  we 
could  have  any  book  that  we  felt  disposed  to  order  as  we  did  when  the  Congressional 
Library  was  in  the  old  place? 

Mr.  Dalzell.  I do  not  know  whether  that  is  contemplated;  I have  not  gone  into 
the  detail  of  the  Architect’s  plan;  but  will  say  to  the  gentleman  from  New  York  that 
we  have  that  now.  We  have  an  office  in  Statuary  Hall  and  a pneumatic  tube  con- 
nection, .so  that  you  can  now  have  any  book  you  send  for. 

Mr.  Cummings.  The  reason  I ask  this  is  because  we  have  a library  upstairs  and 
another  library  in  here,  and  if  we  are  to  have  another  reference  library,  in  the  old 
Congressional  Library  and  the  Government  Library  in  the  new  building,  it  would 
seem  to  me  we  would  have  a very  scattered  library.  I could  understand  it  if  these 
rooms  are  required  for  the  use  of  members  of  Congress.  Frequently  a man  here 
needs  books  of  reference  very  quickly;  and  if  these  apartments  were  set  aside  for 
such  purpose,  it  would  be  possible  for  a member  while  debate  was  running  in  the 
House  to  secure  his  reference  in  time  to  participate  in  debate.  As  it  is  now  it  seems 
to  me  it  would  be  impossible.  I remember  at  one  time  here,  in  a discussion  con- 
cerning the  sinking  of  the  Tallapoosa,  it  was  necessary  that  I should  have  the  files 
of  the  New  York  papers  to  sustain  a statement  I had  made.  Those  files  were 
taken  from  the  Congressional  Library  and  placed  upon  my  desk  in  the  House  within 
six  minutes  from  the  time  they  were  ordered.  Now,  if  the  library  of  reference 
should  be  as  useful  as  the  old  Congressional  Library  was,  I should  be  heartily  in 
favor  of  it;  if  not,  not. 

Mr.  Babcock.  I should  like  to  ask  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  if  it  is  pro- 
posed by  this  resolution  to  devote  all  this  space  to  a reference  library? 

Mr.  Cooper  of  Wisconsin.  For  a library  of  2,000  volumes? 

Mr.  Dalzell.  I would  repeat  what  I said  before.  The  purpose  of  this  resolution  is 
hardly  to  advocate  any  particular  plan,  but  to  put  the  House  in  such  a situation  that 


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381 


the  whole  subject  may  go  before  a committee  of  conference,  so  that  the  committee 
may  have  jurisdiction  of  the  whole  subject  and  make  a report  upon  what  may  ulti- 
mately be  satisfactory  to  both  bodies. 

Mr.  Babcock.  I understand  that  this  entire  reference  library  is  already  selected 
and  ready  to  be  sent  to  the  Capitol,  and  it  will  not  occupy  more  room  than  the 
smallest  committee  room  would  accommodate.  If  that  be  true,  it  would  not  want  25 
per  cent  of  the  space  for  this  purpose,  and  we  do  want  it  for  more  committee  rooms. 

Mr.  Moody  of  Massachusetts.  I would  like  to  know  if  there  is  any  suggestion  of 
making  a reading  room  in  connection  with  this  reference  library? 

Mr.  Gaines.  Mr.  Speaker,  we  can  not  hear. 

The  Speaker.  The  House  must  be  in  order. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  I now  yield  to  the  gentleman  from  Minnesota. 

Mr.  McCi.eary.  As  I understand  the  purpose  of  the  resolution,  Mr.  Speaker,  the 
outcome  of  it  may  be  this,  that  we  shall  have  a part  of  that  space  set  aside  for  a ref- 
erence library  and  the  rest  devoted  to  committee  rooms.  Am  I correct? 

Mr.  Dalzell.  That  is  right.  I now  yield  to  the  gentleman  from  Kansas  for  a 
question. 

Mr.  Ridgely.  I have  been  informed,  whether  correctly  or  not,  that  there  are  some 
general  changes  of  the  building  in  contemplation  by  reason  of  the  removal  of  the 
Library  from  this  building  and  other  facts,  and  I would  ask  if  the  committee  in  rec- 
ommending this  matter  be  referred  to  the  conference  committee  have  that  in  view? 

Mr.  Dalzell.  That  would  be  the  result  if  the  House  adopts  the  resolution. 

Mr.  Ridgely.  Has  the  committee  consulted  with  the  Architect  and  other  authori- 
ties, and  have  they  considered  this  whole  matter  in  connection  with  the  entire  changes 
of  the  building? 

Mr.  Maddox.  Mr.  Speaker,  I rise  to  a point  of  order.  We  want  to  hear  what  is 
going  on. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  will  say  to  the  gentleman  from  Georgia  that  the  House 
is  in  better  order  than  usual.  [Laughter.]  And  yet  it  is  exceedingly  essential  that 
all  members  should  hear  this  discussion  about  the  disposition  of  the  old  library  room, 
as  it  touches  the  interest  of  every  member;  and  the  Chair  trusts  that  gentlemen  will 
observe  order,  so  that  all  may  hear  what  is  being  said. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  In  answer  to  the  gentleman  from  Kansas,  I will  say  that  I know  of 
no  contemplated  changes  in  the  structure  of  the  building  outside  of  what  is  proposed 
as  to  the  library  space.  As  far  as  that  is  concerned,  we  have  seen  the  Architect’s 
plans  and  know  his  estimates. 

Mr.  Bartholdt  rose. 

The  Speaker.  Does  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  yield  to  the  gentleman  from 
Missouri? 

Mr.  Dalzell.  I do: 

Mr.  Bartholdt.  Mr.  Speaker,  my  friend  from  Pennsylvania  says  that  no  changes 
are  contemplated  in  the  structure  of  the  building.  How  does  he  account  for  the 
enormous  amount  of  money  asked  for  in  this  resolution?  I understand  the  resolution 
calls  for  an  expenditure  of  $130,000. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  The  gentleman  is  mistaken;  the  resolution  does  not  call  for  anything. 

Mr.  Bartholdt.  The  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  in  his  statement  explaining  his 
resolution  said  that  that  expenditure  would  be  necessary.  As  a member  of  t he  Com- 
mittee on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  I have  looked  into  this  matter,  and  have 
found  from  investigation  and  from  conversation  with  the  Architect  and  his  assistants 
that  if  this  space  should  be  devoted  to  library  purposes  alone  no  expenditure  of 
money  would  be  necessary  at  all. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  That  is  right. 

Mr.  Bartholdt.  On  the  other  hand,  the  question  arises  whether  it  would  not  lie 
more  profitable  and  economical  for  the  House  to  acquire  property  outside,  the  same 


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as  the  Senate  has  done.  I believe  that  we  can  acquire  property  outside  the  Capitol, 
in  the  immediate  neighborhood,  much  more  cheaply  than  to  go  to  work  and  spend 
|160,000  for  fitting  up  committee  rooms.  I believe  this  space  ought  to  be  devoted 
exclusively  to  library  purposes,  and  perhaps  for  the  purposes  of  the  folding  room  or 
the  House  document  room,  which  now  have  very  unsatisfactory  quarters.  I will  say 
that  at  least  twenty  committees  of  this  House  have  quarters  to-day  that  are  not  fit  to 
be  occupied  as  committee  rooms.  If  it  is  necessary  to  acquire  more  committee  rooms, 
I say  that  t he  House  ought  to  do  what  the  Senate  has  already  done  and  acquire  prop- 
erty outside  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Shafroth  rose. 

The  Speaker.  Does  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  yield  to  the  gentleman  from 
Colorado? 

Mr.  Dalzell.  I do. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  Mr.  Speaker,  I desire  to  ask  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania 
whether  under  this  resolution  the  request  of  the  Supreme  Court  to  permit  the 
Supreme  Court  library  to  be  located  in  that  room  can  be  considered? 

Mr.  Dalzell.  I understand  that  if  the  House  adopts  this  resolution,  the  result  will 
be  to  throw  the  whole  matter  into  conference  in  such  a shape  that  the  conference 
committee  may  report  on  any  scheme. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  The  gentleman  thinks  that  the  request  of  the  Supreme  Court  can  be 
considered  under  this  resolution? 

Mr.  Dalzell.  I think  so. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  I wish  to  say  that  I for  one  think  the  Supreme  Court  library  should 
be  located  in  that  room.  I think  the  court  is  entitled  to  good  space  in  the  Capitol 
building,  at  least  until  a new  court  building  is  erected;  and  inasmuch  as  the  Supreme 
Court  library  is  consulted  by  Members  and  Senators  very  often,  its  convenience  to 
the  two  Houses  is  greatly  to  be  desired.  We  make  great  use  of  that  library  in  con- 
tested-election cases  and  in  other  controversies  which  frequently  arise  in  the  House 
as  to  legal  points.  In  addition  to  that,  it  seems  to  me  we  ought  to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  convenience  of  the  Supreme  Court  itself.  That  body  is  a coordinate 
branch  of  the  Government  and  is  entitled  to  large  space  in  this  building,  and  I for 
one  believe  that,  together  with  a reference  library  for  Congress,  is  the  disposition 
which  should  be  made  of  this  library  room.  I understand  there  is  space  enough  for 
both  the  reference  library  and  the  library  for  the  Supreme  Court. 

Mr.  Moody  of  Massachusetts  rose. 

The  Speaker.  Does  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  yield  to  the  gentleman 
from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Moody]? 

Mr.  Dalzell.  I do. 

Mr.  Moody  of  Massachusetts.  I hope  that  the  committee  of  conference  will  do 
nothing  which  will  devote  the  space  now  under  consideration  to  committee  rooms 
alone.  I think  the  gentleman  from  Missouri  [Mr.  Bartholdt]  is  entirely  correct 
when  he  says,  as  he  does  in  effect,  that  if  there  is  to  be  any  relief  for  the  growing 
demand  for  committee  rooms,  that  relief  must  be  found  outside  of  this  building. 
The  two  or  three  or  four  or  five  rooms  that  we  can  get  in  the  space  recently  occupied 
by  the  Congressional  Library  will  only  meet  the  requirements  of  the  day  and  will 
not  meet  even  those  fully — far  less  those  of  the  future. 

I believe  with  the  gentleman  from  Colorado  [Mr.  Shafroth]  that  the  law  library 
should  be  placed  in  that  part  of  this  building.  I do  not  understand  that  it  is  the 
library  of  the  Supreme  Court  alone,  although  its  most  important  use  is  by  that  court. 
I understand  that  this  branch  of  the  Congressional  Library  is  used  constantly  by 
almost  every  member  of  this  House;  w'hether  he  is  a member  of  the  bar  or  not.  It 
ought  to  be  somewhere  else  than  in  the  dog  kennel  to  -which  we  have  relegated  it  for 
these  many  years. 

I believe  that  we  ought  not  to  be  content  with  a reference  library  of  two  thousand 


The  Old  Building. 


383 


or  twenty-five  hundred  volumes.  That  is  a very  small  library — covers  very  little 
ground.  If  we  get  that  reference  library  started,  we  shall  find  that  it  will  become 
not  a mere  reference  library,  but  a working  library,  with  rooms  which  can  be  utilized 
as  reading  and  writing  rooms;  and  in  this  way  that  space  will  be  of  great  benefit  to 
this  House  and  to  the  Senate  and  to  the  country.  I hope  that  not  an  inch  of  this 
space  will  be  given  to  private  purposes,  but  that  the  whole  of  it  will  be  held  for  the 
benefit  of  the  whole  House  in  such  a way  as  appears  best  for  the  interests  of  the 
country. 

Mr.  Richardson  rose. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  I yield  to  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  [Mr.  Richardson]  twenty 
minutes,  and  reserve  the  balance  of  my  time. 

Mr.  Richardson.  Mr.  Speaker,  I only  want  a moment  or  two  in  which  to  state 
what  I understand  to  be  the  status  of  this  question.  To  gentlemen  who  have  not 
investigated  the  matter  I will  say  that  the  Senate  has  passed  a joint  resolution  which 
divides  equally  between  the  Senate  and  the  House  the  space  recently  occupied  by 
the  old  library.  The  Committee  on  Rules  has  reported  a substitute  for  that  resolution, 
providing  that  this  space — all  of  it — shall  be  used  for  a reference  library.  As  stated 
by  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  [Mr.  Dalzell],  it  may  be  that  we  shall  not  pass 
the  resolution  as  we  have  reported  it.  The  understanding  is  that  in  all  probability 
the  matter  will  go  to  conference,  and  then  after  an  expression  of  gentlemen  on  both 
sides  of  this  Chamber  and  after  hearing  from  gentlemen  who  occupy  seats  in  the 
other  legislative  body,  Congress  will  be  ready  to  adopt  some  plan  which  will  best 
utilize  that  old  space. 

Some  gentlemen  advocate  putting  the  reference  library  there  with  comparatively 
a small  number  of  books,  in  order  that  members  may  go  there  and  have  ready  ref- 
erence to  such  matters  as  we  need  to  refer  to  while  measures  are  pending  here  and 
in  the  other  branch.  Some  gentlemen  have  favored — and  I understand  the  Supreme 
Court  is  very  anxious  that  this  proposition  shall  be  carried  out — a transfer  of  the 
law  library  to  that  space. 

Some  gentleman  has  referred  to  the  fact  that,  our  books  are  very  much  scattered — 
that  is  to  say,  we  have  that  immense  library  of  over  800,000  volumes  across  the  way, 
the  Congressional  Library.  We  have  also  the  House  library  up  there,  with  a small 
portion  of  these  books  downstairs.  The  Senate  has  also  its  separate  library  just  as 
we  have.  And  then  there  is  the  law  library  downstairs.  So  that  we  have,  in  fact, 
three  or  four  separate  libraries  in  this  building. 

Now,  Mr.  Speaker,  if  we  make  another  reference  library  it  seems  to  me  it  will  not 
be  long  before  we  shall  have  half  of  the  Congressional  Library  back  in  this  building. 
There  will  be  a greater  and  greater  demand  for  books,  because  when  you  begin  to 
make  references  one  reference  calls  for  another — a reference  in  one  book  requires 
you  to  follow  that  reference  up  in  another  book — so  that  in  a short  time,  as  I have 
just  said,  we  shall  have  half  of  the  Congressional  Library  back  in  this  building. 

Now,  that  space  has  been  arranged  expressly  for  library  purposes,  and  it  seems  to 
me  best  that  we  shall  keep  it  for  such  purposes.  But  the  object  in  passing  this  reso- 
lution will  be  to  bring  the  matter  hereafter  before  us,  so  that  upon  the  report  of  the 
conference  committee  the  question  will  be  presented  in  such  a condition  that  Con- 
gress may  make  the  best  disposition  of  this  space. 

Some  gentlemen  think  this  space  should  be  devoted  to  a restaurant. 

Mr.  Moody  of  Massachusetts.  I should  like  to  ask  the  gentleman  a question. 

Mr.  Richardson.  I will  hear  the  gentleman. 

Mr.  Moody  of  Massachusetts.  The  gentleman  from  Tennessee  points  out  the  fact 
that  in  the  utilization  of  this  space  for  library  purposes  we  shall  move  back  as  we 
want  them  a large  number  of  books  from  the  Congressional  Library  to  this  building. 
Well,  sir,  what  is  the  harm?  If  we  need  the  books,  why  not  have  them  here? 

Mr.  Richardson.  We  have  already  gone  to  an  enormous  expense  in  making  a tun- 


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nel  from  this  building  to  the  main  library,  and  in  four  or  five  minutes  we  can  get 
from  there  any  book  we  wish. 

Mr.  Moody  of  Massachusetts.  Oh,  it  takes  a great  deal  longer  than  that — some- 
times nearly  half  an  hour. 

Mr.  Richardson.  I have  made  the  experiment,  and  am  able  to  say  that  in  seven 
minutes  I have  had  books  brought  to  me  from  the  Congressional  Library.  Thus  we 
now  have  access  to  that  entire  library,  and  it  seems  to  me  that  this  is  better  than 
undertaking  to  have  another  library  started  in  the  space  where  the  old  Congressional 
Library  was. 

Mr.  McClellan.  I would  like  to  ask  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  if  there  is  not, 
in  his  opinion,  space  enough  in  the  room  already  provided  upstairs  for  the  reference 
library  of  the  House? 

Mr.  Richardson.  I think  there  is.  It  is  already  shelved  and  ready  for  the  purpose, 
and  we  have  quite  a large  number  of  books  up  there  now. 

Mr.  Gaines.  I would  like  to  ask  my  colleague  from  Tennessee  a question.  The 
gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  [Mr.  Dalzell]  speaks  of  some  architect  making  an  esti- 
mate. Now,  what  architect  has  made  such  an  estimate? 

Mr.  Richardson.  The  Architect  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Gaines.  An  employee  of  the  Government  at  this  time? 

Mr.  Richardson.  Yes,  sir;  not  an  outsider,  but  one  employed  by  the  Government. 

Mr.  Gaines.  Gentlemen  have  spoken  also  of  building  an  establishment  for  the  use 
of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States.  I would  like  to  ask  my  colleague  what 
plans,  if  any,  have  been  devised  for  that  purpose? 

Mr.  Richardson.  A number  of  bills  have  been  introduced  and  are  pending  for  the 
purpose  of  condemning  property  and  erecting  a building  for  the  use  of  the  Supreme 
Court. 

Mr.  Gaines.  And  they  would  also  want  a library? 

Mr.  Richardson.  Undoubtedly;  if  these  plans  should  be  adopted,  the  court  would 
want  a library  in  that  building. 

Mr.  Gaines.  Then  if  we  move  the  reference  library  of  the  court  to  the  new  loca- 
tion, and  subsequently  erect  a building  for  the  Supreme  Court,  we  wohld  have  to 
make  another  move  in  the  future? 

Mr.  Richardson.  I think  so. 

Mr.  Lloyd.  I would  like  to  ask  the  gentleman  with  reference  to  the  pending  reso- 
lution: If  this  matter  is  submitted  on  the  conference  report  of  the  two  Houses,  is  it 
not  a fact  that  we  would  be  required,  under  the  rule,  either  to  accept  or  reject  that 
proposition  as  an  entirety?  In  other  words  it  could  not  be  amended. 

Mr.  Richardson.  Certainly;  but  of  course  they  could  vote  the  whole  proposition 
down. 

So  far  as  I am  concerned,  Mr.  Speaker,  if  I should  be  on  such  a committee  I should 
be  willing  to  place  the  matter  in  such  shape  as  to  have  the  fullest  expression  of  senti- 
ment on  the  part  of  the  House  in  dealing  with  the  final  issue.  It  is  a matter  of 
great  importance  and  of  vast  interest  to  all  the  members,  and  ought  to  have  full 
consideration. 

Mr.  Lloyd.  Is  it  not  true,  also,  that  this  special  library  plan — or  reference  library 
plan — if  adopted  would  require  additional  employees  of  the  Government  to  take  con- 
trol of  it? 

Mr.  Richardson.  Unmistakably;  that  would  be  the  result. 

Now,  a word  about  the  space  to  which  reference  is  made  in  the  resolution.  If  used 
for  committee  rooms,  it  would  give  14  working  rooms  to  the  House  and  14  to  the 
Senate,  making  28  in  all.  I believe  it  is  a matter  of  fact  that  a number  of  the  com- 
mittees of  the  House  are  now  meeting  two,  and  possibly  three,  in  the  same  room. 
This,  I believe,  we  might  obviate  by  taking  the  14  new  rooms  which  this  old  library 
space  will  enable  us  to  acquire.  But  these  are  all  matters  for  the  House  and  indi- 


The  Old  Building. 


885 


vidual  members  to  consider  and  submit  such  ideas  as  they  may  entertain  in  regard 
to  the  best  way  to  deal  with  the  question. 

I yield  to  the  gentleman  from  Nevada  [Mr.  Newlands],  who  wants  four  or  five 
minutes. 

Mr.  Newlands.  Mr.  Speaker,  I quite  agree  in  the  view  submitted  here  that  this 
resolution  should  go  to  the  conference  committee  for  the  purpose  of  having  a proper 
plan  prepared  and  digested  for  the  utilization  of  the  space  in  question.  1 do  not 
think,  for  my  part,  that  we  should  devote  that  space  to  committee  rooms.  I think 
there  are  more  important  objects  to  be  gained.  The  expenditure  of  $150,000  or 
$175,000  required  to  make  the  changes  would  go  far  toward  securing  a space  or  at 
least  to  prepare  a building  for  the  committee  purposes  for  the  House — a space  suffi- 
cient for  the  use  of  the  House  and  for  the  Senate. 

I am  in  hopes  that  the  conference  committee  on  this  resolution,  when  appointed, 
will  consider  carefully  the  various  suggestions  made  by  the  members  of  the  House 
and  the  Senate.  1 believe  that  this  space  should  be  devoted  to  the  general  use  of  the 
House  and  the  Senate;  that  it  should  be  used  for  a reference  library,  for  reading 
rooms,  and  for  assembly  rooms,  where  members  of  the  House  and  the  Senate  can 
meet  and  talk  together  over  matters  of  public  interest  of  both  Houses. 

We  know  that  during  the  last  year  a plan  was  suggested  for  dividing  this  space 
into  three  large  rooms  for  the  use  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  and  the  room  on 
each  side  was  to  be  devoted  to  the  uses  of  the  two  parties.  I was  in  favor  of  that 
proposition  at  the  time,  and  I think  it  was  the  sentiment  of  the  House,  largely 
because  it  gives  a concentrated  space  for  debate  that  would  not  be  devoted,  as  it  now 
is,  to  conversation,  but  to  debate,  and  at  the  same  time  give  ample  space  to  the  two 
parties  in  the  assembly  rooms  on  each  side  to  engage  in  conversation  and  to  talk  of 
matters  of  mutual  interest.  Now  we  have  to  adjourn  for  this  purpose  to  the  stuffy 
cloakrooms  of  the  House  in  order  to  avoid  disturbing  the  House  when  engaged  in 
deliberation.  It  seems  to  me  that  this  space  should  be  devoted  exclusively  to  the 
uses  of  the  House  and  Senate  for  the  purpose  indicated;  that  it  should  be  used  jointly 
by  the  two  Houses,  and  very  little  change  in  the  architectural  conditions  would  be 
required,  and  that  it  should  be  thus  devoted  not  simply  for  a reference  library  alone, 
but  for  reading  rooms,  writing  rooms,  and  conversation  rooms,  and  for  the  general 
purposes  that  the  members  of  the  House  and  the  Senate  may  find  desirable. 

Mr.  Shafkoth.  Mr.  Speaker,  I would  like  to  offer  an  amendment. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  will  state  that  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  controls  an 
hour  and  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  an  hour,  as  the  Chair  finds  that  the  pre- 
vious question  was  not  asked  for. 

Mr.  Shafkoth.  Is  an  amendment  in  order  at  this  time? 

The  Speaker.  Does  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  yield  for  that  purpose? 

Mr.  Richardson.  I yield  for  any  debate  the  gentleman  desires,  but  I do  not  think 
that  I have  the  right  to  yield  for  an  amendment. 

The  Speaker.  Without  the  consent  of  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  the  gentleman 
from  Colorado  could  not  offer  an  amendment  at  the  present  time. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  Well,  I wish  to  offer  the  amendment  at  the  proper  time;  that  is  all. 

Mr.  Richardson.  I yield  to  the  gentleman  from  Colorado  to  allow  him  to  address 
the  House. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  Mr.  Speaker,  the  amendment  which  I have  offered,  or  which  I 
wish  to  offer  when  the  proper  time  comes,  adds  to  the  resolution  as  it  now  is  the 
words: 

And  for  that  part  of  the  National  Library  known  as  the  Supreme  Court  library. 

Upon  examining  the  resolution,  I have  grave  doubts,  if  it  goes  to  conference, 
whether  the  conferees  would  have  jurisdiction  to  include  a project  to  have  the 
Supreme  Court  library  located  in  that  space,  and  on  that  account  1 would  like  to 
offer  this  amendment  at  the  proper  time.  Inasmuch  as  the  Supreme  Court  library 
H.  licp.  (i4b 25 


380 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


is  now  located  in  a very  dark  part  of  the  Capitol,  almost  a dungeon,  some  of  the  win- 
dows being  under  the  portico,  which  extends  far  out,  and  it  being  difficult  to  get 
light  there  by  which  to  read,  it  seems  to  me  that  we  ought  to  give  them  adequate 
space;  that  we  ought  to  give  them  this  room  for  their  library,  and  retain  a portion 
for  a small  reference  library  for  Congress.  I do  not  believe  that  the  space  would 
make  enough  committee  rooms  to  do  much  good,  at  least  not  that  part  of  it  which 
would  be  devoted  to  the  House. 

Mr.  Richardson.  I will  say  to  the  gentleman  that  it  will  give  fourteen  large  com- 
mittee rooms,  I think. 

Mr.  Shafboth.  On  both  sides? 

Mr.  Richardson.  Fourteen  rooms  on  each  side. 

Mr.  Bartholdt.  Yes,  but  it  will  cost  $140,000  to  have  the  architectural  changes 
made. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  Yes,  that  is  true;  and,  as  I understand  it,  the  change  for  the  Supreme 
Court  library  would  only  cost  the  amount  necessary  to  move  the  books  and  minor 
improvements. 

Mr.  Bartholdt.  That  is  all. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  That  would  be  very  small,  indeed;  whereas  dividing  it  into  four- 
teen rooms  would  cost,  as  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  [Mr.  Dalzell]  has  indi- 
cated, something  like  $140,000. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  One  hundred  and  twenty-five  thousand  dollars. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  It  seems  to  me  we  ought  to  give  the  space  to  the  Supreme  Court 
library,  or  at  least  the  larger  part  of  it,  because  that  library  is  constantly  used  as  a 
reference  library  by  Senators  and  Members  of  Congress. 

Mr.  Richardson.  What  will  you  do  then  with  the  space  now  occupied  by  the 
Supreme  Court  library?  There  would  be  an  expense  connected  with  the  fitting  up 
of  that. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  That  space  is  not  large.  It  might  be  devoted  to  committee  rooms, 
but  it  would  not  make  more  than  three  or  four  committee  rooms,  and  the  expense 
of  cutting  it  into  such  committee  rooms  would  not  exceed  probably  $5,000.  We  are 
continually  consulting  that  library,  and  it  seems  to  me  that  to  devote  that  space  to 
the  Supreme  Court  library  and  a reference  library  would  be  a wise  disposition  of  the 
same. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  Mr.  Speaker,  I should  like  to  ask  my  friend  from  Tennessee  [Mr. 
Richardson]  to  let  me  use  a little  time  now.  I desire  to  yield  to  the  gentleman 
from  Illinois  [Mr.  Cannon]. 

The  Speaker.  One  moment.  The  Chair  desires  to  know  from  the  gentleman  from 
Tennessee  whether  he  has  given  his  consent  that  the  amendment  sent  up  by  the 
gentleman  from  Colorado  [Mr.  Shafroth]  may  be  considered  as  pending? 

Mr.  Richardson.  No;  I was  not  asked  to  do  so.  As  I understand  it,  the  gentleman 
desires  to  offer  his  amendment  simply  to  give  the  conferees,  if  the  matter  should  go 
to  conference,  jurisdiction  over  the  subject. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  That  is  all.  My  amendment  does  not  require  the  conferees  to  make 
that  disposition  of  the  space. 

Mr.  Richardson.  I feel  quite  sure  that  the  conferees  would  have  jurisdiction  of  the 
whole  question  as  to  the  disposition  of  that  space  if  it  should  go  to  conference,  and 
therefore  the  amendment  would  not  be  necessary. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  I have  looked  at  the  proposition  and  I do  not  think  so.  For  that 
reason  I should  like  to  give  them  jurisdiction. 

Mr.  Richardson.  It  relates  to  the  disposition  of  the  space. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  Yes;  but  it  confines  them,  as  I understand  it,  to  a reference  library. 

Mr.  Richardson.  No;  I think  not. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  understands  that  consent  to  have  the  amendment  pend- 
ing has  not  been  given  by  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  [Mr.  Richardson]. 


The  Old  Building. 


387 


Mr.  Richardson.  No;  I have  not  seen  the  amendment. 

The  Speaker.  The  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  [Mr.  Dalzell]. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  I desire  to  yield  a few  moments  to  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  [Mr. 
Cannon]. 

Mr.  Cannon.  Mr.  Speaker,  I have  not  had  the  pleasure  of  hearing  what  has  been 
said  by  gentlemen  touching  this  matter.  1 understand,  however,  that  there  is  under 
consideration  a proposition  touching  the  disposal  of  the  space  formerly  occupied  by 
the  Library  of  Congress,  and  that  this  is  a proposition  to  send  the  Senate  joint  reso- 
lution to  conference.  I think  it  ought  to  go  into  conference  with  plenary  power  on 
the  part  of  the  House  conferees  to  act  with  the  Senate  conferees  touching  the  final 
disposition  of  this  space;  and  I believe  that  is  all  I want  to  say  about  it — that  this 
-space  ought  to  be  utilized  for  a reference  library  for  the  use  of  the  House  and  the 
Senate. 

Mr.  Tawney.  And  the  law  library. 

Mr.  Cannon.  And  the  gentleman  from  Minnesota  says  “ the  law  library.”  I have 
no  objection  even  to  include  that  provided  the  law  library  is  a part  of  the  reference 
library  and  second  thereto.  I can  only  speak  of  my  own  experience  touching  the 
want  of  a reference  library  in  this  building.  When  the  Library  of  Congress  occu- 
pied these  rooms  they  were  convenient  to  all  of  us,  and  the  Librarian  in  charge  and 
his  assistants  were  in  a position,  on  a minute’s  notice,  to  give  information  to  Mem- 
bers and  Senators.  It  may  be  said  that  we  have  gotten  a tunnel  from  here  to  the 
Library  building,  across  some  little  distance  from  the  Capitol.  That  is  true.  But  it 
is  a tunnel  that  I have  never  been  able  to  use  successfully.  I am  not  able  to  go 
through  it  myself;  and  I had  just  as  well  be  frank  about  it,  and  call  myself  some- 
thing near  an  average  member.  I know  what  1 want  when  I want  something. 

Now,  I might  sit  down  and  make  my  memorandum  and  send  it  speeding  through 
the  tunnel  to  some  gentleman  clerk  at  the  other  end  of  the  tunnel  that  I have  never 
seen.  He  finds  something  that  he  suspects  will  answer  my  query,  and  back  it  comes 
through  the  tunnel.  It  is  not  what  I want  at  all.  I want  somebody  that  I can  go 
to  in  charge  of  a reference  library.  If  I want  one  item  of  information,  he  knows 
exactly  where  to  find  it,  even  when  I do  not  know  where  to  find  it,  and  that  book, 
containing  that  information,  will  be  returned  in  a few  minutes  dog-eared  for  my 
use.  Somebody  will  say.  “You  ought  to  know  where  to  find  the  information.”  I 
am  speaking  as  an  average  of  the  membership  of  the  House  touching  these  matters. 

Mr.  Bingham.  The  gentleman  is  flattering  himself.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Cannon.  I must  claim  that  much,  I think,  as  a right.  [Renewed  laughter.] 
Now,  these  rooms,  I understand,  are  thoroughly  furnished.  I suppose  it  would  cost 
§100,000  or  $200,000  to  take  these  rooms  and  take  the  library  furniture  out  of  them; 
and  if  the  rooms  are  used  for  anything  else  than  a library  this  furniture  must  be 
taken  out  and  thrown  away.  If  you  were  to  convert  them  into  committee  rooms  I 
have  no  doubt  that  the  necessity  for  a reference  library  within  ready  call  of  the 
House  and  Senate  would  be  so  speedily  recognized  that  within  a year  or  two,  or  a very 
short  time  in  the  future,  both  branches  would  go  back  to  the  use  of  that  space  for  a 
reference  library.  Now,  that  is  about  all  I want  to  say,  and  I say  it  for  the  purpose 
of  indicating  my  own  views  and  not  with  a view  of  fettering  by  direct  resolution  or 
action  of  the  House  the  discretion  of  the  House  conferees.  I suppose  from  what 
little  I have  heared  that  this  was  in  the  nature  of  an  experience  meeting  at  which 
each  brother  might  state  what  was  his  view  touching  this  matter.  You  may  have  a 
whole  world  of  information  in  the  mind  of  somebody  that  can  give  it  in  a short  space 
of  time,  and  it  does  not  benefit  this  body  or  the  other  or  any  individual  who  may 
want  it,  unless  you  get  what  you  want  at  the  proper  time. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  Mr.  Speaker,  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  has  consented  to  the 
amendment  which  1 have  offered. 

Mr.  Richardson.  I would  like  to  hear  it  reported.  1 think  it  only  broadens  the 
scope  of  tlfe  resolution. 


388 


_ Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Bartholdt.  I ask  for  the  reading  of  the  original  resolution. 

Mr.  Richardson.  I would  like  to  hear  it  read. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

Amend  the  committee  amendment  so  that  it  will  read  as  follows: 

“ That  the  rooms  and  space  recently  occupied  by  the  Library  of  Congress  in  the  Capitol  building 
shall  be  occupied  and  used  hereafter  for  the  purpose  of  a reference  library  for  the  use  of  the  Senate 
and  House  of  Representatives,  and  for  that  part  of  the  national  library  known  as  the  Supreme  Court 
library.” 

Mr.  Richardson.  That  is  all  right. 

The  Speaker.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  gentleman  from  Colorado 
to  the  amendment  recommended  by  the  committee. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  I yield  to  the  gentleman  from  Ohio  for  a few  moments. 

Mr.  Burton.  Mr.  Speaker,  I hope  this  resolution  will  be  adopted,  and  trust  that 
the  adjustment  reached  by  the  committee  of  conference  will  be  such  that  the  whole 
space  formerly  occupied  by  the  Congressional  Library  will  still  be  reserved  for 
library  purposes.  It  is  very  evident  to  those  who  have  any  experience  in  the  mat- 
ter that  the  books  in  this  building  and  in  the  Library  are  not  as  valuable  to  mem- 
bers as  they  should  be.  In  order  to  make  good  use  of  a library  it  is  not  only 
necessary  that  there  should  be  books,  but  that  they  should  be  promptly  available. 
Now,  what  I should  like  to  see  would  be  an  arrangement  whereby  the  whole  of  this 
space  formerly  occupied  by  the  Congressional  Library  would  be  occupied  by  the 
Senate  library,  which  is  large  and  valuable;  by  the  library  of  the  House'  of  Repre- 
sentatives,  the  Supreme  Court  library,  and  a general  reference  library.  Each  would 
have  to  have  its  own  separate  librarian.  I am  informed  that  the  Librarian  has 
already  selected  8,000  or  10,000  volumes  for  a reference  library.  There  is  no  prob- 
ability that  any  considerable  share  of  the  Congressional  Library  would  be  brought 
over  here.  Most  of  the  books  there  are  not  such  as  would  be  required  in  a refer- 
ence or  working  library.  I think  it  perfectly  safe  to  say  that  10,000  to  12,000  vol- 
umes from  the  Congressional  Library — many  of  them  duplicates — would  be  ample 
to  afford  members  an  opportunity  to  give  prompt  consideration  to  the  subjects  aris- 
ing here.  It  is  not  sufficient  to  have  books  to  be  reached  at  the  end  of  a tunnel  in 
five,  ten,  or  fifteen  minutes.  It  is  very  desirable  to  have  a reference  library  in  this 
building  and  a librarian  who  is  posted  as  to  the  subjects  we  are  called  upon  to 
consider. 

Mr.  Richardson.  I would  like  to  ask  the  gentleman  from  Ohio  a question.  You 
think,  then,  that  12,000  books  would  lie  as  many  as  needed? 

Mr.  Burton.  I think  that  number  would  be  enough  for  a reference  library. 

Mr.  Richardson.  The  gentleman  must  remember  that  there  is  space  there  for 
700,000  books.  The  old  Congressional  Library  numbered  about  700,000  volumes. 
Now  there  is  space  enough  there  for  that  number,  because  they  were  there  before 
they  were  moved.  If  you  only  put  in  ten  or  twelve  thousand  books,  you  would 
have  a great  deal  of  space  that  was  not  utilized. 

Mr.  Burton.  But  the  Senate  library  is  a large  library,  and  the  Supreme  Court 
library  is  also  a large  one. 

Mr.  Richardson.  The  gentleman  means  that  those  books  would  be  in  addition  to 
the  ten  or  twelve  thousand? 

Mr.  Burton.  Yes;  the  books  belonging  to  the  Congressional  Library,  the  gentle- 
man from  Tennessee  will  remember,  were  many  of  them  piled  up  in  their  former 
quarters  like  so  much  old  lumber,  so  the  number  of  volumes  there  was  not  a fair  test 
of  the  capacity  of  the  room  for  library  purposes. 

Mr.  Richardson.  That  is  true. 

Mr.  Parker  of  New  Jersey.  Mr.  Speaker,  I would  like  to  ask  the  gentleman  from 
Ohio  whether  in  the  number  of  ten  or  twelve  thousand  he  includes  the  Executive 
documents,  which  are  quite  necessary  for  reference? 


The  Old  Building. 


389 


Mr.  Burton.  That  would  be  an  additional  number. 

Mr.  Parker  of  New  Jersey.  Would  it  not  be  well  also  to  have  the  House  library, 
which  now  occupies  so  much  space,  moved  down  there,  so  as  to  afford  additional 
room  on  the  next  floor? 

Mr.  Burton.  Yes;  for  committee  rooms  upstairs.  I think  that  could  be  done  and 
retain  where  it  now  is  the  small  library  adjacent  to  this  room. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  Mr.  Speaker,  I now  yield  to  the  gentleman  from  New  York  [Mr. 
Cummings]. 

Mr.  Cummings.  Mr.  Speaker,  I have  already  alluded  to  the  fact  that  when  the  old 
library  was  in  this  building  I got  three  copies  of  different  New  York  newspapers 
within  six  minutes,  giving  a detailed  account  of  the  sinking  of  the  Tallapoosa. 
Twenty-five  minutes  ago  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Moody]  wrote  ask- 
ing for  a copy  of  the  second  volume  of  Henry  Adams’s  History  of  the  United  States. 
I would  like  to  hear  a report  from  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  as  to  his  success 
in  obtaining  it. 

Mr.  Moody  of  Massachusetts.  I just  heard  a moment  ago  that  the  book  was  out. 
That  was  the  first  recognition  of  my  request. 

Mr.  Richardson.  Mr.  Speaker,  I desire  to  yield  five  minutes  to  the  gentleman  from 
Kentucky  [Mr.  Smith]. 

Mr.  Smith  of  Kentucky.  Mr.  Speaker,  there  seems  to  be  various  ideas  as  to  utilizing 
this  space.  One  view  is  that  it  should  lie  used  for  committee  rooms.  I do  not  con- 
cur in  that  view,  because  I think  it  is  pretty  evident  that  after  we  have  utilized  the 
portion  of  that  space  allotted  to  the  House  for  committee  rooms  we  shall  inevitably 
have  to  provide  additional  committee  rooms  somewhere  else.  It  is  estimated  that  it 
will  cost  $125,000  to  prepare  this  space  for  committee  rooms.  If  we  must  incur  such 
an  enormous  expense,  we  had  better  go  at  once  and  purchase  a building,  as  has  been 
done  by  the  Senate.  Now,  it  is  proposed  also  to  use  it  as  a reference  library;  and,  by 
the  way,  I wish  to  suggest  to  those  who  do  not  concur  that  that  is  the  proper  use  to 
make  of  it  that  if  the  Senate  concurs  in  the  amendment  proposed  by  the  House,  that 
ends  the  question,  and  it  will  be  used  for  the  purpose  of  a reference  library. 

But  I am  not  in  favor  of  devoting  it  to  a library.  I believe  that  it  facilitates  mat- 
ters to  have  the  library  practically  all  in  one  place,  reasonably  accessible  to  this  body. 
I believe  in  the  main  that  when  members  desire  the  use  of  any  volume  they  can 
secure  it  more  readily  by  the  use  of  the  pneumatic  tube  arrangement  that  we  have 
than  they  could  if  v/e  should  locate  a reference  library  in  this  space  formerly  occupied 
by  the  Congressional  Library. 

Now,  there  is  a use  to  which  this  space  can  be  very  well  put.  I happened  to  be  in 
the  last  Congress  upon  the  committee  whose  attention  was  called  as  to  the  rearrange- 
ment of  the  space  now  used  as  the  hall  and  cloak  rooms.  There  was  a pressing 
demand  for  some  space  in  which  each  side  of  the  Chamber  might  hold  conferences, 
and  it  seems  to  me  that  this  space  might  be  very  well  used  for  that  purpose.  That 
side  of  the  House  finds  itself  constantly  in  need  of  some  place  where  they  may  meet 
in  party  conference,  and  this  side  finds  the  same  condition. 

Now,  it  seems  to  me  that  the  wise  thing  to  be  done  with  this  space  is  to  set  it  apart, 
or  so  much  of  it  as  may  be  necessary,  for  this  particular  purpose.  I am  not  in  favor 
of  using  it  for  a law  library,  for  I believe  that  within  five  years  we  shall  have  a new 
judiciary  building,  and  it  would  be  unnecessary  work  to  move  the  law  library  into 
this  space  and  within  five  years  move  it  into  a new  building. 

I think,  Mr.  Speaker,  we  ought  to  use  this  space  for  the  purpose,  first,  of  providing 
consultation  rooms  for  committees  of  conference  of  the  two  Houses. 

The  Speaker.  The  question  is  on  agreeing  to  the  amendment  of  the  gentleman  from 
Colorado  [Mr.  Shafrotii]  to  the  substitute  recommended  by  the  committee. 

Mr.  Williams  of  Mississippi.  Without  objection,  I would  like  to  hear  the  amend- 
ment read. 


390 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

Amend  the  substitute  reported  by  the  committee  so  as  to  read  as  follows: 

“That  the  rooms  and  space  recently  occupied  by  the  Library  of  Congress  in  the  Capitol  building 
shall  be  occupied  and  used  hereafter  for  the  purpose  of  a reference  library,  for  the  use  of  the  Senate 
and  House  of  Representatives,  and  for  that  part  of  the  National  Library  known  as  the  Supreme  Court 
library.” 

The  question  being  taken,  the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

The  substitute  of  the  committee  as  amended  was  agreed  to,  and  the  resolution  of 
the  Senate  as  amended  was  adopted. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Dalzell,  a motion  to  reconsider  the  last  vote  was  laid  on  the 
table. 


[“enatc  proceedings  of  Mar.  20, 1900:  Congressional  Record,  56-1,  p.  3073.] 

VACANT  SPACES  IN  THE  CAPITOL. 

The  President  pro  tempore  laid  before  the  Senate  the  amendment  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  to  the  joint  resolution  (S.  R.  28)  relating  to  the  use  of  the  rooms 
lately  occupied  by  the  Congressional  Library  in  the  Capitol. 

The  amendment  of  the  House  of  Representatives  was  to  strike  out  all  after  the 
resolving  clause  and  insert: 

That  the  rooms  and  space  recently  occupied  by  the  Library  of  Congress  in  the  Capitol  building 
shall  be  occupied  and  used  hereafter  for  the  purpose  of  a reference  library  for  the  use  of  the  Senate 
and  House  of  Representatives  and  for  that  part  of  the  National  Library  known  as  the  Supreme  Court 
Library. 

Mr.  Spooner.  I move  that  the  Senate  nonconcur  in  the  amendment  of  the  House 
of  Representatives  and  request  a conference  with  the  House  on  the  disagreeing  votes 
of  the  two  Houses. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to. 

By  unanimous  consent,  the  President  pro  tempore  was  authorized  to  appoint  the 
conferees  on  the  part  of  the  Senate;  and  Mr.  Spooner,  Mr.  Elkins,  and  Mr.  Cock- 
rell were  appointed. 

[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  20,  19  0:  Congressional  Record,  58-1,  p.  3107.] 

USE  OF  OLD  LIBRARY  ROOMS. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  also  lays  before  the  House  Senate  resolution  28,  to  which 
the  House  has  offered  certain  amendments,  in  which  the  Senate  has  nonconcurred 
and  asked  for  a conference. 

Air.  Dalzell.  I move  to  insist  on  the  action  of  the  House  and  agree  to  the  confer- 
ence asked  for. 

Mr.  Richardson.  We  should  like  to  have  the  title  of  the  resolution  read;  we  do 
not  know  what  it  is. 

The  Speaker.  The  motion  of  the  gentleman  is  that  the  House  insist  upon  the  House 
amendments  and  agree  to  the  conference  asked  by  the  Senate.  The  Clerk  will 
report  the  title  of  the  resolution. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

Joint,  resolution  (S.  R.  28)  relating  to  the  use  of  the  rooms  lately  occupied  by  the  Congressional 
Library  in  the  Capitol. 

The  motion-  of  Air.  Dalzell  tvas  agreed  to. 

Accordingly  the  House  nonconcurred  in  the  amendments  of  the  Senate  and  agreed 
to  the  conference;  and  the  Speaker  announced  as  conferees  on  the  part  of  the  House 
Mr.  Dalzell,  Mr.  Grosvenor,  and  Mr.  Richardson. 

Air.  Bell.  Air.  Speaker,  I noticed  that  the  Speaker  appointed  the  gentleman  from 


The  Old  Building. 


391 


Georgia  [Mr.  Livingston]  one  of  the  conferees  on  the  legislative  bill.  He  is  in 
Georgia  and,  as  I understand,  will  be  for  some  time. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  appointed,  as  is  the  custom,  the  conferees  suggested  by 
the  gentleman  in  charge  of  the  bill. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  June  5,  1900:  Congressional  Record,  66-1,  p.  6686.] 

VACANT  SPACE  IN  THE  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  Aldrich  submitted  the  following  report: 

The  committee  of  conference  on  the  disagreeing  votes  of  the  two  Houses  on  the 
amendment  of  the  House  to  the  joint  resolution  (S.  R.  28)  relating  to  the  use  of  the 
rooms  lately  occupied  by  the  Congressional  Library  in  the  Capitol,  having  met,  after 
full  and  free  conference  have  agreed  to  recommend  and  do  recommend  to  their 
respective  Houses  as  follows: 

That  the  Senate  recede  from  its  disagreement  to  the  amendment  of  the  House,  and 
agree  to  the  same  with  an  amendment  as  follows: 

Strike  out  all  of  the  matter  inserted  by  said  House  amendment  and  insert  in  lieu 
thereof  the  following: 

“That  the  rooms  and  space  recently  occupied  by  the  Library  of  Congress  in  the 
Capitol  building  shall  be  divided  into  three  stories  of  which  shall  be  fitted  up  and 
used  for  a reference  library  for  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  and  that 
portion  of  the  other  two  stories  north  of  a line  drawn  east  and  west  through  the  cen- 
ter of  the  Rotunda  shall  be  used  for  such  purpose  as  may  be  designated  by  the  Sen- 
ate of  the  United  States,  and  that  portion  of  the  first  and  second  stories  south  of 
said  line  shall  be  used  for  such  purpose  as  may  be  designated  by  the  House  of 
Representatives.  And  such  sum  as  is  necessary  to  make  the  construction  herein  pro- 
vided for  is  hereby  appropriated  out  of  any  money  in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise 
appropriated,  the  sum  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  Architect  of  the 
Capitol.  ’ ’ 

And  the  House  agree  to  the  same. 

Nelson  W.  Aldrich, 

S.  B.  Elkins, 

F.  M.  Cockrell, 

Managers  on  the  jiart  of  the  Senate. 
John  Dalzell, 

C.  H.  Grosvenor, 

James  D.  Richardson, 
Managers  on  the  part  of  the  House. 

The  report  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Aldrich.  To  carry  out  the  report,  I offer  the  resolution  I send  to  the  desk, 
and  ask  for  its  immediate  consideration. 

The  resolution  was  considered  by  unanimous  consent,  and  agreed  to,  as  follows: 

Resolved , That  the  portion  of  the  space  recently  occupied  by  the  Congressional  Library  in  the  Capi- 
tol building  which  was  set  apart  by  Senate  joint  resolution  No.  28  to  be  used  as  designated  by  the 
Senate,  shall  be  used  for  committee  rooms,  constructed  in  accordance  with  plans  prepared  by  the 
Architect  of  the  Capitol  and  approved  by  the  Committee  on  Rules. 


[House  proceedings  of  June  5,  1900:  Congressional  Record,  56-1,  p,  6765.] 

OLD  CONGRESSIONAL  LIBRARY  ROOMS. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  Mr.  Speaker,  I submit  a conference  report. 

The  Speaker.  The  report  will  be  read. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

The  committee  of  conference  on  the  disagreeing  votes  of  the  two  Houses  on  the 
amendment  of  the  House  to  the  joint  resolution  (S.  R.  28)  relating  to  the  use  of  the 


392 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


rooms  lately  occupied  by  the  Congressional  Library  in  the  Capitol  having  met,  after 
full  and  free  conference  have  agreed  to  recommend  and  do  recommend  to  their 
respective  Houses  as  follows: 

That  the  Senate  recede  from  its  disagreement  to  the  amendment  of  the  House,  and 
agree  to  the  same  with  an  amendment  as  follows: 

Strike  out  all  of  the  matter  inserted  by  said  House  amendment  and  insert  in  lieu 
thereof  the  following: 

“That  the  rooms  and  space  recently  occupied  by  the  Library  of  Congress  in  the 
Capitol  building  shall  be  divided  into  three  stories,  the  third  story  of  which  shall 
be  fitted  up  and  used  for  a reference  library  for  the  Senate  and  House  of  Represent- 
atives, and  that  portion  of  the  other  two  stories  north  of  a line  drawn  east  and  west 
through  the  center  of  the  Rotunda  shall  be  used  for  such  purpose  as  may  be  desig- 
nated by  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  and  that  portion  of  the  first  and  second 
stories  south  of  said  line  shall  be  used  for  such  purpose  as  may  be  designated  by  the 
House  of  Representatives. 

“And  such  sum  as  is  necessary  to  make  the  construction  herein  provided  for  is 
hereby  appropriated  out  of  any  money  in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated, 
the  sum  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol.” 

And  the  House  agree  to  the  same. 

John  Dalzell, 

C.  H.  Gkosvenor, 

James  D.  Richardson, 
Managers  on  the  part  of  the  House. 
Nelson  W.  Aldrich," 

S.  B.  Elkins, 

F.  M.  Cockrell, 

Managers  on  the  part  of  the  Senate. 

The  statement  of  the  House  conferees  was  read,  as  follows: 

The  effect  of  the  agreement  of  the  conferees  will  be — • 

( 1 ) That  the  third  story  of  the  room  recently  occupied  by  the  Library  will  be  fitted 
up  and  used  as  a reference  library  for  both  Houses  of  Congress. 

(2)  That  the  first  and  second  stories  will  be  fitted  up  as  committee  rooms;  all  the 
rooms  north  of  a line  drawn  east  and  west  through  the  center  of  the  Rotunda  to  be 
for  the  use  of  the  Senate,  and  those  south  of  said  line  for  the  use  of  the  House. 

John  Dalzell, 

C.  H.  Grosvenor, 

James  D.  Richardson, 
Managers  on  the  part  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  I move  the  adoption  of  the  report. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  I wish  to  make  an  inquiry  of  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania.  I 
would  like  to  know  whether  this  report  gives  the  Supreme  Court  library  any  part  of 
the  space. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  I will  say  to  the  gentleman  from  Colorado  that  the  resolution  passed 
by  the  Senate  in  the  first  instance  devoted  this  entire  space  to  committee  rooms. 
The  amendment  of  the  House  introduced  the  element  of  a library.  The  Librarian 
of  the  Congressional  Library  advised  us  that  the  third  story  will  furnish  ample  room 
for  a reference  library  for  the  use  of  the  Houses  of  Congress  and  also,  perhaps,  some 
additional  space. 

The  report  embodies  in  part  the  idea  of  the  Senate  resolution  and  in  part  the  idea 
of  the  House  amendment. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  I would  like  to  move  to  nonconcur  in  this  report  and  be  heard  upon 
the  motion. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  I will  yield  to  the  gentleman  five  minutes,  if  he  so  desires. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  Very  well. 

Mr.  Speaker,  the  resolution,  as  I understand  it,  provides  for  the  disposition  of  the 


The  Old  Building. 


393 


space  which  was  occupied  by  the  old  Congressional  Library  so  as  to  give  additional 
committee  rooms  for  the  House  and  Senate  and  also  additional  space  for  the  reference 
library  of  the  House  and  Senate. 

I am  opposed  to  the  disposition  of  the  space  proposed  by  this  pending  proposition. 
We  have  a Supreme  Court  in  this  Capitol  building,  which  I must  say  lias  been  treated 
most  shamefully  by  the  legislative  bodies  of  this  Government.  It  is  a coordinate 
branch  of  this  great  Kepublic,  yet  I venture  the  assertion  that  there  is  not  a State  in 
the  Union  that  gives  to  the  supreme  court  of  the  State  as  little  accommodation,  or  as 
little  space,  as  is  given  by  Congress  to  this  greatest  judicial  tribunal  on  the  face  of 
the  earth. 

I want  to  say  that  any  person  who  will  go  and  look  at  the  library  space  of  the 
Supreme  Court  law  library  will  find  a condition  of  affairs  that  should  not  continue. 
You  will  find  shelves  of  books  so  closely  packed  together  that  it  is  almost  impossible 
for  a person  to  get  between  them. 

The  books  are  in  such  a state  that  it  is  impossible  to  get  at  them.  They  have  been 
piled  up  in  places  where  they  can  not  be  reached  at  ail.  They  have  some  80,000 
volumes  in  the  law  library  and  have  not  room  for  half  of  that  number.  The  space 
given  by  Congress  to  the  Supreme  Court  is  ridiculous  when  you  consider  the  character 
of  the  court  and  the  immense  amount  of  business  that  it  transacts. 

They  have  not  a room  for  chambers  work,  but  must  go  at  the  clerk’s  room  and 
hold  a conference  with  anyone  when  necessary.  Every  State  in  the  Union  provides 
for  the  judges  of  its  supreme  court,  not  only  general  conference  rooms,  but  also  pri- 
vate chambers  for  each  judge,  and  often  an  anteroom  to  the  same.  Not  a single 
justice  of  the  United  States  Supreme  Court  is  allowed  a room,  not  even  the  Chief 
Justice.  The  space  allowed  the  Supreme  Court  is  a court  room,  a robing  room,  a 
conference  room  in  the  basement,  the  marshal’s  office — one  room,  the  clerk’s  office 
consisting  of  three  rooms  and  tile  room  in  the  basement,  and  the  law  library  room 
in  the  basement. 

They  have  the  library  divided  among  the  library  room  and  three  of  the  rooms 
mentioned,  none  of  which  are  consecutive  or  adjoin  each  other,  and  in  which  25,000 
volumes  are  stored.  It  is  absolutely  necessary  that  space  be  had  somewhere.  The 
space  that  was  occupied  by  the  Congressional  Library  is  fitted  for  a library;  it  has 
the  modern  fireproof  shelving  and  all  the  conveniences  of  a library. 

It  takes  no  additional  cost  to  let  the  Supreme  Court  library  go  there.  The  greatest 
reference  library  that  we  can  have  would  be  the  supreme  court  reports  of  the  various 
States  and  of  the  United  States,  and  the  law  text-books.  Consequently  at  this  very 
place  it  will  be  most  convenient  for  the  use  of  the  Members  and  Senators. 

I have  been  through  the  library  space  that  is  now  occupied  by  the  law  library.  It 
is  down  in  a dingy  part  of  the  Capitol,  in  the  basement.  The  light  is  not  good.  Any 
person  who  has  been  there  and  attempted  to  read  knows  that  it  is  a crowded  space 
at  the  best. 

Inasmuch  as  this  Llouse  passed  the  resolution  which  provided  that  part  at  least  of 
the  old  Congressional  Library  should  be  devoted  to  the  use  of  the  Supreme  Court 
library,  we  ought  to  adhere  to  it,  and  give  to  the  Supreme  Court  library  ample  space 
for  its  books.  It  is  going  to  cost  about  $140,000,  as  I understand,  to  divide  this  space 
into  committee  rooms  and  will  cost  nothing  to  use  it  as  a library.  Mr.  Speaker,  you 
are  bound  to  provide  some  room  for  this  law  library.  There  is  no  sufficient  room 
for  it  now,  and  you  must  in  some  way  provide  more  space. 

If  you  want  a hearing  before  a judge  of  the  Supreme  Court,  you  must  go  to  the 
clerk’s  room  and  have  it  there  in  the  presence  of  the  clerk.  Are  we  going  to  be  so 
selfish  as  to  take  all  this  space  because  we  have  the  power? 

I submit,  Mr.  Speaker,  that  there  is  no  State  in  the  Union  which  treats  its  Supreme 
Court  as  we  treat  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States.  It  is  a coordinate  branch 
of  the  Government  and  ought  to  be  given  ample  and  full  space  for  this  library. 
[Applause.] 


394 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Dalzell.  Mr.  Speaker,  there  is  a very  universal  desire  upon  the  part  of  the 
members  of  the  House  that  we  should  have  a reference  library.  On  the  other  hand, 
there  is  a universal  sentiment  on  the  part  of  the  Senate  that  this  entire  space  should 
be  devoted  to  committee  rooms. 

Now,  the  Librarian  of  Congress  has  said  that  the  setting  apart  of  this  third  story 
would  give  us  ample  space  for  a reference  library  such  as  the  two  Houses  are  entitled 
to  have,  and  would  also  give  us  space  for  additional  books.  Therefore,  if  we  attempted 
to  carry  out  the  sentiment  of  the  House  at  all,  we  were  compelled  to  make  this  com- 
promise, and  by  this  agreement  we  arrive  at  that  which  satisfies  both  Houses.  We 
get  our  reference  library,  they  get  their  committee  rooms,  and  we  get  our  share  of 
the  committee  rooms. 

I concede  to  the  gentleman  that  the  Supreme  Court  library  is  poorly  housed,  but 
it  is  in  the  same  Capitol  with  us.  It  is  accessible  to  members  of  Congress  at  all  times, 
whereas,  as  we  are  situated  now,  it  is  almost  impossible  to  get  a book  from  the  Con- 
gressional Library  at  the  time  that  the  member  of  Congress  wants  it;  and  members 
know  that  often  when  they  send  to  the  Library  fora  particular  book  it  turns  out  that 
it  is  not  the  one  they  want,  or  that  that  book  suggests  some  other  book  that  they 
would  like  to  have. 

Now,  this  proposition  involves  the  placing  of  a librarian  in  the  Capitol — probably 
Mr.  Spofford,  or  somebody  equally  competent — and  a thorough  reference  library  for 
the  use  of  both  Houses.  That  is  the  utmost  that  your  conferees  were  able  to  get  as 
a concession  from  the  Senate.  If  we  agree  to  this  conference  report,  the  Architect 
of  the  Capitol  will  go  to  work,  and  by  the  time  we  come  back  again  to  the  next  ses- 
sion of  Congress  we  will  have  our  additional  committee  rooms  and  also  our  reference 
library. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  How  much  will  that  cost? 

Mr.  Dalzell.  The  fixing  up  of  the  library  will  cost,  the  Architect  says,  in  the 
neighborhood  of  six  or  seven  thousand  dollars.  For  the  making  of  the  committee 
rooms  he  was  unable  to  give  us  an  estimate  as  to  how  much  that  would  cost,  but  less 
than  a hundred  thousand  dollars. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  At  the  time  this  proposition  was  first  reported  was  it  not  estimated 
at  $140,000? 

Mr.  Dalzell.  One  hundred  and  twenty-five  thousand  dollars  to  turn  this  entire 
space  into  committee  rooms. 

Mr.  Gaines.  How  much  will  the  books  cost? 

Mr.  Dalzell.  The  books  are  all  there  now. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  I will  ask  the  gentleman  if  this  space  in  the  Capitol  which  was 
occupied  by  the  old  Congressional  Library  would  not  be  sufficient  to  accommodate 
the  entire  Supreme  Court  library  and  have  a reference  library  also? 

Mr.  Dalzell.  I do  not  know.  That  is  possibly  so;  and  if  it  is  so,  it  can  go  in  there. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  I do  not  mean  the  space  on  the  third  floor,  but  the  space  that 
exists  now. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  I yield  five  minutes  to  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee. 

Mr.  Bailey  of  Texas.  I desire  to  ask  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  if  the  Senate 
insists  that  it  needs  further  committee  rooms? 

Mr.  Dalzell.  They  certainly  do. 

Mr.  Bailey  of  Texas.  I might  be  willing  to  vote  for  that  at  this  particular  time, 
but  with  the  Maltby  Building,  and  quite  as  many  committee  rooms  at  that  end  of 
the  Capitol  as  we  have  on  this,  it  looks  to  me  they  ought  to  be  satisfied. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  I think  so,  too,  so  far  as  that  goes.  I yield  five  minutes  to  the  gen- 
tleman from  Tennessee. 

Mr.  Newlands.  I desire  to  ask  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  if  this  space  is 
to  be  divided  equally  between  the  House  and  the  Senate? 

Mr.  Dalzell.  It  is  to  be  equally  divided  between  the  House  and  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Newlands.  How  many  committee  rooms  will  it  make? 


The  Old  Building. 


395 


Mr.  Dalzell.  My  recollection  is  that  it  is  fourteen  or  sixteen  each. 

Mr.  Newlands.  I wish  to  ask  whether  inquiry  was  made  as  to  whether  a certain 
portion  of  this  space  can  not  be  given  to  the  Supreme  Court  library,  as  space  is 
required  by  the  Supreme  Court  library? 

Mr.  Dalzell.  The  librarian  was  not  able  to  say  just  how  much  of  that  space  he 
would  occupy  by  his  reference  library.  Of  course  if  there  is  anything  left  it  can  be 
used  for  the  law  library.  I yield  five  minutes  to  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee. 

Mr.  Richardson.  Mr.  Speaker,  the  conferees  have  done  the  best  they  could  in  this 
matter  to  get  a proper  division  of  this  space.  It  has  been  several  months  since  the 
conferees  were  appointed,  and  they  have  given  the  matter  a great  deal  of  thought. 
The  result  of  the  conference  is  that  this  space  where  the  old  Congressional  Library 
books  were  kept,  where  there  were  about  seven  or  eight  hundred  thousand  volumes, 
is  divided  into  three  stories. 

The  entire  third  story  will  be  devoted,  under  this  conference  report,  to  the  refer- 
ence library.  Now,  it  is  not  believed,  Mr.  Speaker,  that  that  will  occupy  but  a com- 
paratively small  portion  of  this  story,  and  the  remainder  of  the  third  story  can  be 
used  by  the  Supreme  Court  for  the  purposes  of  a law  library,  and  there  will  be  space, 
in  all  probability,  for  it. 

Now,  then,  the  remaining  two  stories  will  be  divided  equally  between  the  House 
and  the  Senate  for  committee  rooms.  There  was  one  matter  that  I insisted  upon 
above  all  others,  and  that  was  that  in  the  division  of  this  space  the  House  should  be 
given  one  large  room  for  the  minority. 

Now,  it  is  very  well  known  that  gentlemen  on  the  other  side  will  need  that  space 
next  Congress  [laughter],  and  we  are  taking  care  of  them  as  well  as  we  can;  but 
whether  they  need  it  or  we  need  it,  there  ought  to  be  one  suitable  room  for  the 
minority.  The  Senate  has  a room  of  that  kind,  and  the  House  has  never  had  any 
place  where  the  minority  could  assemble,  except  in  the  corridors  of  this  Capitol. 

A Member.  What  is  it  to  be  used  for — for  condolence? 

Mr.  Richardson.  For  the  transaction  of  all  the  business  that  the  conferees  have  to 
transact — a conference  room;  and  unless  the  conference  report  is  adopted  that  accom- 
modation will  not  be  afforded  the  minority.  I believe,  Mr.  Speaker,  it  is  the  very 
best  that  can  be  done,  and  if  this  conference  report  is  not  adopted  it  will  go  over  for 
one  more  session,  possibly  more  than  a year,  and  I hope  very  much  that  the  House 
will  adopt  the  report  of  the  conferees. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  I yield  five  minutes  to  the  gentleman  from  New  Jersey. 

Mr.  Parker  of  New  Jersey.  Mr.  Speaker,  this  is  a very  important  matter.  Ever 
since  the  Library  has  been  moved  across  the  way  it  has  been  practically  useless  to 
those  who  wish  to  deal  with  it.  The  other  library  that  we  have,  the  House  library, 
is  useless  to-day,  because  it  is  upstairs. 

Nothing  in  the  shape  of  a library  that  is  upstairs  is  any  use.  Every  gentleman’s 
experience  confirms  this.  Now,  when  the  old  library  wras  in  the  middle  of  the 
Capitol  building,  it  formed  not  only  a library  that  we  could  go  to  and  use,  but  a 
place  where  the  members  of  the  Senate  and  House  came  together  informally  and  met 
one  another.  Its  one  fault  for  our  use  was  that  it  was  open  also  to  the  public. 

It  is  important  that  there  should  be  a central  room  where  members  of  the  Senate 
and  House  can  go,  and  no  one  else,  for  a reference  library,  and  so  that  they  could 
meet  there  daily  and  know  what  is  going  on  in  the  two  Houses.  Such  a room 
brings  them  together.  That  was  the  great  use  of  that  library.  Why  divide  or  change 
the  room?  It  is  far  more  important  than  committee  rooms. 

Members  of  this  House  know  that  there  are  many  committee  rooms  here  which  are 
committee  rooms  only  in  name,  where  there  are  no  meetings,  and  where  the  room 
is  simply  used  as  a private  office  of  the  chairman  of  the  committee.  What  we  really 
need  is  a reference  library  for  Senate  and  House  which  is  accessible,  and  to  be  acces- 
sible it  must  be  upon  the  ground  floor. 

We  are  told  that  this  matter  is  to  be  put  off  if  not  disposed  of  now.  We  had  bet- 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


396 

ter  pat  it  off  than  to  take  the  one  room  in  this  whole  Capitol  which  is  useful  for  the 
purpose  that  is  mentioned  and  dividing  it  up  into  small  rooms.  This  Capitol  is  full 
of  small  rooms  given  up  to  dust  and  darkness  and  the  storage  of  books  and  gas  engines 
and  we  know  not  what.  They  are  found  in  the  basement  and  in  the  second  story. 

There  is  one  room  absolutely  accessible,  absolutely  useful,  absolutely  fitted  for  the 
purpose  of  a reference  library;  and  1 deplore  the  day  that  we  shall  take  the  old 
Library  of  Congress,  with  all  of  its  associations,  and  divide  it  up  into  a number  of 
small  rooms,  and  take  in  place  of  it  the  third  story,  reached  only  by  an  elevator,  and 
therefore  not  accessible  to  the  members  of  the  House  as  quickly  as  it  ought  to  be. 

I forgot  to  say  that  the  Librarian  told  me  that  all  the  space  they  had  was  not  more 
than  sufficient  for  such  a library  as  he  meant  to  furnish  us.  I deplore  that  we  should 
give  up  this  great  adjunct  of  legislation  by  any  hurried  action  at  the  end  of  a session. 
I think  the  conference  report  should  be  postponed  to  next  session. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  Mr.  Speaker,  I ask  for  the  previous  question  and  adojjtion  of  the 
conference  report. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  I wish  the  gentleman  would  permit  me  to  make  a statement.  This 
was  called  up  unexpectedly. 

Mr.  Dalzell.  I can  not  yield  at  this  time. 

The  previous  question  was  ordered. 

The  question  was  taken  on  agreeing  to  the  conference  report;  and  on  a division 
(demanded  by  Mr.  Parker  of  New  Jersey)  there  were — ayes  115,  noes  35. 

Mr.  Shafroth.  I ask  for  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  Speaker.  The  yeas  and  nays  are  asked  for  by  the  gentleman  from  Colorado. 
As  many  as  are  in  favor  of  taking  the  question  by  yeas  and  nays  will  rise  and  remain 
standing.  [After  counting.  ] Eight  gentlemen  rising,  not  a sufficient  number,  and  the 
yeas  and  nays  are  refused.  The  ayes  have  it,  and  the  conference  report  is  agreed  to. 

[“No.  33. — Joint  Resolution  Relating  to  the  use  of  the  rooms  lately  occupied  by  the  Congressional 
Library  in  the  Capitol,’’  approved  June  6,  1900.  (Stat.  at  Large,  v.  31,  719.)] 

Resolved  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America  in 
Congress  assembled,  That  the  rooms  and  space  recently  occupied  by  the  Library  of 
Congress  in  the  Capitol  building  shall  be  divided  into  three  stories,  the  third  story 
of  which  shall  be  fitted  up  and  used  for  a reference  library  for  the  Senate  and  House 
of  Representatives,  and  that  portion  of  the  other  two  stories  north  of  a line  drawn 
east  and  west  through  the  center  of  the  Rotunda  shall  be  used  for  such  purposes  as 
may  be  designated  by  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  and  that  portion  of  the  first 
and  second  stories  south  of  said  line  shall  be  used  for  such  purposes  as  may  be  desig- 
nated by  the  House  of  Representatives.  And  such  sum  as  is  necessary  to  make  the 
construction  herein  provided  for  is  hereby  appropriated  out  of  any  money  in  the 
Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated,  the  same  to  be  expended  under  the  direction 
of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  July  1,  1901.  (57-1,  House  Doc. 
No.  1,  Misc.  Repts.,  pt.  1,  pp.  511  and  526.)] 

Architect’s  Office,  United  States  Capitol, 

Washington,  I).  C.,  July  1,  1901. 

Sir:  I beg  to  present  herewith  the  annual  report  of  this  office  relating  to  the  care 
and  repair  of  the  United  States  Capitol  Building  for  the  fiscal  year  ended  June  30, 
1901. 

Included  is  a statement  of  expenditure  made  in  connection  with  the  work. 

NEW  COMMITTEE  ROOMS — OLD  LIBRARY  SPACE,  UNITED  STATES  CAPITOL. 

At  the  close  of  the  last  session  of  Congress  the  following  joint  resolution  was  passed, 
and  was  approved  June  6,  1900:  [Preceding  item.] 


The  Old  Building. 


397 


All  of  the  work  covered  by  the  above  resolution,  with  the  exception  of  that  part 
relating  to  the  space  set  apart  for  use  as  a reference  library,  was  completed,  ready  for 
occupation  in  case  of  emergency,  one  day  before  the  meeting  of  Congress.  It  was  a 
work  of  some  magnitude,  considering  the  time  allotted  for  its  completion,  and  could 
never  have  been  accomplished  but  for  the  unfailing  interest  of  foremen  and  employees, 
who  devoted  every  energy  to  its  accomplishment. 

The  character  of  the  resolution  was  extraordinary,  inasmuch  as  the  amount  appro- 
priated was  not  specified,  but  was  set  forth  as  the  “sum  necessary.”  The  additional 
specification  that  the  money  should  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  Archi- 
tect of  the  Capitol  left  it  to  the  discretion  of  that  officer  to  provide  everything  which 
in  his  judgment  was  a fitting  accessory  to  make  , that  section  of  the  Capitol  Building 
as  complete  as  possible.  What  the  generosity  of  Congress  has  brought  forth  must  be 
left  to  other  judgment,  based  on  the  work  as  it  stands  to-day.  What  has  been  carried 
out  has  been  done  with  the  paramount  idea  to  preserve  the  sentiments  and  ideas  of 
the  old  and  historic  central  building.  For  that  reason  solid  masonry  is  the  rule. 
Arches,  cornice,  and  moldings  are  copied  from  those  in  other  parts  of  the  building. 
It  only  remains  to  decorate  the  rooms,  and  committees  of  the  House  and  Senate  will 
be  housed  therein,  it  is  hoped,  with  pleasure  and  comfort. 

For  reference,  a floor  plan  of  both  floors  may  be  found  in  the  appendix  to  this 
report.  Thereon  it  will  be  seen  that  access  to  the  new  work  is  had  at  the  central 
entrance,  which  ojrens  through  a vestibule  into  the  Rotunda;  at  the  south,  and  to 
the  House  wing,  by  means  of  the  south  corridor  and  a closed  bridge  passageway  open- 
ing directly  into  the  main  corridor.  Near  this  point  a circular  stairway  goes  to  the 
second  floor  of  the  new  rooms.  On  the  Senate  side  the  north  corridor  opens  into  a 
light  well  which  has  a doorway  opening  near  the  principal  floor  landing  of  the  Dome 
stairway,  and  immediately  adjoining  is  a doorway  opening  directly  into  the  elliptical 
passageway  and  main  corridor  leading  to  the  north.  The  Dome  stairway  leads  to  the 
second-floor  rooms.  Further  convenience  of  access  to  these  rooms  is  had  by  means 
of  two  electric  elevators,  established  in  the  north  and  south  courts,  the  service  of 
these  elevators  extending  to  the  subbasement  floor,  as  a convenience  to  the  numerous 
committee  rooms  in  the  two  stories  below  the  new  rooms.  Thus,  the  facilities  for 
reaching  the  new  rooms  are  as  complete  as  possible  for  each  story,  and  the  important 
exits  are  at  points  nearest  the  respective  Chambers  of  Congress. 

One  of  the  most  important  items  of  improvement,  and  one  which  suggested  itself 
during  the  progress  of  the  work,  is  the  new  marble  vestibule  located  at  the  principal 
central  entrance.  Its  extent  is  from  the  west  Rotunda  entrance  to  the  doorway  of 
the  main  corridor  fronting  the  new  rooms,  a distance  of  40  feet.  Its  width  is  21£ 
feet.  In  this  space  the  old  stairway  comes  up  from  the  floor  below,  with  a landing 
at  the  west  Rotunda  door.  On  either  side  of  this  stairway  opening  is  arranged  a 
colonnade  of  five  Ionic  fluted  columns,  with  capitals  and  bases.  The  wall  pilasters 
correspond  in  position.  Including  columns,  full  pilasters,  and  quarter  pilasters,  the 
number  is  as  follows:  Ten  full  columns;  14  full  pilasters;  4 quarter  pilasters. 

The  window  openings  of  the  vestibule  were  so  arranged  as  to  form  symmetrical 
panel  openings  between  the  wall  pilasters.  The  same  may  be  said  of  the  doorway 
openings.  Elsewhere  the  entire  wall  surface,  ceiling,  and  architraves  are  paneled  in 
pure  white  marble.  The  darker  shade  of  Italian  marble,  of  which  the  columns  and 
pilasters  are  made,  contrasted  with  the  purest  white  Vermont  marble,  of  which  the 
wall  work,  architraves,  and  carved  ceiling  panels  are  made,  gives  a very  pleasing 
effect. 

In  view  of  the  fact  that  the  contracts  for  this  branch  of  the  work  were  not  let  until 
September  15,  1900,  too  much  praise  can  not  be  paid  to  Hilgartner  & Sons,  of  Balti- 
more, and  the  Vermont  Marble  Company  for  their  excellent  work  and  unflagging 
interest  to  complete  the  work  in  the  short  time  allotted.  The  carving  of  the  column 
and  pilaster  capitals  and  the  architrave  and  ceiling  work  is  of  the  highest  class. 

Reference  to  the  floor  plan  will  show  a series  of  rooms  with  windows  opening  into 


398 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


the  courts  which  lie  on  either  side  of  the  central  vestibule.  These  courts,  of  course, 
start-  at  the  ground  floor  and  reach  the  skirt  of  the  Dome.  Originally  they  were 
walled  up  with  ordinary  brick.  In  this  condition  the  lighting  of  the  new  rooms 
adjoining  these  courts  would  be  unsatisfactory.  It  was  determined  to  case  these 
court  walls  in  enameled  white  bricks,  which  was  finally  done,  and  furnished  a sur- 
face cleanly,  easily  washed  down,  and  conducive  to  excellent  sanitary  conditions. 
The  rooms  referred  to  are  now  lighted  well  and  the  outlook  greatly  improved. 

I will  now  proceed  to  the  general  details  of  the  construction  in  order,  as  follows: 

REMOVAL  OF  THE  BOOK  STACKS  AND  IRONWORK  OF  THE  OLD  CONGRESSIONAL  LIBRARY. 

For  this  purpose  proposals  were  invited,  the  material  to  be  deposited  near  the  Cap- 
itol Building.  The  work  was  done  by  C.  A.  Schneider’s  Sons,  the  successful  bidders, 
at  a cost  of  $8,075.  Consideration  showed  that  none  of  the  material  removed  could 
be  of  service  to  the  Government,  and  accordingly,  with  the  consent  of  the  Secretary 
of  the  Interior,  the  material  was  advertised  and  sold  on  August  4,  1900.  The  excel- 
lent quality  brought  good  prices,  and  the  receipt  from  the  sale  nearly  reached  the 
cost  of  removal  from  the  premises,  a sum  of  $7,392.32  being  realized.  In  the  appen- 
dix will  be  found  illustrations  showing  the  interior  of  the  old  Library  before  and 
after  the  removal  of  ironwork,  which  started  on  June  11  and  was  completed  July  25, 
1900. 

PREPARATION  OF  OLD  WALLS. 

This  work  included  the  rearrangement  of  all  the  window  openings  facing  the  courts 
to  correspond  to  the  new  plan.  To  do  this  work  the  walls  were  shored  up  and  iron 
beams  inserted  for  the  window  heads.  The  removal  of  the  ironwork  from  the  entire 
space  disclosed  a very  interesting  picture.  On  the  surface  of  the  walls,  a greater  part 
of  which  were  composed  of  blue  gneiss  stone  which  formed  the  original  building 
walls,  was  found  evidences  of  the  fire  which  in  1853  destroyed  the  Library  of  Con- 
gress. In  other  parts  of  the  space,  where  the  walls  had  been  faced  with  brick  and 
lime  mortar,  the  material  was  in  poor  condition,  probably  from  the  effects  of  this 
fire.  Where  the  north  and  south  wings  joined  the  central  section  walls  6 feet  in 
thickness  were  found.  These  had  been  perforated  to  provide  circular  iron  stairways 
for  the  use  of  the  Library.  These  cross  walls  were  in  very  bad  condition,  in  fact 
practically  unsafe,  and  it  became  necessary  to  remove  the  greater  portion  of  them, 
as  much  for  security  as  for  the  fact  that  they  were  at  one  point  intersected  by  the 
corridor  openings  in  the  new  plan.  The  roof  at  these  two  points  was  accordingly 
shored  up  and  these  walls  were  cut  away  and  partly  reconstructed  in  the  new  Avork. 
The  new  Avails  became  available  for  the  use  of  the  flues.  The  age  of  this  part  of  the 
Capitol  building  and  the  consequent  settlements  of  the  walls  had  thrown  them  much 
out  of  a true  position — as  much  in  one  case  as  8 inches  in  the  height  of  the  two 
stories.  In  this  case  all  of  the  old  brickwork  Avas  removed  and  new  brick  facing 
put  in. 

The  preparation  of  the  Avails  for  the  reception  of  the  marble  vestibule  amounted 
practically  to  an  entire  reconstruction,  in  order  to  prepare  for  the  three  special  win- 
dows on  each  side  which  entered  into  the  plan  of  the  vestibule. 

The  ceilings  of  four  of  the  old  rooms  adjoining  the  court,  which  were  a part  of  the 
old  library,  were  found  to  be  too  high  for  the  level  of  the  second  story  and  they  were 
consequently  removed  and  new  brick  arch  ceilings  put  in  instead. 

All  of  the  old  plaster  Avork  left  in  place  was  removed  and  the  brick  walls  exposed 
and  refaced.  All  of  the  old  floor  covered  by  the  library  space  was  taken  up,  the  old 
sand  being  taken  out  down  to  the  haunches  of  the  arches,  leveled  with  concrete, 
and  the  floor  tile,  which  was  of  marble  and  much  of  which  was  saved,  was  utilized 
to  repave  the  floors  below. 

FLOOR  PLANS. 

On  the  10th  of  August  the  entire  space  was  ready  for  the  reception  of  the  brick- 
work. The  lines  were  laid  out  and  arrangements  were  made  for  the  masons  to  work 


The  Old  Building. 


399 


in  two  shifts  of  eight  hours  each.  From,  this  time  until  the  completion — about 
October  15,  1900 — the  brickwork  went  forward  sixteen  hours  per  day. 

PLASTERING. 

About  October  20  the  plastering  of  the  brickwork  commenced.  A special  grade 
was  used  in  order  that  the  surface  might  dry  quickly  to  receive  the  white  coating. 
As  the  work  progressed  all  of  the  ornamental  plaster  pieces  were  modeled  and  cast, 
ready  to  go  in  place  at  the  first  opportunity.  This  branch  of  the  work  was  not  com- 
pleted until  about  December  1st.  It  was  carried  forward  with  two  shifts  of  men  work- 
ing sixteen  hours  each  day.  The  area  covered  by  the  plasterwork  approximates 
9,000  square  yards. 

FLOOR  TILING  AND  MARBLE  BASE. 

As  fast  as  permitted  by  the  completion  of  the  plasterwork  the  floor  tiling  in  the 
rooms  and  corridors  was  laid.  The  patterns  were  varied  as  much  as  possible.  No 
special  designs  could  be  employed  on  account  of  the  shortness  of  time  which  pro- 
hibited special  manufacture.  The  total  area  of  tile  laid  was  16,000  square  feet. 

Following  this  8,350  lineal  feet  of  polished  Italian-marble  base  was  put  in  position 
in  the  rooms  and  corridors. 

SANITARY  APPLIANCES. 

The  toilet  rooms  for  this  section  were  placed  as  follows: 

For  the  first  and  second  stories  of  the  House  side,  in  the  housing  on  the  bridge 
leading  to  the  main  corridor  near  the  Rotunda. 

On  the  Senate  side,  a circular  room  already  in  place  at  the  east  end  of  the  north 
corridor  of  the  new  work  was  utilized.  For  the  second  story  a special  bridge  was 
constructed  at  the  landing  leading  to  the  Dome  stairway.  As  this  landing  crosses 
a small  open  court,  ventilation  is  assured  and  the  housing  for  the  toilet  room  is  pre- 
pared for  top  ventilation  into  the  open  air.  The  arrangements  for  ventilating  the 
House  toilets  are  exceptionally  good,  as  the  discharged  air  enters  an  open  court 
adjoining  Statuary  Hall,  but  not  connected  with  it,  after  which  the  air  finds  its  way 
outward  above  the  roof. 

Each  room  in  the  new  work  is  provided  with  a marble  lavatory  with  nickeled  fit- 
tings, furnishing  hot  and  cold  water.  The  general  supply  runs  along  the  corridors 
of  each  story,  branches  leading  therefrom  to  each  room.  The  waste  water  is  carried 
vertically  downward  to  the  sewers  below  the  subbasement  floor. 

The  control  of  the  temperature  of  the  hot-water  supply  is  effected  at  the  heating 
boiler  by  means  of  an  automatic  regulator. 

THE  HEATING  AND  VENTILATING  SYSTEM. 

The  work  done  under  this  head  comprised  not  only  the  rooms  of  the  new  work, 
but  two  stories  of  rooms  below.  For  obvious  reasons  it  was  necessary  to  take  these 
in  with  the  new  work  to  make  that  section  of  the  building  and  the  apparatus  com- 
plete. Besides,  the  heating  of  the  lower  rooms  was  obsolete,  and  as  for  fresh-air 
supply,  the  greater  portion  was  obtained  from  the  windows. 

The  appliances  consist  of  a large  Sturtevant  fan  driven  by  an  electric  motor  of  eight 
horsepower,  and  a large  heating  coil  with  by-pass  to  control  the  temperature  of  the 
air.  This  discharges  into  two  main  ducts — one  leading  around  and  under  the  floor 
of  the  subbasement  corridor,  the  other  rising  vertically  to  the  two  floors  of  the  new 
work. 

The  lower  two  stories  receive  fresh  air  through  vertical  ducts  leading  from  the 
lower  main  duct  to  the  various  rooms  through  suitable  registers. 

The  air-supply  arrangements  for  the  new  work  are  different. 

The  ceilings  of  the  corridors  in  this  part  are  18  inches  less  in  height  than  those  of 
the  rooms.  Between  this  ceiling  and  the  corridor  floor  above  a duct  is  formed  18 


400 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


inches  deep  and  the  width  of  the  corridor.  This  duct  runs  entirely  around  the 
space,  free  of  any  obstruction;  the  floor  which  forms  the  ceiling  of  the  duct  being 
constructed  of  iron  beams  filled  with  fiat  cement  arches.  The  same  method  pro- 
vides a duct  above  the  ceiling  of  the  second  story  corridors.  Small  ducts,  about  9 
by  14  inches  in  size,  lead  from  these  main  ducts  downward  to  an  opening  formed  in 
each  room  over  the  doorway.  This  opening  is  supplied  with  a suitable  grilled  panel 
of  metal  which  diffuses  the  entering  air. 

The  two  main  corridor  ducts  connect  with  the  main  vertical  duct  (which  leads 
directly  to  the  fan)  at  the  east  end  of  the  south  corridor  of  each  story. 

In  addition  to  the  fresh-air  supply,  which  is  generally  carried  at  a temperature  of 
72  degrees  during  the  cold  weather,  the  rooms  in  the  entire  western  portion  are  sup- 
plied with  steam  radiators  connected  to  vertical  risers  leading  from  a main  steam  line 
under  the  roof  to  the  subbasement.  One  riser  therefore  supplies  a tier  of  four  rooms. 
The  movement  of  the  steam,  starting  as  it  does  from  overhead,  is  in  harmony  with 
the  movement  of  the  products  of  condensation  in  the  radiator.  The  method  insures 
in  nearly  every  case  freedom  from  disagreeable  pounding. 

The  main  steam  supply  is  divided  between  the  House  and  Senate  boiler  service. 
The  radiators  are  of  the  single  valve  type.  Except  in  the  subbasement  floor  rooms 
the  steam  risers  are  concealed  in  suitable  trenches  behind  the  plaster. 

I might  add  that  the  system  has  taken  into  account  the  possible  use  of  the  space 
allotted  to  the  so-called  reference  library. 

ELECTRIC  LIGHTING. 

The  arrangements  for  electric  lighting  are  very  complete.  The  main  feeders  follow 
the  main  air  ducts,  leaving  them  at  suitable  points  provided  with  junction  boxes  for 
the  various  rooms  in  the  four  stories.  After  leaving  the  main  ducts  all  branches  are 
carried  in  steel  tubing  to  the  several  locations  for  chandeliers  and  brackets.  The 
entire  system  is  arranged  so  as  to  be  easily  accessible  for  repairs,  and  with  due  regard 
to  possible  increase  of  service  in  the  various  rooms.  The  total  number  of  lights 
installed  is  760.  The  total  number  of  bracket  fixtures  107,  and  the  total  number  of 
corridor  and  room  fixtures  75.  In  this  connection,  I will  state  for  heating  and  light- 
ing purposes  a new  250-horsepower  water  tube  steel  boiler,  costing  $5, 511. 50,  and  two 
large  engines  and  dynamos,  costing  $24,330,  have  been  installed. 

INTERIOR  FITTINGS. 

Under  this  head  are  included  windows,  door  frames  and  doors,  and  marble  mantels. 
The  windows  and  frames  in  the  new  work  are  entirely  new,  the  old  ones  being  found 
unfit  for  further  service.  All  are  glazed  with  best  American  plate  glass  and  are  of 
the  pivoted  type,  easy  to  operate,  and  especially  useful  in  warm  weather  for  obtain- 
ing the  greatest  possible  supply  of  outside  air. 

The  mantels  in  each  room  are  of  special  design.  All  are  of  Italian  marble.  Each 
fireplace  is  arranged  for  service  and  not  for  ornament.  The  general  construction  as 
a whole  is  in  keeping  with  the  simple  dignity  of  this  building, 

All  doors  and  frames  are  of  mahogany  of  the  best  possible  grade  and  workmanship. 
They  are  finished  nearly  in  the  natural  color  of  the  wood,  as  it  is  expected  that  the 
effects  of  time  will  darken  and  mellow  the  tone  and  bring  out  the  beauty  of  this 
particular  wood. 

There  now  remains  the  decoration  and  furnishing  of  the  room,  both  of  which  are 
at  this  writing  under  way  to  be  completed  by  the  meeting  of  Congress. 

When  the  entire  work  is  completed  a detailed  financial  statement  will  be  prepared 
for  the  next  annual  report. 

The  general  work  was  carried  out  by  day  labor,  the  character  of  which  deserves 
and  receives  the  gratitude  of  the  responsible  head.  A most  unusual  interest  was 


The  Old  Building. 


401 


taken  in  the  work  by  every  employee  of  every  degree  of  skill.  The  shortness  of 
time  in  which  to  complete  the  work  caused  more  or  less  tension,  but  on  the  whole 
it  was  a tension  born  of  earnestness  to  do  what  was  hoped  of  them. 

* * * 

PAINTING  AND  DECORATING  OF  ROOMS. 

SENATE  SIDE. 

(1)  Committee  on  Naval  Affairs,  painted  and  decorated. 

(2)  Committee  on  Foreign  Relations,  painted  and  decorated. 

(3)  Committee  on  Agriculture,  painted  and  decorated. 

(4)  Committee  on  Indian  Affairs,  back  room  painted  and  windows  painted  in  the 
front  room. 

(5)  Committee  on  Pensions,  woodwork  and  walls  painted. 

(6)  Committee  on  Woman  Suffrage,  painted. 

(7)  Committee  on  the  Five  Civilized  Tribes,  painted. 

(8)  Committee  to  Examine  the  Several  Branches  of  the  Civil  Service,  painted. 

(9)  Committee  on  Education,  painted. 

(10)  Committee  on  Transportation  and  Sale  of  Meat  Products,  painted. 

(11)  Committee  on  Additional  Accommodations  for  the  Library  of  Congress, 
painted. 

(12)  Committee  on  Public  Lands,  woodwork  painted  and  wall  touched  up. 

(13)  The  Senate  library  reading  room,  painted  and  decorated. 

(14)  Rooms  in  Senate  Terrace,  Nos.  1,  3,  5,  7,  9,  11,  13,  15,  17,  2,  4,  6,  and  corridor, 
touched  up. 

(15)  Committee  room  on  Finance,  windows  painted  and  walls  touched  up. 

(16)  Senate  post-office,  wall  touched  up  and  windows  painted. 

(17)  Senate  restaurant,  partition  painted  and  wall  touched  up. 

(18)  The  Senators’  room  in  restaurant,  painted  and  decorated. 

(19)  Committee  on  Appropriations,  woodwork  painted. 

(20)  The  basement  corridor  by  the  Senate  barber  shop,  painted. 

(21)  The  windows  on  the  Senate  from  the  gallery  to  the  basement  floor,  painted. 

(22)  The  hall,  way  from  the  Senate  restaurant  to  the  east  elevator,  painted;  sta- 
tionery room,  painted. 

(23)  The  corridor  and  staircase,  east  side,  painted. 

(24)  Senate  library  stairway,  painted. 

(25)  Senate  library  corridor,  painted. 

(26)  Senate  library  pack  rooms,  painted. 

HOUSE  SIDE. 

(27)  Committee  on  Insular  Affairs,  painted  and  decorated. 

(28)  Committee  on  Indian  Affairs,  painted  and  decorated. 

(29)  Committee  on  the  Civil  Service,  painted. 

(30)  Committee  on  Coinage,  Weights,  and  Measures,  painted. 

(31)  Committee  on  Census,  painted. 

(32)  Committee  on  Ventilation  and  Acoustics,  painted. 

(33)  Committee  on  Education,  painted. 

(34)  Index  clerk’s  room,  painted. 

(35)  Committee  on  Revision  of  Law3,  painted. 

(36)  The  rooms  in  the  House  Terrace,  Nos.  1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  7,  9,  11,  13,  15,  17, 
touched  up. 

(37)  Corridors  in  the  House  Terrace,  painted. 

(38)  Speaker’s  room,  painted. 

H.  Rep.  646 26 


402 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


(39)  The  House  Lobby,  touched  up. 

(40)  Windows  and  doors  on  the  House  floor,  painted. 

(41)  Corridor  on  the  House  floor,  doors  and  windows,  painted. 

(42)  Windows  on  the  basement  floor  painted  and  woodwork  touched  up. 

(43)  House  Press  Gallery  ceiling  calcimined  and  walls  touched  up. 

(44)  Committee  on  Levees  and  Improvements  of  the  Mississippi  River,  touched  up. 
Also  66  signs  for  various  committee  and  other  rooms  throughout  the  building. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Ethan  Allen  Hitchcock,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  21,  1901.  (57-1, 
House  Doc.  No.  5,  p.  CXC.)] 

The  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  Mr.  Edward  Clark,  in  his  annual  report  of  the  oper- 
ations of  his  office,  sets  forth  in  detail  the  various  improvements  and  repairs  made  to 
the  Capitol  building  during  the  last  fiscal  year.  The  principal  improvement  to  the 
building  was  the  construction  of  29  committee  rooms  in  the  space  formerly  occupied 
by  the  Congressional  Library.  Included  in  this  work  was  the  installation  of  the 
necessary  apparatus  for  heating,  ventilating,  and  lighting,  and  the  construction  of  a 
marble  vestibule  at  the  principal  entrance  leading  to  the  rooms.  The  courts  adjoin- 
ing the  rooms  were  lined  up  with  white  enameled  brick,  and,  for  convenient  access 
to  the  several  floors  two  elevators  operated  by  electricity  were  provided.  Por  the 
heating  and  lighting  there  was  procured  and  installed  one  250-horsepower  water-tube 
steam  boiler  and  two  250-horsepower  engines  and  dynamos.  The  ventilating  system 
includes  a large  fan  operated  by  an  8-horsepower  electric  motor  placed  in  the  sub- 
basement story,  the  ducts  leading  therefrom  running  to  the  several  floors  through  a 
special  air  way  and  ducts  constructed  over  the  ceilings  of  the  corridors.  In  carrying 
out  this  work  the  lower  story  of  rooms  beneath  the  library  space  were  connected 
with  tnis  system  of  heating  and  ventilating. 


[From  the  “Act  Making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  nineteen  hundred  and  two,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Mar.  3, 
1901.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  31,  1156.)] 

For  reconstructing  and  fireproofing  the  roof  of  the  central  portion  of  the  Capitol 
building,  including  the  restoration  in  fireproof  construction  of  the  ceilings  of  the 
Supreme  Court  room  and  Statuary  Hall;  for  material  and  labor  and  necessary  expenses 
incident  thereto,  one  hundred  and  fifty-three  thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  to  be 
immediately  available. 

To  enable  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  to  prepare  and  submit  to  Congress  at  its  next 
session  plans,  specifications,  and  estimates  of  cost  for  reconstructing  and  extending  in 
a fireproof  manner  the  central  portion  of  the  Capitol  building;  the  renovation  and 
decoration  of  the  rotunda;  * * * one  thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  to  be  imme- 
diately available. 


[House  of  Representatives.  Document  No.  573.  57th  Congress,  1st  Session.  Condition  of  the  House 
Document  Room.  Letter  from  the  Doorkeeper  transmitting,  with  a letter  from  the  Superintendent 
of  the  DoeumentRoom,  recommendations  as  to  the  condition  of  the  Document  Room;  alsoareport 
of  the  Superintendent  of  the  Capitol  on  the  subject,  in  response  to  the  reference  of  the  Speaker. 
April  24,  1902. — Referred  to  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  and  ordered  to  be  printed.] 

Office  of  Doorkeeper,  House  of  Representatives, 

Washington,  D.  C.,  April  10,  1902. 

Dear  Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  a letter  from  the  superintendent 
of  the  document  room  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  a department  under  the  juris- 
diction of  the  Doorkeeper  of  the  House. 


. Rt?p.  646 — 58-2. 


STATUARY  HALL,  1900  (OLD  HALL  OF  REPRESENTATIVES). 


The  Old  Building. 


403 


In  transmitting  this  report  for  your  consideration,  I desire  to  heartily  indorse  the 
urgent  request  of  the  superintendent  asking  that  something  be  done  to  relieve  the 
congested  condition  of  the  document  room,  as  it  is  absolutely  necessary  that  space  be 
provided,  repairs,  etc.,  made,  in  order  to  properly  conduct  the  business  of  the  depart- 
ment in  a manner  satisfactory  to  the  members  of  Congress. 

I have  the  honor  to  remain,  very  respectfully, 

F.  B.  Lyon,  Doorkeeper. 

Hon.  D.  B.  Henderson, 

Speaker  House  of  Representatives. 

House  of  Representatives, 

Office  of  Superintendent  Document  Room, 

Washington,  D.  C.,  March  31,  1902. 

Dear  Sir:  The  accommodations  of  the  document  room  of  the  House  of  Represent- 
atives impel  me  to  address  you,  and  through  you  the  proper  committee  having  juris- 
diction over  matters  relating  to  said  room.  There  was  a time,  undoubtedly,  when 
the  conveniences  and  space  of  this  department  were  sufficient  for  the  work  necessary 
to  be  done  therein.  That  time  has  long  since  passed.  The  immense  volume  of 
business  now  coming  into  the  document  room  can  not  be  satisfactorily  transacted  in 
the  present  quarters.  I am  certain  that  no  other  office  in  the  Capitol  is  so  crowded 
and  contracted.  Some  of  the  objections  may  be  briefly  stated: 

(1)  The  palpable  lack  of  space  room. 

(2)  A lack  of  proper  and  sufficient  shelving  and  file  cases. 

(3)  An  absolute  necessity  for  more  light  and  ventilation. 

(4)  An  office  of  inadequate  size,  which  during  sessions  of  Congress  does  not  meet 
the  requirements  of  the  situation,  and  storerooms  for  documents  and  files,  situated 
in  different  places,  from  the  unfinished  space  under  the  roof  to  the  dark  and  moldy 
rooms  in  the  subbasement. 

(5)  An  utter  impossibility  on  the  part  of  the  employees  to  do  the  business 
demanded  of  them  to  the  satisfaction  of  members  and  officials  or  to  themselves, 
however  much  they  may  strive  to  do  so. 

(6)  The  most  important  reason  for  some  change  here,  in  my  estimation,  is  the 
liability  of  a fire  accidentally  occurring  and  the  great  and  incalculable  loss  which 
would  follow.  The  dark,  narrow  passages,  overcrowded  with  inflammable  matter, 
make  the  place  a regular  fire  trap. 

Many  other  reasons  can  be  given  to  emphasize  the  necessity  for  the  enlargement 
and  rearrangement  of  the  present  House  document  room.  Those  who  have  climbed  up 
into  the  heights  or  gone  down  into  the  depths  of  this  contracted  and  deviously  arranged 
department  will  fully  realize  the  necessity  which  exists  for  larger  and  better  facilities 
for  conducting  the  business  and  enabling  the  same  to  be  transacted  with  that  prompt- 
ness and  satisfaction  which  good  public  service  demands.  It  is  therefore  most 
respectfully  suggested  that  some  action  be  taken  by  the  House  which  will  meet 
present  and  future  requirements,  and  I most  earnestly  recommend  that  the  early 
attention  of  Congress  may  be  called  to  this  matter. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

Chas.  H.  Strobeck, 

Superintendent  Document  Room,  House  of  Representatives. 

Hon.  F.  B.  Lyon, 

Doorkeeper  House  of  Representatives,  Washington , D.  C. 


Office  Superintendent  Capitol  Building  and  Grounds, 

Washington,  D.  C.,  April  23,  1902. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  reference  of  April  10, 
1902,  asking  me  to  investigate  and  report  on  certain  conditions  and  lack  of  accommo- 


404  Documentary  History  of  the  Gajpitol. 

dations  in  the  House  document  room,  outlined  in  a letter  written  to  Mr.  Frank  B. 
Lyon,  the  Doorkeeper  of  the  House,  by  Charles  H.  Strobeck,  superintendent.  The 
letter  is  as  follows: 

* * * 

A brief  visit,  to  the  document  room  will  convince  any  person  that  the  superinten- 
dent has  reasonable  ground  for  complaint.  The  present  conditions  are  the  growth 
of  years,  and  within  my  knowledge  hasty  and  frequent  additions  to  the  shelving 
have  been  made  from  time  to  time,  until  now  the  rooms  are  overcrowded  and 
unpleasantly  packed  with  documents,  to  the  detriment  of  the  conduct  of  business. 
After  consultation  with  the  superintendent  I have  caused  plans  to  be  made  for  the 
refitting  of  the  document  room  with  new  steel  shelving,  arranged  in  such  manner  as 
will  materially  aid  in  the  distribution  of  and  access  to  files.  The  estimated  cost  of 
this  branch  of  the  work  is  §14,000. 

The  Senate  Committee  on  Rules  having  assigned  to  the  Senate  library  all  space 
under  the  new  roof  over  the  library  section  of  the  building,  up  to  the  division  line 
established  by  law,  there  remains  at  the  disposal  of  the  House  Committee  on  Rules 
the  remaining  half  of  the  space.  This  sjiace  is  exceptionally  well  adapted  to  the  use 
of  the  House  document  room.  Many  of  its  files  are  already  stored  there  under  a 
temporary  arrangement.  If  the  space  is  assigned  to  the  document  room  and  about 
§1,000  allotted  for  the  shelving  required  to  fit  it  up  for  use,  I think,  and  the  super- 
intendent of  the  document  room  believes,  that  the  problem  will  be  solved.  Docu- 
ments now  in  the  basement  belonging  to  the  document  room  can  be  brought  up  and 
arranged. 

For  the  prompt  conduct  of  files  and  documents  between  the  office  and  the  space 
overhead,  I would  suggest  a carrier  or  small  book  elevator  operated  by  electricity, 
together  with  the  necessary  telephone  service.  At  this  writing  no  accurate  estimate 
can  be  given  for  this  carrier,  but  I believe  that  the  service  can  be  installed  within  a 
limit  of  §2,500. 

Minor  arrangements,  such  as  new  floors,  painting,  etc.,  can  be  completed  out  of 
the  regular  appropriations  controlled  by  this  office. 

Summing  up,  the  probable  cost  will  be: 


Steel  shelving §14,000 

Shelving  in  loft 1 1,  000 

Document  carrier  and  communication 2, 500 


Total - 17,500 

I transmit  herewith  copies  of  shelving  plans  and  photographs,  the  latter  of  which 
are  characteristic  view's  of  the  arrangements  now  in  place  in  the  document  room  and 
of  the  conditions  existing. 

Very  respectfully,  Elliott  Woods, 

Superintendent  V.  S.  Capitol  Building  and  Grounds. 
The  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


[From  the  “Act  Making  appropriations  to  supply  deficiencies  in  the  appropriations  for  the  fiscal  year 
ending  June  thirtieth,  nineteen  hundred  and  two,  and  for  prior  years,  and  for  other  purposes,” 
approved  July  1.  1902.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  32,  pt.  1,  570.)] 

For  refitting  document  room  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  including  steel  shelv- 
ing, wooden  shelving  in  space  under  new  roof  over  the  library  section  of  the  building, 
and  for  document  carrier  and  communication,  to  continue  available  during  the  fiscal 
year  nineteen  hundred  and  three,  seventeen  thousand  five  hundred  dollars. 

For  metallic  book  shelving  in  Library  of  House  of  Representatives,  to  continue 
available  during  the  fiscal  year  nineteen  hundred  and  three,  two  thousand  four  hun- 
dred and  fifty  dollars. 


The  Old  Building. 


405 


[ From  the  annual  report  of  Elliott  Woods,  Superintendent  of  the  United  States  Capitol  Building  and 
Grounds,  July  1,  1902.  (57 — 2,  House  Doe.  No.  5,  Jlisc.  Repts.,  pt.  1,  p.  108.)] 

RECONSTRUCTING  ROOF,  CENTRAL  PORTION  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

The  act  of  Congress  authorizing  this  work  is  as  follows: 

For  reconstructing  and  fireproofing  the  roof  of  the  central  portion  of  the  Capitol  building,  including 
the  restoration  in  fireproof  construction  of  the  ceilings  of  the  Supreme  Court  room  and  Statuary  Hall; 
for  material  and  labor  and  necessary  expense  incident  thereto,  one  hundred  and  fifty-three  thousand 
five  hundred  dollars,  to  be  immediately  available. 

The  structural  area  of  that  part  embraced  in  the  work  approximated  37,500  square 
feet.  The  new  roof  work  covers  the  entire  roof  section  of  the  old  part  of  the  Capitol 
and  includes  the  interior  fireproofing  of  the  ceilings  of  the  Supreme  Court  room  and 
Statuary  Hall. 

The  explosion  and  lire  which  occurred  in  the  Supreme  Court  section  of  the  Capitol 
November  6,  1898,  brought  to  the  attention  of  Congress  the  then  dangerous  condition 
of  the  roof  over  the  old  part  of  the  Capitol. 

In  the  old  days,  the  documents  of  Congress  required  but  little  storage  space  and 
did  not,  as  now,  extend  into  every  nook  and  corner  of  the  building.  As  the  business 
of  Congress  increased,  demands  for  storage  space  for  documents  became  greater,  until 
at  the  time  the  fire  occurred  the  entire  loft  under  the  wooden  roof  was  filled  with 
books  and  inflammable  documents.  If  the  lire  in  the  Supreme  Court  section  had 
progressed  for  five  minutes  more  the  old  roof  would  surely  have  been  destroyed  and 
the  Dome  seriously  injured. 

Congress  was  prompt  in  providing  for  a new  and  practically  fireproof  roof  and 
other  construction  which  will  in  great  measure  do  away  with  danger  from  incipient 
fires.  The  new  roof  is  constructed  of  steel  and  concrete,  covered  with  copper.  In 
outlines  it  conforms  somewhat  to  the  old  roof,  but  the  domes  are  somewhat  lower. 
The  Architect  made  this  change  so  that  in  case  the  Walter  plan  for  the  extension  of 
the  east  front  is  carried  out,  the  eastern  front  of  the  Capitol  will  conform  to  the  per- 
spective view  as  made  by  Mr.  Walter.  At  the  same  time  the  sky  line  as  seen  from 
the  west  will  closely  approximate  to  the  old  line.  The  lanterns  which  surmount  the 
dome  roofs  of  the  Supreme  Court  section  and  Statuary  Hall  are  reproductions  in 
style  of  the  old  lanterns. 

The  reconstruction  and  fireproofing  of  the  ceiling  of  the  Supreme  Court  room  was 
done  in  the  strongest  possible  manner.  The  ornamental  plaster  work  is  a duplica- 
tion of  the  old  work  in  every  detail. 

Above  this  ceiling  a fireproof  partition  encircles  and  completely  closes  off  the 
ceiling  from  the  remaining  space  under  the  roof.  Of  course  the  partition  is  provided 
with  an  entrance  doorway  for  purposes  of  inspection  and  access  to  the  exhaust  ven- 
tilating fan.  This  fan  is  located  in  the  southeast  corner  of  the  inclosed  space  in  a 
room  having  for  a ventilating  outlet  a circular  window,  in  which  the  exhaust  fan  is 
located. 

The  remaining  space  is  given  over  to  the  use  of  the  Senate  Library  and  a glimpse 
at  the  photograph  (plates  8 and  9)  will  show  how  well  adapted  to  use  the  space  is. 

The  construction  of  the  roof  over  Statuary  Hall  follows  the  same  general  line  as 
that  over  the  Supreme  Court,  both  exterior  proportions  being  the  same.  The  con- 
struction of  Statuary  Hall  ceiling  duplicates  structurally,  the  old  ceiling.  Some 
modification  has  been  made  to  the  ornamental  plaster  work,  from  a point  north  of 
the  lantern  opening  down  to  the  cornice.  In  the  old  ceiling,  and  from  this  point 
down  to  the  cornice,  the  surface  was  smooth  and  the  panelling  was  painted  instead 
of  being  in  recess  and  relief.  The  same  may  be  said  of  the  ribs.  In  the  new  ceiling 
this  has  been  changed  to  recess  panels  and  ribs  in  relief.  Likewise,  the  arch  at  the 


406  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

south  running  from  pier  to  pier  has  been  supplied  with  recessed  panels  instead  of 
painted  panels. 

One  of  the  features  of  the  Capitol  building  interesting  to  visitors  was  the  combina- 
tion of  echoes  in  the  old  hall.  While  mysterious  to  the  ordinary  listener,  they  are 
readily  explained  by  the  laws  of  acoustics.  It  was  a problem  of  some  interest  to 
preserve  these  characteristics  which  have  been  the  pleasure  of  numerous  visitors.  To 
do  this  and  be  entirely  successful  would  have  required  a smooth  ceiling  exactly  as 
before.  Preserving  to  within  live-eighths  of  an  inch  variation  the  contour  of  the  old 
hall  ceiling,  and  by  compromising  on  the  depth  to  which  the  new  panels  might  go, 
the  echoes  have  been  saved  to  a great  extent,  though  somewhat  diminished  in 
strength. 

So  far  nothing  has  been  said  of  the  immense  amount  of  preparatory  work  neces- 
sary before  installing  the  steel  work  of  the  new  construction.  Every  part  below  the 
old  roof  had  to  be  protected  from  the  weather  by  the  construction  of  temporary 
rooting,  which  would  enable  the  workmen  to  labor  without  obstruction.  Some  idea 
may  be  formed  as  to  the  magnitude  of  this  branch  of  the  work  when  the  photographs 
are  examined.  These  portray  better  than  words  the  progress  of  events.  Over  90 
tons  of  unnecessary  brick  work  were  removed  from  above  the  attic  rooms  of  the 
Supreme  Court  section.  This  space  is  now  a splendid  addition  to  the  Senate  library. 
With  the  exception  of  one  accident  involving  the  injury  of  three  employees,  every 
branch  of  the  work  went  forward  smoothly  and  pleasantly. 

Contractors  and  men  assiduously  labored  for  the  completion  of  the  work.  The 
strike  among  the  steel  workers  throughout  the  country  seriously  hampered  for  a time 
the  efforts  of  the  contractors  for  the  steel  work,  and  caused  a delay  in  the  removal 
of  the  Statuary  Hall  scaffolding  until  January  of  this  year.  This  caused  no  incon- 
venience to  Congress  as  a passageway  through  the  hall  had  been  provided  for  the 
usual  conduct  of  persons  and  business. 

In  addition  to  the  appropriation  of  $153,500  provided  by  Congress  for  the  work, 
this  office  was,  by  an  understanding  with  the  Committees  on  Appropriations  of  the 
two  Houses,  authorized  to  expend  $45,000  out  of  the  appropriation  for  the  construc- 
tion of  the  rooms  in  the  old  Library  space. 

Some  little  work  remains  to  be  done  after  the  date  of  this  report,  but  enough  is 
now  known  to  express  the  belief  that  of  the  total  sum  allotted  some  $30,000  will 
remain  unexpended  to  the  credit  of  the  library  appropriation. 

For  the  problems  connected  with  the  preparation  of  drawings  for,  and  the  erection 
of  the  steel  work  of  the  new  roof,  this  office  availed  itself  of  the  services  of  Mr.  F.  L. 
Averill,  mechanical  engineer,  associate  member  of  the  American  Society  of  Civil 
Engineers,  and  can  testify  to  the  conscientious  and  painstaking  manner  in  which  he 
performed  his  duties  and  to  his  high  professional  skill  as  an  engineer  and  designer. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Elliott  Woods,  Superintendent  of  the  United  States  Capitol  Building 
and  Grounds,  July  1,  1902.  (57-2,  House  Doe.  No.  5,  Misc.  Repts.,  pt.  1,  p.  410.)] 

EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL  BUILDING,  ETC. 

In  accordance  with  the  following  law,  approved  March  3,  1901— 

To  enable  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  to  prepare  and  submit  to  Congress  at  its  next  session  plans, 
specifications,  and  estimates  of  cost  of  reconstruction  and  extending  in  a fireproof  manner  the  central 
portion  of  the  Capitol  building;  the  renovation  and  decoration  of  the  rotunda;  also  for  the  con- 
struction of  a fireproof  building  adjacent  to  the  grounds  of  the  Capitol  building,  to  be  used  for 
offices,  storage,  and  power  plant  purposes  connected  with  the  Capitol  building,  one  thousand  five 
hundred  dollars,  to  be  immediately  available — 

A partial  report  has  been  made  to  Congress  in  relation  to  the  extension  of  the  east 
front  of  the  Capitol. 


The  Old  Building. 


407 


Parts  heretofore  left  out  will  be  incorporated  herein,  forming  a whole  document 
set  forth  in  the  appendix. 

[See  appendix  referred  to  in  the  section  concerning  proposed  Extension  of  East 
Front.  ] 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Elliott  Woods,  Superintendent  of  the  Capitol  Building  and  Grounds 
July  1,  1903.  (Pamphlet  edition,  p.  4.)] 

The  House  document  room  has  been  entirely  refitted  with  new  steel  shelving, 
tables,  and  spiral  stairway,  and  the  old  floor  of  this  room  has  been  taken  up  and 
replaced  with  a new  floor  of  terazza  suitably  disposed  in  panels. 


III.  THE  EXTENSIONS. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  X,  1843:  Congressional  Globe,  27-3,  p.  373.] 

On  the  motion  of  Mr.  Barnard,  the  following  resolution  was  adopted: 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  of  War  be  requested  to  cause  a plan  and  estimates  to  be  prepared  at  the 
topographical  bureau,  or  otherwise  within  his  department,  and  laid  before  Congress  at  the  next  ses- 
sion, for  a room  or  apartment  in  the  Capitol,  or  to  be  added  thereto,  for  the  better  accommodation 
of  the  sittings  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


[House  of  Representatives,  Doc.  No.  51,  War  Dept.,  28th  Congress,  1st  session.  Alteration  of  the 
Capitol.  Letter  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  transmitting  a report  of  the  Colonel  of  the  Corps  of  Topo- 
graphical Engineers,  with  estimates  and  plans,  for  the  alteration  of  the  Capitol,  &c.  January  10, 
1844. — Read,  and  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds.  January  16,  1844.— 
Committee  discharged,  and  to  lie.] 

War  Department,  January  8,  1844. 

Sir:  In  compliance  with  a resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  1st  of 
March  last,  requiring  the  Secretary  of  War  “to  cause  a plan  and  estimates  to  be  pre- 
pared at  the  Topographical  Bureau,  or  otherwise  within  his  department,  and  laid 
before  Congress  at  its  next  session,  for  a room  or  apartment  in  the  Capitol,  or  to  be 
added  thereto,  for  the  better  accommodation  of  the  sittings  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives,” I respectfully  transmit,  herewith,  a report  of  the  colonel  of  the  corps  of 
topographical  engineers,  with  estimates  and  plans  for  the  alterations  deemed  neces- 
sary and  proper. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  M.  Porter. 

Hon.  J.  W.  Jones, 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


Bureau  of  Topographical  Engineers, 

Washington,  January  6,  1844- 

Sir:  On  the  1st  of  March,  1843,  a resolution  passed  the  House  of  Representatives 
in  the  following  words: 

[Resolution  quoted  above.] 

Attention  was  immediately  given  to  the  subject,  and,  after  a thorough  examination 
of  the  present  building  and  grounds,  it  vras  decided  that  the  only  plan  which  could 
be  adopted,  and  which  would  not  violate  architectural  rules,  was  an  extension  in 
length  of  the  present  building. 

1st.  Viewing  the  present  Capitol  from  any  point,  it  evidently  wants  length,  having 
in  its  present  condition  a disproportionate  height.  To  increase  its  length,  would 
therefore  relieve  it  from  this  defect,  and  increase  its  beauty. 

2d.  And  examining  the  building  in  reference  to  its  present  accommodations,  there 
is  a great  want  of  rooms  for  committees,  for  the  use  of  the  Clerk  of  the  House  and 
his  assistants,  and  for  the  public  documents  required  in  the  business  of  the  House. 

408 


The  Extensions. 


409 


3d.  It  is  also  essential  that,  in  any  modification  of  the  present  building,  the  busi- 
ness of  Congress  should  not  be  interrupted. 

4th.  It  is  essentia]  to  good  taste  that  the  same  style  of  architecture  which  now 
adorns  the  building,  should  be  preserved  in  the  additions. 

All  of  these  considerations  appear  to  me  to  be  fulfilled  in  the  plan  now  submitted 
for  consideration. 

The  drawing  exhibits  the  ground  plan  of  the  work,  and  the  elevation  of  the  eastern 
front.  Leaving  the  blank  leaves  down,  which  are  attached  to  the  drawing,  the  plan 
and  elevation  of  the  Capitol  as  it  now  is  will  be  seen : raising  these  leaves  will  exhibit 
the  plan  and  elevation  of  the  building  with  the  addition  proposed.  The  resolution 
merely  calls  for  a room  “for  the  better  accommodation  of  the  sittings  of  the  House 
of  Representatives;”  this  room  is  placed,  in  the  plan,  at  the  southern  end  of  the 
present  building;  but  as  it  is  essential  that  a similar  extension  should  be  made  at  the 
northern  end,  it  will  be  found  in  the  drawing. 

There  is  also,  on  a separate  sheet,  a perspective  view  of  the  interior  of  the  proposed 
hall. 

The  estimate  of  the  cost  of  the  addition  at  one  end — namely,  of  the  proposed  hall 
for  the  House  of  Representatives — is  hereto  annexed. 

After  the  dimensions  of  the  additions  and  their  position  had  been  determined, 
and  the  drawing  of  the  plan  and  elevation  completed,  an  opportunity  offered  of  con- 
sulting that  eminent  architect,  \V.  Strickland,  esq.  of  Philadelphia;  and  accordingly 
the  whole  was  submitted  to  his  inspection.  It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  say  that  it 
met  with  his  entire  approbation,  and,  in  conformity  with  your  desire,  he  was  also 
employed  to  make  an  estimate  of  the  cost,  and  to  give  a view  of  the  interior,  method 
of  making  the  roof,  and  of  admitting  the  light.  Our  views  on  these  points  do  not 
differ  materially,  as  the  drawings  furnished  by  Mr.  Strickland  and  from  this  office 
will  more  fully  show;  the  principal  difference  being  in  the  space  assigned  to  spec- 
tators. Mr.  Strickland,  in  his  plan,  extends  the  gallery  space  to  the  outer  walls  of 
the  building;  while  in  that  from  this  office,  this  space  is  limited  to  the  dimensions  of 
the  hall. 

Our  estimates  agree  to  within  13,500  dollars — the  larger  being  the  one  from  this 
office.  The  difference  arises  chiefly  from  different  prices  assumed  for  the  brick-work. 

The  perspective  plans  will  be  the  better  understood  by  reflecting  that  they  are 
intended  to  exhibit  the  interior  of  the  hall  from  the  south,  the  south  wall  being 
removed. 

The  hall  will  be  amply  lighted  from  the  windows  of  the  south  wall,  and  from  the 
roof;  the  manner  of  arranging  the  roof-light  will  be  apparent  from  an  inspection  of 
the  drawings. 

I have  had  the  plan  now  submitted  examined  and  criticised  by  many  very  com- 
petent judges,  and  it  affords  me  much  satisfaction  to  say  that  it  has  been  by  all  con- 
ceded that  the  architectural  beauty  of  the  building  is  much  improved,  and  its  accom- 
modations judiciously  increased;  and  no  [apprehension]  is  entertained  that  any  of 
the  defects  of  hearing  experienced  in  the  present  hall  will  be  found  in  the  addition 
proposed. 

The  papers  which  accompany  this  report,  are — 1st.  The  general  reasoning  about 
the  dimensions  of  the  building,  from  Lieutenant  Humphreys;  2d.  His  estimate;  3d. 
Some  views  from  him  in  reference  to  ventilating  and  heating;  4th.  A letter  from 
Mr.  Strickland,  with  his  estimate. 

It  will  give  me  great  pleasure  at  any  time  to  wait  upon  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings  in  order  to  furnish  such  explanations  as  they  may  desire. 

In  the  construction  of  the  work,  the  first  part  to  be  erected  is  the  room  for  the 
House  of  Representatives;  the  addition  at  the  opposite  end  may  well  be  delayed 
until  increased  accommodations  for  the  Senate  and  for  the  Supreme  Court  may  ren- 
der it  necessary;  and  the  whole  or  any  part  may  be  made  without  interruption  to  the 
present  use  of  the  building,  and  without  defacing  any  part  of  it. 


410 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Whether  the  present  architecture  of  the  existing  building  be  the  most  acceptable 
or  not,  or  whether  the  materials  of  which  it  is  composed  be  the  best  or  not,  are 
questions  which  it  is  now  too  late  to  discuss.  I have  considered  it  essential  to  good 
taste,  convenience,  and  economy,  to  preserve  the  same  style  of  architecture,  and  the 
same  kind  of  material,  in  the  additions  proposed. 

I cannot  conclude  this  communication  without  stating  that  the  drawings  from  this 
office,  which  exhibit  so  much  skill,  taste,  and  beauty,  were  made  by  Lieutenant 
Humphreys,  of  the  corps  of  topographical  engineers,  assisted  by  Mr.  Bruff  of  this 
office. 


Very  respectfully,  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 


Hon.  J.  M.  Porter, 

Secretary  of  War. 


J.  J.  Abert, 

Colonel  Corps  Topographical  Engineers. 


Note. — The  following  drawings  are  sent  with  this  report: 

1.  Plan  and  elevation  of  the  building,  with  plan  of  the  ground-floor]  Bureau  Top’l 

of  the  hall . . | Engineers. 

2.  Perspective  view  of  the  interior  of  hall;  (the  Speaker’s  chair  is  not] 

shown  in  this  view,  as  it  is  intended  to  be  placed  against  the  Buieau  Top  1 
southern  wall,  and  cannot,  therefore,  be  exhibited  in  this  view) . ngmeers. 

3.  Plan  of  the  ground-floor  of  the  hall  on  a large  scale W.  Strickland. 

4.  Perspective  view  of  the  interior  of  the  hall W.  Strickland. 

5.  Plans  of  the  roof  framing W.  Strickland. 


No.  1. 

Remarks  upon  the  dimensions,  by  Lieutenant  Humphreys. 

In  planning  a new  hall  for  the  House  of  Representatives,  the  first  step  should  be 
to  inquire  what  are  the  defects  of  the  present  hall,  and  whence  they  arise. 

First,  then,  a person  speaking  in  this  hall,  from  some  positions,  even  in  a low  voice, 
can  lie  heard  with  perfect  distinctness  in  a few  other  positions,  although  distant; 
whilst  in  many  others,  although  the  speaker  should  raise  his  voice  to  a high  pitch, 
he  would  not  be  distinctly  heard. 

Again:  in  other  positions  in  the  hall,  a speaker  will  exhaust  himself  in  vain  efforts 
to  make  himself  heard,  and  his  auditors  find  themselves  also  exhausted  in  efforts  to 
hear  him.  In  the  first  case,  the  curved  walls  of  the  hall  collect  the  voice  into  foci, 
at  which  points  it  is  heard  distinctly,  whilst  at  all  other  points  it  is  indistinct;  and,  in 
the  second  case,  from  the  shape  of  the  ceiling  (a  half  dome  terminated  by  a vertical 
plane)  and  its  great  height,  the  voice  is  in  a great  measure  lost,  a small  portion  only 
being  reflected  towards  the  floor;  a confused  sound  being  caused  by  that  which  is 
reflected  backward  and  forward,  from  the  dome  to  the  plane,  and  from  the  plane  to 
dome. 

The  three  principal  defects  of  the  present  hall,  then,  are — 

1st.  The  curved  form  of  the  walls. 

2d.  The  form  of  the  ceiling. 

3d.  The  great  height  of  the  ceiling. 

Another  defect  is  the  projecting  gallery  behind  the  Speaker’s  chair. 

The  curved  form  of  wall  being  objectionable,  the  next  form  which  presents  itself 
is  the  square,  which  is  also  desirable  as  it  brings  speaker  and  hearers  in  the  closest 
proximity  next  after  the  circle.  The  form,  therefore,  adopted  for  the  proposed 
hall  is  nearly  that  of  a square,  its  dimensions  being  determined  by  the  number  of 
members  and  auditors  to  be  accommodated,  limited  by  the  distance  at  which  the 
voice  can  be  distinctly  heard. 


The  Extensions. 


411 


The  height  and  form  of  the  ceiling  have  been  partly  determined  by  the  following 
principles — or,  rather,  care  has  been  taken  not  to  violate  these  principles  in  deter- 
mining the  form,  height,  and  arrangement  of  the  ceiling. 

Chladni,  a writer  upon  acoustics,  says  that  for  concert  rooms  square  and  polygonal 
plans  should  have  pyramidal  ceilings.  (Some  resonance  is  desirable  in  these  kind 
of  rooms.)  It  is  said  that  a square  room  whose  height  is  one-third  of  its  breadth,  or 
a parallelogram  whose  height  is  one-half  of  its  breadth,  will  seldom,  if  ever,  produce 
echo;  but  if  they  be  higher,  they  will;  anil  that  no  room  designed  to  aid  the  voice 
should  be  much  higher  than  27  feet.  Inclined  ceilings,  in  lofty  or  very  long  rooms, 
also  conduce  to  echo. 

Professor  Reid,  of  Edinburgh,  says,  the  difficulty  of  communicating  sound  in  public 
buildings  must  be  attributed,  mostly,  not  so  much  to  want  of  power  in  the  voice  of 
the  speaker,  as  to  the  interruptions  from  prolonged  reverberation  and  other  causes. 
He  strongly  objects  to  projecting  galleries,  but  a retreating  gallery,  he  thinks,  would 
not  be  very  disadvantageous:  he  considers  ornament  and  cross  partitions  on  the  ceil- 
ing desirable  and  advantageous  for  sound.  In  his  plan  for  a new  House  of  Com- 
mons, he  proposes  that  the  walls  and  floor  of  the  hall  shall  absorb  sound — except, 
perhaps,  the  wall  behind  the  Speaker’s  chair;  and  that  the  ceiling  shall  strengthen 
the  voice,  and  diffuse  it  equally  throughout  the  room;  for  which  object  the  ceiling 
should  be  as  low  as  possible,  (about  36  feet  high  at  the  ridge,)  and  composed  of  two 
inclined  planes,  at  an  angle  of  from  20°  to  30°  with  the  horizon,  with  ornamented 
cross  partitions. 

This  being  premised,  the  following  description,  in  connexion  with  the  drawings, 
will  explain  the  plan  proposed  for  a new  hall  for  the  House  of  Representatives. 

It  proposes  an  addition  to  the  present  Capitol  of  103  feet  6 inches  front,  and  152 
feet  6 inches  depth.  The  walls  to  be  4 feet  thick,  including  the  facing  of  freestone. 
Main  passages  15  feet  6 inches  wide;  passage  under  the  gallery  14  feet  wide.  A flight 
of  42  steps,  of  1 foot  tread  and  6 inches  rise,  leads  to  the  floor  of  the  hall.  The  par- 
tition walls  separating  the  hall  from  the  passages  are  2 feet  thick.  The  hall  is  105 
feet  by  75  feet  6 inches,  including,  in  the  first  number,  the  two  side  galleries,  each  8 
feet  wide,  open  underneath  to  give  room  for  guests;  the  latter  number  does  not 
include  the  gallery  (15  feet  6 inches  wide)  over  the  passage  way.  On  the  gallery 
floor  the  hall  is  105  feet  by  91  feet.  These  galleries  will  accommodate  as  many  per- 
sons as  the  galleries  of  the  present  hall. 

There  are  seats  for  336  members:  by  a different  arrangement  of  the  desks,  there 
will  be  room  for  418  members. 

Each  desk  is  3 inches  higher  than  the  one  in  front  of  it. 

There  are  desks  for  28  reporters. 

The  floor  of  the  lowest  seat  in  the  gallery  is  12  feet  6 inches  above  the  floor  of  the 
House  at  the  Speaker’s  chair. 

The  ceiling,  at  its  highest  point,  is  32  feet  above  the  floor.  It  is  inclined,  rising  2 
feet  from  the  side  walls  to  the  ridge.  It  should  be  made  of  wood,  and  painted  in 
panel.  The  principal  light  should  be  admitted  from  the  ceiling,  in  the  manner  shown 
in  the  perspective  drawing;  the  glass  to  be  slightly  ground. 

The  walls  without  panels,  but  painted. 

The  figure  of  Liberty  would  be  well  placed  behind  and  just  above  the  Speaker’s 
chair;  the  eagle  above  it. 

On  the  ground-floor  there  can  be  16  rooms,  with  arched  ceilings,  16  feet  high  at  the 
highest  point;  the  arch  2 bricks  thick;  a space  of  18  inches  is  left  between  the  key 
brick  and  the  floor  above,  to  allow  of  the  arrangements  for  heating  and  ventilating. 

The  cellar  floor  is  8 feet  below  the  pavement;  the  foundation  walls  of  the  main 
building  average  6 feet  thick;  the  partition  walls  4 feet, 

A.  A.  Humphreys, 
Lieutenant  Top.  Eng. 

Bureau  of  Topographical  Engineers,  October  15,  1843. 


412 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Since  making  the  accompanying  estimate,  a conversation  having  been  had  with 
the  Clerk  of  the  House  and  his  principal  clerk  upon  the  subject  of  arranging  the 
rooms  of  the  first  floor,  for  the  convenience  of  the  business  of  the  House,  it  was  found 
that  the  best  arrangement  would  be,  six  large  rooms  along  the  south  end,  about  20 
feet  square,  for  the  clerks’  offices;  the  remaining  space  to  be  occupied  by  two  large 
rooms  for  documents,  about  40  feet  square,  surrounded  on  all  sides  by  passages,  from 
which  the  rooms  will  be  lighted. 

The  difference  in  the  cost,  with  this  arrangement,  is  not  sufficient  to  make  it  nec- 
essary to  revise  the  estimate. 

A.  A.  Humphreys, 

Lieut.  Top.  Eng. 

No.  2. 

Estimate  of  probable  cost. 

Excavating  5,000  perches  earth,  at  30  cents  per  perch $1,  500  00 

Laying  2,566  perches  of  rubble-stone  masonry,  including  cost  of  stone, 

hauling,  cement,  masons’  and  laborers’  hire,  at  $5  50  per  perch 14, 113  00 

Laying  4,265,000  bricks  in  mortar  of  half  cement  and  half  lime,  includ- 
ing bricks,  cement,  lime,  bricklayers’  and  laborers’  hire,  &c.,  at  §16 

per  thousand 68,240  00 

For  38,414  cubic  feet,  or  2,561  tons  of  freestone,  at  §6  50  per  ton 16, 646  00 

Cutting  34,443  superficial  feet  of  joints  of  the  same,  at  30  cents  per  super- 
ficial foot,  and  20  per  cent,  for  tools,  labor,  &c 13, 144  00 

Laying  1,536  perches  of  freestone,  including  cement,  labor,  &c.,  at  $2  50 

per  perch 3,  840  00 

Cutting  balustrade,  at  §6  per  running  foot 2,  844  00 

Cutting  entablature,  393  feet,  at  §40  per  lineal  foot,  and  20  per  cent,  for 

tools,  &c ■ 18,840  00 

Cutting  38  pilaster  capitals,  at  §80  per  capital,  and  20  per  cent,  for 

tools,  &c 3,650  00 

Cutting  38  pilaster  bases,  at  75  cents  per  sup.  foot,  10  feet  each,  and  20 

per  cent,  for  tools,  &c 336  00 

Cutting  1,295  sup.  feet  rustic  entablature,  at  75  cents  per  sup.  foot,  and 

20  per  cent.,  &c 1,  521  00 

Cutting  rustic  pilaster  base,  380  feet,  at  75  cents  per  foot,  and  20  per 

cent.,  &c 342  00 

Surface  cutting  of  20,301  sup.  feet,  at  30  cents  per  foot,  and  20  per  cent. 

for  tools,  &c 7, 308  00 

Laying  331,000  bricks  for  partition  walls,  at  §16  per  thousand 5,  296  00 

200  tons  of  freestone  for  steps,  at  $6  per  ton 1 , 200  00 

Cutting  5,760  feet  of  steps,  at  30  cents  per  foot 1,  728  00 

Plastering,  floating,  stucco-finish  with  cement,  41,383  yards,  at  50  cents 

per  yard 20,  691  00 

Plastering,  stucco-finish,  &c.,  of  arched  surface,  7,200  yards,  at  75  cents 

per  yard 5,  400  00 

Painting  exterior  of  building,  8,500  yards,  at  30  cents  per  yard 2, 550  00 

1,970  lbs.  iron  sash  frame,  at  6 cents  per  lb 118  20 

1,578  panes  of  glass,  at  §3  per  pane 4,  734  00 

Roofing  with  iron  and  copper 20,  000  00 

Paving  floors  with  tile,  16,000  sup.  feet,  at  75  cents  per  sup.  foot 12, 000  00 

Columns  and  galleries 3,  000  00 

Floor  of  the  hall  500  00 


The  Extensions. 


413 


Painting  the  interior  of  the  hall $2,  000  00 

30  doors 1 , 000  00 

Superintendence 10,000  00 

Contingencies,  including  scaffolding,  centring,  &c.,  at  20  per  cent 47,  708  26 


Total  cost 


Bureau  of  the  Corps  of  Top.  Eng., 

October  15,  1843. 


. 296,  248  86 

A.  A.  Humphreys, 

Lieut.  Top.  Eng. 


No.  3. 

Washington,  November  30,  1843. 

Sir:  To  comply  with  your  directions  to  report  upon  the  modes  of  ventilating  and 
warming  apartments  applicable  to  the  proposed  additions  to  the  Capitol,  I cannot  do 
better  than  extract  largely  from  Tredgold’s  treatise  on  that  subject. 

As  it  is  a subject  upon  which  I have  never  bestowed  any  attention  until  within  a 
few  weeks  past,  1 have  no  plan  of  my  own  to  offer,  but  my  experience  of  the  uncom- 
fortableness and  ill  effects  of  the  methods  in  general  use  in  this  country  for  warming 
large  rooms  by  stoves  or  heated  air,  inclines  me  to  favor  one  which  promises  to  be 
without  their  faults. 

Tredgold  observes,  that,  in  the  means  used  to  warm  an  apartment,  we  should 
“endeavor  to  combine  safety,  cleanliness,  and  comfort,  with  healthiness  and 
economy. 

“In  dwelling  rooms,  the  effect  of  heat  should  be  transient — that  is,  incapable  of 
producing  a chemical  change  in  any  of  the  bodies  heated;  the  source  which  supplies 
the  heat  should  be  of  a limited  temperature,  or  so  situated  that  any  substance  in 
which  it  can  produce  a change  may  be  immediately  expelled. 

“It  appears  to  have  been  fully  proved  that  a dry  heat,  not  exceeding  212  degrees, 
will  not  injure  any  species  of  animal  or  vegetable  matter,  nor  produce  a sensible 
change  in  the  quality  of  the  air.  We  may,  therefore,  employ  a surface  limited  to 
212°  to  warm  the  air  of  an  apartment;  if  a higher  degree  of  heat  be  used,  there  will 
be  a risk  of  producing  what  is  called  burnt  air,  which  is  neither  healthful  nor 
agreeable. 

“In  a well-constructed  common  fire-place,  the  fire  expels  all  the  noxious  matter 
it  generates.  A common  fire  warms  a room  by  radiant  heat,  or  rather  warms  the 
occupants  of  the  room  by  it;  the  air  of  the  room  is  slowly  heated  by  it,  in  a room  so 
warmed,  a person  may  have  a comfortable  degree  of  warmth,  and  yet  breathe  a com- 
paratively cool  atmosphere — which  is  a great  advantage,  for  much  more  oxygen  is 
consumed  by  respiration  in  cool  air  than  in  warm  air,  and  consequently  greater 
health  ensues.  (Lavoisier.) 

“ Bodies  at  a temperature  of  212°  afford  very  little  radiant  heat;  they  communi- 
cate warmth  chiefly  by  contact;  and  the  heat  is  diffused  by  means  of  the  air  which 
is  put  in  motion,  and  communicates  the  heat  it  receives  to  the  solid  bodies  in  the 
room. 

“In  a room  warmed  by  heating  the  air,  a person  does  not  feel  a comfortable  degree 
of  warmth  when  the  thermometer  is  below  62°. 

“ The  continual  absorption  of  moisture  from  the  body,  when  in  a bath  of  warm 
air,  (over  heated  air,)  produces  headache,  the  eyes  feel  wearied  and  painful,  and  the 
whole  frame  is  disordered.  These  sensations  do  not  occur,  (or  at  least  in  a less 
degree)  if  you  saturate  the  air  of  the  room  with  moisture.  But  would  it  be  healthy 
to  live  in  so  moist  an  atmosphere? 


414 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


“In  an  apartment  warmed  chiefly  by  radiant  heat,  the  air  is  cooler  than  the 
objects  receiving  heat  from  the  fire.  The  rays  of  a fire  produce  no  more  vapor  from 
moist  bodies,  than  they  supply  with  heat;  and,  therefore,  they  produce  no  cold 
when  unaided  by  the  affinity  of  warm  and  dry  air.  Moisten  the  bulb  of  a ther- 
mometer, and  expose  it  to  the  action  of  warm  dry  air,  it  will  sink  down  several 
degrees;  so,  if  one’s  clothes  have  acquired  any  degree  of  dampness  from  a moist 
atmosphere,  a chilling  coldness  is  felt  on  entering  a room  filled  with  hotair.  The 
effect  of  warm  air  in  absorbing  moisture  is  powerful;  it  absorbs  it  in  a state  of  vapor, 
and  this  vapor  requires  a great  quantity  of  heat  for  its  formation,  in  the  state  termed 
latent  heat:  hence,  the  risk  of  rooms  with  warm  dry  air  giving  cold.  On  the  contrary, 
moisten  the  bulb  of  a thermometer,  and  expose  it  to  the  rays  of  a fire,  and  it  will 
rise.  A person  warmed  by  radiant  heat  is,  however,  unequally  warmed.  The  cool 
freshness  of  the  air,  and  the  warmth  of  the  sun’s  rays,  are  sensations  most  pleasur- 
able when  united.  We  never  feel  heat  oppressive  or  injurious  till  the  air  becomes 
hot.  But  warming  by  radiant  heat  can  be  applied  only  on  a small  scale,  unless  it  be 
in  conjunction  with  other  methods;  for  an  intense  source  of  heat  would  be  insup- 
portable, and  as  it  must  be  freely  exposed,  would  be  dangerous;  and  since  heat 
diminishes  as  the  square  of  the  distance  from  the  source,  its  extent  is  very  limited. 
We  cannot  employ  many  fires,  without  a risk  of  smoke. 

“Radiant  heat,  by  itself,  cannot,  then,  be  employed  to  heat  a large  horizontal 
space;  and  we  must  diffuse  heat  by  means  of  air. 

“By  one  method,  the  air  is  heated  in  the  place  to  be  warmed.  By  another,  it  is 
heated  in  a separate  place,  below  the  level  of  the  place  to  be  warmed.  The  combi- 
nation of  these  principles  is  better  than  either  separately,  because,  when  the  heated 
air  has  been  elevated  to  a temperature  far  exceeding  that  which  is  required  in  a room, 
it  loses  its  freshness,  and  becomes  vapid  and  enervating. 

“ Steam , when  employed  at  a low  pressure,  will  never  give  to  the  surface  containing 
it  a greater  heat  than  that  of  boiling  water,  or  212°;  and  when  that  surface  is  of  a 
proper  material,  it  produces  no  essential  effect  on  the  air:  it  is  safe,  and  can  be  con- 
ducted with  facility  to  any  part  of  a building.  Hot  water  may  also  be  employed  to 
convey  heat,  and,  in  conjunction  with  steam,  (using  the  hot  water  from  the  con- 
densed steam, ) forms  the  best  and  most  economical  system. 

“There  are  contrivances  for  using  air  to  distribute  heat,  keeping  it  at  a limited 
temperature,  by  placing  the  surface  from  which  the  air  derives  its  heat  at  a great 
distance  from  the  burning  fuel.  Another  mode  consists  in  confining  the  burning  fuel 
within  a proper  thickness  of  matter  of  a slow  conducting  power.  Swedish  stoves  are 
upon  this  principle,  and  hot  house  flues.  With  proper  materials,  it  is  an  excellent 
plan  on  a small  scale. 

“Where  stoves  are  used,  the  air,  being  in  contact  with  surfaces  far  above  212°, 
becomes  unhealthy.  In  the  Russian  military  hospitals  almost  all  the  cases  of  sick- 
ness are  in  the  winter,  which  the  surgeons  attribute  to  the  close  air  of  the  stove  heat. 

“Steam  has  been  found  to  be  safe,  salubrious,  and  economical  in  heating  rooms. 
Dr.  Ure  says,  ‘the  people  who  work  in  steam  drying  rooms  are  healthy;  those  who 
were  formerly  employed  in  the  stove  heated  apartments,  became  soon  sickly  and 
emaciated.’ — Dictionary  of  Chem. 

“One  important  advantage  of  steam  for  distributing  heat,  is,  that  it  can  be  extended 
to  a very  great  distance  from  the  boiler  in  every  direction,  with  equal  facility,  and 
with  an  inconsiderable  loss  of  heat.” 

The  discussion  of  the  principles  for  determining  the  dimensions  of  the  steam  appa- 
ratus, it  is  unnecessary  to  enter  into. 

Of  the  ventilation  and  loss  of  heat  in  public  buildings. 

* * * 

The  quantity  of  steam-pipe  for  the  air  chambers  ( which  I will  suppose  situated  in 
the  sub-basement)  should  be  sufficient  to  heat  6,000  cubic  feet  of  air  per  minute  52°. 


The  Extensions. 


415 


1,000  square  feet  of  pipe  will  do  this;  and  there  might  be  two  large  air  chambers,  of 
300  square  feet  of  pipe  each,  for  the  long  sides  of  the  hall,  and  two,  containing  200 
square  feet  each,  for  the  shorter  sides.  The  pipe  in  each  chamber  might  be  divided 
into  four  parts,  to  be  connected  or  disconnected  as  occasion  required.  The  remain- 
ing 300  feet  of  pipe,  to  bring  the  temperature  to  62°,  should  be  distributed  in  the 
Hall  of  Representatives.  It  might  be  carried  along  the  main  passage,  from  the 
principal  entrance  to  the  Speaker’s  chair;  then  branching  off  at  right  angles  to  the 
side  galleries,  and  along  the  columns  of  the  galleries  until  the  300  feet  are  completed, 
when  the  pipe  should  leave  the  room.  Perhaps  it  might  be  found  better  to  carry  it 
along  the  sides  of  the  hall. 

The  area  of  the  apertures  by  which  the  warm  air  is  admitted  into  the  hall  from 
the  air  chamber,  when  the  thermometer  is  at  zero,  is  8 square  feet;  this  is  the  mini- 
mum extent  of  opening.  The  maximum  opening  we  will  determine  to  be  when  t lie 
difference  between  the  external  air  and  that  of  the  air  upon  leaving  the  chamber  is 
5°;  it  is  then  25  square  feet;  or  if  the  maximum  should  be  when  the  difference  is  2£, 
then  36.6  square  feet  will  be  the  area  of  the  opening.  For  warming  the  rooms  of  the 
first  floor,  and  the  passages  of  both  floors,  (2,000  people  being  supposed  to  be  in  the 
building,)  additional  500  square  feet  of  surface  of  pipe  will  be  sufficient  in  the  coldest 
weather.  The  boilers  for  the  whole  1,800  feet  of  pipe,  four  inches  in  diameter,  must 
be  of  the  capacity  of  314  cubic  feet;  and  they  will  consume  a bushel  of  coal  (New- 
castle) per  hour,  to  supply  the  heat  necessary  when  the  thermometer  is  at  zero.  700 
feet  of  pipe  will  be  the  average  extent  of  surface  in  use  during  the  three  winter 
months,  at  an  expense  of  0.4  of  a bushel  of  coal  per  hour;  and  supposing  the  tire 
kept  up  fifteen  hours  a day,  the  amount  of  coal  consumed  for  heating  the  whole 
additional  building  at  the  south  end  of  the  Capitol,  for  the  three  winter  months, 
will  be  but  21  tons,  which,  at  $5  per  ton,  will  be  $105. 

The  mean  temperature  of  spring  and  autumn  is  about  55°;  and  during  these  six 
months,  184  square  feet  of  pipe  will  be  in  use  to  warm  the  whole  building.  Sup- 
posing the  fires  kept  up  15  hours  a day,  the  whole  amount  of  coal  required  will  be 
10.5  tons,  which,  at  $5  per  ton,  is  $52  50. 

The  total  cost  of  fuel  for  the  whole  additional  building  at  the  south  end,  for  one 
year,  will  be  $157  50.  The  cost  of  attendance  will  not  be  greater  than,  if  as  great  as, 
that  for  wood  or  other  kinds  of  fires. 

Supposing  the  building  ventilated  by  means  of  a fire  in  the  garret,  where  the  height 
of  the  chimney  can  only  be  17  feet;  for  summer  ventilation,  when  the  thermometer  is 
at  90°,  the  area  of  the  main  ventilating  tube  must  be  15.25  square  feet,  and  the  area 
of  the  tubes  from  the  hall  must  l ie  11.3  square  feet.  When  the  thermometer  is  at  zero, 
the  ventilating  tube  must  be  in  area  5 square  feet,  and  the  areas  of  the  tubes  for  the 
hall  must  be  3.67  square  feet.  (Two  thousand  persons  are  supposed  to  be  in  the 
building,  and  the  air  in  the  ventilator  is  supposed  to  be  heated  to  212°.)  The  quan- 
tity of  fuel  in  the  latter  case,  (thermometer  at  zero, ) when  it  is  greatest,  is  that  which 
will  heat  480,000  cubic  feet  of  air  to  212°  in  one  hour,  which  is  44.5  lbs.  of  Newcastle 
coal. 

It  would  be  scarcely  necessary  to  enter  into  any  further  details  of  the  apparatus  for 
heating  and  ventilating  at  present;  to  digest  and  perfect  a system  would  require  much 
time.  The  general  principles  upon  which  it  would  be  based,  are,  I think,  sufficiently 
illustrated  by  the  preceding  applications. 

It  is  said  that  experience  daily  confirms  the  advantage  of  employing  steam  as  a 
vehicle  for  diffusing  heat. 

Dr.  Reid,  of  Edinburgh,  in  his  examination  before  a committee  of  Parliament  upon 
the  subject  of  sound,  heat,  and  ventilation,  with  a view  to  the  improvement  of  the 
Houses  of  Parliament  in  those  particulars,  testifies  strongly  to  the  efficacy  of  the 
heated  current  of  air  in  ventilating. 

Late  authorities,  however,  question  its  efficiency,  as  well  as  its  economy,  when 


416 


Docamentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


employed  singly  for  ventilating;  and  give  the  preference  to  a mode  by  which  fresh 
air  is  forced  into  the  building  by  mechanical  means,  and  the  foul  air  thereby  expelled. 
A very  simple  manner  of  effecting  this,  is  by  an  eccentric  or  spiral  fan,  worked  by  a 
small  steam-engine,  connected  with  the  steam  apparatus  for  heating.  It  has  been 
applied  with  great  success  in  ventilating  the  Reform  Club-House,  (London,)  where 
it  is  connected  with  the  steam  apparatus  for  warming.  At  a cost  of  seventy-five 
cents  a day,  nearly  the  whole  of  this  extensive  building  is  warmed  and  ventilated: 
the  fan  forces  in  11,000  cubic  feet  of  fresh  air  in  a minute.  The  air  is  heated  to  the 
degree  for  comfort  before  entering  any  of  the  apartments.  A defect  in  the  arrange- 
ment of  the  flues  of  this  building  is  a want  of  means  for  varying  the  temperature  of 
the  air  thrown  into  the  rooms;  this  it  is  proposed  to  correct,  by  a judicious  connexion 
of  cold  and  hot  air-flues  beyond  the  heat  chamber. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

A.  A.  Humphreys, 

1st  Lieutenant  Topographical  Engineers. 

To  Col.  J.  J.  Abert, 

Chief  of  Corps  of  Topographical  Engineers. 


No.  4. 

Philadelphia,  December  6,  1843. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  report  to  you  the  accompanying  drawings,  and  an  esti- 
mate, in  conformity  with  your  plan  and  elevation  for  enlarging  the  south  wing  of  the 
Capitol  of  the  United  States,  and  for  the  construction  of  a new  Hall  of  Representa- 
tives, with  appropriate  committee  and  clerks’  rooms  attached. 

The  sectional  perspective  representation  of  the  proposed  hall  is  taken  from  a point 
in  front  of  the  Speaker’s  chair,  and  exhibits  the  design  of  the  framing  of  the  iron 
principal  rafters  of  the  roof,  and  their  supports  by  the  columns  of  the  surrounding 
galleries.  These  galleries  will  afford  accommodation  for  at  least  600  people,  with  a 
perfect  view  from  all  parts  of  the  arena  of  the  hall. 

In  the  framing  of  the  roof,  I have,  for  two  reasons,  chosen  the  longest  span,  which 
is  from  east  to  west.  The  difference  of  span,  however,  is  not  much  greater  than  that 
from  north  to  south;  first,  because  the  summit  or  ridge  of  the  roof  should  lead  the 
w'ater  away  from  the  parapets  of  the  present  building;  and,  secondly,  that  the  sky 
lights  may  be  more  symmetrically  arranged  in  the  ceiling  of  the  hall.  The  plan  of 
trussing  is  one  of  great  strength,  even  for  a much  greater  span;  and  you  will  perceive 
that  I have  elevated  the  ceiling  in  the  centre  about  3 feet,  not  only  for  the  purpose 
of  giving  a tensive  stiffness  of  contraction  to  the  trusses,  but  to  overcome  an  optical 
illusion  which  appears  in  all  ceilings  that  are  horizontal  and  of  large  surface.  I 
allude  to  the  appearance  of  sagging  beneath  a level  plane,  which  is  always  to  be 
observed  where  light  is  admitted  through  a flat  ceiling  at  various  points. 

The  roof  has  a descent  of  8 feet  in  76  feet;  and  its  ridge  or  summit  is  level  with 
the  top  of  the  balustrade,  so  that  it  cannot  be  seen  but  from  positions  higher  than 
the  Capitol  itself. 

Although  there  are  many  theories,  particularly  among  the  Italian  architects, 
respecting  the  best  forms  to  be  given  to  halls,  theatres,  saloons,  &c.,  to  assist  the 
voice  and  give  effect  to  musical  performances,  they  have  in  almost  every  instance 
failed  in  practice — owing,  principally,  to  the  great  height  given  to  their  ceilings;  and 
although  there  have  not  yet,  in  the  present  day,  been  instituted  any  satisfactory 
experiments  of  a practical  character  upon  the  best  forms  of  rooms  for  public  speak- 
ing, yet  experience  has  taught  us  that  all  kinds  of  circular  forms,  and  many-sided 
figures,  as  boundary  lines  of  walls  and  ceilings,  are  productive  of  echo  or  resonance; 
and  that  plain  surfaces  with  quadrangular  outlines  and  flat  ceilings  are  more  to  be 
relied  on  with  regard  to  public  speaking. 


The  Extensions. 


417 


The  question  of  proportion  and  symmetry  between  the  length  and  breadth  of  a 
room,  with  reference  to  the  height  of  a ceiling,  has  been  arbitrarily  settled  by  the 
architects  of  almost  all  of  the  schools,  upon  the  rule  that  two-thirds  of  the  width  of 
a room  should  be  given  to  the  height  of  a ceiling  (length  being  out  of  the  question); 
but  a much  lower  proportion  than  this  has  been  found,  in  practice,  to  be  the  best 
plan  for  the  conveyance  of  a speaker’s  voice. 

In  the  Senate  and  Bepresentatives  chambers  of  the  Capitol  at  Harrisburg,  and  in 
the  Musical  Fund  Hall  of  this  city  the  height  of  the  ceilings  compared  with  the  breadth 
of  the  rooms  is  as  1 to  3,  nearly;  and  these  rooms  have  the  well-deserved  reputation 
of  being  the  best  that  I know  of  in  this  country.  For  speakers  as  as  well  as  hearers, 
any  lower  proportion  than  this  would  be  oppressive  to  the  eye,  but  better  for  the  voice; 
for  I have  observed  in  the  crypt  of  very  low  basement  stories,  particularly  of  churches 
with  flat  ceilings,  that  the  effort  of  speakers  is  less,  while  that  of  the  hearers  is  also 
less;  but  the  limit  for  the  height  of  a ceiling  should  be  where  proportion  is  not  altogether 
lost  sight  of.  The  compass  of  a speaker’s  voice  is  essentially  governed  by  the  height 
of  the  ceiling,  and  not  so  much  by  the  length  or  breadth  of  the  room.  The  higher 
the  ceiling,  the  more  difficult  for  the  speaker;  and  it  is  upon  this  principle,  that  the 
old-fashioned  sounding-boards,  suspended  over  the  pulpits  of  churches  with  high 
ceilings,  were  constructed,  that  the  sound  of  the  voice  should  be  deflected  upon  the 
auditory,  and  not  lost  in  the  vacant  space  above.  There  is  a good  deal  of  truth  in 
the  effect  of  a sounding-board,  for  I had  occasion,  some  years  ago,  to  remove  one  of 
these  appliances  for  deflecting  sound,  on  the  score  of  its  unsightliness;  and  the 
speaker  felt  its  loss  in  the  necessity  of  applying  an  increased  effort  of  his  lungs  to  be 
heard  under  a high  ceiling. 

The  height  of  the  ceiling  of  the  perspective  section  is  30  feet,  which  is  as  low  as 
Professor  Reid  prescribes,  and  architectural  proportion  would  (under  the  horizontal 
dimensions  of  the  hall)  permit.  The  sky-lights  are  so  arranged  as  to  diffuse  light 
over  the  whole  arena  beneath,  and  will  at  all  times  afford  the  best  possible  means  of 
ventilation.  The  chimney  flues  of  the  fire  places  of  the  hall  may  be  drawn  over 
quite  as  effectively  through  the  division  walls  of  the  committee  rooms,  to  those  of 
the  outside,  being  about  15  feet  horizontal  in  a height  of  18  feet. 

In  the  following  specification  and  estimate,  I have  estimated  the  total  cost  of  con- 
structing the  building,  including  contingencies  of  all  kinds,  upon  a liberal  scale  for 
workmanship  and  materials;  and  believing  fully  that  the  best  plan  of  conducting 
the  public  works  is  by  the  day,  and  not  by  contract,  I have  made  ever}1  kind  of  allow- 
ance necessary  to  meet  the  most  remote  advances  in  wages;  and,  under  a skillful  and 
faithful  superintendence,  the  sum  of  $10,000  maybe  only  added  to  the  total  amount; 
and  I have  no  doubt  that,  for  the  estimate  the  building  can  be  substantially  com- 
pleted, and  in  two  years  from  the  time  of  its  commencement. 

In  conclusion,  sir,  I submit  for  your  consideration  the  following  details  of  cost, 
which  have  been  made  with  the  greatest  care,  together  with  the  accompanying 
drawing  illustrative  of  the  object  in  view. 

With  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 


William  Strickland. 


To  Col.  .1 . .T.  Abert, 

Bureau  of  Topographical  Engineers,  Washington. 


Specification  and  estimate  of  the  cost  of  enlarging  the  south  winy  of  the  Capitol  of  the 
United  States,  and  constructing  a new  Hall  of  Representatives,  with  appropriate  commit- 
tee and  clerks'  rooms  attached,  according  with  the  accompanying  drawings  and  sections. 

Dimensions,  152  feet  6 inches,  by  103  feet  6 inches.  The  present  order  of  architec- 
ture to  be  kept  up  throughout. 

Cellar  depth,  10  feet. 

H.  Rep.  040 27 


418  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

Height  from  pavement. 

Ft.  In. 

Sub-basement 3 4 

Basement 19  6 

Principal  story 32  0 

Entablature  and  balustrade 15  2 


Whole  height 70  0 


Thickness  of  walls — cellar 6 0 

basement 5 0 

superstructure 4 0 

CELLAR  STORY. 

Excavation  of  cellar  and  foundations,  6,141  cubic  yards,  at  40  cents $2,  456  40 

Foundation  stone,  and  cellar  walls — 

2,557  perches,  of  the  largest  size,  at  $4  per  perch 10,  228  00 

1,278  barrels  of  lime,  at  $2 2, 556  00 

1,200  cartloads  of  screened  gravel,  at  $1  50 1,  800  00 

Masons'  work — 1,278  days’  work,  at  $2 2,  556  00 

Brick  arches  of  the  cellar  story — 

294,800  bricks,  at  $6 1,  768  80 

221  barrels  of  lime,  at  $2 442  00 

220  cartloads  of  sand,  at  §1  50 330  00 

Brick-lagers’  work — 300  days’  work,  at  §2 600  00 

500  perches  of  rubble  stone,  for  filling  in  the  spandrels  of  the 

arches,  at  $2 _ 1,  000  00 

260  barrels  of  common  lime,  at  $1 260  00 

130  cartloads  of  screened  gravel,  at  $1  50 195  00 

Masons’  work — in  laying  rubble  stone,  250  days,  at  $2  500  00 

Laborers — 2,800  days’  work,  at  Si  25 3,500  00 

Wheelbarrows,  spades,  shovels,  picks,  screens,  &c 390  00 

Wheeling  plank,  scaffolding,  lumber  for  centres  and  puttocks,  45,000 

superficial  feet,  at  $20 900  00 

Carpenters’  work  and  their  tools — 360  days’  work,  at  $1  50  540  00 

Tools s.  210  00 

Blacksmiths’  -work,  in  fitting  iron  window  frames,  sash,  sharpening  tools, 

&c 450  00 

Cast-iron  window  frames  and  sash,  1,100  lbs.,  at  4 cents 440  00 

Painting  and  glazing,  18  windows  of  6 lights  each,  thick  German  glass, 

108  lights,  17  by  30  inches,  at  $3,  including  painting  and  glazing 324  00 


Cost  of  the  cellar  story 31,  446  20 


BASEMENT  STORY. 

Free  stone — Plinth  and  sub-plinth  all  round  the  building — - 

2,817  cubic  feet  of  stone,  or  156  tons,  at  $6  50  $1,  235  00 

3,644  superficial  feet,  363  days’  work,  at  $2  50 907  00 

Eristic  piers — 37  piers,  14  double  and  23  single,  each  containing  240 

cubic  ft.,  or  16  tons,  at  $6  50 -r $104 

413  superficial  feet  in  each,  41  days’  work 102 

206 

Piers 37  X $7,622  00 

Basement  cornice — 3,753  cubic  feet,  or  250  tons,  at  $8  50  2, 125  00 

3,910  superficial  feet,  391  days’  work,  at  $2  50 977  00 


The  Extensions. 


419 


Ashler — 4,200  cubic  feet  of  ashler  between  the  piers,  or  280  tons,  at  $6  50  $1,  820  00 

6,800  superficial  feet,  680  days’  work,  at  $2  50 1,  700  00 

Guloci freize — 1,860  cubic  feet,  or  124  tons,  at  $6  50 806  00 

1,300  superficial  feet,  130  days’  work,  at  $2  50 325  00 

Carving  guloci  with  rosette  ornament  in  the  centre  of  eacli  turn, 

1,300  linear  feet,  at  $10 13,  000  00 

Bricklayers’  work — 1,500,000  bricks  in  walls,  at  $6 9,  000  00 

700,000  bricks  in  arches,  and  filling  in,  at  $6 4,  200  00 

1,500  barrels  of  common  lime,  at  $1 1,  500  00 

2,  200  cartloads  of  sand,  at  $1  50 2,  467  00 

700  barrels  of  hydraulic  lime,  at  $2. . 1 , 400  00 

Laying  2,200,000  bricks,  2,200  days’  work,  at  $2  25 4,950  00 

Laborers — 7,500  days’  work,  at  $1  25 9,  375  00 

Scaffolding — Outside  scaffolding,  200  poles  and  ledgers,  39,600  superficial 

feet  of  plank,  at  $20 13,  000  00 

Hoisting  machines — Four  of  them,  shears,  blocks,  ropes,  and  tackle  for 

the  whole  building 3,  600  00 

Lumber — 56,000  superficial  feet,  for  centring,  plank  for  doors,  shutters, 

and  architraves,  at  $25 1,  400  00 

Ironmongery,  locks,  hinges,  nails,  and  screws 600  00 

Carpenters’  work — 600  days,  at  $1  50  900  00 

Plasterers’  ivork  and  materials — 5,000  yards,  at  40  cents _ . . 2,  000  00 

Painting  and  glazing — 216  lights  of  French  plate-glass,  at  $6  each 1,  296  00 

1,200  yards  of  painting,  (inside,)  three  coats,  at  30  cents  per  yard  . 360  00 

Cast-iron  window  frames  and  sash,  each  window  5 by  10  feet,  12  lights, 

17  by  30  inches;  weight,  2,200  lbs.  each:  18  windows,  39,600  lbs.,  at 

4 cents 1,  584  00 

Marble  mantels — 10  mantels,  at  $75 750  00 


Cost  of  the  basement  story $88,  899  00 


PRINCIPAL  STORY. 

Freestone — 2,817  cubic  feet  of  stone,  for  panelled  plinth  course,  or  156 

tons,  at  $8  50  $1,  324  00 

3,644  superficial  feet  plain  face,  363  days’  work,  at  $2  50 907  00 

Zocle — 24  sunk  moulded  panels  under  the  pilasters,  390  days’  work,  at 

$2  50 975  00 

Pilasters — 38  bases  and  plinths,  15  cubic  ft.,  or  1 ton  each 247  00 

20  days’  work  on  each  base,  at  $2  50 1,  900  00 

38  pilasters,  400  tons  of  stone,  at  $8  50  3,  400  00 

8,930  superficial  feet,  893  days’  work,  at  $2  50 2,  232  00 

Capitals — 38  Corinthian  capitals,  4 tons  in  each,  at,  $8  50  - . 1,  292  00 

Carving  38  capitals,  at  $600  each 22,  800  00 

Architrave — 124  tons  of  stone,  at  $8  50  1,  054  00 

3,920  superficial  feet  plain  face,  beds  and  joints,  329  days’  work, 

at  $2  50  822  00 

Regula  moulded  on  architrave,  390  feet  linear,  300  days’  work, 

at  $2  50  750  00 

Freize — 62  tons  of  stone  in  freize,  at  $6  50 403  00 

1,760  superficial  feet  plain  face,  beds  and  joints,  276  days’  work, 

at  $2  50  690  00 

Entablature — 5,145  cubic  feet,  or  343  tons,  at  $8  50 2,  915  00 

Bed-mould,  274  days’  work,  at  $2  50 685  00 

Carving  modillions — 212  modillions,  20  days’  work  on  each,  at  $4 
per  day 16,960  00 


420  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

Entablature — Continued. 

Corona  and  cymatium,  5,448  superficial  feet,  or  544  days’  work, 

at  $2  50  $1,  360  00 

Balustrade — Plinth  and  cornice,  of  balustrade,  3,900  cubic  feet,  or  260  tons, 

at  $6  50  1,  690  00 

160  stone  balusters,  at  $40  each,  including  stone 6,400  00 

24  panelled  pedestals,  2,040  cubic  feet,  or  136  tons,  at  $8  50 1, 156  00 

Sinking  and  moulding  24  panels  in  the  pedestals,  between  the  bal- 
usters, 390  days’  work,  at  $2  50  975  00 

Ashler — Ashler  between  the  pilasters,  16,340  cubic  feet,  or  1,090  tons,  at 

$6  50 7,085  00 

24,624  superficial  feet,  2,462  days’  work,  at  $2  50 6, 155  00 

1,100  barrels  of  hydraulic  lime,  for  setting  cut  stone,  at  $2  2,  200  00 

Bricklayers’  work — 1,300,000  bricks  in  outside  and  inside  walls,  at  $6 7,  800  00 

1,300  days’  work,  at  $2  25  2,  925  00 

700  barrels  common  lime,  at,  $1 700  00 

1,800  cartloads  of  sand,  at  $1  50 2,  700  00 

Laborers — 30  laborers,  10,000  days’  work,  at  $1  25 12,500  00 

Scaffolding — Scaffolding  on  the  inside,  poles,  ledgers,  60,000  superficial 

feet,  including  galleries,  doors,  inside  shutters,  at  $30 1,800  00 

Carpenters'  work — 1,200  days’  work,  at  $1  50  1,800  00 

Plasterers’  work,  and  materials — 7,500  yards  of  plain  plastering,  in  walls 

and  ceilings,  at  40  cents  per  yard,  including  materials 3,  000  00 

4,258  linear  feet  of  plain  stucco  cornice,  girt  3 feet,  at  25  cents  per 

foot 1,064  00 

Painting  and  glazing — Inside  doors,  shutters,  galleries,  skylights,  &c., 

2,000  yards,  at  40  cents 800  00 

Glass,  324  lights  of  glass  in  the  principal  and  attic  windows,  best 

French  plate,  at  $6  per  light 1, 944  00 

1,536  lights  of  thick  German  glass,  for  skylights,  12  by  18  inches, 

at  $2  3,  072  00 

Cast  iron — 18  window  frames  and  sash,  each  5 by  10  feet;  weight  of  each 

2,200  lbs.,  at  4 cents,  $88x18 1,  584  00 

18  attic  story  window  frames  and  sash,  each  5 by  5 feet;  weight  of 

each  1,100  lbs.,  at  4 cents,  $44x18 . 792  00 

20  cast-iron  columns,  each  16  inches  in  diameter,  and  12  feet  in 

height,  including  base  and  capital;  weight  1 ton,  at  4 cts 1, 600  00 

Roof — Principal  rafters,  girders,  queen  posts,  braces,  upright  and  hori- 
zontal, according  to  the  accompanying  detailed  drawing;  each 

principal  weighs  12  tons,  at  $80  per  ton,  $960x7  principals 6,  720  00 

1,092  bolts  with  heads,  nuts  and  screws,  washers,  &c.,  at  50  cents..  546  00 
Blacksmith — Blacksmith’s  work  in  filing  and  fitting  the  trusses  together, 

200  days’  work,  at  $2 400  00 

Copper  for  roof — 2,000  sheets,  size  30  by  60  in.;  weight  of  each  sheet 

14  lbs. — 28,000  lbs.,  at  30  cents 8, 400  00 

Workmanship  in  grooving  and  putting  down,  including  flaps, 

solder,  nails,  &c.,  at  25  cents  per  sheet 500  00 

Purlins  and  sheathing  plank  under  copper,  54,000  superficial  feet, 

at  $30  1, 620  00 

Marble  mantels — 10  mantels,  with  hearth,  &c.,  complete,  at  $80 800  00 

Painting — Painting  the  outside  of  the  stone  work  of  the  building,  7,000 

yards,  at  40  cents 2,  800  00 


Cost  of  the  principal  story 


152,  444  00 


The  Extensions. 


421 


RECAPITULATION. 

Cellar  story 

Basement  story 

Principal  story 

Superintendence - 


$31,446  20 
88,  899  00 
152.  444  00 
10,  000  00 


Total  cost 


282,  789  20 

William  Strickland,  Architect. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  25,  lx+4:  Congressional  Globe,  28-1,  p.  432.] 


On  motion  of  Mr.  Owen, 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  inquire  into  the  expediency,  and  the  cost  of  so 
enlarging  and  fitting  up  the  room  now  occupied  as  a library,  as  to  adapt  it  for  a chamber  of  repre- 
sentatives, with  a view  of  removing  thither,  at  the  next  session,  the  sittings  of  Congress. 


[House  of  Representatives.  Rep.  No.  510,  28th  Congress,  1st  session.  Hall  of  Representatives.  May 
24,  1844. — Read,  and  laid  upon  the  table.] 

Mr.  Pratt,  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  submitted  the 
following  report: 

The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  to  whom  was  referred  the  fol- 
lowing resolution,  of  March  25th,  1844:  “That  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings 
inquire  into  the  expediency  and  the  cost  of  so  enlarging  and  fitting  up  the  room  now 
occupied  as  a library,  as  to  adapt  it  for  a Chamber  of  Representatives,  with  a view 
of  removing  thither  at  the  next  session  the  sittings  of  this  House,”  report: 

That  they  have  given  the  subject  of  this  resolution  their  close  and  careful  consid- 
eration; and  as  it  has  at  various  times  occupied  the  attention  of  members  for  years 
past,  and  has  been  thought  by  many  that  a change  could  be  made  for  the  better,  and 
having  particular  reference  to  the  defects  of  the  sound  in  this  hall,  the  committee 
have  deemed  it  proper,  in  order  to  arrive  at  a correct  conclusion,  to  request  the 
employment  of  a skillful  architect  for  that,  purpose,  to  aid  them  in  the  investigation; 
whose  plans,  report,  and  estimates  are  herewith  submitted,  together  with  the  report 
of  the  Colonel  of  the  Corps  of  Topographical  Engineers. 

From  these  estimates  and  diagrams,  which  are  now  placed  in. the  room  of  the 
committee,  and  from  their  view  of  the  cost,  which  is  $55,000,  the  committee  resolve 
that  any  modification  of  the  library-room,  so  as  to  adapt  it  for  a Chamber  of  Repre- 
sentatives, is  inexpedient;  and  beg  to  be  discharged  from  any  further  consideration 
of  the  subject. 


War  Department,  April  25,  1844. 

Sir:  In  answer  to  your  letter  of  the  3d  instant,  I transmit,  herewith,  a report  of 
the  Colonel  of  the  Corps  of  Topographical  Engineers,  containing  estimates  and  dia- 
grams for  altering  the  library-room  of  the  Capitol,  according  to  the  views  of  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  as  indicated  in  your  communication. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Wm.  Wilkins,  Secretary  of  War. 

Hon.  Z.  Pratt, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings. 


422 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Bureau  op  Topographical  Engineers, 

Washington , April  25,  1844- 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report,  in  reply  to  the  letter  from 
the  Hon.  Z.  Pratt  of  the  3d  instant. 

It  may  be  proper  to  remark,  that,  in  the  judgment  of  this  office,  the  only  plan  in 
which  usefulness,  proper  accommodations,  and  architectural  beauties  and  consistency 
are  combined,  by  which  an  alteration  for  the  purposes  desired  can  be  made,  is  the 
one  submitted  from  this  office  with  the  report  of  the  6th  January  last.  And  in 
this  opinion  I am  fully  sustained  by  the  judgment  of  Mr.  Strickland,  and  by  the 
many  gentlemen  of  taste  and  architectural  acquirement,  by  whom  the  plan  had  been 
previously  examined.  Although  not  expressed  in  that  report,  it  was  yet  contem- 
plated, and  so  explained  in  conversation,  as  among  its  consequences,  that  the  present 
hall  would  eventually  become  the  library-room,  and  the  present  library  be  turned 
into  additional  committee-rooms  for  the  use  of  the  Senate. 

But  the  letter  of  Mr.  Pratt  calls  for  “an  examination  into  the  practicability  of 
modifying  the  present  building  to  meet  the  exigency,  and  particularly  to  a modifica- 
tion of  the  present  library-room.”  Some  years  since,  when  this  subject  was  matter 
of  conversation  between  the  Hon.  Mr.  Preston,  of  the  joint  library  committee,  and 
myself,  this  very  plan  of  modifying  the  library-room  was  examined  into,  and  opinions 
given  against  it,  as  well  from  the  inadequacy  of  the  modification  when  made,  as  from 
the  conviction  that  it  would  be  unsafe.  To  meet,  however,  the  demand  of  the  letter 
of  Mr.  Pratt,  a new  and  critical  examination  of  the  building  has  been  made.  All  the 
window-sills  and  key  stones  of  the  heads  of  the  windows  are  found  sinking  and 
cracked;  the  wall  of  the  library-room  front  is  cracked  in  many  places,  and  has  lost 
its  perpendicularity  by  about  four  inches  at  the  top.  No  fears  of  its  durability  in  its 
present  condition  are  entertained;  but  it  is  doubtful  if  it  would  be  safe  under  the 
additional  weight  which  the  modification  of  this  room  would  require  to  meet  the 
view's  of  the  committee. 

But,  with  the  view'  of  having  the  best  advice  on  a subject  of  so  much  importance, 
Mr.  Strickland  was  invited,  with  your  approbation,  again  to  visit  our  city,  and  to 
make  the  matter  of  this  modification  the  subject  of  special  examination.  His  report 
is  herewith  submitted,  together  with  the  drawings  necessary  to  understand  it.  He 
has  made  an  estimate  on  the  supposition  that  the  w'ork  below'  the  floor  will  sustain 
the  necessary  superstructure.  He  doubts,  however,  the  sufficiency  of  this,  and 
thinks,  if  the  alteration  be  authorized,  that  the  work  to  sustain  the  superstructure 
must  commence  as  low  down  as  the  foundations  of  the  present  buildings.  This 
would  much  increase  the  cost  beyond  the  estimate.  He  also  doubts  the  adequacy  of 
the  qtresent  walls  to  sustain  the  thrust  of  the  new  roof.  It  will  readily  be  perceived 
that  it  cannot  be  said  what  additional  expenditure  will  be  requisite  to  counteract 
this  apprehension.  The  estimate,  therefore,  must  be  received  under  the  restriction 
that  it  does  not  contemplate,  as  it  cannot  well  anticipate,  the  cost  of  remedies  for 
these  defects  in  the  library-room,  in  reference  to  its  ability  to  sustain  the  proposed 
modification. 

I am  also  authorized  by  Air.  Strickland  to  say  that  he  fully  unites  with  me  in  the 
opinion  that  the  plan  of  modifying  the  library-room  as  proposed  is  bad  in  itself,  and 
its  safety  very  doubtful. 

Very  respectfully,  sir,  your  obedient  servant,  J.  J.  Abert, 

Col.  Corps  Top.  Engineers. 

Hon.  Wm.  Wilkins,  Secretary  of  War. 

Washington,  April  22,  1844- 

Sir:  In  conformity  with  your  instructions  that  I should  visit  Washington,  and 
examine  into  the  practicability  of  modifying  the  present  library-room  of  the  Capitol, 
according  with  a proposed  plan  to  adapt  that  room  and  its  adjacent  passages  to  the 


The  Extensions. 


423 


purposes  of  a Chamber  of  Representatives,  I have  now  the  honor  of  reporting  to  you 
plans  and  estimates,  exhibiting  the  effect  of  such  an  alteration  in  an  architectural 
and  mechanical  point  of  view. 

1st.  You  will  perceive  by  the  plan  that  the  semi-circular  wall,  colored  red , and 
marked  A,  A,  A,  must  necessarily  cross  all  the  arches  of  the  rooms  in  the  basement 
story  in  a diagonal  line  with  their  axis  of  direction;  and  upon  the  supposition  that 
this  wall  is  to  be  founded  on  the  top  of  these  arches,  it  would  contain,  including  the 
flat  arch  of  the  ceiling,  or  segmental  dome,  275,000  bricks,  which  is  about  1,100  tons 
of  weight,  including  mortar;  and  if  it  is  intended  to  found  the  wall  on  the  solid 
earth,  it  would  require  upwards  of  300,000  additional  bricks,  not  including  a total 
new  arrangement  of  the  walls  of  the  basement  and  sub-basement  stories. 

2d.  The  span  of  the  arched  ceiling  of  the  proposed  design  is  92  feet,  with  a rise  of 
only  11  feet  from  the  springing  line  to  its  apex,  or  base  of  the  skylight.  B,  B,  repre- 
sents in  the  section  this  flat  arch,  without  any  apparent  means  of  forming  a suffi- 
cient abutment  of  resistance,  as  the  springing  line  is  5 feet  above  the  level  of  the 
floor  of  the  attic  story,  and  its  thrust,  for  nearly  one  third  of  the  semi-circle,  would 
be  in  the  direction  of  the  two  open  spaces,  or  courts,  as  they  are  termed  in  the  pro- 
posed plan.  This  flat  segment  of  a dome  would  contain  125,000  bricks,  which  is 
equal  to  the  weight  of  350  tons. 

I am  of  the  opinion  that  so  flat  an  arch  with  so  great  a span  could  not  be  con- 
structed to  stand,  without  great  danger,  and  even  within  any  reasonable  limits  of 
adequate  abutments. 

3d.  You  will  remark  that,  in  the  plan  and  section,  the  flues  of  the  chimneys  or 
stacks  in  the  main  wall  of  the  library-room,  marked  C,  C,  C,  would  be  cut  off  from 
the  fireplaces  of  the  basement  stories,  and  a great  portion  of  this  wall  would  have  to 
be  taken  down,  (as  it  now  stands  at  least  12  feet  within  the  periphery  of  the  wall 
contemplated  in  the  proposed  alteration;)  and  I cannot  perceive  how  these  stacks 
are  to  be  disposed  of,  unless  it  is  intended  to  let  them  stand  in  the  chamber,  under 
cover  of  some  ornamental  pier  or  column. 

4th.  The  main  flight  of  stone  stairs  leading  from  the  gallery  of  the  library  to  the 
committee  and  document  rooms  of  the  attic  story,  marked  D,  D,  D,  would  have  to 
be  torn  down,  to  make  room  for  the  entrance  lobbies  to  the  chamber,  and,  in  its 
stead,  two  spiral  stairways  are  proposed  to  be  placed  in  the  spandrils  of  the  semi- 
circular wall,  similar  in  size  and  in  every  other  respect  to  that  marked  E,  now  leading 
from  the  south  lobby  of  the  centre  building  to  the  basement  stories,  which  has,  in  an 
eminent  degree,  darkness  and  inconvenience,  and  are  entirely  unfit  as  approaches 
to  the  attic  story. 

5th.  Those  parts  of  the  plan  and  section  colored  with  light  India  ink,  represent  the 
situation  of  all  the  walls  of  the  centre  building  facing  the  west,  and  surrounding  the 
proposed  position  for  the  new  chamber,  as  well  as  those  of  the  basement  under  the 
library-room,  and  which  form  its  entire  support;  and  although  I believe  these  walls 
to  be  strong  enough  to  receive  the  weight  of  the  persons  of  the  members  and  auditory, 
1 am  decidedly  aware  that  they  would  be  incapable  of  sustaining  the  pressui’e  of  the 
semi-circular  wall  and  arch  of  the  proposed  room,  and  that  nothing  short  of  found- 
ing them  upon  the  solid  earth  should  be  entertained; — as  this  cannot  be  done  with- 
out removing  the  principal  interior  walls  of  the  lower  stories  and  cellar,  (or,  in  other 
words,  taking  them  all  out  beneath  the  library  floor,)  and  reconstructingmew  forms 
of  support,  which  would  be  attended  with  great  expense;  and  even  when  this  is 
done,  the  library-room  and  gallery  space  would  afford  but  an  inferior  and  circum- 
scribed area  for  the  accommodation  of  the  present  number  of  members  of  the 
Chamber  of  Representatives,  and  the  proposed  form  of  room  would,  when  executed, 
produce  all  the  difficulties  of  speaking  and  hearing,  which  necessarily  accompany 
rooms  upon  circular  plans  with  arched  ceilings.  In  conclusion,  sir,  from  a thorough 
examination  of  this  portion  of  the  centre  building,  and  comparing  the  plan  of  the 


424 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


proposed  modification  with  it,  I am  of  the  opinion  that  it  would  in  no  way  be  effec- 
tual or  expedient  to  attempt  to  convert  or  adapt  the  present  library-room  into  a 
Chamber  of  Representatives. 

I also  subjoin  an  approximate  estimate  of  the  cost  of  tearing  down  the  library  and 
the  division  walls  of  the  basement  stories,  together  with  the  roof,  and  of  construct- 


ing others  according  with  the  proposed  plan  of  modification,  viz: 

Laborers’  work  in  removing  walls,  arches,  stairway,  and  roof $4,  000 

Excavation,  and  building  up  new  foundations  and  walls  in  the  cellar  and 

basements 11,800 

Bricks  and  workmanship  from  the  floor  of  the  proposed  chamber,  including 

the  arched  ceiling 6, 500 

Constructing  a new  roof;  plumbers’  work,  &e 5, 000 

Carpenters,  lumber,  centring,  scaffolding,  &c - . 10,000 

Plastering  work  and  materials - 4,  700 

Painting  and  glazing 3,  500 

Blacksmiths’  work  in  roof,  in  banding  and  keying  up  the  flat  arch 1,  500 

Stone  and  workmanship  in  circular  stairways,  sills,  architraves,  &c 5,000 


52,  000 

Add  for  contingencies,  7 per  cent 3,  640 


55,  640 

Respectfully  submitted,  by  your  obedient  servant, 


William  Strickland,  Architect. 

To  Colonel  J.  J.  Abert, 

Chief  Topographical  Engineer. 

The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  report  the  following  documents 
upon  the  alteration  of  the  Capitol,  and  recommend  their  adoption,  and  that  the 
plans  be  engraved. 

Letter  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  transmitting  a report  of  the  Colonel  of  the  Corps  of 

Topographical  Engineers,  with  estimates  and  plans,  for  the  alteration  of  the  Capitol,  &c. 

War  Department,  January  S,  1844. 

Sir:  In  compliance  with  a resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  1st  of 
March  last,  requiring  the  Secretary  of  War  “to  cause  a plan  and  estimates  to  be 
prepared  at  the  Topographical  Bureau,  or  otherwise  within  his  department,  and  laid 
before  Congress  at  its  next  session,  for  a room  or  apartment  in  the  Capitol,  or  to  be 
added  thereto,  for  the  better  accommodation  of  the  sittings  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives,” I respectfully  transmit,  herewith,  a report  of  the  colonel  of  the  corps  of 
topographical  engineers,  with  estimates  and  plans,  for  the  alterations  deemed  neces- 
sary and  proper. 

, Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  M.  Porter. 

Hon.  J.  W.  Jones, 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


* 


* 


[House  of  Representatives,  Thirtieth  Congress,  second  session.  Report  No.  90,  Public  buildings,  &c. 
Feb.  13,  1849. — Laid  upon  the  table.] 

Mr.  John  W.  Houston,  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds, 
made  the  following  report: 

The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  beg  leave  to  report  that  soon 
after  the  appointment  and  organiziation  of  the  committee  in  the  present  Congress, 


The  Extensions. 


425 


the  condition  of  the  capitol,  the  President’s  house,  and  the  various  public  buildings 
belonging  to  the  United  States  in  the  District  of  Columbia,  and  the  improvements 
required  in  the  mode  of  heating  and  ventilating  the  former,  for  the  health  and  com- 
fort of  the  members  of  Congress,  induced  your  committee  to  call  to  their  assistance 
an  experienced  and  enlightened  architect,  to  make  a complete  and  thorough  exam- 
ination of  the  same,  and  to  inform  the  committee  what  repairs,  alterations  and 
improvements 'were  required,  and  the  probable  expense  of  making  them;  and  for 
this  purpose,  Mr.  C.  B.  Cluskey  was  authorized  by  the  committee  to  make  the  nec- 
essary survey,  who  immediately  entered  upon  the  discharge  of  the  duties  assigned 
him,  with  zeal  and  ability,  and  in  the  course  of  a few  months  submitted  to  the  com- 
mittee the  following  report,  as  the  result  of  his  investigations,  which  the  committee 
beg  leave  to  lay  before  the  House  of  Representatives,  as  a part  of  this  their  report. 
Mr.  Cluskey  is  a professional  and  practical  architect  of  established  reputation,  and 
as  his  minute  and  thorough  survey  of  the  various  public  buildings  above  mentioned, 
and  his  valuable  scientific  suggestions  as  to  the  numerous  arid  important  repairs, 
alterations  and  improvements  indispensably  necessary  in  them,  are  such  as  will 
speak  for  themselves  without  any  special  notice  or  commendation  from  the  com- 
mittee, they  will  content  themselves  with  the  submission  of  the  same  without  further 
comment. 

Washington,  July  26,  1848. 

Gentlemen:  In  compliance  with  your  instructions  of  the  24th  of  January  last,  I 
have  the  honor  to  report  the  condition  of  the  public  buildings  and  their  appurte- 
nances in  this  district,  with  such  other  information  relating  thereto  as  I believe  to 
be  important  for  the  consideration  of  the  committee. 

My  examination  embraces  the  capitol,  the  President’s  house,  the  war,  navy,  state, 
treasury,  patent  office  and  post  office  buildings;  and  the  estimates  hereunto  annexed 
are  for  such  repairs  as  are  indispensable  to  their  protection. 

The  Capitol. 

This  edifice,  which  should  compare  with  any  other  of  like  character  in  the  world, 
and  which  I have  examined  in  every  particular,  is,  in  many  respects,  very  defective, 
and  its  general  condition  is  very  bad.  It  will  require  not  only  considerable  repairs 
to  protect  it  from  dilapidation,  but  such  improvements  in  heating  and  ventilating  as 
will  render  it  more  healthy,  and  better  adapted  to  the  purposes  for  which  it  is 
intended. 

Its  perishable  condition,  and  the  settlements  and  fractures  throughout,  are  mainly 
attributable  to  the  material  (freestone,  in  part,  of  an  indifferent  quality)  used  in  the 
construction  of  its  external  walls.  This  stone  will,  in  a dry  state,  absorb  from  four 
to  five  pounds  of  water  to  the  cubic  foot,  and,  consequently,  is  not  of  sufficient  den- 
sity to  resist  the  pressure  of  such  a superstructure;  moreover,  a considerable  portion 
of  it  is  friable;  hence  it  is  that  parts  of  it  will  be  found  mouldering  away  by  the  action 
of  the  weather.  Nor  is  this  the  only  evil  that  results  from  its  absorbing  properties, 
but  the  continual  dampness  which  it  creates  throughout  the  entire  structure  renders 
not  only  fire  at  all  season  indispensably  necessary  for  the  protection  of  the  books  and 
papers  therein  deposited,  and  the  comparative  health  of  those  whose  official  duties 
require  their  attendance  in  it  during  business  hours,  but  the  expense  of  an  external 
coating  of  oil  paint  at  least  once  in  every  ten  years  to  protect  it. 

I will  now  proceed  to  state  the  repairs  and  improvements  essentially  necessary, 
commencing  with  those  of  the  most  importance. 

The  base  proper  of  the  main  building,  which  is  now  in  three  courses  of  about 
twelve  inches  each  on  the  face,  and  is  very  much  dilapidated,  measuring  from  the 
internal  angle  on  the  north,  formed  by  the  western  projection,  to  the  internal  angle 
on  the  south,  (except  that  part  protected  by  the  eastern  portico,)  six  hundred  and 


426 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


ten  (610)  feet  six  (6)  inches  lineal,  should  be  cut  out  and  replaced  with  granite,  in 
two  courses  of  eighteen  (18)  inches  each  on  the  face;  the  bottom  course  to  be  twelve 
inches  and  the  top  course  seventeen  inches  thick;  the  latter  to  be  worked  with  a 
wash  between  the  piers,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  old  work,  and  firmly  secured 
with  iron  cramps  to  the  walls. 

Although  the  base  of  the  western  projection  is  not  so  much  dilapidated  as  that  of 
the  main  building,  in  order  to  guard  against  further  defects  on  the  north,  south  and 
west,  a new  one  should  be  substituted,  (measuring  three  hundred  and  two  (302)  feet 
lineal, ) by  cutting  out,  in  the  manner  before  stated,  from  the  line  of  pavement 
within  the  terrace  to  the  under  edge  of  the  basement  window  sills,  and  replacing 
with  granite  in  two  courses  of  not  less  than  twelve  inches  thick,  projecting  three 
inches  from  the  face  of  the  wall  above;  the  top  course  to  be  champhered  one-half  of 
an  inch  in  the  three  inches.  The  granite  to  be  from  the  Baltimore  quarries,  and  of 
the  very  best  quality.  For  the  better  security  of  this  projection,  which  has  settled 
and  is  more  fractured  than  any  other  part  of  the  building,  I would  recommend  that 
an  excavation  be  made  on  the  west,  as  low  as  the  foundation,  of  the  form  shown  on 
the  diagram  marked  A,  and  that  it  be  built  up  with  solid  masonry,  laid  in  cement  in 
the  best  possible  manner.  The  whole  of  the  defective  and  broken  stone,  from  the 
base  to  the  top  of  the  parapet  and  within  it,  including  the  base  of  the  dome,  which 
is  also  very  much  fractured,  should  then  be  carefully  cut  out,  commencing  at  the 
top,  (proper  movable  scaffolds  being  first  prepared  for  the  purpose,)  and  replaced 
with  stone  of  the  same  kind,  but  of  a select  quality.  It  will  also  be  necessary  to 
rake  out  all  the  defective  joints,  and  cut  out  all  blemishes  created  by  the  oxide  of 
iron — the  vacuum  to  be  carefully  filled  with  mastic — and  the  whole  then  painted 
with  two  coats  of  Emerson’s  patent  paint  for  stone  covering.  The  repairing  of  this 
stone  work  is  an  important  matter,  and  should  be  executed  with  the  greatest  care,  as 
it  will  not  only  give  durability  to  the  entire  structure,  but  a new  and  perfect  appear- 
ance. The  plastering,  also,  of  the  walls  and  ceilings  throughout  require  extensive 
repairs,  which  should  be  carefully  done,  observing  to  cut  out  the  fractured  parts  to 
the  brick  work  and  saturate  the  walls  well  with  water  before  replacing  it;  for,  if 
executed  in  any  other  manner,  the  patching  will  not  stand.  The  whole  of  the  ceil- 
ings and  cornices  (the  latter  being  first  repaired)  should  then  be  whitened  with  a 
preparation  of  size  and  the  walls  painted  stone  color,  in  oil.  And  here  would  I 
remark  that  the  walls  of  the  passages  have  been  very  much  abused  by  the  laborers, 
who  are  employed  to  carry  wood  to  the  committee  rooms.  They  pile  the  wood 
against  the  walls  above  the  top  of  the  boxes,  which  are  sufficiently  large  to  hold 
all  that  is  necessary.  This  should  not  he  tolerated,  for  there  is  no  greater  eye-sore 
in  a building  than  a broken  wall;  nor  is  there  anything  more  difficult  to  repair 
properly.  In  fact,  a wall  once  broken  cannot  be  repaired  to  look  as  well  as  it  did  at 
first. 

The  flooring  of  the  passages  communicating  with  those  committee  rooms  of  the 
Senate  and  House  situated  on  the  upper  floor,  and  which  are  now  paved  with  brick, 
are  in  a very  bad  condition,  as  well  as  creating  a continual  dust;  they  should,  there- 
fore, be  taken  up  and  relaid  with  Baltimore  or  Philadelphia  flagging. 

I would  also  recommend  the  taking  up  of  all  the  free-stone  flagging  from  the 
floors  of  the  passages  and  vestibules,  leading  from  the  rotunda  to  the  Senate  and  the 
House,  and  the  relaying  of  them  with  white  marble.  This  material  absorbs  very 
little,  if  any,  moisture,  and  presents  a refrigerating  surface  in  warm  weather,  whilst 
the  free-stone  absorbs  considerable,  and  gives  it  out  with  the  least  change  of  tem- 
perature, thereby  impairing,  in  addition  to  the  dust  it  creates  when  in  a dry  state, 
the  purity  of  the  atmosphere.  The  flagging  thus  taken  from  the  passages  and  vesti- 
bules could  lie  used  in  the  passage  floors  of  the  western  projection,  basement  story, 
where  a large  portion  of  the  flagging  has  mouldered  away,  and  will  require  to  be 
taken  up  and  relaid  anew. 


The  Extensions. 


427 


It  will  be  seen,  from  an  examination  of  the  rotten  wood  in  the  committee  room 
which  I have  taken  from  various  parts  of  the  roof,  (particularly  over  the  Senate 
chamber  and  eastern  portico,)  that  the  seeds  of  decay  prevail  in  it  to  a considerable 
extent.  It  should,  therefore,  be  taken  out  as  soon  as  practicable,  which  can  be  done 
without  interfering  with  the  business  arrangements  of  Congress.  The  copper  work, 
too,  requires  general  and  extensive  repairs,  especially  the  covering  of  the  dome  and 
eastern  jDortico.  The  latter  I would  recommend  to  be  stripped  entirely,  and  cov- 
ered anew. 

I have  also  to  remark,  in  reference  to  the  roofs,  that  they  have  been  very  much 
abused  and  injured  by  persons  having  repairs  to  make  about  that  part  of  the  build- 
ing, particularly  the  chimneys,  many  of  which  are  fractured;  and  nearly  all  are 
surmounted  with  cowls,  of  every  plan  that  the  human  imagination  is  capable  of  con- 
ceiving, and  are  put  up  in  the  most  slovenly  and  unworkmanlike  manner.  And  to 
such  an  extent  have  these  experiments  been  tried,  that  numbers  of  those  self-acting 
machines  are  to  be  found  stowed  away  under  the  roofs,  and  strewed  about  the  valleys 
in  every  direction,  whither  they  have  been  carried  by  the  wind;  and  with  them  the 
bricks,  mud,  and  other  fixtures,  with  which  they  were  secured(?).  True,  some  of 
them  are  made  on  philosophical  principles,  and  would  answer  a good  purpose  if 
properly  placed;  but  the  best  plan  that  can  be  conceived  would  fail,  if  put  up  in  the 
manner  in  which  they  have  been. 

I find  also  that  two  chimneys  have  been  recently  carried  out  through  the  roof  of 
the  Senate  wing.  They  are  built  of  brick  and  covered  with  plaster,  a material  which 
should  not  have  been  used  in  an  exposed  situation,  nor  is  it  found  in  any  other  part 
of  the  original  structure.  Whether  they  were  intended  only  as  experimental  shafts 
or  not,  by  the  projector,  I am  not  prepared  to  say.  They  bear,  however,  that  impress 
to  my  mind,  for  independent  of  the  unsightly  appearance  they  present,  disfiguring 
the  features  of  the  building,  they  render  no  service  that  could  not  be  accomplished 
through  flues  already  in  the  walls,  had  an  examination  been  made  by  an  experienced 
and  competent  person. 

I find,  too,  that  a quantity  of  brick  work,  in  connexion  with  the  cupola  that  lights 
the  vestibule  of  the  Senate,  which  was  placed  there  to  carry  out  properly,  in  part, 
the  numerous  flues  of  the  fireplaces  in  that  end  of  the  building,  as  well  as  to  resist 
the  lateral  pressure  of  the  cupola  which  is  of  stone,  has  been  removed,  and  for  no 
apparent  purpose  but  to  use  the  material  in  some  job  work  about  the  building,  an 
act  which  should  not  have  been  tolerated  by  the  superintendent.  Two  of  these  flues 
have  also  been  cut  into  and  left  open,  exhibiting  the  greatest  carelessness,  for  they 
might  be  the  destruction  of  the  building,  should  the  adjoining  ones  get  on  fire,  and 
a portion  of  the  burning  matter  from  them  pass  down  through  these  flues  and  the 
openings  thus  made  in  them  to  the  floor,  where  there  is  sufficient  wood,  in  connex- 
ion with  the  ceiling  and  roof  of  the  Senate  chamber,  to  make  the  result  more  than 
questionable.  Public  buildings  have  been  destroyed  from  causes  less  apparent.  And 
here  I would  remark  that,  whilst  on  my  examination,  and  in  company  with  Captain 
Dunnington,  chief  of  the  police  of  the  capitol,  I found  one  of  the  flues  of  the  chim- 
neys on  fire,  throwing  out  large  quantities  of  burning  mass  sufficient  to  have  ignited 
the  platforms  which  cover  the  valleys,  and  thence  to  have  communicated  with  the 
wooden  cupolas  which  light  the  library  and  the  vestibules  and  passages  in  the  Senate 
and  House  sides,  which  add  greatly  to  the  risk.  It  was,  however,  promptly  attended 
to  by  Mr.  Dunnington,  who  ordered  buckets  of  water  from  below  and  had  it  extin- 
guished. 

This  fact  at  once  recommends  the  removal  of  such  a risk.  I would,  therefore,  in 
addition  to  other  important  considerations,  advise  the  substitution  of  eight  cast  iron 
cupolas  with  iron  sashes  hung  on  pivots,  i.  e.,  for  the  three  which  light  the  library, 
the  two  which  light  the  vestibule  and  stairway  on  the  House  side,  the  two  which 


428 


Documentary  II! story  of  the  Capitol. 


light  the  vestibule  and  stairway  on  the  Senate  side,  and  the  one  which  lights  the 
hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives.  They  will  not  only  be  durable  and  give  more 
light  to  the  interior,  (as  pilasters  of  iron  would  not  occupy  one-half  the  space  which 
the  wooden  ones  do  at  present)  but  by  being  cast  hollow,  together  with  the  entabla- 
tures which  they  would  support,  and  proper  valves  fixed  on  the  inside,  they  would 
act,  in  part,  at  all  seasons,  as  ventilators  for  the  escape  of  the  deleterious  air  with 
which  the  whole  structure  is  filled;  in  cold  weather  by  the  heated  air  from  the  fur- 
naces ascending  through  them,  and  in  hot  weather  by  the  action  of  the  sun  rarifving 
the  column  of  air  within  them  several  degrees  above  the  external  air,  and  thereby 
creating  a continual  circulation  and  ascending  current  through  distinct  channels  into 
the  external  atmosphere.  Before  proceeding  to  the  repairs  of  the  copper  work,  the 
whole  of  the  chimneys  should  be  overhauled,  and  cowles  of  the  most  approved  plan 
placed  permanently  upon  those  only  that  are  likely  to  be  affected  by  eddies,  created 
by  bodies  elevated  above  them,  and  the  two  chimneys  to  which  1 have  alluded,  over 
the  Senate,  taken  down  for  the  reasons  I have  assigned.  The  whole  of  the  platforms 
which  cover  the  valleys  should  next  be  taken  up,  and  the  trash  of  every  description, 
bricks,  mortar,  pipes,  planks,  &c.  removed.  The  valleys  and  flashings  should  then 
be  carefully  examined  and  repaired,  observing  to  place  a grating  opposite  to  each, 
where  the  water  empties  into  the  heads,  to  stop  any  trash  that  may  accumulate  from 
passing  down  the  conductors.  The  platforms  should  then  be  put  down,  and  new 
ladders,  such  as  are  to  the  dome  of  the  House  and  over  the  roof  of  the  library,  made 
and  placed  at  such  points  as  may  be  deemed  necessary  for  examination  and  repairs 
hereafter. 

The  wood  work  inside  and  out,  including  the  doors  to  offices  and  vaults  under  the 
terrace,  is  suffering,  and  will  require  two  coats  of  the  best  paint.  Before  that  is  done, 
however,  it  will  be  necessary  to  overhaul  the  whole  of  it;  first,  by  a careful  exami- 
nation of  all  the  windows,  and  the  refitting  of  them  with  new  cords,  pulleys,  fasten- 
ings, &c.,  where  necessary,  and  the  repairing  of  all  the  doors,  their  fixtures  and 
fastenings,  as  well  as  the  bases  to  rooms  and  passages,  and  trimmings  to  doors  and 
windows  inside  and  out.  The  doors  of  the  first  and  second  floors  should  be  painted 
buff,  and  the  principal  floor  oak;  the  trimmings  white,  doors  of  offices  stone  color. 

There  are  sundry  other  repairs  and  alterations  which  would  follow  in  the  course 
of  a general  overhauling,  such  as  the  taking  down  of  the  stone  work  in  the  centre 
of  the  crypt  which  was  placed  there  to  support  the  statue  of  Washington,  and 
which  is  of  no  use,  and  moreover,  darkens  and  obstructs  the  line  of  communica- 
tion longitudinally  and  transversely.  It  can  be  used  in  the  external  repairs.  Also 
the  taking  down  of  a portion  of  the  ceiling  of  the  eastern  portico,  which  is  now 
in  a falling  condition  from  the  leaks  in  the  roof,  the  repairing  of  defaced  man- 
tels in  several  of  the  committee  rooms,  and  such  improvements  in  the  formation  of 
the  fire  places  in  these  rooms  as  will  render  cowls  to  many  of  the  chimneys  altogether 
unnecessary;  the  clearing  out  of  the  trash  in  the  entire  basement  not  occupied  by 
the  furnaces,  which  tends,  in  connexion  with  other  causes,  to  make  the  air  within 
the  building  impure,  and  the  paving  of  the  floor  with  brick,  whitewashing  of  all  the 
walls,  the  improvement  of  all  the  gratings  to  the  basement  windows  on  the  north, 
south  and  east,  and  the  cutting  out  of  others  for  the  purpose  of  ventilating  under  the 
crypt.  The  flagging  of  the  folding  room  and  of  the  vestibule  on  the  house  side  lead- 
ing to  the  galleries,  the  resetting  and  repairing  of  the  flagging  of  the  terrace,  and  of 
the  flagging  on  the  north,  south,  and  east  of  the  building,  the  resetting  of  the  curb 
and  the  repairing  of  the  pavement  within  the  court  yard  on  the  north,  south,  and  east, 
the  raising  of  the  footways  across  the  court  yard,  from  the  eastern  portico  to  the 
eastern  square,  which,  in  wet  weather  are  impassible,  the  resetting  of  the  curb  and 
repairing  of  the  pavement  on  the  outside,  from  the  northern  gate  around  the  eastern 
square  to  the  southern  gate,  with  sills  and  other  improvements  to  two  of  the  gates, 
the  painting  of  the  iron  enclosure  to  Capitol  square,  and  the  pointing  and  repairing 
of  the  wall  and  coping  on  which  it  rests,  the  repairing  of  the  stone  work  of  the  ter- 
race and  cementing  the  arches  with  asphaltum  so  as  to  make  them  water  proof,  the 


The  Extensions. 


429 


taking  down  and  rebuilding  of  a part  of  the  naval  monument,  together  with  the 
repairing  of  the  flagging  around  it,  and  the  resetting  of  the  steps  on  the  west,  which 
have  slipped  from  their  position,  the  repairing  of  the  stone  gutters  which  convey  the 
water  from  the  fountains  to  the  low  grounds  southwest,  the  putting  in  of  sinktraps 
to  the  main  sewers;  and  the  cleaning  out  of  all  the  courts,  and  relaying  of  the  gutters 
and  flagging  within  them,  so  as  to  carry  off  the  water  from  the  roofs  effectively. 

* * * 

A resolution  having  passed  the  House  inquiring  into  the  practicability  of  changing 
the  library  into  a hall  for  that  branch  of  the  government,  I would  most  respectfully 
state  that  it  is  impracticable,  for  it  could  not  be  done  without  destroying  other  im- 
portant parts  of  the  building,  as  it  is  not  of  sufficient  dimensions;  and  even  if  it  was, 
it  could  not  be  made  a commodious  apartment,  as  it  would  have  a wrong  aspect  for 
such  a purpose.  The  building  can  be  added  to  at  both  ends,  and  in  the  centre  on 
the  east,  and  all  the  room  that  is  required  obtained  without  interfering  with  its  gen- 
eral arrangement  or  architectural  features. 

I omitted  to  state,  in  reference  to  the  hall  of  the  House,  which  is  so  badly  adapted 
to  public  speaking — a perfect  Babel  of  sounds — that  by  placing  a glass  ceiling  at  the 
springing  of  the  dome,  which  would  cut  off  a great  part  of  the  space  above  without 
obstructing  the  light,  and  by  other  means,  it  could  be  made  a comparatively  good 
room  to  speak  in.  The  manner  in  which  the  air  from  the  furnaces  enters  it  at  pres- 
ent tends  also  to  increase  the  evil,  passing,  as  it  does,  in  columns  from  the  apertures 
in  the  floor  to  the  ceiling  with  increased  velocity,  separate  currents  are  created,  and 
the  uniform  density  of  the  air  thereby  destroyed.  Such  agents  would  make  the  best 
constructed  hall  for  public  speaking  defective,  for  the  air,  if  not  in  a quiescent  state, 
should  move  uniformly. 

I have  also  to  remark,  in  reference  to  the  library,  that  the  light  generally  could  be 
much  improved,  but  more  particularly  on  the  west  side,  in  the  recesses  where  there 
are  no  windows,  by  increasing  the  apertures  of  the  sky-lights  at  the  line  of  ceiling 
from  circles  to  ellipses.  The  stairways  in  the  angles  should  also  be  altered;  two  are 
sufficient,  for,  by  placing  a light  ornamental  iron  gallery  at  each  end,  in  connexion 
W'ith  those  on  the  sides,  a continuous  communication  would  be  formed  around,  and 
the  walls  at  the  ends,  which  now  present  a naked  appearance,  could  be  shelved  for 
the  reception  of  books,  as  also  the  space  occupied  by  two  of  the  staircases. 

* * * 

ESTIMATES. 


The  capitol. 

To  putting  in  a new  granite  base,  and  repairing  the  stone  work  of  the 

entire  structure $14,  843  21 

To  flagging  the  passages  to  the  committee  rooms,  on  the  Senate  and  House 

sides,  upper  story 1, 140  56 

To  flagging  passages  of  basement — western  projection 682  32 

To  coppering  in  the  new,  the  eastern  portico,  and  repairs  of  copper  work 

generally 2,  323  84 

To  taking  down  eight  wooden  cupolas,  and  substituting  iron  ones,  as  per 

report 5,  893  05 

To  assumed  cost  of  repairs  to  wood  work  of  roof,  as  there  is  no  estimating 

the  extent  of  the  defective  part 2, 000  00 

To  sundry  repairs  referred  to  in  report 4,  386  14 

To  painting  stone  work  externally,  and  wood  work  externally  and  inter- 
nally, and  iron  enclosure  round  the  capitol 14,  456  11 

To  improving  the  hall  of  the  House  for  speaking  by  a glass  ceiling,  and 

other  fixtures 5,234  30 

To  heating  and  ventilating  the  hall  of  the  House  on  the  plan  reported 9,  378  00 


$60,337  53 


* * * 


430 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


These  estimates  are  based  on  the  best  material  and  workmanship,  and  include 
architects’  commissions  for  superintendence. 

In  conclusion,  I have,  in  reference  to  the  buildings  generally,  to  remark,  that  so 
far  as  the  character  of  the  repairs  and  alterations  which,  from  time  to  time  have  been 
going  on,  are  evidences  of  the  capacity  of  those  who  conduct  them,  there  does  not 
appear  to  be  a superintendant  in  charge  who  is  capable  of  directing  the  workmen. 
Moreover,  the  alterations  and  changes  which  have  been  made  (to  some  of  which 
I have  already  referred)  should  not  have  been  made  without  the  advice  and  under 
the  supervision  of  an  experienced  architect.  And  I would  further  most  respectfully 
state,  that  were  the  whole  of  the  buildings  under  the  control  of  a person  possessing 
necessary  qualifications,  who  would  report  annually  to  Congress  the  expenditure 
paid  and  required  for  repairs -in  detail,  it  would  be  found  that  they  would  not  cost 
one-half  what  they  do  at  present,  nor  would  the  buildings  be  injured  and  disfigured 
in  the  manner  to  which  I have  already  alluded.  All  of  which  is  respectfully  sub- 
mitted by 

Your  obedient  servant,  C.  B.  Cluskey, 

Arch’t  and  Eng’r. 

To  Hon.  John  W.  Houston, 

and  others,  Committee  on  Public  Buildings. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  25,  1850:  Congressional  Globe,  31 — 1,  p.  416.] 

ENLARGEMENT  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  Pearce.  Mr.  President,  I have  been  requested  to  present  the  memorial  of  Robert 
Mills,  civil  engineer  and  architect,  asking  an  investigation  of  certain  plans,  models, 
and  estimates  made  by  him  of  improvements  and  additions  to  the  Capitol.  In 
moving  the  reference  of  this  memorial,  it  is  scarcely  necessary  for  me  here  to  suggest 
that,  in  the  Senate  chamber,  we  shall  soon  want  more  room,  that  the  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives is  not  sufficiently  large  for  the  accommodation  of  all  the  members,  while 
it  is  well  known  that  the  library  is  so  cramped  that  many  of  the  books  cannot  be 
arranged,  and  that  they  have  to  be  put  away  in  boxes.  It  is  manifest  that  the  Capitol 
requires  enlargement  I move  the  reference  of  this  memorial  to  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings. 

The  memorial  was  so  referred. 


[Senate.  Rep.  Com.  No.  145.  31st  Congress,  1st  Session.  In  Senate  of  the  United  States.  May  28, 
1850. — Submitted,  and  ordered  to  be  printed.] 

Mr.  Hunter  made  the  following  report: 

The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  have  had  under  consideration  the  memorial 
of  Robert  Mills,  in  relation  to  the  enlargement  of  the  Capitol,  which  was  referred  to 
them  by  the  order  of  the  Senate,  and  report  thereon  as  follows: 

They  have  come  to  the  conclusion  that  there  is  a necessity  for  the  enlargement 
of  the  present  building.  A larger  Senate  chamber  has  become  almost  indispensable 
for  the  convenient  transaction  of  further  business.  It  is  already  too  small  for  the 
present  number  of  senators,  and  that  number  is  increasing.  Nor  does  it  afford  suffi- 
cient accommodation  for  spectators  and  citizens  who  desire  to  witness  the  proceed- 
ing of  the  Senate.  The  same  may  be  said  of  the  Hall  of  Representatives,  which, 
besides  being  too  small,  has  been  proved  by  experience  to  be  unfit  for  purposes  of 
deliberation.  The  Supreme  Court,  too,  requires  a larger  and  more  comfortable 
apartment  in  which  to  held  its  sessions.  The  library  room  is  insufficient  for  the 
books  which  have  been  accumulated  already,  and  without  additional  space  it  will  be 


The  Extension s. 


431 


impossible  to  make  a proper  disposition  of  the  future  additions  which  will  be  annu- 
ally made  to  the  Congressional  library.  Nor  have  we  rooms  enough  to  afford  even 
the  various  standing  committees  one  apiece,  it  often  happening  that  there  is  but  one 
room  to  accommodate  two  committees.  By  the  addition  of  two  wings  of  a suitable 
size — one  to  the  north,  and  one  to  the  south  of  the  present  building — we  may  afford 
ample  accommodations  for  the  two  houses  of  Congress  and  their  officers,  and  also 
obtain  the  use  of  much  of  the  existing  building  for  the  other  purposes  which  have 
been  indicated.  The  whole  of  the  western  projection  of  the  Capitol,  with  some  change 
in  the  interior  of  the  building,  may  be  devoted  to  the  library.  The  present  Hall  of 
Representatives  might  be  used  for  the  exhibition  of  paintings  and  objects  of  art,  and 
for  the  accommodation  of  visitors,  many  of  whom  throng  the  library  room  for  other 
purposes  than  those  of  study.  That  room  being  thus  relieved,  the  library  would  be 
used  with  more  convenience  and  quiet  for  the  purposes  for  which  it  was  created.  The 
present  Senate  chamber,  with  its  offices,  would  accommodate  the  Supreme  Court 
with  all  the  room  which  would  be  necessary  for  the  discharge  of  its  functions,  and 
furnish,  perhaps,  not  more  than  enough  for  the  comfortable  despatch  of  public  busi- 
ness. The  room  now  occupied  by  the  Supreme  Court  would  probably  be  found  suit- 
able and  convenient  for  the  various  commissions  which  from  time  to  time  are  created 
to  decide  claims  arising  under  treaties,  or  it  may  be  hereafter  in  other  modes.  Look- 
ing to  these  various  objects,  your  committee  have  concluded  to  adopt  a plan  for  the 
extension  of  the  building  originally  suggested  by  the  topographical  bureau,  but 
altered  by  Mr.  Robert  Mills,  the  memorialist,  upon  whose  suggestions  this  committee 
are  now  reporting.  This  plan  proposes  to  add  a north  wing,  100  feet  north  and 
south,  and  200  feet  east  and  west,  forming  equal  proportions  of  40  feet,  and  also  a 
south  wing  of  similar  position  and  dimensions.  Your  committee  recommend  the 
plan  of  Mr.  Mills  just  referred  to,  so  far  as  the  exterior,  the  position,  and  dimension 
of  the  wings  are  concerned;  and  they  submit  the  whole  report  of  Mr.  Mills  as  a part 
of  their  report,  and  one  which  should  be  referred  to  the  joint  consideration  of  the 
committee  hereafter  proposed  to  lie  appointed  in  the  event  that  the  two  houses  of 
Congress  should  authorize  their  committees  to  act  jointly  upon  this  subject.  But  as 
the  interior  arrangements  concern  both  Houses,  it  seems  proper  that  the  plan  for 
their  arrangements  should  be  determined  upon  jointly  by-  committees  of  the  two 
Houses,  and  reported  to  them  for  their  final  action  upon  it.  Your  committee,  there- 
fore, beg  leave  to  submit  the  following  resolution  to  the  Senate  for  its  adoption: 
Resolved, , That  the  33d  rule  of  the  Senate  be  so  amended  as  to  insert  in  the  clause 
providing  for  the  appointment  of  a standing  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  after 
the  word  “members,”  the  words  “who  shall  have  power  also.” 


Report  on  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  of  the  United  States , with  plans;  by  Robert  Mills , 

architect. 

City  of  Washington,  May  1,  1850. 

Dear  Sir:  Your  favor  of  the  3d  instant  was  duly  received,  and  at  your  request  I 
have  prepared  the  requisite  drawings  to  exhibit  “vertical  and  horizontal  projections 
(sections,)  and  estimates,  connected  with  the  details  of  arrangement  for  an  extension 
of  the  Capitol  by  north  and  south  wings,  showing  the  proposed  change  in  the  domes,” 
&c.,  and  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  same  for  consideration. 

Drawing  No.  2 presents  the  general  plan  of  the  entire  building,  with  the  proposed 
wings  north  and  south,  and  relative  position  of  the  Senate  chamber  and  House  of 
Representatives,  the  Library  and  Supreme  Court  rooms,  besides  other  accommoda- 
tions growing  out  of  such  extension  of  the  Capitol. 

The  extent  of  wings  projected  on  this  plan  is  as  follows:  North  wing  100  feet  north 
and  south,  by  200  feet  east  and  west,  forming  equal  projections  of  60  feet  east  and 


432 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


west  from  the  line  of  the  present  building.  This  will  afford  ample  room  for  the 
demands  of  each  House,  both  in  their  halls  of  legislation  and  their  offices  and  com- 
mittee rooms,  on  the  same  floor — an  essential  provision  for  facilitating  the  public 
business.  The  space  allotted  in  each  wing  for  the  two  halls  is  in  the  centre  or  axis 
of  the  Capitol,  divided  or  separated  from  the  present  building  by  a spacious  court, 
necessary  for  light  and  ventilation,  both  to  the  wings  here  and  to  meet;  the  same 
wants  of  the  entrances,  &c.  north  and  south  of  the  present  building;  thus,  none  of 
the  rooms  at  these  ends  will  be  injured  in  usefulness  by  the  annexation  of  the  wings. 

The  new  Senate  Chamber. — The  dimensions  given  this  room  are  equivalent  to  accom- 
modate one  hundred  senators  at  their  separate  desks.  The  general  form  of  the 
chamber  corresponds  with  the  present  one;  the  diameter,  however,  is  increased 
from  75  feet,  the  present,  to  90  feet,  the  proposed  room,  by  a depth  of  60  feet, 
besides  the  logia  behind  the  president’s  seat.  The  presiding  officer’s  seat  is  placed 
on  the  north  side,  or  in  the  diameter  of  the  room. 

The  height  of  this  chamber  does  not  exceed  that  of  the  present  chamber,  but  the 
curve  of  the  ceiling  is  much  flatter  and  better  adapted  to  the  speaking  and  hearing; 
in  this  way  it  will  be  a better  speaking  and  hearing  room,  though  larger  than  the 
present  chamber.  Ample  room  above  this  ceiling  is  provided  for  a thorough  venti- 
lation; and  a system  of  warming  in  winter,  and  cooling  the  atmosphere  in  summer, 
provided  for  below. 

The  windows  lighting  this  chamber  are  placed  on  the  north  and  south;  the  last  in 
the  court,  where  the  light  can  be  softened  equally  with  that  on  the  north.  This 
offence  to  the  eye  of  senators  now,  who  have  to  look  to  the  east,  where  the  win- 
dows are  placed,  will  be  done  away  with  in  the  new  chamber,  looking  as  they  will  to 
the  north. 

Beyond  the  logia,  back  of  the  president’s  chair,  you  pass  outside  of  the  room  into 
a spacious  and  lofty  portico  of  10  columns,  gracing  the  northern  fagadeof  the  build- 
ing. This  portico  is  especially  appropriated  for  senators,  there  being  no  access  to  it 
from  without.  There  are  four  public  entrances  to  this  Senate  wing,  namely: 

1st.  The  central  one,  leading  through  the  centre  or  axis  of  the  Capitol,  across  the 
grand  rotundo,  to  the  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

2d.  The  eastern  entrance,  by  means  of  the  colonnade  on  this  front,  which  reaches 
from  wing  to  wing,  360  feet  long. 

3d  and  4th.  By  two  grand  stairways  east  and  west. 

East  and  west  of  this,  on  the  same  floor,  are  eight  rooms  for  the  officers  of  the 
Senate;  as  inany  above,  and  eighteen  below,  for  committee  rooms;  in  all  thirty-two 
rooms,  all  made  fire-proof,  well  lighted  and  ventilated. 

The  floors  of  the  wing  buildings  are  on  the  same  level  with  those  in  the  present 
building. 

In  giving  the  dimensions  of  these  wings,  (proposed  for  the  accommodation  of  each 
chamber, ) I have  assumed  a spacious  area,  equal  to  24,000  superficial  feet  for  each 
wing,  for  the  purpose  of  securing  a sufficient  number  of  rooms  for  the  officers  of 
each  House  on  the  same  level  with  each  hall,  to  facilitate  the  transaction  of  the  pub- 
lic business.  The  present  deficiency  in  such  rooms  is  now  severely  felt,  and  the 
inconvenient  location  of  many  of  the  rooms  properly  complained  of.  In  the  House 
of  Representatives,  the  space  required  for  business  rooms  is  much  greater  than 
required  by  the  Senate,  and  this  is  endeavored  to  be  met  by  the  proposed  extension 
of  each  wing.  When  we  look  from  the  north  and  the  south  upon  the  fagade  of  these 
wings,  we  will  be  satisfied  that  the  extent  assumed  is  necessary  on  these  fronts  for 
the  architectural  effect  of  the  building.  The  drawing  No.  6 will  exhibit  this  effect, 
as  also  No.  7. 

Whether  the  present  dome  be  altered  or  not,  this  extent  of  wing  will  be  required 
to  give  the  proper  proportion  to  the  building — (see  No.  7,  by  comparison.) 

Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives. — In  the  plan  this  is  located  in  the  south  wing, 
which  corresponds  in  dimensions  with  the  north  wing.  The  same  general  accom- 


The  Extensions. 


433 


modations  are  furnished  here  as  in  the  other  wing,  before  described.  The  dimen- 
sions of  this  hall,  however,  are  greater,  suited  to  the  present  and  future  demands  of 
the  House.  The  general  form  of  this  room  is  the  same  with  the  Senate  chamber — 
the  height  of  the  ceiling  the  same — namely,  45  feet.  The  diameter  of  this  hall  is  one 
hundred  feet,  its  width  70  feet,  capable  of  containing  with  comfort  three  hundred 
members.  It  is  well  lighted,  north  and  south,  and  ventilated,  and  an  equal  tem- 
perature preserved,  winter  and  summer,  upon  the  most  approved  plan.  The  same 
number  of  rooms  for  offices  and  committees  are  provided  in  this  wing  as  in  the  other, 
and  the  same  number  of  public  entrances  within  and  without  ; also  a spacious  portico 
to  the  south  for  the  sole  use  of  members,  having  no  access  but  from  the  hall. 

Adjoining  this  hall  is  a spacious  room  for  a House  Library,  capable  of  containing 
50,000  volumes,  or  more;  this  space  is  obtained  from  the  square  recess  of  the  present 
Hall  of  Representatives,  and  when  taken  off  leaves  a handsome  room  for  public  pur- 
poses. The  communication  with  this  library  is  by  a gallery  leading  across  the  court 
from  the  centre  of  the  hall,  on  the  same  floor. 

The  internal  communication  with  the  rotundo,  from  this  hall,  will  be  outside  of 
the  columns  of  the  present  hall,  which  space  will  be  enlarged  by  the  removal  of  the 
present  staircases  leading  up  to  the  south  galleries. 

The  Congressional  Library  room. — In  the  plan  the  same  position  it  holds  now  is  pre- 
served, the  space  being  greatly  enlarged,  occupying  the  whole  of  the  area  furnished 
by  the  western  projection,  which  will  give  a room  of  155  feet  from  north  to  south, 
by  nearly  60  feet  from  east  to  west,  and  45  feet  high;  a space  which  will  accommo- 
date over  250,000  volumes,  being  capable,  from  its  elevation,  to  have  four  tiers  of 
alcoves. 

From  the  courts  within,  the  means  are  provided  to  give  light  to  the  alcoves  on 
each  side. 

In  connexion  with  this  library  room,  it  is  proposed  to  bring  in  the  aid  of  the  cir- 
cular part  of  the  present  hall,  where  miscellaneous  subjects  of  art,  &c.,  now  deposited 
in  the  library,  may  be  removed  to,  and  thus  relieve  the  library  room  proper  from 
the  crowd  of  visitants  who  come  here  more  for  amusement  than  study.  This  would 
be  a great  relief  to  the  studious,  and  to  members  from  either  House,  coming  here  to 
collect  information.  The  proposed  new  room,  additional  to  the  library,  would  make 
an  admirable  audience  room,  where  works  of  art  may  be  displayed  to  great  advan- 
tage, and  would  relieve  the  House  from  applications  of  public  bodies  for  its  hall,  as 
here  would  be  a room  which  may  be  used  for  such  special  purposes. 

The  new  Supreme  Court  room. — When  the  Senate  shall  occupy  its  new  chamber,  the 
Supreme  Court  could  be  comfortably  and  elegantly  accommodated  in  the  present 
chamber.  The  members  of  this  court  have  suffered  much  from  the  inconvenience  of 
this  room,  and  from  its  location,  which  has  proved  injurious  to  health. 

The  death  of  some  of  our  most  talented  jurists  has  been  attributed  to  this  location 
of  the  court-room;  and  it  would  be  but  common  justice  in  Congress  to  provide  better 
accommodations  for  its  sittings,  and  an  opportunity  will  be  offered  by  the  proposed 
plan. 

The  room  then  (now  occupied  by  the  court)  will  be  well  adapted  for  the  law 
library  room,  or  any  other  public  purpose. 

Drawing  No.  2 B,  presents  a geometrical  elevation  of  the  entire  front  of  the  Capitol, 
with  the  proposed  wings,  showing  the  architectural  effect  of  the  jDlan  of  extending 
the  Capitol.  This  drawing  exhibits  no  change  in  the  surmounting  domes  now  on 
the  building;  but  presents  the  simple  addition  of  the  wings.  All  the  different  details 
of  the  architecture  of  the  present  building  are  carried  out  around  the  wings;  the  por- 
ticoes north  and  south,  ornamenting  the  fagade  of  the  wings,  are  also  shown  in  the 
drawings  by  their  projection  from  each  wing. 

Drawing  No.  3 presents  another  elevation  of  the  Capitol,  with  its  wings  attached, 
but  in  its  surmounting  domes  entirely  different  from  the  present  finish. 

H.  Hep.  646 2S 


434 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  central  dome  assumes  the  architectural  character  of  that  crowning  St.  Peter’s 
Church,  at  Rome;  St.  Paul’s,  London;  the  Church  of  the  Invalids,  Paris,  and  other 
like  buildings.  The  elevation  assumed  for  our  dome  is  210  feet,  70  feet  higher  than 
the  present  dome. 

The  colonnade  extending  round  and  resting  on  the  present  base  of  this  dome  will, 
independent  of  its  utility  for  prospect  and  light  to  rotundo,  produce  a grand  effect, 
and  will  make  a total  change  in  the  architectural  effect  of  the  Capitol. 

Drawing  No.  4 presents  a longitudinal  section  through  the  centre  of  the  Capitol, 
including  the  wings  proposed,  passing  through  all  the  legislative  halls,  present  and 
proposed,  including  the  rotundo  and  embracing  the  architectural  changes  in  all  the 
surmounting  domes,  corresponding  with  elevation  No.  3. 

This  also  shows  the  courts  between  the  wings  and  present  building;  the  form  and 
elevation  of  the  new  and  present  halls,  with  their  galleries,  skylight,  lanterns,  &c. 

The  total  length  of  the  Capitol,  with  its  wings  and  porticoes,  will  be  580  feet. 

The  drawings  are  so  explanative  of  the  general  details  of  the  buildings  proposed, 
that  further  description  seems  unnecessary. 

Permit  me  to  refer  you  accordingly  to  these  drawings,  for  further  particulars  on 
the  interior  sectional  arrangement  of  the  entire  building. 

Drawing  No.  5 presents  a more  detailed  and  enlarged  plan  of  the  new  Senate  cham- 
ber, showing  the  arrangement  of  the  desks  of  senators,  the  president’s  and  secretary’s 
desks,  and  the  galleries  for  the  audience  in  double  tiers,  with  the  reporters’  galleries. 
The  outer  circle  in  this  chamber  is  described  by  a radius  of  45  feet,  making  a diam- 
eter of  90  feet.  The  desks  are  all  disposed  within  this  circle,  in  parallel  or  concen- 
tric lines. 

The  1st  or  outer  row,  or  section,  will  accommodate  28  desks,  all  separated  by  a pas- 
sage way;  the  2d  section,  22  desks;  the  3d  section,  18  desks;  the  4th  section,  16  desks; 
the  5th  section,  12  desks;  in  all  96  desks.  The  width  of  5 feet  is  given  for  each  desk 
and  chair.  The  width  reserved  for  the  central  walk  is  6 feet. 

The  outer  lobby,  8 feet  in  the  clear.  The  area  of  this  chamber  equals  5,761  super- 
ficial feet. 

The  area  of  the  present  Senate  chamber  equals  2,791  superficial  feet — difference  of 
superficial  feet  in  favor  of  new  chamber,  nearly  3,000  feet.  Then,  if  2,791  superficial 
feet  will  accommodate  60  senators  with  the  requisite  free  space,  5,761  superficial  feet 
will  provide  for  123  senators,  with  the  same  privileges — (each  senator  requires  20 
square  feet.)  This  number  multiplied  into  123,  the  number  of  senators,  gives  2,460 
square  feet;  which  deducted  from  the  entire  area  of  the  room  (5,761,)  leaves  3,301 
square  feet  for  passages,  lobbies,  &c. 

I have  thus,  sir,  presented  a brief  and  general  description  of  the  accommodations 
furnished  for  the  public  business  at  the  Capitol,  by  the  extension  of  the  same  by  wings 
north  and  south.  The  pilans,  elevations,  and  sections  submitted  herewith,  will  per- 
hajDS  suffice,  at  present,  to  explain  the  general  character  of  the  improvements  con- 
templated, as  time  does  not  admit  now  of  entering  into  those  minute  details  which  will 
be  required  before  the  work  shall  be  carried  into  execution. 

Annexed  are  the  estimates  for  the  wings,  and  for  completing  the  other  improve- 
ments represented  in  drawing  No.  3. 

To  confirm  the  ground  upon  which  the  form,  of  room  here  presentad  for  the  legisla- 
tive halls  is  recommended,  I would  respectfully  submit  a few  facts  from  my  own 
professional  experience  and  that  of  eminent  architects. 

The  form  given  to  our  new  halls,  while  they  are  in  general  the  same  as  those  at 
present  occupied  by  the  Senate  and  House,  will  more  closely  resemble  that  of  the 
Chamber  of  Deputies , Paris , ( France, ) which  is  acknowledged  to  be  an  excellent  room 
for  the  voice  and  the  ear.  Our  present  Hall  of  Representatives  is  in  plan  the  exact 
counterpart  of  that  of  the  Chamber  of  Deputies,  but  in  elevation  and  section  totally 


The  Extensions. 


435 


different;  and  in  this  consist  the  general  contrasts  of  the  two  rooms  for  speaking  and 
hearing  in. 

The  Senate  chamber,  in  its  elevation,  corresponds  more  with  the  French  chamber, 
and  partakes  of  the  benefits  of  the  latter  in  these  respects.  But  our  Senate  chamber  is 
not  as  perfect,  still,  in  its  proportions,  as  that  of  the  Deputies;  there  are  some  acoustic 
defects  in  its  construction,  which  would  be  corrected  in  the  new  chamber. 

Acoustic  principles  submitted. — Next  to  the  circle  or  ellipsis,  the  horseshoe  or  semicircular 
form  of  room  is  the  best  for  the  voice  and  the  ear,  provided  their  elevation  and  curve 
of  ceiling  are  corresponding  in  their  due  proportion.  It  is  a principle  in  acoustics,  that 
in  the  ratio  of  increase  of  consonant  over  dissonant  echoes,  is  the  strength  and  distinct- 
ness of  the  voice  or  sound  uttered,  both  to  speaker  and  hearer. 

Now,  we  know  that  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  regular  sides  in  a room  is  the 
increase  of  consonant  echoes  ( or  returns  of  the  voice  to  the  ear  of  the  speaker  in  the 
same  moment  of  time  he  utters  the  sound, ) and  hence  the  circular  room  in  practice 
is  the  most  perfect,  the  semicircular  less  perfect,  and  the  square  or  parallelogram,  or 
irregular  form,  the  most  imperfect,  in  conveying  the  sound  distinct  to  the  ear. 

I had  occasion  to  examine  into  the  laws  which  goven  sound  at  an  early  day  in 
my  professional  practice,  as  I had  advocated  and  introduced  in  my  practice  a differ- 
ent form  of  room  for  churches  from  that  usually  adopted.  The  first  was  in  plan  a 
complete  circle,  ninety  feet  in  diameter,  with  a height  only  equal  to  the  radius,  reaching 
to  the  apex  of  the  domical  ceiling,  which  was  a very  fiat  segment  of  a globe.  This 
room  with  its  galleries  held  four  thousand  persons,  and  with  all  this  crowded 
assembly  the  voice  was  clear  and  distinct  in  the  most  distant  parts  of  the  room,  let 
the  speaker  be  where  he  may;  the  ear  was  not  sensible  of  any  echo;  a multitude  of 
consonant  echoes  were  flowing  down  from  the  dome  to  every  listening  ear,  however 
distant  from  the  speaker.  This  building  I erected  in  Philadelphia. 

The  next  church  I designed  was  erected  in  Charleston,  South  Carolina;  it  was  of 
the  same  size  and  form  with  the  former,  but,  contrary  to  my  instructions,  the  height 
of  the  dome  was  increased  beyond  the  maximum  point,  and  the  result  proved  what  I 
anticipated  from  the  change — a sensible  echo  from  loud  speaking,  though  in  a low  tone 
not  perceptible  by  the  ear.  (The  first  discovery  of  this  echo  was  at  the  time  a sale 
of  the  pews  was  about  taking  place  in  the  room : when  the  auctioneer  called  out  in 
a loud  tone,  “Come,  gentlemen,  let  us  proceed  to  business,”  the  reply  of  the  echo 
was,  “to  business.”  At  another  time,  a preacher  was  holding  forth  his  discourse  in 
a loud  tone,  when  his  ear  caught,  at  every  stop  of  his  voice,  a repetition  of  the  last 
word  spoken;  when,  with  a little  warmth,  he  addressed  the  supposed  offender  of 
good  manners  in  his  usual  high  tone,  reprehending  him  for  a want  of  common 
decency  to  a stranger,  but  found  him  incorrigible,  as  the  last  word  of  the  preacher 
still  followed  quick  on  his  ear.  The  congregation  smiled,  and  the  preacher  was  con- 
founded, until  the  pastor  of  the  church  undeceived  him  and  explained  the  cause  of 
his  complaint,  remarking  at  the  same  time  that  it  could  only  be  remedied  by  lower- 
ing his  voice  to  a key  to  suit  that  of  the  room. ) The  Monumental  church  in  Rich- 
mond (my  next  design)  was  of  an  octagon  form,  seventy  feet  in  diameter,  with  a cir- 
cular dome;  as  also  another,  the  Baptist  church  in  Baltimore,  eighty  feet  in  diameter; 
both  of  which  are  favorable  to  the  voice  and  ear,  though  the  former  is  not  equal  to 
the  circle  in  this  respect.  These  are  a few  examples  of  circular  and  polygonal  forms 
of  rooms  which  I have  erected,  and  which  have  proved  the  correctness  of  the  theory 
I had  adopted,  that  sound  (the  action  of  the  voice)  is  subject  to  the  same  laws  which 
govern  light.  To  elucidate  this  principle  I would  take  the  liberty  of  referring  you  to 
two  papers  on  this  subject  which  I presented  to  the  House  of  Representatives  in  1830 
and  ’32,  and  published  by  its  order,  (Doc.  No.  83,  1st  sess.  21st  Cong.,  and  Doc.  495, 
22d  Cong.,  annexed,)  applicable  to  the  causes  of  the  defects  in  speaking  and  hearing 
in  the  hall,  and  the  means  of  lessening  the  evil.  The  principles  there  laid  down  are 


436 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


applicable  to  all  forms  of  rooms,  and  point  out  the  cause  why  the  Senate  chamber  is  a 
better  speaking  and  hearing  room  than  the  hall  of  the  House,  and  why  the  Chamber 
of  Deputies  is  better  in  these  respects  than  either. 

In  the  larger  plan,  (No.  2,  1st  series,)  I have  given  the  elliptical  form  to  the  new 
hall  of  the  House,  which  is  that  adopted  for  the  hall  erected  for  the  first  Congress, 
which  sat  in  Washington  in  1800.  This  room  was  found  so  favorable  for  the  action 
of  the  voice  in  speaking  and  hearing,  that,  when  the  permanent  hall  (the  first  being 
but  a temporary  building)  was  ordered  to  be  erected,  Mr.  Jefferson,  who  was  charged 
with  the  selection  of  the  plan,  chose  the  same  form  for  the  new  hall;  and  it  was 
accordingly  erected  and  finished  in  this  general  form,  differing  a little  from  the  orig- 
inal, as  will  be  seen  by  reference  to  the  small  plan  No.  3,  (new  series, ) being  a square 
bounded  by  two  semicircles.  This  did  not  prove  as  good  a speaking  and  hearing  room 
as  the  former,  owing  to  its  domical  ceiling  being  so  much  higher,  and  owing  also  to 
the  side  walls  being  screened  by  a colonnade  formed  of  as  large  columns  as  now  adorn 
the  present  hall:  still,  with  all  these  drawbacks,  it  proved  satisfactory  to  the  mem- 
bers, and  no  serious  complaints  were  made  of  the  room  during  the  time  it  was  occu- 
pied by  the  House,  which  ceased  in  1814,  when  it  was  burnt  by  the  British. 

In  1816  Congress  resolved  to  rebuild  the  Capitol,  aud  the  President,  in  selecting 
plans,  adopted  the  present  form  of  the  hall  of  the  House,  by  the  recommendation  of 
the  architect,  B.  H.  Latrobe,  esq.,  who  arranged  and  built  the  former  hall;  a gentle- 
man of  transcendent  talents,  of  high  scientific  attainments,  and  perfectly  master  of 
his  profession.  Mr.  Jefferson  appreciated  the  talents  of  Mr.  Latrobe  by  appointing 
him  architect  of  the  Capitol.  I was  then  pursuing  my  studies  at  Washington,  when 
Mr.  Jefferson  advised  me  to  enter  the  office  of  Mr.  Latrobe,  and  recommended  me  to 
this  gentleman.  This  I did.  Will  you  permit  me  here,  sir,  to  do  justice  to  a faithful 
officer  of  the  government,  in  saying  that  the  whole  Union  is  indebted  to  Mr.  Latrobe 
for  introducing  a correct  taste  in  architecture  into  our  country,  at  a period  when  but 
little  was  known  here  of  the  art.  The  government  lost  the  services  of  a valuable  citi- 
zen when  it  accepted  of  his  resignation,  for  there  are  many  defects  in  the  architecture 
of  the  Capitol,  which,  had  he  been  retained,  would  not  have  to  be  now  noticed.  But 
excuse,  sir,  this  digression;  it  might  go  to  justify  Mr.  Latrobe  in  noticing  some  of  the 
errors  in  the  original  construction  of  the  present  hall,  which,  as  he  left  the  superin- 
tendence of  the  work  before  the  hall  was  finished,  might  have  been  overlooked  by 
his  successor.  Mr.  L.  was  fully  justified  in  selecting  the  horse-shoe  or  semicircular 
form  for  the  new  hall,  from  the  fact  that  when  the  French  Chamber  of  Deputies  resolved 
upon  the  erection  of  a new  hall  for  debate,  they  appointed  a committee  composed  of 
the  most  celebrated  architects  of  France  to  inquire  into  the  subject,  and  report  upon  the 
best  form  of  a room  for  legislative  business;  and  who,  after  examining  the  largest  rooms 
in  Paris,  and  the  most  celebrated  buildings  of  antiquity,  unanimously  recommended 
the  horse-shoe  or  semicircular  form,  surmounted  by  a very  flat  dome;  which  was 
accordingly  executed,  and  has  given  every  satisfaction.  As  I have  stated  before,  the 
hall  of  the  Chamber  of  Deputies  is  said  to  be  one  of  the  finest  speaking  and  hearing 
rooms  known.  But  the  Chamber  of  Deputies  was  so  plain  a room  that  Mr.  L.,  no 
doubt,  thought  from  the  success  of  the  last  hall  he  built,  (the  elliptical,)  which  was 
enriched  by  a splendid  colonnade  circling  the  room,  that  he  might  circle  this  new 
hall  also  with  a similar  colonnade;  but  at  the  result  he  must  have  been  disappointed, 
if  he  ever  saw  the  room  after  it  was  occupied  by  the  House — for  Mr.  L.  settled  in 
New  Orleans,  where  he  deceased  soon  after,  to  the  great  loss  of  the  profession. 

Though  both  of  these  halls  had  their  walls  fretted  by  a series  of  heavy  columns  and 
lofty  domes,  the  ellipitical  form  had  the  advantage  of  the  semicircular  in  the  power 
of  conveying  sound,  possessing  over  the  other  double  the  number  of  consonant  echoes, 
from  its  double  horse-shoe  form. 

In  the  plan  and  construction  of  the  present  Senate  chamber,  Mr.  Latrobe  was  more 
successful  in  providing  a good  speaking  and  hearing-room;  and  if  we  trace  the  cause 


The  Extensions. 


437 


of  this,  it  will  be  found  to  consist  in  the  plainness  of  its  walls  and  lovmess  of  its  dome, 
(compared  with  the  present  Hall  of  Representatives,)  comporting  more  with  the 
proportions  of  the  French  Chamber  of  Deputies. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

Robt.  Mills,  Architect. 

Hon.  Jefferson  Davis, 

Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  Senate  U.  S. 


Estimate  No.  1. — For  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  first  on  the  icings  north  and  south,  upon 
upon  plan  No.  2 — 240  by  100  feet. 

For  constructing  the  north  wing,  and  completing  the  Senate 

chamber $450,  000 

For  constructing  the  south  wing,  and  completing  Hall  of  Rep- 
resentatives   450, 000 

$900, 000 

Altering  and  enlarging  library  rooms 75,  000 

Two  new  cupolas 2,  000 

Extension  of  the  east  colonnade,  and  west  do 130,  000 

Enlarging  approaches  to  both  Houses 2,  500 


1, 109,  500 

Altering  and  enlarging  the  grand  central  dome,  as  per  drawing  No.  3 $300,  000 

Contingencies — scaffolding,  and  superintendence  of  the  whole  work 80,  000 

Estimate  No.  2. — For  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  icings,  extent  of  each  wing  200  feet  by 

100  feet. 

Foundations  and  cellar  story $40,  000 

Basement  story 120, 000 

Principal  story 203,000 

Contingencies,  superintendence,  scaffolding,  &c 36,  000 


Cost  of  north  wing $399,  000 

Cost  of  south  wing 400,  000 


Cost  of  both  wings 799,  000 

Alterations  and  enlargement  of  library  room,  and  finishing  do  ..  $75,  000 

Enlargement  of  vestibule  of  Senate _ _ 5,  000 

New  library  room  to  House  of  Representatives 15,  000 

95, 000 

894,  000 

Extension  of  east  colonnade 50,  000 

Extension  of  west  colonnade 80,  000 


1,024,  000 

Alterations  of  central  dome,  and  enlarging  the  same  agreeably  to  design. . $300,  000 

Contingencies,  superintendence,  &c 30,  000 


330,  000 


438 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[House  proceedings  of  July  22,  1850:  Congressional  Globe,  31 — 1,  p.  1425.] 

COMMITTEE  ON  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

The  Speaker  laid  before  the  House  a message  from  the  Senate: 

In  Senate  of  the  United  States, 

May  28,  1S50. 

Ordered,  That  the  Secretary  inform  the  House  of  Representatives  that  the  Senate  has  empowered 
the  standing  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  to  act  jointly  with  the  committee  on  the  same  subject  of 
the  House  of  Representatives.  Attest,  Asbury  Dickins,  Secretary. 

Mr.  Houston  (scarcely  heard  in  the  confusion  of  the  Hall)  moved  a concurrence  on 
the  part  of  the  House  in  the  resolution.  He  was  understood  to  say,  that  the  appoint- 
ment of  a joint  committee  tvas  desired  for  a particular  purpose.  He  understood  the 
object  of  the  resolution  to  be  to  authorize  the  committee  of  the  two  Houses  to  con- 
sult together  upon  certain  additions  to  the  Capitol — involving  the  matter  of  additional 
accommodations  to  the  Supreme  Court,  the  House  of  Representatives,  &c.  As  these 
contemplated  improvements  were  upon  a large  scale,  it  was  deemed  desirable  that 
the  two  committees  should  consult  together,  and  act  jointly.  He  hoped  the  resolu- 
tion would  be  concurred  in. 

Mr.  Richardson  said  a few  words  which  it  was  not  possible  to  hear,  but  which  were 
understood  to  be  in  opposition  to  the  resolution,  and  in  general  protest  against  these 
great  projects  for  the  improvements  of  the  Capitol.  He  was  opposed  to  the  ivhole 
matter. 

Mr.  Houston  interposing,  (and  Mr.  R.  yielding  the  door, ) said  he  would  state  for 
the  information  of  the  gentleman  from  Illinois,  [Mr.  Richardson,]  that  the  joint 
resolution  did  not  contemplate  any  appropriation  of  money,  or  authorize  the  joint 
committee  to  make  any  contract.  Its  only  object  was  to  authorize  the  two  commit- 
tees to  sit  together.  But  the  result  of  their  deliberation,  whatever  that  might  be, 
would  await  the  action  of  the  House.  The  resolution  merely  enabled  the  committees 
to  sit  jointly,  as  without  such  a resolution  they  could  not  do. 

Mr.  Richardson  said,  he  was  perfectly  aware  of  all  that  the  gentleman  from  Dela- 
ware [Mr.  Houston]  had  said.  But  he  (Mr.  R. ) had  long  understood  what  the 
practical  operation  of  this  mode  of  proceeding  was.  A joint  committee  would  be 
appointed,  the  House  would  consider  as  committed  to  the  recommendations  of  that 
committee,  and  appropriations  would  be  made  for  the  construction  of  these  buildings. 
And  this  was  about  all  that,  the  House  would  know  about  the  matter.  He  alluded 
to  the  manner  in  which  appropriations  had  been  made  for  the  Patent  Office,  and 
expressed  the  belief  that  very  few  gentlemen  understood  the  extent  to  which  the 
public  money  was  to  be  appropriated.  The  appropriations  had  run  up  from  thou- 
sands to  hundreds  of  thousands.  If  gentlemen  would  come  here  with  a plain  and 
open  proposition  for  the  appropriations  they  wanted,  he  was  sure  that  very  few,  if  any 
members,  would  vote  for  the  magnificent  improvements  which  were  contemplated. 
He  was  opposed  to  the  whole  system.  The  time  might  come  when  some  of  these 
gentlemen,  about  whose  mileage  so  many  complaints  were  made,  might  want  the 
Capitol  nearer  to  their  own  residences,  and  they  would  then  give  those  gentlemen  the 
benefit  of  that  mileage  which  so  much  distressed  them. 

He  moved  that  the  communication  be  laid  upon  the  table. 

Mr.  Woodward  requested  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  [Mr.  Richardson]  to  with- 
draw the  motion. 

Mr.  Richardson  said  he  would  do  so. 

So  the  motion  to  lay  on  the  table  was  withdrawn. 

Mr.  Woodward  said,  he  was  in  favor  of  the  resolution.  He  was  willing  to  do  any- 
thing which  would  promote  the  project  of  a new  Hall  for  the  accommodation  of  this 
body.  Efforts  towards  that  object  had  been  made  during  the  last  twrenty  years.  He 
was  willing  and  anxious  to  remove  the  impediments  that  existed  to  legislation  in  this 


The  Extensions. 


439 


House.  It  was  impossible  for  members  to  debate — it  was  impossible  for  them  even 
to  practice  good  manners  here,  because  a member  was  not  going  to  sit  silent  whilst 
another  member  was  speaking,  when  he  could  not  hear.  He  said,  therefore,  that 
this  was  an  unmannerly  Hall,  and  that  order  never  could  be  maintained  in  it.  Look 
at  it!  A stranger  would  suppose  that  at  the  time  it  was  constructed,  there  was  not  a 
man  in  the  nation,  from  the  President  down,  who  knew  that  there  was  in  nature 
such  a science  as  accoustics,  and  that  surfaces  reflected  sounds.  It  was  not  a Hall — 
it  was  a cavern — a mammoth  cave,  in  which  men  might  speak  in  all  parts,  and  be 
understood  in  none.  It  was  constructed  with  a view  to  concentrate  the  voice  of  the 
member  on  the  Speaker’s  ear,  leaving  every  one  else  deaf.  Better  that  the  members 
should  be  dumb  too,  unless  a different  Hall  should  be  given  to  them.  He  believed 
that  five  times  the  cost  of  a new  Hall  would  be  saved  to  the  country  in  five  years. 
He  believed  that  if  the  House  had  transacted  its  business  in  a building  differently 
constructed,  certain  claims,  the  passage  of  which  had  given  offence  to  some  gentle- 
men, never  would  have  passed  without  debate.  This  House  legislated  upon  an 
amount  of  unjust  claims  in  the  course  of  five  years,  which  would  save  to  the  Gov- 
ernment twice  over  the  cost  of  constructing  a suitable  Hall.  He  would  construct 
such  a building,  even  if  the  cost  were  five  millions  of  dollars.  The  country  would 
be  the  gainers  in  money — it  would  be  the  gainers  in  the  influence  which  this  House 
would  possess  over  the  public  mind — because  he  insisted  that  speaking  here  without 
the  possibility  of  being  heard,  tended  strongly  to  demoralize  the  House.  The  whole 
habit  and  bearing  of  the  members  would  be  improved,  if  they  had  a Hall  in 
which  it  was  possible  to  hear. 

He  trusted  the  pecuniary  consideration  would  have  no  influence  in  the  decision  of 
the  question.  He  was  astonished  that  the  House  should  hesitate  a moment  about 
an  expenditure  for  such  a purpose.  It  would  be  better  to  expend  any  amount  of 
money  for  a Hall  in  which  the  debates  could  be  effectively  heard.  Men  could  not 
even  keep  their  tempers  here.  They  were  obliged  to  get  into  a passion,  in  order  to 
speak  loud  enough  to  be  heard  at  all.  And  hence  it  was  that  that  description  of 
debate  which  was  in  the  worst  taste  was  that  which  generally  engaged  attention. 
He  trusted  that  these  two  committees  would  be  connected,  if  by  so  doing  the  great 
object  to  be  attained  could  in  any  degree  be  promoted. 

Mr.  White  desired  to  be  informed  by  the  Speaker,  whether  this  communication 
might  not  be  informally  laid  aside. 

Mr.  Woodward.  I cannot  hear  a word  the  gentleman  says — not  one  word,  sir. 

Members  in  other  parts  of  the  Hall.  We  cannot  hear  a word. 

The  Speaker.  Conversation  is  too  loud  in  the  Hall.  The  gentleman  from  New 
York  [Mr.  White]  will  suspend  his  remarks  until  order  has  been  restored. 

After  the  lapse  of  some  time, 

Mr.  White  resumed.  I understand  that  a resolution  on  this  subject  has  been  passed 
by  the  Senate.  That  resolution  is  not  now  before  the  House.  This  is  a simple 
motion  of  concurrence  in  a resolution  which  lias  not  been  presented.  It  seems  to  me 
that  it  would  be  proper  to  have  the  resolution  before  us  before  any  action  is  taken. 

I do  not  know  what  the  resolution  contains.  But  1 desire  the  Speaker  to  state 
whether  the  resolution  may  not  be  informally  laid  aside  until  such  time  as  the  reso- 
lution itself  shall  be  before  the  House? 

Mr.  Houston  was  understood  to  say,  that  all  that  was  proposed  to  be  done  was, 
that  the  committee  of  the  House  should  act  in  conjunction  with  the  committee  of 
the  Senate.  The  Senate  had  passed  a resolution  to  that  effect,  and  this  committee 
apprised  the  House  of  the  fact.  The  simple  proposition  was,  that  the  House  should 
instruct  its  committee  to  act  conjointly  with  the  committee  of  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Thompson,  of  Mississippi.  Is  it  a proposition  to  make  this  a joint  committee, 
or  is  there  some  specific  object  upon  which  it  is  proposed  to  act? 

Mr.  Houston.  It  is,  as  I understand,  fora  temporary  purpose  only. 


440 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capital. 


Mr.  Thompson.  What  is  that  purpose? 

Mr.  Houston  referred  to  the  remarks  lie  had  already  submitted,  and  said,  that 
beyond  the  explanation  there  given,  he  could,  he  thought,  say  nothing  calculated  to 
give  satisfaction  to  the  gentleman  from  Mississippi,  [Mr.  Thompson.] 

Mr.  White.  I hope  the  resolution  will  be  laid  aside. 

The  Speaker.  The  gentleman  from  New  York  [Mr.  White]  is  entitled  to  the  floor. 
The  communication  comes  up  in  the  regular  order  of  business.  By  the  unanimous 
consent  of  the  House  it  can  be  laid  aside  informally. 

Mr.  Houston  objected. 

Mr.  White  then  moved  that  the  further  consideration  of  the  resolution  be  post- 
poned until  Monday  next. 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Tennessee,  ( to  the  Chair. ) Is  the  motion  debatable? 

The  Speaker.  It  is  not. 

The  question,  “Shall  the  consideration  of  the  subject  be  postponed  until  Monday 
next?”  was  then  taken,  and  decided  in  the  negative — ayes  60,  noes  70. 

So  the  House  decided  that  the  consideration  of  the  subject  should  not  be  postponed. 

The  question  recurring  on  concurring  in  the  resolution  of  the  Senate — 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Tennessee,  said,  he  could  not  see  the  objection  to  the  passage  of 
the  resolution  which  seemed  to  have  struck  the  minds  of  some  members  of  the 
House.  It  was  simply  a proposition  that  the  Committees  on  Public  Buildings,  of  the 
House  and  of  the  Senate,  should  act  conjointly.  Surely  the  House  did  not,  by  con- 
curring in  the  resolution,  commit  itself  to  any  proposition  that  might  be  submitted 
by  the  committee.  Therefore,  so  far  as  the  proposition  itself  was  concerned,  he 
could  see  no  objection  to  its  adoption,  if  it  were  anything  good — nor  even  if  it  were 
anything  bad. 

But  if  the  object  were  such  as  had  been  represented  here  to-day,  then  he  concurred 
entirely  in  the  views  which  had  been  expressed  by  the  gentleman  from  South  Caro- 
lina, [Mr.  Woodward.]  He  (Mr.  S. ) thought  that  the  opinion  had  long  and  gener- 
ally prevailed  here,  that  this  Chamber  was  unfit  for  the  purpose  for  which  it  had 
been  built;  that  it  was  necessary — absolutely  and  indispensably  necessary — that  a 
Hall  should  be  constructed  in  which  the  public  business  could  be  conducted  properly, 
and  with  facility.  It  was  true — true  to  the  letter — that  persons  sitting  even  in  his 
(Mr.  S.’s)  seat,  were  altogether  unable  to  hear  anything  of  a large  portion  of  the 
business  before  the  House.  If,  for  the  purpose  of  hearing,  he  went  into  the  area  in 
front  of  the  Clerk’s  table,  the  Speaker,  as  it  was  his  duty  to  do,  called  him  to  order. 
If  he  advanced  a few  paces  into  the  aisle,  to  hear  something  of  matters  in  which  he 
felt  a deep  concern,  there,  also,  he  was  called  to  order,  as  on  numberless  occasions 
he  had  been.  Thus,  he  was  in  ignorance  of  much  that  was  going  on  in  the  Hall;  and 
he  must  continue  to  lie  so,  unless,  by  breaking  the  rule,  he  could  take  some  position 
more  favorable.  He  had  a right  to  know  all  that  was  going  on  in  the  Hall.  It  was 
his  constitutional  privilege  to  hear,  just  as  much  as  it  was  to  speak;  and  it  was  the 
duty  of  this  House  to  provide  the  means  of  hearing  for  all.  He  hoped,  if  the  object 
of  this  resolution  to  unite  the  two  committees  w'as  to  facilitate  the  proposition  to 
construct  a new  Hall,  that  it  would  be  passed  without  difficulty  or  delay,  as  it  must 
commend  itself  to  the  favorable  consideration  of  the  House. 

Mr.  McLane,  of  Maryland,  demanded  the  previous  question,  which  was  seconded, 
and  the  main  question  was  ordered,  being  on  the  adoption  of  the  following  resolution 
moved  by  Mr.  Houston: 

Resolved,  That  the  House  concur  in  the  order  of  the  Senate  of  the  28th  of  May,  1850,  and  that  the 
committee  on  Public  Buildings  of  the  House  be  authorized  to  act  in  concert  with  the  same  committee 
of  the  Senate. 

The  question  was  taken,  and  the  resolution  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Gott  moved  to  reconsider  the  vote  and  to  lay  that  motion  on  the  table. 

The  question  was  taken,  and  decided  in  the  affirmative. 

So  the  motion  to  reconsider  was  laid  on  the  table. 


The  Extensions. 


441 


[Senate  procedings  of  September  19,  1850:  Congressional  Globe,  31 — 1,  p.  1870-6,] 

CIVIL  AND  DIPLOMATIC  APPROPRIATIONS. 

On  the  motion  of  Mr.  Dickinson,  the  Senate  proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the 
bill  making  appropriations  for  the  civil  and  diplomatic  expenses  of  the  Government 
for  the  year  ending  the  thirtieth  of  June,  1851,  and  for  other  purposes,  which  had 
been  reported  from  the  Committee  of  Finance  with  several  amendments. 

* * * 

Mr.  Davis,  of  Mississippi,  offered  the  following,  and  it  was  agreed  to: 

“For  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  by  wings,  according  to  such  plans  as  may  be  adopted  by  the 
joint  committee  of  both  Houses  of  Congress  $100,000  for  each  wing.  This  appropriation  to  be  expended 
under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  and  he  shall  be  authorized  to  appoint  an 
architect  to  carry  out  the  plan  or  plans  which  may  be  adopted  as  aforesaid.” 

Mr.  Davis.  The  Senate  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  have  had  this  matter  for 
some  time  under  their  consideration,  and  have  inspected  various  plans  of  different 
architects.  They  have  so  far  decided  upon  a plan  as  to  enable  them  to  make  an 
estimate  which  they  think  will  approach  very  nearly  to  the  amount  required.  The 
Committee  of  the  House  of  Representatives  having  acted  with  that  of  the  Senate, 
and,  not  having  attempted  to  decide  upon  the  details,  it  has  been  left  to  the  Joint 
Committee  to  decide  hereafter  upon  the  plan.  The  plan  which  is  now  before  me 
has  been  exhibited  in  the  Senate,  and  is  perhaps  the  one  which  will  be  adopted. 
It  is  to  extend  the  Capitol  north  and  south  by  wings  transversely  to  the  axis  of  the 
Capitol,  throwing  the  halls  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  into  the 
opposite  wings. 

* * * 

Pending  this  amendment,  the  Senate  adjourned. 


[Same,  revised,  as  given  in  Congressional  Globe,  31 — 1,  Appendix,  p,  1350.] 
EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  Davis,  of  Mississippi.  Mr.  President,  I am  instructed  by  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  to  offer  the  following  amendment: 

For  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  by  wings,  according  to  such  plans  as  may  be  adopted  by  the  joint 
committee  of  both  Houses  of  Congress,  $100,000  for  each  wing;  this  appropriation  to  be  expended 
under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States;  and  he  shall  be  authorized  to  appoint  an 
architect  to  carry  out  the  plan  or  plans  which  may  be  adopted  as  aforesaid. 

The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  of  the  Senate  have  considered  this  matter  for 
some  time.  Various  plans  have  been  submitted  to  them  by  different  architects.  At 
one  of  the  meetings  they  acted  with  part  of  the  committee  of  the  House,  and  they 
have  so  far  decided  upon  a plan  as  to  enable  them  to  make  an  estimate.  The  com- 
mittee on  the  part,  of  the  House,  not  having  acted  with  that  of  the  Senate,  to  enable 
them  to  decide  finally  upon  a plan — not  being  prepared  to  act  in  detail — it  has  been 
left  to  the  joint  committee  of  the  two  Houses  upon  the  public  buildings.  It  remains 
hereafter  with  them  to  settle  definitely  upon  a plan.  The  plan  lying  before  me, 
which  has  been  exhibited  in  the  Senate  and  elsewhere,  gives  a general  idea  of  that 
which  the  committee  of  the  Senate  would  adopt.  It  is  the  extension,  on  the  north 
and  south,  by  wings  transverse  to  the  axis  of  the  present  building,  throwing  the  Hall 
of  Representatives  and  the  Senate  Chamber  opposite  each  other,  fronting  upon  an 
open  court  on  the  east  front. 

The  amendment  was  adopted. 


442 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Sept.  23,  1850:  Congressional  Globe,  31 — 1,  p.  1944.] 

The  Senate  having  under  consideration  the  Civil  and  Diplomatic  bill  for  1851 — 

Mr.  Chase.  I move  now  that  the  Senate  nonconcur  in  the  amendment  making  an 
appropriation  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  building. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I move  to  strike  out  the  word  “ wing”  and  insert  the  word  “addi- 
tion,” for  the  purpose  of  leaving  the  question  open  as  to  whether  we  shall  make  an 
addition  or  put  on  wings  to  the  building. 

Mr.  Davis,  of  Mississippi.  There  is  no  need  of  the  word  “addition”  at  all;  for  the 
striking  out  of  the  word  “wing”  will  accomplish  the  Senator’s  object.  I have  no 
objection  to  this  amendment  at  all,  and  the  only  effect  it  will  have  will  be  to  enlarge 
the  sphere  of  inquiry  of  the  committee  when  they  come  into  joint  action.  I would 
say  that  plans  for  extending  the  wings  only  were  submitted  to  the  chairman  of  the 
committee,  but  understanding  that  different  plans  have  been  suggested,  I am  willing 
to  leave  out  the  word  “wings,”  in  order  to  leave  it  optional  whether  we  shall  adopt 
the  proposition  for  another  building  or  for  the  extension  of  wings. 

Mr.  Cass.  I would  suggest  to  the  Senator  from  Virginia  that  he  move  to  strike  out 
all  except  the  mere  appropriation  of  §200,000  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Bright.  I have  a motion  to  make  which  will  cover  the  whole,  and  that  is  to 
strike  out  the  whole  clause. 

The  amendment  of  Mr.  Hunter  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Chase  asked  for  the  yeas  and  nays  on  the  question  of  concurring,  and  they 
were  ordered. 

Mr.  Rusk.  I have  no  objection  to  voting  §1,500,000  for  the  enlargement  of  the 
Capitol;  but  I desire  to  know,  first,  in  what  manner,  in  what  place,  and  under  whose 
direction  it  is  to  be  expended.  We  are  making  an  appropriation  for  a matter  here 
which  will  cost  ten  times  the  amount  appropriated,  I have  now  doubt. 

Mr.  Bright.  I have  but  a single  remark  to  make  before  1 vote.  I voted  some  two 
years  ago  for  an  appropriation  of  §50,000  to  aid  in  the  construction  of  the  Patent 
Office,  then  estimated  to  cost  some  §300,000.  It  is  admitted  now,  although  the  work 
has  scarcely  progressed  eleven  months,  that  it  will  cost  some  §1,100,000.  Now,  I do 
not  intend  to  vote,  as  was  said  by  the  Senator  from  Texas,  for  the  erection  of  further 
public  buildings  out  of  the  public  Treasury  until  I know  something  of  the  plan,  and 
what  is  to  be  the  cost  of  carrying  out  the  measure.  And  if  this  appropriation  shall 
be  made,  I will  make  this  prophecy — that  before  the  work  is  finished  it  will  cost  the 
Government  a million  and  a half  or  two  millions  of  dollars,  unless  it  is  differently 
managed  from  the  other  public  buildings  which  have  been  put  up  here. 

Mr.  Dickinson.  I believe  the  Senator  is  mistaken  in  regard  to  the  Patent  Office. 
I understood  the  whole  matter  once,  but  it  has  passed  out  of  my  mind.  I believe, 
however,  that  §150,000  was  the  estimate  of  the  whole  cost,  though  we  shall  not  get 
off  with  that  sum. 

Mr.  Bright.  I think  I am  not  mistaken.  I always  double  the  estimates  in  these 
cases  in  my  own  mind.  [Laughter.]  When  the  cost  was  estimated  at  §150,000  I 
thought  it  safe  to  double  the  amount,  and  hence  I made  it  in  my  own  mind  §300,000; 
and  I am  told  now  that  it  will  cost  §1,100,000. 

Mr.  Davis,  of  Mississippi.  The  Committee  on  the  Library  have  examined  this  mat- 
ter, at  various  times  and  in  various  plans,  and  we  thought  we  had  finally  agreed  on 
one  which  would  enable  us  to  make  something  like  an  estimate  of  the  cost.  The 
amount  asked  for  was  an  estimate  for  the  exterior  of  the  building,  as  I stated  when 
I introduced  it.  The  cost  of  the  interior  was  not  discussed,  still  less  decided  upon, 
and  it  must  vary  as  the  interior  shall  be  built.  We  thought,  however,  that  to  put 
up  the  building  and  covering,  we  had  asked  for  as  little  as  was  necessary.  I think 
the  objection  taken  by  the  Senator  is  sound,  so  far  as  the  distinct  action  of  the  com- 
mittee is  concerned,  and  1 am  not  sure  that  it  is  not  sound  altogether.  If  we  had 
been  able  to  get  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  of  the  House  to  act  jointly  with 


The  Extensions. 


443 


us  at  an  early  period  of  the  session,  I think  we  might  have  presented  a plan,  with  an 
estimate  attached;  but  that  we  have  been  unable  to  do.  The  estimate  which  was 
made  was  upon  wings  which  should  furnish  additional  committee  rooms,  and  two 
spacious  chambers  for  the  use  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  and  I 
do  not  think,  for  the  purposes  of  the  estimate,  the  cost  would  be  increased.  The 
cost  will  be  limited  only  by  the  degree  of  extension.  And  if  this  Union  continues 
together,  and  this  continues  to  be  the  seat  of  Government,  I have  no  idea  that  any 
plan  which  may  now  be  suggested  will  finally  answer  all  the  wants  of  the  country. 
A very  good  architect,  speaking  of  it  a short  time  ago,  said  that  we  would  have  yet 
to  cover  the  whole  square  with  buildings,  and  I think  it  is  likely.  We  see  at  least 
that  this  magnificent  building,  certainly  very  magnificent  at  the  time  it  was  con- 
structed, has  now  become  too  small,  and  if  it  be  any  object  to  preserve  the  lives  of 
Senators,  it  is  then  an  object  to  commence  at  an  early  period  the  extension  of  the 
Capitol.  We  have  all  felt  the  injurious  effects  of  breathing  the  atmosphere  infected 
as  that  of  this  Chamber  becomes  after  a long  session ; and  since  the  debates  of  the 
Senate  have  become  popular,  everybody  has  witnessed  how  inadequate  the  present 
galleries  are  for  the  accommodation  of  visitors.  By  making  an  appropriation  at  this 
session,  the  foundation  can  be  commenced  during  the  recess,  which  will  make  prob- 
ably a difference  of  a year  in  the  completion  of  the  work.  It  is  for  the  Senate  to 
decide  whether  they  will  hazard  the  committee  adopting  an  extravagant  plan,  or  the 
postponement  of  the  work. 

Mr.  Cass.  I know  nothing  as  to  the  merits  of  the  several  plans  proposed,  but  I 
think  this  to  be  the  very  worst  building  on  the  face  of  the  earth  for  the  purposes  to 
which  it  is  devoted,  and  I have  no  idea  of  voting  for  the  erection  of  another  like  it. 
You  can  scarcely  hear  in  this  Chamber,  and  in  the  House  you  cannot  hear  at. all, 
while  a large  portion  of  the  building  is  sacrificed  and  lost  in  winding  stairways  and 
dark  corridors.  1 repeat,  I think  this  to  be  the  very  worst  building  in  the  world  for 
its  purposes. 

Mr.  Badger.  I desire  to  say  that  although  I was  heartily  in  favor  of  the  amend- 
ment as  originally  adopted,  yet  1 shall  vote  against  it,  in  the  form  in  which  it  has 
been  amended. 

The  question  was  then  taken  on  concurring,  and  resulted  as  follows: 

* * * 

So  the  amendment  as  amended  was  concurred  in. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Sept.  25,  1850:  Congressional  Globe,  31 — 1,  p.  1970.] 

ENLARGEMENT  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

The  following  resolution,  submitted  yesterday  by  Mr.  Hunter,  was  considered, 
ordered  to  a third  reading,  and  was  read  a third  time  and  passed: 

Resolved,  That  the  Committtee  on  Public  Buildings  be  authorized  to  invite  plans,  accompanied  by 
estimates,  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  and  to  allow  a premium  of  $500  for  the  plan  which  may 
be  adopted  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  acting  jointly,  of  the  two  Houses  of  Congress,  to 
be  paid  out  of  the  contingent  fund  of  the  Senate. 


[House  proceedings  of  Sept.  27,  1850:  Congressional  Globe,  31 — 1,  p.  1986.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  State  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Senate  amendments  to  the  Civil  and  Diplomatic  bill  1851 — 

The  35th  amendment  of  the  Senate.  In  page  35,  after  line  3,  insert  as  follows: 

For  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  according  to  such  plan  as  may  be  adopted  by  the  joint  Committee 
on  Public  Buildings  of  both  Houses  of  Congress,  $200,000.  This  appropriation  to  be  expended  under 
the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  who  shall  be  authorized  to  appoint  an  architect 
to  carry  out  the  plan  or  plans  which  may  be  adopted  as  aforesaid. 


444 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Bayly  aid,  he  was  instructed  by  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  to  rec- 
ommend to  the  House  not  to  concur  in  this  amendment. 

Mr.  Houston  rose  to  address  the  Chairman. 

[Loud  cries  of  “Question,  question.”] 

Mr.  Houston  moved  an  amendment. 

The  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  rejected. 

The  question  recurred  and  was  taken  on  concurring  in  the  amendment  of  the  Sen- 
ate, and  it  was  non-concurred  in. 


[House  proceedings  of  Sept.  28,  1850:  Congressional  Globe,  31 — 1,  p.  2022.] 

Mr.  Bayly.  The  committee  of  conference  on  the  disagreeing  votes  of  the  two  Houses 
on  the  bill  making  appropriations  for  the  civil  and  diplomatic  expenses  of  the  Gov- 
ernment for  the  current  fiscal  year,  have  instructed  me  to  make  a report.  I move 
that  the  House  insist  upon  its  disagreement  to  the  1st,  18th,  89th,  90th  and  91st 
amendments  of  the  Senate,  and  that  another  committee  of  conference  be  appointed, 
and  on  that  motion  I call  the  previous  question. 

Mr.  Vinton.  I should  be  glad  to  know  what  the  committee  have  done.  I hope 
that  the  gentleman  from  Virginia  [Mr.  Bayly]  will  withdraw  his  demand  for  the 
previous  question,  and  state  what  the  action  of  the  committee  has  been. 

Mr.  Jones.  The  committee  of  the  Senate  have  concurred  in  the  report,  and  the 
Senate  have  insisted  on  their  amendments. 

The  report  was  read,  as  follows: 

The  committee  of  conference  on  the  disagreeing  votes  of  the  two  Houses  on  the 
bill  (H.  R.  334)  making  appropriations  for  the  civil  and  diplomatic  expenses  of 
Government  for  the  year  ending  the  30th  of  June,  1851,  and  for  other  purposes,  hav- 
ing met,  and  after  full  and  free  conference  have  agreed  to  recommend  and  do  recom- 
mend to  the  respective  Houses  as  follows: 

* * * 

That  the  House  agree  to  the  35th  amendment  of  the  Senate,  with  the  following 
amendment: 

Strike  out  the  said  amendment,  and  in  lieu  thereof  insert: 

“For  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  according  to  such  plan  as  may  be  approved  by  the  President. of 
the  United  States,  $100,000;  to  be  expended  under  his  direction  by  such  architect  as  he  may  appoint 
to  execute  the  same.” 

* * * 

Mr.  Vinton.  I suppose  the  question  to  be  on  agreeing  to  the  report  of  the  com- 
mittee of  conference? 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  understands  the  question  to  be  presented  by  the  report 
of  the  committee  of  conference,  and  by  the  motion  of  the  gentleman  from  Virginia, 
[Mr.  Bayly,]  to  be  this:  The  first  question  will  be  on  agreeing  to  the  report  of  the 
committee  of  conference,  which  has  been  agreed  to  on  the  part  of  the  Senate.  If  the 
report  should  be  concurred  in  by  the  House,  these  amendments  will  be  considered 
as  having  been  disposed  of;  and  the  two  Houses  will  then  stand  upon  their  disagree- 
ing votes  on  the  three  amendments  designated  by  the  gentleman  from  Virginia,  [Mr. 
Bayly,]  upon  which  the  committee  of  conference  could  not  agree.  And  the  gentle- 
man from  Virginia  has  moved  that  the  House  insist  upon  its  disagreement  to  the 
amendments  ot  the  Senate,  and  has  asked  for  the  appointment  of  another  committee 
of  conference. 

* * * 

The  question  was  then  taken  on  the  demand  for  the  previous  question.  There  was 
a second,  and  the  main  question  was  ordered  to  be  taken.  (Which  main  question 
was,  first,  on  agreeing  to  the  report  of  the  committee  of  conference,  so  far  as  regarded 
those  amendments  upon  which  the  committee  had  agreed. ) 


Tlie  Extension s. 


445 


The  Speaker  directed  the  amendments  to  be  reported  to  the  House,  and  said  that 
as  the  reading  would  require  some  time,  the  Chair  must,  in  advance,  ask  gentlemen 
to  preserve  order,  so  that  the  amendments  might  be  understood. 

Cries  of  “Dispense  with  the  reading.” 

In  other  quarters  of  the  House  the  reading  was  insisted  upon;  and,  after  some  con- 
versation, those  amendments  upon  which  the  committee  of  conference  had  agreed 
were  read. 

And  the  question  being  taken  on  agreeing  to  so  much  of  the  report,  it  was  agreed  to. 


[From  the  1 ‘Act  making  Appropriations  for  the  Civil  and  Diplomatic  Expenses  of  the  Government 
for  the  Year  ending  the  thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-one,  and  for  other  Purposes,’7 
approved  Sept.  30,  1850.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  9,  538.)] 

“ For  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  according  to  such  plan  as  may  be  approved  by 
the  President  of  the  United  States,  one  hundred  thousand  dollars;  to  be  expended 
under  his  direction,  by  such  architect  as  he  may  appoint  to  execute  the  same.  ’ ’ 


[Advertisement  for  plans  for  the  Capitol  Extension.  (From  “ Daily  National  Intelligencer,”  Wash- 
ington, D.  C.,  Oct.  2 to  Oct.  21,  1850,  inclusive.)] 

ENLARGEMENT  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  of  the  Senate,  having  been  authorized  by  a 
resolution  of  that  body,  “to  invite  plans  accompanied  by  estimates  for  the  exten- 
sion of  the  Capitol,  and  to  allow  a premium  of  five  hundred  dollars  for  the  plan 
which  may  be  adopted  by  the  Committees  on  Public  Buildings  of  the  two  Houses 
of  Congress,”  accordingly  invite  such  plans  and  estimates,  to  be  delivered  to  the 
Secretary  of  the  Senate  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  December  next. 

It  is  required  that  these  plans  and  estimates  shall  provide  for  the  extension  of  the 
Capitol,  either  by  additional  wings,  to  be  placed  on  the  north  and  south  of  the  present 
building,  or  by  the  erection  of  a separate  and  distinct  building,  within  the  enclosure 
to  the  east  of  the  building. 

The  committee  do  not  desire  to  prescribe  any  condition,  that  may  restrain  the  free 
exercise  of  architectural  taste  and  judgment,  but  they  would  prefer,  that  whatever 
plan  may  be  proposed,  may  have  such  reference  to  and  correspondence  with  the 
present  building  as  to  preserve  the  general  symmetry  of  the  entire  structure,  when 
complete.  Although  but  one  plan  can  be  adopted,  the  committee  reserve  to  them- 
selves the  right  to  form  such  plan  by  the  adoption  of  parts  of  different  plans  sub- 
mitted, should  such  course  he  found  necessary;  in  which  event,  the  committee  also 
reserve  to  themselves  the  right  to  divide  or  apportion,  according  to  their  own  judg- 
ment, the  amount  of  premium  to  be  awarded  for  the  whole  plan,  to  those  whose 
plans  may  be  in  part  adopted,  according  to  the  relative  importance  and  merit  of 
each  part  adopted. 

R.  M.  T.  Hunter, 
Jefferson  Davis, 

John  LI.  Clarke, 

Committee  of  the  Senate  on  Public  Buildings. 

Senate  Chamber,  30th  September,  1850. 

N.  B. — The  several  daily  papers  published  at  Washington  will  please  insert  the 
above  daily  for  two  weeks,  and  send  their  accounts  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Senate. 

oct  2 — d2w. 


446 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[Senate.  Rep.  Com.  No.  273,  Thirty-first  Congress,  second  session.  In  Senate  of  the  United  States. 

February  8,  1851. — Submitted,  and  ordered  to  be  printed.] 

Mr.  Davis,  of  Mississippi,  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  made  the  fol- 
lowing report: 

The  Committee  of  the  Senate  to  whom  was  referred  the  subject  of  the  enlargement 
of  the  Capitol  building,  report: 

That  they  have  received  and  considered  plans  presented  by  many  distinguished 
architects;  and  after  an  attentive  study  and  patient  investigation,  in  which  they  were 
aided  by  the  explanations  of  each  architect  by  whom  plans  were  presented,  have 
concluded  to  recommend  the  addition  of  wings,  attached  to  the  north  and  south  ends 
of  the  Capitol,  and  placed  at  right-angles  to  its  axis,  as  shown  in  the  accompanying 
drawing.  To  answer  the  requirements  of  Congress  without  impairing  the  beauty, 
disturbing  the  harmony,  or  diminishing  the  effect  of  the  noble  structure  our  fathers 
erected,  was  a problem  of  extreme  perplexity.  It  will  be  readily  perceived  that 
there  must  be  much  greater  difficulty  in  devising  a plan  for  the  enlargement  of  a 
building  to  which  additions  were  not  originally  contemplated,  than  in  deciding  upon 
one  for  an  entirely  new  edifice. 

In  the  examination  of  the  complicated  question  submitted  to  them,  the  committee 
have  been  governed  by  the  following  considerations: 

1.  The  purpose  for  which  Congress  authorized  the  enlargement  of  the  building. 
This  being  increased  accommodation  and  better  adaptation  to  the  uses  to  which  the 
edifice  is  applied,  those  considerations  have  been  regarded  as  paramount  to  all  others. 
The  halls  of  legislation  should  be  well  suited  to  speaking  and  hearing,  and  be  prop- 
erly arranged  for  lighting,  heating,  and  ventilation;  without  these  requisites  the 
structure  would  fail  in  its  primary  object,  and  architectural  beauty  would  but  sharpen 
reproach. 

2.  To  adhere,  as  closely  as  is  compatible  with  the  objects  to  be  attained,  to  the 
architectural  character  and  site  of  the  original  building,  both  of  which  are  in  a meas- 
ure rendered  sacred  by  having  been  selected  by  the  first  President  of  the  United 
States.  After  having  adopted  a plan  for  the  building,  General  Washington  fixed  its 
location;  and  this  was  the  initial  point  in  laying  out  the  plan  of  the  city.  The  centre 
of  the  rotundo,  before  the  addition  of  the  western  projection  was  made,  was  the 
centre  of  the  building,  and  is  the  radiating  point  from  which  the  avenues  and  four 
main  streets  diverge  to  the  different  parts  of  the  city.  It  is,  therefore,  in  the  opinion 
of  your  committee,  an  important  element  in  the  choice  of  a plan  for  the  extension  of 
the  Capitol,  that  the  relation  to  its  approaches  and  points  of  view  should  be  main- 
tained, and  this  second  addition  to  the  building  be  made  to  restore  to  the  rotundo 
the  central  position  which  it  had  in  the  original  design. 

3.  Economy,  or  the  lowest  expenditure  consistent  with  the  objects  proposed.  This 
consideration,  though  last  presented,  is  held  to  be  not  the  least  argument  in  favor  of 
the  plan  proposed  by  your  committee.  By  estimates  submitted  to  them,  it  appears 
that  the  mode  of  enlarging  by  wings  would  not  cost  one-half  of  the  sum  which  would 
be  required  for  the  plan  of  duplicating  the  Capitol,  finished  with  the  necessary 
connections. 

Guided  by  these  considerations,  the  committee  have  adopted  the  mode  of  exten- 
sion represented  in  the  accompanying  plan,  combined  from  various  sources,  espe- 
cially from  the  drawings  submitted  to  the  committee  according  to  invitation  publicly 
given.  The  parts  so  taken  from  these  drawings,  after  modifications  by  the  com- 
mittee, were  put  in  the  form  presented,  by  Robert  Mills,  the  architect  in  the  employ- 
ment of  the  government. 

This  plan  secures  the  requisite  accommodation  in  a compact  and  convenient  form. 
The  amount  of  light  will  be  greater  than  in  the  plan  of  extension  by  duplicating 
the  building.  The  wings  will  be  so  exposed  on  all  sides  to  the  external  air,  as  to 
afford  the  most  ready  means  of  ventilation.  Both  wings  will  have  an  unobstructed 


The  Extensions. 


447 


view  to  the  east  and  the  west — one  having  also  an  exposure  to  the  north,  and  the 
other  to  the  south.  By  retiring  the  wings,  the  heavy  embankment  will  be  avoided, 
which  would  be  necessary  if  they  were  brought  up  to  the  line  of  the  west  front  of 
the  present  building;  whilst,  on  the  other  hand  there  would  be  no  suchexcavation 
as  would  be  required  in  the  duplicate  plan.  The  eastern  park  will  be  unmutilated, 
and  its  trees  preserved.  The  centre  of  the  rotundo,  now  the  radiating  point  of  the 
avenues  and  principal  streets,  will,  by  the  proposed  extension  to  the  east,  become 
the  centre  of  the  Capitol  building. 

The  defect  of  the  eccentric  position  of  the  dome,  as  viewed  from  the  north  or 
south,  will  be  remedied,  and  this  prominent  feature  will  appear  securely  adjusted  on 
the  structure,  instead  of  pressing,  with  painful  effect,  on  one  side.  The  limit  to 
which  the  present  building  may  be  increased  in  length,  without  impairing  its  archi- 
tectural effect,  is  believed  to  be  within  the  space  required  for  accommodation;  but 
by  receding  the  wings  as  is  proposed,  the  apparent  length  of  the  building  in  a north 
and  south  direction  will  be  diminished,  and  this  objection  against  the  plan  of  exten- 
sion by  the  prolongation  of  the  present  wings  will  be  overcome. 

The  architectural  character  of  the  present  edifice,  though  it  does  not  invite,  is 
nevertheless  such  as  to  admit  of  additions;  and  it  is  believed  that  they  may  be  made 
not  only  to  harmonize  with  it,  but  to  heighten  its  effect.  In  the  plan  proposed,  it 
has  been  studiously  sought  to  avoid  interference  with  the  original  design.  The 
beautiful  east  fagade  will  be  preserved,  and  rendered  not  less  imposing  by  the  stronger 
light  and  shadow  given  by  the  proposed  projections.  The  west  front,  which  has 
become  the  principal  one,  will  be  improved  by  the  addition  of  the  porticoes  of  the 
wings:  the  north  and  south  will  each  present  to  the  view  a- corresponding  portico; 
and,  the  wings  being  brought  into  unity  with  the  present  building,  an  imposing 
architectural  front  will  be  offered  to  every  line  of  approach. 

The  committee  have  not  attempted  to  settle  the  minute  details  of  the  interior; 
they  have,  however,  pushed  their  inquiries  so  far  as  to  be  assured  that  all  the  accom- 
modation required  may  be  certainly  furnished  by  the  proposed  wings,  they  being 
attached  to  the  present  building  so  as  to  render  every  part  of  it  available  in  con- 
nexion with  the  additions.  The  Chamber  of  the  Senate  and  the  Hall  of  the  House 
of  Representatives  may  be  so  arranged  in  the  plan  proposed,  as  to  afford  the  neces- 
sary space  for  members,  and  galleries  sufficient  to  contain  any  probable  number  of 
visitors,  and  to  secure  all  the  facilities  for  heating,  lighting,  ventilating,  and  hearing, 
which  are  attainable  in  such  rooms.  Nearly  the  whole  of  the  projection  of  the  west 
front  may  be  appropriated  to  the  congressional  library,  and  the  room  will  be  thus 
exposed  to  the  light  and  air  on  three  sides,  and  increased  in  area  nearly  threefold. 

The  desired  accommodations  for  the  Supreme  Court  and  its  officers  may  be  obtained 
in  the  basement  story  of  the  north  wing.  The  number  of  committee  rooms  which  will 
be  added  is  deemed  quite  sufficient  for  any  anticipated  want,  as  the  number  of  com- 
mittees will  not  necessarily  or  probably  increase  with  the  increased  number  of  sena- 
tors and  representatives. 

The  exterior  of  the  present  building  was  changed  from  the  original  design  by 
increasing  the  height  of  the  principal  dome,  and  adding  two  of  smaller  size.  It  is 
proposed,  as  shown  in  the  drawing,  to  restore,  as  far  as  may  be,  the  classic  beauty 
and  simplicity  of  the  first  plan,  by  reducing  the  principal  dome  and  removing  the 
others.  And,  to  break  the  long  horizontal  line  of  the  roof  by  an  elevation  over  each 
wing,  through  which  the  Chamber  of  the  Senate  and  the  Hall  of  Representatives 
may  be  lighted,  the  small  domes  may  be  substituted  by  any  of  the  various  modes  of 
lighting  from  the  roof  without  raising  a prominent  object  above  the  building. 

In  deciding  upon  a question  so  complicated  and  difficult,  the  committee  have  not 
hoped  to  reach  a result  which  would  be  entirely  free  from  objection;  but  only,  by 
weighing  the  advantages  and  disadvantages  against  each  other,  to  ascertain  the  mode 
which  would  most  nearly  conform  to  the  considerations  by  which  they  were  guided. 


448 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


A diagram  of  the  Capitol  grounds  and  avenues  of  approach  accompanies  the  drawing 
of  the  building,  and  the  estimate  for  the  plan  herein  proposed  is  appended  to  this 
report. 

Jeffn.  Davis, 

John  H.  Clarke. 

FEBRUARY  7,  1851. 


Estimate  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  wings. 

For  constructing  the  north  wing  and  completing  the  Senate  Chamber. . . $425, 000 

For  constructing  the  south  wing  and  completing  Hall  of  Representatives.  450, 000 


875,  000 

Contingencies,  superintending,  scaffolding,  &c 80, 000 


955,  000 

Altering  and  enlarging  Congressional  Library  Room .- 75,  000 

Two  new  attic  cupolas 5,  000 

Extension  of  east  and  west  colonnade 130,  000 

Four  porticoes  as  in  plan 120,  000 

Enlarging  entrances  in  both  halls 6,  000 


$1,  291,  000 

Rob’t  Mills,  Architect. 


[Account  of  the  laying  of  the  corner  stone  of  the  South  Wing  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  July  4,  1851, 
in  the  handwriting  of  Daniel  Webster,  Secretary  of  State.  (From  “ Celebration  of  the  One  Hun- 
dredth Anniversary  of  the  Laying  of  the  Comer  Stone  of  the  Capitol  of  the  United  States,”  by  Gen- 
eral Duncan  S.  Walker,  page  142. — Public  document:  1896.)] 

On  the  morning  of  the  first  day  of  the  seventy-sixth  year  of  the  Independence  of 
the  United  States  of  America,  in  the  city  of  Washington,  being  the  4th  day  of  July, 
1851,  this  stone,  designed  as  the  corner  stone  of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  accord- 
ing to  a plan  approved  by  the  President,  in  pursuance  of  an  act  of  Congress,  was  laid 
by  Millard  Fillmore,  President  of  the  United  States,  assisted  by  the  Grand  Master 
of  the  Masonic  lodges,  in  the  presence  of  many  Members  of  Congress,  of  officers  of 
the  executive  and  judiciary  departments,  National,  State,  and  District,  of  officers  of 
the  Army  and  Navy,  the  corporate  authorities  of  this  and  neighboring  cities,  many 
associations,  civil  and  military  and  Masonic,  officers  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution 
and  National  Institute,  professors  of  colleges  and  teachers  of  schools  of  the  District 
with  their  students  and  pupils,  and  a vast  concourse  of  people  from  places  near  and 
remote,  including  a few  surviving  gentlemen  who  witnessed  the  laying  of  the  corner 
stone  of  the  Capitol  by  President  Washington  on  the  18th  day  of  September,  1793. 

If  it  shall  hereafter  be  the  will  of  God  that  this  structure  shall  fall  from  its  base, 
that  its  foundation  be  upturned  and  this  deposit  brought  to  the  eyes  of  men,  be  it 
then  known  that  on  this  day  the  Union  of  the  United  States  of  America  stands  firm; 
that  their  Constitution  still  exists  unimpaired  and  with  all  its  original  usefulness  and 
glory;  growing  every  day  stronger  and  stronger  in  the  affections  of  the  great  body  of 
the  American  people  and  attracting  more  and  more  the  admiration  of  the  world. 
And  all  here  assembled,  whetner  belonging  to  public  life  or  to  private  life,  with 
hearts  devoutly  thankful  to  Almighty  God  for  the  preservation  of  the  liberty  and 
happiness  of  the  country,  unite  in  sincere  and  fervent  prayers  that  this  deposit  and 
the  walls  and  arches,  the  domes  and  towers,  the  columns  and  entablatures,  now  to 
be  erected  over  it,  may  endure  forever! 

God  save  the  United  States  of  America! 

Daniel  Webster, 
Secretary  of  State  of  the  United  States. 


CENTRAL  EAST  PORTICO. 


The  Extensions. 


449 


[Mss.:  Capitol  Papers,  Box  116,  Patents  and  Miscellaneous  Division,  Office  of  the  Secretary,  Interior 

Department.] 

Architect’s  Office,  U.  S.  Capitol, 

Washington , I).  C.,  July  29,  1851. 
To  His  Excellency,  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

Sir:  In  compliance  with  your  request,  I have  the  honor  to  submit  to  you  the  fol- 
lowing report  embracing  my  views  as  to  the  best  manner  of  executing  the  work  of 
the  extension  of  the  United  States  Capitol. 

Several  communications  relating  to  this  question  have  been  referred  to  me  by  your 
Excellency,  all  of  which  I have  read  and  duly  considered,  and  in  view  of  the  various 
arguments  which  have  been  advanced  on  the  subject,  as  well  as  of  my  own  experi- 
ence in  the  execution  of  public  works,  I am  decidedly  of  opinion  that  the  contract 
system,  with  proper  checks,  penalties,  and  securities,  would  be  far  more  advantageous 
to  Government,  than  what  is  called  the  days-ivork  system. 

In  the  one  case  each  department  of  the  work  has  a responsible  head,  whose  inter- 
est it  is  to  employ  none  but  good  workmen,  and  to  use  his  best  energies  to  execute 
his  contract  in  a creditable  manner,  and  with  as  little  loss  of  time  as  possible,  as  he 
must  naturally  feel  a pride  in  the  work,  as  well  as  a pecuniary  interest  that  could 
not  be  realized  by  any  one  acting  in  the  simple  capacity  of  foreman.  By  the  other 
system  none  of  the  overseers  have  any  direct  interest  in  advancing  the  work,  nor 
can  they  have  anything  like  the  pride  in  its  execution  that  is  felt  by  an  honest  and 
ambitious  contractor. 

Another  objection  to  the  days-work  system  is  the  difficulty  there  is  in  obtaining 
good  foremen.  It  is  indispensable  that  those  who  superintend  the  several  branches 
of  mechanics  be  well  skilled  in  their  respective  occupations;  but  such  superintendents 
can  rarely  be  found,  as  the  talent  that  would  fit  a mechanic  for  such  a post  would 
make  him  a master  in  his  particular  art,  and  he  would  not  be  likely  to  abandon  his 
business  for  a mere  per  diem  allowance;  I am  therefore  of  opinion  that  the  best 
mechanical  talent  and  skill  can  only  be  obtained  by  putting  the  work  out  by  contract. 

It  may  not  be  out  of  place  for  me  to  add  strength  to  what  I have  here  said,  by 
bringing  before  you  the  experience  of  the  Building  Committee  of  the  Girard  College, 
as  published  in  their  report  to  the  municipal  authorities  of  Philadelphia.  In  their 
report  of  the  year  1843  they  say, 

The  plan  adopted  by  a former  committee  of  executing  the  several  portions  of  the  building  by 
contract,  instead  o£  employing  workmen  by  the  day  has  also  been  resorted  to  in  the  operations  of  the 
past  year,  and  the  result  has  satisfied  the  committee  that  by  carrying  out  this  system,  wherever  it  is 
practicable,  a large  expenditure  of  money  may  be  saved,  and  the  work  be  equally  well  performed. 

In  their  report  of  1845  in  advising  councils  to  put  the  remaining  out  buildings 
under  contract  they  say,  “that  these  works  can  be  well  and  substantially  constructed 
by  contract,  and  with  more  advantage  to  the  college  fund  than  by  the  purchase  of 
materials  and  the  employment  of  workmen  by  the  committee,  is  fully  shown  by  tried 
experiment.” 

It  should  be  here  remarked,  that  the  days-work  system  was  pursued  at  the  college 
for  8 years  from  its  commencement,  and  that  the  contract  system  was  resorted  to 
mainly  from  considerations  of  economy. 

One  of  the  papers  referred  to  me  by  your  Excellency  consists  of  a petition  numer- 
ously signed  by  citizens  of  the  District  of  Columbia,  praying  that  the  work  on  the 
Capitol  may  be  done  by  the  day; — this  jietition  certainly  demands  a most  respectful 
consideration,  and  if  I could  bring  my  own  judgment  to  coincide  with  its  views  it 
would  give  me  great  pleasure,  but  1 regret  to  say  that  the  opinions  1 entertain  on 
the  subject  are  entirely  different  from  those  expressed  by  the  petitioners,  for  reasons 
which  I have  already  given. 

H.  Rep.  040 


•29 


450 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 


After  considering  the  subject  in  all  its  bearings,  and  weighing  the  arguments  which 
have  been  adduced  both  in  favor  and  against  contracts,  1 have  come  to  the  conclusion 
that  the  interests  of  Government  would  be  promoted  by  inviting  proposals  for  the 
work  from  all  parts  of  the  country,  and  putting  it  out  by  contract  to  the  lowest 
responsible  bidders,  exacting  in  all  cases  the  most  unexceptionable  securities,  and 
investing  the  contracts  with  such  checks,  penalties  and  provisions  as  shall  insure  the 
execution  of  the  work  in  a given  time,  and  in  the  best  possible  manner. 

I therefore  take  the  liberty  to  suggest  that  proposals  be  invited  from  mechanics  and 
builders  throughout  the  country  for  the  whole,  or  any  portion  of  the  work,  leaving 
it  optional,  after  the  bids  come  in,  to  accept  offers  for  different  parts  of  the  buildings, 
or  for  the  whole  of  each  of  the  wings,  as  may  be  found  most  advantageous  to 
Government. 

1 am  using  every  exertion  to  complete  the  plans  and  specifications  at  the  earliest 
possible  moment,  and  I hope  to  be  ready  by  the  middle  of  August.  If  it  should  be 
deemed  advisable  to  adopt  the  course  I have  suggested  it  will  be  necessary  to  adver- 
tise about  30  days,  which  will  bring  in  the  bids  about  the  middle  of  Sept.;  in  the 
mean  time  I propose  to  go  on  with  the  stonework  by  days-workmen,  as  it  will  be 
necessary  to  secure  the  banks  from  caving,  and  in  any  event  it  is  desirable  that  the 
work  should  progress  without  interruption. 

We  have  very  satisfactory  bids  for  stone,  lime,  sand,  and  cement,  and  I am  now 
testing  the  several  specimens,  preparatory  to  making  a report  to  the  Department  of 
the  Interior;  we  therefore  require  nothing  at  present  but  stone-masons;  these,  as  I 
before  remarked,  may  be  employed  by  the  day,  under  our  general  superintendent, 
and  my  own  supervision,  until  the  question  in  reference  to  the  manner  of  doing  the 
work  shall  have  been  decided,  and  a more  permanent  arrangement  made  for  its 
execution. 

It  will  be  necessary,  before  the  specifications  can  be  completed,  to  come  to  some 
conclusion  as  to  what  material  the  buildings  shall  be  faced  with.  My  own  judgment 
is  in  favor  of  marble.  The  sand  stone  with  which  the  present  Capitol  is  faced,  is  a 
weak  and  friable  material,  wholly  unfit  for  a public  building;  and  granite  is  not 
suitable  for  architectural  carving  like  that  of  the  present  building,  I therefore  recom- 
mend that  the  new  buildings,  above  the  sub-base,  be  faced  with  marble,  as  nearly 
white  as  can  be  obtained,  and  that  the  present  structure  be  painted  to  imitate  it. 

I propose  to  face  the  sub-base,  which  stands  about  3 feet  out  of  the  ground,  with 
heavy  blocks  of  the  lightest  colored  granite. 

I have  the  honor  to  remain  your  Excellency’s  oh.  servt. 

Tno.  U.  Walter, 

Architect,  Extension  of  U.  S.  Capitol. 

Washington,  July  29,  1851. 

Thomas  U.  Walter, 

Rel.  to  extension  of  the  Capitol. 

Recommitted  to  Mr.  Walter  with  a request  that  he  will  report  the  number  of  sub- 
divisions into  which  the  work  can  be  reduced,  so  as  to  enlarge  the  competition  to  the 
greatest  extent. 

Alex.  H.  II.  Stuart. 


[Mss.:  Capitol  Papers,  Box  116,  Patents  and  Miscellaneous  Division,  Office  o£  the  Secretary,  Interior 

Department.] 

Architect’s  Office,  U.  S.  Capitol, 

Washington,  Sep.  13,  1851. 

To  His  Excellency,  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

Sir:  The  communication  I had  the  honor  to  address  to  you  on  the  29th  of  July, 
in  reference  to  the  manner  of  executing  the  work  of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol, 


The  Extensions. 


451 


having  been  recommitted  to  me  by  the  Hon.  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  requesting  me 
“to  report  the  number  of  subdivisions  into  which  the  work  can  be  reduced,  so  as  to 
enlarge  the  competition  to  the  greatest  extent,”  I respectfully  proceed  to  comply 
with  the  request. 

As  it  has  been  deemed  inexpedient  to  enter  into  contract  for  the  whole  work,  it 
will  not  be  necessary  to  put  such  portions  of  it  under  contract,  at  the  present  time, 
as  will  not  be  required  during  the  ensuing  year,  as  the  roofing,  the  interior  finish 
and  decorations,  the  painting  and  glazing,  floors,  heating  apparatus  &c. ; I therefore 
recommend  that  such  portions  only  as  are  required  to  be  commenced  during  the 
coming  year  be  contracted  for;  these  will  embrace  the  granite  sub-basement,  the 
marble  and  marble  work  of  the  exterior  of  the  superstructure,  the  bricks,  lime,  sand, 
cement,  and  the  lumber  for  centering. 

These  portions  of  the  work,  especially  the  marble  and  granite  will  require  extensive 
preparations;  it  will  therefore  be  necessary  to  put  them  under  contract  before  the 
close  of  the  present  season,  so  as  to  allow  the  contractors  an  opportunity  to  get  a 
supply  on  the  ground  during  the  winter. 

I respectfully  recommend  that  the  work  to  be  contracted  for,  be  divided  as  follows; 

Granite  work  of  sub-basement  of  both  buildings,  including  materials,  in  one 
contract. 

Marble  work  of  the  entire  exterior,  including  materials,  also  in  one  contract. 

Bricks  by  the  thousand. 

Lime  and  cement  by  the  barrel. 

Sand  bv  the  bushel. 

Lumber  for  centering  and  scaffolding  b}r  the  thousand  feet. 

As  no  carpenter’s  work  will  be  required  next  season  except  centering  and  scaffold- 
ing, I propose  to  do  it  by  the  day,  leaving  the  carpenter’s  work  of  the  buildings  for 
future  consideration. 

I also  suggest  that  the  Bricklayer’s  work,  and  the  blacksmith’s  work  be  done  by 
the  day,  as  these  portions  of  the  building  may  be  done  as  advantageously  in  this 
way  as  by  contract. 

I consider  it  desirable  that  all  themarblefor  both  buildings  should  come  from  the 
same  quarry,  so  as  to  insure  a uniformity  of  color;  and  I think  the  plan  of  uniting 
the  workmanship  and  the  material  in  the  same  contract  decidedly  preferable  to 
having  them  separate,  as  it  will  then  be  the  interest  of  thequarrymen  to  keep  up  the 
supply  of  material  most  needed,  which  is  seldom  done  where  there  is  no  common 
interest.  As  we  have  a pattern  for  every  feature  of  this  part  of  the  work,  in  the 
present  building,  in  addition  to  the  drawings,  on  which  every  line  is  shown,  and 
full  specifications  of  the  manner  of  doing  the  work,  its  cost  can  as  well  be  ascertained 
now,  as  when  the  work  is  done;  I have  therefore,  in  this  view  of  the  subject,  recom- 
mended that  a contract  be  made  for  the  whole  of  the  exterior  marble  work,  leaving 
the  marble  for  the  interior  to  be  done  by  the  day,  or  by  additional  contracts,  as  may 
hereafter  be  deemed  most  advantageous  to  Government. 

The  same  reasons  hold  good  in  reference  to  the  granite  subbasement;  I have  there- 
fore suggested  that  this  part  of  the  work  also,  be  done  by  contract. 

I have  the  honor  to  be  your  excellency’s  ob.  servt., 

Tho.  U.  Walter, 

Arclit.  of  the  Extension  of  the  U.  S.  Capitol. 


The  above  views  of  Mr.  Walter  meet  my  approbation. 

Alex.  II.  H.  Stuart. 

Approved: 

Millard  Fillmore. 


452 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Alex.  H.  H.  Stuart,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  29,  1851.  (32—1,  House 

Ex.  Doc.  No.  2,  pt.  2,  p.  511.)] 

EXTENSION  OF  CAPITOL. 

Since  the  adoption  of  the  plan  approved  by  you  for  the  enlargement  of  the  Capitol 
the  work  has  been  diligently  prosecuted. 

The  foundations  of  both  wings  are  now  nearly  completed,  and  if  suitable  appro- 
priations be  made  by  Congress  at  its  approaching  session  no  effort  will  be  spared 
to  push  on  the  work  with  as  much  dispatch  as  may  be  consistent  with  its  faithful 
execution. 


[From  the  second  annual  Message  of  President  Millard  Fillmore,  Dec.  2,  1851.  (32 — 1,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  2,  pt.  1,  p.  23.)] 

An  act  of  Congress  approved  30th  September,  1850,  contained  a provision  for  the 
extension  of  the  Capitol,  according  to  such  plan  as  might  be  approved  by  the  Presi- 
dent, and  appropriated  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  to  be  expended  under  his 
direction,  by  such  architect  as  he  should  appoint  to  execute  the  same.  On  examin- 
ing the  various  plans  which  had  been  submitted  by  different  architects,  in  pursuance 
of  an  advertisement  by  a committee  of  the  Senate,  no  one  was  found  to  be  entirely 
satisfactory,  and  it  was  therefore  deemed  advisable  to  combine  and  adopt  the  advan- 
tages of  several. 

The  great  object  to  be  accomplished  was  to  make  such  an  addition  as  would  afford 
ample  and  convenient  halls  for  the  deliberations  of  the  two  Houses  of  Congress,  with 
sufficient  accommodations  for  spectators,  and  suitable  apartments  for  the  committees 
and  officers  of  the  two  branches  of  the  Legislature.  It  was  also  desirable  not  to  mar 
the  harmony  and  beauty  of  the  present  structure,  which,  as  a specimen  of  architec- 
ture, is  so  universally  admired.  Keeping  these  objects  in  view,  I concluded  to  make 
the  addition  by  wings,  detached  from  the  present  building,  yet  connected  with  it  by 
corridors.  This  mode  of  enlargement  will  leave  the  present  Capitol  uninjured,  and 
afford  great  advantages  for  ventilation  and  the  admission  of  light,  and  will  enable 
the  work  to  progress  without  interrupting  the  deliberations  of  Congress.  To  carry 
this  plan  into  effect  I have  appointed  an  experienced  and  competent,  architect.  The 
corner-stone  was  laid  on  the  4th  day  of  July  last,  with  suitable  ceremonies,  since 
which  time  the  work  has  advanced  with  commendable  rapidity,  and  the  foundations 
of  both  wings  are  now  nearly  complete. 


[House  proceedings  of  Dec.  16,  1851:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 1,  p.  107.] 

THE  WORKMEN  ON  THE  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  Florence.  I ask  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  House  to  submit  a resolution. 
It  is  known  probably  to  the  House,  that  a number  of  persons  have  been  recently 
discharged  from  employment  on  the  works  at  the  Capitol  now  in  propress  of  con- 
struction. I have  been  called  upon  by  a number  of  these  persons,  and  they  desire  me 
to  present  a resolution. 

The  following  is  the  resolution: 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  or  whichever  committee  may  have  charge  of 
the  subject,  be  requested  to  report  forthwith  a bill  making  further  appropriations  for  the  continu- 
ance of  the  work  recently  in  progross  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  buildings,  in  order  that  a large 
number  of  mechanics  and  workingmen,  who  have  been  deprived  of  work,  and  thereby  their  present 
means  of  subsistence,  having  been  discharged  a few  days  ago  from  that  employment,  may  be  again 
employed,  it  being  exceedingly  difficult  at  this  inclement  season  of  the  year  to  obtain  employment 
elsewhere  in  the  city. 


The  Extensions. 


453 


Mr.  Clingman  inquired  of  the  Chair  the  order  of  business? 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  has  already  announced  that  the  unfinished  business  of 
yesterday  is  now  in  order.  Any  other  business  cannot  intervene  except  by  the 
unanimous  consent  of  the  House.  The  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  asks  the 
unanimous  consent  to  introduce  a resolution. 

Mr.  Richardson.  I rise  to  a question  of  order.  I understand  the  Chair  to  state 
that  the  unfinished  business  of  yesterday  is  in  order. 

, The  Speaker.  Will  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  [Mr.  R-ichardson]  allow  the  gen- 
tleman from  Pennsylvania  [Mr.  Florence]  to  ask  the  unanimous  consent  of  the 
House  to  introduce  a resolution? 

Mr.  Stephens,  of  Georgia.  I object  to  the  Introduction  of  any  business  out  of 
order. 

Mr.  Richardson.  I understand  the  Chair  to  state  that  the  business  in  order  is  the 
unfinished  business  of  yesterday.  I want  to  call  the  attention  of  the  Chair  to  the 
fact,  that  upon  yesterday  a motion  to  suspend  the  rules  was  in  order.  I understand 
the  rule  to  be,  that  when  the  day  arrives  upon  which  it  will  be  in  order  to  move  a 
suspension  of  the  rules,  business  undisposed  of  on  the  previous  suspension  day  would 
come  up  as  the  regular  business  in  order.  Hence  it  is  not  now  in  order — this  not 
being  suspension  day — to  recur  to  the  bill  introduced  yesterday  under  a suspension 
of  the  rules. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  must  remind  the  gentleman  that  the  question  of  order  is, 
in  his  opinion,  not  admissible. 

Mr.  Evans.  I do  not  wish  to  debate  this  matter,  but  make  a suggestion,  if  the 
Chair  will  have  patience  with  me  for  a single  moment.  The  23d  rule  declares: 

That  as  soon  as  the  Journal  Is  read,  the  Speaker  shall  call  for  petitions  from  the  members  of  each 
State  and  delegates  from  each  Territory,  beginning  with  Maine. 

The  27th  rule  says  that — 

After  an  hour  shall  be  devoted  to  reports  from  committees  and  resolutions,  it  shall  be  in  order, 
pending  the  consideration  or  discussion  thereof,  to  entertain  a motion  that  the  House  do  now  pro- 
ceed to  dispose  of  the  business  on  the  Speaker’s  table,  and  to  the  orders  of  the  day. 

Then  by  the  58th  rule: 

The  unfinished  business  in  which  the  House  was  engaged  at  the  last  preceding  adjournment  shall 
have  the  preference  in  the  orders  of  the  day,  and  no  motion  on  any  other  business  shall  be  received 
without  special  leave  of  the  House  until  the  former  is  disposed  of. 

Mr.  Hall.  I rise  to  a question  of  order.  I understand  that  no  debate  is  in  order 
upon  the  question  of  priority  of  business. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  has  already  announced  that  the  question  of  order  is  not 
debatable. 

Mr.  Evans.  I was  reading  the  rules. 

Mr.  Hall.  I understand  you  are  making  a speech. 

Mr.  Evans.  Not  in  the  least.  I suggest  that  the  first  business  in  order  is  the  call 
of  States  for  petitions,  next  for  reports  of  committees;  and  then  resolutions  are  in 
order.  And  when  the  orders  of  the  day  come  up,  the  unfinished  business  of  yes- 
terday will  have  the  preference.  I call  for  the  reading  of  the  23d,  27tli,  and  58th 
rules. 

The  rules  were  then  read  as  inserted  above. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  begs  leave  to  state  the  ground  of  his  decision,  which  is 
this:  But  for  the  fact  that  the  previous  question  had  been  seconded  and  the  main 
question  ordered  to  be  put,  the  rules  referred  to  would  have  required  this  bill  to  go 
over  and  take  its  place  upon  the  calendar  of  the  House.  But  the  House  ordered  the 
main  question  to  be  put,  and  thus  gives  this  bill  or  the  unfinished  business  preference 
over  all  others.  The  main  question  must  therefore  be  now  put.  By  reference  to  the 
Journal  of  the  Twenty-eighth  Congress,  the  gentleman  will  find  a decision  directly 
in  point.  Is  there  any  appeal  from  the  decision  of  the  Chair? 


454 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


No  appeal  being  taken,  the  Speaker  stated  the  question  as  follows:  The  gentleman 
from  California  [Mr.  Marshall]  moved  a reference  of  this  bill  to  the  Committee  on 
Military  Affairs.  The  gentleman  from  Tennessee  [Mr.  Jones]  moved  its  reference 
to  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means.  Upon  this  question  the  previous  question 
was  seconded  and  the  main  question  ordered,  and  the  yeas  and  nays  were  also  ordered 
upon  said  question.  The  first  question  will  Ire  upon  the  proposition  to  refer  the  bill 
to  the  Committee  on  Military  Affairs. 

Mr.  Marshall,  of  California.  I would  ask  permission  of  the  House  to  make  a few 
remarks  in  explanation  of  a personal  matter. 

Mr.  Stephens,  of  Georgia,  objected. 

Mr.  Marshall.  T hope  the  objection  may  be  withdrawn,  as  I shall  consume  but  a 
very  little  time. 

The  Speaker.  Objection  being  made,  the  Chair  is  bound  to  enforce  the  rule. 

Mr.  Marshall.  I wish  to  inform  the  House,  in  the  course  of  this  explanation,  in 
regard  to  the  nature  of  the  bill  and  the  propriety  of  the  reference. 

Mr.  Cartter.  I object. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  calls  the  gentleman  from  California  [Mr.  Marshall]  to 
order. 

Mr.  Marshall.  I wish  to  exculpate  myself  from  the  charge  of  making  an  attack 
upon  the  committee. 

Mr.  Richardson.  Is  it  in  order  to  make  a motion  to  suspend  the  rules  to  allow  the 
gentleman  to  proceed? 

The  Speaker.  It  is  not  in  order. 

The  question  was  then  taken  upon  referring  the  bill  to  the  Committee  on  Military 
Affairs,  and  decided  in  the  negative — yeas  75  nays  110;  as  follows: 

* * * 

So  the  motion  was  rejected. 

The  question  was  then  taken  upon  referring  the  bill  to  the  Committee  of  Ways 
and  Means;  and  it  was  agreed  to. 

* * * 

THE  WORKMEN  ON  THE  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky,  asked  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  House  to  introduce 
a joint  resolution,  authorizing  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  to  continue  in  employ- 
ment the  mechanics  and  laborers  upon  the  two  wings  thereof. 

Mr.  Stephens,  of  Georgia,  objected. 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky.  I ask  that  the  resolution  may  be  read,  as  it  contains 
very  important  matter. 

Mr.  Stephens,  of  Georgia,  objected. 


[House  proceedings  of  Dec.  16,  1851 : Congressional  Globe,  32 — 1,  p.  109.] 

THE  WORKMEN  ON  THE  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky,  from  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings  and 
Grounds,  reported  a joint  resolution  authorizing  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  to  con- 
tinue in  employment  the  mechanics,  laborers,  and  others  employed  upon  the  two 
wings  thereof. 

The  resolution  was  read  a first  and  second  time  by  its  title. 

Mr.  Stanton  remarked  that  the  appropriation  for  the  additions  to  the  Capitol  had 
been  exhausted,  and  that  some  three  hundred  mechanics  and  laborers — some  of 
them  with  large  families — who  had  been  brought  on  to  Washington  under  the 
expectation  of  permanent  employment,  had  been  discharged.  They  had  been 


The  Extensions. 


455 


thrown  out  of  employment,  too,  in  the  most  inclement  season  of  the  year,  without 
the  means  of  support  and  without  any  hope  of  employment  elsewhere.  He  would 
appeal  to  the  House  to  pass  the  resolution  immediately.  Pie  had  been  told  by  the 
Architect  that  they  could  be  profitably  employed.  They  were  willing  to  work  and 
await  the  appropriation  by  Congress.  He  hoped  the  resolution  would  be  put  on  its 
passage. 

Mr.  Cartter.  Will  the  chairman  of  the  committee  permit  me  to  ask  him  a ques- 
tion? 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Cartter.  We  are  informed  by  the  chairman  of  the  committee  that  the  funds 
appropriated  are  all  expended.  Can  he  give  the  House  any  information  as  to  the 
fact  that  a large  portion  of  that  money  has  been  expended  in  sending  to  the  Catskill 
mountains  for  lime  to  lay  these  foundations  with,  when  there  is  an  abundance  of 
lime  within  sight  of  the  Capitol?  I should  be  very  glad  if  the  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee could  throw  any  light  upon  that  subject. 

Mr.  Stanton.  The  House,  and  perhaps  the  country  too,  know  that  I have  had 
some  little  experience  in  this  matter  of  lime,  having  used  a great  deal  of  it  when  I 
was  a boy  and  growing  up.  I have  seen  this  lime  that  has  been  so  much  talked 
about,  and  I declare  to  the  House  that  I have  never  seen  better  lime  in  my  life.  I 
think  the  architect,  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  and  the  other  agents  engaged  in 
making  the  contract,  did  well  in  selecting  this  lime,  for  it  is  preferable  to  any  other 
that  I have  ever  seen  in  this  neighborhood  or  elsewhere. 

I do  not  know  what  amount  of  money  has  been  expended  in  the  purchase  of  lime, 
but  I know  that  a great  deal  of  work  has  been  done,  and  that  a great  deal  of  mate- 
rial has  been  accumulated  with  the  $100,000  appropriated  a year  ago.  A great  deal 
more  work  has  been  done,  and  a larger  quantity  of  material  accumulated,  than  I 
expected  to  see. 

Mr.  Cartter.  I would  like  to  ask  the  gentleman  an  additional  question,  and  that  is: 
What  is  the  cost  per  bushel  of  this  lime  which  has  been  used,  and  what  is  the  cost  of 
the  lime  which  could  be  obtained  within  sight  of  the  Capitol?  f am  informed  that 
there  has  been  a little  peculation  about  this  matter. 

Mr.  Stanton.  I cannot  answer  that  question. 

Mr.  Bell.  I have  but  a word  to  say  upon  this  subject.  I do  not  wish  to  throw  any 
impediment  in  the  way  of  the  progress  of  this  work,  but  I wish  to  inquire  of  the  gen- 
tleman who  drew  up  this  resolution  whether  the  language  in  which  it  is  couched 
would  not  make  it  obligatory  upon  the  agent  to  continue  in  pay  every'  hand  who  is 
now  or  has  been  engaged  upon  this  work? 

Mr.  Stanton.  It  was  certainly  not  so  intended  by  me,  and  if  the  resolution  is  sus- 
ceptible of  such  a construction  I have  no  objection  whatever  to  its  modification  so  as 
to  obviate  that  difficulty. 

[A  message  was  received  from  the  Senate,  accompanied  by'  the  bill,  which  had 
passed  that  body  to  establish  a branch  of  the  Mint  of  the  United  States  in  California.] 

Mr.  Bell.  Then  I understand  that  the  gentleman  is  willing  to  accept  of  a modifica- 
tion of  his  resolution? 

Mr.  Stanton.  I will  accept  of  a modification  if  it  is  in  my  power  to  do  so,  but  as  this 
is  a report  from  a committee  I presume  that  I have  not  the  power. 

The  Speaker.  As  the  resolution  is  a report  from  a committee,  it  is  not  in  the  power 
of  the  gentleman  to  modify  it. 

Mr.  Ficklin.  I have  listened  with  a good  deal  of  pleasure  to  the  remarks  of  the 
gentleman  who  has  introduced  this  resolution 

Mr.  Sackett,  (interposing.)  If  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  will  allow  me,  I will 
suggest  to  the  mover  of  the  resolution  that,  he  should  modify  it  by'  the  addition  of 
these  words:  “If  he  shall  think  advantageous  to  the  Government.”  That  will 
relieve  the  resolution  from  the  objection  suggested  by  the  gentleman  from  Ohio, 
[Mr.  Bell.] 


450 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Ficklin.  The  modification  that  is  suggested  does  not  make  the  resolution 
acceptable  to  me.  There  is  a passage  in  the  preamble  which  will  certainly  prevent 
the  resolution  from  receiving  my  vote.  What  is  that  preamble?  The  preamble 
states  that  whereas  these  individuals  have  been  thrown  out  of  employment,  and  can- 
not at  this  season  of  the  year  obtain  employment  elsewhere,  be  it  therefore  resolved 
to  quarter  them  upon  the  Government.  That  is  the  proposition  when  stript  of  the 
verbiage  by  which  it  is  surrounded.  It  is  a plain,  simple  proposition  to  quarter 
these  individuals  upon  the  Government  during  the  winter,  because  they  cannot  now 
find  employment  elsewhere.  Every  hand  that  has  been  engaged  upon  this  work  will 
be  willing  to  remain  in  the  service  or  in  the  pay  of  the  Government,  and  their  clamor 
will  induce  the  superintendent  to  continue  them  in  the  pay  of  the  Government. 

My  honorable  friend  over  the  way  [Mr.  Bell]  inquired  if  this  resolution  made  it 
obligatory  upon  the  Superintendent  to  continue  these  hands  in  employment.  This 
resolution,  together  with  the  clamor  that  will  be  sent  up  to  him,  will  prevent  him 
from  discharging  any  one  of  them.  I am  opposed  to  the  passage  of  this  resolution; 
and  I would  inquire  of  my  honorable  friend  from  Kentucky,  [Mr.  Stanton,]  in  whose 
charge  is  this  expenditure?  Is  this  building  under  the  charge  of  the  Superintendent, 
or  is  it  not  under  the  charge  of  other  officers  of  the  Government? 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky.  It  is  under  the  charge  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior 
and  of  the  Architect.  The  Architect  has  charge  of  the  building,  of  the  employment 
of  hands,  and  of  the  payment  of  the  money. 

Mr.  Ficklin.  Well,  then,  if  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  deems  it  proper  to  con- 
tinue this  work  during  the  winter,  and  to  keep  these  hands  in  employment,  let  him 
take  the  responsibility  of  asking  Congress  to  make  an  appropriation  for  that  purpose. 
We  can  do  it  in  an  hour  from  the  time  that  he  makes  his  application.  But  this  reso- 
lution places  it  in  the  power  of  the  Superintendent  to  keep  all  these  hands  in  the 
employment  of  the  Government  during  the  winter. 

I am  opposed  to  the  passage  of  the  resolution  at  present,  at  all  events,  and  in  order 
that  its  merits  may  be  examined  into  and  its  demerits  ascertained,  if  there  be  any 
attached  to  it,  I ask  its  reference  to  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the 
Union. 

The  preamble  and  resolution  were  read,  as  follows: 

Whereas,  in  consequence  of  the  exhaustion  of  the  appropriation  heretofore  made  for  the  improve- 
ment of  the  Capitol,  a large  number  of  mechanics,  laborers,  and  others  employed  there  have  been 
discharged,  and  are  thrown  out  of  service  at  a season  of  the  year  when  employment  cannot  be 
obtained  elsewhere, 

Be  it  therefore  resolved,  That  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  be  and  he  is  hereby  authorized  to  continue 
in  service,  until  an  appropriation  shall  hereafter  be  made,  as  many  of  the  mechanics,  laborers,  and 
others  who  have  been  employed  in  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  as  shall  be  willing  to  remain  in  serv- 
ice and  await  any  appropriation  which  may  be  hereafter  made  by  Congress  for  their  pay. 

Mr.  Sackett.  I hope  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  will  withdraw  that  motion  for  a 
moment  to  allow  me  to  propose  a modification  of  the  resolution. 

The  Speaker.  The  gentleman  from  North  Carolina  [Mr.  Venable]  has  been  recog- 
nized by  the  Chair. 

Mr.  Ficklin.  Permit  me  to  suggest  to  my  friend  from  New  York,  that  as  this  reso- 
lution is  a report  from  a committee,  the  gentleman  who  offered  it  cannot  modify  it. 

Mr.  Sackett.  I can  move  an  amendment,  I suppose? 

The  Speaker.  The  gentleman  from  North  Carolina  has  the  floor. 

Mr.  Venable.  There  may  be  the  very  best  reason  in  the  world  why  these  work- 
men should  be  retained.  If  that  reason  was  the  preservation  of  the  public  work, 
and  if  that  work  was  likely  to  be  injured  or  destroyed  unless  this  resolution  was 
adopted,  I might,  perhaps,  very  cheerfully  vote  for  it.  But  I never  can  vote  for  the 
employment  of  these  men  for  the  reasons  set  forth  in  this  resolution.  I never  can 
consent  to  recognize,  by  my  vote,  the  principle  that  it  is  the  primary  duty  of  this 
Government  to  afford  work  to  anybody.  I am  opposed  to  Fourierism  in  all  its 


The  Extensions. 


457 


shapes;  and  I repeat,  that  I never  can  recognize  it  as  a primary  duty  of  this  Govern 
ment  to  supply  people  that  are  out  of  employment  with  work.  If  these  men  have 
made  a contract  with  the  undertaker  of  this  work,  and  the  money  appropriated  by 
the  Government  is  exhausted,  they  must  take  their  luck  as  others  do.  When  the 
people  in  my  country  get  out  of  work,  they  never  come  to  Congress  and  ask  to  be 
provided  with  employment,  and  they  have  never  recognized  the  principle  that  it  is 
the  business  of  this  Government  to  take  money  out  of  the  Treasury  to  supply  people 
who  are  out  of  work,  or  idle  people  with  the  means  of  living.  If  it  can  be  satisfac- 
torily shown  that  the  adoption  of  this  resolution  is  necessary  for  the  protection  of 
the  public  works,  I will  cheerfully  give  it  my  support.  But  here  is  the  bald  propo- 
sition introduced  into  this  House,  and  placed  before  the  country,  that  because  these 
men  are  out  of  employment  and  cannot  find  work,  it  is  therefore  our  duty  to  author- 
ize the  creation  of  a debt  upon  the  Treasury,  and  to  permit  the  architect,  or  superin- 
tendent of  the  work,  to  employ  these  men  upon  the  faith  of  the  promise  of  Congress 
that  an  appropriation  shall  he  made  hereafter  for  their  payment. 

I agree  with  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  [Mr.  Ficklin]  that  this  resolution  had 
better  be  referred  to  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union,  so  that 
it  may  be  put  in  a proper  form,  and  that  it  may  not  go  forth  that  this  House  has 
sanctioned  the  doctrine  that  it  is  a primary  duty  of  the  Government  of  the  United 
States  to  furnish  those  who  are  out  of  work  with  employment. 

Mr.  Ficklin.  With  the  permission  of  the  gentleman  from  North  Carolina  [Mr. 
Venable]  I wish  to  suggest  to  him  that  this  resolution  takes  the  responsibility  from 
the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  and  interposes  between  him  and  his  duty  to  this 
Government. 

Mr.  Venable.  I was  about  to  make  that  very  remark.  I am  one  of  those  who 
believe  in  the  responsibility  of  agents.  I believe  that  you  ought  to  fix  the  duties  of 
your  agent,  and  hold  him  responsible  for  the  discharge  of  those  duties.  I never 
will,  bjr  any  vote  of  mine,  step  in  between  him  and  his  responsibility,  so  that  if 
there  is  mismanagement,  a waste  of  the  public  funds,  or  a direction  given  to  those 
funds  that  was  not  contemplated  by  the  act  of  Congress,  he  can  shelter  himself  by 
saying,  “I  was  doing  exactly  what  the  law  required,  and  you  stepped  in  and  inter- 
fered with  me.”  No;  let  us  hold  the  Department  of  the  Interior  responsible  for  this 
work.  If  they  need  a further  appropriation;  if  the  works  need  protection;  or  if  there 
be  sound  and  good  reasons  for  an  additional  appropriation,  let  the  information  come 
from  the  Department,  and  let  us  have  the  reasons  before  us  on  which  we  are  to  act. 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Tennessee.  I would  inquire  of  the  gentleman  from  North  Carolina, 
whether  there  is  not  an  estimate  from  the  Department  for  the  continuation  of  this 
work?  If  so,  is  there  any  good  reason  why  the  work  should  stop  during  the  jiresent 
season?  Would  it  not  be  for  the  public  interest  to  let  the  work  go  on  in  anticipation 
of  the  appropriation  which  has  been  asked  for  by  the  Department? 

Mr.  Venable.  I have  no  disposition  whatever  to  obstruct  or  to  arrest  the  execution 
of  this  work,  but  I do  protest  most  solemnly  against  the  admission  of  the  principle, 
in  our  legislation,  that  it  is  a primary  duty  of  this  Government  to  furnish  work  to 
those  who  are  in  need  of  employment. 

Mr.  Florence,  (interrupting.)  Here  are  a number  of  persons  who  have  come  from 
the  different  States  of  the  Union — having  given  up  employment  elsewhere — under 
the  impression  that  they  could  have  continued  employment  here.  I apprehend  that 
every  one  of  them  earns  all  that  he  obtains  for  his  labor.  I apprehend  that  every 
one  of  them  feels  at  the  close  of  his  day’s  work,  that  he  has  performed  his  duty  to 
himself  and  to  the  Government,  and  would  despise  the  idea  that  he  had  “quartered 
himself”  upon  the  Government. 

The  prospect  was  held  out  to  these  men — from  the  fact  that  the  building  of  these 
Capitol  wings  would  be  continued  for  years — that  they  would  have  permanent 
employment  here.  And  I desire  to  say,  on  behalf  of  these  jiersons,  that  they  would 


458 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


not  think  for  a single  moment,  of  “quartering  themselves  upon  the  Government” 
without  rendering  what  some  one  has  called  a quid  pro  quo. 

Mr.  Venable.  All  that  is  nothing  new  to  me.  I did  not  rise  for  the  purpose  of  dis- 
cussing the  character  of  these  men  or  the  calculations  which  they  may  have  made. 
Arguments  of  that  sort  ought  to  have  no  influence  here.  These  men  appear  before  us 
just  like  any  other  laborers.  I have  exactly  as  much  respect  for  them  as  I have  for 
any  other  honest  laborers.  If  they  made  a contract  with  the  agent  of  the  Govern- 
ment to  work  for  a certain  number  of  days,  they  ought  to  be  paid  for  that  work,  but 
if  they  made  a bargain  to  work  as  long  as  the  money  which  had  been  appropriated 
lasted,  and  that  money  is  now  exhausted,  they  have  worked  out  their  contract,  and 
we  have  not  deceived  them  or  withheld  anything  from  them  which  they  had  a right 
to  expect,  however  respectable  they  may  be,  or  however  unwilling  to  quarter  them- 
selves on  the  Government — and  I freely  admit  that  they  are  so.  I say  again,  that 
if  that  resolution  is  passed  for  the  reason  given  upon  its  face,  that  these  men  have 
been  thrown  out  of  employment,  and  cannot  at  this  season  obtain  employment  else- 
where, it  is  a recognition  of  the  principle  that  it  is  a primary  duty  of  this  Govern- 
ment to  furnish  men  who  are  out  of  work  with  employment.  To  such  a principle, 
I for  one,  can  never  give  my  sanction. 

Mr.  Sackett.  Will  the  gentleman  from  North  Carolina  allow  me  to  submit  an 
amendment? 

Mr.  Venable.  I will  yield  the  floor  to  the  gentleman. 

Mr.  Sackett.  I suppose  that  this  work  is  under  the  charge  of  the  Secretary  of  the 
Interior. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  I rise  to  a question  of  order.  1 wish  to  inquire  of  the 
Chair  if  the  motion  now  pending  is  not  a motion  to  refer  this  resolution  to  the  Com- 
mittee of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union? 

The  Speaker.  That  is  the  question  now  pending  before  the  House. 

Mr.  Sackett.  That  motion  was  withdrawn. 

Mr.  Ficklix.  No,  sir;  I have  not  withdrawn  it. 

Tire  Speaker.  The  first  question  put  to  the  House  will  be  upon  the  motion  to 
refer  the  joint  resolution  to  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union. 

Mr.  Venable.  And  I am  entitled  to  the  floor,  and  was  discussing  the  propriety  of 
that  very  reference.  This  resolution  is,  in  my  opinion,  properly  referable  to  the 
Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union.  There  the  whole  subject  can  be 
examined  and  discussed,  and  the  report  can  be  amended.  The  resolution  makes  an 
appropriation,  and  it  must  therefore  go  to  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state 
of  the  Union. 

I should  not  have  opened  my  mouth  upon  this  subject,  except  to  have  voted  for 
the  reference,  but  I could  not  consent  to  remain  silent,  and  thus  appear  to  recognize 
the  principle  involved  in  this  resolution,  that  it  is  a sufficient  reason  for  the  employ- 
ment of  anybody  that  he  is  out  of  work.  As  has  been  justly  remarked  by  the  gen- 
tleman from  Illinois,  [Mr.  Ficklin,]  the  effect  of  this  resolution,  and  of  the  clamor 
and  pressure  from  without,  would  be  that  the  Superintendent  would  continue  in 
employment  ever}-  one  of  these  individuals. 

Economy  must  begin  somewhere.  Responsibility  with  regard  to  the  expenditure 
of  the  public  funds  must  be  fixed  somewhere,  and  as  we  have  fixed  the  responsi- 
bility of  this  expenditure  in  the  Department  of  the  Interior,  and  as  the  appropriation 
is  exhausted,  I am  unwilling  to  make  a further  appropriation  until  it  is  applied  for 
by  the  Department.  While,  therefore,  I am  not  opposed  to  the  continuance  of  this 
work,  I am  not  disposed  to  further  it  in  violation  of  the  rales  of  this  body,  and  of 
proper  rules  of  economy.  Let  the  whole  subject  come  before  the  Committee  of  the 
Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union.  It  is  better  that  these  workmen  should  be  with- 
out employment  for  a day  or  two  than  that  we  should  violate  the  rules  of  prudence 
and  economy. 


The  Extensions. 


459 


Mr.  Harris,  of  Tennessee,  called  for  the  previous  question. 

The  previous  question  was  seconded,  and  the  main  question  ordered;  which  main 
question  was  on  the  motion  to  refer  the  joint  resolution  to  the  Committee  of  the 
Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union. 

Mr.  Ticklin  called  for  the  yeas  and  nays;  and  they  were  ordered. 

The  question  was  then  taken,  and  there  were — yeas  93,  nays  58;  as  follows: 

* * * 

So  the  joint  resolution  was  referred  to  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  State  of 
the  Union. 

Mr.  Walsh  moved  that,  the  rules  be  suspended,  and  that  the  House  resolve  itself 
into  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union,  for  the  purpose  of  con- 
sidering the  joint  resolution  just  referred  thereto. 

The  question  was  taken  upon  this  motion;  and  on  a division,  there  were — ayes  55, 
noes  51.  No  quorum  voting. 

On  motion  by  Mr.  Stanton,  of  Tennessee,  the  House  then  adjourned. 


[House  proceedings  of  Dec.  17,  1851:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 1,  p.  123.] 

Mr.  Riddle.  I desire  to  offer  a resolution,  which  is  upon  the  same  subject — although 
it  differs  in  effect — as  the  resolution  offered  yesterday  by  the  gentleman  from  Ken- 
tucky, [Mr.  Stanton,]  and  which  was  referred  to  the  Committee  of  the  WThole  on 
the  state  of  the  Union.  I do  not  desire  to  debate  the  resolution  further  than  to  say, 
that  all  the  objections  urged  against  the  resolution  yesterday,  are  obviated  by  the 
one  which  I now  offer.  If  it  is  read,  I feel  confident  that  it  will  meet  with  the  con- 
currence of  the  whole  House,  as,  I am  assured,  it  does  meet  with  the  concurrence 
of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings.  The  resolution  was  read,  as  follows: 

Whereas  the  appropriation,  for  the  improvement  of  the  Capitol  has  been  exhausted:  Therefore 

Be  it  resolved,  That  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  be  and  he  is  hereby  authorized  to  continue  in 
service,  until  an  appropriation  shall  hereafter  be  made,  such  mechanics  and  laborers  as  may,  in  his 
opinion,  be  demanded  by  the  interests  of  the  Government. 

Mr.  Riddle  demanded  the  previous  question  on  the  adoption  of  the  resolution. 

Mr.  Fuller,  of  Maine.  Is  it  in  order  to  offer  an  amendment  to  that  resolution? 

The  Speaker.  It  is  not  in  order,  as  the  previous  question  is  demanded. 

Mr.  Fuller.  Then  I move  to  lay  the  resolution  upon  the  table. 

Mr.  Venable  demanded  tellers;  which  were  ordered;  and  Messrs.  Orr  and 
Meacham  were  appointed. 

Mr.  Walsh.  I submit  to  the  Chair  that  we  have  no  power  to  appropriate  money, 
except  by  joint  resolution;  and  as  this  resolution  necessarily  involves  an  appropria- 
tion, it  is  not  in  the  proper  form. 

The  Speaker.  That  may  be  a reason  for  voting  down  the  resolution,  but  the  Chair 
cannot  upon  that  ground  rule  it  out  of  order. 

The  question  was  then  taken  on  the  motion  to  lay  the  resolution  on  the  table;  and 
the  tellers  reported— ayes  72,  noes  61. 

So  the  resolution  was  laid  upon  the  table. 


[House  proceedings  of  Jan.  5,  1852:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 1,  p.  201.] 

Mr.  McNair.  I ask  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  House  to  introduce  a resolution, 
and  I feel  certain  that  no  gentleman  in  this  House  will  object  to  it  when  they  know 

something  about  it.  I will  say  a word 

The  Speaker.  Debate  is  out  of  order. 

Mr.  McNair.  I want  simply  to  give  an  idea 


460 


Documentary  History  of  the  Gajpitol. 


The  Speaker.  It  is  impossible  for  the  Chair  to  allow  discussion  under  the  rules. 

The  resolution  was  then  read,  as  follows: 

Resolved,  That  a committee  be  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  firmness  and  solidity  of  the  foundation 
of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  now  laid,  and  whether  the  strength  of  the  stone  be  sufficient  to  uphold 
the  superstructure  about  to  be  erected  thereon. 

Mr.  McNair  moved  to  suspend  the  rules. 

A division  being  asked,  the  question  was  taken,  and  there  were — ayes  78,  noes  45. 

Mr.  McNair  demanded  tellers;  which  were  ordered;  and  Messrs.  McNair  and 
Beale  were  appointed. 

The  question  was  then  taken,  and  there  were — ayes  77,  noes  34. 

The  Speaker.  There  appears  to  be  no  quorum  voting. 

Mr.  Stephens,  of  Georgia,  moved  that  the  House  adjourn.  On  which  motion, 

Mr.  John  W.  Howe  demanded  the  yeas  and  nays;  which  were  ordered;  when — 

Mr.  Stephens  withdrew  his  motion. 

Mr.  Giddings.  I ask  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  House  to  offer  a resolution; 
and  hope  there  will  be  no  objection. 

The  Speaker.  The  motion  cannot  be  entertained  at  present.  The  proposition  is 
now  to  suspend  the  rules  for  the  purpose  of  enabling  the  gentleman  from  Pennsyl- 
vania [Mr.  McNair]  to  introduce  a resolution,  which  will  be  again  read  for  the 
information  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Moore,  of  Pennsylvania.  I would  suggest  to  my  colleague  that  if  he  would 
substitute  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  the  resolution  would  pass  without 
any  objection. 

Mr.  McNair.  I prefer  a select  committee. 

Mr.  Ficklin  said  tellers  were  ordered,  and  there  was  no  quorum.  I ask  for  a 
recount,  that  we  may  see  if  there  is  not  a quorum  present. 

A recount  was  then  had,  (Messrs.  Penn  and  McNair  acting  as  tellers,)  and  there 
were — ayes  84,  noes  42. 

So  the  rules  were  suspended. 

Mr.  McNair  moved  the  previous  question  upon  the  adoption  of  the  resolution. 

Mr.  Cobb  demanded  tellers;  and  they  were  ordered. 

Mr.  Fowler.  Will  it  be  in  order  to  move  the  reference  of  the  resolution  to  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings? 

The  Speaker.  The  reference  will  not  be  in  order  during  the  pendency  of  the  pre- 
vious question. 

Mr.  Fowler.  I think  that  is  the  appropriate  committee. 

The  question  was  then  taken  on  the  call  for  the  previous  question,  (Messrs.  Fowler 
and  McNair  acting  as  tellers, ) and  resulted — ayes  78,  noes  23. 

The  Speaker.  There  is  no  quorum  voting. 

Mr.  Stephens,  of  Georgia.  I move  that  the  House  adjourn. 

Mr.  John  W.  Howe  demanded  the  yeas  and  nays;  tvhich  were  not  ordered. 

The  question  was  then  taken,  and  the  House  adjourned. 


[House  proceedings  of  Jan.  12,  1852:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 1,  p.  253.] 

THE  FOUNDATION  OF  THE  ADDITIONS  TO  THE  CAPITOL. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  begs  leave  to  state,  that  at  the  adjournment  on  last  Mon- 
day there  was  pending  a resolution  introduced  by  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania, 
[Mr.  McNair,]  upon  the  adoption  of  which  the  previous  question  had  been  called. 
Is  there  a second? 

Mr.  McMullin.  Let  the  resolution  be  read. 

The  resolution  was  read  by  the  Clerk,  as  follows: 

j Resolved,  That  a committee  be  appointed  to  inquire  into  the  firmness  and  stability  of  the  founda- 
tion of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  now  laid,  and  whether  the  strength  of  the  stone  be  sufficient  to 
uphold  the  superstructure  about  to  be  erected  thereon. 


The  Extensions. 


461 


The  call  for  the  previous  question  was  then  seconded,  and  the  main  question 
ordered  to  be  put. 

The  question  now  being  upon  the  adoption  of  the  resolution,  it  Avas  put,  and  there 
were,  upon  a division — ayes  107,  noes  28. 

So  the  resolution  was  adopted. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  5,  1852:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 1,  p.  468.] 

WORKMEN  ON  THE  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  Cass.  I hold  in  my  hand  a petition  of  mechanics  and  laborers  lately  employed 
on  the  extension  of  the  wings  of  the  Capitol,  praying  that  they  may  be  allowed  to 
proceed  with  the  work.  They  desire  to  be  employed  on  the  work  during  the  winter, 
but  to  wait  for  their  remuneration  until  an  appropriation  shall  lie  made  for  that 
purpose.  I have  also  a letter  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  and  a letter  from 
the  principal  architect,  recommending  this  course.  Very  strong  reasons  are  given 
why  this  course  should  be  pursued,  as  well  on  account  of  the  public  interest  as  from 
a regard  to  the  condition  of  these  people.  I desire  that  the  petition  may  be  read. 

The  Secretary  read  it  accordingly.  The  memorialists  represent  that  they  came  to 
Washington  for  the  purpose  of  being  employed  on  the  extension  of  the  wings  of 
the  United  States  Capitol,  and  many  of  them,  relying  with  confidence  on  the 
Government,  brought  with  them  their  families.  They  are  mechanics  and  laboring 
men,  upon  whom  the  responsibility  of  a family  depends.  They  look  to  Congress 
alone  for  relief,  by  allowing  them  on  their  own  responsibility  to  continue  at  work 
during  the  winter,  with  a view7  to  the  future  action  of  Congress. 

The  letter  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  the  Hon.  A.  H.  H.  Stuart,  and  the 
letter  of  the  Architect,  Mr.  T.  U.  Walter,  were  also  read. 

Mr.  Cass.  I hold  in  my  hand  a joint  resolution  in  relation  to  this  subject,  which  I 
hope  the  Senate  will  consider  at  this  time. 

Mr.  Ejntek.  Let  it  be  read. 

The  Secretary  read  it,  as  follows: 

Resolved  by  the  Senate  and  Ho  use  of  Representatives , & c. , That  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  under  the 
direction  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  be  and  he  hereby  is  authorized  to  continue  in  employment 
so  many  of  the  mechanics,  laborers,  and  others  employed  in  the  construction  of  the  wings  of  the 
Capitol,  as  may  be  necessary,  provided  such  persons  as  may  be  employed  under  the  authority  of  this 
resolution  consent  to  wait  for  their  pay  any  appropriation  which  may  be  hereafter  made  by  Congress 
for  that  purpose. 

Mr.  Cass.  I will  merely  remark,  that  that  resolution  was  prepared  by  the  Com- 
mittee on  Public  Buildings  of  the  other  House.  A similar  one  is  pending  in  Com- 
mittee of  the  Whole  in  that  House;  but  it  is  doubtful  when  it  will  come  up.  They 
therefore  wTished  me  to  introduce  it  in  the  Senate.  I hope  there  will  be  no  objection 
to  it. 

The  President.  It  requires  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  Senate  to  introduce  the 
resolution  at  this  time,  notice  not  having  been  given. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I do  not  object  to  the  object  of  the  resolution,  because  I concur 
with  the  Senator  from  Michigan  in  regard  to  it;  but  I would  suggest  to  him  whether 
it  would  not  be  better  to  refer  it  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings. 

Mr.  Cass.  I suggested  that  course,  but  the  chairman  of  the  committee  of  the  other 
House  thought  it  unnecessary. 

Mr.  Hunter.  If  that  is  the  opinion  of  the  chairman  I will  not  press  it, 

Mr.  Cass.  I so  understood  him.  The  Senator  from  Illinois  was  present,  and  can 
bear  witness  to  it. 

Mr.  Shields.  I was  spoken  to  this  morning  by  the  Architect,  and  also  by  the 
chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  of  the  other  House  in  regard  to  the 


462 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


subject.  They  were  extremely  anxious  that  this  resolution  should  be  passed  this 
morning;  and  I hope  that,  under  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the  case,  there  will 
be  no  objection  to  it. 

Mr.  Borland.  I wish  to  say  a word  why  I shall  object  at  this  time.  If  I under- 
stand this  matter,  a committee  has  been  appointed  by  the  other  House  to  investi- 
gate the  subject,  and  see  whether  it  is  proper  that  the  work  should  go  on  at  all. 
Therefore,  I think  it  is  improper  at  this  time  to  pass  a resolution  requiring  the 
work  to  be  continued. 

Mr.  Cass.  The  honorable  Senator  from  Arkansas  is  under  a misapprehension. 
There  has  been  no  committee  appointed  by  the  other  House  to  investigate  the  sub- 
ject. It  is  under  the  charge  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  and  the  chairman 
of  that  committee  was  here  this  morning  and  expressed  a hope  that  this  resolution 
would  be  passed. 

The  President.  It  cannot  be  received  as  objection  has  been  made.  Is  any  motion 
made  with  regard  to  the  memorial? 

Mr.  Shields.  I move  that  the  memorial  and  papers  be  referred  to  the  Com- 
mittee on  Public  Buildings. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  6,  1852:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 1,  p.  487.] 


WORKMEN  ON  THE  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  Hunter,  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  to  which  was  referred  the 
memorial  of  the  workmen  employed  on  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  reported  a 
joint  resolution  to  authorize  the  continuance  of  the  work  on  the  two  wings  of  the 
Capitol;  which  was  read  a first  time,  and  ordered  to  a second  reading. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I ask  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  Senate  to  have  it  read  a second 
time  now,  and  considered  by  the  Senate. 

The  President.  It  requires  unanimous  consent.  Is  there  any  objection? 

Mr.  Borland.  I regret  to  make  any  opposition  to  this 

The  President.  Does  the  Senator  object? 

Mr.  Borland.  I wish  to  state  the  reason  why  I object.  I stated  yesterday,  when 
this  matter  was  brought  before  the  Senate,  that  the  subject  involved  was  undergoing 
an  investigation  by  a committee  of  the  House  of  Representatives.  I was  under  the 
impression  that  a special  committee  had  been  appointed  for  the  purpose  of  inquiring 
into  the  correctness  of  the  report,  that  the  foundations  laid  were  not  secure.  It  was 
supposed  by  some  that  these  investigations  had  been  abandoned,  and  that  the  gentle- 
man moving  for  the  committee  had  become  satisfied,  and  had  withdrawn  his  propo- 
sition. I learn,  however,  that  such  is  not  the  fact,  and  that  he  is  still  of  opinion 
that  the  foundations  of  the  wings  are  insecure  and  unsafe;  and  he  is  now  pressing 
the  other  House  for  permission  to  send  for  persons  and  papers  in  order  to  inquire 
into  the  matter.  Eor  that  reason  I would  be  unwilling  to  see  any  measure  adopted 
to  provide  for  the  continuance  of  the  work,  until  that  investigation  should  be  made. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I would  state  to  my  friend  from  Arkansas  that  I have  examined  into 
this  matter,  as  I am  a member  of  the  Joint  Committee  on  Public  Buildings;  and 
even  if  the  suspicion  which  his  friend  entertains  in  relation  to  the  foundations  of 
the  wings  were  true,  the  passage  of  this  resolution  would  not  affect  it  much.  I have 
seen  the  Architect  this  morning,  and  he  does  not  expect  to  carry  up  the  walls  until 
after  the  first  of  March,  and  then  only  in  fine  weather.  I apprehend,  however, 
that  there  cannot  be  much  doubt  as  to  the  security  of  the  foundations.  This  reso- 
lution, however,  limits  the  work  to  be  done  by  the  appropriation  which  it  makes. 


The  Extensions. 


463 


The  resolution  of  the  Senator  from  Michigan  [Mr.  Cass]  left  it  indefinite.  I think 
that  the  object  of  the  Senator  will  not  be  delayed  by  the  passage  of  this  resolution. 

Mr.  Borland.  Under  the  circumstances  stated  by  the  Senator  from  Virginia,  I 
withdraw  my  objection. 

The  resolution  was  read  a second  time,  and  the  Senate  proceeded  to  consider  it  as 
in  Committee  of  the  Whole.  It  is  as  follows: 

Resolved , &c.,  That  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  may  continue  in  employment,  for  the  construction 
of  the  wings  of  the  Capitol,  as  many  of  the  mechanics  and  laborers  as  can  be  properly  engaged  on 
the  work;  and  that  the  sum  of  $10,000  be,  and  hereby  is,  appropriated,  out  of  any  money  in  the 
Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated,  for  that  purpose:  Provided,  however,  That  the  walls  of  the 
building  shall  not  be  carried  up  in  weather  which  is  unsuitable  for  the  work. 

The  resolution  was  reported  to  the  Senate  without  amendment,  and  ordered  to  be 
engrossed  and  read  a third  time. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  6,  1852:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 1,  p.  494.] 

EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  McNair,  from  the  committee  on  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  asked  leave  to 
report  a resolution. 

Mr.  Jones,  of  Tennessee.  If  that  is  a report  from  a committee,  it  may  take  up  the 
entire  day  with  its  discussion.  I object  to  it,  and  move  that  the  House  resolve  itself 
into  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union,  with  a view  of  taking  up  the 
bill  for  the  assignability  of  land  warrants. 

Mr.  McNair.  It  will  not  take  up  five  minutes.  I ask  that  it  may  be  read  for 
information. 

It  was  read  by  the  Clerk  as  follows: 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  examine  into  the  firmness  and  stability,  &c.,  of  the 
foundations  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  be  authorized  to  send  for  persons  and  papers,  and  to 
examine  witnesses  under  oath. 

Mr.  McNair.  I ask  that  the  resolution  may  be  put  on  its  passage;  and  upon  that 
question  I ask  the  previous  question. 

Mr.  Jones.  I have  not  withdrawn  my  objection  to  the  introduction  of  the  resolu- 
tion. I move  that  the  rules  be  suspended,  and  that  the  House  resolve  itself  into  Com- 
mittee of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union. 

Mr.  Henn.  I hope  the  House  will  resolve  itself  into  Committee  of  the  Whole  on 
the  Private  Calendar.  That  Calendar  is  now  getting  full,  and  it  is  very  necessary 
that  some  of  the  bills  should  be  disposed  of. 

The  Speaker.  There  being  a special  order  before  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on 
the  state  of  the  Union,  a motion  that  the  House  resolve  itself  into  that  committee 
will  take  precedence  of  a motion  to  go  into  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  Private 
Calendar. 

Mr.  Jones.  At  the  suggestion  of  several  gentlemen  around  me,  I will  withdraw  my 
objection  to  the  resolution  introduced  by  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania. 

Mr.  McNair.  I now  move  to  put  the  resolution  upon  its  passage;  and  upon  that 
motion  I call  the  previous  question. 

The  previous  question  was  seconded,  and  the  main  question  ordered  to  be  put  upon 
the  passage  of  the  resolution. 

Mr.  Penniman  demanded  the  yeas  and  nays;  but  they  were  not  ordered. 

The  question  was  then  taken,  and  the  resolution  was  adopted. 


464 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[H.  of  Reps.  Ex.  Doc.  No.  60.  32d  Congress,  1st  session.  Extension  of  the  Capitol.  Message  from  the 
President  of  the  United  States,  transmitting  the  report  of  the  architect  for  the  extension  of  the 
Capitol.  February  12,  1852.— Referred  to  the  Committee  on  Pubile  Buildings  and  Grounds,  and 
ordered  to  be  printed.] 

To  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States: 

I transmit  herewith  a report  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  containing  a report 
from  Thomas  U.  Walter,  architect  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol. 

Millard  Fillmore. 

Executive  Chamber, 

Washington  City , February  10,  1852. 


Department  of  the  Interior, 

Washington,  February  10,  1852. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  herewith  to  submit,  and  to  recommend  that  it  be  com- 
municated to  Congress,  the  report  of  Thomas  IT.  Walter,  architect  for  the  extension 
of  the  Capitol,  showing  the  condition  of  that  and  the  other  public  wrorks  under  his 
charge. 

I am,  sir,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

Alex.  H.  H.  Stuart, 

Secretary. 

To  the  President  of  the  United  States. 


Architect’s  Office,  TJ.  S.  Capitol, 
Washington , I).  C'.,  December  23,  1851. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  lay  before  you  the  following  report  of  the  progress  and 
state  of  the  public  works  under  my  charge,  with  such  suggestions  as  to  their  future 
prosecution  as  the  present  occasion  seems  to  require. 

The  Extension  of  the  Capitol. — The  general  design  and  outlines' of  this  work  were 
decided  on  by  the  President  of  the  United  States  on  the  10th  of  June  last;  and  in 
accordance  with  his  instructions,  I proceeded,  without  delay,  to  prepare  the  neces- 
sary drawings,  and  to  make  arrangements  for  commencing  the  wTork. 

The  corner-stone  was  laid  at  noon  on  the  4th  day  of  July  last,  by  the  President, 
with  appropriate  ceremonies,  since  which  time  the  work  has  progressed  with  as 
much  rapidity  as  the  character  of  the  structure,  and  a proper  regard  for  its  stability 
and  permanency,  would  warrant. 

The  outside  wralls,  which  are  eight  feet  nine  inches  broad  at  the  base,  and  six  feet 
nine  inches  thick  above  the  footings,  are  founded  at  the  depth  of  fifteen  feet  below 
the  surface  of  the  ground  on  the  eastern  front,  and  in  some  parts  of  the  western 
front  they  reach  the  depth  of  forty  feet.  In  consequence  of  the  Capitol  having  been 
erected  on  the  western  brow  of  the  original  hill,  and  the  present  terraces  being  made 
ground,  this  extraordinary  depth  of  foundation  became  necessary,  as  it  was  highly 
important  that  every  part  of  the  work  should  be  founded  on  the  natural,  undis- 
turbed earth,  and  which  I have  the  satisfaction  to  say  has  been  accomplished. 

Nearly  all  the  outside  foundation  wralls  have  been  raised  sufficiently  high  to 
receive  the  cut-stone  work.  Such  portions  of  these  wralls  as  now  appear  above  the 
ground  will  be  covered  by  the  terraces,  which  are  to  correspond  in  height  and  gen- 
eral design,  to  those  which  embellish  the  present  Capitol. 

The  building-stone  which  have  been  laid  in  the  foundations,  since  the  commence- 
ment of  the  work,  amount  to  eighteen  thousand  perches,  all  of  which  have  been 
furnished  by  contract;  and  the  lime,  sand,  and  cement  have  been  supplied  in  the 
same  manner.  The  excavations  and  stone-masonry  have  been  done  by  days- work- 
men, under  the  superintendence  of  Mr.  Samuel  Strong,  whose  mechanical  skill  and 


The  Extensions. 


465 


energy,  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  are  manifested  by  the  amount  of  work  that 
has  been  accomplished,  as  well  as  by  its  execution. 

Description  of  the  Design. — The  present  building  is  three  hundred  and  fifty-two  feet 
four  inches  from  north  to  south,  and  one  hundred  and  twenty-one  feet  six  inches 
from  east  to  west,  with  a portico  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  feet  in  width  on  the  east- 
ern front,  and  a projection  on  the  western  front  of  eighty-three  feet,  embracing  a 
recessed  portico  of  ten  columns,  which  constitute  the  facade  of  the  Library. 

The  extension  of  the  Capitol  consists  of  two  wing  buildings  placed  at  the  north 
and  south  ends  of  the  present  structure,  ajt  the  distance  of  forty-four  feet  from  it, 
with  connecting  corridors.  Each  building  is  one  hundred  and  forty-two  feet  eight 
inches  front,  from  north  to  south,  by  two  hundred  and  thirty-eight  feet  ten  inches 
deep,  from  east  to  west,  exclusive  of  the  porticoes  and  steps;  the  corridors  consist  of 
passages  leading  from  the  centre  building  to  the  wings,  of  twenty-one  feet  four  inches 
in  width,  with  outside  colonnades,  which  make  the  entire  width  of  each  corridor 
fifty-six  feet  eight  inches. 

The  wing  buildings  have  porticoes  on  the  east  front,  extending  the  whole  width, 
with  a flight  of  steps  to  each,  corresponding  to  the  steps  of  the  present  Capitol. 
Each  of  these  porticoes  has  a centre  projection  of  ten  feet  four  inches  by  seventy- 
eight  feet  in  width;  thus  forming  a double  portico  in  the  centre  of  the  facade,  simi- 
lar in  general  design  to  that  of  the  present  eastern  portico.  There  is  also  a portico 
on  the  west  front  of  each  wing,  one  hundred  and  live  feet  eight  inches  in  width,  pro- 
jecting ten  feet  six  inches;  and  on  the  north  and  south  fronts,  porticoes  of  the  same 
projection,  each  of  which  is  one  hundred  and  twenty-one  feet  four  inches  in  width. 

The  whole  extent  of  the  buildings,  from  north  to  south,  when  finished,  will  be 
seven  hundred  and  fifty-one  feet  four  inches,  and  the  greatest  width  from  east  to 
west,  including  porticoes  and  steps,  is  three  hundred  and  twenty-four  feet. 

The  ground  actually  covered  by  the  buildings,  including  the  porticoes  and  steps, 
and  exclusive  of  the  court-yards,  is  153,112  square  feet,  or  six  hundred  and  fifty-two 
square  feet  more  than  three  and  a half  acres;  of  which  there  is  covered  by  the  present 
building  61,201  square  feet,  and  by  the  new  wings  and  corridors  91,911. 

The  architecture  of  the  exterior  is  designed  to  correspond  in  its  principal  features 
to  that  of  the  present  building,  and  the  disposition  of  the  various  parts  is  intended 
to  present  the  appearance  of  one  harmonious  structure,  and  to  impart  dignity  to  the 
present  building,  rather  than  to  interfere  with  its  proportions,  or  detract  from  its 
grandeur  and  beauty. 

The  principal  entrance  to  each  wing  is  on  the  eastern  front;  the  approach  to  it  is 
by  means  of  a flight  of  thirty-nine  steps,  flanked  by  massy  cheek-blocks,  similar  to 
those  of  the  present  building,  with  a vaulted  carriage  way  below  to  enter  the  base- 
ment. The  front  door  opens  into  a vestibule  of  twenty-seven  feet  in  width,  leading 
into  a hall  fifty-five  feet  square,  lighted  from  the  roof,  and  embellished  by  twenty 
marble  columns,  supporting  an  entablature  and  balustrade;  this  colonnade  will 
support  the  galleries  for  approaching  the  offices  in  the  second  story.  These  halls 
will  be  enriched  with  marble  antaj  against  the  walls  in  both  stories,  and  lighted 
by  ornamental  stained  glass  sky-lights,  supported  by  iron  rafters. 

From  each  hall  a vaulted  passage,  of  twenty-six  feet  ten  inches  in  width,  leads  into 
a corridor  of  twenty-three  feet  six  inches,  running  across  each  wing  from  north  to 
south,  and  uniting  it  with  the  centre  building. 

The  Hall  of  Representatives  occupies  the  western  half  of  the  south  wing,  and  is 
lighted  on  three  sides  by  fifty  windows.  Its  dimensions  are  one  hundred  and  thirty 
feet  from  north  to  south,  and  ninety-seven  feet  ten  inches  from  east  to  west.  The 
ceiling  is  thirty-five  feet  in  height;  deeply  panelled  and  ornamented  with  brackets, 
pendants,  and  enriched  mouldings;  the  panels  will  be  filled  in  with  ornamental 
glass,  through  which  light  will  be  transmitted  from  sky-lights  in  the  roof. 

H.  liep.  646 


■30 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


466 

The  floor  of  the  House  is  large  enough  to  accommodate  four  hundred  members 
with  separate  desks,  and  allow  ample  space  for  lobbies  and  seats  for  distinguished 
visitors,  while  at  the  same  time  it  may  be  conveniently  adapted  to  the  number  of 
representatives  which  at  present  constitute  this  branch  of  the  legislature. 

The  galleries  for  spectators  extend  around  three  sides  of  the  hall,  and  are  designed 
to  accommodate  twelve  hundred  persons;  they  are  approached  by  two  spacious 
flights  of  marble  stairs. 

The  southern  and  western  porticoes  open  into  the- hall,  and  will  be  appropriated 
exclusively  to  the  use  of  the  members,  and  such  as  have  the  privilege  of  the  floor  of 
the  House. 

The  Senate  Chamber  is  located  in  the  western  half  of  the  north  wing,  and  is 
lighted  on  the  north  and  west  by  twenty-six  windows.  Its  dimensions  are  seventy 
feet  six  inches,  by  ninety-seven  feet  ten  inches;  the  ceiling  is  thirty-five  feet,  in 
height,  with  sunken  panels  and  ornaments,  similar  to  those  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives already  described.  There  is  ample  room  in  this  hall  for  separate  seats  for 
one  hundred  senators,  allowing  at  the  same  time  all  the  space  that  will  ever  be 
required  for  lobbies  and  the  accommodation  of  distinguished  visitors. 

The  galleries,  like  those  of  the  Hall  of  Representatives,  occupy  three  sides  of  the 
chamber,  and  contain  accommodations  for  twelve  hundred  persons;  they  are 
approached  by  two  flights  of  marble  stairs  like  those  of  the  south  wing.  The  gal- 
leries of  each  of  the  halls  have  five  spacious  doorways,  which  will  afford  ingress  and 
egress  without  crowding,  or  causing  inconvenience  to  the  audience  or  disturbance  to 
the  members. 

The  whole  number  of  rooms  in  both  wings,  exclusive  of  the  legislative  halls,  is  one 
hundred  and  one;  all  of  which  are  vaulted  with  bricks,  and  rendered  completely 
fire-proof.  Ninety-five  of  these  rooms  are  lighted  directly  from  the  outside,  by  one 
or  more  windows,  and  the  remaining  six  depend  on  secondary  light,  and  are 
designed  for  the  storing  of  documents,  stationery,  &c. 

The  warming  of  the  buildings  will  be  effected  by  means  of  hot-water  pipes 
enclosed  in  chambers  erected  in  the  cellars,  and  connected  with  boilers  for  heating 
the  water;  the  external  air  will  be  admitted  into  these  chambers,  where  it  will  be 
warmed  and  conducted  by  flues  to  all  the  halls  and  rooms  in  the  buildings.  The 
supply  of  air  will  be  brought  through  the  circular  windows  under  the  eastern  portico 
of  the  present  building,  and  conducted  down  the  well-holes  already  existing  in  the 
spandrels  of  the  rotundo,  and  which  are  ten  feet  in  diameter,  extending  from  the 
top  of  the  building  to  the  cellar;  culverts  will  be  constructed  for  conveying  the  air 
from  these  shafts  to  the  furnace  chambers  in  the  wings,  and  the  pure  air  will  be 
drawn  down  and  forced  through  the  chambers,  where  it  will  be  warmed  in  its  pas- 
sage to  the  rooms.  This  artificial  draught  will  be  created  by  means  of  fans  placed 
at  the  bottom  of  the  air  shafts,  and  worked  by  a small  steam-engine  erected  in  the 
cellar  of  the  centre  building,  and  kept  continually  at  work  during  cold  weather. 
By  these  means,  a constant  breeze  of  warm  air  will  be  thrown  into  every  room,  by 
which  a corresponding  volume  of  air  previously  in  the  room  will  be  displaced;  thus 
assisting  the  process  of  ventilation,  and  creating  a circulation  of  the  atmosphere 
which  could  not  be  attained  by  any  other  process. 

The  failure  of  furnaces  to  warm  buildings  covering  a large  area,  may  generally  be 
attributed  to  the  difficulty  with  which  warm  air  is  conveyed  in  a horizontal  direc- 
tion; the  levity  it  attains  by  rarefaction  will  give  it  an  upward  draught  of  a velocity 
in  proportion  to  its  temperature,  in  comparison  to  that  of  the  external  air;  but  its 
levity  has  but  little  effect  in  carrying  it  horizontally;  hence  it  is  necessary  to  force 
the  air  through  the  heating  medium,  without  which  a uniform  supply  can  seldom 
be  attained. 

Air  thus  admitted,  warmed  and  forced  into  the  rooms,  cannot  fail  to  be  agreeable 
as  well  as  healthy;  it  will  be  taken  from  an  elevation  above  all  impurities,  and 


The  Extensions. 


467 


admitted  at  a point  shielded  from  the  smoke  and  gas  of  the  chimneys  by  the  heavy 
projecting  portico  of  the  centre  building;  in  its  passage  around  the  hot-water  pipes 
it  can  never  come  in  contact  with  surfaces  heated  above  212°  Fahrenheit,  and  can 
therefore  never  receive  an  excess  of  carbonic  acid  gas,  nor  suffer  a diminution  of 
moisture. 

By  a proper  execution  of  this  plan  of  heating,  every  part  of  the  buildings  will  be 
rendered  warm  and  comfortable  during  the  coldest  weather,  and  open  fires  will  be 
unnecessary.  I have,  however,  thought  it  best  to  introduce  fireplaces  in  all  the 
rooms  throughout  the  building,  as  well  as  in  the  halls  of  legislation,  as  many  of  the 
members  are  accustomed  to  open  fires,  and  would  not  be  willing  to  dispense  with 
them. 

Flues  for  ventilation  will  be  constructed  from  all  the  rooms  throughout  both  build- 
ings, to  lead  to  foul-air  chambers  between  the  upper  tier  of  arches  and  the  roof; 
connected  with  these  chambers,  air  shafts  will  be  built  to  extend  above  the  roof,  in 
which  artificial  heat  will  be  introduced,  so  as  to  keep  up  at  all  times  an  ascending 
current  of  sufficient  velocity  to  free  the  rooms  and  halls  of  legislation  from  all 
deteriorated  air.  This  system  of  ventilation  would  be  sufficient  of  itself  to  render 
all  the  apartments  agreeable  and  healthy;  but  when  considered  in  connexion  with 
the  plan  of  heating  which  has  just  been  described,  there  can  be  no  doubt  of  a satis- 
factory result. 

The  Senate  Chamber  and  the  Flail  of  Representatives  are  both  designed  with 
reference  to  the  principles  of  acoustics.  The  magnitude  of  these  rooms,  especially 
the  latter,  and  the  fact  that  they  are  to  be  constructed  for  speaking  in  from  every 
point,  render  it  necessary  to  avoid  all  forms  that  would  produce  echoes,  and  at  the 
same  time  to  present  reflecting  surfaces  enough  to  give  power  to  the  voice  without 
resolving  the  sound  with  greater  intensity  on  one  point  than  on  another.  To  attain 
these  objects  the  rooms  are  made  rectangular,  and  the  ceilings  comparatively  low 
and  flat;  and  I have  no  doubt  that  with  proper  attention  to  establish  acoustic  prin- 
ciples, in  the  arrangement  of  the  details  of  the  rooms,  they  will  be  free  from  echoes, 
no  matter  in  what  part  the  speaking  may  take  place. 

I have  estimated  the  cost  of  executing  the  entire  design,  in  accordance  with  the 
drawings  and  model,  the  whole  to  be  faced  with  white  marble,  and  finished  in  a 
substantial  and  workmanlike  manner,  and  find  that  every  expense  will  be  covered 


by $2,675,000 

Of  which  there  have  already  been  appropriated  by  Congress 100,  000 

Leaving  as  the  amount  required  to  complete  the  work 2,  575, 000 


This  estimate  is  founded  upon  the  assumption  that  the  interior  of  the  new  build- 
ings will  not  be  more  expensively  finished  than  the  present  Capitol;  if,  therefore,  it 
should  be  hereafter  decided  to  introduce  architectural  embellishments  of  a more 
ornate  or  expensive  character,  the  cost  will  be  proportionately  augmented. 

The  shortest  time  in  which  the  work  can  be  well  and  substantially  done,  and  the 
terraces  and  grounds  completed,  is  five  years  from  the  present  date;  but  which,  of 
course,  will  depend  on  the  necessary  appropriations  being  made  by  Congress,  so  as 
to  admit  of  its  advancing  as  rapidly  as  possible,  without  suspension  or  hinderance. 

The  cellars  may  be  finished  and  the  basement  story  constructed  and  vaulted  during 
the  ensuing  season ; in  the  second  year  the  exterior  walls  may  be  raised  to  their 
entire  height,  and  the  principal  story  vaulted.  It  will  require  the  third  year  to 
vault  the  upper  story  and  put  the  buildings  under  roof;  after  which,  there  will  be  as 
much  work  as  can  be  accomplished  in  two  years,  in  constructing  the  porticoes,  fin- 
ishing and  furnishing  the  interior,  and  completing  the  terraces  and  grounds. 


468 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


By  an  act  of  Congress  approved  September  30,  1850,  there  was  appro- 
priated for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  as  before  stated,  the  sum  of. . $100,  000  00 
Of  which  there  have  been  expended  to  the  present  date,  (December 


23,  1851 ) 88,  082  86 

Leaving  an  unexpended  balance  of 11,  917  14 


Out  of  which  sundry  hills  for  materials  and  the  wages  of  the  workmen  for  the  present 
month  are  to  be  paid,  the  aggregate  amount  of  which,  as  nearly  as  can  now  be  esti- 
mated, will  be  about  $10,000. 

A detailed  account  of  the  expenditures  from  the  commencement  of  the  work  to 
the  31st  of  the  present  month,  inclusive,  will  be  transmitted  to  you  on  the  1st  day 
of  January  ensuing. 

There  will  be  required,  to  carry  on  the  work  during  the  remainder  of 


the  present  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1852  $350,  000  00 

And  during  the  ensuing  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1853 650,  000  00 


Making 

* * 


To  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior. 


1,000,000  00 

* 

Thomas  U.  Walter, 
Architect  of  Public  Buildings. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  12,  1852:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 1,  p.  730.] 

THE  EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

The  House  * * * resolved  itself  into  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state 
of  the  Union,  (Mr.  Seymour,  of  Connecticut,  in  the  chair.) 

The  Chairman.  The  first  business  in  order  is  the  special  order,  being  “Senate 
joint  resolution  No.  2,  authorizing  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  to  continue  in  employ- 
ment the  mechanics,  laborers,  and  others,  employed  upon  the  two  wings  thereof.” 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky.  I have  been  instructed  by  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings  and  Public  Grounds,  of  which  I have  the  honor  to  be  chairman,  to  report 
an  amendment  to  the  resolution  now  pending,  by  way  of  substitute,  and  insist  upon 
its  adoption. 

The  amendment  was  then  read,  as  follows: 

That  there  be,  and  hereby  is,  appropriated  out  of  any  money  in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appro- 
priated, for  the  period  between  the  passage  of  this  resolution,  and  the  end  of  the  fiscal  year  termi- 
nating June  30th,  1853,  the  sum  of  $500,000,  for  the  continuation  of  the  work  on  the  two  wings  of  the 
Capitol. 

Mr.  St  a nton,  of  Kentucky.  The  necessity  which  gave  rise  to  the  original  resolu- 
tion has  passed.  It  was  intended  only  as  a temporary  expedient  to  prevent  a total 
suspension  of  the  work  on  the  two  wings  of  the  Capitol.  The  appropriation  of  the 
last  Congress  for  this  improvement  was  only  $100,000,  and  that  was  exhausted  at  the 
commencement  of  the  present  year.  Since  then  the  work  has  necessarily  been  sus- 
pended, the  mechanics  and  laborers  discharged,  and  the  important  object  to  be 
accomplished  by  the  extension  of  the  edifice,  consequently  delayed.  I earnestly 
hoped  that  at  an  early  period  the  House  would  have  taken  up  the  resolution  of  the 
Senate,  passed  it,  and  permitted  the  work  to  be  continued.  Had  this  been  done,  two 
months  of  fine  weather  would  not  have  been  lost — the  work  would  have  been  in  a 
state  of  progress,  and  the  nation  could  not  have  reproached  its  Representatives  for 
refusing  to  do  for  so  long  a period  what  need  not  at  any  time  have  occupied  more 
than  five  minutes. 


The  Extensions. 


469 


The  appropriation  of  $500,000,  contemplated  by  the  amendment  I have  proposed, 
is  less  than  was  asked  for  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  and  the  accomplished 
architect  in  charge  of  the  work.  Their  estimates  were  made  last  fall,  and  a large 
portion  of  the  time  in  which  the  money  was  to  have  been  expended  having  elapsed, 
it  is  deemed  necessary  now  to  appropriate  only  this  amount,  which  will  be  sufficient 
for  the  period  between  the  passage  of  the  resolution  and  the  end  of  the  fiscal  year, 
terminating  June  30,  1853.  The  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  have  not  provided 
in  any  of  their  appropriation  bills  reported  to  the  House  for  the  extension  of  the 
Capitol.  The  House  very  appropriately  referred  the  subject  to  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings,  and  that  committee,  after  inquiring  into  the  propriety  of  the  appro- 
priation, and  in  view  of  the  fact  that  no  regular  appropriation  bill  to  which  this  can 
be  attached,  will,  in  all  probability,  be  passed  before  the  end  of  the  session,  have 
directed  me  to  urge  it  now. 

The  work  has  been  commenced.  I cannot  doubt  that  it  is  the  intention  of  Con- 
gress to  complete  it.  One  hundred  thousand  dollars  have  already  been  expended, 
and,  I am  happy  to  say,  judiciously  expended.  This  appropriation  is  needed,  and 
must  be  made,  and  it  is  wiser  to  make  it  now  and  permit  the  work  to  proceed  with  a 
full  complement  of  hands,  than  to  make  a small  appropriation  which  may  not  last 
until  the  regular  appropriation  bills  are  passed.  It  will  be  the  best  economy  to  com- 
plete the  building  as  speedily  as  it  can  be  done  consistently  with  a proper  execution 
of  the  work. 

Mr.  Woodward.  If  I am  in  order  in  making  the  inquiry,  I should  like  to  know 
whether  it  is  likely  that  the  special  committee,  relative  to  the  foundation  of  the  wings 
of  the  Capitol,  will  probably  make  a report?  The  question  of  what  is  to  be  the 
amount  of  appropriation  may  be  affected  by  the  report  from  that  committee.  I should 
like  to  inquire,  if  it  be  in  order,  when  that  committee  may  be  expected  to  report,  and 
what  is  likely  to  be  the  character  of  the  report? 

Mr.  McNair,  (chairman  of  the  committee. ) We  shall  report  next  week,  and  we  are 
now  almost  ready. 

Mr.  Woodward.  I ask  pardon  of  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  [Mr.  Stantox]  for 
interrupting  him. 

Mr.  Stanton.  I have  no  objection  to  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  [Mr. 
McNair]  making  his  statement. 

Mr.  McNair.  The  investigation  has  been  going  on  regularly,  and  we  are  now 
almost  ready  to  report.  We  have  found  the  wall  in  a dreadful  condition — in  a con- 
dition that  has  astonished  us  all.  When  we  came  to  examine  it,  we  found  that  Avail 
with  shells  built  up  on  the  outside,  and  small  stones  thrown  in  on  the  inside.  We 
have  found  it  in  a very  bad  condition.  There  are  no  stones  running  through  the 
wall  to  bind  it.  There  are  no  headers,  and  there  is  no  bond  work. 

Mr.  Woodward.  I understand  from  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  [Mr.  Stanton] 
that  he  had  not  concluded  his  remarks.  I supposed  he  had,  or  I would  not  have 
made  the  inquiry. 

Mr.  Stanton.  If  I do  not  lose  my  right  to  the  floor,  I ha\-e  no  objection  to  the 
gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  [Mr.  McNair]  proceeding. 

Mr.  McNair.  The  mortar  that  has  been  put  in  there  we  have  found  to  be  entirely 
insufficient,  as  we  believe.  It  has  been  in  there  about  three  months,  and  it  is  not 
yet  set.  Men  with  picks  just  dug  out  the  inside,  and  threiv  out  the  stones  with 
their  hands,  and  threw  out  the  sand  or  mortar,  or  whatever  you  call  it,  with  a 
shovel.  We  have,  as  one  member  of  the  committee  expressed  it,  realized  our  very 
worst  anticipations.  We  had  no  expectation  that  this  large  appropriation  would 
be  sprung  upon  us  at  this  time,  for  the  architect  himself  asked  but  $350,000  in  his 
report  to  the  President  of  the  United  States.  That  report  I have  in  my  possession. 
We  belie\Te  this  thing  ought  to  be  investigated  fairly,  and  that  all  things  connected 
with  it  should  be  brought  before  this  House  before  this  appropriation  is  made. 


470 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

If  this  appropriation  is  once  made,  we  will  be  powerless  to  change  it.  We  will  be 
all  fastened,  and  you  will  put  up  a building  which  will  cost  $5,000,000,  upon  an 
appropriation  of  $100,000  made  by  this  House  on  the  30th  day  of  September,  1850— 
an  appropriation  made  in  three  lines  and  a half,  giving  to  the  President  of  the 
United  States  $100,000,  and  power  to  appoint  an  architect — that  architect  to  produce 
a plan,  of  which  lie  shall  approve;  and  then  the  money  was  to  be  expended  from 
the  commencement  of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol.  That  money  has  been  under  the 
control  of  the  architect  himself,  who  has  drawn  it  out  of  the  Treasury  himself.  It 
has  been  expended;  how,  we  know  not.  I have  here  a statement  of  the  money 
drawn  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  by  the  architect  himself  in  sums  of  $20,000, 
and  expended  or  disbursed  by  him,  I know  not  how.  This  matter  requires  an 
inquiry,  and  I want  this  House  to  know  and  to  understand  how  this  business  is  pro- 
gressing, and  whether  this  foundation  will  be  so  frail  and  so  weak  that  the  super- 
structure raised  upon  it  will  fall  down.  One  of  the  best  architects,  perhaps,  in  the 
State  of  Pennsylvania  was  here,  who  has  no  interest  whatever  in  this  work,  and 
probably  never  will  have,  and  he  declared  to  me,  when  he  looked  at  that  wall  and 
examined  the  formation  of  it,  that  he  would  venture  his  life  the  building  would  fall 
down  if  built  upon  it.  Now,  that  is  the  opinion  of  a respectable  architect  who  has 
no  interest  in  this  matter,  and  I therefore  want  the  House  to  pause  before  making 
this  appropriation. 

Mr.  Duncan,  (interrupting.)  I wish  to  ask  the  gentleman,  who  that  architect  from 
Pennsylvania  is?  and  whether  he  has  been  examined  before  the  committee? 

Mr.  McNair.  No.  I did  not  say  that  lie  had  been.  The  gentleman  is  a friend  of 
Mr.  Pimmick,  and  was  visiting  him;  he  may  give  his  name  if  he  chooses. 

[Cries  of  “No!”  “No!”] 

Mr.  Duncan.  As  he  is  represented  as  a person  of  such  high  reputation,  we  want  to 
know  who  he  is. 

[Cries  of  “Name! ” “Name!”] 

Many  Members.  “No!”  “No!” 

Mr.  McNair.  He  was  introduced  to  me  by  Mr.  Dimmick. 

[Loud  cries  of  “Name!”  “Name!”  and  “Oh  no,  go  on!”] 

[Renewed  cries  of  ‘ ‘ Name ! ” “ Name ! ” ] 

Mr.  Florence.  Oh  no;  the  reputation  of  Pennsylvania  may  be  at  stake. 

[Cries  of  “Order,”  and  laughter.] 

Many  Members.  “Name!”  “Name!” 

Mr.  McNair.  Well,  his  name  is  Knowles.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Duncan.  Where  is  he  from? 

Mr.  McNair.  I wish  gentlemen  to  know  something  about  the  disbursement  of  that 
money,  before  they  judge  whether  everything  is  perfectly  right. 

Mr.  Seymour,  of  New  York,  (interrupting.)  I wish  merely  to  ask  the  gentleman 
from  Pennsylvania,  whether  he  has  any  knowledge  of  the  misapplication  of  these 
funds,  or  any  suspicion  of  their  misapplication? 

Mr.  McNair.  I have  a knowledge  that  the  money  has  been  drawn  by  the  architect. 
He  has  drawn  it;  and  there  has  been  no  return  made  by  him  for  the  disbursement. 

Mr.  Woodward.  I simply  wish  to  suggest  to  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania,  that 
I did  not  expect  a debate  of  this  character  would  spring  up.  My  inquiry  was  strictly 
as  to  the  business  before  the  committee,  and  related  to  the  manner  of  constructing 
the  wall.  I never  for  a moment  had  the  least  suspicion  of  a misapplication  of  the 
funds,  and  I should  be  very  glad  if  my  friend  would  restrict  himself  to  the  matter  of 
the  construction  of  the  wall. 

Mr.  Florence,  (Mr.  McNair  yielding  the  door. ) As  the  great  object  to  be  attained 
just  now  is,  to  arrive  at  a definite  conclusion  by  which  this  House  can  vote  to-day 
upon  this  bill,  may  I beg  to  ask  my  colleague  from  Pennsylvania,  whether  there  has 
been  a vote  in  that  committee  upon  the  subject  of  the  wall? — whether  there  has  been 


The  Extensions. 


471 


any  conclusion  arrived  at  by  the  committee  that  may  enable  this  House  to  arrive  at 
a conclusion? — whether  the  whole  of  the  committee  agree  with  the  chairman? — and 
further,  whether  experienced  gentlemen — persons  competent  to  judge  of  the  strength 
of  that  wall,  have  not  given  certificates  that  it  is  adequate  for  the  purposes  for  which 
it  was  built?  Inasmuch  as  the  chairman  of  the  committee  has  been  asked  to  give  us 
information,  and  as  we  are  all  interested  in  knowing  it,  it  is  perhaps  as  well  that  he 
should  state  now  whether  such  certificates  have  not  been  given.  My  reason  for  ask- 
ing it  is,  that  I have  understood  from  experienced  persons  that  the  wall  is  quite 
adequate  for  the  purposes  for  which  it  is  designed,  notwithstanding  the  opinion. of 
the  chairman  of  the  committee,,  who,  perhaps,  has  no  better  practical  knowledge  on 
the  subject  than  I have. 

Mr.  McNair.  I have  told  the  gentleman,  as  I tell  him  now,  that  there  has  been 
no  vote  taken  in  the  committee.  I will  tell  him  further,  that  I know  nothing  about 
any  such  certificates  as  he  speaks  of. 

Mr.  Florence.  I did  not  mean  to  say  certificates.  I meant  to  ask  if  there  had  not 
been  such  testimony  before  the  committee. 

Mr.  McNair.  There  has  been  such  testimony,  but  there  has  also  been  contradictory 
testimony.  After  the  testimony  was  all  given,  we  went  out  and  examined  for  our- 
selves. We  formed  our  own  opinions  in  regard  to  it,  and  have  given  them  in  full 
in  the  report.  For  my  own  part,  T must  say  that  I was  very  much  disappointed, 
and  I think  the  other  members  of  the  committee — if  they  are  here — will  say  the  same 
for  themselves. 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky,  (resuming.)  Mr.  Chairman,  1 was  about  to  remark, 
when  I was  interrupted,  that  it  had  been  the  misfortune  of  all  great  men  who 
had  the  genius  and  resolution  to  undertake  works  of  this  magnitude,  to  be  harassed 
and  annoyed  by  the  criticism  and  censure  of  petty  minds,  who  have  not  the  capac- 
ity to  comprehend  or  the  skill  to  execute  a great  design.  In  this  remark  I do  not 
allude  to  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania,  but  I do  allude  to  that  description  of 
meddlers  who,  from  motives  of  disappointment  at  having  failed  to  secure  contracts 
on  this  work,  come  into  this  Hall  to  harass  the  House,  and,  I had  almost  said,  to 
lead  intelligent  and  honorable  members  of  Congress  into  dilemmas,  of  which,  when 
they  learn  the  whole  truth,  they  will  be  ashamed. 

Mr.  McNair.  Who  are  the}'? 

Mr.  Stanton.  Such  men  as  your  particular  friend,  Mr.  Coltman,  who,  you  said 
yourself,  had  been  the  instrument  in  bringing  about  this  investigation. 

Gentlemen  who  have  read  the  history  of  the  construction  of  that  great  edifice  on 
the  north  bank  of  the  Thames,  at  Westminster,  will  recollect  that  Sir  Charles  Barry, 
the  distinguished  architect  charged  with  the  design  and  construction  of  the  work, 
was  annoyed  at  every  step,  from  the  time  the  first  foundation  stone  was  laid  to  the 
completion  of  the  building,  with  special  committees  and  investigations,  like  those  we 
have  authorized  here,  but  which  resulted  in  nothing  but  the  complete  vindication  of 
the  great  architect  and  his  noble. structure.  Sir,  the  truth  is,  in  all  great  undertak- 
ings of  this  magnitude,  success  is  best  accomplished  by  relying  upon  individual 
responsibility.  You  acted  upon  that  jirinciple  when  you  gave  the  President  power 
to  adopt  the  plan  for  the  edifice,  without  other  limit  than  his  own  discretion;  and 
you  must,  to  some  extent,  act  upon  the  same  principle  in  permitting  him  to  complete 
it.  You  can  delay,  embarrass,  and  ruin  the  work,  by  listening  to  the  idle  clamor  of 
the  ignorant  and  the  envious;  but  such  a course  will  be  more  discreditable  to  you 
than  to  the  President,  the  architect  he  has  employed,  or  any  one  acting  under  them. 
The  lamented  Taylor  would  never  have  conquered  at  Buena  Vista,  nor  Scott  have 
taken  the  city  of  Mexico,  if  at  every  emergency  these  brave  generals  had  been 
restrained  and  controlled  by  the  unenlightened  suggestions  of  the  War  Department. 
Nor  will  your  new  Capitol  ever  be  creditable  to  the  nation,  if  the  work  and  the  plans 
are  changed  and  modified  by  the  action  of  special  committees,  raised  at  the  instance 


472  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

of  every  stupid  fellow  who  imagines  that  he  sees  a brick  awry,  or  some  small  crevice 
not  perfectly  puttied  up. 

I am  rejoiced  that  this  debate  has  arisen,  because  I had  some  curiosity  to  hear 
what  the  honorable  member  from  Pennsylvania,  [Mr.  McNair,]  who  is  chairman  of 
the  special  committee,  would  have  to  say  upon  the  subject  of  the  foundations;  and 
1 wished  to  avail  myself  of  the  opportunity  of  expressing  my  own  opinions  on  the 
subject  freely  and  fearlessly.  When  I heard  there  were  doubts  as  to  the  stability 
and  firmness  of  these  foundations,  I confess  I was  amazed,  for  I could  not  conceive 
that  any  intelligent  gentleman,  who  saw  them  as  they  presented  themselves  to  the 
eye  of  everybody,  could  have  any  other  opinion  than  that  they  were  unnecessarily 
strong.  I am  glad,  however,  that  the  committee  have  made  their  investigation  most 
thorough  and  complete;  no  matter  what  may  be  their  conclusions  when  they  take 
the  sense  of  the  members.  They  have  not  only,  as  we  have  been  told  by  the 
chairman,  dug  into  the  center  of  the  walls  to  test  the  quality  of  the  work,  but,  I 
have  been  informed,  they  have  employed  an  accomplished  scientific  gentleman  of 
this  city,  (Professor  Johnson,)  at  an  expense  of  some  $20  or  $25  per  day,  to  make 
extensive  experimental  tests  of  the  solidity  and  strength  of  the  gneiss  rock  of  which 
these  foundations  are  built,  as  well  as  of  its  capacity  to  resist  the  action  of  the 
atmosphere. 

Now,  there  is  not  a laborer  engaged  on  these  foundations — not  even  the  most 
ignorant  of  them — who  does  not  know  that  not  a square  inch  of  the  surface  of  those 
walls  will  be  exposed  to  the  action  of  the  elements.  The  outer  surface  will  be  cov- 
ered up  by  the  earth,  or  the  terraces  which  will  surround  it,  and  the  inner  surface 
by  the  arches  or  floors  above  it,  so  that  no  part  will  be  exposed. 

The  chairman  of  the  special  committee,  [Mr.  McNair,]  in  advance  of  the  action 
of  the  committee,  gives  us  his  judgment  as  to  the  character  of  these  foundations, 
and  pronounces  them  shamefully  defective.  . Now,  as  to  the  character  of  the  material: 
I happened  to  have  a conversation  with  Professor  Johnson  as  to  the  result  of  his 
experiments,  in  which  he  kindly  gave  me  the  facts  which  will  follow. 

Mr.  McNair.  Was  he  upon  his  oath? 

Mr.  Stanton.  No,  sir;  but  I presume  his  word  upon  this  subject  would  be  as 
good  as  his  oath. 

Mr.  Beale.  He  took  six  or  seven  specimens  of  stone  from  different  parts  of  the 
building,  so  as  to  ascertain  the  average  quality  of  the  stone. 

Mr.  Stanton.  I shall  state  it  all  fairly,  as  I have  no  disposition  to  do  any  one 
injustice. 

The  weakest  and  most  inferior  specimens  of  the  stone  used  which  could  be  found, 
when  subjected  to  pressure,  by  accurate  machinery  for  that  purpose,  bore  a crushing 
weight  of  over  8,000  pounds  to  the  square  inch,  or  1,152,000  pounds  to  the  square 
foot.  Now,  the  heaviest  portion  of  the  material  of  which  the  walls  of  the  edifice 
will  be  built  weighs  only  175  pounds  to  the  cubic  foot;  and  as  the  building  will  be 
about  60  feet  high,  the  weight  which  each  square  foot  of  foundation  must  sustain  is 
only  10,500  pounds,  or  less  than  one  hundreth  part  of  what  the  walls  are  capable  of 
sustaining,  supposing  the  whole  foundation  to  be  built  of  the  most  inferior  material. 
The  best  portion  of  the  stone  used  bore  a pressure  of  20,000  pounds  and  over,  or  one 
and  a half  times  more  than  the  most  inferior.  Not  one  stone  in  a hundred  used  in 
the  foundation,  I am  authorized  to  say,  was  of  the  inferior  quality  of  the  first  speci- 
men to  which  I have  referred;  and  taking  a medium  between  the  worst  and  the  best, 
as  the  proper  average  quality  of  the  stone  used,  and  these  foundations,  so  much 
decried,  are  really  capable  of  bearing,  according  to  scientific  demonstration,  2,450,000 
pounds  to  the  square  foot,  or  two  hundred  and  thirty-three  times  more  than  is 
actually  required. 

These  are  some  of  the  results  which  had  been  obtained  by  the  gentleman  referred 
to,  at  the  time  of  our  conversation.  They  certainly  will  be  conclusive,  to  all  unprej- 
udiced minds,  as  to  the  strength  and  durability  of  the  stone. 


473 


The  Extensions. 

I have  no  information  as  to  the  result  of  his  experiments  to  test  the  capacity  of  the 
stone  to  stand  atmospheric  action.  They  had  not  been  completed  at  the  time  referred 
to.  But  I care  not  what  may  he  the  result.  My  own  practical  experience  teaches 
me  that  the  stone  is  sufficiently  strong,  solid,  and  durable,  for  any  purpose  of  the 
kind.  I agree  with  the  learned  Professor,  that  these  experiments  can  be  of  no  prac- 
tical value,  for  the  reasons  above  stated,  and  that  this  part  of  the  investigation  had 
as  well  been  dispensed  with.  They  are  only  a waste  of  genius  and  of  time. 

But  the  chairman  of  the  investigating  committee  has  told  us,  with  great  gravity, 
that  he  went  to  one  of  these  foundation  walls,  with  pickaxe  and  crowbar  in  hand, 
and  dug  up  a portion  of  it;  that,  to  his  great  surprise,  he  found  his  worst  anticipations 
realized.  The  wall,  he  alleges,  is  built  of  small  stone  and  bad  mortar,  and  is  insuffi- 
cient to  sustain  the  structure  to  be  erected  upon  it.  Now,  let  me  disclose  a secret  in 
regard  to  this  digging  operation.  The  honorable  chairman  satisfied  himself  by  digging 
in  a single  spot,  and  that  spot  happened,  fortunately,  for  the  purpose  of  the  gentlemen, 
to  be  just  where  the  workmen  terminated  their  labors.  Now,  it  is  known  to  all  prac- 
tical men,  that  in  building  either  brick  or  stone  walls,  there  will  necessarily  be  an 
accumulation  of  pieces  of  brick  or  small  stone  as  the  work  progresses.  These  must 
be  worked  in,  and  it  is  economy  to  use  them  in  “filling  in,”  or  “leveling  up.”  This 
happened  to  be  the  case  at  the  spot  where  the  honorable  gentleman  used,  so  suc- 
cessfully, his  pickaxe  and  crowbar.  I suppose  some  sagacious  person,  knowing  the 
zeal  of  the  honorable  gentleman,  informed  him  of  these  facts;  and  he  availed  him- 
self of  the  information,  and  made  his  assault  upon  the  stone  and  mortar  accordingly. 

Mr.  McNair.  I have  received  no  such  information.  No  one  ever  told  me  that 
the  small  stones  were  in  that  particular  place. 

Mr.  Stanton.  Oh,  well,  I only  supposed  it  might  be  so.  It  happens,  however, 
to  be  the  fact,  that  this  identical  spot  was  the  last  part  of  the  building  worked  upon, 
and  these  small  stones  were  used  up  at  that  place  as  matter  of  economy.  But 
these  stones,  so  torn  out  of  the  wall,  are  not  small  stone,  and  could  not  from  their 
use  impair  the  strength  of  the  foundation.  They  average  from  six  inches  in  length 
to  two  feet,  and  I have  seen  many  a solid  and  substantial  wall  built  of  stone  of  no 
greater  size.  Many  of  the  best  and  oldest  buildings  in  the  world  rest  upon  foun- 
dations built  of  pebbles,  broken  rock,  and  small  pieces  of  stone  or  brick. 

I have  taken  some  extracts  from  the  “Transactions  of  the  British  Architects,” 
which  will  show  the  extent  to  which  this  mode  of  building  has  been  carried  in  past 
ages: 

In  Greece,  the  foundations  of  all  the  very  early  fortifications  were  formed  of  small  stones.  Some  of 
the  walls  of  the  stronghold  at  the  pass  of  Thermopylae  are  constructed  of  small  stones  and  mortar. 
Thucydides,  describing  the  way  in  which  the  walls  surrounding  the  Acropolis  had  been  restored  after 
the  Persian  war,  about  478  years  before  Christ,  says  the  foundations  consisted  of  stones  of  all  sizes  and 
forms  thrown  in  indiscriminately.  These  still  remain,  and  are  so  hard  as  to  be  almost  impenetrable. 

The  Romans  constructed  their  walls  of  two  faces  of  masonry  filled  in  with  cement,  consisting  of 
pounded  bricks,  or  tiles,  rough  stones,  or  flints,  and  lime  well  incorporated.  There  are  examples  at 
Messina,  wherein  fact  the  walls  surrounding  the  town,  erected  370  years  before  our  era,  are  wholly 
of  this  description.  At  Rome,  it  was  everywhere  used;  the  temple  of  Augustus,  the  baths  of  Agrippa, 
of  Titus,  and  of  Diocletian,  the  Colliseum,  the  Aqueducts,  St.  Peters,  and  many  others  serving  as 
instances.  The  well  known  wall  of  China,  built  about  205  years  before  Christ,  was  constructed  in  a 
somewhat  similar  manner,  and  notwithstanding  numerous  vicissitudes,  is  still  wondrously  strong, 
discovering  no  signs  of  ruin. 

The  Romans  brought  their  arts  to  England,  and  there  practiced  them. 

The  foundations  of  the  Roman  Station,  Aldborougli,  Yorkshire— the  upper  parts  of  which  are  formed 
of  round  pebbles  united  by  a strong  cement — and  of  some  portions  of  Severn's  wall,  consists  of  rough 
stone  and  pebbles,  compacted  in  clay;  while  in  several  instances  we  find  they  used  perfect  concreted 
masses  of  gravel,  sand,  or  pounded  bricks  and  lime,  precisely  similar  to  the  concrete  of  our  day. 

The  walls  of  Aldborougli  Church,  Yorkshire;  the  tower  of  Earls  Barton  Church;  that  of  St.  Peter’s 
Church,  at  Barton  upon  Humber,  Lincolnshire,  and  a building  at  Warmford,  Southamptonshire,  all 
of  which,  in  the  opinion  of  several  antiquaries,  are  composed,  some  of  round  pebble  stones  united 
by  mortar,  and  others  of  rubble  stone  and  flints  well  grouted;  they  are  still  of  amazing  solidity,  and 
appear  to  defy  time. 


474 


Documentary  Ilhtory  of  the  Capitol. 


Sir  Christopher  Wren  discovered  that  the  foundation  of  St.  Paul’s  Cathedral,  upon 
which  had  stood  an  imposing  pile  destroyed  by  the  great  fire,  was  composed  of  a 
mass  of  Kentish  rubble  stone,  cemented  with  extremely  hard  mortar. 

The  foundation  of  the  north  transept  of  Westminster  Abbey,  built  in  1245,  is  composed  of  flints, 
irregular  stones,  rubble,  and  mortar,  forming  a body  almost  impenetrable. 

The  foundations  of  the  public  buildings  in  Westminster,  the  law  courts,  the  additional  buildings  to 
the  House  of  Lords,  the  Library  of  the  House  of  Commons,  &c.,  were  formed  of  granite,  or  other  hard 
stone,  broken  in  small  pieces,  (none  exceeding  in  size  an  ordinary  hen’s  egg,)  and  laid  in  layers 
closely  rammed  and  grouted;  every  third  layer  of  Dorking  lime  and  sharp  river  sand. 

The  new  Parliament  House  of  Great.  Britain,  recently  built,  rests  upon  foundations 
ten  feet  seven  inches  in  height,  composed  entirely  of  concrete.  On  this  mass  of  small 
stone,  broken  up  for  the  purpose  and  grouted,  the  walls  of  that  massive  structure  are 
erected;  and  yet  our  ears  are  stunned  with  the  cry,  that,  the  stone  in  these  founda- 
tions are  not  large  enough  to  give  it.  proper  strength.  This  fact,  in  regard  to  the 
foundations  of  the  work  at.  Westminster,  1 learn  from  the  reports  of  the  architect. 
I happened  to  mention  it.  a few  days  ago  in  the  presence  of  some  of  the  workmen 
lately  engaged  on  the  Capitol,  when  two  of  them  informed  me  that,  the  report  stated 
the  matter  correctly,  for  they  had  each  worked  upon  these  very  foundations. 

The  walls  laid,  and  which  are  the  objects  of  daily  observation  by  the  members  of 
this  House,  are  subjects  of  admiration  to  every  scientific  and  practical  man  who  has 
seen  them.  Such  solidity,  such  strength,  and  such  admirable  skill  in  their  construc- 
tion, have  never  been  manifested  before  in  any  work  done  in  this  city,  and  I doubt 
whether  better  work  of  the  kind  can  be  found  in  any  part,  of  the  Union.  Yet.  we 
are  told  by  the  honorable  chairman  of  the  special  committee  that  the  walls  are  of  no 
value,  and  should  be  torn  up.  I am  astonished  at  the  conclusion  to  which  he  has 
arrived.  It  makes  me  blush  for  the  intelligence  of  my  fellow-members  on  this  floor 
upon  matters  of  such  a practical  character.  When  gentlemen  see  the  report  of  the 
special  committee,  if  the  evidence  accompanies  it,  they  will  find  that  some  of  the 
most  scientific  engineers  and  architects  in  the  nation — indeed  I might  say  the  world — 
as  well  as  the  most  experienced  practical  men,  have  testified,  after  examining  the 
work,  that  it  is  of  sufficient  strength  and  solidity  to  bear  an  infinitely  greater  weight 
than  can  possibly  be  put,  upon  it. 

The  mortar  of  which  these  walls  are  built  is  said  not  to  be  of  good  quality,  because 
it  has  not,  yet  hardened.  The  fact  that  such  a complaint  is  made,  is  proof  only  that 
there  are  men  intrusted  with  the  legislation  of  this  country,  who  are  lamentably 
deficient  in  those  practical  matters  which  are  familiar  to  the  commonest  of  men. 
Who,  in  his  sober  senses,  could  imagine  that  mortar  in  the  center  of  a thick  wall — 
seven  feet  thick — exposed  to  the  severity  of  a rigorous  winter,  and  only  two  months 
laid,  would  be  now  dry  and  hardened?  The  very  best  mortar  ever  used  could  not  have 
hardened  in  such  a situation  in  so  short  a time.  Twenty  years  will  not,  suffice  to 
make  it  as  dry  and  solid  as  it  will  become;  and  every  practical,  as  well  as  scientific 
man,  knows  that,  it  is  better  it  should  be  so.  Ask  the  common  laborer  who  has  been 
accustomed  to  attend  upon  masons,  and  he  will  tell  you,  that  the  longer  the  process 
of  evaporation  continues,  the  stronger  will  be  the  adhesion  of  the  mortar.  It  is  a 
fact  so  well  demonstrated  by  the  experience  of  those  who  are  accustomed  to  work  in 
mortar,  that,  it  needs  no  scientific  experiments  to  prove  it.  The  fact,  then,  that  in 
digging  into  these  foundations  the  mortar  was  found  not  to  be  dry  and  hard,  is  no 
evidence  that  it  is  of  bad  quality.  On  the  contrary,  I assert,  without  fear  of  contra- 
diction by  any  man  of  intelligence  on  the  subject,  that  the  mortar  is  as  good  as  could 
have  been  made.  It  is  made  of  good  lime,  clean,  sharp  sand,  and  mixed  in  proper 
proportions.  The  practical  and  scientific,  men  who  have  examined  it.,  concur  with 
me  in  opinion,  and  ridicule  the  folly  which  pronounces  it  of  bad  quality.  I hold  in 
my  hand  some  of  the  mortar,  taken  from  the  very  place  in  which  the  honorable 
gentleman  tore  up  the  wall. 


The  Extensions. 


475 


Mr.  McNair.  That  is  not  as  it  was  taken  out  of  the  wall. 

Mr.  Stanton.  It  was  taken  from  that  very  place  in  the  wall,  and  nothing  has  been 
added  to  it  but  water.  The  action  of  the  atmosphere  has  dried  it — that  is  all.  It 
dried  because  it  was  thus  exposed.  How,  in  the  name  of  all  that  is  reasonable, 
could  it  be  expected  to  dry  in  so  short  a time,  if  it  had  remained  in  the  center  of  a 
wall  seven  feet  thick.  Near  the  earth,  too,  where  there  was  more  likely  to  be 
absorption  of  moisture,  rather  than  evaporation,  the  probabilities  were  all  against  its 
drying.  Indeed,  from  my  practical  knowledge  of  mortar,  having  worked  in  it  for 
twelve  years,  I should  have  doubted  the  quality  of  this,  had  it  not  been  just  as  it  was. 

The  honorable  gentleman  says  these  walls  are  a mere  shell  on  the  outsides,  and 
filled  up  with  small  stone  and  bad  mortar  in  the  center.  I have  shown  how  they  are 
built;  but  even  if  it  were  as  the  gentleman  seems  to  think  they  are,  I cannot  see  how 
they  could  even  then  be  liable  to  bulge  or  press  out.  Every  one  knows  that  walls 
are  not  so  liable  to  split  as  to  crack  cross-wise.  They  crack  cross-wise  because  of  the 
inequalities  of  the  foundation.  But,  these  walls  will  be  so  sustained  on  the  outside  by 
the  earth,  and  on  the  inside  by  the  cross  walls  and  the  arches,  that  it  will  be  impos- 
sible for  them  to  give  way  by  splitting  or  bulging. 

Mr.  McNair.  Will  the  gentleman  permit  me  to  ask  him  a question? 

Mr.  Stanton.  With  pleasure — as  many  as  you  may  choose  to  ask. 

Mr.  McNair.  1 desire  to  ask  if  a certain  very  interesting  article,  which  appeared 
not  long  since,  did  not  supply  you  with  information  on  this  subject? 

Mr.  Stanton.  I do  not  know  to  what  article  the  gentleman  alludes.  The  extracts 
I have  given  are  obtained  from  books;  the  rest  I derive  from  my  own  practical 
experience,  which  I think  qualifies  me  to  speak  of  subjects  like  this  with  some 
knowledge  more  than  the  gentleman  possesses,  even  after  the  advantage  he  has  had 
of  this  very  important  investigation. 

A Voice.  How  many  applicants  for  contracts  were  there  from  Pennsylvania? 

Mr.  Stanton.  I do  not  know  how  many  from  Pennsylvania  have  applied  for  con- 
tracts; but  this  I am  informed  is  true,  that  disappointed  applicants  for  contracts  have 
been  active  in  stimulating  this  investigation.  I believe  some  of  them  were  before 
the  committee,  and  I suppose  were  the  persons  who  attempted  to  throw  doubt  upon 
the  stability  of  the  work. 

The  gentleman  takes  exception  to  the  fact  that  the  architect  of  the  edifice,  Mr. 
Walter,  has  control  of  the  funds  used.  I cannot  see  that  this  is  any  part  of  the 
duty  conferred  upon  the  committee  by  the  House,  which  clothed  them  only  with 
power  to  inquire  into  the  sufficiency  of  the  foundations.  But  it  is  an  exception  to 
the  law  and  not  to  the  President,  and  ought  to  have  been  taken  two  years  ago. 
Congress  gave  the  President  power  to  adopt  the  plan,  and  money  to  carry  it  out, 
with  instructions  that  the  money  should  be  expended  under  his  direction,  “by  such 
architect  as  he  might  appoint.”  Congress  now  has  no  right  to  complain  of  the  action 
of  the  President  in  this  respect,  nor  in  regard  to  the  adoption  of  the  plan.  If  he  has 
transcended  what  Congress  now  supposes  to  be  a reasonable  limit,  it  is  the  fault  of 
Congress.  It  was  in  our  power  to  have  restrained  him.  We  might  have  required 
him  to  present  his  plans  and  estimates  to  us  for  our  adoption  or  rejection,  but  we  did 
not  think  it  proper  to  do  so.  We  bade  him  take  the  responsibility,  and  he  obeyed 
our  command.  I think  he  has  acted  wisely  in  adopting  a plan,  which,  while  it 
affords  room  enough,  is  not  extravagant  in  cost,  and  will,  in  its  architectural  design 
and  perfection  of  arrangement,  reflect  credit  upon  the  nation.  Our  population,  our 
territory,  our  resources,  have  increased  with  unexampled  rapidity.  Who  can  calcu- 
late their  extent,  when  another  half  century  shall  have  passed?  The  edifice  we  are 
now  constructing  is  not  for  ourselves  alone,  but  for  posterity;  and  I am  happy  to  say 
that  in  the  after  ages  of  the  Republic  it  will  most  nobly  illustrate  the  genius  and 
power  of  the  present.  It  is  beautiful  in  design,  perfect  in  its  proportions  and  arrange- 
ments, and  not  too  magnificent  for  the  Capitol  of  thirty-one  American  States. 


476 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  gentleman,  in  his  zeal  to  defeat  the  continuance  of  the  work,  thinks  proper  to 
assail  the  architect  in  regard  to  the  expenditure  of  the  money,  and  charges  that  he 
has  not  accounted  for  that  placed  in  his  hands.  The  money  is  drawn  from  the  Treas- 
ury upon  his  requisition,  according  to  law,  and  not  otherwise.  Every  cent  so  drawn 
has  been  honestly  and  faithfully  accounted  for.  If  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania 
[Mr.  McNair]  does  not  know  it,  I can  tell  him  that  the  accounts  of  the  architect  are 
so  kept,  that  any  man  can  see  in  a moment  the  condition  of  the  whole  account,  and 
learn  the  disposition  of  every  dollar  of  the  money.  I will  say  to  the  honor  of  Mr. 
Walter,  that  if  all  other  disbursing  officers  of  the  Government  were  as  faithful  and 
accurate  in  their  accounts  and  disbursements,  you  would  hear  of  no  complaints  about 
defalcations  and  corruption.  The  $100,000  heretofore  appropriated  have  been  ex- 
pended, and  I am  gratified  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  say  judiciously  expended.  An 
immense  amount  of  work  has  been  done  for  that  amount  of  money.  Look  at  the 
immense  excavations  at  each  end  of  the  Capitol — the  great  number  of  cubic  perches 
of  stone  bought  and  laid — and  other  materials  accumulated.  And  not  one  cent  of 
this  money,  says  the  honorable  gentleman,  has  been  accounted  for.  Why,  sir,  I was 
about  to  say  that  this  charge  was  so  unjust  to  Mr.  Walter,  and  would  be  so  little 
believed  by  any  one  who  knows  him,  that  it  was  scarcely  worth  denying.  But,  if 
he  really  has  doubts  upon  the  subject,  let  him  go  to  the  Comptroller’s  office  of  the 
Treasury,  and  he  will  see  that  every  cent  has  been  faithfully  and  honestly  accounted 
for. 

Every  man  must  be  sensible  of  the  great  importance  of  the  proposed  improvement, 
and  I am  only  surprised  that  the  representatives  of  the  nation,  who  have  year  after 
year  seen  the  great  inconveniences  of  legislation  arising  from  the  miserably  defective 
construction  of  this  House,  did  not  sooner  direct  it  to  be  commenced.  I need  say 
nothing  of  this  Hall,  the  very  worst  in  the  world  for  purposes  of  deliberation.  Its 
defects  are  too  palpable  not  to  be  seen  and  felt  by  every  member.  Large  and  com- 
modious as  the  building  may  seem,  it  does  not  contain  more  than  one  half  as  many 
committee  rooms  as  are  needed  for  the  use  of  the  two  Houses.  In  many  of  them  the 
committees  are  doubled,  some  of  the  committees  have  no  rooms,  and  it  frequently 
occurs  that  special  committees  cannot  be  accommodated  without  seriously  interfer- 
ing with  the  duties  of  others.  And  how  are  the  officers  of  the  House  accommo- 
dated? They  are  crowded  into  the  smallest  rooms,  and  scarcely  more  than  half  the 
space  necessary  for  the  prompt  and  proper  dispatch  of  business.  The  library  room 
of  the  House  is  ill  shaped,  irregular,  and  not  much  larger,  or  convenient,  than  a 
good-sized  rat  hole.  The  document  room  is  but  little  better,  and  both  seem  to  have 
been  made  for  any  other  purpose  than  that  to  which  they  are  applied.  Neither  the 
Postmaster  nor  the  Sergeant-at-Arms,  has  more  room  than  is  usually  allotted  to  the 
barkeeper  on  a steam-boat.  All  this  is  discreditable  to  a great  nation  like  ours,  and 
affords  abundant  reason  for  the  immediate  progress  of  an  improvement,  which  will 
afford  greater  conveniences  for  the  legislative  department  of  the  Government. 

I hope  this  appropriation  will  be  made.  I deem  the  investigation  to  be  made  by 
this  committee  as  of  very  little  importance.  Indeed,  I know  no  practical  man — I 
had  almost  said,  no  sensible  man — will  so  hazard  his  reputation  as  to  insist  that  those 
foundations  shall  come  down.  Who  has  complained  of  them,  and  of  what  is  the 
complaint  made?  It  arises  from  the  disappointment  of  men  who  sought  contracts  and 
did  not  get  them,  and  applies  to  a single  spot  ten  or  twelve  feet  long  and  two  feet 
deep  in  one  of  the  walls  upon  the  south  side  of  the  House.  I understand  there  is  no 
sort  of  objection  to  the  foundation  upon  the  other  side  of  the  building — none  in  the 
world.  If  the  gentleman  having  charge  of  this  matter  had  taken  the  trouble  to  walk 
fifty  feet  further,  he  would  have  seen  a portion  of  this  work  unfinished,  just  as  it 
was  laid  up  by  the  hands  of  the  workmen,  and  instead  of  coming  here  and  complain- 
ing that  there  are  no  large  stones  in  that  foundation,  he  would  have  told  us  that  he 
saw  them  jutting  almost  entirely  through  the  wall.  I appeal  to  the  gentleman  from 


The  Extensions. 


477 


Pennsylvania  [Mr.  McNair]  to  say,  if  upon  that  side  of  the  building  there  are  not 
large  stones  running  through  the  whole  wall? 

Mr.  McNair.  There  are  large  stones  running  nearly  through  the  wall;  and  I believe 
they  were  put  up  there  for  the  purpose  of  making  a show.  When  we  came  to  dig 
into  the  wall,  we  found  no  stones  running  through  it. 

Mr.  Stanton.  That  shows  the  state  of  feeling  under  which  the  chairman  of  the 
special  committee  is  acting.  Why  could  he  not  state  the  simple  fact,  without  throw- 
ing in  the  remark  that  “they  were  put  up  for  show?”  for  if  he  had  been  destitute  of 
all  prejudice  and  feeling,  and  had  not  the  interest  of  others  who  have  instigated  this 
investigation,  to  sustain,  as  well  as  his  own  reputation,  for  having  begun  it,  would 
not  the  mere  declaration  of  fact  have  been  sufficient?  Now,  sir,  I say  that  that  wall 
was  laid  before  the  gentleman  came  to  the  city  of  Washington. 

Mr.  McNair.  I have  no  interest  in  this  thing. 

Mr.  Stanton.  How  in  the  name  of  common  sense  could  the  men  when  at  work 
upon  that  part  of  the  wall,  have  anticipated  that  the  honorable  gentleman  from 
Pennsylvania,  [Mr.  McNair,]  when  he  came  here,  would  have  been  set  on  to  com- 
mence a crusade  against  the  foundations  of  this  building?  That  work  was  done  long 
before  the  honorable  gentleman  came  here,  and  it  remains  now  just  in  its  unfinished 
condition,  and  in  the  best  condition  possible  to  test  the  quality  of  the  work.  Now, 
sir,  I venture  to  assert  that  he  will  not  say  that  that  wall  is  not  strong  enough. 

Mr.  McNair.  I will.  That  is  my  opinion. 

Mr.  Stanton.  Well,  I am  very  glad  to  hear  that,  for  it  is  in  keeping  with  all  the 
results  of  the  judgment  you  have  manifested  here  to-day.  Now,  sir,  this  part  of  the 
wall  torn  down  by  the  committee,  was  “leveled  up”  as  the  base  for  larger  stone, 
and  “leveling”  is  a technical  term  with  masons,  simply  indicating  the  bringing  of 
the  wall  to  a level  surface,  in  order  that  you  may  have  a bed  for  larger  stone  to  rest 
upon,  or  for  other  purposes.  In  this  process  of  “leveling  up,”  small  stones  are 
needed  and  necessarily  used,  and  this  is  known  to  all  practical  men,  if  not  to  the 
chairman  of  the  committee,  created  to  pass  judgment  upon  the  labor  of  skillful  and 
experienced  operatives,  who  could  have  no  motive  or  interest  to  make  other  than  a 
good  job. 

I have  been  instructed  to  offer  this  amendment  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings, who  think  that  the  appropriation  should  be  made  and  the  work  completed 
with  all  possible  speed  consistent  with  its  proper  execution.  The  Secretary  of  the 
Interior,  in  his  letter  to  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means,  and  the  Architect,  in 
his  annual  report,  estimated  §350,000  as  the  sum  to  be  expended  during  the  present 
fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1852,  and  §650,000  for  the  subsequent  year,  ending  June 
30,  1853.  The  appropriation  provided  for  by  the  amendment,  extends  to  June  30, 
1853,  and  is  only  half  the  sum  asked  for  by  the  Secretary  and  Architect,  a large  por- 
tion of  the  time  having  elapsed  in  which  the  amount  of  their  estimates  would  have 
been  expended.  I earnestly  hope  the  House  will  pass  the  resolution  and  permit  the 
work  to  proceed.  The  appropriation  is  needed,  must  be  made,  and  the  sooner  the 
better.  In  conclusion,  I will  simply  say,  that  no  matter  what  may  be  the  character 
of  the  report  of  the  special  committee,  the  money  will  be  required,  and  the  appro- 
priation should  be  made. 

Mr.  Brown,  of  Mississippi,  obtained  the  floor. 

* * * 

The  chairman  of  the  committee  reported  that  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the 
state  of  the  Union  had,  according  to  order,  had  under  consideration  the  state  of  the 
Union  generally,  an  1 particularly  joint  resolution  No.  2,  providing  for  the  continuation 
of  the  work  on  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  and  had  come  to  no  conclusion  thereon. 

Mr.  Clingman.  I move  the  usual  resolution,  that  all  debate  in  Committee  of  the 
Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  upon  the  subject  last  before  it  shall  cease  in  half  an 
hour  after  that  committee  shall  have  resumed  its  consideration. 

[Cries  of  “No!”  “No!”] 


478 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  McLanahan.  Is  that  motion  debatable? 

The  Speaker.  It  is  not. 

Mr.  McLanahan.  Well,  I hope  the  House  will  not  pass  it. 

Mr.  Houston.  Mr.  Speaker 

[Cries  of  “Lay  it  on  the  table!”] 

Mr.  Houston.  I do  not  want  to  lay  it  on  the  table,  for  I am  in  favor  of  the  resolu- 
tion. But  I will  suggest  to  the  mover  whether,  as  there  was  a member  upon  the  1 
floor  when  the  committee  rose,  the  House  have  the  right  to  take  from  him  his  hour. 

I hope  the  time  will  at  least  be  prolonged,  so  as  to  cover  that  speech. 

Mr.  Clingman.  I have  no  doubt  of  the  right  of  the  House  to  stop  debate,  for  it  is 
usually  done  when  somebody  is  entitled  to  the  floor.  I will  modify  the  resolution, 
to  extend  the  time  to  one  hour,  however,  if  gentlemen  desire  it,  and  upon  that 
motion  I call  the  previous  question. 

Mr.  Ficklin.  I would  suggest  to  the  gentleman  from  North  Carolina,  that  the  gen- 
tleman from  Pennsylvania  [Mr.  McNair]  has  not  been  heard  in  reply. 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky.  My  speech  was  in  reply  to  his. 

Mr.  Stephens,  of  Georgia.  I move  that  this  House  do  now  adjourn. 

The  question  was  put,  and  the  House  refused  to  adjourn. 

Mr.  McMullin.  Is  it  in  order  to  move  that  the  resolution  to  close  debate  do  lie 
upon  the  table? 

The  Speaker.  It  is. 

Mr.  McMullin.  I submit  that  motion. 

Mr.  Stanly.  Upon  that  motion  I demand  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  resolution  was  then  reported,  as  follows: 

Resolved , That  all  debate  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  upon  the  resolution 
of  the  Senate  No.  17,  to  provide  for  the  construction  of  the  work  on  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  shall 
cease  in  one  hour  after  its  consideration  is  resumed;  and  if  the  committee  shall  not  come  to  a con- 
clusion sooner  upon  the  same,  it  shall  then  proceed  to  vote  upon  such  amendments  as  shall  be  pend- 
ing fir  offered  to  the  same,  and  shall  then  report  it  to  the  House  with  such  amendments  as  may  have 
been  agreed  upon  by  the  committee. 

Mr.  Fitch.  If  the  debate  be  closed  by  the  resolution,  will  the  gentleman  from 
Pennsylvania,  the  chairman  of  the  select  committee,  [Mr.  McNair,]  be  entitled  to 
an  hour  under  the  rule  to  close  the  debate? 

The  Speaker.  He  will  not;  but  the  gentlemen  from  Kentucky,  the  chairman  of 
the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  who  reported  the  bill,  will  be 
entitled  to  an  hour. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  then  ordered;  and  the  question  being  taken,  the  result 
was — yeas  78,  nays  102 — as  follows: 

* * * 

So  the  resolution  was  not  laid  on  the  table. 

■*■  * * 


[House  proceedings  of  liar.  13,  1S5‘2:  Congressional  Globe,  32—1,  p.  738.] 

THE  EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

The  House  accordingly  resolved  itself  into  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the 
state  of  the  Union,  (Mi-.  Seymour,  of  Connecticut,  in  the  chair.) 

The  Chairman.  The  first  business  in  order  is  the  special  order,  being  “Senate 
joint  resolution  No.  2,  authorizing  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  to  continue  in  employ- 
ment the  mechanics,  laborers,  and  others,  employed  upon  the  two  wings  thereof,” 
upon  which  the  gentleman  from  Mississippi  [Mr.  Wilcox]  is  entitled  to  the  floor. 

Mr.  Duncan.  If  the  gentleman  from  Mississippi  would  giveaway  for  a few  minutes 
while  I make  an  explanation  in  reference  to  the  bill  now  under  consideration,  I 
would  be  obliged  to  him. 


The  Extensions. 


479 


Mr.  Wilcox.  I will  .say  to  my  honorable  friend  that  I will  reserve  sufficient  time 
in  which  he  may  say  all  that  he  desires,  and  ask  that  I may  have  notice  from  him. 
* * * 

Mr.  Beale  next  obtained  the  floor,  and  said:  Mr.  Chairman,  I feel  impelled,  for 
the  first  time  in  my  life,  although  I have  been  a member  of  this  House  for  many 
years,  to  intrude  some  few  observations  upon  the  attention  of  this  committee.  There 
is  a bill  lying  upon  your  table,  which  proposes  an  appropriation  of  §500,000  for  the 
continuation  of  the  wings  of  the  Capitol.  A select  committee  was  appointed,  early 
in  this  session,  whose  duty  it  was  to  examine  into  the  permanence,  stability,  and 
quality  of  the  foundation  work  to  support  the  superstructure  that  is  intended  to  be 
put  upon  it.  Now,  sir,  I hold  that  the  House  ought  to  know  what  are  the  senti- 
ments of  that  committee,  because  if  they  do  not,  they  will  legislate  in  the  dark  in 
relation  to  the  appropriation  of  a very  large  amount  of  money.  That,  and  that  alone, 
impels  me  to  give  the  information  which  I possess  on  the  subject. 

I hope  I shall  be  pardoned  for  referring  to  the  observations  which  the  gentleman 
from  Kentucky  [Mr.  Stanton]  made  on  yesterday  in  relation  to  this  subject.  That 
gentleman  gave  us  his  learning  in  architecture,  and  told  us  of  his  long  experience  as 
a mechanic,  and  he  chose  to  depreciate  the  talents  and  probity  of  the  committee. 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky.  I beg  the  gentleman’s  pardon;  I depreciated  neither 
the  talents  nor  the  probity  of  the  committee. 

Mr.  Beale.  The  gentleman  was  present,  I think,  when  the  excavations  were  made 
in  the  wall,  and  I,  too,  was  there,  and  he  observed  on  yesterday,  that  the  committee 
were  men  of  such  diminutive  structure  of  mind  and  feeling,  that  they  were  capable 
only  of  observing  specks  and  blots  upon  thegreat  superstructures  of  genius  and  talent. 
[Laughter.]  Now,  whether  I come  within  this  lamentable  category,  I will  not  deter- 
mine. I am  willing  that  my  position  in  this  House  should  be  judged  by  those  who 
have  known  me  since  I have  been  here.  I make  no  pretensions  to  talent,  but  I do 
make  pretensions  to  probity. 

Permit  me,  sir,  in  a very  succinct  manner,  to  say  what  I know  in  relation  to  the 
examinations  which  have  been  made  by  the  committee,  and  which  I think  the 
House  should  know  before  they  vote  an  appropriation  of  §500,000  for  continuing  the 
work  on  the  wings  of  the  Capitol. 

The  condition  of  my  mind  when  I came  to  this  work,  was  this:  upon  a survey  of 
the  outward  appearance  of  the  wall,  I had  two  objections  to  it;  the  first  was,  that 
I thought  the  stone  was  too  small  for  the  magnitude  of  the  wall,  and  the  second 
was,  that  there  were  very  many  long  lines  of  stone  running  longitudinally  with  the 
wall,  which  did  not  appear  to  me  to  have  breakers  to  sustain  them. 

Well,  sir,  this  matter  was  inquired  into  by  the  committee.  We  had  architect, 
builders,  masons,  and  ail  that  description  of  persons  before  us,  and  they  all  agreed 
on  several  great  facts.  The  first  was,  that  the  best  wall  which  could  be  built,  was  of 
hewn  stone,  where  each  strata  should  be  laid  down  with  a little  mortar  on  top,  and 
the  next  strata  breaking  against  it.  That  was  the  best  wall  that  could  be  built.  The 
next  best  wall  that  could  be  built,  was  where  there  were  leaders  and  stretchers  run 
across  the  wall,  and  that  in  the  next  strata  heavy  stones  should  be  laid  upon  the 
junctions  and  smaller  stones  upon  the  superficial  area.  That  is  the  next  best  wall 
that  could  be  built.  There  was  particular  inquiry  made  in  the  committee  as  to  the 
mode  in  which  this  wall  had  been  built  up,  and  the  universal  opinion  was  that  it 
was  safely  built  and  in  the  manner  last  indicated.  We  had  the  evidence  of  archi- 
tects, builders,  and  masons — men  who  were  not  interested  in  the  work,  who  had 
bid  for  it  and  been  disappointed  of  getting  employment,  who  swore  to  the  durability 
and  excellence  of  the  wall.  Well,  sir,  I must  confess,  such  is  my  confidence  in 
human  nature,  that  my  objections  were  removed,  especially  when  on  speaking  to 
Mr.  Walter,  the  architect,  in  relation  to  these  long  lines  of  stone  running  longitudi- 
nally with  the  wall,  he  asked  me  “did  you  ever  know  a wall  to  crack  longitudinally? 
Does  it  not  always  crack  at  right  angles?” 


480 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


But,  sir,  the  committee  made  an  excavation  some  ten  or  twelve  feet  long,  and  from 
two  and  a half  to  three  feet  deep,  and  that  excavation  realized  the  worst  anticipa- 
tions that  could  possibly  have  been  formed.  There  Avas  a stone  running  along  the 
outside  of  from  six  to  twelve  or  fourteen  inches  thick,  and  the  middle  was  filled  up 
with  rubble  and  angular  stone,  with  bad  mortar,  presenting  actually  the  worst  char- 
acter of  wall  that  could  have  a decent  outside  appearance. 

Now,  I do  not  pretend  to  say  that  this  foundation  will  not  support  a structure  of 
four  feet  five  or  six  inches  of  solid  marble,  let  it  be  thirty -odd  feet  high;  but  I do  say, 
that  if  this  Avail  is  like  the  part  that  Ave  examined,  it  would  be  extremely  doubtful 
whether  it  could  support  such  a structure.  That  is  my  opinion,  founded  upon  the 
facts  which  have  come  before  us  and  upon  the  examinations  we  have  made.  The 
swearing  is  all  in  one  way,  the  facts  the  other  way. 

In  relation  to  the  employment  of  a scientific  man,  that  Avas  at  my  suggestion.  I 
did  not  knoAv  the  quality  of  the  stone.  It  is  not  common  in  the  part  of  the  country 
in  Avhich  I live;  and  although  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  found  fault  with  the 
committee  for  employing  that  gentleman,  I hope  it  will  be  vieAved  by  the  committee 
as  an  honest  effort  on  our  part  to  acquire  the  information  necessary  to  arrh7e  at  a 
correct  judgment. 

Mr.  Duncan.  I am  very  happy  to  obtain  the  floor  for  a few  minutes,  in  order  that 
I may  remove  an  erroneous  impression  Avhich  probably  exists  in  the  minds  of  this 
committee  from  the  representations  made,  inadvertently,  perhaps,  by  the  gentleman 
from  PennsyMania,  [Mr.  McNair,]  the  chairman  of  this  select  committee.  That 
gentleman  stated  yesterday,  and  he  is  so  reported  in  the  papers  this  morning,  that 
the  committee  had  examined  the  walls  for  themselves,  and  had  come  to  the  opinion, 
from  that  examination,  that  these  foundations  Avere  in  a dreadful  condition. 

Mr.  Chairman,  I am  one  of  that  committee,  and  I dissent  entirely  from  that  state- 
ment. I ha\7e  formed  no  such  opinion.  I have  attended  every  meeting  of  that 
committee;  I haA7e  heard  all  the  testimony,  and  have  taken  it  at  length  in  Avriting. 
I am  not  now  going  into  a detailed  discussion  in  relation  to  this  testimony;  but  this 
I state:  The  committee  have  not,  to  my  knowledge,  had  any  meeting  of  conference 
since  that  excavation  of  the  Avail  to  Avhich  the  gentleman  alludes,  nor  have  they 
exchanged  opinions  at  all,  to  my  knoAvledge,  in  relation  to  the  subject  as  a commit- 
tee. At  the  close  of  the  examination  of  Avitnesses,  it  seemed  to  be  the  unanimous 
impression  on  the  minds  of  all  the  members  present,  that  the  testimony  conclusively 
showed  that  the  foundations  Avere  adequate  to  sustain  any  Aveight  Avhich  may  be 
placed  on  them.  Notwithstanding  this,  the  chairman  of  the  committee  expressed  a 
desire  that  the  committee  should  investigate  the  Avails  themselves — dig  into  them. 
I differed  Avith  him  upon  that  point.  I thought  it  was  not  befitting  for  a committee 
of  this  House,  clothed  Avith  unlimited  power  to  send  for  persons  and  papers  and  to 
examine  Avitnesses,  to  go  out  and  dig  into  this  green  Avail,  surrounded  by  a company 
of  men  and  boys.  I did  not  ghTe  my  assent  to  the  examination.  I did  not  believe 
it  was  necessary,  and  I did  not  attend  that  examination.  But  since  that  time  I 
have  carefully  examined  that  excavation,  and  my  opinion  still  remains  the  same — 
it  is  not  changed  in  the  least. 

And,  sir,  I dissent  also  from  the  statement  made  by  the  gentleman,  that  the  outer 
sides  of  the  Avail  Avere  mere  shells,  and  the  inside  filled  with  small  stones.  I meas- 
ured the  sides  of  the  Avail,  and  found  in  each,  stones  more  than  tAvo  feet  in  length 
projecting  inward,  and  many  of  the  stones  thrown  out  of  the  wall,  were  from  one  to 
two  feet  long,  it  is  true  that  in  that  particular  place  a large  proportion  of  the  stones 
Avere  small,  but  the  best  architects  tell  us  that  a Avail  built  of  such  material,  with  a 
suitable  proportion  of  binding  stone  stretching  across  the  Avail,  or  nearly  so,  at  suit- 
able distances,  say  once  in  twenty  feet  would  be  sufficiently  strong  to  sustain  any 
superstructure.  That  it  would  be  stronger  than  a Avail  built  entirely  of  large  stones, 
unless  these  Avere  carefully  hammered  and  fitted,  an  expense  which  is  never  incurred 


The  Extensions. 


481 


in  foundation  walls.  And  the  committee  should  know  that  the  wall,  which  was  the 
subject  of  examination,  is  leveled  up  to  receive  windows  four  feet  in  width,  and  dis- 
tant from  each  other  seven  feet,  and  the  wall  between  them  will  be  carried  up  with 
larger  stones,  and  at  the  surface  of  the  ground  is  to  receive,  according  to  the  plan,  a 
block  of  granite  fifteen  inches  thick  and  four  feet  in  width. 

Now,  I say  to  this  House  that  if  any  reliance  can  be  placed  upon  testimony, — 
testimony  the  most  intelligent,  the  most  impartial,  and  the  most  reliable  that  can 
be  obtained — then  the  foundations  of  this  extension  are  amply  sufficient  to  sustain  a 
greater  weight  than  they  will  be  required  to  bear — that  they  are  better  foundations 
than  those  of  any  public  building  in  this  city — better  than  those  of  any  public 
building  ever  erected  in  this  country;  and  we  have  such  testimony. 

But,  as  I said  before,  my  opinion  is  not  changed  by  this  accidental  excavation  into 
this  green  wall.  I objected  to  this  mode  of  examination,  because  it  did  not  accord 
with  my  views  of  propriety.  I do  not  set  up  my  views  as  a standard  for  other  gentle- 
men. They  may  be  better  able  to  judge  of  such  things  than  I am.  But  I will  say 
that  the  examination  made  by  this  special  committee  does  not  in  the  slightest  degree 
shake  my  confidence  in  this  work. 

Now,  as  to  the  quality  of  the  stone  of  which  the  foundations  are  composed,  we 
have  had  it  tested  and  the  learned  professor,  who  applied  the  test,  says  that  it  is  not 
only  capable  of  sustaining  the  weight  of  the  superstructure  that  is  to  be  placed  upon 
it,  but  that  it  is  capable  of  sustaining  a pressure  one  hundred  times  as  great.  And 
all  the  architects  who  examined  the  foundations  concurred  in  the  opinion  that  they 
were  capable,  at  least,  of  sustaining  ten  times  the  weight  that  is  proposed  to  be  placed 
upon  them.  So  much  for  the  material. 

Now,  as  to  the  lime.  It  was  testified  that  the  lime  used  from  Seeley’s  mountain, 
was  the  best  lime  in  the  country;  that  it  is  used  upon  the  public  works  by  Gen- 
eral Stuart,  the  Chief  Engineer  of  the  United  States,  in  preference  to  any  other. 
But  it  is  not  to  be  expected  that  this  mortar  bedded  two  feet  in  the  wall,  placed 
there  since  the  commencement  of  this  session  of  Congress,  with  severe  frosts  every 
night,  should  become  dr)-  by  this  time.  If  it  had  it  would  only  have  proved,  accord- 
ing to  the  best  authorities  upon  the  subject,  its  inferiority. 

But  let  me  go  further.  This  work  was  all  done  by  the  day.  Every  man  employed 
on  it  was  employed  in  that  manner.  Is  there  any  assignable  motive  that  could  have 
induced  these  men  to  have  laid  up  the  walls  hastily,  carelessly,  or  inadequately? 
Again,  the  principal  architect  holds  the  highest  rank  in  his  profession.  He  has 
probably  had  a larger  experience  in  the  erection  of  costly  edifices  than  any  other 
man  of  his  age  in  the  United  States.  It  will  satisfy  gentlemen  in  regard  to  his  com- 
petency to  perform  the  work  assigned  him,  to  be  told  that  the  Girard  College,  in  the 
city  of  Philadelphia — that  grand  and  massive  structure — was  erected  under  his 
superintendence.  And  the  superintendents  under  him  are  men  of  the  largest 
experience,  fully  competent  for  the  discharge  of  their  duties,  and  were  constantly 
present  during  the  progress  of  the  work.  And  gentlemen  of  this  city — archi- 
tects— who  testified  before  the  committee,  stated  that  they  knew  many  of  the 
masons  employed,  and  that  they  were  good  and  faithful  workmen.  Now,  what 
conceivable  motive  could  these  men  have  had  to  slight  this  work?  I should 
hesitate  to  set  up  my  opinions  in  this  case  against  those  of  practical  and  scientific 
men.  And  if  this  committee,  on  conferring  together,  had  expressed  doubts  of  the 
stability  of  the  work,  I would  have  proposed  that  they  should  submit  their  excava- 
tion in  the  wall  to  the  examination  of  some  of  the  most  intelligent  and  practical  of 
the  gentlemen  who  were  called  to  testify,  before  they  ventured,  on  their  own  judg- 
ment, to  report  that  these  walls  were  insufficient,  and  in  a dreadful  condition.  And 
I greatly  regretted  that  the  chairman  of  the  special  committee  saw  fit  to  introduce  a 
statement,  apparently  designed  to  awaken  the  distrust  and  prejudice  the  minds  of 

H.  Rep.  <146 31 


482 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


members.  With  what  other  view  did  he  state  that  the  money  appropriated  was 
drawn  and  disbursed  by  the  architect,  and  how , he  did  not  know;  “and  that  the  mat- 
ter deserved  inquiry?”  Sir,  if  the  architect  disburses  the  money,  it  is  because  the 
law  makes  it  his  duty.  The  committee  did  not  deem  it  their  duty  to  investigate  how 
and  for  what  the  appropriation  had  been  disbursed.  If  they  had  made  the  inquiry, 
they  would  have  found  it  properly  expended  and  duly  accounted  for,  every  cent. 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky.  Will  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  allow  me  to 
interrupt  him  for  a moment?  I hold  in  my  hand  a letter  from  the  Comptroller  of  the 
Treasury — Mr.  Whittlesey — to  the  architect,  dated  the  10th  of  February,  in  which 
he  says  all  the  money  has  been  accounted  for.  I ask  that  the  letter  may  be  read. 

The  letter  was  read,  as  follows: 

Treasury  Department, 
Comptroller's  Office,  February  10,  1852. 

Sir:  Your  account  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  from  August  2d  to  the  31st  December,  1851,  has 
been  adjusted  at  the  Treasury,  and  a balance  of  $3,494.98  found  to  be  due  from  you  to  the  United 
States,  which  agrees  with  your  account. 

Very  respectfully,  Elisha  Whittlesey,  Comptroller. 

Thomas  U.  Walter,  Esq., 

Architect  for  the  Extension  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Duncan.  The  architect  very  freely  submitted  to  the  committee  his  books,  con- 
taining proposals  and  bids,  his  contracts,  and  all  the  papers  connected  with  the 
work;  and  would,  with  equal  freedom,  have  submitted  a statement  of  expenditure, 
if  they7  had  requested  it.  That  architect  was  a stranger  to  me  until  the  present 
session;  but  I do  not  hesitate  to  say  that  in  ability,  in  fidelity,  and  in  integrity,  he 
is  not  surpassed  by  any  man  in  the  United  States.  I would  as  readily  place  the  dis- 
bursement of  all  the  money  necessary  to  the  completion  of  this  Capitol  in  his  hands, 
as  in  the  hands  of  any  man  or  set  of  men  that  could  be  selected  to  perform  that 
trust.  But  this  is  a matter  which  depends  altogether  on  the  law  of  Congress.  They 
can  place  that  disbursement  where  they  see  fit. 

Before  I sit  down,  I wish  to  say  a word  about  the  appropriation  proposed  by  the 
amendment  of  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky.  During  the  last  Congress,  different 
opinions  were  entertained  in  regard  to  the  expediency  of  making  the  proposed 
enlargement  of  the  Capitol;  but  that  Congress  decided  to  undertake  the  work,  and 
voted  an  appropriation  for  its  commencement.  The  work  has  been  begun;  a large 
sum  has  been  expended;  and  I presume  it  will  go  on.  I presume  no  one  is  prepared 
to  say  that  the  design  shall  now  be  abandoned.  It  should,  then,  be  prosecuted  with 
as  much  expedition  as  is  consistent  with  economy.  Who  wishes  to  see  these  beau- 
tiful grounds  incumbered  for  years  with  rubbish?  I believe  that,  in  this  case,  expe- 
dition is  economy.  Let  the  work  go  forward.  The  season — the  most  favorable 
season  in  the  year  for  work — has  arrived;  and  the  House  should  lose  no  time  in 
making  the  requisite  appropriation. 

Mr.  Wallace.  Mr.  Chairman,  I desire  to  say  a few  words  upon  the  subject 
embraced  in  the  special  order,  and  in  reply  to  the  speech  made  yesterday  by  the 
gentleman  from  Kentucky,  [Mr.  Stanton.  ] I am  a member,  sir,  of  the  special  com- 
mittee, which  that  honorable  gentleman  has  honored  with  his  notice,  in  his  own 
peculiar  manner.  I was  appointed  a member  of  that  committee  without  my  knowl- 
edge, consent,  or  procurement,  and  contrary  to  my  desire,  and  I have  served  upon 
it  with  reluctance,  and  from  a sense  of  duty  which  I owe  to  this  House  as  one  of  its 
members,  and  from  what  I conceived  to  be  due  to  its  presiding  officer  who  placed 
me  upon  it.  Until  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  delivered  his  extraordinary  speech 
on  yesterday,  I did  not  feel  myself  called  upon,  at  this  stage  of  the  debate,  to 
express  any  opinion  in  reference  to  the  sufficiency  or  insufficiency  of  the  work 
■which  that  committee  has  been  directed  to  inspect,  and  to  report  the  facts  which 
may  be  elicited  to  this  House.  I had  supposed  that  it  would  be  time  enough 


The  Extensions. 


483 


for  me  to  make  my  opinions  known  upon  that  subject  when  the  report  of  the 
committee  shall  be  before  this  House  for  its  consideration  and  action.  The  course 
pursued  by  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  has  made  it  necessary  for  me  to  depart, 
in  some  degree,  from  that  line  of  policy.  In  what  I have  to  say,  sir,  1 shall  not 
imitate  the  example  of  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky.  I shall  not  seek  to  elicit 
the  plaudits  of  any  class  of  persons  who  may  effect  a lodgment  in  your  galleries,  for 
the  purpose  of  influencing  the  acts  and  deliberations  of  this  honorable  body;  nor 
do  I intend  to  follow  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  through  the  mazes  of  his  learned 
dissertation  upon  the  mechanical  structure  and  perfection  of  the  Acropolis,  the  Colli- 
seum,  and  the  Vatican,  for  the  purpose  of  making  a display  of  my  architectural  learn- 
ing as  he  has  done.  That  honorable  gentleman  has  my  free  assent  and  permission  to 
go,  whenever  it  may  be  agreeable  to  himto  do  so,  with  Volneyand Layard,  overthe  ruins 
of  Greece  and  Rome,  Memphis  and  Carthage,  Nineveh  and  Babylon,  and  to  make  to  his 
countrymen  such  report  upon  his  discoveries  as  may  be  most  agreeable  to  him;  and 
I assure  him  that  I shall  not  enter  into  competition  with  him  for  the  honor  to  be 
acquired  by  his  antiquarian  researches  into  the  dusty  memorials  of  past  ages.  What 
I have  to  say  relates  particularly  to  the  things  of  the  present  age.  And,  sir,  I deny 
that  that  gentleman  has  the  right,  under  the  usages  and  sanctions  of  parliamentary 
law,  to  rise  in  his  place  here,  and  make  a speech  denunciatory  of  the  opinions  of  a 
committee  of  this  House,  before  such  opinions  have  been  pronounced  and  made 
known  by  that  committee. 

Mr.  Stanton.  Will  the  gentleman  from  South  Carolina  allow  me  for  one  moment? 

Mr.  Wallace.  The  gentleman  from  Kentucky  has  made  his  speeches  here  without 
interruption  from  me,  and  I do  not  intend  to  be  interrupted  by  him. 

Mr.  Stanton.  Very  well,  I only  wanted  to  state  a fact. 

Mr.  Wallace.  What  right  has  he,  sir,  to  impute  to  me,  as  a member  of  that  com- 
mittee, a set  of  opinions  in  reference  to  a matter  of  public  concern,  which  is  in  part 
committed  to  my  charge,  before  1 have  uttered  any  opinion  upon  the  subject;  and 
to  make  this  gratuitous  assumption  the  theme  of  a popular  harrangue  upon  a sup- 
posed state  of  facts  which  may  not,  and  as  far  as  I am  concerned  do  not  exist,  that 
he  may  thereby  win  for  himself  the  approbation  and  applause  of  a particular  class  of 
persons  who  surround  this  Capitol?  The  gentleman  from  Kentucky  seems  to  have 
assumed  the  peculiar  championship  of  every  person  who  has  had  the  good  fortune 
to  aid  in  laying  the  foundations  of  the  proposed  additions  to  the  Capitol;  and  his 
terrible  lance  is  poised  for  a tilt  with  every  ill-fated  wight  who  comes  in  his  way, 
whenever  a leaf  is  heard  to  rustle  in  the  gale.  I shall  not  call  his  sympathy  in  this 
regard  in  question,  or  add  my  sympathies  to  his;  but  I say  to  him,  sir,  and  to  this 
House,  that  I shall  repel  in  a proper  manner  any  attempt  on  the  part  of  that  gentle- 
man to  make  any  unwarrantable  allusion  to  the  manner  in  which  my  duties,  as  a 
member  of  this  body,  are  discharged.  When  I shall  express  an  opinion  in  regard 
to  the  work,  which  he  seems  to  regard  with  such  pious  care,  that  opinion  will  then 
be  a proper  subject  for  comment,  and  not  before;  and  I submit  to  this  House,  that 
the  course  of  argumentation  pursued  by  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  is  not 
sanctioned  by  parliamentary  usage  and  parliamentary  law,  and  is  disrespectful  to 
the  committee  which  he  has  made  the  subject  of  his  declamatory  assaults,  and  to 
this  House  whose  organ  it  is;  and  I say  to  that  gentleman  that  I will  permit  no  such 
liberties  to  be  taken  with  me.  What  purpose  can  he  have  in  view  but  to  prejudge 
the  judgment  of  that  committee  before  this  House  and  the  country,  and  to  forestall 
its  action,  if  that  action  shall  be  contrary  to  the  ideas  he  entertains  of  his  own 
infallibility? 

What  other  end  can  he  hope  to  accomplish  by  the  course  he  has  thought  proper 
to  pursue?  Is  a committee  of  this  House  to  be  reprobated  in  advance  by  that  gentle- 
man’s display  of  architectural  learning  in  reference  to  the  cements  and  conglomerates 
of  Babylon  and  Nineveh,  in  order  to  subdue  their  minds  to  his  peculiar  way  of 


484 


Documentary  IDstory  of  the  Capitol. 


thinking.  Must  the  committee  be  told  before  hand  what  they  must  do  to  escape  his 
ire  and  propitiate  his  wrath?  Would  he,  sir,  give  this  house  to  understand  that  it 
must  legislate  to  suit  the  wants  of  a class  of  persons  Avho  congregate  around  your 
Capitol?  Sir,  this  House  and  the  country  may  well  be  surprised  at  what  has  fallen 
from  that  gentleman  since  the  present  session  began.  He  has  thought  proper  to 
urge  this  House  to  vote  immediate  appropriations  of  money,  for  the  chief  reason 
that  a class  of  persons  in  this  city  are  out  of  employment.  Doctrines  like  these  may 
well  excite  alarm  in  the  public  mind.  Are  the  doctrines  of  the  French  school  of 
communism  to  be  gravely  urged  in  this  House?  Will  this  House  entertain  the 
proposition  that  any  class  of  persons  shall  come  here  and  demand  that  appropriations 
be  made  to  furnish  them  with  labor  at  the  public  charge?  Now,  Mr.  Chairman,  I am 
not  aware  that  any  member  of  the  select  committee,  of  which  I form  a part,  is  opposed 
to  an  immediate  appropriation  to  carry  on  the  work  upon  the  Capitol  which  has  been 
begun.  The  foundations  are  laid,  and  I presume  no  one  absurdly  supposes  the  work 
is  to  be  discontinued.  So  far  as  I am  concerned,  the  appropriations  may  be  made  to 
continue  the  work,  no  matter  what  the  report  of  the  special  committee  may  be. 

But  while  I am  willing  to  vote  this  appropriation,  I desire  to  say  that  I will  vote 
it  that  the  work  which  has  been  begun  may  go  on,  and  not  because  the  class  of  per- 
sons who  excite  so  much  of  the  sympathy  of  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  are  out 
of  employment.  I do  not  recognize  the  right  of  any  class  of  persons  to  come  here 
in  person,  or  by  their  representative,  and  demand  that  appropriations  be  made 
to  give  them  employment.  Such  ideas,  sir,  as  have  been  advanced  upon  this 
floor  by  the  honorable  gentleman  from  Kentucky  should,  in  my  judgment,  be  met 
by  the  unqualified  reprobation  of  this  House  and  the  country.  These  ideas  are  but 
the  reflex  of  those  of  the  French  school  of  communism  and  the  right  to  labor,  which 
erected  the  barricades  in  the  streets  of  Paris  in  1848,  and  from  the  destructive  tenden- 
cies of  which,  France  has  sought  present  repose  by  the  restoration  of  the  Empire 
under  the  military  rule  of  Napoleon  II. 

Now,  sir,  I desire  to  do  all  I can  to  relieve  the  mind  of  the  honorable  gentleman 
from  Kentucky  from  his  distressing  alarms,  in  reference  to  the  imaginary  rights  of 
the  persons  whom  he  defends  with  such  remarkable  energy;  and  I assure  him,  sir, 
with  the  utmost  sincerity,  that  I do  not  intend  to  go  in  the  stilly  hour  of  night,  and 
burglariously  run  off  with  the  countless  tons  of  granite  and  gneiss,  to  which  his 
friends  have  given  order  and  design,  for  the  foundations  to  the  additions  to  the 
Capitol.  Nor  do  I suppose  that  the  special  committee  have  any  serious  design  to 
perpetrate  such  an  act  of  Vandalism ; and  I assure  that  gentleman  that  I do  not 
believe,  therefore,  that  it  will  be  at  all  incumbent  upon  him  to  take  his  station  upon 
those  walls,  and  there  to  keep  watch  and  ward  to  guarantee  their  sanctity,  or  to 
expose  himself  thereby  to  the  buffetings  of  the  bleak  winds  until  the  melancholy 
notes  of  the  curfew  shall  summon  him  to  his  nightly  repose.  I hope  I may  con- 
tribute to  the  gentleman’s  composure,  by  saying  to  him  and  to  this  House,  that  I 
shall  interpose  no  obstacle  to  the  prosecution  of  this  work. 

Mr.  Chairman,  I desire  to  say  that  in  reference  to  this  work,  I have  no  feelings  of 
opposition  to  indulge.  I have  not  been  a constant  attendant  upon  the  deliberations 
of  the  committee,  but  I heard  and  took  notes  of  the  testimony  until  I was  perfectly 
satisfied  that  the  work  is  sufficient  for  the  purposes  for  which  it  is  designed,  and  up 
to  a late  day  I was  prepared  to  pronounce  that  judgment  before  this  House.  When 
a portion  of  the  wall,  however,  was  removed  by'  the  direction  of  the  honorable 
chairman  of  the  committee,  a state  of  facts  was  disclosed  somewhat  conflicting  with 
the  testimony  upon  which  I relied  most. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky.  I propose  to  amend  the  amendment,  by  adding 
one  dollar  to  the  sum  intended  to  be  appropriated.  I do  it,  not  with  a view  that 
the  amendment  shall  be  adopted,  nor  for  the  purpose  of  saying  anything  in  addition 


The  Extensions. 


485 


to  what  I said  yesterday  in  regard  to  the  materials  of  which  the  foundations  are  con- 
structed or  the  character  of  the  workmanship,  but  simply  to  afford  me  an  oppor- 
tunity of  replying  to  the  excited  remarks  of  the  honorable  gentleman  from  South 
Carolina,  [Mr.  Wallace,]  who,  it  seems  to  me,  has  worked  himself  into  an  unneces- 
sary rage  over  what  1 said.  Now,  sir,  if  that  gentleman  will  put  himself  to  the 
trouble  of  referring  to  my  speech,  reported  in  the  Globe  of  this  morning,  he  will  see 
that  the  remarks  to  which  he  takes  such  exception  applied  only  to  the  chairman  of 
the  special  committee,  [Mr.  McNair,]  although  from  what  the  chairman  had  pre- 
viously said,  I might,  with  much  propriety,  have  embraced  him  [Mr.  Wallace]  in 
the  same  category.  When  I spoke,  I did  not  even  know  that  the  gentlemen  was  a 
member  of  that  committee;  and  if  I ever  did  know  it,  it  had  been  forgotten.  He  need 
not  be  disturbed  with  the  idea  that  any  portion  of  my  remarks  were  intended  for 
him,  for  he  was  furthest  from  my  thoughts.  I knew  him  to  be  a gentleman  of  great 
intelligence,  as  he  has  shown  himself  to  be  of  fiery  eloquence;  and  whether  he  had 
practical  information  or  not  upon  the  subject  under  discussion,  1 should  have 
accorded  to  him  too  much  judgment  not  to  see  that  all  the  clamor  which  has  been 
raised  against  this  work,  arising  from  the  investigation  which  has  been  instituted, 
was  unjust,  as  well  as  silly  and  ridiculous. 

I made  no  attack  upon  the  members  of  the  committee.  If  the  gentleman  listened 
to  my  speech  he  knows  I did  not.  I intended  none.  I designed  simply,  in  the 
remarks  which  I was  about  to  submit  to  the  committee,  to  explain  the  amendment 
which  I had  offered,  and  inform  the  House  as  to  the  necessity  of  the  appropriation 
asked.  If  I had  not  been  interrupted,  I should  simply  have  done  this  and  taken  my 
seat.  But  one  of  the  gentleman’s  colleagues  [Mr.  Woodward]  interrupted  me,  by 
submitting  a question  to  the  chairman  of  the  special  committee,  [Mr.  McNair,]  who 
rose  in  his  place,  made  a speech,  and  led  this  House  to  believe  that  you,  sir,  enter- 
tained the  same  absurd  opinions  in  regard  to  the  foundations  that  he  had  expressed. 

Mr.  Wallace.  Which  one  of  my  colleagues  does  the  gentleman  refer  to? 

Mr.  Stanton.  Mr.  Woodward. 

The  Chairman.  Does  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  yield  the  floor? 

Mr.  Stanton.  Oh,  yes;  if  he  desires  it.  I shall  be  polite  to  him,  and  allow  him  to 
say  what  he  wishes,  though  I could  not.  Now,  sir,  your  chairman,  the  gentleman 
from  Pennsylvania,  was  the  first  to  allude  to  the  action  of  the  committee.  He 
brought  the  subject  up,  and  you  have  to  thank  him,  not  me,  for  associating  you  with 
the  absurd  conclusions  to  which  lie  had  come.  What  did  he  say  when  appealed  to 
by  the  gentleman  from  South  Carolina  [Mr.  Woodward]  to  know  when  the  com- 
mittee would  report?  I read  from  the  report  of  his  remarks: 

The  investigation  has  been  going  on  regularly,  and  WE  are  almost  ready  to  report. 

He  says  “ we ,”  which  includes  you  with  the  rest  of  the  committee,  if  T understand 
the  meaning  of  the  word.  “ We  have  found  the  walls  in  a dreadful  condition.” 

He  is  misrepresenting  you,  not  me. 

We  have  found  the  walls  in  a dreadful  condition — in  a condition  which  has  astonished  us  all. 

The  word  “we”  is  not  broad  and  comprehensive  enough,  in  the  judgment  of  the 
speaker,  to  embrace  the  gentleman  from  South  Carolina,  [Mr.  Wallace,]  and  he 
uses  one  of  more  enlarged  signification,  and  says  “us  all.” 

When  we  came  to  examine  it,  we  found  that  wall  with  shells  built  up  on  the  outside,  and  small 
stones  thrown  in  on  the  inside. 

Here,  then,  is  the  first  intimation  given  to  the  House,  that  the  committee  designed 
to  make  any  such  foolish  report  as  that  language  implies.  I did  not  introduce  any 
allusion  to  it  until  this  development  was  made  by  the  chairman,  and  I confined  what 
I had  to  say  to  him  alone.  If  he  had  not  broached  the  subject,  I should  not  have 
referred  to  it.  I could  not  have  thought  that  his  intelligent  colleagues  would  concur 


486 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


with  him  in  his  strange  conclusion  as  to  the  instability  of  the  foundations,  and  there- 
fore meditated  no  attack  upon  the  members  of  the  committee,  as  the  gentleman 
seems  to  suspect.  I am  happy  to  find,  by  the  manifestations  of  to-day,  that  all  the 
members  do  not  concur  with  the  chairman.  This  is  all,  sir,  that  I deem  it  necessary 
to  say  in  reply  to  the  gentleman  from  South  Carolina. 

Mr.  Chandler.  Mr.  Chairman,  I rise  to  oppose  the  amendment  offered  by  the 
gentleman  from  Kentucky,  [Mr.  Stanton.] 

Mr.  Wallace.  I will  esteem  it  a favor,  if  the  honorable  gentleman  from  Pennsyl- 
vania will  allow  me  five  minutes  to  conclude  what  I have  to  say. 

Mr.  Chandler.  1 am  persuaded  that  I cannot  do  half  the  good  that  the  gentleman 
from  South  Carolina  can  do,  and  I therefore  yield  the  floor  to  him  with  great  pleasure. 

Mr.  Wallace.  Mr.  Chairman,  I am  much  indebted  to  the  courtesy  of  the  gentleman 
from  Pennsylvania,  [Mr.  Chandler.]  When,  by  the  rides  of  the  House,  my  remarks 
were  suspended,  I was  proceeding  to  say  that  the  examination  made  of  an  interior 
portion  of  the  wall  disclosed  a state  of  facts  somewhat  conflicting  with  the  testimony 
upon  which  I placed  the  most  reliance.  It  was  stated  by  a witness,  who  was  exam- 
ined before  the  committee,  that  the  wall  is  solid  masonry  throughout.  The  investiga- 
tion which  followed  does  not  sustain  that  testimony,  if  I understand  the  true  meaning  of 
the  witness.  It  appeared,  upon  examination,  that  a portion  of  the  interior  structure  is 
composed  of  what  is  called  “ rubble,”  and  mortar;  that  is,  of  small  stones  thrown  in, 
without  much  attention  to  the  order  in  which  they  are  placed,  and  the  interstices 
filled  in  with  mortar  or  cement,  with  the  view  to  form  a conglomerate.  I was  upon 
the  wall,  sir,  but  a very  short  time.  The  examination  was  commenced  when  I was 
not  present.  I attended,  with  several  members  of  the  committee,  at  the  time 
referred  to,  at  the  special  request  of  the  honorable  chairman  of  the  committee,  [Mr. 
McNair,]  and  this  House  has  been  informed  by  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky,  that 
he,  too,  faithful  to  his  trust,  was  with  the  spectators  above,  watching  intently  the 
progress  of  the  investigation;  and  what  he  saw,  doubtless  gave  point  to  the  charac- 
teristic tirade  which  he  pronounced  here  yesterday,  and  to  which  the  honorable 
gentleman  from  Virginia  [Mr.  Beale]  has  just  alluded.  It  is  very  natural  that  the 
gentleman  from  Kentucky  should  go  wdiere  his  sympathies  and  associations  lead  him; 
and  while  he  was  surrounded,  at  the  time  and  place  referred  to,  by  many  of  the  per- 
sons whom  he  has  so  perseveringly  sought  to  quarter  upon  the  public  Treasury,  I can 
readily  conceive  that  he  was  in  a position  entirely  congenial  to  his  taste,  and  am  not 
surprised  that  the  speech  which  followed  should  be  pronounced  as  the  result  of  the 
inspiration  drawn  from  such  an  exalted  source. 

When  the  examination  of  the  wall  was  completed,  my  first  impression  led  me  to 
conclude  that  the  work  was  insecure.  In  that  opinion  I was  not  confident.  My 
reflections  since  that  time  have  induced  me  to  yield  my  doubts  to  the  better  judg- 
ment and  greater  experience  of  the  able  architect  who  has  the  work  in  charge.  I 
have  been  assured  by  that  gentleman,  in  presence  of  the  committee,  that  the  wall  is 
sufficient  to  bear  five  times  the  weight  of  the  superstructure  that  is  to  be  built  upon 
it.  During  the  few  minutes  which  I spent  in  company  with  that  gentleman  in  the 
committee  room,  I formed  a very  favorable  opinion  of  his  ability;  and  I am  informed, 
from  the  most  reliable  sources,  that  his  personal  integrity,  sound  judgment,  experi- 
ence, and  knowledge  of  architecture,  are  of  the  most  satisfactory  character.  Nothing 
has  been  elicited  by  the  action  of  the  committee  which,  in  my  judgment,  can  author- 
ize me  to  come  before  this  House  and  inflict  a wound  upon  his  character  and  good 
name,  by  declaring  that  he  has,  in  any  wise,  been  unfaithful  to  the  trust  confided  to 
him.  I will  not  trifle  with  his  reputation  by  the  commission  of  such  an  act.  So  far 
as  I am  made  his  judge,  he  shall  have  justice  at  my  hands.  I am  prepared  to  yield 
whatever  doubts  I may  hai^e  entertained  to  the  judgment  of  the  architect,  and  to 
say  to  this  House,  that  I believe  the  work  is  sufficient  for  the  purposes  for  which  it 
is  designed. 


The  Extensions. 


487 


It  will  appear  from  what  I have  said,  that  I do  not  concur  in  the  opinion  expressed 
yesterday  by  the  honorable  chairman  of  the  committee,  [Mr.  McNair.]  But  acting 
upon  the  view  of  the  matter  which  I have  expressed,  I suggested  to  the  honorable 
chairman  the  propriety  of  going  on  to  make  his  report  by  detailing  the  material  facts 
which  are  in  possession  of  the  committee,  and  leaving  the  subject  to  the  judgment  of 
the  House. 

I do  not  suppose  that  the  Congress  will  act  so  absurdly  as  to  commence  a work  of 
this  kind,  expend  a considerable  sum  upon  it,  and  then  discontinue  it.  I see  no  reason 
why  the  work  should  not  progress;  and  I am  ready  to  vote  any  appropriation  of 
money  that  may  be  necessary  to  prosecute  it  to  its  termination. 

Mr.  Stanton,  by  unanimous  consent,  withdrew  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Chandler.  I then  offer  as  an  amendment,  to  add  $2  to  the  sum  of  $500,000  con- 
tained in  the  bill.  The  whole  business  of  regulating  the  additions  to  this  Capitol  is 
placed  in, the  hands  of  the  architect;  and  the  question  is  not  whether  the  stones  laid 
there  are  laid  permanently,  and  according  to  our  judgment,  and  whether  the  lime 
that  is  used  is  of  the  kind  that  ought  to  be  used,  but  it  is  simply  the  question,  is  the 
person  employed  there  competent  to  the  work  he  has  undertaken?  Of  that  we  have 
two  modes  of  judging;  one  of  the  past,  the  other  of  the  future.  All  the  antecedents 
of  that  gentleman,  sir,  are  in  the  affirmative.  Every  act  of  his  life  goes  to  prove  that 
he  is  competent  to  the  work  he  has  undertaken,  not  simply  as  a finished  mechanic 
and  accomplished  architect,  but  as  an  honest  and  conscientious  man,  who  will  not 
leave  a work  that  he  has  undertaken  unfinished,  and  will  not  declare  that  as  good 
which  he  does  not  believe  is  good,  although  his  own  hand  has  performed  it. 

In  the  course  of  my  official  relations  with  the  city  which  I in  part  represent,  I was 
called  for  many  years  into  close  connection  with  that  gentleman,  and  although  it 
would  be  impertinent  in  me  to  say  that  I know  him  to  be  an  accomplished  architect 
because  his  judgment  and  his  action  are  superior  to  my  judgment-  or  anybody’s 
action,  I can  only  submit  the  work  of  his  hands  for  other  persons  to  decide  upon, 
rather  than  my  assurance  or  my  certificate  of  his  ability.  I have  watched  his  work. 
I know  him  as  a man,  as  a citizen,  as  an  architect,  and  as  a man  of  business,  and  in 
all  of  these  relations  he  stands  preeminent  among  those  with  whom  he  is  acquainted. 
It  was  in  the  performance  of  my  official  relations  with  that  gentleman,  that  I looked 
almost  daily  upon  the  foundations  of  a building  quite  as  heavy  in  its  weight  and  in 
its  cost  as  the  wings  of  your  Capitol  will  be.  It  has  rested  t wenty  years  upon  the 
foundations  which  were  then  laid,  and  there  is  not  beneath  the  Girard  College  a sign 
or  evidence  of  the  yielding  of  a single  portion  of  the  stone  upon  which  they  rest. 
These  works,  I think,  are  about  twice  as  thick,  twice  as  strong  as  the  foundations  to 
which  I have  alluded.  I infer,  therefore,  they  are  capable  of  sustaining  double  the 
weight. 

In  the  remarks  which  I have  to  make,  and  which  I consider  as  giving  an  opinion 
contrary  to  that  of  my  colleague,  the  chairman  of  the  special  committee,  [Mr.  Mc- 
Nair,] I beg  leave  to  state,  my  associations  with  him  leave  me  not  a doubt  of  the 
purity  of  his  intentions  and  those  of  the  other  gentlemen  of  the  committee ; but  it 
is  his  misfortune  to  be  at  the  head  of  a committee  upon  a subject  with  which  he 
is  not  professionally  acquainted;  and  it  was  the  misfortune  of  the  committee  to  be 
composed  of  gentlemen  who  did  not  claim  a professional  knowledge  of  the  work  in 
which  they  were  to  be  engaged.  It  was  of  course  expected  they  would  call  to  their 
aid  men  of  professional  excellence — men  competent  to  judge  of  the  work  before 
them.  I think  the  testimony  which  has  been  adduced,  by  gentlemen  free  from  all 
motives  of  partiality,  was  such  as  would  satisfy  the  House  of  the  competency  of  the 
work.  I am  happy  to  hear  the  remark  that  fell  from  the  honorable  gentleman  from 
South  Carolina,  [Mr.  Wallace,]  that  whatever  may  be  the  fate  of  a portion  of  that 
wall,  which  I believe  competent,  there  should  be  no  hesitancy  at  all  about  voting 


488 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


for  this  appropriation.  The  work  must  go  on ; and  the  sooner  it  is  commenced,  the 
sooner,  I hope,  it  will  be  finished.  I trust,  therefore, 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Cartter.  I am  opposed  to  the  last  amendment  of  $2. 

Mr.  Gentry.  Oh!  let  them  have  it.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Cartter.  I merely  rose  to  remark,  that  it  occurred  to  me  all  this  discussion  of 
the  mechanical  sufficiency  or  deficiency  of  this  wall  was  a departure  from  the  real 
danger  to  which  the  wall  is  exposed.  It  seems  to  be  treated  as  a question  of 
masonry — as  a question  of  mechanics — and  its  capacity  to  sustain  the  superstructure 
that  is  intended  to  be  erected  upon  it.  Now,  my  opinion  is,  that  the  wall  is  suffi- 
cient, and  will  endure  until  it  answers  all  the  purposes  that  it  will  be  required  to 
answer.  The  danger  is  not  as  to  the  weight  that  it  will  have  to  sustain;  the  danger  is 
not  to  mechanical  forces;  the  danger  lies  in  a far  different  quarter.  It  is  more  a 
question  of  locality.  I do  not  think  the  wings  are  in  the  right  place.  [Laughter.] 
They  are  too  near  the  eastern  skirt  of  this  empire;  and  I have  no  apprehension  at 
all  but  that  it  will  rest,  mechanically,  firmly  upon  its  present  foundation,  and  bear 
upon  its  surface  the  edifice  you  propose  to  place  upon  it,  until  the  weight  of  empire 
transfers  it  to  the  center  of  the  empire.  You  had  better  address  yourself  to  that  con- 
sideration; for  the  time  is  soon  coming  when  the  difficulty  will  be  not  in  the  weight 
upon  it,  but  in  keeping  the  foundation  still.  The  foundations  will  partake  of  the 
the  spirit  of  the  Republic,  and  .make  a western  trip.  I hope  it  will  be 

Mr.  Florence.  May  I ask  a single  question,  as  to  whether  that  is  the  gentlemen’s 
idea  of  progress — that  we  are  progressing  from  a Republic  to  an  Empire?  [Laughter.  ] 

Mr.  Cartter.  I do  not  think  I can  make  a “fogy”  understand  it,  [laughter;]  but 
I alluded,  of  course,  to  the  empire  of  territory.  Those  gentlemen  who  travel  in  the 
“fog”  are  very  diligent  in  taking  distinctions.  [Laughter.]  All  this  inquiry  about 
the  mechanical  structure  of  that  wall  is  a work  of  supererogation.  In  my  opinion, 
if  the  wall  was  not  half  as  heavy  as  it  is,  it  would  endure  all  the  weight  it  will  ever 
have  to  sustain.  The  traveling  qualities  of  those  wings  of  the  Capitol  will  be  felt 
before  they  fall  down.  [Laughter.] 

The  question  was  then  taken  upon  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Chandler  to  the  amend- 
ment, and  it  was  rejected. 

Mr.  Florence  moved  to  amend  by  inserting  “$4”  after  the  words  “$500,000.” 

Mr.  Florence.  I have  been  very  much  gratified  this  morning  at  the  turn  the 
debate  has  taken  upon  the  question  before  the  committee  in  relation  to  this  appro- 
priation; but  I have  been  pained  to  hear  gentlemen  reflecting,  by  remarks  that  have 
been  made,  upon  persons  occupying  a peculiar  sphere  in  society.  Now,  it  occurs  to 
my  mind,  that  nowhere  so  much  as  upon  the  floor  of  this  House  do  a certain  class  of 
people,  as  they  have  been  termed,  require  defenders.  There  is  no  especial  merit 
attached  to  the  fact  that  a person  is  a working-man,  so  called;  but  it  is  especially 
becoming  those  living  or  being  in  that  sphere  of  life,  that  they  should  defend  others 
in  the  same  sphere  against  indiscriminate  attacks  upon  them.  I do  not  appeal  to 
the  galleries;  I do  not  refer  to  the  fact  that  we  are  surrounded  by  persons  urging 
Congress  to  make  this  appropriation;  but  I do  say,  here,  that  it  becomes  our  duty, 
especially  at  this  time,  to  make  this  appropriation,  because  the  honor  of  this  Union 
is  involved.  I will  tell  you  that,  when  the  first  appropriation  was  made  for  the 
extension  of  the  Capitol,  the  peculiar  class  of  working-men  required  as  operators 
upon  it  were  very  scarce.  It  is  a trade  that  requires  peculiar  perfection,  if  I may  be 
permitted  to  laud  that  class  of  people  so  much,  particularly  in  a work  of  this  kind. 
If  I am  correctly  informed,  and  I believe  I am,  the  superintendent  of  this  work 
procured  from  Baltimore,  Philadelphia,  New  York,  and  other  cities  and  parts  of 
the  Union,  excellent  workmen;  and  they  came  here  upon  the  assurance  of  that  gen- 
tleman that  the  work  should  be  continued  to  them,  and  that  they  should  not  be 
permitted  to  starve,  as  they  have  nearly  been  doing  this  most  inclement  winter, 
because  Congress  refused  to  make  this  appropriation.  The  distress  that  existed 


The  Extensions. 


489 


among  these  workmen  who  were  frozen  up  here,  would  make  the  hair  of  every 
member  of  this  House  stand  upon  end  if  it  were  2’ecited. 

Mr.  Hall.  Will  you  vote  them  a farm? 

Mr.  Florence.  I am  willing  to  do  it.  I am  Avilling  to  vote  land  for  the  landless, 
and  when  the  bill  comes  before  the  House,  proposed  by  my  friend  from  Ten- 
nessee, [Mr.  Johnson,]  my  vote  will  be  found  recorded  in  its  favor.  But  here  are 
these  workmen  waiting,  not  upon  the  bounty  of  the  Government,  but  asking  that 
the  pledges  given  them  shall  be  fulfilled — that  the  assurance  made  them  when  they 
came  here  may  be  redeemed.  And  I feel  a peculiar  pleasure  and  pride  that  I am 
permitted  to  rise  in  my  place  upon  this  floor  and  say  thus  much  for  that  most  useful 
class  of  our  citizens.  I do  not  desire  that  they  shall  have  special  legislation,  ( nor 
do  they  ask  it,)  but  I do  desire  that  they  may  have  extended  to  them  all  the  privi- 
leges and  all  the  rights  others  enjoy. 

Mr.  Henn.  Who  gave  those  assurances? 

Mr.  Florence.  I understand,  and  I stated  it  as  clearly  and  distinctly  as  I could, 
that  they  were  made  by  persons  engaged  by  the  Government.  They,  as  they  had  a 
perfect  right  to,  sought  to  get  the  best  talent  they  could  in  that  peculiar  line,  and 
the  assurance  was  given  to  them  of  continuous  employment. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Walsh.  I propose  to  say  just  a word  or  two  to  correct  an  error  which  I think 
has  been  repeated  this  morning,  and  into  which  a gentleman  from  North  Carolina, 
not  now  in  his  seat,  [Mr.  Venable,]  fell  on  a previous  day,  and  that  was,  that  it  had 
been  asserted  that  it  was  the  primary  duty  of  this  Government  to  give  labor  to  men 
who  were  in  want  of  it.  There  was  no  such  demand  try  the  friends  of  the  extension 
of  the  Capitol,  on  the  ground  of  primary  duty.  These  men  came  here  in  the  depth 
of  winter,  not  knowing  anything  of  the  particular  terms  of  this  contract.  They  came 
here  to  engage  in  the  erection  of  the  Capitol,  and,  as  the  gentleman  from  Pennsyl- 
vania [Mr.  Florence]  said,  were  frozen  up  with  their  families.  I say,  without 
asserting  a primary  duty,  that  it  presented  as  strong  a case  of  appeal  to  the  sympa- 
thies and  right  feelings  of  this  House,  as  when  you  saw  from  your  Capitol  windows 
the  burning  edifices  of  Alexandria.  It  was  a case,  as  I stated  heretofore,  appealing 
to  the  sympathies;  but  they  did  not  appeal  to  the  sympathies.  There  was  no 
pretense  of  primary  duty.  These  men  came  here  under  a certificate  of  the  archi- 
tect, stating  that  they  could  be  usefully  employed  by  the  Government.  While 
gratifying  a reasonable  sympathy,  we  were  not  asked  to  violate  any  rule  in 
reference  to  the  contract  they  were  called  upon  to  make.  This  House,  as  I then 
suggested,  should  have  been  proud  of  the  privilege  of  doing  so.  It  has  been  said, 
by  high  authority,  “that  this  world  is  a tough  wrestler,  who  has  a bear’s  grip  for 
the  poor;”  but  it  should  be  the  proud  privilege  of  every  man,  legislating  for  the 
great  interests  of  the  country,  to  remove  the  burden  which  always  bears  upon  the 
back  of  the  wayfarer  upon  this  world.  Now,  a word  or  two  more.  I do  not  admit 
the  rebuke  set  up  by  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee,  [Mr.  Johnson,]  the  other  day, 
and  reiterated  by  the  eloquent  gentleman  from  South  Carolina,  [Mr.  Wallace.] 

I do  not  know  of  any  drawing-room  rule  which  is  to  prevail  here  and  control  me 
under  the  responsibilities  which  I owe  to  my  country  and  constituents.  If  I see  a 
spectacle  of  distress  in  this  gallery,  which  is  under  my  jurisdiction,  I shall  refer  to  it, 
without  consulting  those  rules  of  high-life  which  seem  to  be  brought  in  here  to  direct 
legislative  power.  It  is  a pressing  case — it  is  a case  in  which  men,  offered  employ- 
ment when  their  employment  was  deemed  to  be  necessary  by  those  having  the  con- 
trol of  the  execution  of  this  contract — presenting  a spectacle  of  distress,  as  the  gentle- 
man from  Pennsylvania  [Mr.  Florence]  has  well  said,  almost  unexampled,  even  to  the 
view  of  men  who  have  been  accustomed  to  see  all  the  fluctuations  of  poverty.  Many 
of  them  are  my  own  townsmen,  accustomed  to  the  ordinary  comforts  of  life,  which 
they  procured  by  the  sweat  of  their  brow.  They  are  now  in  the  midst  of  your  com- 
munity, and  under  circumstances  of  distress  which  were  drawn  upon  them  in  conse- 


490 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


quence  of  their  discharge  from  employment.  It  is  a case  calling  for  the  loudest  and 
strongest  sympathy  in  every  human  heart,  and  the  heartiest  expression  of  that  sym- 
pathy by  every  human  tongue. 

Mr.  Obr.  I do  not  propose  to  make  a speech.  I wish  to  give  notice  now,  that  when 
an  amendment  is  moved  hereafter  I shall  insist  that  the  rules  of  the  House  be  en- 
forced, requiring  that  gentlemen  should  confine  themselves  to  explanations  of  the 
amendments  they  offer. 

Mr.  Bkenton.  I offer  the  following  amendment: 

And  that  no  contract,  made  in  prosecution  oh  the  work  aforesaid,  which  shall  in  any  way  exceed 
the  sum  hereby  appropriated,  shall  be  binding  upon  the  Government. 

I desire  to  see  such  an  amendment  as  that  attached  to  every  bill  which  may  be 
proposed  to  this  House  for  appropriating  money  to  public  works;  and  I would  not 
only  desire  to  see  it  attached  in  form,  but  I would  desire  to  see  it  putin  practice 
from  this  time  forth.  We  are  called  upon  each  year  to  pass  a deficiency  bill  for  the 
purpose  of  meeting  expenditures  made  in  connection  with  the  public  service — 
expenditures  which  exceed  the  amount,  from  year  to  year,  that  is  appropriated.  My 
object  in  offering  this  amendment  is  simply  to  keep  every  individual,  connected  with 
the  expenditure  and  disbursement  of  public  money,  within  the  limits  prescribed  by 
law,  and  to  hold  them  to  strict  accountability  if  they  refuse  to  do  so.  Why  is  Con- 
gress called  upon,  in  connection  with  the  public  service,  to  pass  deficiency  bills?  It 
is  because  the  expenses  and  disbursements  have  exceeded  the  amount  appropriated. 
I do  not  design,  at  this  time,  to  discuss  this  question;  but  I merely  state  that  I desire 
to  see  this  principle  incorporated  into  every  appropriation  bill  for  the  consideration 
of  the  House;  and  in  future  I desire  to  see  all  the  officers  of  the  Government,  espe- 
cially those  having  charge  of  the  public  funds,  held  to  the  rule  most  rigidly.  I hope 
this  amendment  will  be  attached  to  that  appropriation. 

Mr.  Clingman.  I agree  with  the  gentleman,  and  am  in  favor  of  the  general 
principle  he  contends  for,  but  there  is  no  necessity  for  incorporating  any  amend- 
ment of  that  character  with  this  bill.  If  there  was  any  probability  that  this  appro- 
priation would  finish  the  work,  why,  for  fear  they  might  go  beyond  that  appro- 
priation and  involve  us  in  a larger  expenditure,  I would  vote  for  his  proposition; 
but  nobody  imagines  for  a moment  that  this  appropriation  will  finish  the  Capitol. 
Of  course,  in  contracts  that  are  hereafter  to  l ie  made,  the  rule  can  be  carried  out 
in  furtherance  of  the  gentleman’s  design.  I have  stated  this  as  a reason  for  voting 
against  the  amendment  now,  although  I approve  the  general  principle.  But  my 
object  in  rising  was  to  appeal  to  the  gentleman  not  to  press  his  amendment. 
There  really  seems  to  be  nothing  to  discuss.  Everybody  agrees  that  this  appropria- 
tion is  necessary.  If  the  walls  are  to  be  gone  on  with,  as  they  now  stand,  the 
appropriation  is  needed.  If  they  are  to  be  pulled  down,  and  stronger  ones  built,  the 
appropriation  is  equally  necessary.  Why  shall  we  not  agree,  by  general  consent,  to 
let  this  bill  pass,  and  upon  the  coming  in  of  the  report  of  the  gentleman  from  Penn- 
sylvania [Mr.  McNair]  all  these  questions  which  have  been  thrown  irregularly  into 
this  debate  will  naturally  come  up.  It  is  Saturday,  and  I think  it  would  be  right  for 
us  to  take  half  a day’s  holiday,  as  much  at  least  as  we  give  to  the  negroes  down 
South.  I appeal  to  gentlemen  to  let  this  bill  pass,  and  then  by  common  consent 
adjourn. 

The  question  was  then  taken  upon  Mr.  Brenton’s  amendment,  and  it  was  not 
agreed  to. 

Mr.  Goodenow  moved  that  the  committee  rise  and  report  the  bill. 

The  Chairman.  The  pending  question  is  upon  the  amendment  proposed  by  the 
chairman  of  the  committee,  [Mr.  Stanton.] 

[Cries  of  “ Question ! ” “ Question ! ” ] 

Mr.  Mason.  I offer  the  following  amendment  to  the  amendment: 

Provided,  That  the  expenses  incurred  in  testing  the  stone  and  other  materials  to  be  used  in  the 
construction  of  the  work,  shall  be  paid  out  of  this  appropriation. 


The  Extensions. 


491 


The  special  committee  have  been  testing  the  strength  of  the  materials  used  in  the 
construction  of  the  foundation;  and  under  the  resolution  of  the  House  authorizing 
the  committee  to  do  it,  I suppose  the  authority  was  involved  to  incur  the  necessary 
expense.  It  was  a matter  which  was  left  wholly  to  their  judgment.  They  have  done 
so,  and  bills  will  come  in.  Some  object  to  their  being  paid  out  of  the  contingent 
fund,  and  I offer  this  amendment,  that  these  expenses  may  be  paid  out  of  the  appro- 
priation of  §500,000;  and  that  the  Committee  on  Accounts  may  have  nothing  to  do 
with  the  matter. 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky.  I hope  this  will  not  be  done. 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Tennessee.  I rise  to  oppose  that  amendment.  I think  the  amend- 
ment is  quite  unnecessary,  and  is  altogether  irrelevant  to  this  bill;  and  I make  a 
question  that  it  is  not  in  order  to  pay  the  expenses  of  a select  committee,  which  has 
been  appointed  by  this  House  for  the  purpose  of  examining  those  foundations,  out 
of  the  general  appropriation,  for  the  purpose  of  completing  the  building.  I think 
the  amendment  is  not  in  order.  The  expenses  for  which  it  provides  are  a part  of 
the  contingent  expenses  of  this  House,  and  ought  to  be  paid  out  of  the  contingent 
fund.  And  it  ought  to  be  so,  for  the  purpose  of  showing  the  House  what  is  the 
expense  of  making  such  examinations,  and  of  appointing  such  committees  as  have 
been  appointed  in  this  case.  I mean  no  disrespect  to  the  committee  whatever;  but 
the  account  of  the  contingent  expenses  of  the  House  ought  to  show  the  expenses 
attendant  upon  its  own  action.  This  expense  ought  not  to  be  charged  to  the  fund 
for  the  completion  of  the  Capitol.  Upon  this  ground  I think  that  the  amendment 
ought  to  be  rejected. 

The  question  was  then  taken,  and  Mr.  Mason’s  amendment  was  rejected. 

Mr.  Floyd.  I move  to  increase  the  expenditure  §5.  We  have,  during  the  last 
year,  had  an  expenditure  of  §50,000,000.  We  are  called  upon  now  to  pass  a deficiency 
bill,  amounting  to  several  millions  more.  We  have  an  estimate  of  the  expenditures 
for  the  next  year  amounting  to  §42,000,000. 

Mr.  Ore.  I rise  to  a question  of  order.  The  rules  of  the  House  require,  that  when 
an  amendment  is  offered,  the  gentleman  proposing  to  speak  upon  that  amendment 
must  confine  his  remarks  to  the  subject-matter  of  the  amendment.  The  gentleman 
is  not  doing  it.  I made  the  announcement  that  I should  make  the  question  of  order, 
and  of  course  I shall  carry  it  out. 

Mr.  Floyd.  I will  vary  my  amendment,  so  as  to  strike  out  one  half  the  r, reposed 
appropriation.  I know  of  no  estimate  of  expenditure  that  has  come  to  us  from  the 
Departments  which  may  be  omitted  with  less  injury  to  the  public  service,  than  the 
half  million  of  dollars  asked  for  by  this  bill.  This  Hall  is  not  so  badly  arranged  but 
what  you  can  find  an  abundance  of  gentlemen  who  are  willing  to  occupy  it.  Nor 
am  I aware  of  any  department  of  the  public  service  that  is  to  suffer  by  allowing  these 
foundations  to  remain  as  they  are  for  one,  two,  or  five  years.  We  have  a debt,  in  a 
time  of  profound  peace,  of  some  §64,000,000,  if  I mistake  not;  and  so  we  are  going 
on  granting  every  expenditure  asked  by  this  Administration — which  certainly  does 
not  commend  itself  to  the  country  by  any  very  strict  notions  of  economy — we  are 
going  on  to  grant  every  expenditure  that  is  asked  for,  without  ever  making  a begin- 
ning at  reform  or  economy.  It  seems  to  me,  we  are  acting  in  the  dark  upon  this 
subject.  This  House  have  appointed  a committee  to  investigate  the  capacity  of  the 
foundation,  but  it  has  not  yet  reported,  although  we  have  been  told  it  may  report 
next  week.  In  the  meantime,  without  the  report  of  our  select  committee,  we  know 
not  whether  this  foundation  is  safe  or  unsafe.  We  are  proceeding  to  grant  an  appro- 
priation to  erect  a superstructure,  and  then  to  inquire  whether  the  foundation  is 
safe  or  not.  As  I have  said  before,  there  is  no  department  of  the  public  service  that 
would  suffer  by  the  delay  of  this  appropriation;  and  if  the  accounts  we  have  had 
here  of  the  sufferings  of  the  workmen  be  true,  certainly  they  cannot  find  worse  pay- 
masters than  the  Government  has  been  to  them. 

Mr.  Moore,  of  Pennsylvania.  I am  opposed  to  the  amendment  of  the  gentleman 


492 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


from  New  York,  [Mr.  Floyd.]  The  subject  embraced  in  his  resolution  was  freely 
and  ably  discussed  at  the  last  Congress,  when  they  made  the  appropriation  for  the 
Capitol.  I consider  it  unnecessary  to  discuss  it  at  this  time,  and  therefore  call  for 
the  question. 

The  question  was  then  taken  upon  Mr.  Floyd’s  amendment,  and  it  was  rejected. 

Mr.  McMullin.  I move  to  strike  out  three  fourths  of  the  sum.  I desire  to  say  a 
word  or  two  in  reference  to  my  own  particular  position.  I voted  in  the  last  Con- 
gress, if  my  recollection  serves  me  correctly,  against  the  appropriation  of  $100,000. 
I supposed  then,  that  the  cost  of  these  two  wings  of  the  Capitol  would  amount  to 
some  several  hundred  thousands  of  dollars.  I really  did  not  suppose  then  that  they 
were  to  cost  some  three  or  four  millions  of  dollars,  perhaps  five  millions.  I rise  now 
for  the  purpose  of  calling  the  attention  of  the  committee,  the  House  and  country, 
to  the  important  fact,  as  it  presents  itself  to  my  mind.  It  is  this:  We  have  a report 
made  by  a standing  committee  which  authorizes  and  advises  the  House  to  pay 
$250,000  for  the  purchase  of  Winder’s  building,  now  in  the  occupancy  of  the  Govern- 
ment. I would  most  respectfully  suggest  to  the  consideration  of  the  committee,  that 
instead  of  completing  the  wings  of  the  Capitol,  they  should  erect  proper  buildings 
for  the  Departments,  so  as  to  supersede  the  necessity  of  paying  $250,000  to  Mr. 
Winder  for  his  building.  This  building,  which  has  served  all  the  purposes  of  Con- 
gress for  the  last  thirty-odd  years,  will  serve  us  a few  years  longer. 

I think  there  is  something  in  the  suggestion  of  the  sagacious  gentleman  from  Ohio, 
[Mr.  Cartter,]  that  we  know  not  how  long  the  Capitol  will  remain  here.  But,  long 
or  short,  I say  that,  according  to  my  conceptions,  there  is  no  necessity  for  expending 
four  or  five  millions  of  dollars  to  build  the  wings  of  the  Capitol. 

Let  these  gentlemen,  from  the  cities  of  Philadelphia  and  Baltimore,  who  desire  to 
quarter  their  constituents  on  the  Government,  make  application  directly,  and  I am 
willing,  as  one  member  of  this  House,  limited  as  my  means  are,  to  assist  these  suf- 
fering ladies  and  gentlemen;  but  I object — I protest,  in  behalf  of  my  constituents, 
against  the  quartering  of  any  gentleman’s  constituents  on  this  Government. 

Mr.  Moore,  of  Pennsylvania.  1 had  intended  to  say  a word  upon  this  subject;  but, 
at  the  solicitation  of  gentlemen  around  me,  I forbear  to  say  more  than  that  I am 
opposed  to  this  amendment. 

The  question  was  then  taken  on  Mr.  McMullin’ s amendment,  and  it  was  not 
agreed  to. 

The  question  recurring  on  the  amendment  proposed  by  the  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee, [Mr.  Stanton,]  it  was  put,  and  that  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Robbins  moved  that  the  committee  do  now  rise  and  report  the  bill,  as  amended 
to  the  House,  with  a recommendation  that  it  do  pass;  which  motion  was  agreed  to. 

The  committee  accordingly  rose,  and  the  Speaker  having  resumed  the  chair,  the 
chairman  of  the  committee  reported  that  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state 
of  the  Union  had  had  the  Union  generally  under  consideration,  and  particularly  the 
joint  resolution  “to  authorize  the  continuance  of  the  work  on  the  two  wings  of  the 
Capitol,”  and  had  directed  him  to  report  the  same  to  the  House,  with  an  amend- 
ment, with  a recommendation  that  the  amendment  be  concurred  in,  and  that  the 
joint  resolution  do  pass. 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky,  moved  the  previous  question  on  the  adoption  of  the 
amendment. 

The  previous  question  received  a second,  and  the  main  question  was  ordered  to  be 
now  put. 

Mr.  Ficklin  called  for  the  reading  of  the  amendment,  and  it  was  read. 

Mr.  Scurry  demanded  the  yeas  and  nays. 

Mr.  Ficklin  asked  for  tellers  on  ordering  the  yeas  and  nays. 

Tellers  were  not  ordered;  and  the  yeas  and  nays  were  not  ordered. 

Mr.  Fitch  moved  to  lay  the  joint  resolution  on  the  table ; and  on  that  motion  he 
demanded  the  yeas  and  nays. 


The  Extensions. 


493 


The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered ; and  the  question  being  put,  it  was  decided  in 
the  negative — yeas  43,  nays  124,  * * * 

So  the  House  refused  to  lay  the  joint  resolution  upon  the  table. 

The  question  recurring  on  the  adoption  of  the  amendment,  it  was  put  and  the 
amendment  was  agreed  to. 

The  question  then  was  ordering  the  joint  resolution  to  a third  reading;  and  being 
put,  it  was  so  ordered. 

The  joint  resolution  having  been  read  a third  time, 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky,  moved  the  previous  question  on  its  passage. 

The  previous  question  received  a second,  and  the  main  question  was  ordered  to  be 
now  put;  and,  being  put,  the  joint  resolution  was  passed. 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky,  moved  to  reconsider  the  vote  by  which  the  joint  resolu- 
tion was  passed,  and  to  lay  the  motion  to  reconsider  upon  the  table;  which  latter 
motion  was  agreed  to. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  13,  1852:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 1,  Appendix,  p.  353.] 
EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

REMARKS  of  Mr.  JOHN  McNAIR,  of  Pennsylvania,  in  the  House  of  Representatives,  March  13,  1852. 
Remarks  prepared  and  intended  to  have  been  delivered  in  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state 
of  the  Union,  (but  cut  off  by  the  previous  question,)  on  Senate  " Joint  Resolution  authorizing  the 
Architect  of  the  Capitol  to  continue  in  employment  the  mechanics,  laborers,  and  others,  employed 
on  the  wings  thereof.” 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky,  offered  the  following  resolution: 

That  there  be,  and  hereby  is,  appropriated,  out  of  any  money  in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appro 
priated,  for  the  period  between  the  passage  of  this  resolution  and  the  end  of  the  fiscal  year  termi- 
nating June  30th,  1853,  the  sum  of  $500,000  for  the  continuation  of  the  work  on  the  two  wings  of  the 
Capitol. 

Mr.  McNair  said : 

Mr.  Chairman:  This  amendment  to  appropriate  $500,000  to  be  expended  in  the 
extension  of  the  Capitol,  was  very  unexpectedly  introduced  in  this  House  to-day. 
The  resolution  for  a joint  appropriation  of  $10,000,  passed  by  the  Senate,  for  the 
purpose  of  continuing  the  men  at  work  on  the  Capitol,  and  frequently  attempted  to 
be  brought  forward  by  the  chairman  of  Public  Buildings,  was  the  resolution  which 
I,  and  no  doubt  nearly  all  the  members  of  this  House,  expected  would  be  brought 
forward  this  day,  to  be  put  upon  its  passage.  But,  instead  of  this,  an  amendment, 
or,  rather,  a substitute  is  introduced  for  $500,000,  and  that  to  be  put  into  the  hands 
of  the  President,  to  be  expended  and  disbursed  in  the  same  manner,  of  course,  as 
the  $100,000,  heretofore  appropriated,  have  been. 

In  order  to  ascertain  how  this  money  which  was  appropriated  for  the  extension  of 
the  Capitol  was  drawn  from  the  Treasury,  and  on  whose  warrant  or  by  whom  drawn, 
I addressed  a note  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  who  very  politely  furnished  me 
with  the  following  information: 

Treasury  Department,  March  10th,  1852. 
Sir:  In  reply  to  the  inquiries  presented  for  my  attention,  by  your  letter  of  the  9th 
instant,  I have  the  honor  to  remark,  that  the  appropriation  of  $100,000,  for  the 
extension  of  the  Capitol,  &c.,  made  by  the  act  of  Congress,  September  30th,  1850,  has 


been  drawn  from  the  Treasury  by  warrants,  as  follows: 

August  2d,  1851,  warrant  in  favor  of  Thomas  U.  Walter  for $20,000  00 

September  25,  1851,  warrant  in  favor  of  Thomas  U.  Walter  for 20,  000  00 

October  16,  1851,  warrant  in  favor  of  Thomas  U.  Walter  for 20,  000  oO 

October  30,  1851,  warrant  in  favor  of  Richard  Wallach  for 691  73 

November  7,  1851,  warrant  in  favor  of  Thomas  U.  Walter  for 20,  000  00 

Decembers,  1851,  warrant  in  favor  of  Thomas  U.  Walter  for 19,308  27 


$100,000  00 


494 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  several  sums  set  forth  as  having  been  paid  to  Thomas  U.  Walter,  architect  for 
the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  were  drawn  upon  requisitions  upon  this  Department  in 
favor  of  Mr.  Walter,  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  and  the  respective  amounts 
were,  from  time  to  time,  as  drawn,  charged  to  Mr.  Walter  upon  the  books  of  the 
Treasury:  The  sum  of  f>691  73  was  paid  to  Richard  Wallach  upon  a certificate  from 
the  Register  of  the  Treasury,  showing  the  adjustment  of  an  account  in  his  favor  for 
that  amount  as  Marshal  for  the  District  of  Columbia. 

The  preceding  statement  exhibits,  it  is  believed,  the  information  requested  in  your 
letter;  should  you,  however,  find  that  anything  which  you  desired  has  been  omitted, 
and  will  apprise  me  of  the  fact,  further  attention  will,  with  pleasure,  be  given  to  the 
subject. 

Very  respectfully,  sir,  I remain  your  obedient  servant, 

Thomas  Corwin,  Secretary  of  the  Treasury. 

Hon.  J.  McNair, 

Chairman  Select  Committee  to  investigate  the  foundation  of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol. 

As  this  $100,000  has  been  drawn  from  the  Treasury,  so  will  the  $500,000,  if  appro- 
priated by  Congress.  If  this  will  pass,  it  will  be  throwing  an  immense  sum  of 
money  into  the  hands  of  the  architect  for  disbursement.  It  may  be  appropriated 
right,  but  throws  a great  temptation  in  the  way  to  do  wrong.  I never  would  trust 
so  much  money  in  the  hands  of  an  agent  of  this  description,  and  especially  at  a time 
when  the  presidential  contest  is  approaching.  No  person  can  tell  how  much  of  this 
money  might  be  used  for  electioneering  purposes.  This  most  extravagant  substitute 
is  now,  if  possible,  to  be  forced  through  this  House  without  consideration,  without 
time  for  members  to  judge  whether  it  is  just  or  unjust.  Such  hasty  legislation  and 
extravagant  expenditure  can  never  have  my  sanction  or  approval. 

Great  and  extensive  power  in  any  government,  and  most  especially  in  a republic, 
should  not  be  given  to  one  man,  particularly  where  a large  amount  of  money  is 
under  his  control.  The  funds  of  this  Government  should  never  lie  taken  out  of  the 
hands  of  its  proper  representatives,  without  control  or  check.  It  appears,  by  “an 
act  making  appropriations  for  the  civil  and  diplomatic  expenses  of  the  Government 
for  the  year  ending  the  30th  of  June,  1851,  and  for  other  purposes,”  and  passed 
September  30th,  1850,  the  following  appropriation  was  made,  viz: 

For  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  according  to  such  plan  as  may  be  approved  by  the  President  of 
the  United  States,  one  hundred  thousand  dollars,  to  be  expended  under  his  direction,  by  such  archi- 
tect as  he  may  appoint  to  execute  the  same. 

It  seems  to  me,  that  if  gentlemen  who  passed  this  appropriation  had  had  more 
time  to  deliberate  they  would  have  acted  differently.  When  it  was  made,  there  was 
much  excitement  and  great  fear  that  the  appropriation  bill  would  not  pass  at  all. 
Would  any  gentleman  in  this  House,  upon  cool  reflection,  vote  for  an  appropriation 
for  the  extension  of  this  Capitol,  the  plan  of  which  is  to  be  approved  by  the  Presi- 
dent, after  being  submitted  to  him  by  his  architect?  Would  it  be  reasonable  that 
we  should  give  the  power  out  of  our  own  hands  to  build  a house,  in  which  we  our- 
selves are  to  legislate,  into  the  hands  of  another?  Taking  it  for  granted,  with  due 
respect  to  the  President,  that  he  knows  little  about  building,  we  must  conclude  that 
the  plan  of  the  building,  and  the  expense  attending  it,  will  be  almost  entirely  under 
the  control  and  regulation  of  the  architect.  If  we  make  the  appropriations  as  they 
are  wanted  by  him,  if  we  advance  further  with  this  extension  on  the  foundation  as 
now  laid,  we  know  not  how  many  millions  we  may  have  to  expend.  An  appropria- 
tion of  $100,000  is  now  made  and  expended.  With  this  the  outside  foundation  walls 
are  not  yet  finished.  This  immense  foundation  is  laid  with  the  present  appropria- 
tion; no  doubt  the  architect  believing  that,  when  this  is  once  laid  Congress  will  be 
obliged  to  vote  the  necessary  appropriations  to  finish  the  building,  let  it  cost  what  it 
may.  Now,  it  is  impossible  for  us  to  know  the  cost  before  we  proceed  any  further, 
for  we  are  in  the  power  of  the  architect.  He  may  make  any  estimate  he  pleases,  and 
We  cannot  tell  whether  it  will  cost  twice  as  much  as  the  estimate,  or  what  amount  it 


The  Extensions. 


495 


will  cost.  There  is  a great  temptation  for  a man  to  keep  himself  in  employment  a 
long  time,  when  his  salary  is  $5,000  a year.  This  appropriation  once  made,  and  the 
building  continued  one  year  longer,  and  the  architect  will  have  it  in  his  power  to 
continue  his  salary  six,  eight,  or  ten  years  at  pleasure.  When  we  take  into  consid- 
eration the  memorable  Girard  College,  we  have  at  least  some  ground  for  believing 
that  it  will  not  be  finished  very  soon. 

The  plan  of  this  extension  of  the  Capitol  was  decided  on  by  the  President  on  the 
11th  of  June,  1851;  and,  on  the  30th  of  June,  1851,  the  fiscal  year  for  which  the 
appropriation  of  $100,000  was  made,  closed. 

The  corner-stone,  with  appropriate  honors,  was  laid  on  the  4th  of  July,  1851. 

The  outside  wall  of  this  building,  at  the  base,  is  eight  feet  nine  inches;  above  the 
footings  it  is  six  feet  nine  inches. 

The  stone,  amounting  to  18,000  perches,  the  lime,  sand,  and  cement,  are  all  fur- 
nished by  contract. 

Excavations  and  stone  masonry  are  done  by  days’  work. 

The  present  Capitol  is  352  feet  4 inches  by  121  feet  6 inches.  The  portico  is  160 
feet  in  width  on  the  eastern  front,  and  the  projection  west  83  feet. 

The  wings  of  the  Capitol  will  be  44  feet  from  each  end,  connecting  with  the  present 
Capitol  by  means  of  corridors. 

Each  extension,  the  one  on  the  north  and  the  other  on  the  south,  is  142  feet 
8 inches  by  238  feet  10  inches,  exclusive  of  steps. 

The  whole  length  of  the  building  from  north  to  south,  when  finished,  will  be  751 
feet  4 inches;  and  from  east  to  west  the  width  will  be  324  feet. 

The  ground  that  will  be  covered  over  by  the  whole  building  will  be  151,112  square 
feet,  or  652  square  feet  more  than  three  acres  and  a half.  The  present  building 
covers  over  61,201  square  feet;  and  the  new  wings  91,911  square  feet.  The  base  of 
these  new  wings  will  have  to  sustain  a weight  of  about  200,000  tons.  A foundation, 
in  order  to  sustain  such  an  immence  weight,  should  be  laid  with  solid  mason-work, 
and  the  stones  of  the  hardest  gneiss. 

In  each  wing  there  will  be  a hall  of  55  feet  square,  embellished  with  20  marble 
columns. 

The  hall  of  Representatives  will  occupy  the  western  half  of  the  south  wing,  and 
will  have  50  windows.  The  dimensions  of  the  House  will  be  130  feet  by  97,  and  it 
will  accommodate  400  members  with  separate  desks,  and  allow  a sufficient  space  for 
the  lobbies.  The  hall  will  have  galleries  on  three  sides,  and  it  will  accommodate 
1,200  persons. 

The  Senate  Chamber  will  be  97  feet  10  inches  by  70  feet  6 inches,  and  35  feet  in 
height.  In  this  there  will  be  room  for  100  members,  and  in  the  galleries  1,200 
persons. 

The  whole  of  this  immense  building  is  to  be  faced  with  white  marble.  Tbis  white 
marble  is  not  of  so  durable  a nature  as  some  other  kinds  of  stone.  It  in  time  fades, 
and,  after  a few  years,  from  the  rains  pouring  upon  it,  yellow  streaks  will  lie  seen 
running  over  the  face  in  many  places. 

The  cost  of  the  entire  design  of  this  building,  in  accordance  with  the  drawings  and 
models,  will  be  $2,675,000.  This  estimate  is  made  independent  of  any  extras,  and 
upon  the  assumption  that  the  interior  of  the  new  buildings  will  not  be  more  expen- 
sively finished  than  the  present  Capitol.  But  as  the  plan  of  the  extension  is  put 
entirely  under  the  approval  of  the  President  in  the  appropriation,  it  will  depend  on 
him  whether  these  expensive  embellishments  shall  be  made,  or  not.  But  this  esti- 
mate is  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  alone,  and  it  is  reasonable  to  suppose 
that  there  will  be  a very  large  increase  on  the  first  estimate.  And  I have  no  doubt, 
that  by  the  time  this  extension  is  entirely  finished,  and  all  expenses  taken  into 
consideration,  the  whole  cost  will  not  be  less  than  $5,000,000.  This  large  amount  of 
money,  if  no  change  is  made  by  Congress  as  to  the  manner  of  drawing  it  out  of  the 
Treasury,  will  be  drawn,  as  has  been  shown  in  the  appropriation  already  made,  by 


496 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 


the  warrants  of  the  architect.  The  amount  first  appropriated  was  among  other 
appropriations  for  the  civil  and  diplomatic  expenses  of  Government  for  the  year 
ending  the  30th  of  June,  1851. 

The  corner-stone  of  this  extension  of  the  Capitol  was  laid  after  the  year  had  run 
out  for  which  the  appropriation  was  made;  namely,  on  the  4th  of  July,  1851,  four 
days  after  the  fiscal  year  for  which  the  appropriation  was  made;  and  nearly  all  of 
the  money  thus  appropriated  was  expended  after  that  time.  And  since,  all  the 
money  thus  appropriated  has  been  expended,  and  a large  amount  of  the  stone  is  not 
paid  for;  yet  the  stone  is  still  continued  to  be  delivered  on  the  ground  as  though  the 
Government  certainly  would  be  compelled  to  pay  for  them.  There  are  seventeen 
hundred  barrels  of  lime  from  the  State  of  New  York  not  used,  and,  I believe,  not 
paid  for.  A large  contract  for  marble,  of  some  hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars,  is 
made,  and  applications  are  making  for  the  brick- work;  a contract  for  which  is  now 
made,  or  soon  will  be;  and  all  these  things  progressing  without  any  authority  from 
Congress,  or  any  appropriations  made  to  pay  the  amount  of  these  contracts.  Who 
is  so  certain  that  this  Government  is  ready  to  expend  $5,000,000  in  the  extension  of 
theCapitol,  when  there  is  really  but  one  room  for  a library,  about  thirty  feet  long 
by  twenty  wide,  needed?  Would  any  member  of  this  House  exercise  such  economy 
in  his  own  affairs. 

Should  this  large  amount  of  money  be  expended  in  the  extension  of  the  Capitol, 
we  know  not  how  soon  or  at  what  time  the  seat  of  Government  may  be  moved  to 
the  West,  or  some  other  situation  that  will  be  nearer  to  the  center  of  the  States.  I 
suppose  the  answer  to  this  will  be,  the  greater  the  amount  expended  in  building  the 
Capitol,  the  more  likely  it  will  be  to  remain  here.  In  reply  to  this,  I would  say,  that 
as  soon  as  the  people  of  the  West,  Southwest,  and  Northwest,  would  discover  that 
large  expenditures  were  made  for  retaining  the  seat  of  Government  here,  the  sooner 
they  would  vote  for  removing  it.  Many  members  who  have  a great  distance  to  come 
to  the  seat  of  Government  would  vote  for  moving  it  West  tomorrow,  and  there  is 
now  a petition  in  the  hands  of  one  of  the  members  for  that  purpose.  Only  one  thing 
now  keeps  the  seat  of  Government  at  Washington,  and  that  is,  that  members  at  a 
distance  get  a larger  amount  of  mileage  than  those  who  live  nearer. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  15,  1852:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 1,  p.  746.] 

EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

A message  from  the  House  of  Representatives  was  received  by  Mr.  Hayes,  its 
Chief  Clerk,  announcing  that  it  had  passed  the  joint  resolution  from  the  Senate  to 
authorize  the  continuance  of  the  work  upon  the  two  wings  of  the  Capitol,  with  an 
amendment,  and  requesting  the  concurrence  of  the  Senate  therein. 

The  President  subsequently  said:  There  is  on  the  table  a joint  resolution  which 
has  been  returned  from  the  House  of  Representatives,  with  an  amendment,  to 
authorize  the  continuance  of  the  work  on  the  two  wings  of  the  Capitol.  What  dis- 
position will  the  Senate  make  of  it? 

Mr.  Shields.  The  proper  committee  to  which  that  resolution  ought  to  be  referred 
are  not  now  here,  nor  are  they  ready  to-  act  upon  it;  and  as  I suppose  there  will  be 
no  serious  objection  to  it,  I move  that  it  be  taken  up  and  put  upon  its  passage,  with- 
out being  referred  to  any  committee. 

The  President.  This  is  a joint  resolution  which  has  been  returned  from  the  House 
of  Representatives.  It  will  be  in  the  power  of  the  Senate  to  act  upon  it  immediately, 
or  to  refer  it,  as  they  may  think  proper. 

Mr.  Shields.  It  seems  to  me  that  it  may  as  well  be  disposed  of  now. 

The  President.  The  amendment  made  by  the  House  is,  to  strike  out  all  after  the 
resolving  clause,  and  insert  the  following: 


The  Extensions. 


497 


“That  there  be,  and  is  hereby,  appropriated  out  of  any  money  in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise 
appropriated,  for  the  period  from  which  the  passage  of  this  resolution  to  the  end  of  the  fiscal  year 
terminating  June  30th,  1853,  the  sum  of  8500,000,  for  the  continuance  of  the  work  on  the  two  wings 
of  the  Capitol.” 

Mr.  Gwin.  There  is  not  a majority  of  the  Committee  on  Finance  in  the  Senate;  and 
as  it  is  a matter  that  action  should  be  had  upon  as  early  as  possible,  I will  move  its 
reference  to  the  Committee  for  the  District  of  Columbia. 

Mr.  Shields.  I was  going  to  say  that  the  Committee  for  the  District  of  Columbia  is 
in  precisely  the  same  condition.  There  is  not  a quorum  of  the  committee  in  the 
city,  and  that  is  the  reason  why  I think  it  would  be  better  to  pass  the  measure  at 
once. 

Mr.  Stockton.  I move  that  the  Senate  agree  to  the  amendment.  This  is  a bill  of 
great  importance,  and  should  be  passed  forthwith. 

Mr.  Mason.  I was  only  going  to  suggest  that  the  resolution  appropriates  half  a 
million  of  money.  It  is  a resolution  originating,  I believe,  with  the  Committee  on 
Finance. 

Mr.  Brodhead.  The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings. 

Mr.  Mason.  This  resolution  appropriates  a very  large  sum  of  money,  and  though  I 
dislike  to  throw  any  obstacles  in  the  wrav  of  its  passage  unnecessarily,  it  seems  to  me 
that  it  should  go  to  its  appropriate  committee.  I understand  the  Senator,  who 
desires  its  passage  now,  to  intimate  that  there  is  not  a majority  of  the  Committee  on 
Finance  present  at  this  time.  I think  there  may  be  a majority  of  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings,  which  is  an  appropriate  committee. 

Mr.  Shields.  There  is  not  a majority  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  present, 
nor  of  the  Committee  for  the  District  of  Columbia;  and,  consequently,  if  the  matter 
is  referred  to  a committee,  it  will  remain  a long  time  in  abeyance.  It  is  true  it 
appropriates  $500,000,  but  that  is  only  half  the  amount  which  the  President  has  called 
for  in  the  civil  bill.  It  extends  to  the  end  of  the  fiscal  year,  1853. 

Mr.  Mason.  What  is  the  amount  in  the  original  resolution? 

The  President.  The  original  resolution  is,  that  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  may 
continue  in  employment,  for  the  construction  of  the  wings  of  the  Capitol,  so  many 
mechanics  and  laborers  as  can  be  properly  engaged  in  the  work,  and  appropriates 
$10,000  to  carry  that  into  effect.  As  the  resolution  has  now  comeback,  it  is  proposed 
to  strike  out  the  sum  of  $10,000  and  insert  $500,000. 

Mr.  Shields.  The  original  resolution  was  merely  temporary.  My  opinion  is,  that 
if  we  continue  the  work  at  all,  if  it  be  not  abandoned  entirely,  now  is  the  best  time 
for  these  men  to  go  on  with  the  work.  There  cannot  be  a better  season  than  the 
present;  and  surely,  if  it  is  not  entirely  to  be  given  up,  we  ought  to  pass  this  resolu- 
tion. The  work  has  been  neglected  long  enough.  That  is  my  view  of  the  matter, 
and  I have  no  other  object  in  passing  it  now.  As  it  is  to  be  acted  upon,  I presume, 
sooner  or  later,  and  as  this  is  only  half  the  amount  which  the  Executive  calls  for,  I 
take  it  for  granted  we  may  as  well  adopt  the  resolution  now.  I understand  the  ques- 
tion has  been  long  and  earnestly  debated  in  the  House  of  Representatives,  and  after 
having  been  thus  maturely  deliberated  upon,  it  has  been  passed  in  the  shape  in 
which  it  now  comes  before  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Borland.  I am  aware,  Mr.  President,  that  in  rising  to  say  anything  on  the 
side  of  this  question  which  I feel  bound  to  occupy,  \ place  myself  in  a very  ungra- 
cious attitude  before  the  Senate — certainly  before  the  galleries,  which,  to  a great 
extent,  are  made  parties,  deeply-interested  parties,  to  this  bill  and  its  discussion. 

And,  sir,  if  I were  to  consult  my  feelings  and  my  comfort 

A Senator.  And  the  galleries. 

Mr.  Borland.  Yes,  sir,  and  the  galleries,  I would  now  be  silent. 

Sir,  for  two  weeks  past  I have  been  beset  daily  on  my  way  to  and  from  the  Capitol, 

H.  liep.  646 


■32 


498 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


not  by  persons  advocating  the  great  interests  of  the  country,  or  the  passage  of  this 
bill  on  account  of  any  great  public  necessity,  but  by  those  who — from  considerations 
of  personal  interest,  and  in  whose  feelings  and  wants  I most  deeply  sympathize — - 
urge  its  passage  as  furnishing  them  employment.  That  is,  in  effect,  calling  upon 
Congress  to  convert  this  Government,  in  the  administration  of  the  public  funds,  into 
a great  national  almshouse,  and  by  direct  appropriations  from  the  Treasury,  to  take 
care  of  the  poor — to  feed  the  hungry,  to  clothe  the  naked.  Now,  Mr.  President,  on 
the  score  of  charity — while  I have  no  professions  to  make — it  is  due  to  myself,  on 
this  occasion,  to  say  that  I believe  my  heart  is  as  warm,  and  my  sympathies  as  deep 
and  as  strong  for  the  poor  and  the  suffering,  as  those  of  any  advocate  of  this  bill; 
and  I trust  I am  prepared  to  go  as  far  as  any  other  man,  in  extending  all  the  aid  in 
my  power  to  those  who  need  assistance.  Even,  sir,  in  my  legislative  capacity,  I 
think  I have  manifested  a disposition,  upon  this  floor,  to  go  as  far  as  the  most  liberal 
sense  of  public  duty  will  permit  for  all  objects  of  real  merit.  Sir,  as  you  know,  I 
have  been  charged  here  with  a liberality  amounting  to  extravagance. 

* * * 

But,  Mr.  President,  I come  now  to  ask,  what  consideration  of  public  policy,  what 
important  or  pressing  public  interest,  what  public  necessity  requires  this  appropria- 
tion of  half  a million  of  dollars f And  especially  do  I desire  to  understand  the  reasons 
which  induce  its  advocates  to  ask  its  passage  upon  such  short  notice;  to  press  it  upon 
us  in  such  hot  haste;  to  seek  to  avoid  even  the  usual,  the  regular,  and,  in  my  opinion, 
the  very  necessary  and  proper  reference  of  it  to  the  appropriate  committee?  Sir, 
the  consideration  of  this  subject  is  sprung  upon  us  this  morning  unexpectedly,  and, 
as  I think,  in  a most  extraordinary  manner.  For  myself,  although  I have  been 
thinking  of  it  since  I heard  of  its  passage  in  the  House  on  Saturday  last,  it  has  been 
only  in  a general  way,  and  I am  not  prepared,  on  the  spur  of  the  moment,  with  the 
facts  which  belong  to  and  the  considerations  which  grow  out  of  it,  in  a way  to  do 
justice  to  the  subject  or  my  own  view's.  But  compelled,  as  I am,  to  speak — if  I speak 
at  all,  with  my  thoughts  thus  crude  and  unarranged,  1 shall  still  speak  plainly  what 
I do  think,  and  as  briefly  as  I can. 

Mr.  President,  I will  not  now  go  into  the  question  as  to  whether  this  extension  of 
the  public  buildings  be  necessary  and  proper  or  not.  But  I think  it  could  be  clearly 
shown  by  any  one  who  would  take  the  trouble  to  investigate  it,  that  it  is  neither 
proper  nor  necessary.  It  has  been  said,  I know,  that  the  Chambers  of  the  two 
Houses  of  Congress  are  not  large  enough.  Now,  I appeal  to  every  one  who  hears  me 
if  there  is  any  foundation,  in  fact,  for  such  a position?  Whoever  will  look  around 
him  will  find,  I think,  the  Chamber  is  not  only  large  enough  now,  but  likely  to  be 
so  for  years  to  come.  And  even  if  they  are  not,  or  shall  not  be,  there  is  room  enough 
within  the  outside  wTalls  of  this  Capitol  which,  with  a comparatively  small  appro- 
priation of  money,  could  be  so  disposed  of  as  to  enlarge  the  rooms  and  improve  their 
construction  to  an  extent  which  w'ould  be  ample,  commodious,  and  comfortable  for 
both  Houses,  with  all  their  increase  and  all  our  officers,  for  the  next  fifty  years. 
That  this  is  so,  and  susceptible  of  demonstration,  I cannot  question,  unless  I reject 
the  evidence  of  my  senses. 

But,  sir,  suppose,  for  the  argument,  that  this  extension  of  the  Capitol  is  now  required, 
how  is  it  to  be  done;  how  has  it  been  done;  how  has  the  plan  adopted  been  so  far 
executed;  how  has  the  money  heretofore  appropriated  been  used?  I do  not  under- 
take to  say  that  this  money  has  been  improperly  expended.  But  can  any  one  upon 
this  floor  tell  me  how  it  has  been  used?  Do  we  know  that  it  has  been  faithfully, 
properly,  and  economically  expended  for  the  purpose  to  which  it  was  appropriated? 
Sir,  I am  not  an  architect;  I am  not  a stone-mason,  nor  a builder;  but  I think  I 
have  seen  enough  of  the  manner  in  which  building  is  usually  carried  on  to  authorize 
me  in  saying,  from  what  I have  also  seen  of  this,  that  no  private  man  in  this 
country,  not  a member  of  this  body,  who,  with  the  means  of  building  for  him- 


The  Extensions. 


499 


self,  would  ever  permit  work  to  be  done  for  him,  and  at  his  cost,  as  this  has  been 
done.  I say  not  this  now  of  the  quality  of  the  work,  but  of  the  mode  in  which  it  has 
been  done.  I have,  in  passing  through  the  grounds,  sir,  been  unable  to  avoid  seeing 
the  manner  in  which  this  work  has  been  carried  on;  and  I do  not  hesitate  to  express 
the  opinion  that  it  must  have  been  at  an  expense  from  five  to  ten  times  as  great  as 
any  prudent  private  individual  would  have  incurred  in  the  same  quantity  and  kind 
of  work  on  his  own  account. 

And  now,  a word  as  to  the  quality  of  the  work.  As  I said,  I am  not  an  architect, 
nor  a stone  mason,  and,  therefore,  have  not  made  a thorough  examination  of  this 
point;  so  I do  not  undertake  to  say  positively  that  this  work  has  not  been  done  faith- 
fully, and  in  a workmanlike  manner.  But  there  is  some  reason  for  believing  that  it 
has  not  been.  This  we  do  know — a committee  of  the  House  of  Represensatives  has 
been  appointed  to  examine  and  report  whether  it  be  so  or  not.  T have  been  told, 
on  several  occasions,  that  that  committee  was  satisfied  that  the  work  was  well  done; 
had  ceased  their  examinations,  and  abandoned  their  opposition  to  the  progress  of 
the  work.  I am  authorized  to  say  that  this  is  not  the  case.  It  so  happens  that  I 
am  on  terms  of  personal  intimacy  with  the  chairman  of  that  committee,  and  I learn 
from  him  that  so  far  from  being  satisfied  with  the  work,  the  very  reverse  is  true; 
and  he  is  convinced  that  the  apprehensions  which  led  to  the  investigation  are 
founded  in  fact;  that  from  actual  examination  he  does  not  hesitate  to  pronounce  the 
work  unfaithfully  and  badly  done;  that  the  foundations  are  not  built  of  materials, 
or  put  together  in  such  manner  as  to  be  safe  and  secure  for  the  edifice  to  be  raised 
upon  them. 

Mr.  Mangum.  Who  is  the  chairman  of  that  committee? 

Mr.  Borland.  Mr.  McNair,  of  Pennsylvania.  In  the  candor  and  fairness  of  that 
gentleman  I have  entire  confidence;  and  for  his  judgment  I have  great  respect.  He 
may  be  wrong;  but  I understand  that  a majority  of  the  committee  agree  with  him 
fully.  I learn  from  him  that  they  were  utterly  amazed  when  they  came  to  examine 
the  work,  and  found  of  what  miserable  stuff  it  consisted.  And  permit  me  to  say  that 
I have  some  knowledge  upon  this  point  from  my  own  personal  observation.  When 
my  attention  was  called  to  it,  as  I was  passing  a portion  of  the  wall,  I,  with  the  toe 
of  my  boot,  pushed  out  from  between  the  stones  portions  of  the  mortar,  after  the  work 
had  been  standing  for  months.  I confess  that  this  astonished  me.  But,  sir,  the  next 
morning  I saw  what  was  not  less  significant.  I found  some  of  the  workmen,  trowel 
in  hand,  scraping  out  that  portion  of  the  mortar  I had  tested  with  my  boot  toe,  and 
replacing  it  with  new  mortar.  How  it  may  be  in  the  interior  of  the  wall  I do  not  pre- 
tend to  know.  That  is  what  I found  on  the  surface.  But  I learn  from  the  commit- 
tee that  they  found  several  portions  of  the  wall  filled  in  with  loose  sand,  and  mortar 
with  little  or  no  tenacity;  and  that  there  are  no  girders  or  binders  as  they  are  called; 
so  that  the  work,  thus  imperfectly  done,  is  liable  to  be  crushed  down  by  the  immense 
weight  which,  if  it  progresses,  must  be  placed  upon  it.  Now  these  are  statements  of 
gentlemen  in  whose  integrity  I have  perfect  confidence,  and  for  whose  judgment  I 
have  very  great  respect. 

Again,  sir,  I have  learned  that  the  stone  of  which  these  foundations  have  been 
built,  has  not  been  subjected  to  that  preparatory  test  which  is  customary  among 
builders  to  determine  its  capability  to  sustain  the  almost  countless  tons  of  weight  to 
be  piled  upon  it.  And  I have  never  heard  the  statement  contradicted,  although  it 
has  been  made  long  ago.  Moreover,  it  is  also  said  that  this  stone  has  been  procured 
from  a condemned  and  rejected  quarry — that  its  use  was  undertaken  for  the  founda- 
tion of  the  Washington  Monument,  but  being  found  not  to  stand  the  test  of  strength, 
it  was  rejected.  These  are  important  points.  I may  be  misinformed  upon  them. 
If  so,  I desire  correct  information,  and  will  be  obliged  to  any  gentleman  who  will 
give  it  to  me. 

Such,  then,  I am  left  to  believe,  is  the  result  now  before  us;  such  the  material,  and 


500 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


such  the  manner  in  which  it  has  been  worked  up  into  what  is  called  the  foundations 
of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  for  which  we  have  already  paid  $100,000.  Is  the 
work  worth  the  money?  I do  not  think  it  is.  From  the  best  information  I have 
been  able  to  obtain,  and  to  which  I have  alluded,  it  is  not  only  not  worth  what  we 
have  already  paid  for  it,  but,  if  received  and  adopted  as  the  foundation  upon  which 
the  superstructure  is  to  be  raised,  it  will  be  a dead  loss  in  itself,  and  will  occasion 
the  loss  of  the  millions  besides  which  we  shall  be  called  upon  to  expend  in  raising 
that  superstructure;  for,  by  the  time,  or  before,  the  topmost  stone  shall  have  been 
set  in  its  place,  the  whole  structure,  unsubstantial  and  insecure  in  its  foundations — 
a house  built  upon  the  sand,  crushed  down  with  its  own  weight,  like  those  frail 
edifices  built  for  speculation  in  some  of  the  northern  towns,  of  which  we  frequently 
read  accounts — will  tumble  to  the  ground,  forming  at  once  a monument  of  ruins  to 
the  genius  of  corruption,  and  a mausoleum  to  its  dupes. 

Sir,  will  or  can  any  one  tell  me  of  the  manner  in  which  the  $100,000  we  have  hereto- 
fore appropriated  has  been  dispensed  by  and  to  its  recipients?  I have  been  told — if 
incorrectly,  I hope  some  one  will  set  me  right — that  the  whole  of  this  amount  has 
been  paid  out  of  the  Treasury,  in  sums  varying  from  $5,000  to  $20,000,  upon  the 
simple  order,  without  the  usual  vouchers,  of  the  architect — a new  officer  of  our  Gov- 
ernment, not  known,  that  I am  aware,  to  the  Constitution  or  the  laws — a sort  of 
presidential  creation — and  sustaining  to  Congress  no  relations  of  personal  or  official 
responsibility  whatever.  And  these  sums — embracing,  in  the  aggregate,  the  whole 
amount  of  the  appropriation,  drawn  upon  this  simple  order  of  the  architect,  without 
vouchers,  except  such  as  he  may  choose  to  furnish  after  the  expenditure — are  dis- 
pensed at  his  will  and  discretion! 

And  now,  sir,  it  is  proposed  by  this  resolution,  hastily,  without  notice,  without 
investigation,  without  even  permitting  a committee  to  examine  it,  to  put_/h’e  times  as 
much  as  at  first — half  a million  of  dollars — in  the  same  hands,  fora  similar  purpose; 
indeed,  a continuation  of  the  very  same  work,  and  to  be  dispensed  in  the  very  same 
way. 

Mr.  Badger.  Will  my  friend  from  Arkansas  allow  me? 

Mr.  Borland.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Badger.  My  friend  from  Arkansas  is,  no  doubt,  correct  in  saying  that  the 
money  is  called  for  upon  the  draft  or  order  of  the  architect,  and  the  reason  is,  that 
the  act  of  Congress  directed  the  money  to  be  employed  in  erecting  these  wings  to  be 
disbursed  by  the  superintendent  of  the  work.  The  money  is  drawn  out  of  the 
Treasury  in  the  same  way  that  all  other  money  is  drawn  out,  and  is  accounted  for 
in  precisely  the  same  way. 

Mr.  Borland.  Well,  sir,  I am  very  glad  to  hear  that  accuracy  and  propriety  have 
been  observed  in  the  expenditure  of  this  money.  If  my  friend  from  North  Carolina 
states  this  as  a fact,  within  his  own  knowledge,  I will  take  it  as  settling  that  part  of 
the  question. 

Mr.  Badger.  I do  not  know  it;  but  I have  understood  it  to  be  so. 

Mr.  Borland.  And  I have  understood  it  to  be  quite  the  contrary.  I rejaeat,  if  my 
friend  from  North  Carolina  would  state  this  as  a fact  within  his  own  knowledge,  I 
would  rely  upon  it.  But  being  stated  as  a mere  matter  of  opinion,  based  upon  what 
he  has  heard,  he  must  excuse  me  if  I cannot  take  his  opinion  instead  of  my  own, 
when  mine  is  based  upon  what  I consider  reliable  information. 

Mr.  Badger.  I think  the  difficulty  of  my  friend  is,  that  he  does  not  understand  the 
ordinary  mode  in  which  money  is  drawn  in  pursuance  of  an  order  of  this  kind. 
Congress  appropriates  money  to  be  applied  for  a particular  purpose,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  person  appointed  with  that  view.  He  is  the  agent  to  whom  Congress  has 
intrusted  this  business.  He  draws  the  money  at  once.  He  does  not  take  vouchers 
before  expending  the  money;  he  draws  from  time  to  time,  and  settles  with  his 
vouchers.  That  is  the  usual  course.  All  I know  about  it  is,  that  the  act  of  Con- 


The  Extensions. 


501 


gress  authorizes  the  expenditure  of  this  money,  which  was  appropriated  last  Con- 
gress, by  the  architect  whom  the  President  shall  select  for  carrying  on  the  work. 
We  made  him  our  officer  or  agent  to  disburse  this  appropriation. 

Mr.  Borland.  I hope  it  is  all  true.  I am  not  well  informed  on  this  matter,  as  my 
friend  very  rightly  supposes.  I am,  to  a considerable  extent,  ignorant  of  the 
details  of  the  expenditure  of  the  public  money;  and  I am  thankful,  always,  when  a 
friend  will  inform  me.  But,  sir,  it  is  for  that  very  reason,  if  there  was  no  other,  that 
I am  particular  on  this  occasion,  and  desire  that  this  matter  shall  be  put  in  such  a 
form,  and  made  so  clear  and  intelligible,  that  even  one  so  dull  as  myself  may  under- 
stand it,  and  that  the  people  may  know  how  their  money  is  expended.  That  I do 
not  and  cannot  understand  these  things,  is  what  I complain  of: — it  is  an  important 
part  of  my  objection  to  this  resolution.  If  our  legislation  be,  as  it  seems  to  have 
been  in  this  case,  obscure  in  its  terms,  loose  in  its  provisions,  and  fails  to  impose 
sufficient  safeguards  and  restrictions  around  our  moneyed  expenditures  to  make 
them  safe,  and  faithful,  and  economical,  I think  it  is  high  time  that  we  should 
change  its  character,  and  bring  those  expenditures  alike  within  safe  bounds,  and 
within  our  own  knowledge;  for  until  we  do  so,  to  say  the  least  of  it,  we  not  only  are 
not,  but  cannot  be  as  careful  in  the  discharge  of  these  duties  we  are  sent  here  to 
perform,  as  we  should  be. 

Now,  sir,  with  all  these  things  staring  me  in  the  face,  whatever  may  be  my  feelings 
of  sympathy  for  the  laboring  men  who  have  been  brought  here  to  work  upon  the 
Capitol,  and  who  now  throng  the  galleries  for  effect — whatever  may  be  my  desire  to 
see  them  provided  with  work,  and  supplied  with  the  means  of  a comfortable  sub- 
sistence, I cannot  give  my  vote  for  this  large,  and,  as  I regard  it,  unnecessary  and 
improper  appropriation. 

* # * 

Sir,  there  is  no  concealing  or  avoiding  the  fact  that  the  dangerous  tendency  of 
our  system  of  government,  is  that  towards  centralism  and  consolidation.  1 well 
know,  sir,  that  in  asserting  this,  I but  suggest  an  argument  which  is  ever  potential 
with  certain  Senators  upon  this  floor,  and  with  a certain  school  of  politicians  through- 
out the  country,  to  carry  them  in  the  very  opposite  direction  from  that  in  which  I 
would  be  glad  to  see  them  go,  and,  as  I think,  the  good  of  this  country  requires  them 
to  go.  I know  full  well  that  those  Senators  and  that  school  of  politicians  to  which  I 
allude,  and  of  which  they  are  the  honored  leaders,  need  no  other  and  no  stronger 
argument  to  induce  them  to  support  any  measure  than  the  proof  that  it  ministers  to 
that  tendency  I have  mentioned — to  concentrate  and  consolidate  power  here  in  this 
Federal  head,  at  the  expense  of  the  sovereignty,  the  independence,  the  rights,  and 
legitimate  power  of  the  several  States. 

* * * 

In  my  opinion,  there  is  no  danger  of  a dissolution  of  this  Union,  or  destruction  of 
the  Government,  by  a flying  off  of  any  of  its  parts.  The  tendency  is  centripetal,  and 
therein  lies  the  danger.  The  sources  of  this  danger  consist  in  the  tendency  of  power, 
wherever  it  may  be  found,  whether  in  the  hands  of  individuals  or  governments,  to 
cumulate  itself  and  strengthen  its  own  functions.  Beginning  with  the  Government, 
this  tendency  has  been  manifested,  and,  with  occasional  checks,  has  slowly,  but  in 
my  opinion,  surely  been  increasing  down  to  the  present  hour.  An  instance  of  it  is 
seen  whenever  and  wherever  a power  is  exercised  which  the  Constitution  lias  not 
granted.  If,  I repeat,  this  Union  of  States  shall  ever  be  destroyed,  this  will  be  the 
cause.  Overriding  the  Constitution,  disregarding  rights  and  crushing  interests,  it 
will  ultimately  grasp  and  absorb  all  the  functions  of  all  the  governments,  State  and 
Federal.  Towering  up  as  a great  central  power,  it  will  overshadow  the  States,  and 
swallow  up  their  sovereignty;  and  then  nothing  of  Union  will  be  left  but  its  name, 
while  one  great  consolidated  despotism  will  fill  its  place.  Who  will  love,  and  veil- 


502 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


erate,  and  adhere  to  it  then?  In  this  way,  if  ever,  this  Union  may  he,  not  dissolved, 
but  consolidated  and  destroyed.  It  may  “ grow  to  a pleurisy,  and  die  of  its  own  too 
much.” 

* * * 

Mr.  Shields.  I would  ask  the  honorable  Senator  to  give  way  for  a moment. 

Mr.  Borland.  I will  have  done  in  a moment.  Mr.  President,  when  we  find  one  of 
these  large  appropriations,  placing  money  unconditionally  at  the  disposal  of  a politi- 
cal opponent  of  a majority  of  the  two  Houses  of  Congress,  we  find  also  a disposition 
to  vote  upon  them  without  investigation.  I do  not  say,  that  Senators  who  are  advo- 
cating this  course,  have  not  investigated  this  particular  matter;  but  they  ought  to 
remember  that  if  they  have  done  so,  there  may  be  others  who  have  not.  One  of 
these- 

Mr.  Clarke.  If  the  honorable  Senator  will  allow  me  one  moment.  I desire  to  move 
to  postpone  the  consideration  of  this  subject  until  to-morrow.  It  is  one  of  very  great 
importance.  The  honorable  Senator  from  Michigan,  [Mr.  Cass,]  it  is  well  known, 
was  entitled  to  the  floor  to-day  upon  another  subject.  The  time  is  passing  away,  and 
it  will  be  almost  impossible  for  him  to  occupy  it.  The  bill,  upon  which  he  proposes 
to  speak,  is  a great  and  important  one,  and  of  very  essential  consequence  to  many 
gentlemen  in  the  Senate.  I,  therefore,  with  the  Senator’s  leave,  will  move  to  post- 
pone the  further  consideration  of  this  subject.  I desire  to  be  heard  upon  it  as  does 
the  honorable  Senator  from  North  Carolina.  If  the  debate  goes  on,  the  day  will  be 
consumed  by  it;  and  I therefore  appeal  to  the  Senate  that  it  is  due,  in  courtesy  to 
the  Senator  from  Michigan,  that  the  postponement  should  take  place,  in  order  to  give 
him  an  opportunity  to  speak  to-day.  We  all  must  know  that  this  subject  has  been 
unexpectedly  sprung  upon  us  at  this  time;  I move,  therefore,  that  its  further  con- 
sideration be  postponed  until  to-morrow. 

Mr.  Borland.  I will  agree  to  what  the  Senator  says;  but  permit  me  to  say  why. 
It  is  known  to  the  Senate  that  I did  not  willingly  engage  in  this  discussion.  I did 
not  wish  the  resolution  to  be  taken  up  for  consideration  to-day;  but  it  was  taken  up 
and  its  immediate  passage  called  for.  I was  opposed  to  it;  and  I felt  that  if  I did 
not  make  my  opposition  then,  there  would  be  no  opportunity  for  me  to  do  so.  I was 
unwilling  that  the  vote  should  be  taken,  before  I expressed  my  views  upon  the  sub- 
ject. No  one  is  more  anxious  to  hear  the  Senator  from  Michigan  than  I am;  no  one 
will  listen  to  him  with  more  pleasure;  no  one  feels  a greater  desire  for  the  passage 
of  the  bill  he  proposes  to  advocate.  I will  have  accomplished  the  object  which  I 
have  in  view  by  agreeing  with  the  Senator  from  Rhode  Island  in  having  this  post- 
poned. It  is  what  I desired  at  first;  I,  therefore,  am  accommodated  now. 

Mr.  Mangum.  I am  not  disposed  to  interpose  any  obstacle  to  hearing  the  Senator 
from  Michigan.  Will  the  Chair  be  so  obliging  as  to  inform  me  ivhat  was  the  motion 
pending  before  the  last  one  was  made? 

The  President.  There  was  no  motion.  The  question  under  consideration  was  as  to 
concurring  with  the  amendment  of  the  House  of  Representatives  to  the  joint  resolu- 
tion. The  motion  is  now  made  to  postpone  the  further  consideration  of  the  subject 
until  to-morrow. 

Mr.  Mangum.  The  question  upon  which  the  Senator  from  Michigan  desires  to 
speak  is  the  Iowa  land  bill? 

The  President.  Yes,  sir;  and  it  is  the  special  order. 

Mr.  Mangum.  I had  very  much  hoped  that  that  bill  would  have  been  broughtto  a 
conclusion  to-morrow.  I am  rather  unwilling  to  occupy  the  time  of  the  Senate  on 
the  subject  now  before  us,  but  so  many  remarks  have  been  made,  by  the  Senator 
from  Arkansas,  not  immediately  relevant — immediately,  I say — to  the  question,  that 
I feel  inclined  to  offer  a very  few  remarks  myself. 

Mr.  Cass.  I will  observe  that,  as  to  my  going  on  to-day,  it  is  a matter  of  perfect 
indifference  to  me.  What  little  I have  to  say,  I can  say  in  a very  short  time.  I am 
prepared  to  do  as  the  Senate  pleases. 


The  Extensions. 


503 


Mr.  Mangum.  I hope  we  will  have  a vote  to-morrow  on  the  Iowa  bill.  I will  pit 
until  twelve  o’clock  at  night  to  get  a vote,  and  it  is  the  only  way  you  can  get  it. 

The  President.  Does  the  Senator  from  North  Carolina  understand  that  the  motion 
is  to  postpone  the  joint  resolution  now  before  the  Senate,  until  to-morrow? 

Mr.  Mangum.  Yes,  sir;  I understand  that  is  the  question. 

Mr.  Atchison.  I understood  the  Senator  from  Arkansas  to  give  way  for  the  purpose 
of  permitting  the  motion  to  be  made  to  postpone.  If  the  debate  goes  on,  be  is 
entitled  to  the  floor  still. 

Mr.  Mangum.  The  Senator  from  Arkansas  yielded  the  floor. 

Mr.  Borland.  I yielded  it  only  to  have  that  motion  made. 

Mr.  Shields.  I hope  the  joint  resolution  will  be  postponed  until  to-morrow.  When 
I made  the  motion  to  take  it  up,  I had  no  idea  that  it  would  occupy  fifteen  minutes. 
I certainly  should  not  have  made  that  motion,  if  I had  thought  it  would  occupy  the 
time  it  is  likely  to  occupy.  I wish  it  now  by  all  means  to  give  way  to  the  Senator 
from  Michigan,  and  I ask  my  friend  from  North  Carolina  to  give  way  for  that  purpose. 

Mr.  Mangum.  I will  interpose  no  obstacle  to  hearing  the  Senator  from  Michigan. 

Mr.  Borland.  It  is  true,  as  was  stated,  that  I gave  way  to  a motion  to  postpone, 
and  not  for  any  other  purpose.  I did  it  as  an  act  of  courtesy.  The  question  is  not 
postponed;  and  I understand  that  if  one  who  is  speaking  yields  the  floor  for  a par- 
ticular motion,  and  that  motion  is  not  agreed  to,  he  goes  on  with  the  subject-matter 
of  his  remarks,  and  continues  the  debate. 

The  President.  Strictly  speaking,  that  is  not  the  case. 

Mr.  Mangum.  I will  repeat  what  I have  already  stated,  that  I will  interpose  no 
obstacle  to  hearing  the  Senator  from  Michigan,  and  I will  resume  my  seat  after 
making  a single  remark  or  two,  and  touching  a single  point  having  no  immediate 
relevancy  to  the  bill  under  consideration.  I have  been  greatly  gratified  to  see  a 
young  Goliath  step  forth  to  endeavor  to  correct  the  practice  of  this  Government. 
He  is  a member  of  the  party  which  has  entire  control  over  the  legislation  of  this 
body,  and  of  the  other  House.  I hope,  sir,  that  the  lecture  which  he  has  given  his 
associates  will  produce  a good  effect.  I have  believed,  and  I am  sure  you  have 
believed,  for  a long  time  that  the  Government  was  far  departing  from  its  ancient 
principles  and  practices.  But  the  Senator’s  remarks  were  unfortunately  misapplied 
to  the  Whig  head  at  the  other  end  of  the  avenue.  Has  the  allegation  or  imputation 
been  made  that  a cent  has  yet  been  expended  which  was  not  authorized  and  directed 
by  an  appropriation?  I have  heard  no  such  allegation — none  such  can  be  made.  I 
hope  that  the  Senator  and  his  associates  on  his  side  of  the  Chamber  will  endeavor  to 
see  the  Government  restricted  to  economy,  and  retracted  in  its  expenses  to  his 
favorite  Jeffersonian  standard.  I desire  to  see  it.  Why,  sir,  within  my  time — and 
I am  yet  a young  man,  as  well  as  you,  Mr.  President,  [laughter] — one  Administration 
was  put  out  of  power  for  the  immense  and  monstrous  expenditure  of  $13,000,000  a 
year.  Under  its  successors  the  expenditures  amounted  to  $39,000,000  or  $40,000,000, 
and  they  have  now  run  up  to  $50,000,000.  Whose  fault  is  it?  If  we  had  a General 
Jackson  here,  who  could  control  his  troops,  he  would,  in  some  degree,  be  responsible; 
but  the  case  is  different  when  we  have  a President  whose  political  friends  are  in  a 
minority  in  both  branches  of  the  Legislature.  I hope  my  friend  from  Arkansas  will 
bring  to  his  assistance  a sufficient  number  of  the  Democratic  party  to  retract  the  Gov- 
ernment to  its  ancient  and  economical  practices.  I have  seen,  or  suspect  I have  seen, 
in  the  course  of  my  service  here,  a little  difference  between  profession  and  practice. 
Economy  is  a beautiful  thing  to  be  professed;  it  is  a toy  that  tickles  the  ear  of  the 
farmer  and  the  thrifty  citizen  in  the  country,  who  has  a few  pennies  in  his  pocket, 
which  he  desires  to  keep  from  the  grasp  of  rapacious  office  and  job-seekers;  they  are 
not  to  be  taken  and  paid  for  the  bread  of  those  who  will  not  earn  it.  But  let  us  see 
a little  of  the  practice.  I hope  the  honorable  Senator  will  bring  up  his  troops.  He 
is  a young  commander,  but  has  had  experience 


504 


Documentary  History  of'  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Atchison.  I call  the  honorable  Senator  from  North  Carolina  to  order,  in  the 
first  place,  because  he  is  making  a speech,  when  the  Senator  from  Arkansas  has  the 
floor,  and  in  the  second  place,  because  he  has  no  right  to  advise  the  Democracy. 
[Laughter.] 

The  President.  The  Senator  from  North  Carolina  [Mr.  Mangum]  is  entitled  to  the 
floor. 

Mr.  Mangum.  I will  not  attempt  to  do  so  absurd  and  useless  a thing  as  to  advise 
the  great  and  wise  and  economical  Democracy.  I think  that  they  will  not  learn 
wisdom  from  advice,  proceeding  from  such  a quarter;  yet  it  might  not  be  wholly 
thrown  away  if  they  were  to  hear  it  and  act  upon  it.  I admit  that,  under  the  Dem- 
ocratic rule,  the  Government  has  run  up  to  a degree  of  expenditure  unexampled  in 
the  history  of  the  country.  I am  glad  to  see  one  stern,  gallant,  and  intrepid  man— 
though  comparatively  a young  member — step  forward  and  lecture  his  seniors.  I 
hope  they  will  profit  by  it.  I hope  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States  will  profit  by 
it.  I hope  the  people  of  the  country  will  profit  by  it.  Sir,  I have  witnessed  a great 
deal  of  this  profession.  I have  recently  heard  of  an  eminent  gentleman,  who  has 
my  highest  respect,  a gentleman  from  Pennsylvania,  saying  that  the  Government 
ought  to  be  brought  back  to  the  old  Jeffersonian  days.  But  when  I looked  at  him 
mounted  in  his  saddle,  with  his  spurs  on,  ready  to  run  the  next  presidential  race,  I 
thought  that  extravagance  and  spoils  would  distance  him.  I admit  that  the  whole 
system  is  tending  to  corruption,  and  I fear  it  is  ultimately  to  uproot  the  institutions 
of  the  country  from  its  ancient  principles.  Extravagance  can  beat  Economy  any 
day  in  a public  race.  The  spoils,  the  $50,000,000  that  are  to  go  into  the  pockets 
of  the  office-seekers — seekers  of  jobs  and  all  the  et  cetera — afford  the  means  by 
which  the  public  money  can  be  taken  from  the  public  purse  and  be  put  into 
individual  purses.  Sir,  you  and  /,  though  yet  young  men,  have  lived  long  enough  to 
have  witnessed  an  every  day  state  of  things  that  pass  here  as  a matter  of  course; 
things  that  are  sustained  by  our  Democratic  friends  everywhere;  things  that  are 
now  passed  as  a matter  of  course,  which,  thirty  years  ago,  would  not  have  received 
a second  thought  in  either  branch  of  the  Legislature. 

I commend  the  example  and  the  advice  of  my  friend  from  Arkansas  to  his  Demo- 
cratic brethren.  I hope  they  will  profit  by  his  counsels.  I hope  the  country  will  be 
benefited  by  them.  As  far  as  I can,  in  a very  humble  way,  I hope  to  put  my 
shoulders  to  the  wdieel  and  cordially  cooperate  with  him.  I said  1 only  wanted  to 
express  my  gratification  at  the  remarks  of  the  honorable  Senator,  and  to  congratulate 
the  Democracy  that  so  gallant,  so  stern,  so  intrepid  a man  has  been  found  who  will 
come  forward  and  lecture  the  evil-doers  who  have  been  squandering  the  public  means. 
I think,  though,  the  lecture  was  wrongly  applied,  as  regards  the  other  end  of  the 
avenue.  Any  money  that  is  paid  out,  is  paid  out  under  the  warrant  of  law.  I sup- 
pose my  friend  would  not  have  the  Executive  do  otherwise  than  that.  Whatever 
may  be  said  of  the  present  Executive,  any  assumption  of  doubtful  power,  any  usur- 
pation of  power,  anything  that  exceeds  the  Constitution  and  statutes,  cannot  be 
imputed  to  him,  successfully  at  least.  A more  abiding  and  subservient  Administra- 
tion to  the  laws  and  Constitution,  this  country  has  not  produced  since  the  days  of 
Washington. 

* * * 

Mr.  Borland.  I wish  to  say  one  word,  lest  the  remarks  of  the  Senator  from  North 
Carolina,  kindly  intended,  I have  no  doubt 

Mr.  Mangum.  They  were.  I have  great  respect  for  the  Senator. 

Mr.  Borland.  — should  place  me  in  a false  position  before  the  country  and  before 
my  party.  He  has  represented  me  here  as  a Goliath.  I had  rather,  on  this  occasion, 
and  on  any  other  occasion,  occupy,  as  far  as  my  humble  ability  would  permit  me,  the 
position  of  David,  who  was  a very  small  individual,  and  very  feeble  in  himself,  but 
in  whose  hands,  when  inspired  with  truth,  and  in  a just  cause,  with  his  simple  instru- 


The  Extensions. 


505 


ment  of  a sling,  the  pebble  of  truth  was  successful  in  striking  the  Goliath  of  the 
enemy.  I did  not  rise  for  the  purpose  of  lecturing  the  party  to  which  I belong.  My 
position  in  the  country  is  too  humble,  and  I am  too  young  a Senator,  to  undertake  to 
stand  up  here  and  assume  the  position  of  a leader  or  lecturer  of  my  party.  I am  an 
humble  soldier  in  the  ranks.  I simply  rose  to  speak  of  the  motives  and  considerations 
which  govern  me,  and  to  express,  not  so  much  for  Senators  as  for  my  constituents — for 
I believe  we  all  speak  somewhat  for  Buncombe — the  ground  upon  which  I stood,  and 
to  show  them  that  not  only  had  I made  these  pledges,  and  fought  the  battle  with 
them  at  home  upon  these  principles,  but  that  I have  felt,  as  their  representative,  it 
my  duty  to  light  the  battle  upon  this  more  elevated  and  more  extended  field. 

The  motion  to  postpone  was  agreed  to. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  16,  1852:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 1,  p.  761.] 

EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

The  Senate  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  joint  resolution  to  authorize  the 
continuance  of  the  work  upon  the  two  wings  of  the  Capitol,  with  the  amendment  of 
the  House  of  Representatives  thereto,  and  it  was 

Ordered,  That  it  be  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings. 

Mr.  Borland  submitted  the  following  resolution  for  consideration;  which  was 
agreed  to: 

Resolved , That  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  of  the  Senate,  be  instructed  to  make  a thorough 
examination  of  the  work  thus  far  executed  on  the  extension  of  the  Capitol:  1st.  As  to  the  uniformity 
of  the  strata  upon  which  the  walls  rest.  2d.  As  to  the  quality  and  the  dimensions  of  the  stone,  and 
quality  of  the  mortar  used.  3d.  As  to  the  character  of  the  work,  the  mode  of  its  construction,  and 
its  power  of  resistance.  4th.  As  to  every  other  matter  and  thing  connected  therewith  as  may,  in 
their  opinion,  affect  the  stability  and  permanency  of  the  whole  structure.  And  the  committee  are 
hereby  empowered  to  bring  to  their  aid,  in  the  foregoing  examination,  such  of  the  United  States 
Topographical  Engineers,  and  other  competent  persons  as  they  may  think  proper. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Apr.  2,  1852:  Congressional  Globe,  32—1,  p.  952.] 

EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  Hunter,  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  to  which  was  referred 
the  resolution  of  the  Senate  of  the  16th  March  last,  calling  for  information  as  to  the 
quality,  dimensions  of  the  stone,  quality  of  mortar  used,  character  of  the  work,  mode 
of  construction,  &c.,  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  with  any  matters  connected 
therewith  as  may  affect  the  stability  and  permanency  of  the  whole  structure,  sub- 
mitted a report;  which  was  ordered  to  be  printed. 

Mr.  Hunter.  The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  to  which  was  referred  the  joint 
resolution  to  authorize  the  continuance  of  the  work  upon  the  two  wings  of  the 
Capitol,  with  the  amendment  of  the  House  of  Representatives  thereto,  have  directed 
me  to  report  back  the  same  with  a recommendation  that  the  Senate  concur  therein. 

If  it  be  the  general  pleasure  of  the  Senate  to  take  up  this  matter  to-day,  I should 
be  very  glad.  As  the  Committee  on  Finance  expects  to  report  the  deficiency  bill  on 
Monday,  it  is  necessary  to  act  soon  upon  this  question,  if  we  mean  to  act  at  all. 
Although  this  is  Friday,  and  private-bill  day,  and  I very  much  regret  to  interfere 
with  the  general  order  of  business,  it  seems  to  me  to  be  a case  which  might,  perhaps, 
justify  the  suspension  of  the  order  for  the  purpose  of  taking  up  the  amendment  of 
the  House  of  Representatives  to  this  joint  resolution.  If  there  be  no  objection,  I 
should  like  to  have  it  acted  on  now. 

Mr.  Cooper.  I hope  the  gentleman  will  withdraw  the  motion,  in  order  to  allow  me 
to  submit  a resolution. 

Mr.  Hunter.  Certainly. 


506 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[Senate.  Rep.  Com.  No.  163.  32d  Congress,  1st  session.  In  the  Senate  of  the  United  States.  April  2, 

1852. — Ordered  to  he  printed.] 

Mr.  Hunter  made  the  following  report: 

The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  respectfully  submit  this  report,  as  a response 
to  the  inquiries  which  they  were  directed  to  make,  by  the  following  resolutions 
referred  to  them  by  order  of  the  Senate: 

‘ ‘ Resolved , That  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  of  the  Senate  be  instructed  to 
make  a thorough  examination  of  the  work  thus  far  executed  on  the  extension  of  the 
Capitol. 

“1.  As  to  the  uniformity  of  the  strata  upon  which  the  walls  rest. 

“2.  As  to  the  quality  and  dimensions  of  the  stone,  and  quality  of  the  mortar 
used. 

“3.  As  to  the  chai'acter  of  the  work,  the  mode  of  its  construction,  and  its  power 
of  resistance. 

“4.  As  to  every  other  matter  and  thing  connected  therewith  as  may,  in  their  opin- 
ion, affect  the  stability  and  permanency  of  the  whole  structure. 

“ And  the  committee  are  hereby  empowered  to  bring  to  their  aid,  in  the  foregoing 
examination,  such  of  the  United  States  topographical  engineers,  and  other  compe- 
tent persons,  as  they  may  think  proper.” 

To  obtain  the  best  information  upon  this  subject  which  was  within  their  reach, 
this  committee  addressed  letters  to  General  Totten  of  the  engineer  corps,  and  to 
Colonel  Abert  of  the  topographical  engineers,  requesting  them  each  to  detail  two 
competent  officers,  for  the  purpose  of  making  such  an  examination  as  was  contem- 
plated by  the  Senate.  General  Totten  detailed  Captain  Frederick  A.  Smith  and 
Brevet  Lieutenant  Colonel  Mason,  both  of  the  engineers,  and  Colonel  Abert  detailed 
Lieutenant  Colonel  James  Kearney  and  Captain  Thomas  J.  Lee,  of  the  topographical 
engineers.  A copy  of  the  resolution  of  the  Senate  was  placed  in  the  hands  of  the 
engineers  of  each  corps,  with  a request  that  they  would  examine  the  work  carefully, 
and  report  the  result  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings.  The  investigation,  as 
your  committee  believe,  was  made  with  great  care  by  these  officers;  and  the  results 
were  reported  separately  by  the  engineers  of  the  two  corps,  both  of  which  reports 
are  herewith  submitted;  the  one  from  the  engineers  marked  A;  and  the  other,  from 
the  topographical  engineers,  marked  B.  These  reports  leave  no  doubt  on  the  mind 
of  the  committee  as  to  the  sufficiency  of  the  foundations,  and  the  general  good  char- 
acter of  the  work.  The  addition  of  hydraulic  cement  to  the  mortar  is  a matter 
which  had  already  attracted  the  attention  of  the  architect,  who  has  taken  measures 
to  provide  for  it.  After  a consideration  of  the  whole  subject,  your  committee  see  no 
cause  for  a further  suspension  of  the  work,  but  many  reasons  for  its  immediate 
prosecution.  The  favorable  season  for  such  work  has  already  commenced;  and  a 
number  of  workmen  who  were  engaged  on  the  building  as  long  as  the  appropriation 
lasted,  are  still  here,  without  employment.  If  the  work  is  to  go  on,  it  should  be 
re-commenced  at  once,  not  only  to  secure  as  much  as  possible  of  the  working  season, 
but  to  save  the  expense  and  prevent  the  suffering  which  would  arise  from  the  dis- 
persion of  the  workmen  now  here,  and  the  collection  of  others,  or  perhaps  of  these 
themselves,  from  distant  cities. 


A. 

Washington,  March  25,  1852. 

Sir:  On  the  subject  of  the  resolution  of  the  Senate  of  the  16th  instant,  relating  to 
the  foundations  of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  referred  by  you  to  us  on  the  22d, 
with  a request  for  an  opinion,  we  have  the  honor  to  state  that,  after  an  examination 
sufficiently  minute  to  satisfy  our  minds,  we  have  come  to  the  following  conclusions 
on  the  different  points  presented. 


The  Extensions . 


507 


“1.  As  to  the  uniformity  of  the  strata  upon  which  the  walls  rest.” 

Excavations  were  made  under  our  direction  at  the  four  corners  of  the  new  work; 
that  is,  at  the  northeast  and  northwest  corners  of  the  north  wing,  and  the  southeast 
and  southwest  corners  of  the  south  wing.  These  excavations  extended  from  six  to 
ten  feet  below  the  bottom  of  the  foundations,  except  at  the  latter  point,  where  it 
went  only  to  the  actual  level  of  the  bottom  of  the  foundation.  The  ground  on  which 
the  foundations  were  laid  was  thus  examined,  as  well  as  the  underlying  stratum,  at 
three  points,  and  we  are  enabled  to  express  a confident  opinion  that  the  stratum  of 
gravel,  several  feet  thick,  (overlying  a stratum  of  hard  sand)  on  which  the  founda- 
tions rest  throughout,  is  of  a uniform  incompressibility,  and  that  there  is  no  reason 
to  apprehend  a settlement  of  the  walls  from  its  giving  way. 

“2.  As  to  the  quality  and  the  dimensions  of  the  stone,  and  quality  of  the  mortar 
used.” 

The  quality  of  the  stone  (gneiss — commonly  called  blue-rock)  is  excellent — prob- 
ably no  better  could  be  obtained  for  foundations.  As  a general  rule,  the  stones  are 
of  decidedly  large  dimensions.  In  some  few  places,  the  small  stones  generally  used, 
in  construction,  to  fill  up,  occur  in  larger  quantities  than  we  would  consider  desirable, 
but  nowhere  to  excite  our  apprehension  as  to  the  stability  of  the  structure. 

The  mortar  used  for  the  bedding  or  lower  part  of  the  foundation,  resting  directly 
on  the  ground,  is  throughout  of  hydraulic  cement  and  sand — as  it  should  be.  In 
some  other  parts  a mixture  of  cement  and  lime  with  the  sand  was  used,  in  good 
proportions.  In  other  portions,  say  about  one-half  of  the  whole  above  the  bedding, 
no  hydraulic  cement  was  used  in  the  mortar.  This  we  consider  an  error,  as  pure 
lime-mortar  of  the  common  fat  limes,  without  cement,  will  never  set  in  the  interior 
of  thick  walls. 

The  best  illustration  of  the  truth  of  this  will  be  found  on  inspection  of  the  speci- 
mens of  mortar  submitted  herewith  to  the  committee.  Specimen  A was  taken  from 
the  foundations  of  the  northwest  corner  of  the  main  building  of  the  present  Capitol; 
taken  from  about  a foot  inside  the  face  of  the  wall.  It  was  laid  nearly  fifty  years 
ago,  and  is  now  soft  and  without  cohesive  power.  Specimen  B was  taken  from  the 
foundations  of  the  southern  wall  of  the  main  building  of  the  Capitol.  It  was  laid 
some  seven  or  eight  years  ago,  in  making  repairs.  This  mortar  is  similar  in  character 
to  the  first.  Specimen  C was  found  on  certain  stones,  cut  out,  some  years  ago,  of 
the  cellar  walls  under  the  rotunda,  where  the  furnaces  were  put  in.  This  specimen 
is  much  drier  than  the  others,  owing  to  its  exposure  to  the  dry  and  hot  air  of  the 
furnace-rooms;  but  it  will  be  perceived  that  it  is  nearly  as  destitute  of  cohesive 
power  as  the  other. 

It  is  by  no  means  to  be  understood,  however,  that  the  stability  of  a wall  is  to  be 
considered  as  dependent  upon  the  use  of  cement.  The  introduction  of  cement  into 
general  use,  has  been  of  quite  recent  date  in  this  country;  and  in  many  large  and 
substantial  structures  not  a particle  has  been  employed. 

“3.  As  to  the  character  of  the  work,  the  mode  of  its  construction,  and  its  power 
of  resistance.” 

The  character  of  the  work  and  the  mode  of  construction  we  consider  excellent, 
with  the  exceptions  alluded  to;  and  in  no  part  do  we  perceive  deficiencies  to  war- 
rant, in  us,  an  apprehension  as  to  the  power  of  these  foundations  to  resist  the 
pressure  of  the  superstructure. 

It  may  be  proper,  under  this  head,  to  notice  a feature  of  the  construction,  proposed 
by  the  accomplished  architect  in  charge.  Immediately  upon  the  foundation  walls, 
as  now  existing,  he  proposes  to  lay  two  courses  of  masonry — making  a depth  of  four 
feet — composed  of  the  largest  sized  blocks,  carefully  laid  in  cement-mortar,  without 
lime;  this  to  equalize  the  pressure  of  the  superstructure  over  the  whole  thickness 
of  the  wrall;  an  excellent  arrangement,  which  seems  to  us  to  promise  full  security 
against  any  anticipated  danger. 


508 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

4th  interrogatory.  Under  this  general  head  we  have  perceived  nothing  calling 
for  further  remark. 

We  respectfully,  therefore,  submit  it  as  our  opinion,  that  the  existing  foundations 
are  sufficient  for  their  purpose. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

Feed.  A.  Smith, 
Captain  Engineers. 

J.  L.  Mason, 

Captain  Engineers,  Brevet  Lieutenant  Colonel. 

Hon.  R.  M.  T.  Huntek, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  U.  S.  Senate. 


B. 

Bureau  of  Topographical  Engineers, 

Washington,  March  30,  1852. 

Sir:  At  the  request  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  of  the  Senate,  we  have 
made  a careful  examination  of  the  foundations  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  and 
we  have  the  honor  to  report:  That  we  find  the  masonry  rests  uniformly  upon  the 
original  gravel  and  clay  of  the  hill;  the  foundations  being  sunk  to  various  depths 
below  the  present  surface,  in  order  to  attain  this.  The  foundation  descends  by  steps 
slightly  inclining  towards  the  hill,  and  the  breadth  of  the  walls  increases  as  they 
descend  below  the  surface.  The  depth  of  this  gravel  and  clay  we  did  not  deem  it 
necessary  to  ascertain  with  precision,  as  it  is  known  to  be  considerable. 

The  stone  employed  in  the  foundations  is  granitic,  and  of  an  excellent  and  durable 
quality.  The  lower  courses,  for  some  four  feet  of  height,  are  laid  in  a cement  of 
hydraulic  lime  and  sand,  which,  at  the  points  examined  by  us,  has  already  attained 
a sufficient  degree  of  hardness. 

The  masonry  of  the  rest  of  the  walls  is  of  the  same  kind  of  stone,  laid  generally  in 
mortar  composed  of  fat  lime,  hydraulic  lime,  and  sand.  The  body  of  the  walls  is  of 
rubble  work;  the  buttresses  are  coursed  with  a rubble  backing.  Proper  attention 
seems  to  have  been  observed  in  selecting,  for  the  points  requiring  the  greatest  resist- 
ance, stones  of  the  largest  manageable  size,  as,  for  example,  at  the  angles,  and  wher- 
ever the  masonry  has  been  carried  to  the  greatest  depth;  whilst  upon  the  east  fronts, 
and  especially  for  walls  intended  to  support  colonnades  only,  stones  of  smaller  dimen- 
sions have  been  used;  showing  a sufficient  care  in  the  selection  and  distribution  of 
the  materials. 

A greater  proportion  of  hydraulic  lime  might  have  been  advantageously  used  in 
the  upper  portions  of  the  masonry,  especially  in  parts  last  built;  but  we  think  it 
probable  that,  as  the  season  advances,  this  mortar  will  set  favorably,  except  such 
parts  of  it  as  may  have  been  injured  by  the  frost.  This  is  shown  by  the  difference 
in  hardness  of  that  having  a favorable  exposure,  and  that  laid  in  the  early  part  of 
the  winter. 

Before  the  materials  for  the  superstructure  can  be  brought  upon  the  ground  and 
prepared  for  the  work,  sufficient  time  will  have  elapsed  to  show  and  to  arrest  the 
effects  of  the  frost  upon  the  mortar  near  the  exterior  part  of  the  foundation.  It 
would  also  be  advisable  that  the  walls  be  left  exposed  as  long  as  practicable,  before 
embanking  against  them. 

The  stone  and  mortar  used  in  the  masonry  of  the  foundations  of  the  Capitol  are 
inferior  to  that  of  the  extension,  according  to  the  comparison  we  were  enabled  to 
make  during  our  late  inspection,  and  also  according  to  the  recollection  of  one  of  the 
undersigned,  who  had  numerous  opportunities  of  examining  the  present  building 
during  its  progress.  At  one  point  of  the  old  wall  examined,  the  mortar  was  found 
still  soft.  The  sample  taken,  however,  hardened  in  twenty-four  hours  after  it  had 
been  exposed  to  the  air. 


509 


The  Extensions. 

In  thus  expressing  our  belief  in  the  sufficiency  of  these  foundations,  we  have  refer- 
ence, of  course,  only  to  their  ability  to  support  the  structure  which  it  is  proposed  to 
erect  upon  them. 

In  conclusion,  we  have  to  add,  that  we  received  from  the  architect  every  assistance, 
and  all  the  information  we  desired,  respecting  the  work.  The  condition  in  which 
the  work  was  left  at  the  close  of  the  last  season’s  operations,  and  that  in  which  it 
still  remains,  is  the  best,  evidence  of  the  honest  intentions  of  all  concerned  in  it. 

Respectfully  submitted: 

James  Kearney, 

Lieut.  Col  Topographical  Engineers. 

Thos.  J.  Lee, 

Captain  Topographical  Engineers. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  March  24,  1852:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 1,  p.  845.] 

EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  Borland.  I submit  the  following  resolution  for  consideration: 

Eesolved,  That  the  President  of  the  United  States  be  requested  to  communicate  to  the  Senate: 

Any  plan  which  may  have  been  adopted  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol. 

A statement  of  the  manner  in  which  the  money  already  appropriated  for  this  object  has  been 
expended,  and  the  amount  paid  to  each  individual,  and  for  what  object  or  purpose,  and  the  amount, 
if  there  be  any,  of  the  appropriation  unexpended. 

Copies  of  all  written  contracts,  and  verbal  agreements,  if  any,  entered  into,  from  the  beginning  of 
the  work  to  the  present  time,  for  materials  or  workmanship,  which  have  heretofore  been,  or  are  here- 
after to  be,  furnished  or  done,  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol. 

A statement  of  the  materials  proposed  to  be  used  in  the  construction  of  the  interior  and  exterior 
walls,  and  porticoes  of  the  Capitol. 

A statement  of  the  materials  proposed  to  be  used  in  the  construction  of  the  frame  work  and  covering 
of  the  roofs. 

A statement  of  what,  if  any,  plan  has  been  adopted  to  insure  the  proper  lighting,  warming,  and 
ventilating  the  several  apartments  of  the  proposed  extension;  and  what,  if  any,  plan  of  construction 
has  been  adopted,  with  reference  to  the  principles  of  acoustics,  in  order  to  facilitate  hearing  in  each 
of  the  two  halls  of  legislation,  and  in  the  Supreme  Court,  room. 

As  it  is  a resolution  of  inquiry,  and  has  some  connection  with  a subject  now  under 
the  consideration  of  a committee  of  this  body,  I ask  unanimous  consent  to  have  the 
resolution  considered  at  this  time. 

There  being  no  objection,  the  Senate  proceeded  to  consider  the  resolution. 

Mr.  Borland.  Before  the  vote  is  taken  on  the  resolution,  I beg  leave  to  say  a few 
words,  to  explain  the  purpose  with  which  I offer  it.  It  will  be  recollected  that 
when  the  joint  resolution  making  an  appropriation  for  the  continuation  of  the  work 
on  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  was  before  the  Senate  the  other  day,  I .opposed  its 
adoption.  It  was  subsequently,  on  my  motion,  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings,  with  a view  to  a thorough  examination  into  the  character  of  the  work. 
In  consequence  of  my  remarks  on  that  occasion,  I have  been  made  the  subject  of 
attack.  My  course  here,  in  regard  to  the  matter,  has  been  attacked,  not  only  in 
other  quarters,  but  particularly  in  the  Administration  organ,  published  in  this  city. 
My  position,  and  my  reasons  for  it,  have  been  grossly  misrepresented.  I have 
been  presented  before  the  country  as  making  factious  opposition  here  to  a meas- 
ure of  public  interest  and  utility,  and  upon  grounds  wholly  untenable.  I have  been 
put  before  the  public  as  throwing  myself  before  the  mouths  of  starving  men,  who 
were  dependent  on  their  labor  for  support,  and  had  a just  claim  on  this  Govern- 
ment for  appropriations  of  the  public  money.  All  this  has  been  evidently  done  with 
the  view  of  making  a false  issue  before  the  country,  and  putting  me  in  a false  posi- 
tion. But  one  reason  can  be  assigned  for  it,  in  my  opinion;  and  that  is,  a desire  to 
evade  and  avoid  a just  responsibility  on  the  part  of  this  Administration  for  its  public 
acts.  My  object,  therefore,  in  moving  the  reference  of  my  resolution  of  instructions, 


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Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


offered  some  time  since,  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  was  to  ascertain 
whether  the  charges  which  had  been  made  against  persons  engaged  in  the  construc- 
tion of  the  foundation  walls  of  the  Capitol  were  true  or  not;  and  now,  in  carrying 
out  that  object  still  further,  in  order  to  get  all  the  facts  bearing  on  the  subject,  I have 
moved  this  resolution  of  inquiry  of  the  President,  so  as  to  ascertain  what  has  been 
done  in  the  way  of  a plan,  and  the  mode  in  which  the  money  has  been  expended. 

Another  consideration  which  I think  makes  the  resolution  peculiarly  proper  is 
this:  I learn,  from  what  I consider  good  authority,  that  contracts  to  the  amount  of 
about  a million  ami  a half  of  dollars  have  already  been  made  by  the  Executive,  with 
a view  of  carrying  on  this  work,  based  on  a single  appropriation  of  $100,000  made 
last  year!  I desire  to  know  if  that  be  so.  If  it  be  so,  Congress  should  take  some 
step — for  it  surely  would  be  proper — to  arrest  such  a course  of  proceeding,  and  to 
require  the  Executive  Department  of  this  Government,  in  making  contracts  for  the 
expenditure  of  money,  to  hold  itself  restricted  by  the  action  of  Congress,  which  alone 
can  make  appropriations,  and  judge  of  their  propriety.  This  is  all  I have  to  say. 

Mr.  Badger.  I want  to  say  one  word  before  the  question  is  taken  on  this  resolution 
of  my  friend  from  Arkansas.  He  says  that  he  understands  contracts  have  been  made 
with  reference  to  this  work  for  a large  amount  beyond  the  $100,000  appropriated  by 
Congress,  and  that  in  case  that  information  should  turn  out  to  be  true,  some  steps 
should  be  taken  by  Congress  for  the  purpose  of  preventing  such  things  in  times  to 
come.  Why,  I believe  it  never  was  supposed  that  when  Congress  directs  a work  to 
be  undertaken  and  executed,  and  directs  an  officer  to  undertake  it,  the  appropria- 
tion made  for  expenditures  on  that  work  for  the  current  year  is  to  furnish  the  limit 
by  which  lie  is  to  make  engagements  and  contracts  for  carrying  on  the  work.  Con- 
gress directs  a work  to  be  executed — the  enlargement  of  the  Capitol,  for  instance — - 
but  when  Congress  appropriated  $100,000  towards  that  purpose,  it  never  entered 
into  the  imagination  of  any  human  being  that  that  was  the  whole  amount  of  money 
which  was  to  be  expended  in  execution  of  the  work,  but  merely  that  it  was  supposed 
to  be  all  that  it  would  be  necessary  to  expend  until  the  reassembling  of  Congress, 
when  a further  appropriation  would  become  necessary.  My  impression  is,  that  such 
is,  and  always  has  been,  the  practice  of  the  Government. 

Mr.  Borland.  With  all  deference  to  the  opinion  of  the  honorable  Senator  from 
North  Carolina,  [Mr.  Badger,]  I must  say  that  I differ  from  him  essentially.  My 
opinion  will,  of  course,  pass  with  others  for  what  it  may  be  intrinsically  worth;  it 
certainly  is  authority  for  myself.  I admit  that  the  appropriation  of  $100,000  does 
not  limit  the  President,  or  the  officer  charged  with  the  execution  of  a work,  as  to  the 
plan  of  that  work — as  to  the  arrangements  to  be  made  in  view  of  its  continuation  and 
completion.  But  I have  never  before  heard  the  position  taken,  and  I am  amazed  at 
it  now,  that  the  amount  of  the  appropriation  did  not  limit  the  executive  officer  as  to 
the  amount  he  should  expend.  If,  upon  an  appropriation  of  $100,000  he  can  make 
contracts  to  the  amount  of  a million  and  a half  of  dollars,  he  may  with  equal  propriety 
make  contracts  to  the  amount  of  every  dollar  in  the  Treasury.  The  principle  is  the 
same,  the  authority  of  law  the  same,  in  both  instances.  His  own  discretion  is  the 
only  limit.  But,  sir,  how  can  he  know,  how  shall  he  decide,  that  Congress  will  go 
on  with  the  work,  if  it  is  likely  to  involve  an  extraordinary  amount  of  expenditure 
more  than  was  contemplated  at  the  time  the  appropriation  was  made?  If  that  posi- 
tion be  admitted,  there  is  no  check  at  all  on  the  Executive. 

If  we  pass  a resolution  or  a bill  to  have  a certain  work  executed,  and  appropriate 
a certain  amount  of  money  to  be  expended  in  its  execution,  and  the  President  to 
disregard  the  limit  thus  fixed,  there  is  no  other  limit,  no  other  rule,  (according  to 
this  position,)  by  which  he  can  be  restrained.  Sir,  if  the  position  of  the  Senator 
from  North  Carolina  be  correct,  the  whole  Treasury  is  in  the  hands  of  the  President, 
without  restraint  from  us;  and  he  may  go  on  and  make  contracts  to  the  amount  of 
five  or  ten  or  fifty  millions  of  dollars,  and  we  shall  be  bound  to  ratify  his  acts,  and 


The  Extensions. 


511 


foot  the  bills.  Nor,  upon  this  position,  would  there  be  any  obligation  on  our  part  to 
see  that  those  contracts  were  fairly  made,  or  kept  within  proper  bounds. 

Mr.  President,  to  insist  that  the  expenditures  shall  be  limited  to  the  amount  of  the 
appropriations,  is  the  only  way  in  which  we  can  control  the  use  of  the  public  money. 
We  cannot,  properly,  as  a general  rule,  in  the  public  sets'ice,  prescribe  the  plans,  and 
arrange  the  methods,  of  executing  the  several. works.  That,  to  some  extent,  must 
be  left  to  Executive  discretion.  But  the  purpose  and  intention  of  appropriations — 
in  specific  sums,  and  for  specific  objects — is  to  furnish  this  very  check  and  control 
for  which  I contend.  It  is  the  only  one  we  can  have.  We  cannot  safely  give  it  up. 

As  well  might  we  give  the  President  a general  power  to  take  out  of  the  Treasury 
any  indefinite  amount  of  money  for  any  indefinite  period,  at  his  pleasure;  for  it 
comes  to  that.  But,  who  would  sanction  a proposition  here,  to  authorize  the  Presi- 
dent, in  the  execution  of  this  work,  to  draw  from  the  Treasury  any  amount  of  money 
he  might  think  proper?  The  Senator  from  North  Carolina  himself  would  not  vote 
for  such  a proposition  as  that.  Yet  that  is  not  different  in  principle,  nor  would  it 
differ  much  in  its  practical  operation  from  what  the  President  is  alleged  to  have 
assumed  authority  to  do,  and  what  the  Senator’s  position  would  seem  to  warrant. 

The  President  is  alleged  to  have  made  contracts  to  the  amount  of  a million  and  a 
half  of  dollars  for  the  execution  of  a work,  for  which  Congress  had  appropriated  but 
one  hundred,  thousand!  If  he  could  do  that  lawfully — if  he  could  exceed  the  amount 
we  placed  at  his  disposal  fifteen  times,  how  far  might  he  not  have  gone?  As  lawfully 
and  as  rightfully  might  he  have  gone  to  the  amount  of  every  dollar  in  the  Treasury. 
To  sanction  his  doing  the  one,  and  to  authorize  him  to  do  the  other,  at  his  discretion, 
is  substantially  the  same  proposition.  To  my  mind  there  is  no  difference  between 
them. 

Mr.  Badger.  It  is  the  easiest  thing  in  the  world  for  a gentleman  to  make  out  a 
case,  by  just  appending  two  or  three  words  that  nobody  has  used  or  thought  of.  I 
said  nothing  about  the  President  having  a right  to  make  contracts  for  any  sum  he 
pleased,  and  that  we  were  bound  by  them.  Nobody  imagines  such  a thing.  But 
when  my  friend,  in  anticipation  of  any  such  report  on  this  subject,  is  so  eager  to 
cast  reflection  upon  the  President  of  the  United  States — after  offering  a resolution, 
asking  for  information  upon  the  subject,  which  is  considered  by  the  unanimous  con- 
sent of  the  Senate — that  he  will  not  even  permit  the  resolution  to  be  adopted,  with- 
out suspecting  beforehand,  that  something  has  been  wrong  and  injurious,  it  seems 
to  me  very  singular,  indeed,  that  he  should  amend  the  statement  which  I have 
made — if  it  can  be  called  amending — by  putting  in  words  which  I neither  used  nor 
thought  of.  I say  this,  that  when  Congress  direct  a work  to  be  executed,  it  is  the 
custom  to  make  appropriations  from  time  to  time,  as  the  work  advances,  and  that  it 
is  also  the  custom  with  those  charged  with  the  supervision  of  the  work,  whether  the 
President  of  the  United  States,  or  anybody  else,  to  make  the  preliminary  contracts 
and  engagements  for  the  supplies  which  it  is  supposed  will  be  necessary  in  the  fur- 
ther prosecution  of  the  work. 

But  all  those  contracts  and  engagements  are  made  conditionally  on  the  appropria- 
tion being  made  by  Congress  for  the  continuance  of  the  work.  There  is  no  intention 
in  the  world  to  control  Congress;  there  is  no  obligation  upon  Congress — none  upon 
earth.  If  we  choose  to  stop  the  work  where  it  is;  if  we  change  our  minds,  and  think 
it  will  cost  more  than  it  is  worth,  we  will  stop  just  where  we  are;  and  the  contracts 
for  supplies  will  be  discontinued,  and  the  Government  not  be  charged  with  the  pay- 
ment of  them.  Every  man  must  see  that  in  such  a work  as  this,  if  the  person 
charged  with  its  execution  made  no  contracts,  no  arrangements,  no  stipulations 
with  parties  to  furnish  the  materials  for  its  further  prosecution,  then,  at  the  end 
of  every  session  of  Congress,  the  work  would  come  to  a dead  stand;  and  that  when 
another  appropriation  should  be  made,  a new  set  of  contracts  would  have  to  be 
entered  into  for  the  ensuing  year;  a new  set  of  materials  would  have  to  be  selected, 


512 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 


and  new  parties  charged  with  the  furnishing  of  them.  The  necessary  consequence 
of  that  system  would  he  most  expensive  and  injurious  to  the  Government. 

Certainly  the  Executive  Government  has  no  right  to  expend  a dollar  more  than 
Congress  appropriates.  Certainly,  when  a work  of  this  kind  is  directed  to  be  con- 
structed, if  the  Executive  Government  think  it  to  be  advantageous,  in  anticipation 
of  the  future  action  of  Congress — supposing  that  Congress  is  in  earnest,  and  means  to 
build  two  additional  wings  to  the  Capitol — to  make  agreements  for  persons  to  supply 
materials  and  other  things  necessary  to  carry  on  the  work,  there  is  no  impropriety 
in  it;  because,  as  I say,  every  such  contract  is  conditional  on  Congress  prosecuting 
the  work.  If  the  Executive  Government  do  that,  then,  when  an  appropriation  is 
made  at  the  next  succeeding  session  of  Congress,  and  the  work  is  to  go  on,  they  are 
in  a condition  to  prosecute  it  immediately.  The  effect  of  the  system  which,  as  I 
understand,  is  usually  pursued,  is  this:  that  though  the  whole  subject  remains  under 
the  control  of  Congress;  although  Congress  appropriates,  from  time  to  time,  sufficient 
money  to  carry  on  the  work;  yet  the  work  goes  on  steadily  without  any  interrup- 
tion, unless  Congress  thinks  proper  to  discontinue  it. 

But  if  the  system  which  the  honorable  Senator  from  Arkansas  seems  to  think  is 
the  proper  one,  were  pursued,  the  work  would  come  to  an  end  each  year,  and  you 
would  have  to  start  with  a new  set  of  arrangements  and  contracts,  involving,  not  the 
prosecution,  continuously,  of  one  original  design,  but  the  reengagement  and  renewal 
of  successive  operations  through  new  contractors  and  new  agents,  involving  as  much 
delay  and  additional  expense  as  if  they  were  successive  new  works.  That  is  my 
idea;  but  I have  no  notion  in  the  world  that  the  Treasury  of  the  United  States  should 
be  placed  at  the  control  of  the  Executive  one  penny  further  than  Congress  places  it 
at  his  control.  In  the  fair  execution  of  a duty  charged  npon  him,  I believe  it  has 
been  the  general  course  to  make  contracts  for  such  work  in  anticipation,  but  they  are 
all  conditional;  they  bind  nobody.  Congress  may  discontinue  the  work  at  any  point 
it  pleases;  and,  if  it  does  so,  the  parties  who  have  made  contracts  to  supply  materials 
are  discharged  from  their  obligations,  and  the  Government  is  under  no  necessity  of 
taking  the  materials. 

Mr.  Borland.  I am  very  sorry  to  trouble  the  Senate  again;  but  I must  say  that  I 
do  not  think  the  remarks  of  the  Senator  from  North  Carolina  do  me  -justice.  He 
represents  me  as  eager  to  cast  censure  upon  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

Mr.  Badger.  I really  thought  so.  If  I am  not  correct,  I beg  pardon. 

Mr.  Borland.  I think  what  I have  said  on  introducing  this  resolution,  indicates 
no  such  feeling  or  purpose.  I stated  that  my  object  was  to  ascertain  the  truth  of 
statements  which  had  been  made  to  me  on  such  authority  as  at  least  to  commend 
them  to  my  respect.  Now,  if  the  friends  of  the  Administration  are  not  willing  that 
I should  ascertain — that  the  Senate  should  know — whether  those  statements  be  true 
or  not,  I am  sorry  for  it;  and  it  does  indicate,  if  it  indicates  anything  in  respect  to 
censure,  not  eagerness  on  my  part  to  cast  censure  upon  the  President  , for  I have  none, 
and  zeal  in  casting  censure,  but  it  seems  to  me  to  indicate  an  unwillingness  on  the 
part  of  the  friends  of  the  President,  and  those  who  take  the  opposite  ground,  that 
these  facts  should  come  out,  lest,  when  ascertained,  they  may  not  reflect  very  cred- 
itably upon  his  Administration.  That  seems  to  me  to  be  the  indication,  if  any  there  be. 

Mr.  Badger.  Who  has  manifested  any  such  opposition  to  the  facts  coming  out? 

Mr.  Borland.  I have  only  asked  for  a statement  of  facts — for  information  which  it 
is  necessary  for  us  to  have  before  we  can  properly  proceed  to  expend  the  public 
money.  If  all  this  has  been  done  properly,  and  in  accordance  with  law,  there 
will  be  no  fault  to  be  found  with  the  Administration.  It  is  the  information  which 
we  want,  and  which  has  not  been  furnished  to  us,  and  which  no  friend  of  the  Admin- 
istration here  is  prepared  to  give.  No  Senator  here  can  say  whether  any,  or,  if  any, 
what  plan  has  been  adopted  for  the  prosecution  of  this  work.  We  well  know  the 
course  Congress  took  when  it  was  first  proposed  to  extend  the  Capitol.  A committee 


The  Extensions. 


513 


of  the  two  Houses  was  charged  with  the  duty  of  calling  architects  before  them,  get- 
ting their  views,  and  adopting  and  reporting  a plan  for  the  execution  of  this  work. 
So  important  was  it  considered  that  a plan  should  be  adopted  before  any  proposi- 
tions were  made,  or  any  steps  taken  in  the  execution  of  the  Avork,  that  the  committee 
Avas  engaged  for  months  upon  the  investigation.  It  Avas  authorized  to  offer  pre- 
miums to  architects  for  plans,  so  that  they  might  be  sure  to  get  the  best.  The  com- 
mittee was  divided  as  to  the  plan.  That  of  each  House  adopted  a plan  of  its  oavu. 
And  these  two  plans,  as  I have  understood,  Avere  laid  before  the  President,  that  one 
or  the  other  might  be  selected.  Instead  of  taking  either  of  these  plans  for  the  con- 
struction of  a building  for  the  uses  and  accommodation  of  the  two  Houses  of  Con- 
gress, and  Avhich  should  have  had  some  adaptation  to  what  they  conceived  to  be 
their  own  wants,  and  comfort,  and  convenience,  the  President  threw  aside  both  of 
these,  and  adopted — what?  Nobody  knows  what.  I have  been  utterly  unable  to 
discover  that  there  is  now  any  regular  or  determinate  plan.  I,  myself,  before  I vote 
an  appropriation  of  money  to  continue  this,  or  any  other  Avork,  1 must  know  within 
certain  bounds,  at  least,  what  the  Avork  is  to  be.  I want  to  knoAV  what  is  proposed 
to  be  done,  and  for  Congress  to  pass  upon  the  plan  of  the  Avork,  and  say  whether  it 
is  such  as  Ave  are  willing  to  have — such  as  is  adapted  to  the  purpose  for  which  Ave 
ordered  the  extension  of  the  Capitol — such  as  may  suit  our  vieAvs  of  commodiousness 
and  convenience  in  the  discharge  of  our  public  duties,  conserve  our  health,  and  pro- 
mote our  comfort,  and  present  a structure  to  the  public  view  in  accordance  Avith  true 
architectural  principles  and  taste. 

I repeat,  I have  learned  that  very  heavy  contracts  have  been  made  for  this  work, 
which  are  to  extend,  in  their  expenditure,  to  the  full  limit,  and  even  beyond  the 
limit  of  time  within  Avhich  this  Administration  will  be  in  power.  Steps  have  been 
taken,  as  I learn, — and  that  is  Avhat  I want  to  ascertain, — to  make  contracts  beyond 
the  time  within  which  the  Administration  must  retire  from  office,  which  may  in 
effect,  and  may  be  intended,  to  hamper  and  cripple  and  render  abortive  the  opera- 
tions of  a succeeding  Administration,  if  that  Administration  should  have  views  more 
fitted  and  better  adapted  to  promote  and  protect  the  public  interests. 

I have  introduced  this  resolution  in  order  to  put  the  Senate  in  possession  of  infor- 
mation which  Avill  enable  them  to  decide  on  all  these  points,  and  not  for  the  purpose 
of  reflecting  upon  the  President.  These  were  my  motives.  An  additional  motive  I 
had  for  some  of  the  remarks  which  have  accompanied  its  introduction,  and  that  was 
to  notice  what  I consider  an  unjustifiable  attack  on  my  motives  for  what  I said  on  a 
former  occasion— not  because  that  attack  was  in  a newspaper,  but  because  that  news- 
paper is  the  accredited  organ  of  the  Administration  here  at  the  seat  of  government. 

Mr.  Badger.  The  Senator  from  Arkansas  has  said  that  there  seems  to  be  some  dis- 
position manifested  by  the  friends  of  the  Administration  to  prevent  the  obtaining  of 
the  information  which  he  has  called  for. 

Mr.  Borland.  I did  not  say  so.  In  response  to  what  was  attributed  to  me,  I did 
not  charge  that  there  was  any  such  umvillingness;  but  I said,  that  if  there  Avas  any 
indication  manifested,  it  Avas  an  indication  of  unwillingness  to  supply  this  information. 

Mr.  Badger.  Well,  take  it  in  that  way,  and  I want  to  know  where  there  is  a scintilla 
of  evidence  to  support  the  intimation  of  the  honorable  Senator.  I am  a friend  to  the 
Administration.  My  single  objection  would  have  prevented  the  consideration  of 
this  resolution  to-day.  Nobody  objected  to  its  being  considered.  After  it  Avas  con- 
sidered by  unanimous  consent,  was  there  a voice  raised  against  it?  Not  one.  But 
for  the  honorable  Senator’s  speech,  the  resolution  would  have  been  adopted  in  three 
seconds.  Hoav,  then,  have  Ave  manifested  a disposition,  or  given  ground  to  imagine, 
that,  in  any  event,  we  are  opposed  to  obtaining  this  information?  In  no  manner 
whatever. 

The  Senator  proceeded  to  make  some  remarks  in  vindication  of  himself,  from  what 


514 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


lie  says  was  a charge  made  against  him  in  a newspaper.  To  that  I have  no  objection, 
though  it  is  a kind  of  vindication  which  I am  not  in  the  habit  of  making  on  this 
floor.  The  Senator  -went,  further  than  that,  and,  in  advance  of  the  information  which 
he  called  for,  proceeded  to  throw  out  remarks  casting  an  imputation  on  the  President. 

Mr.  Borland.  I made  no  imputation  against  him  at  all. 

Mr.  Badger.  I so  understood  the  Senator.  The  Senator  now  says  that  the 
President  of  the  United  States  instead  of  deciding,  as  he  should  have  done,  between 
the  disagreeing  committees  of  the  two  Houses,  has  undertaken,  without  authority, 
to  adopt  a plan  of  his  own.  Why,  surely  the  Senator  from  Arkansas  has  not  read 
the  act  of  Congress  which  authorizes  the  commencement  of  this  building.  The  two 
committees,  if  they  had  been  unanimous,  had  no  power  over  the  subject — none  in 
the  world.  The  act  of  Congress  submitted  the  plan  upon  which  the  building  was 
to  be  erected  entirely  to  the  President.  In  his- decision  and  judgment  under  that 
act  he  had  no  assessors  at  all.  The  two  committees  had  been  employed  to  collect 
and  prepare  plans,  and  they  had  been  authorized  to  offer  a reward  in  order  to 
procure  the  best  plan.  They  sent  those  plans  to  the  President  of  the  United  States 
to  aid  him  in  coming  to  his  conclusions;  and,  if  I am  not  mistaken — and  if  I am, 
the  Senator  from  Virginia  [Mr.  Hunter]  can  correct  me — the  two  committees,  so  far 
from  supposing  they  had  any  authority  over  the  subject,  took  care  beforehand  to 
ascertain  whether  the  President  would  be  glad  to  have  those  plans,  with  their  views 
upon  the  subject,  submitted  to  him.  Now,  he  has  done  what  the  act  of  Congress 
directed  him  to  do.  He  may  have  done  it  well  or  ill.  About  that  I say  nothing; 
but  certainly  he  has  done  nothing  unlawfully.  He  has  not  put  his  foot  on  the  plans 
submitted  by  the  two  committees  in  derogation  of  their  rights,  or  from  a want  of 
respect  to  Congress.  If  it  was  not  intended  that,  the  President,  of  the  United  States 
should  decide  on  the  plan  upon  which  these  wings  were  to  be  erected,  why  did  the 
act,  of  Congress  submit  it  to  him?  It  was  not  done  by  a Congress  composed  of  his 
political  friends,  but  by  one  with  decided  majorities  politically  opposed  to  him  in 
both  branches.  Why  uras  it  done?  I happened  to  be  a member  of  the  committee 
of  conference  by  which  the  final  terms  of  that  part  of  the  bill  were  settled.  It  was 
done  by  us  because,  as  we  understood,  it,  had  been  the  uniform  custom  to  place  the 
selection  of  plans  for  such  buildings  under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the 
United  States.  That,  I believe,  was  the  reason,  and  the  sole  reason.  Whether  he 
has  done  it  right  or  wrong,  I am  not  prepared  to  say.  Whether  he  has  adopted  a 
good  or  a bad  plan,  I am  not  prepared  to  say.  All  that  I say  is,  that  the  act  of 
Congress  gave  him  the  sole  authority  of  selecting  the  plan. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I have  no  objection  to  any  call  for  information  which  the  Senator 
from  Arkansas  may  think  necessary.  I am  willing  that  he  shall  have  all  the  light 
which  he  desires  on  this  subject,.  But  perhaps  it  is  just  to  the  President,  especially 
after  what  has  fallen  from  the  Senator  from  North  Carolina,  for  me  to  say,  that  the 
law  as  passed  did  give  him  the  power  of  -selecting  a plan,  and  did  not  confine  him 
to  the  plans  of  the  committees  of  the  two  Houses.  Those  committees  disagreed,  and 
that  was  one  reason  why  it  was  left,  to  the  President  to  select  a plan.  He  did  ask 
for  the  drawings  which  had  been  laid  before  the  committees;  he  did  invite  both 
committees  to  meet  him  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  their  views.  I was  present  as 
a member  of  one  of  the  committees,  and  I believe  that  all  the  members  of  both  com- 
mittees were  present,  and  that  he  took  their  views  in  relation  to  the  matter. 

So  far  as  the  plan  which  has  been  adopted  is  concerned,  I believe  (and  I should 
be  sorry  to  believe  otherwise)  that  all  which  concerns  the  interior  of  the  building  is 
still  open  to  amendment  if  Congress  should  desire  it.  I believe  that  that  will  be 
examined  by  the  committees  hereafter,  and  that  they  will  consult  with  the  President 
in  regard  to  it. 

As  to  the  information  for  which  the  Senator  from  Arkansas  calls,  I see  no  objec- 
tion to  it,  and  I am  perfectly  willing  that  he  shall  have  it,  but  I am  unwilling  to 


The  Extensions. 


515 


believe  that  we  shall  be  bound,  in  relation  to  the  interior  of  the  building,  by  any 
plan  which  may  be  adopted  by  the  President,  or  any  one  else.  I do  not  understand 
that  he  has  decided  on  more  than  the  exterior,  and  I think  he  will  so  report.  1 say 
this  because  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  design  to  take  up  the  subject,  and 
to  have  something  to  say  in  regard  to  the  interior  of  the  building. 

Mr.  Borland.  I did  not  desire  to  constitute  myself  the  expounder  of  the  views  or 
the  defender  of  the  action  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  as  I knew  they 
were  ready  and  competent  to  present  them  fairly  before  the  Senate.  But  although 
the  Senator  from  Virginia,  [Mr.  Hunter,]  and  the  Senator  from  North  Carolina,  [Mr. 
Badger,]  have  said  the  law,  as  we  passed  it,  did  leave  the  subject  to  the  discretion  of 
the  President,  yet  I did  consider,  and  do  now  consider,  that  the  clear  meaning  and 
the  intention  of  the  law  was  that  the  President  should  avail  himself  of  the  labors  of 
the  two  committees,  and  of  the  means  put  in  their  possession,  to  get  the  best  plans. 
My  impression  was,  that  it  was  intended  that  he  should  select  from  the  plans  pre- 
sented by  the  committees.  I may  have  been  mistaken  in  that,  but  such  was,  I think, 
the  intention  of  the  law.  I so  understood  it;  I so  understand  it  now. 

The  very  remark  which  has  been  made  by  the  Senator  from  Virginia,  with  regard 
to  the  plan  of  the  work,  is,  it  seems  to  me,  a sufficient  ground  of  itself  for  the  resolu- 
tion. Here  we  have  a large  work  for  the  public  interest  and  convenience,  on  which 
we  are  to  expend  a large  amount  of  money.  We  have  shown,  as  I before  remarked, 
the  great  importance  which  we  attached  to  a proper  plan.  Well,  in  disregard  of  the 
plans  laid  before  the  two  committees,  the  work  was  begun,  all  the  money  which  we 
appropriated  has  been  expended;  and,  as  I said,  I learn  on  authority  which  I believe, 
and  shall  continue  to  credit,  until  its  statements  are  disproved,  that  contracts  to  the 
amount  of  a million  and  a half  of  dollars  have  already  been  made;  and  yet  it  is  stated, 
by  those  who  profess  to  know,  that  there  is  no  regular  or  determinate  plan  for  the 
work — no  system  for  the  expenditure  of  these  vast  sums  of  the  public  money;  except 
such  as  may,  from  time  to  time,  at  his  discretion  or  caprice,  spring  from  the  mind  of 
the  President’s  architect,  and  upon  his  simple  order.  The  very  statement  made  by 
the  Senator  from  Virginia,  shows  the  necessity  of  the  pjassage  of  this  resolution. 

Mr.  Badger.  We  are  all  in  favor  of  it. 

The  resolution  was  then  adopted. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  29,  1852:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 1.  p.  903.] 
EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

A message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States  was  received  by  Mr.  M.  P. 
Fillmore,  his  Secretary,  announcing  that  in  compliance  with  the  resolution  of  the 
Senate  of  the  24th  instant,  relating  to  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  a report  from  the 
Secretary  of  the  Interior  was  submitted,  which  furnishes,  it  is  believed,  the  required 
information. 

The  message  was  read,  and  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings. 


[Senate  Ex.  Doc.  No.  52,  32d  Congress,  1st  session.  Message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States 
communicating,  in  answer  to  a resolution  of  the  Senate,  calling  for  information  in  relation  to  the 
Extension  of  the  Capitol,  a report  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior.  March  29,  1852. — Read,  referred 
to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  and  ordered  to  be  printed.] 

To  the  Senate  of  the  United  States: 

In  compliance  with  the  resolution  of  the  Senate  of  the  24th  inst. , relating  to  the 
extension  of  the  Capitol,  I have  the  honor  to  submit,  herewith,  a report  from  the 
Secretary  of  the  Interior,  which  furnishes,  it  is  believed,  the  required  information. 

Millard  Fillmore. 

Washington  City,  March  29,  1852. 


516 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Department  of  the  Interior, 

Washington,  March  27,  1852. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  submit  to  you,  herewith,  a report  from  Thomas  U.  Wal- 
ter, the  architect  appointed  pursuant  to  the  provisions  of  the  act  of  Congress, 
approved  30th  September,  1850,  which,  it  is  believed,  embodies  all  the  information 
called  for  by  the  Senate  resolution  of  the  24th  inst. , respecting  the  extension  of  the 
Capitol. 

I am,  sir,  with  much  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

Alex.  H.  H.  Stuart,  Secretary. 

To  the  President  of  the  United  States. 


Architect’s  Office,  U.  S.  Capitol, 

Washington,  I).  C.,  March  27,  1852. 

Sir:  The  enclosed  copy  of  a resolution  of  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  relating 
to  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  passed  on  the  24th  inst.,  having  been  transmitted  to 
me,  by  your  directions,  with  a request  that  I would  report  thereon,  I respectfully 
proceed  to  furnish  the  required  information. 

The  plan  which  has  been  adopted  by  the  President  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol 
is  represented  by  a series  of  architectural  drawings,  a perspective  view,  and  a model 
of  the  buildings;  all  of  which  are  in  this  office,  and  which  I will  cause  to  be  depos- 
ited in  the  Senate  chamber,  or  such  adjacent  apartment  as  may  be  indicated  by  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  whenever  so  directed. 

“The  money  already  appropriated  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  has  been 
expended,”  under  instructions  from  the  Department  of  the  Interior;  a copy  of  said 
instructions  being  hereunto  annexed,  marked  A. 

An  account-current,  showing  “the  amount  paid  to  each  individual,  and  for  what 
object  or  purpose,”  is  annexed,  marked  B;  appended  to  which  is  a copy  of  an  official 
letter  from  the  Comptroller  of  the  Treasury,  announcing  the  settlement  of  the 
accounts,  up  to  the  close  of  the  year.  The  bills  which  have  since  been  piaid  are  shown 
on  the  said  account,  from  which  it  will  be  seen  that  “the  amount  of  the  appropriation 
unexpended  ’ ’ at  this  date  is  $540  03. 

It  will  be  observed,  that  the  whole  amount  placed  to  my  credit  is  $99,308  27,  a 
portion  of  the  appropriation,  amounting  to  $691  73,  having  been  applied  to  defraying 
the  expenses  of  founding  the  building,  under  your  immediate  directions,  before  the 
disbursements  were  placed  in  my  charge. 

“Copies  of  all  the  written  contracts  entered  into  from  the  beginning  of  the  work 
to  the  present  time,  for  materials  or  workmanship!  which  have  heretofore  been,  or 
are  hereafter  to  be  furnished  or  done,”  are  appended  to  this  report. 

No  “verbal  agreements”  of  any  kind  have  been  made. 

“The  materials  proposed  to  be  used  in  the  construction  of  the  exterior  walls  and 
porticos  of  the  Capitol”  are  granite  for  the  sub-basement,  and  white  marble  for  the 
superstructure. 

The  granite  will  be  obtained  from  the  quarries  at  Richmond,  Virginia,  as  per  con- 
tract annexed,  and  the  specifications  attached  thereto. 

The  marble  is  to  be  supplied  from  the  Lee  quarries,  Berkshire,  Massachusetts,  as 
per  contract  appended,  and  the  specifications  thereto  annexed.  This  being  the  most 
important  contract  to  be  made,  a commission  of  scientific  gentlemen  attached  to 
government  was  appointed  to  test  the  several  specimens  offered.  The  result  of  their 
experiments  proved  this  marble  to  ptossess  an  almost  unparalleled  resistance  to 
pressure,  and  a higher  specific  gravity  than  any  other.  These  facts,  considered  in 
connexion  with  its  exceeding  beauty,  and  the  comparatively  low  prices  for  which  it  is 
obtained,  made  it  desirable  to  secure  it  for  the  facings  of  the  whole  exterior  of  the 
buildings,  so  as  to  insure  a uniformity  of  appearance  throughout.  A contract  was 


The  Extensions. 


517 


accordingly  entered  into  to  that  effect;  not,  however,  without  a proviso  that  the  said 
contract  is  not  binding  on  government,  except  so  far  as  Congress  may  see  proper  to 
make  the  necessary  appropriations  for  carrying  on  the  work.  If  they  should  fail  so 
to  do,  this,  with  the  rest  of  the  contracts,  would  become  null,  as  will  be  seen  by 
referring  to  the  documents  themselves,  which  are  hereto  appended. 

I shall  deposite  in  the  Senate  chamber  specimens  of  the  marble  and  granite  upon 
which  these  contracts  are  founded.  All  the  contracts  are  limited  to  the  work  pro- 
posed to  be  done  during  the  present  year,  except  the  marble. 

In  the  construction  of  the  “interior”  walls  and  arches,  it  is  proposed  to  use  hard- 
burnt  bricks,  laid  in  cement. 

It  is  designed  to  construct  “the  frame-work  of  the  roofs”  of  wrought-iron,  and  to 
cover  them  with  copper. 

No  plan  for  “lighting”  the  buildings  has  yet  been  adopted,  any  farther  than  to 
provide  for  the  introduction  of  the  main  pipes  for  conducting  the  gas  to  the  several 
stories.  The  details  of  the  lighting  being  a subject  that  can  better  be  decided  on 
when  the  buildings  are  under  roof,  it  has  been  deemed  proper  to  defer  its  considera- 
tion for  the  present,  except  so  far  as  it  relates  to  the  introduction  of  the  mains 
referred  to. 

The  plan  proposed  for  “warming  and  ventilating  the  several  apartments,”  and 
the  “plan  of  construction  adopted  with  reference  to  the  principles  of  acoustics,”  are 
described  in  my  annual  report,  (Ex.  Doc.,  Senate,  No.  33,  pages  4 and  5,)  a copy  of 
which  is  hereto  annexed. 

Having  answered  all  the  inquiries  contained  in  the  resolution  referred  to,  I have 
the  honor  to  remain,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Tho.  U.  Walter, 

Architect  of  the  extension  of  the  U.  S.  Capitol. 

Hon.  Alex.  H.  II.  Stuart, 

Secretary  of  the  Interior. 


A. 

Department  of  tiie  Interior, 

Washington,  July  21,  1851. 

Sir:  As  the  law  authorizing  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  makes  the  architect  the 
disbursing  agent,  you  are  requested  to  give  bond,  in  the  sum  of  §30,000,  as  security 
for  whatever  moneys  may  be  intrusted  to  you  in  carrying  on  the  work. 

You  are  authorized  to  employ  a clerk,  at  a salary  not  exceeding  §1,200  per  annum, 
whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  open  and  keep  a set  of  books  expressly  for  the  work  of  the 
extension  of  the  Capitol,  and  to  perform  all  the  duties  that  pertain  to  the  office  of 
clerk,  in  connexion  with  your  office,  under  your  own  direction  and  supervision. 

You  are  to  employ  a general  superintendent  of  the  work,  at  a salary  not  exceeding 
$2,000  per  annum,  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  superintend  all  the  day-workmen 
employed  at  the  work;  to  appoint  all  foremen,  with  your  advice  and  consent;  to 
cause  all  such  foremen  to  keep  accurate  accounts  of  the  time  the  men  under  their 
supervision  are  employed,  and  to  make  their  affidavits,  on  their  respective  pay-rolls, 
of  the  correctness  of  the  same.  The  said  general  superintendent  to  have  also  a gen- 
eral supervision  of  every  part  of  the  work;  to  see  that  all  contracts  are  faithfully 
executed,  and  that  no  fraud  nor  deception  is  practised  in  the  delivery  of  materials. 
He  is  to  be  entirely  under  your  control  and  direction;  and  whenever  any  delinquen- 
cies or  improprieties  may  occur  with  any  of  the  contractors  or  under-officers,  he  is  to 
report  the  same  to  you  in  Avriting. 

You  are  authorized  to  make  such  appointments  of  under-officers  as  you  may  deem 
necessary  for  the  proper  execution  of  the  work. 

You  are  to  make  all  contracts  for  work  and  materials,  with  the  advice  and  approAral 
of  this  department. 


518 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


You  are  to  pay  all  bills  for  work  and  materials,  after  having  carefully  examined 
and  approved  them;  the  said  bills  having  been  first  examined  and  attested  by  the 
superintendent. 

I am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Alex.  H.  H.  Stitart,  Secretary. 

Thos.  U.  Walter,  Esq., 

Architect  of  the  Capitol. 

[Accounts,  agreements,  contracts,  and  schedules  follow.] 

Specifications  for  the  granite  work  of  the  exterior  of  the  extension  of  the  United  States  Capitol. 

1.  The  exterior  of  the  sub- basement  of  the  wings  and  corridors  on  the  north  and 
south  of  the  present  building  to  be  composed  of  light-colored  granite,  of  the  best 
quality  and  of  uniform  appearance.  All  the  steps  leading  from  the  ground  to  the 
basement  floor,  including  the  front  door-sills  of  the  basement  story,  together  with 
the  sub-plinth  of  the  cheek-blocks,  to  be  composed  of  the  same  material! 

2.  All  the  work  to  be  executed  in  the  best  and  most  perfect  manner,  according  to 
the  accompanying  plans,  and  such  detail  drawings  as  may  from  time  to  time  be 
furnished  in  accordance  thereto. 

The  whole  to  be  done  under  the  directions  of  the  architect,  and  to  be  subject  to 
his  approval. 

3.  The  height  of  the  sub-basement,  above  the  ground  line,  to  be  three  feet  six 
inches,  and  the  lower  course  to  extend  six  inches  below  the  ground  line,  making  the 
granite  work  four  feet  in  height,  which  will  be  divided  into  two  courses;  the  first 
course  to  be  two  feet  ten  inches  high,  and  twelve  inches  on  the  bed,  and  the  second 
or  top  course  to  be  fifteen  inches  high,  and  four  feet  on  the  bed.  The  top  to  be  cut 
to  fourteen  inches  on  the  face,  which  will  give  a wash  or  weathering  of  one  inch. 

4.  Every  stone  to  be  do  welled  into  the  stones  above  and  below  it,  and  at  each 
end,  and  securely  cramped  to  the  walls  and  adjacent  stones  by  means  of  heavy  iron 
cramps.  The  joints  to  be  as  small  as  practicable. 

5.  The  floors  of  the  arcades  to  be  flagged  with  granite  at  least  six  inches  thick,  laid 
hollow,  and  a granite  slab  of  five  feet  seven  inches  square,  and  fourteen  inches  thick, 
to  be  placed  under  each  pier. 

6.  The  steps  to  approach  the  basement  to  be  fourteen  inches  tread,  and  seven 
inches  rise,  with  square  edges,  and  to  be  rebated,  the  one  on  the  other.  The  number 
and  dimensions  of  these  steps  to  be  found  on  plans  Nos.  5 and  9. 

7.  The  two  front  door-sills  of  the  basement  to  be  composed  of  granite  extending 
four  feet  in  from  the  face  of  the  walls. 

8.  The  sub-plinth  of  the  cheek-blocks  to  be  composed  of  granite,  extending  from 
the  ground  to  the  top  line  of  the  sub-basement. 

9.  All  the  surface  of  the  granite  to  be  finished  in  the  finest  and  most  perfect 
manner,  and  to  be  free  from  flaws  or  defects. 

10.  The  general  design  of  the  sub-basement  to  be  similar  to  that  of  the  eastern 
front  of  the  present  building. 

11 . The  contract  for  the  foregoing  work  to  embrace  all  the  granite  for  the  sub- 
basement of  the  afore-mentioned  wings  and  corridors,  all  the  granite  cutting  and 
setting,  all  the  hoisting  apparatus,  tools,  and  other  implements  and  materials  required 
to  carry  on  and  complete  the  work,  including  all  freight,  transportation,  hauling,  and 
labor,  pertaining  to  this  department  of  the  work,  excepting  only  the  iron  bars,  bands, 
ties,  cramps  and  dowels,  which  are  to  be  furnished  by  the  government,  and  inserted 
by  the  contractor  or  contractors,  at  his  or  their  expense. 

Thomas  U.  Walter, 

Architect  of  the  Extension  of  the  United  States  Capitol. 

Washington,  D.  C.,  September  19 , 1851. 

* * * 


r 


The  Extensions. 


519 


Specifications  for  the  marble  work  of  the  exterior  of  the  extension  of  the  United  States 

Capitol. 

1.  The  whole  exterior  of  the  proposed  additions  to  the  Capitol,  embracing  wings 
and  corridors  on  the  north  and  south  of  the  present  building,  as  represented  on  the 
accompanying  plans,  to  be  faced,  above  the  sub-basement,  with  American  marble  of 
the  best  quality,  as  nearly  white  as  can  be  obtained,  and  of  uniform  appearance;  and 
the  steps,  cheek-blocks,  porticoes,  entablatures,  balustrades,  window  and  door  dress- 
ings, and  arcades  under  the  porticoes,  to  be  composed  of  the  same  material. 

2.  All  the  work  to  be  executed  in  accordance  with  the  accompanying  drawings. 
The  architectural  details  of  the  newr  buildings  to  correspond,  in  general  character,  to 
those  of  the  present  Capitol,  except  where  a difference  is  shown  on  the  aforesaid 
drawings,  or  provided  for  in  these  specifications. 

3.  The  piers  of  the  arcades,  that  support  the  porticoes,  to  be  wrought  on  all  sides, 
and  the  arches  to  be  finished  on  the  inside  with  key-stones,  the  same  as  on  the  outside. 
Plain  arches  to  be  thrown  from  pier  to  pier,  as  shown  by  the  red  lines  on  plans  Nos. 

5 and  9,  similar  to  those  under  the  eastern  portico  of  the  present  building;  also  a 
large  elliptic  arch,  corresponding  to  the  large  arch  under  the  said  eastern  portico. 

4.  Piers  and  arches  corresponding  to  the  arcades,  to  be  constructed  against  the 
walls  of  the  building,  as  shown  on  plans  ^os.  20  and  21. 

5.  The  aforesaid  piers  to  be  4 feet  6 inches  square,  with  plinths  5 feet  4 inches 
square  and  1 foot  8 inches  high — the  rustics  to  be  7 inches  high  and  2 inches  deep, 
and  the  courses  between  the  rustics  to  be  1 foot  3 inches ; the  whole  to  be  finished 
according  to  plan  No.  23. 

6.  The  ceiling  of  the  arcade  to  be  composed  of  marble,  resting  on  a marble  cornice 
of  6 inches  in  height.  (See  A,  plan  No.  23.) 

7.  Rusticated  piers  corresponding  to  those  of  the  arcades,  to  be  constructed  around 
the  entire  basement  of  both  buildings,  as  shown  on  plans. 

8.  The  architectural  order  of  the  superstructure  to  be  similar  to  that  of  the  present 
Capitol,  and  the  proportions  to  be  the  same,  excepting  only  the  intercolumniations 
and  inter-spaces  of  the  pilasters,  all  of  which  are  shown  on  plans  Nos.  6,  10,  12,  13, 
14  and  15. 

9.  Each  of  the  pedestals  under  the  columns  to  be  composed  of  a single  stone  4 feet 

6 inches  square,  and  3 feet  high,  panelled  on  all  sides. 

10.  The  bases  of  the  columns  to  be  22  inches  high  including  the  plinth,  which  will 
be  4 feet  3 inches  square. 

11.  The  shafts,  exclusive  of  the  capital  and  base,  to  be  25  feet  5 inches  high;  the 
lower  diameter  to  be  3 feet  and  the  upper  diameter  2 feet  7 inches.  The  upper  torus 
of  the  base  to  be  cut  on  the  lower  frustum  of  the  shaft,  and  none  of  the  frusta  of  the 
shaft  to  be  less  than  4 feet  in  height. 

12.  The  capitals  of  the  columns  to  be  3 feet  9 inches  in  height,  from  the  bottom  of 
the  torus  to  the  top  of  the  abacus,  the  proportions  to  be  similar  to  those  of  the 
present  building,  and  the  sculpture  to  be  executed  in  the  most  perfect  and  artist-like 
manner. 

13.  The  entire  height  of  the  columns,  including  capitals,  bases  and  plinths,  to  be 
30  feet,  and  the  whole  number  in  both  buildings  and  corridors  to  be  96.  All  the 
column  blocks  to  be  set  on  milled  lead,  to  prevent  fracture  at  the  joints. 

14.  The  pilasters  to  correspond  to  the  columns  in  width,  height,  and  architectural 
ornaments,  and  to  project  7 inches  from  the  walls;  the  whole  number  to  be  144.  • 

15.  The  horizontal  joints  of  the  pilasters  to  agree  with  the  joints  of  the  walls,  and 
to  form  a bond  with  the  ashlar,  without  showing  vertical  joints  in  the  faces. 

16.  The  pedestals  under  the  pilasters  to  be  4 feet  6 inches  on  the  face,  and  16  inches 
on  the  returns,  panelled  on  the  faces,  and  each  composed  of  a single  stone.  The 
coupled  pilasters  on  the  corners  to  have  pedestals  10  feet  6 inches  on  the  face,  each 


520 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


to  be  composed  of  three  stones.  All  the  pedestals  under  the  pilasters  to  agree  in 
height  and  architectural  finish  with  those  under  the  columns. 

17.  The  architrave  over  each  intercolumniation  to  be  composed  of  a single  stone, 
extending  from  centre  to  centre  of  the  columns,  cut  in  facia  on  both  sides,  and 
moulded  similar  to  the  architrave  of  the  present  building;  the  height  to  be  2 feet  3 
inches;  including  the  architrave  band;  and  the  thickness,  on  the  soffit,  to  be  2 feet  7 
inches. 

18.  The  architrave  band  or  regula  to  extend  around  the  inside  of  the  architraves, 
the  same  as  the  outside,  to  support  the  ceilings  of  the  portico. 

19.  The  frieze,  cornice,  blocking  courses,  and  balustrades,  to  be  composed  of  mar- 
ble, in  accordance  with  plans  Nos.  22  and  23,  and  which  are  similar,  in  general 
design,  to  corresponding  features  of  the  present  buildings.  The  pedestals  of  the 
balustrade  to  be  panelled  on  the  face,  and  plain  on  the  inside;  the  balusters  to  be 
joggled  into  the  blocking,  and  into  the  cap. 

20.  The  portico  floors  to  consist  of  marble  slabs,  at  least  4 inches  thick,  laid  on  the 
walls,  so  as  to  allow  of  a circulation  of  air  under  them. 

21.  The  steps  to  be  rebated  on  each  other,  and  the  lower  steps  to  have  a bed  2 
feet,  secured  to  the  foundation  by  iron  bars. 

22.  The  cheek -blocks  to  be  constructed  of  stones,  not  less  than  18  inches  on  the 
beds,  and  the  cap-stones  of  each  cheek-block  to  reach  across  the  entire  width,  and  to 
be  not  less  than  5 feet  wide,  and  14  inches  deep. 

23.  The  window  dressings  to  be  made  according  to  the  drawings.  The  mouldings 
and  details  are  shown  on  plan  No.  23,  and  are  to  correspond  in  general  proportions 
to  those  of  the  present  building. 

24.  The  chimneys  in  the  outside  walls,  being  forty  in  number,  in  single  flues,  to  be 
brought  out  in  the  pedestals  of  the  balustrade,  and  to  be  composed  of  marble.  Those 
that  come  out  of  the  roof,  consisting  of  ninety-six  flues  in  sixteen  stacks,  to  be  topped 
out  with  marble  8 feet  above  the  sheathing;  the  caps  to  correspond  to  those  of  the 
present  building. 

25.  The  ashlar  work  throughout  the  buildings  to  have  beds  from  9 to  18  inches, 
cut  square  throughout  the  entire  thickness  of  the  stone,  and  to  be  slightly  free  from 
the  square  on  the  front  edge,  to  prevent  fracture  at  the  joints. 

26.  All  the  marble  work,  of  every  description,  to  be  fine-sanded. 

27.  Every  stone  in  the  building  to  be  cramped  to  the  adjoining  stone  with  heavy 
iron  cramps,  and  to  have  a strong  iron  tie,  extending  into  the  brick  walls.  The  iron 
work  to  be  furnished  by  government,  and  to  be  inserted  by  the  contractor  or  con- 
tractors, at  his  or  their  expense. 

28.  All  the  work  to  be  executed  in  the  best  and  most  perfect  manner,  according 
to  the  accompanying  plans,  and  such  detail  drawings  as  may  from  time  to  time  be 
furnished  in  accordance  thereto.  The  whole  to  be  done  under  the  direction  of  the 
architect,  and  to  be  subject  to  his  approval. 

29.  The  contract  of  the  foregoing  work  to  embrace  all  the  marble  for  the  exterior 
of  the  wings  and  corridors  above  the  sub-basement,  all  the  marble  work  and  setting, 
all  the  scaffolding,  hoisting-apparatus,  tools,  and  all  implements  and  materials 
required  to  carry  on  and  complete  the  same,  including  all  freight,  transportation, 
hauling  and  labor,  pertaining  to  this  department  of  the  work,  excepting  only  the 
iron  bands,  bars,  Tip",  ties  and  dowels,  referred  to  in  article  27. 

Thomas  U.  Walter, 

Architect  of  the  Extension  of  the  U.  S.  Capitol. 

Washington,  D.  C.,  September  19,  1851. 


The  Extensions. 


521 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Apr.  9,  1852:  Congressional  Globe,  32—1,  p.  1024.] 

Mr.  Hunter.  This  is  private  bill  day,  and  I move  to  suspend,  for  one  hour,  the 
execution  of  the  order  assigning  to-day  for  the  consideration  of  private  bills.  If  the 
Senate  shall  indulge  me  in  that  request,  I design  to  ask  them  to  take  up  the  joint 
resolution  for  the  continuance  of  the  work  on  the  two  wings  of  the  Capitol. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to. 


EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I now  ask  that  we  may  be  allowed,  during  this  hour,  to  take  up  and 
dispose  of  the  joint  resolution  to  authorize  the  continuance  of  the  work  upon  the  two 
wings  of  the  Capitol.  If  we  do  not  take  it  up  now,  I do  not  know  when  we  shall  be 
able  to  act  upon  it;  and  we  ought  to  have  some  action  immediately.  The  subject 
should  be  disposed  of  either  by  rejecting  or  adopting  the  amendment  of  the  House 
of  Representatives.  I move  to  take  it  up. 

Mr.  Borland.  I am  opposed  to  taking  up  this  subject  at  this  time;  but  I think 
that  if  we  can  take  it  up  properly,  on  any  day,  according  to  the  view  which  I take 
of  it,  and  the  jturposes  which  this  joint  resolution  is  to  serve,  it  can  very  properly  be 
taken  up  on  private-bill  day,  and  on  no  other  day,  for  I do  think  that  it  is,  for  all 
practical  purposes,  a private  bill,  for  the  benefit  of  private  individuals.  I do  not, 
therefore,  think  that  it  was  necessary  to  make  a motion  to  suspend  the  rules  in  order 
to  take  it  up  to-day,  as  it  would  come  up  very  properly  on  private-bill  day. 

But  one  reason  why  I do  not  desire  it  to  be  now  taken  up,  is  this:  The  chairman 
of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  [Mr.  Whitcomb]  is  not  here,  on  account  of 
indisposition,  and  probably  will  not  be  here  for  some  time.  Another  member  of  the 
committee,  the  Senator  from  Rhode  Island,  [Mr.  Clarke,]  was  here  the  other  day, 
but  is  not  here  now.  It  is  true,  he  did  agree  that  the  report  should  be  made,  but  I 
think  the  Senator  from  Virginia,  [Mr.  Hunter,]  who  reported  the  joint  resolution, 
admitted,  or  at  least  the  Senator  from  Rhode  Island,  I am  very  sure,  did  say  that  he 
concurred  in  the  making  of  the  report.  He  did  not  concur  in  the  report  itself,  but 
allowed  it  to  be  made.  Thus  the  committee  were  divided,  and  the  report  did  not 
receive  their  full  concurrence.  I am  not  authorized  to  say  that  the  Senator  from 
Rhode  Island  would  make  any  strenuous  opposition  to  the  resolution  if  he  were  here; 
but  it  is  well  known  that  he  is  decidedly  opposed  to  it;  and  if  he  were  here,  he  would, 
in  my  opinion,  offer  such  reasons  in  opposition  to  it  as  would  probably  satisfy  a 
majority  of  the  Senate.  His  reasons  are  such  as  to  satisfy  me.  He  did  not,  how- 
ever, ask  that  this  matter  should  be  laid  over  until  he  came  back.  He  did  not  desire 
me  to  ask  it;  but,  at  the  same  time,  he  expressed  his  opposition  to  the  measure;  and 
I am  perfectly  satisfied,  that  if  he  were  here,  he  would  offer  reasons  in  opposition  to 
it,  such  as  would  satisfy  my  mind,  at  least. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I can  only  say,  that  if  the  Senator  from  Rhode  Island  had  asked  for 
the  postponement  of  this  subject  until  he  should  return,  I would  never  have  pressed 
it.  I asked  him  to  allow  me  to  report  the  joint  resolution.  It  is  true,  he  was  opposed 
to  it;  but  he  allowed  me  to  report  it.  I knew  that  he  was  to  be  absent,  and  that 
unless  the  joint  resolution  was  reported  before  he  went  home,  there  would  be  no 
quorum  of  the  committee  left.  I hope  it  will  be  the  pleasure  of  the  Senate  to  consider 
the  subject  now. 

Mr.  Rusk.  I would  inquire  of  the  Senator  whether  he  proposes  to  go  on  with  this 
subject  after  the  hour  arrives  for  the  consideration  of  private  bills?  If  he  will  con- 
sent that  it  shall  not  interfere  with  the  private  bills  on  the  Calendar,  1 shall  not 
object  to  his  motion.  But  if  we  may  judge  of  the  future  by  the  past,  we  may  expect 
a debate  all  day  bn  this  measure  if  it  shall  be  taken  up.  I know  there  are  cases  of 
the  utmost  hardship  where  bills  for  the  relief  of  parties  are  upon  the  Private  Cal- 
endar. There  is  one  case  to  which  I wished  to  call  the  attention  of  the  Senate. 


522 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Hunter.  I will  consent  to  give  way  in  one  hour  if  the  joint  resolution  shall  not 
be  disposed  of  by  that  time. 

Mr.  Rusk.  Then  I do  not  object  to  it. 

The  motion  to  take  up  the  joint  resolution  was  agreed  to. 

The  question  was  on  concurring  in  an  amendment  made  in  the  joint  resolution  by 
the  House'  of  Representatives.  The  resolution  as  passed  by  the  Senate,  proposed  to 
appropriate  $10,000  for  continuing  the  work  temporarily.  The  House  amendment 
increases  the  amount  to  $500,000.  It  is  in  these  words: 

Strike  out  all  after  the  resolving  clause,  and  insert: 

“That  there  be  and  hereby  is  appropriated  out  of  any  money  in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appro- 
priated, for  the  period  between  the  passing  of  this  resolution  and  the  end  of  the  fiscal  year  terminating 
June  30,  1853,  the  sum  of  $500,000,  for  the  continuance  of  the  work  on  the  two  wings  of  the  Capitol.” 

Mr.  Borland.  Mr.  President,  I place  myself  in  a position  before  the  Senate  which 
is,  I well  know,  not  acceptable  to  a majority  here — a position,  sir,  which  is  peculiarly 
unpleasant  to  myself.  I am  very  sure  that  no  member  of  the  Senate  has  been  more 
strongly  appealed  to  than  I have — none  whose  feelings  have  been  more  wrought 
upon  than  myself,  in  resjiect  to  this  measure.  I know  that  a large  number  of  indi- 
viduals, poor  men,  laboring  men,  have  been  brought  here  to  work  upon  the  extension 
of  the  Capitol.  I know  their  destitution — I know  their  suffering.  Every  day,  and 
almost  every  hour  of  the  day,  appeals  of  the  very  strongest  kind  are  made  to  my 
feelings  in  their  behalf.  I am  not  insensible  to  those  appeals.  I am  prepared  to-day, 
at  this  very  moment,  to  vote  an  appropriation  of  money  to  pay  these  men  every  dol- 
lar that  is  due  them,  to  pay  them  liberal  wages  for  every  day  they  have  been  here. 
I am  willing  to  go  to  the  extent  of  paying  their  expenses  to  their  homes,  in  order 
that  they  may  be  placed  in  the  situation  from  which  they  were  brought  here;  so 
that  they  shall  not  suffer  by  any  act  of  any  department  of  the  Government,  however 
unauthorized  that  act  may  have  been,  and  as  I believe  they  have  been  in  this 
instance.  I will  not  leave  the  laborer,  who  is  poor  and  innocent,  to  suffer,  if  I can 
help  it. 

But  I cannot  give  votes  hereupon  a public  measure — a measure  which  is  to  involve 
not  the  mere  amount  of  $500,000,  now  proposed,  but  the  expenditure  of  millions 
besides,  the  extent  of  which  no  one  can  tell,  upon  considerations  of  this  kind.  I 
cannot  take  counsel  of  my  heart,  whose  sympathies  are  with  the  poor,  to  violate  my 
sense  of  duty,  however  strong  the  appeals  may  be.  I do  not  believe  I have  a right 
to  vote  for  this  appropriation,  because  I do,  in  my  conscience,  believe  it  is  for  a pur- 
pose that  is  not  only  unnecessary,  but  improper.  For  such  a purpose  I cannot  vote 
away  millions  of  the  public  money — and,  as  we  all  must  see,  this,  though  but  half  a 
million,  is  but  the  beginning  of  millions  upon  millions  which  are  to  follow  it,  and  be 
swallowed  up  in  the  same  vortex  of  extravagant  expenditure.  I do  not  propose, 
now,  to  give  my  views  at  length  upon  this  subject.  I must  express  my  regret,  how- 
ever, at  the  absence  of  a member  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  who,  if  here, 
would,  in  my  opinion,  be  able  to  give,  and  would  give,  such  reasons  against  this  bill 
as  would  satisfy  the  Senate  of  the  impropriety  of  continuing  the  work,  at  least  in 
the  way  and  upon  the  plan  in  which  it  has  so  far  gone.  He  has  given  the  subject  a 
thorough  examination.  I think  he  understands  it.  I know  he  condemns  it. 

A resolution  has  been  adopted  by  the  Senate,  directed  to  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings,  which  has  not  yet  been  answered;  but  which,  in  my  opinion,  is  very 
material  to  an  understanding  of  this  question.  It  was  an  inquiry  as  to  the  extension 
of  the  grounds,  which  will  be  rendered  necessary  in  accordance  with  the  present 
plan  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  so  far  as  that  plan  has  been  shadowed  forth. 
This  plan  will  involve  the  expenditure  of  a large  amount  of  money  for  the  purchase 
of  additional  grounds.  It  is  the  opinion  of  some,  that  additional  grounds  will  have 
to  be  purchased  at  a cost  of  at  least  $1,000,000,  perhaps  more.  But,  inasmuch  as  the 
Senate  have  agreed  to  consider  the  resolution  to-day,  of  course  this  consideration 
will  not  weigh  with  them,  and  I shall  not  press  it. 


The  Extensions. 


523 


In  justice  to  myself,  I must  say  a word  about  another  inquiry  which  was  directed 
to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  in  respect  to  the  strength  and  safety  of  the 
foundations  of  the  two  wings  of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol.  I did  believe  these 
foundations  were  insecure;  that  they  were  composed  of  improper  materials,  and  were 
improperly  constructed;  and  my  resolution  of  inquiry  was  intended  to  ascertain  the 
facts,  in  those  respects,  from  competent  persons.  The  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings applied  to  the  Bureau  of  Engineers  for  officers  to  make  personal  examination, 
and  report  upon  the  points  in  question.  Four  officers  were  sent  for  the  purpose,  two 
engineers  and  two  topographical  engineers,  and  they  have  reported.  They  sustain, 
by  their  report,  the  good  character  of  the  work,  saying  it  is  good  in  materials,  good 
in  construction,  good  in  workmanship,  and  altogether  sufficient  in  structure  and 
strength  to  sustain  all  the  weight  that  may  be  placed  upon  it.  The  resolution,  to 
that  extent,  is  answered;  and,  of  course,  the  answer  will  be  received  as  satisfactory 
to  a majority  of  the  Senate.  Whatever,  therefore,  may  be  my  opinion  of  that,  report, 
or  of  the  judgment  of  those  officers,  I am  unwilling  to  place  myself  before  the  country 
in  the  attitude  of  a critic  of  a matter  involving  science,  engineering,  and  architecture, 
when  I pretend  to  neither  science,  nor  practical  knowledge  enough  of  either  of  these 
subjects  to  give  effective  weight  to  my  opinion  in  opposition  to  such  authority.  But, 
sir,  for  myself,  I should  be  uncandid  if  I did  not  say  that  my  opinion  is  not  changed, 
and  my  judgment  is  not  satisfied. 

It  may  be  of  no  great  moment,  yet  I will  state  it  as  a fact,  as  part  of  the  reason  of 
my  opinion,  that  I went  in  person,  together  with  a gentleman,  who,  I believe,  is  bet- 
ter qualified  by  practical  experience  than  any  man  in  Washington  city,  or  any  who 
has  been  here  for  years,  whether  engineer,  architect,  or  not,  to  judge  of  such  work — 
and  he  is  a member  of  this  Senate — and  examined  this  work.  Among  other  things, 
we  gave  particular  attention  to  the  mortar  used  in  constructing  the  walls.  With  some 
care  we  selected  what  seemed  to  us,  and  as  I believe,  an  average  specimen  of  mortar. 
I have  it  here,  for  the  purpose  of  exhibiting  it  to  the  Senate.  This  mortar  had  been 
in  the  walls  for  months;  and  yet,  in  one  hour  from  the  time  it  was  taken  out,  it  was 
in  the  condition  you  here  see!  Sand,  sir;  sand,  and  nothing  else;  save  here  and 
there  a few  detached  and  uncombined  particles  of  a dirty  lime!  Whether  that  be 
cement  or  mortar,  such  as  competent  architects  would  use  in  the  foundation  of  a 
building  which  is  to  be  of  such  immense  size  and  weight,  I of  course  do  not  pretend, 
in  science,  to  determine.  But  this  I do  say,  that  so  long  as  my  own  eyes  can  see,  and 
my  own  fingers  can  feel,  or  my  own  memory  serves  me,  as  to  what  I have  seen  and 
felt  in  other  mason  work,  I never  will  believe  that  it  is  such  mortar  as  any  man  of 
common  sense  would  permit  to  be  used  in  building  a house  for  himself,  or  any  com- 
petent builder  would  use  in  doing  the  work.  These  scientific  gentlemen,  however, 
have  pronounced  it  all  good — very  good;  and  that,  I presume,  will  be  oracular  and 
conclusive  with  the  majority  here,  who  mean  to  pass  the  bill,  any  how.  But,  sir, 
I should  do  injustice  to  my  estimate  of  the  professional  qualifications  of  these  engi- 
neers, if  I did  not  say,  as  I verily  believe,  that  were  they  all,  or  either  of  them, 
employed  upon  a public  work  of  this  character,  there  is  not  one  of  them  who  would 
not  feel  dishonored,  if  such  a piece  of  work  as  this  should  pass  from  under  his  hands. 

But,  sir,  these  two  boards  of  engineers  went  further,  and  passed  judgment  not 
only  upon  the  work,  but  upon  the  architect  also.  One  set  indorses  his  accomplish- 
ments, and  the  other  his  honesty.  Personally,  Mr.  President,  I know  nothing 
of  this  architect;  but  this  I do  know,  as  does  all  the  Senate,  that  when  his  name 
was  sent  here  by  the  President,  for  an  inferior  appointment  in  the  same  line  of  busi- 
ness— that  of  assistant  architect  upon  one  of  our  public  buildings  in  one  of  the 
States — he  was  rejected;  and  thereby  pronounced  incompetent.  Yet,  sir,  these  gen- 
tlemen say  he  is  both  accomplished  and  honest,  and  I shall  not  now  controvert 
their  opinion.  But  let  it  be  noticed,  and  borne  in  mind,  that  in  the  very  teeth 
of  our  rejection  of  him  for  an  inferior  appointment,  the  President  has  deemed 


524 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


it  proper  to  give  him  the  very  highest  appointment  of  the  kind  in  the  Union, 
wherein  he  is  to  have  the  disbursement  of  millions  of  dollars,  under  circumstancse 
which  publicly  preclude  the  Senate  from  any  control  over  the  appointment.  So 
much  I do  know,  and  the  President  knew  it,  and  took  such  occasion,  it  would  seem, 
to  manifest  his  respect  for  the  judgment  and  wishes  of  the  Senate.  While,  therefore, 
Mr.  President,  I have  not  denied,  and  mean  not  to  deny,  that  this  architect  is  both 
accomplished  and  honest,  as  this  scientific  board  of  engineers,  without  being  ques- 
tioned, have  certified  him  to  be;  and  while  the  President  has  made  him  chief  archi- 
tect of  the  most  important  public  edifice  we  have  ever  undertaken  to  erect,  with 
almost  unlimited  control  over  the  public  money,  I cannot  forget,  and  wish  others  to 
remember,  that  it  is  all  in  despite  of  the  judgment  of  the  Senate,  who  upon  the  only 
occasion  he  was  ever  before  them,  and  that  for  an  inferior  appointment,  rejected  him. 

I am  opposed  to  the  extension  of  this  Capitol,  because  I believe  it  is  unneces- 
sary. I do  believe  (and  there  are  others  who  agree  with  me)  that  the  room 
within  the  external  walls  of  the  present  building  is  all-sufficient,  if  properly  appro- 
priated, for  all  our  purposes,  and  will  be  for  fifty  years  to  come.  There  is,  in 
my  opinion,  no  necessity  for  any  extension;  and  it  is  no  argument  in  favor  of 
it,  to  tell  me  that  we  have  already  expended  upon  it  $100,000.  Why,  if  the  exten- 
sion is  not  necessary,  (and  surely  it  is  improper  to  expend  money  for  it,  if  it  be  not 
necessary,)  is  it  not  better  to  sacrifice  the  $100,000  already  expended,  however 
unwisely,  than  to  sacrifice  the  millions  which  must  be  consumed  in  the  completion 
of  an  unnecessary  work?  I think  so.  And  yet  Senators  use  this  as  an  argument. 
Sir,  if  it  be  an  argument  at  all,  it  is,  to  my  mind,  conclusive  against  the  proposed 
appropriation.  If,  because  we  have  already  expended  $100,000,  we  are  bound  to 
continue  the  work  to  the  extent  of  $500,000  more,  lest  we  lose  the  first  $100,000,  then 
the  expenditure  of  the  additional  $500,000  binds  us  to  a completion  of  the  work, 
whether  we  want  it  or  not,  no  matter  if  it  bankrupt  the  Government  to  furnish  the 
means.  Such  an  argument,  sir,  is  like  a wedge  in  a log  of  wood.  If  the  point  but 
once  effect  an  entrance,  the  maul  of  Executive  patronage  and  management  will  not 
fail  to  drive  it  home  to  the  very  head,  until  the  Treasury  is  riven  to  the  center. 

But  even  if  the  extension  were  necessary,  I am  opposed  to  it  on  the  plan  proposed. 
It  may  be  deemed  presumption  in  one  of  my  poor  judgment,  yet  I do  say,  that,  in 
my  opinion,  the  proposed  extension  of  the  Capitol,  with  such  wings  as  are  spread 
out  before  us,  and  the  proportion  they  sustain  towards  the  rest  of  the  building,  will 
make  a structure  which  I can  call  by  no  other  name  than  architectural  monstrosity, 
the  like  of  which  has  never  been  seen  in  any  civilized  country  on  the  face  of  the 
earth.  If  it  may  not  be  deemed  profane  to  make  such  an  allusion,  I would  say  that 
we  should  violate  no  command  of  Scripture,  if  we  fell  down  and  worshipped  it;  for 
it  will,  indeed,  be  unlike  anything  upon  the  face  of  the  earth,  above  the  earth,  or 
under  the  earth.  It  will  resemble,  more  nearly  than  anything  which  suggests  a com- 
parison, a mammoth  brick-kiln,  or  some  Mexican  hacienda,  which,  as  every  one 
knows,  is  the  very  burlesque  of  all  architectural  proportion.  Viewed  now  from  a 
level  from  the  grounds  on  the  east  front,  the  present  building  has  too  little  elevation. 
It  is  altogether  too  low  for  good  or  imposing  effect.  It  is  too  squat  upon  the  ground. 
It  is  extended  too  much  for  its  height  already.  The  only  good  view  we  can  get  of  it 
is  from  the  west — from  below  the  hill,  whence  it  derives  the  advantage  of  the  hill’s 
elevation.  From  that  point  of  view,  it  is,  indeed,  a noble  structure,  fine  and  accurate 
in  its  architectural  proportions,  and  of  imposing  appearance.  But,  I repeat,  from  a 
level,  on  the  other  side,  it  is  already  too  low.  Then  extend  it  further,  in  the  same 
elevation,  spread  out  to  double  the  length,  with  the  same  height,  and  what  will  it 
be?  It  will  be  of  a new  order  of  architecture  truly;  and,  unless  some  one  will  suggest 
a title  more  characteristic,  I propose  to  call  it  the  Low  order. 

Consider  also  the  inconvenience  that  will  result  from  the  proposed  arrangement. 
The  two  Chambers  of  Congress  will  be  about  six  hundred  feet  apart;  and  in  conduct- 


The  Extensions. 


525 

ing  the  intercourse  of  the  two  Houses,  the  distance  to  be  traveled  backwards  and 
forwards  will  be  something  like  a quarter  of  a mile! 

Then,  again,  when  these  two  wings  are  erected,  and  the  two  Chambers  are  estab- 
lished, one  in  each,  what  is  to  be  done  with  the  present  building?  It  will  be  a series 
of  great  lumber  rooms,  making  up  an  immense  covered  way  from  one  Chamber  to  the 
other!  Nothing  more. 

I have  now  very  briefly  stated  some  of  the  grounds  of  my  opposition  to  this  bill. 
I did  not  expect,  and  have  not  attempted,  to  state  them  in  full.  I have  felt  from  the 
first  that  all  I,  or  any  one  else,  could  say  in  opposition,  could  not  weigh  a feather 
against  the  predetermined  and  fixed  purpose  of  a majority  to  pass  it.  What  I have 
said,  therefore,  has  been  for  my  own  satisfaction,  in  order  to  place  upon  the  record, 
and  for  the  information  of  my  constituents,  some  of  the  reasons  which  govern  my 
vote.  T have  no  more  to  say  at  present. 

Mr.  Walker.  I should  like  to  have  the  reports  of  the  engineers  read. 

The  Secretary  accordingly  read  them.  They  are  appended  to  the  report  of  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  which  was  made  in  response  to  a resolution  of  the 
Senate  directing  the  committee  to  make  a thorough  examination  of  the  work  thus  far 
executed  on  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  as  to  the  uniformity  of  the  strata  upon 
which  the  walls  rest— as  to  the  quality  and  dimensions  of  the  stone,  and  quality  of 
the  mortar  used — as  to  the  character  of  the  work,  the  mode  of  its  construction,  and 
its  power  of  resistance — and  as  to  every  other  matter  and  thing  connected  therewith 
as  might,  in  their  opinion,  affect  the  stability  and  permanency  of  the  whole  structure. 
By  that  resolution  the  committee  was  empowered  to  bring  to  their  aid  such  of  the 
United  States  topographical  engineers,  and  other  competent  persons,  as  they  might 
think  proper;  and  hence  they  addressed  letters  to  General  Totten,  of  the  Engineer 
Corps,  and  to  Colonel  Abert,  of  the  Topographical  Engineers,  requesting  them,  each, 
to  detail  two  competent  officers  for  the  purpose  of  making  such  an  examination  as 
was  contemplated  by  the  Senate.  General  Totten  detailed  Captain  Frederick  A. 
Smith  and  Brevet  Lieutenant  Colonel  Mason,  both  of  the  Engineers;  and  Colonel 
Abert  detailed  Lieutenant  Colonel  James  Kearney  and  Captain  Thomas  .T.  Lee,  of 
the  Topographical  Engineers.  The  results  were  reported  separately  by  the  engineers 
of  the  two  corps,  whose  reports  were  read  at  the  request  of  Mr.  Walker,  thus: 
[Already  given  in  Senate  Kept.  No.  163,  32 — 1.] 

Mr.  Brodhead.  I desire  to  submit  an  amendment  that  will  test  the  question  as  to 
whether  we  will  proceed  to  prosecute  this  work — whether  we  will  proceed  to  the 
expenditure  of  §5,000,000  more,  or  whether  we  will  abandon  it,  after  having 
expended  §100,000,  and  pay  the  men. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I desire  to  ask  a question  of  the  Senator;  I do  not  propose  to  speak 
on  this.  Why  does  he  say  five  millions?  The  estimate  is  two  and  a half  millions. 

Mr.  Brodhead.  I understand  it  will  take  about  five  millions.  Two  and  a half 
millions  is  the  estimate;  I think  that  sum  can  be  much  better  expended  in  some 
other  parts  of  the  country.  If  we  get  through  with  four  or  five  millions  for  the  work, 
including  the  extension  and  improvement  of  the  grounds,  I shall  be  very  glad.  I do 
not  propose  to  discuss  this  question.  I desire  to  act,  and  act  decisively.  I offer  an 
amendment,  to  strike  out  all  after  the  word  “that”  in  the  resolving  clause,  and  insert 
the  following: 

“To  enable  the  architect,  appointed  by  the  President  of  the  United  States,  in  pursuance  of  the  act 
of  Congress,  approved  February  13,  1850,  to  remove  the  walls  designed  for  the  extension  of  the  Cap- 
itol, restore  the  grounds,  and  pay  the  laborers  up  to  the  present  time  who  have  been  out  of  employ- 
ment, in  consequence  of  the  suspension  of  the  work,  the  sum  of  $20,000,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may 
be  necessary,  be  and  the  same  hereby  is  appropriated,  and  directed  to  be  paid  to  said  architect,  out 
of  any  money  in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated;  the  accounts  of  said  architect  to  be  settled 
by  the  accounting  officers  of  the  Treasury,  as  accounts  are  now  by  law  audited  and  settled:  Provided, 
That  said  architect  shall  pay  all  the  laborers  who  have  been  out  of  employment,  in  consequence  of 
the  suspension  of  the  work,  the  same  amount  which  they  would  have  earned  had  the  work  not  been 
suspended  or  the  appropriation  exhausted.’’ 


526 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Bradbury.  Mr.  President,  I have  felt  constrained,  after  careful  consideration 
of  the  subject,  to  doubt  the  propriety  of  passing  this  bill.  It  will  at  once  be  per- 
ceived, that  the  true  question  is,  whether  we  will  go  on  with  the  contemplated 
enlargement  of  the  Capitol,  or  abandon  it  altogether. 

This  enlargement  contemplates  the  erection  of  two  vast  structures,  one  on  each  side 
of  the  present  Capitol,  at  a cost  of  several  millions  of  dollars,  for  the  accommodation 
of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives.  It  contemplates  the  abandonment  of 
the  present  Capitol  as  the  place  for  the  meeting  of  Congress.  Both  the  Senate  Cham- 
ber and  the  Hall  of  the  House  are  to  be  abandoned.  We,  in  effect,  shall  declare  that 
after  millions  expended  in  the  erection  of  this  magnificent  structure,  it  is  a failure — 
that  Congress  cannot  be  accommodated  in  it — and  two  other  buildings  are  necessary 
to  furnish  the  accommodation  which  was  designed  to  be  provided  by  this.  I cannot 
see  this  Chamber  or  the  Hall  of  this  House  abandoned  by  Congress  without  regret. 
It  appears  to  me  to  be  both  inexpedient  and  unnecessary.  This  Chamber  is  large 
enough  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Senate  for  the  present,  and  for  a long  period 
to  come.  There  is  room  for  additional  seats  for  the  Senators  from  all  the  new  States 
that  are  likely  to  be  soon  admitted.  It  is  not  very  probable  that  the  high  privilege 
of  admission  as  a State  into  the  Union  will  be  cheapened  by  admitting  them  too 
hastily.  As  to  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  it  is  said  there  is  difficulty 
of  hearing  in  it.  But  are  we  sure  that  this  difficulty  will  be  avoided  in  the  construc- 
tion of  the  new  Hall? 

The  embarrassment  in  the  transaction  of  business  seems,  however,  to  arise  quite  as 
much  from  the  use  of  desks,  and  the  consequent  occupation  upon  other  matters,  as  from 
any  defect  in  the  Hall  itself.  Remove  those  desks,  and  bring  the  members  more 
compactly  together,  so  that  instead  of  being  distracted  by  other  subjects,  their  atten- 
tion may  be  given  to  the  questions  immediately  before  them,  and  much  of  the  incon- 
venience now  complained  of  would  be  avoided.  The  room  is  sufficiently  spacious, 
unless  the  number  of  Representatives  is  very  considerably  increased — and  there 
appears  to  be  a disposition  averse  to  enlarging  the  number  to  any  considerable  extent. 
If  new  Halls  are  constructed  as  large  as  are  contemplated,  and  with  gallaries  as  spa- 
cious as  is  proposed,  I greatly  fear  that  difficulties  and  inconveniences  will  be  experi- 
enced, quite  as  great  as  those  we  are  now  seeking  to  avoid.  I do  not  believe  it  will 
be  likely  to  work  any  improvement  in  the  legislation  of  Congress,  or  the  character 
of  the  discussions,  to  provide  immense  galleries,  and  all  the  arrangements  for  a public 
exhibition,  in  order  to  secure  the  attendance  of  great  crowds  of  spectators.  The 
debates  now  partake  full  enough  of  the  character  of  declamation,  rather  than  a dis- 
cussion of  the  questions  under  consideration.  The  facilities  now  enjoyed  afford 
tolerably  ample  opportunity  for  ascertaining  what  is  going  forward. 

Regarding  the  present  Capitol  as  too  commodious  to  be  abandoned,  I cannot  feel 
justified  in  going  on  with  an  experiment,  without  necessity,  and  at  great  expense,  to 
erect  buildings,  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  halls,  which,  when  completed,  may  not 
prove  any  more  convenient  than  those  we  now  have.  I would  much  prefer  to  see  a 
portion  of  the  money  these  buildings  would  cost  employed  in  improving  and  embel- 
lishing the  public  grounds  from  the  Capitol  to  the  Monument.  I will  only  add,  by 
way  of  precaution,  that  while  I would  discontinue  the  proposed  work,  I utterly 
repudiate  all  idea  of  abandoning  this  place  as  the  capital  of  the  Union. 

Mr.  Hale.  I simply  rise  to  express  a wish  that  we  may  have  a vote. 

I concur  fully  in  the  sentiment  of  regret  expressed  by  the  Senator  from  Maine, 
that  we  should  have  to  abandon  this  Hall.  But,  Mr.  President,  we  have  got  to  do 
it;  and  I want  to  do  something  for  those  who  remain  after  I leave.  It  never  occurred 
to  me  that  one  of  the  objects  of  the  extension  was  an  improvement  in  the  character 
of  the  debates;  but  if  there  is  a possibility  of  such  being  the  effect,  by  all  means  let 
the  work  go  on.  I rose  to  express  a hope  that  we  will  have  a vote,  and  that  no  Sen- 
ator will  make  a speech  unless  he  thinks  that  he  will  influence  some  one.  I do  not 
think  that  I can  do  so,  and  therefore  I pray  for  a vote. 


The  Extensions. 


527 


Mr.  Brodhead.  I concur  in  the  idea  of  taking  the  vote  now.  I had  intended  to 
make  some  remarks  in  favor  of  the  amendment,  but  I comply  with  what  I consider 
to  be  the  general  desire  in  the  Senate,  to  have  the  vote  taken  at  once.  I ask  the  yeas 
and  nays  on  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Douglas.  I merely  wish  to  ask  one  question  before  I vote  on  the  amendment. 

I am  very  clearly  of  opinion  that  the  present  Capitol  is  large  enough  to  accommo- 
date the  House  of  Representatives  and  the  Senate,  either  in  regard  to  the  Halls  or 
the  other  conveniences.  If  the  object,  in  abandoning  the  work,  is  with  a view  to 
the  removal  of  the  Capitol  to  the  center  of  the  Republic,  it  may  be,  in  the  opinion 
of  some,  a proposition  worthy  of  consideration,  if,  on  the  other  hand,  the  object  is 
to  abandon  it,  to  leave  it  merely  as  it  is,  I cannot  consent  to  that.  If  it  contemplates, 
as  an  ulterior  object,  the  building  of  a Capitol  in  a more  central  situation  in  the 
Republic,  perhaps  Western  members  should  understand  that  object  before  we  take 
a vote  on  the  question. 

Mr.  Brodhead.  I think  I can  answer  the  inquiry  of  the  Senator  from  Illinois.  I 
do  not  think  that  the  building  of  this  extension  of  the  Capitol  will  at  all  influence 
the  decision  as  to  whether  this  will  be  the  permanent  site  of  the  seat  of  Government, 
or  not.  I do  not  think  that  the  expenditure  of  four  or  five  millions  of  dollars  to 
build  this  extension,  will  influence  the  action  of  our  Western  friends  on  this  question. 
If  we  expended  twenty  millions,  I do  not  suppose  that  fact  would  induce  them  to 
vote  one  way  or  the  other.  If  it  is  desirable  to  have  the  Capitol  removed  to  some 
more  convenient  place,  I presume  that  this  trifling  expenditure  of  four  or  five  mil- 
lions will  not  affect  the  question. 

Mr.  Walker.  I shall  vote  for  this  amendment,  and  1 desire  to  state  why  I shall  do  so; 
for  whether  Senators  may  feel  an  interest  in  my  views  or  otherwise,  there  are  those  who 
may;  and,  as  the  motives  of  Senators  in  many  of  the  votes  which  they  may  give  are 
liable  to  be  inquired  into  at  home,  I will  give  my  reasons  for  my  vote  on  this  occasion, 
in  order  that  my  motives  may  not  be  misunderstood.  However,  Mr.  President,  I shall 
do  so  very  briefly.  This  amendment  proposes  to  stop  the  work  where  it  is,  so  far 
as  the  erection  of  the  wings  of  the  Capitol  is  concerned.  It  proposes  also  to  restore 
the  grounds  to  the  condition  in  which  they  were  before  this  work  was  commenced. 
It  further  proposes  to  pay  the  laborers  what  they  would  have  earned,  if  they  had 
been  continued  in  employment.  The  last  proposition,  I think,  is  fair  and  just  to 
them,  and  the  first,  and  perhaps  the  best  and  most  expedient  thing  that  the  Govern- 
ment can  do  in  regard  to  the  work  itself.  I believe  that  the  plan  adopted  is  one 
which  will  never  answer  the  purpose  designed,  or,  at  least,  that  it  will  not  answer 
that  purpose  half  so  well  as  many  other  plans  which  might  be  adopted.  I believe 
that  it  will  destroy  the  architectural  beauty  of  the  Capitol  altogether — that  it  will 
make  it  what  has  been  very  justly  termed  by  the  Senator  from  Arkansas,  “an  archi- 
tectural monstrosity.”  It  will  render  it  inconvenient  to  such  a degree  as  to  render 
it  almost  impossible  to  transact  the  business  of  legislation,  especially  at  the  close  of  a 
session.  I am  of  opinion  also  that  the  proposed  enlargement  is  altogether  greater 
than  is  necessary — perhaps  as  large  again  as  the  dimensions  contemplated  by  the 
committee  which  had  that  matter  under  charge  at  the  last  session  of  Congress.  It  is 
detached  from  the  rest  of  the  building;  it  will  run  beyond  the  limits  of  the  public 
grounds;  and  it  will  incur  an  enormous  expenditure,  which,  as  has  been  well 
observed,  is  chiefly  to  be  incurred  for  the  benefit  of  private  individuals. 

But,  sir,  taking  another  view  of  the  matter,  I must  say  that  I shall  be  opposed  to 
the  stopping  of  this  work,  if  it  is  to  operate  to  the  injury  of  those  who  have  in  some 
measure  been  made  helpless  by  its  delay,  and  on  whom  the  action  of  Congress  has 
imposed  a burden  which  is  hard  to  be  borne.  I allude  to  the  laborers  employed  on 
the  work.  I have  listened  with  great  attention  to  the  report  of  the  engineers  who 
have  examined  this  work.  I do  not  profess  to  be  an  architect  myself,  nor  a mechanic 
experienced  in  this  kind  of  work.  I do  not  know  how  many  Senators  have  inspected 


528 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


the  work,  but  I know  that  some  of  them  have;  and,  so  far  as  I have  heard  them 
speak  in  regard  to  it,  not  one  of  them  has  spoken  otherwise  than  in  terms  of  dissat- 
isfaction; and  when  we  come  to  reflect  upon  the  reasons  of  that  dissatisfaction,  it 
seems  to  me  perfectly  astounding  that  such  a report  should  have  been  made.  Every- 
body knows  the  difference  between  the  tenacity  of  India  rubber  and  common  sand. 
It  requires  but  little  experience  to  detect  the  difference.  Every  one  knows  what 
would  be  the  effect  of  exposure  of  a wall  to  the  weather,  and  what  would  be  the 
result  at  the  distance  of  four  feet  within.  Any  one  can  tell  the  difference  in  the 
capability  of  a cobble-stone  and  a shell-stone,  or  a solid  block  of  stone  used  in  the 
foundation  to  sustain  the  superstructure;  and  so  far  as  I have  heard  Senators  speak 
of  this  matter,  who  have  personally  inspected  it,  their  opinion  is,  that  the  work  thus 
far  has  been  improperly  constructed. 

My  investigations  in  respect  to  the  material  of  which  these  foundations  have  been 
constructed,  have  led  me  to  several  discoveries.  I passed  to  the  side  of  the  wall,  and 
took  my  cane — which  is  a slender  one,  and  not  pointed  with  i ron — and  I put  it  in 
one  of  the  cracks,  and  actually  run  it  to  the  full  length  of  the  cane  into  the  wall.  I 
noticed  that  a part  of  the  filling  of  the  wall  was  of  brickbats,  and  I spoke  of  it  to  sev- 
eral persons.  They  said  it  could  not  be  possible.  I assured  them  it  was  so;  and, 
that  I might  be  doubly  certain  myself,  I went  to  the  place  where  I had  seen  the 
brickbats  before,  and,  lo  and  behold!  they  were  not  there.  It  was  during  a little 
rainstorm,  and  I looked  in  vain  for  them  where  I had  seen  them,  for  the  brick  and 
mortar  had  all  fallen  out.  I then  looked  further,  to  see  if  I could  find  similar 
places;  and  I can  go  with  Senators  and  show  them  where  I found  five  hundred 
brickbats.  I can  go  further,  notwithstanding  the  report.  I will  say  that  I can  find 
places  where,  with  a common  teaspoon,  I can  scoop,  from  the  outside  of  the  wall,  the 
mortar,  as  easily  as  a man  can  scoop  up  mush — or  hasty-pudding,  as  it  would  be 
called  at  the  North.  [Laughter.] 

Will  you  tell  me,  then,  that  this  is  the  proper  kind  of  material  with  which  to  con- 
struct a wall  like  that?  Have  I never  seen  a log-cabin  put  up?  Have  I never  seen  a 
common  chimney,  or  brick  building  pulled  down?  And  have  I not  seen  the  great 
difficulty  with  which  the  mortar  is  removed  from  the  stones  and  brick?  It  is  one  of 
the  most  difficult  things  to  be  done,  and,  instead  of  using  a mason’s  trowell,  they 
most  commonly  make  use  of  a hatchet.  Yes,  sir,  with  my  little  finger-nail  I can 
remove  the  mortar  from  the  outside  of  that  wall.  I can  show  a distance  of  four  feet 
up  and  down  that  wall  where  there  is  not  a stone  as  large  as  my  head,  and  I defy  all 
the  engineers  between  this  city  and  Kamschatka  to  point  out  one  as  large  as  my 
head.  And  then,  to  help  out  this  wretched  material,  they  have  inserted  brickbats, 
which  fall  out  with  every  rainstorm. 

These  are  the  facts;  and  it  seems  to  me  that  Senators  cannot  have  inspected  that  wall, 
or  they  would  not  have  their  brains  so  turned  round  as  to  look  with  favor  upon  such 
a report  as  wre  have  had  on  this  subject.  I know  not  the  men  who  make  the  report; 
but  God  Almighty  only  knows  how  they  can  give  such  a report  as  that.  To  me  it  is 
utterly  inexplicable,  and  probably  will  be  to  the  day  of  my  death. 

I repeat,  again,  that  I can  go,  and  with  one  finger  pick  out  brickbats  from  the  out- 
side of  this  wall,  which  has  been  exposed  for  six  months.  I have  done  so.  Some 
of  the  Senators  have  examined  the  walls  with  me;  and  so  far  as  we  have  done  it,  it 
has  been  done,  not  as  builders  or  architects — not  as  men  of  science,  but  as  Senators; 
and  those  with  whom  I have  made  this  examination  have  expressed  themselves 
dissatisfied  with  regard  to  the  quality  of  the  work.  Then,  while  I would  not 
do  anything  to  injure  a single  person  who  has  been  kept  here  during  a long  and 
severe  winter,  waiting  for  employment — while  I would  not  deprive  them  of  a single 
dollar,  but  would  payr  them — as  the  Senator  from  Arkansas  [Mr.  Borland]  has  said 
he  would  do — a month’s  wages,  and,  if  justice  requires  it,  would  pay  them  after  they 
get  home,  I am  not  for  going  on  to  continue  the  building;  in  the  first  place,  because 


The  Extensions. 


529 


the  character  of  the  structure,  as  commenced,  is  not  such  as  is  suited  for  the  purpose 
for  which  it  is  to  be  used;  and,  secondly,  because  it  is  to  be  erected  on  a foundation 
of  such  a character  that  I do  not  believe  those  who  have  made  a favorable  report 
upon  it  will  live  to  three  score  years  and  ten,  or  even  to  half  that  period,  before  they 
will  regret  the  opinion  they  have  given.  I cannot  believe  that  such  a structure  can 
be  built  up  upon  brickbats  and  cobble-stones  and  not  crack  and  fall  to  pieces. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  then  ordered. 

Mr.  Cass.  I want  to  say  one  word,  and  only  one  word.  I voted  against  this 
appropriation  originally.  I did  it  on  the  ground  that  the  subject  had  not  been  at 
all  considered.  It  was  brought  up,  put  in  one  of  the  general  appropriation  bills,  and 
pushed  hastily  through  without  due  consideration.  I appreciate  as  much  as  any  one 
the  necessity  of  other  rooms  for  the  House  of  Representatives,  and,  in  some  meas- 
ure, for  the  Senate.  I have  no  doubt  that  the  room  now  occupied  by  the  House  of 
Representatives  is  the  worst  room  in  the  world  for  hearing — the  worst  room  in  the 
world;  and  I think  that  every  just  consideration  in  regard  to  correct  legislation,  as 
well  as  what  is  due  to  the  public,  requires  that  they  should  have  a better  room. 
What  I was  afraid  of  was,  that  the  architect  would  sacrifice  everything  to  the  beauty 
of  architecture.  I was  afraid  that,  instead  of  looking  to  the  just  principles  of  acous- 
tics, he  would  look  to  the  ornaments  of  the  structure,  and  that  we  should  have  the 
same  number  of  breaks  in  the  room  as  we  have  now.  But  I am  told  that  he  has 
avoided  that,  and  that  it  is  to  be  a plain  room,  where  the  sound  will  be  reverberated 
perpetually  till  it  is  all  expended. 

We  have  gone  on  so  long  that  I think  we  should  continue  the  work,  for  I don’t 
like  this  eternal  vacillation  in  legislation  on  any  subject.  Although  I voted  against 
the  proposition  in  the  first  place,  I think  we  should  now  go  on  till  the  work  is 
completed.  If  it  were  a simple  vote  for  the  commencement  of  the  work,  I should 
vote  now  as  I did  before. 

The  question  was  then  taken  and  resulted — yeas  11,  nays  30,  as  follows.  * * * 

So  the  amendment  was  rejected. 

The  President.  The  question  now  recurs  on  the  adoption  of  the  amendment  of 
the  House  of  Representatives. 

Mr.  Dodge,  of  Iowa.  I desire  to  offer  an  amendment.  It  is  to  strike  out  the 
words  “five  hundred  thousand,”  and  insert  “two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand.” 

Mr.  Borland.  Before  the  vote  is  taken  on  that  amendment,  I would  inquire  of  the 
Senator  from  Virginia,  what  amount  has  been  asked  for  by  the  Executive  for  the 
continuation  of  this  work? 

Mr.  Hunter.  I am  not  able  to  answer  the  question  of  the  Senator  with  certainty; 
but  my  opinion  is  that  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  recommended  1350,000.  The 
House  of  Representatives  substituted  $500,000.  I suppose  that  if  a work  of  this  kind 
is  to  go  on,  this  sum  would  not  be  too  much,  as  it  will  not  probably  be  completed 
within  five  years.  I believe,  although  I only  speak  from  imperfect  recollection,  that 
the  estimate  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  was  $350,000. 

Mr.  Mangum.  I would  inquire  of  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings— for  so  I understood  him  to  say — if  the  $500,000  voted  by  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives for  this  work  is  designed  to  cover  not  only  this  fiscal  year,  but  to  go  to  the 
end  of  the  fiscal  year  1853? 

Mr.  Hunter.  Yes.  sir. 

Mr.  Mangum.  And  I would  further  inquire,  whether,  for  that  time,  that  sum  is 
not  much  less  than  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  requested — whether  it  is  not  dimin- 
ished one  half?  Is  that  so,  sir? 

Mr.  Hunter.  Yes,  sir.  That  is  so. 

Mr.  Borland.  I have  examined  with  some  care  the  report  made  by  the  architect, 
and  it  appears  that  the  whole  of  the  materials,  so  far  as  I can  judge,  for  the  whole 

II.  Rep.  646 


34 


530 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


building  have  been  contracted  for.  Everything  seems  to  be  under  contract,  even  to 
the  term  of  some  five  years. 

In  view  of  this,  let  the  Senate  notice,  and  let  the  country  know,  that  this  Admin- 
istration, upon  a simple  appropriation  of  $100,000 — and  that,  as  remarked  by  the 
Senator  from  Michigan,  [Mr.  Cass,]  without  much  time  allowed  for  consideration — ■ 
put  into  a general  appropriation  bill  at  the  hurried  close  of  the  session,  and  put  there 
in  very  peculiar  phraseology,  has  placed  at  the  discretion  of  an  individual  who  is  not 
an  officer  of  the  Government,  and  with  whose  appointment  the  Senate  had  nothing 
whatever  to  do,  the  expenditure  of  millions  of  dollars  of  the  public  money.  Sir,  if 
we  recognize  and  sanction  such  acts  as  these — and  surely  we  are  doing  so  by  this 
appropriation — we  recognize  the  authority  of  the  Executive,  upon  any  appropriation, 
whether  large  or  small,  to  involve  this  Government  in  debt  to  any  amount,  extend- 
ing through  any  number  of  years.  It  may  suit  the  views  which  some  gentlemen 
entertain  of  Executive  omnipotence  and  infallibility  to  allow  this,  and  to  sanction  it. 
It  is  not  in  accordance  with  my  sense  of  duty  and  responsibility.  I shall  vote  against 
it.  This  is  not  the  mere  appropriation  of  $250,000,  or  of  $500,000.  It  is,  in  effect, 
whether  the  Executive  has  unlimited  power  and  control  over  the  public  Treasury — 
whether,  upon  a little  appropriation  of  $100,000,  the  President  can,  wdthout  consult- 
ing Congress,  incur  obligations  for  the  Government,  and  involve  us  in  a debt  to  the 
amount  of  millions,  and  throughout  an  indefinite  period  of  time.  These  are  the 
questions,  and  this  is  the  issue.  It  seems  to  me  if  eve  sanction  the  President’s  unau- 
thorized acts  in  this  instance,  we  abandon  the  only  ground  upon  which  we  can  resist 
any  of  his  unauthorized  acts  hereafter.  I,  for  one,  will  not  abandon  that  ground. 

Regard  this  matter  in  any  aspect  we  may,  and  it  seems  to  me  that  the  course  of 
the  President,  as  well  as  the  proposed  action  of  the  Senate,  is  among  the  most  extraor- 
dinary that  I have  ever  been  called  upon  to  consider.  Here,  sir,  under  the  very 
limited  authority  derived  from  three  little  lines  in  a general  appropriation  bill, 
passed  hurriedly  at  the  very  heel  of  a session,  to  expend  the  specific  sum  of  $100,000, 
-we  find  the  Government  involved  to  the  amount  of  millions  of  dollars,  and  for  at 
least  five  years  in  the  future!  And  through  what  sort  of  instrumentality?  Why, 
sir,  through  an  individual  who  is  no  officer  of  the  Government,  and  who,  what- 
ever may  be  his  relations  to  the  President,  certainly  owes  no  official  respon- 
sibility to  Congress,  the  only  source  in  which  the  people  have  deposited  the 
money  power  of  this  Government!  And  that  individual  one  whom  the  Senate 
refused  to  concur  with  the  President  in  appointing  to  an  inferior  and  far  less 
responsible  position!  Sir,  this  is,  indeed,  an  anomaly  in  the  transactions  of  this 
Government.  The  like  of  it — or  even  an  approximation  to  it — I have  never  wit- 
nessed, I have  never  heard  of  before — God  forbid  I should  ever  witness  or  hear  its  like 
again.  And  yet,  if  we  sanction  it,  as  we  shall  do  by  the  passage  of  this  bill,  is  it  not 
an  invitation  and  encouragement  to  the  Executive  to  repeat  it?  If  he  has  gone  so  far 
upon  one  hundred  t housand  dollars,  what  may  he  not  do  upon  five  times  that  amount! 
Look,  sir,  at  the  checks  and  guards  we  throw  around  the  disbursements  of  the  public 
money,  and  every  other  responsible  function,  in  every  other  branch  of  the  public 
service!  Why,  there  is  not  a purser  in  the  Navy,  a paymaster,  quartermaster,  or 
commissary  of  subsistence,  in  the  Army;  not  a postmaster  throughout  the  country, 
whose  salary  is  $1,000  a year — nay,  sir,  not  a justice  of  the  peace  in  the  District  of 
Columbia,  in  whose  appointment  does  not  require  the  concurrence  of  the  Senate. 
And  yet,  in  this  instance,  where  far  more  important  duties  are  to  be  performed, 
where  far  heavier  responsibilities  should  be  borne,  and  where  millions  of  the  public 
money  are  to  be  expended  at  discretion,  an  individual  is  intrusted  with  all  these 
important  and  delicate  duties,  and  put  in  the  place  of  this  high  responsibility,  whose 
appointment  not  only  has  not  our  concurrence,  but  has,  long  since,  for  a far  inferior 
and  less  responsible  position,  been  rejected  by  us!  Surely,  sir,  further  comment  upon 
this  is  unnecessary.  It  may  have  no  influence  here.  I have  put  it  upon  the  record, 
that  it  may  go  to  the  country. 


The  K.  vtensions. 


581 


Mr.  Hunter.  I have  received  the  estimates  in  regard  to  which  the  Senator  from 
North  Carolina  [Mr.  Mangum]  made  an  inqury  a few  moments  ago.  The  Secretary 
of  the  Interior  estimates  $350,000  for  the  balance  of  this  year,  and  $650,000  for  the 
next  year,  making  a million  in  all.  The  House  of  Representatives,  however,  cut  it 
down  to  $500,000,  meaning  this  appropriation  to  extend  to  the  end  of  the  fiscal  year 
1853. 

Mr.  Rusk.  I.  really  must  claim  the  fulfillment  of  the  pledge  of  the  honorable 
Senator  from  Virginia,  that  this  bill  should  be  postponed  when  the  hour  for  taking 
up  private  bills  should  arrive.  That  hour  has  long  since  passed. 

Several  Senators.  Let  us  have  a vote. 

Mr.  Dawson.  The  declaration  having  been  made  by  the  Senator  from  Arkansas 
that  the  present  architect  had  been  rejected  by  the  Senate,  when  nominated  for  a 
situation  similar  to  that  which  he  now  holds,  the  presumption  is,  that  the  rejection 
was  in  consequence  of  his  want  of  capacity.  That  impression  will  do  injustice  to  the 
Senate,  as  well  as  to  the  individual,  if  it  goes  to  the  country  in  that  form.  It  was 
known — if  I may  reveal  what  takes  place  in  Executive  session — that  that  was  not  the 
cause  of  his  rejection.  The  nomination  was  for  the  post  of  assistant  architect  in 
building  the  custom-house  at  New  Orleans. 

Mr.  Mangum.  You  cannot  speak  on  that  subject. 

Mr.  Dawson.  I will  state  my  own  views. 

The  President.  The  Senator  cannot  reveal  Executive  proceedings  in  the  Senate. 
They  cannot  be  spoken  of  during  legislative  sittings,  nor  in  any  case,  unless  the 
injunction  of  secrecy  is  removed. 

Mr.  Dawson.  I will  not  refer  to  anything,  only  to  say  that  his  rejection  had  no 
reference  to  his  competency. 

Mr.  Rusk.  Mr.  President,  I must  claim  the  fulfillment  of  the  pledge  of  the  Senator 
from  Virginia. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I will  give  way  to  the  wish  of  the  Senator  from  Texas,  if  such  is  the 
pleasure  of  the  Senate. 

Several  Senators.  Let  us  have  the  question. 

Mr.  Seward.  We  can  dispose  of  the  bill  to  which  the  Senator  from  Texas  refers, 
after  this  is  disposed  of. 

Mr.  Dodge,  of  Iowa.  Mr.  President,  I know  that  this  bill  will  pass  by  an  over- 
whelming majority,  just  as  the  French  spoliation  bill  will  pass  whenever  it  comes  up. 
And  it  will  no  doubt  pass  the  sooner  on  account  of  the  very  great  amount  appro- 
priated. We  send  a bill  to  the  House  of  Representatives  appropriating  $10,000,  and 
it  comes  back  with  an  amendment  making  it  appropriate  half  a million. 

Just  look  at  the  galleries  on  this  occasion,  and  witness  the  appeals  that  are  made 
to  the  better  sympathies  of  our  nature.  I should  be  glad  if  an  amendment  could  be 
inserted, that  $500,000  shall  be  given  for  this  object,  when  all  the  other  objects  of 
utility  in  the  West  which  have  been  so  long  waiting  for  aid  shall  be  completed.  But 
I know  we  are  destined  to  have  another  battle  for  our  Western  waters,  before  this 
Congress  adjourns.  And  about  that  time,  after  all  these  public  buildings  have  been 
made  to  tower  up  to  the  clouds,  and  all  the  dry-docks  on  all  our  coasts  shall  have 
been  provided  for,  and  all  the  paymasters  and  quartermasters  in  the  country,  then 
there  will  be  all  sorts  of  efforts  made  to  cripple  our  appropriations.  But  I will  not 
detain  the  Senate.  I know  the  bill  will  pass  by  an  overwhelming  majority,  but  not 
by  my  vote. 

Mr.  Borland.  Mr.  President 

Mr.  Rusk.  I hope  the  Senator  will  allow  me  to  say  a word.  It  is  evident  we  can- 
not get  a vote  on  this  question  to-day. 

Mr.  Mangum.  Yes  we  can. 

Mr.  Rusk.  I think  it  is  evident  we  cannot.  I came  here  this  morning  to  ask  the 
attention  of  the  Senate  to  a private  bill,  that  would  not  occupy  five  minutes  to  pass 


532 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


or  reject  it.  It  is  in  favor  of  a widow  lady  upwards  of  eighty  years  of  age,  an  heir  of 
a revolutionary  soldier,  whose  pension  was  suspended  for  several  years,  because  he 
went  out  of  the  United  States  to  Canada.  The  daughter  of  that  lady  is  here  without 
any  means  of  support,  and  subjected  to  incur  considerable  expense,  and  unable  to 
employ  any  one  as  an  agent  in  her  behalf.  If  this  debate  goes  on,  the  result  will  be 
that  at  the  close  of  the  day,  there  will  not  be  a quorum  left  here  to  act  upon  any  pri- 
vate bill,  and  we  shall  not  be  able  to  pass  the  bill  for  the  relief  of  this  lady  to-day. 

Mr.  Borland.  I know  that  Senators  who  desire  to  pass  this  bill  are  impatient  of 
delay;  and  I have  no  desire  to  make  factious  opposition  to  it — I make  none.  But  I 
have  objections  to  the  bill,  and  though  I feel  very  sure  that  I cannot  defeat  its  pas- 
sage, yet  it  is  my  privilege,  and  I believe  it  to  be  my  duty,  to  make  known  the 
motives  which  actuate  me,  and  place  upon  record  the  reasons  which  control  my 
course. 

The  Senator  from  Iowa  [Mr.  Dodge]  has  very  properly  called  the  attention  of  the 
Senate  to  the  circumstances  connected  with  our  legislation  for  improvements  on 
our  Western  waters.  We  know  very  well  the  difficulties  we  had  to  encounter  here, 
the  kind  of  opposition  we  met  last  year,  and  the  means  by  which  appropriations  for 
those  objects  were  defeated.  We  found  Senators  then  influenced  by  constitutional 
scruples,  and  all  other  kinds  of  scruples  that  could  raise  up  or  suggest  opposition  to 
an  appropriation  of  about  $2,000,000,  because  a portion  of  it — a small  portion,  too — 
was  destined  to  the  great  valley  of  the  West.  We  found  all  sorts  of  opposition  made, 
all  sorts  of  expedients  resorted  to,  which  legislative  tactics  could  suggest  or  tolerate, 
to  defeat  what  we  not  only  believed,  but  felt,  to  be  proper  and  necessary  appropria- 
tions. Appeals  on  behalf  of  the  multitudes  of  our  people,  who  are  annually  destroyed 
for  want  of  those  facilities  and  that  protection  to  Western  navigation,  which  have 
never  been  refused  to  the  Eastern  section  of  our  country, — appeals  were  made,  but 
made  in  vain,  to  the  sensibilities,  and  to  the  sense  of  justice,  of  Senators.  A few 
hundred  thousand  dollars — less,  sir,  than  the  amount  of  this  bill — could  not  be 
appropriated,  because  of  Senators’  scruj)les ! Where  are  their  scruples  now?  The 
Treasury  is  to  be  opened  tp  its  core,  and  millions  are  to  be  taken  out,  for  what  we 
regard  as  an  unnecessary  and  an  improper  object — a mere  useless,  nay,  a worse  than 
useless,  expenditure  of  money;  and,  to  attain  that  object,  this  wedge  of  $500,000  is 
to  be  driven  in,  until  all  the  fastenings  of  our  national  coffers  shall  be  rent  asunder, 
and  the  treasures  they  contain,  coined  out  of  the  sweat  of  our  people,  laid  open  to 
the  grasp  of  irresponsible  agents,  whose  only  care  seems  to  be  the  expenditure  of 
the  largest  sums  in  the  shortest  time  ! 

Let  not  Senators  complain,  therefore,  at  a few  obstacles  thrown  in  the  way — at  a 
little  time  taken  for  examination  of  this  pet  scheme  of  theirs,  by  those  w'ho  regard 
the  expenditure  of  millions  to  which  it  will  lead,  as  so  much  taken  from  our  urgent 
and  legitimate  wants  for  mere  fancy  works  here  at  this  seat  of  Federal  power,  and  in 
violation,  too,  as  we  think,  of  all  propriety,  of  all  those  principles  which  should 
govern,  and  all  those  rules  which  should  be  observed  in  dispensing  the  public 
treasures. 

No,  sir;  it  is  no  factious  opposition  we  make.  We  only  wish  to  be  heard.  Our 
claims  have  been  postponed  long  enough — alas,  too  long  already,  for  no  year  rolls  by 
us  without  leaving  thousands  of  our  people  dead  upon  the  waters,  and  millions  of 
our  property  swallowed  up,  because  of  your  refusal  to  extend  that  amount  of  relief 
and  that  measure  of  protection  which  we  think  and  feel  you  owe  us.  We  cannot 
stand  idle,  and  silent,  and  unmoved,  when  we  see  you  squandering  millions  upon 
unnecessary  works,  and  know  that  we  are  to  suffer  in  consequence  of  a postponement 
of  our  reasonable  and  just  demands  by  being  coolly  told  that  the  Treasury  is 
exhausted. 

Mr.  President,  it  is  enough  to  raise  in  our  hearts  the  strongest  feelings  of  indigna- 
tion, when,  remembering  the  injustice  we.  have  been  made  to  bear,  we  see  millions, 


The  Extensions. 


533 


at  the  mere  Executive  bidding,  freely  poured  out,  not  with  the  avowed,  or  even 
acknowledged  purpose,  but  certainly  with  the  effect,  as  all  must  see,  to  fill  the  pockets 
of  certain  speculators  who  hover  about  this  city,  as  vultures  about  a carcass,  to  feed 
and  fatten  upon  the  Government;  filling  the  cities’  purlieus  and  the  Congressional 
galleries,  and  sometimes  its  lobbies,  and  making  up  that  outside  pressure  which  is 
annually  filling  the  Treasury  to  repletion  from  the  people’s  hard-earned  money,  but 
that  it  may  be  squandered  in  the  hopeless  task  of  filling  the  remorseless  daughters  of 
the  horse-leech,  whose  cry,  still  and  unceasing,  is  “Give!  Give!!” 

When  I speak  of  this  outside  influence,  and  of  people  in  the  galleries,  I do  not 
allude  to  the  laborers  who  have  been  employed  in  this  work  upon  the  Capitol.  No, 
sir;  they,  however  humble  they  may  be,  however  unfortunate  thay  may  seem  to  be, 
have  my  respect,  and  my  heart’s  strongest  sympathies.  But,  sir,  1 allude  to  that 
heartless  set — or  whose  hearts,  if  they  have  any,  are  as  hard  and  as  cold  as  the  blue 
stone,  and  as  worthless  as  the  mortar  in  those  walls  of  which  we  have  spoken — of 
that  set  who,  wrapped  in  the  hypocritical  garb  of  sympathy  for  the  laborer,  but  to 
cover  their  own  selfishness,  have  imposed  upon  these  poor  men,  and  would  now  use 
them  as  instruments  to  extend  their  own  obscene  grasp  still  deeper  into  the  public 
purse;  who  speculate  alike,  as  occasion  may  permit,  upon  the  necessities  of  the  labor- 
ing man,  and  the  sympathies  of  members  of  Congress;  and  who,  through  the  medium 
of  a hireling  press,  (not  all  the  press,  thank  Heaven, ) denounce  members  of  Congress 
wrhom  they  do  not  find  pliant  to  their  purposes,  and  seek  to  hold  them  up  to  the 
world  as  hard-hearted  and  unfeeling.  I wish  to  put  upon  the  record  this  expression 
of  the  opinions  and  feelings  I entertain  on  this  subject  ; so  that,  however  much  I may 
be  misrepresented  and  maligned  in  this  latitude,  for  doing  my  duty,  by  those  whose 
foul  pockets  I refuse  to  fill  out  of  the  public  Treasury,  I shall,  at  least,  convey  to  my 
plain  and  unpretending,  but  just-minded  and  honest-hearted,  constituents  at  home 
some  idea  of  the  true  state  of  things  here,  and  of  the  motives  which  govern  me,  and 
of  the  reasons  which  determine  my  votes. 

Mr.  Dodge.  I ask  for  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  accordingly  ordered. 

Mr.  Underwood.  I have  a few  remarks  only  to  make.  I sympathize  with  the 
honorable  Senator  from  Arkansas,  and  from  Iowa,  in  a great  deal  that  they  have  said. 
I have  asked  the  Senate  once  or  twice,  to  take  up  a measure  in  reference  to  our  West- 
ern waters,  but  have  not  been  able  to  succeed;  but  this  measure  has  come  up  without 
any  difficulty.  Notwithstanding  my  sympathy  with  them,  I see  the  day  is  coming, 
and  is  near  at  hand,  when  the  valley  which  they  and  I represent  in  common,  will  have 
a strong  voice  in  this  and  the  other  branch  of  Congress,  and  when  objects  which  we 
have  at  heart  will,  perhaps,  have  more  voices;  and  I hope  as  able  heads  to  support 
them  as  any  we  have  now. 

But,  notwithstanding  all  that  sympathy,  I shall  vote  differently  from  my  friends 
on  this  occasion,  and  I think  it  due  to  myself,  as  reluctant  as  I am  to  consume  the 
time  of  the  Senate,  to  state  why  I shall  differ  from  them.  1 do  it  because  it  is  not 
an  original  question.  I was  opposed  to  the  plan  of  extending  the  Capitol  in  the 
beginning;  but  you  have  commenced  the  work,  and  you  have  appropriated  money, 
and  expended  some  hundred  thousand  dollars  in  its  prosecution.  Now,  for  reasons 
assigned  by  the  Senator  from  Michigan,  [Mr.  Cass,]  for  the  stability  of  our  legisla- 
tion, for  the  prevention  of  oscillation,  which  would  place  us  in  a ridiculous  attitude 
before  the  public,  I am  willing  to  execute  the  plan  which  has  been  adopted. 

Suppose  you  begin  the  construction  of  a custom-house,  lay  its  foundations,  and 
spend  a hundred  thousand  dollars,  and  then  repeal  the  law;  suppose  you  begin  a 
marine  hospital,  and  expend  a hundred  thousand  dollars,  and  then  repeal  the  law — 
what  an  attitude  would  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  occupy  in  the  estimation  of 
the  American  people,  if  they  would  thus  dot  the  whole  country  over  with  public 
buildings  and  public  works,  partially  constructed,  and  then  abandon  them  and  the  law 


534 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


without  going  any  further?  Sir,  I think  we  should  lose  in  the  estimation  of  the  pub- 
lic more  by  presenting  such  a spectacle  than  by  spending  the  millions  which  perhaps 
we  may  have  to  spend  before  this  structure  is  completed,  although  I think,  like  my 
friends,  that  the  money  could  have  been  spent  infinitely  better  in  another  way.  As 
to  the  idea  of  fixing  the  seat  of  Government  here  by  this  expenditure,  it  will  not 
have  that  effect  whenever  the  West  think  it  best  to  have  it  removed.  You  can  not 
tie  it  down  by  dollars  and  cents.  I thought  it  necessary  to  make  these  few  remarks, 
in  order  to  account  for  my  vote. 

Mr.  Borland.  I am  glad  the  honorable  Senator  from  Kentucky  has  made  one  sugges- 
tion in  assigning  the  reasons  for  his  vote;  not  that  I think  it  a good  one,  nor  that  he 
will  insist  upon  it  as  good;  but  because,  in  connection  with  it,  I desire  to  call  the 
attention  of  the  Senate  to  one  fact.  He  exclaims,  what  an  attitude  the  Government 
will  be  placed  in,  if  it  begins  works  of  this  sort,  expends  money  upon  them,  and  then 
abandons  them!  He  asks  how  it  would  look  for  the  Government  to  commence  the 
erection  of  a custom-house,  and  expend  $100,000,  and  then  repeal  the  law,  or  aban- 
don the  work?  Does  he  not  know  that  that  is  precisely  the  course  which  has  been 
pursued  in  respect  to  improvements  on  the  Western  rivers?  Does  he  not  know  that  it 
has  caused  more  mischief,  and  the  loss  of  more  money  than  any  other  course  that 
could  have  been  pursued?  Such  a course  as  this,  in  regard  to  the  West,  was  and  is 
the  just  ground  of  complaint  against  the  course  pursued  by  the  last  Congress.  It  was 
the  custom,  in  former  Congresses,  to  appropriate  a small  sum,  enough  to  remove  a 
few  logs  from  the  rivers;  and  when  the  appropriation  was  exhausted,  did  they  make 
another?  No,  sir;  they  have  left  the  whole  Western  valley  “dotted  all  over,”  as  the 
Senator  expresses  it,  with  unfinished  works,  and  now  requiring  more  money  than  it 
would  have  taken  in  the  beginning  to  complete  them. 

Mr.  Underwood.  I hope  for  better  times. 

Mr.  Borland.  Sir,  it  is  too  late  for  the  Senator  to  say  that  the  Government  must 
not  put  itself  in  that  position  before  the  world, — that  its  reputation  repudiates  such 
a course.  So  far  as  precedent  is  concerned,  they  are  as  “plenty  as  blackberries.” 
And,  so  far  as  my  vote  is  concerned,  it  is  no  matter  to  me  whether  we  have  begun 
the  work,  or  how  much  we  have  expended.  If,  after  it  is  begun,  even  if  at  first  I 
had  approved  it,  I discover  that  it  is  improper  and  unnecessary,  I shall  vote  for 
abandoning  it;  while,  on  the  other  hand,  even  if  I had  opposed  it  at  first,  I should 
vote  for  it  now,  if  I found  it  proper  and  necessary.  Because  we  have  expended  a 
hundred  thousand  dollars,  or  half  a million  of  dollars  on  a work,  and  now  find  it 
unnecessary,  wherein  consists  the  reason  why  a million  more  should  be  wasted  on  it? 
Sir,  we  live  to  little  purpose,  if  we  are  but  to  follow  out  in  the  future  the  course  we 
have  pursued  in  the  past.  Shall  we  not  profit  by  our  own  experience?  It  seems  to 
me  that  the  argument  of  the  gentleman,  if  followed,  would  put  us  in  a strange  posi- 
tion indeed.  It  is  a new  version  of  the  doctrine  of  precedent,  which  involves  its 
advocates  in  inextricable  dilemmas. 

Mr.  Dodge.  If  I am  at  liberty,  I will  modify  my  amendment,  so  as  to  make  it 
$300,000,  instead  of  $250,000. 

The  President.  The  amendment  may  be  modified  in  the  manner  suggested  by  the 
Senator,  with  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  Senate. 

The  amendment  wras  accordingly  so  modified,  and  the  question  was  taken,  and 
resulted — yeas  16,  nays,  24. 

* * * 

So  the  amendment  was  rejected. 

Mr.  Borland.  I have  an  amendment  which  I wish  to  offer.  It  is  to  strike  out  all 
after  the  word  that,  and  insert  the  following: 

To  enable  the  proper  officers  of  the  Government  to  pay  the  laborers  who  have  been  employed  on 
the  entension  of  the  Capitol  the  same  amount  of  wages  which  they  would  have  received  had  they 
been  employed  up  to  the  present  time,  and  one  month’s  wages  in  addition. 


The  Extensions. 


535 


I do  this  to  present,  as  it  does,  my  views  and  feelings,  in  regard  to  the  laborers, 
whose  hardships  have  been  so  much  talked  of  here.  And  it  serves  me  with  an  occa- 
sion, too,  to  mark,  and  disprove  the  willful,  malicious,  and  slanderous  misrepresenta- 
tions of  my  motives  and  purposes,  which  have  been  made  through  the  Administration 
organ  in  this  city,  to  the  effect  that  I had  thrown  myself  before  the  hungry  mouths 
of  the  laboring  men,  and  deprive  them  and  their  families  of  the  means  of  support.  I 
wish  to  be  placed  right  on  the  record.  I have  no  opposition  to  the  honest  laboring 
men  of  the  country.  They  have  my  respect  and  sympathy.  But,  while  I would  take 
all  care  of  them,  and  protect  and  provide  for  them,  I would  mark,  with  the  strongest 
reprobation,  those  heartless  cormorants,  and  their  hireling  advocates,  who  feed  upon 
the  necessities  of  these  laboring  men,  and,  in  the  same  sordid  spirit,  would  speculate 
upon  the  bones  of  their  own  fathers. 

Mr.  Hale.  If  it  is  in  order  I desire  to  offer  an  amendment  to  the  amendment  of 
the  Senator  from  Arkansas. 

The  President.  It  is  not  in  order. 

Mr.  Borland.  I ask  for  the  yeas  and  nays  on  the  amendment  which  I have  just 
offered. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

Mr.  Hale.  I am  not  going  to  make  a speech,  but  I simply  wish  to  say  that  I shall 
vote  against  the  amendment;  and  if  it  is  not  adopted,  I will  move  to  add  it  as  an 
additional  section,  striking  out  the  words  at  the  end  of  it,  “one  month’s  additional 
wages.  ” 

The  question  was  then  taken,  with  the  following  result: 

Yeas—  * * * 7; 

Nays—  * * * 33. 

So  the  amendment  was  rejected. 

Mr.  Borland.  I have  an  amendment  which  I wish  to  offer,  by  way  of  a proviso,  to 
come  in  at  the  end  of  the  bill: 

Provided,  Nothing  herein  contained  shall  be  so  construed  as  to  authorize  any  officer,  or  agent  of 
the  United  States,  to  bind  the  United  States  by  contract,  beyond  the  amount  appropriated  by  Con- 
gress, or  to  sanction  any  such  contract  heretofore  made. 

I deem  that  an  important  amendment;  because,  if  the  bill  passes,  I wish  to  have 
it  properly  guarded.  I ask  for  the  yeas  and  nays  on  that  amendment. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

Mr.  Cass.  I am  altogether  in  favor  of  the  proposition  if  it  is  a proper  one;  but  I 
consider  it  unnecessary. 

Mr.  Seward.  What  right  have  they  to  do  so,  even  without  that  provision? 

Mr.  Cass.  The  only  question  is,  whether  they  could  do  so.  I am  in  favor  of  the 
principle  of  the  amendment;  but  would  not  the  adoption  of  such  an  amendment 
authorize  a general  impression  that  the  Administration  did  go  beyond  its  power? 
That  is  a thing  which  I do  not  believe.  I can  understand  that,  under  an  administra- 
tion a deficiency  may  occur  which  might  create  the  necessity  of  an  expenditure 
beyond  the  actual  appropriations  for  a specific  purpose.  It  might  be  necessary  to  go 
beyond  appropriations  to  keep  soldiers  from  starving;  but  I do  not  understand  the 
necessity  of  any  Administration  going  beyond  the  appropriation,  in  a case  of  this 
kind,  when  imperious  necessity  does  not  require  it,  and  when  Congress  does  not 
order  it.  I do  not  believe  the  Administration  has  done  it;  but  still,  if  any  one 
believes  it,  I am  willing  to  make  the  declaration  which  is  contained  in  this  amend- 
ment. 

Mr.  Hunter.  In  relation  to  the  power  of  any  Administration  to  make  contracts, 
I believe  it  is  defined  in  the  law  of  1820.  They  may  make  contracts  for  supplies  for 
subsistence  in  the  quartermaster’s  department,  and  for  certain  supplies  for  the 
Navy.  They  may  make  contracts  without  appropriations,  when  specially  authorized 


536 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


by  law,  and  not  otherwise.  But,  by  way  of  abundant  caution,  I am  willing  to  vote 
for  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Arkansas. 

Mr.  Hale.  I wish  to  say  a single  word  with  regard  to  the  practical  working  of  this 
principle.  I think  it  is  within  the  knowledge  of  the  Senator  from  Virginia,  [Mr. 
Hunter,]  that  Congress  once  appropriated  $250,000  for  a dock,  and  when  the  work 
was  stopped,  for  want  of  means  to  carry  it  on,  the  Administration  asked  and 
obtained  the  opinion  of  the  Attorney-General,  which  was  that  they  could  not  go  on. 
The  consequence  was  that  the  work  was  suspended  for  a whole  year,  because  they 
could  not  go  on  without  money.  I think  they  have  no  such  authority,  and  my 
objection  to  the  amendment  is,  that  if  It  is  adopted  the  bill  will  have  to  go  back  to 
the  House  of  Representatives,  and  it  will  be  a month  or  two  perhaps  before  the 
appropriation  can  be  made.  I am  in  favor  of  the  principle,  but  as  it  is  not  necessary 
to  declare  it,  I bope  the  amendment  will  not  be  adopted. 

Mr.  Underwood.  I am  afraid  that  the  gentleman’s  amendment  will  defeat  the  object 
he  has  in  view.  I agree  with  him  in  principle  that  such  things  ought  never  to  be  done. 
I do  not  believe  that  they  have  any  right  to  do  it;  and  if  this  bill  is  so  qualified  by 
inserting  this  provision,  how  will  the  matter  stand  hereafter?  It  will  be  as  much  as 
to  say,  that  unless  you  make  this  provision  in  every  bill  by  which  the  Administra- 
tion is  allowed  to  disburse  a certain  amount  of  money  hereafter,  that  Administration, 
for  the  time  being,  may  go  on  and  make  contracts  and  incur  expenses  ad  libitum. 
I am  not  ready  to  say  that;  and  it  seems  to  me  that  this  amendment  would  lead  to 
the  very  thing  to  which  the  gentleman  is  opposed.  I think  that  the  Executive  has 
no  such  authority  now;  and  by  the  adoption  of  that  amendment,  you  seem  to  me  to 
say,  and  the  legitimate  inference  will  be,  that  they  have  such  power.  I do  not 
believe  it. 

Mr.  Borland.  I think  I can  answer  the  Senators  from  Michigan  and  from  Ken- 
tucky without  difficulty,  and  very  briefly. 

The  Senator  from  Michigan  [Mr.  Cass]  says  that  he  sees  no  necessity  for  such 
an  amendment,  because  he  can  conceive  of  no  such  power  in  the  officers  of  the  Gov- 
ernment. I agree  with  him  that-  no  such  power  does  rightfully  exist.  But  this 
amendment  is  to  make  that  certain,  beyond  dispute — is  to  make  a positive  prohibi- 
tion of  this  power  which  is  not  possessed,  but  which  this  Administration  seems  to  be 
constantly  exercising.  Why,  sir,  in  the  answer  of  the  President  to  the  call  for 
information  as  to  the  contracts,  we  find  that  the  contracts  cover  the  whole  work  for 
five  years,  involving  some  millions  of  dollars.  Here  is  the  exercise  of  this  very 
power. 

Allusion  has  been  made  to  the  deficiency  bill.  In  that  we  have  proof  that  not 
only  have  contracts  been  made,  and  debts  contracted,  beyond  the  amount  appropri- 
ated, but  in  the  very  face  of  the  positive  and  express  refusal  of  Congress  to  make  the 
appropriations.  Why,  before  the  preparation  of  the  appropriation  bill  of  last  year, 
estimates  were  sent  in  from  the  Departments,  for  certain  amounts  for  the  public 
service;  and  after  a long  debate,  and  hard  struggle,  they  were  refused — that  is,  they 
were  much  reduced.  The  Administration  was  told,  in  the  most  solemn  forms  of 
legislation,  that  only  so  much  money,  and  no  more,  should  be  expended  in  certain 
branches  of  the  public  service.  Here  was  a positive  rejection  of  its  estimates.  Yet, 
in  despite  of  that,  we  find  this  same  Administration  setting  Congress  at  defiance — 
treating  its  laws  with  contempt,  and  spending  millions  of  the  public  money,  not  only 
without  authority,  but  in  defiance  of  an  express,  positive,  and  solemn  prohibition  of 
law.  And,  in  this  matter  of  the  Capitol,  we  find  again,  with  authority  of  law  to 
expend  but  $100,000,  obligations  upon  the  Government  have  heen  incurred  to  the 
amount  of  millions,  and  for  years  to  come.  Sir,  it  is  because  there  is  no  such  lawful 
power — and  yet  it  is  constantly  exercised — that  this  very  provision  is  necessary.  It 
is  to  arrest  and  prevent  this  flagrant  usurpation,  and  dangerous  abuse  of  power. 

I know  it  is  said  that  those  contracts  are  not  binding,  because  they  are  conditioned 
to  be  contingent  upon  the  appropriations.  Now,  sir,  we  know  very  well  what  that 


The  Extensions. 


537 


means.  We  know  very  well,  and  so  does  the  President  and  the  contractors,  that  if 
the  materials  be  furnished,  and  the  work  be  done,  whether  by  authority  of  law  or 
not,  we  will  pay  for  them.  Everybody  understands  that;  and  hence  the  readiness 
to  enter  into  these  contracts,  and  push  on  the  work  in  advance  of  appropriations. 
This  has  grown  to  an  abuse  which  it  is  necessary  now  to  arrest  and  remedy. 

I cannot  understand  how  the  amendment  to  this  bill  can  create  the  necessity  to 
attach  it  to  all  other  appropriation  bills;  but  if  it  should,  as  suggested  by  the  Senator 
from  Kentucky,  tend  to  “exclude  the  conclusion,”  he  apprehends  then,  it  will  be 
very  easy  to  put  it  upon  all.  It  is  proper  and  necessary  here,  and  ought  to  be 
adopted. 

Mr.  Mangum.  The  Administration,  as  I was  advised — and  I have  no  doubt  I was 
advised  correctly — or  the  managers  of  this  work,  whichever  you  please,  have  at  no 
time  exceeded  their  lawful  authority.  They  have  made  no  contract  in  violation  of 
the  authority  conferred  upon  them  by  the  clause  in  the  appropriation  bill  appro- 
priating $100,000  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Rusk.  Will  the  Senator  from  North  Carolina  allow  me 

Mr.  Mangum.  Yes,  sir,  in  a moment.  I was  about  to  say,  that  every  contract  that 
has  been  entered  into  with  the  view  of  having  materials  at  hand  where  the  work 
should  be  done,  has  been  made  on  the  express  condition  that  appropriations  shall  be 
made  by  Congress;  and  there  is  no  obligation  whatever,  either  upon  the  President 
or  upon  Congress  in  regard  to  these  contracts,  unless  Congress  shall  choose  to  make 
the  appropriations. 

One  other  remark.  I was  prepared  to  vote  for  the  amendment  of  the  honorable 
Senator  from  New  Hampshire  [Mr.  Hale]  when  it  should  be  offered,  but  I hope  he 
will  not  propose  it  upon  this  bill.  1 shall  vote  for  it  as  a matter  of  punishment  to 
ourselves,  for  having  been  delinquent  in  doing  our  duty  in  the  right  time.  I mean 
the  amendment  in  regard  to  the  payment  of  the  laborers.  I hope  the  Senator  will 
not  persist  in  his  amendment,  because  if  the  bill  is  not  passed  as  it  came  from  the 
House,  it  will  have  to  go  back  there,  and  will  be  much  delayed,  and  the  work  will 
never  be  got  under  way.  The  season,  the  public  interest,  the  advancement  of  the 
building,  every  consideration  requires  that  we  should  proceed  forthwith.  I trust, 
therefore,  that  the  amendment  will  not  be  offered  to  this  bill,  for  the  one  especial 
reason  I have  just  assigned. 

As  to  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Arkansas,  it  involves  a principle,  the 
truth  and  propriety  of  which  I have  never  heard  anybody  dispute.  But  we  under- 
stand from  gentlemen  who  are  no  doubt  well  informed  upon  this  subject,  that  the 
law  already  furnishes  sufficient  security  in  reference  to  this  matter;  and  why  should 
we  reenact  here  that  which  is  already  provided  for?  I do  trust,  therefore,  that  this 
amendment  will  not  pass,  for  it  will  send  the  bill  back  to  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives, and  delay  action  upon  it. 

Mr.  Gwin.  I do  not  intend  to  oppose  the  passage  of  this  joint  resolution;  but  if 
the  Senate  intends  to  prohibit,  or  withdraw  its  sanction  from,  the  contracts  which 
have  been  made,  it  is  absolutely  necessary  to  adopt  this  proviso.  I have  some  knowl- 
edge of  the  manner  in  which  these  contracts  are  made.  Contracts  have  been  made 
for  the  whole  of  the  materials  which  are  to  be  used  in  the  building.  To  be  sure, 
there  is  a proviso  in  all  these  contracts  that  they  shall  be  of  no  effect  to  an  amount 
beyond  the  actual  appropriations;  but  whenever  an  appropriation  is  made,  the  con- 
tracts hold.  I know  that  such  is  the  constant  practice  in  all  cases  of  this  description. 
I know  this  was  the  practice  when  some  of  our  large  custom-houses  were  built.  A 
contract  is  made  for  the  whole,  and  a proviso  put  in  that  the  contract  shall  not  be 
binding  unless  the  appropriations  are  made;  but  if  made,  it  stands.  If  we  intend  to 
prohibit  contracts  being  made  beyond  the  amount  of  the  actual  appropriations,  this 
proviso  is  absolutely  necessary;  for  if  it  is  not  put  in,  contracts  may  be  made  at  once 
for  the  whole  building  and  all  the  materials,  with  a proviso  that  they  shall  not  be 


538. 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


binding  until  the  appropriations  are  made,  but  that  when  the  appropriations  are 
made,  they  shall  be  binding. 

Mr.  Borland.  I know  that  the  provision  of  which  the  Senator  speaks  is  in  all  the 
contracts  which  have  been  made  for  materials  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol.  In 
each  of  the  contracts  there  is  this  provision: 

It  is  also  expressly  understood  and  agreed  by  the  parties,  that  if  Congress  shall  at  any  time  fail  to 
make  the  necessary  appropriations  for  the  execution  of  said  work,  then  and  in  such  case  the  execu- 
tion of  this  contract  shall  be  suspended,  without  thereby  creating  any  claim  on  the  United  States  by 
the  contractor. 

I know  that  is  in  all  these  contracts;  but  does  not  everybody  know  that  if  the 
work  and  labor  is  done,  we  will  recognize  it  and  not  deprive  the  individuals,  who 
have  done  the  work  and  furnished  the  materials,  of  payment,  although  .the  debt 
may  have  been  improperly  contracted?  This  clause  would  not  exonerate  us.  It 
would  in  a court  of  law;  but  it  would  not  exonerate  us  if  the  men  should  furnish 
the  labor  and  the  materials,  and  then  come  before  us  and  ask  for  payment.  In  that 
case,  would  we  refuse  it?  Who  believes  that  Congress  would  refuse  to  pay  for  labor 
and  materials  thus  furnished?  Is  there  a member  of  the  Senate  or  the  House  of 
Representatives  who  would  vote  against  paying  for  them  in  such  a case?  No  one 
could  do  it  in  conscience,  or  in  common  fairness.  Therefore  the  clause  in  the -con- 
tracts which  I have  read,  amounts  to  nothing  at  all. 

Mr.  Gavin.  The  gentleman  has  mistaken  my  argument  entirely.  I say  the  provisio 
is  necessary. 

Mr.  Clemens.  I shall  vote  against  this  amendment,  and  against  all  other  amend- 
ments which  may  be  offered  to  this  resolution.  As  I understand  it,  the  law  now 
prohibits  the  President  making  contracts  beyond  the  actual  appropriations.  Then 
if  you  put  this  clause  in  the  resolution,  you  do  not  strengthen  it.  If  he  will  disre- 
gard a law  already  in  existence,  what  is  to  prevent  him  disregarding  this?  If  you 
cannot  punish  him  for  disregarding  that,  how  are  you  to  punish  him  for  disregarding 
this?  How  do  you  strengthen  the  law  by  adopting  this  provision?  What  good  does 
it  do?  What  is  the  effect  of  it  but  to  send  the  resolution  back  to  the  House  of 
Representatives?  I shall  vote  against  it. 

Mr.  Rusk.  I shall  vote  for  this  appropriation.  I voted  to  reduce  it,  and  thought 
we  ought  to  have  done  so.  I believed  that  we  might,  perhaps,  have  produced  a 
little  economy  by  that  course.  The  greatest  abuses  that  1 have  noticed  in  my  short 
service  here  are  the  interminable  claims  that  are  created  by  these  agents.  You  make 
an  appropriation,  they  are  bound  by  law  not  to  go  beyond  it;  but  they  still  enter 
into  these  kinds  of  contracts,  by  which  a claim  is  created  against  the  Government. 
Gentlemen  may  say  it  is  not  a legal  claim;  that  it  is  made  conditional  upon  an  appro- 
priation of  Congress.  If  they  make  the  appropriation,  then  it  purports  to  be  a bind- 
ing contract.  It  is  true  that  they  may  make  another  contract.  But  here  they  have 
gone  on  and  contracted  for  the  whole  of  the  materials  for  the  building,  which  is  cer- 
tainly a reckless  extravagance  in  the  matter.  It  is  true,  under  the  law,  possibly  this 
contract  might  be  set  aside,  and  a new  one  made  if  cheaper  and  better  materials 
could  be  procured;  but,  then,  have  you  not  created  here,  in  the  very  teeth  of,  and 
contrary  to  the  law,  and  contrary  to  good  policy,  a sort  of  equitable  claim  that  will 
fill  your  galleries  with  agents  pressing  on  you  to  relieve  such  contractors  by  appro- 
priations of  money  as  damages?  It  is  the  greatest  abuse  in  this  Government,  and 
one  that  must  be  stopped,  or  it  will  ruin  it.  You  made  an  appropriation  some  time 
ago  for  running  the  boundary  line  between  the  United  States  and  Mexico.  You 
sent  a commissioner  there;  he  exhausted  that  appropriation,  and,  if  I am  correctly 
informed — and  I received  my  information  from  an  intelligent  gentleman — three- 
fourths  of  the  money  has  been  squandered  upon  objects  not  at  all  appropriate  to  the 
expedition;  and  here,  in  the  deficiency  bill,  is  an  appropriation  of  §80,000,  to  cover 
that  deficiency  which  has  been  expended  in  collecting  lizards,  bugs,  and  plants,  and 


The  Extensions. 


539 


one  nonsense  and  another,  which  he  was  attending  to,  whilst  the  commissioner  on 
the  part  of  Mexico  was  absolutely  cheating  him  out  of  a large  portion  of  valuable 
territory,  properly  belonging  to  us,  and  of  vast  importance  to  the  United  States. 
We  have  that  appropriation  to  make.  You  are  informed  by  the  quartermaster’s 
department  that  drafts  are  coming  in,  which  can  not  be  met,  constantly.  Well,  sir, 
it  is  time  to  stop  this  kind  of  expenditure. 

When  the  appropriation  of  $100,000  was  made,  what  gentleman,  who  voted  for  it, 
dreamed  that  a contract  or  contracts  with  favorites  (or  not,  I do  not  care;  it  makes 
no  difference,  because  I do  not  know  anything  about  the  contractors  or  about  the 
agents  employed;  but  still  it  is  opening  a door  which  may  be  used  improperly)  for 
several  millions  would  be  made  depending  simply  upon  the  appropriations  by  Con- 
gress, which,  I must  say,  have  always  heretofore  followed  too  much  as  a matter  of 
course?  We  are  embarrassed  in  regard  to  this  measure.  First,  I want  this  work  to 
go  on;  it  is  proper  and  right  that  it  should.  Next,  I want  to  relieve  these  laborers — 
these  men  who  get  but  a very  small  pittance  out  of  this;  and  in  order  to  effect  that 
object,  to  do  justice  to  these  few  laborers,- 1 am  bound  here  to  sanction  this  mon- 
strous assumption  of  making  contracts  for  several  millions  of  dollars,  to  extend, 
perhaps,  throughout  ten  years,  for  the  materials  to  be  used  upon  the  building  here. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I understand  from  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings of  the  House  of  Representatives,  who  has  given  more  time  to  the  examination 
of  this  matter  than  I have,  that  the  whole  amount  of  the  contracts  made  amount  to 
about  $419,000,  which  is  less  than  the  appropriation  contemplated  in  this  bill. 

But  I rise  to  another  question,  and  that  is,  as  to  the  propriety  of  this  amendment. 
I made  a statement  in  relation  to  the  law  of  1820;  the  section  is  a short  one,  and  I 
will  read  it  to  the  Senate: 

“No  contract  shall  hereafter  be  made  by  the  Secretary  of  State,  or  of  the  Treasury,  or  of  the  Depart- 
ment of  War,  or  of  the  Navy,  except  under  a law  authorizing  the  same,  or  under  an  appropriation 
adequate  to  its  fulfillment,  excepting  always  contracts  for  the  subsistence  and  clothing  of  the  Army 
or  Navy,  and  contracts  of  the  quartermaster’s  department,  which  may  be  made  by  the  Secretaries  of 
those  Departments.” 

The  exceptions  are  for  the  quartermaster’s  department,  the  subsistence  and  cloth- 
ing of  the  Army  and  Navy,  and  when  Congress,  by  a law,  authorizes  a contract  to  be 
made,  but  makes  no  appropriation.  The  difficulty  that  may  arise  in  relation  to  this 
law  is,  whether  it  is  such  a law  as  authorized  this  contract  or  not;  therefore  it  was, 
that  I said  that  out  of  abundant  caution  I was  disposed  to  vote  for  the  amendment  of 
the  Senator  from  Arkansas;  and  1 shall  do  so,  because  it  leaves  no  doubt  on  that 
question.  If  there  can  be  any  doubt,  it  must  arise  on  the  question  whether  this  is 
such  a law — if  the  joint  resolution  passes — as  will  authorize  a contract,  without 
appropriations.  If  the  amendment  is  passed,  it  will  leave  no  such  doubt.  They  will 
have  then  no  authority  to  make  contracts,  except  as  appropriations  are  made;  and  I 
think  that  would  be  the  safer  course;  I am,  therefore,  willing  to  accede  to  the  amend- 
ment, and  shall  vote  for  it. 

Mr.  Borland.  I,  perhaps,  owe  an  explanation  to  the  Senator  from  Texas,  as  it  was 
on  my  statement  he  based  some  of  his  remarks.  I stated  that  the  contracts 
amounted  to  some  million  dollars.  That  was  my  inference  from  the  report  which  I 
have  before  me,  which  was  made  in  answer  to  a call  of  the  Senate.  So  far  as  I have 
been  capable  of  understanding  that  report,  or  as  anybody  has  explained  it  to  me, 
the  contracts  cover  the  whole  work.  How  much  that  will  be,  I do  not  know,  and 
cannot  know;  and  I do  not  believe  we  have  any  evidence  that  will  enable  any  one 
to  know;  and  that  is  one  of  the  objections  I have  to  the  passage  of  the  resolution — 
that  it  is  a sort  of  entering  wedge  to  the  expenditure  of  money,  the  amount  of 
which  we  cannot  estimate.  How  much  it  will  be,  I do  not  know;  but  my  inference, 
and  the  only  inference  I can  draw  from  the  report  that  has  been  sent  in  to  us  embrac- 


540 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

ing  all  the  contracts,  is,  that  it  covers  the  whole  work.  If  it  does  not,  then  I atn 
incapable  of  understanding  the  report. 

The  question  being  taken  on  the  amendment,  by  yeas  any  nays,  resulted— yeas  24, 
nays  17;  as  follows: 

* * * 

So  the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Hale.  If  the  Chair  has  in  his  possession  the  amendment  which  was  offered 
by  the  Senator  from  Arkansas,  I will  now  offer  it  as  additional  to  the  amendment  of 
the  House. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I hope  the  Senator  will  bring  that  question  up  in  a separate  measure, 
and  not  as  an  amendment  to  this  resolution. 

Mr.  Hale.  I would  not  offer  it  but  for  the  fact  that  we  have  already  made  one 
amendment,  which  will  create  the  necessity  of  sending  the  resolution  back  to  the 
House. 

Mr.  Shields.  I have  drawn  up  an  amendment  which  I think  will  suit  the  gentle- 
man’s purpose.  It  is  to  add — 

“That  the  laborers  employed  upon  the  Capitol  shall  be  entitled  to  and  receive  pay  for  the  time 
during  which  the  work  was  suspended,  according  to  the  regular  prices  at  which  they  were  originally 
engaged.” 

Mr.  Hale.  I accept  that. 

Mr.  Hunter.  For  what  time  are  they  to  receive  pay? 

Mr.  Hale.  Up  to  the  present  time. 

Mr.  Hunter.  From  when? 

Mr.  Hale.  From  the  time  the  work  was  suspended. 

Mr.  Shields.  I understand  that  these  men  were  brought  here  by  advertisements 
which  were  published  inviting  them  to  come,  and  a stipulated  price  was  promised  to 
them.  They  have  been  kept  here  while  the  work  has  been  suspended,  and  have 
been  unable  to  obtain  employment.  I propose  to  pay  them  for  the  time  they  have 
been  kept  here  during  the  suspension  of  the  work. 

Mr.  Hunter.  For  the  whole  winter? 

Mr.  Shields.  I do  not  know,  nor  do  I care,  what  may  have  been  the  length  of 
time.  That  does  not  affect  the  question  whether  they  ought  to  be  paid. 

Mr.  Hale.  It  certainly  cannot  be  a new  principle  to  pay  men  who  have  been 
“ waiting  orders,”  and  I think  that  if  there  has  ever  been  a set  of  men  waiting  orders, 
it  is  these  workmen.  I understand  that  a great  many  of  them  have  been  induced 
to  come  from  a great  distance  by  the  advertisements  of  the  officers  of  the  Government. 
They  came  here  expecting  work.  They  have  been  here  during  the  whole  winter. 
They  are  out  of  money;  they  are  out  of  credit;  and  they  are  out  of  heart.  I trust 
that  we  shall  pass  this  amendment,  so  that  they  will  not  be  wanting,  in  all  respect, 
for  the  candor  and  good  faith  of  the  Government. 

Mr.  Seward.  I want  to  hear  the  amendment  read  again,  in  order  to  see  whether 
it  describes  who  are  the  workmen  to  be  paid,  and  whether  it  can  be  ascertained  at 
all  who  have  been  waiting,  and  will  be  entitled  to  claim  pay;  or  whether  all  the 
workmen  in  the  city  of  Washington  and  in  the  city  of  New  York  are  to  be  paid. 

The  amendment  was  again  read. 

Mr.  Weller.  I believe  some  of  the  workmen  went  home  and  are  engaged  in  other 
work. 

Mr.  Underwood.  I want  some  gentleman  who  has  examined  the  subject,  to  tell  me, 
if  he  can,  how  this  work  was  carried  on?  Was  it  done  by  contract?  Did  contractors 
engage  to  carry  on  the  work  and  employ  their  own  laborers?  or  was  it  done  by 
officers  of  the  Government,  who  were  charged  to  carry  on  the  work  ? I want  to 
know  what  was  the  nature  of  the  contract  under  which  these  men  were  employed 
before  I vote.  If  some  gentleman  can  inform  me,  I would  be  glad  to  receive  the 
information. 


The  Extensions. 


541 


Mr.  Seward.  I wish  to  ask,  also,  whether,  besides  the  laborers  who  have  been  out 
of  employment  who  are  to  be  paid,  those  who  may  have  found  employment  else- 
where, are  also  to  be  paid  by  the  Government? 

Mr.  Borland.  It  seems  to  me  that  this  question  is  very  easily  understood.  If  the 
officer  whose  duty  it  shall  be  to  execute  this  provision  of  the  law,  be  a man  of  com- 
mon sense — a man  of  common  fairness  and  honesty — he  will  have  no  difficulty  in 
carrying  it  out.  It  refers  to  the  laborers — not  to  the  superintendents,  but  to  the 
laboring  men  who  get  their  seventy-five  cents  or  a dollar  a day  for  their  manual  labor, 
in  erecting  this  building.  We  all  know  what  we  mean  by  laborers.  It  seems  to 
me  that  those  Senators  who  are  willing  to  make  this  large  appropriation  of  $500,000 
need  not  stop  at  all.  They  need  not  hesitate  to  pay  the  small  additional  sum 
which  is  proposed  to  be  paid  to  the  poor  men  who  have  been  kept  here,  and 
have  had  to  live,  with  their  wives  and  children,  on  expectation,  during  a long 
and  severe  winter.  Many  of  them,  I know,  are  almost  in  a state  of  starvation. 

I see  many  of  them  daily  who  are  fit  objects  of  relief.  I do  not  care  what  amount 
it  costs.  I would  vote  more  to  pay  them  than  I would  to  build  the  Capitol.  This 
appeals  more  strongly  to  my  sense  of  justice,  and  my  sense  of  public  duty,  and  our 
common  feelings  of  humanity.  I think  it  is  the  highest  obligation  that  can  rest 
upon  the  Government  to  relieve  the  necessities  of  those  men  who  have  been  brought 
here  without  authority,  as  I contend,  and  kept  here  without  authority,  but  not  by 
their  fault,  but  by  the  fault  of  those  whom  they  have  intrusted  with  the  power  and 
with  the  money,  to  whom  we  gave  credit  before  the  country  to  operate  upon  the 
minds  of  these  laboring  men.  We  have  incurred,  therefore,  an  obligation  which  we 
cannot,  in  my  opinion,  now  repudiate.  I,  therefore,  will  vote  for  this  amendment, 
if  it  costs  double  the  amount  that  it  is  proposed  to  appropriate  for  the  continuation 
of  the  work  on  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Underwood.  I must  try  again  to  get  some  information.  If  the  gentleman 
from  Arkansas  can  answer  my  question,  I would  be  very  glad  to  hear  from  him. 

Mr.  Borland.  I did  not  introduce  the  amendment — it  was  the  honorable  Senator 
from  Illinois. 

Mr.  Underwood.  I see  nothing  at  either  end  of  the  Capitol  but  some  stone  work 
which  has  been  done.  Now,  I want  to  know  whether  that  stone  work  was  let  out 
upon  advertisement  to  contractors,  or  whether  it  was  done  by  an  officer  of  the  Gov- 
ernment, employing  men  to  do  it?  I want  to  know  what  was  the  nature  of  the 
contract,  if  I can  get  at  it. 

Mr.  Seward.  It  was  done  by  day  labor. 

Mr.  Underwood.  If  the  gentleman  from  Arkansas  can  tell  me  the  nature  of  the 
contracts,  and  how  the  work  was  done,  I should  be  very  glad  to  obtain  the  infor- 
mation. 

Mr.  Borland.  If  the  gentleman  wishes  to  know  what  the  agents,  and  architects, 
and  superintendents  appointed  by  this  Administration,  have  done,  and  how  they 
have  done  the  work,  he  must  go  to  other  sources.  I have  no  means  of  knowing  it. 
The  gentleman  must  ask  his  political  friends,  who  are  carrying  on  this  work,  and 
are  now  asking  this  large  amount  of  money  at  our  hands  to  continue  it.  If  he  paid 
any  attention  to  the  remarks  which  I originally  made,  he  might  recollect  that  I 
stated  that  this  work  was  carried  on  at  an  expense  five  or  ten  times  as  great  as  it 
ought  to  have  been.  Whether  it  was  done  by  contract  or  not  I do  not  know;  but  I ' 
expect  it  was  done  by  day  labor,  and  that  the  superintendents,  getting  their  five 
dollars  a day  to  superintend,  took  especial  pains  to  emplo’y  as  many  laborers  as  they 
could,  and  to  keep  them  doing  as  little  as  possible.  I have  stood  myself,  for  an 
hour  at  a time,  and  looked  on  at  the  work;  and  I think  that  two  good  men  could 
have  done  more  labor  than  was  done  by  ten  at  that  time. 

Mr.  Underwood.  I have  made  various  inquiries  after  information  from  the  gentle- 
man from  Arkansas,  because  I thought,  from  his  connection  with  the  subject,  that 


542 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


he  would  be  enabled  to  give  me  the  information.  He  tells  me  I must  go  elsewhere 
and  hunt  it  up;  therefore,  I do  not  still  know  how  these  laborers  were  employed,  or 
by  whom  they  were  employed.  I do  not  know  what  contracts  were  made  on  enter- 
ing into  employment;  and,  in  the  total  ignorance  under  which  I labor  in  regard  to 
these  points,  the  gentleman  gets  up  and  says  that  the  laborers  are  entitled  to  claim 
against  the  Government  so  much  damages,  and  that  therefore  we  have  nothing  at 
all  to  do  but  to  pay  them.  I,  for  one,  cannot  legislate  upon  any  such  grounds.  I 
never  give  a vote,  unless  I know  the  propriety  of  giving  it,  and  see  that  there  is  jus- 
tice in  it.  If  these  laborers  have  been  employed  during  the  suspension  of  this  work, 
profitably  for  anybody  else,  and  made  double  as  much  as  they  are  to  receive  by  their 
contracts,  is  it  proposed  that  they  are  to  pocket  this  too?  Can  anybody  tell  me  any- 
thing about  it?  Are  we  to  vote  this  blindfold,  for  sympathy?  Why,  if  so,  it  is 
worse  than  any  material  aid  granted  to  Kossuth,  as  great  a humbug  as  I conceive 
him  to  be. 

Mr.  Gwin.  It  is  very  evident  that  this  work  has  all  been  done  by  day  labor. 
These  parties  are  not  contracted  with  at  all.  I take  it  for  granted  that  the  architect 
advertised  for  laborers — that  they  came  here,  and  that  they  were  employed  by 
the  day.  There  is  no  contract  about  it;  but  I conceive  this  to  be  a very  dan- 
gerous precedent.  If  you  pay  these  laborers  for  the  time  the  work  has  been  sus- 
pended,- you  will  have  to  pay  other  laborers  on  every  public  work  in  the  United 
States  when  it  is  suspended,  and  the  laborers  are  thrown  out  of  employment  in  con- 
sequence of  the  failure  of  the  appropriations.  Why,  the  chairman  of  the  Commit- 
tee on  Finance  knows  very  well  that  applications  are  being  made  to  us  constantly  to 
put  appropriations  in  the  deficiency  bill  for  such  objects,  because  it  is  said  if  we  do 
not  make  appropriations  now,  the  workmen  will  be  thrown  out  of  employment  at 
some  future  period.  There  will  be  a precedent  here  established  if  we  adopt  this 
amendment,  by  which  laborers  can  come  in  and  receive  compensation  during  the 
interval  after  one  appropriation  is  exhausted  until  another  is  made.  Such  applica- 
tions will  come  up  from  every  part  of  the  Union,  and  there  is  no  telling  what  amount 
of  money  it  will  cost  the  Government. 

Mr.  Cooper.  If  the  amendment  is  to  pass,  I think  it  ought  to  be  amended. 

The  President.  It  is  not  susceptible  of  amendment.  It  is  an  amendment  to  the 
amendment  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Shields.  I would  suggest,  then,  in  order  to  obviate  the  difficulty,  and  to  make 
it  reasonable,  to  insert  in  my  amendment,  after  the  words  “laborers  that  have  been 
employed,”  the  words,  “and  who  have  been  retained,  but  kept  out  of  employment.” 

Mr.  Cooper.  That  is  the  amendment  which  I wras  about  to  suggest. 

Mr.  Hale.  I am  willing  to  have  it  in  any  way,  so  that  we  may  get  a vote. 

Mr.  Shields.  Let  the  language  of  the  amendment  be,  “ laborers  who  have  been 
employed  and  detained  here  waiting  for  employment.” 

Mr.  Weller.  I know  a great  many  people  of  that  sort. 

The  President.  The  amendment  can  be  so  amended  by  unanimous  consent. 

Mr.  Hale.  I want  to  say  a word  in  answer  to  the  Senator  from  California.  I think 
he  has  taken  a mistaken  view  of  this  question.  Congress  frequently  suspend  work 
from  Thursday  to  Monday,  or  from  Friday  to  Monday.  I want  to  know  whether 
those  who  are  waiting  h.ere,  draw  for  Saturday  and  Sunday;  because  if  they  do,  there 
is  a precedent.  Further,  I have  been  informed  that  there  are  some  members  here, 
who  sometimes  suspend  labor  with  a view  to  go  home,  and  stay  some  two  or  three 
weeks.  I have  actually  heard  it  intimated  that  I have  done  that  very  thing. 
[Laughter.]  I want  to  know  whether  the  Secretary,  when  he  makes  up  the  pay 
roll,  deducts  the  per  diem  for  that  time.  I have  heard  it  said  further,  and  I think 
it  is  a fact,  that  members  of  Congress  who  receive  eight  dollars  a day,  do,  in  addi- 
tion to  that,  vote  themselves  a vast  amount  of  books,  which  cost  something  like 
$1,000.  I think  it  has  been  done  at  this  session  for  new  members.  And  what  do. 


The  Extensions. 


543 


we  do  here  besides?  At  the  end  of  every  session  we  vote  an  additional  compensa- 
tion to  laborers  who  have  been  here — not  waiting  pay — to  our  messengers,  clerks, 
pages,  and  everybody  else.  We  give  them  a donation  of  some  $250  or  $500,  and 
nobody’s  constitutional  stomach  is  disturbed;  but  when  we  come  to  the  mere  labor- 
ing man,  who  gets  but  little,  and  that  little  is  exhausted,  constitutional  objections 
rise  up,  like  Roderick  Dhu’s  men,  from  every  bush,  and  coppice,  and  hill,  so  thick 
that  it  is  almost  impossible  for  a man  to  make  his  way  through;  and  people  are  won- 
derfully in  want  of  information.  I wonder  why  gentlemen  do  not  want  information 
when  some  other  case  comes  up  than  that  of  the  day  laborer.  Look  at  the  Navy 
Register  of  men,  “waiting  orders,”  and  see  men  getting  $2,500  and  $5,000  a year, 
who  have  been  “waiting  orders”  almost  ever  since  they  came  out  of  their  cradles. 
There  are  no  constitutional  scruples  in  regard  to  that;  there  is  no  bad  precedent 
there;  but  is  a wonderful  bad  precedent  to  propose  to  pay  the  day  laborer  while  he 
has  been  “waiting  orders.” 

Mr.  President,  let  us  have  the  vote.  I am  sorry  that  I have  had  to  make  this 
speech.  I will  admit  any  modification  of  the  amendment,  with  the  sense  of  the 
Senate;  but  just  let  us  have  a fair  vote,  and  do  something  like  justice  to  men  who 
came  here,  who  left  their  homes,  and  who  have  been  living  on  what  little  they 
earned,  and  then  living  on  that  “hope  deferred”  which  “maketh  the  heart  sick” 
and  the  body  faint.  I trust  we  will  do  justice  to  them. 

The  President.  Does  the  Senator  propose  to  modify  his  amendment? 

Mr.  Hale.  Yes,  sir;  any  way  Mr.  Cooper  says.  [Laughter.] 

By  unanimous  consent,  the  amendment  was  modified  by  adding  the  following: 

“ Provided , That  they  shall  not  be  entitled  to  such  pay  unless  they  remained  unemployed  at  the 
seat  of  Government,  awaiting  the  appropriation.” 

Mr.  Rusk.  We  can  very  frequently  express  great  sympathy  for  the  suffering  of 
individuals,  and  in  our  conduct,  so  far  from  carrying  out  these  sympathies,  by  a 
particular  process  defeat  the  very  end  which  we  seem  to  have  in  view.  I regard  it, 
that  this  amendment  will  have  precisely  that  effect.  Here  are  a number  of  laborers 
that  have  been  thrown  out  of  employment.  That  fact  is  known.  The  contracts 
under  which  they  came  here  are  not  known.  We  are  not  in  a condition,  from  want 
of  information,  to  do  them  justice  at  all.  Suppose  that  we  adopt  this  amendment, 
and  it  gods  to  the  House,  does  anybody  suppose  that  it  will  not  be  discussed  there, 
and  that  it  will  not  delay  the  passage  of  the  joint  resolution?  Now,  sir,  whether  or 
not  is  it  better  for  these  men,  who  are  idle  and  wanting  work,  and  who  cannot  go 
on  from  the  want  of  this  appropriation,  which  has  been  delayed  week  after  week — 
many  of  whom  are  without  credit  in  this  city;  brought  here  by  the  Government, 
and  have  been  suspended  in  their  Avork — would  it  not  be  better  for  them  if  this 
resolution  passed,  without  this  embarrassment,  which  will  create  discussion,  and 
delay  the  passage  of  the  resolution?  There  will  be  a discussion  on  it,  beyond  all 
doubt,  in  the  House  of  Representatives.  The  passage  of  the  bill  will,  perhaps,  be 
delayed  two  or  three  Aveeks  longer  by  it.  Should  we  keep>  them  in  that  state  of 
starvation,  under  the  delusive  hope  that  they  are  to  get  some  extra  pay?  If  this  is  a 
claim,  (and  I apprehend  it  is  a good  claim  against  the  Government  of  the  United 
States — they  have  been  brought  here  by  the  Government,  and  have  been  thrown 
out  of  employment  by  it, ) it  can  be  put  in  another  bill,  and  not  embarrass  this. 

Mr.  LIale.  I want  to  say  that  I have  no  purpose  of  embarrassing  this  resolution  by 
offering  this  amendment.  I gave  early  information  that  I would  offer  it  but  upon 
the  suggestion  of  some  of  the  friends  of  the  resolution  that  it  would  embarrass  it  in 
the  other  House;  I refrained,  and  did  not  offer  it;  and  it  was  not  until  after  another 
amendment  was  agreed  to  by  the  \rote  of  my  friend  from  Texas,  who  has  read  me  so 
kind  a lecture,  which  created  the  necessity  of  the  bill  going  back  to  the  House,  that 
I offered  this  amendment.  Now,  sir,  if  some  gentleman  who  voted  for  that  amend- 
ment will  move  to  reconsider  it,  I will  be  willing  to  withdraw  this,  and  put  it  forward 


544 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


in  a separate  measure.  If  any  suggestion  is  made  to  the  effect  that  the  amendment 
will  be  reconsidered,  I will  withdraw  this. 

Mr.  Rusk.  1 cannot,  for  my  life,  see  that  the  amendment  which  has  been  adopted 
in  relation  to  preventing  gentlemen  making  contracts  upon  suppositions  of  appropri- 
ations hereafter  to  he  made,  can  meet  the  slightest  objection  in  the  House.  I under- 
stand the  only  objection  which  was  made  here  to  it  was,  that  it  created  the  necessity 
of  sending  it  back  to  the  House;  but  I am  utterly  mistaken  if  the  amendment  which 
is  now  under  consideration  would  n<  create  discussion  there.  I understand  from 
members  of  the  House  who  ought  to  know  all  about  it,  that  the  amendment  which 
we  have  adopted  will  not  create  any  discussion  there,  and  that  it  is  likely  this  one 
will. 

Mr.  Dodge,  of  Iowa.  I demur  to  arguing  about  the  amendment  which  has  been 
adopted.  I think  it  is  decidedly  a salutary  one,  and  I wish  to  hold  on  to  it.  More 
than  that;  I wish  to  defend  the  people’s  Representatives  from  the  imputation  which 
my  friend  from  Texas  makes  upon  them.  If  the  Senate,  with  its  aristocratic  feature, 
its  six  years,  and  everything  else,  does  an  act  of  justice  to  the  working  men,  I take 
it  that  the  more  immediate  Representatives  of  the  people  of  this  country  will  not 
dare  to  withhold  their  consent.  I have  no  fears  of  that  sort.  This  amendment  will 
pass  there  much  more  easily  than  it  will  pass  this  body.  I hope  we  shall  adopt  it. 
“The  laborer  is  worthy  of  his  hire.” 

Mr.  Seward.  I think  that  the  honorable  Senator  from  Arkansas,  who,  I believe, 
favors  this  amendment,  and  who  complained  of  the  interested  influence  which  is 
brought  to  bear  upon  Congress  by  the  gathering  of  these  laborers,  would  find  that  a 
stronger  influence  would  be  created  against  the  passage  of  this  resolution,  if  this 
amendment  should  be  agreed  to.  It  would  have  as  great  a tendency  to  make  a delay 
in  its  passage  as  any  that  was  ever  found  to  delay  a bill  before  Congress;  for  these 
laborers,  with  all  their  friends,  would  have  the  authority  of  the  Senate  for  the  posi- 
tion that  they  ought  to  be  paid  until  the  bill  passes,  if  it  should  be  in  August  or 
September,  just  as  much  as  if  they  worked  all  the  time. 

Mr.  Shields.  I merely  wish  to  make  a short  reply  to  the  honorable  Senator  from 
Texas,  who  seemed  to  intimate  that  this  amendment  was  intended,  perhaps,  to 
defeat  the  measure.  Certainly  I have  no  such  intention  as  that.  On  the  contrary, 
I look  upon  this  as  the  most  equitable  provision  in  the  whole  resolution,  and  cer- 
tainly I think  it  ought  to  meet  with  the  strongest  support  in  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives; and  I will  state  why  in  a few  minutes.  As  I understand  it,  these  men 
were  brought  here  by  public  advertisement.  They  were  promised  uninterrupted 
employment.  They  came  here.  When  the  appropriation  was  exhausted  they 
expected  to  he  employed,  and  they  were  kept  here  from  day  to  day,  as  I understand 
it,  by  the  agents  of  the  Government  who  had  the  control  of  this  work.  That  is  my 
understanding;  that  these  agents  expected  that  an  appropriation  would  be  made 
immediately  for  this  purpose;  they  did  not  want  to  break  up  the  arrangements  they 
had  made,  and  they  kept  these  laborers  here  from  day  to  day.  It  it  not  the  fault  of 
the  agents,  nor  of  these  men,  but  it  is  the  delay  of  Congress.  Now,  the  only  ques- 
tion in  a case  of  this  kind  is,  whether  it  is  just  and  equitable  to  allow  these  men 
daily  wages  for  the  time  they  were  thus  detained  by  officers  of  the  Government  for 
the  purpose  of  being  employed  upon  this  work? 

It  is  said  this  amendment  will  defeat  the  resolution,  as  it  will  have  to  go  to  the 
other  House.  I should  not  have  offered  or  insisted  upon  this  amendment  if  a pre- 
vious amendment  had  not  been  made.  But  it  goes  to  the  House  now,  and  if  they 
refuse  to  pass  this  amendment  and  it  comes  back  to  us,  and  gentlemen  are  anxious 
to  pass  the  resolution,  we  can  recede  from  it.  But  let  it  all  go  together  if  it  is  just. 

If  this  is  not  just,  vote  against  it  at  once.  If  these  men  are  not  entitled  to  pay  for 
the  time  they  have  been  kept  here  by  the  agents  of  the  Government,  waiting,  as  I 
have  already  said,  and  expecting  that  every  day  an  appropriation  would  be  made, 


The  Extensions . 


545 


then  reject  it;  but  if  it  is  just  that  they  should  be  paid,  then  let  all  go  to  the  House 
together,  and  let  us  see  how  the  House  will  act  upon  it.  My  impression  is,  that  this 
will  be  the  strongest  provision  in  the  resolution  when  it  goes  back  to  the  House. 

Mr.  Rusk.  In  the  few  remarks  which  I had  the  honor  to  submit  to  the  Senate,  I 
cast  no  imputations  upon  the  motives  of  any  one.  I am  not  in  the  habit  of  casting 
imputations  upon  any  one’s  motives.  I attempted  to  address  myself  to  the  effect  of 
the  provision.  Nor  did  I make  any  charges  against  the  representatives  of  the  people 
of  the  United  States. 

Mr.  Dodge,  of  Iowa.  If  my  friend  understood  me  as  making  any  assertion  of  that 
sort,  he  misunderstood  me  very  much.  I desired  simply  to  say  that  I had  not  the 
least  doubt  that  any  amendment  of  this  sort  which  we  might  adopt  would  be  readily 
adopted  by  the  other  House.  I made  no  sort  of  implication  against  the  Senator’s 
intentions. 

Mr.  Rusk.  I am  glad  to  receive  the  information,  though  I would  not  consider  it  a 
very  high  compliment  to  pay  to  the  House  of  Representatives  to  say  that  they  will 
do  nothing  but  register  the  Senate’s  decrees.  I have  not  the  least  objection  to  pay- 
ing these  laborers  what  is  equitable  and  right.  I will  vote  to  pay  them  whenever  a 
proposition  is  presented  of  a proper  character.  I will  be  one  of  the  first  to  vote  what 
I conceive  to  be  equitable.  Beyond  that  I will  not  go.  I will  go  that  far  whether 
there  is  one  laborer  or  a thousand  to  be  affected  by  it.  This  amendment  as  it  has 
been  modified,  is  in  these  words: 

“ That  the  laborers  employed  upon  the  Capitol  shall  be  entitled  to  and  receive  pay  during  the  time 
for  which  the  work  was  suspended,  according  to  the  regular  .prices  at  which  they  were  originally 
engaged:  Provided , That  they  shall  not  be  entitled  to  such  pay  unless  they  remained  unemployed  at 
the  seat  of  Government,  and  waiting  the  appropriation.” 

Now,  what  sort  of  an  amendment  is  that? 

Mr.  Brodhead.  It  is  all  right. 

Mr.  Rusk.  Some  gentleman  says  it  is  all  right.  Let  us  see  whether  it  is  or  not. 
Suppose  the  case  of  a man  with  a family,  who  was  engaged  on  this  work  at  two  dol- 
lars a day,  but  who  has  been  out  of  employment:  That  man,  if  he  properly  regarded 
his  family,  would  go  and  work  at  a quarter  of  a dollar  a day  if  he  could  not  get  more, 
in  order  to  endeavor  to  support  his  family;  and  yet  the  fact  that  he  did  get  employ- 
ment at  a quarter  of  a dollar  or  half  a dollar  a day,  would  exclude  him  from  the 
benefits  of  your  justice.  It  is  only  the  idle  man  who  will  not  employ  himself,  but 
who  goes  to  grog  shops  and  walks  about  the  streets,  who  is  to  get  the  benefit  of  this 
justice.  Will  not  the  House  of  Representatives  be  likely  to  discuss  a proposition  of 
that  sort?  The  objection  that  I have  to  it  is,  in  the  first  place,  that  it  embarrasses 
this  resolution,  and  in  the  next  place  that  it  is  not  digested  in  such  a form  that  I 
can  vote  for  it.  If  there  is  any  distinction  to  be  made,  I would  prefer  to  pay  the 
man  who  showed  his  industry  by  working  for  small  wages  when  he  could  not  get 
larger,  rather  than  reward  one  who  would  not  work  at  all. 

Mr.  Cass.  It  seems  to  me  that  this  is  a peculiar  case,  and  it  demands  peculiar  action. 
There  is  a great  number  of  laborers  who  have  been  invited  here  to  aid  in  a great  public 
work  for  which  an  appropriation  was  made.  They  have  been  collected  in  this  Dis- 
trict, where  there  is  very  little  demand  for  labor,  and  being  thrown  out  of  employ- 
ment, they  become  necessarily  destitute  of  the  means  of  support.  This  is  not  like  a 
large  city,  such  as  Philadelphia  or  New  York,  where  labor  is  constantly  in  demand; 
but  being  thrown  out  of  employment  here,  they  have  no  means  of  livelihood.  We 
have  been  in  session  for  over  four  months.  The  appropriation  made  for  this  object 
has  long  since  been  exhausted.  We  have  suffered  time  to  pass  on  without  making 
another  appropriation,  and  I feel  myself  responsible  for  it  to  some  extent.  Some 
two  months  since,  or  more,  some  of  these  very  men  came  to  me,  and  I told  them  that 
I expected  we  would  make  an  appropriation  immediately.  I encouraged  them  to 

H.  Rep.  646 


35 


546 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


remain,  inasmuch  as  an  appropriation  would  certainly  be  made  in  a few  days. 
But  I have  been  deceived;  the  measure  has  been  delayed  until  the  session  is  half 
over,  without  any  good  reason  under  heaven  why  we  have  not  made  the  appropria- 
tion. Under  these  circumstances  I am  willing  to  pay  a just  and  reasonable  com- 
pensation to  these  men.  I think  an  honest,  and  just,  and  reasonable  man  would  do 
it  in  his  own  case.  If  he  had  collected  together  a large  number  of  laborers,  and  they 
had  been  thrown  out  of  employment  in  consequence  of  pure  neglect  on  his  part,  I 
think  he  would  do  so.  I think  the  amendment  is  sufficiently  guarded.  At  first  I 
thought  it  provided  for  all  the  laborers,  but  it  only  provides  for  those  who  have 
been  unemployed,  and  who  have  been  thrown  out  of  employment  by  the  action  of 
the  Government,  and  had  no  means  of  subsistence.  I am  willing  to  go  that  far; 
but  certainly  men  who  have  been  employed  elsewhere  in  the  mean  time,  ought  not 
to  be  paid  by  the  Government. 

Mr.  Shields.  I merely  wish  to  state  that,  in  1839,  there  was  a precisely  similar 
provision  made  for  the  laborers  on  the  Treasury  Building.  It  is  in  these  words: 

"Resolved  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America  in  Congress  assem- 
bled, That  the  commissioners  appointed  by  the  President  of  the  United  States  to  superintend  the  pros- 
ecution of  the  work  on  the  construction  of  the  new  Treasury  Building,  be  and  they  are  hereby 
authorized  to  examine  the  claims  of  the  workmen  to  indemnity  for  the  loss  of  their  time  during  the 
suspension  of  the  work  upon  said  building  by  order  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  pending  the 
question  before  Congress  on  the  bill  reported  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  providing  for 
the  removal  of  the  walls  of  the  Treasury  Building,  and  the  erection  of  a fire-proof  building  for  the 
Post  Office  Department,  and  that  said  commissioners  allow  to  such  of  said  workmen  respectively  as 
were  suspended  from  labor  during  the  pending  of  said  appropriation  bill,  with  the  encouragement 
and  under  an  authorized  assurance  that,  upon  the  decision  thereof,  their  labor  would  again  be 
required  by  the  Government,  and  who  intermediately  had  no  opportunity  of  obtaining  employment 
in  the  city  of  Washington,  such  reasonable  indemnity  for  the  loss  of  wages  for  labor  during  the  sus- 
pension of  the  work,  as,  under  the  circumstances  of  their  respective  cases,  justice  and  equity  may 
require;  not  exceeding,  however,  in  any  case,  the  average  rate  of  the  earnings  of  said  workmen  in 
the  employment  of  the  Government  for  a like  preceding  period  of  time.” 

Mr.  Rusk.  If  the  Senator  will  put  the  amendment  in  that  form,  I shall  vote  for  it. 

Mr.  Shields.  I wish  to  offer  it  in  that  shape. 

Mr.  Rusk.  It  is  not  in  that  form  now. 

The  President.  With  the  consent  of  the  Senate,  the  amendment  before  offered' 
can  be  withdrawn,  and  this  substituted  in  its  place. 

There  being  no  objection,  the  amendment  was  so  modified. 

Mr.  Underwood.  There  is  a precedent  which,  like  the  gentleman  from  Texas,  I 
am  willing  to  follow.  I am  not  willing  that  these  laborers  should  suffer  from  any 
violation  of  a contract  on  the  part  of  the  Government,  or  on  the  part  of  the  agents 
of  the  Government,  that  has  been  legitimately  entered  into  with  them.  Not  at  all. 
They  are  entitled  to  their  damages  for  a violation  of  that  contract,  as  much  so  as  if 
it  were  made  with  me;  and  I am  for  paying  them  under  such  circumstances.  But  I 
have  objected  from  the  beginning  that,  under  what  I think  a sympathy  misplaced 
upon  the  occasion,  Senators  get  up  here  and  offer  an  amendment  not  at  all  matured 
in  any  of  its  bearings,  and  we  are  called  upon  to  adopt  it  without  knowing  what  we 
are  voting  for.  Now,  if  you  will  not  embarrass  this  resolution,  introduce  a propo- 
sition according  to  the  precedent,  or  even  appoint  a committee  of  Congress,  if  you 
choose  to  investigate  it  in  that  way;  or  name  any  set  of  individuals  of  respectable 
standing  in  the  city,  to  make  the  investigation,  and  I will  pay  these  laborers  every 
cent  to  which  they  are  entitled  most  cheerfully.  But  I think  it  is  ill-timed  and  ill- 
placed  to  attempt  to  embarrass  this  resolution  in  this  way,  in  this  hasty  manner, 
and  it  ought  not  to  be  done. 

Mr.  Gwin.  The,  law  of  1839,  which  has  been  read,  was  a separate  law,  providing 
for  the  payment  of  laborers  who  had  been  employed  on  the  Treasury  Building. 
Why  incumber  this  resolution  with  such  a proposition?  1 am  opposed  to  putting  it 
into  it;  I think  it  will  jeopardize  the  resolution. 


The  Extensions. 


547 


Mr.  Shields.  I ask  the  yeas  and  nays  on  1113'  amendment. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

The  President.  The  amendment  will  have  to  undergo  great  modification.  The 
resolution  in  the  book  which  has  been  read,  and  which  has  been  offered,  relates  to 
another  matter,  and  is  not  applicable  to  this. 

Mr.  Shields.  It  will  only  be  necessary  to  change  a very  few  words. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I would  like  to  suggest  to  the  gentlemen  who  are  pressing  this  amend- 
ment, that  this  is  probably  a new  principle  which  they  are  introducing.  The  work 
was  stopped  in  the  winter,  and  those  workmen  who  have  been  employed  at  day  labor 
remained  in  the  city  under  the  hope  of  being  again  employed  in  the  spring.  We  did 
not  make  an  appropriation  so  soon  in  the  spring  as  I think  we  ought  to  have  done, 
and  I desired  we  should  do;  but  the  question  arises  whether  we  ought  to  pay  them 
for  the  whole  of  the  time  they  have  been  waiting  and  took  the  chances  like  every- 
body else?  If  we  adopt  this  principle,  will  it  not  apply  to  every  other  public  work 
which  is  suspended?  Will  we  not  then  have  to  pay  the  workmen  who  may  say  they 
have  been  waiting  until  an  appropriation  shall  have  been  made?  This  is  a very  im- 
portant principle  which  we  are  establishing.  I hope  it  will  not  be  ingrafted  in  this 
resolution.  I trust  gentlemen  will  not  embarrass  this  measure  by  forcing  us  to  vote 
on  this  amendment.  If  they  want  to  have  this  carried  through,  let  them  bring  it 
forward  in  a separate  measure,  where  the  merits  of  the  claim  can  be  examined  and 
separately  passed  upon,  and  let  this  bill  go  as  it  now  stands.  I hope  gentlemen  will 
not  press  the  amendment,  but  will  withdraw  it,  and  allow  us  to  pass  the  original 
measure. 

Mr.  Borland.  There  seems  to  be  great  objection  to  adopting  the  amendment  to 
pay  these  day  laborers  for  work  which  they  have  not  actually  done.  Now,  look  at 
the  architect — look  at  the  superintendent,  getting  their  $2,000  or  $3,000  a year,, 
whether  they  are  employed  or  not.  You  do  not  propose  to  stop  their  pay  because 
they  have  not  been  employed.  You  do  not  propose  to  stop  the  $3,000  or  $5,000  per 
annum  which  the  architect  gets,  or  the  $2,000  which  one  superintendent  gets,  or  the 
$1,000  which  another  superintendent  gets.  Gentlemen  do  not  look  at  that.  They 
do  not  propose  to  cut  off  their  pay  because  they  have  no  employment,  and  have 
been  lounging  about  as  idly  as  the  day  laborers.  I cannot  understand  how  it  is  that 
gentlemen  find  such  difficulties  in  the  way  of  paying  a dollar  a day  to  the  laborers 
who  have,  without  any  fault  of  their  own,  been  kept  here  waiting,  feeding  on  expec- 
tation, from  day  to  day.  I admit  that  it  is  very  unsubstantial  food,  and  not  enough 
to  support  them  and  their  wives  and  children.  The  superintendents  of  this  work 
get  their  pay  per  annum.  We  are  giving  them  from  $2,000  to  $3,000  a year,  whether 
they  work  or  not,  and  there  is  no  difficulty  in  the  way  of  that. 

While  I am  up,  I would  answer  the  inquiry  made  by  the  honorable  Senator  from 
Kentucky  a while  ago,  with  regard  to  the  amount  of  information  I have  on  the  sub- 
ject of  these  contracts.  He  asks  me  where  the  contracts  are?  Here  they  are.  Upon 
the  resolution  introduced  by  me,  the  President  has  sent  in  what  purports  to  be  copies 
of  all  the  contracts  which  have  been  entered  into.  I have  looked  through  them, 
and  I see  not  one  word  on  the  subject  of  laborers;  and  I take  it  for  granted,  there- 
fore, that  they  are  employed  by  the  day.  There  are  contracts  covering  every  sort 
of  work — stone,  sand,  lime — everything  but  labor.  There  is  no  contract  in  regard 
to  labor.  1 take  it  for  granted,  therefore,  that  the  officer  of  the  Government 
employed  the  laborers  by  the  day. 

Mr.  Badger.  My  friend  from  Illinois  having  moved  this  amendment  suddenly, 
without  making  the  verbal  alterations  necessary  to  make  it  applicable  to  the  present 
case,  I ask  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  Senate  that  it  may  be  modified  by  striking 
out  the  inapplicable  words,  and  inserting  words  applicable  to  the  present  case;  so  as 
to  make  it  read,  instead  of  “ the  commissioners  appointed,”  &c.,  “ that  the  architect 
appointed  by  the  President  of  the  United  States  to  superintend  the  prosecution  of 


548 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


the  additions  to  the  Capitol,  be  authorized,”  &c. ; and  then,  instead  of  “during  the 
suspension  of  the  work  upon  said  building  by  order  of  the  President  of  the  United 
States,”  insert  “ during  the  suspension  of  the  work  upon  said  building  for  want,  of 
an  appropriation;”  and  put  in  the  word  “architect,”  in  place  of  “commissioners,” 
where  it  again  occurs;  so  that  the  amendment  shall  read: 

"That  the  architect  appointed  by  the  President  of  the  United  States  to  superintend  the  prosecution 
of  the  work  in  the  construction  of  the  additions  to  the  Capitol,  be,  and  he  is  hereby,  authorized  to 
examine  the  claims  of  the  workmen  to  indemnity  for  the  loss  of  their  time  during-  the  suspension  of 
the  work  upon  said  building  for  want  of  an  appropriation;  and  that  the  said  architect  allow  to  such  of 
said  workmen  respectively  as  were  suspended  from  labor  during  the  pendency  of  said  appropriation 
bill,  with  the  encouragement  and  under  the  authorized  assurance,  that  upon  the  decision  thereof 
their  labor  would  again  be  required  by  the  Government,  and  who  intermediately  had  no  opportu- 
nity of  obtaining  employment  in  the  city  of  Washington,  such  reasonable  indemnity  for  the  loss  of 
their  wages  for  labor  during  the  suspension  of  the  work,  as  under  the  circumstances  of  their  respec- 
tive cases  justice  and  equity  may  require;  not  exceeding,  however,  in  any  case,  the  average  rate  of 
the  earnings  of  said  workmen  in  the  employment  of  the  Government  for  a like  preceding  period  of 
time." 

There  being  no  objection,  the  amendment  was  so  modified. 

Mr.  Badger.  I think  another  verbal  alteration  is  required  in  the  amendment — to 
substitute  for  the  words  “ during  the  suspension  of  the  work,”  the  words  “from  the 
suspension  of  the  work  to  the  making  of  the  appropriation.” 

Mr.  Underwood.  I think  that  is  exactly  right;  but  I put  it  to  the  friends  of  the 
workmen,  whether  it  would  not  be  better  to  pass  this  amendment  as  a separate  and 
independent  measure,  rather  than,  by  sending  it  to  the  House  of  Representatives, 
delay  the  passage  of  the  original  resolution? 

Mr.  Gwin.  I am  willing  to  vote  for  this  amendment  as  a separate  measure;  but  I 
am  not  willing  to  put  it  in  this  resolution  to  embarrass  it. 

Mr.  Dodge,  of  Iowa.  As  one  of  the  friends  of  the  workingmen,  I say  let  this  be  a 
part  of  this  resolution.  It  is  legitimate  to  the  subject.  This  is  a resolution  to  con- 
tinue the  work  upon  the  two  wings  of  the  Capitol.  These  workmen  have  been 
engaged  upon  that,  and  therefore  this  amendment  is  appropriate  to  the  resolution. 

Mr.  Rusk.  I regard  that  as  a very  important  compromise,  which  was  made  with 
the  laborers  upon  the  Treasury  Building  in  1839;  and,  as  the  order  of  the  day  is  the 
finaltv  of  compromises,  I shall  vote  for  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Adams.  I merely  want  to  inquire  how  often  a Senator  has  the  right  to  speak 
upon  the  same  day  upon  the  same  subject? 

The  President.  Only  twice,  if  it  is  objected  to. 

Mr.  Badger.  I wish  to  suggest  another  verbal  amendment  in  this  amendment, 
which,  it  appears  to  me,  may  be  necessary.  There  is  in  it  a clause  providing  for  the 
payment  of  these  laborers  “during  the  pendency  of  said  appropriation  bill,  upon  the 
encouragement  and  under  an  authorized  assurance  that,  on  the  decision  thereof, 
their  labor  would  again  be  required,”  &c.  I think  perhaps  it  would  be  better  to 
strike  out  the  words,  “ under  an  authorized  assurance.” 

The  President.  It  requires  unanimous  consent  to  make  that  change. 

Mr.  Gwin  and  others  objected. 

Mr.  Badger.  Then  it  will  do  well  enough  as  it  is. 

Mr.  Dodge,  of  Iowa.  I must  express  my  extreme  regret  that  my  friend  from  Cali- 
fornia will  not  allow  the  Senator  from  North  Carolina,  who  has  come  to  the  side  of 
the  workingmen  on  this  occasion,  to  modify  the  amendment  in  the  mode  he  has 
proposed. 

The  President.  The  objection  did  not  come  alone  from  the  Senator  from  California; 
other  Senators  objected. 

The  question  being  taken,  by  yeas  and  nays,  on  the  amendment  offered  by  Mr. 
Shields  to  the  amendment  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  resulted— yeas  29,  nays 

15;  * * * 

So  the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 


The  Extensions. 


549 


Mr.  Adams.  We  have  already  adopted  a proviso  prohibiting  officers  of  the  Gov- 
ernment from  making  contracts  beyond  the  actual  appropriations.  I think  it  would 
be  proper  to  add  some  penalty  for  a violation  of  that  provision,  and  therefore  I 
move  to  amend,  by  inserting  after  the  proviso  that  we  have  adopted,  the  following: 

“And  that  if  any  person  or  persons  shall  violate  the  provisions  of  this  proviso,  he  or  they  shall  be 
liable  to  indictment  in  any  court  having  jurisdiction  of  criminal  offenses,  and  on  conviction,  shall 
be  removed  from  office,  and  confined  in  the  penitentiary  for  a term  not  exceeding  five  years." 

Mr.  Hamlin.  I desire  to  learn  from  my  friend,  whether  that  would  not  subject 
the  Senate,  who  have  already  voted  for  the  amendment  just  adopted,  to  indictment. 
It  strikes  me  that  it  might.  We  adopt  a provision  that  the  Departments  or  the 
President  shall  not  make  a contract  beyond  the  amount  of  appropriation.  Now,  we 
have  just  voted  large  sums  to  a certain  class,  who  have  labored — who  have  remained 
here  without  any  appropriations — and  hence  we  have  supposed  that  a debt  has  been 
incurred  by  these  officers,  which  the  very  provision  we  have  adopted  to-day  pro- 
vides they  shall  not  have  the  power  to  create.  Most  clearly,  therefore,  I think 
Senators  themselves  may  thus  be  subjected  to  indictment  under  this  provision. 

Mr.  Adams.  I will  answer  the  Senator.  The  gentleman  did  not  notice  the  pro- 
viso offered  by  the  Senator  from  Arkansas,  and  which  has  been  adopted  by  the 
Senate,  or  he  would  have  perceived  that  there  was  no  penalty  affixed  to  its  violation. 
If  I understand  the  proviso,  it  prohibits  only  persons  making  contracts  in  behalf  of 
the  Government,  to  an  amount  not  exceeding  the  appropriations  actually  made. 
But  the  proviso  affixed  no  penalty  to  its  violation.  The  amendment  which  I offer 
proposes  to  fix  a penalty,  not  to  past,  but  to  future  offenses.  Congress  cannot  violate 
the  law.  How  does  the  Senator  say  that  they  can?  Congress  is  the  law-making 
power.  If  it  modifies  the  law,  its  modification  becomes  the  law.  Congress  cannot 
violate  the  law.  It  is  the  authority— the  legislative  body — to  make  the  laws. 

What  use  is  there  in  adopting  a provision  that  contracts  shall  not  be  made  beyond 
the  amount  of  the  appropriations,  if  you  do  not  affix  a penalty  to  a violation  of  the 
provision?  As  has  been  suggested,  a law  was  passed  before  prohibiting  any  such 
thing;  but  there  was  no  penalty  affixed  to  it;  hence  we  see  that  it  has  been  done,  not- 
withstanding the  law.  Now,  my  amendment  is  only  to  affix  a penalty  to  a violation 
of  the  law. 

Mr.  Borland.  I should  like  to  have  the  yeas  and  nays  on  that  amendment. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered,  and,  being  taken,  resulted — yeas  12,  nays  28. 
* * * 

So  the  amendment  was  not  agreed  to. 

The  President.  The  question  now  is  on  concurring  with  the  amendment  of  the 
House  of  Representatives  as  amended. 

Mr.  Hale.  Is  the  resolution  now  in  committee  or  in  the  Senate? 

The  President.  Neither.  The  question  before  the  Senate  simply  is  on  adopting 
the  amendment  of  the  House  of  Representatives  as  it  has  been  amended.  The 
Senate  passed  the  resolution  originally.  It  was  sent  to  the  House,  there  amended, 
and  returned  to  the  Senate  with  an  amendment.  The  question  now  is  on  concurring 
with  the  amendment  as  amended. 

Mr.  Hale.  I had  supposed  that  we  were  considering  the  resolution  as  in  Committee 
of  the  Whole,  and  that  it  was  now  in  the  Senate. 

The  President.  The  question  is  simply  on  the  amendment  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives as  amended;  and  that  does  not  go  through  the  stages  of  a bill. 

Mr.  Hale.  Is  it  in  order  to  move  to  amend  the  amendment  as  amended? 

The  President.  It  is  in  order  to  add  to  it. 

Mr.  Hale.  Is  it  in  order  to  move  to  strike  out? 

The  President.  It  is  in  order  to  move  to  strike  out  any  portion  which  has  not  been 
inserted  by  the  Senate. 


550 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Hale.  I want  to  put  one 'other  question  to  the  President.  Is  it  in  order  to 
move  to  concur  in  the  amendment  as  amended,  with  an  exception? 

The  President.  No,  sir. 

Mr.  Badger.  I suppose  the  question  comes  up  on  these  various  amendments  which 
have  been  agreed  to,  whether  the  Senate  will  concur  in  them? 

The  President.  That  is  the  question. 

Mr.  Badger.  Upon  that  point  I wish  to  say  a word.  I wish  to  suggest  to  gentle- 
men who  are  in  favor  of  the  appropriation,  that  we  should  not  concur  in  the 
amendments  which  have  been  made;  but  that  we  should  permit  the  resolution  to 
pass  without  incumbering  it. 

The  President.  The  Senator  will  not  get  at  his  object  by  not  concurring;  for  if  the 
amendments  are  not  concurred  in,  the  amendment  of  the  House  of  Representatives 
will  be  rejected. 

Mr.  Hale.  The  Senator  can  move  to  reconsider. 

Mr.  Badger.  I did  not  vote  in  favor  of  it,  therefore  I cannot  make  the  motion. 
But  I will  let  it  go. 

Mr.  Borland.  I wish  to  know  if  the  vote  we  are  about  to  take  now  is  on  adopting 
the  amendment  as  it  comes  to  us  from  the  House? — whether  it  is  the  final  vote? 

The  President.  It  is  the  final  vote;  but  it  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  as  it  has  been  amended. 

The  amendment  of  the  House  of  Representatives  as  amended  was  concurred  in. 


[“No.  7. — A Resolution  to  authorize  the  Continuance  of  the  Work  upon  the  two  Wings  of  the  Capitol,’" 
approved  Apr.  14,  1S52.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  10.  146.)] 

Resolved  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America  in 
Congress  assembled,  That  there  be  and  hereby  is  appropriated,  out  of  any  money  in 
the  treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated,  for  the  period  between  the  passage  of  this 
resolution  and  the  end  of  the  fiscal  year  terminating  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hun- 
dred and  fifty-three,  the  sum  of  five  hundred  thousand  dollars,  for  the  continuance 
of  the  work  on  the  two  wings  of  the  Capitol:  Provided,  Nothing  herein  contained 
shall  lie  so  construed  as  to  authorize  any  officer  or  agent  of  the  United  States  to  bind 
the  United  States  by  contract  beyond  the  amount  appropriated  by  Congress,  or  to 
sanction  any  such  contract  heretofore  made. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Aug.  6,  1852.  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 1,  p.  2100.] 

ABUSES  IN  THE  PROSECUTION  OF  CLAIMS. 

Mr.  Houston.  I offer  the  following  resolution,  and  ask  the  unanimous  consent  of 
the  Senate  to  have  it  considered  at  this  time: 

Resolved,  That  a committee  of  five  be  appointed  by  the  President  of  the  Senate  to  inquire  into 
abuses,  bribery,  or  fraud,  in  the  prosecution  of  claims  before  Congress,  commissions,  or  the  Depart- 
ments, or  in  passing  through  Congress  bills  embracing  private,  individual,  or  corporate  interests,  or 
in  obtaining  or  granting  contracts;  and  that  said  committee  have  power  to  send  for  persons  and 
papers,  and  examine  witnesses  under  oath. 

* * * 

The  resolution  as  modified  was  adopted. 

* * * 

The  President.  Messrs.  Houston,  Borland,  Underwood,  Meriwether,  and 
Brooke,  will  be  considered  as  the  members  of  the  committee,  if  such  is  the  pleasure 
of  the  Senate. 

[“Agreed!”  “Agreed!”] 


The  Extensions. 


551 


No  objection  was  made,  and  the  committee  was  so  constituted. 

[The  report  of  this  committee’s  investigation,  covering  216  printed  pages,  in  which 
the  construction  of  the  Capitol  Extension  figures  largely,  was  made  by  Senator  Bor- 
land, Mar.  22,  1853,  at  the  special  session  of  the  Senate.  (See  Senate  Rep.  Com. 
No.  1,  special  session  33d  Congress:  Senate  Documents  special  session,  1853.)] 


Annual  report  of  Thomas  M.  Walter,  Architect  of  Public  Buildings,  Dec.  1,  1852.  (32 — 2,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  Xo.  1,  pt.  1,  p.  581.)] 

REPORT  OF  THE  ARCHITECT  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 


Architect’s  Office,  United  States  Capitol, 

Washington,  1).  C.,  December  1,  1852. 

Sir:  In  conformity  to  a resolution  of  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  passed 
August  26,  1852,  I have  the  honor  to  lay  before  you  the  following  “abstract  or  com- 
pendium” of  my  annual  report,  which  is  herewith  submitted: 

Extension  of  the  Capitol. 

The  appropriation  for  continuing  the  work  not  having  been  made  until  the  14th 
of  April  last,  the  buildings  are  not  as  far  advanced  as  I anticipated  at  the  date  of  my 
last  annual  report.  The  contracts  all  being  limited  to  existing  appropriations,  the 
contractors  were  not  at  liberty  to  make  preparations  for  supplying  materials  until 
after  the  passage  of  the  bill. 

As  soon  as  the  appropriation  was  made,  the  contractors  promptly  commenced 
operations,  and  the  work  has  since  been  prosecuted  as  rapidly  as  a proper  regard  for 
its  permanency,  durability,  and  beauty  would  warrant. 

The  cellars  of  both  wings  are  completed,  the  arches  to  support  the  basement  doors 
are  finished,  and  the  outside  marble  work  is  progressing  rapidly. 

All  the  foundations  are  permanently  laid  on  the  natural,  undisturbed  earth;  some 
of  them  are  40  feet  deep,  and  none  less  than  15  feet  below  the  ground  line  of  the 
building.  The  character  of  the  earth  under  all  the  walls  is  the  same  throughout, 
being  a stratum  of  compact  gravel  of  several  feet  in  thickness.  The  walls  are  all 
built  with  great  care,  and  the  entire  sub-structure  is  massive  and  solid.  The  stones 
of  which  these  foundations  are  constructed  were  tested,  at  the  request  of  a special 
committee  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  by  the  late  Professor  Walter  R.  Johnson, 
whose  report  is  hereto  appended. 

The  marble  for  the  exterior  has  been  delivered  as  rapidly  as  we  have  required  it; 
twenty  cargoes  have  arrived  since  the  5th  of  July  last,  containing,  in  the  aggregate, 
35,236  cubic  feet,  being  an  average  of  1,487  cubic  feet  per  week.  Before  this  marble 
was  adopted,  it  was  tested  by  a commission  appointed  for  the  purpose,  and  their 
report  is  hereto  annexed. 

In  conformity  to  the  proviso  contained  in  the  first  section  of  the  act  of  Congress 
approved  August  31,  1852,  I appointed  Mr.  John  C.  Ilarkness  as  measurer  of  all  the 
work  and  materials  of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  and  Mr.  Cornelius  Jacobs  receiver 
of  materials  for  the  north  wing,  and  Mr.  William  J.  Smith  on  the  south  wing;  all  of 
whom  were  duly  sworn  into  office. 

All  the  work  done,  and  materials  furnished  by  contract,  have  since  been  measured 
by  Mr.  Ilarkness,  and  no  further  payments  were  made  until'  the  measurement  was 
reported  to  this  office,  in  conformity  to  the  aforesaid  act  of  Congress. 


552 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  whole  amount  appropriated,  thus  far,  for  the  extension  of  the  Cap- 


itol is $600,  000  00 

And  the  total  amount  expended  to  this  date  (December  1,  1852)  is 495,  799  97 

Leaving  an  unexpended  balance  of 104,  200  03 

There  will  be  required  to  carry  on  the  work  during  the  present  fiscal 

year,  ending  June  30,  1853,  the  additional  sum  of $400, 000  00 

And  during  the  ensuing  fiscal  year,  ending  June  30,  1854 600,  000  00 

Making 1,000,000  00 


* 


* 


Hon.  Alex.  H.  H.  Stuart, 

Secretary  of  the  Interior. 


■5S- 

Thomas  U.  Walter, 


Architect  of  Public  Buildings. 


Architect’s  Office,  United  States  CApitol, 

Washington,  I).  C.,  December  1,  1852. 

Sir:  1 have  the  honor  to  lay  before  you  the  following  report  of  the  state  of  the 
public  works  under  my  charge,  and  their  progress  during  the  past  year: 

Extension  of  the  Capitol. 

The  contractors  for  furnishing  materials  were  not  at  liberty,  during  the  pendency 
of  the  bill,  to  make  any  arrangements  for  prosecuting  the  work,  as  the  contracts  all 
contain  an  express  stipulation  that  “in  case  Congress  should,  at  any  time,  fail  to 
make  the  appropriations  necessary  to  carry  on  the  work,  the  said  contracts  shall  be 
suspended,  without  thereby  creating  any  claim  on  the  United  States.” 

No  preparations  were,  therefore,  made  for  quarrying  building-stone  for  the  founda- 
tions, granite  for  the  sub-basement,  or  marble  for  the  superstructure,  until  after  the 
passage  of  the  bill,  so  that  we  can  scarcely  be  said  to  have  been  in  full  operation  until 
the  middle  of  the  season. 

Immediately  after  Congress  had  made  the  appropriation,  the  contractors  promptly 
commenced  the  execution  of  their  several  contracts,  and  the  most  energetic  means 
were  used  throughout  the  remainder  of  the  season  to  accelerate  the  work  as  rapidly 
as  was  consistent  with  a proper  execution  of  its  several  pjarts,  and  a due  regard  for  its 
permanency,  durability,  and  beauty. 

The  cellar  walls  of  both  wings  are  completed,  the  arches  to  support  the  floors  of 
the  basement  story  are  finished,  and  the  outside  marble  work  is  progressing  rapidly 
and  satisfactorily;  the  setting  of  the  marble  has  been  commenced,  and  the  walls  are 
raised,  in  some  places,  to  the  height  of  twelve  feet  above  the  granite  sub-basement. 

Provision  is  made  throughout  the  entire  sub-structure  for  the  system  of  warming 
the  buildings,  described  in  my  last  annual  report,  and  all  the  necessary  flues  are  com- 
menced in  accordance  therewith. 

All  the  foundations  have  permanent  footings  on  the  natural,  undisturbed  earth; 
many  of  them  are  laid  at  the  depth  of  forty  feet,  and  none  of  them  less  than  fifteen  feet 
below  the  ground  line  of  the  buildings.  This  inequality  of  depth  was  rendered  neces- 
sary by  the  slope  of  the  original  hill  on  which  the  Capitol  is  built.  In  descending 
from  the  eastern  front,  where  the  foundations  are  deepest,  the  declivity  was  made  in 
steps,  so  as  to  preserve,  in  every  part,  a horizontal  bearing.  The  character  of  the 
earth  under  all  the  walls  is  the  same  throughout  the  work,  being  a stratum  of  hard 
and  compact  gravel  of  several  feet  in  thickness. 


The  Extensions. 


553 


In  all  cases  the  footings  are  at  least  two  feet  broader  than  the  walls  they  support, 
and  in  order  to  insure  the  permanency  of  the  western  fronts  of  both  buildings,  where 
the  foundations  were  of  such  extraordinary  depths,  the  front  walls  and  the  portico 
walls  were  united  at  the  base,  thus  making  a solid  foundation  of  twenty  feet  in  width, 
which  was  carried  up  eight  feet  from  the  footings  before  the  walls  were  set  off  to  their 
required  thickness. 

In  digging  for  the  western  foundations  of  the  south  wing,  we  found  at  a depth  of 
thirty  feet  below  the  level  of  the  ground  on  the  eastern  front,  architectural  fragments, 
charred  timber,  and  other  debris,  from  the  burning  of  the  Capitol  in  the  year  1814, 
which  indicates  the  great  amount  of  filling  up  that  has  been  done  since  that  time. 
After  passing  through  these  masses  of  rubbish,  the  natural  earth  was  reached  at  the 
depth  of  thirty-eight  feet  below  the  ground  line,  and  at  two  feet  below  this  undis- 
turbed surface  the  walls  were  founded,  as  before  stated. 

The  stones  of  which  these  foundations  have  been  constructed  were  tested,  at  the 
request  of  a special  committee  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  by  the  late  Professor 
Walter  R.  Johnson,  whose  report  is  hereto  appended. 

The  contractors  for  furnishing  the  marble  commenced  operations  at  their  quarries 
in  Lee,  Massachusetts,  immediately  after  the  passage  of  the  appropriation  bill,  and 
their  first  cargo  arrived  on  the  5th  of  July  last,  since  which  time  they  have  delivered 
twenty  cargoes,  containing  in  the  aggregate  35,236  cubic  feet,  making  an  average  of 
1,487  cubic  feet  per  week,  which  is  quite  as  fast  as  we  now  require  it. 

Before  this  marble  was  adopted  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  it  was  deemed 
proper  to  test  the  several  specimens  offered  for  the  work,  for  the  purpose  of  obtain- 
ing reliable  data  on  which  to  make  the  selection.  A commission  was  accordingly 
appointed  to  make  the  necessary  experiments,  and  on  their  report,  together  with  the 
sanction  of  the  Committees  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  both  Houses  of  Con- 
gress, the  marble  we  are  now  using  was  adopted.  The  report  of  the  commission  is 
hereto  annexed. 

In  conformity  to  the  proviso  contained  in  the  first  section  of  the  act  of  Congress 
approved  August  31,  1852,  I appointed  Mr.  John  C.  Harkness  as  measurer  of  all  the 
work  and  materials  of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  and  Mr.  Cornelius  Jacobs  as 
receiver  of  materials  on  the  north  wing  and  Mr.  William  J.  Smith  on  the  south  wing, 
all  of  whom  were  duly  sworn  into  office. 

Mr.  Harkness  has  since  measured  all  the  work  done  and  materials  furnished  by 
contract  from  the  commencement  of  the  work,  and  reported  the  same  to  this  office, 
in  conformity  to  the  aforesaid  act  of  Congress,  and  no  further  payments  were  made 
until  the  said  measurement  was  received,  and  the  accounts  presented  in  accordance 


therewith. 

By  an  act  of  Congress  approved  September  30,  1850,  there  was  appro- 
priated for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  the  sum  of $100,  000  00 

And  by  an  act  approved  April  14,  1852,  the  further  sum  of 500,  000  00 


Making  the  whole  amount  appropriated  for  this  work  to  the  present 

date 600,  000  00 


The  amount  expended  at  the  date  of  my  last  annual  report,  (December 

23,  1851,)  was 88,082  86 

Since  which  time  have  been  expended,  to  the  present  date,  (December 

1,  1852,) $407,  717  11 


Making 495,  799  97 

Which  leaves  an  unexpended  balance  of 104,  200  03 


600,  000  00 


554 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


A detailed  account  of  the  expenditures  up  to  the  31st  of  the  present  month  inclu- 
sive, will  be  transmitted  to  you  on  the  1st  of  January  ensuing. 

There  will  be  required  to  carry  on  the  work  during  the  present  fiscal 


year,  ending  June  30,  1853,  the  additional  sum  of $400, 000  00 

And  during  the  ensuing  fiscal  year,  ending  June  30,  1854 600, 000  00 

Making 1,000,000  00 

* * * 


Report  of  the  Commission  appointed  by  the  Department  of  the  Interior  “to  test  the  several 

specimens  of  marble  offered  for  the  extension  of  the  United  States  Capitol.”  November  3, 

1851. 

Washington,  D.  C.,  December  22,  1851. 

Sir:  The  commission  to  which  has  been  referred  the  examination  of  the  marbles 
offered  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  have  been  informed  that  you  are  desirous  of 
obtaining,  as  soon  as  possible,  such  information  as  will  enable  the  government  to 
determine  which  of  the  several  marbles  to  adopt.  Though  the  questions  proposed  to 
the  commission  appear  to  lie  simple  and  easy  of  solution,  yet  they  have  been  attended 
with  many  difficulties;  and,  notwithstanding  the  commission  have  pressed  on  the 
experiments  as  rapidly  as  the  nature  of  the  investigations  would  permit,  and  have 
devoted  more  time  to  the  subject  than  they  could  well  spare  from  their  official  duties, 
they  are  not  yet  able  to  present  as  many  definite  results  as  they  could  desire. 

In  view,  however,  of  the  pressing  demands  for  information,  they  have  concluded 
to  make  the  following  report  of  progress,  which  will  be  sufficient  for  the  immediate 
action  of  the  government;  and  they  would  respectfully  ask  for  permission  to  continue 
their  investigations,  and  to  embrace  in  them  a greater  variety  of  the  building  materials 
of  this  country. 

Though  the  art  of  building  has  been  practised  from  the  earliest  times,  and  constant 
demands  have  been  made,  in  every  age,  for  the  means  of  determining  the  best 
materials,  yet  the  process  of  ascertaining  the  strength  and  durability  of  stone  appears 
to  have  received  but  little  definite  scientific  attention,  and  the  commission,  who  have 
never  before  made  this  subject  a special  object  of  study,  have  been  surprised  with 
unforeseen  difficulties  at  every  step  of  their  progress,  and  have  come  to  the  conclusion 
that  the  processes  usually  employed  for  solving  these  questions  are  still  in  a very 
unsatisfactory  state. 

It  should  be  recollected  that  the  stone  in  the  building  is  to  be  exposed  for  centuries, 
and  that  the  conclusions  desired  are  to  be  drawn  from  results  produced  in  the  course 
of  a few  weeks. 

Besides  this,  in  the  present  state  of  science,  we  do  not  know  all  the  actions  to 
which  the  materials  are  subjected  in  nature,  nor  can  we  fully  estimate  the  amount 
of  those  which  are  known. 

The  solvent  power  of  water,  which  even  attacks  glass,  must  in  time  produce  an 
appreciable  effect  on  the  most  solid  material,  particularly  where  it  contains,  as  the 
water  of  the  atmosphere  always  does,  carbonic  acid  in  solution.  The  attrition  of 
siliceous  dusts,  when  blown  against  a building,  or  washed  down  its  sides  by  rain,  is 
evidently  operative  in  wearing  away  the  surface,  though  the  evanescent  portion 
removed  at  each  time  may  not  be  indicated  by  the  nicest  balance.  An  examination 
of  the  basin  which  formerly  received  the  water  from  the  fountain  at  the  western 
entrance  of  the  capitol,  now  deposited  in  the  Patent  Office,  will  convince  any  one  of 
the  great  amount  of  action  produced  principally  by  water  charged  with  carbonic 
acid.  Again,  every  flash  of  lightning  not  only  generates  nitric  acid — which,  in 
solution  in  the  rain,  acts  on  the  marble — but  also  by  its  inductive  effects  at  a distance 


The  Extensions. 


555 


produces  chemical  changes  along  the  moist  wall,  which  are  at  the  present  time 
beyond  our  means  of  estimating.  Also,  the  constant  variations  of  temperature  from 
day  to  day,  and  even  from  hour  to  hour,  give  rise  to  molecular  motions  which  must 
affect  the  durability  of  the  material  of  a building.  Recent  observations  on  the  pen- 
dulum have  shown  that  the  Bunker  Hill  monument  is  scarcely  for  a moment  in  a 
state  of  rest,  but  is  constantly  warping  and  bending  under  the  influence  of  the  vary- 
ing temperature  of  its  different  sides. 

Moreover,  as  soon  as  the  polished  surface  of  a building  is  made  rough  from  any  of 
the  causes  aforementioned,  the  seeds  of  minute  lichens  and  mosses,  which  are  con- 
stantly floating  in  the  atmosphere,  make  it  a place  of  repose,  and  from  the  growth 
and  decay  of  the  microscopic  plants  which  spring  from  these  discoloration  is  pro- 
duced, and  disintegration  assisted. 

But  perhaps  the  greatest  source  of  the  wearing  away  in  a climate  like  ours,  is  that 
of  the  alternations  of  freezing  and  thawing  which  take  place  during  the  winter  sea- 
son; and  though  this  effect  must  be  comparatively  powerful,  yet,  in  good  marble,  it 
requires  the  accumulated  effect  of  a number  of  years  in  order  definitely  to  estimate 
its  amount.  From  all  these  causes,  the  commission  are  convinced  that  the  only  entirely 
reliable  means  of  ascertaining  the  comparative  capability  of  marble  to  resist  the 
weather  is  to  study  the  actual  effects  of  the  atmosphere  upon  it  as  exhibited  in  buildings 
which  for  years  have  been  exposed  to  these  influences.  Unfortunately,  however,  in 
this  country,  but  few  opportunities  for  applying  this  test  are  to  be  found.  It  is  true 
some  analagous  information  may  be  derived  from  the  examination  of  the  exposed 
surfaces  of  marble  in  their  out-crops  at  the  quarry;  but  in  this  case  the  length  of 
time  they  have  been  exposed,  and  the  changes  of  actions  to  Avhich  they  may  have 
been  subjected  during,  perhaps,  long  geological  periods,  are  unknown;  and  since 
different  quarries  may  not  have  been  exposed  to  the  same  action,  they  do  not  always 
afford  definite  data  for  reliable  comparative  estimates  of  durability,  except  where 
different  specimens  occur  in  the  same  quarry. 

As  we  have  said  before,  the  act  of  testing  the  quality  of  stone  for  building  purposes 
is  at  present  in  a very  imperfect  state;  the  object  is  to  imitate  the  operations  of 
nature,  and  at  the  same  time  to  hasten  the  effect  by  increasing  the  energy  of  the 
action,  and,  after  all,  the  result  may  be  deemed  but  as  approximative,  or,  to  a con- 
siderable degree,  merely  probable. 

About  twenty  years  ago  an  ingenious  process  was  devised  by  M.  Brard,  which 
consists  in  saturating  the  stone  to  be  tested  with  a solution  of  the  sulphate  of  soda. 
In  drying  this  salt  crystallizes  and  expands,  thus  producing  an  exfoliation  of  surface 
which  is  supposed  to  imitate  the  effect  of  frost.  Though  this  process  has  been  much 
relied  on,  and  generally  employed,  recent  investigations  made  by  Dr.  Owen  lead  us 
to  doubt  its  perfect  analogy  with  that  of  the  operations  of  nature.  He  found  that 
the  results  produced  by  the  actual  exposure  to  freezing  and  thawing  in  the  air,  dur- 
ing a portion  of  winter,  in  the  case  of  the  more  porous  stones,  produced  very  different 
results  from  those  obtained  by  the  drying  of  the  salt.  It  appears  from  his  experi- 
ments that  the  action  of  the  latter  is  chemical  as  well  as  mechanical. 

The  commission  in  consideration  of  this  have  attempted  to  produce  results  on  the 
stone  by  freezing  and  thawing  by  means  of  artificial  cold  and  heat.  This  process  is, 
however,  laborious;  each  specimen  must  be  enclosed  in  a seperate  box  fitted  with  a 
cover,  and  the  amount  of  exfoliation  produced  is  so  slight  that  in  good  marble  the 
operation  requires  to  be  repeated  many  times  before  reliable  comparative  results  can 
be  obtained.  In  prosecuting  this  part  of  the  inquiries  unforeseen  difficulties  have 
occurred  in  ascertaining  precisely  the  amount  of  the  disintegration,  and  it  has  been 
found  that  the  results  are  liable  to  be  vitiated  by  circumstances  which  were  not  fore- 
seen at  the  commencement  of  the  inquiries.  This  part  of  the  investigation,  there- 
fore, will  require  a long  series  of  experiments  in  order  to  obtain  results  entirely 
reliable. 


556 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


It  would  seem  at  first  sight,  and  the  commission  when  they  undertook  the  inves- 
tigation were  of  the  same  opinion,  that  but  little  difficulty  would  be  found  in  ascer- 
taining the  strength  of  the  various  specimens  of  marbles.  In  this,  however,  they 
were  in  error.  The  first  difficulty  which  occurred  was  to  procure  the  proper  instru- 
ment for  the  purpose.  On  examining  the  account  of  that  used  by  Rennie,  and 
described  in  the  Transactions  of  the  Royal  Society  of  London,  the  commission  found 
that  its  construction  involved  too  much  friction  to  allow  of  definite  comparative 
results.  Friction  itself  has  to  be  overcome  as  well  as  the  resistance  to  compression, 
and,  since  it  increases  in  proportion  to  the  pressure,  the  stronger  stones  would  appear 
relatively  to  withstand  too  great  a compressing  force. 

The  commission  first  examined  an  instrument — a hydraulic  press — which  had  pre- 
viously been  used  for  experiments  of  this  kind,  but  found  that  it  was  liable  to  the 
same  objection  as  that  of  the  machine  of  Rennie.  They  were,  however,  extremely 
fortunate  subsequently  in  obtaining,  through  the  politeness  of  Commodore  Ballard, 
commandant  of  the  navy-yarrl,  the  use  of  an  admirable  instrument  devised  by  Major 
Wade,  late  of  the  United  States  army,  and  constructed  under  his  direction  for  the 
purpose  of  testing  the  strength  of  gun  metals.  This  instrument  consists  of  a com- 
pound lever,  the  several  fulcra  of  which  are  knife  edges,  opposed  to  hardened  steel 
surfaces.  The  commission  verified  the  delicacy  and  accuracy  of  the  indications  of 
this  instrument  by  actual  weighing,  and  found,  in  accordance  with  the  description  of 
Major  Wade,  the  equilibrium  was  produced  by  one  pound  in  opposition  to  two  hun- 
dred. In  the  use  of  this  instrument  the  ■ commission  were  much  indebted  to  the 
experience  and  scientific  knowledge  of  Lieutenant  Dahlgreen,  of  the  navy-yard,  and 
to  the  liberality  with  which  all  the  appliances  of  that  important  public  establishment 
were  put  at  their  disposal. 

Specimens  of  the  different  samples  of  marble  were  prepared  in  the  form  of  cubes 
of  one  inch  and  a half  in  dimension,  and  consequently  exhibiting  a base  of  two  and 
a quarter  square  inches.  These  were  dressed  by  ordinary  workmen  with  the  use  of 
a square,  and  the  opposite  sides  made  as  nearly  parallel  as  possible  by  grinding  by 
hand  on  a flat  surface.  They  were  then  placed  between  two  thick  steel  plates,  and 
in  order  to  insure  an  equality  of  pressure,  independent  of  any  want  of  perfect  paral- 
lelism and  flatness  on  the  two  opposite  surfaces,  a thin  plate  of  lead  was  interposed 
above  and  below  between  the  stone  and  the  plates  of  steel.  This  was  in  accordance 
with  a plan  adopted  by  Rennie,  and  that  which  appears  to  have  been  used  by  most, 
if  not  all,  of  the  subsequent  experimenters  in  researches  of  this  kind.  Some  doubt, 
however,  was  expressed  as  to  the  action  of  interposed  lead,  which  induced  a series 
of  experiments  to  settle  this  question,  when  the  remai'kable  fact  was  discovered  that 
the  yielding  and  approximately  equable  pressure  of  the  lead  caused  the  stone  to  give 
way  at  about  half  the  pressure  it  would  sustain  without  such  an  interposition.  For 
example,  one  of  the  cubes  precisely  similar  to  another,  Avhich  withstood  a pressure 
of  upwards  of  60,000  pounds  when  placed  in  immediate  contact  with  the  steel  plates, 
gave  way  at  about  30,000  with  lead  interposed.  This  remarkable  fact  was  verified 
in  a series  of  experiments,  embracing  samples  of  nearly  all  the  marbles  under  trial, 
and  in  no  case  did  a single  exception  occur  to  vary  the  result.  The  explanation  of 
this  remarkable  phenomenon,  now  that  it  is  known,  is  not  difficult.  The  stone 
tends  to  give  way  by  bulging  out  in  the  centre  of  each  of  its  four  perpendicular 
faces,  and  to  form  two  pyramidal  figures  with  their  apices  opposed  to  each  other  at 
the  centre  of  the  cube  ancl'their  bases  against  the  steel  plates. 

In  the  case  where  rigid  equable  pressure  is  employed,  as  in  that  of  the  thick  steel 
plate,  all  parts  must  give  cvay  together.  But  in  that  of  a yielding  equable  pressure, 
as  in  the  case  of  interposed  lead,  the  stone  first  gives  way  along  the  lines  of  least 
resistance,  and  the  remaining  pressure  must  be  sustained  by  the  central  portions 
around  the  vertical  axis  of  the  cube. 

After  this  important  fact  was  clearly  determined,  lead  and  all  other  interposed 


The  Extensions. 


557 


substances  were  discarded,  and  a method  devised  by  which  the  upper  and  lower 
surfaces  of  the  cube  could  be  ground  into  perfect  parallelism.  This  consists  in  the 
use  of  a rectangular  iron  frame,  into  which  a row  of  six  of  the  specimens  could  be 
fastened  by  a screw  at  the  end.  The  upper  and  lower  surfaces  of  this  iron  frame 
were  wrought  into  perfect  parallelism  by  the  operation  of  a planing  machine.  The 
stones  being  fastened  into  this,  with  a small  portion  of  the  upper  and  lower  parts 
projecting,  the  whole  were  ground  down  to  a flat  surface,  until  the  iron  and  the  face 
of  the  cubes  were  thus  brought  into  a continuous  plane.  The  frame  was  then  turned 
over,  and  the  opposite  surfaces  ground  in  like  manner.  Care  was  of  course  taken 
that  the  surfaces  thus  reduced  to  perfect  parallelism,  in  order  to  receive  the  action 
of  the  machine,  were  parallel  to  the  natural  beds  of  the  stone.  . 

All  the  specimens  tested  were  subjected  to  this  process,  and  in  their  exposure  to 
pressure  were  found  to  give  concordant  results.  The  crushing  force  exhibited  in  the 
subjoined  table  is  much  greater  than  that  heretofore  given  for  the  same  material. 

The  commission  have  also  determined  the  specific  gravities  of  the  different  sam- 
ples submitted  to  their  examination,  and  also  the  quantity  of  water  which  each 
absorbs. 

They  consider  these  determinations,  and  particularly  that  of  the  resistance  to 
crushing,  tests  of  much  importance,  as  indicating  the  cohesive  force  of  the  particles 
of  the  stone,  and  its  capacity  to  resist  most  of  the  influences  before  mentioned. 

The  amount  of  water  absorbed  may  be  regarded  as  a measure  of  the  antagonistic 
force  to  cohesion,  which  tends,  in  the  expansion  of  freezing,  to  disintegrate  the 
surface.  In  considering,  however,  the  indication  of  this  test,  care  must  be  taken  to 
make  the  comparison  between  marbles  of  nearly  the  same  texture,  because  a coarsely 
crystallized  stone  may  apparently  absorb  a small  quantity  of  water,  while  in  reality 
the  cement  which  unites  the  crystals  of  the  same  stone  may  absorb  a much  larger 
quantity.  That  this  may  be  so  was  clearly  established  in  the  experiments  with  the 
coarsely  crvstalized  marbles,  examined  by  the  commission.  When  these  were  sub- 
mitted to  a liquid  which  slightly  tinged  the  stone,  the  coloration  was  more  intense 
around  the  margin  of  each  crystal,  indicating  a greater  amount  of  absorption  in 
these  portions  of  the  surface. 

The  following  table  exhibits  the  average  of  the  results  which  have  been  obtained, 
and,  although  they  do  not  give  the  data  for  estimating  with  absolute  certainty  pre- 
cise relative  values,  yet  they  enable  the  commission  to  pronounce,  with  considerable 
confidence,  that  the  first  four  marbles  are  of  a superior  quality,  and,  it  is  believed,  will 
prove  sufficiently  durable  for  the  work  proposed. 

Column  No.  1 gives  the  relative  resistance  to  crushing  per  square  inch,  in  pounds 
avoirdupois,  deduced  from  the  average  of  five  specimens  of  each  sample. 

Column  No.  2 gives  the  specific  gravity  of  each  specimen  in  its  natural  condition, 
without  allowing  for  the  water  absorbed.  An  allowance  on  this  account  would 
slightly  change  the  numbers  presented. 

Column  No.  3 gives  the  weight  per  cubic  foot  in  pounds  avoirdupois. 

Column  No.  4 gives  the  quantity  of  water  absorbed  under  a pressure  of  about  four- 
teen pounds  to  the  square  inch,  produced  by  placing  the  stone  under  water  in  the 
vacuum  of  an  air-pump,  and  afterwards  letting  on  the  pressure  of  the  atmosphere. 

Column  No.  5 gives  the  relative  amount  of  material  thrown  off  in  freezing  and 
thawing  twenty-eight  times  in  succession. 

The  quantities  in  the  last  two  columns  are  expressed  in  weights  of  which  the  unit 
is  the  ten-thousandth  part  of  an  ounce.  These  of  the  last  column  are  so  small  that 
the  commission  would  prefer  to  repeat  the  experiments  with  a larger  number  of 
specimens,  subjected  to  a greater  number  of  alternations  of  freezing  and  thawing. 
It  will  be  seen,  however,  that  the  results  coincide  in  a considerable  degree  with  the 
cohesive  force,  as  exhibited  in  the  resistance  to  crushing,  and  also  with  the  specific 
gravity. 


558 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


By  running  the  eye  clown  the  column,  it  will  he  seen  that  the  several  stones  may 
be  divided  into  two  classes;  the  first  four  specimens  of  the  table  exhibit  a high  power 
of  resistance  to  crushing,  and  a high  specific  gravity.  In  the  remaining  eight  speci- 
mens, there  is  a sudden  diminution  in  the  resistance  to  crushing,  and  also  in  the 
specific  gravity.  The  same  change  exists,  though  in  a less  marked  degree,  and  with 
some  exceptions,  in  the  last  column;  and  when  we  take  into  consideration  the  facts 
which  we  have  stated  in  regard  to  absorption  by  a fine-grained  marble,  in  compari- 
son with  one  of  a coarsely  crystalline  structure,  the  results  in  the  fourth  column  are 
also  not  discordant. 

It  must  be  understood  that  the  results  given  by  the  commission  relate  exclusively 
to  the  particular  specimens  which  were  placed  in  their  hands  as  the  samples  which 
accompanied  the  bids.  From  these  specimens  the  cubes  experimented  on  were  cut 
under  the  direction  of  the  commission,  and  the  remainder  of  the  blocks  deposited  in 
the  Smithsonian  building,  where  they  may  he  examined  by  those  who  are  interested 
in  the  investigation. 

It  should,  moreover,  be  stated,  that  the  commission,  as  a body,  have  had  no  oppor- 
tunity of  examining  the  stones  in  masses  in  the  quarries,  or  of  ascertaining  whether 
they  could  be  obtained  in  sufficient  quantities,  and  of  the  same  qualities  as  the  speci- 
mens which  have  been  tested.  Also,  whether  they  exhibit  the  presence  of  sulpliuret 
of  iron,  or  other  contaminating  substances,  or  show  evidence  of  cracks  or  other 
unsoundness,  all  of  which  are  observations  of  importance  in  determining  the  above. 

The  following  is  a table  of  the  marbles  submitted  to  trial  by  the  commission, 
arranged  in  the  order  of  resistance  to  a crushing  force: 


Table. 


Localities  of  quarries. 

Original 
Nos.  of 
samples. 

i. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

Crushing 
force  on  a 
square 
inch,  in 
pounds 
avoirdu- 
pois. 

Speeific 

gravity. 

Weight  per 
cubic  foot, 
in  pounds 
avoirdu- 
pois. 

Absorption 
of  water,  in 
ten-thou- 
sanths  of 
an  ounce. 

Loss  by 
freezing,  in 
ten-thou- 
sanths  of 
an  ounce. 

East  Chester,  New  York 

1 

23.917 

2. 8579 

178. 62 

39  i 

6.2 

Lee,  Mass 

3 

22.702 

2. 8620 

178.87 

103 

9.9 

Hastings,  New  York 

9 

18.  941 

2. 8613 

178. 83 

66 

11.8 

Baltimore,  small  crystal 

7 

18.  061 

2. 8605 

178. 78 

521 

8.1 

West  Stockbridge,  Mass 

4 

10. 382 

2. 7143 

169.64 

68 

8.8 

Baltimore,  medium  crystal 

6 

9. 625 

2.  7086 

169. 29 

55 

13.6 

Egremont,  Mass 

2 

9.  544 

2. 7129 

169. 56 

92 

15.7 

West  Stockbridge,  Mass 

32 

9.  071 

2.7131 

169. 57 

70,i 

(“) 

Montgomery  county,  Pa 

11 

8. 950 

2.7115 

169.  47 

691 

8.8 

Stockbridge,  Mass 

30 

8.812 

2. 7129 

169. 56 

87 

25.7 

Baltimore,  large  crystal 

5 

8.  057 

2. 7128 

169. 55 

431 

21.9 

Lenox,  Mass 

8 

7. 153 

2. 7089 

169.31 

1191 

24.1 

a Result  lost  by  accident. 


Respectfully  submitted. 

Jos.  G.  Totten. 
Joseph  Henry. 
Thomas  Ewbank. 

A.  J.  Downing. 
Thomas  U.  Walter. 

Hon.  Alex.  II.  H.  Stuart,  Secretary  of  the  Interior. 


The  Extensions. 


559 


Report  of  Professor  Walter  R.  Johnson  on  the  building  stone  used  in  constructing  the 

foundations  of  the  extension  of  the  United  States  Capitol,  made  at  the  request  of  a select 

committee  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  consisting  of  Hon.  John  McNair,  lion. 

J.  M.  H.  Beale,  Hon.  James  II.  Duncan,  Hon.  Daniel  Wallace,  and  Hon.  Thomas  A. 

Hendricks. 

Washington,  D.  C.  March  11,  1852. 

Gentlemen:  In  conformity  with  your  directions,  instructing  me  to  test  the  stone 
used  in  the  foundation  walls  of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  with  respect  to  their 
strength  and  durability,  I have  the  honor  to  state  that  immediately  after  receiving 
your  directions  I proceeded  to  inspect  the  walls  of  the  two  wings,  and  to  note,  as  far 
as  practicable,  the  general  character,  and  the  apparent  differences  in  the  stones  which 
have  actually  been  laid  in  the  walls. 

I had  no  difficulty  in  ascertaining  that  some  diversity,  both  in  appearance  and 
texture,  existed  among  the  materials,  and  it  consequently  became  evident  that  no 
one  sample  which  could  be  selected  would  adequately  represent  the  entire  mass. 

It  therefore  became  necessary  to  select  a moderate  number  of  samples,  from  differ- 
ent parts  of  the  two  wings,  and,  as  far  as  practicable,  with  reference  to  the  propor- 
tions in  which  they  seemed  to  prevail  in  the  walls. 

It  is  evident  that  this  proportionality  could  only  be  approximately  obtained. 

It  is  confidently  believed  that  the  extremes  of  character  have  been  reached,  but  I 
should  remark  that  the  sample  which  was  taken  to  show  the  least  probable  strength 
was  one  of  a very  few  which  appear  mostly  in  the  foundation  of  the  south  wing. 

Three  samples  were  taken  from  the  walls  of  each  wing,  besides  which  a block 
lying  within  the  north  wall  was  taken  to  furnish  a series  of  cubes  of  different  sizes 
to  test  the  question  of  increase  of  resistance,  according  to  enlargement  of  area,  and 
one  sample  of  the  sandstone  used  in  two  or  three  of  the  interior  projections  only  of 
the  walls  of  the  south  wing.  This  sandstone  is  of  the  same  character  as  that  of 
which  the  Capitol  is  built. 

The  samples  were  prepared  for  trial  by  sawing  out  from  each  six  cubes  of  one  and 
a half  inch  on  a side,  which  were  all  carefully  dressed  by  rubbing  down  in  the  ordi- 
nary manner,  and  the  faces  which  were  to  receive  the  compressing  force  were  made 
parallel,  and  all  the  specimens  of  very  nearly  the  same  height,  by  finishing  within  a 
steel  frame,  which  enclosed  and  held  all  the  six  specimens  at  the  same  time,  and 
which  being  turned  over  after  dressing  one  set  of  faces,  allowed  the  opposite  set  to 
be  rubbed  in  like  manner,  and  made  parallel  to  the  first. 

This  frame  is  understood  to  be  the  same  which  was  employed  by  Messrs.  Totten, 
Henry,  Ewbank,  and  Walter  in  their  recent  trials  of  the  marbles.  a Of  the  six  cubes 
from  each  sample,  one  was  selected  and  reserved  for  trials  of  atmospheric  effects,  and 
the  others  carefully  gauged  to  the  thousandth  part  of  an  inch,  preparatory  to  the 
operation  of  crushing.  In  general  the  specific  gravity  of  every  specimen  was  taken 
in  the  ordinary  way  before  crushing. 

For  the  sandstone  it  was  found  necessary  to  take  account  of  the  water  absorbed 
when  immersed  for  the  purpose  of  taking  its  specific  gravity. 

The  machine  used  for  crushing  is  that  employed  for  the  ordnance  service  of  the 
navy  in  testing  the  various  materials  required  for  that  service. 

It  consists  essentially  of  a lever  of  the  first  kind,  having  fulcrum  distances  of  20  to 
1,  acting  by  its  shorter  arm  on  a lever  of  the  second  order,  having  fulcrum  dis- 
tances of  10  to  1,  and,  consequently,  the  relation  of  the  weight  applied  to  the  first 
lever  to  the  force  exerted  by  the  second  is  1 to  200. 

The  fulcra  of  the  machine  are  all  steel  knife  edges,  and  no  allowance  is  made  for 
friction. 

aThis  method  ot  obtaining  a perfect  parallelism  of  the  blocks  was  devised  by  the  commission  for 
testing  the  marbles;  and  the  plans  adopted  by  them  were  followed  throughout  by  Professor  Johnson 
in  conducting  these  experiments,  as  will  be  seen  by  their  report  which  immediately  precedes  this 
document.  T.  U.  W. 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


560 

The  compression  of  the  specimens,  when  under  trial,  was  ascertained  from  time  to 
time  by  suitable  calipers  applied  by  steel  plates  above  and  below  the  stone,  and  the 
modulus  of  resistance  to  compression  was  thus  ascertained  with  considerable  exactness. 
This  modulus  varies  considerably  in  different  samples,  and  even  in  different  cubes 
from  the  same  sample.  In  order  to  obtain  a standard  of  comparison  of  the  different 
specimens  of  the  stone  operated  on,  I tested  a sample  of  a rock,  largely  used  in  this 
country,  and  to  some  extent  by  government,  for  building  and  other  purposes. 

This  was  the  Quincy  sienite,  which,  as  will  be  observed  by  reference  to  the  table, 
sustained  a very  high  pressure  before  crushing.  In  testing  the  action  of  the  atmos- 
phere on  the  different  samples,  I may  remark  that,  for  the  particular  purpose  of  the 
foundations  of  the  Capitol,  I do  not  consider  that  the  trials  of  the  effect  of  frost  are 
very  important,  as  it  is  understood  that  these  foundations  will,  when  the  building  is 
completed,  be  embanked  in  such  a manner  that  frost  will  never  reach  them. 

For  other  uses  to  which  this  stone  may  be  applied  these  trials  may  be  of  much 
importance.  To  some  extent  an  exemption  from  water  percolating  the  soil  will  also 
apply  to  the  foundations,  since  the  water  falling  upon  the  building  will  be  mostly 
carried  away  by  pipes  and  drains,  and  the  shielding  of  the  surface  by  pavements  or 
flaggings  will  tend  to  keep  dry  the  foundation  walls. 

I have  selected  for  the  chemical  trials  such  of  the  samples  as  appeared  to  represent 
the  exactness  of  strength  to  resist  crushing,  and  have  subjected  them  to  such  re-agents 
as  are  likely  to  be  most  efficient  in  nature  in  causing  disintegration  or  dissolution. 

The  two  samples  taken  for  chemical  analysis  were  those  numbered  one  and  seven  of 
the  accompanying  table,  and  for  a mechanical  separation  of  certain  mineral  constitu- 
ents No  5,  of  the  same  table,  was  chosen,  being  one  of  those  which  appeared  to 
have  been  freed  from  the  action  of  atmospheric  influences  prior  to  its  removal  from 
the  quarries. 

For  some  of  the  other  samples,  likewise,  the  effect  of  heating  was  noted  by  way  of 
comparison.  Having  visited  the  quarries  from  which  the  stone  is  stated  to  have 
been  derived,  I am  enabled  to  state  that  the  one  from  which  the  stone  for  the  south 
wing  was  taken  is  known  as  the  Smith  quarry,  and  those  from  which  that  of  the 
north  wing  is  taken  are  the  O’Neill  quarries.  One  of  the  O’Neill  quarries  is  imme- 
diately adjoining  that  of  Smith,  and  these  two  appear  to  furnish  stone  of  essentially 
the  same  character. 

The  other  quarries  of  O’Neill  are  a few  hundred  feet  lower  down  the  canal.  At  all 
these  quarries  I judge  that  stone  may  be  found,  representing  every  variety  embraced  in 
the  series  of  specimens  selected  for  trial  from  the  foundations  of  the  Capitol.  At  all  of 
them  there  is  a covering  of  greater  or  less  depth,  from  one  or  two  to  ten  or  twelve  feet  of 
soil,  sand,  gravel,  and  clayey  matter,  with  some  rolled  pebbles,  all  of  which  repose  in 
beds,  more  or  less  regular,  upon  the  upper  edges  of  the  micaceous  rock,  worked  in  the 
quarries.  This  rock  lies  inclined  southwestwardly,  in  angle  of  about  50  degrees; 
and  the  natural  beds  and  fissures  of  the  stone  afford  passage  to  the  surface  water  to 
penetrate  to  a considerable  distance  below  the  upper  edges.  This  penetration  has 
caused,  in  some  parts,  a discoloration,  accompanied  by  a greater  or  less  alteration  of 
the  consistency  of  the  rock,  the  natural  bluish  or  greenish  color  being  changed  to  a 
yellowish  brown,  or  drab  color;  and  for  about  20  or  25  feet  from  the  top,  the  rock 
has  been  so  affected  by  these  surface  influences  as  to  be  unfit  for  use  in  building. 

Below  that  level,  varying,  however,  in  the  different  strata,  the  workable  stone  is 
found.  In  some  of  the  softer  portions  it  appears  that  the  decomposition  has  extended 
further  down  than  in  adjoining  firmer  beds. 

In  breaking  the  blocks  the  depth  to  which  atmospheric  influences  have  penetrated 
is  in  general  sufficiently  indicated  by  the  color.  A careful  inspection  enables  the 
quarryman  to  reject  those  parts  which  have  been  materially  affected  by  the  influences 
above  referred  to;  and  the  large  heaps  of  rejected  matter  near  the  quarries,  evince 
the  necessity  and  the  exercise  of  a discrimination  in  the  selection  of  such  parts  as  are 
fit  for  building  purposes.  The  discoloration  of  the  stone  is  sometimes  only  super- 


The  Extensions. 


561 


ficial.  or  extends  to  the  depth  of  but  a few  lines.  The  upper  edges  of  the  rock  next 
to  the  covering  of  sand,  gravel,  &e.,  afford  little  more  than  a mass  of  micaceous  sand, 
with  barely  cohesion  enough  to  bear  handling. 

The  rock  in  its  normal,  or  solid  state,  appears  to  occupy  an  intermediate  place 
between  true  mica  slate,  of  which  fMg-stones  are  made,  and  gneiss,  which  has  the 
mineral  composition  of  granite.  This  rock  has  quartz  and  mica  in  large  proportions 
as  compared  with  feldspar.  It  exhibits  many  nodules  of  quartz,  nearly  pure,  and 
small  garnets,  together  with  iron  pyrites,  and  magnetic  oxide  of  iron. 

I submit  a table,  exhibiting, first,  the  number  of  sam  piles  tested;  second,  the  part, 
of  the  foundation  walls  from  which  they  were  severally  taken;  third,  the  numbers 
of  the  several  specimens  taken  from  each  sample;  fourth,  the  external  characters  of 
each  specimen;  fifth,  the  specific  gravity;  sixth,  the  weight  of  each  sample  per  cubic 
foot,  derived  from  the  average  specific  gravity;  seventh,  the  height  of  each  specimen 
crushed;  eighth,  the  observed  compression;  ninth,  the  force  producing  the  observed 
compression;  tenth,  the  area  of  the  base  of  each  specimen  operated  on;  eleventh,  the 
modules  of  resistance  to  compression  of  each  specimen;  twelfth,  the  average  modulus 
for  each  sample;  thirteenth,  the  average  crushing  force  per  square  inch,  in  pounds; 
fourteenth,  the  absorption  of  water  for  each  sample;  and,  fifteenth,  the  loss  of  each 
sample  by  the  effect  of  heat. 

* * * 

In  conducting  the  experiments  on  crushing,  the  opportunity  wa3  embraced  of 
ascertaining  the  amount  of  compression  which  the  stone  received  under  certain  loads 
to  which  it  was  subjected.  The  observations  have  a practical  bearing  when  applied 
to  materials  of  variable  character  entering  into  the  same  structure. 

If  the  weakest  varieties  were  at  the  same  time  those  which  could  bear  the  least 
compression,  it  might  happen  that  the  blocks  of  stone  having  little  strength  to  resist 
crushing,  as  well  as  little  capacity  to  undergo  compression,  might  be  crushed  and 
destroyed,  while  the  stronger  kinds  would  be  yielding  to  the  compressing  force  and 
would  be  eventually  brought  to  bear  the  whole  load.  If,  on  the  contrary,  the  weaker 
varieties  were  capable  of  yielding  to  compression,  without  finally  giving  way  until 
considerably  condensed  by  pressure,  they  would  still  preserve  their  integrity,  though 
so  much  compressed  as  to  allow  the  stronger  stones  in  close  proximity  to  them  to 
bear  more  of  the  superincumbent  weight  than  belonged  to  the  area  of  their  bearing 
surfaces.  As  the  compressibility  of  stones  may  be  considered  to  arise,  in  piart  at 
least,  from  their  porosity,  and  as  the  latter  property  measures,  to  some  extent,  the 
power  of  the  stones  to  absorb  fluids,  it  ought  to  follow,  that  when  a stone  has  become 
porous,  by  a partial  decomposition,  it  should  be  both  more  compressible  by  a given 
force,  and  more  absorbent  of  fluids  than  it  was  in  its  natural  or  unaltered  condition. 
The  experiments  furnish  a remarkable  confirmation  of  this  view.  The  table  proves 
that  the  samples  which  had  been  altered  by  piartial  decomposition  (Nos.  6 and  7) 
were  much  more  compressible;  that  is,  they  gave  a lower  modulus  of  resistance  by 
compression  than  any  of  the  samples  which  were  in  the  ordinary  unchanged  state  of 
the  blue  rock.  The  same  altered  sampiles  were  likewise  more  absorbent  of  water 
than  those  which  were  unaltered.  The  following  short  table  shows  the  modulus  of 
resistance  and  absorption  of  water,  arranged  with  reference  to  increasing  resistance 
to  compression,  and  to  the  admission  of  water. 


Number  of  sample. 

Modulus  of 
resistance  to 
compression. 

Absorption 
of  water  in 
grains. 

7 weathered  stone ; 

1,400,  600 
1, 486, 600 

5.88 

4.20 

1 not  weathered 

2, 205, 800 

1.20 

4 do 

3, 263, 400 
4, 318, 800 
5,570,  500 

0.90 

0.81 

3 do 

0. 65 

II.  lfep.  646 36 


562  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 

The  differences  of  compressibility  are  obviously  not  solely  due  to  atmospheric 
action. 

It  will  be  remarked  that,  instead  of  the  usual  term  “modulus  of  elasticity,”  I 
have  used  the  expression  “modulus  of  resistance  to  compression,”  which  seems  to 
be  more  appropriate  to  express  that  character  or  property  of  building  materials, 
which  is  practically  applied  in  architecture. 

Ex mtu  nations  to  illustrate  the  effects  of  atmospheric  influences  on  the  stone. 

In  testing  the  action  of  frost,  I have  appealed  directly  to  the  process  of  freezing  the 
specimens  after  moistening  them  with  distilled  water. 

This  mode  of  experimenting  (not  now  applied  for  the  first  time)  has  the  advantage 
over  other  processes  sometimes  resorted  to  for  imitating  the  effect  of  freezing,  in  pro- 
ducing both  the  chemical  and  the  mechanical  actions  on  the  stone  which  naturally 
result  from  atmospheric  humidity  and  a freezing  temperature. 

Each  cube  subjected  to  freezing  was  enclosed  in  a thin  metallic  box,  furnished  with 
a suitable  covering,  and  the  whole  series  of  boxes  containing  the  specimens  was 
placed  within  a larger  vessel  of  thin  metal,  which  was  surrounded  by  a freezing  mix- 
ture. Care  was,  of  course,  taken  that  all  the  particles  detached  from  each  cube  by  the 
freezing  should  remain  in  its  own  box.  The  gain  in  the  weight  of  the  box,  after  thirty 
repetitions  of  the  freezing  process,  as  ascertained  by  a balance  sensible  to  the  two- 
hundredth  part  of  a grain,  gave  the  loss  which  the  stone  had  suffered  under  this 
treatment.  Both  in  respect  to  the  absorption  of  water  and  to  the  influence  of  frost, 
it  will  be  observed  that  the  strong  rocks,  such  as  sample  No.  1 of  the  blue  quartzose 
mica  slate,  and  the  Quincy  sienite,  (sample  No.  9,)  manifest  great  power  to  resist 
the  disintegrating  action  of  these  powerful  causes.  While  sample  No.  1 lost  only 
jf,;  of  a grain  by  frost,  No.  6 lost  No.  7 ffu  and  the  Aquia  creek  sandstone, 
No.  8,  lost  t702q,  or  exactly  12  times  as  much  as  No.  1.  While  the  sample  No.  5,  a 
very  sound  and  compact  variety  of  the  blue  rock,  absorbed  but  xl0-  of  a grain  of  water, 
No.  6 took  4.20,  No.  7,  5.88,  and  the  Aquia  creek  sandstone  199  grains. 

The  latter  acted  in  fact  like  a sponge  and  became  completely  wet  throughout. 

This  was  proved  by  crushing  some  cubes  of  that  stone  immediately  after  they  had 
been  immersed  in  water.  It  is  proper  to  state  that  the  absorption  of  water  is  repre- 
sented by  the  difference  in  weight,  ascertained  by  first  weighing  the  specimens  after 
being  thoroughly  dried,  and  again  after  being  permitted  to  absorb  water  by  the  aid 
of  the  exhaustion  of  an  air  pump,  and  the  subsequent  pressure  of  the  atmosphere 
while  immersed  in  a vessel  of  water  within  the  receiver. 

Chemical  and  other  examinations  to  ascertain  the  effects  of  the  atmosphere. 

I have  not  sought  to  determine  the  exact  relations  of  the  insoluble  ingredients  of 
the  rock  to  each  other,  since  neither  in  a practical  nor  theoretical  view  would  the 
information  thus  obtained  be  of  much  value. 

The  rock  is  compounded  of  a variety  of  different  minerals,  and  may  be  termed  a 
quartzose  mica  slate,  in  which  the  quartzose  constituent  varies  from  point  to  point, 
and  the  garnets  and  other  silicious  minerals,  usually  occurring  in  such  rocks,  vary  in 
quantity  in  different  specimens.  Feldspar  is  less  abundant,  at  least,  far  less  distinctly 
characterized  as  such,  in  most  of  the  specimens  than  mica  and  quartz;  hence  the 
applicability  of  the  name  in  preference  to  the  term  gneiss. 

When  present  feldspar  is  liable  to  be  decomposed  by  the  action  of  water,  or  of 
water  impregnated  with  carbonic  acid,  taking  up  a part  of  the  silicia  and  the  potash, 
and  leaving  water  in  their  place,  as  a constituent  in  the  state  of  hydrates  of  silicious 
compounds,  and  of  metallic  oxides.  The  lime  of  the  feldspar  is,  at  the  same  time, 
converted  into  carbonate  of  lime  by  the  carbonic  acid  accompanying  the  air  and 
water,  which  decompose  the  feldspar.  From  this  reaction  comes  the  difference  well 


The  Extensions. 


563 


known  to  exist  between  feldspar  and  kaolin  or  porcelain  earth,  the  latter  of  which  is 
derived  from  the  decomposition  of  the  former.  As  the  rock  contains  sparsely  scat- 
tered particles  of  sulphuret  of  iron,  and  also  iron  in  other  states,  a mechanical  analy- 
sis was  made  on  a specimen  which  was  considered  to  represent  fairly  the  general 
character  of  the  rock,  in  order  to  ascertain  the  per-centage  of  that  sulphuret.  One 
of  the  specimens  of  sample  No.  5 of  the  table,  which  had  been  crushed,  was  taken  for 
this  analysis. 

A quantity  of  it  in  powder  amounting  to  2747 grains,  was  carefully  examined 
in  small  portions  at  a time,  by  the  aid  of  a strong  magnet,  which  separated  the  mag- 
netic oxide  of  iron.  The  powder  -was  then  washed,  and  when  reduced  to  a small 
quantity  by  floating  off  the  lighter  particles,  the  sulphuret  of  iron  was  easily  sepa- 
rated from  among  the  black  sand  and  minute  garnets  which  remained  with  it.  The 
garnets  had  been  in  part  collected  while  pulverizing  the  stone,  and  with  the  smaller 


particles  gathered  as  above  amounted  to 

20t4<jV  grains - 0.  744  p.  c. 

42  grains  magnetic  oxide  of  iron 1.528  “ “ 

16  grains  iron  pyrites - 0.  058  “ “ 

11.8  grains  black  silicious  sand 0.429  “ “ 

Light  black  powder,  which  floated  on  immersing  the  pulverized  stone 

in  water 0.001  “ “ 

Sand  (silicious  and  micaceous)  with  dark  colored  clayey  matter 97.  240  “ “ 


100.  000 

The  very  trivial  quantity  of  sulphuret  of  iron,  found  by  this  analysis,  confirms  the 
impression  conveyed  by  the  inspection  reported  in  column  4 of  the  accompanying 
table,  that  the  proportion  of  pyrites  (about  Th  part  of  one  per  cent.)  is  too  insignifi- 
cant to  exercise  any  serious  influence  on  the  durability  of  the  stone,  especially  as  the 
sulphured  is  not  collected  together  into  veins  or  pockets,  but  is  sparsely  scattered 
throughout  the  stone.  The  manganese  found  is  probably  in  the  state  of  either  pro- 
toxide or  protochloride  in  the  stone. 

Experiments  to  show  the  relative  condition  of  the  altered  and  unaltered  samples 
of  the  rock  in  respect  to  water,  chemically  combined.  Sample  number  3 was  tried 
by  placing  ll£  grains  in  fine  powder  in  a test  tube,  and  heating  a little  above  the 
boiling  point  of  water,  by  which  0.26  per  cent,  of  moisture  was  expelled.  By 
further  heating,  water  continued  to  be  expelled  until  a red  heat  was  attained,  when 
the  quantity  had  very  much  exceeded  that  driven  off  by  heating  to  the  boiling  point. 
Owing  to  accident  the  precise  quantity  was  not  ascertained. 

Sample  No.  1. — Fifty  grains  of  this  sample  exposed  for  two  hours  to  a temperature 
of  212°  lost  of  moisture  0.55  grain,  equivalent  to  1.1  per  cent. 

17.75  grains  of  the  same,  heated  to  redness  for  an  hour,  lost  0.35  grain,  equal  to 
1.97  per  cent.  Hence  the  per  centage  of  water,  other  than  adhering  moisture , was 
0.87  per  cent. 

Sample  No.  2. — 84.55  grains  lost  of  moisture  only  0.1  grain,  or  0.118  per  cent. 
After  a prolonged  exposure  to  a red  heat  it  had  lost  0.75  of  a grain  more,  equal  to 
0.887  per  cent.  From  this  it  should  seem  that  the  rock  in  its  unaltered  condition 
contains  0.875  per  cent,  of  water  in  chemical  combination. 

Sample  No.  6. — Of  this  sample  89.5  grains,  after  thorough  drying,  had  lost  0.15 
grains  = 0.167  per  cent.;  and  when  subsequently  heated  to  redness  for  half  an  hour 
it  lost  in  addition  1.3  grains  = 1.463  per  cent. 

Sample  No.  7. — Of  this,  which,  like  the  proceeding,  was  a weathered  or  altered 
rock,  50  grains  lost  in  drying  0.1  grain,  or  0.2  per  cent.,  and  another  portion  of  the 
same  powder  of  40  grains  lost,  by  a continued  ignition,  0.65  grain,  or  1.625  per  cent., 
from  which,  deducting  moisture,  0.200  per  cent.,  there  remains  in  combination 
1.423.  The  mean  of  the  two  trials  on  the  altered  stone  is  1,444,  from  which,  deduct- 


564 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


ing  the  above  mean  for  samples  1 and  2,  = 0.878,  we  have  the  excess  of  water  in  the 
hydrates  of  the  weathered  stones  = 0.566  per  cent. 

As  might  be  reasonably  anticipated,  this  replacement  of  a portion  of  the  mineral 
ingredients  of  the  stone  by  water  is  accompanied  by  a diminution  of  specific  gravity. 
Thus  from  column  six  of  the  foregoing  table  it  appears  that  the  average  weight  per 
cubic  foot  of  Nos.  1,  2,  3,  4,  and  5 (unaltered  stones)  is  174.15  pounds,  and  the  mean 
weight  of  Nos.  6 and  7 is  but  162.92  pounds.  Even  of  this  latter  weight  it  appears 
that  0.566  per  cent.,  or  0.97  pounds,  is  combined  water  added  in  the  course  of  the 
alteration.  This  being  deducted,  leaves  of  the  original  mineral  constituents  only 
171.95  pounds,  showing  that  2^  pounds  of  mineral  per  cubic  foot  have  been  extracted. 

Degree  of  solubility  of  stones -in  acids. — The  products  of  the  soil,  such  as  the  vege- 
table acids  derived  from  the  decomposition  of  plants,  have  no  doubt  co-operated 
more  or  less  powerfully  with  the  atmosphere  in  producing  the  alterations  visible  at 
the  quarries  at  the  upper  part  of  the  strata,  and  perceptible  on  the  exterior  or  interior 
of  some  samples  at  the  Capitol.  The  power  of  the  stone,  when  laid  in  building,  to 
resist  the  further  action  of  acids,  may  be  less  important,  in  reference  to  the  organic 
products  of  the  soil,  than  when  exposed  in  the  quarries  to  their  influence  beneath  the 
natural  surface;  but  other  acids,  and  their  compounds,  may  and  do  produce  on  the 
materials  of  buildings  effects  which,  in  the  course  of  time,  become  sufficiently  marked. 
Had  time  permitted,  it  would  have  been  desirable  to  trace  distinctly  the  influence  of 
the  several  causes  just  alluded  to,  and  note  the  precise  effects.  But  the  trials 
would  be  long,  minute,  and  laborious. 

The  following  trials  have  reference  to  the  total  amount  of  matter  which  acids, 
even  in  their  concentrated  form,  are  capable  of  dissolving.  Thirty  grains  in  powder 
of  sample  No.  1,  after  thorough  drying,  (whereby  it  lost  0.1  of  a grain,)  were  treated 
with  strong  chlorhydric  with  a little  nitric  acid,  and  the  treatment  repeated  with 
fresh  portions  of  acid,  until  everything  soluble  appeared  to  be  removed.  The 
ignited  residue  was  observed  to  contain  a few  black  particles,  which  were  found  to 
be  magnetic  oxide  of  iron  removable  by  the  magnet.  The  residue  weighed  25.65 
grains,  or  82.17  per  cent,  of  the  original  assay.  Showing  that  of  moisture,  combined 
water,  and  mineral  water,  there  had  been  removed  17.83  per  cent. 

On  sample  No.  7 (altered  rock)  30  grains  lost  of  moisture  0.06  grain,  and  these, 
by  long  boiling  in  chlorhydric  with  nitric  acid,  washing,  separating,  drying,  and 
igniting,  left  a residue  of  26.23  grains,  of  which  0.03  grain  was  magnetic  oxide  of  iron. 
The  insoluble  part  is,  consequently,  87.43  per  cent,  of  the  original  weight,  and  the 
part  dissolved  is  12.57  per  cent.,  showing  a marked  difference  between  this  partly 
decomposed  sample  and  the  unaltered  stone  No.  1.  The  insoluble  silicates  are,  of 
course,  left  in  the  rock  altered  by  natural  causes,  and  become  a larger  portion  of  the 
whole  weight  than  in  the  unaltered  state. 

Of  the  matter  in  sample  1,  it  appears  there  were  of  insoluble  silicates,  with  Per  cent. 


a little  magnetic  oxide  of  iron 82. 17 

Hygrometric  moisture ~ 0.  33 

Combined  water 0.87 

Insoluble  matter  (silica)  left  in  drying  the  solution 0.  60 

Peroxide  of  iron 6. 30 

Lime 0.  34 

Magnesia 0.  20 

Alumina - 3.04 

Protoxide  of  manganese 5.  09 

Potash .70 


99.64 


The  above  is  the  result  of  but  a single  analysis,  which  I should  desire  to  repeat 
and  vary,  did  time  permit,  in  order  to  assure  myself  of  the  entire  accuracy  of  the 
results. 


The  Extensions. 


565 


In  order  to  arrive  at  some  estimate  of  the  adequacy  of  the  foundation  walls  to  sup- 
port the  structure  which  it  is  intended  to  place  upon  them,  I have  taken  from  the 
working  drawings  of  the  architect  the  dimensions  of  the  main  walls  already  laid. 
These  walls  are,  in  general,  six  feet  nine  inches  thick,  but  at  those  parts  where  the 
walls  are  highest,  the  base  resting  directly  on  the  ground,  it  is  widened  to  nine  feet. 
I find  that  the  entire  circuit  of  each  wall  (not  including  the  porticoes)  will  be  equal 
to  a single  wall  728  feet  long.  This  wall  is  to  support  a superstructure  34  feet  high 
and  4 J feet  thick,  composed,  in  part,  of  marble  weighing  about  179  pounds  per  cubic 
foot,  and  in  part  of  other  materials,  brick,  mortar,  &c.,  which  will  probably  weigh 
considerably  less;  but  I have  assumed,  for  the  sake  of  giving  their  full  weight,  that 
the  entire  wall  will  weigh  175  pounds  per  cubic  foot.  Consequently,  one  lineal 
foot  of  superstructure  will  weigh  26,775  pounds.  This  weight,  when  transmitted  to 
the  base  of  the  foundation  walls,  where  they  are  6f  feet  thick,  will  load  each  square 
foot  with  a weight  of  3,966  pounds;  but  where  the  foundation  walls  are  9 feet 
thick,  the  load  at  the  base  due  to  superstructure  will  be  but  2,975  pounds  per 
square  foot.  The  highest  part  of  the  foundation  walls  themselves  is  stated  by  Mr. 
Walter  to  be  40  feet,  and  by  the  accompanying  table  it  appears  that  the  stone  weighs 
173 pounds  per  cubic  foot,  from  which  it  follows,  that  a vertical  wall  (not  widened  at 
the  base)  would  press  that  base  with  a force  of  6,920  pounds  per  square  foot,  which, 
added  to  the  pressure  of  3,966  pounds,  due  to  the  superstructure,  would  give  a total 
of  10,886  pounds,  which  would  have  been  the  load  at  the  bottom  of  the  foundation 
wall  at  its  deepest  part,  if  it  had  not  been  made  thicker  than  the  rest.  If  this  deep- 
est part  of  the  foundation  be  gradually  thickened  from  6|  feet  at  the  top  to  9 feet  at 
bottom,  the  weight  of  it  distributed  over  the  base  will  be  equivalent  to  a load  of 
6,055  pounds  per  square  foot,  to  which  adding  the  weight  of  the  superstructure,  as 
above  computed,  for  the  same  9 feet  base,  viz:  2,975  pounds,  we  obtain  9,030  pounds 
on  one  square  foot. 

By  a reference  to  the  table  of  results  of  experiments  on  crushing,  it  will  be  found 
in  column  thirteen  that  of  the  blue  micaceous  stones  No.  7 gave  the  lowest  mean 
strength,  viz:  8,156  pounds  per  square  inch.  No.  1 gave  the  highest  result,  viz: 
20,715  pounds;  and  the  average  of  seven  samples  of  that  kind  of  stone  is  15,603 
pounds  per  square  inch. 

8,156  lbs.  per  square  inch  is  at  the  rate  of  1,174,464  lbs.  per  sq.  foot. 

20,715  do  do  2,980,960  do 

15,603  . do  do  2,246,832  do 

1,174,464  contains  10,886  one  hundred  and  eight  times. 

2,980,960  do  two  hundred  and  seventy-three  times. 

2,246,832  ' do  two  hundred  and  six  times. 

If  the  highest  part  of  the  foundation  had  been  built  only  6|  feet  thick  at  bottom, 
as  well  as  at  top,  and  wholly  of  the  weakest  kind  of  stone  tested,  its  strength  would 
have  been  5f  times  as  great  as  the  load  to  be  supported  would  have  required,  accord- 
ing to  the  architectural  rule  in  relation  to  walls  of  rough  stone;  and  if  made  9 feet  at 
bottom  and  6|  at  top,  having  to  bear,  as  above,  9,030  pounds  per  square  foot,  the 
crushing  force  of  the  stone  would  have  been  6J  times  the  required  strength.  If  con- 
structed of  stone  having  the  average  strength  of  the  seven  specimens  of  the  quartz  mica 
slate,  the  wall  of  6|  feet  thick  would  have  a strength  ten  and  three-tenths  times  as  great 
as  the  above-mentioned  rule  would  require;  and  if  it  had  a nine  feet  base,  as  before, 
it  would  be  twelve  and  two-fifths  times  as  strong  as  the  requirement  of  its  load. 

The  architectural  rule  to  which  I have  just  referred  may  be  found  in  Weisbach’s 
“Principles  of  the  Mechanics  of  Machinery  and  Engineering,”  American  edition, 
vol.  1,  page  215.  In  a statement  of  the  practical  application  of  the  ascertained 
strength  of  materials  to  resist  crushing,  it  is  there  said  that  “ten  times  the  absolute 
strength  is  given  to  wood  and  stones,  to  iron  only  one  of  five  times,  and  to  walls  of 


566 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


rough  stones  twenty  times.  Though  these  foundations  are  not  wholly  of  rough 
stones,  yet  as  they  are  so  in  part,  I have  chosen  to  assume  that  basis  of  compu- 
tation as  entirely  within  the  limits  of  safety,  whatever  may  be  the  size  of  the 
specimens  composing  the  masonry. 

I have  thus  far  spoken  of  the  force  pressing  on  the  bottom  of  the  foundation  walls 
at  their  deepest  part.  It  may,  perhaps,  be  said  that  the  superstructure  does  not  rest 
on  a continuous  wall,  but  on  a foundation  composed  of  pillars,  and  window  or  door 
spaces  intervening,  so  that  at  the  place  of  junction,  between  the  foundation  and  the 
superstructure,  the  latter  will  press  upon  a far  less  number  of  square  feet  of  bearing 
surface  than  if  the  foundation  were  continuous  for  the  entire  circuit  of  the  building. 
To  be  able  to  compute  the  effect  of  interruptions,  by  windows,  &c.,  I ascertained 
that  in  a length  of  728  feet  there  are  interruptions  amounting  altogether  to  a length 
of  156  feet.  The  actual  length  of  the  bearing  plane  is,  consequently,  572  feet,  and 
the  thickness  of  superstructure  being  41  feet,  length  728,  height  34,  and  weight  175 
pounds  per  square  foot,  as  above  computed,  the  pressure  on  a square  foot  of  the 
bearing  surface,  at  the  base  of  the  superstructure,  will  be  7,572  pounds,  which  is 
but  the  one  hundred  and  fifty-fifth  part  of  the  absolute  strength  of  the  weakest  sample 
of  the  blue  stone  which  lias  been  tested  during  this  investigation,  and,  allowing  for  a 
twenty-fold  security  as  above,  the  strength  of  the  upper  part  of  the  foundation  wall, 
even  if  wholly  constructed  of  that  variety  of  the  stone,  would  be  seven  and  three- 
fourth  times  as  great  as  required  for  the  superincumbent  weight,  according  to  the  rule 
of  practice  above  cited.  Computed  on  the  average  absolute  strength  of  all  the  sam- 
ples, the  strength  at  the  base  of  the  superstructure  is  nearly  15  times  as  great  as  the 
twenty-fold  security  would  require. 

Being  very  anxious  to  bring  the  investigation  to  a conclusion  at  the  earliest  possi- 
ble moment,  and  within  the  time  indicated  by  the  committee,  I have  been  compelled 
to  shorten,  as  far  as  practicable,  the  chemical  examinations,  and  to  content  myself 
with  those  trials  only  which  appeared  to  have  a direct  practical  bearing  upon  the 
subject.  All  the  trials,  both  mechanical  and  chemical,  point  to  the  superiority  of 
the  unaltered  rock,  and  indicate  the  propriety  of  excluding,  as  far  as  practicable, 
those  parts  which  have  suffered  material  changes  from  meteoric  influences,  as  indi- 
cated by  modifications  of  color,  hardness,  cohesion,  and  power  to  absorb  moisture. 

I cannot  conclude  this  report  without  saying  that  I am  indebted  to  the  prompt 
accordance  by  the  Hon.  William  A.  Graham,  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  of  a permission 
to  use  such  machines  as  the  Washington  navy-yard  afforded  for  the  performance  of 
the  mechanical  experiments  on  these  materials,  and  to  the  facilities  politely  afforded 
by  Commodore  Ballard,  commandant,  and  by  Lieutenant  Dahlgreen  and  other  offi- 
cers in  the  “ordnance  branch”  of  that  establishment,  for  the  prosecution  of  the 
investigation.  The  proving  machine,  constructed  on  the  plan  of  the  late  Major  Wade, 
of  the  United  States  army,  was  the  principal  instrument  put  in  requisition  at  the 
yard. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Walter  R.  Johnson. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Alex.  H.  H.  Stuart,  SecretarjT  of  the  Interior,  Dec.  4,  1852.  (32 — 2,  House 

Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  1,  p.  45.)  ] 

The  work  upon  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  has  advanced  with  as  much  rapidity 
as  was  consistent  with  its  proper  execution.  The  massive  foundations  have  been 
completed;  the  arches  between  the  inside  wralls  of  the  sub-basement  have  all  been 
turned  and  the  spandrels  filled  with  cement  and  brick,  and  the  whole  overlaid  by  a 


The  Extensions. 


567 


pavement  upon  which  the  tiling  will  rest.  A large  part  of  the  granite  work  has  also 
been  done,  and  portions  of  the  walls  of  the  principal  basement  have  been  built  of 
the  beautiful  marble  which  was  selected  as  the  material  for  the  exterior  surface  of 
the  edifice. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  15, 1853:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 2,  p.  622.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  bill  to 
supply  deficiencies  in  the  appropriations  for  the  service  of  the  fiscal  year  1853 — 

Mr.  Borland.  I have  another  amendment  to  offer,  to  come  in  after  the  appropri- 
ation “for  the  extension  of  the  United  States  Capitol,  $400,000.”  I will  state  that 
the  amendment  is  to  regulate  the  manner  in  which  that  money  shall  lie  disposed  of. 
The  amendment  is  to  add  the  following: 

Provided,  That  so  much  of  former  appropriations  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  as  remains  unex- 
pended, and  the  appropriation  now  made,  or  which  may  hereafter  be  made  for  that  object,  shall  be 
disbursed  by  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  under  such  regulations  as  the  President  of  the 
United  States  may  prescribe;  said  Commissioner’s  accounts  for  such  disbursements  to  be  audited  and 
paid  at  the  Treasury  in  the  same  manner  as  the  accounts  of  other  civil  officers  charged  with  the  dis- 
bursements of  public  money,  and  said  Commissioner  shall  report  to  the  President  his  disbursement 
and  proceedings,  in  time  to  be  presented  to  Congress  at  the  commencement  of  each  annual  session, 
and  at  any  other  time  when  required. 

I do  not  like  to  occupy  the  time  of  the  Senate,  but  I think  it  proper,  in  offering 
this  amendment,  to  say  a very  few  words  as  to  the  reason  for  it.  The  public  inter- 
ests generally  require  that  Congress  and  the  public  should  be  put  in  possession  of  the 
facts  and  circumstances  which  are  connected  with  the  disbursement  of  the  public 
money  in  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  heretofore,  and  which  creates  the  necessity,  if 
we  will  guard  against  frauds  upon  the  Treasury  hereafter,  of  providing  for  a different 
mode  of  disbursement  of  the  public  money.  1 will  here  take  occasion  to  say,  before 
stating  these  facts  and  circumstances,  that  I do  not  believe  there  is  any  necessity  for 
it,  so  far  as  guarding  the  Treasury  under  the  incoming  Administration  is  concerned, 
because  I believe  the  men  who  will  be  intrusted  with  that  business  under  that  Admin- 
istration will  see  that  the  money  will  be  faithfully  and  honestly  expended,  even 
though  no  such  provisions  as  this  were  made. 

But,  sir,  I proceed  upon  a general  principle;  one  that  I contended  for  when  the 
appropriation  of  $500,000  was  made,  that  no  matter  who  may  be  intrusted  with  the 
expenditure  of  the  public  money,  we  should  provide  by  law  how  it  shall  be  expended. 
It  will  be  recollected  that  when  the  appropriation  of  $500,000  was  made,  I called  the 
attention  of  the  Senate  to  the  fact  that  the  individual  who  was  intrusted  by  law 
with  the  disbursement  of  that  money,  was  an  irresponsible  person;  that  is,  he  was 
an  officer  not  known  to  the  Constitution,  being  created  by  a law,  and  by  a very 
small  clause  of  a law,  appointed  by  the  President,  not  subject  to  the  approval  of  the 
Senate,  and  that  he  upon  his  simple  order  drew  out  of  the  Treasury,  without  vouch- 
ers, any  sum  of  money  he  chose  of  the  amount  appropriated,  and  his  accounts  were 
subsequently  settled. 

My  friend  from  North  Carolina  [Mr.  Badger]  then  told  me  that  I was  not  properly 
informed  as  to  the  mode  in  which  the  public  money  was  commonly  disposed  of,  and 
that  the  course  then  pursued  did  not  deviate  from  the  usual  course.  I told  him  I 
thought  differently.  The  facts  as  developed  have  shown,  not  only  that  I was  right 
on  that  point,  but  that  the  suggestion  I made,  if  carried  out,  would  have  saved  to  this 
Government  perhaps  nearly  one  half  that  which  has  been  appropriated.  Sir,  I hold 
in  my  hand  papers,  which  are  only  a part,  a very  small  part,  of  the  immense  mass 
of  testimony  which  a committee  of  this  body  has  before  it,  and  is  proceeding  to 
embody  in  the  form  of  a report,  showing  a disregard  of  the  public  interests,  and  a 


508 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


fraudulent  misuse  of  the  public  money  to  an  enormous  amount,  to  an  extent,  and 
in  a manner  which  has  never  been  heard  of  before. 

Sir,  when  I called  the  attention  of  the  Senate  to  a state  of  things  which  would  be 
likely  to  happen,  and  to  what  was  happening  at  the  time,  during  the  last  session  of 
Congress,  what  was  the  consequence?  The  special  organ  of  this  Administration,  the 
confidential  channel  through  which  the  President  communicates  his  views  to  the 
public,  arraigned  me  before  the  public,  and  denounced  me  as  factious,  and  as  throw- 
ing myself  before  the  mouths  of  starving  men  and  women,  and  keeping  from  them 
the  food  necessary  to  sustain  life.  That  was  the  denunciation  by  this  Administra- 
tion, through  its  responsible  organ,  the  Republic  newspaper,  against  me,  because 
in  my  place  in  the  Senate,  I contended  that  we  should  guard  the  public  against  the 
fraud  which  was  going  on  before  us  so  plainly  that  each  and  every  Senator  might  see 
it  for  himself. 

Now,  sir,  here  is  the  proof;  here  is  the  sworn  testimony  of  the  Commissioner  of 
Public  Buildings;  here  is  the  sworn  testimony  of  a respectable  gentleman  in  New 
York — a member  of  the  Newr  York  Legislature,  I believe.  We  have  on  the  files  of 
the  committee  testimony  piled  up,  proving  beyond  a doubt,  ffhat.  right  in  our  very 
faces,  in  violation  of  law  and  every  principle  of  common  honesty,  the  public  money 
has  been  embezzled. 

Mr.  Fish.  The  gentleman  to  whom  you  allude  is  not  a member  of  the  Legislature 
of  New  York. 

Mr.  Borland.  The  Senator  says  he  is  not  a member  of  the  Legislature. 

Mr.  Fish.  He  is  a highly  respectable  gentleman. 

Mr.  Borland.  He  is  a highly  respectable  gentleman,  he  says.  The  Commissioner 
of  Public  Buildings  swears  that  when  he  saw  the  frauds  going  on,  when  the  Superin- 
tendent of  the  work  came  to  him  and  made  a dishonest  and  fraudulent  proposition 
for  the  purpose  of  making  money,  he  went  immediately  to  the  Architect,  who  was 
the  agent  of  the  President,  and  pointed  out  to  him  the  frauds  which  were  going  on 
every  day,  and  told  him  how  they  ought  to  be  prevented,  but  the  Architect  passed 
them  over  with  perfect  indifference,  and  gave  no  attention  to  them  at  all. 

This  may  be  considered  a small  matter;  but  small  as  some  may  consider  it,  it 
amounts  to  a loss  to  the  Government  of  perhaps  over  1200,000.  I will  not  go  into 
the  particulars  now,  but  I state  these  facts,  which  are  matters  now  of  record  on  the 
files  of  the  committee,  and  will  be  matters  of  record  as  a report  from  that  committee, 
on  testimony  which  cannot  be  doubted,  of  men  of  the  highest  responsibility,  ancl 
evidence  collected  from  various  quarters,  which  render  the  facts  on  the  subject 
indisputable. 

I have  said  thus  much,  because  it  was  necessary  to  vindicate  the  course  which  I 
pursued  a year  ago;  for  I was  then  denounced  by  the  organ  of  this  Administration, 
and  in  order  that  for  the  future,  at  least,  we  may  guard  against  all  similar  practices, 
and,  to  some  extent,  make  sure  that  the  administration  of  this  Government  by  the 
officers  charged  with  the  expenditure  of  the  public  money,  shall  bear  upon  its  face 
the  appearance  of  common  honesty  and  decency. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I am  in  favor  of  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Arkansas,  and 
of  any  other  amendment  which  will  give  us  additional  security  in  disbursing  the 
public  money.  In  regard  to  the  mode  in  which  it  has  been  expended  here,  I have 
no  means  of  knowing.  The  Select  Committee  charged  with  that  subject  will  doubt- 
less report.  In  the  mean  time,  however,  this  is  not  the  place  to  enter  into  that  dis- 
cussion or  investigation,  although  it  is  jierhaps  well  enough  to  warn  the  Senate,  as 
the  Senator  from  Arkansas  has  done,  that  there  is  doubt  in  relation  to  the  mode  in 
which  moneys  are  applied  to  this  building.  I hope  we  will  take  the  vote  upon  his 
amendment,  and  proceed  with  the  bill.  I am  anxious  to  dispose  of  it  this  morning. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 


The  Extensions. 


569 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  15,  1853:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 2,  p.  625.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  bill  to 
supply  deficiencies  in  the  appropriations  for  the  service  of  the  fiscal  year  1853 — 

Mr.  Borland.  I move  to  strike  out  of  the  bill  the  following  clause: 

For  the  extension  of  the  United  States  Capitol,  8400,000. 

Mr.  President,  I make  this  motion  not  that  I desire  to  discontinue  altogether  the 
work  upon  the  Capitol,  although  I was  opposed  to  it  in  the  beginning,  and  thought 
then,  and  think  now,  that  it  would  have  been  well  not  to  have  gone  on  with  it,  but  as 
the  work  has  been  commenced  and  is  going  on,  I think  we  cannot  now  well  avoid  its 
completion.  I do,  however,  want  to  suspend  the  work  upon  it.  I think,  in  view  of 
the  facts  to  which  I have  alluded  this  morning — and  I can  assure  the  Senate,  and  the 
committee  will  bear  me  witness,  that,  as  the  Senator  from  Wisconsin  [Mr.  Walker] 
says,  I have  but  skimmed  the  surface — we  ought  at  least  to  suspend  operations  until 
we  can  have  some  chance  to  correct  the  abuses  and  put  the  work  in  proper  hands. 
I am  unwilling  for  one,  and  it  seems  to  me  the  Senate  ought  to  be  unwilling,  to 
intrust  the  further  expenditure  of  money  to  the  hands  which  have  so  misused  that 
which  has  already  been  appropriated.  There  ran  be  no  question,  I think,  that,  at 
least  one  half  of  the  money  which  we  have  already  appropriated — 8600,000 — for  this 
work,  has  been  misapplied  and  converted  to  a private  and  not  to  a public  use.  Sir, 
the  suspension  need  not  be  long,  and  I do  hope  that  we  will  suspend,  that  we  will 
not  make  the  appropriation  in  this  bill,  but  will  wait,  and  make  what  appropriations 
may  be  necessary  in  the  general  appropriation  bill. 

In  connection  with  this,  I wish  to  ask  the  Senator  from  Virginia  one  question.  I 
wish  first  to  call  his  attention  to  what  I believe  is  the  fact;  that  in  the  appropriation 
of  $500,000,  it  was  provided,  that  the  contracts  then  to  be  entered  into  should  not 
exceed  that  amount.  I think  we  adopted  that  in  view  of  what  we  supposed  were 
improprieties.  I want  to  inquire — this  appropriation  being  reported  as  a deficiency, 
in  addition  to  the  $500,000 — if  it  means  that  that  work  has  been  contracted  for  and 
has  been  done,  which  requires  the  appropriation  of  this  $400,000?  That  I understand 
to  be  the  case  if  it  be  a deficiency.  If  there  be  no  deficiency,  and  no  work  has  been 
done  which  requires  the  expenditure  of  the  money  at  this  time,  but  the  work  has 
been  kept  within  the  limits  of  the  appropriation  of  $500,000,  as  the  law  expressly 
required,  and  expressly  required  to  prevent  fraud,  is  it  not  proper  now  to  withhold 
this  as  a deficiency,  and  wait  until  the  opportunity  is  offered  to  ascertain  the  fact,  and 
make  the  appropriation  hereafter  conform  to  the  necessities  of  the  case,  and  secure  its 
expenditure  In  accordance  with  the  public  interest  and  prevent  further  fraud? 

Mr.  Hunter.  There  was  a provision  in  the  last  appropriation,  as  well  as  I remember, 
and  I am  sure  my  memory  does  not  deceive  me,  to  confine  the  amount  of  the  con- 
tracts to  the  amount  appropriated,  $500,000.  I do  not  understand  that  this  deficiency 
is  asked  for  on  the  ground  that  the  contracts  exceeded  the  amount  which  was  appro- 
priated, nor  do  I know  what  is  the  state  of  the  facts.  But  I presume  it  is  asked  for 
for  the  reason  that,  they  can  go  on  faster  during  the  next  fiscal  year  with  the  work 
than  they  originally  contemplated,  and  that  they  can  expend  a larger  sum.  The 
effect  of  withholding  the  appropriation  will  be,  as  I suppose,  to  suspend  the  work  in 
the  very  best  part  of  the  working  season,  because  the  appropriation  bill  for  the  next 
fiscal  year  will  not  take  effect  until  July  1st,  1853. 

If  there  have  been  frauds  and  mismanagement  in  relation  to  this  matter — and  I 
know  nothing  about  that — there  is  no  doubt  that  the  Senator  from  Arkansas  and  the 
committee  of  which  he  is  a member  will  expose  the  facts,  and  there  is  as  little  doubt, 
I suppose,  that  when  they  shall  have  exposed  them  the  President  will  transfer  the 
management  to  some  other  individual.  That  will  be  the  proper  remedy;  and  not  to 
stop  the  work.  If  we  are  to  carry  it  on  we  had  better  proceed  with  it  during  the 
working  season,  and  not  suspend  the  whole  work  merely  for  the  sake  of  one  appoint- 


570 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


ment.  It  is  now  but  a short  time  to  the  4th  of  March,  and  the  remedy  which  the 
Senator  from  Arkansas  wishes  to  have  applied  can  be  applied  by  the  appointing 
power,  and  not  by  withholding  the  appropriation. 

Mr.  Borland.  It  seems  to  me,  from  the  answer  to  my  inquiry,  that  we  are  legis- 
lating in  the  dark  as  to  the  extent  of  the  appropriation.  The  Senator  says  he  does 
not  know  whether  it  is  necessary  for  the  purpose  set  forth  or  not.  Now,  sir,  if  the 
Senator  from  Virginia,  in  whose  judgment  I have  the  greatest  confidence,  had 
investigated  this  matter,  and  knew  of  the  necessity  of  the  course  which  I suggest,  he 
would  take  a different  view  of  it.  When  we  had  the  subject  of  the  appropriation  of 
$500,000  before  us,  and  when  it  was  urged  upon  us,  it  was  carried  through  rapidly, 
on  the  ground  that  there  Avas  210  time  to  consider  it,  and  that  the  best  part  of  the 
season  would  be  past  before  we  could  act  unless  we  acted  at  that  time.  We  were 
told  all  this  before,  and  thus  we  were  not  successful  in  guarding  against  frauds  upon 
the  Treasury,  which  have  been  since  committed.  We  were  told  that  the  proper 
season  for  the  work  was  coming  on,  that  the  most  favorable  time  for  doing  it  was  at 
hand,  and  it  would  not  do  to  postpone  it.  What  has  been  the  result?  What  I have 
exposed  this  morning. 

Mr.  Hunter.  The  Senator  misunderstands  me  if  he  supposes  I have  said  that  we 
are  legislating  in  the  dark.  We  are  legislating  with  precisely  such  information  as  we 
have  with  regard  to  all  other  appropriations.  This  is  estimated  for  by  the  proper 
Department,  We  do  not  go  to  the  War  or  to  the  Navy  Department,  and  make  an 
actual  examination  of  every  particular  work  which  is  going  on.  We  have  to  trust 
something  to  the  Departments.  Our  knowledge  is  based  upon  estimates.  I do  not 
know  whether  the  contracts  exceed  the  amount  appropriated.  I only  presume  they 
have  not  violated  the  law.  I do  not  know  whether  they  have  or  not.  It  is  a fair 
presumption  that  they  have  not — a presumption  upon  which  all  committees  must 
act  until  the  contrary  is  made  to  appear.  I presume  they  have  not  violated  the  law. 

Mr.  Borland.  The  Senator  misunderstands  me.  I did  not  design  to  suggest  that 
he  should  have  taken  the  course  of  which  he  speaks.  That  is  not  the  question.  The 
question  is,  whether  this  money  is  absolutely  necessary  to  carry  on  the  work  from 
this  time  till  the  regular  appropriation  bills  are  passed,  and  an  appropriation  is 
made  for  it?  If  it  be  such  a case  of  emergency  that  we  cannot  wait — if  the  funds  are 
exhausted  which  were  appropriated  for  this  purpose,  and  it  is  absolutely  necessary, 
in  order  to  save  what  has  been  done,  to  make  this  particular  appropriation — I think 
we  ought  to  make  it.  But  surely  then  this  amount  is  too  great.  Four  hundred 
thousand  dollai’s  cannot  be  necessary  between  this  time  and  the  period  when  the 
regular  appropriation  will  be  made,  and  when  the  execution  of  the  work  shall  have 
been  transferred  to  some  other  person.  The  very  fact  that  $400,000  is  required  as 
a deficiency  affords  upon  its  face,  in  my  estimation,  the  very  best  evidence  that  the 
law  has  been  violated,  and  that  contracts  have  been  entered  into  which  the  law  of 
the  last  session  positively  forbade. 

Mr.  Cooper.  I was  not  present  when  this  discussion  commenced,  and  I am  not 
aware  precisely  of  the  character  of  the  remarks  made  dei'ogatory  to  the  character  of 
Mr.  Walter.  I understand  that  remarks  reflecting  upon  his  character  have  been 
made  by  certain  Senators.  I am  sure,  Mr.  President,  that  the  Senators  who  made 
charges  reflecting  upon  the  character  of  that  gentleman  can  know  but  little  of  him. 

Mr.  Borland.  I will  suggest  to  the  Senator  that  before  he  proceeds  to  pass  any 
opinion  upo2i  what  was  said  by  Senators  in  relation  to  the  Architect,  he  should  at 
least  know  what  those  Senators  said.  But  he  confesses  he  does  not. 

Mr.  Cooper.  The  Senator  from  Pennsylvania  will  be  the  judge  of  his  own  course 
of  argument.  The  Senator  from  Arkansas  volunteers  to  instruct  me  as  to  what  he 
supposes  would  be  a proper  course  for  22ie  to  pursue  in  relation  to  this  subject.  Sir, 
I shall  always  judge  of  what  is  fitting  for  myself,  and  it  was  enough  for  me  to  hear 
that  the  character  of  this  gentleman  had  been  assailed,  to  induce  me  to  rise  at  once 


The  Extensions. 


571 


to  enter  my  protest  against  what  may  have  been  said;  for  I am  sure  that  anything 
derogatory  to  his  character,  reflecting  either  upon  his  integrity,  or  upon  his  ability  or 
skillfulness  as  an  artist,  would  be  undeserved.  That  much  I felt  bound  to  say  at 
once.  And,  sir,  I will  say  further,  for  the  information  of  the  Senate,  that  the  exami- 
nation that  has  been  in  progress  in  relation  to  the  conduct  of  Mr.  Walter,  connected 
with  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  has  been  conducted  in  his  absence.  He  has  not 
been  permitted  to  know  the  charges  that  have  been  urged  against  him,  or  to  know 
who  were  the  witnesses. 

Mr.  Borland.  The  Senator  is  mistaken.  Mr.  Walter  has  been  before  the  com- 
mittee, and  knows  what  is  charged  against  him,  and  has  had  an  opportunity  to 
make  his  own  statement. 

Mr.  Cooper.  I am  informed  by  a friend  of  the  gentleman  that  he  had  not. 

Mr.  Borland.  I do  not  care  who  informed  the  Senator.  What  I stated  is  the  fact. 

Mr.  Cooper.  I shall  not  deny  what  the  Senator  says.  He  was  undoubtedly  pres- 
ent if  the  Senator  says  so;  but  I presume  he  has  had  no  opportunity,  at  least,  to 
answer- the  charges  which  have  been  made.  I was  informed  that  he  did  not  know 
who  the  witnesses  against  him  were,  or  what  the  character  of  the  charges  was.  The 
Senator  says  that  he  is  acquainted  with  the  character  of  the  charges.  But  I n:  ay 
say  this  much,  that  if  he  has  an  opportunity  to  vindicate  himself,  he  will  do  it,  and 
do  it  successfully,  for  he  has  not  lived  until  the  period  of  life  that  he  has  attained, 
with  the  character  which  he  possesses,  to  have  bartered  it  so  instantaneously  as  he 
must  have  done.  I am  perfectly  sure  his  character,  earned  by  a life  not  now  very 
short,  is  not  going  to  be  sacrificed  through  the  hope  of  gain  or  any  motive  of  any 
kind.  Sir,  I do  not  defend  him  because  he  is  a Whig.  I do  not  know  whether  he 
is  a Whig  or  a Democrat,  and  I do  not  know  what  fate  is  to  await  him,  as  connected 
with  his  present  position  of  architect.  I do  not  care,  sir,  for  that;  but  as  he  is  a 
constituent  of  mine,  and  as  I look  upon  him  as  a deserving  one,  I feel  it  but  just  to 
vindicate  him. 

Mr.  Underwood.  I rise  for  the  purpose  of  asking  Senators  not  to  go  into  the  mat- 
ters which  are  pending  before  the  committee  raised  to  investigate  frauds.  If  this 
discussion  is  to  be  continued,  we  shall  get  into  those  personalities  which  excite  feel- 
ing, and  perhaps  consume  a very  unreasonable  portion  of  our  time,  considering  the 
nearness  of  the  end  of  the  session.  It  is  very  clear  to  me  that,  if  we  go  into  the  dis- 
cussion of  these  matters,  we  shall  do  nothing  else.  I know  something  with  regard 
to  Mr.  Walter,  and  for  the  purpose  of  reconciling  the  gentlemen  on  both  sides,  I will 
state  that  the  Senator  from  Arkansas  is  right  when  he  says  that  Mr.  Walter  has  been 
before  the  committee,  and  knows  some  of  the  charges  against  him.  The  Senator 
from  Pennsylvania  is  equally  right  when  he  says  some  of  the  charges  have  been  made 
since  he  was  before  the  committee,  and  that  he  has  had  no  chance  to  respond  to 
them.  Now,  if  we  go  into  this  matter,  everybody  must  see  that  there  will  be  no  end 
to  it,  and  we  shall  consume  the  balance  of  the  session  upon  an  investigation  which 
has  been  pending  for  weeks  before  the  committee.  I do  not  see  that  any  harm  can 
arise  by  the  course  recommended  by  the  Senator  from  Virginia;  but  if  there  is  to  be 
a change  in  the  architect,  and  other  changes  are  to  take  place,  and  new  individuals 
are  to  come  in  to  superintend  the  building,  the  money  will  be  just  as  necessary  when 
these  changes  occur.  I presume  that  whether  you  appropriate  or  fail  to  appropriate, 
the  hands  and  employees  will  continue  in  office  until  there  is  time  to  make  changes, 
and  other  persons  are  put  in  their  places;  so  that  we  shall  lose  nothing  by  making 
the  appropriation  at  this  time.  I therefore  think  that  as  the  appropriation  is  pro- 
spective, and  as  these  changes  may  be  made,  if  made  at  all,  within  a few  weeks,  it  is 
•really  useless  to  consume  the  time  of  the  Senate  upon  the  question. 

Mr.  Borland.  There  A an  explanation  particularly  called  for  by  the  suggestion  of 
the  Senator  from  Kentucky.  He  says  no  harm  can  come  from  making  this  appro- 
priation. That  is  the  very  point  that  my  proposition  involves.  I say  that  harm  can 


* 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


result  from  it,  in  this  way:  The  suggestion  I made  in  the  beginning  of  my  remarks 
as  an  objection  to  this  appropriation,  is  this:  that  there  is  evidence  enough  to  satisfy 
my  mind — and  I apprehend  that  every  member  of  the  committee  was  satisfied — 
that  fraud  had  been  perpetrated,  and  is  now  being  perpetrated,  in  carrying  on  the 
contracts.  I believe  these  contracts  have  been  made  in- violation  of  law,  and  are  in 
themselves  fraudulent  in  their  terms.  I apprehend  that  these  contracts  cover  a 
large  amount,  and  I suppose  it  is  for  the  purpose  of  meeting  them  the  appropriation  of 
§400,000  is  asked  for.  Suppose  we  make  this  appropriation  of  §400,000; — it  goes  into 
the  hands  of  those  who  pay  the  very  persons  who,  I say,  are  now  fraudulent  in  their 
practice.  It  will  be  too  late  to  prevent  the  evil  after  the  appropriation  is  made;  the 
frauds  will  be  consummated.  My  proposition  is  to  arrest  that;  so  far  as  these  contracts 
are  made  in  pursuance  of  law,  so  far  as  they  are  not  fraudulent,  they  can  be  paid  for 
hereafter.  They  can  be  paid  when  those  who  are  charged  with  the  money  can  have 
time  to  investigate  the  contracts,  and  see  how  far  they  can  be  allowed,  and  how  far 
it  is  necessary  to  check  the  fraudulent  purposes  involved  in  them.  That  is  the  very 
purpose  of  the  amendment;  not  to  discontinue  the  work,  as  I said  before,  but  simply 
to  suspend  the  paying  for  that  which  has  been  done,  or  contracted  to  be  done,  until 
the  means  are  in  our  possession  to  prevent  the  consummation  of  frauds.  I say  that 
the  persons  now  employed  will  continue  in  employment  until  displaced  by  some 
other  power — the  incoming  Administration,  if  you  please.  I have  no  idea  that  the 
present  Administration  will  remove  them.  They  will  continue  in  office  until  the  4th 
of  March,  and  how  much  longer  I will  not  undertake  to  say.  But  it  is  very  certain 
if  this  money  be  appropriated  now,  it  will  pass  directly  into  the  hands  of  the  dis- 
bursing officers,  and  it  will  be  paid  out  to  consummate  the  very  frauds  to  which  I 
object,  ami  to  meet  the  contracts  which  are  shown  by  the  evidence  before  the  com- 
mittee to  be  fraudulent.  It  seems  to  me  that  in  that  respect  it  is  a fair  proposition. 

One  word  as  to  the  opening  remark  of  the  Senator  from  Pennsylvania,  [Mr. 
Cooper,]  who  addressed  the  Senate  just  now.  He  has  confidence  in  the  Architect. 
I do  not  pretend  to  question  his  opinion.  I do  not  doubt  that  so  far  as  his  knowl- 
edge goes  he  is  justifiable  in  his  opinion;  and  he  is  justifiable  in  vindicating  him  as 
a constituent.  But  what  I objected  to,  and  what  he  did  not  seem  to  understand 
when  I made  the  objection,  was,  that  he  commenced  by  saying  that  he  understood 
remarks  had  been  made,  but  which  remarks  he  had  not  heard,  and  then  was  pro- 
ceeding to  comment  upon  them,  and  to  controvert  them.  To  that  I objected,  and  I 
thought  it  only  fair,  before  the  Senator  proceeded  to  comment  upon  and  controvert 
the  remarks,  that  he  should  at  least  know  what  had  been  said.  I had  no  objection 
that  he  should  consider  the  remarks  when  he  came  to  know  them,  and  say  what  he 
thought  proper  with  regard  to  them;  for  Lam  the  last  to  wish  to  avoid  anything 
like  a fair  investigation.  But  what  I objected  to  was,  when  he  avowed  his  ignorance 
of  the  remarks,  because  he  was  not  present  when  they  were  made,  that  he  should 
proceed  to  comment  upon  them. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I hope  the  question  will  be  taken. 

Mr.  Borland  I call  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered;  and,  being  taken,  resulted — yeas  23,  nays  24,  as 
follows:  * * * 

So  the  amendment  was  rejected. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  16,  1853:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 2,  p.  644.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  bill  to 
supply  deficiencies  in  the  appropriations  for  the  service  of  the  fiscal  year  1853 — 

Mr.  Borland.  I have  an  amendment  to  offer  to  the  Senate,  to  come  in  at  the  end 
of  the  appropriation  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol.  It  is  to  accomplish  substan- 


* 


The  Extension s. 


573 


tially  the  purpose  which  I had  in  view  yesterday,  when  1 proposed  to  strike  out  that 
item.  I have,  upon  consultation  with  the  Senator  from  Virginia  and  others,  pre- 
pared an  amendment,  which  I think  will  be  acquiesced  in,  and  which  will  accom- 
plish the  purpose  I had  in  view,  not  to  discontinue  the  work,  but  simply  to  suspend 
temporarily  the  use  of  the  money,  and  my  proposition  is  to  add  as  an  additional 
proviso  to  the  one  adopted  yesterday,  the  following: 

And  provided  further,  That  no  part  of  this  appropriation  shall  be  expended  for  any  purpose  during 
the  present  quarter  of  the  fiscal  year. 

Upon  my  motion  yesterday,  the  provision  was  amended  by  changing  the  direction 
of  the  disbursement,  or  rather  of  the  hands  by  which  the  money  should  be  disbursed, 
and  requiring  it  to  be  disbursed  as  other  public  moneys.  The  object  of  this  amend- 
ment is  to  suspend  the  work  until  the  commencement  of  the  next  quarter,  which 
will  be  the  first  of  April.  I believe  the  Senator  from  Virginia  acquiesces  in  this. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I agree  to  that  amendment.  1 think  it  proper  to  say,  however,  that, 
in  doing  so,  I mean  to  cast  no  reflection  upon  the  present  Architect.  I know  noth- 
ing in  relation  to  his  conduct  in  this  matter;  but  what  little  I do  know  of  him  has 
been  in  his  favor;  but  I agree  to  that,  in  deference  to  the  committee  of  inquiry  of 
the  Senate. 

Mr.  Underwood.  I do  not  exactly  understand  this  matter,  sir.  The  Architect 
laid  before  the  committee  appointed  to  investigate  this  subject,  the  manner  in  which 
the  accounts  were  kept;  and  according  to  the  communication  which  he  made,  it 
seems  to  me  that  there  is  the  utmost  propriety  in  transacting  that  branch  of  the 
business.  He  stated  to  us,  and  other  information  was  communicated  corroborating 
his  statement — that  there  are  time-keepers  appointed  to  ascertain  the  work  per  day 
which  the  various  hands  employed  about  these  buildings  do.  These  time-keepers 
keep  their  books,  and  after  keeping  them  in  this  way,  the  books  are  presented  to  a 
clerk  in  the  Architect’s  office,  and  from  the  books  of  the  time-keepers  he  makes  out 
the  accounts,  showing  how  much  money  each  individual  workman  is  entitled  to. 
These  accounts  are  the  basis  upon  which  what  are  called  “tickets”  are  issued. 
Each  individual  workman,  when  the  roll  is  called,  draws  his  ticket,  and  then,  upon 
the  presentation  of  that  ticket,  made  out  from  the  book  of  the  time-keeper,  the 
man  draws  his  pay,  and  gives  a receipt  in  person,  sometimes,  but  most  generally  a 
receipt  is  given  by  putting  his  hand  through  a hole  where  the  money  is  handed  to 
him,  and  the  workman  makes  a mark,  which  is  his  receipt  for  the  payment  of  the 
money. 

That  is  the  way  in  which  the  workmen  have  been  paid;  and  it  seems  to  me  a very 
good  system  to  prevent  mistakes. 

Then,  in  regard  to  the  amount  of  money,  the  Architect  stated — and  there  has  been 
nothing  yet  to  contradict  his  statement — that  he  did  not  draw  all  the  money  appro- 
priated, and  deposit  it  in  bank  to  his  own  credit,  so  that  he  could  have  the  control 
and  use  of  the  appropriations  made  by  Congress,  as  of  his  own  money,  but  that  he 
drew  periodically.  He  drew  as  the  accounts  which  had  been  handed  in  were  required 
to  be  paid.  When  it  became  necessary  to  have  some  funds  on  hand  to  pay  the  weekly 
or  monthly  accruing  accounts,  he  would  make  drafts  on  the  Treasury.  He  stated 
the  fact,  that  every  time  a large  sum  was  drawn  from  the  Treasury  by  him — except 
the  amount  of  the  first,  draft  to  begin  with,  and  his  drafts  scarcely  ever  exceeded 
$20,000  or  $30,000 — the  vouchers  upon  which  the  previous  moneys  were  paid  out, 
were  surrendered  and  the  accounts  settled. 

This  was  a system  of  doing  business  which  met  my  entire  approbation,  and  it 
showed  that  the  Architect  did  not  draw  the  money  from  the  Treasury  and  deposit 
it  in  bank  to  his  own  credit,  so  that  he  could  use  it.  He  showed  that  every  time  he 
drew  a new  sum  the  vouchers  accounting  for  the  payment  of  the  old  sum  were  sur- 
rendered. I say  that  system  met  my  entire  approbation,  for  1 saw  that  no  fraud 
could  be  committed  in  it. 


574 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


What  will  be  the  effect  of  this  amendment?  Its  effect  will  be  to  suspend  all  opera- 
tions until  the  end  of  this  quarter.  I believe  the  weather  has  suspended  the  work  in 
its  progress  now,  and  I think  most  of  the  hands  have  been  discharged,  though  there 
may  be  some  who  have  been  retained.  I do  not  know  exactly  how  that  matter 
stands.  But  in  regard  to  the  payment  for  the  materials  which  have  been  furnished, 
and  in  regard  to  the  fulfillment  of  the  contracts  which  have  been  made,  you  may, 
by  the  adoption  of  this  amendment,  for  aught  I know,  compel  the  Government  to 
repudiate  its  contracts.  I know  my  friend  from  Arkansas  does  not  want  anything  of 
that  sort.  Suppose  the  materials  are  delivered — the  granite,  the  marble,  the  stone, 
or  anything  else,  according  to  the  contracts  which  may  have  been  entered  into.  It 
may  be  a very  great  inconvenience  to  the  contractors  to  do  without  their  money;  and 
if  we  were  not  to  pay  it,  that  might  furnish  the  foundation  of  a claim  hereafter  for 
damages;  and  we  know  that  wherever  the  Government  refuses  to  comply  punctually 
with  its  contracts,  contractors  are  constantly  in  the  habit  of  asking  damages  of  the 
Government.  I would  therefore  suggest  whether  it  would  be  good  policy  to  withhold 
the  payment  of  the  money  which  may  be  properly  due  under  contracts  for  that  space 
of  time. 

While  I am  up,  allow  me  to  say  that  my  friend  from  Arkansas  yesterday  offered 
an  amendment  which  did  not  attract  my  attention  at  the  time.  The  bill  was  taken 
up  before  I came  into  the  Senate  Chamber  yesterday  morning,  and  I am  not  certain 
whether  the  amendment  was  not  offered  and  voted  upon  while  I was  not  here.  I 
think  it  was,  for  I have  no  recollection  of  it.  If  it  was  offered  after  I came  in,  my 
mind  was  wandering,  so  that  I paid  no  attention  to  it.  But  if  it  had  attracted  my 
attention  at  the  time,  I should  have  felt  it  my  duty  to  object  to  it,  and  I shall  object 
to  it  when  the  bill  is  reported  to  the  Senate.  The  amendment  to  which  I allude  is 
the  one  providing  that  hereafter  the  Architect  of  the  building  shall  not  be  the  dis- 
bursing agent  of  the  appropriations  to  carry  on  the  work,  and  it  gives  the  power  of 
disbursement  to  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings.  I think  the  adoption  of  that 
proposition  will  be  a direct  censure  upon  the  Architect.  Although  some  things  have 
transpired  which,  if  true,  would  damn  his  reputation  forever,  and  justly,  I,  for  one, 
as  a member  of  the  Committee  of  Investigation,  am  not  yet  willing  exactly  to  sub- 
scribe to  their  truth.  As  the  committee  have  given  permission  to  use  all  the  evi- 
dence— although  that  permission  was  given  when  I was  not  present— I beg  leave  to 
state  to  the  Senate  what  some  of  these  charges  are. 

It  was  stated  that  the  Architect  had  purchased  inferior  brick  at  two  or  three  dollars 
per  thousand  to  fill  in  the  haunches  of  the  arches,  and  that  he  had  sold  the  brick  to 
the  Government  at  five  or  six  dollars  per  thousand,  making  a difference  of  two  or 
three  dollars  upon  each  thousand,  and  this  for  private  gain.  If  that  be  true — and  I 
do  not  know  but  what  it  is — I say  the  character  of  the  Architect  cannot  be  blackened 
worse  than  that  transaction  would  blacken  it.  It  has  been  proved  by  the  late  super- 
intendent of  the  hands,  (Mr.  Strong,)  that  bricks  of  an  inferior  quality  were  pur- 
chased for  that  purpose,  and  that,  he  handed  them  over  to  the  Architect;  but  we 
have  not  yet  had  time  to  trace  the  settlement  of  the  accounts  for  these  bricks  to  see 
how  the  truth  really  is. 

I could  multiply  various  other  matters  of  complaint  brought  forward  against  the 
Architect.  One  inquiry  we  made  was,  why  this  brick  was  bought?  The  answer  was, 
for  the  purpose  of  filling  up  the  haunches  of  the  arches.  Then  the  question  came 
up,  why  were  not  the  pieces  of  stone,  left  after  the  cutting  of  the  granite  or  the  blue- 
stone,  and  which,  I believe,  are  generally  called  “smalls,”  or  “spauls,”  used  for 
that  purpose?  We  traced  some  of  these  “smalls”  to  Mr.  Strong’s  building  over  the 
way,  and  found  some  on  the  Architect’s  ground.  It  occurred  to  me  that  if  rubbish 
of  that  sort  could  be  used  advantageously  upon  the  building,  it  would  have  been 
a much  better  material  than  salmon,  good-for-nothing  brick.  Therefore,  it  seemed 
to  me  to  be  improper  to  be  using  it  for  other  purposes,  and  hauling  it  away,  instead 


The  Extensions. 


575 


of  using  it  to  fill  up  the  haunches  of  the  arches,  where  solid  materials  for  the  founda- 
tions of  the  floors  would  be  important.  On  subsequent  information,  it  turned  out 
that  Emery,  the  contractor,  who  furnished  the  granite,  claimed  the  right,  as  being 
the  owner  of  these  “smalls,”  to  give  them  away  to  whoever  he  pleased.  Then  the 
question  came  up,  whether  he  was  the  owner  or  not?  That  brought  up  another 
inquiry,  whether  the  rock  was  measured  in  the  rough,  so  as  by  that  measurement  to 
entitle  the  Government  to  the  whole  of  the  rock,  or  whether  it  was  measured  only 
when  prepared  to  be  placed  upon  the  wall,  thus  leaving  the  “smalls”  to  the  man 
who  furnished  the  stone?  It  was  proved  that  some  of  this  rock  was  measured  in 
the  rough,  for  the  mere  purpose  of  increasing  the  price  to  be  paid  to  the  contractor, 
upon  the  idea  that  the  contract  did  not  allow  him  enough  without  measuring  it  in 
the  rough. 

These  things,  however,  have  not  been  fully  investigated,  and  I am  not  willing  to 
condemn  any  one  until  he  has  had  a full  and  fair  chance  to  respond  to  all  accusa- 
tions. But  I say  that  if,  upon  a full  examination  and  investigation,  the  charges 
cannot  be  explained  and  repelled,  degradation  and  infamy  must  visit  the  man  who, 
by  his  conduct,  has  shown  that  avarice,  and  the  love  of  money,  have  been  getting 
above  that  sense  of  honesty  and  propriety  which  should  have  bound  him  to  serve 
the  Government  faithfully.  But  at  present,  when  these  things  have  not  been  fully 
investigated,  I am  not  willing  to  condemn  anybody.  I acknowledge  I have  had  a 
very  high  opinion  of  the  Architect,  and  I will  not  surrender  that  opinion  until  I see 
his  guilt  manifestly  appear,  and  it  has  not  yet  appeared  to  my  satisfaction. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I stated  that  I would  agree  to  this  amendment,  but  I did  it  with  no 
view  to  disparage  the  Architect.  I would  not  vote  anything  which  was  calculated 
to  cast  censure  on  him  until  something  is  proved  against  him,  and  I regarded  the 
amendment  as  intended  by  the  Senator  from  Arkansas,  to  produce  a pause  until  an 
investigation  could  be  made.  That  does  not  disparage  the  Architect,  and  I believe 
he  is  not  afraid  of  investigation.  He  told  me  so  last  evening. 

Mr.  Underwood.  I rise  for  the  purpose  of  stating  a fact  which  has  just  been  com- 
municated to  me,  and  which  I think  I ought  to  state.  I did  not  know  it  when  I 
addressed  the  Senate  just  now.  I have  learned  for  the  first  time,  that  the  brick 
which  Mr.  Walter  got  for  the  Government,  was  charged  to  the  Government  at  pre- 
cisely the  price  which  he  paid  for  it.  If  that  be  so,  the  intimation  which  has  been 
made  in  the  committee  against  him,  that  he  bought  the  brick  at  one  price  and  sold 
it  to  the  Government  at  another,  of  course  fails.  Having  just  learned  that  fact,  I felt 
it  my  duty  to  state  it  to  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Borland.  I am  as  little  disposed  to  cast  reflections  on  the  character  of  men  as 
any  one  else.  I trust  I set  as  high  a value  upon  character,  and  I would  be  among 
the  last  of  men  groundlessly  to  cast  any  reflections  upon  the  character  of  any  one. 
But  it  seems  to  me-,  Mr.  President,  that  there  is  an  unnecessary  degree  of  sensitive- 
ness displayed  on  the  part  of  those  Senators  who  have  an  acquaintance  with,  and  a 
high  appreciation  of  the  individuals  who  are  in  the  performance  of  these  public  duties. 
When  any  purpose  is  manifested  here  to  look  into  and  examine  their  public  conduct, 
it  is  construed  at  once  into  a personal  attack.  I trust  that  Senators  may  take  steps, 
looking  to  a thorough  investigation  of  the  conduct  of  the  officers  of  this  Government 
in  the  disbursement  of  public  money,  without  those  steps  being  construed  into  per- 
sonal attacks  or  a desire  to  blast  the  characters  of  individuals.  Whether  Mr.  Walter, 
in  this  case,  has  been  guilty  of  fraud  or  not,  I do  not  undertake  to  say.  I do  not 
undertake  to  express  any  opinion  that  such  is  the  fact,  and  I never  shall  express  such 
an  opinion  until  the  testimony  is  clear  and  conclusive  to  my  mind;  but  I do  say  that 
there  is  testimony  enough  before  the  committee  to  show  that  great  frauds  have  been 
perpetrated,  and  are  now  in  process  of  perpetration;  and  there  were  allegations  in 
this  testimony  that  the  Architect  and  his  subordinates  employed  on  the  work  of  the 
extension  of  the  Capitol  were  concerned  in  it.  For  that  reason,  and  because  these 


576 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


investigations  were  not  complete,  and  because  I was  satisfied  at  least  that  frauds  had 
been  perpetrated  which  I wanted  time  to  look  into,  and  the  facts  in  regard  to  which 
I wanted  to  establish,  I have  offered  the  amendment.  I do  not  think  any  more 
money  should  be  expended  upon  the  work  in  which  the  individuals  charged  with 
fraud  are  engaged,  until  there  shall  be  a full  investigation. 

Xow,  apart  from  the  fraud  as  alleged,  there  is  a higher  consideration  upon  the 
very  face  of  the  appropriation  itself,  which,  it  seems  to  me,  ought  to  make  us  pause 
for  a while  at  least.  At  the  last  session,  when  we  made  an  appropriation  of  $500,000 
for  the  continuance  of  the  work,  a provision  was  expressly  made,  and  I think  it  was 
adopted  in  all  the  appropriation  bills,  that  no  more  work  should  be  done  and  no 
responsibility  incurred  beyond  the  amount  appropriated.  That  was  done  to  prevent 
any  such  thing  as  extravagance  beyond  the  authority  of  law,  beyond  what  Congress 
then  was  prepared  to  do.  It  was  said  at  the  time  that  there  was  no  power  on  the 
part  of  the  Executive,  or  any  of  the  Departments  or  persons  employed  by  the  Gov- 
ernment, to  exceed  the  appropriation;  that  there  was  a limitation  by  law  to  the 
exercise  of  their  authority,  and  that  it  could  not  be  lawfully  carried  further,  although 
such  a restriction  were  not  put  in  the  bill;  yet  for  greater  caution,  to  make  assurance 
doubly  sure,  this  restriction  was  expressly  put  in,  and  it  was  a positive  and  express 
prohibition  that  the  expenditures  upon  the  work  should  not  exceed  the  appropri- 
ation. 

Then  what  have  we  before  us  in  this  very  bill?  An  appropriation  of  $400,000  for 
this  work;  not  for  money  to  continue  the  work  beyond  what  was  intended  at  the 
time  we  appropriated  $500,000,  at  the  last  session,  but  a deficiency  of  $400,000.  The 
regular  appropriation  for  the  work  on  the  Capitol  is  to  be  made  in  the  general  appro- 
priation bill,  the  provisions  of  which  will  go  into  operation  on  the  first  day  of  July 
next,  the  beginning  of  the  next  fiscal  year;  but  there  is  a deficiency  of $400, 000  pro- 
vided for  in  this  bill,  and  for  what?  To  pay  for  work  which  has  been  done,  or  con- 
tracted to  be  done,  and  now  in  progress,  over  and  above  what  Congress  intended 
should  be  done,  and  against  which  they  entered  upon  the  face  of  the  bill  making  an 
appropriation  last  year  an  express  prohibition.  The  Senator  from  Mississippi,  [Mr. 
Adams,]  at  the  time  that  was  done,  offered  as  an  amendment  a penal  clause,  mak- 
ing it  a penitentiary  offense  to  exercise  any  such  authority  without  law,  and  especially 
in  contravention  of  that  express  prohibition.  I thought  then  it  ought  to  be  adopted, 
and  I think  so  still;  and  here  we  have  proof  that  something  of  that  sort  was  neces- 
sary, because  we  have  found  that  that  prohibition  was  disregarded  and  violated  to 
the  extent  of  causing  a deficiency  of  $400,000,  nearly  as  much  as  we  then  appro- 
priated. 

Then  to  come  to  the  purpose  which  I now  have  in  view:  it  is  not,  as  I said,  an 
allegation  which  I make  against  the  Architect,  or  any  one  else,  that  he  or  they 
have  committed  frauds;  because  if  I had  intended  to  make  such  a charge,  I should 
have  brought  forward  a resolution,  or  something  of  that  sort,  in  express  terms,  to 
show  the  fraud  in  the  transaction.  But  my  object  is  simply  to  take  charge  of  the 
public  money,  and  keep  it  in  the  Treasury  until  there  is  time  to  investigate  and 
ascertain  the  facts,  and  to  show  whether  or  not  these  frauds  have  been  perpetrated. 
This  amendment  only  suspends  the  work  until  the  first  of  April,  hardly  six  weeks, 
during  which  time  I suppose  the  investigation  can  be  made.  It  is  to  prevent  the 
consummation  of  these  fraudulent  contracts,  if  fraudulent  they  be.  If  we  pay  the 
money  now  into  the  hands  of  the  persons  who  have  made  these  contracts,  of  course 
they  will  consummate  them,  and  they  will  pay  out  the  money.  I simply  desire  to 
suspend  that  and' to  prevent  them  doing  so,  until  we  shall  have  had  time  to  find  out 
the  truth  of  the  charges.  Can  they  not  wait  till  then?  Are  they  so  anxious  for 
money  that  they  should  press  us  now,  when  by  getting  possession  of  it  a fraud  may 
be  perpetrated,  and  by  withholding  it  a fraud  may  be  prevented  or  avoided? 

I do  not  know  what  considererations  may  influence  others,  or  what  view  of  right 


The  Extensions. 


577 


or  wrong  they  may  take;  but  taking  my  own  sense  of  propriety  as  the  standard,  I 
should  say  that  if  such  imputations  as  those  alleged  before  the  committee  rested  upon 
me  in  the  performance  of  public  duty,  I could  not  be  compelled  to  take  any  more 
money  into  my  possession  to  carry  out  to  consummation  what  was  alleged  to  be  a 
fraudulent  transaction  on  my  part.  I should  insist,  and  it  seems  to  me  if  these  indi- 
viduals are  conscious  of  rectitude  they  will  insist,  that  the  operation  of  this  appro 
priation  shall  be  suspended  until  there  is  time  to  investigate  the  matter.  These  are 
the  reasons  why  I think  the  amendment  ought  to  be  adopted. 

Mr.  Coopee.  I do  not  rise  for  the  purpose  of  prolonging  this  discussion,  but  I desire 
to  make  a remark  or  two  upon  it.  In  the  first  place,  it  strikes  me  as  somewhat 
strange  that  an  appropriation  should  be  made  for  this  particular  object  in  this  bill, 
which  is  a deficiency  bill,  and  that  an  amendment  should  he  offered  to  restrain 
the  expenditure  of  the  appropriation  until  after  the  period  of  time  when  the  expendi- 
tures under  the  bill  about  to  be  passed  will  become  operative.  However,  1 am  not 
going  to  object  to  the  amendment,  and  I only  rose  to  say,  that  I am  glad  that  all 
intention  to  cast  reflection  upon  the  Architect  has  been  disavowed  by  the  Senator 
from  Arkansas.  I am  perfectly  satisfied  that  what  he  has  said  is  just — that  he  would 
not  wish  to  make  an  imputation  upon  any  man  without  giving  him  an  opportunity, 
and  a full  opportunity,  of  vindicating  himself.  I will  say  that  if  it  turns  out  that 
these  charges  of  fraudulent  conduct  shall  be  proved,  my  voice  will  never  be  raised 
in  defense  of  the  individual. 

Sir,  we  have  heard  enough  to  make  us  blush  for  the  manner  in  which  the  duties  of 
public  officers  are  discharged,  if  the  facts  which  have  been  stated  upon  this  floor 
to-day  are  true.  We  heard  it  from  a Senator  from  Texas,  [Mr.  Houston,]  who  has 
had  the  subject  in  charge  for  the  purpose  of  investigating  it,  that  an  officer  of  this 
Government  has  come  forward  and  made  charges  upon  the  Treasury  for  expenses 
which  never  were  incurred,  and  another  officer  of  the  Government  stood  by  ratifying 
and  paying  those  charges  thus  improperly  made.  I hope  it  will  turn  out  that  some 
explanation  of  this  subject  can  be  made  that  will  discharge  those  gentlemen  from 
the  obloquy  under  which  they  must  live  if  these  charges  are  made  good.  I repeat 
that  I shall  never  stand  by  to  defend  any  one,  whether  he  chances  to  be  a con- 
stituent of  mine  or  not,  against  malversations  of  the  kind  that  have  been  referred  to 
in  the  course  of  the  discussion  to-day.  I only  desire  that  the  Architect,  who  has 
hitherto  borne  an  irreproachable  character  and  a reputation  above  all  suspicion  of 
dishonesty,  may  have  a full  and  fair  opportunity  to  vindicate  himself  against  all  these 
charges;  and  as  the  Senator  from  Arkansas  has  declared  that  he  does  not  impeach 
his  character,  and  that,  he  does  not  wish  to  cast  any  imputation  upon  him,  that  is 
enough.  That  suspends  public  judgment  until  the  time  when  the  facts  shall  be 
developed  and  made  manifest. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

■Jfr  7^ 

Mr.  Underwood.  I did  wish  to  have  a separate  vote  on  concurring  in  the  amend- 
ment which  changed  the  disbursement  of  the  money  on  the  Capitol  extension  from 
the  Architect  to  the  Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  That  amendment  has  been  concurred  in. 

Mr.  Underwood.  The  Chair  was  too  quick  for  me.  He  put  the  question  before 
iny  attention  was  called  to  it.  I rose  for  the  purpose  of  asking  whether  I could 
not  reach  my  object  by  moving  a reconsideration  of  the  vote  by  which  the  Senate 
concurred  in  that  amendment? 

The  Presiding  Officer.  That  is  the  only  way  in  which  it  can  be  done. 

Mr.  Underwood.  I make  that  motion,  and  I ask  the  liberty  of  making  a statement. 
Since  we  had  a little  discussion,  a few  minutes  ago,  I have  been  informed  that  the 
marble-cutters  on  this  work  are  now  constantly  employed  under  their  sheds  prepar- 

H.  Rep.  646 37 


578 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


ing  the  marble  to  be  used  in  the  construction  of  the  building,  and  that  they  can  go 
on  and  do  this  work  now  under  their  sheds  as  well  as  if  the  weather  were  better.  I 
am  told  that  the  hands  are  paid  off  weekly,  and  that  if  you  suspend  the  appropria- 
tion, and  refuse  to  allow  the  marble-cutter  to  be  paid,  he  cannot  pay  the  hands.  You 
therefore  suspend  the  work,  and  interrupt  the  progress  of  business. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I would  ask  the  Senator  whether  he  has  been  informed  of  this  by  any 
person  who  knows  the  fact? 

Mr.  Underwood.  I have  received  my  information  from  Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky, 
the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

Mr.  Hunter.  He  is  well  acquainted  with  the  subject. 

Mr.  Underwood.  He  has  just  been  by  my  side,  and  I have  had  a conversation  with 
him  upon  the  subject.  I am  told  another  thing,  which  I beg  leave  to  state,  and  to 
ask  the  Senator  from  Virginia  whether  it  is  a fact.  In  the  evidence  before  the  Com- 
mittee of  Inquiry  there  was  one  thing  which  struck  me  as  being  extremely  improper, 
and  I will  state  it. 

I went  to  the  wall  and  examined  it  myself,  and  I thought  it  was  very  well  laid; 
but  the  filling-in  behind  the  front  wall  of  the  polished  granite  was  equally  of  large 
granite  blocks,  and  I said  to  myself,  and  the  proof  before  the  committee  amounts  to 
the  same  thing,  that  there  was  no  necessity  for  taking  this  costly  granite,  and  filling 
it  in  behind  the  polished  or  cut  granite,  in  front  of  it;  but  that  gneiss  rock,  or  the 
blue  stone  furnished  from  along  the  banks  of  the  Potomac,  would  have  answered 
just  as  well;  and  that  if  the  filling  up  was  done  with  blue  stone,  it  would  cost  about 
one  third  what  the  filling  up  with  large  granite  blocks  would  cost.  I have,  how- 
ever, just  been  informed  that  that  was  done  at  the  suggestion  of  some  engineers  and 
my  friend  from  Virginia,  and  that  it  was  done  upon  these  grounds:  It  was  said  that 
the  foundation  was  not  sufficient.  Upon  the  statement  that  the  foundation  was  not 
properly  constructed,  engineers  concurred  in  the  opinion,  and  my  friend  from  Vir- 
ginia so  advised  the  Architect,  that  if  he  would  put  three  courses  of  this  substantial 
granite  rock,  and  connect  and  tie  them  together,  even  if  a portion  of  the  foundation 
was  defective  and  the  rest  was  good,  these  ties  of  granite  i'ock  above  the  foundation, 
would  furnish  such  a strength  as  would  be  sufficient,  and  would  overcome  any 
defect  in  the  foundation.  I understand  that  it  was  only  intended  to  lay  three 
courses  of  granite.  I have  learned  that  the  Architect  yielded  to  this  advice  of  the 
engineers  and  of  my  friend  from  Virginia,  who  was  then,  I believe,  chairman  of  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings;  whereas  the  judgment  of  the  Architect  would  have 
taught  him  that  the  gneiss  rock  was  sufficient.  If  that  be  the  fact,  I hope  my  friend 
from  Virginia  will  say  that  it  is  so. 

Mr.  Hunter.  That  is  so,  sir.  Such  was  the  suggestion  of  the  engineers,  and  I 
urged  upon  Mr.  Walter  to  put  a few  courses — I do  not  now  remember  how  many. 
The  reason  assigned  was  that  the  stone  in  the  foundation  had  been  too  small,  and 
the  engineers  were  of  opinion  that  the  foundation  was  sufficient,  but  that  it  would 
be  put  beyond  all  peradventure  if  a few  courses  of  granite  were  put  in  behind  the 
front  row;  because,  they  said,  that  if  above  the  foundation  there  was  one  entire 
piece  of  stone,  it  would  be  almost  impossible  to  crush  it,  and  the  nearer  you  could 
approach  to  that  by  the  size  of  the  granite  for  a few  courses,  the  more  substantial 
the  building  would  be.  They  recommended  it,  and  I urged  it  upon  Mr.  Walter  to 
follow  their  suggestions  for  the  purpose  of  placing  the  matter  beyond  doubt. 

Mr.  Underwood.  There  is  another  thing  which  I have  just  learned,  which  I wish 
to  state  to  my  friend  from  Arkansas.  I learn  that  the  whole  amount  expended  for 
marble,  by  an  examination  of  the  books  this  morning,  is  only  about  $65,000.  That 
is  the  whole  amount  paid  for  marble,  and  of  course  there  cannot  be  a loss  upon  that. 

I have  mentioned  these  things  to  show  that  there  is  a propriety  in  what  I stated 
when  I was  first  up,  that  no  man,  or  set  of  men,  ought  to  be  condemned  upon  ex  parte 
testimony,  without  a full  investigation — without  duly  weighing  and  sifting  all  the 


The  Extensions. 


579 


evidence,  and  seeing  how  the  truth  stands.  Why,  I had  condemned  this  Architect 
myself.  I had  condemned  him  seriously,  for  the  very  fact  of  filling  in  with  this 
granite  rock,  when,  according  to  my  inspection  and  judgment,  gneiss  rock  would 
have  answered  just  as  well.  Yet  now  I learn  that  that  course  was  pursued  by  the 
Architect  at  the  suggestion  of  the  engineers,  upon  the  possibility  that  it  might  pro- 
tect the  building,  if  the  foundation  was  at  all  defective. 

The  motion  which  I have  made  is  to  reconsider  the  vote  on  concurring  in  the  amend- 
ment made  yesterday  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  on  the  motion  of  the  gentleman  from 
Arkansas.  His  amendment  was  to  take  away  the  disbursement  of  the  money  from  the 
Architect,  and  give  it  into  the  hands  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings.  If  you 
do  this  before  you  have  made  this  investigation,  what  will  it  say  to  the  world?  What  will 
it  say  to  the  Architect?  It  will  be  saying  to  him,  “From  the  investigations  already 
made,  we  find  that  you  are  not  trustworthy.  We  have  discovered  that  you  are  act- 
ing so  fraudulently  that  you  cannot  be  trusted  with  the  disbursement  of  the  money. 
If  it  is  retained  in  your  hands,  it  will  be  used  for  fraudulent  purposes,  and  to  pay 
persons  who  have  acted  fraudulently  against  the  Government,  and  therefore  we  take 
it  from  your  hands,  and  give  it  to  others.”  I do  not  feel  myself  authorized  to  make 
this  change  until  I get  a thorough  investigation,  and  see  that  the  Architect  ought  to  be 
condemned.  If  I shall  find  that  the  investigation  results  in  facts  which  should  lead 
to  his  condemnation,  although  I have  already  said  I have  entertained  a very  high 
opinion  of  him,  I trust  I shall  be  the  last  man  to  save  him  from  the  just  censure 
which  awaits  his  conduct;  but  I am  not  willing  thus  beforehand  to  say  to  him,  “You 
have  acted  in  such  a way  that  we  will  not  let  you  disburse  the  money  any  longer.” 

Mr.  Borland.  1 had  hoped  that  after  the  long  discussion  upon  this  subject  yester- 
day, we  were  done  with  it;  but  it  seems  that  there  is  to  be  no  end  to  it.  What  is 
the  proposition  now  made?  In  the  very  face  of  all  that  has  passed — although  the 
Senate  has  concluded  to  suspend  operations,  the  Architect  is  insisting  that  he  shall 
have  possession  of  the  money,  and  shall  expend  it. 

Mr.  Underwood.  I beg  leave  to  correct  my  friend  in  that.  I have  not  seen  the 
Architect  for  a month,  I believe — I do  not  recollect  how  long;  but  the  last  time  I saw 
him  was  in  the  committee  room,  and  an  unpleasant  occurrence  there  took  place 
between  the  Architect  and  some  of  the  hands,  and  he  departed,  and  I have  never  seen 
him  since;  nor  have  I had  one  word  of  correspondence  with  him,  by  letter  or  other- 
wise. The  movement  is  altogether  to  Ire  charged  to  me.  I have  made  the  motion 
to  carry  out  my  own  view  of  what  I consider  to  be  proper.  The  Architect  has  had 
nothing  to  do  with  it. 

Mr.  Borland.  If  the  Senator  had  not  said,  when  he  got  up,  that  he  was  acting  from 
information  communicated  to  him  from  without,  and  almost  at  that  moment  com- 
municated to  him,  I should  not  have  said  anything  about  the  movement  coming 
from  anywhere;  but  it  was  not  his  own  free  movement,  as  he  said. 

Mr.  Underwood.  I gave  the  authority  of  a gentleman  of  the  other  House. 

Mr.  Borland.  I know  the  Senator  did,  but  why  should  Ave  haA-e  it  insisted  upon 
from  other  quarters  that  this  individual  shall  be  trusted  with  the  money  proposed  to 
be  paid  under  this  appropriation  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol?  PreA'ious  to  the 
bill  which  passed  a few  years  ago,  making  the  original  appropriation  for  this  Avork, 
the  money  appropriated  for  such  purposes  had  been  disbursed,  as  was  provided 
for  in  the  amendment  adopted  on  my  motion  yesterday.  That  amendment  puts 
the  expenditure  of  this  money  on  the  same  footing  on  which  the  expenditure  of 
other  public  money  for  public  buildings  and  grounds  has  always  been  put.  The 
object  was  to  have  the  accounts  audited  and  settled  in  the  same  way;  to  return 
to  the  old  system.  No  charges,  so  far  as  I have  eArer  heard,  Avere  made,  and  no 
suspicions  entertained  under  that  system  that  money  had  been  improperly  used. 
A change  Avas  made.  Improper  uses  of  the  money  were  anticipated  at  the  time  of 
that  change,  and  an  attempt  Avas  then  made  to  prevent  it.  That  attempt  failed,  and 


580 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


we  find  now,  as  I suppose  the  Senator  from  Kentucky  will  hardly  controvert,  that 
improper  uses  have  been  made  of  the  money;  by  what  individual  I do  not  now 
undertake  to  say.  My  proposition  was  to  return  to  the  old  system,  and  to  let  the 
money  be  expended  in  the  same  way  as  formerly.  If  the  Architect  chooses  to  con- 
sider it  an  imputation  upon  him,  I cannot  help  it.  Surely  I am  not  to  be  restrained 
from  making  a proposition  to  take  care  of  the  public  money  according  to  the  good 
old  plan  which  succeeded  before,  and  which  avoided  improprieties,  because  any  man 
in  public  employment  chooses  to  say  that  it  is  a blow  aimed  at  him.  If  he  has  dis- 
charged his  duties  properly  and  fairly,  it  does  not  affect  his  character.  The  facts  can 
be  made  to  appear.  Then  why  his  friends  should  insist  for  him  that  he  shall  have 
the  disbursement  of  the  money  under  these  circumstances,  I cannot  conceive.  If, 
however,  in  view  of  all  that  has  been  said,  the  Senate  choose  to  give  it,  let  them 
do  it. 

The  Senator  from  Kentucky  has  alluded  to  some  transactions  which  took  place 
before  the  committee.  Objection  was  made  the  other  day  to  my  allusion  to  what 
had  taken  place  in  the  committee  room,  but  it  seems  that  other  members  of  the  com- 
mittee may  do  the  same  thing.  The  Senator  from  Kentucky  has  alluded  to  a trans- 
action which  took  place  in  the  committee  at  a time  when  I was  not  present.  He 
says  that  an  unpleasant  occurrence  took  place.  What  was  that  unpleasant  occur- 
rence? I was  not  present  on  the  occasion  myself,  but  I learnt  it  from  others.  It 
was  this:  when  a witness  was  testifying  before  the  committee  to  matters  which  were 
not  favorable  to  Mr.  Walter,  he  became  enraged,  and  interrupted  the  witness,  and 
attempted  to  prevent  his  going  on;  and  it  was  with  difficulty  that  he  could  be  con- 
trolled. Now,  suppose  an  individual  sitting  in  a court,  and  imputations  upon  him 
were  being  made  by  a witness  finder  oath,  and  he  was  to  rise  and  interfere  with  that 
witness,  and  attempt  to  browbeat  him,  and  prevent  him  giving  his  testimony,  what 
would  be  thought  of  it?  It  is  true,  as  I understand,  that  Mr.  Walter  afterwards 
apologized  for  his  impropriety.  I should  not  have  alluded  to  this  matter,  but  that 
the  Senator  from  Kentucky  himself  introduced  it.  When  a witness,  one  of  the 
humble  laborers  who  had  been  at  work  upon  the  Capitol,  was  testifying  to  matters 
under  the  responsibility  of  an  oath  and  his  testimony  was  reflecting  upon  Mr. 
Walter,  the  latter  rose,  and  rather  violently,  so  violently  that  it  was  with  difficulty 
he  could  be  restrained,  attempted  to  browbeat  and  prevent  the  individual  giving 
his  testimony.  That  does  not  prove  the  charges  against  him,  and  I do  not  rest  any 
charge  against  him  on  that  ground;  but  since  the  occurrence  has  been  alluded  to,  I 
want  it  to  go  before  the  Senate  for  what  it  may  be  worth.  Now  it  is  insisted  that 
he  shall  still  disburse  the  money.  If  the  Senate  choose  to  put  it  into  his  hands,  let 
them  do  so. 

Mr.  Underwood.  I alluded  to  an  unpleasant  occurrence  which  took  place  in  the 
committee  room,  not  for  the  purpose  of  going,  by  any  means,  into  the  facts  of  the 
case,  but  to  show  the  reason  why  Mr.  Walter  had  absented  himself,  and  to  show 
that  I had  had  no  correspondence  or  communication  with  him  from  that  time.  I 
alluded  to  it  merely  to  explain  the  position  which  I occupied  in  reference  to  him, 
and  to  show  the  Senator  from  Arkansas  that.  I was  not  acting  here  at  the  instance  of 
Mr.  Walter,  or  by  any  communications  with  him,  but  merely  from  a sense  of  duty, 
as  I conceived,  to  him,  regarding  him  yet  in  the  attitude  of  a gentleman.  That  is  the 
reason  why  I alluded  to  him.  But  the  Senator  from  Arkansas  has  gone  into  the 
particulars,  although  he  was  not  present  and  I was. 

Mr.  Borland.  I stated  the  facts  on  the  authority  of  the  Senator  himself. 

Mr.  Underwood.  I intend  to  state  exactly  what  occurred.  It  seems  that  some  of  the 
hands  had  been  discharged  from  working  upon  the  public  buildings  here.  It  seems 
also  that  there  is  an  association  among  the  workmen,  by  -which,  that  in  consequence 
of  certain  of  them  having  served  apprenticeships  and  being  master-workmen,  they 
take  exception  if  anybody  who  has  not  been  so  far  advanced  in  mechanical  employ- 


The  Extensions. 


581 


ment  as  they  deem  themselves  to  be,  is  permitted  to  work  and  receive  the  same  wages 
that  they  do.  Some  difficulty  had  grown  out  of  an  association  of  that  kind.  Some 
men  had  been  discharged,  and  it  would  seem  that  they  took  an  appeal  to  Mr. 
Walter  as  the  Architect  and  general  superintendent.  Three  or  four  of  them  went 
to  his  office,  no  doubt  a good  deal  incensed  in  consecpience  of  the  manner  in  which 
they  conceived  they  had  been  treated,  and  they  appealed  to  him.  Rough  words 
ensued.  Mr.  Walter  was  discontented  with  their  conduct,  and  he  ordered  them 
away,  and  threatened  that  if  they  did  not  go,  he  would  call  for  a police  officer  to  take 
them  away.  They  said  that  in  the  course  of  the  altercation,  Mr.  Walter  stated  in 
substance,  that  he  would  pay  those  who  were  engaged  on  the  work  what  he  pleased, 
and  as  he  pleased;  and  that  the  hands  employed  should  carry  hods,  or  roll  brick,  or 
do  anything,  no  matter  what,  he  should  order  them  to  do;  that  he  would  pay  them 
as  he  pleased,  and  order  them  to  do  what  he  pleased.  This  was  the  nature  of  the 
quarrel  which  took  place  at  the  Architect’s  office,  according  to  the  statements  of  the 
men.  When  a witness  was  detailing  these  things,  Mr.  Walter  became  excited,  and 
said,  after  he  got  through,  that  he  presented  the  quarrel  which  took  place  in  the 
Architect’s  office  in  a way  that  made  a false  impression  against  him,  (Mr.  Walter. ) 
He  said  afterwards  that  it  was  probable  he  used  every  word  the  witness  put  into  his 
mouth;  but  the  witness  had  given  such  a version  of  it  as  to  make  an  unfavorable  and 
false  impression  in  regard  to  him.  lie  interrupted  the  witness  several  times  when 
he  was  going  on.  The  chairman  of  the  committee  told  him  that  he  must  be  silent. 
I believe  I interposed  once  myself,  to  tell  him  that  he  had  no  right  thus  to  interrupt 
the  witness  while  he  was  going  on.  After  it  was  all  over — after  he  was  silent — he 
got  up  and  apologized,  by  saying  that  his  feelings  had  got  the  better  of  him — that 
perhaps  he  was  wrong,  but  his  impressions  were  such  that  he  could  not  well  resist 
speaking  while  the  witness  was  going  on.  He  begged  pardon  for  making  his  inter- 
ruptions— said  that  perhaps  it  was  wrong  for  him  to  be  there  while  witnesses  were 
testifying  in  regard  to  his  conduct  in  any  way,  and  he  would  disappear.  He  did 
disappear,  and  I have  never  seen  him  since.  That  is  the  whole  of  the  occurrence, 
from  the  beginning  to  the  end,  according  to  my  recollection.  Mr.  Walter  has  never 
been  in  the  committee  room  since,  I believe,  nor  have  I seen  him.  The  only  ques- 
tion, then,  is,  whether,  under  these  circumstances,  before  the  investigation  is  ended, 
we  will  censure  and  condemn  Mr.  Walter.  That  is  all.  I learn,  too, — and  I must 
tell  my  friend  what  I learn  as  I go  along,  and  I did  not  learn  it  from  Mr.  Walter,— 
that  the  law,  which  I have  not  looked  into,  as  it  originally  passed,  required  the 
President  to  give  the  disbursement  of  the  money  to  the  Architect.  I have  learned 
that  from  a source  entitled  to  the  highest  confidence  and  respect.  The  Senate  can 
see  who  has  been  talking  with  me.  It  comes  from  a chairman  whose  business  it  is 
to  examine  all  these  matters.  If  that  be  so,  this  duty  was  never  conferred  upon  Mr. 
Walter  because  he  wanted  it,  or  because  he  made  any  profit  upon  it,  but  it  was 
forced  upon  him  by  law,  and  he  could  not  refuse  it.  It  was  given  to  him  as  a 
part  of  his  duties,  and  imposed  upon  him  by  law  when  the  President  gave  him 
his  appointment.  Whether  he  wants  to  continue  to  disburse  the  money  or  not  I 
neither  know  nor  care.  Whether  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  wants  it  or 
not  I have  made  no  inquiry;  I know  nothing  about  it.  The  only  question  for  me 
has  been  whether,  under  a partial  investigation  of  this  subject,  we  shall  get  up  and 
say  to  the  world  and  to  Mr.  Walter  that  he  is  no  longer  to  be  trusted  in  money 
matters.  From  the  manner  in  which  his  accounts  are  kept,  as  I have  already  stated, 
I cannot  see  any  way  in  which  he  can  cheat  the  Government.  Then  the  question 
is,  whether  you  will  pass  this  implied  and  direct  censure  on  his  honesty  without  any 
investigation?  It  is  not  in  my  power  to  do  it,  and  therefore  I have  brought  the 
matter  before  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Huntek.  I hope  the  Senate  will  not  reconsider  the  vote  on  that  amendment. 
We  have  made  progress  so  far,  and  I think  it  is  time  that  we  were  disposing  of  this 


582 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


bill.  We  should  trust  something  to  the  House  of  Representatives.  The  bill  will 
go  there,  and  these  amendments  will  be  subject  to  the  revision  of  that  chair- 
man of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  of  whom  the  Senator  from  Kentucky 
speaks,  and  who,  I know,  is  well  acquainted  with  the  subject.  If  we  were  to  do 
the  thing  over  again,  I confess  that  I would  vote  against  the  amendment  of  the 
Senator  from  Arkansas.  I did  not  understand,  at  the  time  he  introduced  his  amend- 
ment, that  it  was  to  transfer  the  disbursement  of  the  money  from  the  Architect  to 
the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  and  I should  certainly  have  voted  against 
that  part  of  the  proposition,  for  I would  sooner  have  the  money  disbursed  by  the 
Architect  than  by  the  Commissioner;  but  that  is  passed  over,  and  we  have  acted 
upon  the  bill.  If  we  reopen  it,  there  is  no  telling  where  we  shall  end.  It  will  be 
reopened  for  the  very  purpose  of  discussing  the  matters  connected  with  this  inquiry, 
and  it  seems  to  me,  that  to  do  so  would  be  unjust  to  all  the  parties  implicated,  and 
to  the  Architect  himself,  because  we  should  have  discussions  here  upon  ex  parte  tes- 
timony, as  the  Senator  says,  and  upon  testimony  with  which  nobody  is  acquainted 
except  the  members  of  the  committee.  I should  regard  such  a discussion  as  very 
unfortunate,  and  I wish  to  avoid  it. 

I think,  after  the  debate,  and  especially  after  what  has  been  said  by  the  mover  of 
the  proposition,  Mr.  Walter  has  been  placed  in  a position  in  which  he  may  safely 
rest  until  the  investigation  shall  be  concluded;  for  it  was  declared  that  there  was  no 
intention  to  disparage  Mr.  Walter  in  the  matter,  but  to  suspend  the  work  until  the 
subject  should  be  further  examined  into.  I do  not  think,  therefore,  that  under  the 
circumstances,  delay  will  affect  Mr.  Walter  injuriously.  If  it  did,  I could  not  vote 
for  it.  I could  not  vote  for  the  bill  if  I believed  it  would  have  that  effect,  unless  I 
believed  he  was  guilty;  because,  anxious  as  I am  that  this  building  should  go  on, 
yet  I cannot  consent  that  it  shall  be  done  at  the  expense  of  the  character  of  any 
honest  man.  But  I believe  that,  under  the  circumstances  under  which  the  amend- 
ment was  voted,  it  does  not  present  that  issue,  or  involve  his  character.  I hope, 
therefore,  we  shall  act  upon  the  bill,  and  send  it  to  the  House,  where  these  matters 
can  be  further  examined  into. 

Mr.  Underwood.  I would  say  to  the  gentleman,  that  the  probability  is,  the  pre- 
vious question  in  that  House  will  cut  off  all  investigation. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I believe  the  amendments  have  to  be  considered  there  in  Committee 
of  the  Whole,  where  no  previous  question  applies. 

The  motion  to  reconsider  was  not  agreed  to. 

The  amendments  were  then  ordered  to  be  engrossed,  and  the  bill  was  ordered  to 
a third  reading,  read  a third  time,  and  passed. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  19.  1853:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 2,  p.  723.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Civil  and  Diplomatic  bill  for  1854 — 

The  following  clause  being  under  consideration,  viz: 

For  the  extension  of  the  United  States  Capitol,  $600,000, 

* * * 

Mr.  Fitch.  I move  the  following  amendment  as  a proviso  to  the  same  clause  of  the 
bill  providing  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol : 

Provided,  That  none  of  the  money  hereby  appropriated,  or  remaining  unexpended  of  former 
appropriations,  shall  be  expended,  or  its  expenditure  anticipated  by  the  contraction  of  debts  to  be 
paid  from  it  before  the  first  of  April  next. 

Mr.  Houston.  I would  suggest  to  my  friend  from  Indiana  to  withdraw  that 
amendment,  and  provide  for  this  matter  somewhere  else.  This  money  cannot,  any 
of  it,  be  expended  until  the  first  of  J uly  next. 


The  Extensions. 


583 


A Member.  That  proviso  is  attached  to  the  deficiency  bill. 

Mr.  Fitch.  If  that  proviso  is  attached  to  the  deficiency  bill,  I will  withdraw  my 
amendment,  with  the  consent  of  the  committee. 

There  was  no  objection,  and  the  amendment  wTas  withdrawn. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  28,  1853:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 2,  p.  900.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  Civil 
and  Diplomatic  bill  for  1854,  the  pending  item  being  a proposition  to  provide  for  the 
expense  of  bringing  water  into  the  city  of  Washington — 

Mr.  Bradbury.  * * * The  appropriation  now  proposed  is  analogous  to  that  of 
the  $100,000  which  was  proposed  to  construct  two  wings  of  the  Capitol.  When  we 
were  voting  that  $100,000,  there  was  hardly  a Senator  here  who  supposed  that  two 
such  structures  as  have  grown  out  of  it  would  be  erected.  We  supposed  that  half 
a million  of  dollars  would  make  an  adequate  addition.  Now,  we  find  that  we  are 
involved  in  an  expenditure — for  we  have  commenced  and  must  go  forward — that 
may  reach  five  or  six  millions  of  dollars.  So,  too,  in  this  case;  this  appropriation 
will  ultimately  lead  to  an  appropriation  large  enough  to  dam  the  Potomac,  and  place 
works  there  and  bring  the  water  from  that  river. 

* * x 

Mr.  Borland.  * * * I think,  sir,  that  we  have  seen  enough  of  the  manner  in 
which  money  is  expended  when  we  undertake  to  do  public  work  here  by  the  Gov- 
ernment directly.  Look  at  the  two  wings  of  the  Capitol.  We  were  told,  when  the 
original  appropriation  was  made,  that  the  work  would  cost,  altogether,  about 
$1,500,000.  We  have  alread)r  expended  $1,000,000  in  laying  the  foundations.  I do 
not  know  how  much  is  proposed  in  this  bill  for  going  on  with  the  work,  and  I would 
inquire  of  the  Senator  from  Virginia  what-  amount  is  proposed  in  this  bill  to  con- 
tinue the  extension  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I believe  it  is  $600,000. 

Mr.  Borland.  We  have  already  expended  $1,000,000,  and  it  is  proposed  now  to 
expend  $600,000  more.  That,  altogether,  makes  more  than  the  original  amount  esti- 
mated; and  we  have  hardly  begun  the  work.  I mention  this  to  show  how  little  we 
can  rely  upon  estimates  which  are  made  when  the  Government  itself  takes  the  place 
of  individuals,  and  goes  into  the  construction  of  such  works.  It  was  estimated  that 
we  should  have  to  pay  $1,500,000  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  and  we  have  paid 
$1,000,000,  and  it  is  proposed  to  give  $600,000  more;  and  yet  the  work  has  been 
barely  begun. 

Mr.  Hunter.  The  estimate  was  more  than  $2,000,000,  according  to  my  recollection. 

Mr.  Borland.  One  plan,  and  the  one  which  I supposed  was  adopted,  was  only  a 
million  and  a half. 

Mr.  Hunter.  Walter’s  plan  was  over  two  millions. 

Mr.  Borland.  The  work  will  cost  eight  millions  before  it  is  done  according  to  the 
plan.  I learn  that  the  estimate  made  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  origi- 
nally for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  was  a million  and  a half  of  dollars.  What  the 
amount  estimated  for  by  Mr.  Walter  was,  I do  not  know;  but  we  have  seen  enough 
to  be  satisfied  that  taking  what  has  been  done — taking  the  foundations  that  have 
been  laid  as  the  basis  of  an  estimate,  that  $8,000,000  is  as  little  as  anybody  can  sup- 
pose will  be  required.  1 say  this,  without  reference  to  the  manner  in  which  the 
money  has  been  expended.  My  remark  applies  to  the  system,  to  the  Government 
undertaking  to  take  the  place  of  private  individuals,  and  doing  work  by  itself.  It  is 
always  subjected  to  imposition,  and  always  pays  a greatly  increased  cost  over  private 
individuals. 

* * * 


584 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


I gave  the  case  of  the  Capitol  extension  as  the  case  in  point.  The  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  originally,  on  the  best  information  they  could  get  by  consulting 
engineers,  estimated  the  cost  at  a $1,500,000,  and  there  was  at  that  time  a member  on 
the  committee  very  skillful  in  such  matters.  I allude  to  the  late  Senator  from  Mis- 
sissippi, Mr.  Jefferson  Davis,  who  was  at  that  time  a member  of  that  committee — a 
gentleman  of  scientific  attainments,  and  whose  education  and  training  had  peculiarly 
fitted  him  for  such  investigations  and  such  estimates.  Although  $1,500,000  was  the 
estimate  in  that  case,  what  has  been  the  result?  As  I have  said,  $1,000,000  has 
already  been  expended,  and  $600,000  more  are  proposed  to  be  appropriated  in  this 
bill.  Yet  the  foundations  have  been  hardly  laid,  or  certainly  not  completed. 


[Prom  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  civil  and  diplomatic  expenses  of  Government  for 
the  year  ending  the  thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-four,”  approved  Mar.  3,  1853. 
(Stats,  at  Large,  v.  10,  206.)] 

For  the  extension  of  the  United  States  Capitol,  six  hundred  thousand  dollars. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  28,  1853:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 2,  p.  912.] 

DEFICIENCY  BILL. 

The  House  accordingly  resolved  itself  into  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the 
state  of  the  Union,  (Mr.  Hall  in  the  chair.) 

Mr.  Houston.  I move  to  take  up  House  bill  No.  335  as  amended  by  the  Senate. 
It  is  the  bill  to  supply  deficiencies  in  the  appropriations  for  the  service  of  the  fiscal 
year  ending  the  30th  June,  1853. 

The  question  was  then  taken,  and  it  was  decided  in  the  affirmative. 

* * * 

The  next  amendment  of  the  Senate  was  to  come  in  after  the  following  clause,  viz : 

For  the  extension  of  the  United  States  Capitol,  $400,000. 

The  amendment  was  read,  as  follows: 

Provided,  That  so  much  of  former  appropriations  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  as  remains  unex- 
pended, and  the  appropriation  now  made,  or  which  may  hereafter  be  made,  for  that  object,  shall  be 
disbursed  by  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  tinder  such  regulations  as  the  President  of  the 
United  States  may  prescribe;  said  Commissioner’s  accounts  for  such  disbursement  to  be  audited  and 
paid  at  the  Treasury,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  accounts  of  other  civil  officers  charged  with  the 
disbursement  of  public  money.  And  said  Commissioner  shall  report  to  the  President  his  disburse- 
ments and  proceedings  in  time  to  be  presented  to  Congress  at  the  commencement  of  each  annual 
session,  and  at  any  other  time  when  required:  Provided  further,  That  no  part  of  this  appropriation 
shall  be  expended  for  any  purpose  during  the  present  quarter  of  the  fiscal  year. 

Mr.  Houston.  The  Committee  on  Ways  and  Means  propose  to  amend  the  above 
amendment  as  follows: 

Strike  out  the  words  “by  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,”  so  that  the  clause  will  read: 

“Provided,  That  so  much  of  former  appropriations  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  as  remains  unex- 
pended, and  the  appropriations  now  made,  or  v'hich  may  hereafter  be  made  for  that  object,  shall  be 
disbursed  under  such  regulations  as  the  President  of  the  United  States  may  prescribe.” 

Also,  strike  out  after  the  word  “prescribe,”  the  words  “said  commissioner’s,”  and  insert  “the,”  so 
that  it  will  read: 

“The  accounts  for  such  disbursement  to  be  audited  and  paid  at  the  Treasury  in  the  same  manner 
as  the  accounts  of  other  civil  officers  charged  with  the  disbursement  of  the  public  money.” 

Also,  in  line  thirty-six,  the  eoimmittee  recommend  to  strike  out  the  word  “commissioner”  and 
insert  “disbursing  officer,”  so  that  it  will  read  “and  said  disbursing  officer  shall  report  to  the  Presi- 
dent,” &c. 

Also,  the  committee  recommend  to  strike  out  the  proviso  entirely. 

The  question  was  then  taken  upon  the  amendments  of  the  Committee  on  Ways  and 
Means,  and  they  were  agreed  to. 

The  question  was  then  taken  upon  the  Senate  amendment  as  amended;  and  it  was 
concurred  in. 


The  Extensions. 


585 


[From  the  “Act  to  supply  deficiencies  in  the  appropriations  for  the  service  of  the  fiscal  year  ending 
the  thirtieth  of  June,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty-three,”  approved  Mar.  3, 1853.  (Stats, 
at  Large,  v.  10,  181.] 

For  the  extension  of  the  United  States  Capitol,  four  hundred  thousand  dollars: 
Provided , That  so  much  of  the  former  appropriations  for  the  extension  of  the  Cap- 
itol as  remains  unexpended,  and  the  appropriation  now  made,  or  which  may  here- 
after be  made  for  that  object,  shall  be  disbursed  under  such  regulations  as  the 
President  of  the  United  States  may  prescribe;  the  accounts  for  such  disbursement  to 
be  audited  and  paid  at  the  Treasury  in  the  same  manner  as  the  accounts  of  other 
civil  officers  charged  with  the  disbursement  of  public  money.  And  said  disbursing 
agent  shall  report  to  the  President  his  disbursements  and  proceedings,  in  time  to  be 
presented  to  Congress  at  the  commencement  of  each  annual  session,  and  at  any  other 
time  when  required. 


[Order  of  President  Franklin  Pierce,  transferring  the  construction  of  the  Capitol  Extension  from  the 
Secretary  of  the  Interior  to  the  Secretary  of  War:  Ms.  Files,  Record  and  Pension  Office,  War 
Department.] 

Executive  Office 

March  23d,  1853. 

Believing  that  the  public  interests  involved  in  the  erection  of  the  Wings  of  the 
United  States  Capitol  will  be  promoted  by  the  exercise  of  a general  supervision  and 
control  of  the  whole  work  by  a skilful  and  competent  officer  of  the  Corps  of  Engi- 
neers or  of  the  Topographical  Corps,  and  as  the  Officers  of  those  Corps  are  more 
immediately  amenable  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  1 hereby  direct  that  the  jurisdiction 
heretofore  exercised  over  the  said  Work  by  the  Department  of  the  Interior,  be  trans- 
ferred to  the  War  Department,  and  request  that  the  Secretary  of  War  will  designate 
to  the  President  a suitable  Officer  to  take  charge  of  the  same. 

Franklin  Pierce. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Jefferson  Davis,  Secretary  of  War,  Dec.  1,  1853.  (33 — 1,  House  Ex.  Doc. 

No.  1,  pt.  2,  p.  32.)] 

The  work  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  which  by  your  order  of  the  23d  of 
March  was  transferred  from  the  Department  of  the  Interior  to  the  War  Department, 
has  been  prosecuted  with  due  diligence  under  the  special  charge  of  Captain  M.  C. 
Meigs  of  the  corps  of  engineers;  and  it  gives  me  pleasure  to  bear  testimony  to  the 
manner  in  which  that  officer  has  discharged  his  duty — fully  sustaining  his  reputation 
for  professional  skill,  zeal,  and  fidelity.  He  was  placed  upon  this  duty  April  4,  1853, 
and  directed  specially  to  examine  into  the  condition  of  the  foundation,  which  had 
been  previously  laid,  and  minutely  to  inquire  into  the  arrangements  for  warming, 
ventilating,  speaking,  and  hearing. 

A thorough  examination  of  the  foundation  was  made  by  excavating  down  to  the 
soil  upon  which  it  rested,  and  by  cutting  at  different  points  into  or  through  the 
masonry.  The  result  was  a report  that  less  hydraulic  lime  had  been  used  than  was 
desirable,  but  that  the  strength  of  the  foundation  was  sufficient  for  the  proposed 
structure.  The  arrangements  for  ventilation  and  hearing  were  not  found  satisfactory, 
and  these  being  the  great  objects  sought  in  the  proposed  extension,  certain  altera- 
tions in  the  plans  were  designed,  and  a board,  composed  of  Professors  A.  D.  Bache 
and  Joseph  Henry,  was  commissioned,  May  20, 1853,  to  make  inquiries  upon  acous- 
tics and  ventilation,  as  connected  with  the  adopted  plan  and  proposed  alteration. 
The  board  visited  and  made  various  experiments  in  the  principal  public  rooms  of  the 
cities  of  Philadelphia,  New  York,  and  Boston.  After  full  examination  of  the  various 
rooms  visited,  and  a discussion  of  the  phenomena  presented,  they  reported  on  the 
24th  of  June  last  in  favor  of  the  modifications  of  the  plans  for  the  extension  of  the 
Capitol  as  proposed  by  Captain  Meigs. 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capital. 


586 

To  construct  a room  of  sufficient  dimensions  for  the  House  of  Representatives,  so 
as  to  secure  to  each  member  the  power  easily  to  make  himself  heard  from  his  seat 
at  every  point  in  the  room,  was  an  object  of  such  high  usefulness  in  legislation,  and 
a problem  of  such  difficult  solution,  as  to  require  thorough  investigation,  with  all 
the  aids  which  science  could  lend;  and  in  view  of  the  many  unsuccessful  attempts 
which  have  been  made  in  our  own  and  other  countries  to  attain  that  result,  success 
will  be,  in  addition  to  its  utility,  an  object  of  just  national  pride. 

In  addition  to  this  special  object,  the  modifications  proposed  were  believed  other- 
wise to  increase  the  convenience  and  facilitate  the  intercourse  of  the  houses  of  Con- 
gress, and  materially  to  add  to  the  architectural  effect  of  the  building.  As  soon  as 
the  plans  submitted  received  your  approval,  the  consequent  changes  in  the  founda- 
tion walls  were  pressed  with  all  possible  rapidity;  and  the  work  has,  since  then, 
been  steadily  prosecuted,  without  other  delay  than  that  which  has  necessarily 
resulted  from  occasional  interruptions  in  the  delivery  of  material;  and  these  have 
been  overcome,  as  far  as  might  be,  by  purchases  in  other  markets  which  could  be 
made  available.  The  stain  which  appeared  upon  the  marble  after  it  had  been 
placed  in  the  walls  created  some  anxiety,  and  specimens  were  submitted  to  skilful 
chemists  for  analysis.  The  results  gave  assurance  that  the  discoloration  would  dis- 
appear, and  in  some  instances  observation  has  sustained  that  expectation.  This  is 
the  more  gratifying,  because  the  marble  is  of  most  beautiful  quality,  and  it  might 
not  have  been  possible  elsewhere  to  procure  a material  which  would  have  corre- 
sponded with  it. 

I refer  for  further  details  to  the  accompanying  report  of  Captain  Meigs;  and,  ivith 
a view  to  a rapid  completion  of  the  building,  recommend  to  favorable  consideration 
the  estimate  presented  by  him  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  in  1855. 


[Annual  report  of  Capt.  M.  C.  Meigs,  in  charge  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Oct.  22,  1853.  (33 — 1, 
House  Ex.  Doe.  No.  1,  pt.  2,  p.  69.)] 

CAPITOL  EXTENSION. 

U.  S.  Capitol  Extension  Office, 

Washington,  October  22,  1853. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  report  the  progress  of  the  works  for  the  extension  of  the 
United  States  Capitol. 

On  the  1st  of  December  last  the  architect  reported  the  condition  of  the  work  as 
follows: 

The  cellars  of  both  wings  are  completed,  the  arches  to  support  the  basement  floors  are  finished, 
and  the  outside  inarble-work  is  progressing  rapidly. 

On  the  23d  of  March,  the  work,  which  by  the  terms  of  the  appropriations  had  been 
placed  under  the  special  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  was  trans- 
ferred by  his  order  from  the  Department  of  the  Interior  to  the  War  Department, 
and  on  the  4th  of  April  I had  the  honor  to  receive  the  following  orders  from  you: 

War  Department,  April  4,  1853. 

Sir:  Having  been  detailed,  on  the  29th  of  March,  by  the  chief  engineer,  to  take 
charge,  under  this  department,  of  the  public  interests  connected  with  the  extension 
of  the  Cajiitol  and  erection  of  the  wings  of  the  Patent  Office  building,  you  will  pro- 
ceed to  take  such  measures  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  proper  execution  of  these 
works. 

As  upon  you  will  rest  the  responsibility  for  the  proper  and  economical  construc- 
tion of  these  buildings,  you  will  consider  yourself  fully  empowered  to  make  such 
changes  in  the  present  administration  as  you  may  deem  necessary,  and  to  regulate 
the  organization  hereafter  as  your  experience  may  dictate. 

In  the  disbursement  of  the  moneys  appropriated  by  Congress,  you  will  conform 
to  laws  and  the  usages  of  the  Treasury  Department. 


The  Extensions. 


587 


Your  attention  is  particularly  called  to  the  condition  of  the  foundations  of  the 
extension  of  the  Capitol.  Unfavorable  reports  have  been  spread  abroad,  and  it  is 
due  to  the  public  sentiment  that  a careful  examination  be  made.  If  you  are  satisfied, 
upon  examination  and  inquiry,  that  they  are  safe,  no  further  steps  will  be  necessary. 
If  they  are  not,  you  will  take  such  measures  as  will  be  effectual  to  make  them  so. 

You  will  examine  the  arrangements  for  warming,  ventilation,  speaking,  and  hear- 
ing. The  great  object  of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  is  to  provide  rooms  suitable 
for  the  meeting  of  the  two  houses  of  Congress — rooms  in  which  no  vitiated  air  shall 
injure  the  health  of  the  legislators,  and  in  which  the  voice  from  each  member’s  desk 
shall  be  easily  made  audible  in  all  parts  of  the  room.  These  problems  are  of  difficult 
solution,  and  will  require  your  careful  study. 

It  will  be  proper  for  you  to  visit,  at  a convenient  time,  some  of  the  principal  rooms 
for  public  assemblies  in  our  larger  cities,  and  especially  to  examine  those  which  it  is 
understood  have  been  successfully  constructed. 

The  quarries  from  which  the  materials  are  obtained  should  be  inspected  by  you  at 
an  early  day. 

Such  books  as  you  may  need  for  your  instruction  and  assistance  will  be  furnished 
from  the  library  of  this  department.  A copy  of  a clause  in  the  act  of  3d  March, 
1853,  making  appropriations  to  supply  deficiencies,  is  enclosed  for  your  information. 

You  will  freely  consult  with  this  department,  and  make  your  reports  directly  to 
this  office. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Jeff’n  Davis, 


Secretary  of  War. 

Captain  M.  C.  Meigs, 

Corps  of  Engineers , Washington. 

I proceeded  immediately  to  make  the  requisite  examinations  of  the  foundations, 
and  of  the  plans  and  construction  of  the  work. 

The  foundations  were  examined  by  excavating  so  as  to  expose  the  soil  upon  which 
they  rest,  and  by  mining  in  many  places  into  or  through  the  masonry.  Upon  this 
examination,  I made  to  you,  on  the  28th  of  May,  a detailed  report,  concluding  as 
follows: 


While  I regret  that  a larger  proportion  of  hydraulic  lime  was  not  used  in  the  foundations,  so  as  to 
give  greater  dryness  and  solidity  to  the  masonry,  I do  not  apprehend  any  danger  of  their  failure,  and 
report  as  my  opinion,  the  result  of  a careful  examination  and  much  reflection  on  the  subject,  that 
they  are  sufficient  to  bear  the  weight  of  the  proposed  structure. 


In  examining  the  plans  of  the  halls  intended  for  the  meeting  of  Congress,  I be- 
came satisfied  that  they  were  not  such  as  to  promise  a favorable  result. 

After  a careful  study  of  the  subject,  I caused  plans  to  be  prepared  in  accordance 
with  the  views  set  forth  at  length  in  my  letter  to  you  of  19th  May,  a copy  of  which 
accompanies  this  report. 

This  letter  and  the  plans  proposed  by  me  for  the  completion  of  the  south  wing 
were  referred  to  Professors  A.  D.  Bache,  of  the  Coast  Survey,  and  Joseph  Henry,  of 
the  Smithsonian  Institute,  as  a commission  on  acoustics. 

I was  directed  to  accompany  them,  and  to  aid  them  in  an  examination  of  the  prin- 
cipal public  rooms  of  the  cities  of  Philadelphia,  New  York,  and  Boston,  with  a view 
to  making  such  comparisons  between  rooms  of  different  forms  and  sizes  whose 
acoustic  qualities  had  been  determined  by  the  surest  test,  experience,  as  might  throw 
light  upon  this  difficult  subject. 

They  visited  many  different  public  buildings,  among  which  were,  in  Philadelphia, 
the  Girard  college;  Eastern  penitentiary,  in  whose  long  halls  some  curious  phe- 
nomena were  noted;  Musical  Fund  hall;  Circular  church,  in  Sansom  street;  new 
concert  room,  in  Chestnut  street;  several  theatres,  and  other  public  rooms. 

In  New  York  and  Brooklyn,  the  Metropolitan  hall;  Niblo’s  theatre  and  concert 


588 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


room;  Castle  garden;  the  Tabernacle;  rotundo  of  the  Exchange;  St.  Bartholomew’s 
church;  Dr.  Bethune’s,  Dr.  Beecher’s,  and  many  other  churches. 

In  Boston,  the  new  Music  hall;  the  vaults  under  Beacon  hill  reservoir;  the  legis- 
lative halls;  Faneuil  hall;  the  Melodeon,  &c. 

The  examination  of  these  different  rooms,  in  most  of  which  experiments  were 
tried,  by  speaking  in  different  parts  of  the  room,  by  noting  the  duration,  loudness,' 
and  source  of  the  echo,  the  effect  of  external  noises,  &c.,  and  of  most  of  which 
sketches,  showing  the  general  form  and  dimensions,  were  taken,  gave  a series  of 
observations  which,  when  properly  studied  and  completed,  as  is  intended  by  the 
commission  in  some  further  experiments,  cannot  fail  to  be  of  great  value. 

Enough  was  seen  to  enable  the  commission  to  make  a partial  report  upon  the  24th 
June  last,  in  which  they  say: 

They  are  now  prepared  to  report  that  the  principles  presented  to  them  by  Captain  Meigs  are  cor- 
rect, and  that  they  are  judiciously  applied. 

They  are  of  opinion  that  the  plans  should  be  provisionally  adopted,  in  order  that  the  building  may 
not  be  delayed,  subject  to  such  modifications  in  the  details  as  may  result  from  further  study  of  them 
by  Captain  Meigs,  or  from  the  experiments  and  observations  of  the  commission. 

This  general  adoption  of  the  plans  will  not,  it  is  believed,  interfere  with  any  changes  of  details 
likely  to  be  found  desirable. 

Upon  receipt  of  this  report  and  your  recommendation,  the  President  adopted  the 
plans  which  had  been  prepared  for  the  south  wing,  and  its  construction  was  imme- 
diately commenced. 

The  plans  for  applying  the  same  principles  to  the  north  wing  were  prepared  as 
soon  as  possible,  and  received  the  approval  of  the  President  upon  the  5th  July. 

These  plans  were  prepared  by  the  accomplished  architect,  Mr.  Thomas  U.  Walter; 
and  I am  happy  in  being  supported  by  his  opinion,  that  not  only  will  the  legislative 
halls  be  better  adapted  to  their  main  purpose  as  rooms  for  debate,  but  that  the 
architectural  beauty  and  the  Convenience  of  the  buildings  will  be  increased  by  the 
changes  which  have  been  made. 

Since  then  the  work  has  been  pressed  with  all  possible  rapidity. 

The  Hall  of  Representatives  is  137  feet  long,  92  feet  wide,  and  about  30  feet  high. 
Upon  three  sides  it  is  surrounded  by  a wide  gallery,  capable  of  seating  1,200  persons. 
Arranged  in  a semi-circle  upon  the  floor  are  300  separate  desks  for  the  members,  like 
those  now  in  use  in  the  Senate  chamber. 

The  space  between  the  front  of  the  gallery,  which  is  rectangular,  and  the  semi- 
circular railing  outside  of  the  members’  seats,  affords  room  for  sofas,  for  the  use  of 
those  persons  admitted  to  the  floor  of  the  House,  and  also  for  a further  provision  of 
desks  for  members,  should  the  House  ever  be  increased.  The  space  under  the 
galleries  is  enclosed,  and  occupied  by  coat  and  cloak  rooms. 

The  ceiling  will  be  of  iron,  suspended  from  the  iron-roof  truss,  with  proper  open- 
ings for  ventilation,  and  with  large  spaces  filled  with  ground  or  stained  glass,  which 
will  diffuse  a uniform  light  over  the  whole  floor.  The  intensity  of  this  light  can  be 
modified  by  louvres  under  the  glazed  portions  of  the  outer  roof. 

At  night  the  hail  will  be  lighted  by  gaslights  placed  above  the  glass  of  the  ceiling, 
thus  excluding  the  glare,  heat,  and  smell  of  the  gas,  and  preventing  contamination 
of  the  atmosphere  by  the  products  of  combustion. 

The  ventilation  of  so  large  a room  as  this,  liable  to  frequent  and  great  fluctuations 
in  the  number  of  persons  within  it,  will  require  special  provision.  By  supplying 
constantly  a large  quantity  of  pure  air,  at  a moderate  temperature,  however,  a per- 
fect ventilation  can  be  obtained.  The  only  reliable  mode  of  doing  this  is  by  using 
a fan  or  other  blowing  engine  to  supply  the  air,  and  by  warming  it  as  it  enters,  by 
pipes  filled  with  moderately-heated  water. 

The  notes  on  acoustics  and  ventilation  accompanying  this  report  will  show  how  it 
is  proposed  to  arrange  this  ventilation.  To  that  paper  I must  refer,  also,  for  the 
reasons  which  induced  me,  after  a careful  study  of  all  the  published  authorities  I 
could  find  on  the  subject,  to  recommend  the  particular  construction  adopted  for  the 


The  Extensions. 


589 


legislative  halls.  I do  not  doubt  that  the  rooms  we  are  now  constructing  will  be  the 
best  debating  rooms  of  such  size  ever  built. 

The  position  of  the  Hall  of  Representatives,  in  the  centre  of  the  south  wing,  allows 
it  to  be  surrounded  by  retiring,  conference,  and  committee  rooms,  post  office,  offices 
of  the  clerk  of  the  House,  &c.,  of  easy  access.  The  corridor,  which  nearly  surrounds 
the  hall,  affords  free  communication,  from  the  various  doors  leading  into  the  hall, 
to  these  rooms.  At  the  same  time,  the  public  being  excluded,  during  the  business 
of  legislation,  from  some  parts  of  these  corridors,  members  of  committees,  clerks, 
and  officers,  will  not  be  liable  to  interruption,  as  in  the  old  Capitol,  in  passing  from 
the  hall  to  the  committee  and  conference  rooms,  and  offices  of  the  engrossing  clerks. 
Much  time,  precious  in  the  last  hours  of  a session,  will  be  saved  by  the  convenient 
arrangements  here  made. 

There  are  five  doors  leading  into  the  hall  from  the  surrounding  corridor.  Two 
private  staircases  lead  from  the  hall  itself  to  the  basement  story.  Some  of  these 
different  entrances  will,  in  the  most  crowded  state  of  the  Capitol,  always  afford  to 
the  members  the  means  of  avoiding  the  annoyance,  bustle,  and  confusion  which  are 
so  common  in  the  lobbies  of  the  old  Capitol. 

The  retiring  rooms  and  conference  rooms  will  be  very  convenient  and  very 
beautiful. 

In  the  plan  of  the  south  wing,  under  construction  when  I was  placed  in  charge  of 
this  work,  all  the  offices  of  the  House,  all  the  committee  rooms,  retiring  rooms,  &c., 
were  separated  from  the  hall  by  a broad  corridor  open  to  the  public;  and  the  only 
entrance  to  or  exit  from  the  House  was  through  this  corridor. 

No  one  who  has  seen  the  crowds  which  collect  in  the  public  lobbies  of  the  houses 
during  the  last  days  and  nights  of  a session  of  Congress,  can  fail  to  understand  the 
disadvantages  of  this  single  entrance,  and  the  great  advantages  of  the  public  and 
private  communications  of  the  new  plan. 

The  public  galleries  are  spacious — seating  about  twelve  hundred  people.  They 
will  be  entered  from  a spacious  corridor  in  the  second  story,  reached  by  broad  flights 
of  marble  stairs.  These  stairs  will  be  the  most  stately  in  the  country,  and  when 
embellished  with  our  beautiful  native  marbles  will,  I trust,  compare  favorably  with 
any  abroad. 

The  reporters’  gallery  is  above  the  Speaker’s  chair.  It  occupies  one  side  of  the 
hall.  Behind  it  is  a broad  corridor,  to  be  reserved  for  the  use  of  the  reporters,  with 
desks  at  which  their  notes  can  be  written  out,  and  telegraphic  apparatus,  by  which 
a speech  may  be  in  process  of  transmission  to  the  remotest  constituent  before  its 
delivery  is  concluded. 

The  Speaker’s  room  and  the  retiring  rooms  of  the  House  open  directly  into  the 
hall  on  one  side,  and  on  the  other  upon  the  noble  southern  portico,  which  is  access- 
ible only  from  them,  and  is  thus  reserved  for  the  use  of  the  members.  The  Speaker’s 
room  is  directly  behind  the  Speaker’s  chair,  and  on  each  side  of  it  is  a retiring  room; 
thus  affording  to  each  of  the  great  parties,  into  which  the  House  must  always  be 
divided,  a room  for  consultation. 

The  most  striking  parts  of  this  wing,  after  the  Hall  of  Representatives  itself,  are 
the  entrance  lobby,  decorated  with  coupled  Corinthian  columns  and  ceiled  with 
marble,  the  magnificent  marble  staircases,  and  the  wide  corridor  which  crosses  the 
basement  from  north  to  south.  This  is  twenty-four  and  a half  feet  broad,  and  con- 
tains thirty  Corinthian  marble  columns.  The  enriched,  arched,  and  panelled  ceilings 
of  the  corridors  of  the  principal  story  will  also  afford  opportunities  for  architectural 
embellishment. 

The  basement,  the  division  walls  of  which  are  completed,  contains  seventeen  com- 
mittee rooms,  lighted  from  the  outside  corridors,  and  eleven  interior  rooms,  which 
have  only  a secondary  light,  and  which  Will  be  used  for  the  storage  of  books  and 
documents. 

When  this  wing  is  completed  it  will  be  necessary  to  enlarge  the  northern  door  of 


590 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


the  present  House  of  Representatives,  and  remove  the  galleries  and  temporary 
wooden  floor.  This  will,  like  the  central  rotundo,  be  a room  for  the  assemblage  of 
the  public,  whom  interest  or  curiosity  bring  to  the  Capitol  during  the  sessions  of  Con- 
gress. I have  seen  the  rotundo  thronged;  and  as  each  year  our  population  increases, 
and  the  interests  connected  with  legislation  enlarge,  greater  numbers  will  be  drawn 
towards  the  Capitol,  and  more  room  will  be  needed.  This  noble  hall  will  thus  be 
turned  to  a useful  purpose,  and  be  kept  clear  and  unencumbered  in  its  original  state. 
It  has  been  the  scene  of  so  many  important  events  of  the  history  of  the  country,  that 
no  one  can  desire  to  see  it  changed,  by  being  cut  up  into  committee  rooms  or  encum- 
bered with  shelves. 

The  principal  floor  contains,  besides  the  Hall  of  Representatives,  the  vestibule,  the 
corridors,  and  grand  staircases,  fourteen  well-lighted  rooms. 

The  hall  of  the  Senate  is  arranged  upon  the  same  principles  as  are  applied  to  the 
House  of  Representatives.  Its  smaller  size — 112  by  82  feet — renders  it  less  difficult 
to  construct,  and  leaves  room  for  larger  and  more  magnificent  corridors  and  retiring 
rooms. 

The  suite  of  apartments  embracing  the  Senators’  retiring  room,  the  Vice  President’s 
room,  conference  rooms,  and  their  approaches,  will  be  of  unrivalled  beauty. 

The  same  facility  of  ingress  and  egress  by  public  and  private  doors  and  private 
stairs,  will  enable  Senators,  as  well  as  Representatives,  to  escape  the  throng  of  the 
public  rooms. 

The  offices  are  conveniently  arranged.  The  grand  staircases,  corridors,  &c.,  are  of 
corresponding  splendor  with  those  in  the  south  wing;  and  the  plan  offers  as  many 
striking  features  of  various  architectural  beauty,  without  monotonous  repetition. 

The  western  and  northern  porticos  are  reserved  for  the  use  of  Senators  and  the 
officers  of  the  Senate. 

The  changes  in  the  plans  rendered  necessary  extensive  alterations  in  the  founda- 
tion walls,  which  were  effected  by  cutting  through  the  arches  of  the  basement  floor, 
and,  through  the  openings  thus  made,  removing  earth  excavated  from  foundations. 

These  foundations  were  made  of  concrete,  resting  upon  the  natural  soil.  In  some 
parts  of  the  work,  many  feet  below  the  cellar  floors,  about  thirteen  hundred  cubic 
yards  of  concrete  foundation  were  thus  laid.  The  walls  resting  upon  this  concrete, 
for  speed,  and  also  for  economy  of  construction  in  the  dark  and  intricate  vaults  of 
the  cellars,  in  which  the  handling  of  stone  would  have  been  difficult  and  expensive, 
were  built  of  brick,  and  were  carried  up  to  the  level  of  the  basement  floor. 

The  contractor  who  had  undertaken  to  execute  the  brick-work  of  the  Capitol 
extension,  when  called  upon  to  commence  work,  objected  that  the  season  was 
advanced,  and  that  he  had  lost  the  opportunity  of  collecting  a force,  as  he  had 
expected,  before  the  rise  of  wages.  As  his  price  was  so  low  as  to  make  it  manifest 
that  he  could  not  execute  the  work'  properly  except  at  a ruinous  loss,  I recommended 
that  he  should  be  released  from  his  contract,  and  the  work  done,  as  it  should  be,  by 
day’s  work.  You  approved  this  recommendation,  and  the  work  has  been  executed 
economically  and  thoroughly,  under  the  direction  of  skilful  and  trusty  foremen,  and 
to  the  entire  satisfaction,  I believe,  of  both  the  workmen  and  the  superintendents. 
The  men  are  paid  according  to  their  skill  and  industry,  and  seem  to  be  industrious 
and  contented.  I have  never  seen  a better  body  of  mechanics. 

The  contractor,  who  had  engaged  to  deliver  ten  millions  of  bricks,  failed  before 
he  had  delivered  one-and-a-half  millions,  and  to  prevent  the  work  from  stopping,  I 
was  obliged  to  purchase  at  an  advanced  price  in  the  market  of  Washington.  This 
city  could  not  supply  enough  for  the  daily  use  of  the  work,  and  it  was  very  import- 
ant. to  have  not  only  enough  for  this  season,  but  a stock  on  hand  to  be  applied  next 
spring,  during  the  time  when  it  is  practicable  to  build  before  any  bricks  can  be  made. 
I therefore  proceeded  to  Baltimore,  Philadelphia,  and  New  York,  in  all  of  which 
cities  I purchased  bricks  to  be  delivered  here  during  the  fall  and  winter.  For  the 
difference  between  the  cost  of  these  bricks  and  the  contract  price,  the  contractor  and 
his  sureties  are  bound  to  the  United  States. 


The  Extensions. 


591 


The  discoloration  of  the  marble  has  received  my  attention.  When  I took  charge  I 
caused  many  blocks  to  be  removed  from  the  walls,  understanding  that  a promise  had 
been  given  that  this  should  be  done.  Specimens  of  the  marble  were  submitted  to 
skilful  chemists  for  analysis,  and  a report  has  been  received  which  satisfies  me  that 
these  stains  will  disappear  in  time.  Some  which  were  very  conspicuous  shortly  after 
the  blocks  were  placed  in  the  wall  have  already  almost  entirely  disappeared;  and  I 
do  not  doubt  that  when  the  water — which  is  contained  in  all  green  masonry — dries 
out,  the  walls  will  present  the  most  beautiful  specimen  of  marble-work  in  the  United 
States. 

Some  delay  has  been  caused  by  the  want  of  a few  blocks  of  marble  necessary  to 
complete  the  basement  walls.  They  are  expected  shortly,  when  a large  quantity  of 
stone,  already  cut  for  the  principal  story,  can  be  set. 

About  two-thirds  of  the  arches  covering  the  basement  of  the  south  wing  are  at 
this  date  turned,  and  the  others  are  proceeding  rapidly. 

The  north  wing  was  not  commenced  quite  so  early;  but  its  basement  will,  if  the 
weather  continues  favorable,  be  covered  this  fall. 

With  the  liberal  appropriations  made  by  Congress,  the  only  limit  to  the  rapidity 
of  building  hereafter  will  be  the  possibility  of  getting  marble.  The  whole  quan- 
tity of  marble  received  up  to  this  date  is  75,639  cubic  feet;  and,  though  it  has  not 
come  lately  as  rapidly  as  I could  wish,  I doubt  whether  so  large  a quantity  of  so 
beautiful  a material  has  ever  before  been  delivered  at  a public  building  in  the  same 
space  of  time. 

When  I took  charge  of  the  work,  I found  a doubt  cast  upon  the  legality  of  the 
contracts  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  particularly  the  contracts  for  the  marble 
and  for  the  marble  cutting. 

Not  being  willing  to  take  the  responsibility  of  carrying  on  these  contracts  while 
this  doubt  remained,  I requested  you  to  submit  them  to  the  Attorney  General  of  the 
United  States.  His  opinion,  of  the  6th  May,  sustains  the  contracts,  and  removes  all 
doubt  upon  the  subject. 

The  only  contracts  made  during  the  year  were  with  Frederick  A.  Burch  for  laying 
bricks,  and  with  C.  Wendell  for  ten  millions  of  brick.  Copies  of  them  accompany 
this  report. 

With  a view  to  obtaining  American  marbles  for  the  interior  decoration  of  the 
Capitol,  an  advertisement  has  been  issued.  Specimens  have  been  received  from 
various  places,  though  they  are  not  so  numerous  as  is  desirable.  The  most  beautiful 
thus  far  received  is  from  Tennessee,  and  a quantity  of  this  has  been  ordered. 

Cash  account. 

Available  on  1st  December,  as  shown  by  the  report  of  the  architect  of 


that  date $104,  200.03 

Amount  appropriated  in  deficiency  bill  for  the  year  ending  30th  June, 

1853 400,000.00 

Amount  appropriated  for  service  of  year  ending  30t,h  June,  1854 600,  000.  00 

1, 101,200.  03 

Amount  expended  from  1st  December,  1852,  to  30th  September,  1853.  322,383.54 

Amount  available  30th  September,  1853 781,  816.  49 


For  the  service  of  the  year  ending  June  30,  1855,  the  sum  of  $750,000  will  be 
required. 

1 have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

M.  C.  Meigs, 

Capt.  of  Engineers,  in  charge  of  Extension  U.  S.  Capitol 

and  of  Washington  Aqueduct. 

Hon.  Jefferson  Davis, 

Secretary  of  War. 


592 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

List  of  papers  accompany  ing  the  report. 


I.  Order  of  President  transferring  Capitol  extension  to  Department  of  War. 

II.  Report  on  foundations. 

III.  Letter  to  Secretary  of  War,  enclosing  plan  of  proposed  changes  in  extension 

United  States  Capitol. 

IV.  Notes  on  acoustics. 

V.  Letter  of  Secretary  of  War  to  Professors  Bache  and  Henry. 

VI.  Orders  of  Secretary  of  War  to  Captain  Meigs  to  aid  Professors  Bache  and 
Henry. 

VII.  Partial  report  of  Professors  Bache  and  Henry. 

VIII.  Contract  with  F.  A.  Burch — bricklaying. 

IX.  Contract  with  C.  A.  Wendell — bricks. 

X.  Advertisement  for  specimens  of  marble. 


II. 

Office  of  Extension  of  U.  S.  Capitol, 

Wash  ington , May  28,  1853. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  report  the  result  of  an  examination  of  the  foundations  of 
the  extension  of  the  United  States  Capitol,  as  instructed  in  your  letter  of  4th  of  April. 

The  committees  of  engineers  and  topographical  engineers,  who  in  March,  1852,  at 
the  request  of  the  Senate  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  examined  these  founda- 
tions in  their  then  condition,  reported  that  they  found  the  walls  to  rest  uniformly 
upon  the  natural  soil  of  gravel  and  clay. 

They  caused  holes  to  be  dug  as  low  as  or  below  the  level  of  the  bottom  of  the  foun- 
dations at  the  four  corners  of  the  building. 

I caused  nine  other  holes  to  be  sunk,  to  examine  the  soil  upon  which  these 
foundations  rest. 

The  result  of  my  examination  agrees  with  theirs,  except  that  I found  one  short 
pier  in  the  north  wing,  the  foundation  of  which,  not  being  sunk  so  low  as  that  of  the 
outer  wall  with  which  it  is  bounded,  has  not  reached  the  natural  soil.  This  I have 
directed  to  be  underpinned. 

The  nine  wells  sunk  by  myself  in  addition  to  four  made  at  the  inspection  of  March, 
1852,  make  thirteen  points  at  which  the  sub-soil  of  this  foundation  has  been  exam- 
ined, and  are  enough  to  enable  me  to  speak  with  confidence.  I have  no  hesitation 
in  saying  that  the  soil  is  such  as  to  bear  securely  the  weight  of  the  building. 

I examined  the  outside  of  the  foundation  walls  carefully  where  they  were  exposed 
by  the  removal  of  the  earth.  This  outside  face,  having  been  built  very  near  the 
vertical  face  of  the  excavation  made  for  the  foundations,  is  left  rough.  I was 
enabled  to  see  that  the  joints  were  generally  well  filled  with  mortar.  I saw  some 
few  cavities  in  one  or  two  places  which  I examined,  but  not  more  than  were  to  be 
expected  in  so  large  a work,  where  it  is  impossible  to  inspect  every  stone  that  is 
laid.  I also  examined  the  walls  by  cutting  into  them  in  many  places,  generally 
from  the  inside.  Holes  were  cut  reaching  into  the  heart  of  the  main  walls — in  one 
place  quite  through. 


The  Extensions. 


593 


The  wall  is  6'  9"  thick  above  the  cellar  floor,  being  thicker  below  that  level.  The 
breadth  of  the  footing  varies  with  the  depth,  being  in  no  case  less  than  seven  or 
eight  feet;  and  on  the  west  front,  where  the  wall  under  the  inner  range  of  columns 
and  that  under  the  main  wall  of  the  building  are  founded  at  a depth  of  nearly  forty 
feet  below  the  basement  floor,  the  two  foundations  are  joined  in  one  mass  of  twenty 
feet  in  width. 

I found  the  main  Avail  to  be  composed  of  stones  of  various  sizes,  large  and  small;  not 
so  large  as  to  make  the  handling  of  them  expensive,  nor  so  large  as  I have  used  in  the 
facing  of  scarp  walls  of  fortifications,  but  quite  as  large  as  I have  wished  to  use  in 
the  rubble  backing  of  these  walls,  and  quite  large  enough  to  make  a very  strong  and 
substantial  wall.  The  stone  is  the  blue  gneiss  of  the  Potomac  quarries;  and  though 
it  is  said  that  the  heart  of  the  wall  contains  (particularly  in  the  south  wing)  some 
weathered  stone,  there  is  no  reason  to  apprehend  that  any  weight  likely  to  come 
upon  these  6'  9"  walls  will  ever  crush  the  worst  of  these  stones.  None  of  it,  cer- 
tainly, is  as  easily  crushed  as  any  natural  earth  on  which  a wall  can  rest. 

The  quality  of  the  mortar  used  is  defective.  Its  color  generally  indicated,  where 
I examined  it,  the  presence  of  some  cement.  In  a few  places  it  was  so  light-colored 
as  to  induce  me  to  think  that  there  was  no  cement.  Wherever  I found  the  mortar 
white,  it  was  quite  soft;  where  the  color  was  darker,  indicating  cement,  it  was  harder; 
but  it  had  not  generally  set  so  hard  as  a mortar  made  of  cement,  lime,  and  sand,  in 
good  proportions,  and  placed  fresh  in  the  Avail,  would  haATe  done  in  the  period  that 
has  elapsed  since  this  Avail  was  built. 

The  masons  employed  to  open  the  Avails  for  examination  removed  the  stones  by 
loosening  them  with  crowbars,  and  mined  into  the  Avails  without  the  use  of  any  cut- 
ting tools.  Had  the  mortar  contained  one-third  or  one-half  as  much  cement  as 
lime,  they  would  have  needed  stonecutters’  chisels  and  hammers  to  remoATe  or  cut 
off  the  stones. 

I think  that  the  cement  may  have  been  left  too  long  mixed,  or  else  that  there 
Avas  not  enough  of  it  used. 

By  Avay  of  comparison,  I examined  the  foundations  of  the  south  projection  of  the 
old  Capitol  building.  These  were  put  in  about  forty  years  since,  and  I found  the 
mortar  white,  eAudently  containing  no  cement,  and  still  soft. 

While  I mention  the  condition  of  the  mortar  as  a defect,  I do  not  consider  it  a 
fatal  one. 

It  must  be  remembered  that  forty  years  ago  the  use  of  cement  was  almost  unknown 
in  this  country,  and  the  foundations  of  all  the  large  buildings  erected  at  that  time 
must  have  been  laid  with  common  lime  mortar;  such  is  the  construction  of  the  old 
Capitol,  as  we  see  from  observation. 

Fortress  Monroe  was  built  with  lime  mortar,  and  examinations  of  the  old  walls 
show  that  the  mortar  in  the  centre  of  them  is  noAv  as  green  and  soft  as  when  first 
laid. 

The  stones  in  the  main  wall  of  the  Capitol  extension  where  I opened  them  Avere 
well  laid,  the  joints  well  filled,  and  the  stones,  large  and  small,  packed  closely 
together.  Though  the  mortar  Avas  not  generally  hard,  it  Avas  by  no  means  in  the 
soft  state  of  that  of  the  old  Capitol,  or  that  it  would  have  been  had  no  cement  been 
used.  It  was  hard  enough  to  keep  the  stones  together,  and  to  prevent  any  lateral 
displacement. 

The  footings  of  the  piers  and  partition  w'alls  are  Arery  broad.  These  walls  being 
thinner,  generally  about  3'  thick,  and  finished  with  two  roughly-dressed  faces  of 
rough-squared  stones,  are  still  more  compact  than  the  outer  Avail,  and  having  fewer 
joints,  are  less  liable  to  compression. 

A very  careful  examination  of  the  interior  face  of  the  outer  walls  of  both  Avings, 
looking  particularly  into  the  re-entering  angles  at  the  heads  of  the  piers,  did  not 

H.  llep.  646 38 


594 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


enable  me  to  discover  a single  crack  or  evidence  of  recent  settlement.  The  inside  of 
the  walls  has  generally  been  pointed,  in  some  cases  roughly  pointed,  as  the  wall  was 
built,  which  is  the  best  method;  in  others,  pointed  afterwards  with  a different 
mortar.  Had  there  been  any  settlement  since  this  was  done,  it  would  have  cer- 
tainly shown  its  effects  in  cracking  the  pointing.  When  we  consider  that  these  walls 
vary  in  height  from  15  to  40  feet,  being  founded  on  horizontal  benches  cut  in 
descending  the  side  of  the  hill,  I think  it  a proof  of  good  work  to  find  the  settle- 
ment so  uniform  as  not  to  have  caused  cracks. 

In  conclusion,  while  I regret  that  a larger  proportion  of  hydraulic  lime  was  not 
used  in  the  foundations,  so  as  to  give  greater  dryness  and  solidity  to  the  masonry,  I 
do  not  apprehend  any  danger  of  their  failure,  and  report  as  my  opinion,  the  result 
of  a careful  examination  and  much  reflection  upon  the  subject,  that  they  are  sufficient 
to  bear  the  weight  of  the  proposed  structure. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

M.  C.  Meigs, 

Copt.  Eng.,  in  charge  of  Ex.  U.  S.  C.  and  Wash.  Aqueduct. 

Hon.  Jefferson  Davis,  Secretary  of  War. 

III. 

Office  of  Extension  of  U.  S.  Capitol, 

Washington,  May  19,  1853. 

Dear  Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  enclose  a report  prepared  by  the  architect  of  the 
United  States  Capitol,  giving  the  history  of  the  formation  of  the  plans  for  the  exten- 
sion of  that  building  now  under  construction. 

I have  attached  to  his  plan  (G)  a fly,  showing  the  arrangements  which  I have 
recommended  for  securing  a better  Hall  of  Representatives  than  is  provided  by  the 
plans  heretofore  proposed. 

Having  verbally,  in  my  interview  with  the  President  and  yourself,  fully  explained 
the  proposed  changes,  with  the  aid  of  large  drawings  showing  the  accommodation  to 
be  afforded,  it  is  not  necessary  here  to  enter  into  detail. 

I will  only  repeat  my  own  conviction,  that  the  proposed  change  will  secure  a better 
room  for  speaking  and  hearing,  and  better  accommodations  for  the  members  and 
officers,  and  business  of  the  House. 

I am  happy  in  being  supported  by  the  opinion  of  the  architect,  who  says,  as  you 
will  perceive,  that  the  alterations,  besides  securing  these  advantages,  will  enhance 
the  beauty  of  the  hall. 

I have  prepared  some  notes  upon  the  application  of  the  general  principles  of  acous- 
tics and  ventilation,  which  have  guided  me  in  devising  the  plan  which  I propose. 

They  contain  the  views  I expressed  to  you  verbally,  and  which  I proposed  to 
write  out  for  submission  to  some  gentlemen  of  eminent  scientific  reputation. 

While  I feel  quite  confident  that  I am  correct,  I shall  be  happy  to  be  sustained 
by  their  approval  if  right,  and  will  be  much  better  satisfied  to  be  corrected  if  wrong, 
than  to  be  permitted  to  go  on  and  fail  in  so  important  an  undertaking. 

The  changes  which  I recommend  in  the  plan  of  the  south  wing,  in  order  to  carry 
out  the  above  views,  are  shown  upon  drawings  which  have  already  been  explained 
to  you. 

I would  like  to  have  an  opportunity  to  show  them  to  the  gentlemen  to  whom  you 
will  refer  these  notes. 

To  lay  down  general  principles  correctly  is  not  sufficient  security  that  the  applica- 
tion of  them  will  be  judiciously  made. 

I am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

M.  C.  Meigs, 

Captain  of  Engineers,  in  charge  of  Capitol  Extension. 

Hon.  Jefferson  Davis,  Secretary  of  War. 


The  Extensions. 


595 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Jan.  3,  1854:  Congressional  Globe,  33 — 1,  p.  107.] 


CAPITOL  EXTENSION. 

Mr.  Jones,  of  Tennessee,  submitted  the  following  resolution  for  consideration: 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  be  instructed  to  inquire  whether  any  change  in 
the  plan  of  the  Capitol  extension  has  been  made  since  the  adjournment  of  the  last  Congress,  and  if 
so,  by  what  authority  such  alteration  has  been  made,  and  whether  such  change,  if  any,  involves  an 
additional  expenditure  of  the  public  money. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Jan.  24,  1854:  Congressional  Globe,  33 — 2,  383.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  Army 
bill  for  1856 — 

Mr.  Johnson.  I move  to  amend  the  bill  by  striking  out  the  last  clause  of  the  first 
section  in  these  words: 

For  the  Capitol  extension,  $325,000. 

I make  this  motion,  not  because  I am  opposed  to  the  appropriation;  not  because  I 
shall  not  vote  for  it  at  the  proper  time,  but  because  it  seems  to  me  that  the  Army 
appropriation  bill  is  not  the  place  for  it.  The  extension  of  the  Capitol,  for  the  use 
of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  of  America,  is  surely  a civil  and  not  a military 
matter.  An  appropriation  for  it  belongs  properly  to  the  civil  and  diplomatic  bill, 
where  it  has  heretofore  uniformly  been  included.  There  has  been  until  now  no 
variation  from  the  practice  of  putting  appropriations  for  this  object  in  the  civil  and 
diplomatic  appropriation  bill.  The  effect  of  retaining  this  clause  in  the  present  bill 
will  be  to  set  a precedent  changing  the  character  of  the  service.  When  you  put 
money  to  be  used  for  this  object  in  an  appropriation  bill,  different  from  that  which 
appears  to  assimilate  itself  to  the  subject-matter,  it  is  the  first  step  in  a road  which 
will  lead,  you  know  not  where. 

This  Capitol  is  not  a fort.  It  is  not  an  arsenal.  It  is  not  a barrack  for  troops.  It 
has  no  connection  with  military  affairs.  I would  gladly  vote  to  keep  the  Army  dis- 
connected from  this  portion  of  the  public  buildings.  The  appropriation  does  not 
rightfully  belong  to  this  bill.  To  retain  it  here  is  against  all  precedent.  There  is  no 
sympathy,  no  connection  between  the  object  of  the  appropriation  and  its  position  in 
this  bill. 

I am  aware,  sir,  that  the  charge  of  the  work  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  has 
been  assigned  to  the  Secretary  of  War.  To  that  I do  not  object  at  all.  There  may 
be,  and  doubtless  is,  peculiar  fitness  in  assigning  that  service  to  the  supervision  of  the 
present  Secretary  of  War.  I do  not  understand  that  it  has  been  committed  to  him  in 
virtue  of  his  position  as  presiding  over  the  military  affairs  of  the  country.  I take  it 
that  the  President  has  assigned  to  that  officer  this  particular  service  as  peculiarly  appro- 
priate to  his  capacity,  judgment,  and  taste;  and  not  because  of  his  having  charge  of 
the  military  affairs  of  the  country.  Now,  it  is  proposed  to  take  the  appropriation  for 
this  civil  service — the  extension  of  the  Capitol — from  its  regular  position  in  the  civil 
and  diplomatic  bill,  and  place  it  upon  the  military  appropriation  bill.  On  the  same 
principle,  if,  to-morrow,  we  should  lose  the  services  of  the  present  Secretary  of  War 
by  death  or  resignation,  and  there  should  be  circumstances  making  it  appropriate  to 
commit  the  matter  to  the  charge  of  the  Postmaster  General,  we  should  have  to 
change  the  position  of  the  appropriation,  and  insert  it  in  the  Post  Office  appropria- 
tion bill.  There  might,  sometimes,  be  propriety  in  committing  the  subject  to  the 
judgment  of  the  Attorney  General  or  Secretary  of  the  Navy,  for  the  time  being;  and 
on  this  principle  you  would,  on  every  such  change,  be  compelled  to  place  the  appro- 
priation in  a new  bill.  The  effect  of  this  would  be,  that,  whenever  any  gentleman 
would  have  occasion  to  refer  to  the  laws  to  find  the  sum  appropriated  for  this  object, 


596 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


he  would  be  unable  to  ascertain  it  without  a vast  amount  of  labor  and  trouble. 
Thus  business  would  be  thrown  out  of  its  true  order.  I prefer  to  keep  business  in  its 
proper  order. 

It  may  possibly  be,  since  this  bill  has  been  sent  to  us  in  advance  of  the  other  appro- 
priation bills,  that  the  object  was  to  insure  the  more  speedy  passage  of  this  appropri- 
ation, so  that  the  .work  may  progress.  That  would  seem  to  be  the  reason  on  a 
superficial  examination;  and  if  that  were  the  reason,  it  would  be  an  apology — per- 
haps a good  one — for  changing  the  position  of  the  appropriation.  I understand, 
however,  that  such  is  not  the  case.  There  is  now  on  hand  from  $600,000  to  $800,000 
of  former  appropriations  for  the  work,  and  that  sum  cannot  be  used  up  before  the 
civil  and  diplomatic  appropriation  bill,  where  this  clause  regularly  belongs,  will 
have  passed  both  Houses  of  Congress,  and  become  a law  of  the  land. 

Sir,  it  is  just  by  such  steps  as  these  that  the  whole  direction  of  affairs  may  ulti- 
mately lie  changed.  I look  upon  this  as  a dangerous  precedent,  which  may  result 
in  placing  the  whole  control  of  the  public  buildings  in  the  hands  of  the  military, 
rather  than  the  civil  department  of  the  Government.  I have  made  the  motion  to 
strike  out  this  clause,  not  because  I am  opposed  to  the  amount  of  the  appropriation — 
not  because  I wish  to  cast  any  reflection  on  those  who  have  placed  it  here — but 
simply  for  the  reason  that  this  is  an  irregularity,  an  innovation  which  ought  not  to 
be  encouraged. 

Mr.  Bayard.  Mr.  President,  if  this  were  to  make  a precedent,  I admit  the  objec- 
tions of  the  honorable  Senator  from  Arkansas  would  be  quite  sufficient  to  induce  me 
to  vote  in  favor  of  striking  out  this  appropriation;  but  it  seems  to  me  that  it  is  too 
late  in  the  day  now  to  make  an  objection  merely  on  a question  of  irregularity,  if 
there  be  no  intrinsic  objection  to  the  appropriation  itself.  I know  not  under  what 
circumstances  this  appropriation  was  attached  by  the  House  of  Representatives  to 
this  bill,  but  the  appropriation  itself  is  not  objected  to.  It  is  founded  on  the  estimate 
of  the  appropriate  Department.  It  is  a proper  appropriation,  and  one  which  ought 
to  be  passed.  It  is  here.  What  precedent  does  it  make?  Why,  sir,  you  cannot 
take  up  a single  appropriation  bill  which  you  have  passed  for  many  yea.rs  back  in 
which  you  cannot  point  out  irregularities  much  greater  than  this.  Why  should  you 
strike  out  a proper  appropriation  from  this  bill,  to  he  made,  probably,  the  subject  of 
future  discussion,  or  contest  in  some  other  shape,  when  it  comes  up  in  another  hill? 
I confess  I cannot  see  the  force  of  the  objection. 

This  is  making  no  precedent,  for  since  I have  been  a member  of  the  Senate,  I have 
not  seen  a single  appropriation  hill  which  has  not  contained  from  one  to  ten,  or 
twenty  irregularities  much  greater  than  this.  I do  not  see  that  it  can  have  any 
influence  hereafter,  as  a precedent  in  the  case  of  the  superintendence  of  the  direction 
of  any  other  buildings  under  any  other  Department,  and  that,  therefore,  the  appro- 
priation for  that  building  must  be  in  the  hill  connected  with  the  appropriations  for 
that  Department.  I do  not  think  that  is  the  object.  I am  utterly  ignorant  of  the 
reason  why  the  House  of  Representatives  put  the  clause  in  this  bill.  I think  that 
probably  it  was  more  by  accident  than  anything  else;  but  being  proper  in  itself,  I 
see  no  reason  to  revise  the  action  of  the  House  of  Representatives  in  this  particular, 
unless  there  be  some  objection  to  the  appropriation.  I cannot  consider  the  question 
of  irregularity  as  any  real  objection,  for  if  that  be  considered  a good  ground  it  would 
be  sufficient  to  cause  the  rejection  of  every  appropriation  bill  which  has  been  passed 
for  the  last  six  years  at  any  rate. 

Mr.  Johnson.  I consider  it  evident  that  this  clause,  as  it  stands  in  the  bill,  changes 
the  direction  of  the  appropriation  as  to  its  location  at  any  rate.  A few  years  hence, 
it  may  be  necessary  for  those  not  aware  of  this  direction,  to  search  for  the  appropri- 
ations which  have  been  made  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol.  The  first  place  to 
-which  a person  would  naturally  look  for  such  an  appropriation,  would  be  the  civil 
and  diplomatic  appropriation  bills.  On  looking  at  those  bills,  he  would  find,  that 


The  Extensions. 


597 


for  four  sessions  past,  if  not  more,  we  had  regularly  made  appropriations  for  the 
extension  of  the  Capitol  in  those  hills.  When  he  had  proceeded  in  his  examination 
that  far,  he  would  go  on  through  all  the  civil  and  diplomatic  bills,  and  he  would  find 
nothing  more  on  the  subject.  Then  he  must  go  back  and  hunt  through  the  other 
appropriation  bills. 

Mr.  Bayard.  Allow  me  to  make  a suggestion.  If  the  object  was  to  ascertain  the 
number  and  amount  of  the  appropriations,  it  would  not  be  necessary  to  resort  to  the 
bills.  That  can  always  be  found  on  the  books  of  the  Department  where  the  disburse- 
ments are  made.  There  is  no  difficulty  in  tracing  the  appropriations  without  the  bills. 

Mr.  Johnson.  But,  sir,  a Senator,  on  many  occasions,  may  go  to  a Department,  and 
go  repeatedly,  and  come  away  without  receiving  any  satisfaction  in  the  shape  of 
information;  and  members  will  naturally  rely  for  their  information  on  the  public 
records  and  libraries  which  are  here,  to  give  them  the  true  history  of  the  past.  It 
seems  to  me  that,  by  our  action,  we  ought  to  secure  as  much  facility  and  regularity 
as  possible  in  the  transaction  of  our  business.  There  is  no  haste  in  this  case,  which 
requires  this  appropriation  to  be  made  immediately.  There  is  no  urgent  reason  why 
we  may  not  wait  until  the  passage  of  the  civil  and  diplomatic  appropriation  bill. 
The  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Finance  I hope  will  state  to  the  Senate  if  such  be 
the  case.  But,  even  if  there  were  a necessity  for  passing  it  immediately,  I should 
vote  against  retaining  it  in  this  bill,  because  I do  not  believe  that  it  has  properly  any 
business  here.  This  is  not  the  place  for  such  appropriations.  They  have  never 
been  put  here,  and  they  never  ought  to  be  put  here. 

Mr.  Hunter.  Mr.  President,  I should  regret  to  see  this  appropriation  stricken  out. 
We  all  know  that  this  was  a matter  of  great  controversy  at  the  last  session  in  the 
House  of  Representatives,  and  I should  not  desire  to  see  that  subject  mooted  there 
again.  There  is  a necessity  for  some  appropriation,  and  for  this  appropriation,  in  order 
to  carry  on  the  work  in  the  extension  of  the  Capitol.  It  might,  perhaps,  have  been 
well  if  it  had  been  introduced  in  another  bill;  but  still,  it  seems  to  me,  that,  is  too 
small  a matter  to  justify  us  in  striking  out  the  appropriation  now;  and  reopening  the 
subject  for  discussion.  I presume  the  reason  for  inserting  the  appropriation  here  is, 
that  the  work  is  under  the  charge  of  an  engineer,  and  that  engineer  belongs  to  the 
War  Department.  Why  this  was  done  originally,  it  is  hardly  worth  while  now  to 
explain.  I believe  that  arrangement  has  worked  well.  I think  we  have  seen  good 
fruits  arising  out  of  it.  It  was  not  done  from  any  idea,  as  the  Senator  from  Arkansas 
seems  to  suppose,  that  the  Secretary  of  War  was  peculiarly  fit  to  manage  such 
matters;  but  because  it  was  believed  that  the  engineer  who  had  charge  of  it  was 
managing  it  well;  and  inasmuch  as  he  belonged  to  the  War  Department,  the  appro- 
priation,  I suppose — I never  inquired  the  reason — was  put  into  this  bill. 

Now,  sir,  I do  not  think  that  the  vain  effort  to  preserve  congruity  in  the  index  to 
our  laws  would  be  a sufficient  reason  for  striking  this  appropriation  out  of  the  bill. 
That  evil  has  gone  so  far;  the  subjects  which  have  been  included  in  the  various 
appropriation  bills  have  been  so  multifarious,  that,  I think,  we  should  not  remedy 
the  evil  much  by  striking  out  this  particular  appropriation.  I should  be  glad,  there- 
fore, if  my  friend  from  Arkansas  would  permit  it  to  remain.  I do  not  think  it  can 
lead  to  any  mischief,  and  it  may  save  us  some  trouble.  I know  that  he  feels  the 
necessity  for  continuing  this  building;  and  I do  not  suppose  he  desires  to  reopen  the 
discussion,  in  the  Senate  or  the  House  of  Representatives,  upon  that  formerly  much- 
vexed  question  of  civil  and  military  superintendence.  I am  sure  I do  not  wish  to 
see  it  reappear  either  there  or  here.  I hope,  sir,  that  the  clause  will  be  retained. 

Mr.  Cass.  Mr.  President,  there  is  much  justice  in  the  objection  stated  by  the  hon- 
orable Senator  from  Arkansas.  I have  had  some  occasion  lately  to  revert  to  the 
earlier  statutes  of  the  Government,  and  it  is  singular  what  simplicity  there  is  per- 
vading them  all.  You  can  tell,  from  the  very  title  of  a bill  passed  in  those  days, 
almost  everything  that  is  in  it.  Now  you  know  nothing  of  the  contents  of  a statute 


598 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


by  its  title.  The  most  heterogeneous  objects  are  brought  together;  and  those  unwill- 
ing to  vote  for  all  of  them  are  compelled  to  vote  against  the  whole  measure,  or  to 
hazard  losing  very  important  propositions  which  they  would  desire  to  see  carried. 
If  this  were  a question  of  first  instance  I should  agree  with  the  Senator  from  Arkan- 
sas; but,  as  has  been  well  said  by  the  Senator  from  Virginia,  here  is  the  appropria- 
tion in  this  bill,  and  I can  see  no  particular  propriety  in  striking  it  out.  I do  not 
suppose  that  at  this  time  of  day  we  can  change  the  plan  for  the  building. 

By  Avay  of  illustrating  the  tendency  to  which  I have  referred,  I may  allude  to  the 
fact,  that  the  honorable  Senator  from  Illinois  is  about  to  propose,  as  an  amendment 
to  this  bill,  a proposition  for  the  increase  of  the  Army.  It  should  not  be  here. 
This  is  a bill  of  appropriations  to  carry  into  effect  existing  laws.  The  question 
involved  in  the  proposed  increase  of  the  Army  is  a very  grave  one,  and  it  should  not 
be  in  this  bill.  I am  not  opposed  to  the  measure  in  itself,  but  I doubt  the  propriety 
of  inserting  it  in  this  bill,  though  I do  not  suppose  that  anything  I can  say  will  pre- 
vent its  insertion.  I merely  mention  it  as  an  illustration. 

I rose,  principally,  sir,  to  say  that,  some  time  since,  when  this  bill  was  referred  to 
the  Committee  on  Finance,  I stated  that,  when  the  subject  came  up  for  considera- 
tion, I should  ask  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  my  honora- 
ble friend  from  Delaware,  [Mr.  Bayard,]  some  questions  in  relation  to  the  probability 
of  accomplishing  the  three  great  objects  of  light,  hearing,  and  means  of  heating,  in 
the  new  Chambers  for  the  Senate  and  the  House  of  Representatives.  Since  then  I 
have  seen  the  superintendent  of  the  work,  a very  intelligent  man,  and  a most  excel- 
lent officer;  and  although  I have  doubts,  great  doubts,  about  the  result,  (I  state  it 
here,  and  I am  willing  that  it  shall  go  on  record  that  I have  doubts  about  the  result, ) 
I have  satisfied  myself  that  the  building  has  made  such  progress  that  it  will  be 
almost  impossible  now  to  make  any  alteration.  I have  doubts  whether  you  will  be 
able  to  hear  in  that  building,  and  those  doubts  are  confirmed  by  the  experience  of 
the  whole  world.  Architects  sacrifice  everything  to  beauty.  They  appeal  to  the 
eye,  and  not  to  the  ear;  and  it  never  seems  to  enter  into  their  heads  that  the  first 
object  of  a room  is,  that  it  shall  be  such  as  to  allow  hearing.  Such  a building  as  this 
presents  a great  problem,  and  that  problem  is,  simply,  how  you  are  to  hear  every- 
where anything  that  may  be  spoken  anywhere.  It  is  not  like  a church,  where  the 
pulpit  is  in  a particular  place,  nor  like  a room  with  a French  tribune,  where  you  can 
stand  in  one  place,  and  can  be  heard  distinctly  all  over  the  room;  but  you  are  to 
hear  distinctly  from  any  portion  of  the  room;  and,  in  my  judgment,  nothing  but  the 
greatest  simplicity  and  destitution  of  ornaments,  plain  Avails,  no  arches,  no  domes, 
Avill  remedy  the  difficulty.  I do  not  know  that  it  can  be  reached  in  this  building. 

I understand  that  the  experiments  made  on  this  subject  lately,  by  the  British  Gov- 
ernment, have  cost  them  upwards  of  a million  of  dollars.  They  have  been  changing 
and  rechanging  their  plans,  and  I do  not  understand  that  the  objects  have  yet  been 
attained  there.  Sir,  it  really  does  appear  to  me,  looking  at  the  present  building,  that 
it  has,  as  the  poet  says, 

AA'indows  that  exclude  the  light, 

And  corridors  that  lead  to  nothing. 

Here  Ave  have  lamps  burning  in  the  middle  of  the  day,  in  all  the  corridors  through 
which  we  pass  to  reach  this  Chamber.  It  is  a shame  to  have  such  a building.  I 
repeat,  all  is  sacrificed  to  the  eye. 

Mr.  President,  it  has  seemed  to  me  that  the  air  and  the  light  of  heaven  Avere  good 
enough ; but  the  new  room  designed  for  the  Senate  Chamber,  in  the  Capitol  exten- 
sion, I understand  is  not  exposed  to  the  atmosphere  on  any  side.  It  is  absolutely  in  a 
state  of  isolation.  There  are  passages  betAveen  the  Avails  of  the  neAV  Senate  Chamber 
and  the  extension  wall  of  the  building,  preventing  the  air  of  heaAren  from  coming  in. 
The  air  is  to  be  pumped  up,  or  pumped  down,  by  some  kind  of  a machine,  nobody 
knows  what.  I think,  however,  it  is  too  late  now  to  make  any  changes  in  it.  I must 


The  Extensions. 


599 


leave  to  my  successors  to  ascertain  whether  the  building  will  suit  them  or  not.  I 
doubt  the  result  of  the  experiments  which  have  been  made;  they  have  not  succeeded 
elsewhere;  if  they  have  led  to  anything  recently,  it  has  been  at  a great  cost. 

1 shall  not  detain  the  Senate.  I merely  wished  to  state  the  reasons  why  I would 
not  press  the  inquiry  which  I intimated  on  a former  occasion  I should  make.  I was 
afraid,  and  I am  yet  afraid,  that  the  new  Chambers  for  the  two  Houses  will  not 
answer  the  purpose  of  hearing,  which  is  the  first  purpose.  I have  seen  the  superin- 
tendent, a most  excellent  man,  whom  1 have  known  for  many  years,  and  I have 
come  to  the  conclusion  that  the  building  has  now  advanced  to  such  a state,  that  to 
undertake  to  alter  it,  would  be  impolitic,  if  not  useless. 

Mr.  James,  if  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  [Mr.  Bayard] 
will  make  an  answer  to  the  inquiries  of  the  honorable  Senator  from  Michigan,  I 
should  much  prefer  to  have  him  do  it.  If,  however,  it  is  left  to  me  to  answer 
the  honorable  Senator,  I am  prepared  to  do  so. 

Mr.  Bayard.  I did  not  understand  the  Senator  from  Michigan  as  addressing  any 
inquiries  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  or,  of  course,  I should  answer  them. 

Mr.  Cass.  The  view  which  I presented  was  a mere  speculative  one  of  my  own.  I 
stated  the  reason  why  I did  not  push  the  inquiries  which  I had  intended  to  make. 
Still,  I should  be  happy  to  hear  the  views  of  the  Senator  from  Rhode  Island. 

Mr.  James.  I shall  occupy  the  attention  of  the  Senate  for  but  a few  minutes.  As 
it  is  a subject  on  which  there  has  been  much  controversy  and  great  difference  of 
opinion,  I think  it  would  be  well  to  state,  briefly,  the  facts  of  the  case. 

Mr.  President,  the  construction  of  a room  combining  all  the  principles  which  shall 
render  it  the  most  advantageous  at  the  same  time,  for  speaking,  hearing,  and  ventila- 
tion, is  an  art  so  difficult  in  its  details,  that,  in  rooms  of  any  considerable  magnitude, 
the  desired  effects  have  seldom,  if  ever,  been  produced.  In  the  case  of  the  Capitol 
extension,  it  has  been  the  object  of  those  gentlemen  having  charge  of  the  work  to 
avail  themselves  of  all  past  experience,  and,  by  calling  to  their  aid  philosophic  prin- 
ciples and  numerous  experiments,  to  conquer  the  difficulties  as  far  as  possible,  and  to 
furnish,  for  the  use  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  Halls  as  nearly  per- 
fect as  the  nature  of  circumstances  will  permit.  From  what  I have  learned  of  the 
plans  and  details  adopted  with  regard  to  these  Halls,  my  belief  is,  that  the  efforts 
expended  upon  them  will  prove  eminently  successful. 

Sir,  I will  first  call  attention  to  the  forms  of  these  Halls,  which  are,  in  my  opinion, 
the  best  for  the  purpose  that  could  have  been  devised.  For  the  accommodation  of 
the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  even  limited  to  their  present  numbers, 
rooms  of  larger  areas  than  those  of  the  rooms  now  occupied  by  these  bodies  are  evi- 
dently required;  and,  when  we  consider  that  the  number  of  members  of  each  House 
of  Congress  is  continually  on  the  increase,  the  want  of  additional  space  becomes  still 
more  apparent.  The  crowded  state  of  our  galleries,  too,  render  it  highly  expedient 
that  the  accommodations  for  visitors  should  be  enlarged,  that  our  fellow-citizens  who 
assemble  here  from  every  part  of  the  Union,  from  time  to  time,  may  be  enabled, 
with  comfort,  to  listen  to  the  debates  in  Congress,  and  witness  its  proceedings.  Due 
attention  has  been  paid  to  both  these  objects,  in  the  construction  of  the  new  legisla- 
tive Halls;  in  consequence  of  which,  the  Senate  Chamber  contains  an  area  of  about 
nine  thousand  square  feet,  and  the  Representative  Chamber  an  area  of  about  twelve 
thousand  square  feet.  To  accommodate  these  large  spaces  to  the  human  voice  and 
the  human  ear,  is  the  object  with  which  the  forms  and  finish  of  the  walls  to  inclose 
these  spaces  has  been  studied  and  adopted.  The  forms  of  both  Chambers  are  oblong. 
The  Senate  Chamber  being  one  hundred  and  thirteen  feet  three  inches  long,  by 
eighty  feet  wide,  and  the  Representative  Chamber  one  hundred  and  thirty-nine  feet 
long,  by  ninety-three  feet  wide.  Cubical  contents  of  Senate  Chamber,  two  hundred 
and  fifty-six  thousand  eight  hundred  and  sixty  feet;  cubical  feet  of  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, three  hundred  and  ninety-six  thousand  five  hundred  and  seven  feet. 


600 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  spaces  thus  confined  within  these  walls,  appear,  on  the  first  thought,  to  be  large 
to  be  filled  with  an  ordinary  human  voice.  But  experience,  which,  by  the  way,  is 
the  best  and  only  sure  test,  shows  that-,  all  other  circumstances  being  favorable,  even 
larger  spaces  are  easily  filled,  while  others  of  much  smaller  dimensions,  under  cir- 
cumstances of  an  unfavorable  character,  present  far  greater  difficulties.  In  the  largest 
theaters,  for  instance,  where  there  are  no  obstructions  to  sound,  the  lowest  and  softest 
tones  of  voice  from  the  stage  are  distinctly  heard  in  every  part  of  the  house;  while 
in  many  halls  and  churches  of  very  limited  dimensions,  it  is  with  much  difficulty 
that  the  speaker  can  fill  the  space  with  his  voice,  and  cause  himself  to  be  distinctly 
heard  and  understood.  In  the  former  case,  the  rooms  are  high  and  properly  arched, 
and  without  columns,  panels,  &c.,  to  break  the  volume  of  sound,  or  to  cause  its 
reverberation.  In  the  smaller  rooms,  perhaps,  these  love  ceilings,  groined  arches, 
ornamented  with  panels  or  block  work,  or  both,  and  supported  by  heavy  columns, 
all  obstruct  the  volume  of  sound,  and  break  it  into  fragments.  Perhaps,  also,  by 
having  the  walls  themselves  improperly  constructed,  or  constructed  of  improper 
materials,  the  sound  reverberates,  and  thus  very  much  enhances  the  evil.  Sound, 
like  liquids  ami  solids,  is  subject  to  the  laws  of  motion  and  the  laws  of  projectiles, 
and  somewhat  in  accordance  with  those  laws,  aided  by  experiment  and  experience, 
should  everything  pertaining  to  rooms  for  public  speaking  be  calculated. 

The  propulsion  of  the  human  voice  may  be  considered  as  analogous  to  that  of  a 
stream  of  water  from  the  pipe  of  a fire-engine.  Soon  after  it  has  been  propelled  from 
the  pipe,  it  begins  to  expand,  and  like  the  projected  stream  of  water,  the  volume  of 
sound  projected  from  the  lips,  though  unbroken  in  a clear  space,  immediately 
expands  in  all  directions,  and  will  be  as  distinct  to  the  farthest  limits  to  which  its 
projectile  force  can  throw  it,  as  at  the  point  from  which  it  is  projected,  provided 
there  be  no  obstructions  or  impediments  in  the  way.  On  the  other  hand,  where 
obstructions  or  impediments  intervene,  it  will  either  rebound,  and  thus  produce  an 
embarrassing  echo,  or  be  broken  up,  perhaps,  and  produce  several  echoes,  and  render 
the  articulation  of  the  speaker  indistinct,  and  be  productive  of  as  many  different, 
and  probably  discordant  sounds,  as  there  are  various  obstructions  and  impediments 
in  the  way. 

Sir,  it  too  frequently  happens  that  architects,  rejecting  philosophical  principles, 
and  the  lessons  of  experience,  labor  to  embellish  and  ornament  rooms  designed  for 
public  speaking,  with  the  view  rather  to  architectural  elegance,  than  to  the  laws  of 
acoustics.  Hence  the  complaints  so  general  of  rooms  hard  to  speak  in,  and  which 
difficulty  is  most  frequently  attributed  to  the  large  dimensions  of  such  rooms,  instead 
of  the  true  causes.  Probably  there  are  few,  if  any,  rooms  in  existence,  so  large  that 
a speaker  may  not  be  distinctly  heard  in  any  part  of  them,  while  speaking  in  an 
ordinary  tone  of  voice,  in  which  the  effect  of  the  voice  is  not  destroyed  or  impaired 
by  architectural  means.  Rows  of  columns,  paneled  walls  and  ceilings,  with  deep 
indentations,  projecting  block  work,  and  groined  arches,  all  separate  or  combined, 
serve  to  break  the  volume  of  sound  into  fragments,  which  renders  it  extremely  diffi- 
cult for  the  hearer  to  understand,  while  it  embarrasses  the  speaker,  and  painfully 
enhances  the  labor  of  utterance.  These  difficulties,  as  well  as  those  originating  in  a 
disagreeable  reverberation  of  'sound,  can  be  avoided  only  by  the  rejection  of  those 
architectural  embellishments  that  are  calculated  to  produce  them,  and  by  the  adop- 
tion of  walls  of  a plain  and  simple  style,  and  composed  of  suitable  materials.  I have, 
sir,  examined  the  plans,  the  designs,  and  the  drawings,  for  the  rooms  intended  to 
be  occupied  by  the  two  Houses  of  Congress,  which  are  now  in  process  of  construction, 
and  do  not  entertain  a doubt  that  they  will  be  found,  as  far  as  speaking  and  hearing 
are  concerned,  all  that  could  be  desired. 

Those  rooms  are  not  to  be  encumbered  either  with  columns,  groined  arches,  deep 
indentations,  or  bold  projections.  The  whole,  though  elegant — I would  say,  mag- 
nificent— will  be  plain  and  simple;  the  ceiling  of  glass  and  iron,  and  the  walls  of 


The  Extensions. 


601 


brick,  faced  with  marble.  For  this  reason,  there  will  be  nothing  to  break  the  vol- 
ume of  sound;  and  I see  no  reason  to  doubt  that,  even  the  Representative  Chamber, 
with  its  large  dimensions,  will  be  as  fine  a room  to  speak  in  as  any  other  one  in  the 
country.  Besides  this,  the  arrangements  of  the  corridors  are  such  that  all  sounds 
from  without  will  be  absolutely  and  entirely  excluded,  and  thus  all  interruptions 
and  embarassments  from  that  source  prevented. 

Mr.  President,  much  has  been  said,  in  connection  with  the  Capitol  extension,  on 
the  subject  of  ventilation,  and  doubts  raised,  and  objections  stated,  as  to  the  mode 
that  has  been  adopted.  Ventilation  is  a difficult  affair  to  manage  in  rooms  as  large 
as  those  intended  for  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  and  requires  a great 
deal  of  study,  the  exercise  of  sound  judgment,  and  a close  calculation.  There  are 
but  three  modes  of  ventilation  which  would  probably  suggest  themselves:  First,  by 
means  of  doors  and  windows  opening  into  the  exterior  atmosphere;  second,  by  forcing 
air  into  the  upper  part  of  the  room;  and,  third,  by  supplying  the  fresh  air  by  means 
of  air  chambers  beneath,  through  apertures  in  the  floors.  The  first  of  these  methods, 
it  will  at  once  be  seen,  is  entirely  impracticable.  To  attempt  ventilation  in  this  way, 
would  be  to  admit  into  the  rooms  the  exterior  air,  which  would  also  admit  with  it, 
all  exterior  sounds,  causing  great  embarrassment  and  annoyance.  Besides,  horizontal 
drafts  through  rooms,  are  always  dangerous  to  health,  and,  in  cold  or  wet  weather, 
when  it  would  be  necessary  to  have  doors  and  windows  closed,  the  atmosphere  of 
the  room  would  become  extremely  impure,  oppressive,  and  unhealthy.  Of  these 
facts,  we  have  sufficient  evidence  from  our  experience  in  this  room,  without  resorting 
to  speculative  philosophy. 

Of  the  second  method,  that  of  forcing  pure  air  into  the  upper  portion  of  the  room, 
though  considered  by  many  entirely  practicable  and  efficient,  I have  entertained 
some  doubts,  and  entertain  them  still.  I have  no  doubt,  sir,  that  by  this  method  a 
sufficient  quantity  of  pure  fresh  air  can  at  all  times  be  supplied;  but,  as  this  air  must 
descend  to  the  floor,  and  in  doing  so  pass  through  and  mingle  with  the  ascending 
column  already  vitiated,  my  apprehension  is,  that  it  will  itself  become  impure  by 
means  of  the  admixture.  This  is  one  of  the  methods  proposed  to  be  adopted  by 
those  having  the  charge  of  the  Capitol  extension;  but  lest  this  might  not  prove  all 
that  might  be  wished,  they  have  also  made  due  provision,  if  necessary,  to  carry  out 
the  third  one— to  ventilate  the  rooms  by  means  of  air  chambers  beneath  the  floors. 
By  this  method,  as  well  as  by  the  other,  the  atmospheric  air  will  be  forced  in,  in  a 
condensed  state,  by  means  of  a steam  engine,  and  its  tendency  to  expansion  will  nat- 
urally produce  an  ascending  current  for  the  constant  and  requisite  supply  of  the  space 
above.  Whatever  may  be  the  result  of  the  other  method,  I cannot  entertain  a doubt 
of  the  complete  success  of  this. 

In  the  next  place,  sir,  the  question  of  temperature  is  connected  with  that  of  venti- 
lation. It  has  been  found  absolutely  impossible  to  keep  up  an  uniform  temperature 
in  a room  of  large  dimensions,  either  by  means  of  fires  in  stoves,  hot-air  furnaces,  or 
fire  places.  As  fires  are  either  increased  or  suffered  to  subside,  the  general  tempera- 
ture will  be  varied;  and  as  the  heat  from  these  sources  is  radiated  from  certain  points, 
it  can  never  be  uniformly  distributed.  Hence,  near  the  fire  place,  the  stove,  or  the 
register  of  a hot-air  furnace,  you  may  find  the  mercury  up  to  90°,  while  in  some 
other  portions  of  the  room  it  has  mounted  no  higher  than  50°.  Either  mode  of  ven- 
tilation proposed,  will  entirely  obviate  this  difficulty.  The  entire  body  of  air  col- 
lected in  the  air-chambers,  from  time  to  time,  and  without  coming  in  contact  with 
heated  metallic  substances,  will  be  raised,  in  cold  weather,  to  any  required  tempera- 
ture by  means  of  hot  water,  and  be  so  admitted  as  to  pervade  at  once  every  portion 
of  the  area;  and,  by  that  means,  the  temperature  of  the  room  may  be  kept  constantly 
at  any  given  point,  and  uniform  throughout.  In  hot  weather,  when  an  increase  of 
warmth  is  no  longer  required,  and  a cooling  influence  becomes  more  desirable,  then, 
the  spaces  into  which  the  air  will  be  compressed,  withdrawn  from  the  rays  of  the 


602 


Documentary  History  of  the  Cayo ltd. 


sun,  and  the  influences  of  the  exterior  atmosphere,  will  act  as  a refrigerator,  and 
have  the  tendency  to  render  the  atmosphere  of  the  room  fresh  and  cool,  without 
exposure  of  its  occupants  to  unhealthy  currents. 

Mr.  President,  I am  entirely  confident  that  one  of  the  two  methods  provided  for, 
will  be  found  fully  and  completely  adequate  to  the  purpose  of  ventilation  and 
warmth,  and  am  not  prepared  to  say  that  either  will  fail.  My  confidence  in  those 
who  have  charge  of  the  work  is  such,  and  in  the  plans  proposed,  that  I have  no  hesi- 
tation in  predicting  their  complete  success,  and  in  saying  that,  in  my  opinion,  the 
arrangements,  when  carried  out,  will  give  entire  satisfaction. 

Mr.  President,  before  dismissing  this  subject,  I feel  it  incumbent  on  me  to  compli- 
ment the  gentlemen  who  have  the  charge  of  this  great  work  as  superintendent  and 
architect,  Captain  Meigs  and  Mr.  Walter.  The  energy  and  good  taste  which  these 
gentlemen  have  displayed,  and  the  judgment  and  rapidity  with  which  the  work  has 
been  prosecuted  up  to  this  time,  and  the  prompt  and  judicious  preparations  made 
for  its  future  progress,  and  final  speedy  accomplishment  are  worthy  of  high  praise. 
It  is  my  belief  that  it  could  not  have  fallen  into  better  hands;  and  that  the  whole, 
when  it  shall  have  been  completed,  will  stand  as  an  enduring  monument  to  their 
fidelity  and  skill,  and  the  honor  of  our  country.  It  is  to  be  hoped,  sir,  that  no 
impediment  may  be  thrown  in  their  way,  and  that  all  needful  facilities  may  be 
extended  to  them,  to  carry  out  and  perfect  the  noble  design  without  unnecessary 
delay.  I feel  assured,  sir,  that  they  will  most  fully  discharge  the  duties  of  their 
trust,  if  from  Congress  they  may  receive,  as  I have  no  doubt  they  will,  as  they  have 
heretofore  done,  due  encouragement  and  aid. 

Mr.  Cass.  Mr.  President,  I would  not  have  it  supposed  at  all  that,  because  I made 
an  allusion  to  this  subject — for  it  was  no  more  than  that — I therefore  expressed  any 
doubt  as  to  the  qualifications  of  the  architect  or  superintendent.  I intended  no  such 
thing.  No'  such  idea  entered  my  mind.  The  superintendent  of  the  work  is  an  officer 
of  the  Army,  whom  I have  known  for  a long  time.  He  is  entitled,  both  by  character, 
talent,  and  conduct,  to  the  highest  consideration.  I have  great  confidence  in  him; 
but  it  is  the  subject  about  which  I doubt.  The  honorable  Senator  from  Rhode  Island 
[Mr.  James]  has  a right  to  speak  on  it  with  far  more  certainty  than  I have;  but  he 
will  recollect  that  there  never  was  an  architect,  or  a projector  of  any  sort  who  had 
any  plan  or  project,  who  was  not  sure  it  would  be  successful.  This  is  a part  of  human 
nature,  and  a very  necessary  part,  I suppose,  in  order  to  induce  success.  Perhaps 
Napoleon’s  success  was  owing,  in  a great  measure,  to  his  firm  belief  that  he  would 
be  successful.  The  author  of  every  project  is  certain  that  it  will  succeed. 

We  have  a practical  illustration  on  this  subject  in  the  difficulty  which  has  been 
experienced  in  England;  and  I rose  particularly,  at  this  time,  to  ask  the  colleague 
of  my  honorable  friend  from  Rhode  Island  [Mr.  Allen]  to  state  a fact  to  wdiich  he 
called  my  attention  the  other  day,  that  there  recently  appeared  in  the  Edinburgh 
Review  an  article  confirmatory  of  what  1 have  stated  to  the  Senate  in  regard  to  this 
matter.  The  best  talent  of  England  has  been  employed  on  the  subject  for  many 
years.  Each  man  in  succession  was  certain  that  he  would  succeed — just  as  certain 
as  any  one  here  can  be;  but  we  know  that  the  result  has  been  a failure. 

The  problem  to  be  solved  in  the  construction  of  a room  for  a body  like  the  Senate 
or  House  of  Representatives,  is  an  intricate  one.  It  seems  to  me  that  we  shall  not 
have  a proper  room  for  the  purpose,  unless  we  have  a plain  oblong  or  square  brick 
building,  without  a single  ornament,  inside  or  out.  Such  is  my  belief;  but  I do  not 
wish  to  go  into  the  subject  ; I desire  merely  to  ask  the  honorable  Senator  from  Rhode 
Island  [Mr.  Allen]  to  state  a fact  which  he  stated  to  me  the  other  day,  confirmatory 
of  the  doubts  which  I have  suggested,  showing  that  doubts  may  reasonably  be  enter- 
tained without  any  imputation  on  anybody.  It  certainly  was  far  from  my  inclina- 
tion to  cast  any  imputation. 

Mr.  Allen.  I will  merely  state,  that  in  England  they  have  pursued  almost  the 


The  Extensions. 


603 


same  process,  I presume,  that  is  now  being  taken  here  by  our  present  architect  in 
building  the  additional  wings  to  the  Capitol.  They  have  expended  on  the  new 
Houses  of  Parliament,  £250,000  sterling,  or  about  $1,200,000.  The  projects  for 
warming  and  ventilating  the  Houses  there  having  turned  out  to  be  a complete  fail- 
ure, in  the  month  of  June  last,  I think,  they  gave  directions  to  begin  de  novo,  for 
they  found  it  was  impossible  to  warm  and  ventilate  the  Houses.  I think  they  had 
two  steam  engines,  somewhat  similar  in  their  operations  to  the  plan  now  adopted 
here.  I think  the  results  here  will  be  about  the  same. 

Mr.  Brodhead.  How  is  it  as  to  hearing  there? 

Mr.  Allen.  The  hearing  is  very  indifferent,  indeed. 

Mr.  Bayard.  Mr.  President,  I am  not  an  architect,  nor  should  I obtrude  my  own 
individual  knowledge  to  supervise  the  details  of  the  construction  of  a work  of  this 
character.  I should  in  that,  as  in  every  other  case  where  I had  anything  scientific 
to  be  done,  trust  it  to  those  who  had  considered  the  matter,  and  in  whose  judgment 
and  skill  I placed  confidence,  and  whom  I supposed  to  have  sufficient  knowledge 
for  the  purpose.  In  regard  to  the  last  remark  of  the  honorable  Senator  from  Rhode 
Island,  [Mr.  Allen,]  I must  say  that  I think  he  is  mistaken  in  supposing  that  the 
plan  here  is  the  same  as  that  adopted  in  the  new  Houses  of  Parliament  in  Great 
Britain.  They  may  have  points  of  similarity,  but  if  I understand  them  correctly, 
there  is  a wide  difference  between  the  two.  There  is  a great  difference  between 
attempting  to  give  ventilation  to  a room  by  introducing  the  atmosphere  from  below, 
and  attempting  to  force  it  downwards.  There  is  an  entire  difference  of  principle 
between  the  two;  and  the  failure  in  the  British  Houses  of  Parliament  arose  from  an 
attempt  to  force  the  atmosphere  down.  As  to  the  structure  of  the  rooms,  I know  of 
no  similarity  between  these  Chambers  and  the  British  Houses  of  Parliament  at  all; 
not  the  remotest  similarity  in  the  style  of  the  interior  arrangements.  There  is  none 
in  the  proportions  of  the  room,  and  the  mode  in  which  it  is  arranged.  I have  been 
in  the  British  Houses  of  Parliament,  and  I can  say,  from  personal  observation,  that 
the  structure  of  those  rooms,  and  that  of  the  Chambers  for  the  two  Houses  of  Con- 
gress in  the  Capitol  extension,  is  without  similarity. 

I shall  not,  however,  attempt  to  go  into  the  details  of  this  matter  for  the  reasons 
which  I have  stated.  My  principle  is  this:  I should  endeavor  to  select,  (either  as  a 
public  man,  acting  for  the  public,  or  as  a private  individual  in  private  life,  acting  in 
reference  to  a matter  scientific  in  its  character, ) a competent  individual.  I hold 
that  whether  I am  instructed  in  the  particular  art  or  not,  every  jnan  can  tell,  in  his 
own  art,  whether  a person  claiming  to  know  anything  of  it,  is  a man  of  common 
sense,  or  a pretender.  That  far  I think  you  can  judge.  The  moment  a man  satisfies 
me  that  he  has  a knowledge  of  the  subject  matter  on  which  he  undertakes  to  act  as 
a man  of  science,  if  I have  no  reason  to  suspect  his  integrity,  I would  not  set  up  my 
own  uninstructed  judgment  against  his  superior  knowledge  of  the  work  for  which 
he  was  peculiarly  skilled  from  education  and  practice. 

This  is  exactly  the  state  of  things  in  regard  to  this  building.  Honorable  Senators 
may  suggest  that  it  ought  to  be  constructed  in  a particular  mode.  Are  they  archi- 
tects? Can  they  tell  what  are  the  difficulties  to  be  encountered?  Certainly  it  may 
be  true  that  architects  have  very  often  failed  in  the  buildings  which  they  have  con- 
structed; but  the  question  is  not  to  be  determined  in  that  way.  The  question  is 
where  is  the  greater  probability  of  failure — in  employing  a man  of  science  practically 
acquainted  with  the  subject,  or  in  taking  the  opinions  of  a political  body  which 
must  be  very  ignorant  of  works  of  that  kind?  Sir,  if  I might  be  allowed  an  illustra- 
tion, I would  say  that,  in  the  conduct  of  a cause,  I should  think  it  just  as  reasonable 
if  my  client  should  undertake  to  tell  me  how  to  conduct  the  pleadings  in  his  case,  as 
for  me  to  undertake  to  instruct  an  architect,  skilled  in  his  profession,  a man  of  high 
character  and  integrity,  in  the  structure  of  a building  which  I employed  him  to 
erect.  I might  be  wrong,  as  a lawyer,  in  the  conduct  of  the  pleadings  of  a case;  I 


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Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


might  commit  errors — the  ablest  lawyers  have  committed  them — but  the  question  is, 
where  is  the  greater  probability  of  error,  when  a man  undertakes  to  supervise  and 
correct  his  own  lawyer  in  a matter  in  regard  to  which  he  is  perfectly  ignorant,  or  in 
leaving  it  to  the  discretion  of  the  lawyer  on  a subject  with  which  he  is  personally 
acquainted?  That  is  my  principle  of  action. 

I have  no  doubt  that  when  the  temple  of  St.  Peter’s  was  erected,  there  were  men 
who  thought  it  would  be  an  entire  failure.  I have  no  doubt  that  if  their  judgments, 
and  suggestions,  and  cavils,  if  I may  so  speak,  had  been  followed  out,  St.  Peter’s 
never  would  have  been  erected.  I do  not  suppose  a great  public  building  ever  was 
erected  without  suggestions  of  numerous  kinds  being  made  by  men  not  competent  to 
decide  on  the  question. 

It  seems  to  me  that  the  only  safe  course  for  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  to 
pursue  is,  to  take  care  that  the  individuals  whom  they  entrust  with  the  construction 
of  the  building  of  the  character  they  design,  and  the  object  they  intend  to  accom- 
plish in  having  it  constructed,  are  men  of  integrity,  men  of  known  science  and  char- 
acter; and  leave  the  rest  to  the  probability  that  they  will  perform  their  duties 
properly.  I have  entire  confidence  in  the  present  superintendent  of  the  extension 
of  the  Capitol.  I should  be  unwilling  to  set  up  my  unaided  judgment,  and  my  want 
of  knowledge  of  the- details  of  the  construction  of  a building,  against  a man  whom  I 
know  to  be  competent.  The  evidence  is  complete,  if  you  will  turn  and  read  your 
Executive  documents  of  the  last  session,  that  he  tried  numerous  experiments — that 
he  not  only  did  not  rely  upon  his  own  knowledge,  but  that  he  resorted,  through  the 
medium  of  the  President,  to  a commission  to  investigate  the  principles  in  reference 
to  acoustics,  which  were  to  be  applied  to  the  construction  of  this  building. 

That  commission  consisted  of  Professor  Bache,  Professor  Henry,  and  another  emi- 
nent man  here;  and  they  agreed  in  all  the  general  principles  of  the  construction. 
Human  protection  can  go  no  further.  He  may  fail.  He  has  no  object  to  spur  him 
on  except  the  desire  of  success.  He  derives  no  additional  emolument  out  of  the  con- 
struction of  the  Capitol.  He  thinks  he  will  make  for  his  country  the  most  perfect 
legislative  Hall  ever  erected,  and  will,  of  course,  thereby  entitle  himself  to  the  grati- 
tude of  his  country  for  the  services  he  has  performed.  That,  I believe,  is  the  sole 
motive  which  is  operating  on  him.  I believe  he  is  competent  in  point  of  intellect;  I 
believe  he  is  competent  in  point  of  experience;  I believe  he  is  competent  in  point  of 
knowledge;  I think  he  is  a man  of  genius  in  his  profession.  I am  not  willing  to  criti- 
cise or  cavil  upon  his  plan.  I am  willing  to  run  the  hazard  of  the  determination  of 
this  work  under  such  auspices.  I doubt  whether  we  should  be  ever  able  to  construct 
any  building  at  all,  if  the  unaided  judgment  of  different  Senators  was  to  point  out  the 
mode  in  which  the  various  details  should  be  arranged. 

Mr.  Johnson.  I understand  the  Senate  Chamber  in  the  new  building  is  to  be  so 
enclosed  as  to  be  nowhere,  in  its  exterior,  open  to  the  light.  It  is  to  be  isolated  and 
surrounded  by  passages,  and,  for  all  that  I know,  by  other  rooms. 

Mr.  Bayard.  It  is  to  be  lighted  from  above. 

Mr.  Cass.  And  ventilated  from  below. 

Mr.  Johnson.  That  makes  the  case,  I believe,  lighted  from  above,  and  ventilated 
from  below.  I understand,  in  fact,  that  the  ventilation  is  to  be  given  us  by  a steam 
engine.  Is  there  to  be  one  for  each  House,  or  for  the  whole  Capitol? 

Mr.  James.  Will  the  Senator  allow  me  to  say  one  word? 

Mr.  Johnson.  I shall  be  glad  to  have  that  question  answered;  and  then,  with  one 
more  question,  I shall  be  done.  Are  there  to  be  one  or  two  steam  engines  employed 
in  the  ventilation? 

Mr.  James.  One  in  each  wing. 

Mr.  Johnson.  Is  the  engine  to  be  directly  beneath  the  Senate?  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  J ames.  I do  not  know  where  it  is  to  be  placed. 

Mr.  Johnson.  I should  be  glad  to  know,  because  I have  heard  of  explosions  of 


The  Extensions. 


605 


steam  engines.  [Laughter.]  I have  heard  of  one  character  in  history  who  has  cer- 
tainly attained  very  great  notoriety,  by  an  attempt  to  produce  an  explosion  under  a 
legislative  body,  Guy  Fawkes,  I believe,  piled  his  combustibles  beneath  the  Par- 
liament building;  but  when  he  got  in,  and  while  he  was  preparing  his  magazine 
there,  thank  God,  as  the  people  said  at  that  time,  he  was  detected  before  he  accom- 
plished it,  and  was  arrested.  I have  never  yet  heard  of  one  being  blown  sky-high; 
but  this  engine  is  to  be  placed  beneath  the  Chamber.  I should  be  glad  to  ask  the 
Senator  of  how  many  horse-power  it  is  to  be?  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  James.  I refer  the  honorable  Senator  to  the  architect. 

Mr.  Johnson.  He  is  beyond  these  walls,  and  I have  no  power  to  bring  him  here. 
I supposed  the  committee,  who  understand  all  their  business,  could  explain  and  give 
me  all  these  little  items.  I should  like  to  know  that,  because,  with  the  calculation 
of  the  horse-power,  I shall  be  able  to  understand  how  high  I am  to  ascend,  if  this  is 
finished  in  my  day.  [Laughter.]  Now,  Ido  not  like  this  thing  of  steam  engines 
and  explosions.  We  have  been  legislating  against  them  all  the  time.  They  are  the 
saddest  disasters  in  the  world  that  occur.  I do  not  care  about  being  celebrated  by  a 
great  monument  built  up  in  memory  of  the  whole  Senate,  and  detailing  a disaster 
here  from  a steam  engine  which  we  ourselves  have  enacted  shall  be  put  beneath  our 
feet — for  what?  To  produce  the  same  effect  that  a lady  will  produce  with  a little 
tongue — a blowing  up.  [Laughter.]  We  are  to  be  shut  in  all  around,  with  not  even 
the  opportunities  for  light  and  air  which  are  furnished  us  here.  I have  heard  of 
this  repeatedly.  If,  as  the  idea  seems  to  be,  ventilation  be  to  blow  up  everything, 
the  biggest  blow  will  come  when  the  steam  engine  bursts.  [Laughter.]  There  will 
be  a ventilation.  The  very  occasion  itself  will  ring  with  that  ventilation.  I appeal 
against  the  steam  engine,  if  it  is  to  be  directly  under  us.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Badger.  The  honorable  Senator  from  Michigan,  [Mr.  Cass,]  in  the  first 
remarks  which  he  made,  threw  out  doubts  and  apprehensions  which  I entertain 
myself,  and  from  which  I must  confess  I am  not  entirely  relieved  by  the  explana- 
tions which  have  been  given  to  us.  I have  no  interest  personally  in  the  inquiry  as 
to  what  will  be  the  construction  of  the  new  Chamber,  the  advantages  or  disadvan- 
tages of  it  in  regard  to  the  capacity  for  hearing  speakers,  or  the  facility  with  which 
they  can  deliver  themselves,  or  as  to  the  ventilating  or  heating  of  it;  but  still  on 
account  of  many  of  my  honorable  friends  who  are  here  and  who  will  have  the  oppor- 
tunity of  occupying  that  Chamber,  and  on  account  of  our  successors  and  their  suc- 
cessors, I feel  a considerable  degree  of  anxiety  upon  the  question  which  now  has 
been  alluded  to. 

My  friend  from  Michigan  has  suggested  that,  although  these  things  are  proposed 
upon  scientific  grounds  and  by  very  scientific  men,  all  history  and  experience  have 
shown  us  that,  whatever  may  be  the  talents  of  the  individual,  and  his  sincerity  and 
his  confidence,  an  unfavorable  issue  is  not  an  unlikely  event.  Now,  sir,  in  old  times 
there  was  a notion  of  resorting  to  a natural  process  for  the  purpose  of  ventilating  a 
chamber.  The  idea  was  that  if  you  would  have  an  opening  at  the  top,  or  near  the 
top,  the  heated  air  would  take  itself  out;  and  by  having  some  convenient  openings 
at  the  bottom,  or  near  it,  the  cool  air  would  come  in.  That  went  upon  the  principle 
that  nature  acts  by  a sort  of  moral  suasion.  I should  have  been  exceedingly  gratified 
myself  if  that  old  system  had  been  adhered  to;  but,  then,  my  friend  from  Michigan 
must  remember  that  this  is  an  age  of  progress.  This  is  an  age  of  steam.  Everything 
has  been,  or  is  to  be,  altered.  He  will  recollect  that  in  a very  high  dramatic  author- 
ity a certain  patient  was  once  informed  by  a medical  professor,  that,  whereas  origi- 
nally the  liver  was  placed  upon  the  right  and  the  heart  upon  the  left  of  the  body, 
the  college  of  physicians  had  altered  that  whole  business,  and  had  made  them  shift 
to  different  places.  [Laughter.]  So  my  friend  must  recollect  it  is  to  be  now.  This 
is  the  age  of  steam.  Formerly  the  cool  air  was  allowed  to  come  in  below,  and  the 
heated  air  to  pass  out  above.  Now,  the  action  is  to  be  reversed.  Science  is  to  be 


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Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


brought  to  bear  on  the  subject.  A steam  engine  is  to  be  constructed;  and  the  cool 
air  is  to  be  forced  down  from  above,  and  the  heated  air  forced  out  below;  and  why 
should  it  not  be  done? 

Mr.  Brodhead.  It  is  the  very  reverse. 

Mr.  Badger.  It  is  the  other  way.  Well,  in  the  old  times  it  did  not  require  any 
great  force  to  get  cool  air  in  below  and  heated  air  out  at  the  top,  if  a place  was  only 
made  for  it  to  come  in  and  go  out  at.  But  what  I want  to  call  attention  to  is,  that 
after  all  that  has  been  said  on  this  subject,  the  plan  is  settled.  The  old  method  was 
liable  to  some  difficulties.  The  Senator  from  Rhode  Island  [Mr.  James]  has  men- 
tioned one  of  them.  If  you  build  a big  fire,  or  if  you  let  in  heated  air  by  registers, 
as  I believe  they  call  them,  you  will  still  have  this  result,  that  one  jaart  of  the  room 
will  be  warmer  than  another.  Well,  now,  sir,  there  is  no  possible  mode  of  prevent- 
ing that  in  any  apartment,  except  by  converting  it  into  an  oven,  heating  it,  and 
closing  it  up;  and  from  everything  that  I have  been  able  to  understand  of  the  present 
project  that  is  exactly  what  we  propose  to  do  in  regard  to  the  intended  Senate 
Chamber.  It  is  to  have  no  outside  wall  at  all.  It  is  to  be  shut  in.  It  is  not  to  com- 
municate externally  with  either  the  air,  or  the  light  of  heaven.  It  is  to  be  an  oven, 
[laughter,]  closed  in  on  all  sides;  and  the  way  you  are  going  to  get  air  into  it  is,  by 
a forcing  pump  moved  by  a steam  engine. 

I do  not  wish  to  be  understood  as  doubting  at  all  that  this  experiment  will  succeed. 
I have  as  high  an  opinion  of  the  gentleman  who  has  originated  the  plan,  as  any  mem- 
ber of  the  Senate  who  has  spoken.  I hope  and  I believe  that  it  will  succeed,  but  I 
am  hoping  against  hope,  and  believing  against  faith.  [Laughter.]  But  if  I could 
have  the  regulation  of  this  thing,  I would  go  back  to  the  old  fashioned  notions  of  our 
forefathers.  When  we  want  cool  air  in  a room,  I would  open  a window  and  let  it 
come  in  itself.  It  needs  no  forcing.  It  comes  with  readiness  if  you  give  it  a fair 
opportunity.  Then  with  regard  to  the  heated  air,  which,  by  a provision  of  nature, 
I am  told,  for  I do  not  understand  these  things  philosophically,  will  gradually  get 
higher  and  higher  as  it  gets  warmer  and  warmer,  you  have  nothing  to  do  but  to  have 
a comfortable  little  ventilator  at  the  top,  and  you  will  soon  get  rid  of  it.  But  this,  sir, 
is  the  age  of  improvement;  this  is  the  age  of  progress;  and  I fear  that  my  friend  from 
Michigan  and  myself  will,  in  consequence  of  the  remarks  we  have  made  to-dav,  be 
stamped  “old  fogies”  forever.  [Laughter.] 

But,  now,  I wish  to  ask,  what  has  all  this  investigation  and  inquiry  to  do  with  the 
question  before  the  Senate?  My  friend  from  Arkansas  [Mr.  Johnson]  says  that  this 
appropriation  of  $325, 000, is  out  of  place;  it  ought  not  to  be  in  this  bill.  If  we  are  to 
follow  the  suggestions  thrown  out  in  the  discussion,  it  ought  not  to  be  in  any  place, 
it  would  be  inappropriate  to  any  bill;  we  ought  to  turn  back  and  reverse  our  course, 
and  alter  all  that  has  been  done,  and  make  a new  experiment  about  the  compulsory 
introduction  of  air  and  heat  upon  some  other  plan.  But  we  should  be  no  better  off 
if  we  did  that.  It  is  too  late  to  resort  to  the  old  fashioned  natural  way  of  having  at 
least  one  outside  to  a room.  We  are  now  going  to  accomplish,  in  regard  to  the 
Senate  Chamber,  precisely  what  an  agriculturist  in  the  State  of  my  friend  from  Penn- 
sylvania, is  once  said  to  have  done  in  order  to  avoid  trespasses  from  the  squirrels 
upon  his  corn — to  have  a field  without  any  outside  row  to  it  at  all.  [Laughter.] 
Therefore,  it  seems  to  me,  that  the  whole  discussion  is  beside  the  principal  question 
which  is  before  the  Senate.  None  of  us  are  going  to  retract  from  this  experiment. 
We  are  all  willing  to  believe  and  trust,  whatever  our  fears  may  be.  We  all  have  the 
highest  confidence  in  the  direction  under  which  the  building  is  placed.  We  are  all 
willing  to  prosecute  the  design. 

But  I say  to  my  friend  from  Arkansas,  that  the  appropriation  is  a good  one,  and  a 
wise  one.  It  is  not  for  too  large  an  amount.  It  is  to  be  devoted  to  an  excellent 
object;  and  I am  willing  to  take  it  whenever  it  comes.  I should  not  have  thought 
of  putting  it  in  here;  but  I shall  vote  against  striking  it  out;  and  if  my  friend  from 


The  Extensions. 


607 


Arkansas  will  move  an  amendment  to  it,  that  no  steam  engine  shall  be  placed  under 
the  proposed  Senate  Chamber  until  he  leaves  the  Senate,  I will  vote  for  it  with  great 
pleasure.  [Laughter.] 

On  motion  by  Mr.  Adams, 

The  Senate  adjourned. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  15,  1854:  Congressional  Globe,  33 — 1,  p.  424.] 

Mr.  Craige,  from  the  same  committee,  [Public  Buildings  and  Grounds]  reported 
the  following  resolution : 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  the  United  States  be,  and  he  is  hereby,  authorized  to  cause  a supple- 
mental contract  to  be  made  with  the  contractors  for  the  marble  for  the  Capitol  extension  to  procure 
the  columns  and  ashlar  in  larger  blocks  than  required  by  the  specifications  of  their  present  contract. 

Mr.  Craige.  I desire  to  make  a short  statement  in  reference  to  that  resolution, 
showing  the  necessity  of  its  passage. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  supposes  that  the  gentleman  intended  the  resolution  as  a 
joint  one.  It  is  not  so  by  its  form. 

Mr.  Craige.  I did  intend  it  as  such. 

The  Speaker.  The  alteration  in  form  will  be  made,  and  then  the  resolution  will 
be  read  a second  time. 

The  resolution  was  accordingly  modified,  and  read  a second  time,  by  its  title,  as  a 
joint  resolution,  in  reference  to  contracts  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Craige.  On  the  19th  day  of  September,  1851,  a contract  was  entered  into 
between  Mr.  Walter,  the  architect  of  the  Capitol,  and  certain  gentlemen,  for  the 
marble  work  to  be  used  for  the  extension  of  the  United  States  Capitol.  The  archi- 
tect agreed  to  pay  these  parties  “at  the  rate  of  65  cents  per  cubic  foot  for  all  blocks 
of  marble  containing  thirty  cubic  feet  or  less,  and  §1  98  per  cubic  foot  for  all  blocks 
of  marble  containing  over  thirty  cubic  feet,  according  to  the  provisions,  conditions, 
and  requirements  of  the  agreement.” 

According  to  the  eleventh  specification  of  the  contract,  “ the  shafts,  exclusive  of 
the  capital  and  the  lower  diameter  to  be  three  feet,  and  the  upper  base,  were  to  be 
twenty -five  feet  five  inches  high,  diameter  two  feet  seven  inches.  The  upper  torus 
of  the  base  to  be  cut  on  the  lower  frustum  of  the  shaft,  and  none  of  the  frusta  of  the 
shaft  to  be  less  than  four  feet  in  height.”  Those  who  have  charge  of  the  extension 
now  desire  to  have  these  blocks  in  large  pieces.  At  the  time  the  contract  was  made, 
it  was  supposed  that  they  could  not  be  so  furnished;  but  the  committee  understand 
now,  from  those  having  charge  of  the  quarries  from  which  the  marble  is  supplied, 
that  blocks  in  large  pieces  can  be  furnished;  but  the57  refused  to  furnish  them  at  the 
prices  at  which  they  had  agreed  to  furnish  the  smaller. 

According  to  the  twenty-fifth  specification,  “the  ashlar  work  throughout  the 
buildings  w'as  to  have  beds  from  nine  to  eighteen  inches,  cut  square  throughout  the 
entire  thickness  of  the  stone,  and  to  be  slightly  free  from  the  square  on  the  front 
edge,  to  prevent  fracture  at  the  joints.” 

The  architect  and  superintendent  of  this  work  think  that  these  beds  ought  to  be 
eighteen  inches,  and  two  feet  and  six  inches;  but  the  contractors  refuse  to  furnish 
them  at  the  low  prices  at  which  they  were  to  furnish  the  other  beds. 

In  order  that  we  may  therefore  get  the  necessary  supply  of  marble  to  carry  on  this 
work,  I think  it  necessary  that  a change  in  the  contract  should  be  made.  At  the 
last  session  of  Congress,  the  work  of  the  Capitol  was  required  to  be  measured  accord- 
ing to  the  existing  contract.  The  superintendent  of  the  work  did  not  feel  himself  at 
liberty  to  order  the  blocks  of  the  size  which  the  architect  required  without  the  con- 
currence of  Congress,  and  therefore  the  committee  having  this  matter  in  charge  have 
directed  me  to  report  the  resolution  which  has  been  read,  and  which  I ask  may  be 
put  upon  its  passage  now. 


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Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  resolution  was  then  ordered  to  be  engrossed,  and  having  been  engrossed,  was 
then  read  the  third  time. 

The  question  then  being,  ‘ ‘ Shall  the  resolution  pass?  ’ ’ it  was  taken,  and  decided 
in  the  affirmative. 

So  the  resolution  was  agreed  to. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  20,  1854:  Congressional  Globe,  33 — 1,  p.  448.] 

CAPITOL  EXTENSION. 

Mr.  Bayard.  The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  to  whom  was  referred  the  joint 
resolution  from  the  House,  authorizing  a supplemental  contract  for  certain  marble 
for  the  Capitol  extension,  have  directed  me  to  report  it  back  without  amendment, 
and  with  a recommendation  in  favor  of  its  passage;  and  I am  also  instructed  to  ask 
for  its  immediate  consideration. 

The  Senate  accordingly  proceeded,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  to  consider  the 
joint  resolution.  It  proposes  to  direct  the  President  of  the  United  States  to  cause  a 
supplemental  contract  to  be  made  with  the  contractors  for  marble  for  the  Capitol 
extension,  and  to  procure  the  columns  and  ashlar  in  larger  blocks  than  are  required 
by  the  specification  of  their  present  contract. 

Mr.  Bayard.  The  reason  for  asking  the  immediate  consideration  of  the  resolution 
which  passed  the  House  last  week,  is,  that  it  is  necessary,  for  the  construction  of  the 
Capitol,  if  the  alteration  of  the  contract  is  to  be  made  in  the  size  of  the  blocks  used 
for  the  purpose  of  construction,  that  it  should  be  passed  at  once.  The  ground  on 
which  it  is  asked  is,  that,  in  making  the  original  contract,  the  quarry  from  which 
the  marble  was  to  be  taken  had  been  just  opened;  it  was  not  known,  or  was  not 
supposed,  that  blocks  of  the  size  which  will  be  requisite  to  make  the  columns  for  the 
Capitol  would  be  obtained;  and  the  contract,  therefore,  stipulated  for  furnishing 
the  blocks,  which  would  require  six  pieces  to  each  column. 

The  Superintendent  is  of  opinion,  and  I have  no  doubt  correctly,  that  the  effect  of 
the  change  upon  the  columns,  either  as  regards  beauty  or  permanence,  will  be  far 
more  than  any  increase  of  cost  arising  from  the  purchase.  The  other  alteration  of 
the  contract  which  is  contemplated  is  in  the  enlargement  of  the  size  of  the  blocks 
which  form  the  face  of  the  Capitol.  As  it  now  stands,  the  width  and  depth  of  some 
of  these  blocks,  it  appears  from  a drawing  exhibited  by  the  Superintendent,  are  nine 
inches;  and  under  the  contract,  as  originally  made,  the  contractor  refuses  to  deliver 
them  in  that  width  at  the  prices  which  the  contract  would  call  for.  It  is  believed 
that  the  permanence  of  the  building,  its  facing  and  durability,  require  the  blocks  to 
be  six  inches;  and  in  order  to  obtain  that,  it  is  necessary  that  a supplemental  con- 
tract should  be  made. 

I will  state  generally  that  the  increase  of  cost,  according  to  the  estimate  of  the 
Superintendent,  arising  out  of  these  alterations,  tending  to  the  greater  permanence 
and  beauty  of  the  structure,  will  be  somewhere  about  $148,000. 

The  joint  resolution  was  reported  to  the  Senate  without  amendment,  was  ordered 
to  be  read  a third  time,  was  read  a third  time,  and  passed. 


[“No.  5. — Joint  Resolution  authorizing  a supplemental  contract  for  certain  marble  for  the  Capitol 
extension,”  approved  Mar.  1,  1854.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  10,  591.)] 

Resolved  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America  in 
Congress  assembled,  That  the  President  of  the  United  States  be,  and  he  is  hereby 
authorized  to  cause  a supplemental  contract  to  be  made  with  the  contractors  for 
marble  for  the  Capitol  extension,  to  procure  the  columns  and  ashlar  in  larger  blocks 
than  required  by  the  specifications  of  their  present  contract. 


The  Extensions. 


609 


[House  proceedings  of  June  14,  1854:  Congressional  Globe,  33 — 1,  p.  1393-1402.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Civil  and  Diplomatic  bill  for  1855,  particularly  an  item  thereon 
relating  to  the  Washington  Aqueduct — 

Mr.  Chandler.  * * * Mr.  Chairman,  following  the  advice  of  the  Father  of  his 
Country,  the  nation  selected  a site  for  a city,  and  invited  to  it  none  of  the  appliances 
of  commerce,  none  of  the  conveniences  of  trade,  none  of  the  elements  of  manufac- 
tures, but  intended  it  for  a place  where  the  representatives  of  the  people  should 
quietly  assemble,  beyond  the  noise  and  din  of  trade,  beyond  the  influences  of  the 
larger  commercial  marts  of  the  country,  and  enjoy  the  peace  and  repose  necessary 
to  that  reflection  on  which  laws  are  made,  and  not,  sir,  I trust,  without  the  comforts 
and  conveniences  which  every  man  in  this  country  is  entitled  to. 

Sir,  that  is  one  reason  why  Congress  has  always  been  called  upon,  or,  rather,  why 
it  has  always  volunteered,  to  vote  money  for  the  improvement  of  this  capital.  The 
population  of  this  city  is  composed,  in  a great  degree,  of  clerks.  It  is  generally  a 
community  of  persons  who  are  depending,  day  by  day,  for  their  daily  support  on 
the  pittance  allowed  to  them  by  Congress;  and  Congress  has  been  always  careful  not 
to  extend  its  liberality  to  such  an  excess  as  that  those  people  should  become  inde- 
pendent of  it,  nor  does  it  give  them  sufficient  to  raise  them  to  that  independence 
which  we,  who  live  in  other  parts  of  the  country,  hope  to  attain  and  preserve.  That, 
I repeat,  is  one  reason  why  Congress  has  always  done  the  work  necessary  for  this 
city — because  it  is  their  own  city;  and  that  is  why,  to  prevent  dust  from  flying  into 
the  eyes  of  congressmen,  the  avenue,  which  had  been  macadamized,  was  pebble- 
paved;  and,  to  protect  congressmen  from  the  inconvenience  of  walking  in  the  dark, 
we  have  lighted  the  avenues.  I might  say  something  about  other  reasons;  but  I 
fear  that  I should  tread  on  some  one’s  corns,  [laughter,]  and  thus  I shall  say  nothing 
about  them. 

But,  Mr.  Chairman,  there  is  another  reason  why  water  should  be  supplied  to  this 
city.  I say  nothing  of  the  great  demands  which  we  members  of  Congress  have  for 
that  element  of  health,  comfort,  and  strength,  for  drinking. 

But  the  amount  of  property  owned  by  the  United  States  in  public  buildings  here 
has  great  demands  upon  us  for  protection  from  fire;  and,  if  for  no  other  reason,  we 
should  carry  out  this  plan  of  supplying  the  capital  with  water,  this  single  reason  is 
sufficient  to  enable  us  and  to  authorize  us  to  make  the  appropriation  which  I shall 
ask  you  to  make.  I hope,  sir,  this  Capitol  is  not  destined  to  be  burned  again.  I 
hope  not;  but  I say  to  you,  there  is  not  a shanty  within  a hundred  miles  of  this  city 
which  is  such  a complete  tinder-box  as  is  this  Capitol.  You  may  look  around  and 
see  these  massive  pillars;  you  may  look  around  and  see  these  marble  cornices;  and 
you  may  look  on  the  floor  and  see  it  laid  in  brick  and  mortar,  and  say  that  fire  can- 
not reach  them. 

But,  sir,  there  is  a dome  over  the  center  building  of  this  Capitol  which  invites  fire. 
There  is  a nest  of  dry  materials  there,  covered  over  with  tarred  paper,  that  seems 
almost  to  threaten  conflagration  without  the  use  of  the  torch — a spontaneous  com- 
bustion. When,  two  years  since,  the  library  of  this  House  was  destroyed  for  want 
of  water — when  §200,000  were  lost  there  for  the  want  of  a little  water — then,  sir,  it 
was  nothing  but  the  accidental  placing  of  a military  force  upon  the  spiral  stairs  of 
the  House  that  kept  the  fire  from  reaching  that  dome.  The  whole  roof,  a gentle- 
man on  my  right  tells  me,  is  of  the  same  character.  There  is  nothing  in  this  House 
but  the  posts  and  the  persons,  but  what  is  subject  to  conflagration.  [Laughter.] 

* * * 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky.  * * * The  engineer  officers  of  the  Army,  no  matter 
what  civil  service  they  may  be  called  upon  to  perform,  which  requires  the  disburse- 

H.  Hep.  646 


39 


610 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


ment  of  public  money,  give  no  bond  and  no  security  for  its  faithful  application,  as 
civilians  do.  Here  is  the  engineer  upon  this  Capitol,  disbursing  as  much  as  $1,000,000 
per  year  without  bond.  I allude  to  him,  sir,  not  for  the  purpose  of  implying  even 
a breath  of  imputation  against  his  integrity;  for  I would  not,  if  I could,  say  one  word 
to  his  discredit  in  that  respect.  He  is  said  to  be  a gentleman  of  exalted  moral  worth; 
and  however  much  I may  oppose  his  views,  and  object  to  the  position  he  occupies, 
I so  regard  him.  But,  no  matter  how  honorable  and  high-minded  and  scrupulously 
careful  he  may  be  with  the  public  money,  I cannot  see  any  good  reason  why  he 
should  be  exempt  from  obligations  which  are  always  exacted  from  other  citizens  in 
like  employment.  We  are  told  by  the  Secretary  of  War  that  there  is  no  law  requir- 
ing engineer  officers  to  give  bond  Avhen  they  are  employed  in  disbursing  the  public 
money.  No  law,  sir?  Then  one  should  be  instantly  passed.  If  you,  sir,  or  any 
other  civilians  of  high  character,  are  not  to  be  entrusted  with  the  public  money 
without  involving  your  friends  as  a guarantee  for  your  fidelity,  in  the  name  of  all 
that  is  just  why  should  not  an  Army  officer?  What  entitles  him  to  such  a distinction 
above  you  and  other  citizens?  Are  Army  officers  a better  order  of  men?  Have  they 
more  integrity  than  other  men?  Certainly  this  cannot  be  claimed  for  them.  If  they 
cannot  give  bond  as  other  persons  in  the  employment  of  Government  do,  then  they 
should  not  be  allowed  to  handle  the  public  money.  There  should  be  no  such  odious 
distinction  made  between  Army  officers  and  citizens.  All  officers  may  not  be  like 
Captain  Meigs.  There  have  been,  and  may  be  again,  men  in  the  Army  who  are  not 
as  faithful  as  he. 

The  law  authorizing  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  provided  that  the  money  should 
be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  President,  “by  such  architect  as  he  may 
appoint  to  execute  the  same.”  Subsequently,  a proviso  was  attached  to  one  of  the 
appropriation  bills,  in  these  words: 

“Provided,  That  so  much  of  former  appropriations  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  as  remains  unex- 
pended, and  the  appropriation  now  made,  or  which  hereafter  may  be  made  for  that  object,  shall  be 
disbursed  under  such  regulations  as  the  President  of  the  United  States  may  prescribe;  the  accounts 
for  such  disbursement  to  be  audited  and  paid  at  the  Treasury,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  accounts  of 
other  civil  officers  charged  with  the  disbursement  of  the  public  money.  And  said  disbursing  agent 
shall  report  to  the  President  his  disbursements  and  proceedings,  in  time  to  be  presented  to  Congress, 
at  the  commencement  of  each  annual  session,  and  at  any  other  time  when  required." 

These  are  the  only  laws  which  give  power  to  the  President  over  the  Capitol  exten- 
sion. It  will  be  seen  that  Congress  required  that  the  work  should  be  executed  by 
an  architect,  and  at  the  same  time  directed  that  the  money  should  be  expended  by 
him,  under  the  direction  of  the  President.  Afterwards,  it  was  thought  proper  to 
separate  the  disbursement  of  the  money  from  the  execution  of  the  work,  and  a dis- 
bursing agent,  who  was,  by  the  terms  of  the  law  evidently  intended  to  be  a civilian, 
and  not  a military  officer,  Avas  authorized  to  be  appointed.  The  object  clearly  was  to 
provide  some  check  between  the  officer  who  designed  and  executed  the  work,  Avho 
made  the  contracts,  purchased  material,  employed  the  hands,  and  had  the  general 
supervision  of  the  structure,  and  the  Government.  This  was  right  and  proper. 
But,  instead  of  a mere  disbursing  agent,  or  paymaster,  or  cashier,  as  the  law 
required,  a member  of  the  United  States  Corps  of  Engineers,  Avho  gives  no  bond,  is 
not  only  made  disbursing  agent,  but  architect  and  superintendent,  having  complete 
control  over  every  other  officer,  and  every  part  of  the  work.  He  makes  contracts 
with  whom  he  pleases;  he  purchases  materials  when  and  Avhere  he  chooses;  he 
employs  mechanics  and  laborers,  and  pays  for  all  them  by  his  own  check  or  order. 
1 cannot  see  the  authority  for  all  this.  I look  in  vain  for  the  law  of  Congress  Avhich 
authorizes  it;  and  if  I say  that  Captain  Meigs  occupies  his  position  against  the 
express  enactments  of  this  body,  I give  utterance  only  to  Avhat  any  candid  man  will 
believe  who  examines  the  subject. 

Captain  Meigs  may  be  accomplished  in  his  profession;  he  may  know  how  to  lay 
out  the  grounds  for  encampments  and  fortifications,  to  construct  fortifications  and 


The  Extensions. 


611 


military  roads.  These  are  the  duties  in  which  he  has  had  experience,  and  for  which 
the  Government  educated  him.  I will  not  deny  him  the  merit  of  being  a proficient 
in  these  duties;  hut  that  he  was  qualified  for  the  intricate  and  elaborate  archi- 
tectural details  of  such  a work  as  the  Capitol,  is  beyond  all  reason.  But  few  men 
in  the  world  are  equal  to  such  a work.  Without  the  aid  of  the  distinguished  archi- 
tect, Mr.  Walter,  or  some  one  equally  competent,  he  could  no  more  have  gone  on 
with  the  work  than  he  could  model  and  cast  such  a statue  as  that  of  General  Jack- 
son.  But  how  has  he  managed?  I propose  to  say  a few  words  on  this  subject. 
Although  in  1852  we  passed  a law  requiring  all  contracts  for  work  or  materials  neces- 
sary for  the  Capitol,  and  other  public  buildings  in  this  District  to  be  advertised  sixty 
days,  and  let  to  responsible  bidders,  we  find  him,  under  that  latitude  usually  taken 
by  military  officers,  rejecting  all  offers  to  furnish  them  here  in  this  city,  and  sending 
to  Baltimore,  Philadelphia,  and  New  York,  to  purchase  them  in  open  market. 
Several  millions  of  bricks  have  been  obtained  in  these  cities,  and  transported  to  the 
Capitol,  at  a cost  of  a few  cents  less  than  eleven  dollars  per  thousand.  You  may  see 
them  now  in  immense  large  piles  standing  in  the  streets  and  around  this  building. 
The  Secretary  of  War  lias  furnished  the  committee  with  the  exact  cost  of  them;  and 
it  amounts  to  ten  dollars  and  ninety-one  cents  per  thousand;  when  any  quantity 
required  could  have  been  made  here,  of  infinitely  better  quality,  at  seven  or  eight 
dollars.  He  also  discloses  the  fact,  that  a larger  portion  of  the  bricks  so  purchased, 
are  so  small  that  it  will  take  thirteen  hundred  of  them  to  make  the  bulk  of  one 
thousand  of  those  made  in  this  city;  a difference  in  size  of  thirty  per  cent,  which 
increases  the  cost  to  that  extent. 

Mr.  Keitt,  (interrupting.)  Will  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  permit  me  to  ask 
him  a question  or  two? 

Mr.  Stanton.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Keitt,  (to  Mr.  Stanton.)  Was  there  not  a contract  made  with  certain  indi- 
viduals in  Washington  to  furnish  all  the  bricks  necessary  for  the  work?  Did  these 
contractors  not  fail  to  fulfill  their  contract?  Was  not  the  superintendent  compelled 
to  purchase  these  bricks  in  Philadelphia  and  New  York,  or  else  let  all  the  employees 
out  of  work?  Has  not  a bond  been  given  by  the  contractor?  And  are  not  the  parties 
to  that  bond  responsible  to  the  Government  for  the  difference  between  the  cost  of 
the  brick  thus  procured  and  the  price  originally  agreed  upon? 

Mr.  Stanton.  I answer  my  honorable  friend,  emphatically  no.  To  the  extent  to 
which  his  questions  go,  the  facts  implied  are  not  true.  Here  is  the  plain  history  of 
the  whole  matter.  Mr.  Wendell,  of  this  city,  was  the  lowest  bidder  under  an  adver- 
tisement made  before  Captain  Meigs  obtained  control  of  the  work,  and  was  awarded 
the  contract  for  furnishing  a portion  of  the  bricks  required  for  the  Capitol,  at  the 
price  of  $5  88  per  thousand.  In  good  faith  he  commenced  the  work,  although  the 
season  was  somewhat  advanced,  and  furnished  more  than  a million  at  that  price. 
He  would  have  gone  on  and  furnished  every  brick  required,  and,  as  he  alleges  made 
money  by  the  contract,  if  he  had  been  allowed  to  do  so.  But,  sir,  for  economy,  he 
established  a yard  at  Bladensburg,  where  wood  and  the  means  of  living  were  cheaper 
than  in  this  city,  and  furnished  some  of  the  bricks  from  that  place,  which  were  received 
and  entered  into  the  building.  They  are  said  to  have  been  good  bricks,  and  well  made; 
but  the  place  at  which  they  were  made  was  made  a pretext  afterwards  for  reject- 
ing them.  I cannot  undertake  to  say  w hat  was  the  real  motive  for  rejecting  them, 
for  I do  not  know.  It,  however,  caused  great  loss  and  sacrifice  to  the  contractor, 
and  he  was  compelled  to  surrender  his  contract.  Subsequently,  however,  when  it 
was  important  to  commence  the  work  on  the  aqueduct,  a portion  of  the  very  bricks 
thus  rejected  for  the  thick  strong  walls  of  the  Capitol  were  purchased  at  a higher 
price  for  that  work.  My  authority  for  this  statement  is  Mr.  Wendell  himself,  who 
told  me  they  were  sold  to  Captain  Meigs  and  conveyed  to  the  aqueduct.  He  assured 
me,  that  when  summoned  before  the  select  committee,  he  would  confirm  his  state- 


612 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


ment  by  his  oath.  I presume,  sir,  that  neither  the  President  nor  Secretary  of  War 
are  familiar  with  these  details. 

But  why  go  elsewhere  to  buy  bricks  when  they  could  have  been  made  here  of  better 
quality,  in  great  abundance,  and  at  a cheaper  rate?  At  the  time  Wendell  took  his 
contract  there  were  fourteen  bidders,  many  of  them  among  the  most  experienced 
and  responsible  brick-makers  in  the  country.  Not  one  single  one  of  them  asked  as 
high  as  eight  dollars.  The  statement  of  these  bids,  furnished  by  the  Secretary  of 
War,  is  in  the  committee  room.  Eleven  of  them  are  below  seven  dollars  and  fifty 
cents  per  thousand.  About  the  same  time  a contract  was  made  to  lay  the  bricks  at  two 
dollars  and  forty-nine  cents  per  thousand;  but  the  contractor,  before  he  had  made  a 
single  effort  to  comply  with  his  engagement,  was  released,  and  the  work  done  by  the 
day.  The  Secretary  of  War  informs  the  committee  that  the  laying  of  the  bricks 
under  this  mode  of  management,  costs,  on  each  wing,  an  average  price  of  five  dollars 
and  eight  cents  per  thousand ! There  were  twenty-one  bids  for  the  laying  of  the 
bricks,  and  of  these  but  two  were  above  five  dollars.  Now,  here  is  good  manage- 
ment for  you  under  military  rule  with  a vengeance!  Every  thousand  bricks  which 
go  into  that  building  costs  this  Government  sixteen  dollars  per  thousand,  exclusive  of 
lime,  sand,  and  cement,  which,  at  similar  rates,  could  hardly  make  the  total  cost  less 
than  nineteen  gr  twenty  dollars.  This  is  the  boasted  economy  which  military  super- 
vision brings  to  the  country. 

Mr.  Perkins,  of  Louisiana,  (interrupting.)  1 have  been  very  much  interested  in 
the  gentleman’s  remarks,  but  have  been  at  a loss  to  know  how  much  importance  to 
attach  to  the  statements,  other  than  his  impression  as  to  their  truth.  I should  like 
to  know  if  the  facts  which  he  has  stated  here  are  such  as  have  been  given  in  evidence 
before  the  committee  of  which  he  is  the  chairman? 

Mr.  Stanton.  1 want  the  honorable  gentleman  to  understand  them  as  facts, 
because  they  are  facts,  derived  from  official  sources.  With  the  exception  of  what  I 
gave  upon  the  authority  of  Mr.  Wendell,  all  the  other  statements  I have  made  in 
reference  to  bricks,  and  the  work  done  in  laying  them,  is  derived  from  statements 
communicated  to  the  select  committee  by  the  Secretary  of  War,  in  answer  to  inter- 
rogatories propounded  to  him  at  my  instance,  and  which,  in  due  time,  will,  I hope, 
be  published. 

Mr.  Perkins.  Is  Mr.  Wendell’s  statement  in  evidence? 

Mr.  Stanton.  It  is  not.  The  fact  that  he  furnished  a large  number  of  bricks,  over 
a million,  in  compliance  with  his  contract,  is  stated  by  the  Secretary.  The  other 
facts  relating  to  the  rejection  of  the  bricks  from  Bladensburg,  and  their  subsequent 
purchase  anil  use  for  the  aqueduct,  rest  upon  the  communication  made  to  me  by  Mr. 
Wendell  himself,  and  to  which  he  avows  himself  ready  to  testify  under  oath.  This 
is  the  authority  I have  for  the  statement;  and  I freely  give  it,  that  I may  rest  under 
no  imputation  of  making  statements  which  cannot  be  sustained. 

The  accomplished  architect  of  the  Capitol,  who  is  well  and  intimately  known  to 
my  honorable  friend  from  Pennsylvania,  [Mr.  Chandler],  is  not  only  a man  of  great 
experience  and  skill  in  his  profession,  but  one  whose  genius  and  good  taste,  and  high 
moral  worth,  make  him  an  honor  to  his  country.  The  design  of  the  Capitol,  in  all 
its  beautiful  proportions  and  elaborate  details,  is  his,  and  no  one  can  take  from  him 
the  honor  of  its  conception.  I know  that  when  he  made  the  original  plans  and  esti- 
mates, he  made  them  upon  the  most  economical  and  prudent  scale.  His  purpose 
was  not  to  make  the  work,  in  any  respect,  more  costly  than  was  necessary.  He  was 
a civilian,  and  had  an  eye  to  the  cost,  as  well  as  to  the  appearance  and  dignity  of  the 
edifice.  The  military  engineer  neither  liked  his  plans  nor  his  economy;  and  when 
he  assumed  control,  he  commenced  a complete  revolution  in  all  things.  Contracts 
were  not  only  broken  up,  as  I have  before  shown  you,  but  the  exterior  and  interior 
details  all  modified,  changed,  and  revolutionized.  The  exterior  marble  blocks  were 
regarded  as  too  small,  and  the  whole  surface  of  the  building  nearly  doubled  in  thick- 


The  Extensions. 


613 


ness.  This  brings  with  it,  of  course,  increased  expense.  The  plan  of  the  interior 
was  broken  up,  and  massive  foundations  constructed,  at  considerable  additional  out- 
lay of  money,  to  sustain  the  new  structure.  The  Halls  of  legislation  are  remodeled, 
the  rooms  in  the  basement  darkened,  and  nearly  the  whole  building  deranged. 

There  are  to  be  one  hundred  handsome  columns  in  the  porticos  to  the  new  wings. 
These  columns  were  designed  by  the  architect  to  be  made  in  sections  of  about  five 
feet  in  length.  Such  was  the  plan  of  the  ancients  in  their  splendid  edifices,  and  by 
many  they  are  thought  to  be  more  substantial  than  columns  formed  of  a single  shaft. 
The  engineer,  however,  had  grander  ideas  than  the  ancients,  and  thought  differently. 
He  requires  them  to  be  quarried  in  a single  piece.  They  must,  therefore,  be  brought 
here  in  blocks  about  twenty-six  feet  long,  and  five  or  six  feet  square.  The  marble 
for  them,  in  its  rough  state,  would  have  cost  about  $680  per  each  column,  as  originally 
designed  by  the  architect;  but,  under  the  engineer’s  new  idea,  they  will  cost  $1,400 
each!  The  value  of  marble  increases  rapidly  with  the  increase  of  the  size  of  the 
blocks,  because  of  the  great  labor  and  difficulty  of  securing  it  in  large  masses.  The 
columns  are  to  be  brought  to  this  city  from  Massachusetts,  and  cannot  be  transported 
in  ordinary  vessels.  The  means  must  be  created,  and  vessels  adapted  to  the  purpose 
built  by  the  contractors.  Yes,  vessels  absolutely  constructed  for  the  sole  purpose 
must  he  obtained  to  transport  these  immense  blocks  of  marble  from  Massachusetts 
to  the  city  of  Washington.  Here,  then,  is  an  additional  expenditure  of  over  $700  on 
each  of  a hundred  columns  made  necessary  by  the  magnificent  ideas  of  the  engineer. 
But  this  is  not  all.  The  working  of  these  large  blocks  must  also  cost  more,  and  for 
reasons  which  every  gentleman  can  easily  understand.  They  are  more  difficult  to 
handle,  and  will  be  attended  with  great  danger  and  expense  in  elevating  them  to 
their  positions. 

When  the  last  appropriation  was  made  for  continuing  the  work  on  the  Capitol,  I 
offered  an  amendment  to  it,  proposing  to  apply  $20,000  of  the  sum  to  employ  Hiram 
Powers  an  eminent  American  artist,  to  execute  a piece  of  statuary  for  the  adornment 
of  the  wings  of  the  Capitol.  The  House  refused  to  sanction  it.  The  honorable 
gentleman  from  North  Carolina  [Mr.  Clingman]  changed  the  amendment,  and 
offered  it  again;  but  it  met  with  no  better  fate.  The  same  amendment,  or  a similar 
one,  was  twice  offered  in  the  Senate,  and  twice  voted  down;  so  here  were  the  two 
Houses  of  Congress,  twice  refusing  to  divert  any  portion  of  the  money  intended  for 
building  the  wings  of  the  Capitol  to  the  procurement  of  statuary.  And  will  it  be 
believed  that,  after  these  emphatic  expressions  of  both  Houses  of  Congress  against 
such  an  application  of  the  appropriation,  §20,000  of  it  have  been  sent  to  Italy  by  the 
engineer  to  procure,  not  the  statuary,  but  the  mere  designs  and  plaster  models. 
The  Secretary  of  War  says  to  the  committee: 

“Mr.  Thomas  Crawford,  a distinguished  American  artist,  now  in  Rome,  has  been  commissioned,  at 
a cost  of  $20,000,  to  prepare  designs  and  plaster  models  for  fourteen  statues,  and  their  accessories,  to 
fill  the  tympanum  of  one  of  the  eastern  porticos,  and  to  decorate  one  of  the  eastern  doors.  These  it 
is  intended  to  have  sculptured  in  this  city,  and  of  American  marble.’’ 

I need  not  comment  upon  this  act,  further  than  to  say  that,  no  matter  under 
whose  direction  it  was  done,  it  shows  but  little  respect  for  the  will  of  Congress. 

In  regard  to  the  alterations  of  the  original  plan  of  the  building,  there  is  no  less 
disregard  of  that  body  shown.  The  law  authorized  the  President  “to  adopt  a plan” 
for  the  extension.  Mr.  Fillmore  was  then  President,  and  under  that  law  he  acted. 
The  plan  was  adopted,  and  the  work  had  been  prosecuted  to  a considerable  extent 
under  it.  The  law  was,  therefore,  fully  executed.  It  left  no  power  to  any  subse- 
quent President  to  adopt  another  plan,  or  materially  to  alter  the  original  one;  if  so, 
there  would  have  been  no  limit  to  the  power,  and  the  President  would  have  the 
right  to  construct  any  description  of  building  he  chose,  and  to  incur  any  expense  he 
might  think  proper.  Such  was  never  the  intention  of  Congress.  But  we  are  not 
left  to  conjecture  as  to  who  deserves  the  credit  for  these  modifications  of  the  plan, 
and  upon  whom  will  rest  the  responsibility  for  the  blunders  committed.  The  Secre- 


614 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


tary  of  War  informs  us  in  his  report,  at  the  beginning  of  this  session,  that  these 
changes  in  the  plan  were  proposed  by  Captain  Meigs!  They  were  adopted  at  his 
suggestion,  with  the  indorsement  of  a board  of  scientific  gentlemen. 

Let  us,  Mr.  Chairman,  look,  for  a moment,  at  the  most  material  change  made  in 
the  plans.  And  it  is  a subject,  gentlemen  of  the  committee,  to  which  you  have  given 
no  attention.  The  original  design  located  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives 
across  the  west  end  of  the  wing.  It  was  exposed  on  the  north,  west,  and  south  sides 
to  the  light  and  air,  and  there  were  fifty  windows  by  which  ventilation  could  be 
obtained.  You  can  see  from  where  I now  stand  the  design.  It  was  such  as  no  one 
could  oppose  any  reasonable  objection  to.  I venture  to  say  that  time  will  test  the 
truth  of  what  I say,  that  so  long  as  the  building  stands  it  will  be  a source  of  regret 
to  all  who  occupy  it,  that  this  arrangement  of  the  Hall  was  not  continued.  The 
present  plan,  as  you  will  see,  locates  the  Hall  in  the  center  of  the  building,  and  sur- 
rounds it  with  corridors  and  committee  rooms.  It  is  modeled  after  the  Halls  of 
the  English  Parliament  Houses,  and  will  prove  as  great  an  abortion.  How  is  a 
room,  thus  pent  up,  in  the  center  of  a massive  and  complicated  building,  to  be 
ventilated?  I will  read  from  the  report  of  the  engineer.  I will  let  him  speak  for 
himself: 

“As  the  warm  air  must  ascend  to  the  top  of  the  room,  I propose  to  let  it  do  so  in  a large  trunk  out- 
side of  the  apartment,  pass  into  a space  above  the  ceiling,  and  thence  by  numerous  holes  find  its  way, 
as  through  a sieve,  into  the  room.” 

There  it  is.  Light  is  not  only  to  be  brought  in  from  the  ceiling,  but  air  obtained 
through  auger  holes,  and  pumped  down  upon  us  through  “a  maze  of  hot  water- 
pipes”  in  winter,  and  “ melted  ice”  in  summer!  This  is  the  means  of  ingress.  In 
what  way  does  he  expect  to  find  egress  for  the  vitiated  and  impure  air?  Hear  him: 

"The  exit  should  be  through  numerous  holes  in  the  floor,  perhaps  through  the  carpet,  or  the  risers 
of  the  platform  on  which  are  the  members’  chairs.” 

This  is  a specimen  of  military  engineering,  which  will  scarcely  commend  itself  to 
you  for  the  wisdom  it  displays.  Does  it  not  reverse  all  the  principles  of  nature? 
Natural  ventilation  is  by  the  ascending  movement.  The  lighter  air,  instead  of  pass- 
ing downward,  ascends,  while  that  which  is  denser  passes  up  to  supply  its  place. 
The  air  breathed  through  our  lungs,  and  the  emanations  from  the  surface  of  the 
body,  are  at  a temperature  of  about  90°,  while  that  necessary  for  the  comfort  of 
members  in  the  room  should  never  exceed  65°.  Can  it  be  expected  that  this  impure 
air  will  not  ascend,  and  be  forced  down  by  the  descending  body  of  air  pumped  in 
from  the  ceiling  to  be  reinspired  by  the  members?  But  the  plan  is  not  original  with 
Captain  Meigs. 

The  British  Parliament  Houses  are  built  upon  the  same  plan,  and  this  identical 
scheme  of  ventilation  was  thoroughly  tried,  and  thoroughly  exploded,  before  the 
engineer  submitted  it  to  the  scientific  board  which  indorsed  it.  The  truth  is,  the 
Houses  of  Parliament  have  never  yet  been  successfully  ventilated,  and  never  will  be, 
unless  the  whole  structure  is  torn  down  and  rebuilt.  It  was  in  proof,  before  a com- 
mittee of  Parliament  in  1852,  that  $1,500,000  had  been  expended  in  fruitless  efforts 
to  ventilate  the  Hall  by  mechanical  contrivances.  The  witnesses  who  were  sum- 
moned before  that  committee  were  among  the  most  eminent  practical  and  scientific 
men  in  Europe.  It  was  shown  that  so  great  were  the  currents  and  eddies  produced 
by  the  mechanical  contrivances,  that  the  members  would  sometimes  sit  with  their 
feet  in  a temperature  of  68j°,  the  centre  of  their  bodies  at  71°,  while  their  heads 
would  be  in  an  atmosphere  ranging  at  73°.  Thus  their  feet  would  be  freezing  while 
their  heads  were  scorching.  Mr.  S.  W.  Daukes,  an  eminent  architect,  in  testifying 
upon  oath  in  regard  to  the  very  plan  of  ventilation  proposed  by  Captain  Meigs,  thus 
speaks  of  the  pumping  down  process: 

“ I think  the  system  is  opposed  to  the  natural  principles  of  ventilation,  forcing  the  air  contrary  to 
its  natural  movement,  and  requiring  the  constant  application  of  powerful  machinery  to  obtain 
results  that  may  be  obtained  by  allowing  the  air  to  take  its  natural  course.” 


The  Extensions. 


615 


Another  distinguished  gentleman,  II.  G.  Price,  who  had  devoted  many  years  to 
the  warming  and  ventilating  of  large  buildings,  gave  testimony  before  the  committee, 
and  thus  speaks  of  the  same  mode  of  ventilation: 

“First  of  all,  it  necessitates  artificial  power,  it  will  not  act  except  under  compulsion;  then  it  brings 
the  vitiated  and  breathed  air,  that  ought  to  be  carried  away  and  not  breathed  over  again,  down  to 
the  lungs  to  be  reinspired.  It  also  tends  to  subvert  another  natural  law  by  keeping  the  head  in  the 
hottest  medium  and  the  feet  in  the  coldest,  and  the  ventilation  is  arrested  altogether  if  the  motive 
power  is  not  kept  in  constant  operation;  whereas,  in  the  greater  portion  of  the  year,  nature  will 
accomplish  it,  if  allowed  to  do  so.” 

Other  equally  eminent  gentlemen  denounced  the  plan  as  “a  noxious  fallacy;”  and 
the  committee,  before  whom  the  testimony  was  given,  commends  to  the  attention  of 
Parliament  the  testimony  of  Messrs.  Daukes  and  Price,  and  thus  speak  of  the  plan 
of  ventilation: 

“ The  plan  of  forcing  air  into  a building  by  mechanical  power,  to  produce  what  is  called  plenum  or 
plus  ventilation,  combined  with  the  extracting  power  of  a shaft,  with  furnace  or  steam  jet,  to  effect 
what  is  termed  vacuum  ventilation,  with  ascending  and  descending  current,  for  the  supply  of  fresh, 
and  the  abstraction  of  vitiated  air,  is,  in  the  opinion  of  your  committee,  a complicated  system,  and 
one  which  they  are  not  prepared  to  approve.” 

The  report  and  proceedings  of  the  parliamentary  committee,  are  to  be  found  in  the 
library  of  Congress,  and  which  I respectfully  commend  to  the  attention  of  the  mem- 
bers of  this  committee  who  wish  to  be  further  informed  in  relation  to  the  cast-off  plan 
of  British  ventilation,  which  the  military  engineer  “in  charge  of  the  Capitol  exten- 
sion, the  Washington  aqueduct,  and  Fort  Montgomery,”  has  adopted  for  the  Ameri- 
can Capitol.  The  whole  design  in  relation  to  the  Hall  is  a ridiculous  folly,  and  will 
be  grievously  felt  by  those  who  succeed  us.  Better  had  the  whole  work  be  taken 
down  than  permit  such  folly  to  be  perpetuated. 

* * * 

The  engineer  who  is  in  charge  of  the  Capitol  has  also  under  his  superintendence 
the  construction  of  the  aqueduct,  and  a little  fort  somewhere  in  the  northern  part  of 
New  York.  I cannot  tell  why  this  fort  is  hung  on  to  him,  or  him  to  the  fort,  unless 
it  enables  him  to  travel  occasionally  at  the  rate  of  ten  cents  per  mile,  or  affords  him 
some  other  allowance.  He  certainly  has  his  hands  full  here,  and  can  give  but  little 
attention  to  the  fort. 

* * * 

It  is  idle  to  say  that  civilians  of  proper  qualifications  cannot  be  had  to  fill  these 
offices.  I have  no  patience  with  those  who  assert  that  Army  officers  are  better 
qualified  for  these  places  than  other  men.  The  history  of  the  country,  the  experi- 
ence of  the  Government,  our  own  reason,  teaches  us  that  is  not  so.  Then  why  not 
yield  to  what  is  manifestly  the  interest  of  the  Government  and  the  desire  of  the 
people,  and  forbid  their  employment  in  such  service  for  the  future?  a 


oNote. — The  following  card  appeared  in  the  National  Intelligencer  of  Thursday  morning: 


Washington,  June  14,  1S5A. 

To  the  Editors;  Will  you  allow  me  enough  of  your  space  to  notice  an  assertion  made  by  Mr. 
Stanton,  in  his  speech  to-day,  that  I had  rejected  bricks  offered  by  Mr.  Wendell  for  the  Capitol 
extension,  under  his  contract,  as  unfit  for  that  building,  and  afterwards  bought  from  him  the  very 
same  bricks  to  use  in  the  aqueduct? 

Whenever  Mr.  Stanton’s  informant  swears  to  that  statement,  I shall  produce  Mr.  Tait,  the  sworn 
inspector  of  the  Government,  who  inspected  and  rejected  Mr.  Wendell’s  Bladensburg  bricks,  and  who 
also  inspected  the  bricks  bought  for  the  aqueduct,  and  he  will  swear  to  the  contrary. 

Respectfully, 


M.  C.  Meigs,  Captain  of  Engineers. 


In  answer  to  the  above,  I will  merely  call  attention  to  the  subjoined  letter  of  Mr.  Wendell  himself 
which  fully  sustains  me  in  the  remarks  made,  to  which  Captain  Meigs,  in  his  card,  takes  exception: 


Washington,  June  15,  1S5U. 

Sir:  My  attention  has  been  called  to  a card  of  Captain  M.  C.  Meigs,  Superintendent  of  the  Capitol 
extension  published  in  the  National  Intelligencer  of  this  date,  which  would  seem  to  make  it  impera- 


61(3 


Documentary  11! story  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Keitt.  Mr.  Chairman,  I ask  the  indulgence  of  the  committee  while  I make  an 
explanation.  I am  on  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  to  which 
the  question  of  the  Capitol  extension  has  been  committed;  and  also  on  the  special 
committee  raised  for  the  purpose  of  examining  into  the  superintendency  of  the 
national  armories,  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  the  employment  of  military  officers 
for  the  construction  of  custom-houses,  and  other  cognate  matters.  I believe  that  the 
question  of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  has  been  thoroughly  investigated  by  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds;  but  the  continuous  session  of  the 
special  committee  for  the  last  three  months,  to  which  I have  given  attendance,  has 
precluded  me  from  joining  in  the  investigations  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings and  Grounds  on  the  Capitol  extension  question. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  the  Civil  and  Diplomatic  Expenses  of  Government  for 
the  year  ending  the  thirtieth  of  June,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty-five,  and  for  other 
purposes,”  approved  Aug.  4,  1854.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  10,  569.)] 

For  the  Capitol  extension,  seven  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars:  Provided, 
That  any  officer  of  the  army  or  navy  who  has  been  or  may  be  appointed  hereafter 
to  disburse  the  money  which  is  now  or  may  be  hereafter  appropriated  for  the  erec- 
tion, alteration,  or  repair  of  any  of  the  edifices,  structures,  or  works  for  which  appro- 
priations are  made  in  this  act,  shall  be  subject  to  all  the  pains,  penalties,  and  liabili- 
ties contained  in  the  provisions  of  the  act  entitled  “An  act  to  provide  for  the  better 
organization  of  the  treasury,  and  for  the  collection,  safe-keeping,  transfer,  and  dis- 
bursement of  the  public  revenue,”  approved  sixth  of  August,  eighteen  hundred  and 
forty-six. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Jefferson  Davis,  Secretary  of  War,  Dec.  4,  1854.  (33 — 2,  House  Ex.  Doc. 

No.  1,  pt.  2,  p.  24.)] 

I refer  to  the  report  of  Captain  Meigs,  of  the  corps  of  engineers,  the  officer  in  charge 
of  the  Capitol  extension,  for  a very  satisfactory  account  of  the  progress  of  that  work. 
The  exterior  facing  of  the  walls  has  been  retarded  by  the  difficulty  of  obtaining, 
under  the  contract,  a sufficient  supply  of  marble;  but  the  brick-work  is  well  advanced. 
The  walls  of  the  Senate  Chamber  and  Representatives’  Hall  are  finished,  and  these 
rooms  will  be  placed  under  roof  during  the  present  winter.  It  is  expected  they  will 
be  completed  by  the  meeting  of  the  next  Congress;  but  the  delay  in  the  supply  of 
marble  may  so  retard  the  completion  of  the  outer  walls  and  the  corridors  depending 
thereon,  as  to  prevent  their  being  occupied  so  early. 

The  style  of  the  work,  both  in  finish  and  strength,  has  been  of  a higher  standard 
than  was  contemplated  when  the  estimates  were  made,  but  the  administrative  capac- 
ity and  professional  skill  of  the  officer  in  charge  have  so  kept  down  the  expenditures 
that  it  is  believed  the  cost  will  not  exceed  the  estimates  made  for  an  inferior  building. 

The  modifications  made  in  the  interior  plan  of  the  structure  are  now  so  far  com- 
pleted as  to  be  seen  and  easily  understood,  and  I feel  additional  assurance  as  to  the 
successful  solution  of  the  difficult  problems  of  acoustics,  optics,  and  ventilation,  pre- 
sented especially  in  the  construction  of  the  Hall  of  Representatives. 


tive  on  me  to  put  in  writing  the  facts  which  were  verbally  communicated  to  you  by  me  some  short 
time  since. 

I asserted  that  Captain  Meigs  received  from  me  bricks  burnt  at  the  Bladensburg  yard,  that  after- 
wards, bricks  from  the  same  kiln  were  rejected  at  the  Capitol,  and  subsequently  to  their  rejection, 
were  purchased  by  Captain  Meigs  at  a higher  price  than  I would  have  been  paid,  under  my  contract, 
and  shipped  Irom  the  yard  for  the  aqueduct. 

I repeat  these  assertions,  and  stand  ready,  at  any  moment,  to  substantiate  them  by  testimony 
which  cannot  be  doubted  in  this  community. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

C.  Wendell. 


Hon.  R.  H.  Stanton,  House  of  Representatives. 


The  Extensions. 


617 


[Annual  report  of  Capt.  M.  C.  Meigs,  in  charge  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Oct.  12,  1854.  (33 — 2,  House 

Ex.  Doc.  >jo.  1,  pt.  2,  p.  44.)] 

REPORT  ON  THE  CAPITOL  EXTENSION. 

Office  Ex.  U.  S.  Capitol  and  Washington  Aqueduct, 

October  12,  1854. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  report  the  progress  of  the  works  for  the  extension  of  the 
United  States  Capitol. 

At  the  date  of  my  last  annual  report  the  walls  of  the  basement  story  had  been 
raised,  and  on  the  south  wing  two-thirds  of  the  arches  supporting  the  principal  floor 
had  been  turned;  those  of  the  north  wing  had  been  commenced. 

The  limit  to  the  rapidity  of  building  was  then  stated  to  be  the  possibility  of  getting 
marble. 

The  contractors  for  marble  afterwards  objected  to  supplying  marble  of  such  dimen- 
sions as  were  thought  proper  for  the  work,  maintaining  that  their  contract  bound 
them  to  furnish  for  the  ashlar  only  blocks  of  9 to  18  inches  bed. 

Upon  your  recommendation  to  the  Committee  of  Public  Buildings,  a law  was 
passed  by  Congress  giving  authority  to  make  a supplemental  contract  to  obtain  the 
marble  in  larger  blocks,  and  to  procure  the  columns  with  monolithic  shafts.  A copy 
of  this  contract  accompanies  this  report. 

The  quantity  of  marble  thus  far  delivered  has  not  been  sufficient  to  carry  on  the 
work  as  rapidly  as  I could  desire,  and  as  the  funds  appropriated  by  Congress  would 
justify,  but  I presume  that  the  contractors  have  done  all  that  the  price  allowed  them 
enabled  them  to  do. 

The  marble  is  quarried  in  Berkshire  county,  Massachusetts,  transported  ninety 
miles  by  railroad  to  Bridgeport,  and  thence  shipped  to  this  port.  This  complicated 
operation  is  liable  to  many  interruptions  and  delays.  Lately  the  arrangements  of 
the  contractors  having  been  improved  by  experience,  the  delivery  of  marble  has  been 
more  rapid,  and  I hope  to  accumulate  a supply  which  will  enable  the  contractors  to 
keep  the  large  force  now  at  work  employed  all  winter.  At  the  date  of  my  last 
report  75,659  cubic  feet  of  marble  had  been  delivered,  which  had  cost  $109,661.21. 

From  that  time  to  4th  October,  1854,  there  were  received  48,968  cubic  feet,  costing 
$78,518.18. 

There  are  now  on  hand  35,758  cubic  feet,  or  1,321  blocks  of  marble,  of  which  695 
blocks,  or  17,261  cubic  feet,  are  worked  and  ready  to  be  set  in  the  walls;  and  the 
remainder,  626  blocks,  or  18,476  cubic  feet,  are  either  in  the  rough  or  in  the  shop 
partly  finished. 

The  supply  has  been  somewhat  irregular,  which  prevented  the  contractors  from 
employing  a very  large  force  until  lately.  They  have  now  about  250  men  employed 
in  cutting,  rubbing,  and  setting  the  marble. 

The  whole  of  the  masonry  of  the  basement  story  of  both  wings  is  now  completed, 
and  the  marble  facing  of  a portion  of  the  principal  story  is  carried  to  the  top  of  the 
window-jambs;  none  of  these  jambs  are  yet  completed.  They  are  now  in  hand;  and 
as  they  are  very  elaborately  carved,  some  two  months’  work  being  applied  to  each 
one,  it  will  be  some  time  before  they  can  all  be  set.  About  thirty  carvers  are  em- 
ployed upon  them,  and  the  force  is  being  increased  as  good  workmen  can  be  obtained. 
The  carving  of  the  pilaster  capitals  has  also  been  commenced. 

The  interior  walls  have  all  been  carried  up  to  the  spring  of  the  roofing  arches  of 
the  attic  story:  a portion  of  these  arches  have  been  closed. 

The  walls  of  the  Representatives  and  Senate  halls  are  at  their  full  height,  and  the 
setting  of  the  iron  bed-plates  for  the  roof  has  commenced. 

The  construction  of  the  roof  is  commenced,  and  during  the  remainder  of  the  season 
I expect  to  get  the  Representatives  and  Senate  halls  roofed  over. 

* * * 


618 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


I hope  during  the  next  season  to  complete  the  body  of  both  wings,  and  to  com- 
mence the  construction  of  the  porticoes. 

If  the  contractors  for  marble  supply  the  material  as  fast  as  they  have  engaged  to,  I 
see  no  reason  to  prevent  the  next  Congress  meeting  within  the  walls  of  the  new  halls. 

* * * 

The  following  appropriations  have  been  made  for  the  extension  of  United  States 


Capitol,  viz: 

Appropriation  of  30th  September,  1850 $100,  000  00 

Joint  resolution  of  14th  April,  1852 500,000  00 

Deficiency  bill  for  year  ending  30th  June,  1853  400, 000  00 

General  appropriation  bill  for  year  ending  30th  June,  1854 600, 000  00 

General  appropriation  bill  for  year  ending  30th  June,  1855  750,  000  00 


2,  350,  000  00 

Of  which  there  has  been  expended  $1,267,869.33;  leaving  available  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  30th  June,  1855,  $1,082,130.67. 

For  the  service  of  the  year  ending  30th  June,  1856,  there  will  be  required  the  sum 
of  $325,000. 

Respectfully  submitted : 

M.  C.  Meigs, 

Capt.  Eng.,  in  charge  Ex.-  U.  S.  Capitol  and  Washington  Aqueduct. 
Hon.  Jefferson  Davis,  Secretary  of  War. 


Agreement  between  the  United  States  of  America,  of  the  first  part,  by  Capt.  Mont- 
gomery C.  Meigs,  of  the  corps  of  engineers,  acting  under  the  authority  of  and  for 
and  in  behalf  of  the  said  United  States  in  the  erection  of  the  extension  of  the 
Capitol;  and  John  Rice  and  Charles  Heebner,  all  of  Philadelphia  county,  in  the 
State  of  Pennsylvania,  under  the  style  and  title  of  Rice,  Baird,  and  Heebner,  of 
the  second  part,  witnesseth : 

* * * 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Dec.  29,  1854:  Congressional  Globe,  33 — 2,  p.  144.] 

APPROPRIATION  BILLS. 

A message  was  received  from  the  House  of  Representatives,  by  Mr.  McKean,  Clerk, 
announcing  that  they  had  passed  bills  of  the  following  titles: 

Bill  making  appropriations  for  the  support  of  the  Army  for  the  year  ending  the 
30th  of  June,  1856. 

* * * 

Mr.  Cass,  before  the  Army  bill  was  referred,  said:  I desire  to  state  that  I observe 
it  contains  an  appropriation  for  the  Capitol  extension,  and  I want  to  say  to  the  chair- 
man of  the  committee  to  whom  it  is  referred,  that  I should  be  very  glad  to  know 
what  is  the  prospect,  under  the  plan  which  is  being  carried  out,  for  the  ventilation 
of,  and  hearing  in,  the  part  of  the  extension  which  is  to  be  occupied  by  the  Senate. 
I rise  merely  to  give  notice  to  the  chairman  that,  when  the  subject  comes  up,  I shall 
ask  him  what  the  prospect  is  in  those  respects.  I trust  that  we  shall  not  fall  into  the 
same  error  which  was  committed  in  the  construction  of  the  new  Parliament  buildings 
in  England,  so  as  to  subject  us  to  the  same  sacrifice  of  money. 


The  Extensions. 


619 


[House  proceedings  of  Dec.  27,  1854:  Congressional  Globe,  33 — 2,  p.  138.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Army  bill  for  1856 — 

When  the  following  paragraph  was  read: 

For  the  Capitol  extension,  three  hundred  and  twenty-five  thousand  dollars — 

Mr.  IIenn  said:  I desire  to  ask  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means 
if  it  is  the  intention  of  the  Government  to  quarter  the  Army  upon  the  Capitol? 

Mr.  Houston.  No,  sir;  I believe  it  is  the  intention  to  quarter  another  class  of  patriots 
who  have  left  their  homes,  and  come  here  to  carry  on  the  business  of  legislation. 
[Laughter.] 

I will  state,  however,  to  the  gentleman  from  Iowa,  that  this  item  was  recom- 
mended by  the  War  Department,  and  it  was  deemed  proper  by  the  Committee  of 
Ways  and  Means  to  insert  it  in  the  Army  bill,  rather  than  to  transfer  it  to  another 
appropriation  bill.  If  there  are  no  other  amendments,  I will  move  that  the  bill 
be  laid  aside  to  be  reported  to  the  House. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  20,  1855:  Congressional  Globe,  33 — 2,  p.  847.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  Civil  and 
Diplomatic  bill  for  1856,  the  pending  item  being  a proposition  to  enlarge  the  Post- 
Office  Department  building — 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky.  Mr.  Chairman,  I desire  to  say  a few  words  in  favor  of 
the  amendment  offered  by  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee,  [Mr.  Stanton.]  When 
the  present  Administration  came  into  power,  the  public  works  of  this  character  in 
the  city  of  Washington  were  very  properly  under  the  direction  of  the  Department 
of  the  Interior.  Some,  I believe,  were  there  by  express  direction  of  law,  and  others, 
perhaps,  by  order  of  the  President.  When,  however,  the  new  Administration 
became  installed,  such  as  could  be  transferred  without  interference  with  the  rights 
of  contractors  were  placed  under  the  War  Department.  The  Patent  Office,  the  Cap- 
itol extension,  and,  I believe,  one  or  more  bridges  in  the  course  of  construction,  or 
to  be  constructed,  were  ordered  to  be  taken  from  civil  control,  and  placed  under  the 
management  of  military  officers.  In  regard  to  the  Patent  Office,  it  was,  I believe, 
ascertained  that  such  a transfer  would  affect  the  rights  of  certain  contractors;  and 
the  order,  so  far  as  that  building  was  concerned,  did  not  go  into  execution.  This  is 
the  only  reason  why  that  structure — one  of  the  very  best  ever  erected  by  Govern- 
ment, not  only  on  account  of  its  beautiful  architectural  features,  but  because  of  the 
perfection  of  the  work  in  all  its  parts — is  not  now  under  the  control  of  a military 
officer. 

I have  always  believed,  and  have  repeatedly  maintained  on  this  floor,  that  the 
employment  of  military  officers  upon  these  works  was  not  only  an  act  of  gross  injus- 
tice to  the  distinguished  civil  architects  of  the  country,  but  was  bad  policy  in  other 
respects,  and,  in  one  instance,  at  least,  a gross  violation  of  law.  I allude  to  the 
Capitol  extension.  The  law  authorizing  that  work  created  the  office  of  architect, 
and  provided  that  he  should  be  appointed  by  the  President.  His  duty  was  to  execute 
the  work. 

Mr.  Craige.  I do  not  want  to  enter  into  any  discussion  of  this  vexed  question;  but 
it  is  a fact  known  to  me,  and  everybody  else,  from  reports  made  to  the  two  Houses 
of  Congress,  in  regard  to  that  business,  that  Congress  itself  changed  the  direction, 
and  left  it  discretionary  with  the  President  to  carry  it  on. 

Mr.  Stanton.  I think  the  idea  the  gentleman  means  to  convey  is  a mistake.  I do 
not  think  the  gentleman  can  point  me  to  any  act  of  Congress,  or  any  authority  given 


620 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


by  this  body  to  the  President,  or  any  one  else,  to  change  the  character  of  the  super- 
vision from  civil  to  military.  I intended  to  say  when  interrupted,  that,  notwith- 
standing the  Jaw  creating  the  office  of  architect,  and  its  provision  requiring  him  to  be 
appointed  by  the  President,  the  War  Department  assumes  the  power  of  controlling 
that  officer,  and  has  placed  over  him  a military  engineer,  who  is  not  only  authorized 
to  perform  the  duties  of  architect,  but  absolutely  to  dismiss  him  from  his  place, 
whenever  he  pleases;  to  regulate  the  whole  character  and  management  of  the  work; 
and,  in  fact,  exercise  unlimited  control  in  all  matters  relating  to  the  structure.  This 
is  a fact  which  no  man  can  dispute.  I beg  to  refer  those  who  are  curious  on  the  sub- 
ject, or  who  may  doubt  what  I have  said,  to  the  reports  which  accompany  the  Presi- 
dent’s message  of  the  last  session.  They  will  there  see  the  instructions  issued  by  the 
Secretary  of  War  to  the  engineer,  placing  him  in  charge  of  the  work,  and  conferring 
upon  him  the  extraordinary  power  of  dismissing  from  office  a civilian,  who  derived 
his  place  from  the  appointment  of  the  President,  and  assigning  to  the  engineer  duties 
expressly  confided  to  the  architect  by  authority  of  law. 

The  apprehension  which  I labor  under  is  this:  if  we  authorize  the  extension  of 
the  Treasury  or  Post  Office  Building,  or  provide  for  the  erection  of  any  other  civil 
work,  if  it  is  not  provided  in  the  law  in  express  terms,  that  the  work  shall  be  exe- 
cuted by  a civil  architect,  it  will  be  placed  under  the  military  engineers,  and  assigned 
to  the  control  of  the  War  Department.  Sir,  it  is  a reproach  to  the  character  of  our 
Government,  that  its  distinguished  and  experienced  civil  architects  are  not  deemed 
capable  of  constructing  our  public  edifices,  or  are  thought  unworthy  of  employment 
in  such  positions.  I venture  to  say,  sir,  that  they  are  equal  to  any  in  the  world;  and 
I venture  further,  too;  I do  not  hesitate  to  say  that  there  is  not  a single  engineer 
belonging  to  the  Army,  I care  not  what  may  have  been  his  experience  upon  military 
works,  who  is  capable,  without  the  assistance  of  an  experienced  civil  architect,  of 
constructing,  as  it  should  be  constructed,  any  one  of  our  public  edifices.  It  is  a great 
mistake  to  suppose,  because  these  gentlemen  acquire  a theoretic  knowledge  of 
architecture  at  West  Point,  as  part  of  an  education  begun  and  completed  in  five 
years,  that,  therefore,  they  are  qualified  for  the  construction  of  any  edifice,  no  matter 
how  elaborate  or  complicated  its  architectural  details.  Where  have  these  officers 
had  the  experience  necessary  to  qualify  them  for  the  practical  duties  of  civil  archi- 
tects? Not  upon  your  forts  and  military  roads.  Surely  works  like  these  afford  them 
no  facilities  for  learning  how  to  construct  such  a work  as  the  Capitol.  Sir,  even  upon 
your  Capitol  extension,  with  the  military  engineer,  who  has  had  two  years’  experi- 
ence under  the  best  architect  in  the  world,  you  cannot  dispense  with  the  services  of 
the  architect.  The  engineer  alluded  to,  I agree,  is  a gentleman  of  fine  talents  in  his 
profession,  of  high  character,  and  great  ambition,  and  has  learned  enough  in  his 
position  at  the  Capitol  to  make  him,  with  more  experience,  a good  civil  architect; 
but  let  what  may  be  said  of  him  now,  when  he  first  assumed  control  of  that  work, 
he  could  no  more  have  carried  it  on  successfully  without  the  aid  of  the  architect, 
than  the  several  parts  of  the  solar  system  could  move  harmoniously  in  their  orbits 
without  the  presence  of  the  sun. 

I do  not  -wish  to  underrate  the  engineers  of  the  War  Department  in  the  appropriate 
line  of  their  military  duties.  Many  of  them  are  accomplished  gentlemen,  experi- 
enced in  their  professions,  and  a credit  and  ornament  to  their  class.  But  military 
architecture  and  engineering  are  totally  different  things  from  civil  architecture  and 
civil  engineering.  Men  who  may  erect  a log  hut  are  not,  necessarily,  qualified  to 
build  a palace;  nor  does  it  follow,  because  a military  engineer  may  plan  a fort,  or  lay 
out  a road,  he  is,  therelore,  qualified  to  construct  a stately  portico,  or  erect  a splendid 
dome.  The  building  you  propose  to  erect  must  have  a civil  architect.  You  cannot 
get  along  without  such  an  officer.  Were  you  to  place  a dozen  military  engineers  in 
charge  of  the  work  you  could  not  dispense  with  his  services.  Then  why  not  provide 
at  once  that  the  work  shall  be  placed  under  the  control  of  some  competent  person  of 


The  Extensions. 


621 


that  class,  and  intrust  his  selection  to  the  President?  The  presence  of  a military 
engineer  is  but  an  incumbrance,  and  serves  only  to  embarrass  the  architect.  His 
judgment  is  controlled  by  the  engineer,  his  designs  frequently  multilated,  and  the 
harmonious  progress  of  the  work  often  impeded.  I do  not  know  of  any  civil  work 
in  progress,  which  is  placed  under  the  control  of  a military  engineer,  that  some  half- 
paid  civil  architect  is  not  employed  to  do  the  work  for  which  the  credit  is  given  to 
the  Army  officer.  Sir,  it  is  a notorious  fact,  that  these  civil  architects,  occupying 
these  subordinate  and  humiliating  positions,  draw  all  the  designs,  make  all  the  cal- 
culations and  estimates,  measure  the  work  and  materials,  and  perform  the  valuable 
services  supposed  usually  to  be  performed  by  the  engineers,  while  the  engineers  sign 
the  drawings  and  reports,  and,  in  the  eyes  of  the  world,  receive  the  whole  credit  for 
what  is  achieved.  Why,  sir,  in  the  very  proposition  now  pending  to  enlarge  the 
Post  Office  Department,  you  pay  involuntary  tribute  to  the  civil  architects  of  the 
country,  by  requiring,  not  that  the  plan  of  any  military  engineer  shall  be  carried  out, 
but  that  the  work  shall  be  constructed  according  to  a plan  designed  by  Thomas  U. 
Walter,  the  distinguished  architect  of  the  Capitol!  Who  would  ever  think  of  calling 
upon  a military  engineer  for  the  plan  of  a Treasury  building  or  a Post  Office  edifice! 

It  would  seem  to  me  to  be  worse  than  folly  to  place  over  the  man  who  designs  a 
great  work  a less  competent  man  to  superintend  and  control  its  construction.  The 
evil  of  this  has  been  made  manifest  upon  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  where  plans 
have  been  ruthlessly  changed,  details  altered,  and  immense  additional  expense 
incurred,  which  was  never  contemplated,  and  which  no  civil  architect  would  ever 
have  dared  to  incur.  But,  sir,  I do  not  propose  to  discuss  this  subject  now.  1 am 
not  complaining  of  the  manner  in  which  the  Capitol  extension  has  been  managed. 
Complaints  in  that  respect  are  useless  while  the  work  remains  under  the  control  of 
the  War  Department. 

But,  it  is  sometimes  urged  that  there  is  more  safety  to  the  Government  in  the 
employment  of  a military  officer  than  a civilian.  The  military  officer  is  said  to 
afford  a greater  security  to  the  Government  for  the  proper  expenditure  of  the  public 
money,  because  he  is  more  directly  responsible  to  the  Department.  His  life  office 
is  at  stake,  and  the  fear  of  losing  this  would  deter  him  from  any  wrongful  act.  Sir, 
the  fair  name  and  character  of  a civilian  is  as  dear  to  him  as  the  office  of  the  engi- 
neer; and  it  is  unjust  to  set  up  for  military  men  pretensions  of  greater  integrity  upon 
such  grounds.  But,  sir,  the  question  as  to  how  the  public  money  is  to  be  disbursed 
is  a matter  not  involved  in  the  amendment  under  consideration.  That  is  left  to  the 
discretion  of  the  President,  and  he  may  choose  whom  he  pleases  for  that  service. 
What  I desire,  and  what  will  be  accomplished  if  this  amendment  succeeds,  is,  that 
the  President  shall  be  required  to  select  a civil  architect,  competent  to  execute  the 
work,  who  shall  be  allowed  to  perform  the  service  without  being  subject  to  the 
control  of  an  Army  officer. 

Mr.  Dickinson.  I desire  to  ask  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky,  under  whose  direc- 
tion it  is  proposed  to  place  the  construction  of  this  building  in  the  amendment  which 
he  advocates? 

Mr.  Stanton.  I understand  the  amendment  proposes  that  the  work,  under  the 
direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  shall  be  executed  by  such  an  archi- 
tect as  he  may  appoint.  I think  it  is  precisely'  in  the  language  of  the  original  law 
authorizing  the  extension  of  the  Capitol.  It  is  to  be  placed  under  the  supervision  of 
such  a civil  architect  as  the  President  may  appoint.  The  disbursement  of  the  money 
is  another  matter,  which  may  be  provided  for  as  gentlemen  please. 

Mr.  Dickinson.  I should  like  to  make  another  inquiry.  I ask  the  gentleman  from 
Kentucky  whether  there  is  any  objection  to  the  manner  in  which  the  work  of  the 
Capitol  extension  is  carried  on? 

Mr.  Stanton.  That  is  a question  which  I do  not  propose  now  to  enter  into.  It 
would  require  more  time  to  explain  my  opinions  on  that  subject  than  it  would  be 
proper  now  to  take. 


622 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Florence.  I rise  to  a question  of  order.  I submit  that  this  debate  is  not  perti- 
nent to  the  proposition  under  consideration. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  cannot  rule  the  discussion  out  of  order  from  any  remarks 
that  have  yet  been  made. 

Mr.  Dickinson.  I should  like  to  make  still  a third  inquiry.  I ask  whether  the 
propriety  of  the  manner  in  which  the  work  of  the  Capitol  extension  is  progressing 
has  not  been  referred  to  a special  committee  of  this  House,  which  committee  have 
taken  no  steps  to  enlighten  the  House  as  to  the  charges  made  against  those  having 
the  work  in  charge?  And  whether  that  committee  are  making  any  progress  in  their 
investigations,  or  whether  they  have  become  satisfied  that  there  is  no  foundation 
whatever  for  the  charge  of  mal -administration? 

Mr.  Stanton.  In  answer  to  the  gentleman  I have  to  say,  that  the  committee  of 
which  I have  the  honor  to  be  the  chairman  was  intrusted  with  an  inquiry  as  to  the 
general  policy  of  employing  military  officers  in  superintending  civil  works.  They 
had  also  in  charge  the  matter  of  inquiring  into  the'  military  superintendency  of  the 
armories.  They  spent  nearly  the  whole  of  the  last  session  in  their  investigations 
upon  this  latter  branch  of  the  subject.  They  reported  to  the  House  their  conclusions, 
and  Congress,  after  full  discussion,  approved  their  report,  and  abolished  the  military 
superintendency  so  far  as  the  armories  were  concerned.  The  committee  was  revived 
this  session,  and  has  made  some  progress  in  the  other  branches  of  inquiry.  Some 
important  facts  have  been  elicited,  which  the  gentleman  can  examine  when  he 
chooses  to  call  at  the  committee  room.  He  will  find,  that  while  many  of  the  engi- 
neers of  the  War  Department  are  taken  from  their  proper  military  duties  to  act  as 
superintendents  of  civil  works,  the  service  is  embarrassed  for  the  want  of  enough 
officers  to  take  charge  of  the  military  works  of  the  country.  He  knows,  too,  that, 
for  several  years,  the  engineer  department  has  regularly  asked  Congress  an  increase 
of  the  number  of  their  officers. 

Mr.  Craige.  Will  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  allow  me  to  say  that  a portion  of 
the  subject  referred  to  the  committee  of  which  the  gentleman  was  chairman,  was 
also  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds.  We  had  the  same 
under  consideration,  and  came  to  a totally  different  conclusion  from  that  stated  by 
the  gentleman  from  Kentucky.  We  gave  the  matter  a careful  investigation,  and 
became  perfectly  satisfied  that,  so  far  from  there  being  any  mal-ad ministration  upon 
the  part  of  the  man  having  the  matter  in  charge,  the  work  was  carried  out  in  accord- 
ance with  law. 

Mr.  Stanton.  I ask  the  gentleman  to  point  to  any  law  authorizing  the  appointment 
of  a military  engineer  over  the  work. 

Mr.  Craige.  I did  not  expect  this  discussion  would  arise  to-day. 

Mr.  Stanton.  Neither  did  I. 

Mr.  Cr  aige.  I cannot  turn  to  the  law  at  this  moment;  we,  however,  became  sat- 
isfied that  there  was  no  ground  for  the  charge  of  mismanagement.  The  law  sim- 
ply authorized  the  appropriation  which  was  made  to  be  expended  under  the  direction 
of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  and  the  President  of  the  United  States  had  a 
right  to  appoint  whom  he  chose. 

Mr.  Stanton.  Does  not  the  law  to  which  the  gentleman  refers  simply  require  the 
appointment  of  a disbursing  officer,  and  expressly  provide  that  he  shall  settle  his 
accounts  at  the  Treasury  as  the  “accounts  of  other  civil  officers”  are  settled? 

Mr.  Craige.  The  law  directed  the  appropriation  to  be  expended  under  the  direction 
of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  and  he  had  the  power  to  appoint  a civil  engi- 
neer, or  a military  engineer,  as  he  saw  fit.  The  gentleman  speaks  of  the  settlement  of 
accounts.  Well,  sir,  Congress  had  the  right  to  direct  that  a military  officer  should 
settle  his  accounts  in  a particular  manner  if  they  saw  fit,  and  because  they  did  see 
fit  to  make  such  a requisition  is  no  reason  for  not  appointing  a military  officer.  Our 
committee  were  unanimous  in  coming  to  the  conclusion  that  no  such  construction 


The  Extensions. 


623 


could  be  placed  upon  the  law  as  to  require  the  President  to  appoint  a civil  engineer 
over  the  work. 

As  to  the  alterations  which  have  been  made,  I ask  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky 
whether  he  is  prepared  to  say  that  alterations  have  been  made  to  the  injury  of  the 
building? 

Mr.  Dickinson.  Mr.  Chairman 

Mr.  Stanton,  (interrupting.)  Allow  me  a single  word  more.  The  whole  purpose 
of  the  amendment  which  was  offered  in  the  Senate  by  Mr.  Borland,  and  under  which 
it  is  claimed,  the  President  had  power  to  appoint  a military  officer  at  the  Capitol, 
was  to  appoint  a disbursing  officer,  and  he  named  in  it  the  Commissioner  of  Public 
Buildings,  and  it  so  passed  the  Senate.  When  that  amendment  came  to  the  House, 
I went  myself  to  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means,  and  had  the 
words  “Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings”  stricken  out,  and  the  words  “disbursing 
agent”  inserted.  And  if  the  gentleman  will  examine  the  record,  he  will  see  that 
the  whole  design  of  that  was  to  put  the  disbursement  of  the  public  funds  under  some 
other  officer  than  the  architect,  and  clearly,  from  the  language  of  the  amendment,  it 
was  to  go  into  the  hands  of  a civil  officer. 

Now,  the  office  of  architect  which  was  created  by  the  original  clause  authorizing 
the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  is  not  repealed  by  that  amendment,  by  no  means,  but 
that  amendment  simply  created  an  additional  office,  namely,  that  of  a disbursing 
agent.  Now,  under  the  authority  conferred  by  that  amendment,  I have  always 
contended  it  was  an  usurpation  of  power  to  supplant  the  architect  by  appointing  a 
military  officer  over  him,  clothed  with  power  not  only  to  control  all  the  designs  of 
the  architect,  and  to  alter  and  change  the  plans  for  the  erection  of  the  building,  but 
to  remove  an  officer  who  was  appointed  by  the  President,  and  whose  office  was 
created  by  law.  If  the  gentleman  will  look  at  the  instructions  of  the  Secretary  of 
War  to  the  engineer  officer  at  the  Capitol,  he  will  find  that  he  has  authority  to  dis- 
miss every  person  on  that  building,  and  to  change  the  management  of  it  whenever 
he  pleases.  Now,  under  that  clause,  such  authority  was  never  contemplated  to  be 
conferred  upon  him,  and  no  man  who  will  take  the  pains  to  examine  it,  and  does  so 
without  prejudice,  can  fail  to  concur  with  me.  Here  is  the  clause,  word  for  word  as 
it  stands  ujion  the  statute-book: 

“For  the  extension  of  the  United  States  Capitol,  $400,000:  Provided,  That  so  much  of  former  appro- 
priations for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  as  remains  unexpended,  and  the  appropriation  now  made, 
or  which  may  he  hereafter  made,  for  that  object,  shall  be  disbursed  under  such  regulations  as  the 
President  of  the  United  States  may  prescribe;  the  accounts  for  such  disbursement  to  be  audited  and 
paid  at  the  Treasury,  in  the  same  manner  as  the  accounts  of  other  civil  officers  charged  with  the  dis- 
bursement of  the  public  money.  And  said  disbursing  agent  shall  report  to  the  President  his  disburse- 
ments and  proceedings,  in  time  to  be  presented  to  Congress  at  the  commencement  of  each  annual 
session,  and  at  any  other  time  when  required.” 

Under  such  a provision,  how  can  it  be  possible  that  any  man  can  be  mistaken  as 
to  the  kind  of  officer  contemplated? 

Mr.  Craige.  I must  only  say  this:  That  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  comes  to  a 
different  conclusion,  with  regard  to  this  matter,  from  that  which  he  formerly  came 
to,  according  to  the  statement  which  he  made  two  years  ago,  from  the  Committee  on 
the  Capitol  extension,  in  relation  to  the  mode  in  which  the  appropriations  were 
expended.  I was  not  in  Congress,  however,  at  that  time,  and  had  no  such  light  as 
the  gentleman  had.  The  committee  over  which  1 preside  have  come  to  this  conclu- 
sion by  the  law  as  written — and  by  the  true  construction  of  that  law  they  could  come 
to  no  other  conclusion — to  wit:  that  the  work  ivas  placed  under  the  direction  of  the 
President  of  the  United  States,  without  suggesting  anything  as  to  the  employment  of 
civil  or  military  officers;  and  it  does  not  follow,  from  the  mere  fact  of  the  law  saying 
that  the  accounts  of  the  disbursing  agent  shall  be  settled  as  the  accounts  of  other  civil 
officers  under  the  Government,  that,  therefore,  the  contemplation  of  those  wTho 
passed  that  act  was,  that  it  should  be  placed  under  civil  management.  I take  it  that 


624 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


there  are  other  instances  besides  this  in  which  the  accounts  of  military  men  have 
been  settled  just  in  the  same  way  as  the  accounts  of  civil  officers  are  settled. 

Mr.  Stanton.  The  gentleman  will  recollect  that  the  language  of  the  law  is  this: 
his  accounts  are  to  be  audited  and  paid  in  the  same  manner  as  the  “accounts  of 
other  civil  officers ” are  audited  and  paid.  Now,  what  effect  has  the  word  11  other" 
in  that  relation?  Does  it  not  clearly  import  that  the  disbursing  agent  provided  for 
is  to  be  of  the  class  referred  to  of  civil  officers?  How  can  the  language  be  tortured 
so  as  to  mean  anything  else? 

Mr.  Craige.  I and  the  gentleman  differ  as  to  our  construction  of  the  law,  and  there 
is  this  further  difference  between  us:  The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and 
Grounds  were  unanimously  of  opinion  with  me,  that  there  had  been  no  usurpation 
of  power  on  the  part  of  the  President,  but  that  he  had  a right  to  select  either  a mili- 
tary or  civil  engineer,  at  his  discretion;  while  the  committee  over  which  he  [Mr. 
Stanton]  presided  were  equally  divided. 

Mr.  Keitt.  No,  sir;  you  are  mistaken.  A large  majority  of  that  committee  are  in 
favor  of  the  present  mode. 

Mr.  Craige.  Yes;  that  is  so. 

Mr.  Dickinson.  I believe  that  the  discussion  which  this  subject  has  given  rise  to 
in  the  House,  has  done  some  good,  even  if  it  should  proceed  no  further.  We  have 
heard,  during  this  Congress,  frequent  complaints  made  in  regard  to  officers  in  charge 
of  public  works.  We  have  had  repeated  attacks  made  upon  officers  who  had  charge 
of  the  construction  of  the  wings  of  the  Capitol.  As  early  as  the  fore-part  of  the  last 
session,  a committee  was  appointed,  of  which  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  [Mr. 
Stanton]  was  made  chairman,  and  of  which  I was  a member,  to  consider  the  charges 
which  have  been  constantly  brought  before  this  House  with  regard  to  these  officers 
who  had  charge  of  this  work,  the  national  armories,  and  various  other  civil  works. 
And  at  one  time  during  the  last  session,  so  loud  was  the  clamor  in  this  Hall,  in 
regard  to  the  malconstruction  of  the  wings  of  the  Capitol,  and  in  regard  to  the 
impossibility  of  Congress  being  ever  able  to  do  business  in  them,  that  the  committee 
was  called  together,  at  my  own  suggestion,  on  purpose  to  see  whether  the  work 
should  be  permitted  to  proceed;  or  whether  the  committee  should  not  bring  before 
the  House  a proposition  to  order  the  work  to  be  suspended  until  some  change  should 
be  made.  That  committee  convened  and  summoned  the  architect  before  them;  and 
the  result  of  their  examination  was — and  I think  the  committee  were  unanimous 
about  it,  for  I never  heard  anything  more  from  the  chairman — that  the  work  was 
progressing  in  the  most  skillful,  the  most  scientific,  and  the  best  possible  manner. 

Mr.  Stanton.  Will  the  gentleman  allow  me  to  correct  him  ? The  architect  was, 
on  a single  morning,  brought  into  the  committee  room,  and  informally,  without  be- 
ing under  oath — but  his  word  was  just  as  good  to  me  as  his  oath — he  Avas  examined 
touching  the  question  of  ventilation,  and  touching  nothing  else.  I do  not  recollect 
that  a single  question  Avas  asked  him  save  on  that  subject.  He  told  us  distinctly,  in 
that  examination,  that  he  did  not  approve  the  plans  of  ventilation  ivhich  had  been 
adopted  by  Captain  Meigs  against  his  consent  ; but  that  he  had  prevailed  on  Captain 
Meigs  to  permit  him  so  to  construct  the  concern,  that,  by  reversing  the  action,  the 
atmosphere  would  ascend  up  through  the  floor,  instead  of  being  brought  doivn 
through  the  ceiling. 

Mr.  Dickinson.  The  gentlemen  says  that  the  architect  employed  by  Congress  was 
not  under  oath.  Why  did  not  the  gentleman  place  him  under  oath?  I undertake  to 
say  that,  all  of  the  committee,  with  the  exception  of  himself,  Avere  perfectly  satisfied 
with  the  statement  of  the  architect.  If  the  gentleman  Avanted  to  elict  more  infor- 
mation, who  did  he  not  ask  the  architect  to  come  again?  and  if  he  were  not  satisfied 
with  his  answers,  Avhy  did  he  not  examine  him  under  oath  ? 

Mr.  Stanton.  I Avill  answer  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts,  [Mr.  Dickinson.] 
He  knows  as  well  as  I do,  that  Ave  had  just  concluded  our  labors  on  a single  branch 


The  Extensions. 


625 


of  the  investigation.  The  session  of  Congress  was  just  about  to  expire;  and  the 
committee  had  no  time  to  enter  into  the  investigation  as  to  the  management.  We 
had  not  time  to  do  so.  The  whole  time  of  our  session  was  occupied  in  other  portions 
of  the  investigation.  That  is  the  reason  why  I did  not  call  upon  the  architect  to 
answer  as  to  the  manner  of  the  management. 

At  the  present  session  of  Congress,  when  the  committee  met,  I proposed  to  enter 
vigorously  upon  that  examination,  but  the  committee  seemed  disposed  not  to  sustain 
me,  and,  therefore,  I dropped  it.  I did  not  want  to  stand  singly  and  alone  on  the 
question,  when  it  was  obvious  to  me  that  the  rest  of  the  committee  were  indisposed 
to  enter  into  it.  But  I was  willing  to  take  off  my  coat  and  go  to  work,  so  as  to  show  to 
the  country  that  the  more  economical  plan  of  management  was  not  to  place  the 
management  under  military  control,  not  to  place  it  in  the  hands  of  an  engineer  officer, 
who  was  never  brought  up  to  such  business,  and  who  would  take  the  plans  of  others 
and  sign  his  name  to  them,  and  claim  the  credit  of  them. 

Mr.  Dickinson.  I think,  Mr.  Chairman,  the  committee  had  abundant  time,  before 
the  close  of  the  last  session  of  Congress,  to  make  as  full  an  examination  of  this  mat- 
ter as  could  be  of  any  practical  benefit.  We  had  time  to  make  any  other  inquiry 
which  the  chairman  of  that  committee  might  choose  to  make  of  the  architect  or 
otherwise.  And  if  the  work  on  these  Capitol  wings,  to  be  erected  at  an  expense  of 
some  hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars,  was  to  be  continued  during  the  recess  of  Con- 
gress, and  if  the  chairman  of  that  committee  considered  that,  when  completed,  they 
were  to  be  unfit  for  the  purposes  for  which  they  were  intended,  I am  astonished 
that  he  should  undertake  to  state  to  this  House,  in  the  presence  of  all  the  other 
members  of  that  committee,  that  we  had  not  time  to  enlighten  them  in  regard  to 
this  great  matter,  and  to  protect  the  country  from  an  expenditure  which  was  to  be 
worse  than  useless,  and  that  he  should  not  have  insisted  upon  the  further  and 
prompt  action  of  the  committee  in  the  exigency.  I do  not  so  recollect  the  facts  as 
stated  by  him;  and  in  regard  to  the  gentleman’s  taking  off  his  coat  at  the  commence- 
ment of  this  session,  I can  say  that  we  were  as  read}’  as  he  was  to  examine  engi- 
neers, and  architects,  and  everybody  who  knew  anything  about  the  matter.  But 
we  did  not  see  the  necessity  of  further  investigation;  and  that  is  why  he  says  the 
majority  of  the  committee  were  not  disposed  to  go  into  it.  It  was  not  for  the  reason 
which  the  gentleman  assigns,  but  because  the  majority  of  the  committee  had 
become  satisfied  that  these  charges  were  a farce,  that  they  were  without  foundation, 
and  that  the  subject  had  become  a perfect  monomania  with  him.  The  majority  of 
the  committee  saw  that  there  was  no  foundation  in  fact  for  the  charges  made  here, 
and  reiterated  from  session  to  session,  and  from  Congress  to  Congress,  in  relation  to 
the  manner  in  which  the  public  money  was  expended  by  these  military  officers. 

I am  prepared  to  say  that  there  is  not  a gentleman  anywhere,  who  has  any 
knowledge  of  the  engineer  and  architect  and  their  plans,  who  is  not  perfectly  satis- 
fied with  their  integrity,  their  eminent  capacity,  and  the  perfect  sympathy  which 
exists  between  these  two  officers,  and  the  perfect  cooperation  which  these  gentlemen 
show  in  all  these  public  works.  If  the  amendment  be  adopted  to  construct  a Post 
Office  or  Treasury  Building,  without  the  amendment  to  the  amendment  offered  by 
the  gentleman  from  Tennessee,  [Mr.  Stanton,]  this  same  engineer  and  architect  may 
go  hand  in  hand  in  the  same  manner  to  construct  them,  and  the  country  will  have 
great  reason  to  feel  proud  of  such  eminent  professional  skill,  and  abundantly  satis- 
fied with  the  result  of  their  joint  labors  and  responsibilities. 

Mr.  Craige.  I rise  to  a question  of  order.  I think  that  we  have  had  quite  enough 
of  this  discussion  in  regard  to  the  Capitol  extension.  It  is  not  the  matter  before  the 
committee  now. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  thinks  that  remarks  in  regard  to  the  extension  of  the 
Capitol  are  in  order,  and  the  Chair  is  compelled  to  overrule  the  point  of  order. 


II.  Rep.  646 40 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


626 

Mr.  Dickinson.  I do  not,  desire  to  discuss  this  question  any  further  than  to  state  to 
the  House  that  this  House,  and  the  country,  have  been  most  unmitigatedly  imposed 
upon  by  the  charges  that  have  been  made  here  against  the  military  superintendency 
of  the  public  works,  without  any  ground  to  sustain  them;  and  I think  it  is  high 
time  for  members  to  understand  what  they  are  legislating  about.  I say  this  with 
all  respect  for  the  intelligence  of  the  body.  We  have  spent  the  greater  part  of 
one  session  already  in  investigating  one  branch  of  this  matter,  and  heard  continually 
the  charges  of  fraud  which  have  been  committed  by  officers  having  in  charge  the 
public  works. 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky,  (interposing.)  The  gentleman  from  Massachusetts,  as 
well  as  other  gentlemen  here,  know  that  I never  made  any  such  charges  of  fraud. 

Mr.  Dickinson.  I do  not  mean  to  make  any  charges  against  the  gentleman  from 
Kentucky,  or  any  other  member  upon  this  floor;  but  the  resolutions  upon  record 
bear  me  out  in  saying — or  else  they  mean  nothing — that  charges  of  fraud  were  made 
against  these  officers.  There  were  resolutions  of  inquiry  offered  by  the  gentleman 
himself,  as  to  the  mode  of  expending  money  in  constructing  public  works  by  Army 
officers,  and  the  expediency  of  providing  by  law  that  no  military  man  should  have 
the  charge  of  their  construction;  and  no  gentleman  has  occupied  the  time  of  the 
H ouse  so  much  as  he  in  trying  to  convince  the  country  that  great  frauds  have  been 
committed  by  officers  connected  with  the  Army,  while  engaged  in  this  service. 
If  the  country  does  not  understand  that  these  charges  have  been  made,  and  that 
resolutions  of  inquiry  were  offered  in  this  House  to  draw  out  facts  to  sustain  these 
charges,  then  all  I have  to  say  is,  that  I have  entirely  misunderstood  its  proceedings; 
that  I have  misunderstood  the  proceedings  of  the  select  committee  upon  this  subject, 
of  which  I am  a member,  that  sat  here  for  nearly  six  months  of  the  last  session;  and 
that  I have  misunderstood  the  whole  object  of  these  inquiries. 

1 think,  then,  that  it  is  high  time  that,  the  House  was  enlightened  upon  this  sub- 
ject; and  I undertake  to  say,  with  the  most  perfect  confidence,  that  if  the  question 
of  changing  the  superintendency  of  the  national  armories,  which  was  practically  done 
at  the  last,  session,  were  to  be  reconsidered  to-day,  I have  great  confidence  that  I 
should  be  able  to  convince  the  House,  notwithstanding  there  was  a majority  of 
nearly  a hundred  votes  in  favor  of  the  change  from  military  officers  to  civilians,  that 
it  would  be  better  for  the  country  to  restore  the  management  of  the  armories  to 
military  officers.  There  is  no  justice,  every  time  we  make  an  appropriation  for  a 
Government  building,  in  saying,  when  the  President  of  the  United  States  is  author- 
ized to  take  charge  of  the  work  and  select,  the  men  under  whose  superintendence  it 
shall  be  built,  that  he  shall  be  restricted  and  precluded  from  making  a selection  of 
Army  officers  for  that  purpose,  if  he  desires  to  do  so,  and  thinks  the  public  interest 
demands  it,.  It  is  very  unjust  to  single  out  Army  officers  as  incompetent,  from 
education,  to  take  charge  of  these  works,  when  it,  is  well  known  to  everybody  that 
the  officers  who  are  educated  at  the  military  schools  of  the  country  are  approved 
practical  engineers;  and  while  the  demand  for  engineers  is  so  great,  not  only  for 
the  service  of  the  Government,  but  for  private  enterprises,  shall  the  President 
of  the  United  States  be  prohibited  from  employing  an  officer  to  superintend  any 
public  work  because  he  has  been  educated  at  a military  school?  I think  we 
have  been  legislating  upon  this  subject  with  very  narrow  views;  and  I am  very 
glad  that-  a distinct,  general  bill  has  been  introduced  by  the  gentleman  from  Ken- 
tucky, changing  the  superintendence  of  the  national  armories  from  military  to  civil 
officers,  because  it  will  give  an  opportunity  to  discuss  the  impolicy  of  the  change 
made  at  the  last  session,  and  open  the  whole  subject  to  reexamination.  I do  not 
believe  in  the  doctrine  of  prohibiting  the  President  from  employing  any  man  to 
superintend  these  works  who  might  have  been  educated  at  West  Point,  and  enjoyed 
the  best  advantages  of  education  as  a practical  engineer.  I would  allow  him  to 
select  the  most  competent  men,  without  requiring  or  prohibiting  the  selection  of 


The  Extensions. 


627 

either  from  the  officers  of  the  Army,  or  from  any  other  class  or  profession.  I make 
these  remarks  because  it  does  seem  to  me  that  it  is  quite  time  to  make  some  demon- 
stration against  the  daily  introduction  of  this  political  humbug,  and  repudiate  this 
demagogical  idea  that  is  urged  so  unceasingly,  that  these  gentlemen  are  unfit  for  the 
duty  of  superintending  these  works.  I have  no  desire  to  discuss  the  matter  further 
at  this  time.  I hope  that  the  amendment  will  not  prevail. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  the  Support  of  the  Army,  for  the  year  ending  the  thir- 
tieth of  June,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty-six,  and  for  other  Purposes,”  approved  Mar.  3, 
1855.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  10,  638.)] 

For  the  Capitol  extension,  three  hundred  and  twenty-five  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Jefferson  Davis,  Secretary  of  War,  Dec.  3,  1855.  (34 — 1,  House  Ex.  Doc. 

No.  1,  pt.  2,  p.  17.)] 

I refer  to  the  reports  of  the  officer  in  charge  of  the  Capitol  and  Post  Office  exten- 
sions for  detailed  information  in  regard  to  those  works.  The  progress  of  the  former 
has  been  seriously  retarded  in  consequence  of  deficiency  in  the  supply  of  marble  for 
the  exterior.  The  work  is,  however,  so  far  advanced,  that  the  interior  finish  must 
now  be  considered.  The  original  plan  and  estimate  were  for  a finish  similar  to  that 
of  the  main  building,  but  this  style  would  not  be  a fair  sample  of  the  present  state  of 
architectural  skill,  and  it  is  supposed  would  not  fulfill  the  wish  of  Congress.  It  has 
therefore  been  thought  proper  to  have  prepared  for  inspection  specimens  of  encaustic 
tiling,  instead  of  brick  and  sandstone,  for  the  floor;  of  painting,  instead  of  white- 
washing, for  the  walls  and  ceilings;  these  and  other  contemplated  improvements,  not 
included  in  the  original  plan  and  estimate,  may  be  introduced  to  a greater  or  less 
extent  as  Congress  may  provide.  Modifications  have  already  been  made,  such  as 
the  introduction  of  ornamental  iron  ceilings  in  the  principal  rooms,  the  substitution 
of  iron  for  wood  in  the  frames  of  the  roofs,  and  the  doors  and  windows  of  the  base- 
ment story,  an  increased  thickness  of  the  marble  in  the  walls,  specially  provided  for 
by  law,  and  a costly  and  extensive  corridor  required  by  the  plan,  but  not  contained 
in  the  original  estimate. 


[Annual  report  of  Capt.  M.  C.  Meigs,  in  charge  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Oct.  14,  1855.  (34 — 1,  House 
Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  2,  p.  111.)] 

Office  of  Extension  United  States  Capitol, 

October  14,  1855. 

Dear  Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  report  the  progress  during  the  past  year  of  the 
works  of  the  extension  of  the  United  States  Capitol. 

At  the  date  of  my  last  annual  report,  the  walls  of  the  Senate  and  Representative 
chambers  had  been  raised  to  the  height  of  the  ceilings.  Most  of  the  interior  walls 
were  at  the  height  of  the  spring  of  the  roofing  arches  of  the  attic  story.  The  exterior 
walls  of  the  basement  story  had  been  completed,  and  the  marble  exterior  facing  of  a 
portion  of  the  buildings  had  been  carried  to  the  height  of  the  top  of  the  window- 
jambs  of  the  principal  story.  None  of  the  carved  window-jambs  had  been  finished. 

The  construction  of  the  iron  roofs  for  the  buildings,  a very  heavy  work,  had  been 
commenced.  The  carving  of  the  pilaster  capitals  had  been  begun,  and  some  little 
progress  made  with  it. 

The  work  during  the  year  has  progressed  satisfactorily,  excepting  that  the  supply 
of  marble  has  been  limited.  This  has  retarded  the  completion  of  the  building. 


628 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  present  condition  of  the  work  may  be  summed  up  as  follows: 

MARBLE  WORK. 

The  marble  facing  on  the  eastern  front  is  so  far  completed  that  the  setting  of  the 
pilaster  capitals  is  commenced.  The  middle  of  these  fronts  is  less  advanced,  as  the 
time  consumed  in  the  elaborate  carving  of  the  doorways  has  retarded  the  work. 
One  of  these  doorways,  that  of  the  north  wing,  is  completed,  and  its  entablature  set. 
Part  of  the  entablature  only  of  the  other  is  up,  the  cornice  not  yet  being  finished. 

< )n  the  other  fronts  most  of  the  windows  of  the  principal  story  are  completed;  187 
richly  carved  window-jambs  have  been  cut  and  set  during  the  year;  a few  yet  remain 
unfinished. 

The  average  level  of  the  ashlar  of  the  building  may  be  assumed  as  that  of  the  attic 
window-sills.  In  some  places  it  is  not  above  the  principal  windows;  in  others  the 
attic  windows  are  completed,  and  some  of  the  pilaster  capitals  of  the  exterior  order 
are  in  place. 

The  marble-work  of  the  interior  is  in  progress.  About  one-half  of  the  column 
shafts,  and  three-fourths  of  the  pilasters  of  the  principal  corridor  of  south  wing,  are 
set.  Workmen  are  carving  the  capitals  for  these  columns,  which  are  of  very  elab- 
orate design,  introducing  in  a Corinthian  capital  details  selected  from  the  foliage  of 
native  plants.  None  of  them  is  yet  finished.  The  capitals  of  the  pilasters  are  all 
finished  and  most  of  them  set.  The  marble  base  of  the  corridor  is  completed. 

A large  quantity  of  marble  has  been  procured  for  the  marble-work  of  the  Senate 
retiring-room,  and  the  vestibules  and  stairways  of  the  building. 

For  three  of  the  great  stairways  the  Tennessee  variegated  marble  has  been  pro- 
cured, and  the  working  drawings  having  been  completed,  the  work  is  now  in  hand. 
The  fourth  staircase  it  is  intended  to  build  of  the  green  serpentine  of  Vermont,  com- 
monly called  verd  antique : this  is  also  in  hand. 

A very  beautiful  marble  has  lately  been  discovered  in  Frederick  county,  Maryland. 
If  it  exists  in  sufficient  quantity,  the  attempt  will  be  made  to  use  it  in  this  interior 
work. 

A variety  of  specimens  of  colored  marbles  from  Vermont  have  also  been  received, 
and  some  blocks  have  been  ordered. 

There  have  been  received  during  the  year,  in  all,  71,954  cubic  feet  of  marble  of 
various  kinds. 

Messrs.  Rice,  Baird,  and  Hebner  had  delivered,  at  the  date  of  my  last  annual 
report,  124,627  cubic  feet  of  marble,  costing  $188,179  63.  They  have  delivered  under 
their  contract  during  the  year  ending  the  30th  September,  1855,  and  including  the 
first  payment  to  them  in  October,  59,806  cubic  feet,  costing  $99,671  77. 

There  has  also  been  purchased  from  them  for  the  work  of  the  interior  and  for  the 
statuary  of  the  pediment,  not  included  in  their  contract,  8,166  cubic  feet,  costing 
$13,596  95. 

There  have  been  received  also  2,255  cubic  feet  of  Tennessee  marble  for  the  stair- 
ways, and  1,727  cubic  feet  of  Italian  marble. 

The  whole  quantity  of  marble  received  during  the  year  has  been  71,954  cubic  feet, 
costing  $131,015.16. 

The  payments  for  the  marble- work  during  the  year  to  Provest,  Winter  & Co., 
under  their  contract,  have  amounted,  including  the  payment  in  October  for  the 
work  done  in  September,  to  $223,001.17. 

There  are  now  on  hand,  cut  and  ready  to  be  set,  or  in  the  hands  of  the  workmen, 
39,184  cubic  feet  of  marble,  much  of  which  is  finished,  and  there  are  on  the  ground 
13,510  cubic  feet  of  rough  marble. 


The  Extensions, 


629 


BRICK- WOKE. 

This  has  kept  pace  with  the  marble  facing;  we  have  been  able  to  put  in  a few 
more  arches  of  the  attic  ceiling,  and  to  arch  the  eastern  vestibule  of  the  basement 
of  south  wing. 

The  floors  of  the  western  tier  of  rooms  in  the  basement  of  the  north  wing  have 
been  levelled  with  brick-work,  and  prepared  to  receive  the  tiling. 

A good  deal  of  brick-work  has  also  been  done  in  the  shops  on  the  north  of  the 
building.  A smoke-stack  60  feet  in  height,  with  foundations  for  engine  and  machin- 
ery used  in  building  the  iron  roof,  have  been  built  during  the  year. 

There  have  been  received  during  the  year  2,301,189  brick,  of  which  there  have 
been  laid  1,734,782,  and  there  are  now  on  hand  1,662,841. 

PLASTERING. 

Many  of  the  basement  rooms  have  received  the  first  coat  of  plaster,  which  leaves 
them  in  proper  condition  for  finishing  either  with  plaster  decorations  or  to  receive 
the  intonaco  for  fresco  painting. 

FLOORS. 

The  rooms  in  the  western  part  of  the  basement  of  the  north  wing  having  been 
plastered,  the  laying  of  the  tile  floors  has  been  begun.  These  rooms  will  be  floored 
with  encaustic  tiles. 

A very  beautiful  composition,  called  chalcedon,  lias  been  submitted  for  flooring, 
which  promises  even  greater  beauty  than  the  encaustic  tile.  Floors  for  two  small 
rooms  have  been  ordered  from  the  inventor,  in  order  to  test  its  fitness  for  the  purpose, 
and  his  ability  to  make  it  in  quantity. 


ROOF. 

The  interior  of  the  Senate  and  Representative  halls  are,  at  present,  filled  with 
scaffolding,  erected  for  the  purpose  of  putting,  up  the  iron  roofs. 

The  whole  of  the  roof-trusses  for  the  House  of  Representatives  have  been  completed, 
and  part  of  them  have  been  erected  on  the  building.  The  Senate  roof  is  also  suffi- 
ciently advanced  to  begin  its  erection. 

These  roofs  require  great  strength ; the  span  of  one  of  them  is  96  feet.  They  carry, 
besides  the  roof  covering,  the  cast-iron  ceilings  of  the  rooms  beloiy.  The  iron  used 
has  been  carefully  selected.  The  tie-beams  are  from  the  same  works  (the  Tredegar) 
as  the  chain-cable  iron  used  in  the  navy.  The  rafters  are  made  of  Cooper  & Hewitt’s 
rolled-iron  beams,  weighing  thirty  pounds  to  the  foot,  and  in  parts  where  the  strain 
is  too  great  for  these  they  are  strengthened  by  side-pieces  riveted  to  them. 

Every  bar  subject,  in  the  roof,  to  a tensile  strain,  is  submitted  in  a hydraulic 
proving-machine,  before  being  put  up,  to  an  accurately  measured  strain,  greater  than 
it  will  ever  be  liable  to  in  the  roof.  They  are  proved  to  a strain  of  10,000  pounds  to 
the  square  inch.  The  greatest  strain  liable  to  come  upon  them  is  calculated  at  8,545 
pounds  per  square  inch.  The  ultimate  strength  of  the  iron  ranges,  according  to 
experiments  made,  from  50,000  to  60,000  pounds  per  square  inch.  The  tie-beams 
are  all  double,  and  each  beam  is  proved  under  a strain  of  55,000  pounds,  equal,  for 
the  double-beam,  to  110,000  pounds. 

The  corrugated  copper  for  the  roof  covering  has  been  received,  and  is  in  store. 
The  roof  plate-glass  for  the  sky-lights  is  being  manufactured  in  Philadelphia;  a part 
of  it  has  already  been  completed. 

The  cast-iron  plates  for  the  ceiling  of  the  House  of  Representatives  have  been  com- 
pleted, and  are  in  store;  they  will  be  put  up  as  soon  as  the  roof  is  covered  in.  Those 
for  the  Senate  are  in  progress,  and  will  be  completed  this  winter. 


630 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Many  experiments  have  been  made  during  the  year  upon  different  specimens  of 
metals  and  marble  presented  for  the  use  of  the  building.  Booth’s  patent  iron  beam, 
and  Cooper  & Hewitt’s  rolled-iron  beam,  have  been  submitted  to  tests.  Upon  these 
experiments,  when  somewhat  more  extended,  I shall  have  the  honor  of  addressing 
to  you  a detailed  report. 

The  workshops  have  been  considerably  extended  during  the  year.  The  carpenter- 
shop,  machine-shop,  and  smith-shop  have  all  been  enlarged.  Machinery  for  sawing 
marble,  and  for  working  wood  and  iron,  has  been  put  up,  and  the  work  has  been 
much  facilitated  and  the  completion  of  the  building  hastened  thereby. 

In  a work  of  such  magnitude  and  variety  as  the  Capitol  Extension,  it  is  difficult  to 
notice  in  a report  all  the  various  branches  which  have  engaged  the  attention  during 
the  year.  I can  but  indicate  them  generally. 

CARPENTRY. 

Though  the  building  is  one  apparently  entirely  composed  of  marble,  brick,  and 
iron,  yet  the  carpentry  required  is  very  extensive.  Centres  for  the  complicated  arches, 
scaffolds  for  erecting  the  roof  and  ceiling,  patterns  for  the  stonecutters,  frames  for 
machinery,  cranes  and  derricks,  buildings  for  shops,  doors  and  window-frames,  &c., 
have  employed  during  the  year  a large  force  of  carpenters. 

Two  hundred  large  window-frames  have  been  made  for  the  basement  and  principal 
stories,  and  the  125  doors  for  the  basement  are  in  an  advanced  state. 

A large  quantity  of  work  for  mouldings  of  windows,  shutters,  and  doors,  has  been 
got  out  by  machinery,  and  is  ready  for  use. 

The  carpentry  for  the  removal  of  the  old  dome  of  the  Capitol  has  been  executed 
under  the  same  direction  during  the  year. 

SCULPTURE. 

The  original  models  of  several  of  the  figures  designed  by  Mr.  Crawford  for  the 
eastern  pediment  have  been  received,  and  workmen  are  now  engaged  in  carving  in 
marble  the  figures  of  the  Mechanic  and  the  groups  of  Commerce  and  Instruction. 
The  marble  has  not  yet  been  received  for  the  other  groups.  These  figures  are  being 
carved  in  American  marble,  which  is  believed  to  be  more  durable  than  Italian  statuary 
marble,  when  exposed  to  our  climate.  It  is,  though  not  of  so  delicate  a texture, 
quite  as  white,  and  though  not  so  well  suited  for  parlor  statues,  it  is  better  adapted 
to  the  situation  in  which  this  sculpture  will  be  placed. 

We  have  received  the  models  of  the  Mechanic,  the  groups  of  Instruction,  Youth, 
Commerce,  and  War.  I am  informed  by  Mr.  Crawford  that  he  has  completed  the 
models  of  America,  for  the  centre  of  the  pediment,  and  the  figures  of  the  Woodman 
and  Indian  Boy,  and  is  now  engaged  upon  that  of  the  Indian. 

A small  figure  for  the  decoration  of  one  of  the  principal  stairs  has  been  nearly  com- 
pleted in  the  studio  at  the  Capitol,  by  the  artists  there  employed. 

A skilful  worker  in  bronze  is  engaged  in  casting  the.  bronze  decorations  for  the 
gallery  doors  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

As  Congress  appropriated  §20,000,  at  its  last  session,  for  the  purchase  by  the  Presi- 
dent of  a work  of  art  from  Mr.  Powers,  it  is  hoped  that  his  statue  of  America  will 
be  one  of  the  decorations  from  his  hand  for  the  new  halls  of  legislature. 

One  of  the  rooms  of  the  basement  of  the  south  wing  is  now  being  painted  in  fresco. 
This  will  enable  Congress  to  see  a specimen  of  this  the  highest  style  of  architectural 
decoration.  It  is  the  most  appropriate  and  beautiful  mode  of  finishing  the  building, 
and  it  will  afford  a field  for  the  talents  of  artists  never  before  offered  in  this  country. 
It  is  not  necessary  that  it  be  done  rapidly,  as,  the  designs  and  cartoons  being  made 
and  approved,  the  painting  can  be  done  after  the  completion  of  the  building,  during 
the  annual  recesses  of  Congress. 

The  following  list  shows  the  labor  applied  during  the  year: 

* * * 


The  Extensions. 


631 

I have  thus  indicated  some  of  the  labors  of  the  year.  I regret  that  I have  not  been 
able  to  make  as  much  progress  as  I had  hoped  at  the  date  of  my  last  report,  but  the 
impossibility  of  getting  a sufficient  supply  of  marble  has  retarded  everything  else. 

* * * 

Respectfully  submitted. 

M.  C.  Meigs, 

Captain  of  Engineers , Engineer  and  Superintendent. 

Hon.  Jefferson  Davis, 

Secretary  of  War. 


[House  proceedings  of  May  19,  1856:  Congressional  Globe,  34 — 1,  p.  1257.] 

CAPITOL  EXTENSION,  ETC. 

Mr.  Ball.  I ask  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  House  for  leave  to  introduce  the 
following  resolutions: 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  the  United  States  be  requested  to  inform  this  House,  at  the  earliest 
practicable  day,  what  amount  of  money  has  already  been  expended,  or  debts  incurred,  upon  the 
enlargement  of  the  Capitol;  and  what  further  amount  of  appropriations  will  probably  be  required  to 
complete  the  same,  agreeable  to  the  present  plan  of  construction. 

Furthermore,  that  he  cause  detailed  information  to  be  given  upon  the  following  heads,  to  wit:  The 
cost,  per  ton,  when  delivered  at  the  Capitol,  of  the  wrought,  rolled,  and  cast  iron,  respectively;  and 
the  number  of  tons  of  each  kind  which  has  been  supplied,  and  the  number  of  tons  which  will  still  be 
required. 

The  cost,  per  foot,  of  the  various  kinds  of  marble  used  in  said  construction;  the  localities  from 
whence  obtained;  the  amount  of  each  description  which  has  been  already  delivered;  and  the  amount 
contracted  for  which  is  still  to  be  delivered;  and  the  proportion  of  that  known  as  the  “ Lee  marble” 
which  has  been  furnished  in  blocks  of  less  than  thirty  cubic  feet;  and  what  variations,  if  any,  have 
been  made  in  the  cutting  of  the  marble  specified  in  the  original  contract  of  Provost,  Winter  & Co.; 
and  whether  such  changes,  if  made,  have  increased  the  cost  of  the  work;  and  if  so,  to  what  extent; 
having  special  reference,  in  this  connection,  to  the  windows  of  the  principal  story,  the  capitals  of  the 
pilasters,  cornice,  &c. 

The  quantity  of  bricks  furnished,  with  the  places  from  whence  obtained,  and  the  cost,  per  thousand, 
of  each  lot  when  delivered  at  the  Capitol;  the  cost,  per  thousand,  for  laying  up  the  same,  including 
superintendence,  tenders,  &c.;  and  whether  the  said  bricks  were  laid  up  by  contract  or  by  the  day. 

The  number  and  cost  of  horses,  oxen,  wagons,  carts,  drays,  carriages,  buggies,  or  other  vehicles, 
used  or  employed  in  connection  with  said  extension  of  the  Capitol. 

The  cost  of  shops,  sheds,  steam  engines,  turning  lathes,  slotting  machines,  stone  saws,  wire  cables, 
derricks,  and  other  machinery  and  tools,  the  property  of  the  Government,  used  in  said  extension. 

Also,  what  amount  of  money  has  been  expended,  debts  incurred,  or  contracts  entered  into,  towards 
the  removal  of  the  old  dome,  and  the  erection  of  the  new  one,  upon  the  original  Capitol  building. 

Also,  the  number  of  persons  employed  as  sculptors,  modelers,  bronze  workers,  &e. ; the  prices  paid, 
and  under  what  authority  of  law  they  are  employed. 

And,  further,  that  he  cause  to  be  furnished  to  the  House  a list  of  the  names  of  all  persons  em- 
ployed, within  each  year,  since  the  commencement  of  the  Capitol  enlargement,  as  superintendents, 
architects,  draughtsmen,  engineers,  clerks,  inspectors,  or  receivers  of  materials,  foremen,  overseers, 
messengers,  watchmen,  or  others  employed  about  said  work  in  any  capacity  other  than  as  workmen 
or  laborers;  specifying  the  particular  service  performed  by  each,  and  the  amount  of  compensation. 

That  the  information  here  sought  be  accompanied  with  a detailed  statement  of  all  contracts  made 
in  connection  with  this  building;  stating  whether  the  same  have  been  made  in  all  cases  after  adver- 
tisement for  bids;  and  if  so,  whether  the  contracts  have  been  awarded,  in  all  cases,  to  the  lowest 
bidder;  and  if  not,  the  reasons  therefor. 

* * * 

Mr.  Goode.  I object  to  the  resolutions. 

Mr.  Ball.  Then  I move  a suspension  of  the  rules. 

Mr.  Cobb,  of  Georgia.  I move  that  the  House  do  now  adjourn;  and  upon  that 
motion  I demand  tellers. 

Tellers  were  ordered;  and  Messrs.  Craige  and  Trafton  were  appointed. 

The  question  was  put;  and  the  tellers  reported, — ayes  41,  noes  61;  no  quorum 
voting. 

Mr.  Cobb  demanded  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  not  ordered. 


632  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

[House  proceedings  of  May  26,  1856:  Congressional  Globe,  34 — 1,  p.  1300.] 

CAPITOL  AND  POST  OFFICE  EXTENSIONS. 

The  Speaker  stated  the  business  first  in  order  to  be  upon  the  motion  of  Mr.  Ball, 
holding  over  from  Monday  last,  to  suspend  the  rules  for  the  purpose  of  introducing 
the  following  resolution: 

[Given  under  May  19.] 

Air.  Phelps.  I objected  the  other  day  to  the  introduction  of  that  resolution,  and 
I ask  permission  now  merely  to  call  the  attention  of  the  House  to  the  fact,  that  there 
are  two  committees  of  the  House  which  are  charged  with  the  investigation  of  the 
subject-matter  specified  in  that  resolution.  I am  willing  that  inquiry  should  be 
made  into  these  expenditures;  and  if  either  of  these  committees  will  report  that 
they  cannot  obtain  the  necessary  information  without  an  order  of  the  House,  I will 
vote  to  clothe  them  with  power  to  send  for  persons  and  papers.  I desire  to  call  the 
attention  of  the  House  to  the  100th  and  106th  rules  of  the  House,  defining  the  duties 
of  these  committees.  The  100th  rule,  relating  to  the  duties  of  the  Committee  on  Pub- 
lic Buildings  and  Grounds,  provides  that — 

“It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  to  consider  all  subjects 
relating  to  the  public  edifices  and  grounds  within  the  city  of  Washington  which  may  be  referred  to 
them,  and  to  report  their  opinion  thereon,  together  with  such  propositions  relating  thereto  as  may 
seem  to  them  expedient.” 

We  have,  then,  another  committee  which  is  entitled  a “Committee  on  so  much  of 
the  Public  Accounts  and  Expenditures  as  relates  to  the  Public  Buildings.”  The 
duty  of  that  committee  is  prescribed  as  follows : * * * 

I do  not  object  to  the  introduction  of  the  resolution  because  of  any  unwilling- 
ness to  have  the  information  published  to  the  House;  I do  not  object  to  the  informa- 
tion coming  here;  but  I do  say,  that  if  this  resolution  be  adopted  it  will  lead  to 
an  extended  inquiry  that  will  necessarily  demand  the  employment  of  an  additional 
force  in  the  office  having  charge  of  these  works,  and  the  consumption  of  much  time 
to  procure  the  information  asked  for.  If  either  of  the  committees  to  wrhich  I have 
referred  report  to  this  House  that,  after  proper  inquiries  to  the  proper  places,  they 
cannot  obtain  the  information  they  need  for  a fair  investigation  of  the  subject,  then 
I will  vote  for  the  most  extended  inquiry.  These  are  the  reasons  for  my  objection 
to  the  resolution. 

Mr.  Ball.  I do  not  dispute  the  fact  stated  by  the  gentleman,  that  the  committees  men- 
tioned have  the  power  to  enter  into  the  investigation  of  this  subject;  but  because 
they  do  not  take  it  on  themselves  to  do  this  thing,  it  is  no  excuse  or  reason  for  any 
member  of  this  House  to  refrain  from  doing  what  he  conceives  to  be  his  duty. 

Air.  Phelps.  Is  not  the  gentleman  from  Ohio  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds? 

Mr.  Ball.  Yes,  sir;  and  as  a member  of  that  committee  I have  looked  a little  into 
these  things,  and  the  discoveries  I have  made  have  induced  the  introduction  of  the 
pending  resolution.  I w:ish  the  information  asked  for  presented  to  the  House  and  the 
country,  so  that  it  may  be  seen  how  the  law  has  been  disregarded  and  the  public 
money  wasted. 

It  is  not  in  order  to  discuss  this  matter  at  this  time;  and  if  the  House  suspend  the 
rules  and  introduce  the  resolution,  I will  then  tell  some  things  that  I am  sure  mem- 
bers have  neither  heard,  read,  nor  dreamed  of ; that  is,  if  I am  right  in  my  calculations. 

Air.  H.  Marshall.  I call  for  the  yeas  and  nays  on  the  motion  to  suspend  the  rules. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

The  question  wras  taken;  and  it  was  decided  in  the  affirmative — yeas  131,  nays  25. 

*•  * 


*• 


The  Extensions. 


633 


So  the  rules  were  suspended. 

Pending  the  above  call, 

Mr.  Thorington  said:  Mr.  Speaker,  I have  paired  off  my  colleague,  Mr.  Hall,  with 
Mr.  Pearce,  of  Pennsylvania,  until  the  10th  of  June  next. 

Mr.  Greenwood  stated  that  by  an  arrangement  with  Mr.  JBuffinton,  of  Massachu- 
setts, he  had  paired  off  his  colleague,  Mr.  Rust,  of  Arkansas,  with  Mr.  Hall,  of  Mas- 
sachusetts, until  either  of  them  arrived  in  the  city. 

Mr.  Keitt  stated  that  his  colleague,  Mr.  Orr,  was  unwell,  and  unable  to  attend  the 
sitting  of  the  House. 

* * * 

Mr.  Ball  then  resumed  the  floor  and  addressed  the  House  for  one  hour  upon  the 
management  of  the  public  works  in  the  District  of  Columbia.  His  speech  is  with- 
held for  revision,  and  will  be  published  in  the  Appendix.  In  the  course  of  his 
remarks  he  yielded  for  explanations  to  Messrs.  Florence,  Keitt,  and  others,  and 
concluded  by  moving  the  previous  question  on  the  adoption  of  his  resolutions. 

The  previous  question  was  seconded,  and  the  main  question  ordered  to  be  put; 
and  being  put,  the  resolutions  were  adopted. 


[House  proceedings  of  May  26,  1856:  Congressional  Globe,  34 — 1,  Appendix,  p.  619.] 

THE  GOVERNMENT  BUILDINGS. 

Speech  of  Hon.  Edward  Ball,  of  Ohio. 

In  the  House  of  Representatives, 

May  26, 1856. 

The  Speaker  stated  that  the  first  business  in  order  was  the  consideration  of  the 
motion  made  by  Mr.  Ball  on  Monday  last,  to  suspend  the  rules  so  as  to  enable  him 
to  offer  a resolution  requesting  the  President  of  the  United  States  to  inform  the  House, 
at  the  earliest  practicable  day,  what  amount  of  money  has  already  been  expended  or 
debts  incurred  upon  the  enlargement  of  the  Capitol,  and  what  further  amount  of 
appropriations  will  probably  be  required  to  complete  the  same  agreeable  to  the 
present  plan  of  construction;  also,  requesting  minute  information  respecting  the  work 
on  the  Capitol  and  Post  Office  extensions. 

Mr.  Phelps  stated  that  he  objected  on  Monday  last  to  the  introduction  of  the  reso- 
lution of  the  gentleman  from  Ohio,  and,  with  the  permission  of  the  House,  he  would 
call  their  attention  to  the  fact  that  there  were  two  committees  which  were  charged 
with  the  subject-matters  embraced  in  the  resolution.  He  was  willing  that-  there  should 
be  an  inquiry  into  the  expenditures  connected  with  the  construction  of  the  buildings 
named,  and  if  either  of  the  committees  to  which  he  had  referred  should  report  that 
they  could  not  obtain  the  necessary  information  except  by  an  order  of  the  House,  he 
w'ould  clothe  them  with  power  to  send  for  persons  and  papers.  He  did  not  object  to 
the  information  called  for,  but  the  resolution  would  lead  to  such  an  extended  inquiry 
as  would  necessarily  involve  the  employment  of  additional  force  in  the  office  having 
charge  of  these  works. 

Mr.  Ball  would  not  dispute  the  fact  that  the  committees  referred  to  by  the  gentle- 
man had  the  power  to  make  the  investigations  proposed  in  his  resolution;  but 
because  those  committees  had  made  no  movement  in  the  matter  was  no  reason  why 
any  member  should  refrain  from  doing  what  he  might  conceive  to  be  his  duty.  As 
chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  he  had  looked  some- 
what into  these  matters,  and  the  discoveries  he  had  made  had  induced  him  to  sub- 
mit his  resolution,  that  the  House  and  the  country  might  see  the  manner  in  which  the 
law  had  been  disregarded.  He  knew  that  debate  was  not  in  order  at  the  present 
stage  of  the  proceedings,  but  trusted  that  the  House  would  suspend  the  rules,  when 


634  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

lie  would  call  their  attention  to  matters  of  which  they  had  certainly  never  read  or 
dreamed. 

The  question  was  then  taken;  and  the  motion  to  suspend  the  rules  was  agreed  to — 
yeas  131,  nays  25. 

The  resolutions  were  read,  as  follows:  * * * 

Mr.  Ball  then  said: 

When,  on  Monday  last,  1 presented  these  resolutions,  it  was  not  my  purpose  to 
have  said  a single  word  upon  the  subject-matter  to  which  they  relate,  for  I did  not 
then  anticipate  objections,  from  any  quarter,  to  their  adoption;  and,  Mr.  Speaker,  I 
must  he  allowed  to  express  my  surprise,  this  morning,  at  the  degree  of  sensitiveness 
manifested  by  some  of  our  friends  on  the  other  side  of  the  Hall,  at  a simple  call  for 
information  touching  the  expenditures  of  public  money  in  the  construction  of  the 
public  buildings  in  this  District.  The  objection  just  now  made  by  the  gentleman  from 
Missouri,  [Mr.  Phelps,]  that  it  will  require  a large  additional  force  of  clerks  to 
furnish  the  desired  information,  does  not  strike  me  as  important,  even  if  it  were  correct; 
but  having  visited  the  various  offices  of  the  superintendent  in  charge  of  the  Capitol 
and  Post  Office  extensions,  and  found  the  books  kept  in  a systematic  manner,  I am 
satisfied  the  information  sought  can  be  furnished  with  very  little  extra  labor.  At 
any  rate,  I think  it  highly  important  to  the  country  that  this  call  should  be  made 
and  answered,  that  the  people  may  see  precisely  how  their  money  is  being  expended 
upon  these  buildings.  Before  1 proceed  further,  let  me  say,  that  I have  not  been 
controlled  in  this  movement  by  any  feeling  of  hostility  towards  the  people  of  this 
District;  I entertain  no  such  feeling — far  otherwise — I am  in  favor  of  a liberal 
expenditure  of  money  here  so  far  as  it  may  be  necessary  to  provide  suitable  buildings 
for  the  accommodation  of  Congress  and  the  various  Departments,  and  am  desirous 
that  these  structures  should  be  substantially  made,  and  willing  also  that  they  should 
be  adorned  and  beautified,  so  far  as  may  be  consistent  with  what  ought  to  belong  to 
our  republican  character.  But,  sir,  I am  opposed,  ever  and  strongly  opposed,  to  all 
expenditures  which  add  nothing  to  the  strength,  or  convenience,  or  true  beauty  of 
these  edifices,  and  which  are  lavished  to  provide  decorations,  and  trappings,  and 
gewgaws,  for  the  purpose  of  emulating  the  magnificence  of  royalty  in  the  aristocratic 
Governments  of  the  Old  World.  Such  things  are  not  congenial  to  republicanism, 
and  ought  never  to  be  transplanted  and  cultivated  in  our  land. 

Very  soon  after  my  arrival  here  last  December,  I heard  many  rumors  in  regard  to 
the  extravagant  manner  in  which  these  buildings  were  being  constructed,  of  inexcus- 
able waste  of  the  public  funds,  and  of  the  wrong  and  proscription  which  had  been 
exhibited  in  the  management  of  some  of  them.  When,  by  your  partiality,  Mr. 
Speaker,  I was  assigned  to  the  post  of  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings and  Grounds,  I determined  to  inquire  into  these  rumors. 

From  observation,  here  and  abroad,  and  from  a careful  scrutiny  of  this  report  of 
the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  the  conviction  has  forced  itself  upon  my  mind  that 
there  has  been,  and  now  is,  a loose,  lavish,  if  not  reckless,  expenditure  of  money  in 
the  construction  of  all  these  public  buildings;  and  hence  I have  felt  it  to  be  a duty 
incumbent  upon  me  to  ask  the  House  to  join  in  this  investigation,  and  to  adopt  the 
resolutions'  now  before  it,  calling  for  information  in  detail  as  to  the  character  and 
cost  of  the  labor  and  material  used  in  the  construction  of  the  Capitol  and  Post  Office 
enlargement. 

I prefer  no  charge  of  corruption  against  Captain  Meigs,  the  officer  in  superintend- 
ence, nor  do  I accuse  him  of  neglect  of  duty ; on  the  contrary  it  gives  me  pleasure  to 
say,  that  my  brief  intercourse  with  this  gentleman  has  favorably  impressed  me  with 
his  strict  attention  to  duty  and  uncommon  energy  of  character.  My  objection  is  not 
to  him  personally,  but  to  what  I regard  as  the  extravagantly  expensive  scale  of  his 


The  Extensions. 


635 


plans  and  workmanship.  If  the  Government  desired  to  build  a fortress  to  be  made 
as  impregnable  as  Cronstadt  is  represented  to  be,  I doubt  if  a man  in  the  nation 
could  be  found  better  qualified  to  take  charge  of  such  a work  than  Captain  Meigs; 
but  gentlemen  schooled  in  the  military  service  learn  a great  deal  more  about  con- 
structing public  works  with  strength  than  with  economy,  and  seem  to  have  no  idea  of 
the  value  of  money.  Such  must  be  the  conclusion  of  all  who  examine  into  the  cost 
of  the  various  structures  placed  under  their  direction. 

The  original  estimate  for  the  entire  completion  of  the  two  wings  of  this  Capitol  was 
12,675,000.  Are  gentlemen  aware  that  this  amount  has  already  been  appropriated? 
It  was  done  during  the  last  session  of  Congress.  Does  any  one  expect  to  see  them 
completed  without  an  additional  expenditure  of  two  or  three  millions?  How  is  this? 
What  makes  these  estimates  fall  so  far  short  of  completing  the  work?  Examine  a 
little  into  some  of  the  details,  and  you  will  perceive.  Let  me  ask  particular  atten- 
tion to  a few  of  them. 

During  the  Fillmore  administration  this  work  was  commenced  under  the  direction 
of  the  Department  of  the  Interior,  (where  it  properly  belongs, ) according  to  plans 
furnished  by  Mr.  Walter,  the  present  architect.  One  of  the  first  things  which  Mr. 
Pierce  did,  when  he  became  President,  was  to  take  the  control  of  the  work  from  the 
Secretary  of  the  Interior,  and  place  it  with  the  Secretary  of  War,  and  this  last  at 
once  appointed  a military  officer,  the  present  superintendent,  over  Mr.  Walter,  with 
power  to  change  the  plan  of  the  work.  Under  Mr.  Fillmore  the  marble  in  block, 
and  the  dressing  of  it,  had  been  contracted  for  agreeably  to  the  plan  of  Mr.  Walter, 
which  had  been  approved  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the 
two  Houses.  Captain  Meigs,  although  he  considers  Mr.  Walter  the  best  civil  architect 
in  the  United  States,  saw  proper  to  alter  his  plans  very  materially.  These  alterations, 
of  course,  released  the  contractors  from  the  terms  of  the  contract,  so  far  as  relates  to 
the  work  upon  which  the  alterations  may  be  made.  I will  call  attention  to  a few  of 
these:  By  the  Fillmore  contract,  the  price  for  dressing  the  marble  for  the  caps  and 
jams  of  the  windows  of  the  principal  story  was  fixed  at  $280  per  window.  There  are 
just  one  hundred  windows  of  this  description;  consequently,  the  entire  cost  of  the 
workmanship  would  be  $28,000.  The  architecture  of  these  windows  was  to  corre- 
spond with  the  old  Capitol.  Captain  Meigs  caused  a slight  alteration  to  be  made  in 
the  style  of  finish,  and  now  pays  the  contractors  by  the  day  for  that  portion  of  the 
work.  Humor  says,  that  the  cost  of  this  workmanship  alone,  on  each  window,  has 
run  up  from  $280  to  $1,400;  or  from  $28,000  for  the  whole  to  $140,000  in  consequence 
of  this  change. 

But  this  is  not  all  the  additional  cost  resulting  from  this  change.  By  the  con- 
tract for  the  marble  in  the  rough,  the  prices  were  sixty-five  cents  per  foot  for  all 
blocks  containing  less  than  thirty  cubic  feet;  and  $1  98  per  foot  for  all  blocks  of  a 
larger  size.  According  to  Mr.  Walter’s  plan  these  window  dressings  were  to  be  made 
of  the  smaller  blocks,  and  put  together  in  pieces,  just  as  the  windows  of  the  main 
building  were  dressed.  By  the  change  made  by  Captain  Meigs,  they  are  required  to 
be  wrought  out  of  large  blocks — that  is,  the  pediment  is  wrought  out  of  a solid  block, 
with  a bed  of  four  feet,  and  containing  by  measurement  one  hundred  and  twenty 
feet,  which,  at  $1  98  per  foot,  amounts  to  $237  60.  The  original  plan  required  only 
about  forty  feet  of  marble,  in  three  pieces,  at  sixty-five  cents  per  foot,  which  would 
make  the  cost  $26;  a saving  of  $211  60  in  each  block.  This  was  ascertained  by  meas- 
urement and  calculation.  Now  add  the  same  increase  to  the  price  of  the  marble  for 
the  architrave  and  jambs,  and  gentlemen  can  form  some  idea  of  the  increase  in  the 
cost  of  trimming  these  windows.  The  increase  in  their  cost  in  the  aggregate  cannot 
be  less  than  $180,000,  and  may  reach  $150,000.  This  looks  like  a considerable  item 
in  an  original  $28,000  contract.  Changes  have  also  been  made  in  the  construction  of 
the  pilasters,  by  which  the  cost  will  be  largely  increased;  but  I have  not  been  able 
to  ascertain  the  increase  with  any  degree  of  certainty,  and  shall  not  venture  to  name 
the  amount. 


636 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Another  change  which  Captain  Meigs  has  made,  and  which  will  add  vastly  to  the 
cost  of  the  building,  is  the  adoption  of  a very  large  number  of  marble  columns — 
some  two  hundred  or  more — very  few  of  which  were  contemplated  in  the  original 
design  of  Mr.  Walter.  One  hundred  of  these  columns  are  to  be  placed  on  the  ex- 
terior of  the  building,  and  are  contracted  for  in  the  rough,  provided  the  quarries  of 
the  contractors  will  furnish  them  at  $1,400  each.  Here,  then,  is  an  addition  of 
$140,000  for  outside  columns.  How  much  the  workmanship  upon  them  is  to  cost  no 
one  knows.  But,  upon  the  supposition  that,  it  is  proper  to  add  these  columns  to  the 
original  plan,  it  certainly  is  not  necessary  that  they  should  be  in  one  piece.  The 
columns  in  this  Hall  are  composed  of  three  blocks  each.  Is  there  a man  here  who 
would  be  willing  to  pay  $1,000,  or  $800,  or  $500,  or  even  $100  each,  to  have  them 
taken  down,  and  replaced  with  shafts  in  a single  block?  What  architect  will  not  say 
that  they  are  worth  just  as  much  put  up  in  sections  as  in  single  blocks?  The 
columns  of  the  present  building  and  of  the  President’s  house,  the  Patent  Office,  and 
the  Treasury,  are  all  in  sections;  those  of  this  Capitol  of  three  each;  those  of  the 
Patent  Office  of  nine  each;  and  those  of  the  Treasury  seven;  but  I suppose  Captain 
Bowman  will  soon  have  them  reformed  out,  and  substitute  his  $2,700  or  $2,450  shafts. 

The  marble  in  large  blocks,  at  $1  98  cents  per  foot,  necessary  to  construct  one  of 
these  columns,  would  cost  $500,  which  is  $900  less  than  the  price  at  which  Captain 
Meigs  contracted  for  them.  Here,  then,  is  an  item  of  $90,000  thrown  away,  as  it 
appears  to  me,  on  these  hundred  columns. 

F rom  this  gentlemen  can  form  their  own  estimate  as  to  the  hundred  or  more  columns 
for  the  interior. 

Mr.  Craige.  If  the  gentleman  will  permit  me,  I will  remind  him  of  a fact  that  he 
has  forgotten.  By  a resolution  of  the  last  Congress,  the  person  who  had  the  building 
in  charge  was  authorized  to  have  the  columns  in  one  piece.  The  resolution  was 
almost  unanimously  adopted. 

Mr.  Ball.  I think  the  gentleman  is  mistaken.  There  was  a resolution  passed  which 
authorized  a supplemental  contract  for  marble,  but  it  does  not  say  anything  about 
“one  piece” — nor  how  many  pieces  there  shall  be  in  each  column.  Nor  does  it  say 
anything  about  the  number  of  columns.  I have  very  recently  read  that  resolution, 
and  am  sure  I am  not  mistaken. 

Again:  it  will  be  remembered,  by  those  who  have  read  the  report,  and  the  deposi- 
tions of  the  committee  raised  in  the  Senate,  at  the  instance  of  Mr.  Borland,  if  I 
remember  correctly,  in  1852,  to  investigate  the  expenditures,  &c.,  connected  with 
this  building,  Mr.  Easby,  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  gave  it  as  his  opin- 
ion, that  the  quantity  of  marble  needed  to  complete  this  work  would  be  four  hun- 
dred thousand  cubic  feet — three  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  of  it  in  blocks  of  less 
than  thirty  cubic  feet  at  sixty-five  cents  per  foot;  and  fifty  thousand  cubic  feet  in 
blocks  larger  than  thirty  feet,  at  $1  98  per  foot.  This  would  make  an  average  price 
of  something  over  eighty  cents  per  foot.  But  Mr.  Walter,  who,  it  is  fair  to  presume, 
knew  all  about  it — he  being  the  architect,  and  having  made  all  the  necessary  calcu- 
lations— thought  the  proportions  required  would  be  one  third  in  the  large  blocks  and 
two  thirds  in  the  small  blocks;  and  the  average  price  would  be  $1  09J  per  foot.  The 
total  cost,  at  that  rate,  would  be  about  four  hundred  and  thirty-seven  thousand  dol- 
lars for  the  entire  amount  of  the  marble.  He  also  stated  to  the  committee  that,  the 
proportion  of  heavy  marble  would  be  diminished  as  the  building  progressed,  it  being 
deemed  advisable  to  place  heavier  material  in  the  bottom. 

The  a 3hlar  has  been  increased  in  size  by  Captain  Meigs.  The  beds  of  the  marble 
now  range,  I believe,  from  eighteen  to  twenty-four  inches,  whereas,  according  to  the 
original  plan,  it  was  to  bed  from  nine  to  twelve  inches.  This  is  considered  by  all 
whom  I have  talked  to  on  the  subject,  to  be  totally  unnecessary.  It  will  double  the 
quantity  of  marble  required  for  ashlar.  But  that  is  not.  all;  for,  while  it  doubles  the 
quantity,  it  more  than  trebles  the  price  per  foot;  because,  in  that  supplemental  con- 


The  Extensions. 


637 

tract  for  the  §1,400  shafts  for  the  columns,  there  is  a provision  by  which  Captain 
Meigs  contracts  to  pay  $1  98  per  foot  for  all  ashlar,  the  beds  of  which  shall  be  eight- 
een inches.  This  change  will  add  to  the  cost  of  the  marble  several  hundred  thousand 
dollars. 

Another  item  of  these  Capitol  expenditures  demands  our  particular  attention.  Are 
gentlemen  aware  that  this  Government  has  become  an  extensive  manufacturer  of 
statuary?  It  is  even  so.  Just  around  the  corner  may  be  found  two  shops  filled  with 
Italian  and  German  sculptors,  busily  engaged  in  manufacturing  statuary  to  be  placed 
in  the  east  pediment  of  the  two  wings.  This,  too,  is  with  no  authority  of  law  that  I 
can  find,  unless  under  the  general  authority  to  construct  the  two  wings  to  the  main 
building.  It  is  as  well,  perhaps,  that  there  is  no  especial  law  for  this  thing,  as  for 
one,  I should  be  sorry  to  bear  any  portion  of  the  responsibility  which  attaches  to 
this  ridiculous  feature  of  the  expenditures,  in  which  our  Republican  Government  is 
made  to  play  the  poor  part  of  a wretched  imitator  of  the  broken-down  monarchies 
in  the  Old  World.  The  statuary  in  question  does  notseem  designed  to  commemorate 
any  historical  events  or  personages  connected  with  this  country — it  seems  to  be  a 
mere  amateur  collection,  and  therefore  deserves  no  place  in  the  National  Capitol. 
The  graven  images  are  the  likeness  of  nothing  in  the  heavens  above  or  the  earth 
beneath — I beg  pardon,  however — one  was  pointed  out  to  me  as  the  wife  of  one  of 
the  foreign  workmen.  Yes,  sir,  we  are  to  have  this  copy  of  a living  original  to  adorn 
our  Capitol. 

Is  this  meant  as  a sort  of  propitiation  of  the  Sag  Nichts?  Are  they  to  be  indulged 
with  the  inauguration  of  an  imaginary  goddess  of  liberty  here  at  the  seat  of  Govern- 
ment? There  are  also  in  these  shops  several  models  of  statuary,  intended  to  adorn 
the  stairways;  many  of  them,  perhaps  all  of  them,  represent  Indians  holding  large 
bowls  of  water,  some  in  one  position  and  some  in  another.  I was  forcibly  struck 
with  one  of  these:  he  stood  leaning  forward,  with  a large  bowl  resting  on  his  back 
just  below  the  neck.  Shade  of  John  Randolph!  step  forth  and  rebuke  this  utter 
falsification  of  Indian  character.  When  did  we  ever  make  a hewer  of  wood  and 
drawer  of  water  of  an  Indian?  We  have  broken  his  heart,  but  never  his  spirit; 
never  has  he  bent  his  back  to  be  the  menial  of  the  white  man.  Is  it  not  enough 
that  we  have  driven  him  out  before  us,  and  compelled  him  to  wander  from  wilderness 
to  wilderness,  with  no  abiding-place  where  once  all  was  his  heritage?  Shall  we  com- 
plete the  wrong  by  handing  him  down  to  posterity  in  imperishable  marble,  in  a 
form  which  strips  him  of  that  courage  which  is  the  only  attribute  in  which  he  glories, 
and  presents  him  in  that  position  which,  of  all  others,  his  soul  most  abhors?  Sir,  I 
protest  against  this  outrage  upon  truth ! 

The  models  for  all  this  marble  toggery  have  been  procured  in  Italy,  as  I learn,  at 
an  immense  cost;  and  if  we  are  to  be  made  ridiculous,  it  is  right  that  we  should  pay 
dearly  for  the  privilege.  I said  this  was  done  without  authority  of  law.  At  the  last 
sessional!  appropriation  of  §25,000  was  made  to  “enable  the  President  to  contract 
with  Hiram  Powers  for  some  work  of  art  executed,  or  to  be  executed,  by  him,  and 
suitable  for  the  ornament  of  the  Capitol.”  This  has  no  connection  whatever  with 
the  statuary  which  our  Government  is  manufacturing  here  at  Washington. 

I have  not  been  able  to  learn  that  the  President  has  yet  commenced  negotiations 
with  Mr.  Powers;  perhaps  he  does  not  like  to  encourage  rivals  in  business. 

Mr.  Speaker,  if  time  would  permit,  I could  call  the  attention  of  members  to  many 
curious  things  connected  with  these  public  buildings.  I could  show  that,  instead  of 
thousands,  hundreds  of  thousands — I might  almost  say  millions — of  dollars  are  being 
expended  for  things  which  are  of  no  sort  of  utility.  The  only  purpose  they  can 
serve  will  be  to  stand  here  as  monuments  to  the  memories  of  those  under  whose 
direction  they  have  been,  or  may  be,  constructed.  There  is  in  the  room,  over  yonder, 
in  the  south  wing,  known  as  the  frescoed  room,  now,  by  your  favor,  Mr.  Speaker, 
occupied  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds — that  is,  when  per- 


638 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

mitted  to  do  so  by  the  crowd  of  persons  attracted  there  from  day  to  day — a variety 
of  pictures,  some  of  them  got  up  in  bad  taste;  but  no  matter  for  that  now;  take  them 
all  in  all,  they  are  very  beautiful  to  look  at;  but  the  great  mass  of  the  people  of 
the  country  would  think  it  strange  inconsistency  to  expend  $3,600  for  such  pictures, 
or  $500  for  the  beautiful  marble  mantel  which  is  there,  in  an  Administration  which 
cannot  spare  one  dollar  to  be  expended  in  clearing  out  obstructions  to  navigation 
from  the  mouth  of  the  Mississippi,  or  the  lakes  of  the  Northwest — all  so  important 
to  the  commerce  of  the  country.  * 

There  are  many  more  items  which  might  be  noticed  in  connection  with  these 
wings  of  the  Capitol.  It  is  alleged  that  bricks  have  been  bought  in  New  York,  Phila- 
delphia, and  elsewhere,  and  transported  here  at  a cost  of  thirteen  dollars  per  thou- 
sand— and  small  ones  at  that,  it  taking  thirteen  hundred  to  measure  a thousand. 
There  are  also  reports  about  iron  contracts  which  have  reached  me,  but  about  the 
correctness  of  which  I know  nothing,  and  do  not  propose  to  speak;  but  I desire  to 
obtain  such  information  as  will  enable  us  to  ascertain  the  truth  of  these  reports. 

Again,  it  lias  been  said — I cannot  state  whether  correctly  or  not— that  there  is  a 
vast  amount  of  money  expended  in  the  purchase  of  teams  and  machinery,  of  one 
description  or  another,  far  greater  in  amount  than  is  necessary.  We  ought  to  know 
whether  this  is  or  is  not  true.  * * * 

In  former  years  the  work  of  the  Government  was  generally  performed  by  contract, 
given  to  the  lowest  responsible  bidder;  but  now,  under  the  new  system  of  detailing 
military  officers  to  take  charge  of  and  direct  the  operations  in  civil  architecture,  the 
old  contract  system  has  been  abandoned  as  far  as  possible,  and  mechanics  and  laborers 
are  employed  by  the  day.  On  this  Post  Office  building,  I believe,  the  contract 
system  has  been  entirely  abandoned.  The  marble  and  granite  are  dressed  by  the 
day ; the  dressed  blocks  are  set  by  men  employed  by  the  day ; the  bricks  are  laid  up 
by  the  day;  in  short,  everything  is  done  in  that  way.  Such  is  the  fact,  also,  at  the 
Treasury,  (excepting  as  to  a portion  of  the  material  named  in  the  contract  of  Beals  & 
Dixon;)  and  such,  also,  is  the  case  in  regard  to  all  the  work  upon  the  Capitol,  (if  I 
am  correctly  informed, ) excepting  where  contracts  had  been  made  by  direction  of 
Mr.  Fillmore  before  the  expiration  of  his  term  of  service. 

* x * 

But,  to  show  how  unnecessary  it  was  to  pay  such  prices  for  cutting  this  stone,  I 
will  present  an  extract,  which  I take  from  a report  of  Mr.  Walter,  architect  for  the 
Capitol,  and  who  had  charge  of  the  building  before  the  Secretary  of  War  placed 
Captain  Meigs  over  him.  It  was  made  June  7,  1852.  It  will  serve  to  illustrate  the 
great  disadvantage  of  employing  men  by  the  day,  instead  of  by  contract.  He  says: 

“ I was  not  satisfied,  during  the  last  year,  with  the  slowness  with  which  many  of  these  men  worked; 
and  this  spring  I had  the  cutting  of  several  of  them  measured,  and  compared  with  the  time  occupied 
in  executing  it,  when  I found  that  a large  number  of  stones  cost  above  one  dollar  per  superficial  foot 
for  the  labor  alone,  without  tools  or  superintendence;  this  I considered  as  doing  great  injustice  to 
Government;  and  in  order  to  correct  the  evil,  without  throwing  the  men  out  of  employment,  I con- 
cluded to  have  the  stone  cut  by  the  foot,  and  also  to  free  the  Government  from  the  cost  of  tools  and 
sharpening,  which  had  become  a large  item  of  expenditure.  I accordingly  sent  for  Mr.  Emery,  an 
experienced  granite-cutter  of  Washington,  who  has  the  contract  for  cutting  the  granite  base  of  the 
extension,  and  agreed  with  him  to  execute  all  the  cutting  at  twenty-five  cents  per  foot,  including 
superintendence,  tools,  sharpening,  and  every  expense — this  being  less  than  one  fifth  of  the  cost  by 
day’s  work.  I also  stipulated  with  him  that,  all  the  stone-cutters  in  our  employ  should  be  employed 
by  him,  so  that,  none  should  be  deprived  of  work.” 

Here  it  will  be  seen,  that  he  made  a contract,  with  Mr.  Emery  for  the  dressing  of 
the  granite  for  the  Capitol  at  twenty-five  cents  per  foot,  which,  he  says,  had  cost 
more  than  five  times  that  amount  when  done  by  hands  employed  by  the  day;  yet, 
with  this  experience  before  him,  Captain  Meigs  abandons  the  contract  system  and 
returns  to  the  day’s  work  system.  * * * 

It.  will  be  remembered  by  those  of  us  who  were  here  during  the  last  Congress,  that 
a proposition  was  made  for  the  removal  of  the  old  dome,  and  the  construction  of  a 


The  Extensions. 


639 


new  one  upon  this  Capitol.  We  were  told  that,  if  we  would  appropriate  $100,000, 
the  old  one  could  be  taken  down  and  the  new  one  put  up,  before  our  return  here  in 
December  last.  Man}'  members  hesitated  to  vote  so  large  a sum  for  that  object;  but 
the  money  was  finally  appropriated. 

Well,  sir,  we  went  home  and  returned,  but  we  saw  no  new  dome.  We  found  the 
old  one  partly  taken  down,  but  not  a single  foot  of  the  new  one  erected.  But  1 will 
tell  gentlemen  what  we  do  find.  We  find  a report  from  the  superintendent,  stating 
that,  when  the  appropriation  was  made  last  year,  no  estimates  had  been  made;  and 
that  the  calculations  now  were  not  sufficiently  complete  to  enable  him  to  ascertain 
precisely  what  the  cost  would  be;  but  that  the  approximate  estimate  for  this  dome 
would  be  $945,000.  I have  conversed  with  the  superintendent  and  the  architect,  to 
know  whether  even  that  sum  would  lie  sufficient  to  complete  the  job.  Mr.  Walter, 
the  architect,  states  that  the  dome  can  be  constructed  for  the  sum  of  $945,000,  pro- 
vided the  remainder  of  the  iron  can  be  purchased  at  the  same  price  per  pound  at 
which  the  iron  columns  have  been  obtained — namely,  three  cents  and  four  tenths; 
but  Captain  Meigs  gave  it  as  his  opinion  that  a higher  price  would  have  to  be  paid; 
which,  I suppose,  is  a fact. 

My  own  opinion  is,  that  unless  we  can  have  the  manner  of  conducting  these  build- 
ings changed,  the  military  superintendence  and  the  day’s-ivork  system  abolished — 
the  law  of  Congress  rigidly  adhered  to — we  had  better  stop  the  appropriations,  have 
the  buildings  all  clap-boarded  over,  and  leave  them  until  a change  can  be  effected. 
For  one,  unless  I can  obtain  some  information  which  will  satisfy  me  that  I am  mis- 
taken in  my  views  in  regard  to  these  matters,  I will  never  vote  another  dollar  of 
appropriations  to  be  expended  in  the  construction  of  civil  architecture  under  military 
superintendence. 

Mr.  Goode.  I wish  to  make  one  inquiry  of  the  gentleman  from  Ohio.  lie  has  stated, 
in  the  presence  of  this  House,  that  we  were  told  at  the  last  session  that  if  we  would 
appropriate  $100,000  the  dome  would  be  taken  down  and  reconstructed  before  we 
returned  here  again.  I ask  the  gentleman  by  whom  that  statement  was  made? 

Mr.  Ball.  I did  not  pretend  to  say  that  such  statement  was  made  by  Mr.  Walter  or 
by  Captain  Meigs.  I stated  that  such  an  argument  was  used  in  this  House,  I think, 
by  Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky,  and  perhaps  by  others. 

Mr.  Goode.  I desire  to  say  that  I feel  authorized  to  state  before  this  House,  that 
no  such  statement  was  ever  made  by  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Buildings. 

Mr.  Ball.  I made  no  such  allegation. 

Mr.  Keitt.  I was,  during  that  Congress,  a member  of  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings  and  Public  Grounds,  as  I am  now,  and  I wish  to  say  to  my  friend,  the 
chairman  of  that  committee,  that  that  question  never  did  come  up,  as  far  as  I am 
apprised  of  the  acts  of  that  committee,  before  that  committee.  My  impression  is, 
however,  that  some  one,  possibly  the  then  chairman  of  that  committee,  did  make 
such  statement  upon  his  individual  responsibility. 

Mr.  Cbaige.  No,  sir;  the  gentleman  is  mistaken. 

Mr.  Keitt.  All  I mean  to  say  is,  that  it  was  not  the  action  of  the  committee,  nor 
the  action  of  Captain  Meigs  or  Mr.  Walter.  My  impression  was,  that  Mr.  Stanton, 
of  Kentucky,  the  then  chairman  of  that  committee,  said  it  could  be  put  up  for 
$150,000. 

Mr.  Craig e.  The  gentleman  is  mistaken  in  that. 

Mr.  Letcher.  If  the  gentleman  will  take  the  trouble  to  look  at  the  debates  in  the 
Congressional  Globe,  he  will  find  that  Mr.  Stanton  did  say  that  the  dome  could  be 
put  up  for  $100,000,  and  would  be  done  at  the  opening  of  the  present  Congress.  Mr. 
Stanton  also  brought  here  a drawing  from  the  architect,  and  exhibited  it  in  this  Hall, 
spoke  of  the  beauty  of  it,  and  urged  upon  the  House  the  construction  of  the  new 
dome  upon  the  express  ground  that  it  would  be  an  addition  to  the  beauty  of  the 
building,  and  that  it  could  be  put  up  for  that  sum  of  money. 


640 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Goode.  I would  ask  the  gentleman  from  Ohio,  if  he  knows  that  the  Superin- 
tendent of  the  Public  Buildings  ever  has  made  an  estimate  of  the  cost  of  the  dome, 
and  whether  he  has  ever  pledged  his  professional  character,  in  any  way,  as  to  the 
amount  it  would  cost? 

Mr.  Ball.  I was  going  on  to  make  the  statement  the  gentleman  wishes,  and  should 
have  made  it  before  this  time  if  the  gentleman  had  not  interrupted  me. 

Mr.  Goode.  I only  wish  the  gentleman  had  made  the  statement  before  he  made 
his  other  remarks. 

Mr.  Ball.  It  will  be  remembered  that  I said  that  argument  had  been  presented 
here — I did  not  state  positively  by  whom.  As  has  been  stated  by  the  gentleman  from 
Virginia,  [Mr.  Letcher,]  the  design  was  brought  into  this  Hall;  for  days  it  sat  on 
the  mantel  to  the  right  of  the  Speaker’s  chair.  We  were  appealed  to  personally  and 
frequently — not  by  Captain  Meigs  or  Mr.  Walter  as  1 am  aware  of;  I did  not  at  that 
time  know  either  of  them,  but  by  others.  But  I shall  not  discuss  this  point  further. 
I will  content  myself  with  presenting  from  the  Congressional  Globe  the  official 
record  of  what  took  place  when  that  proposition  was  offered: 

“ Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky.  I desire  to  offer  the  following  amendment: 

“For  removing  the  present  dome  over  the  central  portion  of  the  Capitol,  and  the  construction  of 
one  upon  the  plan  designed  by  T.  U.  Walter,  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension,  $100,000. 

“ Mr.  Keitt.  Is  that  to  remove  the  dome  on  this  building? 

“Mr.  Stanton.  Yes,  sir. 

“ Mr.  Houston.  I desire  to  know  whether  the  amendment  comes  from  any7  committee  of  this  House? 

“Mr.  Stanton.  No,  sir;  I offer  it  upon  my  own  responsibility.  It  comes  recommended  by  no  com- 
mittee, but  it  comes  recommended  by  a necessity  which  every  gentleman  who  examines  the  subject 
must  see.  The  present  dome  does  very  well  for  the  original  building;  but,  as  everybody  must  see, 
requires  to  be  changed  to  preserve  the  symmetry  of  the  building  when  the  extensions  are  completed. 
It  is  important  that  the  appropriation  should  be  made  now;  and  I understand  the  change  can  be 
made  before  the  meeting  of  the  next  Congress.  The  architect  of  the  building  has  designed  a dome, 
the  plan  of  which  I have  seen,  and  which  commends  itself  to  my  judgment;  and  which  all  who 
have  seen  it.  say  is  most  beautiful  and  perfect  . It  is  well  known  that  the  present  dome  is  entirely  too 
low  to  preserve  the  symmetry  of  the  building  when  the  extensions  are  completed.  It  will  give  it  a 
squatty  appearance,  if  I may  be  allowed  the  expression.  Unless  this  is  done  the  whole  purpose  of 
the  extension,  so  far  as  its  beauty  of  construction  is  concerned,  will  be  defeated.  Now,  sir,  I under- 
stand that  the  plan  proposed  by  the  architect  is  a proper  one,  and  that  it  will  not  be  attended  with 
great  cost.  That  dome  has  always  been  an  eye-sore  to  architects  and  others  who  have  taste  in  such 
matters;  and  it  seems  to  me  that  now  is  the  appropriate  time  to  authorize  the  reconstruction  of  it. 
It  can  be,  perhaps,  completed  before  we  get  back  here  during  the  next  fall.” 

So  much  for  the  dome. 

In  calling  the  attention  of  the  House  and  the  country  to  these  things,  a duty  has 
been  performed  which,  to  me,  is  far  from  being  a pleasant  one.  It  now  remains  for 
this  body  to  decide  whether  these  things  are  to  continue;  whether  the  only  business 
which  Congress  has  to  perform  is  to  come  here  from  year  to  year  and  vote  appropria- 
tions, to  be  expended  just  as  the  Executive  and  those  acting  under  his  authority, 
may  choose,  regardless  of  limitations  or  restrictions. 

The  present  Administration  came  into  power  under  the  most  solemn  pledges  to 
keep  down  agitation  and  preserve  the  public  tranquillity,  to  reform  abuses,  and  to 
retrench  the  public  expenditures. 

* * * 

Well,  sir,  the  people  wanted  tranquillity  and  economy.  They  thought  all  these 
professions  sincere,  and  they  determined  to  put  out  the  Whigs  and  put  in  these 
Democrats  who  promised  them  so  much.  All  that  could  be  said  about  the  long  and 
faithful  service  of  General  Scott,  the  perils  he  had  encountered,  the  battles  he  had 
fought,  the  victories  he  had  won,  the  wounds  he  had  received,  and  the  blood  he  had 
shed  in  his  country’s  cause,  were  of  no  avail;  the  people  were  determined  to  have 
tranquillity  and  economy,  and  they  had  been  deluded  into  the  belief  that  it  was  most 
certainly  to  be  found  among  the  Democracy,  and  the  Democracy  were  placed  in 
power.  What  is  the  result?  How  have  these  promises  been  verified?  Why,  almost 
the  first  thing  the  President  did,  after  coming  into  power,  was  to  unchain  and  turn 
loose  a demon  of  discord,  which  has  been  flying  hither  and  thither,  stirring  up 


The  Extensions. 


641 


agitation  all  over  the  country,  until  this  day  we  have  such  a strife  amongst  the  people 
of  our  Heaven-favored  land,  the  like  of  which  has  never  before  been  witnessed. 
So  much  for  the  promised  tranquillity! 

How  is  it  about  the  economy  and  retrenchment?  In  what  department  is  it  to  be 
found?  Instead  of  our  expenditures  having  been  “reduced  considerably  below  fifty 
millions,”  as  Mr.  Buchanan  said  he  was  convinced  it  could  be  done  “under  the  guid- 
ance of  an  enlightened  economy,”  the  expenditures  have  been  everywhere  largely 
increased,  until  they  now  amount,  not  to  fifty,  but  to  nearly  eighty  millions  a year; 
and  that,  too,  without  any  part  of  it  being  applied  to  the  improvement  of  our  great 
inland  commercial  highways. 

The  people  have  been  deceived — betrayed;  but,  thanks  to  our  admirable  system 
of  government,  the  time  soon  rolls  round  when  they  can  have  an  opportunity  to  rid 
themselves  of  those  who  violate  their  confidence.  The  political  waters  are  already 
beginning  to  move — the  day  of  their  deliverance  is  near  at  hand.  They  only  await 
the  “ides”  of  November,  when  they  will  visit  a just  retribution  upon  those  by  whom 
they  have  been  wantonly  betrayed. 

Mr.  Ball.  I move  the  previous  question,  unless  some  gentleman  wishes  to  reply. 

Mr.  Florence.  I wish  to  say  one  word  in  reference  to  the  remark  made  by  the 
gentleman  from  Virginia. 

Mr.  Ball.  I withdraw  my  demand. 

Mr.  Florence.  I wish  to  say  a word  in  respect  to  the  expense  of  the  dome  and  the 
Capitol.  My  recollection  is  that  Mr.  Stanton  was  opposed  to  the  plan  suggested  by 
the  superintendent  and  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension;  that  he  submitted  the 
plan  and  drawing  of  a dome  which  he  said  could  be  completed  for  $100,000.  I do 
not  think  he  was  in  favor  of  the  plan  contained  in  the  drawing  which  was  hung 
behind  the  Speaker’s  chair  during  a portion  of  the  session,  and  pending  the  discus- 
sion on  the  subject,  I do  not  think  there  has  ever  been  submitted  a statement  of  the 
probable  cost  of  the  dome  of  the  Capitol.  An  appropriation  of  $100,000  was  made 
without  reference  to  the  amount  it  would  cost,  and  I think  such  will  be  the  recollec- 
tion of  gentlemen  generally.  I have  not  had  an  opportunity  to  refer  to  the  debates 
on  that  occasion;  and  1 speak  only  from  recollection.  I believe  that  Mr.  Stanton, 
yourself,  and  myself,  took  a position,  last  Congress,  against  a military  superintend- 
ency of  the  public  buildings;  and  the  impression  did  obtain  that  Mr.  Stanton  acted 
in  opposition  to  the  plan  contained  in  the  drawing  of  the  superintendent  and  architect. 

Mr.  Letcher.  Who  made  the  drawing  which  Mr.  Stanton  brought  into  the  House? 

Mr.  Florence.  The  gentleman  from  New  York  [Mr.  Pringle]  suggests  to  me — and 
he  refreshes  my  memory — that  the  plan  of  Mr.  Stanton  was  drawn  by  the  architect 
of  the  extension,  Mr.  Walter. 

I call  the  previous  question. 

Mr.  Ball.  I ask  the  indulgence  of  the  House  to  make  a single  explanation. 

Mr.  Florence.  I withdraw  my  demand  for  the  previous  question,  and  leave  it  with 
the  gentleman  from  Ohio. 

Mr.  Ball.  I have  been  told  since  I introduced  the  resolution,  that  some  of  those 
persons  connected  with  the  public  buildings  were  under  the  impression  that  Mr. 
Walter  had  furnished  me  with  some  data.  I wish  to  say,  for  his  benefit,  that  I 
never  in  my  life  exchanged  a word  with  him  upon  the  subject  until  after  I intro- 
duced the  resolution;  and  that  no  information  ever  came  from  him  directly  or 
indirectly.  The  only  conversation  I had  with  him  was  in  the  presence  of  Mr. 
Meigs,  in  the  architect’s  room,  where  I went  in  company  with  Captain  M.  to  exam- 
ine the  drawings.  I was  then  for  the  first  time  introduced  to  Mr.  Walter,  and  have 
not  seen  him  but  once  since  the  introduction  of  this  resolution,  and  then  I called 
upon  him  for  some  explanation  in  reference  to  the  drawings  of  the  Treasury  building. 

I call  for  the  previous  question. 


H.  Rep.  646- 


-41 


642 


- Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[House  of  Representatives.  Ex.  Doc.  No.  139.  34th  Congress,  1st  Session.  Capitol  and  Post  Office 
Extensions.  Message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  transmitting  a report  from  the  Secre- 
tary of  War,  in  relation  to  the  Capitol  and  Post  Office  Extensions.  August  11, 1856. — Referred  to  the 
Select  Committee  on  Expenditures  connected  with  the  Public  Buildings.] 

To  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States: 

I transmit  herewith  a report  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  in  reply  to  a resolution  of 
the  House  of  Representatives  of  May  26,  1856,  in  relation  to  the  Capitol  and  Post 
Office  extensions. 

Franklin  Pierce. 

Washington,  August  11,  1856. 


War  Department, 
Washington , August  11,  1856. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  submit  herewith  a report  of  Captain  M.  C.  Meigs,  corps 
of  engineers,  with  the  information  called  for  by  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives of  26th  May  last,  in  relation  to  the  Capitol  and  Post  Office  extensions. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Jeff.  Davis,  Secretary  of  War. 

To  the  President. 


U.  S.  Capitol  Extension,  Post  Office  Extension, 

and  Washington  Aqueduct  Office, 

Washington,  August  9,  1856. 

My  Dear  Sir:  I return  the  resolutions  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  passed 
26th  May  last,  calling  for  certain  information  in  relation  to  the  Capitol  extension 
and  Post  Office  extension. 

I have  given,  in  the  accompanying  report,  full  answers  to  these  questions,  and 
have  only  to  apologize  for  the  delay  which  occurred  in  preparing  the  report. 

A severe  fit  of  illness  made  it  impossible  for  me  to  take  any  share  in  the  prepara- 
tion of  the  answers  for  two  months  from  the  date  of  the  resolutions. 

They  required  very  careful  investigation  and  collation  of  the  records  of  this  office, 
and  the  labor  of  preparing  them  has  been  very  great.  1 believe  they  are  now  full 
and  correct. 

I am,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

M.  C.  Meigs,  Capt.  Engineers. 

Hon.  Jefferson  Davis,  Secretary  of  War. 


First  inquiry. 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  the  United  States  be  requested  to  inform  this  House  at  the  earliest 
practicable  period  what  amount  of  money  has  already  been  expended,  or  debts  incurred,  upon  the 
enlargement  of  the  Capitol,  and  where  further  amount  of  appropriations  will  probably  be  required  to 
complete  the  same,  agreeable  to  the  present  plan  of  construction. 

The  appropriations  for  the  Capitol  Extension  have  been  as  follows: 


September  30,  1851 $100,  000. 00 

Joint  resolution  of  April  4,  1852  500, 000. 00 

Deficiency  hill  for  year  ending  June  30,  1853  400,  000.  00 

General  appropriation  bill  for  year  ending  June  30,  1854  600, 000.  00 

General  appropriation  bill  for  year  ending  June  30,  1855  750,  000.  00 

General  appropriation  bill  for  year  ending  June  30,  1856  325,  000.  00 


2, 675, 000.  00 

Balance  on  hand  and  available  July  1,  1856  ’ 189,  877. 10 


The  Extensions.  643 

Expended  to  June  30,  1856 $2, 485, 122.  90 

Expended  from  June  30  to  August  2 90,  000.  00 

Total  expenditure  to  August  2 2,  576,  071.  78 

Leaving  available  for  the  work 98,  928.  22 


The  work  has  no  debts;  everything  has  been  bought  for  cash,  and  the  accounts 
are  settled  and  bills  discharged  as  fast  as  they  are  received,  examined,  and  found 
correct. 

Amount  required  to  complete  the  work,  including  an  allowance  of  ten  per  cent,  for 
contingencies  and  omissions $2,  835, 183.  34 

[The  detailed  information  called  for  in  the  remaining  eight  inquiries  is  given  in 
the  document  from  pp.  3 to  211  inclusive,  and  an  error  is  corrected  in  a subsequent 
document  transmitted  to  Congress  by  President  Franklin  Pierce  on  Aug.  15,  1856: 
34 — 1,  House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  143.] 


[Senate  proceedings  of  July  7,  1856:  Senate  Journal,  34 — 1,  p.  416.] 

The  President  pro  tempore  laid  before  the  Senate  a letter  of  the  Secretary  of  War, 
communicating  information  of  the  completion  of  room  No.  3 in  the  basement  of  the 
north  wing  of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol;  which  was  read. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Hunter, 

Ordered,  That  the  President  pro  tempore  assign  the  said  room  for  such  public  use 
as  may  require  the  same. 


[House  proceedings  of  July  9,  1856:  Congressional  Globe,  34 — 1.  p.  1576.] 

FRAUDS  UPON  THE  TREASURY. 

Mr.  Ball.  I have  been  endeavoring,  for  some  two  or  three  days,  to  get  the  floor, 
for  the  purpose  of  presenting  a proposition  before  the  House — a proposition  to 
inquire  into  frauds  committed  upon  the  Treasury.  I hold  in  my  hand  a resolution 
upon  the  subject,  which  I ask  may  be  read  for  information,  stating  that  I have  in 
my  possession  depositions  to  substantiate  all  the  charges  made.  Only  one  affidavit 
is  incorporated  in  the  preamble  of  the  resolution. 

Mr.  Houston.  State  what  is  the  character  of  the  resolution. 

Mr.  Ball.  1 propose  to  offer  this  resolution  with  the  consent  of  the  House,  but  not 
to  make  a speech  upon  the  subject  at  this  time.  Information  has  been  placed  in  my 
possession  charging  that  certain  frauds  have  been  committed  by  officers  connected 
with  the  Treasury  Department,  as  well  as  other  Departments  of  the  Government. 
Some  of  this  information  is  in  the  form  of  affidavits,  one  of  which  is  incorporated  in 
the  preamble  of  the  resolution.  I ask  that  the  resolution  may  be  read  for  information. 

The  resolution  was  read,  as  follows:  * * * 

Resolved,  That  there  be  appointed  by  the  Speaker  a select  committee  of  five  members,  whose  duty 
it  shall  be  to  inquire  into  the  general  management  and  expenditures  connected  with  the  public 
buildings,  or  works  constructed,  or  purchased,  or  in  process  of  construction,  by  the  United  States,  of 
whatsoever  description,  whether  at  the  seat  of  Government  or  elsewhere;  and  that  said  committee 
be  authorized  to  send  for  persons  and  papers,  and  to  examine  witnesses  touching  the  manner  of 
construction  and  the  manner  of  awarding  contracts,  whether  any  bribes  or  fees  have  at  any  time 
been  taken  by  any  officer  in  the  service  of  the  Government,  as  a consideration  for  awarding  any  con 
tract,  or  for  making  any  changes  in  the  original  terms  of  any  contract,  or  for  making  alterations 
in  the  plan  of  any  work,  or  for  using  his  influence  in  any  manner  in  obtaining  any  contractor  extra 
compensation  for  any  person  for  such  work,  or  for  being  in  any  other  manner  instrumental  in  aiding 
to  defraud  the  Government;  and  that  said  committee  be  authorized  to  inquire  into  the  capacity  as 
well  as  character  for  integrity  of  any  architect,  superintendent,  or  other  officer;  and  that  they  have 
power  to  appoint  a clerk  to  aid  in  the  performance  of  these  duties;  and  also  authorized  to  report  in 
whole  or  in  part  at  any  time. 


644 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

The  Speaker.  The  resolution  can  only  be  received  by  unanimous  consent. 

Mr.  Puryear.  I hope  that  some  other  documents,  in  the  hands  of  the  chairman  of 
our  committee,  relating  to  the  same  subject,  will  also  be  read,  before  the  House 
decides  not  to  give  unanimous  consent  for  the  resolution  to  be  introduced. 

Mr.  Clingman.  1 object  to  the  reading  of  any  other  documents.  I have  no  objec- 
tion to  the  raising  of  the  committee,  but  I object  to  taking  up  the  time  of  the  House 
with  the  reading  of  any  documents  at  this  time. 

Mr.  Houston.  If  the  gentleman  from  Ohio  [Mr.  Ball]  will  hear  me  for  a moment, 
I will  suggest  that,  as  this  preamble  and  resolution  are  very  long,  and  as  they  relate 
to  a good  many  particulars  which  we  cannot  understand  by  simply  hearing  it  read, 
it  would  be  better  to  have  it  go  over  until  to-morrow,  and  have  it  printed.  I will 
not  object  to  its  introduction,  even  if  the  gentleman  proposes  to  dispose  of  it  now; 
but  I would  suggest  that  it  would  be  better  to  allow  it  to  go  over  until  to-morrow, 
and  that  it  be  printed. 

Mr.  Florence.  Printed  in  the  Globe,  I suppose;  not  by  the  regular  printer  of  the 
House. 

Mr.  Houston.  I have  no  objection  to  that. 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  I hope  the  gentleman  from  Alabama  will  include  in 
his  motion  that  the  papers  referred  to  by  the  gentleman  from  North  Carolina  [Mr. 
Puryear]  lie  also  printed. 

Mr.  Houston.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Ball.  I have  no  objection  whatever  to  the  course  suggested  by  the  gentleman 
from  Alabama.  If  there  is  to  be  any  printing,  however,  I ask  that  the  letter  of  our 
committee  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  with  the  reply  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  refusing 
to  communicate  the  information  asked  for,  may  also  be  printed. 

The  resolution  was  then,  by  unanimous  consent,  received,  and,  with  the  letters 
referred  to,  ordered  to  be  printed. 

The  following  are  the  letters: 

Room  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds, 

Washington,  July  3,  1856. 

Sir:  In  addition  to  the  inquiries  propounded  in  the  resolution  adopted  by  the 
House  of  Representatives  on  the  26th  of  May  last,  calling  on  the  President  of  the 
United  States  for  information  in  regard  to  the  construction  of  the  Capitol  and  Post 
Office  extensions,  the  committee  desire  the  following  inquiries  answered,  either  in 
connection  with  the  response  to  the  resolutions  above  referred  to,  or  in  a separate 
communication,  as  you  may  prefer,  to  wit: 

The  cost  of  marble  workmanship  of  windows  of  principal  story,  north  and  south 
fronts,  viz:  the  cost  of  the  two  jambs  with  brackets,  the  ornamental  lintel  which 
rests  on  the  brackets,  the  pedimental  head,  and  the  inside  jambs  and  head  of  each 
window,  including  setting,  handling,  superintendence,  and  every  expense. 

The  average  cost  of  the  marble  of  each  window  as  above  described,  and  the  proba- 
ble amount  that  said  windows  would  have  cost  if  they  had  been  executed  according 
to  the  specifications  attached  to  Provest,  Winter  & Co.’s  contract. 

The  cost  of  marble  workmanship  of  each  of  the  east  front  doors,  embracing  the  two 
jambs  with  brackets,  the  ornamented  lintel  which  rests  on  the  brackets,  the  cornice, 
and  all  expenses  of  superintendence,  exclusive  only  of  the  sculptured  figures  intended 
to  be  placed  on  top. 

What  has  been  the  additional  cost  of  material  in  consequence  of  the  alteration  of 
the  design  of  the  said  front  doors  from  those  mentioned  in  the  contract  of  Provest, 
Winter  & Co.? 

What  will  be  the  cost  of  the  plaster  models  for  the  sculpture  on  top  of  each  front 
door?  Who  is  making  them?  Are  they  completed?  And,  also,  what  will  be  the 
cost  of  the  marble  sculpture  to  be  cut  from  them? 

What  will  the  plaster  models  for  the  east  pediment  cost,  and  what  will  be  the  cost 
of  cutting  them  in  marble? 


The  Extensions. 


645 


How  much  are  the  plaster  casts  for  the  bronze  front  doors  to  cost,  and  how  much 
will  be  the  cost  of  the  doors  to  be  executed  from  them? 

Are  any  of  the  inner  doors  to  be  made  of  bronze'.'  If  so,  which  doors?  And  how 
much  is  the  modeling  to  cost?  And  how  much  the  work  to  he  executed  from  the 
models? 

How  much  have  the  models  for  the  Indian  boy  and  girl  cost?  What  has  been  the 
cost  of  the  marble  statues  cut  from  them,  and  where  are  the  statues  to  be  placed? 

What  is  the  total  amount  already  agreed  to  be  paid  for  plaster  models  to  Mr. 
Crawford,  at  Rome?  What  the  amount  to  be  paid  to  Mr.  Powers?  And,  if  agree- 
ments have  been  made  with  other  sculptors,  to  what  amount,  what  for,  and  where 
are  such  models  to  be  executed? 

Is  any  sculpture  to  be  introduced  in  the  extension  of  the  Post  Office  building?  If 
so,  what  is  its  character?  How  much  is  it  to  cost?  Was  it  in  the  original  design  of 
the  architect  adopted  by  Congress?  And  if  not,  by  what  authority  of  law  was  it 
introduced? 

Very  respectfully,  Edward  Ball,  R.  C.  Puryear, 

Lemuel  Todd,  A.  E.  Roberts, 

Hon.  Jefferson  Davis,  Secretary  of  War.  Members  of  the  said  commitee. 

War  Department,  Washington,  July  5,  1856. 

Gentlemen:  I have  received  your  letter  of  the  3d  instant,  desiring  me  to  furnish 
certain  information  respecting  the  Capitol  extension  and  the  Post  Office  building,  in 
addition  to  that  requested  of  the  President  by  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives of  May  26,  either  in  connection  with  the  response  to  that  resolution,  or  in 
a separate  communication. 

In  reply,  I have  to  say  that  it  would  not  be  competent  for  this  Department,  in 
answering  the  resolution,  to  volunteer  statements  not  required  by  its  terms;  and 
that,  as  the  House  has,  by  the  resolution  mentioned,  called  upon  the  President  for 
certain  specific  information  respecting  the  buildings  in  question,  I prefer  to  make  no 
communications  upon  the  same  subject,  to  be  used  in  the  House,  unless  required  by 
the  same  authority. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant,  Jeff’n  Davis, 

Secretary  of  War. 

Hons.  Edward  Ball,  R.  C.  Puryear,  Lemuel  Todd,  A.  E.  Roberts,  of  the  Committee 

on  Public  Buildings,  House  of  Representatives. 

Mr.  Houston.  I ask,  then,  that  the  resolution  be  postponed  until  to-morrow. 

The  Speaker.  It  can  only  be  postponed  when  it  has  been  received.  Is  there 
objection  to  the  introduction  of  the  resolution? 

Mr.  Clingman.  I consent  to  the  introduction  of  the  resolution,  provided  the 
course  suggested  by  the  gentleman  from  Ohio  is  pursued. 

Mr.  Ball.  I agree  to  the  postponement  of  the  resolution. 

Mr.  Florence.  The  resolution  and  accompanying  papers  are  to  be  printed  in  the 
Globe  of  to-morrow  morning,  and  not  by  the  order  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Ball.  The  House  can  take  whatever  action  on  the  resolution  and  papers  they 
please.  I only  ask  that  they  be  printed. 

Mr.  Jones,  of  Tennessee.  Let  the  resolution  and  papers  be  ordered  to  be  printed. 

The  resolution  was  received  by  the  Speaker,  its  further  consideration  postponed 
until  to-morrow,  and,  with  the  accompanying  papers,  ordered  to  be  printed. 


[House  proceedings  of  July  10,  1856:  Congressional  Globe,  34 — 1,  p.  1595.1 
FRAUDS  UPON  TIIE  TREASURY. 

The  Speaker  stated  that  the  first  question  in  order  was  the  consideration  of  the 
resolution  introduced  yesterday,  by  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  House,  by  the 
gentleman  from  Ohio,  [Mr.  Ball:]  which  is  as  follows:  * * * 


646 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Greenwood.  I do  not  propose,  Mr.  Speaker,  to  make  any  opposition  to  the  res- 
olution. I think  that  charges  against  public  officers  should  be  investigated  by  a 
committee,  and  the  result  of  that  investigation  communicated  to  the  House.  I am, 
however,  opposed  to  one  portion  of  the  resolution — I mean  that  portion  authorizing 
the  raising  of  a special  committee.  The  rapidity  with  which  the  gentleman  from 
Ohio  [Mr.  Ball]  seems  to  get  up  resolutions  of  this  character  have  satisfied  me  that 
he  has  looked  into  these  questions  of  fraud,  and  that  the  committee  of  which  he 
is  chairman — the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds — ought  to  take  the 
matter  in  charge.  For  my  part,  I can  see  no  necessity  of  raising  a select  committee 
to  take  into  consideration  the  questions  involved  in  the  resolution.  I am  sure 
that  no  committee  of  this  House,  that  the  Speaker  could  appoint,  would  be 
more  competent  to  discharge  the  duties  devolved  by  this  resolution  than  that  com- 
mittee. The  gentleman  from  Ohio  is  chairman  of  that  committee,  and — as  I before 
remarked — has  certainly  looked  into  these  questions,  and  has  satisfied  his  mind  of 
the  necessity  of  the  introduction  of  the  resolution  which  he  submitted  yesterday,  as 
well  as  of  that  which  he  submitted  some  days  ago.  I make  no  opposition  to  the  reso- 
lution itself.  It  is  due  to  the  officers  implicated  that  this  investigation  should  be 
had.  * * * 

Mr.  Elliott.  I do  not  rise,  Mr.  Speaker,  for  the  purpose  of  making  any  opposition 
to  the  resolution  which  has  been  proposed;  but  as  it  involves  a distinguished  officer 
of  the  Government  from  the  Commonwealth  of  Kentucky,  I desire  to  state — although 
I have  not  seen  that  gentleman  on  the  subject — that  he  does  not  seek  to  evade  investi- 
gation; and  I venture  here  to  predict,  from  my  knowledge  of  that  gentleman,  person- 
ally and  politically,  that  the  charge  will  turn  out  to  be  the  veriest  slander  and  calumny 
that  was  ever  attempted  to  be  perpetrated  on  a public  officer  of  the  Government. 
As  far  as  he  is  concerned  I can  state  to  the  American  Congress,  from  my  knowledge 
of  the  man,  that  he  does  not  shrink  from  any  investigation  of  this  kind.  * * * 

Mr.  Houston.  On  my  suggestion  this  matter  went  over  yesterday  until  to-day.  I 
desire,  therefore,  to  say,  without  prolonging  the  discussion — for  it  seems  to  be  a 
matter  of  universal  agreement  that  some  resolution  should  be  passed  which  will 
result  in  the  proper  investigation  of  these  charges— that  my  purpose  has  been  accom- 
plished, as  gentlemen  have  had  an  opportunity  of  examining  the  resolution.  I con- 
fess, however,  that,  while  I am  willing  to  see  this  select  committee  appointed,  and 
while  I am  willing  to  gratify  gentlemen  on  the  other  side  of  the  House  who  pro- 
posed this  investigation  in  any  committee  which  they  may  see  fit  to  ask  of  this  body, 
still  there  are  two  committees  already  existing — standing  committees  under  the  rules 
of  the  House — whose  duty  it  is  to  examine  this  very  subject.  * * * 

Mr.  Ball.  It  is  a matter  of  the  most  perfect  indifference  to  me  whether  this  select 
committee  be  raised,  or  whether  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds, 
or  any  other  committee,  be  instructed  to  make  the  investigation.  * * * 

One  word  further  in  relation  to  the  remarks  of  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky,  [Mr. 
Elliott.]  I hope  that  I am  not  understood  as  making  any  charge  against  the  Secre- 
tary of  the  Treasury.  There  is  no  charge  against  his  integrity  in  that  resolution.  It 
merely  sets  forth  an  affidavit  which  purports  to  state  the  facts.  It  does  not  charge 
the  Secretary  with  anything  improper,  but  charges  that  the  architect  of  the  Treasury 
and  a friend  of  the  Secretary’s  about  the  Treasury  Department  have  been  reached 
and  fixed. 

Mr.  Elliott.  I desire  to  ask  whether  the  charges  contained  in  the  resolution  do 
not  implicate  Mr.  Guthrie? 

Mr.  Ball.  No,  sir;  nothing  of  the  kind.  There  is  not  in  the  whole  proceeding  an 
implication  against  Mr.  Guthrie.  I will  say  further,  that  I brought  this  thing  to  the 
attention  of  the  House  without  having  any  feeling  at  all  against  any  officer  in  the 
Treasury  Department.  These  papers  were  placed  in  my  hand.  Certain  accusations 
and  information  were  communicated  to  me,  and  I felt  it  to  be  my  duty  as  a member 
of  the  House  to  present  them  here,  and  let  the  House  raise  a committee,  if  it  see 


Tice  Extensions. 


647 


proper,  to  make  this  investigation.  It  is  due  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury — it  is 
due  to  the  architect  of  the  Treasury — it  is  due  to  every  officer  of  the  Treasury  impli- 
cated in  these  charges,  that  an  investigation  should  be  made.  * * * 

Mr.  Campbell,  of  Pennsylvania.  Is  the  pending  question  upon  the  motion  of  the 
gentleman  from  Ohio? 

The  Speaker.  Upon  the  amendment  of  the  gentleman  from  Arkansas  first;  and 
then  upon  the  resolution  of  the  gentleman  from  Ohio. 

Mr.  Campbell.  I demand  the  previous  question. 

Mr.  Burnett.  I hope  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  will  withdraw  his  demand 
for  a moment. 

Mr.  Campbell.  I will,  if  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  will  renew  it. 

Mr.  Burnett.  I will  renew  it.  Mr.  Speaker,  I understand,  from  the  preamble  of 
the  resolution  offered  by  the  gentleman  from  Ohio,  that  improper  conduct  is  charged 
upon  some  of  the  officials  connected  with  the  Treasury  Department,  Now',  sir,  I 
will  say  to  that  gentleman,  and  to  the  House,  that  the  head  of  that  Department  will 
not  shrink  from  any  investigation  which  this  House  may  see  proper  to  institute. 
And  I will  say  further,  that  I am  authorized  to  say  that  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings  and  Grounds  could  have  had  any  information  they  had  sought  in  reference 
to  any  official  connected  with  that  Department  if  they  had  applied  to  the  proper 
source. 

I desire  to  say  further,  that  although  there  may  be  no  direct  charge  against  the 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  yet  the  resolution  of  the  gentleman  from  Ohio  is  couched 
in  such  language  as  to  carry  with  it  an  insinuation  against  the  honesty  and  integrity 
of  that  officer.  * * * 

Mr.  Ball.  I desire  to  say  that  I have  no  objection  to  the  amendment  of  the  gentle- 
man from  Arkansas.  I care  not  what  committee  investigates  the  matter. 

Mr.  Greenwood.  As  I said  before,  I make  no  opposition  whatever  to  the  passage 
of  this  resolution.  I hope  it  will  be  passed.  * * * 

Mr.  Burnett.  In  accordance  to  my  promise,  made  to  the  gentleman  from  Pennsyl- 
vania, I now  renew  the  demand  for  the  previous  question. 

Mr.  Cobb,  of  Georgia.  I ask  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  to  withdraw  the 
demand  for  the  previous  question  for  a moment. 

Mr.  Burnett.  I will  withdraw  the  demand,  at  the  request  of  the  gentleman  from 
Georgia. 

Mr.  Cobb.  The  resolution  offered  by  the  gentleman  from  Ohio  provides  that  this 
committee  may  report  at  any  time,  in  whole  or  in  part.  I think  that  is  wrong.  I 
think  they  should  report  in  the  usual  form.  I request  the  gentleman  from  Ohio  to 
strike  out  that  part  of  the  resolution,  and  allow7  the  committee,  when  they  have 
concluded  their  work,  to  report  in  the  usual  form,  and  not  report  until  they  have 
completed  their  work.  * * * 

Mr.  Burnett.  I have  no  doubt  of  the  sincerity  of  the  declaration  made  by  the 
gentleman  from  Ohio,  that  he  desires  nothing  but  what  is  fair  in  connection  with 
this  matter.  I have  not  examined  the  language  of  the  resolution,  but  I certainly 
agree  with  the  gentleman  from  Georgia,  that  the  committee  which  is  to  take  charge 
of  the  subject  should  be  required  to  make  their  report  as  a whole.  Let  us  have  all 
of  the  facts,  and  all  the  testimony,  at  one  time.  * * * 

Mr.  Ball.  The  gentleman  from  Kentucky  seemed  to  insinuate  that  I had,  by  offer- 
ing this  resolution,  done  something  to  implicate  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury.  Now, 
if  he  will  examine  the  language  of  the  resolution,  he  will  see  that  if  any  insinuation 
whatever  is  made  against  that  officer,  it  is  made  in  the  affidavit  which  is  embodied 
in  the  preamble,  and  not  in  the  resolution.  I embodied  that  affidavit  in  the  resolu- 
tion because  I did  not  suppose  I could  in  any  other  way  get  the  resolution  before 
the  House.  * * * 

Mr.  McMullin.  I have  no  idea  that  it  was  the  intention  of  the  gentleman  from 
Ohio  to  cast  any  reflection  upon  any  public  officer. 


648 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Campbell,  of  Pennsylvania.  I rise  to  a jDoint  of  order.  The  previous  question 
has  been  called,  and  under  the  rules  further  debate  is  out  of  order. 

The  Speaker.  The  gentleman  from  Kentucky  withdrew  the  call  for  the  previous 
question  at  the  request  of  the  gentleman  from  Georgia. 

Mr.  McMullin.  I will  not  detain  the  House  for  any  length  of  time.  I have  only 
to  say  to  the  gentleman  from  Ohio,  that  while  his  resolution  is  calculated  to  reflect 
on  the  Committee  of  Expenditures  relating  to  the  Treasury  Department,  I am  sure 
that  such  was  not  his  intention. 

Mr.  Ball.  Certainly,  not  the  slightest. 

Mr.  McMullin.  If  there  have  been  peculation  and  fraud  and  corruption  in  the 
construction  of  the  public  buildings  elsewhere  than  in  this  city,  it.  could  not  be 
expected  that-  we  should  know  of  them. 

Mr.  Burnett.  Mr.  Speaker,  I do  not  understand  that.  I have  yielded  the  floor.  I 
promised  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  to  renew  the  call  for  the  previous  ques- 
tion, and  I desire  to  exonerate  myself  from  any  want  of  faith. 

Mr.  McMullin.  My  worthy  friend  certainly  turned  over  the  whole  question  to 
the  gentleman  from  Ohio. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  understood  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  to  withdraw 
the  call  for  the  previous  question,  and  yield  the  floor  unconditionally. 

Mr.  McMullin.  I will  detain  the  House  but  for  a moment.  I will  say  to  the 
House,  that  from  the  motion  of  the  gentleman  from  Ohio,  I shall  feel  called  on  to 
call  together  the  Committee  on  Public  Expenditures,  relative  to  the  public  build- 
ings, for  the  purpose  of  investigating  the  charges  of  fraud  and  corruption  already 
made  against  public  officials. 

Mr.  Houston.  Why  did  not  that  committee  make  the  investigation  long  ago? 
Now  we  are  near  the  close  of  the  session.  I do  not  blame  the  gentleman  from  Ohio 
for  bringing  up  the  question.  I am  willing  the  other  side  should  manage  the  ques- 
tion as  it.  pleases. 

Mr.  McMullin.  My  friend  from  Alabama  does  me  gross  injustice,  unintentionally, 
I have  no  doubt.  I do  not  myself  seek  to  investigate  the  question  further  than  is 
required  by  a high  sense  of  duty.  Yet  the  Committee  of  Expenditures  on  Public 
Buildings  are  willing  and  ready  to  proceed  toilfully  to  whatever  their  duties  require. 
We  are  ready  to  handle  severely  all  malfeasance,  either  in  the  Treasury  Department, 
or  in  any  other  Department  of  the  Government.  We  are  ready  to  go  to  the  investi- 
gation when  the  question  comes  fairly  and  legitimately  before  us. 

Mr.  Barksdale.  Will  the  gentlemen  from  Virginia  yield  to  me,  that  I may  make 
an  inquiry  of  the  gentleman  from  Ohio? 

Mr.  McMullin.  I yield  for  that  purpose. 

Mr.  Barksdale.  I desire  to  inquire  of  the  gentleman  from  Ohio,  if  it  is  his  intention, 
in  asking  for  this  committee,  to  investigate  expenditures  of  the  public  moneys  in  the 
construction  of  the  Capitol  ami  Post  Office  extensions,  under  the  management  of  the 
Secretary  of  War? 

Mr.  Ball.  Yes,  sir,  if  such  investigation  be  necessary.  I say  frankly  to  the  gentle- 
man from  Mississippi,  that,  it  is  the  intention  to  carefully  investigate  into  the  man- 
agement of  the  construction  of  all  public  buildings  here  and  elsewhere. 

Mr.  Barksdale.  I have  not  seen  the  Secretary  of  War  since  the  introduction  of  this 
resolution,  and  hence  have  had  no  opportunity  of  conferring  with  him  in  relation  to 
it;  yet  I undertake  to  say  that  he  is  fully  prepared  to  meet  and  to  vindicate  himself 
from  any  charges  or  imputations  which  may  be  made  against  him.  And  if  any  offi- 
cer in  the  Department  of  War  has  been  guilty  of  malfeasance  in  office,  he  will  be 
prompt,  in  investigating,  exposing,  and  punishing  it.  I hope  the  resolution  will  be 
adopted. 

Mr.  Rust.  I insist  on  the  enforcement  of  the  rule  laid  down  by  the  Chair  yester- 
day, that  the  floor  shall  not.  be  farmed  out  by  the  member  in  possession  of  it. 

Mr.  Barksdale.  I have  said  what  I intended  to  say. 


The  Extensions. 


649 


Mr.  McMullin.  1 have  no  doubt  what  the  gentleman  from  Mississippi  lias  said  is 
entirely  true.  This  side,  Mr.  Speaker,  are  willing  that  not  only  the  Treasury,  or  the 
War  Department,  shall  have  its  affairs  investigated,  but  that  the  affairs  of  every 
other  Department  shall  be  fairly  and  fully  looked  into.  When  there  is  a charge  of 
malfeasance  there  ought  to  be  a free  and  impartial  investigation.  I do  not  deny  it. 

In  this  connection  I will  say  a word  in  reference  to  one  item  of  expenditure.  Pend- 
ing action  on  the  appropriation  of  $100,000  for  a dome  to  the  Capitol,  it  was  asserted 
that  that  sum  would  be  sufficient  for  the  purpose  indicated. 

Mr.  Houston.  I hope  my  friend  will  not  go  into  the  debate  of  these  questions  at 
this  time.  If  there  be  an  investigation,  when  the  committee  makes  its  report  a dis- 
cussion of  all  these  questions  will  then  be  had. 

Mr.  McMullin.  I will  forbear.  Before  taking  my  seat  I move  to  amend  the  reso- 
lution, so  that,  instead  of  being  allowed  to  report  in  part,  the  committee  will  be  forced 
to  report  in  full.  By  reporting  in  part  injustice  may  be  done;  there  may  be  left, 
unreported,  what  is  necessary  for  the  justification  of  an  officer  of  the  Government. 
We  ought  not  to  let  ex  parte  statements  be  laid  before  the  House  and  the  country: 
* * * 

Mr.  Florence.  Mr.  Speaker,  I do  not  take  it  that  the  pending  resolution  reflects  on 
any  head  of  Department;  nor  do  I think  that  this  side  of  the  House  should  be  held 
responsible  for  acts  of  wrong  done  by  people  who  may  happen  to  hold  office  under 
the  Government.  And  when  the  heads  of  the  Departments  of  Government  are  uni- 
versally acknowledged  to  be  men  of  lofty  character  and  unblemished  integrity,  I am 
surprised  that  any  gentleman  should  deem  that  an  investigation  into  the  official  char- 
acter of  a subordinate  is  a reflection  on  the  character  of  either  of  those  high  public 
officers.  I do  not  think  that  it  is,  and  I am,  sir,  for  this  investigation.  * * * 

Mr.  Houston.  I wish  to  say 

Mr.  Wheeler.  I object  to  any  interruption. 

Mr.  Florence.  Wherever  the  fraud  is,  Mr.  Speaker,  there  let  the  responsibility 
rest.  Let  the  offender  be  punished.  I do  not  believe,  however,  that  any  of  the 
heads  of  Departments  are  reflected  on.  I believe  that  never  before,  in  the  history  of 
the  Government,  was  there  such  a rigid  exaction  of  duty  demanded  by  the  heads  of 
Departments.  Every  head  of  bureau,  and  every  subordinate,  is  held  to  the  strictest 
accountability.  But  rascals  may  steal  in.  Men  may  “steal  the  livery  of  the  court 
of  Heaven  to  serve  the  Devil  in.”  I am  for  thorough  investigation.  Adherence  to 
Democratic  truths  must  make  every  man  an  honest  man;  and,  if  there  be  a dishonest 
man  in  the  Departments,  let  him  be  ferreted  out.  He  ought  not  to  be  a subordinate 
in  a Democratic  administration. 

The  gentleman  from  Ohio  [Mr.  Ball]  desired  to  have  a moment  to  respond  to  the 
gentleman  from  Mississippi,  [Mr.  Quitman,]  and  I am  willing  to  yield  the  floor  to 
him  if  the  House  will  consent. 

Mr.  Wheeler.  I object. 

Mr.  Florence.  Then  I demand  the  previous  question. 

Mr.  Goode.  I desire  to  have  two  words  inserted  in  the  resolution. 

The  Speaker.  It  cannot  be  done  pending  the  call  for  the  previous  question. 

The  previous  question  was  seconded;  and  the  main  question  was  ordered  to  be  put; 
being  first  on  Mr.  McMullin’s  amendment  to  strike  out  the  words,  “or  in  part,”  so 
as  to  authorize  the  committee  to  report  in  whole  at  any  time. 

Mr.  Hickman  demanded  tellers. 

Tellers  were  ordered;  and  Messrs.  Hickman  and  Bocock  were  appointed. 

The  question  was  taken;  and  the  tellers  reported — ayes  51,  noes  not  counted. 

So  the  amendment  was  disagreed  to. 

The  resolution  was  then  agreed  to. 

The  Speaker  appointed  the  following  gentlemen  to  constitute  the  select  committee 
called  for  by  the  resolution:  Messrs.  Ball,  Kennett,  Burnett,  King,  and  Cadwalader. 


650 


Documentary  History  of  tlic  Capitol. 

[House  proceedings  of  July  17, 1856:  Congressional  Globe,  34—1,  p.  1657.] 


THE  CONSTRUCTION  AND  COST  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

Mr.  Barksdale.  I ask  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  House  to  present  a resolution 
for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  information  only. 

The  resolution  was  read,  and  is  as  follows:  [Identical  with  the  letter  of  July  3, 1856, 
signed  by  Messrs.  Ball,  Puryear,  Todd,  and  Roberts,  addressed  to  Hon.  Jefferson 
Davis,  Secretary  of  War.] 

Mr.  Ball.  I wish  to  make  a single  remark  in  reference  to  this  matter.  I do  not 
propose  to  interpose  any  objection  to  the  adoption  of  the  resolution;  but  T see  that 
they  are  the  same  inquiries  which  were  propounded  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  by  the 
Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  and  which  he  declined  to  answer. 
I wish  to  ask  my  friend  from  Mississippi,  whether  he  offers  this  resolution  on  his  own 
motion,  or  upon  consultation  with  the  Secretary  of  War? 

Mr.  Barksdale.  I do  not  know  that  I am  under  any  obligation  whatever  to  inform 
the  gentleman  from  Ohio  whether  I have  consulted  the  Secretary  of  War  in  relation 
to  this  resolution  or  not.  But,  waiving  my  right  not  to  do  so,  I tell  the  gentleman 
candidly,  that  I have  consulted  the  Secretary  of  War,  and  he  is  anxious  that  the 
House  and  the  country  shall  have  the  information  called  for  by  this  resolution;  that 
lie  declined  giving  it  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  because  a 
call  had  been  made  on  the  President,  for  information  on  this  subject,  before  the 
date  of  the  letter  addressed  to  him  by  that  committee.  He  did  not  deem  it  proper 
to  give  to  the  committee  information  which  the  House  did  not  have.  Hence,  sir,  I 
have  offered  this  resolution;  and  if  the  gentleman  really  wishes  the  information, 
why,  sir,  he  can  get  it  in  the  only  legitimate  way,  in  my  opinion — by  a resolution  of 
this  House,  calling  upon  the  President  for  it. 

No  objection  being  made,  the  resolution  was  received,  and  agreed  to. 


[House  of  Representatives,  Ex.  Doc.  No.  138,  34th  Congress,  1st  Session.  Message  from  the  President 
of  the  United  States,  communicating  a report  in  regard  to  the  construction  of  the  Capitol  and  Post 
Office  Extension.  August  7,1856. — Referred  to  the  Select  Committee  on  Expenditures  connected 
with  the  Public  Buildings.] 

Executive  Office, 
Washington,  August  4,  1856. 

To  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States: 

I herewith  lay  before  the  House  of  Representatives  a report  of  the  Secretary  of 
War  in  reply  to  a resolution  of  the  House  requesting  “ information  in  regard  to  the 
construction  of  the  Capitol  and  Post  Office  extension.” 

Franklin  Pierce. 


War  Department, 
Washington,  August  2,  1856. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  herewith  to  transmit  a report  of  the  officer  in  charge  of  the 
construction  of  the  Capitol  and  Post  Office  extension,  on  the  questions  presented  by 
the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  July  17,  1856,  which  was  referred 
by  you  to  this  department. 

It  will  be  seen  that  considerable  expense  has  been  incurred  for  the  adornment  of 
the  Capitol,  and  in  giving  to  the  doors  and  windows  greater  durability  and  beauty 
than  those  of  the  main  building.  It  was  thought  to  be  in  accordance  with  a just 


The  Extensions. 


651 


national  pride  that  the  finish  of  the  Capitol  of  the  United  States  should  be  equal  to 
the  highest  reach  of  art  in  our  day,  and  that  its  durability  might  typify  the  perpe- 
tuity which  the  framers  of  the  constitution  designed  our  Union  should  possess.  If 
these  ends  justify  the  expenditure  which  has  been  incurred,  it  is  believed  that  the 
manner  in  which  the  work  has  been  conducted  must  be  approved.  But  if,  in  pro- 
ceeding on  that  supposition,  I have  been  mistaken,  I have  only  to  say  that  the  adop- 
tion by  Congress  of  the  most  ornamental  style  of  architecture  and  costly  material  of 
construction  has  led  to  the  misapprehension. 

In  my  annual  report  of  December  last,  reference  was  made  to  the  costly  style  of 
internal  finish  which  had  been  introduced  in  the  construction  of  the  Capitol  exten- 
sion, and  the  following  language  was  employed:  “These  and  other  contemplated 
improvements,  not  included  in  the  original  plan  and  estimate,  may  be  introduced  to 
a greater  or  less  extent  as  Congress  may  provide.  ’ ’ By  this  expression  it  was  intended 
to  submit  to  Congress  the  question  whether  the  finish  of  the  building  should  proceed 
after  the  manner  of  those  portions  of  the  work  which  had  been  done  and  were  sub- 
mitted for  inspection,  or  whether  the  future  expenditures  should  be  reduced  by 
adopting  the  lower  style  of  finish,  for  which  the  original  estimate  was  made. 

An  answer  to  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  May  26,  which 
was  also  referred  by  you  to  this  department,  is  in  the  course  of  preparation,  and  will 
soon  be  furnished.  The  reply  has  been  delayed  by  the  serious  and  protracted  illness 
of  the  officer  in  charge  of  the  work,  and  by  the  labor  of  compiling  and  copying  the 
vast  amount  of  detailed  information  which  a reply  to  some  of  the  questions  in  the 
resolution  required. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant,  Jeff’n  Davis, 

Secretary  of  War. 

To  the  President. 


U.  S.  Capitol  Extension  and  Washington  Aqueduct  Office, 

July  28 , 1856. 

My  Dear  Sir:  I return  the  resolutions  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  July 
17,  1856,  requesting  the  President  of  the  United  States  to  communicate  certain  infor- 
mation in  regard  to  the  construction  of  the  Capitol  and  Post  Office  extension;  which 
resolutions  were  by  you  referred  to  me  for  a report. 

The  questions  will  be  found  below,  with  the  information  called  for  by  each  of 
them,  as  given  by  the  records  of  this  office. 

1.  The  cost  of  marble  workmanship  of  windows  of  principal  story,  north  and 
south  fronts,  viz:  The  cost  of  the  two  jambs  with  brackets,  the  ornamental  lintel 
which  rests  on  the  brackets,  the  pedimental  head  and  the  inside  jambs,  and  heads 
of  each  window,  including  setting,  handling,  superintendence,  and  every  expense? 


2 jambs,  with  brackets,  cut  in  the  solid $612  00 

1 enriched  entablature,  or  ornamental  lintel,  cut  in  the  solid 361  31 

1 pediment-head,  cut  in  the  solid 116  66 

2 inner  jambs  and  one  head 37.  50 

1 sub-sill 8.  00 

There  is  some  ashlar  which,  in  the  windows  as  constructed,  is  cut  from  the 

same  block  as  the  pediment.  The  cost  of  cutting  this  is  increased  by 5.  35 


Total  cost  of  workmanship  of  window  as  constructed 1, 140.  82 


2.  The  average  cost  of  the  marble  of  each  window  as  above  described,  and  the 
probable  amount  that  said  windows  would  have  cost  if  they  had  been  executed 
according  to  the  specifications  attached  to  Provost,  Winter,  & Co’s  contract? 


652 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 

Cost  of  marble  for  the  windows. 

2 jambs  with  brackets,  86-^  cubic  feet,  at  $1.98 _ $170.  61 

1 enriched  entablature  or  ornamental  lintel,  411  cubic  feet,  at  $1.98 81. 51 

1 pediment-head,  to  be  cut  in  the  solid,  with  ashlar  attached,  112j4  cubic 

feet,  at  $1.98 223.57 

2 inner  jambs  and  1 head,  60xv  cubic  feet,  at  $1.98. 119.  95 

1 sub-sill,  4 cubic  feet,  at  65  cents 2.  60 

598.  24 

Deduct  for  ashlar  attached  to  top  of  pediment,  not  being  properly  part  of 
the  window-dressing,  40  feet,  at  $1.98'. 79.  20 

Cost  of  marble  for  windows  as  constructed 519. 04 

Workmanship 1,140.82 

Making  total  cost  of  window,  for  work  and  materials,  including  setting, 

handling,  superintendence,  and  every  expense 1,  659.  86 

The  workmanship  of  the  marble-dressings  for  the  principal  story  windows, 
as  originally  designed,  were  contracted  for  by  Messrs.  Provost,  Winter, 

&Co.  at 280.00 

The  marble  would  have  cost  for  jambs,  brackets,  inner  jambs,  and 

lintel,  187}^  cubic  feet,  at  $1.98 $372. 07 

Tympanum  separate  from  pediment,  424  cubic  feet,  at  $1.98 84. 15 

2 pieces  raking  cornice,  42f  cubic  feet,  at  $1.98 83.  82 

1 sub-sill,  4 cubic  feet,  at  65  cents 2.  60 

542. 66 

Total  cost  of  window  as  originally  designed 822.  64 

From  this  statement,  it  appears  that  these  windows  have  been  doubled  in  cost. 
The  increase  is  not,  so  much  due  to  any  alteration  in  design,  as  to  an  alteration  in  the 
mode  of  construction. 

By  the  use  of  stone  in  fewer  and  larger  blocks,  the  workmanship  is  very  much 
increased,  while  the  cost  of  the  stone  is  slightly  diminished. 

The  specifications  provided  for  the  construction  of  the  window  dressings  in  many 
places  with  numerous  joints,  as  in  the  old  building,  whose  constructive  details  few 
would  now  take  as  models. 

These  joints  on  the  projecting  mouldings  of  the  window  dressings  would  be  much 
exposed  to  the  action  of  the  weather,  and  the  durability  of  these  important  parts  of 
the  building  could  be  so  much  increased  by  a different  construction,  that  I did  not 
hesitate  to  adopt  it. 

The  cost  is  about  doubled;  the  duration  of  the  work  is,  I presume,  at  least 
quadrupled. 

While  the  window-sills  and  lintels  of  the  old  building,  now  only  forty  or  fifty 
years  old,  are  many  of  them  broken,  and  the  walls  generally  defaced  by  numerous 
cracks,  the  walls  of  the  superstructure  of  the  new  wings,  which  now  bear  nearly  the 
whole  weight  to  which  they  will  be  subjected,  show  no  signs  of  cracking;  not  a stone 
in  them  has  yet  broken.  The  foundation  upon  which  they  rest  is  of  clay,  always 
somewhat  compressible;  and  in  the  foundation-walls,  which  were  not  built  under 
my  superintendence,  the  motar  used  does  not  appear,  from  my  examinations,  to  be 
as  good  as  I could  wish — probably  from  a defect  in  the  cement  obtained  by  contract 
from  the  lowest  bidder. 

There  has  been  a gradual  and  general  settlement  in  the  cellar  walls — greatest  at 
the  west  front,  where  the  foundation-wall  is  deepest;  but  the  careful  and  solid  con- 
struction of  the  superstructure,  and  the  precautions  taken  by  using  large  blocks  of 
marble,  and  great  care  in  bonding  them  together,  have  prevented  any  evil  conse- 
quences arising  from  this  settlement. 


The  Extensions. 


653 


The  joint  resolution  of  Congress  passed  20th  February,  1854,  gives  express  author- 
ity for  making  the  necessary  changes  in  the  contracts,  to  enable  the  President  to 
procure  the  marble  in  larger  blocks  than  originally  intended,  and  the  construction 
of  the  building  has  been  improved  accordingly. 

If  the  object  of  Congress  was  to  provide  accommodations  at  the  least  expense,  a 
plain  brick  building  would  have  been  the  most  appropriate.  As  they  directed  the 
erection  of  a white  marble  building,  in  the  highest  and  richest  style  of  architecture, 
I have  supposed  that  the  best  and  most  durable  construction  was  desirable. 

3.  The  cost  of  marble  workmanship  of  each  of  the  east  front  doors,  embracing  the 
two  jambs,  with  brackets,  the  ornamental  lintel  which  rests  on  the  brackets,  the 
cornice,  and  all  expenses  of  superintendence,  exclusive  only  of  the  sculptured  figures 


intended  to  be  placed  on  the  top? 

Two  moulded  plinths $77.  06 

Two  jambs,  with  brackets 2,467.  34 

One  enriched  lintel 187.16 

One  architrave 222.  50 

One  cornice 1,122.33 


4,  076.  39 

4.  What  has  been  the  additional  cost  of  the  materials  in  consequence  of  the  altera- 
tion of  the  design  of  the  said  front  doors  from  that  mentioned  in  the  contract  of 
Provost,  Winter,  & Co.? 

None. 

5.  What  will  be  the  cost  of  the  plaster  models  for  the  sculpture  on  top  of  each 
front  door?  Who  is  making  them?  Are  they  completed,  and  also  what  will  be  the 
cost  of  the  marble  sculpture  to  be  cut  from  them? 

They  have  been  ordered  from  Mr.  Crawford.  The  design  and  the  plaster  models 
of  the  two  figures  for  the  east  front  door  of  north  wing  have  been  completed. 

Those  for  the  door  of  south  wing  are  unfinished.  As  the  agreement  of  Mr.  Craw- 
ford was  to  make  the  design  and  models  for  one  pediment  and  the  corresponding 
door  for  a fixed  sum — $20,000 — I cannot  specify  exactly  the  sum  applicable  to  these 
figures.  There  are  in  the  pediment  twelve  figures  and  their  accessories;  over  the 
door  there  are  two.  Considering  the  relative  size  and  difficulty  of  modelling  the  dif- 
ferent figures,  I estimate  the  price  of  the  two  for  the  door  at  $1,000  each. 


For  two $2,  000.  00 

The  estimated  cost  of  marble  will  be  $130  each 260.  00 

Cutting  in  marble,  $1,800  each 3,  600.  00 

Freight  from  Rome  to  Washington  on  models  or  on  statues  if  executed 
in  Rome,  each  $200 400.  00 


Total  cost  of  the  two  figures 6,  260.  00 

or  $3, 130  each. 

Those  for  the  door  of  south  wing  will  cost  the  same. 


6.  What  will  the  plaster  models  for  the  east  pediment  cost,  and  what  will  be  the 
cost  of  cutting  them  in  marble? 

For  the  design  and  plaster  models  of  the  pediment  and  figures  over  the  door  Mr. 
Crawford  has  been  paid  $20,000;  of  which  sum  there  is  applicable  to  the  pedi- 


ment   $18,  000.  00 

Cost  of  freight  from  Rome 2,  800.  00 

Marble 1,  960.  00 

Cutting 23,  000.  00 

Estimated  cost  of  raising  the  statues  to  their  place 500.  00 


Total  estimated  cost  of  sculpture  of  east  pediment,  12  figures,  and  the 
accessories  in  place 


46,  260.  00 


654 


Documentary  .History  of  the  Capitol. 


This  will  not  probably  be  considered  very  extravagant  in  view  of  the  cost  of  the 
sculpture  about  the  old  Capitol. 

The  Peace  and  War,  under  the  eastern  portico — single  figures — cost  $10,000  each. 
The  group  of  Columbus,  on  the  blocking  of  the  steps,  cost  $20,000,  besides  the  cost 
of  transportation  from  Italy  to  this  country,  which  was  $4,000;  making  its  cost  as 
delivered,  $24,000. 

7.  H( >w  much  are  the  plaster  casts  for  the  bronze  front  door  to  cost,  and  how  much 
will  be  the  cost  of  the  doors  to  be  executed  from  them? 


The  design  and  plaster  cast  will  cost $6,  000. 00 

The  door,  if  cast  and  chased  in  the  Munich  foundry 7, '000.  00 

Freight,  say 200.  00 

Total 13,  200. 00 


If  executed  in  this  country,  the  cost  of  the  bronze  will  probably  be  somewhat 
greater.  It  is  intended  to  have  one  executed  at  Munich,  the  first  foundry  in  the 
world,  and  the  other  in  this  country. 

8.  Are  any  of  the  inner  doors  to  be  made  of  bronze?  If  so,  which  doors,  and  how 
much  is  the  modelling  to  cost;  and  how  much  the  work  to  be  executed  from  the 
models? 

The  door  which  will  separate  the  old  representative  chamber  from  the  corri- 
dor of  entrance  into  the  south  wing  and  the  new  representative  chamber  will  be 
of  bronze. 

It  will  bear  bas-reliefs,  like  the  outside  doors,  of  subjects  from  American  history, 


and  is  a larger  door. 

The  design  and  modelling  will  cost $8,000 

The  bronze  work  is  estimated  at 6, 416 

14,416 


These  doors  will  be  executed  in  the  highest  style  of  art.  They  could  be  made  at 
somewhat  less  cost,  if  the  sculpture  were  executed  in  bronze  and  screwed  to  wooden 
frames,  as  is  the  case  in  the  doors  of  the  Walhalla  and  Glyptothik,  in  Munich,  and 
the  Madeleine,  in  Paris. 

Those  of  the  Baptistry,  at  Florence,  by  Ghibuti,  the  most  perfect  and  the  most 
celebrated  in  the  world,  are  entirely  of  bronze;  and  it  is  proposed  to  follow  this,  the 
most  perfect  example. 

9.  How  much  have  the  models  for  the  Indian  boy  and  girl  cost?  What  has  been 
the  cost  of  the  marble  statues  cut  from  them?  and  where  are  these  statues  to  be 
placed? 

The  models  have  been  made  by  a modeller,  who  was  employed  to  prepare  models 
from  the  drawings  of  the  foliage,  capitals,  and  other  architectural  enrichments  of  the 
building,  to  be  placed  before  the  stone-cutters  as  guides  in  carving  the  marble. 

The  figures  referred  to,  and  one  other,  have  been  modelled  in  the  intervals  of  his 
other  work,  and  it  is  not  possible  to  state  the  exact  time  employed  upon  them  and 
their  cost.  He  would  have  been  still  under  pay  had  he  not  modelled  these  figures, 
and  yet  he  has  done  all  the  work  required  in  his  department. 

I find  that,  to  persons  assisting  him  upon  these  models,  of  which  there  are 

three,  there  has  been  paid  $161.50,  or  each $53.83 

The  cost  of  roughing  out  and  pointing  the  kneeling  figure  with  the  shell, 

was 316  00 

It  has  been  finished  by  the  artist  in  the  intervals  of  his  work  of  model- 
ling ornaments;  and  the  whole  real  cost  to  the  United  States,  for  work- 
manship, may  be  set  down  at 369  83 

To  this  should  be  added  the  cost  of  the  block  of  marble,  which  I estimate 

at, 60  00 

Making  the  total  probable  cost 429  83 


The  Extensions. 


655 


I may  observe  that,  this  work  being  done  at  odd  times,  and  in  the  intervals  of  the 
other,  which  was  considered  the  important  work  for  which  the  artist  was  employed, 
there  has  not  been  the  same  particular  account  of  it  kept  as  of  the  rest  of  the  work 
of  the  Capitol  extension. 

The  figures  are  intended  to  be  placed  on  the  landings  of  the  principal  stairways, 
as  fountains  or  hydrants  to  supply  drinking  water.  They  are  decorative  figures, 
thought  to  be  appropriate  to  this  purpose,  and  not  very  costly.  A gaudy  brass 
hydrant  and  water-cooler  might  have  cost  more  money. 

10.  What  is  the  total  amount  already  agreed  to  be  paid  for  plaster  models  to  Mr. 
Crawford,  at  Rome?  what  the  amount  to  be  paid  to  Mr.  Powers?  and  if  agreements 
have  been  made  with  other  sculptors,  to  what  amount,  what  for,  and  where  are  such 


models  to  be  executed? 

Mr.  Crawford  has  been  paid  for  the  design  and  models  of  the  east  pediment, 
north  wing,  and  of  the  figures  to  go  over  the  east  door  of  that,  wing,  four- 
teen figures  and  accessories $20,  000 

He  is  to  receive  for  the  design  and  models  of  the  eastern  door,  north  wing  . 6,  000 

Eastern  door,  south  wing 6,  000 

Design  and  model  to  crown  the  new  dome  of  the  Capitol 3,  000 

Total,  for  fifteen  figures  and  two  doors 35,  000 

Mr.  Randolph  Rodgers  is  to  receive  for  the  design  and  model  of  one  large 
door 8,  000 

The  model  will  be  executed  in  Italy,  the  casting  in  this  country. 

Mr.  Butti  is  to  receive  for  the  design  and  model  of  a mantel  for  the  Senate 
receiving  room 500 

It  is  to  be  executed  in  bronze  and  marble  here. 


No  agreement  has  been  made  with  Mr.  Powers,  because,  when  written  to,  at  the 
same  time  with  Mr.  Crawford,  and  in  the  same  terms,  inviting  him  to  present  designs 
and  estimates  for  the  decoration  of  the  east  pediment  and  door  of  the  north  wing,  as 
Mr.  Crawford  was  invited  to  present  them  for  the  south  wing,  he  declined,  because, 
as  he  writes  to  me,  ‘ 1 1 have  not  time  to  prepare  designs  for  the  decoration  of  our 
Capitol  buildings,  even  if  it  were  a desirable  object  with  me  to  propose  for  a commis- 
sion from  the  government  of  my  country.” 

I much  regretted  this  determination,  and  made  an  effort  at  a subsequent  period  to 
induce  him  to  reconsider  it,  but  was  unsuccessful. 

Is  any  sculpture  to  be  introduced  in  the  extension  of  the  Post  Office  building?  If 
so,  what  is  the  character?  how  much  is  it  to  cost?  was  it  on  the  original  design  of  the 
architect  adopted  by  Congress?  and  if  not,  by  what  authority  of  law  has  it  been 
introduced? 

The  principal  gateway  into  the  Post  Office  building  is  an  arch,  in  the  ordinary 
form  of  triumphal  arches;  and  the  spandrils  and  key-stone  will  be  decorated  with 
sculpture,  in  the  usual  style  of  such  principal  entrances. 

The  design  embraces  a mask  of  Fidelity  with  the  usual  emblems  on  the  key-stone, 
and  winged  figures  in  the  spandrils,  representing  Steam  and  Electricity,  as  the  genii 
of  the  railroad  and  telegraph. 

They  are  nearly  completed  in  marble.  They  are  smaller  than  life  size.  The  char- 
acter and  expression  are  good.  They  will  cost,  completed,  $3,000. 

The  original  design  of  the  architect,  adopted  by  Congress,  embraces  an  elevation 
of  this  front,  in  which  the  gateway  is  shown  upon  a small  scale.  The  spandrils  of 
the  arch  contain  a few  lines  indicating  a carved  enrichment,  but  not  in  such  detail 
as  to  be  considered  a studied  design. 

The  same  elevation  shows  no  sash  to  the  windows.  In  constructing  such  a build- 
ing, it  is  always  understood  that  the  details,  which  cannot  be  expressed  on  the 


656 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


original  small  designs,  are  to  be  studied  and  elaborated  so  as  to  correspond  with  the 
general  style  of  the  architecture. 

A marble  edifice  of  the  extent  of  the  Post  Office  building  in  the  most  decorated 
style  of  architecture,  (the  Corinthian,)  would  nowhere  be  constructed  with  a plainer 
doorway  than  that  designed  and  nearly  completed  for  this  one,  unless  from  the  want 
of  skilful  workmen. 

The  authority  of  law  for  it  is  the  appropriation  for  erecting  the  building,  which  is 
understood  as  directing  the  details  to  be  carried  out  in  a manner  corresponding  with 
the  general  richness  of  the  architecture.  If  nothing  were  to  be  put  in  the  building 
not  on  the  plans,  it  would  be  necessary  to  build  it  without  floors,  hinges,  locks, 
window-sash,  or  roof.  The  scratch  of  a pen  upon  an  architectural  elevation  may 
indicate  work  which,  executed  in  marble  from  detailed  studies,  may  cost  ten  thou- 
sand dollars. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted  by  your  obedient  servant, 


Hon.  Jefferson  Davis, 

Secretary  of  War. 


M.  C.  Meigs, 

Captain  of  Engineers  in  charge  of  Capitol 

Extension  and  Post  Office  Extension. 


[Senate  Ex.  Doe.  No.  100.  34th  Congress,  1st  Session.  Letter  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  respecting 
the  occupation  of  certain  rooms  in  the  North  Wing  of  the  Extension  of  the  Capitol.  August  6, 
1856.— Read,  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  and  be  printed.] 

War  Department, 
Washington,  August  4,  1856. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  Captain  Meigs  has  reported  that  rooms 
Nos.  4 and  11  in  the  basement  of  the  north  wing  of  the  Capitol  extension  are  so  far 
finished  as  to  be  available  for  temporary  occupation. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant,  Jeff’n  Davis, 

Secretary  of  War. 

Hon.  J.  D.  Bright, 

President  pro  tem.  of  the  Senate. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Aug.  6,  1856:  Senate  Journal,  34 — 1,  p.  528. 

On  motion  by  Mr.  Collamer, 

Ordered,  That  the  President  pro  tempore  be  authorized  to  assign  for  the  use  of  com- 
mittees the  two  rooms  in  t he  north  extension  of  the  Capitol  reported  by  the  Secretary 
of  War  as  ready  for  use. 


[House  of  Representatives.  Ex.  Doc.  No.  144.  34th  Congress,  1st  Session.  Message  from  the  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States,  transmitting  a report  from  Captain  Meigs,  stating  that  the  sum  of  seven 
hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars  will  be  necessary  for  the  prosecution  of  the  Capitol  Extension. 
August  15,  1856. — Referred  to  the  Committee  of  IVays  and  Means.] 

To  the  House  of  Representatives: 

I transmit  herewith  a communication  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  enclosing  a 
report  from  Captain  M.  C.  Meigs,  stating  that  the  sum  of  seven  hundred  and  fifty 
thousand  dollars  will  be  necessary  for  the  prosecution  of  the  capital  extension  until 
the  close  of  the  next  session  of  Congress,  and  recommend  that  that  amount  may  be 
appropriated. 

Franklin  Pierce. 

Washington,  August  IS,  1856. 


The  Extensions. 


657 


War  Department,  Washington,  August  12,  1856. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  a communication  from  Captain  M.  C. 
Meigs,  in  charge  of  the  capitol  extension,  stating  that  an  appropriation  of  seven  hun- 
dred and  fifty  thousand  dollars  will  be  necessary  for  the  prosecution  of  that  work 
until  the  close  of  the  next  session  of  Congress,  and  I have  to  recommend  that  the 
same  be  asked  for. 

In  this  report  Captain  Meigs  takes  occasion  to  explain  the  causes  of  the  increase 
in  the  cost  of  the  building  over  the  estimate  made  before  the  work  was  placed  in 
charge  of  this  department. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant,  Jeff’n  Davis, 

Secretary  of  War. 

The  President  of  TnE  United  States. 


U.  S.  Capitol  Extension  and  Washington  Aqueduct  Office, 

August  11,  1856 

My  Dear  Sir:  I have  carefully  estimated  the  cost  of  completing  the  capitol  exten- 
sion, and  I find  that  it  will  amount  to  $2,835,183  34. 

This  is  the  first  estimate  I have  been  called  upon  to  make  for  this  building;  and 
it  so  very  far  exceeds  the  original  estimates,  and  what  I should,  a year  ago,  have 
supposed  to  be  the  probable  cost  of  the  building,  that  I desire  to  accompany  it  with 
some  remarks  upon  my  connection  with  the  work. 

The  original  estimate  for  the  work  was  presented  to  Congress  in  the  report  of  the 
architect,  under  date  of  23d  December,  1851.  It  will  be  found  in  the  Senate  execu- 
tive document  No.  52,  1st  session  32d  Congress.  It  amounts  to  $2,675,000.  The  time 
required  to  complete  the  work  was  estimated  at  five  years,  as  follows: 

Cellars  to  be  finished  and  basement  story  constructed  and  vaulted  during  the 
season  of  1852.  In  the  next  year,  1853,  the  exterior  walls  to  be  raised  to  their  entire 
height,  and  the  principal  story  to  be  vaulted.  In  the  third  year,  1854,  the  upper 
story  to  be  vaulted,  and  the  building  put  under  roof;  after  which  it  would  take  two 
years,  1855,  1856,  to  build  the  porticos,  finish  and  furnish  the  interior,  and  complete 
the  teraces  and  grounds. 

I was  placed  in  charge  of  this  work  on  the  4th  April,  1853,  at  which  time  the 
cellars  were  arched,  and  some  small  portion  of  the  marble  work  of  the  basement 
story  was  in  place.  Since  then,  I believe,  there  has  been  no  lack  of  energy  in  prose- 
cuting the  work,  and  we  find  ourselves  in  the  middle  of  the  fifth  year,  with  the  main 
buildings  of  the  wings  nearly  roofed  in,  but  the  cornice  not  finished,  and  the  porticos 
and  connecting  corridors  not  begun. 

Having  confidence  that  the  original  estimate  was  carefully  made,  I had  hoped,  by 
economy  in  the  application  of  labor  to  those  parts  of  the  work  not  let  by  contract,  by 
the  use  of  machinery  wherever  it  could  be  properly  applied,  and  by  purchasing  all 
materials  from  the  most  reputable  and  largest  dealers,  and  at  the  lowest  prices,  to  be 
able  to  complete  the  building  in  a better  and  more  durable  style  of  construction  than 
the  printed  specifications  and  contracts  seemed  to  contemplate,  and  yet  within  the 
original  estimate  of  the  architect. 

The  original  estimate  contemplated  the  finishing  of  the  interior  in  the  style  of  the 
old  building — whitewashed  walls,  brick  floors,  combustible  and  decaying  window 
dressings  and  door  frames,  and  roofs  of  wood,  plaster  ceilings  to  the  legislative  halls, 
&c. 

The  substitution  for  the  brick  floors  of  encaustic  tile  floors,  both  beautiful  and 
durable,  such  as  are  used  in  the  British  Parliament  house,  the  St.  George’s  Hall,  and 
assize  courts,  Liverpool,  and,  indeed,  in  all  considerable  buildings  lately  erected  in 

H.  Rep.  646 


42 


658 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Great  Britain;  that  of  iron  door  and  window  dressings  for  wood,  and  that  of  paint, 
on  the  interior  walls  for  whitewash,  were  submitted  to  Congress  in  your  last  annual 
report. 

The  substitution  of  a fire-proof  iron  roof  and  ceiling  for  the  combustible  wooden 
structures  at  first  contemplated,  though  considerably  increasing  the  cost  of  the  build- 
ing, were  so  obviously  proper,  after  the  burning  of  the  library  and  the  construction 
of  the  iron  library  ceiling  and  roof,  that  it  was  done  without  any  special  reference  of 
the  question  to  Congress. 

A greater  thickness  of  marble  for  the  exterior  facing  than  provided  for  in  the  orig- 
inal contracts,  and  the  procuring  of  the  columns  with  monolithic  shafts,  was,  upon 
reference  to  Congress,  authorized  by  the  joint  resolution  of  February  20,  1854.  Yet 
all  these  changes  will  not  be  sufficient  to  account  for  the  excess  of  the  present  over 
the  original  estimate. 

The  architect,  I understand,  in  making  that,  estimate,  was  guided  in  a great  degree 
by  the  bids  for  the  marble  work. 

The  variations  in  these  bids,  eighteen  in  number,  may  cast  a shade  of  doubt  upon 
the  value  of  estimates  made,  not  by  engineers  or  architects,  scientific  and  educated 
men,  but  by  the  practical  men. 

These  gentlemen  had  every  reason  to  use  the  greatest  care  in  making  their  esti- 
mates; they  pledged  themselves,  under  severe  penalties,  to  execute  the  work  for  the 
sums  named  in  their  respective  bids,  if  the  contracts  should  be  awarded  to  them. 
Ruin  stared  them  in  the  face  if  they  estimated  too  low — the  loss  of  the  large  profits 
of  so  great  a contract,  if  they  estimated  so  high  as  to  be  under-bid.  The  table  which 
follows  shows  that,  under  these  circumstances,  their  bids  for  marble  and  the  marble 
work  of  the  exterior,  by  regular  gradations,  varied  from  $1,697,000  down  to  $774,000. 


Name  of  bidder. 

Exterior  mar- 
ble work. 

Remarks. 

*1, 097, 069.  50 

1.431.000.  00 

1.397.630.00 

1. 371. 000.  00 

1.277.841.00 

1. 250. 000.  00 

1.233. 880. 00 

1. 232. 000.  00 

1. 180. 000.  00 
1, 157, 000. 00 

1. 008. 052. 00 

987. 640. 00 

978. 214. 00 
950, 000. 00 

Hastings. 

Stockbridge. 

Stockbridge,  Egremont,  &c. 

West  Chester. 

Egremont, 

Stockbridge,  East  Chester,  and  Egremont. 
Egremont. 

Stockbridge. 

East  Chester,  Hastings,  and  New  York. 
East  Chester. 

East  Chester. 

Near  Stockbridge. 

Near  Stockbridge. 

Baltimore. 

L.  Stoddard 

Berry  & Mohun 

The  average  difference  between  each  of  the  eighteen  bidders  being  about  $50,000, 
and  the  difference  between  the  highest  and  the  lowest  $923,000 — the  highest  being 
more  than  double  the  lowest. 

The  contract,  as  advertised,  was  not  given  to  any  one  bidder.  The  best  marble 
offered  was  not  offered  by  the  lowest  bidder  for  marble  and  workmanship  combined, 
but  this  marble  was  wisely  adopted. 

The  lowest  bidders,  Provost,  Winter  & Co.,  claimed  that,  though  their  material 
was  rejected,  they  were  entitled  to  the  contract  for  work;  and  upon  a schedule  of 
prices  submitted  by  them  as  those  which  had  formed  the  basis  of  their  bid  of  $773,918, 
for  material  and  work  for  the  exterior,  a contract  was  made  with  them  for  the  marble 
work  of  both  exterior  and  interior. 

All  this  was  done  before  the  work  was  placed  under  your  direction,  and  the  con- 
tracts had  run  from  eight  to  fourteen  months  when  you  charged  me  with  the  direc- 
tion of  the  work. 

I now  find  that  the  workmanship  of  the  ten  porticos  and  steps,  yet  untouched,  will 


The  Extensions. 


659 


cost  $51,126,  or  five-sevenths  of  the  sum  for  which  Messrs.  Provost,  Winter  & Co. 
offered  to  furnish  the  marble  and  do  the  marble  work  of  the  whole  exterior  of  the 
building. 

Two  changes  which  have  been  made  in  the  porticos  embrace  the  substitution  of 
pediments  for  the  horizontal  blocking  and  balustrade  over  the  two  eastern  projec- 
tions— a very  small  alteration.  The  substitution  of  marble  for  wooden  ceilings,  and 
the  addition  of  four  columns  to  the  ninety-six  of  the  original  design,  made  necessary 
by  the  adoption  of  marble  instead  of  wooden  ceilings,  including  the  marble,  the  por- 
ticos cost  over  one  million  of  dollars  at  contract  prices. 

I have  made  these  remarks  as  due  to  myself,  and  to  relieve  myself  from  all  respon- 
sibility for  any  estimate  which  I did  not  make. 

For  any  estimate  made  by  myself  I am  willing  to  be  held  responsible,  but  1 am 
not  to  be  held  responsible  for  those  of  others. 

I have  labored  faithfully  and  diligently  to  construct  this  building  in  such  a man- 
ner that  it  would  last  for  ages,  as  a creditable  monument  of  the  state  of  the  arts  at 
this  time  in  this  country. 

I have  spared  no  labor  to  secure  economy  in  its  administration,  faithfulness  in  the 
agents  employed,  and  justice  and  kindness  to  the  mechanics  and  laboring  men  by 
whose  hands  it  has  been  raised. 

In  these  endeavors  I have  ever  been  supported  by  the  confidence  which  I have 
received  from  yourself  and  from  the  President. 

The  work  is  now  so  far  advanced,  and  the  quarries  are  in  such  a state,  that  a very 
large  force  may  be  employed  in  hurrying  it  towards  completion. 

The  expenditures  for  the  last  few  months  have  been  between  $80,000  and  $90,000 
monthly,  and  the  sum  granted  in  order  to  carry  on  the  work  with  vigor  till  Congress 
can  act  again  upon  the  appropriation  should  not  be  less  than  $750,000. 

The  present  appropriation  will  be  exhausted  by  the  end  of  the  present  month. 

I respectfully  recommend  that  the  appropriate  committee  be  requested  to  propose 
the  above  appropriation,  as  there  was  none  asked  in  the  ordinary  annual  estimates, 
for  the  reason  that  the  balance  then  on  hand  ($747,918.80)  was  so  large  that  I advised 
that  the  making  the  ordinary  annual  estimate  should  be  delayed  until  a further 
progress  of  the  work  would  enable  me  to  make  a more  accurate  estimate  of  the  cost 
of  completion. 

I am,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 


Hon.  Jefferson  Davis, 

Secretary  of  War. 


M.  C.  Meigs, 

Captain  of  Engineers,  in  charge. 


[From  the  “Act  making-  Appropriations  for  certain  Civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  Year 
ending  the  thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-seven,”  approved  Aug.  18,  185C.  (Stats, 
at  Large,  v.  11,  86.)] 

For  continuing  the  Capitol  extension,  seven  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  the  Legislative,  Executive,  and  Judicial  Expenses  of 
Government  for  the  Year  ending  the  thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-seven,” 
approved  Aug.  18,  1856.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  11,  104.)] 

For  furniture  for  committee-rooms  in  the  south  wing  of  the  extension  of  the 
Capitol,  ten  thousand  dollars. 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


660 

[Annual  report  of  Capt.  M.  C.  Meigs,  in  charge  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  November,  1856.  (34—3, 
Senate  Ex.  Doc.  No.  5,  v.  2,  p.  217. )] 

Office  of  the  Extension  of  the  Capitol, 

Washington  city,  November,  1856. 

Dear  Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  report  the  progress  during  the  past  year  of  the 
works  of  the  extension  of  the  United  States  Capitol. 

At  the  date  of  my  last  annual  report,  the  marble  facings  of  the  wings  had  been 
carried  up  to  the  average  level  of  the  attic  window-sills,  a few  pilaster  capitals  of  the 
exterior  had  been  set,  but  some  parts  of  the  work  were  not  above  the  level  of  the 
windows  of  the  principal  story,  and  gaps,  particularly  in  the  eastern  fronts,  were 
unfilled.  None  of  the  entablature  had  been  set. 

The  roof  arches  of  the  attic  had  been  begun,  and  part  of  the  iron  roof  trusses  of 
the  Representative  hall  had  been  set  up. 

During  the  past  year,  the  marble  work  has  been  levelled  up  to  the  top  of  the  archi- 
trave. Much  of  the  frieze  and  lower  course  of  cornice  has  been  set,  and  upon  the 
north  and  south  fronts  of  the  south  wing  and  upon  the  south  front  of  the  north  wing 
a considerable  portion  of  the  cornice  has  been  finished,  and  the  blocking  course  of 
the  balustrade  has  been  begun. 

A large  quantity  of  work  has  been  cut  for  the  connecting  corridors,  but  it  is  con- 
sidered better  not  to  begin  the  erection  of  these  corridors  until  next  spring,  when  it 
is  hoped  that  during  the  long  recess,  the  materials  being  prepared,  they  can  be  put 
up  without  interfering  with  the  convenience  of  Congress. 

The  marble  columns  of  the  corridor  in  the  basement  of  the  south  wing  have  been 
all  set,  and  the  cast-iron  entablature  and  ceiling  completed. 

The  marble  work  of  the  vestibule  of  the  Senate  has  been  nearly  all  cut,  and  the 
workmen  are  now  engaged  in  completing  this  apartment.  The  pilasters  and  their 
capitals,  with  the  architrave  resting  upon  them,  are  in  place.  The  setting  of  the 
bases  of  the  columns  is  begun.  This  work  will  he  finished  in  a few  weeks.  The 
steps  of  the  lower  flight  of  one  of  the  principal  and  four  of  the  private  stairs  of  the 
north  wing  have  been  set,  but  the  want  of  the  large  platforms,  ordered  more  than  a 
year  since,  has  interrupted  the  work.  There  are  a number  of  steps  cut,  which  will 
be  set  as  soon  as  the  platforms,  daily  expected,  reach  here  and  are  worked. 

Some  of  the  polished  marble  panelling,  hand-rail,  and  balusters  of  the  principal 
stairs  have  been  prepared. 

Capitals  for  the  columns  of  the  House  vestibule,  and  for  the  Senate  retiring-room, 
have  been  carved. 

A large  quantity  of  polished  marble  skirting  has  been  set  in  the  different  com- 
mittee rooms  and  corridors  of  the  building. 

All  the  mantelpieces  for  the  basement  are  finished,  and  most  of  them  have  been 
set.  A number  are  prepared  for  the  rooms  of  the  principal  story. 

These  mantels  are  made  from  original  designs.  Some  of  them  are  of  Italian  mar- 
ble, and  others  of  native  colored  marbles.  None  of  the  Vermont  marble,  or  of  the 
Frederick  county  (Maryland)  marble,  referred  to  in  my  last  report,  has  yet  been 
received. 

The  beautiful  variegated  Frederick  county  marble  does  not  exist  in  quantities  suf- 
ficient to  justify  the  attempt  to  quarry  it,  and  the  proprietors  of  the  Vermont  quar- 
ries have  not  yet  succeeded  in  filling  the  order  given  more  than  a year  since.  As  I 
write  this,  I hear  from  them  that  they  have  succeeded  in  quarrying  a few  blocks  of 
a suitable  size,  and  are  about  to  forward  them  to  the  Capitol. 

Messrs.  Rice,  Baird  & Heebuer  had  delivered,  under  their  contract  for  the  marble 
of  the  exterior,  at  the  date  of  my  last  annual  report,  184,433  cubic  feet  of  marble, 
costing  $287,851.40.  There  had  also  been  purchased  of  them,  for  the  work  of  the 
interior  and  for  the  statuary  of  the  pediment,  not  included  in  their  contract,  8,166 
cubic  feet,  costing  $13,596.95. 


The  Extensions. 


661 


There  had  also  been  received  2,255  cubic  feet  of  Tennessee  marble  for  the  stair- 
ways, and  1,727  cubic  feet  of  Italian  marble.  During  the  year  ending  30th  Septem- 
ber, 1855,  the  whole  quantity  received  was  71,954  cubic  feet,  costing  $131,015.16. 
During  the  year  ending  30th  September,  1856,  the  whole  quantity  received  is  76,286 
cubic  feet,  costing  $169,055.12.  Of  this,  54,018  cubic  feet,  costing  $97,082.60,  was 
delivered  under  the  contract  of  Rice,  Baird  & Heebuer.  Of  the  remaining  22,268 
cubic  feet  (costing  $71,973.52)  3,892J  feet  are  Lee  marble,  and  14,911  feet  are  Italian 
marble  for  interior  work.  The  remainder  is  colored  marble,  principally  Tennessee, 
of  which  2,925  feet,  costing  $20,474.43,  have  been  received  during  the  year. 

The  work  done  under  the  contract  of  Messrs.  Provost,  Winter  & Co.,  during  the 
year  ending  30th  September,  1856,  has  amounted  to  $254,981.55. 

Brickwork.  — This  has  consisted  in  completing  all  the  floor  and  roof  arches  of  the 
wings,  building  the  cross-walls  to  support  the  metal  roof  over  the  attic  ceiling  arches, 
backing  up  the  marble  in  the  exterior  walls,  preparing  foundations  for  the  marble 
columns,  setting  mantels,  building  air-ducts  in  the  cellars,  and  levelling  up  the  floors 
to  receive  the  tile  pavements. 

Six  stairways  of  granite,  four  desending  from  the  basement  to  the  cellars,  and  two 
leading  from  the  attic  to  the  roof,  have  been  built  during  the  year. 

There  have  been  received  during  the  year  569,786  bricks,  in  addition  to  1,662,841 
which  were  on  hand  at  the  time  of  my  last  annual  report,  of  which  2,012,627  have 
been  laid  in  the  work  during  the  past  year,  and  there  are  now  on  hand  220,000.  The 
whole  number  of  bricks  laid  in  the  building,  thus  far,  is  18,346,658. 

Plastering. — Many  rooms  in  all  the  stories  and  many  of  the  corridors  have  received 
the  first  coats  of  plaster.  The  last  coat  it  is  better  to  reserve  until  the  final  finishing 
and  decoration  of  the  rooms  is  to  be  begun. 

Floors. — Considerable  progress  has  been  made  in  laying  the  tile  floors;  designs  of 
many  floors  in  the  principal  story  have  been  prepared,  and  the  manufacture  ordered. 
Those  laid  thus  far  are  confined  to  the  basement  story. 

The  store-rooms  of  the  south  wing,  and  the  exterior  ranges  of  committee-rooms 
of  the  basement  of  both  wings,  are  nearly  all  floored.  Much  of  this  work,  however, 
remains  to  be  done. 

The  manufacturer  and  patentee  of  the  chalcedon,  referred  to  in  my  last  report  as 
a beautiful  material  for  flooring,  has  failed  to  fill  the  order  for  two  small  pavements 
given  to  him  to  test  its  fitness  and  his  ability  to  make  it  in  quantity. 

Roof. — The  whole  of  the  two  wings  have  been  covered  with  metallic  or  glass 
roofing  during  the  year. 

The  covering  is  of  corrugated  copper,  secured  to  iron  purlins. 

Over  the  arches  of  the  committee-rooms,  the  purlins  rest  upon  thin  brick  walls. 
The  spaces  between  these  walls  will  be  used  as  store-rooms. 

Over  the  Senate  chamber  iron  trusses  of  83J  feet  span,  and  over  the  Representative 
chain  berof  96  feet  span,  support  the  corrugated  copper  covering  and  the  glass  skylights. 

The  stairways  will  be  roofed  with  glass  supported  on  iron  trusses  of  30  feet  span,  of 
simple  and  light  construction,  which  are  in  place  already. 

A portion  of  the  skylight  of  the  Senate  is  yet  unglazed,  and  the  glass  for  the  stair- 
ways has  not  yet  been  received,  though  expected  shortly.  It  is  being  manufactured 
in  this  country,  and  the  delays  and  accidents  incident  to  a new  manufacture  have 
interfered  with  its  delivery  at  the  time  agreed  upon. 

Iron-work. — The  ceilings  of  the  Senate  and  Representative  chambers  of  cast  iron 
have  been  completed.  They  are  very  rich  in  design  and  of  light  construction.  They 
are  supported  by  the  iron  truss  frames  of  the  roof.  Those  for  the  members’  retiring- 
room  and  the  rooms  under  the  Mouse  and  Senate  are  in  progress. 

The  gallery  fronts  of  both  House  and  Senate  are  being  made  of  east  iron.  Parts  of 
them  have  just  been  shipped  from  the  manufactory  in  New  York,  and  will  be  here 
in  a few  days. 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


662 


The  door  frames  throughout  the  building  are  of  cast  iron.  Those  of  the  basement 
are  nearly  all  in  place.  Those  for  the  other  stories  are  in  hand,  but  have  not  yet 
been  delivered. 

The  window-casings  of  all  the  stories  are  also  of  cast  iron.  All  those  for  the  base- 
ment and  many  in  the  principal  story  are  set.  Those  for  the  attic  are  now  being 
delivered. 

Carpentry. — The  window  frames  of  all  the  windows  have  been  completed  and  set. 
The  sash  of  the  lower  and  principal  stories  are  glazed  and  set,  and  part  of  the  sash 
of  the  attic  is  completed.  The  making  and  putting  up  of  centring  and  scaffolding, 
making  of  doors  and  window  frames  and  sash,  have  employed  during  the  year  a 
large  force  of  carpenters. 

Sculpture. — The  models  of  the  Pioneer  and  the  America  for  the  pediment,  both 
colossal,  have  been  received  during  the  year;  the  marble  for  the  Pioneer  is  here, 
and  that  for  the  America  is  on  its  way  from  the  quarry.  The  remainder  of  the 
models  have  arrived  in  New  York,  but  have  not  yet  reached  Washington. 

The  Mechanic  has  been  completed  in  marble — the  group  of  Youth  will  be  finished 
this  month. 

The  Commerce,  Instruction,  and  War  are  well  advanced  in  the  marble. 

The  bronze  work  for  the  doors  of  the  galleries  of  the  legislative  halls  is  well 
advanced. 

Painting. — The  room  of  the  Committee  on  Agriculture,  in  the  south  wing,  has  been 
painted  in  fresco  with  appropriate  subjects.  The  same  style  of  decoration,  so  far  as 
possible,  is  being  carried  out  in  other  rooms. 

In  the  room  of  the  Judiciary  Committee  of  the  Senate  the  ceiling  has  been  painted 
in  distemper,  with  four  small  paintings  in  fresco  in  the  arches.  The  walls  have  been 
colored  in  encaustic,  reserving  four  spaces  for  fresco  paintings.  This  room  is  tem- 
porarily occupied  by  the  Court  of  Claims. 

The  room  of  the  Committee  on  Foreign  Relations  has  been  completed,  with  the 
exception  of  four  spaces  reserved  for  fresco  paintings.  The  ceiling  here  is  distemper, 
the  wall  encaustic. 

In  the  Post  Office  and  Post  Roads  Committee  room  the  ceiling  only  is  finished. 
It  is  in  distemper.  This  room  is  now  occupied  by  the  superintendent  of  the  folding- 
room  as  a store-room  for  books. 

The  Senate  Naval  Committee  room  is  being  painted,  the  ceiling  in  distemper  and 
fresco,  the  walls  in  oil.  The  decoration  of  this  room  is  in  the  style  derived  from  the 
remains  of  ancient  painting  in  the  baths  of  Titus  and  the  excavations  of  Pompeii. 
Panels'  on  the  walls  are  being  filled  with  pictures  of  our  naval  battles. 

The  room  of  the  Committee  on  Commerce  is  also  in  hand. 

In  the  south  wing  the  decorators  are  at  work  upon  the  rooms  of  the  Committees  on 
Public  Lands  and  Territories. 

The  iron  ceiling  of  the  Representative  hall  is  being  painted  and  decorated.  The 
beams  and  panels  are  being  painted  with  positive  colors,  and  the  mouldings  gener- 
ally of  the  ceiling  and  cornice  enriched  with  gold  and  bronze,  relieved  by  strong 
colors. 

The  effect,  as  far  as  the  work  has  progressed,  is  very  rich  and  magnificent. 

Warming. — The  wrought-iron  pipes  for  heating  the  building  are  nearly  all  deliv- 
ered, and  workmen  are  now  employed  in  putting  them  together  in  coils,  and  in  lay- 
ing the  brick  air-ducts  for  the  supply  of  air  to  the  various  coils,  and  through  them 
to  the  committee-rooms. 

The  boilers  will  be  placed  outside  the  wings,  in  vaults  to  be  constructed  under  the 
pavement  between  the  new  and  old  buildings.  The  plans  for  these  vaults  are 
arranged,  but,  as  the  boilers  cannot  be  completed  before  next  spring,  it  is  not 
intended  to  commence  their  construction  before  the  adjournment  of  Congress.  They 


The  Extensions. 


663 


could  not  have  been  commenced  before  this  time  without  interfering  with  the  prog- 
ress of  the  marble-work  of  the  wings. 

The  following  list  shows  the  labor  applied  during  the  year: 

* * * 

CASH  ACCOUNT. 

Amount  available  30th  September,  1855 $747,  918.  80 

Amount  appropriated  1st  August,  1856 750,000.00 

1,497,918.  80 

Amount  in  treasury  undrawn  30th  September,  1856 $635,  000.  00 

Deposited  with  Treasurer  of  the  United  States  at  Wash- 
ington, and  assistant  treasurers  at  New  York  and  Phila- 
delphia, subject  to  checks  of  superintendent,  on  30th 


April,  1856 71,  537.  51 

Cash  in  hand  for  pay-roll 158.  40 

Amount  available  30th  September,  1856 $706,  695.  91 


Amount  expended  in  year  ending  30th  September,  1856 791, 222.  89 


The  following  appropriations  have  been  made  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  viz: 


Appropriation  of  30th  September,  1850  $100,  000.  00 

Joint  resolution  of  14th  April,  1852 500,000.00 

Deficiency  bill  for  year  ending  30th  June,  1853 400,  000.  00 

General  appropriation  bill  for  year  ending  30th  June,  1854 600,  000.  00 

General  appropriation  bill  for  year  ending  30th  June,  1855 750,  000.  00 

General  appropriation  bill  for  year  ending  30th  June,  1856 325,  000.  00 

General  appropriation  bill  for  year  ending  30th  June,  1857 750,  000.  00 


Total  appropriated 3,  425,  000.  00 

Of  which  there  has  been  expended  to  30th  September,  1856 2,  718,  304. 09 


Leaving  available  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  30th  June,  1857 706,  695.  91 


Amount  required  for  the  service  of  the  year  ending  30th  June,  1858. . . 900, 000.  00 


All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted  by  your  obedient  servant, 

M.  C.  Meigs, 

Captain  of  Engineers,  in  charge. 

Hon.  Jefferson  Davis, 

Secretary  of  War. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Jefferson  Davis,  Secretary  of  War,  Dec.  1,  1856.  (31 — 3,  House  Ex.  Doc. 

No.  1,  v.  2,  p.  23.)] 

The  construction  of  the  Capitol  extension  has  advanced  as  rapidly  as  the  supply  of 
marble  would  permit.  The  building  is  roofed  in,  the  ceilings  of  the  Representatives 
and  of  the  Senate  Chamber  are  completed,  and  the  interior  finish  is  begun. 

Several  committee  rooms  have  been  finished,  and  others,  though  not  yet  painted, 
have  been  temporarily  occupied  by  committees,  in  consequence  of  the  deficiency  of 
room  in  the  old  building.  The  decoration  of  these  rooms  was  thus  deferred,  to  be 
resumed  during  the  recess  of  Congress. 

The  vast  quantity  of  marble  for  the  porticoes,  in  which  there  are  a hundred  col- 
umns, will  require  at  least  two  seasons  for  its  delivery;  but  the  occupation  of  the 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


664 

building  need  not  be  delayed  until  the  completion  of  these  porticoes.  As  soon  as 
the  main  body  of  the  wings  is  completed,  which,  including  the  ventilating  and  heat- 
ing apparatus,  it  is  expected  will  be  accomplished  during  the  next  summer,  the 
building  may  Ire  occupied. 

In  my  last  annual  report,  and  in  communications  since  made  in  answer  to  resolu- 
tions of  Congress,  it  was  announced  that  specimens  of  painting  and  decoration,  of 
encaustic  tile  flooring,  of  cast  iron  window  and  door  casings,  had  been  prepared  for 
the  inspection  of  Congress,  and  that  other  improvements  on  the  original  plan  were 
contemplated. 

It  was  then  stated,  that  if  this  higher  style  of  finish  was  adopted,  the  cost  of  the 
building  must  be  proportionally  increased.  And  as  the  original  plan  and  estimate 
was  for  the  lower  style  of  finish  found  in  the  main  building,  it  was  deemed  proper 
to  submit  to  Congress  for  decision  the  question  of  changing  the  style  to  the  higher 
standard  of  the  present  state  of  architectural  skill;  and  it  was  suggested  that  improve- 
ments might  be  introduced  to  a greater  or  less  extent,  as  Congress  might  provide. 
Awaiting  the  decision  of  this  question,  no  further  appropriation  for  the  Capitol 
extension  was  presented  in  the  annual  estimates  of  this  Department.  During  the 
session,  and  with  the  understanding  that  it  was  the  will  of  Congress  that  the  higher 
style  of  finish  should  be  introduced  into  the  whole  building,  an  estimate  for  the  cur- 
rent year’s  expenditure  was  transmitted  to  Congress,  and  an  appropriation  was  made 
in  accordance  with  it.  I have  this  year  caused  estimates  to  be  made  on  the  hypo- 
thesis that  the  building  is  to  be  completed,  both  as  to  material  and  workmanship,  so 
as  to  conform  throughout  to  those  parts  which  have  already  been  constructed;  and  it 
appears  that  the  additional  sum,  which  will  thus  be  required,  is  two  millions  one 
hundred  thousand  dollars,  of  which  a portion  is  asked  in  the  annual  estimate  for  the 
next  fiscal  year. 


[House  proceedings  of  Jan.  5,  1857:  Congressional  Globe,  34 — 3,  p.  232.] 

UNITED  STATES  ARCHITECT,  ETC. 

Mr.  Valk.  I ask  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  House  for  leave  to  introduce  the 
following  resolution: 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  the  United  States  be,  and  is  hereby,  requested  to  inform  this  House 
by  what  authority  a Government  architect  is  employed  and  paid  for  designing  and  erecting  all 
public  buildings,  and  also  for  placing  said  buildings  under  the  supervision  of  military  engineers. 

Mr.  Keitt.  I object. 

Mr.  Valk.  I move  to  suspend  the  rules. 

The  rules  were  suspended,  (two  thirds  voting  in  favor  thereof, ) and  the  resolution 
was  then  adopted. 


[House  of  Representatives.  Ex.  Doc.,  No.  47,  34th  Congress,  3d  Session.  Government  Architect. 
Message  from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  transmitting  reports  from  the  Secretary  of  the 
Treasury  and  the  Secretary  of  War,  in  answer  to  a resolution  of  the  House  asking  by  what 
authority  a government  architect  is  employed,  &c.  January  22,  1867. — Referred  to  the  Committee 
on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds.] 

To  the  House  of  Representatives: 

In  response  to  a resolution  of  January  5,  1857,  requesting  the  President  to  inform 
the  House  of  Representatives  “by  w7hat  authority  a government  architect  is  employed 
and  paid  for  designing  and  erecting  all  public  buildings,  and  also  for  placing  said 
buildings  under  the  superv.sion  of  military  engineers,”  I submit  the  accompanying 
reports  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  and  the  Secretary  of  War. 

Franklin  Pierce. 

W ashington,  January  20 , 1857. 

* * * 


The  Extensions. 


6(35 

War  Department,  January  7,  1857. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  the  resolution  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  this  day  referred  by  you  and  herewith  enclosed. 

Two  points  are  presented  by  the  resolution.  To  the  first  I reply,  that  this  depart- 
ment does  not  employ  an  architect,  as  set  forth  in  the  resolution.  Under  the  pro- 
visions of  the  act  of  September  30,  1850,  (civil  and  diplomatic  appropriation,)  the 
President  appointed  an  architect  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  and  since  its  con- 
struction he  has  been  transferred  to  iny  charge,  and  he  has  been  retained  in  employ- 
ment  by  the  same  authority,  being  an  exception  to  the  rule  in  relation  to  the  public 
buildings  constructed  under  the  direction  of  this  department.  To  the  second  point 
I answer:  JBy  the  act  of  March  3,  1851,  (appropriation  for  light-houses,  &c.,)  the 
President  is  required  to  have  “detailed  from  the  engineer  corps  of  the  army,  from 
time  to  time,  such  officers  as  may  be  necessary  to  superintend  the  construction  and 
renovating  light-houses.”  And  by  the  act  of  April  10,  1806,  article  63,  the  authority 
of  the  President  of  the  United  States  is  recognized  to  employ  military  engineers  “on 
any  duty  beyond  the  line  of  their  immediate  profession.”  It  is  to  be  remarked  that 
the  language  at  that  time  employed  by  Congress  was  in  the  form  of  a restriction 
against  anybody  else  so  detaching  an  engineer  from  his  ordinary  military  duties, 
thus  emphatically  showing  that  the  authority  of  the  President  was  at  that  time 
unquestioned,  and  the  expediency  of  its  occasional  exercise  admitted.  Indeed,  few 
things  would  seem  to  be  less  controvertible  than  the  right  of  a government  to  employ 
for  its  own  purposes  the  officers  it  had  specially  trained  for  the  construction  of  great 
public  works. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Jeff’n  Davis, 

Secretary  of  War. 

To  the  President. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Jan.  28,  1857:  Senate  Journal,  34 — 3,  p.  136.] 

The  President  pro  tempore  laid  before  the  Senate  a letter  from  the  Secretary  of  War 
informing  the  Senate  that  room  No.  11  in  the  basement  story  of  the  north  wing  of 
the  Capitol  extension  is  finished  and  ready  for  occupation;  which  was  read. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  certain  Civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  Year 
ending  the  thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-eight,”  approved  Mar.  3,  1857.  (Stats,  at 
Large,  v.  11,  226.)] 

For  United  States  Capitol  extension,  nine  hundred  thousand  dollars. 


[Annual  report  of  Capt.  M.  C.  Meigs,  in  charge  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  30,  1857.  (35 — 1,  House 

Ex.  Doc.  No.  2,  vol.  2,  p.  40.)] 

REPORT  ON  CAPITOL  EXTENSION,  RECONSTRUCTION  OF  DOME,  AND 
POST  OFFICE  EXTENSION. 

Office  of  the  Extension  of  the  Capitol, 

Washington  City,  November  30,  1857 . 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  report  the  progress  during  the  past  year  of  the  works  of 
the  extension  of  the  Capitol. 

The  two  wings  of  the  extension  are  roofed  in.  Portions  of  the  cornice  of  the  exte- 
rior, and  of  the  blocking  course  over  the  cornice,  are  set. 

Immediately  after  the  adjournment  of  Congress,  the  grounds  between  the  wings 
and  main  building  was  excavated,  and  the  foundations  of  the  boiler-vaults,  and  of 
the  connecting  corridors,  and  coal  passages,  were  commenced. 


666 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  holler-vaults,  which  are  very  extensive,  and  which  are  placed  under  the  ter- 
races outside  of  the  building,  have  been  arched  over;  and  the  boilers,  which  have 
been  placed  in  them,  are  now  being  fitted  for  immediate  use. 

Connecting  corridors. — Of  these  the  foundations  are  completed,  and  the  lower  stories 
are  built  and  arched  over,  and  the  walls  of  the  principal  story  have  made  some 
progress. 

It  is  hoped  that  in  the  first  week  of  December  the  masonry  of  the  attic  floor  of  the 
south  connecting  corridor  may  be  completed;  thus  affording  a sheltered  passage  from 
the  old  to  the  new  representative  chamber. 

Vestibules. — The  marble  columns,  ceilings,  &c.,  of  the  vestibules  of  the  principal 
stories  of  both  wings  have  been  completed  and  set.  The  basement  vestibules  are 
finished. 

A large  portion  of  the  interior  of  the  buildings  has  been  finished  and  prepared 
for  use. 

floors. — The  tile  floors  throughout  the  basement  story  are  laid.  A few  missing 
tiles,  and  the  floors  of  the  rooms  which  have  been  occupied  as  the  offices  during  the 
construction  of  the  wmrk,  remain  to  be  laid. 

Part  of  the  floors  of  the  principal  story  of  the  south  wing  have  been  laid.  Those 
of  the  clerks’  rooms,  on  the  west  front,  the  floors  of  the  corridors  under  the  gal- 
leries of  the  house,  and  some  others,  are  laid.  The  tiles  for  others  are  here. 

Stairs. — The  private  stairs  leading  to  the  House  of  Representatives,  and  to  the 
Senate  Hall,  have  been  completed,  except-  the  hand  rail. 

Upon  the  principal  stairs  much  progress  has  been  made;  but  they  are  yet  unfin- 
ished. 

Rooms. — Many  committee  rooms  in  the  north  wing  have  been  finished.  Some  of 
them  are  painted  and  decorated;  others  are  merely  plastered. 

The  Hall  of  Representatives  is  nearly  ready  for  occupation.  The  cast  iron  ceiling 
is  completed  and  painted.  The  galleries  are  ready  for  the  upholsterers.  Their  cast 
iron  fronts  are  finished,  the  floors  laid,  and  the  carpet  is  being  fitted.  The  marble 
work  of  the  Speaker’s  desk,  and  of  those  for  the  clerks  and  official  reporters,  is 
finished  and  set,  and  these  desks  will  be  ready  for  use  by  the  meeting  of  Congress. 

The  desks  for  the  members,  and  one-half  of  the  chairs,  are  in  the  building.  The 
other  half  of  the  chairs  is  daily  expected. 

The  ornamental  glass  for  the  skylights  of  the  Hall  of  Representatives  has  not 
arrived.  It  was  ordered  last  spring,  and  the  manufacturers  undertook  to  deliver  it- 
by  the  1st  of  September.  They  have  failed  to  deliver  it  to  this  date;  but  it  is  hoped 
that  it  will  be  here  by  the  meeting  of  Congress. 

Heating  and  Ventilation. — Workmen  are  engaged  night  and  day  in  fitting  the  con- 
nexions of  the  boilers  of  the  south  wing,  and  in  endeavoring  to  recover  time  lost  in 
their  delivery.  The  makers  of  the  boilers  were  one  month  behind  time  in  delivering 
them.  I hope,  however,  to  be  able  to  light  the  fires  before  the  meeting  of  Congress. 

The  ventilating  fan,  I fear,  cannot  be  completed  in  time;  but  the  arrangements  are 
such  as  to  ensure  a very  tolerable  action  of  the  heating  apparatus  without  the  fan. 

The  heating  apparatus  of  the  south  wing,  with  the  exception  of  some  connexions 
about  the  boilers  and  pumps,  is  finished;  and  all  are  expected  to  be  in  use  by  the 
first  Monday  in  December. 

This  apparatus  is  one  of  the  most  extensive  and  complete  in  the  world.  Its 
arrangement  and  details  have  required  a vast  amount  of  study,  of  scientific  and 
mechanical  knowledge,  and  experience,  in  which  I have  been  ably  assisted  by  the 
manufacturers,  Messrs.  Nason  & Dodge,  and  their  agents. 

When  completed,  and  tried  practically  by  a few  months  working,  I hope  to  have 
time  to  make  a special  report  to  you  upon  its  construction  and  principles. 

It  is  a work  of  great  interest  to  all  persons  engaged  in  the  construction  of  public 
buildings  in  our  variable  climate. 


The  Extensions. 


667 


Marble. — The  mantels  for  the  building  are  most  of  them  completed,  and  in  place. 
They  are  generally  made  from  native  marbles,  though  for  variety  some  Italian 
marble  has  been  used. 

There  had  been  delivered,  by  Messrs.  Rice,  Baird  & Heebner,  on  30th  September, 
1856,  under  their  contract  for  marble  for  the  extension,  238,451  cubic  feet  of  marble 
from  the  quarries  at  Lee,  Massachusetts,  costing  1384,934. 

The  quantity  of  marble  which  had  been  purchased  for  the  interior  of  the  building, 
not  under  the  contract  of  Rice,  Baird  & Heebner,  was  30,434  cubic  feet,  costing 
185,569.47,  of  this  a portion  was  Lee  marble,  but  the  greater  part  Italian  and  varie- 
gated marbles  for  the  interior  decoration. 

There  have  been  delivered  during  the  year  ending  30th  September,  1857,  under 
the  contract  of  Messrs.  Rice,  Baird  & Heebner,  47.783J  cubic  feet  of  marble,  costing 
$87,833.13;  and  of  Italian  and  other  marbles,  not  under  this  contract,  13,331  cubic 
feet  have  been  received,  at  a cost  of  $50,530. 

Brick  work. — This  has  consisted  principally  in  the  flues  under  cellar  floors  for 
ventilation  and  heating;  for  passage  of  iron  pipes,  &c. ; in  the  building  of  the  air 
chambers,  enclosing  the  heating  coils;  the  air  passages  under  the  floor  of  the  Repre- 
sentative chamber;  the  backing  of  the  gallery  fronts  of  the  same  chamber;  the  com- 
pletion of  some  arches  of  the  wings;  walls  for  carrying  marble  stairs;  laying  floors 
of  rooms  and  corridors,  and  of  cellars;  and  in  the  arches  and  walls  of  the  boiler 
vaults  and  connecting  corridors.  There  have  been  received  during  the  year  ending 
30th  September,  1,327,925  bricks,  and  1,196,050  have  been  laid. 

Plastering. — Many  of  the  rooms  and  corridors  have  been  finished  in  plaster,  some 
of  them  with  a plain,  rough  coat,  to  receive  fresco  painting,  others  highly  finished 
with  moulded  ornaments,  to  remain  unpainted. 

Roofs  and  roof  gutters. — The  roofs  of  the  wings  are  closed;  but  we  have  been  troubled 
during  the  year  with  leakage  at  the  eaves,  in  consequence  of  the  eave  gutters  not  having 
been  completed.  These  gutters  are  of  cast  iron;  the  greater  part  of  them  are  nowin 
place.  They  are  cast  in  sections  with  spigot  and  faucet  joints  like  that  used  in  cast 
iron  water  pipes,  but  arranged  so  as  to  be  caulked  with  hemp  gasket  and  red  lead 
putty  from  the  inside. 

The  gutters  of  a great  building  like  this  are  always  difficult  to  make  tight,  and  to 
them,  too  generally,  the  gradual  deterioration  and  decay  of  the  building  may  be 
traced. 

They  are  exposed  to  all  the  extremes  of  heat  and  cold,  and  it  is  very  difficult  to 
make  efficient  provision  for  expansion  and  contraction  without  leakage.  I hope  that 
I have  succeeded  with  these  gutters. 

They  are  very  heavy  and  difficult  castings  to  make,  requiring  a constant  alteration 
of  patterns;  and  I have  been  disappointed  in  my  endeavor  to  procure  them  all  during 
the  summer. 

The  stairway  roofs  have  all  been  completed  and  glazed  with  f-inch  thick  rough 
plate  glass.  They  appear  to  be  perfectly  tight. 

Iron  work. — In  addition  to  the  ceilings  of  the  House  and  Senate  chambers,  which 
are  finished  and  painted,  the  ceilings  of  the  rooms  under  the  galleries  of  the  House, 
of  the  members’  retiring  room,  and  the  fronts  of  the  House  galleries  have  been 
completed. 

The  fronts  of  the  Senate  galleries  and  the  ceilings  of  the  rooms  under  the  Senate 
galleries  are  being  delivered,  and  will  be  erected  during  the  winter. 

The  door  frames  and  window  casings  and  linings  throughout  the  building  are  of 
cast  iron,  and  they  are  nearly  all  complete  and  set  in  the  walls. 

Those  for  the  corridors  are  here  and  ready  to  be  set. 

Carpentry. — Window  sash  and  frames  throughout  the  building  are  of  wood.  They 
are  completed,  and  where  the  masonry  has  been  prepared  for  them  they  have 
been  set. 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


668 

The  floor  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  floor  and  seats  of  the  galleries,  book 
shelves  in  some  of  the  rooms,  doors  and  shutters  generally  throughout  the  building, 
shops,  scaffolds,  and  other  auxiliary  works  have  required  a large  force  of  carpenters 
to  be  employed  throughout  the  year. 

Sculpture. — The  models  for  the  pediment  have  all  been  received,  and  most  of  them 
have  been  executed  in  marble. 

The  America,  the  Indian  Chief,  and  the  Hunter  are  now  in  hand;  the  others  are 
completed. 

Mr.  Crawford,  who  designed  and  executed  the  original  models  of  this  pediment, 
has  died  during  the  year.  His  loss  will  be  felt  by  all  those  who  desire  the  advance- 
ment of  art  in  this  country.  He  left  some  works  intended  for  the  Capitol  unfinished; 
but  it  is  a source  of  satisfaction  to  all  lovers  of  art  that  he  was  able  to  complete  this 
greatest  work  of  sculpture  yet  attempted  by  any  American.  And  the  designs  and 
models  for  his  other  works  intended  for  the  Capitol,  I am  informed,  are  in  such  a 
state  that  there  will  be  no  difficulty  in  completing  the  works  in  the  spirit  and  with 
all  the  beauty  of  his  original  conceptions. 

Niches  have  been  provided  above  the  galleries  of  the  Representative  hall  and 
Senate  chambers;  and  I suggest  that  it  would  be  well  to  call  the  attention  of  Congress 
to  the  propriety  of  making  arrangements  for  filling  these  niches  with  commemorative 
statues  of  distinguished  citizens. 

Painting. — Several  of  the  committee  rooms,  of  both  the  north  and  south  wings, 
have  been  painted  and  decorated ; others  remain  unfinished. 

The  cast  iron  ceilings  of  the  Representative  and  Senate  chambers  have  been 
painted  in  a very  rich  and  elaborate  style,  which  style  it  is  intended  to  carry  out  in 
the  remaining  decorations  of  the  rooms. 

Drainage. — In  order  to  drain  the  building,  a brick  sewer  about  one-half  mile  in 
length  has  been  constructed,  leading  along  the  western  front,  connecting  with  drains 
under  the  middle  of  each  wing,  into  which  all  the  water  from  the  acres  of  roof  and 
from  the  wash-stands,  water-closets,  &c.,  flows  through  iron  pipes.  This  sewer 
empties  into  the  canal  to  the  southwest  of  the  Capitol. 

It  will  serve  also  to  drain  the  grounds,  and  the  streets  and  squares  in  that  quarter 
of  the  city. 

(las. — Gas  pipes  have  been  laid  throughout  the  wings,  and  gas  fixtures  prepared 
for  the  hall  of  Representatives  and  many  of  the  rooms  and  corridors. 

A ten-inch  main  has  been  laid,  connecting  with  the  mains  of  the  gas  company, 
and  passing  up  the  street  on  the  south  of  the  Capitol  to  the  eastern  front,  where  it 
divides  into  two  eight-inch  mains,  which  supply  the  wings  and  the  old  building. 

Two  large  station  metres  have  been  placed  under  the  connecting  corridors,  by 
which  the  quantity  of  gas  consumed  will  be  registered. 

When  all  the  lights  throughout  the  building  (as  may  be  the  case  during  a night 
session)  are  in  use,  the  quantity  of  gas  required  will  be  beyond  the  ability  of  the 
city  gas  company  to  supply,  without/ interfering  with  the  supply  of  the  city.  As 
this  great  demand  is  not  constant,  but  liable  to  occur  suddenly,  and  sometimes  for 
two  or  three  nights  in  succession,  the  gas  company  cannot  provide  for  it  except  by 
providing  a separate  gasometer,  in  which  a surplus  can  be  stored  up  to  meet  this 
sudden  demand.  The  cost  of  this  gasometer  would  not  be  repaid  to  them  by  this 
occasional  consumption;  and,  after  investigating  the  subject,  1 had  the  honor  to 
report  to  you  that  it  would,  in  my  opinion,  be  proper  for  the  government  to  provide 
a gas-holder  for  the  use  of  the  Capitol  alone. 

This  matter  remains  unacted  upon,  and  it  should,  I think,  be  brought  to  the 
attention  of  Congress  at  this  session. 

There  has  been  applied  during  the  year  ending  the  30th  of  September,  1857, 138,654 
days’  work  upon  the  United  States  pay-rolls,  and  81,372  days’  work  by  those  employed 
by  the  contractors  about  the  building,  in  all  220,026  days’  work;  which  sum  is  exclu- 


The  Extensions. 


669 


give  of  the  large  forces  employed  at  the  marble  and  granite  quarries,  and  in  the 
various  private  workshops  whose  resources  have  been  made  available  for  the  building. 


Cash  Account.  , 

Amount  available  30th  September,  1856 $706,695. 91 

Amount  appropriated  3d  March,  1857 900,000.00 

1,606,695.  91 

Amount  in  treasury  undrawn  30th  September,  1857 $660,000.  00 

Deposited  with  Treasurer  of  the  United  States  at  Washing- 
ton, and  assistant  treasurers  at  New  York  and  Philadel- 
phia, subject  to  checks  of  superintendent,  on  30th  Sep- 
tember, 1857 63,906.  44 

Cash  in  hand  for  pay-roll 280.  60 


Amount  available  30th  September,  1857 724,187.  04 

Amount  expended  in  year  ending  30th  September,  1857 882,508.  87 

The  following  appropriations  have  been  made  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  viz: 
* * * 

Total  appropriated 4,  325,  000.  00 

Of  which  there  has  been  expended  to  30th  September,  1857  3,  600,  812.  96 

Leaving  available  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  30th  June,  1857  724, 187.  04 

All  which  is  expected  to  be  expended  by  the  1st  of  June  next. 

Amount  required  for  the  service  of  the  year  ending  30th  June,  1859 1,  000,  000.  00 


All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted  by  your  obedient  servant, 

M.  C.  Meigs, 

Captain  of  Engineers,  in  charge. 

Hon.  J.  B.  Floyd,  Secretary  of  War. 


[House  of  Representatives,  Ex.  Doc.  No.  8.  35th  Congress,  1st  Session.  Hall  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives. Letter  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  stating  that  the  new  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives is  ready  for  occupation.  Dec.  10, 1857. — Referred  to  the  Select  Committee  heretofore  appointed 
on  the  subject  of  the  new  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives.] 

War  Department, 
Washington,  December  9,  1857. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  state  that  the  engineer  now  in  charge  of  the  work  has 
reported  to  me  that  the  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives  and  the  room  for  the 
office  of  the  Clerk  of  the  House  in  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  of  the  United  States 
are  ready  for  occupation. 

In  communicating  this  information,  1 beg  leave  to  say  that  the  rooms  aforesaid  are 
now  at  the  disposal  of  the  House. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

John  B.  Floyd,  Secretary  of  War. 

Hon.  James  L.  Orr, 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


[House  proceedings  of  February  9,  1858:  Congressional  Globe,  35 — 1,  p.  638.] 

CAPITOL  BUILDINGS  AND  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  York,  in  pursuance  of  previous  notice,  introduced  a bill  to 
create  a commission  to  complete  the  Capitol  and  Capitol  grounds;  which  was  read  a 
first  and  second  time. 


670 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


He  also  moved  that  the  bill  be  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Military  Affairs. 

Mr.  Morgan.  That  bill  appropriately  belongs  to  the  Committee  on  the  Public 
Buildings  and  Grounds. 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  York.  I believe  the  construction  of  the  Capitol  extensions  is 
now  in  charge  of  the  War  Department. 

Mr.  Clingman.  I object  to  debate.  If  it  give  rise  to  debate,  it  will  go  over. 

Mr.  Jones,  of  Tennessee.  The  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds 
have  this  subject,  as  I understand,  under  consideration,  and  are  preparing  a report 
on  the  extension  of  the  grounds  on  different  plans,  covering  different  areas,  so  that 
the  House  may  be  able  to  select  under  what  plan  and  to  what  extent  the  grounds 
shall  be  enlarged,  and  I think  this  subject  should  go  to  them.  It  is  a committee 
which  is  certainly  organized  to  investigate  and  look  into  the  condition  of  the  public 
buildings  and  grounds,  and  it  is  the  committee  to  which  this  subject,  as  it  seems  to 
me,  should  properly  be  referred. 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  York.  I have  no  objection  to  that  reference,  except  this:  the 
chairman  of  that  committee  told  me  that  I had  better  not  have  the  bill  referred  to 
that  committee;  that  he  was  opposed  to  the  whole  thing,  and  should  report  against 
it.  I would  like  to  have  this  bill  receive  a fair  consideration;  and  I want  it  referred 
to  a committee  which  will  give  it  a fair  and  proper  consideration.  That  is  my  only 
reason  for  proposing  that  it  shall  be  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Military  Affairs. 

Mr.  Morgan.  If  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  is  not  the 
proper  committee  to  consider  such  a subject,  we  may  as  well  abolish  the  committee 
altogether. 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  York.  I will  not  object  to  its  being  referred  to  that  committee. 

The  bill  was  accordingly  referred  to  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings  and 
Grounds. 


[From  the  “Act  to  supply  Deficiencies  in  the  Appropriations  for  the  Service  of  the  Fiscal  Year  ending 
the  thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  'and  fifty-eight,”  approved,  May  4,  1858.  (Stats,  at  Large, 
v.  11,  267. )] 

For  furniture  for  speaker’s  room,  and  committee  rooms,  clerk’s  offices,  sergeant- 
at-arms’  office,  door-keeper’s  room,  and  carpenter’s  work,  thirty  thousand  dollars. 


[House  proceedings  of  May  19,  1858:  Congressional  Globe,  35 — 1,  pp.  2243,2256-7.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  State  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Sundry  Civil  bill  for  1859 — 

Mr.  Lovejoy.  * * * Now,  sir,  these  military  men  are  to  be  found  everywhere. 
The  superintendent  for  constructing  this  Capitol  must  be  a military  man;  and  if  you 
ask  for  their  monuments,  I would  reply  in  the  language  of  the  epitaph  of  Sir  Chris- 
topher Wren,  in  St.  Paul’s:  “Si  monumentum  qu?eris,  circumspice.”  If  you  want  a 
monument  of  military  architecture,  look  at  the  meretricious  and  garish  gilding  of 
these  walls,  and  the  splendid  specimens  of  fresco  paintings  in  these  panels.  And 
then  go  down  into  the  Agricultural  Committee-room — at  one  end  is  a representation 
of  Old  Put  leaving  his  plow;  and  at  the  other  end  is  Cincinnatus,  also  leaving  his 
plow. 

Now,  sir,  the  proper  idea  is,  in  my  view,  to  have  given  some  paintings  that  would 
represent  the  agriculture  of  the  present  time — of  1858 — so  that  one  or  three  hundred 
years  hence  those  who  see  them  should  learn  what  was  the  condition  of  agriculture 
of  the  present  year.  There  is  one  exception — that  of  a reaper.  This  is  as  it  should 
be.  That  is  on  one  side,  in  the  middle  of  a field  of  wheat,  and  looks  very  well, 
except  that  it  ought  to  have  been  at  the  side  of  the  field,  as  that,  is  where  cutting 


The  Extensions. 


671 


begins.  Over  head,  we  have  pictures  of  Bacchus,  Ceres,  and  so  on,  surrounded  with 
cupids,  cherubs,  &c.,  to  the  end  of  heathen  mythology.  All  this  we  have;  but  not 
a single  specimen  of  the  valuable  breeds  of  cattle,  horses,  sheep,  &c.,  which  are  now 
found  in  the  country.  In  another  panel,  we  have  a company  of  harvesters,  with  the 
sickle,  which  is  well  enough,  only  a quarter  of  a century  too  late. 

But  worst  of  all,  there  is  not  a single  picture  to  represent  maize.  A panel  ought 
to  have  been  given  to  this  single  production.  It  should  have  been  represented  in  its 
different  stages;  as  it  emerges,  weak  and  diminutive,  from  the  ground;  as  it  sways  in 
its  dark  luxuriance  of  June  and  July;  and  then  as  it  waves  its  tasseled  crest,  like  the 
plumes  of  an  armed  host;  and  last,  in  its  rich  golden  maturity. 

The  picture  of  Putnam  would  have  been  very  well  in  the  committee-room  of  Revo- 
lutionary Claims,  but  has  no  significance  where  it  is,  as  it  is  a revolutionary  reminis- 
cence. In  the  place  of  this  should  have  been  the  picture  of  a western  plow,  with  its 
polished  steel  mold-board,  with  the  hardy  yeoman,  with  one  hand  resting  on  the 
plow-handle,  and  with  the  other  holding  a span  of  bays,  with  arched  neck  and 
neatly-trimmed  harness.  Pictures  are  symbols  of  ideas,  and  this  would  have  told  to 
the  future  the  present  mode  of  culture  of  free  labor.  At  the  opposite  end,  in  the 
place  of  Cincinnatus  and  his  plow,  (the  plow  of  two  thousand  years  ago, ) there 
should  have  been  a negro  slave,  with  untidy  clothing,  with  a slouching  gait,  shuttling 
along  by  the  side  of  a mule  team,  with  ragged  harness  and  rope  traces,  drawing  a 
barrel  of  water  on  the  forks  of  a tree.  This  Would  represent  the  idea  of  slave  labor. 
Thus  we  should  have  a symbol  of  the  two  systems  of  labor  now  struggling  for  the 
ascendency. 

* * * 

Mr.  Harris,  of  Illinois.  I move  to  amend  the  bill  by  striking  out  the  two  hundred 
and  twenty-fifth  line,  as  follows: 

For  United  States  Capitol  extension,  $1,000,000. 

I make  that  motion  for  the  purpose  of  disposing  of  this  question.  Otherwise  it 
would  be  debated  here  another  day,  and  we  should  end  the  debate  where  we  began 
it.  If  gentlemen  are  in  favor  of  the  appropriation,  they  can  have  a chance  to  vote 
upon  it  in  the  House;  if  they  are  opposed  to  the  appropriation,  they  have  the  same 
right  in  the  House.  I think  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  are  as  competent  to 
decide  on  its  necessity  as  we  can  possibly  lie  who  have  given  less  attention  to  it.  If 
we  strike  it  out,  we  can  pass  on  to  other  items  of  the  bill;  and  we  will  have  an  oppor- 
tunity in  the  House  to  record  our  votes  for  or  against  this  item.  In  the  anxiety  to 
dispose  of  the  public  business,  I hope  the  committee  will  proceed  to  vote  on  my 
amendment. 

Mr.  Marshall,  of  Kentucky.  Mr.  Chairman 

[Loud  cries  of  “Question!”  “Question!”  ] 

Mr.  Marshall,  of  Kentucky.  I understand  my  right  here  to  be  to  offer  my  amend- 
ment, and  the  right  of  gentlemen  on  the  other  side  of  the  House  to  reject  it  if  they 
see  fit.  I propose  to  amend  by  adding  this  amendment: 

Provided,  That  this  appropriation  shall  not  be  expended,  in  whole  or  in  part,  upon  the  embellish, 
ment  or  decoration  of  the  Capitol  extension,  either  by  painting  or  sculpture  in  the  panels  or  niches 
of  the  Senate  or  House,  or  in  the  pediments  of  the  porticoes,  or  in  the  finish  of  the  halls,  committee 
rooms,  or  passages,  unless  the  designs  for  such  embellishment  and  decoration  shall  have  been  first 
submitted  to  and  accepted  by  a committee,  to  be  selected  by  the  President,  composed  of  three  distin. 
guished  artists,  citizens  of  the  United  States,  which  committee  shall  be  employed  by  the  President 
for  the  purpose  of  examining  and  determining  upon  such  designs  as  shall  be  adopted  for  the  embel. 
lishmentof  the  Capitol  extension:  And  provided  farther,  Said  committee  of  artists  shall  act  in  connec- 
tion with  and  subordinate  to  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library  of  Congress,  and  shall  not  be 
authorized  to  conclude  any  contract  for  the  execution  of  such  design  without  the  direction  of  said 
committee. 

Mr.  Chairman,  I desire  to  say  to  the  committee,  if  this  amendment  does  not  explain 
itself,  that  it  is  my  purpose,  in  offering  the  amendment,  to  place  the  embellishment 


672 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


of  this  Capitol  in  the  hands  of  our  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library,  but  to  interpose 
so  as  to  have  the  designs  that  are  to  fill  these  panels  and  niches  submitted  to  artistic 
taste  before  they  are  adopted.  If  you  appropriate  for  this  Capitol  extension  a million 
dollars,  and  permit  it  to  go  unguarded  in  this  appropriation  bill,  this  million  dollars 
may  be  expended,  in  whole  or  in  part,  by  those  who  have  heretofore  conducted  the 
embellishment  and  decoration  of  this  Capitol.  The  panels  around  this  Hall  may  all 
be  filled  with  this  money.  These  niches  may  all  be  filled  with  sculpture  of  the 
selection  of  gentlemen  who  have  no  experience  in  such  matters;  and  1 think,  myself, 
it  ought  to  be  guarded. 

Mr.  Harris,  of  Illinois.  If  the  gentleman  will  listen  to  me  for  a moment,  l would 
suggest  that  instead  of  his  three  distinguished  artists  he  refer  this  matter  to  the  Joint 
Committee  on  the  Library,  and  they  can  consult  with  distinguished  artists  if  they 
choose. 

Mr.  Marshall,  of  Kentucky.  I would  say  to  the  gentleman  that  I have  brought 
the  committee  of  artists  that  I have  designated  under  the  control  of  the  Committee 
on  the  Library  so  far  as  to  prevent  the  artists  from  executing  designs  until  they  shall 
be  approved  by  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library.  But  I have  brought  the  Joint 
Committee  on  the  Library  under  the  control  of  artistic  taste  to  the  extent  that  the 
designs  that  are  to  be  submitted  to  them  shall  have  passed  the  examination  of  men 
of  some  professional  skill. 

Mr.  Barksdale.  I would  ask  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  what  amount  of  pay 
his  amendment  provides  shall  be  given  to  these  artists? 

Mr.  Marshall,  of  Kentucky.  None  at  all,  sir.  1 am  proud  for  American  artists  to 
say  that  they  want  no  pay.  All  they  ask  is  that  their  country,  in  erecting  an  edifice 
like  this,  and  in  establishing  a great  national  monument  like  this,  may  do  as  other 
countries  have  always  clone — encourage  art  so  far  as  to  give  their  artists  some  oppor- 
tunity to  transmit  their  names  to  future  times,  in  connection  with  this  national  edi- 
fice, and  not  to  have  the  panels  of  this  Hall  filled  with  daubs  like  that.  [Pointing 
to  a specimen  of  fresco  in  one  of  the  panels  of  the  Hall.] 

Mr.  J.  Clancy  Jones.  I wish  to  say  to  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  that  I 
approve  of  his  amendment,  and  hope  it  will  be  adopted;  but  I wish  to  remark  that 
the  money  which  will  be  required  for  the  decoration  of  this  Hall  is  not  included  in 
this  appropriation. 

Mr.  Marshall,  of  Kentucky.  Mr.  Chairman,  I believe  I have  the  floor.  The  gen- 
tleman is  so  compendious  in  his  remarks,  that-  a single  sentence  deserves  a reply. 
[Laughter.]  Let  me  say  to  the  gentleman, 

There  are  more  things  in  heaven  and  earth,  Horatio, 

Than  are  dreamt  of  in  your  philosophy. 

Sir,  if  this  appropriation  is  not  guarded  as  I propose,  these  panels  will  be  filled 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Harris,  of  Illinois.  I do  not  propose  to  reply  at  any  length  to  the  remarks  of 
the  gentleman  from  Kentucky;  but  when  he  proposes  to  call  into  requisition  the 
high  degree  of  artistic  skill  which  he  eulogizes  so  much,  I may  refer  to  some  of  the 
exhibitions  of  artistic  skill  here,  that  have  provoked  the  criticism  and  animadversion 
of  members  ever  since  we  have  occupied  this  Hall.  It  is  claimed  by  these  artists 
that  this  Hall  exhibits  the  highest  degree  of  that  artistic  skill  which  is  again  to  be 
invoked  to  decorate  and  adorn  this  Capitol.  Now,  I am  not  disposed  to  confide 
much  in  that  kind  of  artistic  skill  by  which  this  Hall  and  this  Capitol  extension 
have  been  decorated.  I much  prefer  to  rely  upon  the  Joint  Committee  on  the 
Library,  or  a joint  committee  to  be  raised  for  the  purpose,  than  upon  these  three 
distinguished  artists. 

Mr.  Marshall,  of  Kentucky.  None  of  my  men  had  anything  to  do  with  this  Hall. 

Mr.  Harris,  of  Illinois.  If  we  place  the  matter  under  the  control  of  such  a com- 
mittee, who  will,  of  course,  consult  such  artists  as  they  consider  to  be  distinguished 


The  Extensions. 


673 


artists,  I think  we  shall  arrive  at  better  conclusions  than  by  confiding  the  matter  to 
the  unlimited  control  of  three  distinguished  artists,  who  are  kind  enough  to  volun- 
teer their  services  for  no  compensation  but  the  distinguished  honor  of  having  their 
marks  upon  this  national  edifice.  I think  the  fact  that  they  are  willing  to  give  their 
services  without  pay  is  quite  conclusive  evidence  that  their  services  would  be  worth 
just  what  they  ask  for  them.  [Laughter.] 

I hope  the  amendment  will  be  modified,  so  as  to  place  the  matter  under  the  direc- 
tion of  a joint  committee  of  Congress;  but  if  it  be  a fact,  as  stated  by  the  gentleman 
from  Pennsylvania,  that  this  appropriation  does  not  apply  to  the  decorations  of  the 
Capitol,  then  the  amendment  is  altogether  unnecessary. 

Mr.  Marshall,  of  Kentucky.  I would  like  to  know  where  the  control  of  the  matter 
is  now? 

Mr.  Harris,  of  Illinois.  I suppose  that  the  control  of  it  rests  with  the  architect  of 
the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Marshall,  of  Kentucky.  I understand  that  it  rests  with  the  Committee  on  the 
Library. 

Mr.  Harris,  of  Illinois.  And  that  committee  have  never  consulted  on  the  subject, 
as  I understand. 

Mr.  Marshall,  of  Kentucky.  And  never  will. 

Mr.  Harris,  of  Illinois.  There  is  no  law  directing  the  supervision  of  the  matter  by 
the  Committee  on  the  Library. 

Mr.  Marshall,  of  Kentucky.  The  architecture  of  the  Capitol  rests  ultimately  with 
the  President  of  the  United  States,  by  law.  The  actual  supervision  of  the  architecture 
has  been  transferred  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  and  by  him  to  Captain  Meigs.  And 
when  they  put  a thing  like  that  painting  over  there  on  plaster,  they  call  it  a part  of 
the  architecture,  inasmuch  as  part  of  it  is  fresco  work. 

Mr.  Harris,  of  Illinois.  Then,  if  the  control  of  the  matter  is  fixed  by  law,  the  gen- 
tleman’s amendment,  according  to  his  own  statement,  is  not  in  order,  as  it  changes 
the  existing  law. 

Mr.  Marshall,  of  Kentucky.  Not  at  all.  There  is  no  provision  of  law  about  the 
embellishment  and  decoration  of  the  Capitol,  to  which  my  amendment  is  confined. 

The  amendment  to  the  amendment,  proposed  by  Mr.  Marshall,  of  Kentucky,  was 
agreed  to. 

The  question  was  taken;  and  the  motion  to  strike  out  was  agreed  to. 

* * * 

Mr.  Marshall,  of  Kentucky.  I now  offer  the  amendment  which  I before  offerde, 
in  relation  to  the  decoration  of  the  Capitol,  and  which  was  struck  out  under  a mis- 
understanding. 

The  amendment  was  read. 

Mr.  Letcher.  I rise  to  a question  of  order.  Inasmuch  as  everything  connected 
with  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  has  been  stricken  out,  this  amendment  is  not  ger- 
mane to  anything  in  the  bill. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  is  of  opinion  that  the  question  of  order  is  well  taken. 

Mr.  Marshall,  of  Kentucky.  I appeal  from  the  decision  of  the  Chair. 

The  question  being,  “ Shall  the  decision  of  the  Chair  stand  as  the  judgment  of  the 
committee?”  It  was  put;  and  decided  in  the  affirmative. 

So  the  opinion  of  the  Chair  was  sustained,  and  the  amendment  was  ruled  out. 

Mr.  Smith,  of  Virginia.  I move  that  the  committee  rise,  and  report  the  Hill  to  the 
House. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to. 

So  the  committee  rose;  and  the  Speaker  having  resumed  the  chair,  Mr.  Smith,  of 
Tennessee,  reported  that  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  had, 
according  to  order,  had  the  state  of  the  Union  generally  under  consideration,  and 

H.  Rep.  646 43 


674  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

particularly  House  bill  (No.  200)  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of 
the  Government  for  the  year  ending  30th  June,  1859,  and  had  instructed  him  to 
report  the  same  back  to  the  House,  with  various  amendments,  with  a recommenda- 
tion that  they  do  pass. 

Mr.  J.  Glancy  Jones.  I move  the  previous  question  upon  the  adoption  of  the 
amendments. 

Mr.  Stanton.  I ask  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  to  allow  me,  before  he  calls 
the  previous  question,  to  offer  an  amendment  which  was  agreed  to  by  the  committee 
unanimously,  but  was  voted  out  afterwards  by  mistake. 

Mr.  J.  Glancy  Jones.  I have  no  objection  to  allow  that  amendment  to  be  offered, 
if  I do  not  lose  the  floor  thereby. 

The  Speaker.  If  it  be  the  pleasure  of  the  House,  the  proposition  will  be  received. 

There  was  no  objection,  and  the  amendment  was  entertained. 

Mr.  J.  Glancy  Jones.  I move  the  previous  question. 

The  previous  question  was  seconded,  and  the  main  question  ordered. 

Mr.  J.  Glancy  Jones  moved  to  reconsider  the  vote 'by  which  the  main  question  was 
ordered ; and  also  moved  to  lay  the  motion  to  reconsider  on  the  table. 

The  latter  motion  was  agreed  to. 

* * * 

Mr.  .T.  Glancy  Jones.  In  reply  to  the  gentleman  I will  say,  that  there  is  not  a 
single  law  upon  the  statute-book  authorizing  the  furnishing  of  any  building,  either 
an  executive  building,  the  President’s  House,  or  this  Capitol.  The  furnishing 
proceeds  upon  the  principle  that  it  is  an  incident  to  the  erection  of  the  buildings 
themselves. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  May  28,  1858:  Congressional  Globe,  35 — 1,  p.  2481.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  amend- 
ments proposed  by  the  Committee  on  Finance  to  the  Sundry  Civil  bill  for  1859 — 

The  next  amendment  of  the  committee  was  to  insert,  after  line  two  hundred  and 
forty-four: 

For  United  States  Capitol  extension,  $750,000:  Provided , That  this  appropriation  shall  not  be 
expended,  in  whole  or  in  part,  upon  the  embellishment  or  decoration  of  the  Capitol  extension,  either 
by  painting  or  sculpture  in  the  panels  or  niches  of  the  Senate  or  House,  unless  the  designs  for  such 
embellishment  and  decoration  shall  have  been  first  submitted  to.  and  approved  by,  the  Joint  Com- 
mittee of  the  Library  of  Congress. 

Mr.  Davis.  I wish  to  offer  an  amendment  to  the  amendment,  to  strike  out  all  after 
the  word  “for,”  and  insert: 

The  completion  of  the  Capitol  extension,  $1,185,183  34:  and  to  enable  the  Library  Committee  to 
contract  with  distinguished  artists  for  historical  paintings  and  sculpture  for  the  panels  and  niches  of 
the  Legislative  Halls  and  of  the  great  stairways  of  the  Capitol  extension,  $50,000  in  addition  to  funds 
already  in  their  hands  for  that  purpose. 

Mr.  Hunter.  The  original  estimate  was  $1,000,000  for  this  year.  The  House  of 
Representatives  did  not  insert  the  amount  of  the  estimate  in  the  appropriation  bill, 
nor  indeed  any  amount.  The  Committee  on  Finance  agreed,  after  some  considera- 
tion, to  ask  for  $750,000,  a part  of  the  sum,  towards  the  completion  of  the  Capitol. 
In  view  of  the  present  state  of  finances,  it  was  thought  there  ought  to  be  some  reduc- 
tion, especially  as  the  House  did  not  put  it  in.  I should  have  been  content,  myself, 
with  adopting  the  amount  of  $500,000;  something  I was  disposed  to  insist  on.  I 
think  we  ought  to  have  our  end  of  the  Aving  completed;  at  least  the  room  into  which 
we  are  to  go.  We  have,  a right  to  insist  on  that  much ; and  I Avas  disposed  to  go  for 
half  the  estimate.  I am  willing  to  go  for  $750,000;  but  I think  Ave  had  better  not 
ask  for  the  whole  under  the  circumstances.  In  regard  to  the  latter  part  of  the 
Senator’s  amendment,  as  to  contracts  wdth  artists,  I think  I would  rather  postpone 


The  Extensions. 


675 

that,  and  have  that  hereafter,  if  we  are  to  have  it.  I go,  however,  for  completing 
the  building.  I go  fur  what  is  necessary,  in  order  to  consummate  what  we  have 
undertaken;  and  I think  $750,000  is  enough  for  the  present. 

Mr.  Polk.  I should  like  to  know  from  the  chairman  of  the  Finance  Committee 
how  much  it  would  require  to  finish  the  new  Hall  for  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I am  unable  to  say  how  much  it  would  require  to  finish  the  new 
Hall.  I believe  the  estimate  to  complete  the  whole  is  the  amount  named  in  the 
amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Mississippi. 

Mr.  Polk.  Then  what  is  the  standard  by  which  the  committee  report  $750,000? 

Mr.  Hunter.  It  was  supposed  to  be  a compromise  between  a half  and  the  ■whole. 
It  was  a general  estimate. 

Mr.  Davis.  The  sum  named  in  the  amendment  which  I have  asked  for  to  complete 
the  Capitol  extension,  is  exactly  the  estimate.  It  is  what  remains  unappropriated 
of  the  estimate  for  the  completion  of  the  Capitol;  and  with  this  I expect  the  wings 
to  be  completed.  The  sum  asked  for  by  the  Committee  on  Finance  is  not  enough 
to  continue  the  work  for  the  period  of  a year.  The  expenditure,  when  the  work  is 
carried  on  at  full  time  with  a full  set  of  hands,  is  about  one  hundred  thousand  dollars 
a month.  If  $750,000  be  appropriated,  the  appropriation  will  run  out  before  the  end  of 
the  year,  the  hands  must  be  discharged,  and  application  be  made  here  for  additional 
appropriations  to  complete  the  building;  and  when  the  additional  appropriations  are 
made  the  hands  must  be  collected  again  at  additional  expense.  A million  dollars  is 
the  estimate  of  the  superintendent  for  the  year’s  expenditures.  I have  proposed,  as 
an  amendment,  the  sum  estimated  for  the  completion  of  the  work,  which  is  to  add 
$185,183  to  the  amount  needed  for  the  year.  If  we  accept  his  estimate  and  grant  the 
whole  amount,  the  work  will  be  conducted  more  economically,  and  we  have  a right 
to  require  of  him  that  it  shall  complete  the  building.  If  the  Committee  on  Finance, 
compromising  between  his  estimate  and  some  fanciful  sum,  adopt  an  amount  which 
they  choose  to  give,  he  is  not  bound  to  perform  any  particular  amount  of  work  with 
that  appropriation;  he  is  not  able  to  do  it  as  economically  as  if  he  were  to  keep  up 
the  full  organization  of  the  work.  Until  he  reaches  the  point  of  the  construction  of 
the  portico,  a large  number  of  hands  is  the  most  economical  mode  of  carrying  on  the 
work.  At  that  point  the  hands  must  lie  reduced  and  the  monthly  expenditure  must 
be  reduced.  A million  dollars  is  estimated  by  him  to  answer  all  purposes  for  the 
year;  but  in  order  that  I may  insert  the  words  “to  complete”  and  make  this  a final 
appropriation,  I choose  to  add  the  balance  of  the  money  which  I find  in  his  estimate 
for  the  completion  of  the  work. 

Then  the  addition  which  is  made  in  regard  to  statues  for  the  niches,  and  paintings 
for  the  panels,  was  put  there  because  I found  in  the  amendment  proposed  by  the 
Committee  on  Finance  a proviso  that  none  of  this  species  of  work  should  be  done 
except  in  a particular  way.  Now  the  fact  is,  that  no  portion  of  the  money  granted 
for  construction  is,  in  my  opinion,  applicable  to  the  work  of  making  statues  for  the 
niches,  or  decorative  paintings.  The  vacant  panels  that  have  been  left  on  the  wall 
indicate  and  suggest  that  they  are,  some  day  or  other,  to  be  filled  with  paintings. 
The  money  appropriated  for  the  construction  of  the  building  has  not  been  so  ap- 
plied, and  I do  not  think  it  could  lie  properly  so  applied.  It  must  be  by  a vote  of 
Congress  that  these  paintings  are  to  be  made.  It  must  be  by  a vote  of  Congress 
that  statues  are  to  be  put  in  the  niches.  None  of  this  money,  if  the  whole  sum 
asked  for  be  granted,  can  be  appropriated  to  either  of  these  purposes.  I have  no 
wish  to  go  on  now  with  the  paintings,  or  putting  statues  in  the  niches.  I agree 
with  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Finance  that  it  is  better  to  postpone  that; 
but  I see  no  purpose  in  the  proviso  which  is  added  to  his  amendment,  unless  it  is  to 
suggest  to  the  minds  of  members,  as  it  does  to  mine,  that  they  are  already  proposing 
now  to  have  the  niches  filled  with  statues  and  the  panels  on  the  walls  filled  with 
paintings. 


676  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Seward.  Will  the  honorable  Senator  from  Mississippi  allow  me  to  ask  him  a 
question? 

Mr.  Davis.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Seward.  I desire  to  ask  the  Senator  whether  he  cannot  divide  his  amendment. 
I am  in  favor  of  appropriating  $1  ,000,000  for  finishing  the  Capitol,  instead  of  $750,000 
for  the  year.  I want  to  vote  first  on  that  proposition  irrespective  of  these  questions 
about  ornamenting  the  panels,  because  I am  with  the  Senator  as  to  the  appropria- 
tion, but  against  him  on  the  other  point. 

Mr.  Davis.  1 should  prefer  to  divide  my  amendment,  and  the  reason  I did  not  do 
so — I stuck  the  two  provisions  together  with  a wafer,  as  will  be  seen — was  to  get  rid 
of  a question  of  order,  for  which  I have  always  great  abhorrence. 

Mr.  Seward.  So  have  I. 

Mr.  Davis.  1 prefer  to  have  the  question  on  the  appropriation  for  the  completion 
of  the  building.  If  I am  understood,  I will  say  nothing  more. 

Mr.  Pearce.  I hope  the  Senator  from  Mississippi  will  so  change  his  amendment  as 
to  leave  out  the  second  clause.  There  is  certainly  no  necessity  at  present  for  appro- 
priating money  for  paintings  for  the  panels,  and  statues  for  the  niches.  Indeed  that 
is  a work  of  time.  We  might  have  these  panels  and  niches  filled  with  very  unwor- 
thy objects  of  art,  instead  of  such  as  should  fill  them;  and  I think  it  would  be  very 
well  to  arrange  a system  for  the  ornamentation  of  the  Capitol  by  such  objects,  at  a 
time  when  there  is  more  money  in  the  Treasury  than  there  is  now,  and  when  we 
shall  have  leisure  to  digest  such  a system.  I should  prefer  myself  that  the  Library 
Committee  were  not  charged  with  any  such  duty. 

Mr.  Davis.  I have  answered  the  principal  object  I had  in  bringing  to  the  notice  of 
the  Senate  the  question  of  the  decorative  ornament  of  the  Capitol.  It  is  put,  by  the 
proposition,  under  the  charge  of  the  Committee  on  the  Library;  and  the  main  object 
I had  was  to  correct  an  error  which  is  creeping  into  the  popular  mind,  and  has  been 
disseminated  over  the  Halls  of  Congress,  that  the  Capitol  has  been  decorated  with 
the  money  given  for  construction.  The  painting  of  the  walls,  the  coloring  of  the 
walls,  the  use  of  paint  instead  of  ornamental  paper  on  the  walls,  is  not  in  the  nature 
of  historical  paintings  which  are  to  fill  the  panels  that  are  left  vacant  in  all  the  wralls. 
So,  too,  it  has  gone  out  that  an  immense  amount  is  spent  for  statuary.  Not  a dollar 
has  been  spent  for  statuary  except  for  the  pediment,  and  that  properly  so  spent, 
because  the  pediment  of  the  building  in  which  we  now  sit  is  ornamented,  not  equally, 
but  in  the  same  style.  It  was  called  for  in  the  pediments  of  the  extension  because 
it  was  so  in  the  original  building.  If  I have  nowr  directed  the  attention  of  the  Senate 
to  the  fact  that  no  part  of  the  appropriation  heretofore  made,  and  none  of  that  about 
to  be  made  can  properly  be  employed  for  this  purpose,  I have  answered  my  object. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I am  opposed  to  increasing  the  appropriation,  but  I will  state  in 
regard  to  the  proviso  that  I am  very  willing,  personally,  that  it  should  be  stricken 
out.  The  opinion  of  the  Finance  Committee  was  that  the  effect  of  adopting  it  would 
be  to  suspend  any  work  of  that  kind  until  a future  period — not  that  it  was  a means 
of  providing  for  carrying  it  on,  but  stopping  it  so  as  to  devote  the  money  to  the  com- 
pletion of  the  building. 

Mr.  Davis.  I would  ask  the  chairman,  was  it  the  opinion  of  the  Committee  on 
Finance  that  that  work  had  ever  been  commenced? 

Mr.  I Iunter.  Whether  it  is  their  opinion  or  not,  it  is  an  opinion  that  prevails;  and 
for  the  purpose  of  putting  an  end  to  it,  and  satisfying  any  who  had  doubts  in  that 
regard,  it  was  proposed  to  insert  this  proviso;  but  I am  very  willing  that  the  proviso 
should  lie  stricken  out.  I am  not  willing,  however,  to  increase  the  amount  of  the 
appropriation. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  I will  state  for  the  information  of  the  Senator  from  Mississippi 
that  this  proviso  wras  put  ih,  I believe,  at  my  suggestion,  although  somev  hat  mod- 
ified from  the  original  form  proposed  by  me,  for  this  reason:  I noticed  that  such  a 


The  Extensions. 


677 


provision  was  inserted  in  the  House  of  Representatives  in  order  to  make  the  appro- 
priation more  palatable.  It  was  put  in  substantially,  and  then  the  House  negatived 
the  appropriation.  My  impression  was  that  the  appropriation  might  fare  better  in 
the  House  of  Representatives  if  we  had  the  proviso  in  so  as  to  have  a definite  under- 
standing on  that  point.  It  was  proposed  simply  with  reference  to  making  the  appro- 
priation more  acceptable  in  the  other  House,  where  it  had  been  refused. 

Mr.  Davis.  The  objection  to  it  is,  that  in  attempting  to  make  the  appropriation 
palatable  to  the  House  of  Representatives,  it  does  injustice  to  the  officer  who  has 
been  charged  with  the  superintendence  of  the  work.  It  is  a suggestion  that  money 
has  been  so  applied  when,  in  fact,  it  has  not  been. 

Mr.  Collamer.  I wish  to  ask  the  Senator  a question.  Certain  it  is  there  has  been 
a great  deal  of  ornamental  painting  in  the  new  portion  of  the  Capitol.  Has  not  that 
painting  been  paid  for  out  of  the  general  appropriation  for  erection?  There  is  a great 
deal  of  fresco  painting. 

Mr.  Davis.  The  coloring  of  the  walls  and  the  little  figures  introduced  on  them? 

Mr.  Collamer.  Wherever  there  is  a covering  of  a room,  take  for  instance  the  Agri- 
cultural Committee-room  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  there  are  paintings  on  the 
panels  of  the  walls  and  overhead,  and  so  it  is  all  over  the  new  Capitol.  I call  that 
ornamental  painting.  Has  not  that  been  paid  for  out  of  the  general  appropriation? 

Mr.  Davis.  There  is  fresco  painting  in  the  committee  room  to  which  the  Senator 
refers,  and  I am  glad  that  he  has  reminded  me  of  it,  because  that  room  was  prepared 
as  a specimen  to  be  submitted  to  Congress,  and  they  were  called  upon  by  the  then 
Secretary  of  War,  being  myself,  to  see  whether  or  not  they  would  have  the  other 
rooms  completed  in  the  same  style,  and  they  were  told  that  if  so,  and  if  they  would 
have  the  building  floored  with  encaustic  tiling,  an  additional  sum  of  money  would 
be  required.  An  opinion  was  sought  from  Congress.  It  was  not  given  by  any  vote, 
but  it  came  to  me  in  every  other  form  that  they  wanted  the  building  finished  in  the 
very  highest  order  of  modern  art.  One  expression  I recollect  distinctly,  because  it 
was  very  striking,  that  Brother  Jonathan  was  entitled  to  as  good  a house  as  any 
prince  or  potentate  on  earth,  and  generally  that  they  wanted  the  best  materials  and 
best  style  of  workmanship  and  highest  order  of  art  introduced  into  the  Capitol  of  the 
United  States.  It  was  under  that  view  that  estimates  were  made  for  the  appropriation 
passed. 

Mr.  Collamer.  Still  I understand  that  what  we  call  painting  has  been  done  to  a 
large  extent.  There  may  be  historical  paintings  to  lie  placed  in  the  panels  here- 
after; that  is  another  affair;  but  it  is  certain  that  painting  to  a large  amount,  to  a 
great  extent,  in  the  new  Capitol,  has  been  done  out  of  the  money  appropriated  to 
the  general  erection. 

I do  not  say  that  I am  opposed  to  this  at  all,  though  I may  differ  very  much  from 
some  in  relation  to  the  taste  with  which  it  has  been  done;  but  I understand  this 
proviso  to  be  nothing  but  a restriction  in  relation  to  getting  historical  paintings,  or 
something  of  that  kind. 

Mr.  Davis.  Of  course  I did  not  suppose  the  Finance  Committee  meant  that  they 
should  not  put  paint  on  the  walls.  It  was  historical  paintings,  of  course. 

Mr.  Collamer.  I would  very  much  desire,  if  it  were  possible,  to  put  a restriction 
on  this  matter  in  relation  to  the  ordinary  paintings.  I think  the  architectural 
character  of  the  Representative  Hall,  as  now  finished,  is  entirely  overburdened  and 
disguised  and  thrown  out  of  sight  by  the  great  variety  of  colors  put  in.  I think  it 
is  a sort  of  Joseph’s  coat;  and  I desire  very  much  that  that  kind  of  thing  maybe 
kept  out  of  the  new  Senate  Chamber;  and  I believe  that  a large  portion  of  the  Sena- 
tors entertain  the  same  taste  and  feelings.  If  anything  can  be  done  by  way  of 
securing  a little  more  of  chastity  in  it,  I should  desire  it. 

Mr.  Davis.  The  Senator  would  not  reach  his  purpose  at  all  by  this  proviso.  It 
does  not  direct  itself  to  that  point  at  all.  I would  ask  the  Senator  if  he  has  been  in 
the  new  Senate  Chamber? 


678  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Collamer.  I have  been  in  it;  but  it  is  in  so  unfinished  a state  that  I cannot 
judge  of  it. 

Mr.  Davis.  You  can  judge  of  the  ceiling. 

Mr.  Collamer.  The  only  consolation  I have  about  it  is,  that  a little  paint  brush 
will  take  out  all  this  coloring  almost  any  time. 

Mr.  Davis.  That  is  not  answering  my  question. 

Mr.  Collamer.  I have  been  in  it,  but  it  is  in  an  unfinished  condition. 

Mr.  Davis.  The  ceiling  unfinished!  1 thought  the  ceiling  was  painted. 

Mr.  Collamer.  I am  talking  now  about  the  gilding,  and  half  a dozen  colors  put 
into  a cornice. 

Mr.  Davis.  1 think  all  is  there  that  will  be,  unless  you  propose,  to  add  something 
more. 

Mr.  Collamer.  I do  not  know  what  they  propose  to  put  there.  I believe  they  have 
not  got  quite  so  much  meretricious  ornament,  as  I consider  it,  as  in  the  Hall  of  the 
House,  of  Representatives.  Whether  they  mean  to  come  up  to  that  hereafter,  I do 
not  know. 

Mr.  Davis.  The  Senator  does  not  answer  my  question. 

Mr.  Collamer.  I have  answered  the,  question.  I have  been  in  there  and  looked  at 
it,  but  I regard  it  as  an  unfinished  affair. 

Mr.  Davis.  Then  it  is  too  plain  for  the  Senator,  I suppose.  He  may  add  more  to 
it  if  he  chooses.  It  is  a more  somber  style  than  that  of  the  Hall  of  the  House  of 
Representatives.  In  relation  to  the  decision  which  the  Senator  makes  on  the  amount 
of  ornamentation  which  is  exemplified  in  either,  I will  only  say  that  my  taste  is  too 
uncultivated  to  decide  that  question.  Not  having  had  the  advantage  of  seeing  the 
best  specimens  of  art;  not  having  studied  painting  as  an  art,  I should  be  compelled 
to  draw  my  judgment  from  the  opinion  of  those  who  had  made  it  the  study  of  their 
lives.  A man  of  very  high  reputation  in  that  particular  branch  of  art  was  charged 
with  it;  his  work  was  examined  from  time  to  time,  and  corrected  by  an  officer  in 
whose  taste  I have  great  confidence;  and  I rather  think  that  as  the  eye  of  those  who 
are  so  ready  to  criticise  is  cultivated  up  to  the  highest  style  of  art  which  is  intro- 
duced into  both  the  Senate  and  House  Chambers,  they  will  appreciate  better  and 
more  approve  what  has  been  done.  Some  members  of  the  House  have  had  the 
frankness  to  tell  me  that  they  disliked  the  ceiling  very  much  when  they  went  into 
their  new  Hall,  but  have  since  become  accustomed  to  it,  and  like  it  very  well. 

But  all  that  amounts  to  very  little.  What  is  the  painting  or  gilding  worth  when 
measured  with  the  great  purposes  had  in  view?  It  was  not  to  paint  or  to  gild  suc- 
cessfully that  Congress  appropriated  money.  It  was  to  get  a room  in  which  they 
could  hear;  in  which  they  could  speak;  in  which  the  business  could  be  conducted 
without  the  disorder  that  belonged  to  the  old  Hall.  It  was  to  give  to  the  Senate  a 
room  of  sufficient  capacity  for  their  purposes.  The  acoustic  and  the  optic  problems 
were  considered  of  such  importance  as  to  make  all  the  rest  subordinate.  The  success 
in  both  respects,  I think,  has  been  eminent  beyond  any  other  public  room  of  the 
same  size  of  which  I have  heard  in  any  part  of  the  world.  And  if  it  has  answered 
these  great  requisites,  and  if  to  these  has  been  added  a mode  of  heating  which  will 
give  it  an  equal  temperature,  and  a mode  of  ventilating  which  will  prevent  fumes 
and  dust  from  rising  from  the  floor  anti  passing  into  the  lungs  of  members,  then 
I think  we  shall  have  achieved  all  that  Congress  had  in  view,  or  at  least  all  that  was 
considered  of  importance.  Rub  off  the  gilding,  and  jiaint  out  the  colors;  make  them 
all  one,  if  the  Senator  from  Vermont  desires  not  to  have  many  colors;  if  the  Senator 
wants  to  have  all  of  one  color,  make  it  one.  But  there  is  not  an  artist  who  would 
attempt  to  ornament  a building  by  painting  with  one  color.  His  skill  is  shown  in  the 
harmony  of  the  colors,  blending  them  so  that  no  one  rests  on  the  eye  and  commands 
its  single  attention.  I would  be  surprised  at  the  American  Congress  if  it  were  to 
wipe  out  these  great  efforts  of  art,  and  introduce  as  a substitute  the  crude  notion  of 
a single  color. 


The  Extensions. 


679 


The  Presiding  Officer,  (Mr.  Stuart  in  the  chair.)  The  Chair  understands  the 
Senator  from  Mississippi  as  withdrawing  the  latter  branch  of  his  amendment. 

Mr.  Davis.  Yes,  sir-  I shall  offer  that  afterwards. 

Mr.  Seward.  If  we  discuss  from  now  until  the  end  of  the  session,  I do  not  think 
we  shall  be  able  to  agree  in  regard  to  the  decoration  of  the  Chambers  of  the  two 
Houses.  Tt  is  a matter  of  taste,  and  our  tastes  differ  naturally,  and  differ  by  cultiva- 
tion and  habit;  but  since  there  has  been  so  much  discussion  on  this  subject,  I barely 
wish  to  express  my  opinion  on  the  question  which  has  been  raised  between  the  Sen- 
ator from  Vermont  and  the  Senator  from  Mississippi.  It  seems  to  have  been  settled 
that  it  is  necessary  to  have  a Senate  Chamber  and  a Representative  Chamber  in 
which  everybody  can  hear  everybody,  and  everybody  can  see  everybody;  and  the 
want  of  these  qualities  rendered  the  old  Chambers  inconvenient.  It  seems  also  to 
have  been  settled  that  the  only  form  in  which  a Chamber  can  be  made,  and  furnish 
these  two  qualities,  is  the  oblong  and  the  parallelogram;  and  that  there  must  be  no 
breaking  of  the  walls,  no  breaking  of  surfaces;  there  must  be  parallel  and  smooth 
surfaces.  It  is  nothing  else,  then,  in  either  case,  but  the  form  of  a chest — the  most 
graceless  form  in  geometry  or  in  architecture.  When  you  have  got  that  form,  it 
certainly  requires  some  modification,  in  some  way,  to  make  it  agreeable  to  the  eye 
and  to  make  it  pleasant  to  the  taste.  I have  considered  the  matter,  and  I do  not 
know  any  way  in  which  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives  could  have  been 
relieved  of  the  serious  objection  of  the  deformity  so  disagreeable  to  the  eye,  of  an 
oblong  room  with  naked,  smooth  surfaces,  and  commended  it  to  my  taste  so  effect- 
ually as  it  has  been  by  the  process  of  embellishment  which  has  been  adopted.  But, 
as  has  been  said  by  others,  so  it  is  with  me;  I have  not  been  trained  to  the  study  of 
this  matter.  1 know  that  I do  not  appreciate  the  highest  perfection  of  music  as 
those  do  whose  tastes  have  been  cultivated  up  to  it;  and  it  is  only  as  I study  the  art 
of  painting  that  I come  to  appreciate  qualities  which  those  who  are  not  versed  in 
that  art  do  not  appreciate.  I have  thought  it  due  to  express  my  approbation  of 
what  has  been  done  in  both  Chambers,  and  to  say  that,  so  far  as  I am  concerned,  I 
am  content  with  it;  but  I do  not  suppose  my  opinion  will  be  of  any  essential  value. 

Mr.  Houston.  Mr.  President,  I am  not  acquainted  with  the  details  of  extending 
the  wings  of  the  Capitol;  but  there  is  one  circumstance  to  which  my  attention  has 
been  drawn,  and  on  which  I should  like  to  obtain  information;  and  that  is,  who  are 
the  sculptors  that  are  employed  in  the  shanties  out  here,  in  preparing  the  different 
statues  for  their  appropriate  places  in  the  new  Capitol?  I have  observed  some  of 
them;  and  the  goddess  of  Liberty,  I believe,  is  one.  I am  an  admirer  of  statuary, 
but  I cannot  say  that  I am  a critic,  or  even  an  amateur,  in  that  department  of  art.  It 
does  seem  to  me  that  it  is  a figure  which  makes  rather  a queer  display  in  the  Capi- 
tol. In  the  first  place,  I object  to  its  attitude.  It  appears  to  me  to  be  in  anguish — - 
drawn  back  in  the  most  ungraceful  and  ungainly  attitude  for  a lady.  [Laughter.] 
It  appears  to  be  in  torment;  and  had  it  been  physical,  I should  have  imagined  that 
it  really  had  a boil  under  the  arm.  [Laughter.]  Take  it  all  in  all — take  the  tout 
ensemble — I have  seen  nothing  resembling  it.  Instead  of  the  bare  feet  with  sandals,  it 
is  represented  with  a very  formidable  pair  of  russet  brogans,  that  would  suit  very  well 
for  laborers  in  the  swamps  of  the  South.  That  is  one  of  the  most  queer  and  ridicu- 
lous things  I have  ever  seen  to  represent  human  nature.  1 have  never  seen  a wax 
figure  but  what  was  equally  graceful  and  rather  more  beautiful  and  artistic  in  its 
appearance. 

Then  there  is  an  Indian  woman,  or  squaw,  to  be  more  technical,  seated  on  a slab 
of  marble.  That  may  be  very  well  executed;  but  she  has  a little  papoose  in  her 
arms,  and  its  little  head  is  sticking  out  like  a terrapin’s,  [laughter,]  without  reclining 
gracefully  on  the  arm.  She  has  a blanket,  or  something,  holding  it  up;  and  its  little 
neck,  without  the  least  curve  or  grace,  is  very  stiff,  like  an  apple  on  a stick. 
[Laughter.]  Now,  sir,  think  of  it,  that  throughout  all  ages,  as  long  as  this  Capitol 


680 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


shall  stand,  or  this  Union  exist,  which  I hope  is  to  be  forever,  that  poor  little  Indian 
has  to  sustain  a heavy  head  with  that  little  neck,  and  without  a mother’s  aid  to 
hold  it  reclining  on  her  arms.  [Laughter.  ] Any  person  who  will  look  at  that  must 
be  agonized.  Sir,  the  scenes  around  us  in  this  building  ought  to  inspire  cheerful- 
ness and  pleasure.  Instead  of  that,  a contemplation  of  this  figure  will  inflict  agony 
on  every  human  being  of  sensibility. 

And  then  there  is  a poor  Indian  boy,  who  looks  as  if  of  Oriental  stock.  He  has  a 
large  shell  on  his  shoulders;  and,  in  this  agonizing  attitude,  water  is  to  spout  con- 
tinually on  him.  He  is  in  the  most  servile,  miserable,  cruel,  agonizing  attitude  in 
which  I ever  saw  a creature.  It  will  inspire  us  with  feelings  of  anguish  if  we  should 
ever  see  these  figures  displayed  about  this  Capitol.  I would  like  to  have  the  gentle- 
men of  the  Senate  go  and  see  them,  before  they  are  placed  in  a situation  where  they 
will  have  to  be  removed;  for  it  will  cost  something  to  place  them  there.  I insist  that, 
at  least,  there  ought  to  be  an  amendment  for  the  purpose  of  providing  curtains  to 
hang  in  front  of  them,  so  that  they  shall  never  be  seen.  I am  a man  of  sympathy; 
I feel  for  human  suffering;  and  I could  not  contemplate  one  of  these  three  figures 
without  the  extremest  agony.  They  are  in  torment;  you  would  suppose  they  were 
representations  of  some  criminal  that  had  committed  an  unpardonable  offense,  for 
which  he  was  doomed  to  perpetual  agony.  I object  to  their  going  into  this  Capitol, 
or  being  about  it.  I do  not  know  the  artist;  I cannot  exactly  say  whether  he  is  a 
native — no,  sir,  I know  he  is  not  a native;  for  a native  artist,  observing  nature  as 
it  is  in  our  forests  and  in  our  wilds— for  we  all  more  or  less  pass  through  forests  and 
see  nature,  animal,  vegetable,  material,  all  around  us — could  not  have  fancied  such 
sketches  as  these  are.  I object  to  them  unequivocally;  I can  never  submit  to  them. 

Mr.  Davis.  The  Senator’s  sympathetic  heart  is  greatly  moved  at  this  mother  of 
stone’s  rude  treatment  of  her  child;  and  his  sympathy  getting  possession  of  his 
judgment,  and  his  industry  not  having  induced  him  to  acquire  any  information  on 
the  subject,  he  supposes  these  statues  are  to  go  in  the  Capitol.  One  is  a faun,  a 
piece  merely  intended  to  be  put  under  a fountain.  He  mixes  up  the  group  made 
for  the  pediment  with  the  idea  of  statues  for  the  niches  in  the  Capitol;  and  after  all 
that  his  eyes  drank  in  had  been  exhausted,  he  turned  his  imagination  loose,  and 
commenced  on  the  broad  field  of  assumption;  and  he  presumed  it  would  be  pre- 
sumption in  any  man  in  this  Chamber  to  attempt  to  strip  from  Crawford,  the  great 
American  genius,  whose  name  has  shed  a luster  upon  our  country,  his  merit  as  an 
artist — one  whose  early  death  was  the  nation’s  loss,  and  whom  the  nation  yet 
deplores.  He  it  was  who,  so  ignorant  in  the  eyes  of  the  Senator  from  Texas, 
modeled  these  masterpieces  of  art,  which  he  did  not  live  to  see  finally  executed;  and 
yet  the  Senator  assumes  that  he  must  have  been  a foreigner;  and  he  no  doubt  felt 
himself  safe  from  the  supposition,  because  in  the  United  States  we  have  so  few 
sculptors  that  we  might  have  been  driven  to  employ  a foreigner!  There  were  two 
pediments.  One  was  offered  to  Crawford,  the  man  of  highest  genius  Avho  ever 
held  an  American  chisel  in  his  hand.  He  took  it.  That  is  the  master  work  of  his 
life,  and  will  stand  as  long  as  the  Senator  hopes  the  Union  will  stand,  as  a monument 
of  his  genius,  and  an  honor  to  his  country.  The  other  was  offered  to  Powers.  He 
declined  it.  His  high  reputation  as  an  American  artist  caused  me  to  regret  that  he 
declined  it.  It  is  still  open  to  an  American  artist.  It  has  been  offered  to  none  other; 
no  invitation  has  been  given  to  any  other  than  American  artists.  If  the  Senator  will 
inform  himself  a little  more,  his  criticisms  hereafter  may  be  spared  the  corrections 
which  they  now  provoke. 

Mr.  Houston.  I will  ask  whether  Mr.  Crawford  lived  to  complete  the  pieces  he 
designed,  and  what  pieces  he  designed? 

Mr.  Davis.  Every  one  that  belongs  to  the  pediment,  accomplished  by  his  own 
hand,  and  imported  here,  and  seen  in  the  progress  of  its  execution ; but  a disease  that 
proved  fatal  before  its  final  accomplishment. 


The  Extensions. 


681 


Mr.  Houston.  I believe  it  is  not  completed  yet.  How  any  man,  unless  he  was 
under  the  influence  of  a diseased  brain,  could  ever  have  fancied  that  a pair  of  bro- 
gans  were  becoming,  and  incorporated  necessarily  with  heathen  mythology,  [laugh- 
ter,] I cannot  conceive. 

Mr.  Davis.  The  Senator  must  allow  me  to  instruct  him,  because  his  wit  is  out  of 
place,  and  particularly  as  it  is  practiced  on  a dead  artist  of  such  eminent  character. 

Mr.  Houston.  It  is  on  the  marble. 

Mr.  Davis.  It  is  no  heathen  mythology. 

Mr.  Houston.  The  goddess  of  Liberty? 

Mr.  Davis.  You  did  not  even  stop  to  learn  the  name  of  the  thing,  or  the  distance 
at  which  it  was  to  be  viewed. 

Mr.  Houston.  I did  not  want  to  do  it.  [Laughter.]  I was  satisfied  that  it  was 
some  unfortunate  lady  that  had  fallen  into  great  bodily  agony  and  infelicity  of  feel- 
ing. Her  countenance  denotes  no  pleasure.  I should  like  to  know  what  lady  has 
commended  herself  to  the  consideration  of  the  Government,  in  a national  point  of 
view,  so  far  as  to  be  entitled  to  so  much  bestowment  of  art,  and  of  labor,  and  expen- 
diture, that  has  worn  brogan  shoes?  [Laughter.]  1 commend  it  to  the  special 
notice  of  Senators.  Her  robe  is  floating;  the  zone  is  bound  with  loose  drapery;  and 
who  ever  heard  of  a person,  thus  dressed  and  decorated,  wearing  brogan  shoes? 
Nobody,  Mr.  President,  ever  heard  of  it.  It  is  not  wit;  it  is  matter  of  gravity  and 
solemn  complaint  with  me.  Who  ever  heard  of  a mother  holding  a child  in  her 
arms,  with  the  little  fellow’s  neck  sticking  out  like  your  finger?  No,  sir;  it  reclines 
on  the  mother’s  arm  and  is  not  drawn  up  in  that  agonizing  attitude.  It  is  unheard 
of.  I do  not  care  who  has  done  it — it  is  an  imposition  upon  art.  Crawford  was  a 
genius,  and  he  never  did  it.  It  is  impossible  that  genius,  taste,  or  fancy,  could  ever 
have  suggested  such  a thing.  Sir,  go  and  look  at  the  two  statues.  Look  at  the 
infant  in  the  mother’s  arms,  and  see  its  attitude,  and  what  it  must  perpetually 
endure.  See,  too,  the  attitude  of  that  personage — I do  not  know  who  she  is;  it 
appears  I was  mistaken  in  supposing  she  was  the  goddess  of  Liberty.  Certainly, 
I would  have  taken  no  undue  liberties  with  her,  [laughter,]  because,  to  have 
commented  on  the  model  appears  to  be  culpable.  I did  not  intend  it;  I intended 
nothing  but  to  deliver  my  opinion.  I am  not  a scribbler,  or  I should  have  criticised 
them  in  the  newspapers,  to  have  prevented  their  introduction  to  the  public  eye. 
They  well  become  their  present  condition;  they  are  unfinished,  and  I hope  will 
remain  so  as  long  as  time  lasts;  for  whenever  the  artist,  or  the  lover  of  nature,  or  the 
admirer  of  beauty,  of  grace,  and  of  elegance,  comes  to  contemplate  them,  they  must 
be  condemned,  no  matter  who  produced  them.  I intend  no  reflection  on  the  sculp- 
tor. I intend  not  the  slightest  reflection  on  the  memory  of  the  departed.  My 
friends  and  my  enemies  are  to  me  alike  when  covered  by  the  earth’s  dust — bearing 
no  part  of  my  animosity.  1 only  extend  the  sympathies  of  friendship  to  my  friends 
with  a tenderness  that,  perhaps,  I have  not  had  the  generosity  to  bestow  upon  my 
adversaries;  but  I never  reflected  upon  an  artist  or  a man  of  genius.  Being  deficient 
in  it  myself,  I admire  it  in  others;  and  I am  willing  to  accord  to  them  the  highest 
eulogiums — the  highest  praise;  but  I judge  the  tree  by  its  fruit. 

The  Presiding  Officer,  (Mr.  Stuart.)  The  amendment  will  be  read. 

The  Secretary  read  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Davis,  as  modified;  which  was,  to 
strike  out  all  after  the  word  “for”  in  the  amendment  reported  by  the  Committee 
on  Finance,  and  insert: 

The  completion  of  the  Capitol  extension,  $1,185,183.34. 

Mr.  Hunter.  For  one,  I am  not  willing  to  appropriate  the  entire  amount.  I think 
that  where  ever  we  can,  we  ought  to  cut  off  something  from  the  estimates  for  public 
buildings  and  prosecute  them  a little  more  slowly.  We  have  had  to  propose  to 
appropriate  for  other  public  buildings  over  the  country,  in  order  to  perform  existing 
contracts,  and  we  shall  make  the  appropriations  so  large  that  there  will  be  no 


682 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

chance  of  meeting  them  with  any  means  we  have.  It  may  be  that  they  could 
expend  the  whole  sum  proposed  to  be  appropriated,  by  the  meeting  of  the  next 
Congress;  but  I would  rather  they  should  go  on  more  slowly.  Let  us  save  whenever 
we  can,  if  it  be  only  two  or  three  hundred  thousand  dollars.  It  would  be  a great 
point  if  we  could  succeed  in  cutting  down  the  estimates,  if  we  can  do  so  consistently 
with  the  public  service,  three  or  tour  millions.  We  shall  find  relief  at  the  next 
session  if  we  succeed  in  doing  it. 

Mr.  Davis.  If  the  object  of  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Finance  is  economy, 
he  is  pursuing  the  wrong  road.  Unless  he  allows  the  superintendent  to  have  that 
amount  of  money  which  will  keep  the  whole  force  on  the  work,  it  follows  as  a 
necessary  consequence  that  he  will  have  to  discharge  the  force,  and  reemploy  them 
when  he  gets  additional  appropriations.  The  difference  between  the  sum  necessary 
to  complete  the  work,  and  that  which  the  committee  agreed  to  allow,  is  1435,000. 
1 think  it  much  better  to  appropriate  the  whole  sum,  and  require  the  superintendent 
to  complete  the  building  with  it,  than  to  come  near  that  whole  sum,  and  then  have 
to  give  a subsequent  appropropriation,  with  a knowledge  that  you  must  increase  his 
estimate  if  you  destroy  his  organization. 

Mr.  Hunter.  We  have  had  to  meet  that  argument  in  other  public  buildings,  and 
we  shall  have  to  meet  it  in  any  reduction  proposed  in  navy-yards.  It  is  essential 
that  we  should  reduce  where  ever  we  can.  In  times  like  these  we  must  go  on  slowly. 
If  we  had  the  money,  I have  no  doubt  it  would  be  better  to  go  on  with  many  of  the 
public  works  more  rapidly  than  we  propose  to  do  in  the  appropriation  bills;  but 
looking  to  our  condition,  the  committee  felt  it  was  due  to  the  state  of  the  Treasury 
that  wherever  we  could,  we  should  carry  on  these  works  more  slowly.  I believe 
$750,000  is  appropriating  more  liberally,  in  proportion  to  the  whole  sum  that  is 
wanting,  than  we  appropriate  for  various  other  works  that  are  in  progress. 

Mr.  Iverson.  I shall  vote  against  this  proposition  to  increase  the  appropriation; 
but  I think  I shall  follow  out  the  suggestion  of  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on 
Finance,  and  move  to  strike  out  $750,000  and  insert  $500,000.  I have  no  doubt  it 
will  require  the  amount  estimated  by  the  Senator  from  Mississippi  to  complete  the 
Capitol. 

Mr.  Davis.  It  requires  that  amount  to  complete  it  now;  but  if  the  superintendent 
does  not  get  it  now,  he  will  require  more  hereafter. 

Mr.  Iverson.  I do  not  understand  that  reasoning.  It  does  not  satisfy  me  that 
because  it  requires  $1,185,000  now,  it  will  require  more  if  you  do  not  appropriate 
that  money  now.  The  Senator  from  Mississippi  says  the  expenditures  are  about  one 
hundred  thousand  dollars  a month.  Well,  sir,  you  can  very  easily  reduce  that 
$100,000  a month,  without  any  harm  whatever  to  the  building,  by  simply  discharg- 
ing a portion  of  the  operatives.  The  expenditure  is  simply  the  amount  you  pay  to 
your  operatives,  to  your  employes.  If  you  pay  $100,000  a month  to  them,  by  reduc- 
ing them  one  half,  you  will  only  have  to  pay  $50,000,  and  it  will  merely  run  the 
expenditure  over  a larger  space  of  time — that  is  all. 

Mr.  Davis.  1 will  tell  the  Senator  why  I think  it  will  require  more  money  if  the 
whole  appropriation  be  not  now  made.  The  officer  must  keep  the  same  number  of 
principal  workmen,  the  same  number  of  overseers,  draughtsmen,  and  superintend- 
ents, that  he  would  have  with  a larger  body  of  operatives.  The  expensive  part  of 
the  personnel  must  be  kept  up  with  the  smaller  organization.  Consequently  it  will 
cost  more  money;  because,  when  he  disbands  his  men  and  brings  them  back  again, 
he  must  expect  to  pay  for  bringing  them  back. 

Mr.  Iverson.  I apprehend  that  all  the  models  and  drawings  have  already  been 
made.  Certainly  at  this  stage  of  the  proceedings  new  models  and  new  drawings  are 
not  to  be  exhibited.  They  must  have  all  been  agreed  upon  and  furnished  long 
since.  There  is  no  necessity,  then,  for  employing  artists  for  that  purpose.  All  that 
has  been  done  already,  every  room  in  the  building,  has  been  planned;  the  execution 


The  Extensions. 


683 


of  the  whole  of  it  has  been  planned,  and  the  whole  of  it  entered  upon;  it  is  all 
understood,  and  does  not  require  the  employment  of  those  artists,  it  seems  to  me,  to 
carry  it  on. 

I think  it  eminently  proper,  in  the  present  condition  of  the  public  finances,  that 
the  appropriations  should  be  limited;  and  we  ought  to  commence  here  on  the  Cap- 
itol, which  is  intended  for  our  convenience.  That  is  the  proper  place  to  stop 
expenditures  and  lessen  them.  The  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  in  the  House 
of  Representatives,  instead  of  appropriating  money  to  go  on  with  the  fortifications 
and  necessary  defenses  of  the  country,  have  only  proposed  to  appropriate  a sufficient 
amount  to  keep  them  in  repair,  to  keep  them  in  a condition  of  not  wasting  or  going 
to  decay.  Many  fortifications  of  essential  interest  and  benefit  to  the  country  are  to 
be  left  in  this  condition.  The  one  which  is  the  key  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  the  one 
which  is  more  important,  perhaps,  than  all  the  others  put  together  to  the  southern 
country,  especially  to  those  States  lying  on  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  is  to  be  left  in  this 
condition.  The  fortifications  on  Tortugas  are  to  be  left  in  this  condition,  for  the 
express  reason  that  there  is  not  enough  money  in  the  Treasury  to  go  on  with  these 
works.  So  in  my  own  State;  $200,000  was  appropriated  at  the  last  Congress  to  erect 
a naval  depot  on  Blythe  Island,  near  Brunswick,  Georgia.  The  Secretary  of  the 
Navy,  in  response  to  a call  made  by  a resolution  of  mine,  states  that  the  site  has 
been  purchased,  but  that  no  other  proceedings  will  be  carried  on  in  relation  to  that 
work,  because  the  Administration  have  determined  not  to  commence  any  new  work. 

If  we  are  not  to  apply  money  already  appropriated  in  the  commencement  of  a new 
work  which  is  considered  important  to  my  section  and  to  other  sections,  I think  we 
ought  not  to  expend  so  much  money  on  the  Capitol  of  the  United  States.  Let  us 
appropriate  $500,000  this  year.  Let  the  superintendent  dismiss  a portion  of  his 
employes,  and  keep  the  rest  in  reserve  for  the  next  year.  We  shall  meet  here  in 
December;  an  appropriation  bill  can  be  passed  immediately,  if  this  appropriation 
should  be  exhausted  in  the  mean  time;  and  we  can  then  appropriate  a sufficient 
amount  to  go  on  with  the  work  to  a conclusion.  I think  it  is  better,  in  the  condi- 
tion of  the  Treasury,  that  we  should  spread  those  expenditures  over  as  great  a space 
of  time  as  possible,  so  that  the  work  be  not  delayed  or  injured  by  neglect.  I am  in 
favor  of  the  least  amount  of  expenditure,  and  I shall  move  to  strike  out  the  $750,000 
reported  by  the  Committee  on  Finance,  and  insert  $500,000,  which  I think  will  be 
amply  sufficient  to  keep  the  superintendent  and  all  the  necessary  workmen  engaged 
there  the  present  year. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from 
Mississippi  to  the  amendment  of  the  Committee  on  Finance. 

Mr.  Wade  called  for  the  yeas  and  nays;  and  they  were  ordered. 

The  question  being  taken  by  yeas  and  nays,  resulted — yeas  23,  nays  27.  * * * 

So  the  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  rejected. 

Mr.  Davis.  I now  offer  the  other  branch  as  a proviso  to  the  amendment  of  the 
committee.  I propose  to  strike  out  the  following  proviso  of  the  committee’s 
amendment: 

Provided , That  this  appropriation  shall  not  be  expended,  in  whole  or  in  part,  upon  the  embellish- 
ment or  decoration  of  the  Capitol  extension,  either  by  painting  or  sculpture  in  the  panels  or  niches 
of  the  Senate  or  House,  unless  the  designs  for  such  embellishment  and  decoration  shall  have  been 
first  submitted  to,  and  approved  by,  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library  of  Congress. 

And  insert  in  lieu  thereof: 

To  enable  the  Library  Committee  to  contract  with  distinguished  artists  for  historical  paintings  and 
sculpture,  for  the  panels  and  niches  of  the  legislative  Halls,  and  of  the  great  stairways  of  the  Capitol 
extension,  $50,000,  in  addition  to  the  funds  already  in  their  hands  for  that  purpose. 

Mr.  Seward.  I ask  a division  on  striking  out  and  inserting.  I want  to  strike  out 
the  proviso,  but  not  to  insert  the  substitute. 


684 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Chair  will  say  to  the  Senator  from  New  York  that  the 
motion  to  strike  out  and  insert  is  not  divisible. 

M r.  Hunter.  I would  suggest  to  the  Senator  from  Mississippi  that  perhaps  he  could 
accomplish  his  object  in  another  way.  1 f he  dislikes  the  proviso,  I have  no  objection 
to  its  being  stricken  out.  I do  not  think  it  accomplishes  much,  one  way  or  the 
other.  It  was  merely  supposed  it  might,  perhaps,  make  the  appropriation  more 
acceptable  to  the  House  of  Representatives.  I am  willing  for  that  to  be  stricken  out, 
but  I am  unwilling  to  vote  $50,000  for  artists.  I think  that  ought  to  be  postponed. 
If  he  chooses  to  move  to  strike  out,  he  can  move  that,  and  then  move  to  insert  the 
additional  appropriation,  and  he  can  thus  in  effect  divide  the  proposition. 

Mr.  Davis.  I have  no  anxiety  about  the  appropriation.  The  Committee  on  the 
Library  can  go  into  the  question  at  once.  I doubt  very  much  whether  they  would 
expend  a dollar  of  the  money  for  a year  or  two,  if  it  was  appropriated  now. 

Mr.  Pearce.  I will  say  that  I think  the  proviso  entirely  unnecessary.  1 am  satis- 
fied that  the  Library  Committee  really  have  no  authority  to  expend  any  money  for 
the  pui'pose  of  statues  and  paintings  in  the  niches  and  panels.  The  appropriation  is 
designed  for  the  continuation  of  the  building  of  the  structure;  and  although  the 
proviso  is  that  none  of  the  appropriation  shall  lie  expended  for  the  purposes  I have 
just  mentioned,  except  by  the  approbation  of  the  Library  Committee,  the  language 
would  seem  to  imply  that,  with  their  approbation,  it  might  be  so  expended.  I am 
certain  if  it  were  left  to  the  Library  Committee,  they  would  not  now  expend  a dollar 
of  it  in  that  way.  They  want  the  building  completed  first.  All  this  ornamentation 
is  surplusage;  it  can  be  better  done  afterwards  than  now.  I think  it  is  as  well  to 
get  rid  of  the  proviso.  I do  not  see  any  necessity  for  it. 

Mr.  Davis.  Let  the  question  be  taken  on  striking  out  the  proviso.  I propose,  first, 
to  strike  out  the  proviso  of  the  Committee  on  Finance. 

Mr.  Collamer.  Do  I understand  the  honorable  Senator  to  move  that  as  a division 
of  his  motion? 

The  Presiding  Officer.  It  is  stated  in  that  form;  but  it  is  a separate  proposition. 

Mr.  Collamer.  I desire  to  inquire  whether  the  Senator  from  Mississippi  expects  to 
strike  out  this  proviso  with  a view  to  inserting  anything? 

Mr.  Davis.  1 accepted  the  suggestion  of  the  Senator  from  New  York,  to  divide  the 
question. 

Mr.  Collamer.  The  Chair  decided  that  it  could  not  be  divided. 

Mr.  Davis.  Let  the  question  he  divided,  so  as  to  strike  out. 

Mr.  Collamer.  Then  you  must  modify  your  motion  in  that  way. 

Mr.  Davis.  Very  well. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Chair  understood  the  Senator  from  Mississippi  to 
modify  his  motion,  so  as  to  confine  it  to  striking  out  the  proviso  of  the  amendment 
of  the  Committee  on  Finance. 

The  motion  to  strike  out  was  agreed  to;  there  being,  on  a division — ayes  twenty- 
five,  noes  not  counted. 

The  amendment,  as  modified,  was  agreed  to. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  June  1,  1858:  Congressional  Globe,  35 — 1,  p.  2588.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  Sundry 
Civil  bill  for  1859— 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  * * * Well,  sir,  here  is  another  little  item.  I know 
the  Senator  from  Mississippi  and  myself  will  not  agree  upon  that,  for  he  offered  an 
amendment,  the  other  day,  to  make  it  $1,100,000  instead  of  $750,000: 

For  the  United  States  Capitol  extension,  $750,000. 

That  is  a work  of  great  necessity,  is  it  not?  With  three  wars  in  prospect,  Great 
Britain  to  come  along  in  the  lead,  the  Treasury  exhausted,  your  tariff  too  low,  here 
are  $750,000  appropriated  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  We  have  expended  a 


The  Extensions. 


685 


large  sum  already  upon  that  extension.  In  this  connection,  I will  say  that  I would 
vote  more  cheerfully  this  night  for  an  appropriation  of  money  to  pull  down  these 
extensions  and  haul  them  away,  than  I would  vote  for  a single  dollar  to  continue 
them.  Look  at  that  old  Hall  of  the  Representatives,  which  comports  with  our 
ancient  notions  of  republican  simplicity,  plainness,  and  grandeur;  compare  it  with 
that  new  Hall  which  you  have  constructed,  and  how  does  it  compare?  I expect,  for 
convenience  of  the  times,  that  we  shall  have  to  convert  that  old  Hall — a representa- 
tion of  the  fathers  of  the  country — into  a grocery,  or  make  a saloon  of  it,  or  some- 
thing of  the  kind.  There  is  that  Hall  lying  waste  which  would  have  answered  the 
purposes  of  this  Government,  and  which  corresponded,  too,  with  our  notions  of 
republican  simplicity,  for  the  next  one  hundred  years.  By  a little  remodeling  and 
taking  out  some  of  these  partition  walls,  this  Senate  Chamber  could  have  been  made 
capacious  enough  to  have  contained  everybody  that  desired  to  witness  and  hear  what 
was  transpiring  in  the  Senate  Chamber.  But  there  are  a set  of  cormorants,  con- 
tractors, stock-jobbers — I will  not  stop  there — plunderers  of  the  Federal  Treasury, 
that  hang  around,  and  can  make  programmes,  and  draughts,  and  drawings,  and  all 
that  description  of  things,  and  who  appeal  to  members— Senators  and  Representa- 
tives— to  do  this  and  do  that  by  way  of  maintaining  the  national  dignity  and  char- 
acter. You  must  do  something  in  the  way  of  sculpture,  something  in  the  way  of 
architecture,  something  in  the  way  of  magnificent  buildings,  to  keep  up  our  importance 
and  maintain  our  character  abroad,  so  that  they  can  obtain  jobs,  contracts,  specula- 
tions, and  make  employment  out  of  the  Government,  and  swindle  it  of  thousands, 
from  which  no  real  good  can  result. 

Look  at  that,  new  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  and  then  recall  the  descrip- 
tion given  of  it  by  my  distinguished  friend  on  my  left,  [Mr.  Houston,]  in  his  remarks 
on  the  subject  the  other  day.  He  was  speaking  about  the  goddess  of  Liberty.  I did 
not  know  he  was  such  a critic  before.  I do  not  make  any  pretentions  of  that  sort, 
but  it  struck  me  with  some  force  that  he  was  a critic.  He  was  speaking  about  the 
unnatural  attitude  and  the  position  of  the  figure  intended  to  represent  the  goddess 
of  Liberty.  He  disclaimed,  however,  very  gallantly,  taking  any  undue  liberties  with 
the  goddess;  but  his  criticism,  I thought,  was  merited  upon  all  the  gorgeous  gilt 
thrown  about  the  new  Chambers,  that  it  does  not  comport  with  our  character  and 
dignity  as  a free  people.  W e talk  about  republican  simplicity.  Our  public  buildings 
should  be  erected  upon  a plan  that  should  combine  utility,  while,  at  the  same  time, 
consulting  appearance,  to  some  extent. 

Here  are  three  appropriations,  of  $1,000,000  for  water-works;  $10,000  for  the  Mall — 
a work  of  great  necessity — and  $750,000  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol.  Let  me  ask 
every  Senator  here,  and  every  one  that  hears  me,  does  the  Government  need  the 
expenditure  of  this  money  now?  Would  it  not  be  better,  coming  up  to  the  strict 
meaning  of  the  term  “economy,”  so  far  as  that  is  concerned,  to  dispense  with  these 
extensions,  to  omit  this  improvement  of  the  Mall,  and  let  the  water- works  go  where 
they  may,  or  pay  something  to  get  clear  of  them,  than  continue  them,  and  make 
these  appropriations  at  the  present  time?  But  even  if  we  are  disposed  to  continue 
these  works,  would  it  not  be  prudent  and  judicious  to  suspend  them  for  the  present, 
until  we  can  see  what  receipts  will  be  in  the  Treasury  under  the  operation  of  the 
reduced  tariff?  If  we  go  on  making  these  heavy  appropriations,  the  argument  will 
come  in  upon  us,  with  tenfold  force,  to  increase  the  tariff,  and  make  the  duties 
higher.  We  know  this  will  be  so. 

We  now  see  that  the  expenditures  of  the  Government  have  run  up  to  $75,000,000. 
Let  me  say  to  Democrats,  Know  Nothings,  and  Black  Republicans,  in  the  Senate 
Chamber  of  the  United  States,  to-night,  if  the  expenditures  of  this  Government  are 
not  arrested,  in  1860  the  party  that  stands  by  and  maintains  them  will  be  run  over 
by  the  same  irresistible  avalanche  that  swept  over  the  country  in  1840.  I am  no 
prophet,  nor  the  son  of  a prophet;  but  if  these  things  are  not  arrested,  like  causes 


686 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


will  produce  like  effects;  and  1 tell  you,  when  agitation  ceases  in  the  country,  in 
reference  to  Kansas  and  negroes  South  and  negroes  North,  and  the  public  mind  can 
be  brought  to  consider  these  vast  expenditures  of  the  Federal  Government,  the  party 
that  stands  by  them  and  maintains  them  will  be  run  over  with  an  irresistible  current, 
in  1860.  I intend,  so  far  as  I am  concerned,  that  my  skirts  shall  be  clear  of  these 
unnecessary,  extravagant,  and  profligate  appropriations  of  the  people’s  money  by 
the  Federal  Government.  I believe  them  to  be  so.  I do  not  intend  to  be  personal 
to  anybody;  but  I believe  them  to  be  so;  I know  them  to  be  so.  Here,  then,  are 
three  little  items,  by  the  striking  out  of  which,  we  can  bring  down  the  expenditures 
of  this  Government  over  a million  and  three  quarters  of  dollars.  When  it  is  pro- 
posed to  do  so,  however,  we  are  told  this  is  not  the  place  for  retrenchment;  these 
works  should  go  on;  we  are  committed  to  them.  You  may  even  go  into  the  States 
and  find  works  for  which  the  Government  have  commenced  unnecessary  appropria- 
tions; but  if  there  is  an  attempt  made  to  discontinue  them,  you  are  told  the  work 
has  been  commenced,  and  you  must  not  stop  it,  or  you  will  lose  all  that  which  has 
been  done.  Nine  times  out  of  ten,  it  would  be  better  to  lose  it  and  go  no  further 
with  the  thing.  Here  we  have  commenced  the  erection  of  water-works.  Do  not 
stop  that.  Oh,  no;  that  must  go  on.  Then  we  come  to  the  Mall,  and  propose  to 
strike  out  that  item,  and  it  will  not  do  to  stop  that.  You  come  to  the  appropriation 
for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  and  it  will  not  do  to  apply  retrenchment  there. 

If  you  propose  to  reduce  or  strike  out  any  of  the  appropriations  for  these  improve- 
ments, you  will  have  to  meet  the  argument — I have  been  expecting  it  for  some  time — 
here  are  a great  many  men  employed,  and  they  will  be  turned  out  of  employment  if 
the  proposition  should  lie  agreed  to.  The  mere  statement  of  the  argument  shows 
you  where  we  are  driving  and  tending,  that  the  Government  must  make  improve- 
ments in  the  shape  of  extensions  of  the  Capitol,  or  the  adornment  of  the  Mall,  or  the 
erection  of  water-works,  or  the  construction  of  a harbor,  or  something  else — and  for 
what?  To  give  employment  to  the  people — the  most  dangerous  doctrine  that  ever 
was  sustained  in  any  government;  that  the  Government  must  be  the  undertaker, 
that  the  Government  must  be  the  giver  out  of  jobs  for  the  sake  of  giving  employment 
to  the  great  mass  of  the  people!  The  theory  is  wrong.  Whydolsayso?  You  are 
making  the  people  look  to  the  Government  for  employment;  and  just  in  proportion 
as  you  make  the  people  dependent  on  the  Government,  the  Government  controls 
the  people,  instead  of  the  people  controlling  the  Government.  Let  the  Government 
be  dependent  on  the  people,  and  let  the  people  fall  back  on  their  own  resources,  on 
their  own  avocations,  and  not  look  to  the  Government  of  the  United  States,  or  even 
to  the  State  governments,  for  employment;  for  just  in  proportion  as  the  people  look 
here  for  employment,  and  become  dependent  on  the  Government,  State  or  Federal, 
for  employment,  in  the  very  same  proportion  they  cease  to  be  freemen;  the  Govern- 
ment becomes  paramount  and  the  people  inferior. 

But  we  will  be  met  here,  as  we  are  met  in  every  attempt  of  this  kind  to  reduce  our 
expenditures,  by  the  plea  that  this  is  not  the  place.  Oh,  no;  do  not  touch  that 
appropriation.  When  we  come  along  to  another  item,  and  propose  to  reduce  that, 
that  is  not  the  place;  do  not  touch  that.  You  come  along  to  another  appropriation, 
and  propose  to  reduce  that,  and  you  are  told,  do  not  touch  that;  it  is  not  the  place 
to  reform.  Mr.  President,  where  is  the  place?  Has  anybody  ever  yet  found  out  the 
right  place?  If  you  happen  to  find  the  right  place,  the  next  argument  you  are  met 
with  is,  that  this  is  not  the  time  to  retrench.  The  term  is  unmeaning.  We  go 
along  in  time  of  peace,  but  that  is  not  the  time,  that  is  not  the  place,  and  that  is  not 
the  occasion.  When  war  breaks  out,  and  we  talk  about  retrenchment,  it  is  said  it  is 
no  time  to  talk  about  retrenchment  in  time  of  war.  Well,  when  will  it  come?  It  is 
not  the  time  of  peace,  it  is  not  the  proper  time  in  war.  I wish  we  could  get  an 
interval  between  peace  and  war,  to  see  if  that  would  be  the  time.  I do  not  think 
the  time  will  ever  come.  It  never  will  come  until  the  voice  of  the  people  comes  in 


The  Extensions. 


687 

upon  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  and  speaks  to  them  in  unmistakable  language 
what  their  feelings  and  their  sentiments  are  on  this  subject.  I move  that  from  line 
two  hundred  and  thirty-one  down  to  two  hundred  and  forty  be  stricken  out,  and 
then  I shall  move  that  these  two  other  propositions  be  stricken  out;  or  I would  prefer 
that  the  vote  should  be  taken  on  all  together,  if  it  would  suit,  to  save  time. 

Mr.  Davis.  I feel  somewhat  gratified  that  the  Senator  has  announced  to  us  that  he 
is  not  a prophet,  and  I hope  his  prophecy,  so  far  as  he  has  made  it,  will  not  be 
verified;  that  the  fate  of  the  Democracy  does  not  hang  on  the  reduction  of  annual 
expenses.  I rely  on  the  good  sense  of  the  people  when  they  examine  the  gross 
amount  expended,  and  inquire,  also,  for  what  purpose  it  was  done.  I hold  an 
Administration  responsible  that  wastes  a dollar;  I applaud  the  Administration  that 
judiciously  expends  $100,000,000 — the  more  the  better,  if  the  country  is  made  richer 
by  the  expenditures. 

The  Senator  also  announces  that  his  skirts  will  be  clear  when  the  sad  reckoning 
which  he  expects  in  1860  arrives.  I hope  better  for  the  Democracy  yet,  than  that 
we  have  reached  the  condition  he  speaks  of.  I have  no  fear  of  that  crushing  out. 
I have' no  fear,  if  the  Administration  disburse  the  appropriations  honestly,  and  show 
returns  for  every  disbursement  worthy  of  the  amount,  that  the  people  have  not 
judgment  enough  to  discriminate  between  that  and  the  simple  cry  of  so  many  dollars. 

I concur  heartily  with  the  Senator  in  his  remarks  against  making  the  Government 
of  the  United  States  the  great  almoner  of  the  people.  I concur  with  him  entirely, 
that  we  should  not  undertake  works  and  make  appropriations  to  give  employment 
to  the  people;  that  the  Government  is  but  the  agent  of  the  peojrle,  not  to  give,  but 
to  receive.  It  struck  me  somewhat  curiously,  in  connection  with  an  argument  which 
the  Senator  made  recently,  that  whilst  he  was  striking  so  fiercely  at  the  very  idea 
(though  I do  not  know  that  anybody  ever  announced  it)  that  the  Government  should 
give  work  to  the  people,  he  had  himself,  for  many  hours  together,  harangued  the 
Senate  to  show  that  the  Government  ought  to  give  land  to  the  people.  What  is  the 
difference  in  principle? 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  Neither  the  Senator,  nor  anybody  else,  ever  heard  me 
harangue  the  Senate  for  hours,  to  give  land  to  the  people.  I have  harangued  the 
Senate  and  the  country  to  permit  the  people  to  take  that  which  is  theirs. 

Mr.  Davis.  That  is  a very  nice  distinction.  I thought  the  Government  was  the 
trustee  for  the  disposition  of  the  public  land,  and  that  it  was  a part  of  that  revenue 
which  supplied  the  wants  of  the  Government.  I suppose  he  might  as  well  say  the 
Treasury  belonged  to  the  people,  and  that  money  should  be  distributed  from  the 
Treasury.  What  is  the  difference?  The  Treasury  does  belong  to  the  people  as  much 
as  the  land;  and  if  the  Government  were  to  give  employment  to  do  work,  and  should 
have  something  left,  it  would  be  just  that  much  better  than  dividing  the  Treasury — 
just  that  much  better  than  giving  away  land. 

There  is  one  thing,  however,  Mr.  President,  I am  in  favor  of  giving  away;  and 
that  is  water,  and  advising  the  people  to  drink  it  pure,  to  take  it  simple.  I am  in 
favor  of  washing  the  streets  of  the  metropolis  of  the  nation;  and  though  I would  do 
nothing  simply  on  that  point  of  national  pride  that  should  elevate  us  to  a fair  com- 
parison with  any  other  country,  I am  not  without  the  sentiment.  I do  glory  in 
seeing  my  country  advance  in  everything  beyond  all  others.  I do  glory  in  seeing 
her  capital  surrounded  by  monuments  of  art  that  show  how  far  our  generation  has 
progressed . 

But  this  seems  to  be  a point  at  which  the  Senator  is  startled  in  connection  with 
that  which  he  speaks  of  as  the  extension  of  the  Capitol.  Now,  I do  not  know  that 
anybody  proposes  to  extend  the  Capitol  any  further  than  the  present  wings.  It  is 
the  completion  of  the  buildings  which  are  commenced.  One  wing  already  has 
received  the  House  of  Representatives;  the  other  is  not  prepared  to  receive  the 
Senate.  This  money  is  to  complete  those  wings  to  receive  the  committees;  to  receive 


688 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


the  Senate,  and  give  those  accommodations  which  experience  has  shown  the  House 
and  the  Senate  both  require.  He  puts  the  Senator  from  Texas  in  a wrong  position. 
His  criticism — though  I do  not  think  it  at  all  just — was  not  in  relation  to  the  paint- 
ing of  the  House  of  Representatives.  He  never  mistook  the  gilding  for  the  goddess 
of  Liberty.  The  Senator  is  too  good  a critic  for  that.  He  did  find  a female  statue. 
It  was  that  which  he  was  describing,  and  not  the  gilding  of  the  House  of 
Representatives. 

But  the  Senator  from  Tennessee  is  struck  with  the  architectural  and  artistic  display 
in  the  House  of  Representatives,  and  he  refers  to  the  old  Hall.  That  old  Hall  is  in  a 
much  higher  style  of  architecture  than  the  new.  It  was  the  embellishment  of  that 
old  Hall,  in  its  columns,  breaking  the  sound,  that  gave  back  echoes,  which  rendered  it 
useless  for  legislative  purposes.  The  old  Hall  was  made  for  beauty,  the  new  Hall  for 
use.  That  is  the  difference.  The  old  Hall  was  made  so  beautiful,  filled  with  dead 
points,  or  foci,  that  it  was  impossible  to  hear,  all  over  the  Hall,  any  speaker  in  any 
position  he  could  occupy.  These  facts  are  familiar  to  the  Senator,  for  he  served  in 
that  Hall.  It  interfered  with  the  deliberations;  it  affected  legislation ; it  was  injurious 
to  the  whole  country;  it  was  felt  by  every  member  of  the  House.  The  constant  solici- 
tation was  for  some  change  of  the  Hall  that  would  fit  it  for  hearing  and  speaking; 
and  despairing  of  that,  they  used  the  only  remedy  that  was  possible — the  construction 
of  a new  one.  It  is  true,  you  may  suspend  the  work.  Both  wings  are  covered  in. 
They  would  not  be  injured  by  suspension  so  far.  The  vast  material  that  is  collected 
around  here,  and  which  is  intended,  however,  to  complete  these  wings,  would  suffer, 
and  it  would  be  liable  to  injury,  and  at  last  you  would  have  the  amount  to  spend 
increased  by  having  interrupted  the  progress  of  the  work.  Now,  I do  not  see  the 
economy  of  that.  But  to  take  the  other  branch  of  the  Senator’s  proposition,  to  tear 
down  the  wings  and  haul  them  away — would  that  be  economy?  That  would  involve 
expense.  I see  no  view  in  which  it  strikes  my  mind.  The  Senator  aptly  says,  how- 
ever, that  we  view  the  same  thing  in  different  lights.  There  is  no  view,  however, 
that  I am  able  to  take  of  the  subject,  which  brings  either  of  his  propositions  within 
the  just  meaning  of  economy,  unless  it  be  to  stop  planting  those  few  trees  on  the 
Mall. 

* * * 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  I think  the  Senator  from  Mississippi  misunderstood 
wrhat  I said  in  reference  to  the  Senator  from  Texas.  I understood  the  remarks  of  the 
Senator  from  Texas  to  be  made  in  reference  to  the  new  Senate  Hall,  and  1 thought 
I so  stated.  It  was  not  my  intention  to  locate  his  criticism,  but  as  I understood  it  I 
rather  approved  it.  I pretend  not  to  understand  anything  about  sculpture  or  paint- 
ings, or  the  construction  of  halls;  I do  not  pretend  to  have  any  taste  for  matters  of 
that  kind.  If  I come  into  a splendid  hall,  and  look  at  it,  I can  tell  whether  it  strikes 
me  as  of  proper  dimensions,  and  as  being  properly  constructed,  taken  as  a whole. 
There  is  something  in  it  that  pleases  or  displeases  me.  I confess  that,  when  I went 
into  the  new  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  it  did  not  strike  me  as  being  so 
imposing,  and  of  a style  of  architecture  so  well  adapted  to  the  American  character, 
as  the  old  Hall  of  Representatives. 

Mr.  Davis.  It  is  not  as  beautiful  as  the  old  Hall. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  The  old  Hall  is  not  gaudy;  there  are  about  it  no  unnec- 
essary flourishes  in  guilding  and  painting;  but  there  is  a grandeur,  a dignity,  a repub- 
lican simplicity  about  it,  with  which  the  new  structure  cannot  at  all  compare.  I do 
not  care  whether  you  call  it  beauty  or  not.  I think  it  is  much  better  adapted  to  our 
character.  I know  an  objection  was  made  that  it  was  difficult  to  hear  the  Speaker 
when  he  was  putting  a question  in  the  old  Hall,  and  that  it  was  difficult  to  hear 
members  who  were  addressing  the  House;  but  it  seems  to  me  that  the  same  means 
which  have  been  resorted  to  in  the  new  Hall  to  prevent  that,  could  have  been  applied 
as  a remedy  in  the  old  Hall.  The  structure  of  the  ceiling  might  have  been  altered, 


The  Extensions. 


689 


and  in  that  way  a remedy  applied.  Be  that  as  it  may,  however.  I do  not  think  the 
reply  of  the  Senator  from  Mississippi,  on  that  point,  has  much  to  do  with  the 
remarks  I made  as  to  what  had  been  said  by  the  Senator  from  Texas. 

The  Senator  from  Mississippi  seems  to  admit  that  there  is  one  item  of  the  bill  to 
which  I object  that  might  be  stricken  out — the  $10,000  for  the  improvement  of  the 
Mall.  I infer  from  his  remarks,  though  he  did  not  say  so  expressly,  that  he  thinks 
that  is  not  necessary.  He  is,  however,  in  favor  of  giving  the  citizens  of  Washington, 
and  those  persons  who  visit  Washington,  plenty  of  water — good,  pure  water,  unadul- 
terated, unmixed.  Well,  sir,  if  he  were  to  pass  a law  of  that  character,  and  appro- 
priate ten  times  the  cost  of  the  water-works  to  complete  them,  with  a distinct  under- 
standing that  the  water  is  not  to  be  adulterated,  this  city,  and  the  comers  to  it, 
would  vote  down  such  a proposition  at  once,  for  pure  water  is  the  last  thing  they 
want.  [Laughter.]  That  is  not  the  article  they  desire.  If  that  was  to  be  the  result 
of  the  completion  of  these  water-works,  the  people  of  Washington  would  come  here 
en  masse,  at  least  two  thirds  or  three  fourths  of  them,  and  three  fourths  of  all  the 
visitors  here,  and  protest  most  zealously,  earnestly,  and  emphatically,  against  the 
passage  of  any  such  law  that  would  give  them  water  without  dilution.  So,  I do  not 
think  there  is  much  in  that  portion  of  the  argument. 

But,  in  reply  to  what  I said  as  to  the  Government  giving  employment  to  the  peo- 
ple, the  honorable  Senator  from  Mississippi  wants  to  know  if  the  Government  might 
not  as  well  give  employment  to  its  citizens  as  give  them  land.  Let  me  ask  him  how 
much  the  expenditure  of  $10,000  for  the  Mall,  $750,000  for  the  Capitol  extension,  and 
$1,000,000  for  the  Washington  aqueduct,  will  add  to  the  productive  capacity  or  to 
the  revenue,  of  the  country?  Do  they  bring  one  cent  into  the  Treasury  of  the  United 
States?  Do  they  add  anything  to  the  productive  capacity  of  the  country?  You  may 
give  a man  employment  on  the  work ; you  may  pay  him  for  days  and  months  and  years, 
while  he  labors  on  it;  but  he  appropriates  what  he  gets  from  the  Government  to  his 
own  support,  and  does  not  add  anything  to  the  production  of  the  country.  So  far  as 
he  is  concerned,  I have  no  objection  to  the  benefit  done  to  him;  my  objection  is  on 
other  grounds. 

But,  here  is  an  indirect  attack  upon  the  homestead  policy.  The  Senator  speaks  of 
it  as  giving  away  land.  I do  not  admit  that  proposition.  You  have  a large  amount 
of  public  domain — fifteen  hundred  million  acres — that  has  been  acquired  by  the 
blood  and  treasure  of  the  nation.  To  whom  does  it  belong?  The  Federal  Govern- 
ment, it  is  true,  holds  it  in  trust  for  the  great  mass  of  the  people;  and  the  proposition 
of  the  homestead  bill  is  not  to  give  land  away,  but  to  permit  the  head  of  a family  to 
settle  upon  and  take  a part  of  that  which  is  his,  and  for  which  he  or  his  ancestors, 
or  some  connected  with  him,  shed  their  blood  and  expended  their  money.  Yes, 
sir;  and  many  of  them  were  with  my  honored  friend  on  the  field  of  battle.  I prize 
him  much  higher  when  I call  him  Colonel  Davis  than  Senator  Davis,  for  the  brighest 
and  most  imperishable  laurels  that  encircle  his  brow  were  won  under  the  appellation 
of  Colonel.  Many  of  those  gallant  men  who,  in  Mexico,  fought  the  battles  of  their 
country  by  his  side,  now  sleep  in  a foreign  grave.  The  result  of  that  war  was  a large 
acquisition  of  territory.  That  domain  was  acquired  by  the  LTnited  States  as  a con- 
sequence of  their  bravery,  their  patriotism,  and  their  valor,  in  the  battle-field  with 
him.  When  I propose  that  the  descendants  of  those  men  may  go  upon,  settle,  and 
occupy,  a part  of  that  which  was  won  by  the  blood  and  the  valor  of  their  fathers, 
live  upon  it,  and  cultivate  it,  so  as  to  make  a support  for  their  wives  and  their  chil- 
dren, I am  told  that  I propose  to  give  away  the  public  property;  that  these  men  are 
here  asking  charities  in  land.  No,  sir;  they  do  not  ask  you  to  give  them  anything; 
but  I demand,  in  the  name  of  their  valor,  their  blood,  their  patriotism,  and  their 
suffering  widows  and  children,  that  you  let  them  go  and  take  that  which  belongs  to 
them,  which  is  the  price  of  their  blood  and  treasure. 


II.  Rep.  6L6 


U 


690 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Mason.  Will  the  Senator  allow  me  to  ask  him  a question? 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Mason.  If  the  public  lands  belong  to  the  people,  why  do  not  the  people  take 
them  without  any  authority  of  law?  I understand  the  Senator  to  say  that  he  has 
not  asked  that  the  land  should  be  given  to  the  people — lands  to  the  landless,  and 
homes  to  the  homeless;  but  that  he  asks  that  the  people  shall  be  allowed  to  take 
what  belongs  to  them.  Now,  if  the  lands  belong  to  the  people,  why  should  they 
require  a law  to  allow  them  to  use  them? 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  The  Senator  is  a lawyer,  and  I will  put  a case  to 
him.  Suppose  there  was  a trustee  to  hold  an  estate  in  his  hands  for  the  benefit 
of  heirs;  there  are  certain  legal  processes  required  to  be  gone  through  with 
before  they  can  obtain  possession  of  the  estate,  and  use  it.  The  Federal  Govern- 
ment is  the  trustee  of  the  public  domain;  but  is  it  the  owner  of  the  soil?  Is  not  the 
equity  in  the  people?  The  Government  being  the  trustee,  we  propose  a mode 
according  to  the  forms  of  law,  of  permitting  the  people  to  take  that  which 
belongs  to  them.  Does  not  this  Government  belong  to  the  people?  Does 
not  all  the  public  domain  belong  to  the  people?  The  Government  holds  it  in  trust 
for  the  whole;  and  all  we  ask  is,  that  you  prescribe  a mode  by  which  each  individual 
may  possess  himself  of  that  which  is  his.  Is  there  anything  wrong  in  that?  You 
have  nearly  seven  million  quarter  sections  of  public  lands;  there  are  three  million 
heads  of  families  in  the  United  States;  and  if  you  permit  every  head  of  a family  to 
take  a quarter  of  a section,  you  would  still  have  half  the  domain  left  in  the  hands  of 
the  trustee  to  be  disposed  of.  Is  that  giving?  No;  it  is  simply  permitting  each  indi- 
vidual to  go  and  possess  himself  of  a part  of  that  which  is  his,  and  not  what  belongs 
to  anybody  else.  Who  does  he  take  it  away  from?  Who  is  deprived  of  anything  by 
permitting  a man  to  go  forward,  and  take  a portion  of  that  domain  which  is  actually 
his?  Who  is  deprived  of  any  right,  who  is  deprived  of  any  soil  by  it?  Nobody. 
But  what  is  the  effect?  Leave  the  land  as  it  is,  and  it  is  wholly  unproductive;  allow 
it  to  be  occupied,  and  you  increase  its  production,  and  of  course  increase  the  capacity 
of  the  settler  upQn  it  for  consumption,  and  thereby  increase  the  Federal  revenue. 
While  you  do  this  for  the  Treasury,  what  do  you  do  for  the  man  himself?  You  give 
him  an  interest  in  the  country;  you  make  him  a better  man  and  a better  voter;  he 
goes  to  the  ballot-box,  and  votes  his  own  will,  not  that  of  his  landlord  or  his  master. 
So  much  for  the  land;  so  much  for  the  pure  water.  I hope  we  shall  have  a vote. 

Mr.  Pearce.  I think  there  are  about  twenty-four  Senators  in  their  seats,  and  I do 
not  see  that  we  are  making  much  progress  in  business.  I think  we  had  better 
adjourn,  and  I make  that  motion. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  the  Legislative,  Executive,  and  Judicial  Expenses  of  the 
Government  for  the  Year  ending  the  thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-nine,”  approved 
June  2,  1858.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  11,  297.)] 

For  furnishing  the  committee  rooms,  retiring  rooms,  and  offices  in  the  south  wing 
of  the  Capitol  extension  with  gas-fixtures,  chandeliers,  iron  safes,  and  other  furni- 
ture, forty  thousand  dollars. 


[House  proceedings  of  June  7,  1858:  Congressional  Globe,  35 — 1,  p.  2759.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  State  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Senate  amendments  to  the  Sundry  Civil  bill  for  1859 — 

Twelfth  amendment: 

Page  11,  after  line  twenty-one,  insert  as  follows: 

For  United  States  Capitol  extension,  $750,000. 

The  Chairman  stated  that  the  hour  had  arrived  at  which  the  debate  was  closed 
by  the  order  of  the  House,  and  that  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  [Mr.  J. 
Glancy  Jones]  was  entitled  to  the  floor  for  one  hour. 


The  Extensions. 


691 


Mr.  J.  Glancy  Jones.  I propose  to  go  on  and  debate  the  amendments  as  they 
come  up.  I presume  the  committee  understand  this  amendment  of  the  Senate.  The 
House  struck  out  the  appropriation  for  the  Capitol  extension,  the  amount  originally 
being  $1,000,000.  The  Senate  have  inserted  $750,000.  The  Committee  of  Ways  and 
Means  recommend  a concurrence  in  that  amendment. 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  York.  I offer  the  following  as  an  amendment  to  the  amend- 
ment: 

Provided , That  no  portion  of  this  appropriation  shall  be  expended  for  painting  or  decorating  the 
interior  of  the  Capitol,  unless  the  same  be  made  under  the  direction  of  three  American  artists,  to  be 
appointed  by  the  President  of  the  United  States;  nor  shall  any  contract  be  made  for  such  painting 
or  decoration  except  by  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library. 

Mr.  Letcher.  I raise  a question  of  order  on  that  amendment. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  rules  the  amendment  out  of  order. 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  York.  I move  to  amend  the  amendment  by  striking  out 
“$750,000.”  I hope  the  House  will  not  concur  in  the  amendment  of  the  Senate. 
Congress  has  refused  to  appropriate  money,  even  in  small  amounts,  for  various  nec- 
essary improvements  throughout  the  country  which  are  recommended  by  the  Depart- 
ments and  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means.  At  present  the  Capitol  is  secure,  so 
that  it  is  not  necessary  to  make  any  further  improvements  in  order  to  protect  it  from 
the  weather.  The  money  must,  therefore,  be  expended  chiefly  on  the  internal  dec- 
oration of  the  Capitol,  with  the  exception,  probably,  of  the  completion  of  the  Senate 
Chamber.  The  money  is  not  immediately  necessary  for  any  external  work.  The 
appropriation,  therefore,  can  be  very  well  postponed. 

So  far  as  decoration  is  concerned,  the  less  money  we  expend  upon  the  Capitol  in 
decorating  it  in  the  manner  in  which  it  has  been  decorated  under  the  present 
management,  the  better  for  us,  the  better  for  the  Treasury,  the  better  for  the  artistic 
taste  of  the  country.  We  have  expended  already  thousands  of  dollars  on  this  con- 
temptible decoration,  which  is  disgraceful  to  the  age  and  to  the  taste  of  the  country; 
and  we  ought,  if  we  cannot  reach  it  in  any  other  way,  to  refuse  to  appropriate  one 
dollar  more  towards  it.  1 hold  that  the  decoration  is  not  only  improper,  but  that  it 
is  absolutely  disgraceful.  Go  through  this  Capitol  and  see  the  insignificant  tinsel 
work  that  has  been  prepared  here  to  stand  for  ages  as  a representation  of  the  taste 
and  skill  of  this  age.  Have  we  no  artist  to  illustrate  the  history  of  our  country? 
Can  we  not  write  some  portion  of  our  country’s  history  on  these  vralls  that  will  per- 
petuate the  character  of  the  present  generation?  Have  we  no  commerce  to  illustrate — 
no  history  to  perpetuate?  Have  we  made  no  mechanical,  no  scientific  discoveries 
worthy  of  record  here,  that  wre  are  compelled  to  employ  the  poorest  Italian  painters 
to  collect  scraps  from  antiquity  to  place  upon  these  walls,  as  a lasting  disgrace  to  the 
age — mere  tinsel,  a libel  upon  the  taste  and  intelligence  of  the  people? 

While  I am  not  opposed  to  an  appropriation  to  complete  the  Capitol,  or  any  other 
necessary  work  in  course  of  construction,  I think  we  ought  to  cut  off  the  supplies  and 
refuse  an  appropriation  to  be  expended  for  painting  and  illustration  under  the  present 
management.  We  ought  at  least  to  have  some  man  of  artistic  taste  at  the  head  of 
this  great  national  work.  We  have  now  at  the  head  of  it  a captain  of  the  engineer 
corps  of  the  Army,  who  is  not  a judge  of  such  work,  but  he  is  “ sole  monarch  of  all 
he  surveys.”  He,  sir,  is  responsible  for  the  great  expense  incurred  in  the  decora- 
tion of  this  Capitol;  the  purchase  of  these  desks  and  chairs;  all  this  tinsel  work,  and 
those  coats  of  arms  on  the  ceiling,  which  cost  hundreds  of  dollars  each.  They  ought 
not  to  have  cost  more  than  thirty  to  forty  dollars  each.  One  man  was  employed 
eighteen  months,  at  ten  dollars  a day,  to  illustrate  the  coats  of  arms  of  the  States  and 
Territories.  Make  the  calculation  and  it  will  be  seen  that  this  single  item  amounts 
to  thousands,  when  the  expense  should  not  have  been  more  than  thirty  or  forty 
dollars  for  each  illustration.  So  on  through  all  the  items  of  expenditure.  There 
is  no  economy,  no  taste;  and  Ave  pay  this  enormous  amount  absolutely  to  disgrace 
the  country — to  have  here  a perpetual  libel  upon  the  artists  and  artistic  taste  of  the 


692 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


American  people.  I hope  the  committee  will  strike,  it  out,  and  that  we  will  make  no 
further  appropriation  until  we  have  a change  in  the  management  of  the  artistic  work 
of  this  Capitol. 

Against  the  architecture  I have  nothing  to  say.  I believe  that  the  architect  is 
perfectly  competent  and  worthy  of  the  greatest  trust,  and  I desire  no  remark  I have 
made  to  apply  to  him.  But  I say  that  Captain  Meigs  is  unfit  to  direct  the  decora- 
tion of  this  Capitol.  He  has  neither  taste  nor  skill,  and  I hold  that  this  committee 
would  do  a wrong  to  the  Treasury,  to  the  artists,  and  to  the  country,  if  they  fur- 
nished him  with  further  funds  to  daub  the  Capitol  with  such  illustrations. 

Mr.  Quitman.  I understand  the  amendment  is  to  strike  out  the  whole  appropria- 
tion. Now,  sir,  while  I concur  in  much  of  what  the  gentleman  from  New  York 
[Mr.  Taylor]  has  said  on  the  subject  of  the  general  character  of  the  decorations  of 
this  Capitol,  my  principal  object  in  rising  is  to  avail  myself  of  this  opportunity  to 
say  that  when  the  proposition  was  originally  made  to  appropriate  11,000,000, 1 voted 
against  it.  I will  vote  against  extravagant  appropriations  at  all  times,  and  would 
have  opposed  the  appropriation  originally  had  I been  here.  I would  have  for  the 
capitol  of  a republic,  Mr.  Chairman,  a structure  either  in  the  Ionic  or  Doric  style — 
in  a plain  style,  without  the  vast  number  of  decorations  with  which  this  Capitol  is 
loaded.  But  since  this  work  has  gone  on,  it  is  due  to  the  country  and  to  ourselves 
that  we  should  finish  it  properly.  As  to  the  style  of  finish,  why  that  is  another 
matter.  This  amendment  proposes  to  put  a stop  to  all  further  appropriations  for  the 
Capitol.  I take  this  occasion  to  say  that,  as  a citizen  of  the  United  States,  I should 
be  ashamed  to  look  upon  this  Capitol  remaining  in  its  present  unfinished  condition 
for  years.  It  must  be  finished.  Shall  we  plead  before  the  world  that  we  have  not 
the  means  to  complete  it?  When  a stranger  inquires,  why  this  unfinished  Capitol; 
why  these  masses  of  material  which  burden  the  ground  and  obstruct  the  avenues  to 
these  Halls?  must  we  tell  him  that  we  have  undertaken  what  we  could  not  finish — • 
the  work  has  been  suspended  because  means  are  wanted  to  carry  it  out?  No,  sir;  I 
would  rather  borrow  the  money  that  the  work  might  go  on  to  its  completion. 

If  the  appropriation  were  an  original  one,  I would  be  inclined  to  lay  down  strict 
rules  to  prescribe  the  style  of  the  structure,  and  the  extent  of  the  expenditure.  But 
as  this  is  declared  the  last  appropriation  required  to  finish  the  Capitol,  I will  change 
my  vote,  and  support  the  appropriation  proposed  by  the  Senate.  If  we  refuse  to 
make  this  last  appropriation  now,  this  costly  structure  will  retain  its  present  ragged 
appearance,  the  streets  and  public  grounds  will  remain  obstructed  with  valuable 
material,  which  now  lies  strewed  around;  and  it  should  be  recollected  that  it  will 
cost  something  to  preserve  exposed  portions  of  the  building,  and  to  protect  the  mar- 
ble and  valuable  materials. 

[A  message  was  here  received  from  the  President  of  the  United  States,  by  J.  B. 
Henry,  his  Private  Secretary,  notifying  the  House  that  he  had  approved  and  signed 
sundry  bills.] 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  York,  withdrew  his  amendment. 

Mr.  J.  Glancy  Jones.  The  original  appropriation  was  for  $1,000,000;  and  there  was 
a belief  that  that  sum  would  complete  the  building,  inclusive  of  the  decorations. 
The  Senate  have  put  in  an  appropriation  for  §750,000;  and  I am  now  told  that  every 
dollar  of  that  sum  will  be  required,  not  regarding  the  interior  of  the  building  at  all. 
Therefore  the  gentleman’s  object  will  be  accomplished  by  this  Senate  amendment. 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  York.  A^ery  well,  then,  the  following  amendment  will  not  be 
objected  to: 

Arid  as  a proviso,  the  following: 

Provided,  That  no  portion  of  this  appropriation  shall  be  expended  on  the  interior  painting  and 
decoration  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Sickles.  Is  that  amendment  in  order? 

The  Chairman.  It  is  not  in  order,  and  the  Chair  sustains  the  point  of  order. 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  York.  I take  an  appeal  from  that  decision. 


The  Extensions. 


693 


Mr.  Gartrell.  I would  like  to  hear  some  reason  for  the  decision  of  the  Chair. 

The  Chairman.  It  changes  existing  law. 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  York.  I would  like  to  know  how  it  changes  existing  law? 

The  Chairman.  It  has  been  the  universal  practice  of  the  committee  to  rule  out 
all  amendments  which  propose  changing  existing  laws. 

Mr.  Jones,  of  Tennessee.  Is  there  any  existing  law  in  relation  to  this  appropria- 
tion? I say  there  is  none  at  all. 

Mr.  Sickles.  The  manner  in  which  the  money  is  to  be  expended  is  provided  for 
by  existing  law. 

The  question  being,  “Shall  the  decision  of  the  Chair  stand  as  the  judgment  of  the 
committee?”  it  was  put,  and  decided  in  the  negative. 

So  the  decision  of  the  Chair  was  overruled,  and  the  amendment  was  received. 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  York.  I deem  it  to  be  my  duty  to  say,  as  I said  before,  that 
I have  no  objection  to  this  appropriation,  or  to  any  other  appropriation  necessary  to 
finish  this  or  any  other  building  of  this  Government;  but  I do  think  it  necessary  to 
stop  this  decoration,  and  we  ought  to  make  appropriations  only  to  finish  the  build- 
ing. Let  us  have  sometime  for  reflection,  that  we  may  ascertain  how  we  may  best 
decorate  the  Capitol,  and  imprint  some  portion  of  our  history  upon  it  that  may  go 
down  to  future  ages.  We  can  do  that  at  some  future  time,  and  I hope  the  House 
will  sustain  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Maynard.  I desire  to  propose  an  amendment  to  the  amendment  of  the  gen- 
tleman from  New  York. 

The  Chairman.  Another  amendment  is  not  in  order  at  this  time. 

Mr.  Sickles.  I understand  that  the  money  appropriated  by  the  Senate  amendment 
is  to  be  chiefly  expended  on  the  other  wing  of  the  Capitol — for  the  completion  of 
that  portion  of  the  Capitol  to  be  occupied  by  the  coordinate  branch  of  Congress. 
Now,  sir,  if  at  that  end  of  the  Capitol  they  have  no  wish  to  impose  a limitation  upon 
the  expenditure  of  the  appropriation,  as  to  interior  decoration  or  otherwise,  I think 
it  is  officious  in  us,  and  it  is  going  further  than  we  ought  to  go,  to  impose  here  a 
limitation  upon  the  manner  in  which  their  rooms — either  the  Senate  Chamber  or  the 
Senate  committee-rooms — should  be  decorated. 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  York.  I would  like  to  know  where  the  gentleman  gets  his 
information  that  this  appropriation  is  to  be  expended  in  any  one  particular  portion 
of  this  Capitol. 

Mr.  Sickles.  It  is  for  the  Capitol  extension,  and  it  must  be  obvious  to  my  colleague 
that  it  is  not  to  be  expended  in  the  interior  decoration  of  this  Hall,  for  we  are  occu- 
pying it,  and  the  interior  decoration  of  the  Hall  is  completed,  or  nearly  so.  It  is 
not  to  be  expended  in  the  interior  decoration  of  rooms  pertinent  to  this  Hall,  for 
they  are  completed,  or  nearly  so,  and  it  is  too  late  to  impose  such  a limitation  upon 
the  interior  decoration  of  this  wing  of  the  building,  for  they  are  in  such  a state  of 
forwardness  that  to  stop  them  would  be  a waste  of  the  public  money.  In  the  other 
end  of  the  Capitol  these  decorations  are  scarcely  begun,  especially  so  far  as  the  Sen- 
ate Chamber  is  concerned.  The  Senate  have  passed  this  amendment  without  any 
limitation  or  restriction,  and  I think  it  is  not  our  business  to  put  in  such  limitations 
here. 

The  question  now  being  upon  the  amendment  of  the  gentleman  from  New  York, 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  York,  demanded  tellers. 

Tellers  were  ordered;  and  Messrs.  Taylor,  of  New  York,  and  Boyce  were 
appointed. 

The  committee  divided;  and  the  tellers  reported — ayes  59,  noes  67. 

So  the  amendment  was  disagreed  to. 

Mr.  Maynard.  I offer  the  following  amendment  to  the  Senate  amendment: 

Provided,  That  no  part  of  the  same  shall  he  expended  for  paintings  or  statuary. 

Mr.  Letcher.  Is  that  amendment  in  order? 


694 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Maynard.  It  seems  to  me,  Mr.  Chairman,  that  that  is  the  same  question  of 
order  that  was  raised  before.  The  committee  has  decided  it  on  another  amendment 
of  the  same  general  character,  overruling  the  decision  of  the  Chair  that  it  was  not  in 
order.  It  seems  to  me  that  this  comes  within  the  category,  although  it  is  an  amend- 
ment of  an  entirely  different  character,  so  far  as  relates  to  the  limitation  sought  to 
be  made. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  would  rule  the  amendment  to  be  not  in  order  but  for 
the  committee  reversing  the  decision  of  the  Chair  before.  Yielding  to  that  decision, 
the  Chair  entertains  it. 

Mr.  Maynard.  It  is  obvious,  Mr.  Chairman,  that  this  Capitol  is  eventually  to 
become  a vast  museum  of  art,  in  which  paintings  and  statuary  will  be  the  two  prom- 
inent features.  Already  has  a small  commencement  been  made.  My  object  in  p>ro- 
posing  this  amendment  is  that  the  art  decorations  of  this  building  shall  not  be  pro- 
vided for  till  the  building  itself  shall  be  completed;  and  that  then  they  shall  be  the 
work  of  American  skill  and  American  genius,  illustrating  not  only  American  history 
and  American  scenery,  but  also  the  progress  of  American  art.  Now,  if  we  simply 
wanted  to  fill  up  this  building  with  fine  painting  and  fine  statuary,  we  would  at 
once  send  a commission  to  Europe,  and  buy  up  all  the  best  pictures  and  finest  statues 
we  could  get.  But  that  is  not  the  object  or  purpose  which,  as  it  seems  to  me,  we 
ought  to  aim  at. 

To  illustrate.  It  has  been  proposed,  and  that,  too,  in  high  quarters,  that  we  should 
submit  one  of  the  panels  of  the  new  Capitol  to  the  pencil  of  a distinguished’French 
battle  painter,  Horace  Vernet,  because  it  is  said  that  he  excels  all  other  battle  paint- 
ers in  the  world;  and  it  is  suggested  that  he  shall  be  allowed  to  take  as  a subject 
some  of  the  fields  of  the  Revolution,  where  American  and  French  valor  combined 
was  superior  to  the  prowess  of  Great  Britain.  I would  like  to  inquire  of  gentlemen 
what  sort  of  a picture  that  would  probably  be?  A French  painter — painting  what? 
Why,  painting,  of  course,  French  valor  and  French  chivalry.  Where  do  you  sup- 
pose, in  such  a picture  as  that,  would  French  soldiers  stand,  and  where  would  stand 
the  poor  American,  with  his  rough  accouterments  and  his  rough  arms,  and  his  awk- 
ward want  of  discipline,  and  his  deficiency  in  all  those  trappings  that  go  to  make  up 
the  glitter  of  war?  Why,  you  would  have  a painting  which,  regarded  as  a matter  of 
history,  would  tell  all  coming  time  that  the  victories  of  the  Revolution  were  gained 
by  French  soldiers  and  French  valor.  When  man  paints  the  picture,  the  lion  is  apt 
to  appear  second  best  in  the  fight.  And  when  men  come  here  in  after  days,  and 
admire  one  of  the  paintings — for  possibly  it  might  be  the  most  beautiful — our  children 
would  be  obliged  to  confess  that  it  was  not  an  American  work,  but  the  work  of  a 
French  master.  I would  save  them  this  mortification. 

It  may  be  that  American  artists  are  not  equal  to  the  artists  of  the  Old  World;  but 
at  least  they  are  such  as  we  have.  They  are  the  best  we  have;  and  we  will  preserve, 
or  we  ought  to  preserve,  their  works,  the  creations  of  their  skill  and  genius,  so  that, 
in  after  times,  the  state  of  art  in  the  various  stages  of  our  history  may  be  known.  I 
should  be  sorry  to  think  that  this  building  was  to  be  filled  with  works  of  art  within 
the  next  fifty  years.  I would  have  these  niches  kept  empty  till  subjects  and  masters 
were  found  worthy  to  till  them.  There  is  time  enough;  no  need  of  haste.  We  are 
still,  I hope,  in  the  early  stages  of  our  national  history.  At  any  rate,  I will  act  upon 
the  presumption  and  the  belief  that  it  is  to  run  on  for  centuries  to  come.  I would  go 
on  spending  money  in  completing  the  architecture  of  the  building,  and  leave  its  deco- 
rations to  time.  Art  is  a thing  which  must  grow.  It  results  from  the  demands  of 
the  public  taste,  and  can  be  created  in  no  other  way.  It  is  not  a commercial  com- 
modity. It  is  the  combined  product  of  individual  genius  and  general  cultivation. 
To  send  out  an  order  for  a beautiful  statue  or  beautiful  picture  would  be,  to  my  mind, 
almost  as  unreasonable  as  to  give  an  order  for  an  epic  poem,  or  an  eloquent  speech. 
In  this  view,  I have  offered  the  amendment,  that  we  may  have  the  building  com- 
pleted before  we  proceed  to  decorate  it. 


The  Extensions. 


695 


Mr.  Crawford.  There  can  be  no  possible  use  in  the  adoption  of  the  amendment  by 
the  House.  The  amount  originally  asked  for  this  work,  and  which  was  reported  by 
the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means,  was  §1,000,000.  The  Senate,  in  the  outset, 
inserted  a provision  similar  to  that  proposed  by  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee. 
Subsequently  they  reduced  the  amount  of  the  appropriation  to  §750,000,  for  the  very 
express  purpose  of  avoiding  any  difficulty  that  might  arise  in  regard  to  the  decora- 
tion. There  can,  therefore,  be  no  necessity  for  the  amendment,  as  the  §750,000  will 
necessarily  be  applied  to  the  completion  of  the  structure,  and  not  to  ornamenting  the 
walls.  I concur  with  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  that  we  are  not  in  a condition  at 
this  particular  time  to  decorate  these  Halls.  The  condition  of  the  public  Treasury, 
the  commerce  and  condition  of  the  country,  and  many  other  reasons,  might  be 
assigned  why  it  would  be  proper  to  limit  the  appropriation,  and  to  direct,  by  legis- 
lative authority,  that  no  part  of  it  shall  be  used  for  the  purpose  to  which  the  gentle- 
man has  referred,  if  there  were  any  danger  of  its  being  done.  But  there  is  no  earthly 
danger  of  it,  because  the  whole  amount  of  the  appropriation  will  be  needed  for  the 
building  itself,  and  no  part  of  it  will  be  used  for  the  paintings  descriptive  of  our 
revolutionary  history,  to  which  the  gentleman  has  alluded.  I hope,  therefore,  that 
we  shall  dispose  of  this  question,  and  that  gentlemen  will  be  satisfied  that  the  money 
will  be  used  as  I have  indicated,  and  applied  entirely  to  the  structure  itself.  The 
whole  question  has  been  considered  by  the  Senate,  and  the  Senate  was  satisfied  that 
the  §750,000  would  be  necessary  for  that  purpose. 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  York.  I have  no  doubt  that  the  §750,000  will  be  required  to 
finish  the  building;  but  if  that  be  true,  what  objection  is  there  to  the  amendment? 

Mr.  Crawford.  The  only  objection  to  it  is,  that  it  clogs  and  embarrasses  the  passage 
of  the  bill,  and  only  affords  opportunity  for  gentlemen  to  get  off  speeches  here  in 
opposition  to  Captain  Meigs.  Gentlemen  who  are  opposed  to  Captain  Meigs,  and 
wish  him  supplanted,  take  occasion,  in  reference  to  this  appropriation,  to  express 
their  disapprobation  in  regard  to  the  conduct  of  that  officer — a faithful  one,  in  my 
judgment,  and  one  who  has  been  attacked  by  various  individuals,  and  from  various 
quarters,  for  the  reason  that  he  has  taken  care  of  the  public  funds,  and  has  not  per- 
mitted these  individuals  who  assail  him  to  fasten  themselves  upon  the  public  Treas- 
ury, and  be  supported  out  of  the  people’s  money.  The  §750,000  will  be  applied,  as  I 
have  said,  to  the  completion  of  the  building.  I have  no  doubt  that  it  will  be  properly 
applied;  and  therefore  I am  opposed  to  the  amendment, 

Mr.  Maynard.  With  the  permission  of  the  gentleman,  1 wish  to  disclaim  any 
unkind  feeling,  personal  or  otherwise,  towards  Captain  Meigs,  for  I have  none.  I 
believe  that  he  is  a good  officer,  and  prompt  and  attentive  in  the  discharge  of  his 
duties.  I have  not  one  word  to  say  against  him;  and  my  amendment  was  not  offered 
with  a view  of  animadverting  upon  him. 

Mr.  Crawford,  I am  very  glad  to  hear  it,  for  he  is  justly  entitled  to  your  good 
opinion. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Sickles.  1 would  ask  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  to  modify  his  amendment 
by  adding  to  it  the  words:  “except  in  payment  for  work  already  ordered  and  now 
being  performed.”  The  manifest  justice  of  that  will  be  apparent  to  the  gentleman. 

Mr.  Maynard.  I am  unwilling  to  accept  that  modification,  simply  because  I do  not 
know  what  has  been  ordered. 

Mr.  Tayloy,  of  New  York.  I wish  to  offer  an  amendment. 

The  Chairman.  No  further  amendment  is  in  order. 

Mr.  Marshall,  of  Kentucky.  Is  there  an  amendment  to  the  amendment  pending? 

The  Chairman.  There  is  the  Senate  amendment,  and  there  is  an  amendment  to 
that  pending. 

Mr.  Sickles.  I would  say  to  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  that  all  the  sculpture 
now  being  done  is  being  done  by  American  artists,  and  the  result  of  his  amendment 
will  be  that  they  will  get  no  pay. 


696 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Marshall,  of  Kentucky.  Do  I understand  the  Chair  to  decide  that  the  Senate 
amendment  being  the  original  text,  an  amendment  to  an  amendment  is  not  in  order? 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  has  so  decided  in  conformity  with  the  decision  made 
by  the  committee,  when  the  gentleman  from  Indiana  [Mr.  English]  was  in  the  chair, 
when  the  question  arose,  and  was  decided  by  the  committee  after  discussion. 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  York.  I must  appeal  from  the  decision  of  the  Chair. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  would  be  very  glad  to  have  the  decision  reversed,  as  it 
is  not  in  accordance  with  the  judgment  of  the  p resent  occupant  of  the  Chair. 

Mr.  Stanton.  I know  the  practice  has  been  frequently  otherwise  in  Committee  of 
.the  Whole. 

The  Chairman.  That  is  so,  and  the  other  practice  would  conform  to  the  opinion  of 
the  present  occupant  of  the  Chair;  but  the  decision  of  the  gentleman  from  Indiana, 
when  in  the  chair  some  days  since,  ivas  sustained  by  a very  full  vote  of  the  House, 
and  the  Chair,  therefore,  conformed  its  decision  to  that  ruling  of  the  committee. 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  York.  I withdraw  the  appeal,  but  I desire  to  place  myself  cor- 
rectly on  the  record  with  regard  to  the  remarks  of  the  gentleman  from  Georgia,  and 
I ask  one  moment’s  indulgence  for  that  purpose. 

Mr.  Morgan.  I object  to  any  debate. 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  York.  The  gentleman  always  objects  to  information,  because 
he  has  got  none. 

Mr.  Morgan.  I object  to  gentlemen  who  are  always  disturbing  the  House. 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  York.  I call  for  tellers  on  the  amendment. 

Tellers  wrere  not  ordered. 

The  committee  divided;  and  the  Chairman  reported — ayes  twenty-four,  a further 
count  not  being  demanded. 

So  the  amendment  was  rejected. 

Mr.  Branch.  I move  to  reduce  the  appropriation  from  §750,000  to  §200,000. 

Mr.  Chairman,  my  reason  for  making  the  motion  is  this:  while  Congress  declares 
to  the  country  that  it  cannot  carry  on  public  works  in  any  section  of  the  country — that 
works  under  contract,  even,  must  be  suspended — §200,000  is  enough  to  expend  in  one 
year  upon  this  structure.  I submit  whether  we  can  justify  ourselves  to  our  constitu- 
ents or  to  the  country  in  appropriating  such  large  sums  for  this  Capitol  and  the 
Washington  aqueduct,  while  we  are  suspending  public  works  of  great  importance  in 
the  North  and  South,  the  East  and  West?  I am  not  opposed  to  their  completion.  I 
want  to  see  them  finished,  and  in  a manner  creditable  to  the  country,  and  justified 
by  its  wealth  and  power.  It  is  not  my  object  to  stint  appropriations  for  the  Capitol, 
but  I do  think,  sir,  that  under  existing  circumstances  §200,000  is  enough  to  be 
expended  on  it  in  one  year,  and  I wall  not  vote  for  any  bill  that  contains  an  appro- 
priation of  §750,000  for  it.  My  vote  may  be  unnecessary.  These  bills  may  pass 
without  it.  I may  be  wrong  in  my  judgment,  for  I am  fallible  like  other  men; 
nevertheless,  sir,  it  is  my  conviction  that  unless  other  works  are  to  have  something 
out  of  the  Treasury — unless  works  gone  on  with  for  years  are  completed — I cannot 
vote  for  this  appropriation  for  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Chairman,  I have  no  disposition  to  engage  in  a discussion  as  to  the  decorations 
of  this  structure.  I am  no  judge  of  them.  My  friend  from  Tennessee  [Mr.  May- 
nard] says  that  this  is  to  be  a great  museum  of  art.  Not  so  do  I care  to  look  at  it 
altogether.  I desire  that  it  may  be  a great  temple  of  American  patriotism,  American 
eloquence,  and  American  wisdom.  Instead  of  battle  scenes  of  the  past  emblazoned 
upon  these  panels,  I care  more  to  see  these  seats  occupied  by  men  of  wisdom  and 
sound  statesmanship.  Instead  of  illustrations  of  American  and  French  achievements 
in  the  past  painted  upon  the  walls,  let  us  seek  rather  to  illustrate  the  future  history 
of  our  country  by  the  magnitude  of  the  deeds  originated  here,  and  by  the  prosperity 
that  shall  flow  from  the  acts  of  those  who  shall  fill  these  Halls.  If  we  shall  do  our 
duty,  and  those  who  come  after  us  shall  do  their  duty,  neither  the  brush  nor  the 


The  Extensions. 


697 


chisel  will  be  needed  to  perpetuate  the  glories  of  the  Republic.  Let  them  rather 
follow  than  precede  the  great  events  that  are  to  originate  here. 

The  amount  proposed  by  my  amendment  will  be  sufficient  to  finish  the  portions 
of  this  building  which  are  needed  for  practical  use.  We  are  in  possession  of  the 
Representatives  Hall;  and  it  will  be  seen,  by  going  into  the  other  wing,  that  the 
Senate  Chamber  is  nearly  ready  for  occupancy.  For  $200,000,  then,  every  portion 
of  this  building  needed  for  the  purposes  of  legislation  can  be  completed.  What  need 
is  there  for  pressing  the  building  forward  with  such  hot  haste?  Are  there  not  other 
works  which  demand  our  attention?  Are  there  not  works  which  need  our  help  in 
every  section  of  the  Union?  Why,  then,  take  all  the  money  from  the  Treasury  to 
hurry  on  this  building?  Is  there  any  absolute  necessity  for  its  completion  this  year, 
or  next  year?  I see  none.  And  it  is  usually  regarded  as  most  judicious  not  to  erect 
so  massive  a structure  with  so  much  rapidity. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Crawford.  I concur  in  the  views  which  have  been  presented  by  my  friend 
from  North  Carolina,  and  I would  cheerfully  go  with  him  to  accomplish  the  purpose 
which  he  so  much  desires,  if  it  wrere  possible  for  me  to  do  so  in  view  of  the  obliga- 
tions which  we  are  under  by  virtue  of  public  contracts  which  have  been  made  with 
certain  parties  in  reference  to  the  completion  of  this  Capitol.  I am  aware  that  the 
gentleman  would  not  be  willing  to  repudiate  a single  debt  which  we  have  contracted 
in  reference  to  this  or  any  other  national  work.  Contracts  have  been  entered  into 
for  supplying  materials  to  carry  on  this  work;  and  while  it  has  not  been  my  purpose 
to  increase  the  expenditures  of  this  Government  under  the  present  revulsion  in  our 
commercial  affairs;  yet  I would  tax  the  utmost  credit  of  this  country  rather  than 
repudiate  a single  dollar  which  our  public  officers,  under  authority  of  lawr,  have  con- 
tracted to  pay.  Ships  have  been  built,  I will  inform  my  friend,  for  the  purpose  of 
delivering  here  materials  for  this  work.  It  would  require  more  than  two  hundred 
thousand  dollars  to  pay  the  damages  which  these  contractors  would  insist  that  the 
United  States  should  pay  for  the  failure  of  the  Government  to  comply  with  its  contract. 

I would  be  as  much  delighted  as  any  man  to  see  both  Halls  of  Congress  occupied 
by  men  of  the  most  wisdom  and  talent  that  this  country  can  command.  I would 
rejoice  to  see  here  once  more,  upon  these  honored  seats,  such  men  as  Calhoun,  Clay, 
and  Webster.  With  such  men  as  these,  we  ought  to  have  a Government  both  pure  and 
powerful,  a statesmanship  of  the  highest  order,  and  all  that  makes  a nation  great 
and  renowned.  While  I would  be  glad  of  all  this,  yet  that  is  not  the  question  now 
before  us.  Shall  we  comply  with  our  contracts?  It  is  to  that  we  must  address 
ourselves.  The  extension  of  the  nation’s  Capitol  has  been  commenced;  whether 
wisely  or  unwisely,  is  not  now  for  us  to  judge.  Were  it  an  original  question,  I 
would  exert  my  influence  to  prevent  such  an  enormous  expenditure  of  money;  but, 
sir,  it  is  now  too  late;  we  cannot,,  if  we  would,  retrace  our  steps;  we  must  complete 
the  work,  let  the  cost  be  what  it  may;  and  when  done,  it  will  do  honor  both  to  the 
architect  and  to  our  country. 

I,  for  one,  am  willing  to  vote  not  only  $750,000,  but  $1,000,000  for  the  purpose  of 
meeting  our  engagements  if  so  much  shall  be  necessary.  But,  sir,  the  Senate  amend- 
ment has  been  well  considered  in  the  other  branch  of  Congress,  and  they  are  satisfied 
that  to  complete  these  structures  will  require  this  whole  amount  without  any  refer- 
ence to  decoration.  If  we  shall  therefore  refuse  to  appropriate,  we  shall  be  violating 
existing  contracts  which  have  been  entered  into;  and  in  that  view  of  the  question  I 
hope  the  committee  will  refuse  to  strike  out  the  $750,000.  If  they  do  that,  we  shall 
have  claims  presented  here,  year  after  year,  for  damages  arising  from  breach  of  con- 
tracts made  by  public  officers. 

The  question  was  taken  on  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Branch  ; and  it  was  not  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Garnett.  Mr.  Chairman,  I move  to  strike  out  “$750,000”  and  insert  “$150,000.” 
I concur  entirely  with  what  has  been  said  by  my  friend  from  North  Carolina,  but 


698 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


my  especial  object  is  to  protest  against  the  doctrine  avowed  by  the  gentleman  from 
Georgia,  [Mr.  Crawford.  ] He  takes  the  position  that  contracts  have  been  made,  and 
therefore  we  are  bound  to  comply  with  them.  I desire  to  ask  him  whether  a single 
reform  has  been  attempted,  or  a reduction  of  expenses  proposed  this  session,  but 
some  existing  contracts  have  been  urged  to  defeat  it?  I have  not  yet  heard  a single 
reduction  proposed,  where  there  has  not  been  a contract  lurking  in  ambush  to  defeat 
it.  Now,  sir,  there  is  no  law  authorizing  these  contracts.  There  was  a definite  sum 
appropriated  to  continue  the  Capitol,  and  Mr.  Meigs,  or  his  subordinates,  had  no 
right  to  go  beyond  that  sum.  I desire  to  call  the  attention  of  the  gentleman  from 
Georgia  to  what  appeared  in  the  newspapers  some  time  ago.  It  wras  a notice  from 
Captain  Meigs  to  the  workmen  upon  the  Capitol  extension  that  they  could  no  longer 
be  employed,  because  the  appropriation  was  exhausted,  and  that  he  had  no  right  to 
incur  liabilities  beyond  the  appropriation.  And  yet  the  gentleman  from  Georgia 
talks  about  contracts.  A number  of  the  workmen  were  dismissed  upon  that  occasion, 
and  I commend  Captain  Meigs  for  the  notice,  because  it  was  one  of  the  few  symptoms 
of  a desire  upon  the  part  of  the  officers  of  the  Government  to  comply  with  the  laws 
regulating  expenditures  under  their  charge. 

I wish  to  say,  further,  that  I consider  the  whole  extension  an  extravagant  failure. 
Take  this  Hall,  for  instance.  Here  is  a room  for  business;  a Hall  for  practical  legis- 
lation. And  what  is  it?  An  exhausted  receiver;  a sarcophagus  for  the  living;  a 
place  shut  out  from  the  open  air  of  heaven.  Here  we  are  inclosed  in  a vault,  breath- 
ing a poisonous  atmosphere,  and  suffering  the  close  heat  of  an  oven.  What  is  it  all 
for?  Do  yoxr  know  that  after  all  this  extravagant  extension  of  the  Capitol,  our  com- 
mittees and  our  clerks  and  other  officers  say  there  is  not  room  enough  to  accommo- 
date them?  Why?  Because  this  Hall  has  been  made  too  large;  its  size  was  not 
calculated  for  the  benefit  of  members  in  doing  business,  but  to  accommodate  five 
thousand  spectators  in  the  galleries.  In  other  words,  the  vulgar  idea  of  modem 
improvement,  as  exemplified  in  this  Capitol,  is  to  erect  a circus  where  five  thousand 
spectators  can  be  brought  together. 

Again,  what  is  the  style  of  the  adornment  of  this  Hall?  It  is  gingerbread  and  tinsel 
work.  The  attempt  to  defend  it  by  talking  of  the  harmony  of  colors  and  the  poly- 
chromic  style,  is  absurd.  It  is  unjust  to  that  style,  which  it  does  not  illustrate,  but 
caricatures.  Congress  ought  to  cut  down  the  appropriation  to  a sum  merely  sufficient 
to  keep  the  work  alive  until  we  have  time  to  revise  the  whole  plan. 

And  then  there  is  the  ventilation  of  this  House.  This  plan  of  ventilation  without 
windows  was  tried,  as  I am  told,  in  the  new  palace  at  Westminster,  and  the  result 
was  they  had  to  change  the  plan  and  knock  windows  in  the  sides. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Crawford.  I desire  to  say,  in  reply  to  the  gentleman  from  Ahrginia,  that  the 
advertisement  to  which  he  has  alluded  has  reference  entirely  to  the  laborers  employed 
about  the  Capitol;  and  I apprehend  the  gentleman  has  never  taken  the  trouble  to 
read  the  contracts  which  had  been  entered  into  between  Mr.  Guthrie  and  certain 
other  parties,  to  deliver  materials  out  of  which  this  Capitol  and  other  public  works 
have  to  be  completed.  I announce  to  this  House  thatthere  is  a contract  entered  into 
between  Mr.  Guthrie  and  certain  other  parties  for  delivering,  in  this  city,  certain 
materials,  to  be  paid  for  upon  delivery;  and  any  less  sum  than  that  proposed  in  the 
Senate  amendment  will  be  insufficient  to  meet  those  contracts.  Upon  this  statement, 
I leave  the  matter  with  the  committee. 

Mr.  Sherman,  of  Ohio.  Under  what  law,  or  color  of  law,  was  this  contract  made  by 
Secretary  Guthrie? 

Mr.  Crawford.  I do  not  remember.  There  have  been  three  contracts  made — two, 
at  least — by  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  under  some  authority— perhaps  a resolu- 
tion of  Congress.  That  is  my  impression. 

Mr.  Sherman,  of  Ohio.  Such  contracts  are  in  existence  now,  but  there  is  no  law 
authorizing  them. 


The  Extensions. 


699 


The  amendment  offered  by  Mr.  Garnett  was  not  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Davis,  of  Maryland.  I move  to  increase  the  amount  $100,000,  merely  for  the 
purpose  of  making  an  observation.  Gentlemen  upon  both  sides  of  the  House  have 
spoken  about  the  public  works  here  and  elsewhere  being  carried  on  by  contract,  of 
the  appropriations  being  exhausted,  and  of  the  necessity  of  making  an  additional- 
appropriation  to  relieve  the  Government  from  damages.  The  Secretary  of  the  Treas- 
ury, as  you,  sir,  are  aware,  sent  to  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  an  application 
for  appropriations  for  public  works  beyond  the  amount  asked  by  his  annual  esti- 
mates. The  only  ground  suggested  for  such  application  was  that  the  works  had 
been  progressing  with  uncommon  rapidity,  on  account  of  the  low  price  of  materials 
and  labor,  and  that  the  Department  had  made  contracts  which  they  were  bound  to 
fulfill  under  penalties  for  damages. 

Now,  sir,  with  the  exception  of  but  one  or  two  cases,  I believe,  all  the  laws 
authorizing  the  building  of  post  offices,  custom-houses,  and  even  this  Capitol 
extension,  resolve  themselves  into  mere  appropriations  of  so  much  money  to 
accomplish  the  purpose.  I wish  now  to  ask  gentlemen  who  have  spoken  about 
contracts,  where  they  find  a law  for  making  a contract  beyond  the  limit  of  the 
amount  of  money  appropriated?  There  is  no  law,  which  I know  of,  on  the 
statute-books,  which  anywhere  authorizes  it;  and  there  is  the  law  of  1820  which 
distinctly,  and  in  terms,  forbids  it.  The  law  to  which  I call  attention  is  the  act 
of  1st  May,  1820,  which  directs  that  “no  contract  shall  hereafter  be  made  by  the 
Secretary  of  State,  or  of  the  Treasury,  or  of  the  Department  of  War,  or  of  the 
Navy,  except  under  a law  authorizing  the  same” — that  is,  a law  authorizing  the 
head  of  the  Department  to  make  the  particular  contract  referred  to — “or  under 
an  appropriation  adequate  to  its  fulfillment.”  When,  therefore,  any  Department 
comes  before  us,  and  speaks  about  the  existence  of  a contract  and  the  necessity  of  an 
additional  appropriation  to  meet  it,  in  the  absence  of  a specific  law  authorizing  it  to 
make  that  particular  contract,  I say  it  is  a confession  on  its  part  of  its  own  violation 
of  the  law.  I suppose  there  is  scarcely  one  instance  where  there  has  been  anything 
like  an  authority  vested  in  either  Department  to  make  a contract,  or  to  carry  on  any 
one  of  these  public  works  beyond  the  extent  of  the  money  appropriated  from  year  to 
year  for  that  purpose.  There  is,  therefore,  no  pressure  upon  us  because  of  contracts 
unfulfilled;  but,  if  the  contract  exist,  and  there  be  no  law  to  authorize  it,  and  the 
money  is  expended,  the  contract  itself  is  illegal  and  void  as  to  the  residue. 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  York.  I rise  to  oppose  the  amendment,  and  to  explain  the 
remark  which  I made  in  regard  to  Captain  Meigs.  The  gentleman  from  Georgia 
[Mr.  Crawford]  seems  to  think  that  gentlemen  here  have  moved  amendments 
for  the  purpose  of  getting  off  speeches  against  Captain  Meigs.  I do  not  know 
whether  the  gentleman  referred  to  me:  but  I was  the  only  gentleman  who  men- 
tioned the  captain’s  name  in  debate.  If  he  referred  to  me,  I take  this  opportunity  to 
assure  the  gentleman  that  he  is  entirely  mistaken.  I moved  the  amendment  in 
good  faith,  and  am  responsible  to  my  constituents,  not  the  gentleman.  1 have  no 
unkind  feeling  to  Captain  Meigs.  I believe  him  to  be  a highly  honorable  man,  and 
I would  not  utter  a word  reflecting  on  his  character  or  integrity.  I believe  him  to  be 
perfectly  competent  for  every  branch  of  his  business  as  an  engineer.  But  I do  think — 
and  I refer  the  country  to  the  illustration  wre  have  in  this  Capitol — that  he  is  totally 
unfit  to  direct  the  decorations  of  the  Capitol.  That,  however,  is  not  intended  as  a 
reflection  on  his  character  as  a gentleman  or  an  officer.  I esteem  him  as  much  as 
any  gentleman:  but  I do  not  admire  his  appreciation  of  the  fine  arts.  If  it  could  be 
provided,  that  no  portion  of  this  $750,000  is  to  be  expended  in  such  work,  I would 
not  object  to  the  appropriation;  but  I do  not  believe  that  such  would  be  the  case.  I 
agree  with  the  gentleman  that  we  should  fulfill  our  contracts.  I think  that  $250,000, 
or  perhaps  $500,000,  will  be  sufficient  for  this.  For  the  decorations  of  the  Capitol, 
we  ought  to  postpone  till  some  other  time. 

The  question  was  taken  on  Mr.  Davis’s  amendment;  and  it  was  not  agreed  to. 


700 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  J.  Glancy  Jones.  I move  to  increase  the  appropriation  one  dollar.  I do  it  for 
the  purpose  of  making  a very  short  reply  to  my  friend  from  Maryland.  The  only 
law  on  which  these  Government  buildings  are  constructed,  is  a law  of  1789,  which 
located  the  seat  of  Government  in  the  city  of  Washington.  There  is  no  specific  act 
for  any  of  these  buildings.  The  law'  is  a sort  of  organic  law';  and,  by  virtue  of  it,  wre 
might  continue  to  add  to  the  Capitol  till  it  would  be  five  miles  long.  It  has  been 
the  practice  of  Congress,  when  it  makes  an  appropriation  for  the  extension  or  con- 
tinuation of  a public  building,  to  do  so  on  the  submission  of  a general  plan;  and 
that  plan  is  generally  of  a character  that  compels  the  Secretary  to  make  his  contracts 
for  materials.  For  instance:  if  an  appropriation  of  $100,000  be  made  to  keep  men 
in  employment,  and  if  the  Secretary  could  only  make  a contract  w'ith  those  who 
supply  the  marble  to  furnish  materials  to  that  extent,  there  would  be  a loss  of  one 
half.  But  he  makes  his  contract  on  the  plans  submitted  to  and  approved  by  Con- 
gress, on  the  supposition  that  the  appropriation  is  to  be  a continuous  one.  If  he  did 
not  do  so,  the  whole  plan  might  be  a failure. 

Mr.  Clemens.  I desire  to  call  the  attention  of  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania 
to  the  act  of  the  31st  of  August,  1852,  which  provides  specifically  for  the  mode  by 
which  contracts  shall  be  made  for  work  and  materials  in  the  extension  of  the  Capitol. 
The  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  and  the  gentleman  from  Maryland  were  both  mis- 
taken in  saying  that  there  was  no  law'  in  existence  authorizing  the  extension  of  the 
Capitol. 

Mr.  J.  Glancy  Jones.  That  law  did  not  authorize  it. 

Mr.  Clemens.  It  prescribes  the  mode  of  making  appropriations.  It  points  out 
specifically  the  mode  of  advertisement,  and  provides  the  mode  and  manner  in  which 
the  contracts  shall  be  made,  and  the  parties  with  whom  the  contracts  shall  be  made. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Davis,  of  Maryland.  The  argument  of  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania 
amounts  very  much  to  this:  that  when  a law'  is  passed  which  cannot  be  executed 
without  violating  it,  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  is  at  liberty  to  violate  it.  Suppose 
the  plan  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  or  the  construction  of  any  great  w'ork,  were 
not  a thing  made  at  the  Department,  but  incorporated  in  the  law 

Mr.  J.  Glancy  Jones.  Will  the  gentleman  permit  me  to  state  what  I did  mean  to 
say?  I meant  to  say,  not  that  the  Secretary  could  violate  the  contract,  but  that 
the  plan  itself  was  part  of  the  contract,  and  there  was  a continuous  appropriation  to 
carry  out  the  contract. 

Mr.  Davis,  of  Maryland.  That  is  all  very  true;  but  still  it  does  not  affect  this  one 
question,  whether  there  is  any  authority  in  the  Department  to  make  a contract 
beyond  the  limits  of  the  appropriation?  When  Congress,  for  instance,  appropriated 
$100,000  to  build  an  extension  of  the  Capitol,  on  such  plan  as  the  President  might 
direct,  that  justified  the  President  in  accepting  the  plan  in  accordance  AA'ith  the 
extent  and  magnificence  of  the  existing  work.  But  w'hen  he  had  determined  on  the 
plan,  there  would  haA'e  been  authority  for  him  to  make  that  building  according  to 
that  plan,  in  one  contract,  beyond  the  amount  of  $100,000,  then  appropriated.  He 
had  a right  to  make  the  plan.  He  had  a right  to  make  contracts  for  the  carrying  out 
of  that  plan  as  far  as  he  could  to  the  extent  of  the  $100,000  appropriated.  If  it 
was  an  improvident  mode  of  appropriation,  if  a greater  amount  ought  to  have  been 
appropriated,  then  it  Avas  the  fault  of  Congress  in  not  making  it,  and  at  their  door 
lay  the  responsibility. 

The  fact  that  the  work  could  not  be  done  as  cheaply  by  separate  contracts  as  by 
one  continuous  contract — by  a contract  covering  $100,000  as  by  one  covering 
$3,000,000 — Avas  a matter  not  submitted  to  his  discretion.  It  rested  in  the  discretion 
of  Congress;  and  if  Congress  saw  fit,  whether  from  carelessness  or  perA'ersity,  to  Avaste 
the  people’s  money,  it  Avas  no  part  of  the  President’s  business  to  make  them  be 
economical,  according  to  his  ideas  of  propriety.  If  there  Avas  a law  authorizing  the 


The  Extensions. 


701 


President  to  make  a contract  to  construct  the  whole  building,  then,  whether  Con- 
gress appropriated  the  money  for  it  or  not,  that  contract  would  be  binding;  but  when 
we  merely  direct  that  the  building  shall  be  constructed,  and  appropriate  $100,000, 
then,  from  year  to  year,  the  contracts  must,  under  penalty  of  violating  the  law  of 
1820,  stop  at  the  limits  of  the  appropriations.  The  contracts  may  be  as  large  as  the 
plan,  but  they  must  contain  a provision  that  they  shall  not  be  obligatory  beyond 
the  amount  of  the  existing  appropriations,  or  they  are  illegal  and  void.  I specify 
the  Capitol,  merely  by  way  of  example.  In  other  words,  in  the  absence  of  a law 
authorizing  a specific  contract,  there  can  be  no  such  thing  as  a contract  on  the  part 
of  the  Government  which  could  bind  the  Government  beyond  the  appropriation  to 
the  extent  of  a single  cent.  The  act  of  1798,  to  which  the  gentleman  from  Pennsyl- 
vania referred,  has,  and  can  have,  no  relation  to  the  subject. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.  ] 

Mr.  J.  Glancy  Jones.  I withdraw  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Marshall,  of  Kentucky.  I move  to  amend  the  amendment  of  the  Senate  by 
adding  thereto  the  following: 

Provided,  That  none  of  this  appropriation  shall  be  expended  in  the  embellishment  of  any  pait  of 
the  Capitol  extension  with  sculpture  and  painting,  unless  the  designs  for  the  same  shall  have  under- 
gone the  examination  of  a committee  of  distinguished  artists,  not  to  exceed  three  in  number,  to  be 
selected  by  the  President;  and  that  the  designs  which  said  committee  shall  accept,  shall  also  receive 
the  subsequent  approbation  of  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library  of  Congress. 

The  committee  will  recognize  this  as  the  same  amendment  the  committee  adopted 
at  my  instance  before  this  bill  was  sent  to  the  Senate.  I came  into  the  Hall  just  as 
the  gentleman  from  Georgia  [Mr.  Crawford]  was  saying  that  the  investigation  by 
the  Senate  had  established  the  fact  that  the  whole  $750,000  would  be  wanted  for  the 
architectural  part  of  the  extension.  For  one,  I am  willing  to  give  $750,000,  if  it  is 
required,  to  execute  the  architectural  design  of  this  building;  but  I am  not  willing 
to  give  a cent  for  the  embellishment  of  this  building  by  paintings  or  sculpture,  unless 
it  shall  be  covered  by  this  condition.  If  there  be  no  design  except  that  which  the 
gentleman  from  Georgia  intimates,  then  my  amendment  will  not  be  in  his  way,  or 
in  the  way  of  the  architect  of  this  building. 

I have  no  desire,  sir,  to  attack  the  engineer  who  has  charge  of  this  w'ork.  Although 
I do  not  consider  him  a Phidias,  or  a Michael  Angelo,  I do  not  want  to  attack  him. 
But  I do  not  want  to  see  the  work  of  embellishment  progress  as  it  has  gone  on.  The 
House  has  already  raised  a committee  for  the  purpose  of  considering  a memorial 
which  I presented  in  regard  to  the  propriety  of  encouraging  the  native  artists  of  this 
country,  by  giving  them  an  opportunity  to  exhibit  their  genius  upon  the  Capitol. 
I trust  there  will  be  no  opposition  to  the  adoption  of  my  amendment. 

Mr.  J.  Glancy  Jones.  We  have  had  considerable  debate  upon  this  item,  and  as 
I have  already  stated  that  not  one  dollar  of  this  appropriation  will  be  used  for  the 
purpose  of  embellishment,  I hope  the  amendment  will  be  adopted  by  the  committee. 
It  can  do  no  possible  harm. 

The  question  was  taken  on  Mr.  Marshall’s  amendment;  and  it  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Jones,  of  Tennessee.  I wish  to  propose  an  amendment  before  the  question  is 
taken  on  the  Senate  amendment.  It  is  as  follows: 

For  whitewashing  the  interior  of  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  $10,000. 

I have  no  speech  to  make  in  favor  of  it.  I think  that  gentlemen  have  the  evidence 
before  them  that  it  requires  some  alteration  and  some  whitewashing.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  New  York.  I agree  with  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee,  but  I think 
the  amount  is  too  large. 

Mr.  Curtis.  The  gentleman  had  better  refer  the  whitewashing  business  to  one  of 
the  select  committees.  [Laughter.  ] 

The  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  rejected. 

The  amendment  as  amended  was  agreed  to. 


702 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  June  XI,  1S58:  Congressional  Globe,  35 — 1,  p.  2952.] 

VENTILATION  OF  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

Mr.  Seward  submitted  the  following  resolution;  which  was  considered  by  unami- 
mous  consent,  and  agreed  to: 

Resolved,  That  the  President  of  the  United  States,  if,  in  his  judgment,  compatible  with  the  public 
interest,  communicate  to  the  Senate  such  information  as  the  Executive  Departments  may  afford  of 
the  contracts,  agreements,  and  arrangements  which  have  been  made,  and  of  proposals  which  have 
been  received,  for  heating  and  ventilating  the  Capitol  extension,  the  Post  Office,  and  other  public 
buildings  in  course  of  construction,  under  the  management  of  Captain  Meigs,  and  of  the  action  of 
the  Secretary  of  War  and  Captain  Meigs  thereon. 

[On  Jan.  25,  1860,  President  James  Buchanan  transmitted  to  the  Senate,  in  com- 
pliance with  the  above,  papers  and  correspondence  relating  to  the  heating  and  venti- 
lating apparatus  of  the  Capitol  extension:  36 — 1,  Senate  Ex.  Doc.  No.  20,  compris- 
ing 254  pages.] 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  sundry  Civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  Year 
ending  the  thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-nine,”  approved  June  12,  1858.  (Stats, 
at  Large,  v.  11,  323.)] 

For  United  States  Capitol  Extension,  seven  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars: 
Provided,  That  none  of  this  appropriation  shall  be  expended  in  embellishing  any 
part  of  the  Capitol  extension  with  sculpture  or  paintings  unless  the  designs  for  the 
same  shall  have  undergone  the  examination  of  a committee  of  distinguished  artists, 
not  to  exceed  three  in  number,  to  be  selected  by  the  President,  and  that  the  designs 
which  said  committee  shall  accept  shall  also  receive  the  subsequent  approbation  of 
the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library  of  Congress,  but  this  provision  shall  not  be  so 
construed  as  to  apply  to  the  execution  of  designs  heretofore  made  and  accepted  from 
Crawford  and  Rogers. 


[Annual  report  of  Capt.  M.  C.  Meigs,  in  charge  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  15,  1858.  (35—2,  House 
Ex.  Doc.  No.  2,  v.  2,  pt.  2,  p.  748.)] 

Office  of  the  Extension  of  the  Capitol, 

Washington,  November  15,  1858. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  report  the  progress  during  the  past  year  of  the  works  of 
the  extension  of  the  Capitol. 

A few  days  after  the  date  of  my  last  annual  report  I had  the  honor  to  inform  you 
that  the  new  hall  of  representatives  was  completed  and  ready  for  use.  Some  delay 
in  occupying  it  was  caused,  I believe,  by  the  apprehension  of  members  that  the  walls 
were  not  dry  enough  for  health;  but  a special  committee  having  been  instructed  to 
examine  the  hall,  made  the  following  report  on  the  14th  December: 

The  special  committee  to  examine  into  and  report  on  the  condition  of  the  new  hall 
of  representatives  in  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  and  when  it  will  be  safe  to  occupy 
it,  respectfully  report: 

That  they  visited  and  inspected  the  hall  on  the  morning  of  the  12th  instant. 
Some  of  the  members  of  the  committee  had  supposed  that,  the  room  having  been 
lately  finished,  the  walls  must  necessarily  be  damp.  But  on  consulting  with  the 
superintendent,  Captain  M.  C.  Meigs,  of  the  Corps  of  Engineers,  they  were  informed 
that  the  walls  of  the  chamber  had  been  built  for  two  or  three  years,  and  the  interior 
walls  supporting  the  galleries,  and  the  walls  under  the  floor  for  several  months;  that 
they  were  all  laid  in  brick  and  cement,  which  dries  much  more  rapidly  than  com- 
mon lime  mortar.  There  was  no  appearance  of  dampness  about  the  room  or  walls, 
excepting  where  the  first  plastering,  having  been  injured  in  putting  up  the  door- 
frames, had  been  removed  and  replaced,  to  a small  extent,  by  fresh  plaster,  which  of 
itself  had  been  upon  the  walls  for  some  two  weeks. 

A hygrometer  above  the  Speaker’s  desk  indicated  a dry  atmosphere;  and,  so  far 


The  Extensions. 


703 


as  the  committee  could  judge  from  their  own  sensations,  the  air  in  the  room  was  as 
dry  as  that  of  any  ordinary  apartment.  They  found  the  room  warm,  well  lighted, 
and  ventilated  by  a supply  of  air,  which  they  are  assured  by  Captain  Meigs,  the 
superintendent,  was  flowing  through  the  room  at  the  rate  of  not  less  than  eleven 
thousand  five  hundred  feet  per  minute,  as  determined  by  observations  at  the  inlet 
passages  by  a delicate  anemometer.  The  temperature  had  been  designedly  raised 
rather  higher  than  Avas  agreeable,  in  order,  by  driving  through  the  room  a large 
quantity  of  air  at  a high  temperature,  to  raise  that  of  the  large  body  of  masonry  in 
the  flues  under  the  floor,  which  had  been  chilled  by  the  cold  weather  immediately 
preceding  the  meeting  of  Congress  and  the  completion  of  the  heating  apparatus. 

The  two  fans — one  of  which  is  intended  to  drive  air  through  the  large  coil  of  steam 
pipes  provided  for  heating  the  House  of  Representatives,  and  the  other  through  the 
numerous  coils  arranged  in  different  parts  of  the  cellars  to  supply  heat  to  the  com- 
mittee rooms,  lobbies,  and  corridors  of  the  building — are  not  yet  completed.  But  as 
the  air,  warmed  by  the  steam  coils,  rises  into  the  rooms  in  sufficient  quantity,  in 
consequence  of  the  difference  in  specific  gravity  of  heated  and  cold  air,  the  heating 
and  ventilation  of  these  rooms  were  found  to  be  in  a very  satisfactory  state,  the  only 
fault  to  be  found  with  them  being  that  they  were,  perhaps,  too  warm.  This  heat, 
however,  is  under  perfect  control,  and  can  be  increased  or  diminished  at  pleasure. 

The  supply  of  air  to  the  representatives’  chamber,  at  the  time  of  the  committee’s 
visit,  has  already  been  stated  at  eleven  thousand  five  hundred  feet  per  minute,  by 
actual  measurement.  They  were  informed  that  the  fan  which  is  being  built  for  the 
supply  of  the  hall,  will  be  variable  of  supplying  one  hundred  thousand  cubic  feet  per 
minute — a quantity  sufficient  to  change  entirely  the  air  contained  in  the  hall  every 
five  minutes;  the  cubic  contents  of  the  hall  and  galleries  being  four  hundred  and 
sixty-five  thousand  cubic  feet. 

The  members’  retiring  room,  the  Speaker’s  room,  the  Clerk’s  rooms,  the  room  for 
the  Sergeant-at-Arms,  the  current  document  rooms,  the  cloak  and  hat  and  wash 
rooms  are  conveniently  arranged  near  the  hall,  and  are  ready  to  be  furnished  and 
occupied. 

The  south  lobby  and  the  private  stairs  are  so  arranged  as  to  admit  of  cutting  off 
all  the  above  rooms  from  the  admission  of  strangers,  and  reserving  them  for  the  sole 
use  of  the  House;  and  this  the  committee  recommend  to  be  done  by  order  of  the 
House. 

For  the  official  reporters  of  the  House  a convenient  desk,  immediately  under  the 
Clerk’s  desk,  is  provided,  and  for  the  accommodation  of  the  reporters  of  the  public 
press  there  is  ample  room  in  the  gallery  immediately  over  the  Speaker’s  chair  and 
east  of  the  railing.  The  committee  recommend  that  this  part  of  the  gallery  and  the 
room  immediately  behind  it  in  the  third  story  be  set  apart  for  their  use,  and  pro- 
vided with  desks  and  conveniences  for  taking  and  writing  out  their  notes.  The 
telegraphic  wires  should  also  be  introduced  into  this  room,  so  as  to  permit  the  trans- 
mission of  intelligence  direct  from  the  reporters  to  the  distant  press.  By  this  means 
the  report  of  an  hour’s  speech  might  be  completely  set  up  in  New  York  within 
fifteen  minutes  after  its  delivery. 

The  corridors  leading  to  the  hall  are  dry  and  comfortable.  In  some  of  them  the 
tile  floors  are  not  yet  laid,  but  there  is  no  reason  for  waiting  until  this  is  done.  The 
floors  are  of  brick  and  can  remain  in  their  present  condition  until  the  termination  of 
the  session,  the  tiles  in  the  meantime  being  stored  in  the  cellar. 

For  the  present  the  committees  and  the  officers  of  Congress  whom  it  may  not  be 
convenient  to  accommodate  can  remain  in  the  old  building,  to  which  there  will  be 
convenient  access  through  a covered  passage  leading  from  the  new  directly  to  the 
old  hall,  which  it  will  enter  by  the  window-door  behind  the  Speaker’s  chair. 

The  committee  made  some  trial  of  the  acoustic  qualities  of  the  room.  They  found 
very  little  reverberation — so  little  as  not  to  interfere  with  distinctness  of  hearing; 
and  ascertained  by  trial  that  not  only  could  all  that  was  said  at  the  Speaker’s  desk 


704 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


be  heard  on  all  parts  of  the  floor  and  galleries,  but  that  the  voice  from  each  member’s 
desk  or  from  any  part  of  the  galleries  could  be  easily  made  audible  in  all  parts  of 
the  room,  without  raising  it  above  the  tone  required  in  speaking  across  a table. 

There  may  be  some  little  inconvenience  and  interruption  of  work  upon  unfinished 
parts  of  the  building  outside  of  the  hall,  but  the  hall  itself  is  completely  ready  for  the 
use  of  the  House;  and,  in  view  of  the  great  advantages  in  the  comfort,  convenience, 
and  health  of  the  members;  the  great  improvement  in  the  transaction  of  the  legisla- 
tive business,  from  the  perfect  acoustic  qualities  of  the  room  insuring  to  every  mem- 
ber, wherever  his  seat  may  be,  the  ability  to  be  heard  and  understood  when  he  may 
address  the  House;  and  in  view  of  the  fact  that  the  immense  expenditure  of  the 
Capitol  extension  has  been  incurred  solely  for  the  purpose  of  providing  such  rooms 
for  the  deliberations  of  Congress,  they  cannot  hesitate  to  recommend  that  the  House 
avail  themselves  of  the  use  of  this  room  as  soon  as  possible. 

Some  furniture  and  books  for  current  use  it  will  be  necessary  to  remove,  and  some 
lumber  and  rubbish  yet  encumber  the  approaches.  These  can  all,  in  their  opinion, 
be  removed  by  Wednesday  morning,  and  they  therefore  recommend  the  adoption  of 
the  following  resolution: 

“Resolved,  That  when  this  House  adjourns  to-morrow  it  will  adjourn  to  meet  in 
the  new  hall  of  representatives,  in  the  south  wing  of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol, 
on  Wednesday  at  noon.” 

The  resolution  of  the  committee  was  adopted,  and  on  the  16th  of  December  the 
House  of  Representatives  for  the  first  time  assembled  in  the  new  hall. 

The  first  public  use  of  the  hall  was  on  Sunday,  the  13th  of  December,  on  which 
day  divine  service  was  held  in  it,  the  Rev.  G.  D.  Cummins  officiating. 

When  the  charge  of  the  Capitol  extension  was  committed  to  me  in  April,  1853,  my 
attention  was  particularly  directed  by  your  predecessor,  the  Hon.  Jefferson  Davis, 
Secretary  of  War,  to  the  great  importance  of  providing  rooms  suited  by  their  acoustic 
qualities,  by  their  warming,  ventilation,  and  lighting  for  the  purposes  of  legislation. 
In  his  instructions  to  me  on  taking  charge  of  the  work  I was  told:  ‘ ‘ The  great  object 
of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  is  to  provide  rooms  suitable  for  the  meeting  of  the 
two  houses  of  Congress — rooms  in  which  no  vitiated  air  shall  injure  the  health  of 
the  legislators,  and  in  which  the  voice  from  each  member’s  desk  shall  be  easily  made 
audible  in  all  parts  of  the  room.  These  problems  are  of  difficult  solution,  and  will 
require  your  careful  study.” 

I was  fully  impressed  with  the  difficulty  and  importance  of  the  question;  for  the 
whole  vast  expenditure  of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  may  be  said  to  have  been 
incurred  almost  solely  because  the  representative  chamber  in  the  old  building  was 
so  unfortunate  in  its  acoustic  qualities.  The  great  difficulty  of  speaking  and  hearing 
in  it  seriously  affected  the  course  of  legislation.  The  influence  of  a member  in  debate 
depended  too  much  upon  the  possession  of  strength  of  voice  to  make  itself  heard 
through  the  irregular  echoes  and  reverberations  of  the  hall,  and  many  men,  finding 
the  effort  to  speak  exhausting  and  injurious,  were  forced  to  abandon  the  attempt  to 
exercise  that  influence  upon  the  legislation  of  the  country  to  which  their  talents  and 
their  acquirements  entitled  them. 

The  defects  of  the  room  led  to  disorder  and  irregularity,  and  it  was  to  be  hoped 
that  if  a room  could  be  constructed  in  which  an  ordinary  voice  could  be  distinctly 
heard  by  every  member  on  the  floor,  it  would  lead  to  greater  attention  to  the  debates 
and  a better  understanding  of  the  important  subjects  constantly  coming  before  the 
House. 

In  attempting  the  study  of  this  subject  I found  little  settled  or  satisfactory,  and  the 
state  of  the  science  may  be  summed  up  in  the  evidence  of  Faraday  before  a British 
parliamentary  commission,  when  examined  in  regard  to  the  plans  of  the  new  houses 
of  parliament  then  under  consideration. 

He  stated  that  he  did  not  think  it  would  be  possible  to  prepare  plans  beforehand 


The  Extensions. 


705 


which  should  certainly  accomplish  the  object  of  securing  a good  room  for  speaking 
and  hearing;  that  an  architect  might  fail  because  he  was  not  a scientific  man,  and  a 
scientific  man  because  he  was  not  an  architect;  that  his  own  lecture  room  at  the 
Royal  Institution  was  a good  room,  but  he  did  not  know  the  reason  why. 

The  results  of  my  studies  were  a recommendation  to  abandon  the  plans  of  the  legis- 
lative halls  and  the  whole  interior  arrangement  of  the  new  wings  of  the  Capitol  as 
then  under  construction,  and  the  adoption  of  plans  which  I had  the  honor  of  present- 
ing. That  of  the  new  hall  of  representatives,  as  since  constructed  in  the  south  wingr 
was  presented  to  the  Hon.  Secretary  Davis  on  the  19th  of  May,  1853,  with  a report 
upon  the  reasons  for  adopting  it  and  the  principles  upon  which  it  was  based,  which 
was  printed  in  the  annual  report  from  this  office  of  October  22,  1853. — (See  Ex.  Doc. 
No.  1,  33d  Congress,  1st  session,  part  II,  pages  79  to  84.) 

The  propriety  of  the  course  adopted  and  the  success  of  the  plans  have  been  proved 
by  the  use  of  the  hall  during  the  last  winter,  as  is  shown  by  the  following  letter, 
which  I had  the  honor  to  receive  from  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives, 
the  Hon.  James  L.  Orr: 

Anderson,  South  Carolina,  August  13,  1858. 

Sir:  At  an  early  period  during  the  last  session  of  Congress  you  requested  me  to 
give  my  opinion  of  the  fitness  of  the  new  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives  for 
the  purposes  of  its  erection.  I delayed  responding  to  your  request  until  the  close 
of  the  session,  that  I might  form  an  opinion  upon  such  observation,  at  all  seasons 
and  under  all  circumstances,  as  would  be  definite  and  satisfactory. 

It  has  been  occupied  from  December  until  the  middle  of  June — seasons  of  the  low- 
est and  highest  temperature  of  cold  and  heat;  it  has  been  occupied  with  crowded 
galleries  and  empty  benches,  by  day  and  by  night;  and  under  all  circumstances,  in 
its  acoustics,  its  ventilation,  its  heating,  its  lighting,  and  its  conveniences  for  the 
comfort  of  members  and  the  transaction  of  business,  I consider  it  eminently  suc- 
cessful. When  order  is  preserved  an  ordinary  voice  can  be  heard  distinctly  in  the 
remotest  part  of  the  hall  or  galleries.  I presume  there  is  no  hall  in  the  world,  having 
so  large  a number  of  square  feet  within  its  walls,  where  the  speaker  is  heard  with  so 
little  effort  on  his  part. 

The  ventilation  is  equally  successful.  The  densest  crowd  in  the  galleries,  during 
the  most  protracted  sittings,  breathed  a fresh  atmosphere,  free  from  all  heaviness  or 
impurity. 

The  heating  apparatus  is  so  perfect  that  the  engineer  had  only  to  be  notified  what 
temperature  was  desired,  when  in  a few  minutes  it  was  supplied. 

The  arrangement  for  lighting  the  hall  is  admirable.  Not  a burner  is  seen,  and  yet 
such  a flood  of  softened  light  is  poured  down  through  the  stained  glass  ceiling  of  the 
hall  that  it  was  difficult  to  distinguish  when  the  day  ended  and  the  night  commenced. 

The  hall  and  its  fixtures  are  a splendid  triumph  of  your  professional  skill,  and 
will  ever  remain  a proud  monument  to  your  genius. 

I am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  yours,  &c., 


James  L.  Orr,  Speaker. 

Captain  M.  C.  Meigs, 

Engineer,  &c.,  Washington. 

It  is  with  no  ordinary  satisfaction  that  I am  able  thus  to  place  upon  record  the 
proof  of  the  complete  success  of  the  work  committed  to  me,  and  upon  which  I have 
been  so  long  engaged. 

I believe  that  in  the  influence  to  be  exerted  upon  the  legislation  of  the  country,  by 
the  great  advantages  this  hall  affords  in  the  more  intelligent  transaction  of  the  public 
business;  in  the  greater  facilities  for  seeing  and  hearing,  and  thus  of  understanding 
what  is  before  the  House,  its  cost,  which  may  be  considered  as  the  cost  of  the  exten- 
sion itself,  will  be  early  repaid  to  the  country. 


H.  Rep.  046 45 


706 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  purity  of  the  atmosphere  of  the  hall,  secured  by  the  perfect  ventilation,  has 
already  exerted  a beneficial  influence  upon  the  health  of  those  occupying  it. 

The  last  session — a long  and  laborious  one — is  remarkable  for  the  fact  that  no  mem- 
ber of  the  House  present  in  Washington  died  during  the  session;  and  yet  the  House, 
I am  informed,  though  it  adjourned  on  the  14th  of  June,  some  two  months  earlier  in 
the  season  than  at  any  long  session  for  years,  was  in  actual  session  in  the  hall  for 
some  fifty  hours  more  than  in  the  longest  session  previously  known;  and  passed  more 
bills  and  transacted  more  business  than  ever  before. 

The  Senate  chamber  is  nearly  ready  for  use.  I had  expected  to  have  it  completed 
by  the  first  Monday  in  December,  but  I have  been  disappointed  in  some  things  upon 
which  it  depends,  and  I find  it  will  now  require  a few  weeks  more  time. 

The  causes  of  this  delay  it  is  not  necessary  here  to  recount.  They  were  beyond 
my  control. 

The  heating  and  ventilating  apparatus  for  both  wings  is  in  condition  for  use.  That 
in  the  south  wing  has  been  in  constant  use  for  nearly  a year,  and  has  given  entire 
satisfaction.  That  for  the  north  wing  is  completed,  and  the  building  has  been 
warmed  by  it,  whenever  necessary,  for  some  months  past. 

The  rooms  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Senate,  the  senators’  retiring  room,  the  ante- 
chamber, the  corridors  about  the  Senate,  and  a great  part  of  the  committee  rooms  of 
the  north  wing,  are  completed  or  nearly  so. 

In  the  ante-chamber  of  the  Senate — a room  magnificently  decorated,  and  for  which 
designs  had  been  prepared  to  be  painted  in  fresco  on  the  walls — the  proviso  attached 
to  the  last  appropriation  for  the  Capitol  extension  has  arrested  the  work.  Spaces 
which  had  been  prepared  for  the  fresco  painter  therefore  remain  unfinished.  The 
mere  decoration  of  the  room  is  complete,  and  the  room  can  be  used.  At  some  future 
day  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  these  spaces  will  be  filled  by  fresco  paintings  worthy  of  the 
room  they  should  adorn,  and  of  the  magnificent  building  which  contains  it. 

The  proviso  in  relation  to  works  of  art,  attached  to  the  last  appropriation,  is  as 
follows: 

Provided , That  none  of  this  appropriation  shall  be  expended  in  embellishing  any  part  of  the  Capitol 
extension  with  sculpture  or  paintings,  unless  the  designs  for  the  same  shall  have  undergone  the 
examination  of  a committee  of  distinguished  artists,  not  to  exceed  three  in  number,  to  be  selected 
by  the  President;  and  that  the  designs  which  said  committee  shall  accept  shall  also  receive  the  sub- 
sequent approbation  of  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library  of  Congress ; but  this  provision  shall  not 
be  so  construed  as  to  apply  to  the  execution  of  designs  heretofore  made  and  accepted  from  Crawford 
and  Rogers. 

As  the  Joint  Library  Committee  does  not  sit  during  the  recess,  it  has  been  impos- 
sible, since  the  passage  of  this  proviso,  to  submit  designs  to  it.  The  immediate 
effect  of  its  passage,  therefore,  was  to  arrest  all  paintings  in  progress  intended  for 
the  Capitol  extension,  and  to  prevent  the  commencement  of  new  ones. 

In  the  rooms  and  corridors  in  which  the  decoration  had  been  commenced,  the 
merely  decorative  portion  of  the  coloring  was  continued,  but  the  spaces  intended  for 
pictures  are  left  blank  until,  by  some  future  action,  Congress  determines  the  mode  of 
carrying  out  its  views  in  regard  to  the  embellishment  of  the  building  by  works  of  art. 

Mr.  Walker,  who  was  employed  in  painting  a picture  of  the  storming  of  Chepul- 
tepec,  for  the  Military  Committee  room  of  the  south  wing,  has  been  stopped  in  his 
work  by  this  proviso.  His  picture  was  perhaps  half  finished  at  the  time.  It  is  to 
be  hoped  that  it  may  be  found  possible  to  authorize  him  to  complete  it. 

In  regard  to  a permanent  committee  of  artists,  I venture  to  suggest  here  that  there 
are  some  difficulties.  It  would  be  difficult  to  select  three  distinguished  American 
artists  whose  reputation  should  be  such  as  to  entitle  them  to  sit,  without  appeal,  in 
judgment  on  the  works  of  their  brother  artists,  and  whose  pencils  or  chisels  could  at 
the  same  time  be  spared  from  the  decoration  of  the  building. 

There  are  few  artists  yet  in  this  country  qualified,  by  practice  and  by  reputation,  for 
such  historical  works  as  ought  to  adorn  the  panels  in  the  legislative  halls,  and  the 


The  Extensions. 


707 


spaces  reserved  for  pictures  in  the  grand  staircases  and  in  the  ante-chamber  of  the 
Senate  and  other  public  rooms. 

It  is  to  be  feared,  too,  that  without  some  special  provision  for  procuring  designs, 
artists  will  not  be  forward  in  supplying  them.  The  preparation  of  a design  for  a 
historical  picture  is  a work  of  study,  of  labor,  and  of  time.  An  artist’s  time  is  too 
valuable  to  him  to  be  given  without  compensation  on  the  chance  of  success  embraced 
in  the  approval  of  designs  by  two  separate  committees,  one  of  them  consisting  of 
artists  whom  he  may  think  superior  or  inferior  to  himself. 

The  most  liberal  and,  it  seems  to  me,  most  judicious  mode  of  granting  commissions 
for  works  of  art,  would  be  to  constitute  some  body  with  the  power  to  give  to  such 
artists  as  may  have  established  a sufficient  reputation,  commissions  at  a fixed  price 
for  pictures  to  till  certain  panels;  or  to  grant  to  one  artist  a commission  to  decorate 
one  of  the  great  staircases,  leaving  the  subject  and  the  mode  of  treatment  to  the 
artist,  subject  only  to  the  revision  of  the  committee  granting  the  commission.  An 
artist  who  thus  received  a commission  would  have  the  certainty  of  compensation  for 
all  the  labor  and  time  he  spent  upon  Ids  work.  It  is  a matter  of  course  that  an 
artist,  honored  by  a liberal  commission  from  the  country  for  a picture  to  be  placed 
in  the  Capitol,  to  be  seen  and  criticised  by  all,  would  do  his  best. 

But  little  historical  painting  has  thus  far  been  attempted  in  the  Capitol  extension. 
What  little  has  been  done  has  been  done  with  the  object  of  calling  attention  to  the 
subject,  and  indicating  the  mode  in  which  the  building  admits  of  decoration  by  works 
of  art.  As  public  attention  has  been  called  to  it,  my  object  has  been  accomplished, 
and  I shall  be  ready  to  carry  out,  so  far  as  depends  upon  my  sphere  of  duty,  anjr  plan 
which  the  friends  of  art  succeed  in  passing  through  Congress. 

The  sculpture  from  Mr.  Crawford’s  designs  for  one  of  the  eastern  pediments  has 
been  nearly  finished.  No  design  has  yet  been  adopted  for  the  other.  It  is  to  be 
hoped  that  Congress  will  make  some  provision  for  it  at  the  approaching  session. 

The  contractors  for  marble  have  delivered  a very  large  quantity  of  this  material 
during  the  past  year,  but  their  quarry  has  not  proved  capable  of  supplying  the  shafts 
of  the  columns  in  single  blocks,  as  required  by  the  supplemental  contract  of  30th 
March,  1874,  under  the  joint  resolution  of  20th  February,  of  that  year. 

After  a long  correspondence  the  contractors  offered  to  deliver  the  column  shafts  in 
single  blocks  from  the  quarries  of  Carrara,  Italy;  one  of  them  proposing  to  deliver 
them  at  the  Capitol,  according  to  the  terms  of  the  contract,  substituting,  however, 
the  Carrara  marble  for  that  of  the  Lee  quarry,  which  it  was  impossible  to  procure  in 
large  enough  blocks;  the  other  member  of  the  firm  proposing  to  deliver  them  upon 
the  dock  in  Washington;  the  price  to  be  the  same  as  that  provided  by  the  contract, 
viz:  $1,400  for  each  shaft  in  a single  piece. 

This  proposition  you  did  not  think  it  proper  to  accept,  and  the  advertisement 
below  was  issued  by  your  direction : 

PROPOSALS  FOR  SHAFTS. 

U.  S.  Capitol  Extension  and  Washington  Aqueduct  Office, 

Washington,  September  30,  185S. 

Sealed  proposals  will  be  received  at  this  office  until  the  fourth  day  of  December 
next,  at  noon,  for  furnishing,  on  the  grounds  of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  one 
hundred  shafts  for  the  columns  of  the  exterior  porticos  of  that  building. 

The  dimensions  are  as  follows: 

One  hundred  shafts,  including  the  upper  torus  of  the  base;  each  shaft  to  be  twenty- 
five  feet  two  and  one-eighth  inches  in  height  from  the  bottom  of  said  torus  to  the 
top  of  the  upper  astragal. 

The  diameter  of  the  torus  or  bottom  piece  of  shaft  to  be  three  feet  seven  and  five- 
eighths  inches;  the  diameter  of  the  shaft  above  the  base  to  be  three  feet,  and  at  the 
neck  below  the  capital  two  feet  six  and  one-eighth  inches;  and  the  diameter  of  the 


708 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 


upper  astragal  to  be  two  feet  eleven  and  seven-eighths  inches.  These  are  the  net 
dimensions  of  the  work  when  finished. 

All  the  blocks  to  be  scabbled  round  to  dimensions,  and  to  be  free  from  all  defects 
which  would  make  blemishes  in  the  finished  columns." 

The  above  shafts  to  be  of  white  American  marble,  similar  in  color,  grain,  and  com- 
position to  that  used  in  the  exterior  of  the  Capitol  extension,  which  comes  from  near 
Lee,  Massachusetts. 

Every  proposal  should  be  accompanied  with  a block  at  least  one  cubic  foot  in  size, 
as  a specimen  of  the  marble  offered.  This  specimen  will  be  submitted  to  proper 
chemical  and  mechanical  tests  before  being  accepted  for  the  work. 

The  proposals  should  state  the  time  within  which  the  marble  will  be  delivered, 
and  should  be  accompanied  by  a written  guarantee,  signed  by  one  or  more  responsi- 
ble persons,  to  the  effect  that  he  or  they  undertake  that  the  bidder  or  bidders  will, 
if  his  or  their  bids  be  accepted,  enter  into  an  obligation  within  ten  days,  with  good 
and  sufficient  securities,  for  the  completion  of  the  work  undertaken;  said  guarantee 
to  be  accompanied  by  the  certificate  of  the  United  States  district  judge,  United  States 
district  attorney,  navy  agent,  or  some  officer  of  the  general  government,  or  indi- 
vidual known  to  the  engineer  or  Department  of  War,  that  the  guarantors  are  able  to 
make  good  their  guarantee. 

The  United  States  reserves  the  right  to  reject  any  or  all  bids  not  deemed  advan- 
tageous, and  to  make  other  arrangements  for  procuring  the  marble. 

Proposals  will  be  received  for  furnishing  the  shafts  either  in  single  blocks  or  in 
blocks  of  not  less  than  four  feet  in  length,  and  the  number  of  shafts  offered  in  single 
blocks  or  in  pieces,  respectively,  should  be  stated. 

Proposals  will  be  opened  in  this  office  at  noon  of  the  4th  of  December  next,  in  the 
presence  of  bidders  who  may  choose  to  be  present. 

By  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War.  M.  C.  Meigs, 

Captain  of  Engineers,  in  charge  of  U.  S.  Capitol  Extension. 

FORM  OF  A GUARANTEE. 

Captain  M.  C.  Meigs,  United  States  Engineers: 

We  the  undersigned,  residents  of , in  the  State  of , hereby, 

jointly  and  severally,  covenant  with  the  United  States,  and  guaranty,  in  case  the 

foregoing  bid  of be  accepted,  that  he  or  they  will,  within  ten  days  after 

the  acceptance  of  the  said  bid,  execute  the  contract  for  the  same,  with  good  and  suf- 
ficient sureties,  to  perform  the  work  or  furnish  the  articles  proposed,  in  conformity 
to  the  terms  of  the  advertisement  under  which  it  was  made.  And  in  case  the  said 

shall  fail  to  enter  into  contract  as  aforesaid,  we  guaranty  to  make  good  the 

difference  between  the  offer  by  the  said and  the  next  lowest  bidder. 

A.  B. 

C.  D. 

I hereby  certify  that,  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge  and  belief,  the  above  named 
guarantors  are  good  and  sufficient. 

E.  F. 

The  whole  quantity  of  marble  delivered  by  the  contractors  in  the  twelve  months 
ending  30th  September,  is  74,789  cubic  feet,  costing  $140,154  94. 

The.  principal  marble  work  of  the  year  has  consisted  of  the  piers  of  the  arcades  of 
the  ten  porticos,  in  which  much  progress  has  been  made;  the  completion  of  the 
cell  walls  of  the  connecting  corridors;  fitting  up  of  the  senators’  retiring  room;  the 
four  great  staircases;  and  the  completion  of  the  marble  skirtings  generally. 

The  senators’  retiring  room  is  lined  throughout  with  polished  marble.  The  ceil- 
ing, deeply  moulded  in  polished  Italian  marble,  is  supported  by  Corinthian  columns 
and  pilasters  of  the  same  material.  The  niches  and  walls  are  lined  with  polished 
Tennessee  marble. 


The  Extensions. 


709 


The  four  great-  staircases  are  nearly  finished.  The  stairs  are  of  marble,  and  the 
landings  and  ceilings  of  marble  are  supported  upon  marble  columns  of  the  Corinthian 
style,  highly  polished.  The  effect,  even  in  the  present  unfinished  condition  of  these 
staircases,  is  very  rich  and  magnificent. 

The  walls  have  been  prepared  with  large  plain  spaces  for  pictures,  and  it  is  to  be 
hoped  that  the  painting  of  these  pictures  may  not  be  long  delayed. 

The  light  has  been  arranged  with  a view  to  the  introduction  of  three  large  histor- 
ical pictures  upon  each  of  these  four  staircases,  one  in  each  to  be  about  thirty  feet 
by  twenty  feet  in  size. 

A niche  for  the  reception  of  a colossal  statue  is  also  provided  upon  the  principal 


landing  of  each  staircase.  * * * 

CASH  ACCOUNT. 

Available  September  30,  1857  $724, 187.  04 

Appropriation  of  June  12,  1858 750,  000.  00 

1,474, 187.04 

Expended  during  the  year  ending  September  30,  1858 1, 130,  910.  26 

Available  September  30,  1858  343,  276.  78 

All  of  which  will  probably  be  expended  by  the  1st  of  January  next. 

Amount  to  be  appropriated  for  the  service  of  the  year  ending  June  30, 

1860 500,  000.  00 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted  by  your  obedient  servant, 


M.  C.  Meigs, 

Captain  of  Engineers , in  charge  United  States  Capitol  Extension. 
Hon.  John  B.  Floyd, 

Secretary  of  War. 

[House  proceedings  of  Dec.  23,  1858:  Congressional  Globe,  35 — 2,  p.  195.] 

REMOVAL  OF  MEMBERS’  DESKS. 

Mr.  Miles.  I ask  leave  to  offer  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved , That  it  be  referred  to  a special  committee  of  this  House  to  consider  and  report  on  the 
expediency  of  removing  the  present  desks  from  the  Hall,  and  making  such  arrangements  of  the  seats 
of  members  as  will  bring  them  together  in  a smaller  space,  for  the  purpose  of  greater  facility  of  hear- 
ing and  more  orderly  debate. 

I would  simply  remark  to  the  House,  that  the  resolution  merely  instructs  the  com- 
mittee to  inquire  and  report.  It  provides  for  no  definite  action  on  the  part  of  the 
House. 

Mr.  Washburn,  of  Maine.  I hope  that  resolution  will  pass. 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  I move  to  lay  the  resolution  on  the  table. 

Mr.  Miles  demanded  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  not  ordered. 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois,  demanded  tellers  upon  the  motion. 

Tellers  were  not  ordered. 

The  motion  was  not  agreed  to. 

The  question  recurring  upon  agreeing  to  the  resolution, 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois,  called  for  tellers. 

Tellers  were  ordered;  and  Messrs.  Seward,  and  Clark  of  Connecticut,  were  appointed. 
The  House  divided;  and  the  tellers  reported — ayes  73,  noes  55. 

So  the  resolution  was  adopted. 

Mr.  Miles  moved  to  reconsider  the  vote  by  which  the  resolution  was  adopted;  and 
also  moved  that  the  motion  to  reconsider  be  laid  on  the  table. 

The  latter  motion  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Miles.  I would  suggest  that  the  committee  shall  consist  of  five  members. 
There  being  no  objection,  it  was  ordered  that  the  committee  consist  of  five  members. 


710 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[House  proceedings  of  Jan.  7,  1859:  Congressional  Globe,  35 — 2,  p.  266.] 

SPECIAL  COMMITTEE. 

The  Speaker  announced  that  he  had  appointed  Messrs.  Miles,  Letchee,  Wash- 
burn of  Maine,  Pendleton,  and  Morris  of  Pennsylvania,  a special  committee  on  Mr. 
Miles’s  resolution  to  consider  and  report  on  the  expediency  of  removing  the  present- 
desks  from  the  Hall,  and  making  such  arrangements  of  the  seats  of  members  as  will 
bring  them  together  in  a smaller  space,  for  the  purpose  of  further  facility  of  hearing 
and  more  orderly  debate. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  2, 1859:  Congressional  Globe,  35 — 2,  p.  1574.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  Sundry 
Civil  bill  for  1860 — 

Mr.  Davis.  I wish  to  present  an  amendment  from  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings  and  Grounds: 

For  mating  the  necessary  alterations  to  the  rooms  assigned  to  the  Court  of  Claims,  including  the 
removal  of  the  partition  between  the  rooms  formerly  occupied  by  the  Senate  Committees  on  Military 
Affairs  and  on  Indian  Affairs,  $5,000. 

I will  merely  state  to  the  Senate  that,  when  the  Senate  took  possession  of  this 
wing  of  the  Capitol,  the  Court  of  Claims  was  necessarily  compelled  to  give  up  the 
rooms  which  they  occupied;  and,  in  making  some  provision  for  them,  they  were  put 
in  the  rooms  formerly  occupied  by  the  Committees  on  Naval  Affairs,  Military  Affairs, 
and  Indian  Affairs,  of  the  Senate.  Neither  of  the  rooms  is  large  enough,  however, 
for  the  business  of  the  court.  To  make  it  so,  it  would  be  necessary  to  knock  away 
a part  of  the  wall  which  divided  the  room  of  the  Committee  on  Indian  Affairs  from 
that  of  the  Committee  on  Military  Affairs,  which  can  be  done  without  any  injury  to 
the  building,  with  some  minor  arrangements  in  relation  to  heating  and  ventilation, 
and  will  cost,  it  is  estimated,  the  sum  of  $5,000.  That  appropriation  is  asked  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  Court  of  Claims. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Davis.  The  same  committee  have  instructed  me  to  offer  an  amendment 
providing  for  the  heating  of  the  center  building  with  the  same  system  as  that  applied 
to  the  wings: 

For  extending  to  the  center  building  the  system  of  heating  adopted  for  the  wings,  $74,000. 

I will  state  to  the  Senate  that  the  same  furnaces  which  are  used  for  heating  the 
wings  will  suffice  for  heating  the  center  building.  It  will  require  an  additional  boiler 
at  each  extremity,  and  the  introduction  of  pipe  and  other  apparatus  necessary  for 
conducting  the  heat  from  the  steam  boilers.  With  this,  all  the  corridors  and  passages 
will  be  brought  to  the  equal  temperature  which  now  exists  in  the  wings.  Persons 
passing  from  one  wing  to  the  other  will  not  be  exposed  to  the  chilling  draught  which 
they  now  encounter;  and  it  is  found,  upon  calculation  of  the  amount  of  fuel  consumed 
and  the  persons  employed  to  keep  up  the  heating  of  the  center  building,  that  this  will 
be  more  economical,  and  will  also  relieve  the  building  entirely  from  that  danger  of 
fire  ■which  has  already  destroyed  a portion  of  the  Library,  and  may  involve  a large 
portion  of  the  documents  which  are  kept  in  the  center  building.  I ask  the  sense  of 
the  Senate  upon  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Pugh.  I think  the  present  system  of  heating  the  wings  evidently  defective.  If 
it  is  proposed  to  extend  it,  I shall  certainly  vote  against  it.  I think  the  experience 
of  the  Senate  at  this  session  is  against  this  proposition.  At  one  time  this  room  is  so 
hot  as  to  be  barely  inhabitable,  and  at  another  time  too  cold ; and  if  it  is  proposed  to 
extend  that  failure  to  the  center  building,  I would  much  rather  have  the  old  system. 
I think  we  were  better  off  in  the  old  Chamber  than  here.  My  opinion  is,  that  the 
whole  thing  is  a failure;  and  I do  not  want  to  spend  more  money  upon  it. 

Mr.  Davis.  I will  merely  say  to  my  friend  from  Ohio,  whom  I have  been  unfor- 


The  Extensions. 


711 


tunate  in  attempting  to  convince,  that  I will  not  argue  with  him  this  question  of 
heating  generally;  but  I will  merely  say  to  him,  that  that  of  which  he  complains 
does  not  belong  to  the  system  of  heating.  It  results  from  the  open  spaces  by  which 
the  heat  was  brought  into  the  Chamber,  and  I think  I can  promise  him,  with  some 
assurance,  that  when  the  Senate  meets  at  the  next  session,  he  will  find  that  these 
gratings  have  been  removed;  that  instead  of  horizontal  drafts  of  air,  there  will  be  ver- 
tical columns,  and  all  that  of  which  he  complains  will  no  longer  exist.  It  is  not  in  the 
system  of  heating,  but  in  the  manner  in  which  the  heated  air  has  been  introduced 
into  the  Chamber. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

[Senate  proceedings  of  March  2,  1859:  Congressional  Globe,  35 — 2,  p.  1587.] 

CIVIL  APPROPRIATION  BILL. 

The  consideration  of  the  bill  (H.  R.  No.  713)  making  appropriations  for  sundry 
civil  expenses  of  the  Government,  for  the  year  ending  the  30th  of  June,  1860,  was 
resumed  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole. 

Mr.  Bright.  I have  an  amendment  to  offer  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings and  Grounds: 

And  he  it  further  enacted,  That  for  procuring  the  necessary  furniture  for  the  Senate  Chamber,  the 
audience  rooms,  the  committee-rooms,  the  rooms  occupied  by  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Senate, 
and  other  rooms  of  the  north  wing  of  the  Capitol  in  the  occupancy  of  the  Senate  and  its  appendages, 
the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  extension  be  directed  to  make  a survey  and  ascertain  what  articles 
of  furniture  will  be  needed,  with  the  materials,  designs,  and  dimensions  of  the  same;  and  that  he  be, 
and  he  is  hereby,  authorized  to  publish  the  proper  specifications  and  descriptions  of  the  articles  that 
may  be  required,  and  invite  sealed  proposals  to  be  made  to  him  within  thirty  days  from  the  date  of 
the  first  publication  of  the  same  for  the  manufacture  and  construction  of  the  said  articles  of  furniture, 
to  be  opened  at  the  appointed  time,  in  the  presence  of  the  bidders  or  other  persons;  and  that  a con- 
tract or  contracts  for  such  furniture  shall  be  made  with  the  lowest  and  best  bidder,  reference  being 
had  to  the  quality  of  the  material,  the  superiority  of  workmanship,  and  the  time  in  which  the  same 
shall  be  completed;  and  that  proper  security  shall  be  taken  for  the  faithful  and  prompt  execution  of 
the  work;  and  that,  for  the  purpose  of  paying  for  the  said  furniture  as  it  may  be  completed  and 
delivered  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  said  superintendent,  such  sum  of  money  as  may  be  required 
therefor  be,  and  the  same  hereby  is,  appropriated,  to  be  paid  out  of  any  money  in  the  Treasury  not 
otherwise  appropriated. 

Mr.  Mason.  I hope  that  appropriation  will  not  be  made.  I do  not  see  any  reason 
why  we  should  not  be  content,  in  this  new  building,  with  the  old  furniture.  We 
have  abundance  here  in  the  Senate  Chamber — the  chairs  and  desks  which  were 
used  in  the  old  building.  As  far  as  I know,  in  the  committee-rooms,  we  have 
abundance  there.  In  the  room  of  the  committee  of  which  I am  a member,  we  have 
the  old  furniture  of  the  old  committee-room.  It  is  abundant  for  our  purposes;  and, 
in  the  present  state  of  the  Treasury,  and  our  anxiety  not  to  increase  the  expendi- 
tures, I think  it  would  be  in  very  bad  taste,  not  to  give  it  a harsher  name,  that  we 
should  be  expending  money  to  furnish  this  new  Capitol.  We  have  abundance  of 
furniture,  which  has  been  brought  from  the  old  Capitol — very  good  furniture,  as  far 
as  I know — and  I trust  that  the  appropriation  will  not  be  made. 

Mr.  Bright.  I hope  now,  sir,  that  gentlemen  who  are  at  the  head  of  committees 
will  have  an  opportunity  of  explaining  how  far  they  do  need  furniture  in  their 
committee-rooms.  It  is  a great  relief  to  me  to  have  an  opportunity  of  offer- 
ing this  amendment.  It  was  reported  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and 
Grounds  some  four  weeks  since  in  the  shape  of  a joint  resolution,  but  I have  been 
unable  to  get  it  considered;  and  during  that  time,  I think  I may  venture  to  say  that 
a majority  of  the  gentlemen  who  are  at  the  head  of  committees  have  spoken  to  me 
repeatedly,  asking  why  the  subject  was  not  called  up.  I understand  that  there  are 
many  committee-rooms  which  are  not  furnished,  or  in  which  the  furniture,  at  least, 
is  not  suitable  to  the  rooms.  I certainly  have  no  anxiety  in  reference  to  the  mat- 
ter; for  the  committee  of  which  I have  the  honor  to  be  chairman  as  yet  have  no 


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Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


room  in  the  new  wing  of  the  Capitol.  The  special  committee  who  had  that  matter  in 
charge  assigned  a small  room  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds;  but 
the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Indian  Affairs  felt  that  it  was  a necessary  append- 
age to  the  room  assigned  to  him,  and  we  yielded  it  to  him.  As  chairman  of  the 
committee,  I have  done  nothing  more  than  my  duty  in  offering  the  amendment,  and 
Senators  have  now  an  opportunity  of  saying  whether  they  need  furniture  in  their 
committee-rooms  or  not.  If  they  need  it,  under  this  amendment  the  superintendent 
in  charge  of  this  building  will  advertise  and  receive  sealed  proposals  for  furnishing 
such  furniture  as  the  gentlemen  who  compose  the  committees  here  say  they  need. 
It  is  wholly  immaterial  to  me  whether  the  Senate  adopt  the  amendment  or  not. 

Mr.  Mason.  I ought  to  have  added  one  word  to  what  I said  before.  I do  require 
some  additional  furniture  in  the  room  of  the  committee  of  which  I am  a member, 
and  I propose  to  have  it  made.  I want  some  very  plain  pine  shelves  to  put  books 
on,  and  I want  nothing  more.  The  furniture  in  that  committee  room  was  brought 
from  the  committee  room  in  the  old  Capitol;  it  is  in  good  order;  there  is  no  part  of  it 
broken,  nothing  dilapidated,  and  I want  no  other  furniture.  I think  it  will  be  in 
very  bad  taste  to  put  this  additional  burden  on  the  Treasury,  to  accommodate  the 
furniture  in  the  committee-rooms  to  the  gew-gaw  gorgeous  taste  of  this  new  building. 

Mr.  Brown.  I must  confess  myself  somewhat  amazed  at  the  position  of  the  Sena- 
tor from  Virginia.  We  have  built  a magnificent  wing  to  the  Capitol  for  the  accom- 
modation of  the  Senate.  I have  always  understood  the  Senator  from  Virginia  to  be 
in  favor  of  this  Capitol  extension,  and  upon  its  present  scale  of  magnificence;  but 
now  at  the  winding  up,  when  the  house  is  built,  he  is  for  stopping  and  refusing  to 
furnish  it. 

Mr.  Mason.  I was  in  favor  of  the  Capitol  extension,  because  I believed  we  w'anted 
more  space,  and  for  no  other  reason  in  the  world,  and  I am  in  favor  of  getting  furni- 
ture if  any  gentleman  will  say  that  the  furniture,  from  his  former  committee-room 
is  not  enough,  not  in  quality,  but  in  quantity,  for  his  present  use. 

Mr.  Brown.  I hold  that  the  furniture  of  a committee-room  ought  to  bear  some 
relation  to  the  room  itself.  I heard  the  Senator  say,  and  I heard  it  with  some  sur- 
prise, that  he  wanted  some  plain  pine  shelves  in  his  committee-room.  That  suggests 
to  me  the  idea  of  a plain  log  cabin.  If  wre  held  our  councils  in  buildings  of  that  sort, 
I should  be  content  with  that  kind  of  furniture;  but  it  seems  to  me  to  be  altogether 
out  of  place  that  we  should  erect  a building  like  this,  at  a cost  of  millions,  and  then, 
all  of  a sudden,  talk  about  economy  and  refuse  to  furnish  the  committee  rooms  and 
legislative  chambers  in  a style  commensurate  with  the  dignity,  magnificence,  and 
grandeur  of  the  building.  Possibly  you  may  never  have  had  use  for  these  committee- 
rooms,  but  you  thought  you  had.  You  may  have  had  no  use  for  this  Chamber.  I 
hardly  think  you  had;  but  still  Congress  decided  otherwise.  You  have  put  up  the 
building,  and  this  is  not  the  point  at  which  to  stop;  for  you  must  go  on  and  furnish 
your  building  in  the  style. in  w'hich  you  have  erected  it.  I never  had  any  respect  for 
a private  gentleman  who  built  a fine  house  and  then  did  not  carpet  his  floor,  or  furnish 
it  in  the  style  in  which  he  had  built  it.  It  always  occurred  to  me  that  he  did  not 
know'  exactly  w'hat  he  was  driving  at;  that  he  wanted  to  do  the  thing  on  a big  scale, 
and  that  his  magnificence  give  out  before  he  got  through.  You  have  built  a fine 
Capitol,  and  I think  you  will  be  very  much  in  fault  if  you  do  not  furnish  it  in  the 
style  in  which  you  have  built  it.  I am  very  sorry  to  dissent  from  the  Senator  from 
Virginia,  because  Virginians  know  very  much  better  than  Mississippians  what  fine 
furniture  is.  The  old  ‘ ‘ mother  of  States  and  statesmen  ’ ’ ought  to  know  what  is  right, 
and  ought  to  do  what  is  right.  Of  all  Senators  on  this  floor,  I should  have  expected 
this  objection  to  come  last  from  the  Senator  from  Virginia.  We  are  accustomed  to 
associate  the  name  of  Virginia  with  those  old  family  mansions  furnished  in  the  style 
which  belongs  to  her.  Would  the  Senator  from  Virginia  build  himself  a magnificent 
residence,  and  refuse  to  carpet  the  floors,  refuse  to  put  up  mirrors,  make  himself 
magnificent  parlors  and  chambers,  and  then  say,  “I  will  put  up  pine  shelves  all 


The  Extensions. 


713 


around  here;  I will  have  no  mahogany  tables;  I will  have  no  cushioned  chairs;  I will 
have  plain  pine  tables;  and  I will  have  three  legged  stools?”  I am  sure  the  Senator 
from  Virginia  would  not  propose  to  act  in  that  way.  It  is  not  according  to  Virginia 
magnificence;  it  is  not  according  to  Virginia  magnanimity  and  grandeur.  I hope  the 
amendment  will  be  adopted. 

Mr.  Mason.  I only  want  to  say  to  the  Senator  from  Mississippi,  that  I had  no  part 
in  the  world  in  building  this  extension  of  the  Capitol ; I had  no  part  in  the  arrange- 
ments; I approve  of  nothing  in  it,  of  any  kind  and  description,  exccept  the  apparent 
durability.  If  it  shall  last,  it  is  all  1 ask.  All  this  gorgeous  painting,  and  these 
ceilings,  as  far  as  my  taste  is  concerned,  are  entirely  discordant.  I had  no  part  or 
lot  in  them.  Now,  it  is  asked  that  we  shall  appropriate  money  to  add  furniture,  or 
to  purchase  furniture,  and  my  objection  is,  that  we  do  not  want  it.  I certainly  do 
not  want  it.  In  the  room  of  the  committee  of  which  I am  a member,  we  have  the 
old  furniture  brought  from  the  old  committee-room;  it  is  in  good  order;  no  part  of 
it  is  broken;  no  part  of  it  is  dilapidated;  and  I have  no  desire,  in  the  present  condi- 
tion of  the  Treasury,  to  make  an  appropriation  to  add  to  it. 

Now,  in  relation  to  what  the  Senator  has  alluded  to,  I said  this,  and  I adhere  to  it: 
I want  nothing  there  but  some  plain  pine  shelves,  that  shall  be  painted  in  order  to 
preserve  them,  to  put  books  on.  That  is  my  idea  of  the  proprieties  of  life.  Shabby 
splendor  and  mock  gentility  1 condemn  utterly,  at  home  or  abroad. 

Mr.  Malloky.  The  committee  over  which  I have  the  honor  to  preside  is  very 
much  in  want  of  a few  articles  of  furniture  in  the  committee-room,  but  I will  not 
enumerate  them  here,  lest  I might  offend  the  sensibilities  of  my  friend  from  Virginia. 
In  removing  out  of  the  old  committee-room,  which  lias  since  been  turned  over  to  the 
Court  of  Claims,  we  did  not  remove  articles  which  were  necessary  to  the  committee. 
It  is  necessary  that  we  should  have  some  to  replace  other  articles.  It  will  require  a 
small  amount. 

Mr.  Hunter.  Will  my  friend  allow  me  to  suggest  that  it  will  not  do  for  each  head 
of  a committee  to  give  an  inventory  of  the  furniture  in  his  room. 

Mr.  Mallory.  I am  not  going  to  do  it.  I have  the  floor  and  if  my  friend  from 
Virginia  will  sit  down  and  listen  to  me  I shall  get  through  very  soon.  The  furniture 
in  these  rooms  is  a mere  bagatelle.  I presume  the  discretion  of  the  chairmen  of  the 
committees  will  be  trusted  in  furnishing  their  rooms  appropriately.  My  friend  from 
Virginia,  [Mr.  Mason,]  may  stick  to  his  pine  shelves  and  may  have  them  painted  if 
he  chooses,  and  if  his  room  is  supplied  he  will  of  course  not  call  for  any  furniture ; 
but  I say  my  committee-room  wants  a little — a few  chairs,  a desk,  a bookcase,  &c. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  I wish  to  call  the  attention  of  the  Senator  to  the 
person  pointed  out  in  this  amendment  to  provide  the  furniture  for  the  committee- 
rooms.  It  provides  that  ‘ ‘ the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  extension  be  directed  to 
make  a survey,  and  ascertain  what  articles  of  furniture  will  be  needed,  with  the 
materials,  designs,  and  dimensions  of  the  same.”  It  seems  that  the  superintendent 
of  the  Capitol  extension  is  to  examine  these  rooms,  make  out  a general  design,  and 
then  procure  furniture  without  regard  to  the  committees,  or  any  consultation  with 
them  or  their  chairmen,  or  anybody  else.  If  the  design  is  to  furnish  the  committee- 
rooms  in  a manner  corresponding  with  the  useless  and  wasteful  extravagance  of 
public  money  that  has  been  incurred  in  the  building  of  these  two  wings  of  the  Capitol, 
I think  it  is  time  it  ought  to  be  looked  into. 

It  seems  to  me  that  we  had  better  commit  this  matter  to  the  care  of  the  Secretary 
of  the  Senate  or  the  Sergeant-at-Arms,  instead  of  the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol 
extension.  Those  officers,  under  the  direction  of  the  committees,  can  procure  what 
furniture  the  committees  need  in  their  rooms.  If,  as  the  Senator  from  Virginia  sug- 
gests, some  of  the  committees  want  pine  tables  and  pine  shelves,  let  them  have  them. 
If  other  committees  want  furniture  of  a little  better  grade,  let  them  have  it.  But, 
according  to  the  original  amendment,  the  superintendent  is  to  make  out  a general 
plan  for  the  furniture;  and  it  is  to  carry  out  the  general  intention  and  design  of  this 


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Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


building,  without  consulting  the  convenience  and  interest  of  the  committees,  or  their 
notions  of  economy  or  propriety.  It  seems  to  me,  it  is  carrying  the  thing  a little 
too  far. 

If  I know  myself,  I have  no  unkind  feelings  towards  the  superintendent  of  this 
building;  but  it  seems  to  me  that  Mr.  Meigs  has  about  as  many  jobs  on  hand  as  he 
can  well  attend  to.  He  has  the  aqueduct,  on  which  you  are  expending  millions;  he 
has  the  Capitol  on  which  you  are  expending  millions;  then  the  public  grounds 
around  the  Capitol  are  to  be  placed  in  his  hands,  on  which  you  have  expended  mil- 
lions; and  now  not  even  furniture  can  be  procured  for  the  committee-rooms  unless 
Mr.  Meigs  makes  out  a general  plan,  without  consulting  the  committees. 

Mr.  Bright.  I am  quite  sure  the  gentleman  to  whom  the  Senator  refers  does  not 
desire  to  undertake  the  duty  imposed  on  him  by  this  amendment.  I think  it  proper 
to  state  that  I shall  make  no  objection,  for  one,  to  substituting  any  other  person 
whose  name  will  satisfy  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  I did  not  say  that  the  superintendent  desired  an 
accumulation  of  more  labor  of  a different  character,  and  I do  not  think  I intimated 
that  he  was  seeking  this  appointment;  but  the  amendment  points  him  out,  and  makes 
it  his  duty  to  do  this.  It  seems  to  me  that  an  officer  of  this  body,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  committees,  could  select  the  description  of  furniture  they  want;  and  then 
you  would  have  your  officer  and  the  committees  responsible.  I repeat  again,  if  mem- 
bers of  the  committees  want  cheap  and  economical  furniture  to  satisfy  their  notions 
of  republican  simplicity — which  is  becoming  rather  an  antiquated  idea  in  this  coun- 
try— let  them  have  it;  if  others  want  furniture  a little  more  extravagant,  let  them 
have  it.  I move  to  strike  out  “the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  extension,”  and 
insert  either  the  Secretary  of  the  Senate,  or  the  Sergeant-at-Arms,  whichever  will 
best  suit  the  temper  of  the  Senate. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  (Mr.  Foot  in  the  chair. ) The  Senator  will  state  his  amend- 
ment definitely,  not  in  the  alternative. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  I move  to  strike  out  “superintendent  of  the  Capitol 
extension,”  and  insert  “Secretary  of  the  Senate.”  The  Secretary  of  the  Senate, 
under  the  supervision  of  the  Committee  to  Audit  and  Control  the  Contingent  Expenses 
of  the  Senate,  can  do  things  properly,  and  the  expenditure  can  be  kept  within  rea- 
sonable and  proper  bounds. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Arkansas.  There  is,  unquestionably,  a unity  in  the  original 
amendment;  and  it  has  been  presented,  I presume,  upon  very  full  consideration.  I 
have  a very  long  speech  to  make  upon  it;  I know  it  must  certainly  admit  of  a very 
extensive  and  extraordinary  amount  of  debate.  [Laughter.]  But  the  mind  of 
every  Senator,  in  all  human  probability,  has  already  been  made  up.  Therefore,  I 
content  myself  by  simply  asking  that  we  take  a vote  in  the  first  place  on  the  amend- 
ment to  the  amendment,  and  then  on  the  amendment  itself,  which,  I hope,  will 
prevail. 

Mr.  Mason.  I have  no  choice  as  to  who  is  to  select  the  furniture;  but  I observe 
that,  in  the  amendment,  the  appropriation  is  unlimited.  It  may  involve  an 
expenditure  of  $100,000,  or  $500,000.  I want  to  limit  it.  I move  to  amend  it  by 
saying  that  the  amount  shall  not  exceed  $10,000,  of  which  I expect  to  ask  for  about 
ten  dollars,  to  put  those  shelves  of  which  I spoke  in  my  committee-room. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  There  is  pending  an  amendment  to  the  amendment. 
After  that  shall  be  disposed  of,  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Virginia  will  be 
in  order. 

Mr.  Collamer.  I have  nothing  to  say  about  the  committee-rooms;  but  there  is 
certainly  one  room  which  I think  gentlemen  will  agree  with  me  in  saying  should  be 
furnished,  not  that  I think  that  any  more  is  needed  in  this  chamber,  or,  perhaps,  in 
the  committee-rooms,  but  there  is  a room  designed  as  a ladies’  room,  over  the  recep- 
tion room,  which,  when  finished,  should  be  well  furnished.  There  are,  also,  the 
Vice  President’s  room,  and  the  President’s  room,  which  should  be  well  furnished. 


The  Extensions. 


715 


Mr.  Davis.  I think  the  amendment  offered  by  the  Senator  from  Indiana,  the 
chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  is  eminently  proper.  I thought  so 
when  it  was  presented;  but  I have  received  fresh  confirmation  from  the  criticisms  of 
the  Senator  from  Tennessee  and  the  Senator  from  Virginia;  and  therefore  I most 
seriously  object  to  the  proposition  of  the  Senator  from  Tennessee,  which  is  to  put  the 
furnishing  of  these  rooms  in  the  hands  of  somebody,  who  is  to  receive  guidance  from 
the  chairmen  of  committees;  for,  with  such  an  exhibition  of  taste  as  they  have  made, 
I really  think  they  are  not  fit  to  decide  upon  the  furniture  of  rooms.  One  announces 
that  he  had  nothing  to  do  with  the  building  of  the  wings,  and  he  calls  the  decorations 
“gew-gaw.”  It  may  be  so  to  him;  it  may  be  that  his  taste  has  not  been  sufficiently 
cultivated  to  determine  the  difference  between  a high  work  of  art  and  what  he  terms 
“shabby  gentility.”  That  is  his  misfortune;  and  it  would  be  my  fault  if  I selected 
him  to  furnish  a committee-room  for  me,  with  such  an  evidence  of  taste  as  he  has 
given.  I should  not  do  it.  So  of  the  Senator  from  Tennessee,  who  finds  nothing  but 
a wasteful  extravagance  in  the  construction  of  the  building,  and  a departure  from 
republican  simplicity,  because  it  is  beautiful.  Sir,  the  sovereign  people  deserve  as 
good  a house  as  any  man  who  was  ever  born  a monarch. 

It  was  proper  to  select  some  one  familiar  with  the  building  to  determine  upon  the 
plan  of  the  furniture;  not  that  it  is  to  be  painted  like  the  wall;  I presume  that  is  not 
designed;  but  it  is  to  have  a certain  elevation,  a certain  depth,  a certain  appropriate- 
ness to  every  room  in  which  it  is  to  be  placed.  A design  is  to  be  made;  and  some 
one  acquainted  with  the  makers  of  furniture,  a judge  of  material,  and  acquainted 
with  the  men  who  work  it,  who  would  know  how  to  get  bids,  how  to  obtain  furni- 
ture of  the  best  kind  at  the  lowest  price,  ought  to  be  selected.  Though  some  Sena- 
tors may  have  provided  from  their  committee-rooms  elsewhere,  all  the  furniture  they 
require  in  them  here,  there  are  others  who  did  not. 

Mr.  Mason.  If  the  Senator  alludes  to  me,  I will  say  that  I never  ordered  an  article 
of  furniture  since  I have  been  a member  of  the  Senate  for  my  committee-room  but 
one,  and  I have  been  in  the  Senate  twelve  years. 

Mr.  Davis.  When  was  that? 

Mr.  Mason.  That  was  a case  to  contain  the  papers  of  the  committee,  and  I limited 
the  price  to  fifteen  dollars.  In  twelve  years  that  is  all  the  furniture  I have  ever 
ordered. 

Mr.  Davis.  Well,  I say  this:  the  Senator’s  room  is  a great  deal  better  furnished 
than  the  one  of  the  Committee  on  Military  Affairs,  if  he  had  furniture  which  he 
could  remove  into  it  quite  appropriate  to  the  one  into  which  he  was  going.  The 
large  shelves  which  stood  in  the  old  room  of  the  Committee  on  Military  Affairs  could 
not  be  removed  to  take  a place  in  the  new  room. 

Mr.  Mason.  Nor  mine. 

Mr.  Davis.  More  furniture  is  wanted  in  that  room,  and  more  furniture  is  wanted 
in  many  rooms  of  the  building,  as  I infer  from  the  statements  of  gentlemen  who 
serve  on  the  committees,  and  $10,000  is  not  enough  to  answer  the  purpose.  The 
$10,000  will  but  little  more  than  adequately  furnish  the  retiring  room,  which  now 
stands  naked,  without  a chair  appropriate  to  it,  or  a lounge,  or  anything  else  which 
is  in  accordance  with  it.  If  the  Senator  had  not  given  his  own  description,  I should 
have  supposed  he  might  mean  by  shabby  gentility,  the  few  cane-bottomed  chairs 
standing  in  that  room,  which  is  lined  with  beautiful  and  highly  polished  marble. 

Mr.  Mason.  The  Senator  does  me  injustice.  I did  not  say  “shabby  gentility.”  I 
said  “shabby  splendor  and  mock  gentility.” 

Mr.  Davis.  “Shabby  splendor  and  mock  gentility!”  All,  except  the  splendor,  I 
find  in  the  cane-bottomed  chairs  which  now  grace  the  retiring  room,  is  mock  gen- 
tility to  the  Senator’s  content!  I would  give  furniture  appropriate  to  the  room  and 
appropriate  to  the  Senate  of  the  United  States.  I would  have  some  one  who  was  fit 
to  select  it,  and  I would  not  have  a committee  directing  him.  I would  have  some- 
thing which  was  in  accordance  with  the  plan  of  the  building.  The  committees  are 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


716 

changing  constantly.  Who  knows  whether  he  will  be  on  any  particular  committee 
next  year?  Why  should  a Senator  who  happens  to  be  chairman  of  a committee  dur- 
ing this  session  prescribe  furniture  for  the  room  of  that  committee  hereafter?  He 
may  cease  to  occupy  that  position  at  the  close  of  the  session.  It  is  for  the  Senate  to 
decide  what  place  he  will  occupy  at  the  next  session. 

The  Secretary  of  the  Senate,  the  Sergeant-at-Arms,  or  anybody  else  who  may  be 
selected,  may  be  a proper  person  enough  to  purchase  the  furniture,  but  I object  to 
his  being  selected  on  the  ground  that  the  committees  are  to  direct  him;  and  I hope, 
whoever  he  may  be,  he  will  be  a man  who,  when  the  committees  come  to  direct 
him,  will  tell  the  committees  what  he  thinks  is  right,  and,  after  they  have  heard 
him,  will  do  what  he  believes  to  be  right,  whether  it  pleases  them  or  not.  I want 
furniture  made  appropriate  to  the  rooms,  and  in  such  quantity  as  the  convenience  of 
the  committees  may  require,  and  of  such  character  as  the  uses  prescribed  render 
proper.  I do  not  care  whether  the  Senator  wants  pine  shelves,  pitched  or  painted. 
I say  neither  one  nor  the  other  would  be  appropriate  to  the  rooms  in  which  the 
committees  meet  in  the  new  wing  of  this  building.  Neither  do  I see  that  there 
would  be  any  great  deal  of  economy  in  purchasing  inferior  materials,  which  would 
shrink  and  swell  back  and  fall  to  pieces,  to  be  renewed  or  repaired  from  time  to 
time,  with  injury  to  the  books  put  in  them.  I have  no  confidence  in  that  poor 
economy  which  injures  valuable  books  to  avoid  buying  a case  that  would  preserve 
them,  which  would  stick  them  upon  shelves  to  gather  dust  and  feed  the  worms, 
instead  of  securing  them  in  cases  that  would  keep  them  for  posterity,  and  save  them 
from  depredation. 

Mr.  Mason.  There  is  a well-approved  maxim  that  the  honorable  Senator  from  Mis- 
sissippi learned  in  his  boyhood : 1 ‘ there  is  no  disputing  about  tastes.  ’ ’ The  honorable 
Senator  may  have  his  taste,  and  I mine.  The  honorable  Senator  may  have  an  idea  of 
what  becomes  the-dignity  and  magnificence  of  this  great  country;  I have  mine.  I say 
that  that  shabby  splendor  which  may  be  indulged  under  an  unlimited  appropriation 
I utterly  contemn.  There  is  no  limit  to  this  appropriation.  I do  not  know  whether 
the  honorable  Senator  will  vote  for  it  in  this  unlimited  form  or  not;  but  I say  that, 
according  to  my  apprehension,  whoever  does  vote  for  it  in  its  unlimited  form,  does 
not  regard  the  constitutional  inhibition  which  requires  that  we  shall  know7  wxhat  is 
appropriated. 

Now7,  sir,  a word  as  to  this  Capitol  extension.  I do  not  quarrel  writh  it,  so  far  as 
the  arrangements  are  concerned.  I believe  the  Senate  Chamber  has  been  very  well 
devised,  except  these  extended  galleries,  which  I should  be  against;  but  I do  not 
quarrel  about  that.  It  is  well  ventilated,  well  arranged  for  acoustics,  and  accommo- 
dates us  better  than  the  old  Chamber.  I do  not  quarrel  with  the  unnecessary 
expenditure  for  what,  I understand,  the  honorable  Senator  calls  works  of  art.  We 
have  no  business  with  them. 

Mr.  Davis.  What  are  what  I call  wTorks  of  art? 

Mr.  Mason.  Well,  I understand  by  works  of  art,  these  frescoed  paintings;  not  in 
this  Chamber,  but  elsewhere. 

Mr.  Davis.  There  is  not  a fresco  in  this  Chamber. 

Mr.  Mason.  Not  in  this  Chamber,  but  elsewhere.  Then  there  is  the  elaborate 
painting  that  is  exhausted  on  the  corridors  and  passages  below,  and  on  other  por- 
tions of  the  building.  If  the  gentleman  has  a taste  that  approves  these  wrorks  of  art, 
let  him  indulge  it  at  his  own  expense;  but  not  at  the  expense  of  the  country.  I have 
heard  of  gentlemen  in  their  private  establishments  expending  hundreds  of  thousands 
of  dollars  upon  what  are  called  works  of  art.  I do  not  quarrel  with  it.  There  is  no 
disputing  about  taste.  Let  them  do  it,  if  they  think  proper;  but  it  is  not  a proper 
expenditure  from  the  public  Treasury.  I recognize  no  jiroper  expenditure  from  the 
public  Treasury  but  that  which  will  facilitate  the  dispatch  of  the  public  business; 
and,  in  making  these  buildings,  I would  go  to  anyT  extent  that  •was  necessary  to  make 
them  ample  enough  and  durable  enough,  but  no  further. 


The  Extensions. 


717 


Now,  what  is  proposed  by  this  amendment?  That  we  shall  make  an  unlimited  appro- 
priation to  furnish  the  committee-rooms,  or  whatever  other  rooms  there  may  be  in  this 
Capitol.  I say  it  is  against  the  spirit  of  the  Constitution  which  requires  an  appropriation 
of  money  so  that  we  know  what  goes;  but  there  is  no  limit  to  this  appropriation.  The 
honorable  Senator  hastwittedme  alittleabout  myideas  of  pine  shelves.  I choose  to  put 
it  in  that  form.  The  honorable  Senator  from  Mississippi  [Mr.  Brown]  asked,  would 
I build  a splendid  house  and  furnish  it  in  a poor  and  mean  manner?  That  is  for  me 
to  decide  out  of  my  own  means;  I have  no  right  to  decide  it  out  of  the  public  funds. 
We  have  no  right  to  expend  money  but  for  public  purposes.  We  are  called  upon  to 
furnish  ample  accommodations  for  the  discharge  of  the  public  business,  and  to  do  it 
in  an  economical  manner.  I am  one  of  those  who  understand  perfectly  that  there 
are  occasions  when  the  road  to  economy  is  by  the  path  of  expenditure,  and  I would 
expend  freely  and  liberally  to  get  ample  accommodations,  and  to  have  them  perma- 
nent, durable,  and,  if  we  could,  imperishable;  but  beyond  that,  not  one  step — 
nothing  for  these  works  of  art.  That  we  have  no  right  to  do.  There  is  no  warrant 
for  it  in  the  charter  under  which  we  come  here.  Put  paint  upon  your  walls,  or  put 
paint  wherever  it  is  necessary  for  preservation,  and  preservation  only.  That  is  my 
idea  of  proper  public  expenditure.  In  my  own  house  I might  indulge  my  own 
tastes,  and  the  honorable  Senator  might  indulge  his  in  his  own;  and  there  is  no  dis- 
puting about  taste.  Possibly  I might  differ  with  him  in  regard  to  our  own 
establishments. 

I want  to  limit  this  appropriation.  I say  again,  so  .far  as  I am  conversant  with  the 
committee-rooms,  we  do  not  want  any  additional  furniture,  unless  it  may  be  some 
shelves,  to  accommodate  the  books,  or  something  of  that  kind.  I am  utterly  opposed 
to  the  scheme  of  repudiating  the  old  furniture,  to  put  in  new.  I am  against  that 
whole  system  which  obtains  in  some  parts  of  the  country,  where  there  is  accumu- 
lated a redundant  and  exulting  wealth,  that  would  destroy  an  old  fabric — destroy  old 
furniture — that  they  may  get  new  fashions.  It  is  not  in  my  taste;  but,  again,  there 
is  no  disputing  about  tastes. 

At  the  proper  time  1 shall  ask  to  limit  this  expenditure.  I want  to  make  the 
expenditure  equal  to  the  actual  necessity;  but  I am  not  willing  to  go  one  step  beyond 
it.  If  there  be  an  idea  that  it  becomes  the  dignity  and  magnificence  of  the  country 
to  repudiate  the  old  furniture  which  we  and  our  predecessors  have  enjoyed  for  fifty 
years,  in  order  that  we  may  get  new  furniture,  adapted  to  the  new  condition  of 
things,  it  is  not  to  my  taste;  but  again,  there  is  no  disputing  about  tastes.  I want  to 
limit  the  expenditure,  and  if  it  be  $10,000  or  $20,000,  I am  willing  to  vote  it  to  fur- 
nish what  is  actually  necessary,  and  to  repudiate  nothing  which  we  have  got.  That 
is  what  my  idea  is. 

Mr.  Davis.  I suppose  we  should  have  had  no  disputation  as  to  tastes,  if  the  honor- 
able Senator  had  not  assumed  to  have  a taste  which  he  oracularly  gave  out  for  others. 
If  he  had  allowed  his  own  opinion  to  be  enjoyed  without  insisting  that  others  should 
adopt  it,  we  should  have  had  no  dispute  about  tastes.  Nor  is  it  my  taste  which  lie 
arraigns.  I claim  no  cultivation;  I claim  not  to  decide  upon  works  of  art.  Not 
being  very  disputatious,  nor  quite  oracular,  not  believing  myself  to  be  very  skilled, 
I took  the  judgment  of  men  with  whom  it  had  been  the  study  of  a life;  and  I 
believed,  as  I still  believe,  that  on  a question  of  taste  there  may  be  an  amount  of 
natural  endowment  and  of  acquirement  which  will  require  a modest  man  to  surren- 
der something  of  his  own  impressions. 

Mr.  Mason.  But  do  not  make  the  public  pay  for  it.  That  is  all  I am  against, 

Mr.  Davis.  I am  coming  to  that.  It  is  possible  to  be  positive  and  not  to  be  wise. 
It  is  possible  to  assume  the  air  of  economy,  and  yet  to  go  on  in  a course  of  profligacy. 
If  the  Vatican  had  been  whitewashed  from  year  to  year  since  it  has  been  completed,  it 
would  have  cost  more  than  those  paintings  which  have  remained  for  the  admiration  of 
posterity;  and  this  Capitol,  I trust,  is  to  stand  longer  than  the  Vatican  has  stood;  and 
it  is  that  scagliola  painting  along  in  the  corridors  that  the  Senator  criticises,  which,  in 


718 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


the  course  of  years,  is  to  prove  an  economy.  Instead  of  coming  with  the  poor  brush 
which  he  proposes  annually  to  paint  or  to  whitewash,  it  was  expected  that  the  work 
of  art,  as  he  terms  it,  would  stand  for  a series  of  years,  not  only  to  be  admired,  but 
to  remain  without  the  necessity  of  an  annual  expenditure.  I say,  therefore,  it  is 
possible  to  raise  a dispute  about  taste,  and  to  assume  to  be  extravagantly  careful  of 
the  public  money,  without,  in  fact,  prescribing  any  law  on  which  a just  taste  might 
rest,  and  without,  in  truth,  pursuing  a path  that  would  lead  to  the  saving  of  the  public 
treasure;  but  the  reverse  in  both  cases;  wandering  at  random,  to  tear  down  those 
things  which  men,  after  a life  of  study  and  experience,  have  put  up;  pronouncing 
against  decoration  which,  unless  the  Senator  has  paid  more  attention  to  it  than  I 
have,  he  surely  cannot  comprehend;  pronouncing  immediately  that  there  is  to  be  a 
vast  expenditure,  without  knowing  the  cost,  without  knowing  its  durability,  without 
knowing  what  anything  which  he  would  have  substituted  for  it  would  have  cost  in 
a term  of  years  easily  computed.  It  is  this  general  arraignment  of  what  other  people 
do;  it  is  this  organ  of  destructiveness,  which  comes  in  to  carp  and  criticise  and  tear 
down  all  that  other  men  do,  which  lies  at  the  foundation  of  half  the  difficulties  and 
the  evils  we  suffer.  Nature  creates  but  few  animals  for  destruction,  many  for  con- 
struction; and  we  who  walk  the  humble  path  may  claim,  in  our  useful  toil,  to  be 
spared  from  the  ruthless  scythe  of  such  severe  criticism. 

I am  not  disputing  with  the  Senator  on  a matter  of  taste.  I am  questioning  his 
right  to  judge  of  the  taste  of  others,  and,  with  one  general  denunciation,  to  sweep 
out  years  of  study  by  men  who  had  given  a long  life  to  acquire  a knowledge  that 
enabled  them  to  solve  the  problem.  That  is  what  I object  to.  It  is  not  a question 
between  the  Senator  and  myself.  I did  not  design  this  ornamentation.  I do  not 
pretend  now  to  judge  of  it.  It  pleases  me;  and  I hope  to  sit  here  long  enough  to 
have  my  eye  cultivated  to  a higher  taste,  and  to  enjoy  it  more  and  more;  and  I trust 
the  Senator  will  learn  to  discriminate  between  a painting  which  is  exceedingly 
beautiful,  and  that  which  he  denounces  as  a daub. 

Mr.  M asox.  Will  the  Senator  indulge  me?  I do  not  object  to  his  education;  but  I 
do  object  to  his  education  at  the  public  expense.  That  is  my  objection. 

Mr.  Davis.  The  Senator  must  be  educated  somehow;  and  it  is  at  the  Government 
cost  that  he  has  not  been  educated  before.  Now,  it  will  be  for  the  benefit  of  the 
country  if,  at  its  cost,  it  can  educate  him,  and  save  him  from  such  outrages  hereafter. 
[Laughter.]  He  must  he  educated.  It  is  essential  that  he  should  be  taught.  Heis 
untaught;  and  how  is  he  to  be  taught,  except  by  confining  him  in  a room  where  his 
taste  can  rise  to  something  highei'?  [Laughter.]  I have  no  wish  to  continue  this 
debate. 

Mr.  Bright.  It  is,  perhaps,  proper  that  I should  state  why  the  committee  did  not 
fix  a limitation  on  the  amount  in  the  amendment  I have  offered.  We  had  no  data 
to  go  upon,  and  I am  now  better  satisfied  than  I was  before  that  we  did  right.  Our 
object  was  to  leave  to  the  different  committees  the  right  to  signify  to  the  gentleman 
who  would  have  the  work  in  charge  the  character  of  furniture  they  desired,  presuming 
that  every  committee  would  order  such  furniture  as  they  thought  appropriate  to  the 
room  they  occupied.  If  it  had  been  known  that  every  committee  would  select  pine 
furniture  of  the  description  given  by  the  Senator  from  Virginia,  we  might  have  fixed 
an  estimate  upon  it.  However,  we  thought  it  was  the  highest  compliment  we  could 
pay  the  different  committees  of  this  body  to  let  them  signify  to  the  gentleman  who 
would  have  the  work  in  charge  the  kind  of  furniture  they  wanted  introduced  into 
their  rooms.  We  supposed  they  would  exercise  a judicious  economy  in  doing  so, 
and  I have  no  doubt  every  committee  will. 

But  it  is  not  only  the  committee-rooms  which  are  to  be  furnished.  There  is  furni- 
ture necessary  for  this  Chamber.  I do  not  say  that  we  need  new  desks  or  new  chairs 
for  ourselves,  but  we  need  new  sofas.  There  are  several  rooms  that  need  furnishing 
entirely.  The  furniture  in  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Senate  and  his  clerks  is 
entirely  insufficient.  They  have  now  no  desks  in  which  to  put  papers  belonging  to 


The  Extensions. 


719 


the  business  of  the  Senate.  It  is  useless  to  fix  a limitation  of  §10,000,  as  proposed  by 
the  Senator  from  Virginia.  My  impression  is  that  less  than  §50,000  would  he  useless; 
and,  if  there  is  a limitation  to  be  fixed,  I hope  it  will  be  a sum  much  higher  than 
that  named  by  the  Senator  from  Virginia.  If  the  vote  is  to  be  taken  on  the  limita- 
tion, as  proposed,  I shall  name  a higher  sum. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  present  question  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  Senator 
from  Tennessee,  to  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Indiana,  to  strike  out  “super- 
intendent of  the  Capitol  extension,”  and  insert  “ Secretary  of  the  Senate.” 

Mr.  Iverson.  It  is  getting  pretty  late,  and  I am  getting  very  sleepy;  and  1 rise  to 
give  notice — this  is  a very  good  time  to  do  it — that  I shall  insist,  for  the  remainder 
of  the  sitting,  on  the  execution  of  the  4th  rule  of  the  Senate — that  no  Senator  shall 
speak  more  than  twice  on  any  subject. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  I do  not  believe  I am  excluded  under  that  rule. 

Mr.  Iverson.  No. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  I merely  rise  to  ask  the  Senator  who  reported  this 
amendment,  what  sum  is  estimated  for  the  furnishing  of  these  committee-rooms? 

Mr.  Bright.  I stated  that  we  had  no  correct  data  on  which  we  could  rely.  That 
matter  was  spoken  of  in  committee,  and  less  than  fifty  thousand  dollars,  it  was 
believed,  would  be  insufficient. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  Does  the  Senator  think  it  will  take  less  than  one 
hundred  thousand  dollars,  if  this  amendment  be  carried  out? 

Mr.  Bright.  I have  really  no  means  of  knowing.  I have  no  idea  that  more  furni- 
ture will  be  ordered  than  is  necessary.  The  amendment  is  well  guarded.  The 
furniture  is  to  be  furnished  by  the  lowest  bidder,  which,  I think,  will  obviate  any 
fear  the  Senator  might  have. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  If  I understand  this  amendment,  I understand  it  very 
differently  from  the  gentleman’s  speech.  His  speech  comes  up  to  my  idea  of 
requiring  the  selection  of  this  furniture  to  be  placed  in  the  charge  of  somebody  who 
will  consult  the  taste  of  the  committees.  It  seems  to  me  that  ought  to  be  done. 
Let  who  will  supply  the  rooms  with  furniture,  the  committees  ought  to  be  consulted 
as  to  the  character  and  quality  of  it.  His  explanation,  it  seems  to  me,  contemplates 
one  thing,  while  the  amendment  contemplates  another.  The  amendment  seems  to 
make  it  the  duty  of  the  superintendent  to  examine  the  rooms,  make  out  a general 
design,  and  have  furniture  made  according  to  the  plan  that  he  may  lay  down,  with- 
out consulting  the  committees  at  all.  He  may,  or  may  not,  consult  the  committees, 
at  his  discretion.  He  is  to  make  out  his  plan,  prescribe  the  quantity  and  kind  and 
quality  of  the  furniture;  and  it  is  to  be  paid  for,  let  it  cost  what  it  may. 

There  is  one  other  suggestion  that  comes  up  in  my  mind,  and  there  seems  to  me  to 
be  a contradiction  so  far  as  the  Senator  from  Mississippi  is  concerned.  In  his  first 
remarks  I understood  him  as  stating  that  the  committees  were  not  competent  to 
select  furniture  suitable  for  their  rooms,  and  that  that  was  attributable  to  their  being 
deficient  in  taste. 

Mr.  Davis.  I did  not  arraign  their  taste  generally.  I took  yourself  and  the  Senator 
from  Virginia  as  examples  of  men  whom  I would  not  take  to  select  furniture  for  me. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  I was  not  the  person  to  select  it,  and  the  gentleman 
could  not  have  selected  me.  I have  made  no  such  proposition,  and  intimated  no 
such  desire. 

Mr.  Davis.  I was  answering  your  remarks. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  The  committee  to  which  I belong  have  no  room  in 
which  to  sit,  and  of  course  need  no  furniture;  but  the  gentleman  assumes  as  an  argu- 
ment, why  my  amendment  should  not  be  made,  as  I understand  him,  that  the  com- 
mittees are  not  competent  to  select  furniture  suitable  to  their  rooms  on  account 
of  their  being  deficient  in  taste. 

Mr.  Davis.  I did  not  say  that,  and  I have  just  told  you  what  I did  say. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  I think  that  is  about  the  substance.  I have  no  dispo- 


720 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


sition  to  misrepresent.  Then,  in  his  last  speech,  the  Senator  rather  concludes  the 
committees  might  be  competent,  and  this  seems  to  me  to  be  a contradiction. 

Mr.  Davis.  I did  not  say  any  such  thing. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  I wish  we  had  down  what  the  Senator  from  Mississippi 
did  say. 

Mr.  Davis.  I suppose  you  might  have  heard  what  I said,  sir. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  I thought  I did  hear  it. 

Mr.  Doolittle.  I call  the  Senators  to  order.  This  conversation  between  Senators  is 
out  of  order. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Senator  from  Tennessee  will  proceed. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  I understood  the  Senator  from  Mississippi  to  assume, 
in  the  first  place,  that  the  committees  were  incompetent  in  consequence  of  their 
deficiency  in  taste  to  select  furniture  suitable  to  the  committee-rooms. 

Mr.  Davis.  My  language  did  not  justify  you  in  any  such  understanding. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  Well,  what  did  the  Senator  say?  1 will  stand  cor- 
rected. 

Mr.  Davis.  I have  told  you  once. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  What  did  the  Senator  say?  I ask  him  again. 

Mr.  Davis.  I told  you  once  that  I said,  from  your  remarks  and  those  of  the  Sena- 
tor from  Virginia,  I was  confirmed  in  the  propriety  of  a proposition  which  had 
selected  a particular  person  to  choose  this  furniture,  and  not  to  refer  it  to  the  com- 
mittees to  select  what  furniture  they  should  choose;  for,  from  the  two  specimens,  I 
did  not  consider  that  furniture  would  be  well  selected  in  that  way.  That  was  about 
the  amount  of  it. 

Mr.  JonNSON,  of  Tennessee.  The  explanation  is,  in  substance,  what  I have  stated. 
The  Senator  from  Mississippi  predicated  his  argument  upon  the  statements  made  by 
the  Senator  from  Virginia  and  myself;  and,  taking  us  as  specimens,  his  conclusion 
was,  that  the  committees  were  not  competent,  from  the  fact  of  their  being  deficient 
in  taste,  to  select  furniture  suitable  for  their  rooms.  We  have  concluded  just  where 
we  commenced. 

Mr.  Davis.  That  is,  you  have  concluded. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Arkansas.  I wish  to  suggest  to  the  Senator  from  Tennessee,  for 
whom  I entertain  very  kindly  respect,  that  he  permit  the  vote  to  be  taken,  and  not 
continue  this  discussion  on  a question  of  taste.  It  is  evidently  putting  every  one 
here  to  sleep.  We  have  a great  deal  more  business  to  do.  As  he  has  yielded  me 
the  floor,  I appeal  to  him  to  let  us  have  a vote.  We  have  now  had  all  the  learning 
that  there  is  in  this  body,  on  this  side  of  the  Chamber,  from  the  highest  sources;  but 
we  have  not  yet  heard  from  the  other  side,  and  I object  to  a contest  on  matters  of 
taste  altogether  upon  one  side  in  politics.  There  might  be  something  new  if  we 
could  hear  from  the  other  side;  but  gentlemen  are  going  to  sleep;  it  is  about  a 
quarter  to  one  o’clock;  and  I hope  we  may  be  permitted  to  have  a vote.  There  are 
a number  of  amendments  yet  to  be  acted  on,  and  for  God’s  sake  I hope  we  shall  be 
allowed  to  have  a vote  on  this  amendment. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  The  Senator  will  do  me  the  justice  to  say  that  I have 
not  consumed  time. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Arkansas.  Except  in  one  respect — that  the  Senator  started  the 
difficulty,  and  it  is  certainly  a serious  one,  because  it  has  led  to  the  loss  of  much 
time,  and  cost  much  money,  and  wasted  the  spirits  and  strength  of  gentlemen  who 
have  to  sit  this  bill  out. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  My  object  is  to  save  money. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Chair  feels  obliged  to  state' to  gentlemen  that  this 
interlocutory  conversation  is  not  strictly  in  order. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  I have  no  disposition  to  consume  time. 

Mr.  Wade.  I will  move  an  adjournment.  We  are  doing  nothing,  and  are  not 
likely  to  do  anything  but  talk. 


The  Extensions.  721 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  If  the  Senator  wants  to  act,  and  will  vote,  I shall 
desist  from  saying  anything. 

Several  Senators.  We  want  to  vote. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Ten- 
nessee to  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Indiana,  to  strikeout  “superintendent 
of  the  Capitol  extension,”  and  insert  “Secretary  of  the  Senate.” 

The  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  rejected. 

Mr.  Mason.  I move  to  amend  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Indiana  by 
adding  this  proviso: 

Provided,  That  the  amount  shall  not  exceed  $10,000. 

Mr.  Bright.  I move  to  amend  that  by  saying  “$50,000.” 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Indiana  is  not  in  order. 

Mr.  Bright.  Then  I ask  the  Senate  to  reject  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from 
Virginia. 

Mr.  Hale.  Is  not  the  rule  that,  in  taking  a vote  like  this,  the  question  shall  be 
first  on  the  largest  sum  ? 

Mr.  Mason.  I understand  that  to  apply  only  where  there  is  a blank,  and  there  are 
various  propositions  to  fill  the  blank. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Chair  does  not  regard  it  as  applicable  to  the  amend- 
ment in  the  present  form. 

Mr.  Mason.  My  object  is  to  appropriate  money  enough  to  furnish  a deficiency  in 
furniture  of  a plain  character.  I ask  for  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered;  and  being  taken,  resulted — yeas  16,  nays  25;  as 
follows: 

* * * 

So  the  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  rejected. 

Mr.  Bright.  I move  to  amend  the  amendment  by  adding: 

Provided,  That  the  amount  to  be  expended  under  this  section  shall  not  exceed  $50,000. 

I would  rather  have  it  without  limitation,  if  it  is  the  pleasure  of  the  Senate;  but  if 
the  Senate  are  disposed  to  limit  it,  I propose  to  insert  about  one  half  the  amount  that 
I think  will  be  proper. 

The  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  I do  not  intend  to  occupy  more  than  two  minutes  of 
the  Senate’s  time;  but  I wish  to  call  their  attention  to  the  provisions  of  this  amend- 
ment. It  declares: 

The  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  extension  be  directed  to  make  a survey  and  ascertain  what 
artielesof  furniture  will  be  needed,  with  the  materials,  designs,  and  dimensions  of  the  same;  and  that 
he  be,  and  is  hereby,  authorized  to  publish  the  proper  specifications  and  descriptions  of  the  articles 
that  may  be  required,  and  invite  sealed  proposals,  to  be  made  to  him  within  thirty  days  from  the  date 
of  the  first  publication  of  the  same,  for  the  manufacture  and  construction  of  the  said  articles  of  fur- 
niture, to  be  opened  at  the  appointed  time,  in  the  presence  of  the  bidders  or  other  persons;  and  that 
a contract  or  contracts  for  such  furniture  shall  be  made  with  the  lowest  and  best  bidder,  reference 
being  had  to  the  quality  of  the  material,  the  superiority  of  workmanship,  and  the  time  in  which  the 
same  shall  be  completed. 

I will  not  say  that  it  was  the  design  of  the  drawers  of  this  proposition  to  open  the 
door  for  a speculation  and  a fraud;  but,  as  I conceive  it,  it  is  susceptible  of  a fraud  and 
speculation  being  practiced  underit.  For  instance:  it  provides  that  proposals  shall  be 
published  and  bids  received  for  furnishing  rooms  with  furniture,  and  the  superintend- 
ent is  to  judge  of  the  quality  of  the  furniture  and  the  time  in  which  it  is  to  be  delivered. 
It  is  very  easy  for  a person  wishing  to  make  a contract  with  a particular  man,  to  select 
him,  and  it  will  be  in  the  power  of  the  superintendent  to  rule  them  down  to  such 
time  that  he  can  practically  confine  the  contract  to  the  person  whom  he  may  select 
and  upon  whom  he  wishes  to  confer  a benefit.  We  are  told  by  the  Senator  from 
Indiana  that  he  thinks  $50,000  will  be  about  half  the  amount  that  will  be  necessary 

H.  Rep.  646 46 


722 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


to  furnish  the  committee-rooms.  Then,  here  is  a door  open  for  obtaining  furniture 
to  the  amount  of  $100,000,  leaving  the  officer  to  select  his  own  man,  and  rule  all 
others  out.  I do  not  wish  to  be  understood  as  saying  that  this  is  the  design  of  the 
drawers  of  the  amendment;  hut  in  the  manner  in  which  it  is  drawn,  it  is  suscepti- 
ble of  that  practice  being  carried  on  under  it,  and  it  may  result  in  that. 

Mr.  Bright.  Allow  me  to  suggest  to  the  Senator  from  Tennessee,  that  he  propose 
an  amendment  which  he  thinks  will  remedy  that  difficulty. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  I think  it  could  be  amended;  but  I have  become  so 
well  satisfied  that  any  amendment  which  restrains  and  restricts  the  expenditure  of 
public  money  will  not  prevail  in  this  body,  that  I have  concluded  to  offer  no 
amendment. 

Mr.  Fitzpatrick.  It  is  now  one  o’clock.  We  were  here  last  night  until  two  o’clock. 
There  must  be  some  end  to  human  endurance.  From  the  number  of  Senators  I see 
prepared  to  take  their  departure,  I am  satisfied  that,  in  a few  minutes,  we  shall  be 
without  a quorum.  I propose,  therefore,  that  the  Senate  adjourn. 

Mr.  Clingman.  Let  us  take  the  vote  on  this  proposition. 

Mr.  Fitzpatrick.  I do  not  see  that  we  can  do  it  very  soon.  We  shall  evidently 
have  to  sit  all  day  to-morrow,  and  all  night  to-morrow  night.  I move,  therefore, 
that  the  Senate  do  now  adjourn. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to;  and  the  Senate  adjourned. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  3,  1859:  Congressional  Globe,  35 — 2,  p.  1623.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  Sundry 
Civil  bill  for  1860 — 

Mr.  Davis.  I wish  to  offer  an  amendment  as  a proviso,  to  come  in  after  line  two 
hundred  and  seventy-four: 

But  this  provision  shall  not  be  so  construed  as  to  interfere  with  the  completion  of,  and  payment  for, 
works  already  begun  by  Crawford  and  Rogers,  or  the  completion  of  the  painting  of  rooms  in  the  north 
wing,  already  partly  painted. 

In  the  bill  which  is  before  the  Senate,  there  is  a proviso  to  the  appropriation  for 
the  Capitol  extension: 

That  none  of  the  money  hereby  appropriated  shall  be  expended  in  the  decoration  and  embellish- 
ment of  the  Capitol  extension,  by  sculpture  or  painting,  unless  the  same  shall  have  been  approved 
by  the  art  commission  authorized  by  the  act  of  12th  June,  1858,  in  the  manner  stated  in  said  act. 

The  amendment  is  to  save  the  works  which  are  in  progress.  It  is  in  conformity 
with  an  amendment  which  passed,  after  a committee  of  conference,  during  the  last 
session,  for  the  same  purpose.  Under  the  authority  of  law,  contracts  have  been  made, 
and  are  in  progress,  in  executing  the  designs  of  the  late  sculptor,  Crawford,  and 
Rogers.  We  cannot  in  this  manner  violate  the  contracts,  and  it  requires  some  pro- 
vision of  this  kind  to  save  them.  I wTill  merely  say,  in  addition,  that  the  act  which 
provided  for  an  art  commission  has  never  been  executed.  There  has  been  no  art 
commission;  the  thing  is  a total  failure.  The  only  object  I now  have,  is  to  save 
these  obligations  which  have  been  incurred  under  the  law. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  3,  1859:  Congressional  Globe,  35 — 2,  p.  1611.] 

The  Senate  went  into  Committee  of  the  Whole,  resuming  the  consideration  of  the 
Sundry  Civil  bill  for  1860,  the  pending  question  being  on  the  following  amendment, 
offered  by  Mr.  Bright,  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds: 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  That,  for  procuring  the  necessary  furniture  for  the  Senate  Chamber,  the 
audience  rooms,  the  committee-rooms,  the  rooms  occupied  by  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  the 
Senate,  and  other  rooms  of  the  north  wing  of  the  Capitol  in  the  occupancy  of  the  Senate  and  its 
appendages,  the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  extension  be  directed  to  make  a survey,  and  ascer- 
tain what  articles  of  furniture  will  be  needed,  with  the  materials,  designs,  and  dimensions  of  the 


The  Extensions. 


723 


same;  ancl  that  he  be,  and  is  hereby,  authorized  to  publish  the  proper  specifications  and  descriptions 
of  the  articles  that  may  be  required,  and  invite  sealed  proposals  to  be  made  to  him,  within  thirty 
days  from  the  date  of  the  first  publication  of  the  same,  for  the  manufacture  and  construction  of  the 
said  articles  of  furniture,  to  be  opened,  at  the  appointed  time,  in  the  presence  of  the  bidders  or  other 
persons;  and  that  a contract  or  contracts  for  such  furniture  shall  be  made  with  the  lowest  and  best 
bidder,  reference  being-  had  to  the  quality  of  the  material,  the  superiority  of  workmanship,  and  the 
time  in  which  the  same  shall  be  completed;  and  that  proper  security  shall  be  taken  for  the  faithful 
and  prompt  execution  of  the  work;  and  that,  for  the  purpose  of  paying  for  the  said  furniture,  as  it 
may  be  completed  and  delivered  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  said  superintendent,  such  sum  of  money  as 
may  be  required  therefor  be,  and  the  same  hereby  is,  appropriated,  to  be  paid  out  of  any  money  in 
the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated:  Provided,  That  the  amount  to  be  expended  under  this 
section  shall  not  exceed  $50,000. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  I move  to  amend  the  amendment  by  striking  out  all 
after  its  enacting  clause,  and  inserting; 

That  the  sum  of  $50,000  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby,  appropriated  out  of  any  money  in  the  Treasury 
not  otherwise  appropriated,  for  the  purchase  of  such  furniture  as  may  be  required  for  the  north  Cap- 
itol extension,  to  be  expended  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Senate  under  the  direction  of  the  committee 
to  audit  and  control  its  contingent  expenses. 

I want  it  recorded  now,  that  if  the  original  amendment  be  adopted,  the  furniture 
for  the  various  rooms,  instead  of  costing  $50,000,  will  cost  the  Government  over 
$300, 000.  .As  to  the  economy  that  has  been  heretofore  evinced  by  the  superintend- 
ent, I think  we  have  evidence  around  us  in  this  .building  to  form  a judgment.  I 
know  it  is  very  easy  to  make  remarks  in  reference  to  the  taste  of  particular  individ- 
uals, and  when  I talk  of  economy,  it  is  not  my  intention  that  things  shall  be  reduced 
to  a point  at  which  they  do  not  comport  with  the  Government,  or  the  wants  of  those 
who  have  to  enjoy  them.  I should  like  to  see  these  rooms  furnished  suitably  and 
properly,  but,  at  the  same  time,  economically.  I am  satisfied  that  if  the  rooms  be 
furnished  according  to  the  original  amendment,  under  the  direction  of  the  Superin- 
tendent of  the  Capitol  extension,  the  furniture  will  cost  over  $300,000. 

Mr.  Davis.  Who  says  so? 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  I am  satisfied  of  it;  and  when  we  look  at  his  economy 
in  erecting  the  public  buildings  and  in  furnishing  the  other  end  of  the  Capitol,  I 
think  we  may  come  to  a conclusion  as  to  what  he  will  do  in  this  case.  We  may 
judge  what  his  action  will  be  in  the  future  from  what  it  has  been  in  the  past.  If  it 
was  necessary,  I might  call  the  attention  of  the  Senate  to  a memorial  which  has  been 
presented  to  Congress  by  an  architect,  who,  as  I understand,  first  prepared  the  plan 
of  this  building,  and  upon  the  basis  of  whose  plan  the  extensions  have  been  made. 
Take  some  items  of  expenditure  that  he  gives,  and  I think  we  may  have,  at  least,  a 
vague  idea  of  the  kind  of  economy  that  would  be  carried  into  the  furnishing  of  these 
rooms  if  it  were  left  to  the  superintendent. 

I have  no  disposition,  however,  to  consume  unnecessarily  the  time  of  the  Senate. 
It  was  remarked  last  night  that  the  term  of  the  committee  to  audit  the  accounts  will 
expire  with  the  session.  The  Senate  meets  to-morrow  again,  however,  and  can  then 
reorganize  the  committees.  This  is  a committee  under  the  control  of  the  Senate  to 
audit  the  accounts  of  one  of  its  own  officers — a gentleman  who,  I presume,  has  as 
good  taste  in  selecting  furniture  as  the  superintendent.  It  is  very  strange  that  Sena- 
tors upon  committees,  knowing  the  kind  of  desks  and  tables  used  in  the  committee- 
rooms,  are  not  competent  to  direct  an  officer  of  their  own  making  as  to  the  kind  of  fur- 
niture they  want  for  their  committee-rooms,  and  be  responsible  to  the  Senate  and  the 
country  for  it;  but,  somehow  or  other,  it  seems  we  have  got  to  such  a pass  that 
nothing  can  be  done  of  the  least  importance  about  the  Government  unless  it  is  placed 
under  the  charge  of  the  military  department.  All  the  public  buildings,  it  seems, 
must  be  carried  on  under  that  department,  and  we  cannot  even  have  the  committee- 
rooms  of  the  Capitol  furnished  now  unless  it  is  confided  to  the  War  Department. 
Your  own  committees  and  the  Secretary  of  the  Senate,  it  seems,  are  not  competent 
to  select  the  little  articles  of  furniture  suitable  to  their  own  rooms. 

I hope  my  amendment  will  be  adopted.  I am  satisfied,  I repeat  again,  and  want 


724 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


it  remembered,  that  it  will  cost  $300,000  if  left  to  Mr.  Meigs;  and  besides  I shall  not 
be  surprised  if  there  were  to  be  a very  fat  contract  under  the  original  amendment. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I hope  we  shall  have  a vote. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee,  called  for  the  yeas  and  nays;  and  they  were  ordered. 

Mr.  Bayard.  I shall  vote  in  favor  of  the  amendment  to  the  amendment.  I think, 
as  to  the  furnishing  of  the  Senate  Chamber  and  the  committee-rooms,  an  officer  who 
is  connected  with  the  body  would  be  more  apt  to  know  the  wants  and  habits  of  the 
Senate,  and  the  proper  furniture,  than  to  intrust  it  to  any  other  person.  Besides,  I 
have  no  great  faith  in  the  conti'act  system,  which  the  original  amendment  involves. 
I believe  that,  with  an  honest  man  to  deal  with,  the  matter  under  the  supervision  of 
your  own  committee,  your  furniture  will  be  furnished  at  a cheaper  rate,  and  it  will  he 
more  appropriate,  because  it  will  be  selected  by  an  officer  who  is  competent,  from 
his  knowledge  of  the  business  habits  of  Senators  and  their  wants,  to  know  what  it  is 
proper  to  buy.  I do  not  think  it  at  all  connects  itself  with  the  construction  of  the 
Capitol.  As  regards  that,  I differ  from  many  opinions  I have  heard  expressed.  I do 
not  charge  extravagance  at  all  on  any  officer  who  has  had  charge  of  the  Capitol.  I 
think  the  fault  lies  with  ourselves.  We  were  constantly,  when  the  Treasury  was  full, 
in  the  habit  of  making  appropriations  to  urge  this  building  on  to  a very  splendid 
completion.  I have  no  objection  to  the  external  structure;  I differ  in  taste  as  to  some 
of  the  internal  adornments.  As  an  illustration,  to  show  that  the  fault  belongs  to  our- 
selves, I may  mention  that,  in  the  first  instance,  when  the  dome  of  the  Capitol  was 
removed,  it  was  done  by  an  amendment  tacked  on  by  Congress  to  an  appropriation 
bill,  without  any  recommendation  from  the  architect  or  the  superintendent;  and 
then,  when  the  appropriation  was  made  to  take  down  that  dome,  it  was  removed, 
and,  of  course,  everybody  was  surprised  to  find  that  we  had  to  put  a new  dome  in  its 
place  at  a very  heavy  expense.  That  is  the  way  we  make  these  expenditures;  and 
then  we  charge  them  on  other  persons.  That  was  the  mode  in  which  that  appropria- 
tion was  originally  made,  without  the  report  of  a committee,  and  without  any  recom- 
mendation from  the  architect  or  superintendent.  One  hundred  thousand  dollars 
were  appropriated  to  take  down  the  old  dome  of  the  Capitol;  and  of  course,  when  it 
was  taken  down,  we  had  to  make  provision  to  supply  its  place;  and  then  we  had  to 
go  to  those  who  had  charge  of  it  for  the  purpose  of  giving  us  estimates  and  plans  for 
the  construction  of  a new  dome. 

Mr.  Davis.  If  my  friend  from  Delaware  will  allow  me,  I wish  to  state  a fact  to  him. 
I do  not  propose  to  enter  into  this  discussion,  though  it  would  be  very  easy  to  refute 
the  charges  which  have  been  made.  They  may  go  for  what  they  are  worth;  other 
people  will  judge  of  them.  I want  merely  to  state  a fact  in  that  connection.  A plan 
for  a dome,  drawn  by  the  person  then  and  now  architect,  was  exhibited  in  the  House 
of  Representatives,  and  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  of  that  House  adopted 
that  plan,  and  proposed  an  appropriation,  which  was  agreed  to.  At  a subsequent 
year,  the  inquiry  was  made,  what  would  the  dome  cost?  The  officer  in  charge  of  the 
work  had  made  no  estimate,  because  he  had  had  no  connection  with  it.  An  inquiry 
was  sent  to  the  War  Department,  and  the  answer  was  that  “we  made  no  estimates, 
for  we  had  no  connection  with  it.”  The  then  Secretary  (who  was  myself)  not  being 
in  favor  of  the  dome  at  all,  being  opposed  to  it,  and  having  endeavored  to  get  the 
committee  not  to  commence  it,  it  was  necessary  to  send  to  the  architect  who  had 
made  the  drawing,  and  ask  him  what  he  thought  it  would  cost.  A rough  guess  was 
sent  back ; and  Congress  has  been  legislating  on  that. 

Mr.  Bayard.  I think  the  honorable  Senator  is  mistaken  with  regard  to  the  legisla- 
tion as  to  the  dome.  I was  then  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  of 
the  Senate.  The  appropriation  came  to  us  as  an  appropriation  to  take  down  the  old 
dome,  alone,  and  no  more;  and,  on  inquiry  of  members  of  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives, 1 learned  that  the  appropriation  was  inserted  without  a recommendation  of  a 
committee,  and  without  reference,  at  all,  to  what  was  to  be  put  in  its  place.  I merely 
mention  this  as  an  illustration. 


The  Extensions. 


725 


Mr.  Foster.  I move  to  lay  the  amendment  to  the  amendment  and  the  amendment 
on  the  table. 

Mr.  Hunter.  That  will  take  the  whole  bill  on  the  table. 

Mr.  Foster.  I withdraw  my  motion. 

The  question  being  taken  by  yeas  and  nays  on  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Johnson, 
of  Tennessee,  to  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Bright  resulted — yeas  19,  nays  29; 

* * * 

So  the  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  rejected. 

The  Vice  President.  The  question  recurs  on  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from 
Indiana. 

Mr.  Mason.  I desire  to  know  whether  there  is  now  any  limitation  on  the  appro- 
priation? 

The  Vice  President.  The  amendment  reads: 

Provided , That  the  amount  expended  under  this  section  shall  not  exceed  $50,000. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  3, 1859:  Congressional  Globe,  35 — 2,  pp.  1669-71.] 
ARRANGEMENT  OF  THE  HALL. 

Mr.  Miles.  I ask  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  House  to  take  up  the  report  of  the 
select  committee  in  relation  to  seats  of  members,  &c.,  which  was  some  time  ago 
ordered  to  be  printed  by  the  House,  and  is  now  in  the  document  room. 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  It  is  too  late  in  the  session  to  bring  up  that  report.  I 
object. 

Mr.  Miles.  I move  to  suspend  the  rules.  The  report  is  very  short.  1 ask  that  it 
may  be  read. 

Mr.  Phelps,  of  Missouri.  With  the  permission  of  the  gentleman  from  South  Caro- 
lina, to  whom  the  floor  has  been  assigned,  I ask  unanimous  consent  of  the  House  to 
take  a recess  until  seven  and  a half  o’clock. 

Mr.  Gartrell.  I object. 

Mr.  Washburn,  of  Maine.  It  will  be  understood  that  the  gentleman  from  South 
Carolina  will  have  the  floor  as  soon  as  the  House  reassembles.  I hope  the  proposi- 
tion of  the  gentleman  from  Missouri  will  be  agreed  to,  and  we  shall  take  a recess. 

Mr.  Phelps,  of  Missouri.  With  that  understanding,  I ask  the  gentleman  from  South 
Carolina  to  give  me  the  floor  to  enable  me  to  move  to  suspend  the  rules  for  that 
purpose. 

Mr.  Miles.  I am  willing  to  withdraw  my  motion,  if  it  is  the  general  understanding 
that  I shall  have  the  floor  when  the  House  reassembles. 

[Cries  of  “Agreed!”] 

Mr.  Phelps,  of  Missouri.  I move,  then,  to  suspend  the  rules  for  the  purpose  of 
enabling  me  to  make  the  motion  that  the  House  take  a recess  until  seven  and  a half 
o’clock.  I will  remark  that  it  is  probable  we  shall  be  in  session  all  night;  and  I 
hope  the  House  will  take  a recess,  to  enable  members  to  obtain  rest. 

* * * 

EVENING  SESSION. 

The  House  resumed  its  session  at  seven  and  a half  o’clock,  p.  m. 

REARRANGEMENT  OF  THE  HALL. 

The  Speaker  pro  tempore , (Mr.  Bocock  in  the  chair.)  When  the  House  took  a 
recess,  the  question  pending  was  a motion  of  the  gentleman  from  South  Caroliiia 
[Mr.  Miles]  to  suspend  the  rules  for  the  introduction  of  a report  from  the  special 
committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  December  23,  direct- 
ing them  “to  consider  and  report  upon  the  expediency  of  removing  the  present 
desks  from  the  Hall,  and  making  such  a rearrangement  of  the  seats  of  members  as 


726  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

will  bring  them  together  into  a smaller  space,  so  as  to  insure  greater  facility  of  hear- 
ing and  more  orderly  debate. 

Mr.  Miles.  Mr.  Speaker,  I sought  the  floor  this  morning  with  a view  of  testing  the 
sense  of  the  House  on  the  proposition  of  the  select  committee. 

Mr.  Edie.  Is  the  motion  to  suspend  the  rules  debatable? 

The  Speaker.  It  is  not;  but  the  gentleman  from  South  Carolina  has  the  right  tc 
state  the  matter  upon  which  a suspension  is  asked. 

Mr.  Tompkins.  I object  to  debate. 

Mr.  Miles.  I ask  that  the  report  be  read.  It  will  consume  but  a minute  or  two. 

Mr.  Morgan.  I object. 

Mr.  Burnett.  I suggest  that,  as  there  is  not  a quorum  present,  the  rejiort  had  bet- 
ter be  allowed  to  be  read. 

Objection  was  withdrawn. 

The  Clerk  read  the  report,  as  follows: 

That  they  have  given  the  matter  due  consideration,  and  have  come,  unanimously, 
to  the  conclusion  that  the  removal  of  the  desks,  and  bringing  members  together  into 
a more  compact  area,  is  not  only  expedient  and  desirable,  but  would,  if  effected,  be, 
in  itself,  a most  important  step  towards  many  legislative  reforms.  So  far  as  the  desks 
are  concerned,  your  committee  feel — some  of  them  from  their  own  personal  experi- 
ence— that  they  have  become  a nuisance.  The  chief  argument  for  retaining  them  is 
the  strongest  reason  for  their  abolition,  namely:  the  convenient  facility  which  they 
afford  members  for  writing  letters  and  franking  documents.  It  would  certainly  seem 
as  if  the  very  first  duty  as  a Representative  in  Congress  "was  not  simply  to  attend 
bodily  in  his  place,  but  to  listen  to,  understand,  and,  when  occasion  requires  it,  par- 
ticipate in  the  discussions  and  proceedings  of  the  body  of  which  he  is  a member. 
This  is  a truth  so  self-evident  that  its  enunciation  is  almost  superfluous.  But  we  ask 
any  honorable  member  candidly  to  say,  whether  he  has  found  it  practicable,  in  his 
own  experience,  while  absorbed  in  writing  letters  at  his  desk,  to  attend  to  -what  is 
going  on  in  the  House?  If  it  be  urged  that  there  are  times  when  even  the  most  con- 
scientious member  may  feel  that  he  is  not  called  upon  to  listen  attentively;  as  dur- 
ing the  reading  of  prosy  manuscript  speeches,  or  the  delivering  of  ad  captandum 
“ Buncombe”  ones,  really  not  addressed  to  the  House,  nor  intended  to  influence  its 
action;  still  we  may  reply  that  the  very  resource  of  the  desks,  upon  which  so  many 
fall  back  as  a refuge  against  dullness  or  empty  sound,  contributes  to  perpetuate  the 
infliction,  upon  the  country,  of  evils  from  which  we  manage  partially  to  protect  our- 
selves. There  can  be  little  doubt  that,  if  there  were  no  desks  in  the  Hall,  a very 
decided  improvement  would  take  place  in  the  character  of  congressional  speeches. 
No  one,  whose  misfortune  it  may  have  been  to  be  compelled  for  any  purpose  to  wade 
through  the  interminable  columns  of  the  Daily  Globe,  can  doubt  that  this  is  a “con- 
summation devoutly  to  be  wished.”  But  it  is  not  merely  because  the  desks  with- 
draw the  attention  of  members  from  the  business  legitimately  before  them — which 
it  is  their  sworn  and  paid  duty  to  attend  to — that  their  removal  is  desirable. 

The  space  occupied  by  the  present  arrangement  of  chairs  and  desks  is  so  large  that 
it  is  always  difficult  and  sometimes  impossible  for  those  at  a distance  from  the  Clerk 
or  from  the  member  speakinar.  to  hear  distinctly.  This  arises  not  from  any  acoustic 
defect  in  the  Hall,  but  simply  from  its  immense  size.  The  result  is,  that  resolutions 
have  to  be  reported  or  remarks  repeated  so  often  that  not  only  much  valuable  time 
is  lost,  but  a degree  of  noise  and  confusion  ensues  very  unfavorable  to  calm  and 
deliberate  discussion.  It  may  not  be  inappropriate  in  this  connection  to  remark  that 
the  English  House  of  Commons,  numbering  six  hundred  and  fifty-four  members, 
holds  its  sessions  in  a hall  very  much  smaller  than  our  own,  which  has  to  accom- 
modate but  two  hundred  and  thirty-six  members.  Neither  Lords  nor  Commons, 
however,  in  England,  have  desks,  and  the  arrangement  of  their  seats  in  consequence 
is  so  compact  as  to  bring  them  into  a comparatively  concentrated  area. 

Your  committee  have  conferred  freely  with  Captain  Meigs,  the  able  and  accom- 


727 


* 


The  Extensions. 

plished  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  extension,  who  very  kindly,  at  their  instance, 
prepared  a diagram  of  the  floor  of  the  House,  to  assist  them  in  their  examination. 
He  also  went  through  with  them  various  measurements,  both  on  the  drawing  and  in 
the  Hall  itself,  with  a view  to  ascertain  into  how  much  smaller  space  members  might 
be  comfortably  and  conveniently  seated.  As  the  result  of  these  experiments,  we 
are  authorized  to  say  that  Captain  Meigs  considers  it  perfectly  practicable  to  make 
such  an  arrangement  of  seats  as  will  bring  members  near  enough  together  to  see  and 
hear  each  other  distinctly.  This  is  surely  a great  desideratum,  and  ought  in  itself  to 
reconcile  members  to  the  loss  of  the  purely  selfish  enjoyment  of  their  desks.  When 
honorable  gentlemen  can  make  themselves  heard  without  screaming  themselves 
hoarse,  and  hope  to  catch  the  Speaker’s  eye  and  obtain  the  floor  without  scrambling 
for  it  with  the  noise  and  vociferation  of  schoolboys  scrambling  for  an  apple;  when 
the  distinct  reading  of  a resolution  or  report  once  or  twice  from  the  Clerk’s  desk 
will  put  the  entire  House  in  possession  of  it,  we  may  then  expect  to  have  quiet, 
decorous,  and  orderly  debate;  real,  legitimate  discussion  of  the  subject-matter  pend- 
ing before  us,  instead  of  interminable  discussions,  dc  quolibet  ente,  addressed  in  point 
of  fact  to  different  constituencies,  and  not  even  intended  for  the  ear  of  the  House. 

To  meet  the  objection  which  may  be  urged  against  the  removal  of  the  desks,  that 
they  are  necessary  at  times  for  the  purpose  of  writing  resolutions  or  supporting  books 
of  reference,  &c.,  we  would  say,  that  in  the  rearrangement  of  the  Ilall,  in  the  plan 
contemplated,  ample  facilities  would  be  afforded  for  these  purposes.  A table  placed 
in  the  open  space  in  front  of  the  Speaker’s  seat  would,  in  itself,  be  sufficient  for  both 
these  objects,  and  would  be  a convenient  spot  from  which  to  read  extracts  from 
authorities  cited  in  debate.  Large  tables  might  also  be  placed  in  the  corners  of  the 
Hall,  and  supplied  with  writing  materials.  Besides,  with  our  present  convenient 
retiring  rooms,  so  immediately  adjacent  and  opening  upon  our  own  private  lobby, 
there  would  be  abundant  opportunity  for  writing  afforded  those  who  might  at  any 
particular  time  not  consider  their  presence  necessary  in  the  House.  It  would  require 
but  a few  seconds,  certainly  not  half  a minute,  to  summon  a member  from  either  of 
these  rooms  in  case  of  a vote,  or  the  coming  up  of  any  matter  in  which  he  might  feel 
an  interest. 

In  conclusion,  your  committee  have  to  say,  that  thej^  verily  believe  that,  small  and 
comparatively  insignificant  as  the  reform  which  they  advocate  may  now  seem,  yet, 
should  the  House  adopt  it,  the  advantages  which  will  flow  from  it  will  very  soon  be 
so  numerous  and  apparent  as  not  only  to  impress  Congress,  but  the  country  at  large. 
It  will  then  be  a matter  of  surprise  to  all  that  a plan  so  simple,  natural,  and  obvious 
should  not  have  been  sooner  adopted. 

Your  committee  recommended  the  passage  of  the  following  resolution: 

“ Resolved , That  the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  extension  be  directed,  after  the 
adjournment  of  the  present  session  of  Congress,  to  remove  the  desks  from  the  Hall 
of  the  House,  and  to  make  such  a rearrangement  of  the  seats  of  members  as  will 
bring  them  together  into  the  smallest  convenient  space.” 

Wm.  Poechee  Miles, 
Geo.  II.  Pendleton, 

J.  Letchee, 

E.  Joy  Moeeis, 

I.  Washburn,  Jr. 

Mr.  Washburn,  of  Maine.  Is  the  question  now  on  suspending  the  rules  to  enable 
the  gentleman  from  South  Carolina  to  introduce  the  resolution? 

The  Speaker  pro  teynpore.  It  is. 

Mr.  Washburn,  of  Maine.  Then  I hope  the  rules  will  be  suspended. 

Several  Members.  I hope  they  will  not. 

Mr.  Washburn,  of  Maine.  I am  satisfied  that  it  will  be  the  greatest  reform  that 
can  be  accomplished  by  this  Congress. 

[Loud  cries  to  order.  ] 


728 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Miles  called  for  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

The  question  was  taken;  and  it  was  decided  in  the  affirmative — yeas  123,  nays  56. 

* * * 

So  (two  thirds  voting  in  favor  thereof)  the  rules  were  suspended. 

Mr.  Davis,  of  Mississippi,  not  being  in  the  Hall  when  his  name  was  called,  asked 
leave  to  vote. 

Objection  was  made. 

Mr.  Underwood  made  a similar  request. 

Objection  was  made. 

Mr.  McRea  stated  that,  if  he  had  been  in  the  Hall  when  his  name  was  called,  he 
would  have  voted  for  the  removal  of  the  desks. 

* * * 

ARRANGEMENT  OF  THE  HALL. 

Mr.  Burnett.  I rise  to  a question  of  order.  It  is  impossible  to  hear  or  understand 
anything  that  is  going  on  in  the  hall. 

Mr.  John  Cochrane.  I submit,  Mr.  Speaker,  that  that  is  owing  to  the  desks. 
[Laughter.  ] 

Mr.  Miles.  I now  ask  to  submit  the  resolution  to  the  House  and  move  the  previous 
question. 

The  resolution  was  read,  as  follows: 

Resolved,  That  the  Superintendent  of  the  Capitol  extension  be  directed,  after  the  adjournment  of 
the  present  session  of  Congress,  to  remove  the  desks  from  the  Hall  of  the  House,  and  to  make  such  a 
re-arrangement  of  the  seats  of  members  as  will  bring  them  together  into  the  smallest  convenient 
space. 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  I move  to  lay  the  resolution  on  the  table;  and  on  that 
I call  for  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

Mr.  Clay.  Is  it  proper  to  inquire  what  is  to  become  of  these  desks  that  have  cost 
ninety  or  one  hundred  dollars  apiece? 

Mr.  Washburn,  of  Maine.  They  will  be  retained,  so  as,  if  the  experiment  be  not 
successful,  they  may  be  returned  to  the  hall. 

Mr.  Kelsey.  I have  an  amendment  which  will  provide  for  that,  if  I get  an  oppor- 
tunity to  offer  it. 

Mr.  McRae.  I want  to  see  them  consigned  to  the  tomb  of  the  Capulets. 

The  question  was  taken;  and  it  was  decided  in  the  negative — yeas  81,  nays  107. 

* * * 

So  the  House  refused  to  lay  the  resolution  on  the  table. 

* * * 

ARRANGEMENT  OF  THE  HALL — AGAIN. 

The  question  recurred  on  Mr.  Miles’s  resolution. 

The  previous  question  was  seconded,  and  the  main  question  ordered. 

Mr.  Kelsey.  I wish  to  offer  an  amendment  for  the  disposal  of  the  desks.  Will 
the  gentleman  from  South  Carolina  allow  my  amendment  to  be  reported? 

The  Speaker  pro  tempore.  The  previous  question  has  been  seconded;  and  the 
amendment  cannot  be  reported,  except  by  unanimous  consent. 

Mr.  Clark,  of  Missouri.  I object. 

Mr.  Jones,  of  Tennessee.  I wish,  by  unanimous  consent,  to  make  another  prop- 
os'd ion . That  is,  to  direct  the  superintendent  to  have  the  old  Hall  fitted  up  without 
seats,  and  make  the  experiment  there. 

Mr.  Davis,  of  Mississippi,  called  for  the  yeas  and  nays  on  the  passage  of  the  reso- 
lution. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 


The  Extensions. 


729 


The  question  was  taken;  and  it  was  decided  in  the  affirmative — yeas  103,  nays  73. 
* * * 

So  the  resolution  was  adopted. 

Mr.  Miles  moved  to  reconsider  the  vote  by  which  the  resolution  was  adopted;  and 
also  moved  to  lay  the  motion  to  reconsider  on  the  table. 

The  latter  motion  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Maynard.  I rise  to  a question  of  privilege.  I offer  the  following  resolution : 

Resolved , That  the  Clerk  be  directed  to  have  the  old  Hall  of  the  House  fitted  up,  without  either 
desks  or  chairs,  for  the  convenience  of  the  next  House  of  Representatives;  and  that  he  convene  the 
next  House  therein,  having  the  present  Hall  fitted  up  and  furnished  as  it  now  is. 

I think  that  that  resolution  relates  to  the  privileges  of  the  House,  and  takes  pre- 
cedence of  every  other  question. 

The  Speaker  pro  tempore.  The  Chair  decides  that  that  is  not  a matter  of  privilege. 

[House  of  Representatives.  Report  No.  198.  35th  Congress,  2d  session.  American  Artists.  March  3, 
1859. — Laid  on  the  table,  and  ordered  to  be  printed.] 

Mr.  Humphrey  Marshall,  from  the  select  committee,  submitted  the  following 
report. 

The  select  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  memorial  of  the  artists  of  the 
United  States  report: 

Your  committee,  consisting  of  five — Messrs.  Humphrey  Marshall,  Lawtience  W. 
Iveitt,  George  Taylor,  Edward  Joy  Morris,  and  George  H.  Pendleton — were 
appointed  on  the  1st  day  of  June,  1858,  in  pursuance  of  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved,  That  the  memorial  of  the  artists  of  the  United  States  be,  and  the  same  is 
hereby,  referred  to  a select  committee  of  five,  to  be  appointed  by  the  Speaker,  with 
instructions  to  report  upon  the  expediency  of  granting  the  petition  of  the  memorial- 
ists, and  with  power  to  report  by  bill  or  otherwise. 

Your  committee  have  given  to  this  important  subject  as  much  time  as  it  was  possi- 
ble under  the  pressure  of  other  legislative  duties.  The  “Art  Commission”  asked  for 
by  the  artists  of  the  United  States  in  their  memorial  your  committee  consider  impor- 
tant and  proper;  but  as  a provision  for  such  a commission  has  been  made  in  the 
clause  of  the  appropriation  bill  far  the  Capitol  extension,  your  committee  have  not 
recommended  a joint  resolution  for  that  purpose.  If  the  clause  inserted  in  the  appro- 
priation bill  is  fully  carried  out  it  will  lead  to  such  further  and  other  legislation  as 
the  subject  requires. 

Painting  and  sculpture  are  the  handmaidens  of  history  to  record  the  traits  and 
characteristics  of  national  life,  and  to  convey  to  after  ages,  by  images  presented  to 
the  eye,  the  costumes,  arts,  and  civilization  of  such  periods  as  the  artist  may  embody 
upon  his  canvas  or  grave  upon  the  marble.  The  ruins  of  Nineveh  and  Babylon 
furnish  from  their  buried  walls  and  broken  statuary  a more  correct  idea  of  the  civili- 
zation that  existed  within  them  than  enterprise  can  now  gather  from  any  other 
sources.  Art  is  language;  and  it  is  peculiarly  useful  as  an  index  to  the  civilization 
of  a people — a key  to  the  volume  of  their  national  life.  The  eye  of  intelligence  hunts 
for  the  hidden  mysteries  of  past  greatness  among  such  works  of  art  as  the  antiqua- 
rian can  discover,  and  the  mind  of  the  student-artist  reproduces,  by  the  aid  of  these, 
the  living  picture  of  ages  long  since  passed  and  almost  forgotten. 

The  American  people  have  a history  many  of  whose  passages  deserve  to  be 
engraved  upon  imperishable  materials.  It  embodies  a new  idea.  It  imports  an 
advanced  step  in  the  elevation  of  man  to  the  true  dignity  of  his  nature.  It  has  been 
developed  through  circumstances  of  difficulty  and  danger  which  have  afforded  oppor- 
tunities for  the  display  of  the  most  conspicuous  examples  of  valor,  prudence,  forti- 
tude, genius,  wisdom,  and  patriotism,  each  of  which  Art  should  commemorate  in 
such  connexion  as  to  render  it  part  of  the  nation’s  fame.  How  shall  this  history  be 
written  in  the  most  enduring  form?  Painting  and  sculpture  can  write  it  to  be  read 


730 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


by  future  times  as  we  now  read  the  story  of  buried  cities,  whose  relics  of  art  are  the 
only  monuments  of  them  that  stand;  the  more  perishable  materials  of  their  letters 
have  been  swept  away  by  time.  Pericles  and  Phidias  live  yet  in  the  classic  lines  of 
the  Parthenon.  Michael  Angelo  secured  an  immortal  name  in  the  majestic  pile  of 
St.  Peters.  Other  nations  have  promoted  the  arts  by  offering  the  masters  of  their 
art-professions  public  employment  in  planning  or  executing  the  structure  and  decora- 
tive designs  of  public  buildings  and  grounds,  and  this  committee  know  of  no  instance 
where  such  encouragement  has  failed  to  meet  a recompense  in  some  work  worthy 
the  fame  of  the  artist  and  of  his  patron.  Why  may  not  American  artists  turn  with 
solicitude  to  their  government  for  similar  encouragement?  The  Capitol  of  the  United 
States  is  a most  extensive  edifice,  on  the  structure  of  which  millions  of  the  public 
treasure  have  already  been  expended,  and  in  the  decoration  of  which,  by  statuary  and 
painting,  the  widest  field  is  open  for  the  genius  of  our  artists.  It  might  have  been 
made  a splendid  testimony  of  the  national  taste  by  being  adorned  with  illustrations 
of  American  history.  For  this  purpose  no  class  of  men  could  have  been  employed, 
with  more  assurance  of  success,  both  for  designs  and  execution,  than  the  practical  and 
professional  artists  of  our  own  country  who  have  attained  the  front  rank  of  their 
profession.  No  other  class  of  the  people  combine  the  same  knowledge  of  coloring, 
of  forms,  and  the  various  objects  of  professional  skill,  that  these  memorialists  cer- 
tainly possess,  and  there  are  none  superior  to  them  in  the  sentiment  of  true  patriot- 
ism. The  committee  have  not  been  informed  that  American  artists  have  been 
engaged  upon  the  embellishment  of  the  Capitol,  but  they  have  been  made  painfully 
conscious  that  the  work  has  been  prosecuted  by  foreign  workmen  under  the  imme- 
diate supervision  of  a foreigner.  As  a consequence,  the  committee  find  nothing  in 
the  design  and  execution  of  the  ornamental  work  of  the  Capitol,  thus  far,  which 
represents  our  own  country,  or  the  genius  and  taste  of  her  artists.  The  first  point  to 
be  ascertained  in  the  prosecution  of  so  great  a work  is  to  learn  what  can  be  done; 
next,  how  it  is  to  be  done,  and  by  whom?  A general  plan  of  decoration  should  be 
determined  upon — a classification  of  the  parts  of  the  entire  building,  and  an  appro- 
priation of  these  parts  to  particular  departments  of  art.  There  is  no  necessity  to 
attempt  to  fill  up  niches  and  panels  immediately — that  should  be  the  work  of  time, 
and  for  the  employment  of  the  highest  professional  skill  and  taste.  In  the  mean- 
while the  expenditure  of  money  uselessly  might  profitably  be  avoided  by  leaving  the 
niches  vacant  and  the  panels  unfilled,  and  the  other  parts  of  the  building  it  may  be 
designed  to  embellish  only  so  far  dressed  as  not  to  offend  the  spectator.  A plain 
coat  or  two  of  whitewash  is  better,  in  the  opinion  of  this  committee,  for  a temporary 
finish  than  ‘ ‘ the  tawdry  and  exuberant  ornament  with  which  many  of  the  rooms  and 
passages  are  being  crowded.” 

This  special  committee,  not  finding  themselves  clothed  with  instructions  to  present 
any  general  plan  or  design  for  the  completion  of  the  work,  have  not  entered  upon 
the  consideration  of  any  specific  proposition,  and  have  none,  therefore,  to  be  sub- 
mitted to  Congress  at  this  time.  But  the  committee  have  considered  the  course 
taken  by  other  governments  under  similar  circumstances  to  those  in  which  the  United 
States  are  now  placed  in  regard  to  the  Capitol  and  public  buildings  of  the  country, 
and  think  it  may  not  be  without  advantage  that  some  reference  thereto  should  be 
embodied  in  this  report,  accompanied  by  a general  suggestion  from  this  committee. 

A few  years  ago  England  was  precisely  in  the  same  condition  as  our  own  in  rela- 
tion to  the  development  of  art.  The  erection  of  the  new  houses  of  Parliament  pre- 
sented the  occasion  for  that  government  to  demand  the  aid  of  art  in  their  decoration, 
and  it  was  embraced  by  the  public  authorities  to  illustrate  upon  enduring  monu- 
ments before  posterity  the  character  of  Great  Britain  as  a civilized  nation  and  her 
artistic  appreciation  of  those  passages  in  British  history  which  deserved  to  be  com- 
memorated throughout  future  times.  Her  artists  had  therefore  been  compelled  to 
seek  commissions  from  individuals  which  could  be  indulged  in  by  the  wealthy  only. 
Art  had  not  been  cherished  as  important  to  education,  or  as  conducive  especially  to 


TJie  Extensions. 


731 


national  refinement;  as  a blessing  to  the  poor,  or  as  a means  of  information  and 
elevation  to  all  classes  who  had  access  to  the  public  buildings.  The  erection  of  the 
new  Parliament  house  was  accepted  as  the  proper  era  for  a new  development  in  this 
direction.  Accordingly  a select  committee  was  raised  to  devise  the  best  means  of 
accomplishing  such  development  through  the  opportunity  which  was  then  afforded 
to  encourage  arts.  This  committee  was  very  thorough  in  its  investigations.  Testi- 
mony of  the  most  distinguished  artists  in  the  world  was  taken;  agents  were  sent 
abroad  to  examine  the  various  schools  and  methods  of  painting,  and  the  information 
obtained  by  their  researches  is  embodied  in  reports  made  to  Parliament,  to  which 
your  committee  have  had  access,  and  which  may  be  found  in  the  library  of  Congress, 
in  Parliamentary  Papers  for  1841-’42-’43-’44,  vols.  6,  25,  29,  31. — (See  extracts 
in  Appendix  marked  “B”  and  “C.”)  During  the  course  of  the  investigation  a 
question  was  asked  of  Sir  Martin  Arthur  Shee  which  deserves  especial  consideration 
both  for  the  point  it  presents  and  the  answers  it  elicited. 

Question.  What  would  be  your  opinion  as  to  the  employment  of  foreign  artists? 

Answer.  If  the  object  is  to  encourage  the  arts  of  our  country,  to  elevate  its  character,  Ac.,  then  I 
should  think  the  proper  mode  would  be  to  employ  and  cultivate  native  talent.  If  I am  correct  in 
supposing  that  the  object  of  the  committee  in  the  present  instance  is  to  render  the  opportunity 
which  the  building  of  the  houses  of  Parliament  now  affords  available  for  the  promotion  of  the  fine 
arts;  that  the  object  of  the  committee  is  not  so  much  to  forward  the  arts  themselves,  as,  through  their 
influence,  to  advance  the  great  end  toward  which  the  promotion  of  the  arts  can  be  considered  but  as 
a means— the  civilization  of  our  people;  to  give  to  their  minds  a direction  which  may  tend  to  with- 
draw them  from  habits  of  gross  and  sensual  indulgence;  to  secure  and  sustain  the  intellectual 
supremacy  of  our  country,  not  only  with  respect  to  the  present  age,  but  with  reference  to  posterity; 
and,  above  all,  to  prove  that  we  are  capable  of  appreciating  those  exploits  of  patriotism,  those  exer- 
tions of  wisdom  and  virtue,  which  have  adorned  the  annals  of  British  history,  and  that  we  are  not 
at  a loss  fortalents  worthy  of  being  employed  in  their  commemoration;  if  these  are  the  objects  which 
the  committee  have  in  view,  I humbly  conceive  that  the  employment  of  foreigners  on  the  occasion 
supposed  would  be  inappropriate  and  inconsistent  with  such  purposes.” 

Others  corroborated  this  opinion,  and  the  competition  which  was  invited  for  the 
work  was  finally  confined  to  British  subjects,  including  foreigners  who  may  have 
resided  ten  years  or  upwards  in  the  United  Kingdom  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland. 

The  result  of  these  investigations  was  an  appointment  of  an  Art  Commission,  com- 
prising four  of  the  most  eminent  artists  who  have  had  the  superintendence  of  the 
decoration  and  embellishment  of  their  public  buildings,  and  the  result  has  been  to 
place  art  in  England,  by  this  timely  national  aid,  upon  a secure  and  permanent  basis, 
calculated  to  encourage  the  young  and  aspiring,  and  to  do  justice  to  the  old  and  more 
experienced  artists.  Thus  a corps  of  able  men  has  been  training  for  the  work,  and  a 
series  of  important  historic  pictures  and  sculptures  have  been  produced  which  private 
patronage  never  would  have  called  forth.  Your  committee  believe  that  the  adoption 
of  a system  equally  liberal  and  judicious  would  insure  results  here  equally  satisfac- 
tory and  desirable.  There  is  no  want  of  talent  among  the  artists  of  the  United 
States,  as  their  works  and  foreign  reputation  abundantly  attest.  There  is  in  the 
genius  of  free  institutions  a spirit  which  should  and  will  give  to  taste,  and  skill,  and 
the  poetic  illustrations  of  those  qualities  which  ennoble  a nation  and  “adorn  a man,” 
more  powerful  development  in  the  United  States  than  they  could  have  under  other 
systems  of  government.  What  the  artist  wants  is  recognition  by  his  country — 
encouragement,  protection,  employment — when  it  can  be  properly  afforded,  and 
then  he  will  produce  results  worthy  of  the  age  and  the  land  in  which  he  lives. 
But  the  history  of  art  in  all  countries  proves  that  without  national  aid  art  never  has 
reached  its  highest  development.  It  is  said  that  “all  artists  know  that  the  prepara- 
tion for  painting  or  modelling  an  important  work  requires  as  much  or  more  labor  and 
study  than  the  execution  of  it;  and  without  some  incentive  beyond  the  precarious- 
ness of  private  patronage,  and  while  wanting  the  sympathy  of  their  government — 
the  greatest  of  all  stimulants  to  noble  exertion — the  higher  walks  of  art  must  be 
neglected.” 

Let  American  artists,  then,  feel  the  sustaining  hand  of  their  government  through  the 


732 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


intelligent  management  of  an  Art  Commission  appointed  under  a resolution  of  Congress, 
and  whose  functions  shall  be  confined  to  the  selection  of  designs  for  the  embellishment 
of  the  Capitol  and  other  public  buildings  and  grounds  at  this  national  metropolis, 
and  this  committee  entertain  no  doubt  that  the  result  will  vindicate  the  ability  of 
American  artists  to  compete  with  any  known  to  the  world.  But  so  long  as  by  the 
employment  of  foreign  artists  and  foreign  workmen  upon  every  department  of  the 
public  buildings,  whether  mechanical,  architectural,  or  ornamental,  the  native  artist 
feels  that  some  power  divorces  him  from  public  sympathy,  and  that  his  profession 
and  his  proficiency  in  it  are  unappreciated  by  his  country,  we  shall  be  deprived  of 
the  ennobling  and  healthful  influence  of  his  genius.  The  erection  and  embellishment 
of  the  nation’ s Capitol  affords  the  opportunity  for  Congress  to  encourage  American 
art  and  to  develop  American  genius  in  the  departments  of  art.  At  the  risk  of 
unfriendly  criticism,  this  committee  ventures  the  suggestion  that  the  field  of  compe- 
tition should  be  confined  to  citizens  of  the  United  States,  because  art,  to  be  living, 
must  be  projected  from  the  life  of  a people;  to  be  appreciated,  it  must  be  familiar, 
must  partake  of  the  nature  and  habits  of  the  people  for  whom  it  is  intended,  and 
must  reflect  their  life,  history,  hopes,  and  aspirations. 

The  committee  regret  to  be  compelled  to  observe  the  deficiency  in  this  particular, 
so  far  as  the  decorative  work  in  the  Capitol  extension  has  progressed.  An  eagle  and 
the  national  flag  may  be  discovered  occasionally  amidst  the  confusion  of  scroll-work 
and  mythological  figures  presented  to  the  eye;  but  the  presence  of  conventional  gods 
and  goddesses,  with  meaningless  scrolls  and  arabesques,  albeit  they  may  be  wrapped 
in  the  “red,  white,  and  blue,”  will  never  suggest  to  the  American,  as  he  wanders 
among  the  halls  and  committee  rooms,  any  idea  to  touch  his  heart  or  to  inspire  his 
patriotism.  He  beholds  nothing  to  remind  him  of  the  grandeur  of  his  country,  its 
origin  or  history;  nothing  to  make  him  seek  these  halls  again  to  refresh  his  memory 
of  the  deeds  of  the  good  and  great,  who  won  the  independence  and  secured  the  liber- 
ties, or  expanded  the  boundaries  of  a great  nation!  Should  he  seek  an  explanation 
from  those  who  are  manufacturing  the  cumbrous  levities  which  everywhere  appear 
through  the  building,  he  will  be  eminently  fortunate  should  he  find  among  them  one 
who  speaks  the  English  language.  The  committee  think  that  upon  this  great  work 
the  artists  and  the  workmen  of  our  own  country  should  be  employed;  that  every 
stone  in  the  edifice  should  be  laid  and  every  line  and  figure  within  its  halls  and 
passages  should  be  the  work  of  our  own  citizens.  There  are  many  points  connected 
with  the  decorative,  but  apparently  belonging  to,  or  included  within,  the  archi- 
tectural departments  of  the  building  which  suggest  criticism;  ornaments  which  are 
out  of  place;  elaborate  bronze  mouldings  screwed  upon  wooden  panels;  heavily 
ornamented  bronze  railing  upon  private  stairways,  all  extremely  expensive,  and 
placed  where  ornamentation  seems  unnecessary.  But  this  committee  will  not  go 
into  particulars  in  selecting  points  for  criticism  where  doubtless  there  has  been 
an  honest  effort  to  produce  effect.  An  inspection  of  the  work  will  suggest  the 
idea  to  every  one  that  there  has  been  the  most  prodigal  liberality  in  placing  upon 
its  interior  much  which  the  good  taste  of  those  who  come  after  us  will  dispense  with 
or  replace.  At  all  events,  enough  has  been  said  to  prove  that  there  is  a propriety 
in  changing  the  present  system  and  of  establishing  a new  mode  of  conducting  the 
work.  The  committee  are  of  opinion  that,  in  the  adoption  of  such  new  mode,  the 
establishment  of  an  Art  Commission  which  shall  suggest  a general  plan  of  decora- 
tion and  embellishment  is  the  first  step  to  be  taken,  and  that  upon  the  rendition  of 
a report  by  such  a commission  to  the  next  Congress,  there  may  be  pointed  out  a 
correct  system  which  can  be  pursued  with  true  economy  by  being  pursued  at  leisure 
and  according  to  the  will  of  Congress  expressed  from  time  to  time.  In  this  way  the 
broadest  field  of  competition  may  be  opened  to  American  artists  and  great  encourage 
ment  given  to  American  art. 

The  opportunity  to  afford  this  stimulant  to  the  exertion  of  American  artists 
should  not  be  permitted  by  Congress  to  pass  away  without  improving  it.  The  walls 


The  Extensions. 


733 


and  niches  of  this  Capitol -should  be  dedicated  to  American  art,  and  Genius  should 
be  invited  to  lavish  upon  them  its  brightest  conceptions,  always,  however,  illustrative 
of  American  history,  which  is  rich  in  noble  exploits  by  sea  and  land.  Upon  these 
walls  should  be  recorded  the  heroic  deeds  which  the  nation  loves  to  remember.  In 
these  niches  should  be  collected  the  statues  of  American  statesmen  and  patriots  who 
would  speak  from  the  silent  marble,  and  by  their  mere  presence  animate  the  coun- 
cils of  the  living  and  inspire  them  to  virtue  and  honor.  These  are  legacies  worthy 
of  being  transmitted  to  the  future,  and  which  the  future  will  demand  of  us.  The 
statesman  and  the  artist  should  join  in  this  noble  work  and  permit  no  profanation  of 
it.  We  are  writing  now  a history  which  should  be  true,  as  it  will  be  handed  to  pos- 
terity. Let  it  illustrate  American  life. 

Appendix  A. — Memorial. 

To  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States: 

The  memorial  of  the  artists  of  the  United  States,  in  convention  assembled,  respect- 
fully represents: 

That  your  memorialists  appear  before  your  honorable  bodies  to  solicit  for  Ameri- 
can art  that  consideration  and  encouragement  to  which  they  conceive  it  to  be  entitled 
at  the  hands  of  the  general  government. 

They  cannot  but  deem  it  a matter  of  deep  regret  that  so  important  an  element  of 
national  progress  should  have  received  as  yet  so  limited  a share  of  attention  at  the 
hands  of  our  legislators,  and  that  opportunities  for  the  illustration  of  our  country’s 
history,  rich  as  it  is  in  material  for  the  pencil  and  the  chisel,  should  have  been,  with 
a few  exceptions,  denied  to  those  whose  province  it  is,  and  whose  pride  it  would  be, 
to  embody  in  enduring  and  beautiful  forms,  for  the  benefit  of  our  own  and  future 
generations,  all  that  is  glorious  and  ennobling  in  our  history,  character,  and  life,  as 
a people. 

Your  memorialists  submit  that  the  time  is  now  at  hand  when  we  may  assume  a 
position  in  the  world  of  art  as  enviable  and  exalted  as  that  which  we  have  attained 
in  our  social  and  political  relations;  that  the  capacity  of  our  artists  to  accomplish 
this  glorious  end  is  abundant,  and  that  the  appropriate  field  for  its  development  and 
exercise  is  in  the  adornment  and  completion  of  the  noble  structures  now  being  reared 
by  the  nation  for  the  nation’s  use. 

A liberal,  systematic,  and  enlightened  encouragement  is,  they  believe,  all  that  is 
needed  for  the  establishment  of  a national  art  that  shall  worthily  illustrate  the  genius 
of  our  institutions;  and  they  cherish  the  earnest  hope  that  the  golden  opportunity 
now  afforded,  in  the  erection  of  spacious  and  costly  buildings,  will  not  be  neglected, 
but  that,  by  the  wisdom  of  the  means  adopted  by  your  honorable  bodies,  an  impulse 
may  be  given  to  the  cause  of  American  art,  the  beneficent  and  ennobling  influences 
of  which  shall  extend  to  our  remotest  posterity. 

Your  memorialists  respectfully  urge,  that  the  great  end  proposed,  viz:  1 ‘ the  advance- 
ment of  art  in  the  United  States,”  may  be  most  surely  and  completely  attained  by 
the  establishment  of  an  Art  Commission,  composed  of  those  designated  by  the  united 
voice  of  American  artists  as  competent  to  the  office,  who  shall  be  accepted  as  the 
exponents  of  the  authority  and  influence  of  American  art,  who  shall  be  the  chan- 
nels for  the  distribution  of  all  appropriations  to  be  made  by  Congress  for  art  pur- 
poses, and  who  shall  secure  to  artists  an  intelligent  and  unbiased  adjudication  upon 
the  designs  they  may  present  for  the  embellishment  of  the  national  buildings. 

Y our  memorialists  believe  that  the  appointment  of  such  a commission  would  be 
hailed  throughout  the  country  as  an  evidence  of  a just  and  generous  appreciation  by 
your  honorable  bodies  of  the  claims  and  interests  of  art,  and  would  secure  for  it  a 
future  commensurate  with  the  exalted  character  of  the  history  and  the  times  which 
it  is  its  purpose  to  commemorate. 

Rembrandt  Peale,  Philadelphia;  J.  R.  Lambdin,  Philadelphia;  H.  K.  Brown, 
New  York;  John  Cranch,  Washington,  D.  C. ; W.  D.  Washington,  Washington, 


734 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


D.  C. ; J.  M.  Stanley,  Washington,  D.  C. ; Thomas  G.  Clemson,  Maryland;  Horatio 
Stone,  Washington,  D.  C.;  Peter  Baumgrass,  Washington,  D.  C. ; Johannes  A. 
Oertel,  Washington,  D.  C.;  William  S.  Tiffany,  Baltimore;  0.  Schuessele,  Phila- 
delphia; George  W.  Conarroe,  Philadelphia;  Phineas  Staunton,  New  York;  William 
Heine,  New  York;  Fridolen  Schlegel,  New  York;  William  H.  Rinehart,  Baltimore; 
John  Sartain,  Philadelphia;  Henry  D.  Saunders,  Philadelphia;  Thomas  Ball,  Bos- 
ton; Henry  F.  Darby,  New  York;  M.  B.  Brady, New  York;  Albert  Bierstadt,  Boston; 
A.  B.  Durand,  P.  N.  A.,  New  York;  Th.  S.  Cummings,  V.  P.  N.  A.,  New  York; 
Henry  Peters  Gray,  New  York;  Charles  C.  Ingham,  New  York;  J.  B.  Stearns,  New 
York;  J.  R.  Brevoort,  New  York ; William  Hart,  New  York;  E.  W.  Nichols,  New 
York;  J.  H.  Shegogue,  New  York;  James  A.  Suydam,  New  York;  S.  R.  Gifford,  New 
York;  John  W.  Ehninger,  New  York;  Trevor  McCleery,  New  Yrork;  R.  M.  Pratt, 
New  Yrork;  James  IP.  Cafferty,  New  York;  T.  Addison  Richards,  New  York; 
R.  W.  Hubbard,  New  Yrork;  Marcus  Waterman,  New  York;  William  Ingram,  New 
York;  H.  White,  New  York;  A.  D.  Shattuck,  New  York;  C.  L.  Elliott,  New  York; 
Alanson  Fisher,  New  York;  George  A.  Baker,  New  York;  John  Pope,  New  York; 
Albert  F.  Bellows,  New  York;  Edward  D.  E.  Greene,  New  York;  W.  P.  Morgan, 
New  York;  William  Oliver  Stone,  New  York;  James  H.  Wright,  New  York;  A.  B. 
Moore,  New  York;  J.  D.  Blondell,  New  York;  Richard  M.  Staigg,  New  York; 
Louis  R.  Minot,  New  York;  Marmaduke  Pierce  Wilson,  New  York;  J.  S.  Perkins, 
New  York;  N.  B.  Ivittell,  New  York;  John  Williamson,  New  York;  D.  M.  Carter, 
New  Yrork;  A.  F.  Tait,  New  York;  George  Inness,  New  York;  E.  Greatorex,  New 
York;  George  PI . Hall,  New  York;  James  L.  Dick,  New  York;  Thomas  Sully,  Phila- 
delphia; George  C.  Lambdin,  Philadelphia;  Isaac  L.  Williams,  Philadelphia;  W.  H. 
Furness,  jr. , Philadelphia;  Alexander  Laurie,  Philadelphia;  C.  H.  Schmolze,  Phila- 
delphia; Samuel  Sartain,  Philadelphia;  William  T.  Richards,  Philadelphia;  Paul 
Weber,  Philadelphia;  W.  F.  Jones,  Philadelphia;  J.  A.  Badly,  Philadelphia;  Edward 
Stanch,  Philadelphia;  Augustus  Wegner,  Philadelphia;  A.  Hohenstein,  Phila- 
delphia; Albert  W.  Janvier,  Philadelphia;  Stephen  J.  Ferriss,  Philadelphia;  Rus- 
sell Smith,  Philadelphia;  A.  B.  Roekey,  Philadelphia;  Joseph  B.  Howell,  Philadel- 
phia; E.  D.  Marchant,  Philadelphia;  Henry  A.  Marehant,  Philadelphia;  Edward 
Bowers,  Philadelphia;  W.  Sanford  Mason,  Philadelphia;  E.  Wood  Perry,  jr.,  Phila- 
delphia; James  K.  Harley,  Baltimore;  John  Robertson,  Baltimore;  F.  B.  Mayer, 
Baltimore;  Thomas  W.  Wood,  Baltimore;  C.  D.  Sauerivein,  Baltimore;  Hugh  Newell, 
Baltimore;  Alfred  J.  Miller,  Baltimore;  William  S.  Tiffany,  Baltimore;  G.  II. 
Fuller,  Montgomery,  Alabama;  E.  F.  Billings,  Montgomery,  Alabama;  Albert 
Bierstadt,  New  Bedford;  G.  H.  Cushman,  Boston;  Charles  Haskins,  Washington, 
D.  C. ; Charles  A.  Alexander,  Washington,  D.  C. ; W.  Allan  Gay,  Boston;  W.  Wil- 
lard, Boston;  Hammatt  Billings,  Boston;  Thomas  S.  Spear,  Boston;  Samuel  L.  Gerry, 
Boston;  Samuel  W.  Griggs,  Boston;  Alfred  Ordway,  Boston;  M.  F.  Foley,  Boston; 
Walter  M.  Brackett,  Boston;  Thomas  M.  Johnston,  Boston;  S.  P.  Hodgson,  Boston; 
D.  C.  Johnston,  Boston;  John  Pope,  Boston;  Frederic  D.  Williams,  Boston;  M.  G. 
Whitlock,  Boston;  Joseph  Ames,  Boston;  E.  A.  Brackett,  Boston;  J.  A.  Jackson, 
Boston;  M.  Wight,  Boston;  II.  C.  Pratt,  Boston;  Alonzo  Hartwell,  Boston;  P. 
Stephenson,  Boston. 

Appendix  B. — Extracts  taken  from  the  testimony  given  before  the  English  commission  by 

Sir  Martin  Archer  Shee. 

* * * 


Appendix  C. — The  general  object  of  the  commission  considered  in  relation  to  the  state  and 
'prospects  of  the  English  School  of  Painting.  Extracts  from  the  papers  of  C.  L.  Eastlake, 
esq.,  Secretary. 

* * * 


The  Extensions. 


735 


Appendix  D. — Observations  on  the  principles  which  may  regulate  the  selection  of  subjects 
for  painting  in  the  palace  at  Westminster,  by  Mr.  Hallam. 

The  determination  of  her  Majesty’s  government  and  of  Parliament  to  restore  the 
buildings  appropriated  to  the  estates  of  the  realm  in  a manner  befitting  the  national 
grandeur  and  the  dignity  of  their  functions  has  not  unnaturally  suggested  a wish 
that,  with  architectural  splendor,  the  excellencies  of  other  arts,  especially  those  of 
painting  and  sculpture,  might  be  combined.  The  commission  to  which  I have  the 
honor  to  belong  was  expressly  appointed  to  consider  how  far  this  might  be  carried 
into  effect  for  the  encouragement  of  the  line  arts  in  England ; but  these  words  seem 
to  intimate  a still  further  and,  it  may  be  said,  a still  more  important  object  than  the 
immediate  one  of  giving  additional  magnificence  to  the  new  houses  of  Parliament — - 
the  object  of  promoting  the  fine  arts  in  this  country,  and  raising  its  general  estimation 
as  a school  of  painting  and  sculpture  among  mankind. 

It  has  long  been  a common  remark  that  our  English  painters — and  it  is  chiefly  to 
painting  that  I would  now  confine  myself — with  extraordinary  merits  in  many 
departments  of  their  art,  have  not  very  greatly  cultivated,  at  least  in  large  pictures, 
that  higher  style  which  we  commonly  call  historical,  though  comprehending  more 
than  actual  history.  Few  who  know  what  some  have  done  will  ascribe  this  to  nat- 
ural deficiency  of  genius  adapted  to  such  work;  but  it  would  not  be  difficult  to  assign 
several  real  causes  adequate  to  explain  the  fact.  It  is  only  with  one  that  we  can 
here  have  to  do,  and  that  is  abundantly  sufficient.  The  general  size  of  private  houses 
excludes  pictures  of  large  dimensions,  while  our  public  buildings,  though  frequently 
containing  apartments  capable  of  receiving  them,  have  either  not  been  applied  to 
such  a purpose,  or,  as  has  too  frequently  been  the  case,  have  been  occupied  by  works 
of  such  inferior  merit  or  upon  such  uninteresting  subjects  as  to  check  any  desire  that 
might  have  arisen  to  see  the  art  of  painting  more  extensively  put  in  requisition.  With 
respect  to  churches,  it  is  evident  that  partly  on  account  of  expense,  and  partly  from 
other  impediments,  unlikely  to  be  removed,  they  have  in  few  instances  become  the 
depositories  of  valuable  works  of  art.  It  is,  therefore,  an  important  circumstance 
that,  in  the  plan  of  the  new  edifice  which  is  rising  under  the  superintendence  of  Mr. 
Barry,  several  apartments  will  exist  of  sufficient  magnitude  to  receive  larger  pictures 
than  can  easily  find  admittance  into  jirivate  houses,  and  of  as  great  excellence  as  the 
artists  of  this  kingdom  can  produce. 

The  competition  invited  last  year  for  cartoons,  and  which  is  generally  supposed  to 
have  drawn  forth  no  inconsiderable  degree  of  ability  in  the  highest  line  of  art,  that 
of  historical  invention  and  composition,  Avas  founded  on  no  other  principle. 

If,  therefore,  the  development  of  native  genius  in  historical  painting,  and  the  pro- 
duction of  what  is  absolutely  best,  ought  to  be  principally  encouraged  as  well  for  the 
sake  of  the  splendor  of  the  new  palace,  as  of  placing  our  successful  artists  on  a proper 
footing,  it  seems  that  we  should  be  cautious  of  restraining  too  much  their  talents  by 
any  limitation  incompatible  with  their  fullest  exercise.  And  here,  as  it  appears  to 
me,  a certain  difficulty  may  arise.  No  one  probably  would  wish  to  treat  the  build- 
ings connected  with  the  assembly  of  the  legislature,  and  to  be  consecrated,  we  hope, 
hereafter  by  so  many  improving  associations,  as  mere  galleries,  where  nothing  in  the 
works  of  the  painter  or  sculptor  is  to  be  in  harmony  with  the  general  design.  Such 
would,  I conceive,  be  the  worst  of  two  extremes,  did  it  appear  necessary  to  choose 
any  extreme  at  all.  In  our  halls  of  Parliament,  or  as  we  approach  them,  let  us 
behold  the  images  of  famous  men;  of  sovereigns,  by  whom  the  two  Houses  of  Peers 
and  Commons  have  been  in  successive  ages  called  together;  of  statesmen  and  orators, 
to  whom  they  owed  the  greatest  part  of  their  lustre,  and  whose  memory,  now  hal- 
lowed by  time,  we  cherish  with  a more  unanimous  respect  than  contemporary  pas- 
sions always  afford.  It  is  for  this  reason  that  I do  not  much  interfere  with  sculpture; 
though  it  is  not  evident  that  the  ideal  of  that  art,  which  of  course  is  its  noblest 
object,  need  altogether  to  be  excluded.  Nor  do  I discuss  the  propriety  of  historical 
portraits. 


736 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


But  in  large  works  of  painting,  either  in  fresco  or  oil,  but  especially  in  the  former, 
it  does  appear  to  me  more  than  doubtful  whether  the  artist  should  in  all  instances, 
and  in  all  parts  of  the  building,  be  confined  to  our  British  history.  It  is  impossible 
for  me  not  to  feel  my  own  incompetency  to  offer  any  opinion  on  an  art  which,  as 
such,  I so  little  understand.  Still,  there  are  truths  as  to  historic  painting  which  lie 
almost  on  the  surface.  It  requires  no  skill  to  have  observed  that  in  the  selection  and 
management  of  subjects  a painter  will  prefer,  wherever  his  choice  is  truly  free,  those 
which  give  most  scope  for  the  beauties  of  his  art.  Among  these  we  may  of  course  reckon 
such  as  exhibit  the  human  form  to  a considerable  degree  uncovered;  such  as  throw 
into  action  and  excite  the  sympathy  of  the  spectator  by  the  ideas  of  energy  or  of 
grace;  such  as  intermingle  female  beauty,  without  which  pictures,  at  least  a series 
of  them,  will  generally  be  unattractive;  such  as  furnish  the  eye  with  the  repose  of 
massy  and  broad  draperies,  'which  is  strictly  a physical  pleasure,  and  for  vrant  of 
which  we  soon  turn  from  many  representations  of  modern  events,  however  creditable 
to  the  artist;  such  as  are  consistent  with  landscape  and  other  accessories. 

* * * 


Appendix  E. — Letter  on  the  same  subject,  from  the  Right  Hon.  Viscount  Mahon  to  the 

Right  Hon.  Sir  Robert  Peel. 

* * * 


[From  the  “ act  making  Appropriations  for  sundry  Civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  Year 
ending  the  thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty,”  approved  Mar.  3, 1859.  (Stats,  at  Large, 
v.  11,  128.)] 

For  United  States  Capitol  extension,  four  hundred  thousand  dollars:  Provided, 
That  none  of  the  money  hereby  appropriated  shall  be  expended  in  the  decoration 
and  embellishment  of  the  Capitol  extension  by  sculpture  or  paintings,  unless  the 
same  shall  have  been  approved  by  the  Art  Commission  authorized  by  the  act  of 
twelfth  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-eight,  in  the  manner  stated  in  said  act;  but 
this  provision  shall  not  be  so  construed  as  to  interfere  with  the  completion  and  pay- 
ment for  works  already  begun  by  Crawford  and  Rogers,  or  the  completion  of  the 
painting  of  rooms  in  the  north  wing  already  partly  painted. 


[Annual  report  of  Capt.  M.  C.  Meigs,  in  charge  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Oct.  27,  .1859.  (36—1,  Senate 

Ex.  Doc.  No.  2,  v.  2,  p.  561.)] 

United  States  Capitol  Extension  Office, 

Washington,  October  27, 1859. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  report  the  progress  of  operations  upon  the  extension  of 
the  Capitol,  during  the  past  year. 

At  the  date  of  the  last  annual  report,  the  Hall  of  Representatives  had  been  in  use 
during  one  session  of  Congress,  and  the  Senate  chamber  was  so  far  advanced  that  its 
completion  was  expected  in  the  course  of  the  month  of  December. 

The  Senate,  on  the  23d  December,  passed  a resolution  directing  that  the  Senate 
chamber  should  be  prepared  for  the  occupancy  of  the  Senate  by  the  4th  January,  and 
appointed  a committee  of  three  Senators  to  make  the  necessary  arrangements. 

Under  the  direction  of  the  committee,  the  room  was  accordingly  made  ready,  and 
the  Senate  assembled  in  the  new  chamber,  for  the  first  time,  on  the  4th  January  last. 

The  use  of  the  chamber  showed  some  defects  in  the  mode  of  introducing  the  large 
quantities  of  air  required  for  ventilation. 

Alterations,  designed  to  remedy  these  defects,  have  been  made  during  the  recess. 
They  are  described  in  a subsequent  part  of  this  report. 

The  interior  of  the  Capitol  extension  is  now  very  nearly  completed. 

The  rooms  intended  for  libraries  of  Senate  and  House,  and  the  document  room 
over  the  connecting  corridor  between  the  north  wing  and  the  old  building,  are  not 


The  Extensions. 


737 


yet  fitted  up.  But  all  the  other  committee-rooms,  passages,  and  corridors,  in  both 
wings,  have  been  plastered,  and  are  ready  to  be  occupied. 

The  ceilings  of  cast  iron  and  glass  for  the  four  principal  stairways,  are  under  con- 
tract. They  cannot  be  put  up  until  the  next  recess. 

All  the  staircases  are  so  far  completed  as  to  be  ready  for  use.  Want  of  money  has 
deferred  the  completion  of  the  marble  skirting  and  paneling  of  the  upper  flights  of 
the  four  great  stairways  until  another  season. 

The  action  of  Congress  in  restricting  the  expenditure  painting  and  sculpture  to 
the  completion  of  the  painting  of  rooms  in  the  north  wing  partly  done,  to  the  com- 
pletion and  payment  for  works  of  Crawford  and  Rogers  already  begun,  and  to  such 
paintings  and  sculpture  as  shall  have  been  approved,  first,  by  a committee  of  three 
American  artists,  to  be  appointed  by  the  President,  and  then  by  the  Library  Com- 
mittee of  Congress,  has  prevented  the  commencement  of  any  new  w'orks. 

The  painting  of  the  President’s  room  in  the  north  wing  will  be  completed  by  the 
next  meeting  of  Congress. 

The  frescoed  ceiling  of  the  room  designed  as  the  library,  now'  appropriated  as  the 
Senate  post  office,  the  paintings  in  the  ante-chamber  of  the  Senate,  and  in  the  room 
of  the  Committee  on  Military  Affairs,  remain  unfinished. 

The  painted  decoration  of  that  portion  of  the  corridors  in  the  basement  of  the 
north  wing,  which  has  been  commenced  before  the  close  of  the  last  session,  is  nearly 
completed.  No  new  w'ork  of  this  kind  has  been  undertaken. 

The  statues  of  the  pediment,  designed  by  Thomas  Crawford,  whose  loss  is  so  deeply 
deplored  by  all  interested  in  American  art,  have  been  completed  in  marble. 

The  statue  of  America,  the  central  figure  of  the  pediment,  has  been  placed  upon  a 
pedestal  in  the  eastern  park,  being  too  large  to  be  set  up  in  the  old  hall  of  Represen- 
tatives, where  the  remainder  of  the  statues  have  been  arranged  uj:>on  a platform  as 
nearly  as  possible  in  the  relative  positions  which  they  are  intended  to  occupy  in  the 
pediment  of  the  eastern  portico. 

Two  more  of  the  bronze  railings  of  the  private  stairs  of  the  House  and  Senate  have 
been  put  in  place  during  the  recess.  The  fourth,  which  is  intended  for  the  western 
private  stairway  of  the  Senate,  is  not  yet  received. 

The  temporary  brick  partition  which,  during  the  last  session,  obscured  the  light 
upon  the  railing  first  erected,  has  been  removed,  and  the  stair  is  now'  much  better 
lighted,  and  the  unrivaled  workmanship  of  these  railings  can  be  better  appreciated. 

They  are  works  which  will  do  credit  to  the  art  of  this  country  for  centuries. 

I hear  that  the  bronze  doors,  designed  by  Mr.  Randolph  Rogers,  have  been  partly 
cast  and  chased,  and  I hope,  in  the  course  of  the  approaching  session,  to  receive 
them  in  this  city. 

Mr.  Crawford  having  left  the  models  of  the  two  doors  designed  by  him  in  an 
unfinished  condition,  Mrs.  Crawford  has  requested  authority  to  complete  the  models, 
with  the  aid  of  the  master  workmen  of  Mr.  Crawford’s  studio,  still  employed  in 
completing  his  unfinished  works.  In  such  an  undertaking  she  would  have  the 
willing  assistance  and  advice  of  the  best  American  artists  in  Italy. 

Her  proposition  has  been  referred  to  the  department,  but  no  decision  lias,  as  yet, 
been  communicated  to  me. 

The  marble  work  of  the  year  has  been  applied  principally  to  completing  the 
arcades  under  the  porticos  of  the  building,  thus  preparing  the  supports  for  the  one 
hundred  columns  which  are  intended  to  adorn  them. 

No  columns  have  been  received  during  the  year.  The  advertisement  in  course  of 
publication  at  the  time  of  my  last  annual  report  was  responded  to  by  several  parties. 

The  bids  for  monolithic  shafts  ranged  from  $1,184  each  to  $3,282  each;  or  from 
$118,400  to  $328,200,  for  the  one  hundred  columns  needed. 

The  department  finally  decided  not  to  accept  any  of  these  bids,  but  to  give  the 
original  contractors  six  months  more  time  in  which  to  furnish  a satisfactory  speci- 

H.  Rep.  646 47 


738 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

men  of  American  marble  which  they  might  propose  to  substitute  for  the  Lee  marble 
required  by  their  contract,  with  evidence  of  the  ability  of  the  quarry  they  might 
select  to  furnish  the  column  shafts  within  a reasonable  time. 

This  period  of  six  months  will  terminate  on  the  1st  January  next. 

At  the  close  of  the  last  session  of  Congress,  the  House  of  Representatives  adopted 
the  following  resolution: 

“Resolved,  That  the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  extension  be  directed,  after  the 
adjournment  of  the  present  session  of  Congress,  to  remove  the  desks  from  the  hall 
of  the  House,  and  make  such  a rearrangement  of  the  seats  of  members  as  to  bring 
them  within  the  smallest  convenient  space.” 

The  special  committee,  to  whom  the  consideration  of  this  matter  had  been  entrusted 
by  the  House,  were  of  opinion  that  in  making  the  change  the  seats  should  be  fixed 
permanently,  and  that  they  should  be  arranged  in  the  most  compact  manner  con- 
sistent with  accessibility  and  comfort. 

This  required  the  seats  to  be  made  in  the  form  of  settees  or  sofas,  standing  on  plat- 
forms narrower  than  those  which  supported  the  chairs  and  desks  heretofore  used. 

An  almost  entire  reconstruction  of  the  floor  thus  became  necessary,  involving  con- 
siderable alteration  in  the  flues  for  ventilating  the  space  occupied  by  the  members. 

New  seats  to  accommodate  the  whole  number  of  members  have  been  constructed 
and  placed  upon  the  new  floor.  They  are  arranged  in  concentric  circles,  with  aisles 
radiating  from  the  Speaker’s  desk.  The  arms  and  sujjports  are  of  cast-iron,  properly 
decorated ; the  backs  and  frames  of  American  oak.  The  seats  and  backs  are  uphol- 
stered, so  as  to  be  as  comfortable  as  possible.  The  backs  are  made  rather  lower 
than  usual,  in  order  to  enable  those  in  front  to  turn  partly  around  to  attend,  with  as 
little  discomfort  as  possible,  to  a speaker  whose  position  may  be  in  the  back  part  of 
the  hall. 

When  the  hall  of  Representatives  is  crowded,  the  supply  of  fresh  air  needed  in 
order  to  keep  the  atmosphere  of  the  room  perfectly  fresh  and  sweet  is  sometimes  as 
great  as  100,000  cubic  feet  or  three  and  a half  tons  per  minute — renewing  the  whole 
atmosphere  of  the  apartment  every  five  minutes.  The  introduction  of  this  large  quan- 
tity of  air  into  a crowded  assembly,  without  subjecting  some  portion  of  the  audience 
to  uncomfortable  drafts,  is  very  difficult,  perhaps  impossible.  Many  of  the  openings 
through  which  the  air  entered  the  room  during  the  last  session  being  necessarily 
closed  up  in  rearranging  the  floor,  I have  substituted  for  these  a series  of  registers  in 
the  floor,  so  arranged  as  to  be  under  the  control  of  the  audience.  Each  of  these 
bronze  registers  is  furnished  with  a valve  of  small  aperture,  through  which  the  air, 
entering  horizontally,  is  diffused  in  a small  cast-iron  chamber  below  the  floor,  and 
then  enters  the  room  through  a perforated  bronze  plate  covered  with  wire  gauze. 
The  object  of  this  is  to  diffuse  the  air  over  as  large  a space  as  possible,  and  thus  to 
introduce  a large  quantity  with  a small  velocity. 

If  any  member  find  the  air  of  the  hall  uncomfortably  close,  opening  the  register  at 
his  feet  will  supply  him  with  fresh  air.  Should  he  find  too  much  entering  in  his 
immediate  vicinity,  he  can  shut  it  off. 

Some  inconvenience  was  felt  during  the  last  session  by  members  near  the  registers 
in  the  walls  of  the  room  from  the  currents  of  air.  Deflectors  have  been  attached  to 
all  these  openings  which  cause  the  air  thus  introduced  to  take  an  upward  direction, 
and  thus  prevent  a direct  current  striking  upon  the  persons  near  the  walls. 

All  the  seats  are  now  in  place,  the  registers  fixed,  and  the  carpets  are  being  laid 
down  by  the  officers  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

Tables  have  been  manufactured  to  be  placed  in  the  parts  of  the  hall  not  occupied 
by  the  seats  of  members. 

At  these  tables  the  necessary  writing  of  amendments  and  notes  can  go  on  without 
interfering  with  attention  to  the  debates  by  those  not  thus  occupied. 

In  the  Senate  chamber,  though  the  areas  of  the  openings  for  the  admission  of  air 
had  been  made  very  large,  equivalent  to  250  square  feet  of  surface,  which,  when  the 


The  Extensions. 


739 


supply  of  air  was  as  high  as  30,000  cubic  feet,  or  one  ton  per  minute,  would  give  an 
average  velocity  of  air  at  the  openings  of  only  two  feet  per  second,  still  the  combina- 
tion of  all  the  feeble  currents  produced  a general  movement  of  the  stratum  of  air  in 
contact  with  the  floor,  from  all  parts  of  the  floor  towards  the  Vice-President’s  desk, 
which  was  sufficient  to  be  felt  as  a draft,  cooling  unpleasantly  the  feet  and  legs. 

The  openings  in  the  risers  of  the  steps  have  now  been  all  closed,  and  their  place  is 
supplied  by  small  circular  registers  in  the  floor  under  each  desk,  by  which  air  can 
be  introduced  or  shut  off  at  each  seat,  at  the  pleasure  of  its  occupant. 

Deflectors  have  been  placed  in  front  of  the  registers  in  the  walls,  which,  as  in  the 
House  of  Representatives,  gives  an  upward  direction  to  the  fresh  air  which  enters 
through  them. 

One  difficulty  to  contend  with  in  the  heating  and  ventilation  of  both  these  legisla- 
tive halls  arises  from  the  difference  in  the  clothing  of  the  audience  in  the  gallery  and 
the  senators  and  members  on  the  floor. 

The  temperature  called  for  by  the  officers  of  the  House  as  most  comfortable  for  the 
members  is  seventy  degrees,  and  this  temperature  is  kept  up  throughout  the  whole 
room.  The  greatest  variation,  as  shown  by  thermometers,  placed  in  many  different 
parts  of  the  hall,  both  near  the  floor  occupied  by  the  members  and  against  the  wall 
above  the  galleries,  is  only  three  degrees  Fahrenheit. 

By  direction  of  the  officers  of  the  Senate  the  Senate  chamber  is  kept  at  a tempera- 
ture two  or  three  degrees  lower,  and  the  same  uniformity  of  temperature  is  attained 
in  the  various  parts  of  this  hall. 

The  rooms  are  intended  for  the  use  of  Congress;  senators  and  members  spending 
many  hours  in  them  require  the  temperature  which  they  would  choose  in  their  pri- 
vate rooms.  They  sit  without  hats  or  overcoats.  The  audience  in  the  galleries  is 
composed  of  persons  who  come  in,  after  a brisk  walk,  coated,  bonneted,  and  shawled, 
to  resist  an  out-of-door  winter  temperature,  and  sitting  only  from  a few  minutes  to 
an  hour  or  two  in  the  galleries,  retain  all  these  wrappings,  and  complain  that  they 
find  the  galleries,  really  kept  at  seventy  degrees,  intolerably  warm. 

For  this  there  is  no  remedy,  except,  when  entering  the  galleries,  to  take  off  the 
overcoats,  cloaks,  and  shawls  fitted  for  the  temperature  of  the  outer  air. 

In  heating  and  ventilating  the  north  wing,  during  the  twelve  months  preceding 
the  1st  October,  1859,  688  tons  of  anthracite  coal  were  consumed.  In  the  south 
wing,  during  the  same  period,  439  tons  were  used. 

The  greatest  consumption  of  coal  in  the  south  wing  in  any  one  day  was  five  and 
one  third  tons,  on  the  3d  of  March.  The  fires  on  that  day  were  kept  up  for  twenty- 
four  hours.  The  temperature  of  the  outside  air  was  thirty-nine  degrees  at  noon. 

The  least  consumption  was  one  quarter  of  a ton,  which  sufficed  for  ventilating  and 
drying  the  building,  on  some  hot  days  during  the  summer. 

The  floors  of  the  building,  with  the  exception  of  one  or  two  rooms,  have  all  been 
laid  with  encaustic  tiles,  in  patterns  of  great  variety  and  beauty. 

They  are  from  the  establishment  of  Messrs.  Minton,  of  Stoke-upon- Trent,  and  the 
regularity  with  which  the  work  has  been  carried  on  does  great  credit  to  the  manu- 
facturers and  their  agents  in  this  country,  Messrs.  Miller  and  Coates,  of  New  York. 

The  whole  quantity  of  these  tiles  thus  far  laid  has  been,  in  the  north  wing,  49,239 
superficial  feet,  at  a cost  of  $68,416.83;  in  the  south  wing,  46,567  superficial  feet,  at  a 
cost  of  $62,620.36. 

During  the  year  ending  30th  September  last,  there  were  laid,  in  the  north  wing, 
24,937  superficial  feet;  and  in  the  south  wing,  13,220  superficial  feet. 

The  last  floor  will  probably  be  completed  before  the  meeting  of  Congress. 

There  have  been  received  during  the  past  year,  40,4071  cubic  feet  of  Lee  marble 
from  the  contractors,  costing  $76,822.83;  506  cubic  feet  Italian  marble,  costing 
$1,391.72,  have  been  received  during  the  year. 

The  whole  quantity  of  marble  received  at  the  building  up  to  the  30t.h  of  Septem- 
ber, 1859,  is:  For  exterior,  Lee  marble,  400,532J  cubic  feet,  costing  $697,559.47;  for 


740  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

interior,  Lee  marble,  15,409£  cubic  feet,  costing  $28,716.31,  and  22  columns,  costing 
$4,400. 

Of  Italian  marble,  there  have  been  received  28,3014  cubic  feet,  costing  $79,144.72; 
of  Tennessee  marble,  9,830  cubic  feet,  costing  $66,021.97. 

3,119  blocks  of  marble  were  set  during  the  year. 

The  amount  paid  for  marble  work  during  the  past  year  is  $190,398.95. 

The  total  amount  paid  for  marble  work  to  30th  September,  1859,  is  $1,206,628.17. 
18,407,349  bricks  and  42,940  barrels  of  cement  have  been  used  in  the  building.  Of 
these,  222,575  bricks  and  1,523  barrels  of  cement  were  received  during  the  past  year. 

* * * 

CASH  ACCOUNT. 

Available,  September  30,  1858 $343,276.78 

Appropriated,  March  3,  1859 400, 000. 00 

743, 276.  78 

Expended  in  the  year  ending  September  30,  1859  649, 105. 11 

Available  September  30,  1859  $94, 171. 67 

All  of  which  will  probably  be  expended  by  the  1st  January  next. 

Amount  to  be  appropriated  for  the  service  of  the  year  ending  June  30, 

1861 $500,000, 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted  by  your  obedient  servant, 

M.  C.  Meigs, 

Captain  of  Engineers  in  charge. 

Hon.  John  B.  Floyd, 

Secretary  of  War. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  1,  1860:  Congressional  Globe,  36 — 1,  p.  647.] 

Mr.  Bright.  I submit  the  following  resolution:  * * * 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  be  instructed  to  inquire  in  the 
present  state  of  the  contracts  and  arrangements  for  completing  the  porticoes  of  the  Capitol  extension; 
whether  it  is  possible  to  fulfill  the  present  contracts  for  marble  and  for  marble  columns,  and  whether 
any  additional  legislation  is  necessary  on  this  subject. 

* * * 

The  resolutions,  as  amended,  were  adopted. 


[Senate  Mis.  Doc.  No.  29,  36th  Congress,  1st  Session.  Letter  from  the  Superintendent  of  the  Capitol 
Extension,  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  in  relation  to  the 
Dome  and  Porticos  of  the  Capitol.  March  5,  1860. — Motion  to  print  referred  to  the  Committee  on 
Printing.] 

Office  United  States  Capitol  Extension  and 

New  Dome  of  the  Capitol, 

Washington , February  29,  I860. 

Sib:  I have  the  honor,  in  answer  to  your  letter  of  the  8th  instant,  received  on  the 
13th  instant,  transmitting  the  resolutions  of  the  United  States  Senate  of  the  1st 
instant,  in  relation  to  the  Dome  and  Porticoes  of  the  Capitol,  to  make  the  following 
statement:  * * * 

Copies  of  all  of  the  correspondence  on  file  in  this  office,  in  relation  to  the  column 
shafts  of  the  Capitol  Extension  are  herewith  transmitted,  marked  C.  The  corre- 
spondence is  voluminous,  but  the  history  of  the  whole  question  cannot  be  ascertained 
without  it. 

It  appears  that  on  January  17,  1852,  a contract  was  entered  into  between  the 
United  States  and  Rice,  Baird  & Heebner,  of  Philadelphia,  for  furnishing  the  marble 
of  the  exterior  of  the  Capitol  Extension  from  quarries  near  Lee,  Massachusetts.  In 
this  contract  it  was  specified  that-  the  blocks  of  the  column  shafts  were  not  to  be  less 
than  four  feet  in  height. 


The  Extensions. 


741 


On  February  20,  1854,  Congress,  by  joint  resolution,  authorized  a modification  of 
this  contract;  and  on  March  30,  1854,  in  obedience  to  this  law,  a contract  was 
entered  into  between  the  United  States  and  Rice,  Baird  & Heebner,  in  which  it  was 
specified  that  the  contractors  should  “deliver,  for  the  one  hundred  columns  of  the 
exterior  porticoes,  as  many  monolithic  shafts  as  their  quarry  may  prove  capable  of 
furnishing,  and  the  remainder  of  the  whole  number  required  in  two  blocks  each,  one 
of  which  to  form  two- thirds  of  the  whole  length  of  each  shaft.”  The  contractors 
were  to  be  paid  “at  the  rate  of  fourteen  hundred  dollars  for  each  monolithic  column 
shaft  for  the  exterior  porticoes,  and  eleven  hundred  dollars  for  each  shaft  delivered 
in  two  pieces,  as  above  specified.” 

These  contracts  are  printed  in  House  of  Representatives  Ex.  Doc.  No.  143,  34th 
Congress,  1st  session,  the  first  on  page  103,  and  the  second  on  page  114. 

Under  these  two  contracts  all  of  the  marble  hitherto  used  for  the  exterior  of  the 
Capitol  extension  has  been  delivered.  As  none  of  the  column  shafts  were  needed, 
none  were  delivered;  but  a correspondence  commenced  in  1857,  between  Captain 
M.  C.  Meigs,  Superintendent  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  and  the  contractors,  on  the 
subject.  It  soon  appeared  from  this  correspondence  that  the  Lee  quarries  could  not 
furnish  the  columns  as  they  are  required  in  the  supplemental  contract,  and  the  con- 
tractors wished  to  fall  back  upon  the  original  contract,  which  allowed  them  to  furnish 
the  columns  in  pieces  not  exceeding  four  feet  in  height,  so  far  as  the  dimensions  of 
the  blocks  are  concerned,  but  were  not  willing  to  take  the  price  which  the  original 
contract  gave.  This  proposition  is  contained  in  a letter  from  the  contractor  to  Cap- 
tain Meigs,  dated  November  4,  1857.  Captain  Meigs  declined  to  consent  to  this 
arrangement,  on  the  ground  that  the  original  contract  was  superseded,  so  far  as  the 
columns  are  concerned,  by  the  supplemental  one. 

On  May  22,  1858,  Mr.  Heebner,  one  of  the  contractors,  offered,  as  a member  of 
the  firm,  or  on  his  individual  account,  “to  deliver  the  columns  of  Italian  mar- 
ble, in  all  respects  as  specified  in  the  contract  of  March  30,  1854.”  Captain  Meigs 
recommended  the  acceptance  of  this  proposition.  He  was  directed  by  the  depart- 
ment to  visit  such  quarries  in  the  United  States  as  were  likely  to  be  capable  of  fur- 
nishing the  columns;  made  the  visit,  and,  on  September  18,  1858,  reported,  as  the 
result  of  his  inspection  of  the  quarries,  that  it  was  his  “opinion  that  the  quickest 
and  best  mode  of  procuring  the  shafts  for  the  porticoes  is  to  accept  the  offer  of 
Messrs.  Rice,  Baird  & Heebner  to  deliver  them  in  single  blocks”  of  Italian  marble, 
in  accordance  with  the  terms  of  their  contract  of  March  30,  1854,  as  it  was  his 
belief  that  the  Lee  quarry  could  not  furnish  them.  The  department  did  not  concur 
in  this  opinion;  and  Captain  Meigs  was  directed  to  prepare  an  advertisement  for 
proposals  for  delivering  the  columns  in  monoliths,  and  in  blocks  not  exceeding  four 
feet  in  height.  An  advertisement  was  accordingly  issued,  dated  September  30, 1858, 
and  on  December  18,  1858,  the  bids  were  transmitted  to  the  department  for  its 
action.  The  contractors,  in  a letter  dated  December  3,  1858,  pro  tested  against  the 
award  of  the  contract  to  other  parties  while  their  contract  remained  in  force. 

On  March  29,  1859,  Captain  Meigs  was  directed  by  the  department  to  take  steps  to 
determine  whether  the  contractors  were  prepared  to  continue  the  supply  of  marble 
for  the  Capitol  to  the  fulfillment  of  their  contract.  In  an  answer  to  the  department, 
dated  April  6,  1859,  to  which  your  attention  is  respectfully  called,  as  it  gives  much 
information  on  the  subject  of  the  columns,  he  gives  his  views  on  the  whole  question, 
and  suggests  that  he  should  be  directed  to  visit  the  Lee  quarry.  He  was  accordingly 
directed  to  visit  the  quarry;  made  the  visit,  and  on  May  10,  1859,  reported  to  the 
department  that  the  contractors  had  no  prospect  of  continuing  the  supply  of  marble 
to  the  fulfillment  of  their  contract,  so  far  as  regards  the  column  shafts.  He  further 
reported  that  they  could  not,  in  a reasonable  time,  supply  from  the  Lee  quarry  the 
column  shafts  even  in  six  pieces,  and  at  the  same  time  furnish  the  other  large 
quantity  of  marble  needed  for  the  building.  But  he  was  of  opinion  that,  if  the 
column  shafts  could  be  obtained  elsewhere,  they  would  be  able,  in  other  respects,  to 


742 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


complete  their  contract,  (which,  hitherto,  they  had  carried  out  energetically  and 
ably, ) and  refers  the  department  to  his  letter  of  April  6,  1859.  He  refers  to  the  offer 
of  the  contractors  to  furnish  Italian  marble  instead  of  Lee  marble,  and  to  the  decision 
of  the  department  that  American  marble  must  be  used  to  carry  out  the  terms  of  the 
contracts.  He  also  reports  that  he  visited  Mr.  Conolly’s  quarry,  near  Baltimore; 
states  that  is  a strong  and  he  believes  a durable  stone,  but  that-  it  does  not  come  up 
to  the  requirements  of  the  advertisement  of  September  30,  1858,  in  color  and  grain. 
He  thought  that  the  quarry  was  capable  of  furnishing  one  hundred  monolithic  shafts. 
He  regrets  that  the  stone  is  not  of  such  beauty  as  to  enable  him  to  heartily  recom- 
mend its  adoption,  and  states  that,  if  it  is  determined  to  use  American  marble,  it  is 
not  probable  that  any  better  will  be  found,  or  any  quarry  that  can  furnish  it  so 
quickly. 

Upon  this  letter,  the  Secretary  of  War  indorses  that  the  contract  with  Messrs. 
Rice,  Baird  & Heebner,  will  be  declared  forfeited,  and  Captain  Meigs  will  contract 
with  Mr.  Connolly  for  monolithic  columns  of  his  marble.  This  is  dated  May  11, 
1859.  On  the  same  letter  is  an  indorsement  by  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
as  follows:  “Let  the  order  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  of  the  11th  instant,  be  suspended 
for  further  consideration  until  after  his  return  from  Virginia.”  Dated  May  19, 1859. 

On  May  14,  1859,  Captain  Meigs  informed  the  department  that  notice  of  the  for- 
feiture of  the  contract  had  been  given  to  the  contractors,  and  asked  upon  what  terms 
he  should  contract  with  Mr.  Connolly,  stating  that  he  considered  Mr.  Connolly’s 
price  too  high,  as  given  in  his  bid,  made  in  compliance  with  the  advertisement  of 
September  30,  1858.  On  May  21,  1859,  he  was  directed  by  the  Acting  Secretary  of 
War  to  visit  all  of  the  quarries  from  which  proposals  for  the  monolithic  shafts  had 
been  received,  and  to  examine  any  other  quarries  which  he  thought  might  furnish 
them,  “the  object  being  to  obtain  the  fullest  information  before  deciding  upon  the 
questions  relating  to  the  supply  of  marble  for  the  columns.”  In  obedience  to  this 
order,  Captain  Meigs  visited  seventeen  quarries,  and  on  the  22d  of  June  last  reported 
to  the  department.  In  this  report  he  states  that  “enough  is  known,  however,  to 
show  that  it  is  possible  to  obtain  from  several  American  quarries  monolithic  shafts 
which  can  be  used  for  the  Capitol  Extension,  though  inferior  in  beauty  to  the  Italian.” 
He  also  states  that  he  had  received  a letter  from  the  contractors,  in  which  they  ask 
to  be  allowed  to  furnish  the  column  shafts  according  to  the  terms  of  their  contract, 
substituting  marble  from  some  other  quarry  or  quarries  for  that  of  Lee,  the  marble 
to  be  furnished  to  be  ajiproved  by  the  officer  in  charge  of  the  Capitol  Extension. 
He  advises  that  this  proposition  be  accepted,  and  that  six  months  be  allowed  them, 
within  which  they  were  to  furnish  a satisfactory  specimen,  with  probable  evidence 
that  the  quarry  will  supply  one  hundred  monoliths,  of  quality  equal  to  the  approved 
specimen,  and  in  a reasonable  time. 

This  recommendation  was  approved  by  the  Secretary  of  War,  and  on  the  30th  of 
June  last  the  contractors  were  notified  of  this  approval,  and  that  in  accordance  with 
it,  six  months  from  July  1,  1859,  were  allowed  them  within  which  they  might  fur- 
nish a satisfactory  specimen  of  American  marble,  with  probable  evidence  that  the 
quarry  will  supply  one  hundred  monolithic  shafts  of  quality  equal  to  that  of  the  , 
approved  specimens,  and  in  a reasonable  time. 

Tn  accordance  with  this  understanding,  the  contractors  have  deposited  six  speci- 
mens of  marble  in  this  office,  from  quarries  which  they  state  are  capable  of  furnish- 
ing the  monolithic  columns.  The  specimens  have  been  examined,  and  were  reported 
upon  from  this  office  on  January  7 last. 

The  contractors,  in  a letter  dated  January  5 last,  state  that  the  shortest  time  required 
to  obtain  the  monoliths  from  the  quarries  named,  is  from  four  to  six  years,  and  that 
required  to  obtain  them  from  the  quarry  which  furnishes  what  I consider  the  best 
specimen,  is  from  five  to  seven  years. 

These  times  are  too  great;  and  if  the  estimate  of  the  contractor  is  correct — and  I 
believe  it  to  be  so — it  is  apparent  that  the  Capitol  Extension  cannot  be  completed  for 


The  Extensions. 


743 


eight  or  nine  years.  If  the  contractors  are  permitted  to  procure  the  marble  where 
they  please — that  is,  if  they  are  allowed  to  get  them  from  Italy,  should  they  choose  that 
course  as  the  most  conducive  to  their  own  interests — they  can  furnish  them  in  eight- 
een months,  and  the  building  can  be  completed  in  three  years.  But  as  the  contract 
under  which  they  are  now  acting  has  been  decided  by  the  proper  authority  to  call 
for  American  marble,  further  legislation  will  be  required. 

The  desirability  of  the  near  completion  of  the  Capitol  Extension  requires  no  dis- 
cussion; it  is  too  apparent  to  admit  of  a doubt.  The  economy  of  bringing  the  work 
to  a close  as  soon  as  possible  is  nearly  as  apparent,  for  the  large  contingent  expenses 
of  a work  of  such  magnitude  cannot  be  materially  diminished  until  it  is  completed. 
These  expenses  amount  to  nearly  sixteen  thousand  dollars  per  annum;  and  I believe 
that  the  cost  of  the  building  will  be  increased  at  least  $100,000  if  the  time  required 
to  procure  the  columns  is  to  be  from  five  to  seven  years  instead  of  eighteen  months. 

If  Congress  should  legislate  on  this  subject,  it  would,  I respectfully  submit,  be 
advisable  to  appropriate  in  the  same  law  the  amount  necessary  to  pay  for  the  columns. 
This  amount  is  $140,000.  The  appropriation  would  not  increase  the  cost  of  the  build- 
ing; it  could  not  be  touched  to  pay  for  anything  but  the  columns;  and  it  would 
enable  the  contractors  to  give  their  orders  for  all  of  the  columns  at  once,  as  they 
would  be  certain  that  they  would  be  paid  for  them  on  their  delivery. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

W.  B.  Franklin, 

Captain  of  Topographical  Engineers, 

In  charge  of  Capitol  Extension  and  New  Dome  of  Capitol. 

Hon.  J.  D.  Bright, 

Chairman  Com.  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  U.  S.  Senate. 

* * * 

Appendix  C. — Correspondence  in  relation  to  the  column  shafts  of  the  Capitol 
Extension.  * * * [84  pages.  ] 

[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  9,  1860:  Congressional  Globe,  36 — 1,  p.  1086.] 

CONTRACTS  FOR  MARBLE. 

Mr.  Bigler  submitted  the  following  resolution;  which  was  considered  by  unanimous 
consent,  and  agreed  to: 

Resolved , That  the  President  of  the  United  States  be  requested  to  communicate  to  the  Senate,  if  in 
his  judgment  not  incompatible  with  the  public  interest,  the  letter  of  J.  F.  Conolly  to  the  Secretary  of 
of  War,  dated  on  or  about  the  26th  January,  1860,  in  relation  to  his  offer  for  marble  columns  for  the 
porticoes  of  the  Capitol  extension;  also  all  orders  or  instructions,  and  action  of  the  Secretary  of  War 
and  of  the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  extension;  and  also  any  communication  that  may  have 
been  made  by  the  contractors  in  relation  to  said  columns,  or  to  the  contracts  or  bids  therefor,  not 
already  communicated  to  the  Senate. 

[In  compliance  with  the  above  President  James  Buchanan  transmitted,  Mar.  16, 
1860,  correspondence  and  information  in  relation  to  the  marble  columns  for  the 
Capitol  Extension:  36 — 1,  Senate  Ex.  Doc.  No.  22.  See  also  36 — 1,  House  Rept. 
No.  566,  presented  by  Mr.  Anderson,  May  24,  1860,  and  minority  report,  same  num- 
ber, by  Mr.  Larabee,  June  8,  1860,  in  relation  to  the  contractors,  Messrs.  Rice, 
Baird  & Heebner.] 


[House  of  Representatives.  Ex.  Doc.  No.  43.  36th  Congress,  1st  session.  Art  Commission.  Letter  of 
the  Secretary  of  War,  communicating,  in  compliance  with  a resolution  of  the  House,  the  report  of 
the  Art  Commission.  March  9,  I860.— Laid  upon  the  table,  and  ordered  to  be  printed.] 

War  Department,  March  7,  1860. 

Sir:  I have  received  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  the  resolution  of  the 
House  of  Representatives  of  the  2d  instant,  calling  upon  that  officer  to  communicate 
“the  report  of  the  art  commissioners,  and  the  accompanying  documents,  made  to 


744 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


the  President  of  the  United  States;”  and,  in  compliance  with  the  request  contained 
in  that  resolution,  I have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  a copy  of  the  paper 
referred  to. 

No  documents  accompanied  the  report. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

John  B.  Floyd, 
Secretary  of  War. 

Hon.  William  Pennington, 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


REPORT  op  united  states  art  commission. 

Office  op  United  States  Art  Commission, 

Washington,  February  22,  1860. 

Sir:  The  United  States  art  commission,  authorized  by  acts  of  Congress  of  June  12, 
1858,  and  March  3,  1859,  and  appointed  by  the  President  May  15,  1859,  met  and 
organized  the  15th  of  June  following,  and  subsequently  made  their  preparatory  sur- 
vey of  the  public  buildings  and  grounds  at  the  seat  of  government,  for  the  purpose 
of  maturing  a general  plan  of  action  for  carrying  out  the  work  intrusted  to  their 
charge.  For  the  furtherance  of  this  object  they  beg  leave  to  submit  the  following 
report  upon  the  system  of  decoration  heretofore  adopted  in  those  buildings,  and  to 
recommend  such  plan  for  their  future  art  decoration  and  embellishment  as  will,  in 
their  opinion,  best  secure  a harmonious  result. 

The  erection  of  a great  national  capitol  seldom  occurs  but  once  in  the  life  of  a 
nation.  The  opportunity  such  an  event  affords  is  an  important  one  for  the  expres- 
sion of  patriotic  devotion,  and  the  perpetuation,  through  the  arts  of  painting  and 
sculpture,  of  that  which  is  high  and  noble  and  held  in  reverence  by  the  people;  and 
it  becomes  them,  as  patriots,  to  see  to  it  that  no  taint  of  falsity  is  suffered  to  be 
transmitted  to  the  future  upon  the  escutcheon  of  our  national  honor  in  its  artistic 
record.  A theme  so  noble  and  worthy  should  interest  the  heart  of  the  whole 
country,  and  whether  pati'iot,  statesman,  or  artist,  one  impulse  should  govern  the 
whole  in  dedicating  these  buildings  and  grounds  to  the  national  honor. 

It  is  presumed  to  be  the  wish  of  government  not  only  to  decorate  their  present 
buildings  in  the  best  possible  manner,  but  to  use  the  opportunity  which  the  occasion 
affords  to  protect  and  develop  national  art.  If  there  is  to  be  any  discrimination 
between  native  and  foreign  artists,  the  preference  should  be  given  to  citizens.  And 
our  national  history,  in  its  application  to  the  decoration  of  the  public  buildings, 
should  take  precedence  of  all  other  subjects. 

If  this  assumption  be  correct,  the  money  expended  by  government  for  the  last 
five  or  six  years  for  this  purpose  has  been  misapplied,  with  the  exception  of  com- 
missions like  those  awarded  to  Crawford  and  Rogers;  for  we  find  but  little  else 
which  relates  to  our  history,  or  in  which  the  American  mind  will  ever  be  interested. 
The  arts  afford  a strong  bond  of  national  sympathy,  and  when  they  shall  have 
fulfilled  their  mission  here  by  giving  expression  to  subjects  of  national  interest,  in 
which  the  several  States  shall  have  been  represented,  it  will  be  a crowning  triumph 
of  our  civilization. 

Art,  like  nations,  has  its  heroic  history,  its  refined  and  manly  history,  its  effemi- 
nate and  sensuous  history — the  sure  presage  of  national  decay.  Our  art  is  just 
entering  upon  the  first  of  these  planes.  Shall  we  allow  it  to  be  supplanted  here  in 
its  young  life  by  that  of  an  effete  and  decayed  race  which  in  no  way  represents  us? 
Our  pride  should  revolt  at  the  very  idea.  We  should  not  forget  so  soon  the  homely 
manners  and  tastes  of  our  ancestors,  and  the  hardships  they  endured  with  undaunted 
hearts;  but  it  should  be  our  pride  to  welcome  their  venerated  forms  in  these  build- 
ings and  grounds,  and  surround  them  with  the  insignia  of  a nation’s  love  and 
homage;  and  patriotic  hearts  should  perform  the  noble  work. 


The  Extensions. 


745 


It  is  not  enough  that  the  artist  select  an  American  subject  for  his  work.  He  must 
also  be  imbued  with  a high  sense  of  the  nature  of  the  institutions  of  the  country, 
and  should  have  a certain  assimilation  with  its  habits  and  manners.  He  should  be 
baptized,  as  it  were,  in  the  spirit  of  its  nationality,  or  his  labor,  however  well  per- 
formed in  an  academic  sense,  will  fail  to  meet  a response  from  those  for  whom  he 
toils.  The  Etruscan  art  is  mainly  interesting  to  us  as  a historic  record  of  an  other- 
wise lost  nation;  and  the  beautiful  art  of  the  Greeks  derives  its  chief  value  from  its 
nationality;  and  that  of  the  Egyptians  for  a similar  reason.  It  requires  but  little 
discrimination  to  perceive  that  were  the  arts  of  these  different  nations  intermingled, 
they  would  lose  their  chief  value — their  individuality. 

Are  our  portrait  statues,  in  which  the  Greek  or  Roman  costume  has  been  substi- 
tuted for  that  worn  by  the  individuals  represented,  satisfactory?  Do  they  not  rather 
convey  a feeling  of  shame  for  the  paucity  of  invention  on  the  part  of  the  artist,  and 
an  acknowledgment  that  we  have  sought  refuge  in  stuffs  and  draperies  to  conceal  our 
want  of  power  in  the  expression  of  character?  We  want  nothing  thrown  in  between 
us  and  the  facts  of  our  history  to  estrange  us  from  it.  We  want  to  be  brought  near 
it,  to  realize  it  as  an  existence,  not  as  a myth.  True  genius  presents  us  no  night- 
mares, no  vagaries;  but  is  clear-seeing,  and  by  its  subtleness  of  perception  and  power 
of  expression  renders  truth  palpable  to  duller  senses. 

We  are  shown  in  the  Capitol  a room  in  the  style  of  the  “Loggia  of  Raphael;” 
another  in  that  of  Pompeii;  a third  after  the  manner  of  the  Baths  of  Titus;  and  even 
in  the  rooms  where  American  subjects  have  been  attempted,  they  are  so  foreign  in 
treatment,  so  overlaid  and  subordinated  by  symbols  and  impertinent  ornaments, 
that  we  hardly  recognize  them.  Our  chief  delight  in  this  survey  is  in  a few  nicely 
painted  animals  and  American  birds  and  plants,  in  some  of  the  lower  halls;  and 
even  here  one  familiar  with  foreign  art  sees  constantly  intermingled  the  misapplied 
symbols  of  a past  mythology,  but  wanting  in  the  exquisite  execution  and  signifi- 
cance of  the  originals. 

In  preparing  a plan  for  the  decoration  of  the  Capitol,  the  commissioners  do  not 
recommend  its  immediate  completion,  or  that  its  accomplishment  should  be 
hastened;  for  this  would  not  only  be  injustice  to  those  who  come  after  us,  but  would 
necessitate  the  employment  of  talents  which  require  thorough  training  for  this  par- 
ticular work.  The  execution  of  these  decorations  must  necessarily  extend  over  a 
long  space  of  time,  and  he  subject  to  the  will  of  Congress  from  year  to  year.  It  is, 
therefore,  of  the  first  importance  to  establish  a system  which  can  be  pursued  delib- 
erately as  the  buildings  may  advance  toward  completion,  and  thus  secure  a harmony 
and  adaption  where  otherwise  confusion  would  be  the  inevitable  result.  The  elab- 
oration of  such  a system  will  require  great  care,  study,  and  consultation,  and  could 
not  well  be  embraced  within  the  limits  of  this  report.  We  therefore  suggest  it  in 
general  terms. 

The  rotunda,  taken  as  a point  of  departure,  claims  the  first  attention  in  laying 
down  this  system.  In  the  dome  there  will  be  large  spaces  for  the  introduction  of 
pictures,  which  may  be  devoted  to  subjects  immediately  relating  to  the  discovery  of 
the  country — the  Embarkation  and  Landing  of  Columbus,  and  the  subsequent  dis- 
coveries of  Ponce  de  Leon  and  De  Soto.  Under  the  great  cornice  which  surrounds 
the  rotunda,  there  is  in  the  plan  of  the  architect  a frieze  in  bas-relief,  which  may 
embrace  the  idea  of  Freedom,  civil  and  religious. 

In  the  rotunda,  below  this  frieze,  may  With  propriety  be  represented  the  colonial 
history  of  the  country,  followed  by  that  of  the  revolution;  and  from  the  rotunda 
towards  the  halls  of  the  Senate  and  the  House  of  Representatives,  such  other  succes- 
sive epochs  of  our  history  as  would  enable  a person  with  ordinary  intelligence  to 
read  it  consecutively. 

Next  in  order  comes  the  legislative  history  of  the  nation  and  the  several  States, 
which  may  properly  be  represented  in  the  halls  of  Congress,  and  it  would  doubtless 
add  greatly  to  the  dignity  of  those  halls  to  introduce  on  either  side  of  the  desk  of 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


746 

the  Vice  President  an  appropriate  statue  or  bust,  for  example,  of  the  first  Vice  Pres- 
idents, Adams  and  Jefferson;  and  on  either  side  of  the  desk  of  the  Speaker  of  the 
House  a similar  one  of  an  eminent  member  of  that  body  during  the  administration 
of  Washington;  for  example,  James  Madison  and  Fisher  Ames.  It  is  the  opinion  of 
the  commissioners  that  far  greater  sobriety  should  be  given  to  these  halls  in  their 
general  effect  to  render  them  less  distracting  to  the  eye. 

Few  are  aware  how  disturbing  to  thought  the  display  of  gaudy,  inharmonious 
color  can  be  made.  Hence  its  adoption  for  military  uses — as  in  showy  uniforms, 
painted  banners,  bright  plumes,  and  scarlet  coats — for  dramatic  and  scenic  effects, 
and  for  all  purposes  where  it  is  desired  to  address  the  senses  instead  of  the  intellect. 
This  very  quality  renders  it  unsuited  to  the  halls  of  deliberation,  where  calm 
thought  and  unimpassioned  reason  are  supposed  to  preside.  Great  richness  of  effect 
may  be  obtained,  and  is,  perhaps,  only  to  be  obtained,  by  a true  sense  of  the  sub- 
ordination of  inferior  parts.  It  is  believed  that  this  criticism  will  hold  true  in 
regard  to  all  efforts  of  the  mind.  It  is  always  observable  in  nature,  and  underlies 
her  universal  laws.  Color  is  subject  to  these  laws  as  well  as  everything  in  nature. 
Bright  colors  are  sparingly  distributed  throughout  the  natural  world.  The  white, 
red,  blue,  and  yellow  blossoms  of  plants,  shrubs,  and  trees  are  not  over  prominent 
even  in  their  season  of  bloom;  while  the  main  masses  are  made  up  of  cool  greens, 
grays,  drabs  and  browns  intermingled,  and  are  always  harmonious  and  agreeable. 

In  regard  to  the  four  great  stairways,  it  is  not  thought  advisable  to  recommend 
their  permanent  decoration  at  this  time,  but  merely  to  paint  them  in  simple  colors. 
None  but  pictures  of  the  highest  order  should  be  admitted  to  places  of  such  promi- 
nence. To  acquire  these,  not  only  time,  but  the  utmost  care  and  deliberation  are 
requisite.  There  can  be  no  doubt  of  the  ability  of  our  artists  to  perform  this  work, 
but  time  should  be  given  them  for  preparation,  both  in  fresco  and  in  oil.  Heretofore 
they  have  been  engaged,  with  few  exceptions,  on  easel  pictures,  and  it  is  impossible  at 
once  for  them  to  adopt  the  style  required  in  works  of  such  magnitude.  It  is  said  that 
Horace  Vernet.  has  been  offered  one  of  these  spaces  to  fill;  and  it  is  readily  conceded 
how  valuable  would  be  the  acquisition  of  a work  from  such  a master  for  a national 
gallery  or  the  Executive  Mansion.  But  there  is  no  evidence  of  his  acceptance  of  the 
commission,  whether  from  the  pressure  of  other  engagements,  or  from  the  probable 
conviction  that  every  foreigner  who  respects  his  art  and  his  own  reputation  must 
feel  his  incompetency  to  paint  the  history  of  any  country  but  his  own.  Vernet’s 
studies  have  been  from  French  life  and  manners,  and  his  works  consequently,  are 
thoroughly  imbued  with  his  nationality,  which  constitutes  in  fact  one  of  their  great 
merits.  It  is  morally  impossible  that  he  should  wholly  adapt  his  style  or  form  of 
expression  to  ours.  The  expediency  therefore,  of  inviting  even  the  most  distin- 
guished foreign  artist  to  paint  on  the  walls  of  the  Capitol  may  well  be  questioned. 
The  British  government  requires  that  a foreigner  shall  have  resided  at  least  ten 
years  in  the  country  before  he  shall  even  be  allowed  to  compete  for  any  government 
work.  Experience  has  taught  them  the  necessity  of  adopting  this  rule,  and  it  is 
deemed  proper  that  we  should  profit  by  their  experience  rather  than  purchase  it  for 
ourselves. 

The  rooms  formerly  occupied  by  the  Senate  have  been  assigned  to  the  Supreme 
Court,  and  may  appropriately  be  decorated  with  subjects  relating  to  the  judicial  his- 
tory of  the  country.  Subjects  connected  with  valuable  discoveries  and  inventions 
are  well  adapted  for  the  decoration  of  the  long  corridors  leading  from  the  rotunda  to 
the  halls  of  legislation.  The  lobbies  of  the  Senate  and  the  House  of  Representatives 
afford  ample  space  for  portraying  incidents  in  pioneer  life,  and  other  scenes,  illus- 
trating the  manners  and  habits  of  different  sections  of  the  country. 

The  various  committee  rooms  of  both  houses  will,  from  the  purpose  to  which  they 
are  severally  applied,  naturally  suggest  their  mode  of  decoration. 

All  passages  which,  from  their  situation,  cannot  be  well  lighted  should  be  painted 
simply  in  flat  colors,  with  such  slight  ornaments  as  will  render  them  light  and  cheerful ; 


The  Extensions. 


747 


more  than  this  would  be  inappropriate.  Color  should  be  so  arranged  as  not  to  add 
to  their  obscurity,  as  in  the  present  instance.  In  all  places  where  stucco  ornaments 
are  exposed  to  constant  mutilation,  it  is  deemed  useless  to  waste  money  in  painting 
n any  other  than  the  simplest  modes,  as  works  of  art  would  very  soon  be  rendered 
worthless  and  unsightly  in  situations  where  every  little  breakage  or  abrasion  would 
expose  the  plaster  underneath.  And  the  commissioners  notice  with  some  surprise 
that  no  provision  has  been  made  for  the  protection  of  the  numerous  plaster  angles 
which  occur  throughout  the  halls  and  lobbies  of  both  wings  of  the  Capitol  extension. 
This  oversight  is  the  more  extraordinary  when  they  find  expensive  painting  and 
gilding,  as  in  some  of  the  lower  halls  and  in  the-  ante-room  of  the  Senate,  where 
multilations  have  already  taken  place.  Ornamentation  in  stucco  is  not  properly 
employed  where  permanence  is  desirable.  Its  meritricious  character  renders  it 
better  suited  to  temporary  purposes,  where  the  employment  of  wood  or  bronze 
would  be  too  expensive.  Throughout  the  building  there  is  a redundancy  of  orna- 
mentation, cheap  and  showy  in  some  instances,  and  employed  where  ornament  is 
not  required;  like  the  breaking  up  of  large  spaces  into  small  ones,  thus  destroying 
the  very  repose  which  the  eye  instinctively  seeks. 

There  are  other  instances  equally  incongruous,  where  expensive  bronze  ornaments 
are  fastened  upon  wooden  doorways  and  jambs,  much  to  their  detriment.  If  it  were 
desirable  to  enrich  the  doorways  leading  to  the  galleries  of  the  Senate  and  the  House, 
it  should  be  done  by  carving  the  ornaments  in  the  same  material  of  which  the  doors 
are  made;  thus  forming  a part  of  them,  instead  of  their  being  detached  and  fastened 
on  afterwards.  This  would  have  secured  harmony.  The  bronze  employed  in  the 
present  instance,  when  seen  at  the  distance  of  a few  yards,  upon  a light  ground,  has 
the  effect  of  so  many  unintelligible  dark  spots,  incapable  of  light  and  shade  in  them- 
selves, and  consequently  disturbing  the  general  unity  of  the  halls.  Carving  in  wood  is 
a legitimate  mode  of  ornamentation,  and  is  capable  of  being  rendered  rich  and  effective. 
Bronze  and  marble  are  no  less  so  when  properly  applied;  but  castings  from  natural 
objects  can  never  subserve  this  purpose,  because  they  must  always  be  brought  in 
contact  with  modelled  or  mechanically  wrought  surfaces,  with  which,  however 
beautiful  in  themselves,  they  have  no  affinity  or  relation.  This  is  a principle  in 
taste  long  since  established,  and  a departure  from  it  is  an  acknowledgment  of  an 
inability  to  fulfil,  or  an  ingnorance  of  the  legitimate  requirements  of  art. 

The  commissioners  feel  no  ordinary  pleasure  in  referring  to  the  works  of  Crawford 
and  Rogers;  for  in  them  they  recognize  a nationality  and  a suitability  to  the  purposes 
for  which  they  were  designed.  The  government  is  fortunate  in  the  possession  of  so 
many  of  the  works  of  the  former  of  these  artists,  since  it  has  pleased  an  All-wise 
Providence  to  arrest  his  brilliant  career  so  early  in  life.  It  is  gratifying  to  learn  that 
a safe  and  permanent  location  has  been  provided  for  his  models  of  the  pediment, 
under  the  government.  This  act  was  due  alike  to  art  and  his  memory;  for  the  models 
are  the  only  real  works  of  his  hands  in  their  possession,  and  as  such  will  be  objects 
of  national  interest,  and  may  become  a nucleus  for  a future  school  of  art  under  the 
national  patronage. 

It  having  been  determined  to  fill  the  pediments  of  the  eastern  porticos  with 
statues,  and  the  statues  for  one  of  them  having  already  been  executed  here  in  marble, 
under  the  direction  of  the  former  superintendent,  it  would  be  proper  to  recommend 
an  appropriation  for  the  remaining  pediment  at  any  time;  but  as  the  progress  of  the 
building  does  not  render  it  important  at  present,  it  is  deemed  advisable  to  defer  it  to 
another  year.  In  connexion  with  this  subject,  however,  the  commissioners  feel  con- 
strained to  add  that  had  it  not  have  been  decided  to  fill  these  pediments  with 
statues  they  would  have  recommended  alto-relievi  for  that  purpose.  Statues  must 
always  convey  an  idea  of  detachment,  as  something  superadded;  while  alto-relievi 
form  a part  of  the  building,  and  consequently  admit  of  a treatment  more  in  harmony 
with  it.  Various  grades  of  relief  are  proper  in  the  same  work,  adding  thereby 
great  richness  and  variety  of  effect.  There  are  instances,  it  is  true,  in  which  statues 


748 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


have  been  employed  to  fill  pediments,  as  in  the  case  of  the  Parthenon,  whose  porti- 
cos were  supported  by  massive  Doric  columns;  but  in  cases  where  the  Corinthian 
order  has  been  adopted,  as  in  the  United  States  Capitol  extension,  alto-relievi  have 
almost  universally  been  employed,  and  for  reasons  obvious  to  the  intelligent  observer. 

Before  leaving  the  subject  of  government  requirements  in  respect  to  art,  the  com- 
missioners feel  constrained  to  suggest  that  in  no  department  in  which  it  has  been 
employed  is  there  a greater  apparent  deficiency  than  in  that  of  the  government  coin- 
age and  die-sinking.  In  all  that  pertains  to  its  mechanical  execution  our  coinage 
will  compare  favorably  with  that  of  any  nation.  Our  great  deficiency  is  in  an  artistic 
sense,  and  we  should  evince  an  unconsciousness  of  the  requirements  of  our  position 
did  we  neglect  to  exjrress  the  views  of  the  artists  of  the  nation  on  this  subject,  whom 
we  represent. 

The  coins  of  nations  have  for  many  centuries  been  designed  and  have  served  to 
represent  the  theory  and  purpose  of  the  life  of  such  nations  through  the  images  and 
inscriptions  with  which  they  were  embellished.  This  usage,  as  is  well  known,  origi- 
nated and  corresponds  with  that  of  chiefs  and  rulers  in  respect  to  their  seals  or  sig- 
nets and  arms  of  state.  The  embellishments  of  coins  of  sovereignties  being  but 
duplications  of  their  arms,  “which  sovereign  States  do  constantly  bear,”  should  not 
only  be  designed  in  significant  conformity  to  the  meaning  of  such  arms,  but  in  the 
spirit  and  form  of  the  highest  art.  Otherwise  these  symbols  of  national  characteristics 
lose  their  chief  significance.  Our  coinage  is  essentially  inferior  to  that  of  France, 
Russia,  or  Great  Britain,  in  this  respect.  The  commissioners  are  aware  that  govern- 
ment has  expended  considerable  amounts  in  procuring  designs  and  models,  but 
unfortunately  the  skill  of  competent  artists  has  not  been  called  into  requisition.  It 
seems  absurd  to  boast  of  distinguished  artists  and  not  to  employ  their  talents  in 
every  department  pertaining  to  their  professions  which  the  government  may  require. 
The  commissioners  feel  it  to  be  important  that  there  should  be  harmony  in  the  spirit 
and  form  in  all  departments  of  our  national  art,  as  a basis  of  all  future  developments 
in  that  direction.  Art  as  employed  in  mere  decoration  has  but  little  national  impor- 
tance, but  as  an  expression  of  thought  and  intention  it  ranks  with  the  highest  efforts 
of  the  mind. 

In  expenditures  of  money  for  works  of  art  it  is  important  as  a wise  measure  of 
economy  that  productions  of  sufficient  merit  should  be  secured  to  render  their  future 
removal  or  obliteration  unnecessary.  It  is  true  that  governments  as  well  as  indi- 
viduals must  purchase  their  experience  in  these  as  in  all  other  matters;  but  it  would 
seem  that  the  system  heretofore  pursued  in  this  particular,  from  its  inadequacy  to 
meet  the  requirements  of  the  age  and  its  falsity  as  an  expression  of  our  artistic  devel- 
opment, had  been  already  indulged  in  with  sufficient  liberality.  Nations  have  been 
proud  of  noble  works  of  art,  and  even  when  their  power  and  splendor  in  other 
respects  have  departed,  art  has  stood  forth  to  remind  them  of  their  former  greatness. 
For  us  to  flaunt  in  the  borrowed  and  fragmentary  arts  of  another  country,  is  like  the 
Indian  who  abandons  his  native  wild  dignity  and  forest  dress,  and  struts  through 
the  streets  of  a city  in  a cast-off  military  uniform. 

It  is  believed  that  the  true  method  of  procuring  designs  for  statuary  and  paintings, 
as  a general  principle,  is  to  invite  liberal  competition,  with  such  regulations  as  shall 
secure  to  every  artist  an  impartial  and  unbiassed  adjudication  of  his  work;  but  the 
well-known  repugnance  of  artists  of  the  first  rank,  'who  have  achieved  a national 
reputation,  to  compete  with  each  other,  would  render  this  a doubtful  policy  to  pur- 
sue with  them.  It  is  therefore  deemed  but  respectful  and  proper  to  award  to  such 
artists  commissions  for  works  for  which  their  talents  and  acquirements  have  fitted 
them.  The  commissioners  are  sustained  in  this  position  by  the  experience  and 
practice  of  all  nations  in  similar  cases. 

In  the  erection  of  statues,  monuments,  and  fountains  in  the  public  grounds,  the 
same  system  of  subordination  should  be  observed  which  is  contemplated  in  the  dis- 
tribution of  works  of  art  in  the  public  buildings.  They  should  be  arranged,  so  far 


The  Extensions. 


749 


as  practicable,  in  harmony  with  the  plan  of  the  grounds.  But,  as  the  more  impor- 
tant of  these  parks  are  yet  to  be  planned,  a mere  suggestion  in  regard  to  them  will 
be  sufficient  for  the  present.  When  Congress  shall  have  made  appropriations  for 
their  final  arrangement  and  completion,  landscape  gardeners  should  be  invited  to 
submit  designs  for  that  purpose. 

As  the  two  halls  of  Congress  and  other  portions  of  the  building  are  now  ready  for 
the  reception  of  works  of  art,  the  commissioners  recommend  the  commencement  of 
their  decoration.  For  this  purpose  an  appropriation  will  be  necessary;  the  estimate 
for  which  will  be  found  in  a note  appended  to  this  report. 

The  commissioners  finding  their  functions  and  powers  not  sufficiently  defined  by 
the  acts  of  Congress  of  1858  and  1859,  to  enable  them  to  perform  the  duties  contem- 
plated in  their  appointment,  would  respectfully  urge  upon  the  attention  of  Congress 
the  necessity  of  such  further  legislation  as  shall  render  the  commission  efficient  and 
useful  to  the  government;  which  they  believe  can  best  be  effected  by  clothing  them 
with  the  authority  recommended  by  the  artists  of  the  United  States,  in  the  following 
extract  from  their  memorial  to  Congress  in  1858:  “Your  memorialists  respectfully 
urge  that  the  great  end  proposed,  viz:  ‘the  advancement  of  art  in  the  United  States,’ 
may  be  most  surely  and  completely  attained  by  the  establishment  of  an  art  commis- 
sion, composed  of  those  designated  by  the  united  voice  of  American  artists  as  com- 
petent to  the  office;  who  shall  be  accepted  as  the  exponents  of  the  authority  and 
influence  of  American  art;  who  shall  be  the  channels  for  the  distribution  of  all 
appropriations  to  be  made  by  Congress  for  art  purposes,  and  who  shall  secure  to 
artists  an  intelligent  and  unbiased  adjudication  upon  the  designs  they  may  present 
for  the  embellishment  of  the  national  buildings.” 

Henry  K.  Brown. 

James  B.  Lambdin. 

John  F.  Kensett. 

The  President,  of  the  United  States. 

Note. — Estimates  of  appropriations  required  to  carry  out  the  recommendation  of  the  fore- 


going report. 

For  eight  pictures  to  fill  four  panels  in  each  of  the  halls  of  Congress 840,  000 

For  four  statutes  for  Senate  retiring  room 20,  000 

For  two  statutes  for  eastern  front  door  of  south  wing 5,  400 

For  two  colossal  busts  for  Senate  chamber 3,  000 

For  two  statutes  for  House  of  Representatives 10, 000 

For  painting  Speaker’s  room 2, 000 

For  painting  private  stairways  and  passages  behind  Speaker’s  chair 7, 500 

For  painting  room  east  of  Speaker’s  room 2,  000 

For  painting  Post  Office,  south  wing 4, 000 

For  modelling  valves  for  two  eastern  doorways 12, 000 

For  casting  and  chasing  the  same  in  bronze,  (original  estimate) 16, 000 

For  commencing  the  decoration  of  lobbies  and  halls  of  both  wings  of  Capi- 
tol extension  and  designs  for  the  same 20, 000 

For  casting  statue  of  Freedom  for  new  dome • 15, 000 

For  painting  ante-room  of  Senate 10,  000 


166, 900 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  19,  1860:  Congressional  Globe,  36 — 1,  p.  1219.] 
ALTERATION  OF  THE  SENATE  CHAMBER. 

Mr.  Hale.  I have  a resolution  of  inquiry,  which  I offer  and  ask  for  its  immediate 
consideration : 

Resolved,  That  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension  be  instructed  to  report  to  the  Senate  on  the 
practicability  and  expense  of  so  altering  and  reconstructing  the  present  room  occupied  by  the  Senate, 
that  it  may  be  extended  to  the  windows  on  the  north  end,  or  east  or  west  side  of  the  north  wing  of 
the  Capitol. 


750 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Mason.  As  I understand  the  resolution,  it  does  not  leave  it  to  the  committee 
to  inquire  into  the  expediency  of  the  proposed  alteration. 

Mr.  Hale.  It  is  an  instruction  to  the  architect  simply  to  report  on  the  practicability 
and  expense. 

Mr.  Davis.  Let  the  resolution  be  read  again. 

The  Secretary  read  the  resolution. 

Mr.  Davis.  I hope  the  resolution  will  not  be  adopted.  I do  not  wish  to  object  to 
its  consideration;  hut  I hope  it  will  not  be  be  adopted  at  all  for  two  reasons.  First, 
there  is  a superintendent  in  charge  of  the  work,  who,  if  he  knows  anything,  must  be 
a better  constructor  than  the  architect. 

Mr.  Hale.  Well,  I am  willing  that  he  should  take  it. 

Mr.  Davis.  The  next  objection  is,  we  have  a Committee  on  Public  Buildings-  and 
Grounds,  to  whom  such  an  inquiry  ought  to  be  referred  if  it  is  one  that  ought  to  be 
made. 

Mr.  Hale.  Does  the  Senator  object  to  the  consideration  of  the  resolution? 

Mr.  Davis.  No. 

Mr.  Hale.  I simply  want  to  get  the  plan,  to  see  if  it  is  practicable,  and  also  an 
estimate  of  the  expense.  When  we  have  that  statement,  I shall  move  to  refer  it  to 
the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings;  but  I want  the  plan  first. 

Mr.  Davis.  I move,  as  a matter  of  respect  to  the  officer  in  charge  of  the  work,  that 
the  inquiry  be  made  by  the  superintendent  in  charge  of  the  extension,  and  not  by 
the  architect. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to;  and  the  resolution,  as  amended,  was  adopted. 

[Senate.  Mis.  Doc.  No.  50.  36th  Congress,  1st  Session.  Report  of  Captain  W.  B.  Franklin,  in  charge 
of  the  Capitol  Extension,  made  in  compliance  with  a resolution  of  the  Senate  on  the  feasibility 
and  expense  of  moving  the  Senate  Chamber  from  its  present  position,  so  that  it  will  take  in  the 
windows  on  the  north  end,  or  east  or  west  sides  of  the  Capitol.  April  9, 1860. — Read  and  ordered  to 
lie  on  the  table.] 

Office  U.  S.  Capitol  Extension, 

Washington,  April  9,  1860. 

Sir  : I have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  and  estimates,  in  obedience 
to  the  resolution  of  the  Senate  of  the  19th  ultimo. 

The  resolution  contemplates  a report  upon  the  feasibility  and  expense  of  moving 
the  Senate  Chamber  from  its  present  position,  so  that  it  will  take  in  the  windows  on 
the  north  end,  or  east  or  west  sides  of  the  Capitol. 

1.  Removal  to  the  east  side. 

This  side  is  the  main  front  of  the  north  wing.  It  contains  the  main  vestibule,  and, 
were  the  Senate  Chamber  to  be  moved  to  this  side,  the  main  entrance  and  vestibule 
would  have  to  be  closed,  as  part  of  the  vestibule  would  have  to  be  included  in  the 
Chamber.  It  would  be  destructive  to  the  use  of  this  front  to  carry  out  this  plan, 
and  the  front  would  either  have  to  be  abandoned  as  an  entrance  or  a new  one  would 
have  to  be  designed.  I do  not  think  it  would  be  feasible  to  make  this  move,  unless 
the  front  of  the  Capitol  were  completely  reversed. 

2.  Removal  to  the  north  end. 

This  alteration  can  be  made  by  moving  the  Chamber  through  the  north  corridor 
behind  the  President’s  seat,  and  by  throwing  this  corridor,  the  retiring-room,  and 
the  President’s  and  Vice-President’s  rooms  into  the  floor  of  the  Senate. 

I take  it  for  granted,  in  making  this  report,  that  the  area  and  cloak  room  arrange- 
ments of  the  present  Chamber  are  satisfactory;  and,  in  studying  this  change,  an 
arrangement  as  near  like  that  now  existing  as  is  possible  was  contemplated,  taking 
in  the  north  windows,  or  making  the  north  wall  of  the  Capitol  the  north  end  of  the 
Senate  Chamber.  The  windows  of  the  principal  story  will  then  be  on  the  Senate 
floor,  and  those  of  the  third  story  on  the  gallery  floor. 


The  Extensions. 


751 


To  make  the  change,  it  will  be  necessary  to  take  down  the  north  wall  of  the 
Chamber.  This  wall  extends  to  the  roof,  and  forms  one  of  its  supports,  on  account 
of  which  fact  the  roof  will  have  to  be  taken  down  and  rebuilt. 

The  walls  separating  the  President’s  retiring  and  Vice-President’s  rooms  must  be 
taken  down. 

A new  east  and  west  corridor  must  he  made,  which  will  extend  from  one  principal 
stairway  to  the  other,  and  which  will  be  partially  lighted  by  the  two  skylights  of 
those  stairways. 

The  corridor  in  the  south  end  of  the  wing  will  be  closed  and  turned  into  four  rooms, 
which  must  answer  the  purposes  of  those  taken  into  the  Chamber  under  the  new 
arrangement;  or  the  rooms  on  the  west,  now  used  as  offices  of  the  Senate,  can  be 
made  the  President’s,  Vice-President’s,  and  retiring  rooms.  These  details,  however, 
are  merely  indicated  to  show  that  certain  alterations,  in  addition  to  the  mere  change 
of  position  of  the  Chamber,  will  have  to  be  made,  and  not  for  the  purpose  of  settling 
a design. 

The  heating  and  ventilating  apparatus  must  be  altered  to  meet  the  requirements 
of  the  new  position  and  exposure  of  the  Chamber,  and  a large  part  of  the  attic  story 
must  be  taken  down  and  rebuilt.  Certain  alterations  in  the  interior  of  the  basement 
must  be  made  on  account  of  the  new  position  of  the  south  wall  of  the  Chamber, 
which,  of  course,  was  not  contemplated  in  the  design  which  has  been  carried  out. 
A radical  change  will  have  to  be  made  in  the  basement  arches  which  are  under  the 
Senate  Chamber.  In  fact,  the  entire  demolition  and  reconstruction  of  at  least  one 
half  of  the  interior  of  the  north  wing  must  be  made  if  the  Chamber  be  removed  to 
the  north  end. 

Careful  estimates  have  been  made  of  the  cost  of  the  alteration,  predicated  upon  the 
presumption  that  the  iron  work  about  the  galleries  and  ceiling  can  be  used  in  the 
altered  Chamber. 

The  amount  required  is  $165,000. 

In  this  estimate  nothing  is  put  down  for  ornamenting  the  walls  or  ceilings. 

A plan  and  vertical  section  of  the  north  wing  have  been  made,  showing  the 
arrangement  of  the  building  if  the  Chamber  be  moved  as  above  indicated.  They 
are  transmitted  with  this  report. 

3.  Removal  to  the  west  side. 

A plan,  showing  the  position  of  the  Chamber  removed  to  the  west  side,  is  also 
transmitted. 

The  horizontal  dimensions  of  the  Chamber  now  in  use,  excluding  the  galleries,  are 
eighty-four  feet  by  fifty-one  feet.  Those  of  the  Chamber,  as  designed  for  the  west 
side,  are  sixty-six  and  a half  feet  by  forty-one  feet;  but  the  spaces  under  the  galleries 
are  open,  so  that  the  actual  area  of  the  floor  will  be  but  little  smaller  than  that  of  the 
existing  Chamber.  The  small  dimensions  are  given  in  order  to  save  the  retiring- 
room  of  the  Senate,  which  is  highly  ornamented  with  polished  marble,  and  is  a very 
beautiful  and  costly  work. 

It  will  be  seen  that  in  this  arrangement  a part  of  the  interior  of  the  building  will 
be  difficult  to  light,  and,  under  the  best  dispositions  that  can  be  made,  will  be 
inconvenient  and  uncomfortable.  But  this  design  has  the  advantages  of  giving  win- 
dows on  two  sides  of  the  Hall,  and,  as  had  been  remarked  above,  it  saves  one  very 
beautiful  room. 

The  cost  of  the  removal  to  the  west  side  will  be  $200,000. 

In  the  vertical  section  referred  to,  the  details  of  the  construction  of  the  roof  are 
not  given;  the  truss  is  only  sketched.  The  roof  will  be  a difficult  piece  of  work,  and 
the  truss  is  only  put  in  to  finish  the  drawing,  not  to  settle  its  design. 

In  conclusion,  I have  the  honor  to  report,  that  it  is  practicable  to  so  alter  and 
reconstruct  the  present  room  occupied  by  the  Senate;  that  it  may  be  extended  to 
the  windows  on  the  north  end,  or  west  side  of  the  north  wing  of  the  Capitol,  and 


752 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

that  the  expense  of  the  extension  to  the  north  end  will  be  $165,000,  and  that  of  the 
extension  to  the  west  side  will  be  $200,000.  The  time  required,  in  both  cases,  will 
be  two  years  from  the  date  of  commencement  of  the  work. 

It  is  practicable,  also,  to  place  the  Chamber  on  the  east  side  of  the  north  wing, 
but  placing  it  there  would  involve  nearly  the  reconstruction  of  the  building. 

I am,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

W.  B.  Franklin, 

Capl.  Top.  Eng's,  in  charge  U.  S.  Capitol  Extension. 

Hon.  John  C.  Breckinridge, 

Vice  President  of  the  United  States,  and  President  of  the  Senate. 

[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  22,  1860:  Congressional  Globe,  36—1,  p.  1290.] 

Mr.  Bright,  in  pursuance  of  previous  notice,  asked  and  obtained  leave  to  intioduce 
a bill  (S.  No.  304)  for  the  prosecution  of  the  work  upon  the  extension  of  the  United 
States  Capitol;  which  was  read  twice  by  its  title,  and  ordered  to  be  printed. 

[House  proceedings  of  May  24,  1860:  Congressional  Globe,  36 — 1,  p.  2327.] 

The  House  having  under  consideration  the  amendments  to  the  Sundry  Civil  bill 
for  1861,  reported  from  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  State  of  the  Union — 

Ninth  amendment  : 

From  the  clause  “For  United  States  Capitol  extension,  8500,000,”  strike  out  “five”  and  insert 
“two,”  and  add  thereto  the  following  proviso: 

Provided,  That  no  part  of  the  sum  shall  be  applied  to  paintings  or  statuary. 

Mr.  Sherman.  I yesterday  submitted  a motion  to  strike  out  the  whole  clause,  and 
I suppose  that  motion  should  be  put  first. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  thinks  it  is  proper  to  perfect  the  clause  before  the  motion 
to  strike  out  is  put. 

Mr.  Florence.  All  friends  to  the  protection  of  American  industry  ought  to  keep 
the  clause  in. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

The  question  being  put  upon  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Sherman,  to  strike  out  the 
whole  clause  as  amended,  it  was  agreed  to. 

[Senate  proceedings  of  June  11,  1860:  Congressional  Globe,  36 — 1,  p.  2820.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  Sundry 
Civil  bill  for  1861 — 

Mr.  Toombs.  I have  one  or  two  amendments  that  are  not  printed,  which  I am 
instructed  by  the  committee  to  offer.  I move  to  add  as  an  additional  section: 

Sec. — . And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  all  existing  laws  creating  an  art  commission  be,  and  the 
same  are  hereby,  repealed. 

Not  having  made  any  appropriation  for  continuing  the  building,  the  committee 
deemed  the  commission  unnecessary,  and  we  concluded  that  the  act  authorizing  it 
ought  to  be  repealed. 

Mr.  Davis.  I wish  to  amend  the  amendment  by  adding  thereto,  “ and  the  architect 
of  the  Capitol  extension.” 

Air.  Toombs.  I do  not  know  about  that.  My  amendment  is  from  the  committee. 

Mr.  Davis.  I offer  an  amendment  to  the  amendment,  to  include  the  architect. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Chair  will  put  the  question  on  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Grimes.  That  was  not  read  at  the  Secretary’s  desk.  It  may  be  expedient  to  transact 
business  rapidly;  but  it  seems  tome,  an  amendment  ought  at  least  to  be  read  atthedesk. 

Mr.  Toombs.  Let  it  be  read. 

The  Secretary  read  it. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Senator  from  Mississippi  offers  an  amendment  to  this 
amendment. 

Mr.  Davis.  To  add  the  words  “or  providing  for  the  appointment  of  architect  to 
the  Capitol  extension.” 

Mr.  Toombs.  The  question  in  reference  to  the  architect  has  not  been  under  the 
consideration  of  the  committee,  and  it  stands  on  its  own  individual  merits.  I do 
not  know  what  use  there  is  for  him. 


The  Extensions. 


753 


Mr.  Davis.  The  drawings  are  already  made,  and  as  there  is  no  appropriation  for 
the  building,  of  course  there  is  no  use  for  him. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  to  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  What  is  it? 

Mr.  Toombs.  Dispensing  with  the  architect  to  the  Capitol. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  amendment  will  again  be  read  with  the  amendment 
proposed  to  it. 

The  Secretary  read  the  amendment  to  the  amendment:  to  insert  after  the  word 
“commission,”  the  words,  “or  providing  for  an  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension;” 
so  that  the  amendment,  if  thus  amended,  will  read: 

Sec. — And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  all  existing  laws  creating  an  art  commission,  or  providing  for 
an  architect  to  the  Capitol  extension,  be,  and  the  same  are  hereby,  repealed. 

Mr.  Clark.  I hope  the  amendment  to  the  amendment  will  not  be  adopted.  1 
understand  it  will  take  now  some  three  years  to  carry  out  the  finishing  of  this  Capi- 
tol, to  complete  it;  and  it  is  to  be  done  in  accordance  with  the  plans,  I suppose,  that 
have  alread}r  been  furnished  by  the  architect.  If  this  law  is  repealed  and  his 
appointment  revoked,  I do  not  know  what  is  to  be  done  in  finishing  the  Capitol.  I 
hope  it  will  not  be  repealed. 

Mr.  Davis.  The  explanation  of  the  amendment  is,  that  after  the  appointment  of  the 
late  superintendent,  Captain  Meigs,  the  architect,  became,  in  fact,  a draughtsman.  He 
made  plans  under  Captain  Meigs,  who  was  both  constructor  and  architect  in  fact,  though 
he  never  took  the  name.  The  drawings  have  now  been  completed,  and  as  the  present 
architect  failed  utterly  as  a constructor,  as  was  shown  by  the  report  of  the  committee, 
when  he  was  in  charge  of  the  construction,  I do  not  see  what  duties  he  can  have  to 
perform,  except  to  draw  his  salary.  I look  upon  it,  therefore,  as  a useless  expense. 
The  plans  are  complete.  Construction  is  what  remains  to  be  done,  not  designs. 

Mr.  Clark.  I do  not  desire  to  go  into  the  quarrel  between  Captain  Meigs  and  the 
architect.  I leave  that  entirely  outside.  I understand  Captain  Meigs  is  not  now  in 
superintendence  of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  but  another  person  is. 

Mr.  Toombs.  Captain  Franklin. 

Mr.  Clark.  Captain  Franklin  is,  I understand.  So  far  as  the  Senator’s  assertion, 
that  the  plans  are  furnished,  is  concerned,  I think  he  is  mistaken.  I think  the  plans 
are  not  all  furnished.  The  architect  is  furnishing  them  still. 

Mr.  Davis.  Plans  for  what? 

Mr.  Clark.  For  the  erection  of  the  Capitol.  I simply  wish  to  make  this  further  state- 
ment, Mr.  President.  It  is  always  usual,  I believe,  that  the  architect  should  have  his 
plans  carried  out  under  hisown  superintendence.  Supposing  it  to  be  true  that  the  archi- 
tect has  furnished  the  plans,  if  he  Were  discharged  now,  those  plans  would  be  left  to  be 
carried  out  by  a comparative  stranger,  or  by  some  one  who  could  not  confer  with  him, 
and  have  his  views  and  directions  in  regard  to  them.  I desire  to  see  this  Capitol  com- 
pleted as  it  has  been  begun.  I desire  to  see  it  become  an  honortothenation,  and  hope  the 
architect  will  be  continued  for  the  present  at  least,  if  not  to  the  completion  of  the  work. 

Mr.  Davis.  The  argument  of  the  Senator  would  go  very  well  to  wards  the  restoration  of 
one  of  themost  valuable  officers  the  Government  has,  the  late  superintendent  of  the  work, 
Captain  Meigs,  who  modified  the  work  in  its  essential  respect,  controlled  it  as  long  as  he 
was  superintendent — for  about  four  years — to  whom  we  owe  whatever  there  is  very  valu- 
able in  the  design.  So  far  as  it  was  changed  from  that  design  which  was  submitted  by 
theCommitteeon  Public  Buildings  when  the  original  plan  was  adopted  for  the  extension 
of  the  Capitol,  the  Senator  is  quite  in  errorin  his  assignmentof  theoffice.  His  argument 
nominemutatur  would  be  very  applicable  to  Captain  Meigs.  It  is  applicable  to  nobody  else. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from 
Mississippi  to  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  I call  for  the  yeas  and  nays  upon  it. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

Mr.  King.  I ask  that  the  amendment  be  again  read. 

Mr.  Grimes.  I should  like  to  hear  some  assignment  of  reason  as  to  why  the  origi- 
nal amendment  is  proposed.  Why  is  it  proposed  to  repeal  the  act  establishing  this 
art  commission? 

H.  Rep.  646 48 


754 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  Presiding  Officer.  Thereadingof  the  amendment  is  called  for  again,  together 
with  the  amendment  proposed  by  the  Senator  from  Mississippi;  and  they  will  be  read. 

The  Secretary  again  read  them. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  to  the  amendment,  on 
which  the  yeas  and  nays  have  been  ordered. 

Mr.  Grimes.  1 solicited  some  explanation  from  the  Senator  who  offered  the  origi- 
nal amendment  as  to  the  reason  why  it  was  proposed  to  repeal  this  art  commission. 

Mr.  Toombs.  We  are  not  on  that,  matter  now.  We  are  acting  on  the  amendment 
to  the  amendment. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  to  the  amendment  pro- 
posed by  the  Senator  from  Mississippi. 

Mr.  Iverson.  I understand  the  object  of  the  amendment  is  to  do  away  with  the 
services  of  the  architect.  Is  that,  the  object  of  the  amendment? 

Mr.  Toombs.  Yes,  sir. 

Mr.  Iverson.  I hope  it  will  be  adopted.  I agree  with  the  Senator  from  Mississippi 
that  there  is  now  no  further  use  for  the  office.  It  may  have  been  useful  heretofore; 
but  the  designs  are  all  completed;  in  fact  the  Capitol  is  nearly  finished  anyhow,  and 
the  building  can  be  done  just  as  well  by  Captain  Franklin,  who  is  an  engineer  and 
architect,  himself;  probably  as  well  able  to  make  out  these  designs  as  Mr.  Walter  is. 
The  whole  work  can  be  done  by  him,  and  the  expense  of  $3,500  salary  given  to  this 
gentleman  can  be  saved  by  the  Government.  There  is  no  use  for  it.  If  it  is  con- 
tinued, it  is  a mere  sinecure.  I think  Mr.  Walter  has  made  enough  out  of  the  Gov- 
ernment. He  has  been  here  for  seven  years.  He  came  here  poor,  and  is  now  rich. 
He  lives  in  a palace,  and  I think  has  had  enough  out  of  the  Government.,  and  ought 
not  to  be  continued  longer  drawing  the  pay  of  $3,500  for  staying  about,  the  Capitol  and 
doing  little  or  nothing.  I trust  the  amendment  will  prevail. 

Mr.  Doolittle.  I have  heard  of  there  being  a rule  in  the  Senate,  and,  I think,  a 
very  appropriate  one,  not  to  put  general  legislation  on  appropriation  bills.  The  dis- 
cussion of  this  question  is  to  open  a controversy  that  has  been  raging  in  Washington, 
I have  lately  ascertained,  for  about  ten  years — a controversy  between  the  Senator 
from  Mississippi  and  Captain  Meigs,  and  Mr.  Walter  and  the  Secretary  of  War,  and 
others,  in  relation  to  this  subject,  of  which,  I confess,  I am  not  myself  very  well 
advised,  but  about  which  I am  beginning  to  learn  a little,  because  I have  been  lately 
placed  on  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 

Mr.  Davis.  I wish  you  would  state  any  controversy  I had  with  anybody  about  it. 
It  is  new  to  me. 

Mr.  Doolittle.  I do  not  mean  a personal  controversy,  but  that  Captain  Meigs  has 
been  sustained,  as  I understand,  in  the  views  he  has  taken,  by  the  Senator  from 
Mississippi,  in  all  his  dealings  in  relation  to  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Davis.  Company. 

Mr.  Dolittle.  And  I am  informed — of  course  I will  not  undertake  to  speak  from 
personal  knowledge — that  Mr.  Walter  is  sustained  by  the  present  Secretary  of  War, 
and  there  is  a misunderstanding.  I do  not,  profess  to  understand  it.  It  is  all  a new 
business  to  me;  but  I am  beginning  to  get  my  eyes  open  to  understand  that  there 
has  been  a difficulty  and  a dispute  pending  here  for  a long  time.  Now,  Mr.  Presi- 
dent, my  opinion  is  that  we  should  not  bring  up  this  matter  and  have  it  discussed 
upon  this  appropriation  bill.  I understand  that  the  foundation  on  which  this  prop- 
osition was  first  offered  was  that  there  wras  no  appropriation  to  continue  the  extension 
of  the  Capitol.  When  I first  rose,  the  honorable  Senator  from  Indiana,  [Mr.  Bright,] 
the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  was  not  in  his 
seat,  or  perhaps  I should  not  have  risen  at  all  to  say  anything;  but  I understand  that 
committee  is  prepared  or  expects  to  offer  an  amendment  to  this  appropriation  bill, 
for  the  expenditure  of  a certain  sum  of  money  towards  the  completion  of  the  Capitol 


755 


The  Extensions. 

building.  If  the  expenditure  is  to  go  on,  it  seems  to  me  we  want  an  architect  or 
somebody  to  take  charge  of  the  construction  of  the  Capitol. 

The  question  being  taken  by  yeas  and  nays,  resulted — yeas  15,  nays  34;  as  follows: 
* * * 

So  the  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  rejected. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  now  recurs  on  the  amendment  as  reported 
by  the  Senator  from  Georgia,  from  the  Committee  on  Finance. 

Mr.  Pearce.  Mr.  President,  I will  state  briefly  to’  the  Senate  why  this  amendment 
has  been  introduced.  This  art  commission,  as  it- is  called,  owes  its  establishment  to 
an  amendment  inserted  by  the  House  of  Representatives  in  an  appropriation  bill 
some  two  years  ago,  which  provided: 

That  none  of  this  appropriation  shall  be  expended  in  embellishing  any  part  of  the  Capitol  extension 
with  sculpture  or  paintings,  unless  the  designs  for  the  same  shall  have  undergone  the  examination 
of  a committee  of  distinguished  artists,  not  to  exceed  three  in  number,  to  be  selected  by  the  Presi- 
dent; and  that  the  designs  which  said  committee  shall  accept  shall  also  receive  the  subsequent 
approbation  of  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library  of  Congress,  &c. 

A similar  provision  was  introduced  into  the  appropriation  bill  last  year;  and  under 
that  authority,  such  as  it  was,  the  President  appointed  three  gentlemen  as  members 
of  this  art  commission.  One  of  them  is  quite  an  eminent  portrait  painter;  another 
is  an  eminent  landscape  painter;  and  the  third  is  a sculptor  of  decided  merit.  Mr. 
Lambdin,  Mr.  Kensett,  and  Mr.  Brown  are  the  three  gentlemen.  They  were 
appointed  about  a year  ago,  perhaps  a little  more.  They  have  been  sitting  from 
about  that  time  in  this  Capitol,  and  we  have  the  fruit  of  their  year’s  work  in  a little 
report  of  about  seven  pages;  some  two  or  three  pages  of  which  are  taken  up  in  criti- 
cising the  ornamentation  of  the  Capitol  as  far  as  it  has  gone,  and  the  sort  of  painting 
which  is  found  on  the  walls.  They  say  nothing,  I believe,  of  the  sculpture,  except 
to  indorse  the  merit  of  Crawford  and  Rogers,  while  disapproving  the  putting  of 
statues  in  the  pediments,  preferring  to  them  alto-relievo.  Another  portion  of  the 
report  is  taken  up  in  suggestions  in  regard  to  the  art  which  should  be  employed  in 
our  coinage.  There  is  more  than  half  a page  on  that  subject.  There  are  suggestions 
as  to  the  sort  of  subjects  which  should  be  the  themes  of  the  ornamentation 
designed  for  the  rooms  appropriated  to  the  Supreme  Court,  which  they  suggest, 
should  be  taken  from  our  judicial  history.  Then  there  is  a paragraph  or  two  on  the 
subject  of  pictures  in  the  dome,  which  are  to  be  of  one  sort  and  another.  They  say: 

In  the  dome  there  will  be  large  spaces  for  the  introduction  of  pictures,  which  may  be  devoted  to 
subjects  immediately  relating  to  the  discovery  of  the  country — the  embarkation  and  landing  of 
Columbus,  and  the  subsequent  discoveries  of  Ponce  de  Leon  and  De  Soto.  Under  the  great  cornice 
which  surrounds  the  rotunda  there  is,  in  the  plan  of  the  architect,  a frieze  in  bas  relief,  which  may 
embrace  the  idea  of  freedom,  civil  and  religious. 

In  the  rotunda,  below  this  frieze,  may  with  propriety  be  represented  the  colonial  history  of  the 
country,  followed  by  that  of  the  Revolution;  and  from  the  rotunda  towards  the  Halls  of  the  Senate 
and  the  House  of  Representatives,  such  other  successive  epochs  of  our  history  as  would  enable  a 
person  with  ordinary  intelligence  to  read  it  consecutively. 

Then  there  is  a suggestion  that  the  desks  of  the  Vice  President,  and  Speaker  of  the 
House,  should  be  ornamented  with  busts.  I presume  we  will  have  to  change  the 
arrangements  of  the  desks  for  that  purpose.  Then  there  are  some  general  sugges- 
tions in  regard  to  art.  Then  comes  the  subject  of  coinage.  Then  comes  a sugges- 
tion that  their  powers  and  duties  should  be  defined  a little  more  strictly,  which 
indeed  is  very  necesary;  for  all  that  the  act  has  done  has  been  to  provide  that  no 
paintings  or  sculptures  shall  be  set  up  in  the  Capitol  unless  they  were  approved  by 
a commission  of  artists,  and  subsequently  approved  by  the  Joint  Committee  on  the 
Library  of  Congress.  No  power  was  given  them;  no  salaries  are  provided  for  them; 
but  I understand  it  is  considered  reasonable  to  give  them  $3,000  a year  each  as 
salary.  I have  heard  a rumor  that  the  commissioners  wish  to  have  some  little 
bureau  equipments,  such  as  rooms,  messengers,  and  so  on;  but  nothing  is  said  of  this, 


75(3 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


I believe,  in  their  report.  These  commissioners  seem  to  have  adopted  a suggestion 
of  an  art  convention  which  was  held  in  this  city,  I believe,  in  which  they  say: 

The  advancement  of  art  in  the  United  States  may  be  most  surely  and  completely  attained  by  the 
establishment  of  an  art  commission,  composed  of  those  designated  by  the  united  voice  of  American 
artists  as  competent  to  the  office;  who  shall  be  accepted  as  the  exponents  of  the  authority  and  in- 
fluence of  American  art;  who  shall  be  the  channels  for  the  distribution  of  all  appropriations  to  be 
made  by  Congress  for  art  purposes,  and  who  shall  secure  to  artists  an  intelligent  and  unbiased  ad- 
judication  upon  the  designs  they  may  present  for  the  embellishment  of  the  national 'buildings. 

They  say  that  the  whole  scheme  of  ornamentation  of  the  Capitol  and  the  public 
buildings  and  grounds  is  rather  too  large  a one  for  them  to  make  any  presentment 
of  it  to  us  in  the  limits  of  this  brief  report,  which  I think  is  very  true;  but  they 
do  recommend  certain  estimates  of  appropriations.  They  think  it  is  high  time  to 
begin  to  appropriate  for  the  ornamentation  of  this  Capitol,  which  is  sufficiently 
advanced  to  admit  the  receiving  of  pictures  and  statues.  They  begin  very  moder- 
ately. They  recommend  an  appropriation  now  of  §166,900,  “for  pictures  to  till  four 
panels  in  each  of  the  Halls  of  Congress;  for  four  statues  for  Senate  retiring  room;  for 
two  statues  for  eastern  front  door  of  south  wing;  for  two  colossal  busts  for  Senate 
Chamber;  for  two  statues  for  House  of  Representatives;  for  painting  Speaker’s  room; 
for  painting  private  stairways  and  passages  behind  Speaker’s  chair;  for  painting  room 
east  of  Speaker’s  room;  for  painting  post  office  in  south  wing,”  &c.  I feel  bound  to 
say  that  their  estimate  of  prices  of  statues  and  paintings  seems  to  be  more  reasonable 
than  the  valuations  which  artists  usualy  put  upon  their  own  productions. 

Now,  sir,  that  is  the  product  of  a year’s  labor  of  these  commissioners,  for  which 
we  must  pay,  I suppose,  at  least  nine  thousand  dollars;  and  if  we  adopt  their  recom- 
mendations, which  the  committee,  I believe,  have  not  considered  at  all,  we  shall 
appropriate  §166,900  for  these  ornamentations.  There  seems  to  be  a sort  of  admis- 
sion that  American  art  is  not  quite  up  to  the  work;  but  they  say  it  will  lie  going  on 
a great  many  years,  and  by  and  by  native  talent  in  this  line  will  be  developed,  and 
we  shall  have  all  the  necessary  artistic  ability,  if  we  establish  this  system  of  adver- 
tising for  competition  which  they  suggest. 

I think  it  must  be  very  manifest  (for  I do  not  want  to  detain  the  Senate  by  any 
long  remarks)  that  we  are  not  ready  nowr  to  go  on  with  this  sort  of  ornamentation, 
and  that  we  really  have  nothing  for  these  gentlemen  to  do.  Accordingly,  they  are 
occupied,  for  the  most  part,  in  painting  or  sculpture,  according  to  their  several  voca- 
tions; one  at  portraits;  another  at  landscapes;  and  the  third  making  busts.  I take 
it,  that  has  been  the  great  part  of  the  business  which  has  occupied  them  for  the  last 
year;  and  it  must  be  evident  that  it  is  entirely  unnecessary  to  appoint  such  a com- 
mission at  this  time  as  a sort  of  permanent  council  of  art.  If  it  were  proposed  to 
have  a commission  of  artists  of  great  distinction  merely  to  recommend  a plan  of  orna- 
mentation, I do  not  know  that  I should  object  to  it;  but  I think  that  this  little  pro- 
duct for  one  year’s  labor  admonishes  us  that  it  is  scarcely  worth  while  to  continue 
this  art  commission,  which  was  got  up  in  a hurry,  and  forced  upon  the  Senate  by  the 
House  of  Representatives;  for  the  Senate  rejected  it,  and  it  was  only  upon  a com- 
mittee of  conference  it  was  forced  through.  I will  not  trouble  the  Senate  any  further. 

Mr.  Doolittle.  I should  like  to  inquire  of  the  honorable  Senator  from  Maryland 
whether  these  gentlemen  have  been  paid  anything  for  their  services? 

Mr.  Pearce.  Not  that  I know  of.  There  was  no  authority  to  pay  them.  There 
was  no  law  that  appropriated  any  salary,  and  there  has  been  no  appropriation.  They 
ought  to  be  paid,  undoubtedly.  We  brought  them  here;  and  if  there  was  a propo- 
sition for  paying  them  §3,000,  I would  be  very  willing  to  agree  to  it,  provided  this 
amendment  is  carried  with  it. 

Mr.  Doolittle.  I suggest,  if  any  such  proposition  as  this  is  to  go  upon  the  appropria- 
tion bill,  to  discharge  these  gentlemen,  and  put  an  end  to  the  offices,  it  would  be  but 
just,  it  seems  to  me,  that  we  should  pay  them  when  we  discharge  them.  The 
amendment  ought  to  be  accompanied  by  some  provision  for  paying  them  for  their 
services,  if  we  are  now  to  discharge  them. 


The  Extensions. 


757 


Mr.  Pearce.  I think  that  is  very  proper;  and  if  the  Senator  will  move  a separate 
amendment  appropriating  $3,000  to  the  members  of  the  art  commission  for  their  serv- 
ices during  the  time  they  were  on  that  commission,  I will  vote  for  it. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  Committee  on 
Finance. 

Mr.  Doolittle.  Then  I will  move  to  amend  the  amendment  which  is  offered,  by 
providing  for  the  payment  of  these  gentlemen  severally  the  sum  suggested  by  the 
Senator  from  Maryland — $3,000  each. 

Mr.  Davis.  What  ought  we  to  pay  them  for?  Was  there  any  salary  fixed? 

Mr.  Slidell.  I heard  something  of  the  creation  of  this  art  commission  at  the  time, 
and  was  always  given  to  understand  that  these  gentlemen  were  animated  by  a high 
sense  of  duty;  that  they  were  stimulated  only  by  a feeling  to  improve  the  arts  of  the 
country;  that  they  desired  to  have  an  opportunity  of  manifesting  their  taste;  that 
their  services  were  to  be  purely  gratuitous;  they  were  voluntary.  I imagine  each 
one  of  these  gentlemen  is  pursuing  his  peculiar  avocation  as  a sculptor  or  painter. 
One,  I believe,  is  a landscape  painter;  the  other,  perhaps,  a portrait  painter.  I do 
not  believe  that  their  time  has  been  at  all  occupied  in  this  matter  so  as  in  any  degree 
to  impose  upon  them  any  pecuniary  sacrifice.  Their  mission  was  a self-sought  one; 
not  imposed  upon  them  by  the  sense  of  the  community  at  all,  but  rendered  at  their 
earnest  instance.  Now,  these  gentlemen,  whose  ordinary  avocations  have  not  been 
at  all  interrupted  by  any  duties  they  may  have  performed  here,  come  and  ask  for 
$3,000  a piece  for  them. 

Mr.  Toombs.  That  is  not  in  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Slidell.  It  is  the  amendment  to  the  amendment  proposed  by  the  Senator 
from  Wisconsin.  They  ask  us,  in  fact,  for  the  concoction  of  a pamphlet,  which  has 
been  read  by  the  Senator  from  Maryland,  to  pay  them  $9,000. 

Mr.  Pearce.  I beg  leave  to  say  to  the  Senator  that  there  is  nothing  about  their  pay 
in  this  report. 

Mr.  Slidell.  I do  not  say  that;  but  it  is  now  proposed  to  give  them  $9,000. 

Mr.  Toombs.  That  amendment  is  not  in  order.  Where  does  it  come  from?  It  is 
adding  a new  appropriation,  and  is  contrary  to  the  rule.  The  amendment  of  the 
Senator  from  Wisconsin  is  certainly  out  of  order.  The  section  that  I propose  contains 
no  appropriation  whatever.  There  is  no  estimate  for  the  sum  contained  in  the  amend- 
ment to  the  amendment,  and  it  does  not  come  from  any  committee. 

Mr.  Doolittle.  I supposed  I was  offering  it  on  the  official  character  of  the  Sen- 
ator from  Maryland — from  the  Finance  Committee — as  he  suggested  that,  if  I would 
offer  that  amendment,  he  would  give  it  his  support  . 

Mr.  Toombs.  I object  to  it  as  out  of  order. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Chair  does  not  understand  such  a proposition  yet  to 
have  been  made.  It  was  a mere  suggestion  of  the  Senator  from  Wisconsin,  as  the 
Chair  understands  it. 

Mr.  Toombs.  I hope  we  will  take  the  question. 

The  Presidimg  Officer.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  reported  by  the  Sen- 
ator from  Georgia — by  the  Committee  on  Finance. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  June  11,  1860:  Congressional  Globe,  36—1,  p.  2829.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  Sundry 
Civil  bill  for  1861— 

Mr.  Bright.  I have  a further  amendment,  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings and  Grounds: 

For  converting  the  old  Senate  Chamber  into  a court  room,  the  old  court  room  into  a law  library, 
and  for  fitting  up  the  rooms  in  connection  with  them  for  the  use  of  the  Supreme  Court  and  its  officers, 
$45,000,  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 


Documentary  II! story  of  the  Capitol. 


758 

The  necessity  for  the  adoption  of  this  amendment  is  apparent,  I suppose,  to  most 
of  the  Senators  acquainted  with  the  situation  of  the  old  building.  I hope  there  will 
be  no  objection  to  it. 

Mr.  Polk.  I desire  to  ask  if  there  are  any  estimates  which  make  this  amount 
necessary?  It  seems  to  be  large. 

Mr.  Bright.  The  honorable  Senator  from  Mississippi  has  had  the  subject  more 
particularly  under  charge  than  1 have. 

Mr.  Davis.  It  was  estimated  for  last  year.  When  the  Senate  removed  from  the 
old  Chamber,  the  room  in  which  the  Supreme  Court  had  been  sitting  for  many  years 
being  dark,  the  judges  selected  the  Senate  Chamber,  and  they  very  much  preferred 
to  have  the  library  immediately  below  them,  with  a connection  by  a private  stair. 
The  amendment  which  is  offered  is  in  accordance  with  the  plan  and  estimate  that 
was  adopted  at  the  time,  and,  so  far  as  I know,  meets  the  views  of  all  the  members 
of  the  Supreme  Court.  Some  of  them  I have  conversed  with. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from 
Indiana. 

Mr.  II  ale.  I have  been  instructed  by  the  select  committee  which  was  appointed  to 
consider  the  plan  for  the  alteration  of  the  Senate  Chamber,  to  submit  the  proposition 
upon  which  they  agreed  as  an  amendment  to  this  bill;  and  if  the  Senate  adopt  the  plan 
which  lias  been  recommended  by  the  committee  for  the  alteration  of  this  Chamber, 
we  shall  want  some  place  to  sit  in  while  the  alterations  are  going  on;  and  probably 
we  shall  take  the  old  Senate  Chamber.  If  the  Senator  has  no  objection  to  letting  his 
amendment  lie  over  until  we  try  mine,  and  see  whether  it  will  be  adojited  or  not,  I 
think  it  would  be  better. 

Mr.  Bright.  Does  the  Senator  propose  offering  that  amendment  to  this  bill? 

Mr.  Hale.  Yes,  sir. 

Mr.  Bright.  Then  I withdraw  my  amendment.  I think  it  a matter  of  great  con- 
sequence to  settle  the  question  whether  we  shall  convert  the  old  Senate  Chamber  into 
a room  for  the  Supreme  Court.  It  is  a matter  that  the  officers  of  the  court  and  others 
connected  with  the  building  are  impatient  about.  I withdraw  my  amendment  for 
the  present. 

Mr.  Hale.  I am  instructed  by  the  select  committee,  to  whom  the  subject  was 
referred,  to  move  to  amend  the  bill  by  the  insertion  of  a new  section  in  these  words: 

And  be  it  farther  enacted.  That  the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  extension  be,  and  he  hereby  is, 
authorized  and  directed  to  alter  and  reconstruct  the  Senate  Chamber  in  the  north  extension  of  the 
Capitol,  in  conformity  with  the  report  and  plan  prepared  by  him,  marked  A,  and  signed  by  the  said 
superintendent  and  chairman  of  the  select  committee  appointed  for  the  purpose,  with  a view  to  its 
removal  to  the  northwest  corner  of  the  said  north  extension,  in  accordance  with  a resolution  of  the 
Senate  of  the  19th  day  of  March,  I860,  and  that  there  be,  and  hereby  is,  appropriated,  out  of  any 
money  in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated,  the  sum  of  $200,000,  for  the  purpose  of  carrying 
this  act  into  effect:  Provided , That  all  iron  work  required  to  carry  out  the  provisions  of  this  act  shall 
be  purchased,  after  due  public  advertisement,  by  contract  with  the  lowest  bidder. 

Mr.  Davis.  As  I heard  the  amendment,  it  would  seem  to  imply  that  this  was  a 
plan  approved  by  the  superintendent  of  the  building.  Do  I understand  it  to  be  so 
asserted? 

Mr.  Hale.  I will  state  the  facts.  We  did  not  ask  him  whether  he  approved  it  or 
not.  The  committee  met  and  heard  various  plans  suggested,  and  various  suggestions 
wen'  made  by  the  different  members  of  the  committee,  and  the  superintendent  was 
then  instructed  to  prepare  a plan  in  accordance  with  these  suggestions.  The  plan 
was  prepared  by  the  superintendent  and  submitted  to  us,  and  has  been  here  several 
days  in  the  Senate  Chamber.  I do  not  think  that  the  amendment  reads  that  it  was 
approved  by  him,  because  we  did  not  ask  him,  whether,  as  a matter  of  judgment, 
he  approved  of  the  thing  or  not.  He  waited  upon  us  very  courteously,  and  listened 
to  all  our  suggestions,  acting  substantially  under  the  directions  of  the  committee. 

Mr.  Davis.  That  is  to  say,  the  superintendent  prepared  a plan  and  estimate  in 


The  Extensions. 


759 


accordance  with  the  directions  of  the  committee.  Of  course  he  would  do  that;  but 
I did  not  suppose  anybody  ever  competent  to  be  superintendent  of  the  construction 
of  such  a building  as  this  could  have  approved  of  the  removal  of  the  Senate  Chamber 
into  the  wing.  The  great  object  has  been  to  separate  the  Senate  Chamber  from 
exterior  noise,  and  to  relieve  the  deliberations  of  the  body  from  any  confusion 
which  might  be  outside  of  the  Capitol.  All  the  heating  and  ventilation  have  been 
directed  towards  the  present  location  of  the  Chamber.  To  remove  it  now  into  a 
wing,  a room  which  cannot  be  made  exactly  suited  to  the  purpose,  which  never  can 
be  brought  to  compare  favorably  at  all  with  the  one  in  which  we  are  now  sitting, 
seems  to  me  to  be  an  idiosyncrasy  on  the  part  of  the  Senator  from  New  Hampshire, 
who  insists  on  having  a window  which  connects  him  with  the  open  air.  We  all 
know  the  advantage  of  having  the  Senator  all  the  time  in  the  Chamber;  but  if  he 
must  be  in  the  open  air,  it  would  be  even  better  for  the  rest  of  us  that  he  should 
occasionally  go  out,  than  that  we  should  all  be  removed  from  a Chamber  so  admi- 
rably adapted  to  the  purposes  for  which  it  was  constructed,  in  order  to  bring  the 
Senator  from  New  Hampshire  contiguous  to  a window.  There  may  be  defects 
in  the  ventilation  of  the  room;  I have  not  perceived  them.  It  is  a very  small  mat- 
ter to  correct  those  defects  compared  with  the  construction  of  a new  Chamber  and 
the  abandonment  of  one  like  this,  which  must  attract  the  admiration  of  every  one 
who  sees  it,  and  which,  in  its  acoustic  effects,  is  as  perfect  as  any  room  of  the  size  I 
ever  saw7.  I hope  the  Senate  w'ill  not  entertain  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Hale.  I did  not  hear  everything  that  the  Senator  from  Mississippi  said;  but 
so  far  as  he  speaks  of  this  Chamber  being  a matter  for  admiration,  that  is  a question 
of  opinion  or  taste,  and  I wil  1 not  dispute  about  that.  I am  sorry  that  I do  not  see 
upon  the  floor,  at  the  present  time,  my  colleagues  on  the  committee;  but  I will  venture 
to  suggest  a single  remark  that  was  made  by  one  of  them,  the  Senator  from  South 
Carolina,  [Mr.  Hammond,]  who  is  not  now  in  his  seat;  whose  opinion  wras  that  the 
arrangement  here  v7as  so  bad  and  so  unnatural,  having  heat  come  upon  the  head  and 
cold  upon  the  feet,  that  of  the  new7  Senators  sworn  in  on  the  4th  of  March  1859,  if 
they  were  subjected  to  this  room  for  six  years,  very  few7  of  them  would  be  alive  at 
the  end  of  their  term.  I think  myself,  with  all  respect,  and  meaning  to  offend  the 
feelings  of  nobody,  that  the  S'enate  Chamber  is  an  utter  failure.  That  is  my  humble 
opinion,  and  I think  in  that  I am  confirmed  by  the  opinion  of  the  associates  with 
me  on  the  committee.  After  we  have  had  various  consultations,  and  made  sugges- 
tions, and  the  plan  wras  reported  which  is  now7  hung  up  on  the  side  of  the  Senate 
Chamber,  Captain  Franklin,  the  present  superintendent  of  the  construction,  produced 
to  us  the- old  plan  upon  which  the  Senate  Chamber  wras  originally  begun  before  the 
alteration,  and  I think  anybody  who  will  look  at  it  will  say  that  the  plan  now  sub- 
mitted by  Captain  Franklin  under  the  direction  of  the  committee,  is  substantially  the 
plan  that  w7as  then  agreed  upon.  It  takes  in  tlie  north  windows,  six  of  them  I think, 
carries  the  President’s  chair  back  to  the  wall,  and  takes  in  three  or  four  windows 
upon  the  west  end.  This  plan  does  another  thing,  which,  I think,  will  commend  it 
to  the  consideration  and  judgment  of  most  members  of  the  Senate.  It  reduces  the 
galleries  at  least  one  half.  The  present  galleries  are  intended  to  accommodate  about 
a thousand  persons,  and  undei;  the  plan  now7  submitted  by  the  committee,  the 
galleries  will  accommodate  about  four  hundred.  In  that  respect  it  conforms  to  the 
decided  view  of  every  member  of  the  committee,  and  makes  a Chamber  better  suited 
to  the  purposes  of  such  an  assembly  as  the  Senate  is  or  ought  to  be — vastly  superior 
to  the  one  we  are  now  in. 

I think,  Mr.  President,  that  this  is  a very  important  question.  I think  the  present 
arrangement  is  bad  and  unhealthy,  and  that  this  mode  of  supplying  air,  pumped  up 
from  the  basement  by  steam  engines,  is  not  any  improvement  upon  that  which  was 
devised  by  Providence,  years  before  the  mechanical  purposes  of  steam  were  dis- 
covered by  man.  I think  we  had  better  take  air  as  it  comes  to  us  from  the  God  of 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


760 

nature  and  of  heaven,  if  we  can  get  it,  rather  than  to  submit  it  to  such  a circuitous 
way  as  that  in  which  it  now  comes  to  us. 

I do  not  make  these  remarks  with  a disposition  to  find  fault,  or  to  throw  ridicule 
upon  anybody  or  anything;  but  these  are  my  opinions.  I think  the  Senator  from 
Mississippi  meant  to  be  a little  witty  on  me,  but  .1  do  not  know  what  it  was.  If  I 
had  heard  what  he  said,  I should  have  endeavored  to  answer  it  as  well  as  I could. 
I do  not  know  that  I could  make  much  out  of  it — probably  not. 

These  are  the  views  which  I entertain,  and  the  views  of  the  committee  that  had 
the  subject  under  consideration  with  me.  They  are  unanimous  in  the  opinion  that 
moving  the  Chamber  to  the  northwest  corner,  according  to  the  plan  before  us,  and 
taking  the  light  and  the  air  from  the  windows,  will  be  a very  great  improvement. 
As  to  the  matter  of  noise,  we  should  be  just  as  free  from  it  as  we  are  now,  and 
more  so.  The  yard  will  probably  lie  extended,  so  that  the  building  will  be  in  the 
center  of  the  inclosure,  and  we  shall  be  as  free  from  the  noise  of  the  street  as  we  are 
in  this  room.  I do  not  wish  to  dwell  on  this  subject.  The  Senate  have  the  plan 
before  them,  and.  can  see  it  and  know  what  it  is.  I am  content  to  abide  by  their 
judgment. 

Mr.  Doolittle.  Mr.  President,  I fear  that  my  honorable  friend  from  New  Hamp- 
shire, in  introducing  this  proposition,  has  touched  upon  a question  on  which  the 
members  of  the  Senate  will  be  exceedingly  sensitive  before  the  matter  is  fully 
decided.  We  may  differ  very  much  in  our  views  in  relation  to  the  improvement  of 
the  Senate  Chamber  whenever  we  come  to  act  upon  that  question.  Whether  the 
Senate  Chamber  should  be  extended  out  to  the  outside  air  on  the  north,  and  upon 
the  west,  or  whether,  for  the  purpose  of  getting  some  outside  air,  and  outside  light, 
windows  should  be  put  over  the  doors  and  niches,  and  the  ceiling  raised  some  ten 
or  twelve  feet  without  destroying  the  roof,  and  with,  perhaps,  a tithe  of  the  expense 
of  taking  out  all  the  interior  arrangements,  and  carrying  the  Senate  Chamber  out  on 
the  north  and  west,  is  a very  serious  question ; and  coming  up  on  this  appropriation  bill 
in  this  way,  will  lead  to  very  long  discussion  before  it  can  be  determined  by  the  Sen- 
ate, in  my  judgment,  and  acted  upon  understandingly.  This  subject  has  been  called 
to  my  attention  by  the  presentation  of  altogether  a different  plan  for  the  improve- 
ment of  the  Senate  Chamber,  accompanied  by  a memorial,  which,  perhaps,  I ought 
to  have  presented  to  the  Senate  before,  bearing  on  this  question — a memorial  of 
Mr.  Anderson,  the  same  person  whose  plan  it  seems  you  have  taken  in  reference  to 
the  jail  of  the  city.  I do  not  propose  to  discuss  the  question  at  this  hour  of  the  day; 
but  this  is  an  important  matter,  as  to  the  improvement  of  the  Senate  Chamber;  and  it 
certainly  will  cost  a quarter  of  a million  of  dollars  to  make  the  alteration  of  which  the 
Senator  speaks;  and  without  passing  my  judgment  upon  the  propriety  of  any  altera- 
tion at  all,  or  what  alteration  would  be  best,  I am  opposed  to  putting  an  amendment 
now  on  this  appropriation  bill  for  any  alteration. 

The  Presiding  Officer  put  the  question  on  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Hale;  and  there 
were  nine  ayes. 

Mr.  Hale.  I call  for  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  not  ordered. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  amendment  is  rejected. 

Mr.  Bright.  I now  offer  the  amendment  which  I withdrew  to  enable  the  Senator 
from  New  Hampshire  to  offer  his: 

For  converting  the  old  Senate  Chamber  into  a court-room,  the  old  court-room  into  a law  library, 
and  for  fitting  up  the  rooms  in  connection  with  them  for  the  use  of  the  Supreme  Court  and  its  officers, 
$45,000;  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 

The  question  being  put,  there  were — ayes  15,  noes  12. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Tennessee.  There  is  no  quorum  voting. 

_ Mr.  Toombs.  Let  us  have  a new  division ; there  are  plenty  of  Senators  around. 

Mr.  Bright.  I ought  to  have  stated,  perhaps,  that  the  appropriation  is  asked  for  by 


The  Extensions. 


761 


those  who  are  deeply  interested  in  the  benefit  that  will  result  from  it — the  court  and 
its  officers;  and  I had  thought  there  was  a general  feeling  in  favor  of  the  improve- 
ment proposed.  I ought  to  have  stated,  when  I was  up  before,  too,  that  the  estimate 
is  from  the  superintendent,  and  all  the  plans  and  specifications  are  in  the  room  of 
the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  and  the  improvement  is  recommended  because 
it  is  believed  the  public  interest  and  public  convenience  require  it. 

Mr.  Clark.  I hope  the  question  will  be  taken  over  again.  I am  confident  some 
Senators  have  since  come  in. 

Mr.  Bragg.  I wish  to  say  one  word.  I voted  against  this  amendment  and  I shall 
vote  against  it  again.  I look  upon  this  appropriation  as  a most  unreasonable  and 
extravagant  one.  I am  willing  to  vote  for  a reasonable  amount  to  fit  up  the  old 
Senate  Chamber  for  the  Supreme  Court  room ; but  we  are  censured  from  one  end  of 
the  country  to  the  other  for  extravagance  in  our  appropriations  here  for  public  build- 
ings. I know  nothing  about  the  details  of  this  appropriation;  but  the  idea  of  appro- 
priating 145,000  to  fit  up  that  room  for  the  Supreme  Court,  is  one  that  strikes  me  as 
enormous  in  its  character,  and  which  the  Senate  ought  not  to  entertain. 

Mr.  Davis.  I will  not  undertake  to  revise  the  estimate;  but  I think  there  is  an 
error  in  supposing  it  is  all  for  one  room.  There  is  a good  deal  of  expense  in  that 
room  to  connect  it  with  the  room  below;  and  the  rooms  on  the  same  floor,  which 
formerly  constituted  the  rooms  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Senate  and  his  clerks,  are  to 
he  turned  over  to  the  Supreme  Court.  The  fitting  up  of  the  library  below  and  the 
rooms  on  the  same  floor  for  the  clerk  and  other  officers  of  the  court,  a conference 
room,  &c.,  together  with  the  expense  of  the  old  Senate  Chamber,  form  the  basis 
of  the  estimate.  I cannot  say  whether  the  estimate  is  too  liberal  or  not. 

Mr.  Pugh.  This  matter  was  before  the  Committee  on  the  Judiciary  at  the  last  ses- 
sion. We  examined  the  estimate,  and  I think  we  reduced  it  to  a very  low  figure — 
perhaps  to  the  amount  now  proposed.  It  is  certainly  a shame  that  the  Supreme 
Court  of  the  United  States  has  to  hold  its  sessions  in  the  cellar,  for  that  is  about  the 
amount  of  it.  There  is  no  room  more  appropriate  than  that  which  the  Senate  has 
lately  vacated,  and  with  the  adjacent  rooms  for  the  law  library  and  the  clerk,  it  will 
be  very  convenient  to  the  Senators  who  have  frequently  business  in  the  court,  in  the 
clerk’s  office,  and  in  the  library.  I hope,  therefore,  that  this  amendment,  which 
passed  the  Senate  almost  unanimously  at  the  last  session,  will  now  be  added  to  the 
bill.  The  House  of  Representatives  threw  it  out  last  year;  but  I hope  the  House 
will  have  better  sense  this.  I trust  the  amendment  will  be  adopted. 

The  Presiding  Officer  again  put  the  question  on  the  amendment;  and  announced 
the  result  to  be — ayes  17,  noes  16. 

Several  Senators.  There  is  not  a quorum  voting. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  There  are  but  sixty-five  Senators,  and  thirty-three  is  a 
majority  of  that  number. 

Mr.  Hamlin  and  Mr.  Hale.  There  are  sixty-six  Senators. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  But  there  is  one  vacancy. 

Mr.  Hamlin.  But  it  takes  a majority  of  a full  Senate  to  make  a quorum.  You 
have  to  count  the  whole  number  of  the  Senators  that  there  would  be  if  the  Senate 
was  full.  That  is  the  rule.  Thirty-four  is  a quorum,  and  nothing  less. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Chair  did  not  vote.  The  Chair  will  decide  it  by  voting 
in  the  affirmative.  That  makes  a quorum. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Arkansas.  Allow  us  to  call  the  yeas  and  nays,  if  you  please,  before 
you  do  it.  That  is  taking  a judgment  on  us  rather  too  early.  I suggest  to  the  Chair 
that,  before  deciding  the  question,  he  allow  us  to  call  for  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  Does  the  Senator  from  Arkansas  call  for  the  yeas  and  nays? 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Arkansas.  Yes,  sir;  because  1 do  not  believe  it  is  right. 


762  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Chair  will  put  the  question  on  seconding  the  call  for 
the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

Mr.  Polk.  I am  in  favor  of  fitting  up  this  room  for  the  Supreme  Court,  but  I can- 
not vote  to  appropriate  this  amount  for  the  purpose. 

Mr.  Kennedy.  I desire  to  say,  without  detaining  the  Senate,  that  I am  in  favor  of 
fitting  up  these  rooms  in  very  handsome  style,  to  accommodate  the  Supreme  Court; 
but,  for  the  life  of  me,  I do  not  see  how  it  will  take  $45,000  to  do  it. 

Mr.  Pugh.  Will  the  Senator  allow  me  to  state  to  him  that  the  old  building  was 
made  on  a particular  plan,  which  requires  an  alteration  of  the  walls? 

Mr.  Kennedy.  I do  not  desire  to  discuss  it. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Arkansas.  I do  not  believe  it  ought  to  take  $45,000.  It  seems  to 
me  that  the  room  which  was  good  enough  for  the  Senate,  is  good  enough  for  the 
Supreme  Court;  nor  do  I appreciate  the  declaration  which  we  have  heard  here  from 
a Senator  on  the  floor,  that  the  rooms  around  the  Senate  Chamber  must  be  made 
better.  It  seems  to  me  that  that  which  did  for  the  Vice  President  and  the  services 
of  the  Senate,  ought  to  be  quite  good  enough  for  the  Supreme  Court.  I do  not 
believe  this  amount  ought  to  be  voted. 

Mr.  Hale.  1 move  to  amend  the  amendment,  by  striking  out  the  word  “forty  ” 
before  the  word  ‘ 1 five.  ’ ’ 

Mr.  Bright.  Senators  seem  to  be  laboring  under  the  impression  that  nothing  but 
the  old  Senate  Chamber  is  to  be  improved  by  the  money  appropriated  here.  Such 
is  not  the  fact.  The  entire  rooms  below  are  to  be  changed.  There  is  to  be  a library 
room,  and  rooms  for  the  clerk  and  other  officers  of  the  court,  below.  Then  the 
Senate  Chamber  is  to  be  converted  into  a room  for  the  sessions  of  the  Supreme 
Court,  and  the  rooms  adjoining  into  consultation  rooms  for  the  judges,  with  some 
other  rooms  for  their  convenience.  I did  not  say  that  I knew  the  sum  proposed 
was  more  than  sufficient;  but  I have  relied  entirely  upon  estimates  made  by  the 
Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings.  I suppose  that  he  made  an  honest  estimate; 
that  he  estimated  for  no  more  than  he  thought  sufficient  to  put  all  the  rooms — not 
one,  but  there  are  perhaps  ten — in  a convenient  condition  for  the  court  and  their 
officers  to  occupy.  If  Senators  think  the  sum  too  large,  I do  not  wish  to  be  a party 
to  an  appropriation  that  could  be  considered  extravagant;  and  if  Senators  on  their 
own  knowledge  can  say  that  a smaller  sum  will  answer,  I will  vote  for  the  smaller 
sum;  but  I think  the  work  ought  to  be  done;  the  change  ought  to  be  made  soon. 

Mr.  Mallory.  I have  no  doubt  the  estimate  is  a correct  one.  It  is  impossible  for 
the  Senate  to  say  that  it  is  not.  It  has  been  confided  to  careful  hands,  and  no 
doubt  the  estimate  is  correct,  and  the  money  will  all  be  expended  if  the  appropri- 
ation be  made;  but  I shall  vote  against  the  amendment,  not  because  I am  adverse  to 
fitting  up  the  Supreme  Court  room  properly— and  this  sum  of  money  would 
undoubtedly  build  a separate  building  for  them — but  because  I would  vote  to-mor- 
row to  return  to  the  old  Senate  Chamber;  and  I hope  to  see  the  day  when  we  shall 
do  so. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from 
New  Hampshire,  to  reduce  the  appropriation  from  $45,000  to  $5,000. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Arkansas,  called  for  the  yeas  and  nays,  and  they  were  ordered. 

Mr.  Clingman.  I desire  to  say  that  I shall  vote  against  this  proposition,  because  I 
wish  to  fix  the  sum  at  $20,000. 

The  question  being  taken  by  yeas  and  nays,  resulted — yeas  11,  nays  27;  as  follows: 

So  the  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  rejected. 

Mr.  Clingman.  I move  to  strike  out  $45,000,  and  insert  $20,000.  I think  the 
vyork  can  perhaps  be  done  in  a comfortable  style  for  that  sum,  though,  to  be  sure,  it 
is  a mere  guess  of  mine.  The  Senate  does  not  seem  to  like  a larger  sum. 


The  Extensions. 


763 


Mr.  Kennedy.  Is  it  in  order  to  amend  the  motion  of  the  Senator  from  North 
Carolina? 

The  Presiding  Officer.  No,  sir. 

Mr.  Clingman.  I will  name  $25,000,  at  the  suggestion  of  Senators. 

Mr.  Bright.  I shall  not  wrestle  with  what  I consider  to  be  a settled  opinion  of  the 
Senate.  I believe  there  is  a majority  against  appropriating  a larger  sum;  and  I will 
accept  the  proposition  of  the  Senator  from  North  Carolina  to  fix  the  sum  at  $25,000, 
but  adding  a proviso  that  that  amount  shall  finish  it;  for  I do  not  believe  in  first 
refusing  a large  sum  and  giving  a smaller  one  in  order  to  commence  a work,  and 
afterwards  appropriating  the  full  amount.  1 hope  there  will  be  no  objection  to  my 
amendment  as  I have  now  modified  it. 

Mr.  Bragg.  I wish  to  ask  the  honorable  Senator  from  North  Carolina  whether  there 
is  anything  in  the  amendment  which  refers  to  the  plan.  If  I understand  the  matter, 
the  plan,  which  is  now  before,  me,  is  furnished  as  the  basis  upon  which  the  com- 
mittee have  proposed  that  this  amount  be  appropriated.  It  proposes  a change  in 
that  whole  portion  of  the  old  building;  and  if  1 understand  the  Senator  and  those 
who  favor  this  amendment,  this  $45,000  is  but  a beginning  in  the  way  of  expense 
which  this  plan  will  require  to  be  carried  out;  and  I should  like  to  inquire  whether 
the  estimate  of  Captain  Meigs  does  not  require  a much  larger  sum  to  carry  out  the 
plan  which  is  now  exhibited  to  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Bright.  I will  say,  that  if  I supposed  it  would  take  more  than  $45,000, 1 should 
not  have  offered  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Bragg.  I want  to  know  if  the  estimate  is  not  for  a larger  amount? 

Mr.  Bright.  Not  to  my  knowledge.  Forty-five  thousand  dollars  was  to  finish  it, 
as  I understood. 

Mr.  Davis.  The  estimate  was  to  complete  it;  and  while  I am  up,  I will  add  that 
the  amount  which  it  will  require  will  depend  more  or  less  on  the  style  adopted.  You 
could  make  a pine  table  for  one-twentieth  the  cost  of  the  mahogany  desk  on  which 
the  Senator  writes.  How  far  the  expense  may  be  reduced  by  reducing  the  style,  I 
am  not  prepared  to  say. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  I desire  to  make  an  inquiry  of  the  Senator  from  Louisiana  to  know 
why  this  is  to  be  done  under  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings.  It  seems  to  me 
that  this  work,  to  be  in  harmony,  should  be  under  the  same  supervision  as  the  entire 
Capitol.  I understand  from  a remark  of  the  Senator  from  North  Carolina,  that  this 
is  a proposition  which  will  change  the  whole  structure  of  that  part  of  the  building. 
If  that  is  so,  it  certainly  ought  not  to  be  done,  unless  by  the  direction  of  the  super- 
intendent of  the  building.  This  appropriation,  I understand,  is  to  be  expended 
under  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  who  does  not  have  charge  of  the  Capi- 
tol. If  I am  correct  in  that,  I think  the  officer  should  be  changed. 

Mr.  Bright.  I ask  the  Secretary  to  read  my  amendment  as  it  now  stands. 

The  Secretary  read  it,  as  follows: 

For  converting  the  old  Senate  Chamber  into  a court-room,  the  old  court-room  into  a law  library, 
and  lor  fitting  up  the  rooms  in  connection  with  them  for  the  use  of  the  Supreme  Court  and  its  officers, 
$25,000:  Provided,  The  work  can  be  finished  for  that  sum,  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the 
Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 

Mr.  Bright.  Does  the  Senator  from  Illinois  desire  to  change  the  person  who  shall 
have  charge  of  the  work? 

Mr.  Trumbull.  It  was  to  that  that  I called  attention.  I know  nothing  about  the 
individuals  at  all ; but  I understand  the  Capitol  is  not  under  the  supervision  of  the 
Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  but  under  another  officer.  If  I am 
correct  in  that,  I think  this  alteration  should  be  made  under  the  direction  of  the 
officer  who  has  charge  of  the  building. 

Mr.  Bright.  I will  remark  that  the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  extension,  as  he 
is  called,  has  never  had  charge  of  the  old  building,  but  only  of  the  new  wings.  If 


764 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Senators  are  dissatisfied  with  the  officer  who  is  to  expend  the  money  or  supervise 
the  work,  let  them  substitute  another  person.  It  is  a mere  point  of  delicacy. 

Mr.  Davis.  The  Senator  from  Illinois  misapprehends  the  fact.  To  carry  out  his 
idea  would  be  to  displace  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  from  what  lie  has 
always  had  control  of. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  I do  not  desire  to  do  that.  I was  acting  on  the  supposition  that  the 
superintendent  had  charge  of  the  wdiole. 

Mr.  Davis.  He  is  only  superintendent  of  the  extension.  The  old  building,  like  all 
the  other  public  buildings  here,  remains  in  charge  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public 
Buildings. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  I thought,  from  the  remark  of  the  Senator  from  North  Carolina, 
that  there  was  a change  in  that  respect,  and  l was  opposed  to  that. 

Mr.  Mason.  1 think  we  are  somewhat  in  the  condition  known  to  many  of  us  who 
have  had  the  misfortune  to  build  a new  house.  The  difficulty  is  to  know  what  to  do 
with  the  old  one.  I do  not  know  that  there  are  any  objections  taken  to  the  present 
room  for  the  Supreme  Court.  So  far  as  my  experience  has  gone,  it  is  a room  very 
well  adapted  to  them.  It  was  constructed  as  a court-room.  It  is  one  in  which  the 
bar  is  heard  by  the  court,  and  the  court  is  heard  by  the  bar.  There  is  abundant 
room  there  to  transact  the  business.  I see  no  reason  whjr  it  should  be  changed.  I 
know  of  no  reason  except  that,  having  built  a new  house  ourselves,  there  are  rooms 
unappropriated  in  the  old  wing  of  the  Capitol.  I am  against  the  whole  proposition 
in  any  form.  I am  not  aware  that  any  complaints  are  made  of  the  room  in  which 
the  law  library  is  kept  now,  and  I see  no  reason  for  any  change. 

Mr.  Bayard.  At  the  last  session  of  Congress,  the  plan  submitted  came  before  the 
Committee  on  the  Judiciary.  It  was  made  at  the  suggestion  of  the  Supreme  Court 
for  their  accommodation.  But  further  than  that,  the  data  were  before  us  which 
showed  that  the  present  law  library  room  was  entirely  inadequate,  in  point  of  size, 
for  the  books  it  contained,  and  the  books  that  must  necessarily  go  to  increase  it. 
The  rearrangement  was  absolutely  necessary  in  regard  to  the  library.  As  it  is  now, 
the  books  cannot  lie  kept  in  the  order  in  which  they  can  be  got  at  with  convenience, 
in  the  present  limited  accommodations  of  the  library.  The  proposed  arrangement 
was  devised  under  the  superintendence  and  advice  of  the  judges  of  the  Supreme 
Court.  It  was  afterwards  cut  down,  on  suggestions  from  the  committee,  by  the 
superintendent  of  the  building,  through  the  agency  of  the  architect,  and  brought 
down  to  the  low;est  point  at  which  the  estimate  could  be  made.  I have  not  had  time 
to  examine  the  debate  of  the  last  session,  but  my  recollection  is  that  the  Senate 
passed  the  amendment  as  the  Judiciary  Committee  then  recommended  it,  and  that 
it  was  rejected  in  the  other  House.  But  that  the  accommodation  is  requisite,  that  it 
is  a matter  of  public  necessity  that  we  ought  to  make  provision  for  the  proper  accom- 
modation of  the  Supreme  Court,  and  that  it  is  absolutely  necessary  that  further  pro- 
vision should  be  made  for  the  law'  library,  I have  no  doubt  whatever,  on  the  evi- 
dence before  me  at  the  last  session;  and  I do  not  suppose  that  the  necessity  for 
increased  accommodation  has  ceased  or  grown  less  since.  I have  no  doubt  that  these 
proper  changes  should  be  made.  It  is  not,  I think,  as  the  Senator  from  Virginia 
supposes,  because  we  have  the  old  building  unoccupied,  that  we  are,  therefore,  dis- 
posed to  make  the  change.  It  has  always  been  understood  that  the  old  room  of  the 
Supreme  Court  was  not  a convenient  room  for  the  purposes  of  the  court.  It  will 
make  an  admirable  library,  and  will  afford  a consultation  room  for  the  judges.  As 
matters  now  stand,  the  judges  are  obliged  to  have  a consultation  room  outside  of  the 
Capitol.  I cannot  recollect  all  the  matters  of  convenience  connected  with  it  now; 
but  I am  perfectly  sure  that  if  this  plan  is  the  same  which  was  presented  at  the  last 
session,  it  is  one  which  the  public  interests  require;  one  wffiich  the  Senate  then 
endorsed,  and  one  that  I think  ought  to  be  passed  now. 

Mr.  Toombs.  I think  we  can  take  the  question.  We  have  been  discussing  it  for 


The  Extensions. 


765 


an  hour  and  a half;  but  some  of  the  gentlemen  that  have  been  out  do  not  seem  to 
know  it.  I hope  the  Senate  will  take  the  question  as  to  whether  they  will  now  vote 
$25,000  for  this  purpose.  We  have  spent  an  hour  and  a half  on  it. 

Mr.  Johnson,  of  Arkansas.  I presume,  if  we  are  tired  of  this  debate,  we  can 
adjourn;  but  if  we  are  to  proceed  further  with  this  matter,  we  ought  to  have  an 
understanding  about  it.  The  suggestion  of  the  Senator  from  North  Carolina  strikes 
me,  and  is,  I think,  deserving  of  the  attention  of  the  Senate;  and  that  is  the  fact  that, 
under  this  arrangement,  the  whole  interior  structure  is  to  be  changed.  We  know  the 
value  of  estimates.  They  generally  mean  one  half  or  one  fourth  of  what  the  work 
is  to  cost.  The  interior  structure  of  this  building  is  to  be  materially  changed,  and 
$45,000  is  the  amount  proposed,  and  the  amount  of  $25,000  I will  not  vote  for.  If  I 
voted  against  reducing  the  amount  to  $5,000,  it  was  because  I thought  it  was  so 
entirely  below  possibility  that  it  would  not  have  begun  the  work.  With  $25,000, 
though,  they  will  begin  to  change  the  structure  of  the  whole  Capitol,  and  whenever 
they  have  commenced  it,  it  will  be  like  the  rest  of  the  appropriations;  the  argument 
will  be  that  we  must  go  on  and  finish  it.  It  seems  to  me  that  the  building,  which 
was  good  enough  for  the  Senate  of  the  United  States  from  the  erection  of  the  Capitol 
until  last  year,  is  good  enough  for  the  nine  men  who  constitute  the  Supreme  Court  of 
the  United  States.  I see  no  reason  why  the  whole  interior  of  that  building  should 
now  be  required  to  be  reconstructed,  torn  away  and  then  built  up  again,  and  the 
Government  of  the  United  States  embarked  in  an  expenditure,  the  end  of  which  we 
do  not  and  cannot  foresee.  If  we  take  the  example  of  other  appropriations  that 
have  been  made  heretofore  upon  estimates,  the  estimates  have  never  been  worth 
anything  to  us.  Forty-five  thousand  dollars  is  the  first  proposition,  and  $45,000  will 
be  the  second,  and  $45,000  in  all  probability  will  be  the  third,  and  then  we  shall 
have  to  furnish  the  rooms.  When  you  commence  this  appropriation,  there  is  no 
telling  what  will  be  the  end  of  it.  The  Senator  from  North  Carolina  has  submitted 
the  plan,  and  this  amendment  is  to  be  passed  with  reference  to  that  plan.  There 
was  scarcely  one  of  us  who  knew,  at  the  time  the  proposition  was  first  moved,  that  it 
embraced  a plan  for  tearing  away  and  reconstructing.  That  was  not  explained  to 
the  body  at  the  time  the  proposition  was  made.  I heard  nothing  of  it  until  the 
Senator  from  North  Carolina  produced  the  plan  and  spoke  of  it. 

Now,  it  is  advocated  on  the  ground  that  the  present  Supreme  Court  room  is  not  a 
good  room,  and  furthermore  that  it  is  a shame  that  the  court  should  be  placed  in  the 
cellar.  It  has  never  been  a shame  to  the  Supreme  Court,  thus  far  in  the  history  of 
the  Government,  that  they  have  sat  in  that  room;  and  I discover  one  thing  very 
distinctly,  that  the  force  and  effect  of  their  opinions  is  not  so  much  reverenced  now 
that  there  should  be  any  objection  on  account  of  the  place  where  they  sit.  Their 
opinions  are  not  accepted  altogether  as  a proper  exposition  of  the  Constitution  of  the 
United  States.  I do  not  know  that  better,  or  sounder,  or  purer  decisions  will  be 
given  by  taking  them  up  to  the  old  Senate  Chamber,  and  reconstructing  the  whole 
of  that  part  of  the  Capitol  at  an  expense  which  none  of  us  can  foresee.  I believe 
that  the  old  Chamber  as  it  is  is  amply  sufficient  for  them;  and  if  it  was  good  enough 
for  the  Senate,  it  ought  to  be  for  them.  I believe  the  old  room  which  was  occupied 
by  the  Vice  President  of  the  United  States  for  so  many  years  will  very  well  answer 
the  Supreme  Court  for  the  purpose  of  consultation,  or  they  can  very  well  go  to  their 
own  rooms  for  consultation,  as  they  have  hitherto  done,  rather  than  involve  an 
immense  expense  here  in  providing  rooms  for  them. 

I thought,  in  the  first  instance,  that  I would  vote  for  some  amount  to  furnish  the 
rooms;  but  I now  find  that  this  plan  involves  the  reconstruction  of  the  whole 
building.  We  are  to  tear  out  the  interior,  and  then  put  in  a new  interior,  at  an 
expense  of  which  the  first  estimate  only  is  now  furnished  to  us;  and  I never  saw  a 
first  estimate  that  was  not  afterwards  doubled  upon.  I do  not  see  the  propriety  of 
our  going  into  it.  I think  the  cost  is  entirely  too  great.  I would  not  vote  to  start 


.Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


766 


with  $25,000;  for  if  we  start  with  $25,000,  it  will  be  no  use  to  say  that  $25,000  is  all. 
Forty-five 'thousand  dollars,  we  see,  is  the  amount  now  estimated. 

I am  opposed  to  reconstructing  the  old  wing  of  the  Capitol  for  the  accommodation 
of  the  Supreme  Court,  when  this  body  will  not  consent  to  the  reconstruction  of  the 
Senate  Chamber,  though  we  now  occupy  a room  which,  according  to  my  judgment 
and  the  judgment  of  a great  many  here,  is  not  so  good  for  hearing  and  for  purposes 
of  discussion  as  the  old  Chamber  was.  You  will  not  change  the  construction  of  this 
Chamber,  so  that  it  can  have  light  and  air,  and  be  more  circumscribed  in  its  area; 
but  at  the  same  time  you  will  vote  probably  $150,000  in  the  end  for  changing  the  old 
Chamber  for  the  Supreme  Court.  I would  prefer  to  vote  to  go  back  to  the  old 
Senate  Chamber,  rather  than  stay  here,  as  a mere  matter  of  taste  and  convenience. 
I shall  vote  against  the  amendment.  I am  willing,  however,  to  furnish  the  rooms, 
and  let  the  Supreme  Court  take  them  as  they  are,  if  they  want  them.  If  they  are 
not  good  enough  for  them,  let  them  stay  where  they  are. 

Mr.  Doolittle.  I suggest  to  the  Senator  from  Indiana  that  he  make  his  amendment 
read:  “for  furnishing  and  fitting  up  the  rooms;”  and  not  leave  an  amendment 
which  authorizes  the  man  who  is  to  have  charge  of  it  to  tear  the  rooms  to  pieces, 
break  into  the  walls,  pull  down  the  walls,  and  rebuild  them;  but  just  fit  up  the  old 
Senate  Chamber  for  a court-room,  and  the  old  court-room  for  a library.  The  other 
rooms  are  good  enough. 

Mr.  Bright.  I modified  my  amendment  in  such  a way  as  I supposed  would  be 
acceptable  to  a majority  of  the  Senate;  and  I ask  that  it  be  read  again. 

The  Secretary  read  the  amendment,  as  follows: 

For  converting  the  old  Senate  Chamber  into  a court-room,  the  old  court-room  into  a law  library, 
and  for  fitting  up  the  rooms  in  connection  with  them  for  the  use  of  the  Supreme  Court  and  its  officers, 
825,000:  Provided,  The  work  can  be  finished  for  that  sum;  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the 
Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 

Mr  Bright.  That  limits  the  amount.  I hope  it  will  be  sufficient;  if  not,  of  course, 
the  work  will  not  lie  undertaken.  I should  like  to  have  a vote  directly  on  the 
amendment  as  it  is. 

The  question  being  taken  by  yeas  and  nays,  resulted — yeas  22,  nays  17.  * * * 

So  the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Davis.  I offer  this  amendment : 

To  enable  the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  extension  to  purchase  from  Rice&  Heebner  thirty-four 
monolithic  columns,  at  the  prices  specified  in  their  supplemental  contract  of  March  30,  1854,  the 
marble  for  said  columns  to  be  approved  by  said  superintendent,  the  sum  of  $47,000:  Provided,  That 
no  part  of  the  sum  appropriated  for  the  prosecution  of  the  work  shall  be  applied  to  the  purchase  of 
marble  columns. 

The  amendment,  I believe,  explains  itself  as  fully  as  I could  do  it.  The  Senate 
are  so  familiar  with  the  subject,  and  the  hour  is  so  late,  that  I shall  not  say  anything 
upon  it. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 


[House  proceedings  of  June  15,  1860:  Congressional  Globe,  36 — 1,  3041.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Senate  amendments  to  the  sundry  civil  bill  for  1861 — 

Mr.  Stanton.  * * * When  both  ends  of  the  Capitol  were  in  the  possession  of 
the  Democratic  party,  they  started  upon  the  construction  of  these  new  wings  to  the 
Capitol,  and  of  the  Treasury  extension;  and  I cannot  tell  how  many  million  dollars 
have  been  expended  upon  these  works  by  Democratic  majorities  in  both  ends  of  the 
Capitol.  What  I want  is  that  they  should  be  finished  by  that  party  while  it  is  in 
power.  I think  its  race  is  pretty  nigh  run.  On  the  4th  of  March  next,  I think 
another  party  will  come  into  power;  and  I want  this  Democratic  party  to  complete 


The  Extensions. 


i b i 


the  works  it  has  commenced  before  it  goes  out  of  power.  I want  it  to  meet  the 
responsibilities  it  has  incurred,  and  not  allow  them  to  be  thrown  upon  another 
Administration. 

Mr.  Crawford.  I desire  to  say  that  my  information  is  very  different  from  that  of 
the  gentleman  from  Ohio,  and  that  these  public  works  were  commenced  under  Mr. 
Fillmore’s  administration,  and  not  under  a Democratic  Administration. 

* * * 

Mr.  Stanton.  I know  this,  that  Mr.  Fillmore’s  administration  never  had  a Congress 
to  agree  with  it,  and  never  had  either  House  of  Congress.  Both  Houses  of  Congress 
were  Democratic  under  Mr.  Fillmore’s  administration;  and  I take  it  that  no  appro- 
priation could  be  made  without  the  assent  of  Congress.  I believe  it  was  profligacy 
upon  the  part  of  Congress  to  commence  these  wings  of  the  Capitol,  and  the  work 
was  commenced  when  there  was-  an  overwhelming  Democratic  majority  in  both 
branches  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  .States.  You  have  been  undertaking  works 
which  will  require  an  enormous  expenditure,  and  which  cannot  be  completed  with 
less  than  thirty  or  forty  million  dollars;  and  I want  you,  the  Democratic  party,  to 
take  the  responsibility  of  completing  them,  and  not  throw  that  responsibility  upon 
the  coming  Administration.  I do  not  want  the  unfinished  jobs  you  have  commenced 
under  a Democratic  Administration  thrown  upon  the  Administration  which  will 
succeed  you,  and  which,  I trust,  will  be  an  economical,  pure,  and  just  Administra- 
tion, and  one  worthy  of  the  confidence  of  the  nation.  I want  you  to  finish  the  jobs 
you  have  commenced,  and  to  make  the  necessary  appropriations  therefor.  And  if 
an  additional  tariff  is  necessary  to  fill  the  Treasury,  consider  that  question,  and  come 
up  and  meet  it  fairly  and  squarely,  like  men. 

Mr.  Kunkel.  Why  did  the  other  side  of  the  House  repeal  the  tariff  of  1846? 

Mr.  Stanton.  It  was  repealed  by  the  Senate,  and  by  a House  which  did  not  have 
any  majority  in  it  belonging  to  any  party.  And  it  was  repealed  upon  the  recom- 
mendation of  the  Democratic  Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  Mr.  Guthrie,  because  he  said 
he  had  too  much  money,  a surplus  of  $21,000,000,  and  he  did  not  know  what  to  do 
with  it.  The  Secretary  prayed  Congress  to  modify  the  tariff,  and  now  you  are  pray- 
ing to  discontinue  these  public  buildings,  because  you  have  not  money  enough;  and 
it  is  time  you  were  out  of  office. 

Mr.  Kunkel.  I would  ask  the  gentleman  from  Ohio  if  the  tariff  of  1846  was  not 
repealed  by  northern  men  employing  money  for  the  purpose  of  influencing  the  action 
of  this  House  in  the  Thirty-Fourth  Congress? 

Mr.  Stanton.  The  tariff  of  1857  was  fixed  up  by  a committee  of  conference  between 
the  two  Houses,  made  up  of  a Democratic  Senate,  and  under  the  lead  of  Mr.  Letcher, 
a member  of  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  of  the  House,  and  a Democratic 
member  from  the  State  of  Virginia,  and  with  his  assent  and  support.  It  received 
my  continued  and  persistent  opposition. 

* * * 

Fifth  amendment : 

To  pay  for  labor  on,  and  materials  furnished  for,  the  Capitol  extension,  $153,601.74;  and  to  enable 
the  superintendent  to  take  care  of  the  marble  which  has  been  delivered,  and  of  the  shops  occupied, 
and  to  lay  the  marble  floorings  of  the  porticoes,  and  to  pay  for  the  bronze  doors,  $48,920;  and  for  con- 
tingencies of  the  Capitol  extension,  $2,300,  making  $204,821.74. 

The  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  recommended  concurrence. 

Mr.  Quarles.  I move  to  amend  by  striking  out  $153,601.74.  I cannot  see  the 
policy  which  should  induce  this  committee  to  cease  the  work  on  such  important 
buildings  as  the  custom-houses  at  Charleston  and  New  Orleans,  and  still  expend 
large  sums  in  beautifying  this  gorgeous  palace.  The  buildings  at  Charleston  and 
New  Orleans  are  necessary  for  the  trade  and  commerce  of  those  cities  and  of  the 
country;  but  what  necessity  is  there  for  spending  more  money  on  this  Capitol?  Has 
not  enough  been  done  here  to  satisfy  our  love  of  show  and  extravagance?  I do  hope 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


768 

that  the  committee  will  reject  the  amendment  of  the  Senate.  Where  is  the  money 
to  come  from?  Already  the  Treasury  is  almost  empty.  Then,  I ask  what  policy  of 
prudence  and  wisdom  should  induce  you  to  close  the  work  on  the  custom-houses  of 
New  Orleans  and  Charleston,  and  then  lavish  money  021  this  building?  Why  not 
appropriate  just  enough  to  protect  the  unfinished  work  here,  as  you  have  done  there? 
I call  upon  gentlemen  to  furnish  to  the  country  a sensible  reason  for  this  inconsist- 
ency. Is  it  more  to  the  benefit  of  the  country  that  you  should  have  these  splendid 
buildings  completed  here  than  that  the  ships  which  come  to  our  southern  ports 
should  be  unloaded,  and  discharge  their  cargoes,  and  get  their  clearances  with  facility? 
I do  hope  the  House  will  non-eoncur  in  the  amendment  of  the  Senate.  I do  hope 
that  Congress  will  come  up  and  lay  the  knife  to  the  extravagancies  here  at  the 
Capitol,  as  well  as  in  all  the  Departments  of  the  Government. 

Mr.  Phelps.  I regret  that  the  gentleman  from  Tennesseee  has  mistaken  the  amend- 
ment on  which  he  has  made  his  speech.  His  speech  was  designed  for  the  sixth 
amendment.  The  amendment  now  under  consideration  only  proposes  to  pay  for 
work  already  done  and  materials  furnished  at  the  Capitol  extension.  When  we 
come  to  the  next  amendment,  I will  cooperate  with  him  in  opposing  it. 

Mr.  Quarles.  You  can  transfer  my  speech  to  that  other  amendment. 

Mr.  Phelps.  Well,  then,  I suppose  it  is  not  necessary  that  I should  say  more  than 
that  we  have  already  the  materials  collected  here;  that  we  owe  for  them;  that  we 
owe  for  the  labor  bestowed  by  the  workmen  on  this  Capitol;  and  I,  for  one,  am  in 
favor  of  paying  our  honest  debts. 

Mr.  Quarles.  I withdraw  ray  amendment. 

Mr.  Hill.  Mr.  Chairman,  I move  to  amend  the  amendment  by  reducing  the  sum 
proposed  five  dollars;  and  my  object  in  doing  it  is  to  make  a few  remarks.  I profess 
to  have  no  knowledge  myself — it  is  not  to  be  expected  that  a member  of  the  House 
not  on  the  committee  should  have  any  definite  knowledge — of  what  would  be  a 
proper  appropi'iation  for  continuing  the  work  necessary  to  be  done  for  the  comple- 
tion of  this  Capitol.  I take  it  for  granted,  however,  that  there  is  some  approxima- 
tion to  what  may  be  a correct  amount  in  the  proposition  from  the  Senate.  It  is 
based  upon  some  reliable  data,  I presume,  from  the  particular  sum  required.  I do 
not  agree  with  my  friend  from  Tennessee  in  repudiating  the  idea  of  bestowing  any 
more  of  the  treasure  of  this  nation  upon  the  adornment  and  completion  of  this 
Capitol.  Sir,  I shall  never  hesitate,  whenever  a proper  appropriation  is  called  for 
for  the  completion  or  the  embellishment  of  the  Capitol  of  my  country,  to  vote  for  it 
with  pleasure;  and  I will  not  stop  to  inquire  what  is  the  condition  of  the  Treasury. 
Our  Government  has  good  credit,  and  its  Capitol  is  in  a state  of  improvement.  I 
will  not  interrupt  the  work,  I will  not  obstruct  it,  while  the  country  can  borrow 
money  at  four  or  five  per  cent.  I hold  it  to  be  a mark  of  patriotic  duty  to  make  this 
Capitol  what  it  was  designed  to  be  by  the  architects,  who  have,  by  authority  of  law, 
devised  the  plans  for  the  extension,  in  one  wing  of  which  we  now  hold  our  sessions. 
I propose  to  go  on  with  it,  and  to  complete  it,  and  to  make  it  the  pride  and  the 
boast  of  our  country  that  it  has  such  an  edifice  in  which  its  national  Legislature 
holds  its  sittings. 

Sir,  as  for  that  economy  which  would  leave  the  Capitol  of  the  nation  unfinished, 
and  persuade  the  people  that  the  sessions  of  the  national  Legislature  might  be  held 
in  a huge  log  cabin,  it  suits  not  my  taste.  I have  never  made  a vote  out  of  the 
people  of  my  district — and  I never  expect  to  make  one — by  views  of  that  sort.  I 
say  to  the  poorest  man,  that  it  should  be  a source  of  just  pride  to  him,  if  he  has  an 
American  heart  in  his  bosom,  to  go  to  the  seat  of  Government,  that  bears  the  honored 
name  of  the  Father  of  his  Country,  and  see  what  a splendid  edifice  it  is  in  which 
the  people’s  repi’esentatives  meet.  It  belongs  as  much  to  him  as  to  the  wealthiest 
citizen;  and  the  poor  man  does  not  need  to  be  impressed  with  the  idea  that  the 
expense  comes  out  of  his  pocket.  Sir,  in  the  main,  under  our  revenue  system,  it  does 


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769 


not  come  from  that  source;  it  does  not  oppress  the  poor  man.  It  comes  chiefly  from 
the  pockets  of  the  rich,  or  of  those  who  imitate  the  rich,  in  lavish  expenditure,  whether 
they  be  rich  or  not.  And  these  appeals  to  the  poor  man,  who  spends  but  little  in  dutia 
ble  articles  in  support  of  his  national  Government,  are,  in  my  judgment,  calculated  to 
impair  the  love  of  country  that  ought  to  exist  among  the  people.  I have  never 
made  them,  and  I never  shall  make  them.  I shall  vote,  so  long  as  I have  the  honor 
of  a seat  upon  this  floor,  adequate  supplies  for  the  perfection  of  all  the  public  works 
in  this  city;  and  I shall  so  vote  for  the  additional  reason,  that  I desire  to  make  this 
Capitol  the  seat  of  a national  constitutional  government  of  the  American  people  for 
a thousand  years  to  come.  I would  make  it  the  shrine  of  patriotism,  embellished 
with  the  choicest  gems  of  art.  Every  niche  should  be  filled  with  statuary  commemo- 
rative of  our  great  men,  from  the  master-hands  of  our  best  sculptors;  and  every 
panel  enriched  with  representations  of  American  history,  from  the  pencils  of  our 
greatest  painters.  And  I would  not  restrict  their  ornamentation  to  the  artists  of  our 
own  country  if  I did  not  believe  that  it  already  possesses  genius  and  cultivated  talent 
worthy  of  the  noble  task.  I now  propose  to  withdraw  my  amendment. 

Mr.  Grow.  So  far  as  the  completion  of  the  public  buildings  is  concerned,  if  it  is 
necessary  to  finish  them  some  time,  then  the  depreciation  of  the  material  is  greater 
than  the  interest  on  the  cost  of  completing  them.  The  estimates  sent  to  the  Secre- 
tary of  the  Treasury  for  keeping  the  public  works  and  fortifications  in  repair  were,  I 
believe,  $2,500,000.  The  Secretary  sent  to  Congress  an  estimate  of  about  seven 
hundred  thousand  dollars,  cutting  them  down  thus  much  from  the  estimates  of  the 
men  in  charge  of  the  work;  and  I believe  we  appropriated  in  the  fortification  bill 
but  $600,000  out  of  the  $2,500,000  asked  for  by  the  engineer  corps  in  charge  of  the 
works.  But  $5,000  was  estimated  by  the  Secretary  for  the  Treasury  Department, 
and  everybody  know's  that  that  would  not  lay  up  scarcely  a single  stone.  What  is 
the  reason  why  the  expenses  of  the  Government  should  be  estimated  for  this  year 
far  below  the  public  wants? 

Mr.  Crawford..  Allow  me  to  answer  the  gentleman’s  question. 

Mr.  Grow.  The  gentleman  can  answer  me  when  I get  through,  unless  I am  wrong 
in  my  figures  or  statement. 

Mr.  Crawford.  I understand  the  gentleman  to  say  that  the  Secretary  of  the  Treas- 
ury recommended  §5,000  for  the  extension  of  the  Treasury. 

Mr.  Grow.  For  the  Treasury  building. 

Mr.  Crawford.  That  is  a mistake.  He  estimated  $5,000  for  the  preservation  of  the 
work,  and  not  for  the  extension. 

Mr.  Grow.  Call  it  what  you  please.  He  estimated  $5,000  for  the  Treasury  build- 
ing; that  is  all.  Now,  it  is  only  a question  for  Congress,  whether  they  think  it 
necessary  to  complete  that  building  or  not.  If  so,  it  will  be  better  to  appropriate 
the  money  to-day  than  ten  years  hence,  when  it  will  cost  a great  deal  more,  from  the 
depreciation  which  the  building  will  have  sustained  from  being  left  unprotected  and 
unfinished. 

Now,  I know  not  whether  this  amount  is  necessary  for  this  building,  but  I know 
this:  that  this  Congress  ought  to  appropriate  all  the  money  which  is  necessary  tp  prose- 
cute the  work  on  the  public  buildings  rapidly  and  successfully  to  their  completion. 
No  gentleman,  I presume,  proposes  to  leave  the  Capitol  in  its  present  shape,  with  its 
gable  ends  out,  with  its  dome  looking  as  if  a cannon  ball  had  cut  it  off,  and  with 
everything  at  loose  ends.  I say  no  gentleman  proposes  to  leave  the  Capitol  standing 
in  this  way.  Because  you  have  not  the  money  now,  and  because  you  never  will 
have  it  unless  some  change  is  made  in  the  revenue  policy  of  the  Government,  is  that 
any  reason  why  we  shall  postpone  the  work  on  these  buildings,  if  it  is  really  neces- 
sary that  they  should  be  completed?  It  would  be  much  cheaper  for  the  Government 
to  borrow  the  money,  and  pay  the  interest  on  it,  than  to  allow  the  work  to  remain 
in  its  present  condition.  The  loss,  in  consequence  of  dilapidation,  sustained  by  the 

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incomplete  state  of  the  buildings,  will  be  more  than  the  interest  on  the  money  it  will 
require  to  complete  them,  if  you  have  to  borrow  it. 

Now,  my  purpose  is  merely  to  call  the  attention  of  the  committee  to  these  facts. 
I want  the  committee  and  the  country  to  understand  that,  unless  you  now  appro- 
priate money  for  the  public  works  of  defense,  and  for  the  necessary  public  buildings 
which  have  been  commenced,  and  which  have  been  estimated  for  by  the  proper 
officers — I say,  unless  you  appropriate  the  money  to  go  on  and  complete  them  this 
year,  you  will  have  to  do  it  next  in  the  shape  of  a deficiency,  or  leave  these  works 
unfinished.  I agree  with  the  gentleman  from  Ohio,  [Mr.  Stanton,]  that  these  works 
ought  to  be  finished  by  this  Administration.  We  do  not  want  the  incoming  Adminis- 
tration that  we  are  going  to  install  on  the  4th  of  March  next,  and  which  we  intend 
shall  be  an  economical  and  honest  one,  to  be  loaded  down  by  the  obligations 
incurred  on  the  part  of  the  Administration  which  will  then  go  out  of  power. 

The  amendment  proposed  by  Mr.  Hill  was  disagreed  to. 

The  amendment  of  the  Senate  was  concurred  in. 

Sixth  amendment: 

For  the  prosecution  of  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension  during  the  fiscal  year  ending  the  30th 
June,  1861,  the  sum  of  8300,000. 

The  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  recommended  non-concurrence  in  this 
amendment. 

Mr.  Harms,  of  Maryland.  I would  like  to  know  of  the  gentleman  from  Indiana, 
[Mr.  Pettit,]  or  from  some  gentleman  who  can  answer  the  question,  what  has  become 
of  the  art  commission  authorized  to  be  appointed  by  the  President  of  the  United 
States  by  the  last  Congress,  which  was  to  take  charge  of  the  further  embellishment 
of  the  Capitol? 

The  Chairman.  Does  the  gentleman  from  Maryland  submit  an  amendment? 

Mr.  Harris,  of  Maryland.  Yes,  sir;  I move  to  strike  out  $300,000.  I merely  want 
to  know  whether  this  money,  if  any  of  it  is  to  be  expended  for  works  of  art,  is  to  be 
placed  under  the  direction  of  this  art  commission? 

Mr.  Beale.  If  the  gentleman  from  Maryland  will  permit  me,  I will  offer  an 
amendment  upon  the  very  subject  the  gentleman  is  speaking  of. 

Mr.  Harris,  of  Maryland.  Let  the  gentleman’s  amendment  be  read. 

Mr.  Beale.  I propose  to  add  to  the  amendment  of  the  Senate  the  following  proviso: 

Provided,  That  none  of  the  money  hereby  appropriated  shall  he  expended  in  the  decoration  and 
embellishment  of  the  Capitol  extension  by  sculpture  or  painting,  or  other  works  of  illustrative  art, 
unless  the  designs  for  the  same  shall  have  been  approved  by  the  art  commission  appointed  by  the 
President,  May  15, 1859,  in  pursuance  of  acts  of  Congress  of  June  12,  1858,  and  March  3,  1859;  but  this 
provision  shall  not  be  so  construed  as  to  interfere  with  the  completion  and  payment  for  works  already 
begun  by  Crawford  and  Rogers. 

Mr.  Harris,  of  Maryland.  I am  very  glad  my  friend  has  put  in  that  amendment; 
because  it  comes  to  the  practical  point  of  the  suggestion  I desire  to  make.  I will 
withdraw  my  amendment,  for  the  purpose  of  allowing  him  to  offer  his  regularly. 
Before  doing  so,  however,  I wish  to  say  one  word.  I am  entirely  opposed  to  any 
expenditure  of  money  in  connection  with  the  ornamentation  or  completion  of  this 
Capitol’,  unless  there  can  be  some  guarantee  that  a more  refined  and  cultivated  taste 
is  to  be  exercised  in  that  completion  than  has,  to  a great  extent,  been  shown  in  the 
work  that  has  been  done  up  to  this  point.  There  are  portions  of  this  building  that 
reflect  credit  upon  the  country,  and  upon  those  who  have  had  charge  of  the  work; 
but  there  are  other  portions— and  I am  afraid  much  the  larger  portion— that  are 
absolutely  disreputable  to  everybody  connected  with  the  prosecution  of  the  work  on 
the  Capitol,  and  to  the  nation  itself.  Why,  sir,  there  are  incongruities  and  absurdities 
carried  out  upon  these  walls,  and  upon  the  ceilings  of  many  of  the  committee-rooms 
of  this  Capitol,  that  are,  considering  all  the  circumstances  of  the  case  and  of  the 
character  of  the  building,  about  as  inappropriate  and  ridiculous  as  could  well  be  con- 
ceived of. 


/ 


The  Extensions. 


771 


Why,  sir,  the  idea  of  the  national  uses  of  the  building  seems  to  have  been  foreign  to 
the  minds  of  those  who  have  superintended  these  matters.  Instead  of  the  occasion 
being  availed  of  to  suggest,  in  the  decoration  of  the  building,  incentives  to  patriotic 
sentiment,  by  renewing  to  the  popular  gaze  the  great  achievements  of  the  past — 
instead  of  reproducing  here,  in  the  fidelity  of  painting  and  sculpture,  the  great  deeds 
and  men  of  the  better  eras  of  the  Republic — the  whole  building  appears  to  have  been 
delivered  over  to  the  gross  and  flashy  conceits  of  second-rate  German  or  Italian  fresco 
painters,  who  have  covered  the  walls  of  corridors  and  committee-rooms  with  inap- 
propriate designs  of  flowers  and  fruits,  Yenuses,  bacchantes,  flying  dragons  with 
heads  of  chicken  cocks,  and  curious  combinations  neither  human,  divine,  mytholog- 
ical, nor  allegorical.  The  Naval  Committee  room,  upon  the  Senate  side,  is  a curious 
illustration  of  this  unfitness.  Its  designs  are  from  the  villas  of  Pompeii,  or  such  as 
once  glowed  upon  the  walls  of  the  palaces  of  Herculaneum.  Many  of  these  things 
are  very  prettily  executed,  I admit,  but  not  in  place  or  harmony  with  the  Capitol  of 
the  American  people. 

Now,  sir,  I am  willing,  and  I have  no  doubt  every  gentleman  here  is,  to  appro- 
priate whatever  amount  is  necessary  for  the  completion  of  this  Capitol  in  such  a man- 
ner as  shall  be  creditable  to  the  whole  country;  but  I do  hope  that  we  will  spend 
no  more  money  unless  it  be  in  connection  with  some  such  guarantee  as  is  suggested 
by  the  amendment  which  my  friend  has  just  had  read;  and  for  the  purpose  of 
enabling  him  to  submit  his  amendment  in  order,  I now  withdraw  my  amendment. 

Mr.  Beale  then  submitted  his  amendment  as  an  addition  to  theSenate  amendment. 

Mr.  Pettit.  If  gentlemen  will  turn  to  the  thirty-sixth  amendment  of  the  Senate, 
which  will  be  found  on  page  20  of  the  bill,  they  will  find  a section  providing  for  the 
repeal  of  all  existing  laws  creating  an  art  commission.  It  will  thus  be  seen  that  there 
is  already  a law  upon  upon  this  subject,  and  that  this  proposition  of  the  gentleman  from 
New  York  does  not  now,  for  the  first  time,  propose  art  commissions.  The  present 
law  on  the  subject  is  to  be  found  in  provisoes  of  the  miscellaneous  appropriation  acts 
of  1858  and  1859,  in  which  it  is  provided  that  no  part  of  the  appropriations  made  for 
the  purpose  of  extending  the  Capitol  shall  be  applied  to  paintings  or  statuary,  except 
after  designs  for  the  purpose  shall  be  first  submitted  to  a commission  of  three  dis- 
tinguished artists,  appointed  by  the  President,  whose  acceptance  of  them  should 
afterwards  be  approved  by  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library.  That  law  the 
Senate  has  proposed  to  repeal;  and  I think  perhaps  the  Senate  has  done  well.  I 
call  the  attention  of  the  committee  to  the  proviso  which  first  created  this  art  com- 
mission. It  will  be  found  on  page  323  of  the  last  volume  of  the  Statutes  at  Large. 
It  is  as  follows: 

Provided,  That  none  of  this  appropriation  shall  be  expended  in  embellishing  any  part  of  the  Cap- 
itol extension  with  sculpture  and  paintings,  unless  the  designs  for  the  same  shall  have  undergone 
the  examination  of  a committee  of  distinguished  artists,  not  to  exceed  three  in  number,  to  be  selected 
by  the  President,  and  that  the  designs  which  said  committee  shall  accept  shall  also  receive  the  sub- 
sequent approbation  of  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library  of  Congress;  but  this  provision  shall  not 
be  so  construed  as  to  apply  to  the  execution  of  designs  heretofore  made  and  accepted  from  Crawford 
and  Rogers. 

Up  to  this  time  the  ornamentation  of  the  Capitol  had  been  left  entirely  under  the 
control  of  the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  extension;  but  for  some  reason,  satisfac- 
tory to  itself,  Congress,  by  these  provisoes,  meant  to  change  it,  so  that,  so  far  as 
paintings  and  statuary  were  concerned — not  decorative  painting  and  similar  decora- 
tions, but  painting  in  the  sense  of  a fine  art — nothing  should  be  attempted  except 
on  the  joint  authority  of  a committee  of  artists  and  a committee  of  Congress.  The 
law  makes  this  very  plain.  These  artists  were  to  be  appointed  to  examine  designs, 
and  when  accepted,  they  were  to  submit  these  designs  to  a committee  of  Congress. 
They  had  nothing  else  to  do,  and  could  not  do  anything  else  under  the  law  if  they 
had  wished  to  do  so,  but  examine  the  designs  and  submit  them  to  our  committee. 
This  required  only  an  occasional  duty,  and  not  a perpetual  commission. 


772 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  President,  about  the  1st  of  May,  1859,  selected  three  artists,  men  honored  and 
skillful  in  their  professions.  If  they  have  examined  any  designs,  I do  not  know  it. 
They  have  certainly  not  submitted  any  to  the  Library  Committee  for  approval;  and 
so  far  as  accomplishing  the  object  proposed  by  the  law  is  concerned,  the  subject  is 
just  where  it  was  when  these  provisoes  were  passed.  Not  a thing  has  been  done, 
except  that  in  February  last  the  Secretary  of  War  transmitted  to  this  House  the 
report  of  these  gentlemen,  who  do  not  say  in  it  one  word  of  what  the  law  permitted 
them  to  do — namely,  the  examination  of  designs — but  become  discursive  on  a great 
many  subjects,  such  as  painting  flat  surfaces,  the  dissipating  effect  of  gaudy  colors  on 
the  thoughts  of  gentlemen  given  to  thinking,  the  taste  and  economy  of  the  superin- 
tendent of  the  Capitol,  with  an  allusion  to  high  art  in  coining  money. 

Now,  all  this  does  no  good.  If  this  report  were  much  larger,  and  its  topics  much 
more  various,  it  is  not  one  step  advanced  towards  carrying  out  the  law,  which  is,  that 
they  shall  examine  designs  when  submitted  to  them,  and  then  refer  their  action  to 
the  committee.  Yet  it  will  cost  the  Government  a good  deal,  for  it  is  fair  to  suppose 
they  will  deserve  to  be  paid  while  under  a public  appointment.  It  is  because  in  its 
present  form  such  a commission  can  do  no  good,  while  it  entails  expense,  that  I join 
in  the  recommendation  to  repeal  these  laws.  Why  have  such  a commission  at  this 
expense,  when  it  has  no  duties  to  do?  and  why  retain  it  in  this  shape,  when  it  is 
shown  already  to  be  a part  of  a cumbrous  machinery  that  cannot  be  made  practical? 

Instead  of  conferring  with  the  Library  Committee,  they  now  come  in  by  their 
report,  which  has  been  published  during  this  Congress,  and  which  has  been  referred 
to  already,  and  ask  that  their  associates,  made  so  by  law,  shall  have  no  share  in  these 
functions,  ami  that  they  shall  take  exclusive  control  of  this  whole  subject  and  apply 
appropriations  in  such  manner  as  they  choose.  And  before  Congress  has  given  con- 
sent to  this  change,  and  having  no  function  except  to  examine  designs,  they  proceed 
to  make  estimates  for  art  purposes  for  the  coming  year  at  §66,900.  That  the  com- 
mittee may  see  that  I do  them  no  injustice,  I call  their  attention  to  the  concluding 
portion  of  their  report.  It  is  as  follows : 

The  commissioners,  finding  their  functions  and  powers  not  sufficiently  defined  by  the  acts  of 
Congress  of  1858  and  1859  to  enable  them  to  perform  the  duties  contemplated  in  their  appointment, 
would  respectfully  urge  upon  the  attention  of  Congress  the  necessity  of  such  further  legislation  as 
shall  render  the  commission  efficient  and  useful  to  the  Government;  which  they  believe  can  be  best 
effected  by  clothing  them  with  the  authority  recommended  by  the  artists  of  the  United  States,  in  the 
following  extract  from  their  memorial  to  Congress  in  1858:  “Your  memorialists  respectfully  urge  that 
the  great  end  proposed,  namely,  ‘the  advancement  of  art  in  the  United  States,’  may  be  most  surely 
and  completely  attained  by  the  establishment  of  an  art  commission,  composed  of  those  designated 
by  the  united  voice  of  American  artists  as  competent  to  the  office;  who  shall  be  accepted  as  the 
exponents  of  the  authority  and  influence  of  American  art;  who  shall  be  the  channels  for  the  distri- 
bution of  all  appropriations  to  be  made  by  Congress  for  art  purposes,  and  who  shall  secure  to  artists 
an  intelligent  and  unbiased  adjudication  upon  the  designs  they  may  present  for  the  embellishment 
of  the  national  buildings.” 

Mr.  Chairman,  for  a period  of  five  years  Congress  has  not  made  an  appropriation 
for  these  purposes  up  to  the  extent  of  §10,000;  and  yet  it  is  proposed  to  have  a per- 
petual and  irresponsible  commission  of  art  chargeable  upon  the  Treasury,  receiving 
themselves  a larger  amount  for  salary  than  has  been  used  for  such  purposes  hereto- 
fore; when  all  experience  shows,  not  only  here  but  elsewhere,  that  civilians  acting 
in  such  matters,  without  salary  or  reward,  are  at  least  quite  as  capable  of  administer- 
ing public  means,  and  perhaps  not  far  behind  in  those  matters  which  pertain  to  the 
public  taste. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Campbell.  I move  to  increase  the  appropriation  $1,000.  I beg  the  attention 
of  the  committee  while  I briefly  present  to  their  consideration  the  present  situation 
and  origin  of  the  art  commission.  It  was  found,  previous  to  1858,  that  while  Con- 
gress was  appropriating  hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars  for  the  completion  of  the 
Capitol  extension  and  the  ornamentation  of  the  building,  that  the  rooms  in  the  Cap- 


The  Extensions. 


773 


itol  were  crowded  with  incompetent  persons,  of  no  taste  or  experience,  calling  them- 
selves artists,  who  were  painting  and  defacing  the  walls,  and  great  want  of  skill  was 
apparent  on  all  sides.  There  were  exceptions,  but  they  were  decidedly  the  excep- 
tions to  the  general  rule. 

In  1858  Congress,  by  an  amendment  placed  upon  an  appropriation  bill  of  that  year, 
declared  that  no  part  of  the  fund  appropriated  for  the  Capitol  extension  should  be 
used  for  the  ornamentation  of  the  building  or  grounds  in  matters  of  sculpture  or 
painting,  except  by  the  direction  and  approval  of  art  commissioners,  to  be  appointed 
by  the  President;  and  that  the  designs  for  such  works  of  art  should  be  approved  of 
by  them.  The  artists  of  the  United  States  assembled  in  general  convention  at 
Washington,  and  named  three  of  their  number  to  the  President  for  appointment  to 
the  commission  thus  created:  two  eminent  as  painters,  Messrs.  Kensett  and  Lamden, 
and  one  equally  distinguished  as  a sculptor,  Mr.  H.  Iv.  Brown.  Upon  this  recom- 
mendation, the  President  appointed  these  three  gentlemen  to  take  charge  of  the 
ornamentation  of  the  Capitol,  the  public  grounds,  and  public  buildings.  They 
entered  upon  the  duties  of  their  commission,  and  they  have  been  in  session  for 
upwards  of  one  year.  That  they  have  not  ordered  or  completed  any  work  of  art  is 
because  funds  have  not  been  placed  at  their  disposal  for  that  purpose.  Further 
legislation,  too,  was  required  before  they  could  proceed  with  the  responsible  trust 
confided  to  them.  But  they  did  examine  the  public  buildings  thoroughly  and  com- 
pletely in  view  of  their  artistical  completion,  and  they  made  a full  and  able  report 
upon  the  subject.  They  have  adopted  a design  which,  if  carried  out,  will  redound 
to  the  credit  of  the  country,  and  add  greatly  to  the  beauty  of  this  building,  in  which 
the  Representatives  of  a great  nation  hold  their  sessions.  The  very  object  of 
appointing  this  art  commission  was  to  ornament  and  beautify  the  Capitol  properly, 
and  to  save  hundreds  and  thousands  of  dollars  to  the  Treasury.  Now  we  appro- 
priate money  to  anybody  and  everybody  to  gild  and  paint  as  they  see  proper,  with 
taste  or  without  taste,  with  experience  or  without  it,  as  it  may  happen.  1 f gentle- 
men will  look  into  the  matter,  they  will  find  that  the  art  commission  recommended 
for  the  casting  of  the  figure  of  “Freedom”  in  bronze,  intended  for  the  .dome  of  the 
Capitol,  only  one  half  of  the  amount  which  the  Secretary  of  War  has  given  out  that 
work  for,  as  I understand. 

Mr.  Harris,  of  Maryland.  I desire  to  say  that  I have  heard  that  the  Secretary  of 
War  has  awarded  the  contract  for  casting  the  bronze  figure  for  the  apex  of  the  dome 
at  a price  515,000  higher  than  offers  made  by  others  who  were  competent  to  do  the 
work.  Is  that  true? 

Mr.  Campbell.  I only  know  the  fact  from  common  report.  I know  nothing  pos- 
itively upon  the  subject.  I only  know,  from  report,  that  the  model  has  been  taken 
to  pieces  for  the  purpose  of  being  put  in  bronze,  at  a high  price;  but  by  whose 
authority  I know  not. 

I am  one  of  those  persons  who  think  that  it  is  necessary  to  complete  this  great 
Capitol,  and  to  complete  it  in  a creditable  manner.  We  cannot  leave  it  to  the 
destructive  tendencies  of  the  elements.  We  must  finish  its  porticoes,  and  halls,  and 
covering;  and  we  want  it  to  come  up  to  or  surpass  the  standard  of  the  age.  We 
want  its  adornments,  its  sculpture,  and  its  painting,  to  be  worthy  of  this  nation, 
which  it  will,  whether  you  intend  it  or  not,  in  a great  measure  represent.  I do  not 
propose  to  spend  money  unnecessarily;  but  I want  the  money  you  do  appropriate 
put  under  the  charge  of  gentlemen  of  taste  and  experience,  who  will  ornament  the 
building  in  a manner  calculated  to  reflect  credit  upon  the  American  people. 

I desire  further  to  say  that,  although  these  gentlemen  have  been  discharging  their 
duties  for  a year,  and  are,  by  your  creation,  Government  officers,  they  have  never 
received  a cent  for  their  services  up  to  the  present  time.  They  are  not  pensioners 
upon  the  bounty  of  Congress;  they  have  as  much  right  to  compensation  as  I have, 
or  the  Speaker  who  fills  that  chair.  Let  us,  then,  vote  to-day  for  American  art.  A 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


■774 

country  like  ours  should  do  something  for  its  encouragement.  I trust  the  amend- 
ment proposed  by  the  gentleman  from  New  York  [Mr.  Beale]  will  be  adopted. 

Mr.  Reagan.  We  are  now  discussing  a modification  of  an  amendment  relating  to 
the  law  of  last  Congress  creating  this  art  commission.  I have  no  desire  to  enter 
upon  a discussion  of  the  propriety  of  enacting  that  law;  but  when  a proposition  to 
amend  that  law  arises,  it  is  one  which  certainly  deserves  the  consideration  of  those  - 
wdio  have  to  deal  with  it.  I insist  that  this  whole  discussion  of  the  law  of  Congress 
creating  the  art  commission  is  out  of  order  upon  this  amendment. 

The  Chairman.  Debate  is  now  exhausted  upon  this  amendment;  and  inasmuch  as 
no  further  debate  is  in  order,  the  point  of  order  falls. 

Mr.  Campbell,  by  unanimous  consent,  withdrew  his  amendment. 

The  question  recurred  on  Mr.  John  Cochrane’s  amendment. 

Mr.  Pettit.  I desire  to  indicate  here  that  I shall  offer  to  the  thirty-sixth  amend- 
ment of  the  Senate  the  following: 

And  that  no  money  appropriated  by  this  or  any  existing  law  shall  be  applied  for  paintings,  statu- 
ary, or  any  other  works  of  illustrative  art,  excepting  the  works  of  Crawford  and  Rogers,  unless  the 
objects  and  the  amounts  appropriated  for  the  same  be  particularly  expressed  by  law. 

Mr.  Barksdale.  I raise  the  point  of  order,  that  that  changes  existing  law,  and 
hence  cannot  be  in  order  to  an  appropriation  bill. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  holds  that  it  is  in  order  to  limit  and  restrain  the  appli- 
cation of  money  which  we  appropriate. 

Mr.  Barksdale.  Why,  sir,  it  changes  existing  law. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  holds  it  to  be  in  order. 

Mr.  Pettit.  The  thirty-sixth  amendment  repeals  the  law  creating  the  art  commis- 
sion. The  amendment  which  I propose  saves  a part  of  the  clause  proposed  to  be 
repealed. 

Now,  Mr.  Chairman,  I agree  mainly  with  the  remarks  made  by  gentlemen  here 
on  all  sides,  in  regard  to  the  mode  in  which  the  Capitol  has  been  receiving  its  deco- 
rations; but  venturing  this  opinion  at  the  same  time  with  great  diffidence.  The 
principal  fault  lias  been  that  where  a large  appropriation  has  been  made,  amounting 
sometimes  to  a million  dollars,  it  has  been  inferentially  supposed  that  the  architect 
of  this  Capitol  might  employ  a portion  of  it  in  statuary,  painting,  frescoing,  and 
other  work,  as  falling  within  and  forming  a part  of  the  structure  itself.  That  is,  I 
apprehend,  the  only  ground  on  ivhich  the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  extension 
attempts  to  justify  himself  for  doing  this  work.  If  the  amendment  which  I propose 
be  adopted,  it  will  put  a restraint  upon  such  work.  It  was  intended  to  be  restrained 
by  the  law  of  last  winter,  and  by  the  law  of  the  preceding  winter;  but  still  the  work 
goes  on;  and,  in  order  to  avoid  any  ambiguity  or  doubt  on  the  subject  in  future,  I 
propose  this  amendment.  Beyond  that,  the  art  commission,  acting  with  the  Library 
Committee,  which  only  meets  while  Congress  is  sitting,  makes  a complex  machinery 
requiring  the  association  of  two  foreign  bodies  to  act  on  every  subject,  however 
unimportant,  involving  any  question  of  the  embellishment  of  the  Capitol.  The 
experience  of  the  British  Government,  the  experience  of  the  French  Government, 
and  the  experience,  up  to  this  time,  of  this  Government,  has  demonstrated  that 
civilians  can,  with  some  safety,  if  not  with  the  greatest  propriety,  control  this  matter; 
and  especially  I submit  that  this  thing  should  be  left  where  it  has  been  for  a period 
of  forty  years,  controlled  by  law  and  directed  by  those  appointed  from  time  to  time 
in  the  two  branches  of  the  national  Legislature.  There  is  no  occasion,  I submit,  for 
creating  a commission  to  sit  perpetually  at  a large  expense.  By  the  very  text  of  the 
report  referred  to,  the  art  commission  themselves  admit  that  we  have  not  yet  advanced 
to  that  point  of  time  in  art  where  the  Capitol  can  receive  its  appropriate  illustration. 

If  this  is  correct,  I ask,  are  they  to  receive  their  salaries,  and  to  sit  as  a perpetual 
commission— sitting  idly  all  the  time — until  fit  children  of  genius  have  grown  up 


The  Extensions. 


775 


among  us  to  full  stature  to  enter  on  the  execution  of  this  work.  Let  me  read  what 
the  commissioners  say  in  their  report  : 

“None  but  pictures  of  the  highest  order  should  be  admitted  to  places  of  such  prominence.  To 
acquire  these,  not  only  time,  but  the  utmost  care  and  deliberation  are  requisite.  There  can  be  no 
doubt  of  the  ability  of  our  artists  to  perform  this  work,  but  time  should  be  given  them  for  prepara- 
tion, both  in  fresco  and' oil.  Heretofore,  they  have  been  engaged,  with  few  exceptions,  on  easel 
pictures,  and  it  is  impossible,  at  once,  for  them  to  adopt  the  style  required  in  works  of  such  magni- 
tude. ” 

Is  it  not  better,  Mr.  Chairman,  to  wait  till  that  time  comes?  There  is  nothing  on 
which  these  gentlemen  can  he  now  employed  until  artists  shall  first  have  been  born 
to  us  of  such  attainments  and  of  such  genius  as,  within  their  judgment,  will  make 
them  competent  to  this  work. 

Mr.  John  Cochrane.  I do  not  exactly  understand  the  propriety  of  the  amendment 
offered  by  the  gentleman  from  Indiana,  [Mr.  Pettit,]  but  I think  I shall  be  quite  safe 
in  opposing  it.  Looking  at  the  amendment  proposed  by  the  Senate,  I am  inclined 
to  favor  it.  It  reads,  “for  the  prosecution  of  the  work  on  the  Capitol.”  I should  be 
determined  to  favor  it,  if  it  read,  “for  the  prosecution  of  those  who  have  imposed 
this  work  upon  the  Capitol.”  [Laughter.]  Sir,  a more  anomalous  procedure  than 
that  which  greets  the  eye  in  its  every  gaze,  as  it  contemplates  the  work  on  these 
walls,  never  existed.  As  we  enter  here,  it  is  very  natural  that  the  scenes  which  we 
encounter  every  day  should  be  exhibited  and  enacted.  Here,  those  who  are  engaged 
in  debate  encounter  on  every  side  the  vermilion  hue  which  excites  the  bull  to  the 
fight  in  Spain.  [Laughter.]  And  when  we  have  entered  here,  we  find  it  the  recep- 
tacle of  those  who,  in  imprisoned  walls,  do  the  work  of  their  masters,  and  are  not 
permitted  to  look  on  God’s  creation,  nor  breathe  the  healthful  air.  It  might  be  pre- 
sumed that  the  spirit  of  Cheops  had  designed  it.  And  how  are  we  entertained  here? 
The  artists  give  us  a piece  of  gilding  here,  a parcel  of  red  there;  and  see,  in  yonder 
corner,  the  effigy  of  General  Washington — a gentleman  clothed  in  a blue  coat  and 
yellow  breeches,  [laughter,]  holding  out  his  hand  affectingly  to  another  gentleman, 
who  is  intended  to  represent  Cornwallis. 

And  this  is  American  art,  with  which  we  are  to  be  thoroughly  imbued;  and  lest 
we  should  not  appreciate  it,  no  horizontal  current  of  air  is  permitted  to  visit  us;  but 
the  light  is  directed  from  above — directed  on  that  which  is  presumed  to  be  the  most 
benighted  and  dark  region  of  the  corporation  of  legislators  here.  And  we  are  stim- 
ulated by  applications  of  that  description  to  our  duties  as  legislators,  and  to  a just 
appreciation  of  American  art.  Oh,  no!  sir.  Italian  art,  introduced  here  from  Rome, 
from  Florence,  or  from  any  other  place  abroad,  so  long  as  it  did  not  originate  upon 
these  American  shores.  Why,  I recollect  that  a certain  New  England  philosopher, 
I believe  Ralph  Waldo  Emerson,  exclaimed  that  in  an  Italian  city,  on  a storm  com- 
ing on  and  the  rain  beginning  to  penetrate,  the  whole  of  any  street  in  that  city 
would  be  a blaze  of  red  umbrellas. 

It  is  so  here.  Italian  taste  has  exhibited  on  every  side  of  this  Hall  the  vermilion 
hue  of  Italy,  instead  of  the  sober,  sensible  hue  of  American  intellect.  I am  for  this 
art  commission — an  art  commission  to  be  composed  of  American  artists,  or  at  least 
of  gentlemen  who,  if  not  artists,  are  permitted  to  entertain  American  tastes.  I 
would,  too,  that  at  some  time  or  other  we  might  be  permitted  to  work  out  of  these 
our  prison  walls  into  the  pure  air  without;  or  at  least,  if  not  that,  that  these  walls 
shall  be  extended  until  we  can  reach  the  outer  air,  and  be  permitted  to  see  the  sky 
beyond,  and  to  be  seen  by  our  constituents.  And  until  that  time  arrives;  until  we 
are  permitted  to  sit  as  sober,  tasteful  American  gentlemen,  amid  American  scenes, 
and  not  as  exaggerated  American  patriots  under  the  influence  of  Italian  art,  we 
never  shall  have  produced  a congruous  scene  for  American  legislation. 

Mr.  Pettit.  I withdraw  my  amendment. 

The  question  was  then  taken  on  Mr.  Beale’s  amendment;  and  it  was  agreed  to. 


776 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  question  recurred  upon  the  Senate  amendment,  as  amended. 

Mr.  Hughes.  I propose  to  amend  that  amendment  by  adding  §1,000  to  the 
amount.  My  purpose  is  to  correct  a misapprehension,  under  which  my  colleague 
from  the  city  of  Baltimore  labored,  in  regard  to  the  casting  of  the  statue  to  be  placed 
upon  the  new  dome.  I understand,  directly  from  official  authority,  that  no  contract 
has  been  made  with  any  one  for  the  purpose  of  casting  that  statue.  An  arrange- 
ment has  been  entered  into  with  Mr.  Clark  Mills,  to  pay  him  §400  a month  for  his 
own  services  and  that  of  his  assistants,  and  for  the  use  of  his  foundery,  the  Govern- 
ment itself  furnishing  the  materials  for  the  casting.  I do  not  understand  that  there 
has  been  any  arrangement  in  regard  to  the  price  to  be  paid  for  the  statue  itself. 

Mr.  Curtis.  Mr.  Chairman,  1 have  heard,  with  some  regret,  appeals  made  to  the 
prejudices  of  the  country  in  regard  to  the  specimens  of  art  taste  displayed  about  this 
Capitol;  and  I have  been  surprised  that  no  one  connected  with  this  branch  of  serv- 
ice has  risen  upon  the  floor  to  do  justice  to  those  who  have  devoted  their  lives  and 
energies  to  the  embellishment  of  our  public  buildings.  I have  seen  a great  deal  of 
this  love  of  criticism  in  the  course  of  my  life,  and  have  often  been  a victim  to  it.  It 
is  very  easy  to  invent  a popular  criticism  and  find  fault;  but  I would  like  to  see 
some  of  these  gentlemen  who  are  so  conversant  with  matters  of  taste  and  art  as  to 
speak  with  the  assurance  of  masters,  bring  forward  some  design,  some  specimen 
from  their  superior  genius  that  they  would  themselves  insert  in  place  of  that 
which  they  see  around  them.  Now,  I confess  that  I am  no  artist  myself,  but, 
at  the  same  time,  I have  seen  some  specimens  of  both,  inside  and  outside 
of  this  Capitol,  and  made  such  things  a matter  of  some  study;  and  when 
gentlemen  have  risen  here  to  assail  them,  I have  looked  with  anxiety  to  see 
when  and  where  they  would  make  their  specifications.  The  gentleman  from  New 
York  [Mr.  John  Cochrane]  is  the  only  one  who  has  attempted  to  define  his  posi- 
tion. He  has  made  special  objection  to  an  unfinished  attempt  at  a picture 
in  one  corner  of  this  room,  which  everybody  knows  is  a failure,  because  it  is 
unfinished,  and  is  not  a fair  specimen  of  the  art  which  is  applied  to  this  Capitol. 
But  I undertake  to  say  that,  if  you  go  into  these  committee-rooms,  and  these  galler- 
ies, of  which  we  have  heard  so  much,  and  take  any  honorable  and  fair-minded 
artist  with  you,  lie  will  himself  do  justice  to  the  specimens  of  art  that  will  be  before 
him,  and  admit  its  distinguished  worth.  What,  sir,  can  be  more  beautiful  than  the 
fresco  work  in  the  room  of  the  Agricultural  Committee?  What  more  splendid  than 
the  fresco  in  some  of  the  halls  and  passages  around  the  Senate  Chamber,  and 
especially  the  emblem  of  Religion  in  the  President’s  room?  And  in  this  Hall,  where 
do  you  find  room  to  criticise  the  combination  of  colors  which  you  see  around  you? 
Some  gentlemen  think  that  it  is  too  glaring;  some  that  it  is  too  much  imbued  with 
vermilion,  and  others  that  it  is  too  much  shaded  with  the  yellow.  Would  they  have 
it  all  brown,  or  all  blue?  I suppose  my  friend  from  New  AMrk  is  so  fond  of  the 
national  color  that  he  would  have  the  whole  Ilall  painted  sky-blue!  The  gentleman 
says  that  this  Hall  will  never  be  right  until  he  can  expand  himself,  and  see  the  open 
air;  and  especially  his  constituents.  My  impression  is  that,  unless  he  adopts  a dif- 
ferent policy — a different  line  of  politics — he  will  soon  see  his  constituents  without 
the  necessity  of  extending  the  interior  walls  of  this  Chamber.  [Laughter.]  I 
believe  that,  among  men  of  mind  and  of  taste,  all  the  work  on  this  Capitol  is  suscep- 
tible of  fair  and  honorable  defense;  and  I regret  to  see  these  attempts  to  undervalue 
and  denounce  what  men  from  abroad  generally  regard  as  a splendid  specimen  of 
American  architecture. 

Mr.  Sherman.  Unless  sve  can  have  a vote  at  once  upon  this  amendment  of  the 
Senate,  I shall  move  that  the  committee  do  now  rise  for  the  purpose  of  closing 
debate. 

Mr.  Hughes.  I withdraw  my  amendment. 

The  question  was  then  taken  on  the  Senate  amendment,  as  amended;  and  it  was 
concurred  in. 


The  Extensions. 


777 


[House  proceedings  of  June  15,  1860:  Congressional  Globe,  30— 1,  p.  3051.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  State  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Senate  amendments  to  the  sundry  civil  bill  for  1861 — 

Thirty-sixth  amendment: 

And  be  it  further  enacted , That  all  existing  laws  creating  an  art  commission  be,  and  the  same  are 
hereby,  repealed. 

Mr.  Pettit.  I offer  the  following  amendment,  to  come  in  at  the  end  of  the  section: 

And  that  no  money  appropriated  by  this  or  any  existing  law  shall  be  applied  for  paintings,  stat- 
uary, or  any  other  works  of  illustrative  art,  except  for  the  works  of  Crawford  and  Rogers,  unless  the 
objects  and  the  amounts  appropriated  for  the  same  be  expressed  in  the  law. 

Mr.  Sherman.  Is  that  amendment  in  order? 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  thinks  it  is  not  in  order. 

Mr.  Pettit.  The  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  is  mistaken  in 
regard  to  this;  for  it  will  be  seen  that,  instead  of  its  being  a total  repeal  of  these 
laws,  it  is  a modified  repeal. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  thinks  it  is  out  of  order. 

Mr.  Maynard.  Is  not  the  amendment  of  the  Senate  in  direct  contravention  of  the 
amendment  which  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  has  offered  to  the  Senate 
amendment? 

The  Chairman.  The  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  recommend  non-concurrence 
with  the  amendment  of  the  Senate. 

The  question  was  taken  on  the  Senate  amendment;  and  it  was  not  concurred  in. 


[House  proceedings  of  June  18,  1860:  Congressional  Globe,  36—1,  p.  3135,  3137.] 

The  House  having  under  consideration  the  sundry  civil  bill  for  1861 — 

Mr.  Sherman.  I yield  to  the  gentleman  from  Maryland  now  to  offer  an  amendment. 

Mr.  Harris,  of  Maryland.  This  is  an  amendment  which  I offer  with  the  consent  of 
parties  interested  in  the  section  which  it  affects;  and  I suppose  the  House  will  let  it 
pass.  The  amendment  is  as  follows: 

And  provided  further , That  the  material  of  said  columns  shall  be  American  marble. 

So  that  the  clause  will  read: 

To  enable  the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  extension  to  purchase  from  Rice  & Ileebner  thirty- 
four  monolithic  columns,  at  the  price  specified  in  their  supplemental  contract  of  March  30,  1854,  the 
marble  for  said  columns  to  be  approved  by  the  said  superintendent,  the  sum  of  847,000:  Provided.  That 
no  part  of  the  sum  appropriated  for  the  prosecution  of  the  work  shall  be  applied  to  the  purchase  of 
marble  columns:  And  provided  further,  That  the  material  of  said  columns  shall  be  American  marble. 

Mr.  Maynard.  I ask  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  to  allow 
to  be  read  a letter  from  the  Secretary  of  War  to  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings. 

Mr.  Sherman.  I must  object  to  that;  it  would  give  rise  to  debate.  I desire  simply 
to  have  the  previous  question  seconded,  and  then  I will  say  one  or  two  words. 

The  previous  question  was  seconded,  and  the  main  question  ordered. 

* * * 

CIVIL  APPROPRIATION  bill. 

The  House  proceeded  to  the  regular  order  of  business,  being  the  consideration  of 
the  amendments  of  the  Senate  to  the  civil  appropriation  bill. 

The  Speaker  pro  tempore  stated  the  pending  question  to  be  on  agreeing  to  the  fol- 
lowing amendment,  reported  by  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the 
Union,  to  the  third  amendment  of  the  Senate: 

* * * 


778 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Fifth  amendment  of  the  Senate,  (on  which  a separate  vote  had  been  demanded:) 

To  pay  for  labor  on,  and  materials  furnished  for,  the  Capitol  extension,  9153,601  74;  and  to  enable 
the  superintendent  to  take  care  of  the  marble  which  has  been  delivered,  and  of  the  shops  occupied, 
and  to  lay  the  marble  flooring  of  the  porticoes,  and  to  pay  for  the  bronze  doors,  948,920;  and  for  con- 
tingencies of  the  Capitol  extension,  92,300,  making  9204,821  74, 

Mr.  Quarles  demanded  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  not  ordered. 

Mr.  Spaulding  demanded  tellers. 

Tellers  were  ordered;  and  Messrs.  Quarles,  and  Howard  of  Ohio,  were  appointed. 

The  House  divided;  and  the  tellers  reported — ayes  ninety-six,  noesnot  counted. 

So  the  amendment  of  the  Senate  was  concurred  in. 

Sixth  amendment: 

For  the  prosecution  of  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension  during  the  fiscal  year  ending  the  30th 
June,  1861,  the  sum  of  9300,000. 

The  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  recommended  a concur- 
rence in  the  amendment,  with  an  amendment  to  add  at  the  end  thereof,  as  follows: 

Provided , That  none  of  the  money  hereby  appropriated  shall  be  expended  for  decoration  or  embel 
lishment  of  the  Capitol  extension,  or  for  sculpture  or  paintings,  or  other  works  of  illustrative  art, 
unless  the  designs  for  the  same  shall  have  been  approved  by  the  art  commission  appointed  by  the 
President  May  15, 1859.  But  nothing  herein  provided  shall  be  so  construed  as  to  interfere  with  the 
completion  of  works  already  begun  by  Crawford  and  Rogers. 

Mr.  Stevens,  of  Pennsylvania.  What  do  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means 
recommend  in  relation  to  this  amendment? 

Mr.  Sherman.  They  recommended  non-concurrence. 

The  amendment  to  the  Senate  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

The  question  recurred  on  the  Senate  amendment,  as  amended. 

Mr.  Gilmer  called  for  the  yeas  and  nays. 

Mr.  Quarles  called  for  tellers  on  the  yeas  and  nays. 

Tellers  were  not  ordered. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  not  ordered. 

The  amendment  of  the  Senate,  as  amended,  was  concurred  in — ayes  80,  noes  30. 

Seventh  amendment: 

To  enable  the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  extension  to  purchase  from  Rice  & Heebner  thirty- 
four  monolithic  columns,  at  the  price  specified  in  their  supplemental  contract  of  March  30,  1854,  the 
marble  for  said  columns  to  be  approved  by  the  said  superintendent,  the  sum  of  947,600:  Provided, 
That  no  part  of  the  sum  appropriated  for  the  prosecution  of  the  work  shall  be  applied  to  the  purchase 
of  marble  columns. 

This  amendment,  before  the  previous  question  was  called,  Mr.  Harris,  of  Mary- 
land, had  moved  to  amend  by  adding  as  follows: 

Provided  farther.  That  the  material  of  said  columns  shall  be  American  marble. 

Mr.  Bonham.  I desire  to  ask  whether  this  contract  is  recommended  by  the  Secre- 
tary of  War? 

Mr.  Phelps.  It  is  not. 

Mr.  Boteler.  I call  for  the  yeas  and  nays  upon  the  amendment  to  the  amendment. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  not  ordered. 

The  amendment  to  the  Senate  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Phelps  moved  to  reconsider  the  vote  by  which  the  amendment  to  the  amend- 
ment was  adopted;  and  also  moved  to  lay  the  motion  to  reconsider  on  the  table. 

The  latter  motion  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Phelps  called  for  the  yeas  and  nays  on  concurring  in  the  amendment  of  the 
Senate,  as  amended. 

Mr.  Bonham  called  for  tellers  on  the  yeas  and  nays. 

Tellers  were  ordered;  and  Messrs.  Phelps  and  Carter  were  appointed. 


The  Extensions. 


779 


The  House  divided;  and  the  tellers  reported — ayes  34,  noes  74. 

So  (one  fifth  having  voted  in  the  affirmative)  the  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

Mr.  Clark,  of  New  York.  I am  satisfied  that  that  amendment  has  been  improperly 
reported.  As  it  reads,  it  contradicts  itself.  It  provides  that  the  columns  shall  be 
purchased,  and  it  provides  that  they  shall  not  be  purchased. 

The  Speaker  pro  tempore.  The  Chair  will  state  that  the  provision  that  no  part  of 
the  appropriation  for  the  prosecution  of  the  work  shall  be  applied  to  the  purchase  of 
marble  columns,  he  presumes,  refers  te  the  sixth  amendment  of  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Phelps.  It  is  not  for  us  to  construe  the  Senate  amendments.  They  are 
reported  as  separate  amendments. 

The  question  was  taken;  and  it  was  decided  in  the  affirmative — yeas  81,  nays  80; 
* * * 

So  the  amendment  of  the  Senate,  as  amended,  was  concurred  in. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  June  19,  1860:  Congressional  Globe,  36 — 1,  p.  3145.] 

CIVIL  APPROPRIATION  BILL. 

Mr.  Toombs.  I move  now  to  take  up  the  miscellaneous  appropriation  bill. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to;  and  the  Senate  proceeded  to  consider  the  action  of  the 
House  of  Representatives  upon  the  amendments  of  the  Senate  to  the  bill  (PI.  R. 
No.  501)  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government,  for  the 
year  ending  the  30th  of  June,  1361. 

* * * 

The  Secretary  read  the  sixth  amendment  of  the  Senate,  which  was  to  insert: 

For  the  prosecution  of  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension,  during  the  fiscal  year  ending  the  30th  of 
June,  1861,  the  sum  of  $300,000. 

The  amendment  of  the  House  is  to  add  to  it: 

Provided,  That  none  of  the  money  hereby  appropriated  shall  be  expended  in  the  decoration  and 
embellishment  of  the  Capitol  extension  by  sculpture  or  painting,  or  other  works  of  illustrated  art, 
unless  the  designs  for  the  same  shall  have  been  approved  by  the  art  commission,  appointed  by  the 
President  May  15,  1859,  in  pursuance  of  acts  of  Congress  of  June  12,  1858,  and  March  3,  1859;  but  this 
proviso  shall  not  be  so  construed  as  to  interfere  with  the  completion  and  payment  for  works  already 
begun  by  Crawford  and  Rogers. 

Mr.  Toombs.  I move  to  non-curcur  in  that. 

The  House  amendment  was  non-concurred  in. 

The  Secretary  read  the  seventh  amendment  of  the  Senate,  which  was  to  insert: 

To  enable  the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  extension  to  purchase  from  Rice  & Heebner  thirty-four 
monolithic  columns,  at  the  price  specified  in  their  supplemental  contract  of  March  30,  1854,  the 
marble  for  said  columns  to  be  approved  by  said  superintendent,  the  sum  of  $47,600:  Provided,  That 
no  part  of  the  sum  appropriated  for  the  prosecution  of  the  work  shall  be  applied  to  the  purchase  of 
marble  columns. 

The  House  amendment  is  to  add: 

And  provided  farther,  That  the  material  of  said  columns  shall  be  American  marble. 

Mr.  Green.  While  I am  in  favor  of  the  amendment  of  the  House,  I move  that  the 
Senate  non-concur,  because  I think  a committee  of  conference  can  put  the  whole  of 
it  in  a better  shape  than  it  now  is.  The  Senate  amendment,  I think,  is  very  objec- 
tionable; and  I want  a means  of  reaching  it,  so  as  to  put  it  in  a shape  that  will  be 
satisfactory  to  all.  I do  not  like  this  way  of  Congress  making  contracts;  yet  the 
Senate  put  in  the  bill  an  amendment  for  two  individuals.  Though  the  House  has 
improved  it,  and  so  far  as  the  mere  abstract  question  is  concerned,  I would  vote  for 
the  House  amendment,  because  it  confines  it  to  domestic  marble,  marble  of  our  own 


780 


Documentary  History  of  the  Cajpitol. 


country,  which  I think  right;  because  we  have  a good  material,  and  we  can  supply 
the  wants  and  make  as  beautiful  a building  here  as  with  Parian  marble  or  Italian 
marble;  yet  we  cannot  reach  the  Senate  amendment  without  disagreeing  to  the 
House  amendment.  Therefore  I hope  we  shall  disagree  to  the  House  amendment; 
although,  if  you  determine  to  stand  by  the  original  Senate  amendment,  I would  vote 
for  the  House  amendment  to  it. 

The  House  amendment  was  non-concurred  in — ayes  twenty-seven,  noes  not 
counted. 


[House  proceedings  of  June  20,  1860:  Congressional  Globe,  36 — 1,  p.  3199.] 

CIVIL  APPROPRIATION  BILL. 

Mr.  Sherman.  I desire  to  report  from  the  committee  of  conference  on  the  bill  No. 
501,  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  year 
ending  30th  June,  1861.  There  was  a very  large  number  of  disagreeing  votes  on  this 
bill,  and,  as  a matter  of  course,  a great  variety  of  questions  have  been  brought  before 
the  committee  of  conference.  * * * The  Senate  agree  to  the  House  amendment 
limiting  the  appropriation  for  the  completion  of  the  Capitol  to  the  work  necessary  to 
complete  the  building,  excluding  painting  and  sculpture.  In  connection  with  that 
amendment,  the  House  is  recommended  to  concur  with  the  Senate  amendment 
abolishing  the  art  commission.  This  was  done  by  a majority  of  the  committee;  one 
of  the  members  of  the  committee  [Mr.  Bingham]  dissenting  from  the  abolition  of  the 
art  commission.  The  effect  of  the  amendment  is  to  confine  the  expenditure  of  the 
§300,000  for  the  Capitol  extension  simply  to  complete  the  building,  and  excluding 
the  expenditure  of  any  money  for  painting  or  sculpture.  As,  therefore,  there  will 
be  no  employment  for  the  art  commission  next  year,  it  is  suspended  or  abolished. 

The  Senate  concur  with  the  House  amendment  to  amendment  number  eight, 
relating  to  marble  columns,  inserting  the  words  “American  marble”  in  the  proper 
place;  so  that  the  amendment  is  now,  I suppose,  grammatical.  * * * 

The  Senate  recedes  from  its  amendments  from  forty  to  forty-five,  in  regard  to  the 
extension  of  the  Capitol  grounds;  and  the  House  agrees  to  an  amendment  which 
provides  for  ascertaining  the  probable  cost  of  the  grounds  embraced  within  the  pro- 
posed extension,  and  to  report  to  Congress,  at  its  next  session,  a plan  for  extending 
the  Capitol  grounds.  It  makes  no  appropriation. 

* * * 

This  House  * * * rejected  the  appropriation  for  the  Capitol  extension,  until 
the  public  Treasury  was  in  a better  condition.  * * * 


[From  the  “ Act  making  Appropriations  for  sundry  Civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  Year 
ending  the  thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-one,”  approved  June  25,  1860.  (Stats,  at 
Large,  v.  12,  pp.  105-6.)] 

To  pay  for  labor  on,  and  materials  furnished  for,  the  Capitol  extension,  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty-three  thousand  six  hundred  and  one  dollars  and  seventy-four  cents; 
and  to  enable  the  superintendent  to  take  care  of  the  marble  which  has  been  deliv- 
ered, and  of  the  shops  occupied,  and  to  lay  the  marble  flooring  of  the  porticos  and 
to  pay  for  the  bronze  doors,  forty-eight  thousand  nine  hundred  and  twenty  dollars; 
and  for  contingencies  of  the  Capitol  extension,  twenty-three  hundred  dollars,  making 
two  hundred  and  four  thousand  eight  hundred  and  twenty-one  dollars  and  seventy- 
four  cents. 

For  the  prosecution  of  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension  during  the  fiscal  year 
ending  the  thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-one,  the  sum  of  three 


The  Extensions. 


781 


hundred  thousand  dollars:  Provided,  That  none  of  the  money  hereby  appropriated 
shall  be  expended  in  the  decoration  and  embellishment  of  the  Capitol  extension  by 
sculpture  or  painting,  or  other  works  of  illustrated  art. 

To  enable  the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  extension  to  purchase  from  Rice  and 
Heebner  thirty-four  monolithic  columns  of  American  marble  at  the  price  specified  in 
their  supplemental  contract  of  March  thirty,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-four,  the 
marble  for  said  columns  to  be  approved,  by  the  said  superintendent,  the  sum  of  forty- 
seven  thousand  six  hundred  dollars:  Provided , That  no  part  of  the  aforesaid  sum  of 
three  hundred  thousand  dollars  appropriated  for  the  prosecution  of  the  work  shall 
be  applied  to  the  purchase  of  marble  columns. 

-x-  -x-  * 

For  fixtures  for  gas,  and  furniture,  for  the  committee,  office,  and  other  rooms  and 
apartments,  in  the  north  wing  of  the  Capitol,  as  directed  by  the  resolution  of  the 
Senate  of  thirtieth  March,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty,  nineteen  thousand  four 
hundred  dollars,  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  Committee  to  audit  and 
control  the  contingent  expenses  of  the  Senate. 


[Report  of  Capt.  W.  B.  Franklin,  in  charge  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  6,  1860.  (36—2,  Senate 

Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  V.  2,  p.  172.)] 

REPORT  ON  THE  CAPITOL  EXTENSION. 

Office  United  States  Capitol  Extension, 

Washington,  November,  6,  1860. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  upon  the  operations  of  the 
past  year  in  the  construction  of  the  Capitol  extension. 

I was  ordered  to  take  charge  of  the  work  on  November  1,  1859,  and  found,  when 
I entered  upon  the  duties,  that  it  would  very  soon  be  necessary  to  suspend  work  on 
account  of  the  exhaustion  of  the  appropriation.  During  the  season  of  1859,  there- 
fore, the  only  work  done,  after  October  1,  was  the  completion  of  the  change  of  seats 
in  the  Hall  of  Representatives,  the  completion  of  an  alteration  changing  the  method 
of  introducing  air  into  the  Senate  Chamber  and  galleries,  the  laying  of  the  exterior 
marble  arcades,  and  the  placing  of  two  marble  platforms  of  the  arcades  of  the  con- 
necting corridors.  The  fourth  bronze  stairway  railing  was  received  and  placed,  and 
sundry  skylights  of  ornamental  glass  were  received  and  set.  The  heating  apparatus 
of  the  north  wing  was  completed  and  turned  over  to  the  Senate. 

Work  was  suspended  upon  the  building  from  December  1,  1859,  until  July  1,  1860. 
A few  men  were  employed  at  the  marble  sawmill  in  getting  marble  ready  for  the 
platforms  of  the  arcades,  but  no  work  was  done  on  the  building,  except  some 
painting  in  the  corridors. 

Congress,  at  its  last  session,  having  appropriated  money  specifically  for  thirty-four 
monolithic  marble  columns  of  American  marble,  to  lie  purchased  from  Rice  & Heeb- 
ner, the  contractors,  according  to  the  terms  of  their  contract,  and  the  department 
having,  on  August  16  last,  authorized  me  to  procure  them,  on  August  18  I gave  them 
the  order  for  the  thirty-four  columns.  At  this  date  sixteen  columns  have  been 
delivered,  fifteen  of  which  have  been  received.  All  of  these  will  be  cut  during  the 
present  season,  and  it  is  likely  that  eight  or  ten  of  them  will  be  in  place  by  the  first  of 
January.  Those  already  delivered  are  from  Connolly’s  quarry  in  Baltimore  county, 
Maryland,  and  their  appearance  when  cut  is  better  than  had  been  anticipated. 

I do  not  know  whether  the  contractors  are  making  efforts  to  get  columns  from  any 
other  quarries,  but  it  is  still  an  open  question  whether  the  Baltimore  county  quarry 
will  supply  the  whole  number  required.  The  quarrymen  are  now  at  work  on  the 
twenty-second  column. 


782 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  whole  number  of  columns  (100)  should  be  delivered  during  this  fiscal  year 
and  the  next,  or  the  completion  of  the  work  will  be  delayed.  If  the  whole  number 
be  delivered  in  this  time,  there  is,  I think,  no  doubt  that  the  Capitol  extension  will 
be  completed  by  the  end  of  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1863,  provided  the 
necessary  appropriations  are  made. 

The  platforms  of  the  porticoes  have  all  been  laid  during  the  past  year,  and  they 
are  now  ready  for  the  reception  of  the  column  pedestals.  The  contractors  for  marble 
cutting  have  been  also  engaged  in  cutting  the  exterior  steps,  and  the  architraves, 
friezes,  and  ceilings  of  the  exterior  porticoes.  These  will  be  ready  for  use  by  the 
time  the  columns  which  are  to  support  them  will  be  placed. 

The  marble  skirting  and  paneling  of  the  upper  flights  of  the  four  stairways  have 
been  placed,  and  these  beautiful  pieces  of  marble  work  are  now  finished.  The  iron 
ceilings  of  these  stairways  have  been  completed. 

The  foundations  of  all  the  exterior  granite  steps  have  been  built,  and  the  steps  on 
the  northeast  and  south  fronts  have  been  placed.  On  account  of  the  great  depth  of 
made  ground  on  the  west  front,  it  has  been  considered  best  to  lay  the  steps  for  that 
front  loosely  upon  the  foundations,  in  order  that  the  walls,  being  at  once  subjected 
to  nearly  all  of  the  weight  they  will  ever  have  to  bear,  may  settle  before  the  steps  are 
permanently  laid. 

The  foundations  of  the  marble  steps  of  the  eastern  porticoes  have  been  laid.  On 
account  of  the  great  depth  of  the  made  ground  about  the  north  wing,  the  excavation 
for  the  foundation  of  the  steps  of  its  eastern  portico  had  to  go  down  about  twenty 
feet,  involving  great  expense  and  much  time. 

The  plastering  of  all  of  the  committee  rooms  has  been  finished,  and  all  of  the  paint- 
ing of  doors  and  window  sash  and  frame  has  been  completed  on  the  principal  and 
attic  stories,  and  on  part  of  the  basement  story. 

No  painting,  except  the  finishing  of  some  corridor  painting  previously  authorized 
by  law,  and  ordinary  ornamental  wall  painting,  has  been  done  under  the  head  of 
ornamental  painting  since  the  adjournment  of  Congress.  A small  specimen  of  the 
manner  of  finishing  the  corridors  and  rooms  connected  with  them  in  the  vicinity  of 
the  two  halls  has  been  painted  and  gilded  to  show  the  style.  It  is  for  Congress  to 
decide  whether  this  or  a plainer  style  of  ornamentation  shall  be  adopted,  or  whether 
the  corridors  shall  be  left  in  their  present  condition.  If  they  are  so  left  they  will 
soon  be  defaced  and  made  unsightly  by  mischievous  persons.  By  the  existing  law, 
no  style  of  ornamentation  which  involves  the  painting  of  figures  illustrating  any  sub- 
ject can  be  adopted,  and  as  the  ceilings  and  walls  have  been  laid  out  with  reference 
to  such  painting,  unsightly  blanks  are  necessarily  left. 

The  rooms  over  the  connecting  corridors  are  now  getting  fitted  up  with  iron  ceil- 
ings, skylights,  and  wooden  shelves.  They  are  to  be  used  for  document  rooms  for 
the  two  houses,  and  will  be  ready  for  use  at  or  near  the  commencement  of  the  next 
session. 

All  of  the  floors  of  the  building  are  finished,  except  that  of  the  eastern  vestibule 
of  the  north  wing,  which  it  is  contemplated  to  lay  in  marble  tile. 

Air-ducts  for  ventilating  the  rooms  in  the  basement  of  the  south  wing,  the  cloak 
rooms,  and  galleries  of  the  Hall  of  Representatives  have  been  made.  These  ducts  or 
flues  had  been  left  unfinished,  although  the  rooms  have  been  some  time  in  use. 

The  bronze  door  ordered  from  Mr.  Randolph  Rogers,  I have  been  informed  by 
him,  is  three  fourths  completed,  and  will  soon  be  entirely  finished.  He  reports  the 
work  as  done  entirely  to  his  satisfaction. 

Arrangements  have  been  made  with  Mrs.  Crawford  for  the  completion  of  the  two 
bronze  doors  ordered  from  the  late  Mr.  Thomas  Crawford,  sculptor,  her  husband. 
The  studies  and  sketches  of  these  doors  in  clay  were  complete  when  Mr.  Crawford 
died,  and  it  is  a subject  of  congratulation  that  Mrs.  Crawford  has  undertaken  to 
superintend  their  construction. 


The  Extensions. 


783 


During  the  past  winter  two  marble  statues  of  Justice  and  History,  intended  to  be 
placed  above  the  main  door  of  one  of  the  eastern  porticos,  were  received  at  the  Capi- 
tol. They  are  by  Crawford,  and  are  beautiful  figures.  They  have  been  deposited 
in  the  old  Hall  of  Representatives  for  storage  until  the  portico  is  ready  to  receive 
them. 

The  House  of  Representatives,  on  February  21,  last,  passed  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved , That  the  Superintendent  of  the  Capitol  Extension  he  directed  to  remove  the  present 
benches  from  the  Hall,  and  replace  the  old  chairs  and  desks,  adopting  substantially  the  original 
arrangement  thereof,  but  having  regard  to  any  reduction  of  space  occupied  by  them,  without  inter- 
fering with  the  convenience  of  the  arrangement. 

In  obedience  to  this  order,  I was  authorized  bv  you  to  take  steps  to  make  the 
required  change  at  once,  but  the  House  did  not,  during  the  remainder  of  the  session, 
adjourn  over  long  enough  to  permit  the  alteration  to  be  made.  It  was  commenced, 
however,  immediately  after  the  the  adjournment  of  Congress,  and  is  now  completed. 

As  it  was  decided  by  the  department  that  the  expenditure  on  this  account  was  not 
a proper  charge  against  the  appropriation  for  the  Capitol  extension,  an  accurate 
account  of  the  expenses  has  been  kept,  to  be  presented  to  the  House  for  payment 
immediately  after  the  session  commences.  The  mechanics  and  laborers  employed  on 
the  alteration  have  done  the  work  on  credit,  relying  upon  Congress  to  pay  their  wages. 

In  July  last,  the  levels  of  all  the  corners  of  the  two  wings  of  the  capitol  extension 
were  taken.  It  appears  from  the  levels,  that  at  the  top  of  the  granite  basement 
courses  the  west  side  of  the  south  wing  is  4^  inches  lower  than  the  east  side;  and  at 
corresponding  points  in  the  north  wing,  the  west  side  is  2-J  inches  lower  than  the  east 
side.  These  figures  are  given,  not  because  any  danger  to  the  building  is  anticipated, 
but  in  order  to  place  the  data  on  record  in  a permanent  form. 

The  same  measurements  were  made  in  October,  and  the  same  figures  were  obtained. 

There  have  been  received,  during  the  past  year,  11,542  cubic  feet  of  Lee  marble, 
costing  $22,853.16;  and  172-^f  cubic  feet  of  Italian  marble,  costing  $515.28.  The  whole 
quantity  of  marble  received  at  the  building  to  September  30,  1860,  is,  for  exterior, 
412,074^  cubic  feet  of  Lee  marble,  costing  $720,412.63;  for  interior,  15,409J  cubic  feet 
of  Lee  marble,  costing  $28,716.31;  22  interior  columns,  costing  $4,400;  and  10  exterior 
columns,  costing  $14,000. 

The  whole  quantity  of  Italian  marble  received  to  September  30,  1860,  is  28,474 
cubic  feet,  costing  $79,660. 

Of  Tennessee  marble,  9,830  cubic  feet,  costing  $66,021  97,  have  been  received. 

The  tables  given  below  show  the  disposition  of  the  expenditures  made  during  the 
past  year. 

The  amount  paid,  during  the  year,  for  marble  work,  is  $66,405  07,  making  the 
total  amount  paid  for  this  work  to  September  30,  1860,  $1,273,033  24. 

The  total  number  of  bricks  used,  during  the  year,  is  395,533,  making  the  total 
number  used  in  the  building  to  September  30,  1860,  18,S02,882. 

The  number  of  barrels  of  cement  used,  during  the  past  year,  is  2,311;  and  the 
whole  number  used  on  the  building  to  September  30,  1860,  is  45,251. 

* -x-  -x- 

■ _ Cash  account. 

Amount  available  September  30,  1859 $94, 171  67 

Appropriated  May  24,  1860  3,  700  00 

Appropriated  June  25,  1860  552, 421  74 

556,121  74 

650,  293  41 

Expended  in  year  ending  September  30,  1860  294,  794  20 

Available  October  1,  1860 355,499  21 

All  of  which  will  be  expended  by  June  30,  1861.  The  appropriation  required  for 
the  service  of  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1862,  is  $500,000. 


784 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


I have  appended  to  this  report  a table  showing  the  amounts  of  expenditure  for 
materials  and  work  upon  the  United  States  Capitol  extension  from  the  commence- 
ment of  the  work  in  1851  to  June  30,  1860. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 


Hon.  John  B.  Floyd, 


W.  B.  Franklin, 

Captain  of  Topographical  Engineers  in  Charge. 


Secretary  of  1 Yar. 


i 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  28,  1861:  Congressional  Globe,  36 — 2,  p.  1297.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  State  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Senate  amendments  to  the  Sundry  Civil  bill  for  1862 — 

Twenty-ninth  amendment: 

For  the  Capitol  extension,  8250,000. 

The  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  recommended  non-concurrence. 

Mr.  Maynard.  I propose,  before  concurring  or  non-concurring,  to  offer  an  amend- 
ment to  the  Senate  amendment  in  the  shape  of  the  proviso  which  has  been  attached 
to  this  appropriation  for  several  years.  It  is  the  same  policy  which  has  been  urged 
heretofore  and  settled  by  the  House,  and  I will  not  take  up  time  by  going  over  the 
argument  again.  I offer  the  following  amendment  to  the  amendment: 

Provided , None  of  the  money  hereby  appropriated  shall  be  expended  in  the  decoration  and  embel- 
lishment of  the  Capitol  extension,  for  sculpture  or  painting,  except  the  same  shall  be  approved  by 
the  art  commissioners  appointed  under  the  act  approved  12th  of  June,  1858,  in  the  manner  stated  in 
said  act;  but  this  proviso  shall  not  be  so  construed  as  to  interfere  with  the  completion  and  payment 
of  the  work  already  begun  by  Crawford  & Rogers,  or  the  completion  of  rooms  in  the  north  wing, 
already  painted. 

Mr.  Sherman.  Is  the  amendment  in  order? 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  thinks  it  is. 

Mr.  Mavnard.  I desire  to  state  that  I concur  with  the  Committee  of  Ways  and 
Means  in  their  recommendation  to  non-concur  in  the  Senate  amendment.  But  if 
that  amendment  should  be  concurred  in,  then  I want  to  have  this  proviso  attached 
to  it — the  same  as  has  been  attached  to  this  appropriation  for  several  years. 

Mr.  Maynard’s  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

The  Senate  amendment,  as  amended,  was  non-concurred  in. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  2,  1861:  Congressional  Globe,  36 — 2,  p.  1421.] 

CIAHL  APPROPRIATION  BILL. 

Mr.  Davis,  of  Maryland.  I am  instructed  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the 
committee  of  conference  on  the  disagreeing  votes  of  the  two  Houses  on  the  civil 
appropriation  bill. 

* * & * 

The  committee  agreed  that  the  appropriations  made  by  the  Senate  to  continue  the 
work  upon  the  Capitol  and  the  Treasury  buildings  should  stand  as  in  the  Senate 
amendment;  because  the  Government  is  bound  by  contracts  for  materials,  which 
they  must  comply  with;  and  it  is  really  cheaper  to  continue  the  works  than  to  arrest 
them,  and  be  liable  to  damages  or  reclamation  by  the  contractors. 

* * * 

I believe  that  covers  the  material  points  in  the  report;  and  I now  demand  the  pre- 
vious question  on  its  adoption. 

The  previous  question  was  seconded,  and  the  main  question  ordered;  and,  under 
the  operation  thereof,  the  report  was  adopted. 

Mr.  Davis,  of  Maryland,  moved  to  reconsider  the  vote  by  which  the  report  was 
adopted;  also  moved  that  the  motion  to  reconsider  be  laid  upon  the  table. 

The  latter  motion  was  agreed  to. 


The  Extensions. 


785 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  sundry  Civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  Year 
ending  June  thirty,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-two,”  approved  Mar.  2,  1361.  (Stats,  at  Large, 
v.  12,  219.)] 

For  the  Capitol  extension,  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars. 


[Annual  report  of  Capt.  M.  C.  Meigs,  Superintendent  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  26,  1861.  (37— ,2 
Senate  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  v.  2,  p.  77.)] 

REPORT  OF  OPERATIONS  UPON  CAPITOL  EXTENSION,  &C. 

November  26,  1861. 

By  order  of  the  Hon.  J.  Holt,  Secretary  of  War,  of  27th  February,  1861, 1 resumed 
the  charge  of  the  Capitol  extension,  new  dome,  and  Post  Office  extension,  from  which 
I had  been  relieved  by  order  of  the  then  Secretary  of  War,  Mr.  John  B.  Floyd,  of 
the  1st  November,  1859. 

The  outbreak  of  the  rebellion,  calling  for  all  the  resources  of  the  nation  to  preserve 
its  existence,  made  it  necessary  to  suspend  works  not  of  absolute  necessity,  and  the 
force  employed  upon  these  public  buildings  by  the  United  States  was  reduced  to  a 
minimum  needed  for  the  preservation  of  the  buildings,  the  materials  and  property, 
and  the  official  papers,  accounts,  and  records  of  the  office. 

Debts  due  were  paid  off  as  far  as  possible  with  the  funds  which  I found  available. 

The  expenditure  since  I resumed  charge  of  the  works  has  been: 

For  Capitol  extension \ 861,  509.  80 

* * * 

Having  been  called  upon,  about  the  1st  of  April,  to  occompany  a military  expedi- 
tion to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  I,  with  the  consent  of  the  government,  appointed  Captain 
(now  Lieutenant  Colonel)  J.  N.  Macomb,  United  States  corps  of  topographical  engi- 
neers, my  attorney,  to  act  in  my  place  until  I could  again  give  personal  attention  to 
these  works.  I am  under  great  obligations  to  him  for  the  care,  fidelity,  and  intelli- 
gence with  which  he  has  discharged  the  trust  thus  committed  to  him. 

The  condition  of  the  buildings  may  be  briefly  stated  as  follows: 

The  main  body  of  the  wings  of  the  Capitol  is  completed,  except  the  erection  of 
parts  of  the  balustrade  over  the  cornice  and  the  erection  of  the  colonnades  and  steps. 

The  building  has  been  in  use  for  some  years,  and  has  realized  all  that  I undertook 
to  accomplish  in  regard  to  light,  warmth,  ventilation,  and  fitness  for  debate  and 
legislation. 

The  health  of  the  legislative  bodies  has  been  better,  more  business  has  been  accomp- 
lished in  the  same  time  than  in  the  old  halls,  and  when  order  is  preserved,  there  is 
no  difficulty  in  either  of  the  legislative  chambers  in  hearing  any  speaker  of  moderate 
voice  and  tolerable  articulation  even  when  the  galleries  are  densely  crowded. 

The  debates  preceding  the  outbreak  of  the  rebellion  attracted  crowds  of  the  people 
to  the  spacious  galleries,  where  they  were  able  to  hear  the  words  of  those  who  then 
debated  the  greatest  questions  discussed  in  our  Congress  since  the  revolution. 

Information  has  reached  me  of  the  completion  at  Munich  of  the  bronze  doors  by 
R igers. 

The  Capitol  extension  was  at  one  time  used  as  quarters  for  troops.  The  little 
injury  done  by  them  to  the  walls  has  been  repaired  by  the  authorities  to  whose  care 
the  finished  portion  of  the  building  had  been  transferred. 

The  entire  expenditure  during  the  year  ending  30th  September,  1861,  for 

the  Capitol  extension  has  been 8251,  891.  97 

* * * 

No  appropriation  is  asked  for  the  Capitol  extension  or  new  dome,  both  of  which 
are  advanced  sufficiently  to  be  completely  in  use.  1 cannot  recommend  that  at  a 

II.  Rep.  046 50 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


786 


time  when  the  nation  is  borrowing  money  to  preserve  its  existence,  this  borrowed 
money  should  be  applied  to  completing  the  decorative  construction  alone  of  this 
great  building. 

* * * 


Respectfully  submitted. 

Hon.  Simon  Cameron, 

Secretary  of  War. 


M.  C.  Meigs,  Superintenaent. 


The  following  are  the  cash  accounts  of  the  different  works. 
CAPITOL  EXTENSION. 


Amount  available  October  1,  1860  1355, 499.  21 

Amount  appropriated  since  February  19,  1861 2, 500. 00 

Amount  appropriated  since  March  2,  1861 250, 000. 00 


607,  999.  21 

Amount  expended  to  September  30,  1861  251,  891.  97 


Amount  available  October  1,  1861  356, 107. 24 

* * * 

Table  showing  the  amounts  and  divisions  of  expenditure  for  materials  and  work  upon  the 
United  Stales  Capitol  extension  from  the  commencement  of  the  work  in  1851  to  September 
30,  1861. 


Object  of  expenditure. 

Material. 

Labor. 

Total. 

$33, 804. 78 
95, 384. 28 
43, 187. 58 
118, 073. 60 
349, 733. 80 
253, 154. 66 
1,005, 280.60 

$40, 394. 22 
240, 037. 98 
18, 688. 71 
4, 183. 79 

$74, 199. 00 
335, 422. 26 
61, 876. 29 

Heating  and  ventilating 

122'  257. 39 

188,044.49 
261,  679. 44 

537,  778. 29 
514, 834. 10 
2. 536, 396. 94 
610, 436. 97 

1, 530, 116. 34 
371,250. 92 

239, 186. 05 

3, 558.  86 

54, 790. 93 

58',  349. 79 
51, 339. 46 
106,  371. 88 

761. 89 

39, 221. 77 

67, 150. 11 
121, 836. 17 
19, 652. 59 
151.72 

21,606.26 

143!  442. 43 

Plumbing,  gas,  and  water  fixtures 

Tiling 

73;  344. 33 

153, 985. 54 
22, 782. 82 

92, 996, 92 
154, 137. 26 
81,278.71 
7, 224. 66 

58, 495. 89 
7, 224. 66 

96!  213. 42 

96!  572. 77 

5, 860. 04 

221. 54 

6;  081. 58 
52, 334. 00 
55, 055. 65 
11,754.11 
1,333.94 

52, 334. 00 

25, 504. 42 
4, 162. 88 

29,551.23 

7,591.23 
412. 88 

921. 06 

70,521.03 
887. 76 

70, 521. 03 

22,  429. 89 

23, 317. 65 
139,204. 37 

129, 240. 47 

9, 963. 90 

2, 641, 544. 93 

3, 303, 172. 52 

5, 944, 717. 45 

Respectfully  submitted. 
November  26,  1861. 


M.  C.  Meigs,  Superintendent. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Caleb  B.  Smith,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  30,  1861.  (37 — 2,  Senate 

Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  v.  1,  p.  455.)] 

The  occupation  of  the  Capitol  during  the  past  summer  by  portions  of  the  volunteer 
'forces,  necessarily  caused  some  injury,  which  will  require  more  than  the  ordinary 
appropriations  for  repairs. 


The  Extensions. 


787 


The  old  portion  of  the  building  needs  outside  painting,  as  well  to  give  uniformity 
of  appearance  to  the  whole,  as  to  protect  it  from  decay. 

A portion  of  the  basement  of  the  building  is  now  used  as  a bakery  for  the  Army. 
Although  this  may  be  submitted  to  for  a time  as  a military  necessity,  it  ought  not  to 
be  permitted  any  longer  than  absolute  necessity  will  require.  Immediate  provision 
should  be  made  to  transfer  this  useful  branch  of  industry  to  some  other  locality, 
where  it  may  be  conducted  without  injury  to  the  national  Capitol  or  annoyance  to 
its  occupants. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Dec.  17,  1861:  Congressional  Globe,  37 — 2,  p.  110.] 

BAKERY  AT  THE  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  Foot  submitted  the  following  resolution;  which  was  considered  by  unanimous 
consent,  and  agreed  to: 

Resolved,  That  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  be  instructed  to  inform  the  Senate  by  whose 
direction,  and  under  what  authority,  a portion  of  the  national  Capitol  has  been  converted  into  a 
baking  establishment  for  the  Army;  and  also  to  inform  the  Senate  of  the  nature  and  extent  of  the 
injury,  if  any,  to  the  Capitol  building  and  grounds,  and  what  will  be  the  cost  of  repairing  such 
injury;  and  also  whether  any  existing  exigency  requires  the  continuance  of  such  baking  establish- 
ment in  the  Capitol. 


[Senate  Mis.  Doc.  No.  8,  37th  Congress,  2d  Session.  Report  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 
in  answer  to  a resolution  of  the  Senate  of  the  17th  instant,  relative  to  the  baking  establishment  in 
the  Capitol  and  Capitol  grounds.  Dec.  23,  1861. — Referred  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings 
and  Grounds,  and  ordered  to  be  printed.] 

Office  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 

Capitol  of  the  United  States, 
Washington  City,  December  21,  1861. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt,  on  the  17th  instant,  of  a resolu- 
tion of  the  Senate,  instructing  me  “to  inform  the  Senate  by  whose  direction  and 
under  what  authority  a portion  of  the  national  Capitol  has  been  converted  into  a 
baking  establishment  for  the  army;  and  also  to  inform  the  Senate  of  the  nature  and 
extent  of  the  injury,  if  any,  to  the  Capitol  building  and  grounds,  and  what  will  be 
the  cost  of  repairing  such  injury;  and  also  whether  any  existing  exigency  requires 
the  continuance  of  such  baking  establishment  in  the  Capitol.” 

On  the  18th  instant  I addressed  a letter  to  the  Secretary  of  War,  covering  a copy 
of  the  resolution,  from  which  the  following  is  an  extract: 

The  Capitol  having  been  converted  into  a baking  establishment  for  the  army  while  in  charge  of 
one  of  my  predecessors  in  this  office,  I have  no  personal  knowledge  by  whose  direction  and  under 
what  authority  it  was  done,  nor  do  the  records  or  files  of  this  office  furnish  me  with  any  information 
on  the  subject.  I have  been  informed,  however,  by  Lieutenant  Cate,  who  had  charge  of  the  labor  of 
converting  it,  that  it  was  done  under  and  by  direction  of  the  War  Department. 

Will  you  be  pleased  to  give  me  such  information,  at  your  earliest  convenience,  as  you  can,  to  enable 
me  to  answer  fully  the  requirements  of  the  Senate  resolution? 

To  this  letter  I have  this  day  received  a reply,  which  I transmit  herewith,  (marked 
A, ) which  gives  all  the  required  information  touching  the  question  “ by  whose  direc- 
tion and  under  what  authority  a portion  of  the  national  Capitol  has  been  converted 
into  a baking  establishment  for  the  army?” 

To  ascertain  the  extent  of  the  injury  to  the  Capitol  building  and  grounds,  and  what 
will  be  the  cost  of  repairing  such  injury,  I directed  my  general  superintendent  to  make 
an  examination  and  estimate,  and  to  report  to  me  as  soon  as  possible,  which  he  did, 
and  his  letter  (marked  B)  is  transmitted  herewith. 

in  connexion  with  this  part  of  my  reply,  it  is  proper  that  I should  say  that,  in  a 
letter  addressed  to  me  by  the  librarian  of  Congress,  John  G.  Stephenson,  esq.,  in 


788 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


relation  to  another  matter,  he  uses  the  following  language:  “lam  pained  to  see  a 
treasure  intrusted  to  my  care — a treasure  that  money  cannot  replace — receiving  great 
damage  from  the  smoke  and  soot  that  penetrate  everywhere  through  that  part  of  the 
Capitol  which  is  under  my  charge,  without  any  means  at  my  command  to  prevent  it. 
I am  now  satisfied  that  there  is  no  remedy,  except  in  the  removal  of  the  circle  of  bak- 
eries that  hems  us  in,  and  of  those  directly  under  the  library.” 

From  this  it  will  be  seen  that  a much  longer  continuance  of  the  bakeries  will  very 
much  injure,  if  not  ruin,  the  vast  and  valuable  collection  of  books  in  the  library  of 
Congress,  which  has  cost  so  much  money  and  is  of  such  immense  value  to  the  govern- 
ment. 

In  relation  to  the  existing  exigency  requiring  a continuance  of  the  baking  estab- 
lishment, it  is  impossible  for  me  to  judge.  The  proper  officer  of  the  W ar  Department 
has  expressed  his  views  that  “it  is  possible  to  remove  the  bakeries  at  the  Capitol, 
but  it  is  not  practicable.”  He  speaks  of  the  very  great  cost,  of  the  “much  time” 
that  “would  necessarily  be  required  to  construct  and  perfect  the  masonry,  to  lay 
water  and  gas  pipes,”  &e. 

I have  been  informed  from  a reliable  source  that  the  cost  of  putting  up  the  bakery 
in  the  Capitol  was  $8,400;  and  as,  by  proper  economy,  much  of  the  material  now  in 
use  can  be  used  elsewhere,  the  expense  of  transfer  cannot  be  very  great.  The  bakery, 
as  it  now  is,  can  be  used  until  a portion  of  the  new  ovens  are  ready.  As  soon  as  the 
new  ovens  can  be  used,  some  of  the  old  ones  can  be  dispensed  with,  taken  down,  and 
transferred;  so  that  the  operation  of  baking  will  not  be  delayed  a moment,  and  much 
of  the  old  material  can  be  worked  into  the  new  ovens.  This  I am  informed  by  a 
practical  man  can  be  done. 

The  old  gas-house,  directly  west  of  the  Capitol,  and  in  a much  more  convenient 
position  than  the  Capitol  for  a bakery,  can,  I am  told,  be  rented  at  a low  rate,  and 
is  admirably  adapted  to  the  wants  of  the  army  as  a bakery.  It  contains  two  large 
rooms,  each  one  hundred  and  thirty-six  feet  long,  and  one  of  them  fifty-eight  feet 
wide,  the  other  fifty-three  feet  wide.  A passage  way  for  wagons  thirty  feet  wide 
runs  between  them,  passes  around  one  of  them,  and  out  into  the  street  along  the 
outside  of  it,  affording  the  utmost  convenience  for  delivering  and  taking  away  mate- 
rial. Water  and  gas  are  now  conveyed  to  the  building,  so  that  no  delay  on  that 
account  will  be  caused.  In  my  opinion,  a single  week  will  suffice  to  convert  that 
building  so  far  into  a bakery  as  that,  baking  can  be  commenced  therein.  I enclose  a 
rough  diagram  of  the  gas-liouse,  which  will  show  its  appropriateness  for  the  pur- 
poses indicated. 

As  regards  so  much  of  the  letter  from  the  War  Department  as  states  “that  the 
rooms  now  used  for  the  bakery  in  the  Capitol  could  be  used  for  no  other  proper 
purpose,  and  that  no  injury  has  been  done  to  the  Capitol  building,”  I have  only  to 
say  that  those  rooms  were  used  for  committee  rooms  and  offices  up  to  the  time  that 
the  Capitol  extension  became  tenan table,  and  some  of  them  long  afterward;  that 
they  made  very  comfortable  business  rooms;  and,  as  evidence  that  they  are  now 
wanted  for  legitimate  legislative  purposes,  I will  state  that  it  is  not  many  days  since 
the  Sergeant-at-arms  of  the  Senate  called  on  me  and  requested  me  to  furnish  rooms 
for  committees  of  the  Senate,  there  not  being  enough  in  the  north  wing  to  accommo- 
date them;  which,  for  the  want  of  these  very  rooms,  I could  not  do. 

To  the  statement  that  no  injury  has  been  done,  I have  only  to  refer  to  the  esti- 
mate for  repairs  ! 

I am,  with  high  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

B.  B.  French, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

Hon.  Hannibal  Hamlin, 

Vice-President  of  the  United  States. 


The  Extensions. 


789 


A. 

Letter  and  enclosure  from  the  War  Department  to  the  Comm  issioner  of  Public  Buildings  in 
relation  to  the  bakeries  in  the  Capitol. 

War  Department,  December  19,  1861. 

Sir:  In  answer  to  your  communication  of  the  18t,h  instant,  in  reference  to  the 
bakery  at  the  national  Cajntol,  I have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  the  report 
received  from  the  commissary  general,  to  whom  the  subject  was  referred. 

Very  respectfully, 

Thomas  A.  Scott, 

Acting  Secretary  of  War. 

B.  B.  Frencit,  Esq., 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  Washington,  D.  C. 


Washington,  D.  C. , December  19,  1861. 

Colonel:  I am  in  possession  of  the  letter  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings 
to  the  Hon.  Secretary  of  War,  in  relation  to  the  Capitol  bakery,  which  was  referred 
to  me  this  morning. 

In  reply  thereto,  I will  state  that  the  Capitol  building  was  occupied  some  time  last 
spring  under  the  authority  of  Lieutenant  General  Scott,  and,  as  I understood  at  the 
time,  by  the  express  permission  of  the  President. 

About  ten  thousand  troops  were  congregated  in  the  Capitol  building,  and  General 
Irwin  McDowell  was  placed  in  command  of  them  and  the  building.  A large  supply 
of  commissary  stores  were  placed  in  the  basement,  bakeries  were  erected,  and  arrange- 
ments made  to  barricade  the  building  to  provide  against  an  attack. 

I am  of  the  opinion  that  no  special  authority  was  obtained  from  any  one  to  erect 
the  bakeries,  but  the  authority  was  incident  and  belonged  to  the  officers  commanding 
the  troops  who  were  placed  in  the  building  for  its  defence. 

There  has  been  from  time  to  time  additional  ovens  erected  to  meet  the  wants  of 
the  troops.  It  is  possible  to  remove  the  bakeries  at  the  Capitol,  but  it  is  not  prac- 
ticable. The  cost  of  erecting  a bakery,  with  the  appurtenances  of  the  bakery  at  the 
Capitol,  would  be  very  great,  and  much  time  would  necessarily  be  required  to  con- 
struct and  perfect  the  masonry,  to  lay  water  and  gas-pipes,  and  by  the  time  all  this 
could  be  accomplished  the  necessity  for  the  bakery  at  the  Capitol  will  probably 
have  ceased  by  the  advance  of  the  troops. 

I think  proper  to  state  that  the  rooms  now  used  for  the  bakery  in  the  Capitol 
could  be  used  for  no  other  proper  purpose,  and  that  no  injury  has  been  done  to  the 
Capitol  building. 

I think  proper  to  state  that-  portions  of  many  of  the  public  buildings  are  used  for 
various  purposes  by  the  troops — the  treasury  for  bakeries;  the  General  Post  Office 
for  an  issuing  storehouse. 

I am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

A.  Beckwith, 

Major  and  Commissary  of  Subsistence. 

Colonel  J.  P.  Taylor, 

Commissary  General  of  Subsistence  U.  S.  Army. 


790 


Ifocumentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


B. 


Estimate  of  R.  II.  Stewart,  general  superintendent , of  cost  of  repairing  the  Capitol  in  con- 
sequence of  the  introduction  of  the  baking  establishment. 

Washington,  December  SO,  1861. 

Sir:  In  accordance  with  your  directions,  that  I should  submit  to  you  an  estimate 
of  what  it  will  cost  to  repair  the  injury  to  the  Capitol  and  Capitol  grounds  caused  by 
converting  the  Capitol  into  a bakery  for  the  army,  I submit  the  following: 


To  repair  the  injury  to  the  grounds,  walks,  steps,  stone  work,  &c $5, 000 

Painting  the  rooms  now  occupied  by  the  bakery 1, 000 

Carpenters’  work  in  the  same 1, 000 

Plastering  and  whitewashing 500 

For  cleaning  rooms,  &c 300 


Respectfully,  yours, 

B.  B.  French,  Esq.,  Commissioner. 


7,800 

R.  H.  Stewart, 

General  Superintendent,  C.  P.  B. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  5,  1862:  Congressional  Globe,  37—2,  p.  1072.] 

CAPITOL  EXTENSION. 

Mr.  Foot.  The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  some  time  ago, 
reported  a joint  resolution,  in  pursuance  of  a resolution  of  inquiry  on  the  subject, 
referred  to  that  committee,  proposing  a transfer  of  the  superintendency  of  the  Cap- 
itol extension  from  the  War  to  the  Interior  Department.  I should  like  to  make  a 
few  words  of  explanation  in  connection  with  that  resolution.  I move  to  postpone 
all  prior  orders  and  proceed  to  its  consideration.  It  will  occupy  but  little  time. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to;  and  the  joint  resolution  (S.  No.  50)  transferring  the 
supervision  of  the  Capitol  extension,  and  the  erection  of  the  new  dome,  to  the 
Department  of  the  Interior,  was  read  the  second  time,  and  considered  as  in  Commit- 
tee of  the  Whole.  The  resolution  transfers  the  supervision  of  the  Capitol  extension 
and  the  erection  of  the  new  dome  from  the  War  Department  to  the  Department  of 
the  Interior,  and  directs  that  all  unexpended  money  which  has  been  heretofore 
appropriated,  and  all  money  which  may  be  hereafter  appropriated  for  either  of  those 
improvements,  shall  be  expended  under  the  direction  and  supervision  of  the  Secre- 
tary of  the  Interior. 

Mr.  Foot.  Mr.  President,  a very  brief  statement  of  facts  is  all  that  I shall  attempt 
at  this  time,  and  which,  I think,  will  be  sufficient  to  satisfy  the  Senate  of  the 
importance,  and  even  of  the  necessity,  of  the  change  proposed  by  this  joint  resolu- 
tion. This  resolution,  coming  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds, 
merely  proposes  to  transfer  the  superintendency  of  the  work  upon  the  Capitol  exten- 
sion and  upon  the  dome  from  the  War  Department,  where  it  is  now  lodged,  to  the 
Department  of  the  Interior,  where  it  was  originally  placed.  It  remained  under  the 
Department  of  the  Interior  until  the  accession  of  Mr.  Pierce  to  the  Presidency,  and 
of  Jefferson  Davis  to  the  head  of  the  War  Department,  in  March,  1853.  It  was 
immediately,  and  within  the  first  month  of  that  Administration,  transferred  from 
the  Department  of  the  Interior  to  the  Department  of  War,  and  has  continued  there 
ever  since,  covering  the  entire  terms  of  the  administration  of  Mr.  Pierce  and  of  Mr. 
Buchanan,  and  of  their  Secretaries  of  War,  Jefferson  Davis  and  John  B.  Floyd; 
with  how  much  advantage  or  disadvantage  to  the  Government,  or  with  how  much 
of  economy  or  of  extravagance,  I do  not  now  undertake  to  say,  or  even  to  consider. 
It  is  sufficient  to  say  that,  under  this  military  superintendency,  after  eight  years  of 


The  Extensions. 


791 


time,  and  after  the  expenditure  of  some  six  or  seven  millions  of  dollars,  the  work 
was  left  unfinished  upon  the  hands  of  the  present  Administration.  Soon  after  the 
accession  of  Mr.  Lincoln  to  the  Presidency,  and  upon  the  outbreak  of  the  rebellion, 
and  the  consequent  and  exclusive  occupation  of  the  War  Department  in  the  military 
operations  of  the  country,  the  work  was  suspended.  It  has  not  since  been  resumed, 
except  for  a few  months  upon  the  dome  by  the  joint  recommendation  of  the  chair- 
men of  the  Committees  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  two  Houses, 
approved  by  the  President  himself,  and  for  which,  as  yet,  the  contractor  has  received 
no  compensation. 

Mr.  President,  I beg  leave  to  say  here,  and  to  be  understood,  that  the  proposed 
change  is  urged  upon  no  ground  and  for  no  reason  which,  in  the  slightest  degree, 
reflects  upon  the  War  Department.  I will  take  occasion  to  say  further,  that  no  man 
at  this  day  commands  a larger  measure  of  the  confidence  of  the  loyal  people  of  this 
country,  as  a gentleman  of  distinguished  ability,  of  high  integrity,  of  uncommon 
business  capacity,  and  of  devoted  loyalty  to  this  Government,  than  the  present  head 
of  that  Department.  In  that  confidence  I fully  share,  and  so,  I doubt  not,  does  every 
Senator  upon  this  floor.  But  we  all  know  very  well  that  Mr.  Stanton  has  not  an 
hour  of  time  to  give  to  the  direction  of  this  work.  We  all  know  that  his  whole  time 
and  all  the  energies  of  his  mind  are  now  engrossed  in  the  far  higher  and  more  impor- 
tant and  more  pressing  duties  which  more  directly  and  more  appropriately  belong 
to  his  office  as  Secretary  of  War. 

General  Meigs,  who  has  heretofore,  for  the  most  part  of  the  time,  had  the  imme- 
diate supervision  of  this  and  of  other  public  works,  and  is  now  the  nominal  superin- 
tendent, is  also  a gentleman  of  a very  high  order  of  talent,  of  great  energy,  and  of 
remarkable  executive  ability.  But  General  Meigs  has  no  time  to  give  to  the  super- 
vision of  this  work  at  this  time.  His  hands  are  full  of  other  occupations.  All  his 
time  and  all  his  attention  are  occupied  in  the  laborious  and  complex  duties  of  his 
office  as  Quartermaster  General.  Probably  there  are  no  two  officers  of  the  Govern- 
ment, not  even  excepting  the  President  himself,  or  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury, 
whose  labors,  physical  and  mental,  are  more  severe  and  more  incessant  than  are  those 
of  the  Secretary  of  War  and  of  the  Quartermaster  General;  and  it  is  but  a poor 
tribute  to  say  of  them  that  these  labors,  severe  and  incessant  as  we  know  them  to  be, 
are  yet  ably  and  faithfully  performed. 

This  of  itself  is  reason  enough  for  relieving  the  War  Department  of  this  work. 
Besides,  it  does  not  come  within  the  sphere  of  the  appropriate  duties  of  that  Depart- 
ment, especially  in  time  of  war.  In  short,  it  is  utterly  impossible  for  the  War 
Department  to  give  the  necessary  time  and  attention  to  this  work;  and  yet  something 
must  be  done,  and  needs  to  be  done  quickly,  in  order  to  save  this  building,  which 
has  cost  so  much,  from  material  and  immense  damage.  The  new  wings  and  the 
dome,  although  carried  comparatively  near  to  completion,  nevertheless  are  left  in 
such  a condition  as  affords  little  protection  to  the  interior  of  the  building  from  the 
effects  of  the  weather.  The  building  is  suffering  continually  and  severely  from  the 
effects  of  every  storm  of  rain  and  snow  that  falls  upon  it.  The  roof  and  the  upper  por- 
tions of  the  walls  are  incomplete,  and  left  in  such  condition  that  the  water,  instead 
of  being  carried  off  from  the  building,  a considerable  portion  of  it  runs  down  inside 
of  the  building;  some  of  it  between  the  outer  and  the  inner  walls,  much  of  it  upon 
the  ceiling  above  and  upon  the  floors  from  the  upper  to  the  lower  story.  The  effect 
of  it  will  be  seen  in  nearly  all  the  rooms  of  the  different  wings  adjoining  to  the  outer 
wall,  and  upon  the  different  floors  from  the  higher  to  the  lower,  by  the  staining 
upon  the  inner  walls  in  most  of  these  rooms,  in  the  weakening  and  loosening  of  the 
thick  and  heavy  plastering  upon  these  rooms,  and  in  some  of  them  it  is  actually  fall- 
ing off.  This  process  of  injury  will  continue  so  long  as  the  building  is  left  in  its 
present  unprotected  condition.  If  this  process  of  injury  shall  continue  a year  or  two 
longer,  it  will  cost  a larger  expenditure  of  money  to  repair  the  injury  than  will  now 


792 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


be  required  to  carry  the  work  so  far,  at  least,  as  to  prevent  the  injury;  and  so  much, 
at  all  events,  ought  to  be  done.  The  dictates  of  the  strictest  economy  require  it  to 
be  done. 

Now,  sir,  to  the  accomplishment  of  this  purpose  it  becomes  necessary  to  place  the 
superintendency  of  the  building  and  its  extensions  in  the  hand  of  some  competent 
person,  who  can  devote  the  necessary  care  and  attention  to  it.  This  is  the  purpose, 
and  this  is  the  necessity  of  the  proposed  change.  The  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  to 
whom  this  work  appropriately  belongs  as  the  head  of  the  domestic,  civil  depart- 
ments of  the  Government,  would  be  very  likely  to  place  its  immediate  supervision  in 
the  hands  of  some  competent  civilian,  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  per- 
haps, or  some  eminent  architect  or  civil  engineer.  Our  military  engineers  have,  all  of 
them,  employment  enough  already  upon  their  hands.  Whether  this  work  shall  be 
carried  on  to  entire  completion  in  all  its  parts,  including  the  extension  of  the  public 
grounds  and  their  improvement,  their  fitting  up  and  their  inclosure,  depends,  of 
course,  upon  the  will  of  Congress  and  upon  future  contingencies.  Whether  it  will 
be  expedient  to  carry  out  this  work  to  entire  completion  now,  in  the  present  condi- 
tion of  the  country  and  of  the  Treasury,  is  a matter  for  future  consideration;  it  is  not 
a question  now.  All  we  now  ask  is,  that  by  the  expenditure  of  a few  thousands  of 
dollars  you  shall  protect  and  preserve  what  has  cost  this  Government  so  many  mil- 
lions; and  this  ought  to  be  done  at  once;  it  ought  to  be  done  before  this  injury  pro- 
gresses any  further;  and  it  ought  to  be  commenced  as  soon  as  the  state  of  the  weather 
will  admit  of  out-door  work  of  this  kind.  We  are  asking  no  expenditure  for  mere  works 
of  art  and  of  ornament  at  this  time.  We  are  only  asking  so  much  as  is  absolutely 
necessary  to  protect  this  magnificent  and  costly  structure  from  further  and  from  last- 
ing injury  in  consequence  of  its  present  exposed  condition.  It  requires  no  new 
appropriation.  The  unexpended  appropriations  are  amply  sufficient  for  this  purpose. 

Having  said  this  much,  Mr.  President,  I have  discharged  my  duty  as  chairman  of 
the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  in  bringing  the  subject  to  the  consideration  of  the 
Senate.  They  will  dispose  of  it  as  they  shall  see  fit. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  I am  opposed  to  this  resolution  in  its  present  shape;  and  I am 
more  particularly  opposed  to  it  from  some  hints  that  were  dropped  by  my  friend  from 
Vermont  in  the  remarks  he  has  just  made.  The  truth  is  that  the  appropriations  to 
finish  this  building  have  been  made.  I think  there  are  something  like  a million  and 
a half  of  dollars  now  appropriated.  The  great  expenditure,  however,  to  be  made,  is 
in  finishing  the  ornamental  parts  of  the  building.  All  the  finished  parts  of  the  build- 
ing have  been  occupied  by  Congress  long  ago,  and  are  under  the  control  to-day  of 
the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  and  he  has  charge  of  them. 

General  Meigs,  who  has  been  in  charge  of  the  Capitol  extension,  and  was  super- 
intendent of  the  work  most  of  the  time,  came  to  the  conclusion  that  in  the  present 
state  of  the  country,  when  we  needed  everything  that  we  could  possibly  raise,  and 
more  than  we  have  been  able  to  raise  thus  far,  to  carry  on  the  war,  it  would  be  very 
poor  policy  for  him  to  draw  the  §1,500,000  which  has  been  appropriated  from  the 
public  Treasury  and  devote  it  to  the  finishing  of  the  Capitol,  building  porticoes,  and 
other  things  of  that  description.  He  thought  it  better  to  let  it  remain  where  it  was 
until  a more  appropriate  occasion;  and,  sir,  I am  of  the  same  opinion.  Now,  the 
honorable  Senator  from  Vermont  proposes  not  to  make  an  appropriation,  which 
should  be  done  if  anything,  and  put  it  in  the  hands  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public 
Buildings  or  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  to  protect  the  building;  but  to  pass  over 
the  whole  sum  appropriated,  for  ornamental  parts  and  all — the  whole  §1,500,000 
(if  that  is  the  sum) — into  the  hands  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  to  control  the 
policy  which  has  been  adopted  by  General  Meigs,  the  superintendent,  after  mature 
reflection,  with  reference  to  the  exigencies  of  the  public  service;  and  the  Senator 
-hints  that  the  probability  would  be  that  some  “eminent  architect”  would  be 
employed  to  take  charge  of  this  work.  It  involves  the  old  question,  what  the  Senate 


The  Extensions. 


793 


and  Congress  has  refused  over  and  over  again,  whether  we  shall  take  the  matter 
out  of  the  hands  of  the  War  Department  and  the  superintendent  of  the  building, 
who  has  erected  it  thus  far,  and  place  it  in  the  hands  of  Mr.  Walter,  who  desires  to 
be  employed  again  at  a salary  of  §5,000  a year  to  go  on  with  this  work  and  expend 
this  money.  That  is  the  simple  question  which  is  presented  by  this  joint  resolution 
in  the  shape  in  which  my  friend  has  brought  it  forward. 

If  it  is  true — and  perhaps  it  is,  owing  to  the  fact  that  some  portions  have  not  been 
entirely  completed,  as  they  should  be — that  an  appropriation  to  protect  the  building 
from  further  injury  is  needed  to  be  expended  under  the  superintendence  of  the  Sec- 
retary of  the  Interior,  if  you  please,  or  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  I have 
no  objection  to  that;  the  present  superintendent  has  no  objection  to  that.  It  may 
be  that  that  is  necessary;  but  this  resolution,  as  it  stands,  goes  the  whole  length  of 
taking  this  building  out  of  the  hands  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  where  it  has  been 
placed;  in  fact,  out  of  the  hands  of  the  superintendent,  who  thus  far  has  done  his 
work  with  great  economy  and  great,  care  with  reference  to  contracts.  He  was 
removed  at  one  time  by  Mr.  Floyd,  because  he  would  not  suffer  the  money  to  be 
misspent,  and  was  brought  back  here  by  the  action  of  Congress  and  of  this  Adminis- 
tration, after  being  absent  a short  time,  and  after  money  had  been  wasted  in  conse- 
quence of  his  removal ; and  this  resolution  proposes  to  take  it  again  out  of  his  hands 
at  the  present  time,  and  subject  it  to  somebody  else,  in  order  that  they  may  go  on 
with  it  with  the  “eminent  architect”  who  has  been  in  an  eternal  quarrel  with  the 
War  Department  and  with  Mr.  Meigs  from  the  time  he  first  came  here,  and  spend 
this  money  when  we  have  not  money  to  spare. 

My  objection  to  the  resolution  is  that  the  money  is  safe  where  it  is  now;  that  we 
have  no  occasion  to  finish  this  building  at  present.  We  have  no  occasion  to  spend 
that  §1,500,000  at  the  present  time.  We  ought  not  to  do  it.  We  ought  to  let  this 
Capitol  stand  as  it  is,  comparatively,  until  better  'lays;  until  the  time  arrives  when 
we  have  more  money  to  dispose  of  than  we  have  at  the  present  time.  If  the  Com- 
mittee on  Public  Buildings  think — and  I am  disposed  to  defer  to  their  opinion — that 
there  should  be  an  appropriation  to  protect  the  building  thus  far,  to  be  expended 
under  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  or  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  let 
us  make  that  appropriation;  it  will  require  but  a small  sum.  That  would  be  much 
better  than  to  take  the  money  out  of  the  safe  hands  where  it  is  now,  and  put  it  into 
the  hands  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  or 
anybody  else.  We  all  know  how  fast  it  goes,  especially  when  we  have  our  eminent 
architects  about,  who  want  to  be  employed  again.  It  is  manifestly  safe  where  it  is, 
and,  in  my  judgment,  we  had  better  leave  it  there;  and  let  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings  call  for  an  appropriation,  if  they  please,  to  protect  the  building  against 
injury.  Something  may  be  necessary  in  that  particular. 

Mr.  Foot.  My  honorable  friend  from  Maine  has  been  misinformed  in  regard  to  the 
amount  of  outstanding  appropriation  for  these  works.  There  has  been  no  appro- 
priation for  the  dome  since  that  made  for  the  fiscal  year  1858,  which  was  then 
§500,000,  of  which  only  about  seventy  thousand  dollars  now  remain  unexpended. 
At  the  last  session  of  the  last  Congress  we  made  an  appropriation  of  §250,000  for  the 
continuation  of  the  extensions  of  the  building.  That  §250,000  remains  outstanding, 
and  that,  with  the  §70,000  of  the  outstanding  residue  of  the  appropriation  for  the 
dome,  is  all  that  there  is  at  hand. 

I have  already  suggested,  Mr.  President,  that  this  resolution  did  not  present  the 
question  to  the  Senate  of  the  policy  or  impolicy  of  carrying  on  this  work  to  a com- 
pletion, in  the  present  condition  of  the  country  and  of  the  Treasury.  So  far  as  I 
know,  the  only  purpose  is  to  appropriate  and  to  expend  so  much  money,  and  no 
more,  at  the  present  time,  as  may  be  necessary  to  protect  this  building  from  the 
injury  which  it  is  suffering  every  day;  and  that  injury  is  daily  increasing.  I have 


794 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


pointed  it  out  very  slightly;  but  this  injury  is  patent  and  open  to  the  observation  of 
every  Senator.  Every  member  can  see  for  himself  to  what  extent  the  building  is 
suffering  for  need  of  an  expenditure  of,  I do  not  know  how  many  thousand  dollars. 
I know  that  the  present  superintendent,  General  Meigs,  has  no  time  even  to  examine 
the  subject.  The  proposition  is  that  it  be  placed  in  hands  who  can  give  attention  to 
it,  and  employ  some  competent  person  to  make  the  expenditure,  so  far,  at  least,  as 
to  protect  this  building  from  dilapidation  and  decay. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  If  the  Senator  will  put  it  in  that  shape  as  I have  told  him,  I shall 
not  make  any  objection  to  it.  I may  be  misinformed  and  have  an  incorrect  idea 
about  the  amount  that  still  remains  unexpended;  but  if  the  Senator  will  put  it  in 
that  shape,  to  take  from  that  appropriation,  or  any  other,  what  may  be  necessary  to 
prevent  this  building  from  injury,  and  have  that  expended  by  whom  he  pleases,  I 
shall  have  no  objection  to  his  resolution.  But  while  he  says  that  is  the  object  of  it, 
it  goes  the  whole  length  of  changing  the  superintendency  of  the  building;  it  goes  the 
whole  length  of  taking  it  out  of  the  hands  of  the  Department  which  has  conducted 
it  thus  far,  and  putting  it  in  the  hands  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  and  giving 
him  control  OA'er  all  the  appropriations  that  are  now  on  hand.  I know  what  it 
involves.  It  is  impossible  to  misunderstand  it.  The  power  is  gone  out  of  our  hands 
when  we  have  passed  it,  unless  we  repeal  the  resolution  after  we  pass  it.  If  the  pro- 
tection of  the  building  were  all  that  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  desired  to 
accomplish,  it  would  be  very  easy  to  pass  a resolution  to  that  effect,  authorizing  the 
Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  or  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  if  you  please,  to 
spend  a specific  sum  of  money  for  the  preservation  of  the  building.  Let  the  resolu- 
tion be  specific,  and  not  go  to  the  root  of  the  matter  entirely  and  change  the  whole 
superintendence  of  the  building. 

General  Meigs  has  not  asked  to  be  relieved  from  it  at  all.  He  has  adopted  his 
policy.  The  whole  thing  is  now  in  charge  of  men  whom  he  left  here  sufficient  to  take 
care  of  what  has  been  done.  If  he  said  that  he  had  no  time  to  attend  it,  if  he  wanted 
to  be  relieved  from  the  superintendence  of  the  work,  if  the  War  Department  asked 
to  be  relieved  from  it,  it  would  be  a different  affair;  but  they  ask  no  such  thing.  It 
is  a movement  outside  of  them,  and  the  movement  comes  in  connection  with  this 
gentleman,  who  has  been  so  desirous  from  the  beginning  to  control  this  work,  and 
who  has  been  in  a quarrel  with  the  War  Department  from  beginning  to  end,  and 
been  turned  out  once  or  twice;  I mean  Mr.  Walter,  the  architect.  This  seems  to  be 
a good  chance  for  him  to  get  control  of  the  work  again.  I am  opposed  to  that.  I 
am  opposed  to  passing  a resolution  which  goes  so  far  as  this  does.  To  the  extent  to 
which  the  Senator  from  Vermont  says  he  desires  to  go — to  protect  the  building — I 
am  willing  it  should  be  done;  but  it  can  be  done  by  very  different  kind  of  legislation 
from  taking  it  out  of  the  hands  of  those  disposed  to  hold  on  to  the  money  and  put- 
ting it  into  new  hands  disposed  to  spend  it. 

Mr.  Foot.  It  is  due  to  Mr.  Walter,  perhaps,  as  his  name  has  been  referred  to  by 
the  Senator,  that  I should  say  I never  had  a word  of  conversation  with  Mr.  Walter 
on  the  subject;  his  name  has  never  been  indicated  to  me  from  any  quarter  whatever 
in  connection  with  this  work;  and  it  had  not  occurred  to  me  until  the  Senator  him- 
self suggested  it.  I do  not  know  who  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  might  employ, 
in  whose  hands  he  might  place  this  work  in  charge;  but  I will  say,  and  it  is  all  I 
have  now  to  say,  that  I am,  upon  general  principles,  in  favor  of  taking  this  work 
from  a military  superintendency,  to  which  it  is  not  appropriate,  and  placing  it  under 
a civil  superintendency.  It  more  appropriately  belongs  to  such  a superintendency. 

The  joint  resolution  was  reported  to  the  Senate  without  amendment;  and  on  the 
question,  “Shall  the  joint  resolution  be  engrossed  fora  third  reading?”  there  were 
on  a division — ayes  16,  noes  9;  no  quorum  voting. 

. Mr.  Foot.  It  is  necessary  to  have  the  yeas  and  nays  in  order  to  obtain  a quorum; 
and  I ask  for  the  yeas  and  nays. 


The  Extensions. 


795 


The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

Mr.  Grimes.  I move  to  postpone  this  resolution  until  to-morrow.  It  has  been 
stated  here,  by  the  Senator  from  Maine,  that  this  joint  resolution  if  passed  virtually 
transfers  $1,500,000  from  the  Treasury  now  under  the  control  of  the  War  Depart- 
ment and  places  it  in  the  hands  of  another  Department.  It  seems  to  me  we  ought 
not  to  take  so  important,  a step  as  that  without  knowing  whether  that  is  so. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  I may  have  confounded  the  amount  necessary  to  complete  the 
building  with  the  amount  of  the  actual  appropriation.  I think  we  ought  to  ascer- 
tain how  much  there  is  on  hand  before  we  pass  this  resolution. 

Mr.  Grimes.  It  is  rather  a large  sum,  and  I think  we  should  have  information  in 
regard  to  it. 

Mr.  Hale.  I think  we  might  be  content  with  the  statement  of  the  chairman  of  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  who  has  investigated  it,  and  says  there  are  about 
three  hundred  thousand  dollars  on  hand. 

Mr.  Grimes.  He  did  not  deny  the  statement  of  the  Senator  from  Maine. 

Mr.  Hale.  Yes,  he  did,  and  stated  specifically  what  there  was  on  hand;  about 
seventy  thousand  dollars  unexpended  of  the  appropriation  for  the  dome,  and  the 
$250,000  which  have  been  appropriated  since  for  the  building,  making,  altogether, 
$320,000  instead  of  $1,500,000. 

Now,  let  me  say  that  I think  that  we  ought  to  pass  this  resolution.  When  this  Capitol 
was  commenced,  it  was  commenced  under  civil  superintendency,  and  a decent, 
Christian  plan  of  building  a house  was  devised  and  begun.  The  foundations  were 
laid  for  a respectable  building;  one  that  would  have  given  us  the  benefit  of  a little 
light  and  air  from  heaven,  instead  of  having  our  air  pumped  up  from  the  cellar  and 
our  light  come  down  as  it  does.  The  foundations  of  the  building  were  all  laid  for  it 
in  that  way.  Then  Mr.  Pierce  came  in,  with  Mr.  Davis  as  Secretary  of  War,  and  he 
thought  the  arrangement  of  the  Almighty  for  supplying  light  and  air  was  not  quite 
so  good  as  he  could  devise,  and  he  moved  it  into  the  center  of  the  building,  like  a 
mouse  trap  in  a pot,  so  that  no  air  could  come  to  it,  and  went  to  work,  at  an 
immense  cost,  pumping  up  air  from  the  cellar.  And  that- is  the  way  we  get  our  air  here, 
by  a steam  engine  that  is  constantly  at  work.  This  is  one  of  the  worst  ventilated 
rooms  I ever  was  in  in  my  life,  not  excepting  stables;  but  I believe  the  present  Ser- 
geant-at-Arms  has  made  some  improvement  upon  it.  I think  that  the  practical  wis- 
dom that  has  been  manifested  by  these  two  Departments,  is  vastly  in  favor  of  the 
civil  instead  of  the  military.  Why,  Mr.  President,  it  has  got  so  now  that  this  Gov- 
ernment cannot  do  anything  under  heaven,  but  the  Army  has  to  come  in  to  do  it.  It 
seems  to  me,  as  was  well  suggested  by  my  friend  from  Illinois,  that  the  Army  has 
got  quite  enough  to  do,  without  holding  on  to  anything  and  everything  there  is  to 
do,  and  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  has  not  quite  enough.  I hope  the  recommen- 
dation of  the  committee  will  be  followed. 

The  Vice  President.  The  special  order  of  the  day  is  the  unfinished  business  of 
yesterday,  and  one  o’clock  having  now  arrived,  it  is  before  the  Senate. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  25,  1862:  Congressional  Globe,  37 — 2,  p.  1347.] 

CAPITOL  EXTENSION. 

Mr.  Foot.  As  there  seems  to  be  no  other  business  of  the  morning  hour,  I ask  the 
Senate  to  take  up  the  joint  resolution  for  the  transfer  of  the  superintendency  of  the 
Capitol  building  from  the  War  to  the  Interior  Department.  It  will  be  recollected 
that  this  resolution  was  taken  up  and  considered  several  days  since,  and  the  yeas  and 
nays  ordered  upon  its  third  reading,  when  its  further  consideration  was  interrupted 
by  the  expiration  of  the  morning  hour  and  the  consideration  of  the  special  order.  I 


7V)6  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

hope  it  may  now  be  taken  up  and  considered  and  disposed  of.  I move  that  it  now 
be  considered. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to,  and  the  Senate  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  joint 
resolution  (S.  No.  50)  transferring  the  supervision  of  the  Capitol  extension  and  the 
erection  of  the  new  dome,  to  the  Department  of  the  Interior;  the  pending  question 
being  on  ordering  it  to  be  engrossed  for  a third  reading,  on  which  the  yeas  and  nays 
had  been  ordered. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  I stated  my  objections  to  this  joint  resolution  the  other  day,  and 
if  I can  get  the  ear  of  the  Senate  for  a moment,  as  it  is  a matter  of  business  and 
involves  the  expenditure  of  money,  I wish  to  state  them  again.  I do  not  propose  to 
argue  the  question  further,  or  to  insist  upon  my  own  views  being  adopted,  but  sim- 
ply to  state  the  question  in  order  that  the  Senate  may  understand  it,  and  then  the 
responsibility  will  be  off  my  shoulders  at  any  rate. 

The  erection  of  the  Capitol  extension  has  been  under  the  charge  of  the  War  Depart- 
ment; it  is  under  the  charge  of  the  War  Department  now.  The  interior  of  this  part  of 
the  Capitol  and  of  the  other  wing,  so  far  as  it  is  occupied,  has  been  finished,  with  a 
very  few  exceptions,  and  turned  over  to  Congress.  There  are  certain  places,  undoubt- 
edly, which  require  care,  where  the  water  gets  in  and  where  some  other  finishing 
ought  to  be  done,  and  some  more  blocks  put  in.  We  see  several  leaks  about  the 
Capitol.  1 have  conversed  with  General  Meigs  on  the  subject  and  he  states  that  all 
that  mending  which  is  necessary  to  take  care  of  the  building  (and  it  undoubtedly 
needs  looking  after  every  year)  is  now  perfectly  within  the  control  of  the  Commis- 
sioner of  Public  Buildings,  and  an  appropriation  has  been  made  and  placed  at  the 
control  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  for  that  purpose.  If  any  larger 
appropriation  is  necessary  in  order  to  take  care  of  the  Capitol,  of  course  it  ought 
to  be  made.  When  there  are,  as  we  know,  miles  of  gutters  about  the  building,  it 
must  get  out  of  order  more  or  less  every  year ; imperfect  places  will  be  found  where 
there  are  leaks,  and  those  ought  to  be  looked  after  and  kept  in  repair  every  year. 
The  frost  also  operates  on  the  work.  It  should  be  looked  after  just  like  any  other 
building.  It  requires  an  appropriation  for  that  purpose,  and  there  should  always  be 
an  appropriation  for  that  purpose.  There  are  certain  places  where  the  connection 
takes  place  between  the  old  building  and  the  new,  on  both  sides,  which  are  imper- 
fect, and  something  more  should  be  done.  With  these  exceptions — and  they  are  all 
mere  matters  of  repair — all  that  is  necessary  to  meet  that  which  is  an  immediate 
purpose  may  be  done  and  should  be  done  within  the  perfect  competency  of  the 
Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  at  the  present  time,  and  if  money  enough  has  not 
been  appropriated  it  is  his  business  to  ask  for  more,  and  it  can  be  appropriated. 

But  this  proposition  involves  more  than  that,  and  my  friend  from  Vermont  will 
admit  that  it  involves  more.  It  involves  changing  the  superintendence  with  a view 
to  have  the  work  go  on,  to  finish  the  Capitol  building,  to  finish  the  dome,  to  finish 
the  east  front  and  construct  steps  where  the  brick  work  is,  to  put  up  the  pillars,  &c., 
finish  the  outside,  and  put  ornamental  work  on  the  building,  of  which,  perhaps, 
there  is  no  immediate  necessity.  That  will  take  a large  sum  of  money.  There  are 
several  hundred  thousand  dollars  now  appropriated  which  have  not  been  spent,  and 
it  will  be  necessary  to  appropriate  more  in  process  of  time  for  the  same  purpose. 
General  Meigs  decided  that,  with  the  exception  of  these  temporary  repairs,  it  was 
not  advisable  to  go  on  with  the  building  in  the  present  state  of  the  public  funds. 
He  said,  for  instance,  it  would  take,  I do  not  know  how  much,  but  several  hundred 
thousand  dollars  to  put  up  the  pillars  and  finish  the  outside.  The  answer  of  my 
friend  is,  that  the  brick  work  which  we  see  deteriorates  every  year,  and  so  it  does; 
but  the  idea  of  General  Meigs  was,  that  it  was  better  to  lose  four  or  five  thousand 
dollars  on  the  brick  work  than  to  go  on  and  finish  the  Capitol  in  the  present  state 
. of  the  public  funds — I mean  to  finish  the  mere  outside  work  of  the  Capitol,  which 
can  as  well  be  deferred. 


The  Extensions. 


797 


The  object  and  the  effect  of  this  change,  to  take  the  superintendence  out  of 
the  hands  of  General  Meigs,  who  has  thus  far  gone  on  with  it,  and  put  it  in  the 
hands  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  is  simply  to  go  on  with  the  building,  put 
up  the  pillars,  &c.  That,  I suppose,  my  friend  will  admit  to  be  the  design.  It  is 
for  the  Senate  to  decide  whether,  after  the  building  has  got  to  the  position 
in  which  it  now  is,  it  is  advisable  at  the  present  time,  in  the  present  state  of  the 
Treasury,  to  expend  the  large  sums  of  money  that  will  be  necessary  in  order  to  finish 
the  work  on  the  outside  of  the  building.  I do  not  think  it  is  treating  General  Meigs 
exactly  right  to  take  it  out  of  his  hands  without  his  consent  and  against  his  opinion; 
"but  at  the  same  time  he  is  a public  officer,  and  must  submit  to  any  change  that  Con- 
gress orders  in  reference  to  the  matter.  I understand  that  it  is  in  the  power  of  the 
President  now,  if  he  pleases,  to  change  the  superintendency  without  an  act  of  Con- 
gress from  the  War  Department  to  any  other  Department  he  chooses.  In  that,  how- 
ever, I may  be  mistaken;  but  it  is  a question  for  Congress  to  settle  in  reality.  My 
own  judgment  is,  that  we  had  better  leave  it  where  it  is,  and  not  make  any  appro- 
priation of  more  than  is  necessary  to  keep  the  building  in  repair. 

Mr.  Hale.  My  attention  has  been  called  to  this  matter,  and  I think  the  Senator 
from  Maine  is  a little  mistaken  in  some  of  his  historical  statements  in  regard  to  it. 
He  says  this  is  now  and  was  under  military  superintendence.  The  fact  is  that  when 
this  addition  to  the  Capitol  was  commenced — I think  you  were  a member  at  the 
time,  sir;  I was  certainly — it  was  put  under  civil  superintendence  and  so  remained 
through  the  administration  of  Mr.  Fillmore.  A Christian  and  civilized  plan  of  a 
room  was  designed,  and  the  foundation  walls  were  laid  for  the  whole  work,  on  an 
estimate  of  about  two  and  a half  millions  of  dollars;  and  it  was  going  on  to  per- 
fection upon  that  plan,  when  the  administration  of  Franklin  Pierce  and  Jefferson 
Davis  came  in.  Then  the  progress  of  the  building  under  civil  superintendence  was 
arrested ; the  whole  plan  was  changed,  and  instead  of  going  on  as  the  foundations 
were  laid  for  a room  for  the  Senate  which  should  have  some  light  and  air  from  the 
sides,  it  was  altered  to  this  trap  in  the  middle  of  the  house.  The  expenditures  were 
more  than  doubled ; they  have  already  spent  more  than  twice  what  was  estimated 
to  complete  it  under  civil  superintendency.  It  went  on,  and  I think  that  the  most 
fastidious  worshipers  at  the  shrine  of  military  superintendence  cannot  but  admit  that 
a great  blunder  was  made  when  the  alteration  was  made  from  the  first  plan  to  that 
which  we  now  have.  It  went  on  and  was  progressing  to  completion  when  this  war 
broke  out.  Now,  I know,  as  a matter  of  fact,  that  the  Committees  on  Public  Build- 
ings of  the  House  of  Representatives  and  of  the  Senate,  the  President  of  the  United 
States  concurring,  all  were  desirous  that  some  progress  should  be  made  in  the  com- 
pletion, I think,  of  the  dome,  and  so  expressed  themselves  in  writing ; but  General 
Meigs  overruled  it,  refused  to  carry  it  out.  Now,  sir,  what  is  the  state  of  this  build- 
ing to-day?  Here  is  a building  that  has  cost  twice  and  will  cost  three  times  what  it 
would  have  cost  if  it  had  continued  under  civil  superintendence.  We  are  leaving 
open  the  upper  part  of  the  building,  the  roof,  so  that  the  valuable  and  costly  stucco 
in  the  various  parts  of  the  building,  which  any  of  the  Senators  can  see  who  will 
take  the  trouble  to  go  around,  is  actually  being  saturated  with  water  and  dropping. 
The  work  of  destruction  has  commenced,  so  that  these  finely  wrought  walls  are 
dropping  to  pieces  from  the  effect  of  rain,  which  comes  in  all  over  the  building.  I 
suppose  it  is  so  left  as  a matter  of  economy!  If  you  go  down  into  the  basement,  two 
or  three  stories  below,  where  the  light  and  air  of  heaven  never  get,  where  there  is 
no  light  except  gas-light,  and  no  air  but  that  which  is  pumped  up,  during  all  this 
time,  and  at  this  moment  while  I speak  to  you,  Italian  artists  are  employed,  at  an 
extravagant  compensation,  making  pictures  down  in  the  vaults  and  alleys  of  this 
Capitol,  two  or  three  stories  below  daylight,  while  the  walls  are  left  open  and  the 
progress  of  destruction  is  going  on  and  going  on  rapidly,  and  it  will  not  be  long  before 
this  building  will  be  comparatively  a mass  of  ruins,  so  far  as  all  the  ornamental 


798 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


work  on  the  walls  is  concerned.  This  condition  of  things  is  to  go  on  simply  that 
when  General  Meigs  gets  through  with  this  war,  if  he  ever  does,  and  gets  his  leisure, 
he  may  then  take  hold  and  show  us  what  military  superintendence  can  do  in  com- 
pleting the  building. 

I have  not  had  any  communication  with  the  military  department  in  reference  to 
this  question,  but  I am  told  that  the  Secretary  of  War  is  perfectly  willing  that  this 
change  shall  be  made.  I have  that  from  authority  which  satisfies  my  own  judgment, 
though  I have  it  not  in  such  an  official  form  that  I can  state  it  to  the  Senate.  My 
own  conviction  is,  about  which  I have  no  mistake  at  all,  that  Mr.  Stanton  is  perfectly 
willing  that  this  shall  be  done.  I think  that  the  public  interests  require  it;  and  I 
think  if  there  is  a single  Senator,  not  excepting  the  Senator  from  Maine,  who  will 
take  the  trouble  to  go  with  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and 
Grounds,  up  above  these  Chambers  and  through  the  aisles  and  see  what  the  weather 
is  doing  and  has  been  doing  for  more  than  a year  to  this  building,  he  will  be  con- 
vinced that  this  transfer  ought  to  be  made,  and  that  something  ought  to  be  done  to 
carry  on  the  work.  It  is  a mistake  to  suppose  that  all  that  the  building  wants  is  what 
the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  can  do.  I think  myself  that  the  propriety  and 
fitness  of  the  thing  is  that  it  should  be  handed  over  to  civil  superintendence.  I think 
General  Meigs  has  enough  to  do  and  will  have  enough  to  do  as  long  as  he  is  at  the 
head  of  the  quartermaster’s  department,  without  keeping  this  little  job  in  perspective 
for  him  that  he  can  turn  his  hands  to,  by  way  of  amusement,  when  he  is  through 
with  the  rebellion.  I think  the  p>ublic  interest  on  every  consideration  requires  that 
the  change  recommended  by  the  committee  should  be  made. 

Mr.  Foot.  Mr.  President,  I must  confess  to  some  surprise  at  the  manifestation  of 
any  opposition  to  the  passage  of  this  resolution,  and  especially  fi’orn  my  honorable 
friend  from  Maine.  The  necessity  of  its  passage  is  apparent  and  urgent.  The  new 
portions  of  this  Capitol  are  suffering  daily  an  almost  incalculable  injury  from  exposure 
to  the  weather  in  their  unfinished  and  unprotected  condition.  This  is  manifest  to 
the  observation  of  any  one  who  will  take  the  pains  to  examine  it.  Six  millions  of 
dollars  have  been  expended  upon  these  new  wings,  or  extensions,  as  they  are  called. 
The  work  has  been  brought  too  near  completion  and  has  cost  too  much  money  to  be 
allowed  to  remain  any  longer  in  its  present  exposed  condition. 

These  extensions  ought  now  to  be  completed,  finished.  As  a mere  question  of 
economy  they  ought  to  be  finished.  Nothing  short  of  this,  Mr.  President,  will  fully 
protect  this  building  from  the  injurious  effects  of  the  weather.  The  water  from  every 
rain  that  falls  is  continually  running  into  the  interior  of  the  building  on  every  side 
of  it,  as  is  admitted  by  the  Senator  from  Maine;  and  let  me  say  to  my  honorable 
friend  that  this  is  not  owing,  in  any  considerable  degree,  if  at  all,  to  defects  and  open- 
ings in  the  iron  gutters  around  the  roof,  as  suggested  by  him,  and  which  can  be 
repaired  under  the  direction  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  with  a small 
appropriation  for  that  purpose.  I would  be  glad  if  every  Senator  could  examine  this 
point  for  himself,  and  then  to  say  whether  this  building  can  be  properly  protected 
and  preserved  from  the  injurious  influences  of  the  elements  until  it  is  carried  to  a 
more  advanced  state  of  completion.  I would  be  willing  to  submit  this  question  to 
the  judgment  of  my  honorable  friend  from  Maine  himself,  and  abide  his  decision 
upon  it,  on  his  personal  examination  of  the  subject.  It  is  not  a question  for  disputa- 
tion that,  if  you  would  save  and  protect  this  costly  building  from  continual  and  incal- 
culable damage,  this  work  must  be  speedily  resumed  and  carried  forward  to  the 
extent  at  least  of  completing  the  outer  walls,  of  placing  the  cornices,  of  carrying  up 
the  facings  of  the  pediments,  and  of  finishing  the  connections  of  the  corridors  which 
connect  the  wings  with  the  center  building,  and  to  complete  some  other  portions  of 
the  wings.  But  I will  not  enlarge  upon  a matter  which  is  open  and  apparent  to 
every  man’s  observation. 

Now,  then,  if  the  Senate  shall  be  of  opinion  that  this  ought  to  be  done;  that  this 


The  Extensions. 


799 


building  ought  to  be  so  far  completed  as  to  protect  it  from  this  injury,  they  will 
adopt  this  resolution  to  transfer  the  superintendency  of  the  work  from  the  War 
Department,  which  has  no  time  to  look  after  it  and  to  give  it  the  necessary  atten- 
tion, to  the  Department  of  the  Interior,  where  it  was  originally  placed,  and  to  which 
it  properly  belongs,  and  from  which  it  never  ought  to  have  been  transferred,  and 
never  would  have  been,  but  to  gratify  the  personal  pride  and  ambition  of  Jeffer- 
son Davis;  and  was  continued  in  the  War  Department  only  to  gratify  the  rapacity  of 
John  B.  Floyd.  Sir,  I venture  to  assert  here  that  the  transfer  of  this  work  from  a civil 
to  a military  superintendency  has  cost  this  Government,  at  least,  from  three  to  four 
millions  of  dollars.  Had  it  been  continued  under  a civil  superintendency,  as  it  was 
commenced,  I hesitate  not  to  say  that  we  should  have  had  a better  building,  in  bet- 
ter taste,  and  better  adapted  to  the  uses  and  purposes  for  which  it  was  designed,  than 
we  now  have,  and  at  less  than  one  half  the  cost,  and  that  it  would  have  been  com- 
pleted, at  least,  five  years  ago. 

I have  been  here  in  the  Senate,  Mr.  President,  as  well  as  yourself,  from  the  com- 
mencement of  this  work,  and  profess  to  know  something  about  it,  and  of  the  manner 
in  which  it  has  been  conducted.  The  original  estimate  of  the  cost  of  these  exten- 
sions, upon  the  plan  then  approved  and  adopted,  was  but  §2,675,000.  Permit  me  to 
present  this  point  a little  more  in  detail.  The  first  appropriation  for  the  Capitol 
extension  was  made  in  September,  1850,  in  the  following  words: 

One  hundred  thousand  dollars  for  the  extension  of  the  United  States  Capitol,  to  be  expended  under 
the  direction  of  the  President,  by  such  architect  as  he  may  appoint. 

Nothing  was  said  about  ever  putting  it  under  the  superintendency  of  the  War 
Department.  No  one  at  that  time  dreamed  of  placing  it  under  such  a superintend- 
ency. In  pursuance  of  this  act,  Mr.  Fillmore  appointed  Thomas  U.  Wal  ter,  of  Phila- 
delphia, a gentleman  of  the  highest  eminence  in  his  profession,  as  the  architect,  and 
placed  the  work  under  the  jurisdiction  and  general  supervision  of  the  Department  of 
the  Interioi’.  Upon  the  accession  of  Mr.  Pierce  to  the  Presidency,  and  the  appoint- 
ment of  Jefferson  Davis  as  Secretary  of  War,  the  superintendency  of  this  work  was 
immediately  transferred  from  the  Interior  Department  to  the  Department  of  War, 
and  an  officer  of  the  Army  was  detailed  to  take  it  in  charge. 

This  transfer  was  made  on  the  4th  of  April,  1853,  at  which  time  all  the  foundations 
of  the  building  were  completed,  and  a part  of  the  basement  story  erected.  Imme- 
diately after  the  transfer  of  the  work  from  the  Interior  Department  to  the  Depart- 
ment of  War,  the  Secretary  of  War,  or  the  superintendent,  by  his  direction,  ordered 
the  architect  to  change  the  original  plans  of  the  building,  so  as  to  move  the  halls  of 
Congress  from  the  western  fronts  to  the  center  of  the  wings.  This  necessarily 
involved  the  construction  of  additional  foundations  at  vast  expense,  and  of  an 
indefinite  delay  in  the  completion  of  the  work.  He  also  ordered  the  introduction 
into  the  plans  of  four  grand  stairways,  to  be  constructed  of  fancy  polished  marble, 
and  also  the  construction  of  a marble  corridor,  extending  through  the  southern  wing; 
and  other  material  and  expensive  changes  were  ordered.  So  that  it  appears,  from  an 
estimate  submitted  to  Congress  in  1856,  the  total  cost  of  the  building  was  estimated 
at  $5,510,000,  of  which  $2,675,000  had  then  been  appropriated,  requiring  $2,835,000 
still  to  be  appropriated  in  order  to  complete  the  work  upon  the  changed  plans — the 
military  plans,  the  Jefferson  Davis  plans.  But  instead  of  this  sum  being  sufficient, 
there  have  been  appropriated  $3,606,000,  or  $771,000  more  than  this  estimate,  and  to 
which  there  must  be  added  at  least  $1,000,000  more,  in  order  to  bring  the  work  to 
completion. 

The  architect’s  original  estimate,  made  before  the  work  was  commenced,  and  with 
the  qualification  that  it  was  not  to  be  finished  more  expensively  than  the  old 
Capitol,  was,  as  I have  already  stated,  $2,675,000.  The  new  estimate  under  the  War 
Department,  after  the  contracts  had  been  made  and  the  work  partly  executed,  was 
the  sum  of  $2,835,000  in  addition  to  the  original  estimates.  The  appropriations  already 


800 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


made  exceed  this  sum  by  $771,000,  and  adding  $1,000,000  more,  which  will  be  re- 
quired to  bring  the  building  to  completion,  its  cost  will  exceed  the  estimate  of  the 
War  Department  by  $1,771,000,  making  the  total  cost  of  the  building  when  com- 
pleted $7,281,000  which  is  an  excess  over  the  original  estimate  upon  the  plan  of  the 
Department  of  the  Interior  of  $4,605,000.  In  making  these  computations,  let  me 
remark  that  I omit  sums  or  fractions  of  less  than  $1,000,  as  they  do  not  materially 
affect  the  result  in  the  computation  of  millions.  There  have  been  appropriated  for 
the  Capitol  extension,  from  time  to  time,  the  following  sums:  September  30,  1850,  as 
I have  already  said,  $100,000;  April  4,  1852,  $500,000;  1853,  $400,000;  1854,  $600,000; 
1855,  $750,000;  1856,  $325,000;  1857,  $750,000;  1858,  $900,000;  1859,  $750,000  at  one 
time,  and  again,  on  the  3d  of  March  of  that  year,  $400,000;  May  24,  1860,  $3,700  for 
some  specific  purpose,  and  in  addition  to  that  on  June  25,  $552,421.74;  March  2, 1861, 
$250,000;  making  an  aggregate  of  appropriations  already  made  for  the  Capitol  exten- 
sion of  $6,281,124.74,  of  which  there  are  remaining  now  unexpended  something  over 
$300,000. 

Mr.  Collamer.  Does  that  include  the  dome? 

Mr.  Foot.  That  does  not  include  the  dome.  Adding  $1,000,000  to  this  amount,  it 
makes  $7,281,124  74  as  the  cost  for  the  entire  completion  of  the  building.  That,  let 
me  remark  here,  is  entirely  exclusive  of  the  dome  and  exclusive  of  the  extension  and 
improvements  of  the  public  grounds  around  the  building.  The  estimate  of  the  War 
Department,  as  I said,  was  $5,510,000,  which  was  an  under  estimate  of  at  least 
$1,771,000,  and  is  over  and  above  the  original  estimate  of  the  Interior  Department 
more  than  four  and  a half  millions  of  dollars.  Aside  from  all  this  there  have  been 
appropriated  $700,000  for  the  new  dome,  about  six  hundred  thousand  of  which  have 
been  expended,  leaving  one  hundred  thousand  yet  unexpended,  and  which  is  suffi- 
cient for  its  completion.  It  ought  now  to  be  finished.  The  dome  is  suffering  as  the 
whole  building  is  suffering  in  its  present  condition.  As  a matter  of  economy,  it 
ought  to  be  finished.  The  iron  for  it  has  been  cast  and  paid  for,  and  much  of  it  is 
lying  upon  the  ground  about  the  Capitol,  rusting,  corroding,  and  consequently 
deteriorating  in  strength  and  value.  The  derrick  and  machinery  for  lifting  the  iron 
and  placing  it  upon  the  dome  have  been  erected  at  a large  expense,  an  expense  of 
some  thirty  thousand  dollars,  as  I am  told.  These  are  made  mostly  of  wood  work, 
and,  exposed  as  they  are  to  the  influences  of  the  weather,  are  decaying  in  consequence 
of  this  exposure,  and  in  one,  or  two,  or  three  years  would  become  unsafe  and  unfit 
for  use;  and  new  derricks  and  machinery  would  have  to  be  made,  if  the  work  should 
hereafter  be  resumed,  at  an  expense  of  at  least  one  third  of  what  it  would  now  cost 
to  complete  the  dome. 

Sir,  every  consideration  of  economy,  every  consideration  of  protection  to  this 
building,  every  consideration  of  expediency  requires  that  it  should  be  completed, 
and  that  it  should  be  done  now.  To  let  these  works  remain  in  their  present  condi- 
tion is,  in  my  judgment,  to  say  the  least  of  it,  the  most  inexcusable,  needless,  and 
extravagant  waste  and  destruction  of  property.  Sir,  why  shall  we  allow  this  great 
and  expensive  work  to  remain  untouched  in  its  present  condition?  Why  shall  we 
suffer  it  to  go  to  ruin  as  it  is  fast  doing  in  many  portions  of  the  interior  of  the  build- 
ing? Why  not  finish  it  up,  at  any  rate  so  far  as  to  protect  and  preserve  what  has 
cost  this  Government  already  by  far  too  much?  Why  not  do  it  now?  What  is  the 
argument  against  it?  What  reason  is  assigned  for  postponing  it,  and,  perhaps,  for 
years  to  come?  It  has  been  said  in  answer  that  while  the  Government  is  so  deeply  in 
debt,  and  borrowing  money  to  carry  on  the  war,  it  ought  not  to  be  expending  money 
upon  works  of  this  kind.  Sir,  this  is  no  answer  at  all  against  the  expenditure  of  a 
comparatively  small  amount,  a few  thousands,  or  even  a few  hundred  of  thousands 
of  dollars,  when  it  is  necessary  to  do  it  in  order  to  complete  a structure  which  has 
cost  you  six  or  seven  millions  of  dollars,  and  with  a view  to  prevent  it  from  going  to 
ruin.  Besides,  if  this  work  is  not  to  be  resumed  until  the  country  is  out  of  the  war, 


The  Extensions. 


801 


and  out  of  the  war  debt,  it  will  not  be  resumed  for  twenty  years  to  come.  If  it  is  not 
to  be  resumed  now,  because,  and  by  reason  of  the  country  being  deeply  in  debt,  the 
same  reason  will  apply  with  equal  pertinency,  and  with  equal  force,  ten  years  hence 
as  it  does  this  morning.  No,  sir;  our  true  economy  is  to  go  on,  and  complete  this 
work,  so  far  forth,  at  least,  as  may  be  necessary  for  its  protection  and  preservation; 
and  we  are  as  well  able  to  do  it  at  this  time  as  we  shall  be  ten  years  hence,  and  as 
we  can  do  it  now  at  less  than  one  half  the  cost  of  it. 

Now,  I ask  the  Senator  from  Maine,  does  he  propose  to  allow  this  building  to 
remain  in  its  present  situation  for  ten  years  to  come?  If  so,  I have  only  to  say  that 
at  that  time  it  will  be  hardly  worth  finishing  or  hardly  worth  repairing.  At  all  events, 
it  will  cost  more  ten  years  hence  to  repair  the  damage  to  the  building  than  it  will 
cost  now  to  finish  the  work. 

It  has  been  said  also  that  this  building  has  been  fully  completed  for  all  purposes  of 
use  and  occupation,  and  that  nothing  now  remains  to  be  done  except  the  ornamental 
parts  of  the  building;  and  the  question  has  been  asked,  will  you  expend  money  upon 
mere  works  of  art  and  ornament  while  the  Government  is  obliged  to  borrow  money 
to  pay  the  poor  soldier  who  is  fighting  the  battles  of  the  country?  I emphatically 
answer,  no!  but  the  question  itself  is  a disingenuous  one,  and  carries  with  it  a false 
assumption. 

Sir,  it  is  not  proposed  to  expend  money — not  a dollar — upon  mere  works  of  art  and 
ornament.  We  have  had  quite  too  much  of  gaudy  decoration  upon  this  building 
already.  It  is  proposed  to  expend  money  now  only  for  the  purpose  of  saving  money. 
It  is  proposed  to  expend  money  now  only  for  the  purpose  of  saving,  of  protecting,  of 
preserving  what  has  cost  you  more  than  six  millions  of  dollars.  The  objection 
implied  by  this  inquiry,  let  me  say,  comes  with  an  ill  grace,  and,  I fear,  not  with 
entire  sincerity,  when  at  this  very  time  the  Government  is  employing  an  artist  upon 
a decorative  painting  on  the  wall  at  the  head  of  one  of  the  stairways  in  the  southern 
wing  at  a cost  of  $25,000,  by  contract,  as  I am  informed,  to  be  followed  by  three 
others,  of  like  character,  and  each  of  them  at  the  same  cost;  and  while  the  Govern- 
ment— as  has  been  already  remarked  by  the  Senator  from  New  Hampshire — is 
employing  artists  upon  ornamental  fresco  painting  upon  the  walls  of  the  dark  passage 
ways  below  us,  where  it  cannot  be  seen,  even  in  the  day  time,  except  by  gas  light. 
While  this  sort  of  expenditure  is  going  on  I have  little  patience  with  being  told  by 
anybody  that  we  are  asking  for  an  expenditure  of  money  upon  works  of  ornament, 
when  we  are  asking  only  for  an  expenditure  of  money  for  the  preservation  of  this 
costly  building.  It  is  somebody  else  that  is  expending  money  for  mere  works  of  art 
and  ornament.  Sir,  let  this  kind  of  expenditure,  let  these  works  of  art  and  decora- 
tion be  stopped,  and  let  the  money  be  appropriated  to  the  more  substantial  and  nec- 
essary work  of  the  building — for  its  covering,  its  protection,  and  preservation.  This 
is  the  dictate  of  common  prudence  and  of  common  sense,  as  well  as  of  strict  economy. 

The  Vice  President.  The  morning  hour  having  expired,  it  is  now  the  duty  of  the 
Chair  to  call  up  the  special  order. 

Mr.  Foot.  I will  lie  obliged  to  my  friend  from  Massachusetts  if  he  will  allow  me  a 
very  short  time,  for  I desire  to  conclude  what  I may  have  to  say  on  this  question. 

Mr.  Wilson,  of  Massachusetts.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Foot.  I will  remark  here  in  passing,  Mr.  President,  that  the  work  upon  the 
Treasury  building  has  not  been  suspended  on  account  of  the  war,  but  is  being  carried 
on  now.  Why  may  not  the  work  on  this  building  be  carried  on  as  well?  That  work 
has  never  been  placed  under  a military  superintendency,  but  is  carried  on  under  the 
direction  of  the  Government  architect,  Mr.  Young;  and  I undertake  to  say  here,  that 
that  building,  in  point  of  convenience,  in  point  of  taste,  in  point  of  architectural 
beauty  and  elegance,  and  also  in  point  of  cost,  will  compare  most  favorably  with  this 
one.  I will  say,  too,  that  the  necessity  for  carrying  on  the  work  on  the  national 

H.  Rep.  646 51 


802 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Capitol  is  as  urgent  and  more  so  than  upon  the  Treasury  building.  Upon  this,  how- 
ever, I have  nothing  more  to  say. 

I will  say  here,  Mr.  President,  that  I have  good  reason  to  believe  that  the  Secre- 
tary of  War  would  be  quite  pleased  to  be  relieved  from  the  charge  and  responsibility 
of  this  work.  I have  no  reason  to  doubt  that  General  Meigs  himself  would  not  be 
unwilling  to  be  relieved  from  it.  Both  of  these  gentlemen  have  other  duties  enough 
to  engage  all  their  time  and  attention;  duties  which  directly  and  more  appropriately 
pertain  to  their  official  positions.  Besides,  they  will  still  be  left  in  charge  of  the 
Washington  aqueduct  and  of  the  General  Post  Office  building,  works  which  involve 
an  expenditure  of  eight  or  ten  millions  of  dollars. 

Mr.  Hale.  And  the  Treasury. 

Mr.  Foot.  The  Treasury  is  not  under  the  War  Department. 

Why,  then,  shall  we  insist  upon  keeping  this  building  under  the  charge  of  the 
War  Department,  where  it  never  properly  belonged,  and  where  it  can  receive  no 
attention  whatever.  Certainly  I can  not  possibly  conceive  why,  unless  it  be  to 
subserve  some  purpose  of  personal  ambition  at  the  sacrifice  of  the  public  interest. 
But  I will  impute  so  unworthy  a motive  to  no  man.  Let  the  proposed  transfer  be 
made;  let  this  work  be  resumed;  let  it  be  carried  on  so  far,  at  any  rate,  as  to  protect 
this  building  from  the  injurious  effect  of  its  present  exposed  condition;  let  so  much 
be  done,  and  this  costly  edifice  will  be  saved  from  the  daily  injuries  it  is  sustaining 
from  its  exposed  condition,  and  which  it  will  continue  to  sustain  so  long  as  it  is  left 
in  the  state  in  which  it  now  is;  and  thousands  and  many  times  tens  of  thousands  of 
dollars  will  be  saved  by  it. 

I repeat,  if  this  work  is  ever  to  be  done,  it  cannot  be  done  too  quickly.  If  it  is 
ever  to  be  done,  it  ought  to  be  done  now;  it  has  been  neglected  already  quite  too 
long.  Mr.  President,  this  national  Capitol  of  ours,  in  its  present  condition,  instead 
of  being  the  boast  and  the  pride  of  the  country,  instead  of  being  an  ornament  and  a 
credit  to  the  country,  stands  to-day,  after  twelve  years,  an  unfinished  and  an 
unsightly  pile;  at  once  a testimony  and  a confession,  a humiliating  confession,  to  the 
country  and  to  the  world,  of  a national  weakness  and  imbecility,  of  a national  impov- 
erishment and  bankruptcy,  which,  for  the  credit  of  my  country,  I am  not  ready  to 
admit,  and  which,  for  the  honor  of  my  country,  I am  not  willing  to  acknowledge. 
Sir,  we  are  strong  enough  yet,  thank  God,  to  put  down  this  rebellion  and  to  put  up 
this  our  Capitol  at  the  same  time.  And  when  the  rebellion  shall  have  been  sup- 
pressed— as  suppressed  it  soon  will  be;  when  this  war  shall  have  been  terminated — 
as  terminated  it  soon  will  be;  and  when  this  Union  of  ours  shall  have  been  restored 
— as  restored  it  soon  will  be;  it  will  furnish  a fitting  and  appropriate  occasion  to 
celebrate  that  welcome  event  by  crowning  the  American  Capitol  with  the  statue  of 
the  Goddess  of  Freedom. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  I have  but  one  word  to  say.  I can  have  very  little  hope  of 
defeating  this  proposition  in  the  very  face  of  the  eloquence  of  my  friend  from  Ver- 
mont and  my  friend  from  New  Hampshire,  although  the  eloquence  of  the  latter 
Senator  was  rather  of  a peculiar  character.  It  was  the  old  story  about  military 
superintendence  and  all  that.  That  I do  not  care  anything  about  at  all.  I take  no 
interest  in  it.  I never  felt,  and  do  not  now  feel,  alarmed  at  these  encroachments  of 
the  Army  in  being  put  in  charge  of  a few  buildings.  I thought  that  was  very  good 
occupation  for  them  if  they  had  nothing  else  to  do.  I shall  not  attempt  to  answer 
any  part  of  the  argument  made  with  reference  to  that.  I rose,  in  the  first  place, 
simply  to  say,  that  if  the  Senate  is  disposed,  in  the  present  condition  of  the  country, 
to  spend  $1,500,000  in  finishing  this  Capitol,  with  all  the  difficulty  that  we  have  to 
raise  money  for  our  immediate  necessities;  if  they  are  disposed  to  do  that,  and  to 
take  it  out  of  the  tax  we  are  levying  upon  everybody’s  production,  so  be  it;  I shall 
have  done  my  duty  in  voting  against  it. 


The  Extensions. 


803 


Now,  sir,  I do  not  want  to  be  misrepresented.  I stated  in  the  beginning  that  I 
was  perfectly  ready  to  make  any  appropriation  that  might  he  necessary  to  protect 
the  building,  no  matter  what  it  is,  to  prevent  this  effect  of  the  weather  upon  it;  and 
a very  small  sum  of  money  comparatively  could  accomplish  that  purpose.  Certainly 
forty  or  fifty  thousand  dollars  would  be  ample;  I believe  $20,000  would.  But  the 
question  is — and  that  is  involved  in  this  proposition,  and  I do  not  want  the  Senate 
to  lose  sight  of  it;  my  friend  from  Vermont  admits  it — whether  we  shall  go  on  and 
spend  the  remaining  $1,500,000  which  are  requisite  to  complete  the  building,  to  put 
up  the  pillars,  &e.,  at  the  present  time?  If  the  Senate  are  disposed  to  do  it,  in  the 
face  of  what  they  know  with  reference  to  the  finances  of  the  country,  so  be  it.  I 
will  vote  with  pleasure  for  an  appropriation  to  protect  the  building  to  any  amount 
that  may  be  necessary,  if  the  committee  will  confine  itself  to  that;  but  I am  not 
willing  to  give  my  assent  at  the  present  time  to  complete  all  the  outside,  to  put  up 
these  elegant  pillars,  when  we  have  so  much  difficulty  in  meeting  our  claims  from 
day  to  day,  and  when  our  soldiers  to-day  are  not  paid  and  many  of  them  cannot  get 
any  money.  I think  it  would  not  look  well.  I think  we  can  afford  to  sit  in  a build- 
ing the  outside  of  which  is  a little  rough;  and  in  my  judgment,  it  is  no  imputation 
on  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  in  the  present  crisis,  that  it  chooses  to  dispense 
for  a little  while  with  outside  ornament,  and  look  out  for  the  absolute  necessities  of 
the  day  for  a year  or  two  longer,  more  or  less.  That  is  my  opinion,  sir;  and  having 
expressed  that  opinion,  it  is  all  I have  to  say. 

Mr.  Sherman.  I desire  to  submit  an  amendment  to  enable  me  to  vote  for  the  reso- 
lution : 

Provided,  That  no  money  heretofore  appropriated  shall  be  expended  upon  the  Capitol  until  author- 
ized by  Congress,  except  so  much  as  is  necessary  to  protect  the  building  from  injury  by  the  elements, 
and  to  complete  the  dome. 

I will  say  a single  word  in  regard  to  the  matter.  I think  the  building  should  be 
transferred  from  the  charge  of  the  War  Department  to  the  Interior  Department, 
because  General  Meigs,  who  has  had  charge  of  the  building,  is  now  fully  occupied, 
and  cannot  pay  any  attention  to  the  subject.  It  therefore  ought  to  be  placed  in  the 
charge  of  some  other  officer.  But,  at  the  same  time,  I do  not  think  that  any  more 
money  ought  to  be  expended  than  simply  to  preserve  the  buildings  from  the  ele 
ments,  and  to  complete  the  dome.  The  dome  is  in  so  advanced  a condition  that  it 
would  be  safe  and  wise  economy  to  complete  it.  In  regard  to  other  parts  of  the 
building,  especially  the  outer  portions  of  the  building,  they  ought  to  be  completed  to 
preserve  the  building.  I think  beyond  that,  we  ought  to  wait  at  least  until  further 
events  develop  themselves. 

The  Vice  President.  The  question  is  on  agreeing  to  the  amendment  proposed  by 
the  Senator  from  Ohio. 

Mr.  Foot.  I have  no  objection  to  the  limitations  proposed  by  that  provision. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 


[House  proceedings  of  Apr.  14,  1862:  Congressional  Globe,  37 — 2,  p.  1658.] 

THE  CAPITOL  EXTENSION. 

Mr.  Train.  I ask  unanimous  consent  to  report  back  from  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings  and  Grounds  the  joint  resolution  (S.  No.  50)  transferring  the  supervision 
of  the  Capitol  extension  and  the  erection  of  the  new  dome  to  the  Department  of  the 
Interior. 

Mr.  McPherson.  I will  not  object,  if  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  will  allow 
me  to  offer  an  amendment  to  the  bill  when  it  comes  before  the  House. 


804 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Richardson.  I object. 

Mr.  Train.  I move  to  suspend  the  rules. 

Mr.  Covode.  I desire  to  state  that  this  matter  has  been  before  the  committee 

The  Speaker.  The  motion  is  not  debatable. 

Mr.  Covode.  I wish  to  state  for  the  information  of  the  House 

The  Speaker.  No  statement  is  in  order  except  by  unanimous  consent. 

Mr.  Richardson.  I withdraw  the  objection. 

Further  objection  was  made. 

Mr.  Washburne.  I ask  for  the  reading  of  the  joint  resolution. 

The  joint  resolution  was  read.  It  transfers  the  supervision  of  the  Capitol  extension 
and  the  erection  of  the  new  dome  from  the  War  Department  to  the  Department  of 
the  Interior,  and  directs  that  all  unexpended  money  which  has  been  heretofore 
appropriated,  and  all  money  which  may  be  hereafter  appropriated  for  either  of  these 
improvements,  shall  be  expended  under  the  direction  and  supervision  of  the  Secre- 
tary' of  the  Interior. 

The  question  being  on  the  motion  to  suspend  the  rules, 

Mr.  Train  called  for  tellers. 

Tellers  were  ordered;  and  Messrs.  Train  and  Chamberlin  were  appointed. 

The  House  divided;  and  the  tellers  reported — a_ves  54,  noes  26;  no  quorum  voting. 

Mr.  Train  called  for  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  y'eas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

The  question  was  taken;  and  it  was  decided  in  the  affirmative — yeas  71,  nays  29. 
* * * 

So  the  rules  were  suspended,  (two  thirds  having  voted  therefor.) 

Mr.  Train  thereupon  reported  the  joint  resolution  back  to  the  House. 

The  Speaker  stated  the  question  to  be  upon  ordering  the  joint  resolution  to  a third 
reading. 

Mr.  Train.  This  resolution  was  reported  unanimously  from  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  Senate,  and  it  passed  that  body',  after  full  dis- 
cussion, with  but  three  dissenting  votes.  That  discussion  has  been  printed  in  the 
Globe,  and  1 suppose  everybody  understands  it.  Unless,  therefore,  somebody 
desires  to  discuss  it,  I will  ask  the  previous  question  on  the  third  reading  of  the 
joint  resolution. 

Mr.  McPherson.  With  the  consent  of  the  gentleman,  I desire  to  say  a very  few 
words  upon  the  subject  of  the  joint  resolution.  Now,  sir,  I have  no  objection  to  the 
new  dome  of  the  Capitol  being  completed,  nor  do  I object  to  the  expenditure  of 
whatever  money  may  be  necessary  to  protect  the  work  on  the  Capitol  generally'  from 
injury'  by'  the  elements. 

The  feature  of  the  bill  to  which  I do  object,  however,  is  that  which  makes  an 
absolute  and  unconditional  transfer  of  the  superintendence  of  the  whole  work  from 
the  President,  where  it  was  originally'  placed  and  has  since  remained,  to  the  Secre- 
tary of  the  Interior. 

When  the  first  appropriation  was  made  for  commencing  the  work  on  the  two 
wings,  it  was  provided  that  it  should  be  done  under  the  general  superintendence  of 
the  President  of  the  United  States.  Accordingly,  Mr.  Fillmore,  Avho  was  then  Pres- 
ident, turned  it  over  to  the  head  of  the  Interior  -Department.  It  remained  under  his 
superintendence  probably  for  two  y'ears,  when  Congress  made  provision  for  investi- 
gating the  condition  of  the  work,  and  the  report  of  the  committee  which  was 
appointed  for  that  purpose  showed  such  frauds  as  to  challenge  the  attention  of 
Congress  and  the  country. 

Upondhe  accession  of  Mr.  Pierce  to  the  Presidency  the  work  was  transferred  by 
him  from  the  Interior  to  the  War  Department,  with  a view  of  having  the  entire  work 
placed  under  an  officer  of  the  engineer  corps.  Since  that  time  the  general  supeiin- 


The  Extension*. 


805 


tendence  of  the  work  has  continued  in  the  War  Department  by  the  consent  and 
direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

But  the  difficulty  to  remedy  which  this  resolution  is  intended,  as  I understand,  is 
the  unwillingness  of  General  Meigs,  who  has  had  charge  of  the  work,  to  go  on  and 
complete  the  dome.  Now,  I am  willing  to  pass  any  provision  that  may  be  necessary 
to  require  the  completion  of  the  dome,  and  for  doing  whatever  may  be  necessary  to 
protect  the  whole  building  from  damage,  but  I am  opposed  to  taking  the  general 
supervision  of  the  work  out  of  the  hands  of  the  President  and  placing  it  in  the  hands 
of  any  of  the  heads  of  Departments.  It  is  a thing  which  never  has  been  done  before, 
and  I think  for  the  sake  of  safety  should  not  be  done  now. 

The  general  idea  I had  upon  this  subject,  I had  embodied  in  the  shape  of  an 
amendment  to  this  effect:  that  the  President  be  requested  to  order  the  resumption  of 
work  on  the  new  dome  of  the  Capitol,  and  the  expenditure  of  so  much  of  the  appro- 
priations for  that  purpose  as  may  be  necessary  to  complete  it;  and  to  order  such  other 
work  as  may  be  necessary  to  protect  the  Capitol  building  from  injury  by  the  ele- 
ments; and  that  he  make  all  appointments  and  arrangements  necessary  therefor. 
That  would  leave  the  responsibility  with  the  President,  where  it  always  has  been, 
and  where,  I think,  it  ought  to  be.  I submit  that-  amendment  as  a substitute  for  the 
joint  resolution. 

Mr.  Train.  I decline  to  yield  the  floor  for  that  purpose. 

Mr.  McPherson.  Then  I hope  the  resolution  will  be  defeated. 

Mr.  Covode.  With  the  consent  of  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts,  I think  I 
can  satisfy  my  colleague  [Mr.  McPherson]  that  the  President  never  has  taken  the 
control  of  this  work.  On  the  contrary,  when  Jeff  Davis  was  Secretary  of  War  he 
asserted  the  control  of  this  and  of  all  the  public  buildings,  without  consulting  either 
the  President  or  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior. 

Mr.  McPherson.  If  my  colleague  will  allow  me,  I will  say  that  he  is  entirely  mis- 
taken in  that  statement.  I have  had  occasion  to  make  some  investigation  into  the 
matter.  I have  in  my  possession,  and  I am  sorry  that  it  is  not  before  me  at  this 
moment,  a report  in  which  may  be  found  the  original  order  of  President  Pierce, 
dated,  I think,  in  May,  1853,  transferring  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension  from 
the  Interior  to  the  War  Department,  giving  as  a reason  therefor  that  it  was  to  be 
placed  in  charge  of  a regular  officer  of  the  engineer  corps,  and  for  the  reason  that 
while  the  work  was  under  the  charge  of  a civil  superintendent  monstrous  frauds 
were  committed. 

Mr.  Covobe.  In  answer  to  the  gentleman  on  that  point,  he  certainly  must  have 
become  satisfied,  if  he  has  examined  the  subject,  that  there  have  been  as  great  frauds 
since  it  has  been  in  the  hands  of  the  War  Department. 

The  only  objection  I had  to  the  passage  of  this  bill  in  its  present  shape  was,  that  I 
was  authorized  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Expenditures  to  report  a resolution  for 
the  transfer,  not  only  of  this  building,  but  of  all  the  public  buildings  and  the  water 
works,  from  the  War  to  the  Interior  Department.  Inasmuch,  however,  as  this  reso- 
lution would  have  to  go  back  to  the  Senate,  if  amended  as  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings  and  Grounds  propose,  I will  not  interpose  any  objections  to  its  passage, 
but  leave  the  remainder  of  the  work  to  be  accomplished  by  another  bill. 

Mr.  Wickliffe.  I should  like  to  say  a single  word  upon  the  subject  of  this  resolu- 
tion. The  work  on  this  Capitol  was  by  some  order  or  other — I do  not  understand 
precisely  what— placed  under  the  superintendence  of  General  Meigs,  then  a captain 
in  the  engineer  corps  of  the  Army.  About  the  time  Floyd  commenced  the.  distribu- 
tion of  cannon  and  arms,  he  fell  out  with  Meigs,  and  he  was  in  the  act  of  removing 
him  from  his  position  as  superintendent,  when  an  appropriation  was  made  by  Con- 
gress to  continue  the  work  on  the  Capitol,  with  the  requirement  that  it  should  be 
expended  under  the  superintendence  of  General  Meigs.  To  get  clear  of  that  require- 
ment, and  to  get  clear  of  the  vigilance  Meigs  was  exercising  over  him,  Floyd  sent 


806 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

him  down  to  Florida  among  the  mosquitoes,  and  placed  the  superintendence  of  the 
work  under  somebody  else. 

After  Floyd  had  distributed  nearly  all  the  arms  in  the  possession  of  the  Govern- 
ment, and  had  retired  from  the  War  Department,  Meigs  was  recalled  and  again 
placed  in  charge  of  the  work  assigned  to  him  by  Congress. 

Mr.  Wright.  And  he  has  done  nothing  on  the  Capitol  since. 

Mr.  Wickliffe.  And  he  ought  to  do  nothing  at  this  time.  Let  us  take  care  of  the 
country  first  and  finish  the  Capitol  afterwards. 

Mr.  McKnight.  I can  not  see  why  there  should  be  any  objection  upon  the  part  any 
person  in  this  House  to  this  resolution.  Something  certainly  should  be  done  to 
secure  more  efficient  operations  in  the  completion  of  the  Capitol. 

Now,  the  building  of  those  new  wings  of  the  Capitol  was  originally  placed  under 
the  control  of  the  Interior  Department;  but  I understand — and  I confess  that  I have 
learned  nearly  all  I know  about  the  matter  from  listening  to  the  remarks  of  the 
Senator  from  Vermont,  [Mr.  Foot,]  who  seemed  to  be  entirely  familiar  wTith  the 
facts  when  the  resolution  was  under  the  consideration  of  the  Senate — I say,  I under- 
stand that  a contract  was  originally  entered  into  by  the  Interior  Department  for  the 
building  of  the  new  wings  for  something  like  $2,500,000. 

But,  as  Avas  stated  by  my  colleague  on  the  committee,  wben  Mr.  Pierce  was  Presi- 
dent of  the  United  States,  he  transferred  the  building  of  the  wings  of  the  Capitol  to 
Jeff  Davis,  the  then  Secretary  of  War.  Since  General  Meigs  has  been  the  superin- 
tendent, the  cost  of  this  Avork  has  run  up  to  $7,000,000.  It  has  therefore,  sir,  cost 
more  to  the  Government  under  the  War  Department  superintendency  than  it  would 
if  the  work  had  been  retained  under  the  control  of  the  Interior  Department.'  How, 
then,  with  any  good  reason,  can  the  gentleman  ask  that  this  Avork  shall  still  be  left 
AA’ith  the  War  Department?  It  would  seem  that  this  is  to  be  kept  as  a nest-egg  for 
General  Meigs  after  this  war  is  over.  I put  it  to  the  House,  sir,  whether  General 
Meigs,  the  Quartermaster  General,  has  not  his  hands  full  without  being  compelled 
to  superintend  the  construction  of  this  and  other  public  Avorks?  I beg  leaAre  to  call 
the  attention  of  the  House  to  a feAV  statements  made  in  the  Senate  by  Senator  Foot, 
of  Vermont.  I read  from  his  speech:  [Of  Mar.  25,  1860,  heretofore  given.] 

The  Senator  goes  on  then  to  give  a statement  of  the  appropriations  made  from 
year  to  year.  They  are  not  necessary  to  be  recited  here,  however. 

Now,  I am  Avilling — and  I think  that  this  House  would  be  willing — since  an  appro- 
priation has  been  made  for  the  completion  of  the  Capitol,  that  Ave  should  go  on  and 
complete  it  as  far  as  that  sum  will  do  it.  But  the  Senate  has  seen  fit,  on  motion  of 
Senator  Sherman,  to  put  a restriction  upon  the  appropriation,  that  only  so  much  shall 
be  used  as  wTill  finish  the  dome  and  protect  the  cornices  from  the  inclemency  of  the 
weather.  That  precludes  the  completion  of  the  staircases  under  this  appropriation, 
and  for  one  I Avould  be  willing  to  finish  them.  I Avould  Arote,  also,  the  sum  necessary 
to  complete  the  dome.  Any  gentleman  Avho  passes  through  the  dome  after  a snow 
or  rain  storm,  Avill  see  the  injury  that  will  be  the  result  if  the  dome  is  left  in  its  present 
unfinished  condition.  The  walls  are  damp,  the  pictures  are  damp,  and  the  floor  is 
covered  with  water.  Let  us  put  the  Avork  in  the  hands  of  some  one  who  can  go  on  at 
once  and  finish  the  dome,  which  General  Meigs  certainly  cannot  do.  Therefore  I 
sincerely  hope  that  this  House  wall  concur  in  the  resolution  of  the  Senate. 

I do  not  know  why  it  is  that  gentlemen  are  uneasy  about  the  transfer  of  the 
superintendency  of  this  work  to  the  Interior  Department.  I take  it  for  granted  that 
there  is  no  officer  there  who  ought  not  to  be  trusted,  and  if  there  is,  he  ought  to  be 
removed. 

I will  state  a further  fact.  The  capitals  and  columns  ready  to  be  put  up  are  eA’ery 
day  being  mutilated  by  strangers  and  soldiers  wdio  Adsit  the  city.  They  knock  off 
-cornices  and  put  them  into  their  pockets  to  carry  aivay  with  them  as  memorials  of 
their  trip  to  Washington.  I think  that  all  these  capitals  ought  to  be  put  up.  Let  us 


The  Extensions. 


807 


at  least  pass  this  resolution,  and  jirotect  this  building,  which  has  cost  us  so  much, 
from  the  inclemencies  of  the  weather. 

Mr.  Train.  Mr.  Speaker,  I have  no  quarrel,  as  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky 
would  seem  to  intimate,  with  General  Meigs.  The  gentleman  looks  upon  this  reso- 
lution as  a blow  at  General  Meigs.  Now,  I have  nothing  against  that  officer;  but, 
sir,  for  some  reason  or  other,  he  declines  to  take  any  action  in  regard  to  the  sugges- 
tions made  to  him  by  the  committees  of  both  branches  of  Congress  for  the  protec- 
tion of  this  building  from  the  weather.  He  has  more  business  already  than  any  two 
men  should  undertake,  yet  he  will  not  enter  an  order  or  give  a direction  to  allow 
anything  to  be  done  to  preserve  this  building  from  destruction.  The  chairman  of 
the  committee  on  the  part  of  the  Senate  and  myself  went  during  the  extra  session  in 
July,  and  twice  during  this  session,  to  ask  him  to  permit  Mr.  Fowler  to  jiut  up  the 
iron  which  is  rusting  and  wasting  in  the  Capitol  grounds;  but,  for  some  reason,  he 
declines  to  do  so.  The  Secretary  of  War  agrees  that  the  committees  are  right,  but 
he  declines  to  give  the  order  to  General  Meigs,  because  he  has  now  more  business 
than  he  can  attend  to  already.  They  cannot  answer  questions,  much  less  attend  to 
this  business,  at  the  War  Department.  And  in  the  mean  time  this  work,  which 
originally  was  under  the  control  of  Mr.  Walter,  one  of  the  most  eminent  architects 
in  the  country,  is  to  remain  in  the  condition  in  which  you  find  it  to-day.  Shall  that 
be  permitted,  or  shall  it  be  saved  from  destruction? 

I do  not  desire  to  go  through  the  history  of  this  matter;  gentlemen  will  find  it  all 
in  the  Globe.  The  chairman  of  the  committee  on  the  part  of  the  Senate  has  stated 
it  with  great  particularity.  But  I do  desire  to  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  all  this 
proposition  designs  is  the  completion  of  the  dome,  for  which  the  money  has  already 
been  appropriated.  The  iron  is  at  hand,  and  it  ought  to  be  put  up.  The  mechan- 
ical works  necessary  to  carry  on  the  work  are  exposed  to  the  weather,  and  if  we 
allow  a continuance  of  delay  under  the  superintendency  of  General  Meigs,  until  the 
close  of  the  war,  we  will  find  these  works  rotted  down,  and  that  new  ones  will  have 
to  be  constructed  at  an  expense  of  thousands  of  dollars.  Everything  is  ready  for  the 
completion  of  the  dome  now,  and  I say  that  it  ought  to  be  completed. 

Mr.  Blair,  of  Missouri.  Would  not  the  adoption  of  the  amendment  of  the  gentle- 
man from  Pennsylvania  [Mr.  McPherson]  accomplish  the  purpose  which  the  gen- 
tleman lias  in  view? 

Mr.  Train.  I have  not  seen  it. 

Mr.  Blair,  of  Missouri.  It  directs  the  President  to  order  the  work  on  the  dome  to  be 
proceeded  with,  and  that  the  building  shall  be  preserved  from  dilapidation. 

Mr.  Train.  The  President  does  not  wish  to  be  troubled  with  the  work  of  com- 
pleting the  Capitol,  for  he  has  enough  to  attend  to  already.  The  Interior  Depart- 
ment ought  properly  to  have  the  control  of  this  work. 

Mr.  McKnight.  Let  me  ask  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  whether  General 
Meigs  has  not  now,  in  addition  to  his  duties  as  Quartermaster-General,  the  superin- 
tendency of  the  construction  of  the  water  works  and  the  extension  of  the  Treasury 
building? 

Mr.  Train.  He  has  the  control  of  the  water  works  and  the  extension  of  the  Post 
Office  building.  Now,  the  water  works  will  tumble  in  before  this  war  is  over,  and 
then  we  will  have  to  begin  again  unless  the  work  is  transferred  from  the  hands  of 
General  Meigs  to  those  of  somebody  who  can  attend  to  it.  He  has  a laudable  ambi- 
tion to  distinguish  himself  by  the  completion  of  all  of  these  works.  It  would  be  a 
nice  little  entertainment  for  the  decline  of  his  life.  But  in  the  mean  time  are  we  to 
suffer  loss  because  he  will  not  allow  Mr.  Walter,  who  has  far  more  judgment  and 
capacity  than  General  Meigs,  to  complete  the  dome? 

Mr.  Wright.  Are  not  the  Senate  and  House  committees  in  favor  of  this  transfer 
to  the  Interior  Department? 

Mr.  Train.  They  are,  unanimously. 


808 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Wright.  That  satisfies  me;  and  I am  willing  to  sustain  the  committees.  I 
think  that  this  work  belongs  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  and  it  is  proper  that 
we  should  give  him  the  control  of  it. 

Mr.  Train.  If  gentlemen  would  go  about  this  building  on  such  a day  as  Saturday 
last,  after  a fall  of  snow,  and  see  the  water  permeating  into  the  committee  rooms  and 
into  the  halls,  and  everywhere  else  where  the  water  could  find  a crevice,  they  would  be 
satisfied  that  something  should  lie  done  to  preserve  the  building  from  going  to  decay. 
I agree  with  my  colleague  on  the  committee  from  Pennsylvania,  [Mr.  McKnight,] 
that  the  best  thing  we  could  do  would  be  to  order  this  Capitol  completed  at  once; 
and  that  under  the  control  of  Mr.  Walter  it  would  be  completed  for  much  less  money 
than  it  could  lie  under  any  Army  officer  you  could  appoint.  My  experience  with 
these  gentlemen  of  the  engineer  corps  is,  that  they  are  very  excellent  engineers,  and 
that  they  can  disburse  money  very  readily,  but  that  they  have  no  idea  of  economy 
in  expenditures.  I call  the  previous  question. 

The  previous  question  was  seconded,  and  the  main  question  ordered  to  be  put,  and 
under  the  operation  thereof  the  resolution  was  ordered  to  be  read  a third  time;  and 
it  was  accordingly  read  the  third  time. 

Mr.  Train.  I demand  the  previous  question  upon  the  passage  of  the  resolution. 

The  previous  question  was  seconded,  and  the  main  question  ordered  to  be  put;  and 
under  the  operation  thereof  the  resolution  was  passed. 

Mr.  Train  moved  to  reconsider  the  vote  by  which  the  resolution  was  passed;  and 
also  moved  to  lay  the  motion  to  reconsider  on  the  table 

The  latter  motion  was  agreed  to. 


[“No.  28. — A Resolution  transferring  the  Supervision  of  the  Capitol  Extension  and  the  Erection  of  the 
new  Dome  to  the  Department  of  the  Interior,”  approved  Apr.  16, 1862.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  12, 617.)] 

Resolved  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America  in 
Congress  assembled,  That  the  supervision  of  the  Capitol  extension  and  the  erection  of 
the  new  dome  be  and  the  same  is  hereby  transferred  from  the  War  Department  to 
the  Department  of  the  Interior.  And  all  unexpended  money  which  has  been  here- 
tofore appropriated,  and  all  money  which  may  be  hereafter  appropriated  for  either 
of  the  improvements  heretofore  mentioned,  shall  be  expended  under  the  direction 
and  supervision  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior:  Provided,  That  no  money  heretofore 
appropriated  shall  be  expended  upon  the  Capitol  until  authorized  by  Congress,  except 
so  much  as  is  necessary  to  protect  the  building  from  injury  by  the  elements  and  to 
complete  the  dome. 


[Senate  Mis.  Doc.  No.  97,  37th  Congress,  2d  Session.  Letter  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  to  the 
chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  transmitting  a copy  of  the  report  of 
the  Architect  of  the  United  States  Capitol  Extension  in  relation  to  the  protection  of  the  Capitol 
Extension  from  injury,  as  provided  for  by  the  joint  resolution  of  Congress  approved  April  16,  1862. 
May  12,  1862. — Read,  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  and  ordered 
to  be  printed.] 

Department  of  the  Interior, 

Washington,  May  10,  1862. 

Sir:  Immediately  after  the  passage  of  the  joint  resolution  of  the  16th  ultimo, 
transferring  the  supervision  of  the  Capitol  extension  and  the  erection  of  the  new 
dome  to  this  department,  I directed  the  architect  to  "make  a careful  and  minute 
examination  of  those  works,  and  to  report  to  me  their  present  condition,  with  his 
opinion  as  to  the  best  mode  of  preserving  the  unfinished  portions  of  the  Capitol 
from  injury  by  the  elements,  and  the  cost  of  so  doing,  and  also  to  prepare  an  estimate 
of  the  amount  that  would  probably  be  required  to  complete  the  works,  exclusive  of 
all  ornamental  and  decorative  designs. 


The  Extensions. 


809 


It  would  seem  from  his  report  that  considerable  damage  has  already  been  sus- 
tained, and  that  while  the  unfinished  portions  of  the  building  may  for  a time  be 
partially  protected  from  further  injury  by  an  expenditure  of  about  $1,500,  there  is  a 
large  quantity  of  dressed  material  lying  exposed  upon  the  ground,  already  paid  for 
by  the  United  States,  which  cannot  be  effectually  protected  otherwise  than  by  being 
set  in  the  building, 

I fully  concur  in  the  opinion  expressed  by  the  architect,  that,  under  the  circum- 
stances, the  interests  of  the  government  and  the  truest  economy  will  best  be  pro- 
moted by  pressing  the  work  on  the  exterior  of  the  building  to  completion  with  as 
little  delay  as  possible;  but  as  the  joint  resolution  provides  “that  no  money  hereto- 
fore appropriated  shall  be  expended  upon  the  Capitol  until  authorized  by  Congress, 
except  so  much  as  is  necessary  to  protect  the  building  from  injury  by  the  elements 
and  to  complete  the  dome,”  I do  not  feel  authorized  in  pursuing  that  course  without 
some  further  expression  of  the  will  of  Congress  on  the  subject. 

1 have  therefore  the  honor  to  lay  before  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and 
Grounds  a copy  of  the  architect’s  report,  and  to  invite  their  consideration  to  the  sug- 
gestion whether  a modification  of  the  said  joint  resolution,  so  as  to  permit  the  work 
to  go  on,  is  not  advisable. 

It  is  believed  that  the  unexpended  balances  of  the  appropriations  heretofore  made 
will  be  sufficient  for  the  purpose  during  the  next  fiscal  year. 

I am,  sir,  with  much  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

Caleb  B.  Smith, 
Secretary  of  the  Interior. 

Hon.  Solomon  Foot, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  on 

Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  United  States  Senate. 


Washington,  I>.  C.,  May  8,  1862. 

Sir:  I had  the  honor  to  receive  from  you,  under  date  of  the  30th  ultimo,  instruc- 
tions to  submit  to  the  department  “a  report  showing  the  present  condition  and  state 
of  the  works  of  the  Capitol  extension  and  new  dome,  with  an  estimate  of  the  sums 
required  for  their  final  completion,  exclusive  of  all  ornamental  and  decorative 
designs.”  Also  a “report  of  what  is  necessary  to  be  done  to  protect  the  Capitol 
extension  from  injury,  as  provided  for  by  the  joint  resolution  of  Congress  approved 
April  16,  1862.”  In  compliance  with  these  instructions,  I respectfully  submit  the 
following  report: 

CAPITOL  EXTENSION. 

Nothing  remains  to  complete  the  interior  of  the  buildings,  as  far  as  it  relates  to 
the  construction,  except  the  tiling  of  the  floor  of  the  vestibule  of  the  north  wing, 
the  two  eastern  front  doors,  and  the  door  between  the  south  wing  and  the  old  Hall  of 
Representatives.  The  trimmings  for  these  doors  cannot  be  put  up  until  the  doors 
are  received. 

The  plaster  models  for  the  valves  of  the  eastern  front  doors  were  ordered  of  the 
late  Thomas  Crawford,  from  Rome,  at  $12,000;  and  an  agreement  was  made  with 
the  Munich  foundery  to  cast  them  in  bronze  for  $10,500,  making  $22,500  for  the 
valves  of  these  two  doors,  exclusive  of  transportation.  The  plaster  models  for  one 
door  are  completed,  but  have  not  yet  been  sent  to  Munich,  nor  lias  any  payment  yet 
been  made  on  account  of  them  by  the  government.  At  the  last  advices  the  models 
for  the  other  door  were  in  progress. 

The  valves  of  the  door  to  be  placed  between  the  south  wing  and  the  old  Hall  of 
Representatives  were  ordered  of  Randolph  Rogers,  and  are  now  completed.  The 


810 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


sum  of  $8,000  has  been  paid  to  Mr.  Rogers  for  the  models  of  this  door,  and  $6,429  on 
account  of  the  bronze  castings,  (a  balance  of  $6,338  is  still  due  upon  it,)  making  its 
whole  cost  $20,767,  exclusive  of  transportation.  This  door  is  still  at  Munich,  await- 
ing the  orders  of  the  government. 

Of  the  exterior  of  the  buildings,  all  the  porticos  and  steps  remain  to  be  constructed, 
except  a portion  of  the  colonnades  which  connect  the  wings  with  the  old  Capitol. 
Of  these  colonnades  eleven  columns  are  already  set,  with  a portion  of  their  entabla- 
tures and  marble  ceilings. 

The  whole  number  of  exterior  columns  required  for  the  work  is  one  hundred,  of 
which  eleven  are  completed  and  set  in  the  buildings,  as  before  stated ; twelve  are  fin- 
ished and  ready  to  be  set,  three  are  nearly  completed,  and  six  remain  on  the  ground 
un wrought;  making  in  all  thirty-two  columns  which  have  been  delivered,  leaving 
sixty-eight  yet  to  come. 

The  wrought  marble  now  on  the  ground,  which  has  been  paid  for  but  not  placed 
in  the  buildings,  has  cost  for  workmanship  alone  about  $115,000,  and  the  unwrought 
marble  which  has  been  received  and  inspected  amounts  to  about  $90,000. 

The  granite  steps  of  the  western  arcades  of  both  wings  have  been  laid  temporarily 
on  the  foundations,  and  will  require  to  be  taken  up,  jointed,  and  permanently  set. 
The  granite  steps  of  the  western  corridors  also  require  to  be  set;  likewise  the  flagging 
of  the  terraces  over  the  vaults  between  the  o'ld  and  the  new  buildings.  These  vaults 
are  receiving  injury  from  a want  of  the  protection  which  this  flagging  will  afford. 
All  the  material  for  the  aforesaid  steps  is  wrought  and  on  the  ground. 

The  marble  work  is  under  contract  with  Provest,  Winter  & Co. ; the  furnishing  of 
the  marble  in  the  rough  with  Rice  & Heebner;  and  the  granite  work,  including 
materials,  with  Matthew  G.  Emery.  An  agreement  exists  with  E.  Leutze  for  paint- 
ing a picture  on  the  western  stairway  of  the  south  wing;  one  with  the  late  Thomas 
Crawford  and  the  Munich  foundery  for  the  two  eastern  front  doors;  and  one  with 
Randolph  Rogers  for  an  inner  door,  as  before  stated.  These  are  all  the  contracts 
and  agreements  that  are  now  in  progress  in  connexion  with  the  Capitol  extension. 
The  rest  of  the  work  is  done  by  days’  workmen. 

The  following  is  a list  of  all  the  appropriations  made  by  Congress  for  the  Capitol 
extension  from  the  commencement  of  the  work  to  the  present  time:  * * * 

$6,  283,  621.  74 

The  expenditures  up  to  May  1,  1862,  less  the  amount  derived  from  sun- 


dry sales  during  the  progress  of  the  work,  amount  to 5,  938,  351.  77 

Leaving  a balance  of  appropriation  of 345, 269. 97 


In  addition  to  which,  an  appropriation  will  hereafter  be  required,  to  complete  the 
work,  of  $600,000. 

In  compliance  with  that  part  of  your  instructions  which  directs  me  to  report  “what 
is  necessary  to  lie  done  to  protect  the  Capitol  extension  from  injury,  as  provided  for 
by  the  joint  resolution  of  Congress  approved  April  16, 1862,  ’ ’ I have  made  a thorough 
examination  of  the  work,  and  find  that  no  effectual  protection  of  the  buildings  against 
“injury  by  the  elements”  can  be  afforded  for  any  considerable  length  of  time  in  their 
present  condition;  nothing  short  of  an  entire  finish  of  the  exterior  will  protect  them 
from  deterioration.  The  top  of  the  walls  may  be  covered  with  tin-roofing,  and  such 
gutters  and  conductors  made  as  will  prevent  the  water  from  falling  directly  upon  them ; 
and  whenever  water  is  found  to  have  made  its  way,  provision  may  be  made  for  turn- 
ing it  off.  This  will  be  the  best  temporary  protection  that  can  be  given  to  the  work 
in  its  present  state,  and  it  may  all  be  accomplished  for  about  $1,500. 

I am,  however,  of  opinion  that  it  would  be  greatly  to  the  advantage  of  the  govern- 
ment to  resume  and  prosecute  the  work  with  vigor  to  its  final  completion,  so  far  at 
least  as  it  relates  to  the  exterior. 


The  Extensions. 


811 


Although  it  may  be  possible  partially  to  protect  the  buildings  from  injury  by  the 
elements,  as  before  stated,  it  is  not  possible  to  protect  the  vast  amount  of  finished 
marble  now  on  the  ground  from  defacement  and  injury.  Much  of  it  lies  upon  the 
earth,  or  is  in  close  proximity  to  it,  by  which  discoloration  is  produced,  while  all  of 
it  is  exposed  to  accident,  and  to  fractures  by  ill-disposed  persons.  As  I have  already 
remarked,  there  have  been  paid,  for  workmanship  alone,  on  the  marble  which  has  not 
yet  been  placed  in  the  buildings,  about  $115,000.  All  of  this  costly  work  is  scattered 
around  through  the  shops  and  grounds;  a large  portion  of  it  is  delicately  carved;  it 
is,  therefore,  actually  necessary,  for  its  preservation,  that  it  be  placed  in  the  build- 
ings with  the  least  possible  delay. 

There  are  on  the  ground  about  $25,000  worth  of  steps,  wrought  and  ready  to  be  put 
up,  or  more  than  enough  for  the  entire  approach  to  one  wing;  and  all  the  founda- 
tions are  constructed,  and  ready  to  receive  them.  These  foundations  are  also  receiving 
injury  from  the  weather,  and  another  winter  will  tend  greatly  to  deteriorate  them. 

There  are  also  about  $20,000  worth  of  entablature  and  portico  ceilings,  the  most  of 
which  is  elaborately  carved;  some. $20, 000  worth  of  delicately  wrought  capitals,  and 
nearly  all  the  balustrade  that  will  be  required  to  finish  the  work.  Upon  this  alone 
about  $30,000  have  been  expended.  These,  with  the  fifteen  wrought  columns,  the 
bases,  the  pedestals,  and  other  work  which  is  now  lying  scattered  over  acres  of 
ground,  and  throughout  the  shops,  form  an  aggregate  of  wrought  marble  that  seems 
to  demand  a speedy  prosecution  of  the  work,  that  it  may  be  made  available  in  the 
construction  of  the  buildings  before  its  defacement  became  permanent. 

The  buildings  are  also  becoming  defaced  by  the  washing  of  the  cement  and 
asphaltum  from  the  walls  above.  This  should  be  arrested  as  soon  as  possible  by 
the  construction  of  the  porticos;  and  the  discoloration  should  be  removed  before  it 
penetrates  the  stone,  and  renders  a restoration  to  its  original  beauty  impossible. 

The  interior  is  also  suffering,  particularly  in  the  attic  story.  The  finished  walls 
are  much  defaced,  and  in  some  places  the  plastering  is  already  decaying  and  falling 
off.  Some  of  the  finest  stucco  ornaments  are  entirely  destroyed,  and  much  of  the 
expensive  ornamentation  is  already  injured.  The  progress  of  these  dilapidations  can 
be  permanently  arrested  only  by  finishing  the  entire  exterior. 

It  will  also  be  observed  that  the  water  percolates  through  the  ceilings  and  arches 
of  all  the  arcades,  causing  inconvenience  to  those  who  pass  through  them,  as  well  as 
injury  to  the  work.  This  can  be  remedied  only  by  finishing  the  porticos.  The 
water  is  admitted  through  the  exposed  surfaces  of  the  brick  piers  which  are  prepared 
to  receive  the  pedestals  of  the  columns.  These  surfaces  will  all  be  covered  with  the 
pedestals,  and  this  alone  can  make  the  portico  floors  water-tight. 

In  view  of  these  facts,  I have  considered  it  incumbent  upon  me  respectfully  to 
recommend,  as  the  only  means  of  protecting  the  buildings  from  “injury  by  the  ele- 
ments,” and  of  saving  the  vast  amount  of  money  already  expended  upon  the  mate- 
rials upon  the  ground,  that  the  work  of  the  exterior  of  the  buildings  be  resumed 
with  as  little  delay  as  possible  and  prosecuted  with  vigor  to  its  ultimate  completion. 

* * * 

Tiio.  U.  Walter, 

Architect  of  the  United  States  Cajntol  Extension,  &c. 

Hon.  Caleb  B.  Smith, 

Secretary  of  the  Interior. 


[From  the  “Act  making  further  Appropriations  for  sundry  Civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the 
Year  ending  thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-three,  and  additional  Appropriations 
for  the  Year  ending  thirtieth  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-two,”  approved  July  11,  18G2. 
(Stats,  at  Large,  v.  12,  533.)] 

For  the  purpose  of  enabling  the  commissioner  of  public  buildings  and  grounds  to 
remove  the  Army  bakery  from  the  basement  of  the  Capitol  and  to  repair  the  damage 
caused  by  said  bakery,  the  sum  of  eight  thousand  dollars,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may 
be  necessary. 


S12 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  July  14,  1862:  Congressional  Globe,  37 — 2,  p.  3325.] 
ALTERATION  OF  THE  SENATE  CHAMBER. 

Mr.  Hale.  I wish  to  move  that  the  committee  appointed  on  the  ventilation  of  the 
Hall  have  leave  to  report  at  the  next  session  of  Congress.  In  explanation  of  the 
motion,  I will  say  that  the  architect  with  whom  we  wanted  to  consult  has  been 
absent  from  the  city  almost  ever  since  the  committee  has  been  appointed,  and  is 
now  absent.  We  do  not  ask  leave  to  sit  in  the  recess  or  incur  any  expense,  but 
simply  to  report  at  the  next  session,  so  that  we  may  have  the  benefit  of  consulting 
with  the  architect  during  the  vacation  and  submitting  his  plans  at  that  time. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  committee  unquestionably  have  that  power -with- 
out a special  vote. 

Mr.  Hale.  I understood  differently;  but  if  that  is  so  I am  content. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  B.  B.  French,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  Oct.  29,  1862.  (37 — 3, 
House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  v.  2,  p.  596.)] 

THE  CAPITOL. 

In  my  annual  report  of  last  year  I called  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  old  portion 
of  the  Capitol  was  very  much  in  want  of  a thorough  painting  on  the  outside,  and 
recommended  an  appropriation  of  eight  thousand  dollars,  based  on  an  estimate 
made  by  Mr.  James  Galway,  a master  painter,  which  was  submitted  with  my  report. 
The  appropriation  was  made  and  the  building  has  been  painted  for  the  sum  appro- 
priated in  a very  thorough  and  workmanlike  manner. 

The  interior  of  the  building  was  then  in  great  need  of  casual  repairs  on  the  inside, 
in  consequence  of  its  occupancy  by  troops,  and  by  the  military  generally,  the  pre- 
ceding spring.  An  appropriation  of  three  thousand  two  hundred  dollars  was  made, 
which  was  expended  in  repairing,  cleaning,  and  painting,  and  it  was  then  supposed 
that,  with  the  ordinary  appropriation,  the  Capitol  could  be  kept  in  proper  order; 
but,  on  the  31st  day  of  August  last,  I received  an  order,  of  which  the  following  is  a 
copy: 

Headquarters  Military  District  of  Washington, 

Washington,  I).  C.,  August  31,  1863. 

Special  orders,  No.  177. — Extract. 

1.  The  following  buildings  and  premises  will  be  taken  possession  of  forthwith  for 
hospital  purposes,  viz: 

The  Capitol. 

* * * 

By  command  of  Brigadier-General  Wadworth. 

John  P.  Sherburne, 
Assistant  Adjutant- General. 

Mr.  French,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

In  conformity  with  this  order  the  Capitol  was  taken  military  possession  of,  fifteen 
hundred  beds  were  placed  in  it,  occupying  nearly  all  parts  of  it,  and  there  were,  in 
September,  between  eleven  and  twelve  hundred  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  in  the 
building.  Sentinels  were  stationed  at  every  door,  and  the  entire  building  became  so 
obnoxious  to  the  senses  that  the  regular  civil  employes  in  the  building  were  very 
much  annoyed,  and  some  of  them  were  obliged  to  leave  the  building.  The  Capitol 
was  thus  occupied  until  about  the  middle  of  October,  when  the  patients  were  removed. 
It  then  became  necessary  again  to  go  over  the  entire  building  and  cleanse  it  as  thor- 
oughly as  possible.  In  consequence  of  this  necessity,  and  of  the  vast  increase  of 
visitors,  1 have  added  to  the  ordinary  appropriation  for  casual  repairs,  &c.,  the  sum 
of  two  thousand  dollars,  which  I hope  may  be  granted. 


The  Extensions. 


813 


The  army  bakeries,  referred  to  in  my  last  report,  and  ordered  by  Congress  to  be 
removed,  were,  after  considerable  correspondence,  finally  removed,  by  the  military 
authorities,  by  special  order  of  the  President,  in  October,  and  I am  now  exerting  all 
possible  energy  to  have  the  wreck  of  rooms  occupied  by  them  restored  to  order  and 
made  habitable  by  the  time  Congress  assembles. 

It  is  hoped  that  the  Capitol  may  hereafter  be  left  to  its  legitimate  uses,  and  not  be 
defaced  and  disfigured  by  military  occupation. 

* * * 


Hon.  Caleb  B.  Smith, 

Secretary  of  the  Interior. 


B.  B.  French, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Caleb  B.  Smith,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  29,  1862.  (37 — 3,  House 

Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  v.  2,  pp.  21-2.)] 

The  large  number  of  sick  and  wounded  soldiers  demanding  attention  at  this  point 
rendered  it  necessary,  in  the  judgment  of  the  Surgeon  General,  to  occupy  the  Capitol 
as  a hospital  during  a portion  of  the  time  since  the  adjournment  of  Congress,  and  it 
was  taken  possession  of  for  that  purpose  by  order  of  the  War  Department. 

More  than  the  ordinary  expenditures  for  cleaning  and  repairs  have  been  rendered 
necessary  by  this  occupation  of  the  building. 

The  outside  painting  of  the  old  Capitol,  authorized  by  Congress  at  its  last  session, 
has  been  completed,  and  has  greatly  improved  its  appearance.  The  army  bakery 
which  had  been  erected  in  the  basement  has  been  removed. 

Any  appropriation  of  the  Capitol  to  military  uses  must  necessarily  cause  injury  to 
the  building  and  defacement  of  the  expensive  decorations  by  which  it  is  ornamented. 
I respectfully  suggest  that  Congress  should  provide  by  law  against  its  future  occupa- 
tion for  any  other  than  the  purposes  for  which  it  was  erected. 

* * * 

By  a joint  resolution  of  Congress,  approved  April  16,  1862,  this  Department  was 
charged  with  the  supervision  of  the  Capitol  extension  and  the  erection  of  the  new 
dome.  The  prosecution  of  these  works  had  been  suspended  since  the  15th  of  May, 
1861.  The  joint  resolution  provided  that  no  money  theretofore  appropriated  should 
be  expended  on  the  Capitol,  except  so  much  as  was  necessary  to  protect  the  building 
from  injury  by  the  elements  and  to  complete  the  dome. 

To  carry  out  the  intention  of  Congress,  it  was  deemed  advisable  to  prosecute  the 
work  on  the  two  eastern  entrances  of  the  Capitol  extension,  for  the  purpose  of  afford- 
ing, at  as  early  a day  as  possible,  permanent  protection  to  the  eastern  front,  and  the 
extensive  foundations  that  had  been  laid  for  the  steps  and  cheek  blocks;  to  complete 
the  porticoes  of  the  connecting  corridors,  so  that  the  roofing  might  be  speedily  fin- 
ished, and  thus  remove  a prolific  source  of  deterioration  to  the  building;  to  afford 
such  temporary  protection  to  the  upper  surfaces  of  the  exposed  walls  of  the  building 
as  might  be  found  to  be  expedient,  in  view  of  the  length  of  time  that  would  neces- 
sarily elapse  before  the  work  could  be  completed;  and  to  finish  the  granite  steps  of 
the  basement. 

The  work  has  been  steadily  prosecuted  in  accordance  with  this  plan.  The  porticoes 
of  the  two  eastern  corridors  have  been  finished,  and  it  is  expected  that  those  on  the 
western  front  will  be  completed  and  the  roof  laid  over  them  before  the  close  of  the 
season.  The  massive  entrances  to  the  eastern  porticoes  are  more  than  half  completed; 
the  steps  of  the  western  arcades  are  finished,  and  the  temporary  protection  to  the 
exposed  walls  of  the  building,  recommended  by  the  architect,  has  been  afforded. 


814 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  amount  of  available  appropriation,  when  the  work  was  resumed  under  the 
supervision  of  this  Department,  was  $356,107  24.  Of  this  there  has  been  expended, 
up  to  October  31,  1862,  the  sum  of  $99,099  09,  leaving  an  unexpended  balance  of 
$257,008  15.  This  sum  will  be  sufficient  to  continue  the  work  until  the  close  of  the 
present  fiscal  year.  An  appropriation  of  $500,000  will  be  necessary  for  the  next  fiscal 
year. 

The  aggregate  amount  of  all  the  appropriations  made  for  the  Capitol  extension  is 
$6,283,621  74.  It  is  estimated  by  the  architect  that  additional  appropriations,  to  the 
amount  of  $600,000,  will  be  required  to  complete  the  work.  This  will  make  the 
entire  cost  of  the  Capitol  extension,  when  completed,  $6,883,621  74. 


[House  of  Representatives.  Ex.  Doc.  No.  35,  37th  Congress,  3d  Session.  Letter  from  the  Secretary 
of  the  Interior,  transmitting  estimates  for  the  Capitol  Extension  and  new  Dome.  January  16, 1863. — 
Referred  to  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means,  and  ordered  to  be  printed.] 

Department  of  the  Interior, 

January  15,  1863. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  estimates,  accompanied  by  a letter 
from  B.  B.  French,  esq.,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings;  also  a printed  report  of 
Thomas  U.  Walter,  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension,  asking  an  appropriation — 

For  the  Capitol  extension $500,000 

* * * 

I am,  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

J.  P.  Usher,  Secretary. 

Hon.  Gtalusha  A.  Grow, 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


Office  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 

Capitol  of  the  United,  States,  Washington,  January  15,  1863. 

Sir:  I have  just  ascertained  that  there  has  been  no  estimate  submitted  to  Congress 
for  an  appropriation  for  completing  the  Capitol  extension  or  new  dome. 

In  a conversation  with  your  predecessor  as  to  whether  I should  include  those 
improvements  in  my  estimates,  he  said  that  Mr.  Walter,  the  architect,  had  sent  in  an 
estimate,  which  would  be  sufficient.  Secretary  Smith  mentions  the  subject  in  his 
report  to  the  President,  thus  leading  us  all  to  suppose  that  the  items  were  in  the 
regular  estimates. 

They  have,  however,  been  undoubtedly  accidentally  omitted.  By  referring  to  the 
architect’s  report,  page  8,  you  will  see  that  he  estimates  for  the  Capitol  extension 
for  the  next  fiscal  year  $500,000,  and  at  page  10,  for  the  new  dome,  $200,000. 

These  estimates  having  been  omitted  in  the  regular  estimates  of  the  Secretary,  I 
most  respectfully  request  that  you  will  submit  to  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means 
of  the  House  and  the  Committee  on  Finance  of  the  Senate,  the  following  items: 

For  continuing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension  for  the  next  fiscal  year..  $500,000 

* * * 

I am,  with  high  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

B.  B.  French, 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 
and  Disbursing  Agent  Capitol  extension  and  new  dome. 

Hon.  J.  P.  Usher, 

Secretary  of  the  Interior. 


The  Extensions. 


815 


REPORT  OF  THE  ARCHITECT  OF  THE  CAPITOL  EXTENSION. 

Architect’s  Office,  United  States  Capitol, 

Washington,  I>.  C.,  November  1,  1862. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  lay  before  you  the  following  report  of  the  state  and  prog- 
ress of  the  works  of  the  United  States  Capitol  extension  and  the  new  dome  during 
the  past  year: 

These  works  were  suspended  on  the  15th  of  May,  1861,  by  order  of  the  Secretary 
of  War,  under  whose  jurisdiction  they  were  then  being  prosecuted.  On  the  16th  of 
April,  1862,  a joint  resolution  of  Congress  was  approved  by  the  President,  transfer- 
ring the  control  of  them  to  the  Department  of  the  Interior;  and  on  the  30th  of  the 
same  month  the  work  was  resumed  under  the  limitations  and  conditions  of  the  said 
resolution  of  transfer,  of  which  the  following  is  a copy: 

Be  it  resolved  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America  in  Congress 
assembled,  That  the  supervision  of  the  Capitol  extension  and  the  erection  of  the  new  dome  be,  and 
the  same  is  hereby,  transferred  from  the  War  Department  to  the  Department  of  the  Interior.  And  all 
unexpended  money  which  has  been  heretofore  appropriated,  and  all  money  which  may  be  hereafter 
appropriated  for  either  of  the  improvements  heretofore  mentioned,  shall  be  expended  under  the 
direction  and  supervision  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior:  Provided,  That  no  money  heretofore  appro- 
priated shall  be  expended  upon  the  Capitol  until  authorized  by  Congress,  except  so  much  as  is  neces- 
sary to  protect  the  building  from  injury  by  the  elements  and  to  complete  the  dome.  Approved  April 
16, 1862. 

My  instructions  from  the  department,  in  view  of  the  foregoing  resolution,  were 
to  prosecute  the  work  on  the  two  eastern  entrances  of  the  Capitol  extension,  for  the 
purpose  of  affording,  at  as  early  a day  as  possible,  permanent  protection  to  the  east- 
ern front,  and  the  extensive  foundations  that  had  been  previously  laid  for  the  steps 
and  cheek  blocks;  to  finish  the  colonnades  of  the  connecting  corridors,  so  as  to  admit 
of  the  completion  of  the  roof  and  gutters  of  the  same,  and  thus  remove  a prolific 
source  of  deterioration  to  the  building;  to  afford  such  temporary  protection  to  the 
upper  surfaces  of  all  the  exposed  walls  as  might  be  found  necessary,  in  view  of  the 
length  of  time  that  will  unavoidably  elapse  before  the  work  can  be  completed;  to 
finish  the  granite  steps  of  the  basement;  and  to  proceed  with  the  construction  of  the 
new  dome  as  rapidly  as  might  be  consistent  with  a proper  execution  of  the  work. 

The  following  exhibits  the  progress  that  has  been  made  in  accordance  with  these 
instructions: 

THE  CAPITOL  EXTENSION. 

The  Jive  monolithic  columns  which  remained  to  complete  the  colonnades  of  the 
connecting  corridors  have  been  set;  the  entablatures  and  marble  ceilings  of  the  two 
colonnades  on  the  eastern  front  have  been  finished,  and  those  on  the  western  front 
are  so  far  advanced  as  to  lead  me  to  hope  that  they  may  be  completed  and  the  roof 
laid  over  them  before  the  close  of  the  season. 

The  delay  in  this  portion  of  the  work  has  been  occasioned  by  the  want  of  some  of 
the  ceiling  pieces  which  were  not  quarried  at  the  time  the  order  was  given  to  resume 
operations,  and  which  it  has  been  found  impracticable  to  obtain  as  rapidly  as  they 
were  required. 

It  should  be  remarked  that  the  suspension  of  the  work  at  the  breaking  out  of  the 
rebellion  caused  a total  suspension  of  operations  at  the  quarries;  it  was  therefore  a 
work  of  time  to  reorganize  the  forces  and  to  get  the  quarries  in  proper  working  order. 
Much  delay  has  also  been  caused  by  the  scarcity  of  such  vessels  as  are  adapted  to 
convey  the  marble  from  the  depot  at  Bridgeport,  Connecticut,  to  Washington,  the 
most  of  these  vessels  being  directly  or  indirectly  in  the  employ  of  government.  The 
contractors  have  now,  however,  overcome  these  difficulties,  and  the  delivery  of  the 
marble  hereafter  will  no  doubt  be  quite  up  to  our  requirements.  A very  large  cargo 
is  now  being  unloaded  at  the  wharf  in  Washington,  another  cargo  is  hourly  expected, 
and  a third  is  now  being  shipped  at  Bridgeport,  all  containing  blocks  which  are  most 
needed  for  the  portions  of  the  work  now  in  progress. 


816 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  steps,  cheek  blocks,  and  carriage  ways  of  the  two  eastern  entrances  are  more 
than  half  completed,  and  a large  quantity  of  marble  is  wrought  for  the  remainder. 
In  these  portions  of  the  work  2,151  lineal  feet  of  steps  and  platforms  have  been  set, 
and  in  the  cheek  blocks  and  carriage  ways  about  16,500  cubic  feet  of  marble,  all  of 
which  has  been  done  in  the  most  accurate  and  workmanlike  manner. 

The  granite  steps  of  the  western  arcades  have  all  been  permanently  laid  since  the 
resumption  of  the  work,  and  the  flagging  for  the  terraces  over  the  vaults  between 
the  old  and  the  new  buildings  is  in  progress. 

The  process  of  cleaning  the  exterior  marble  work  has  been  commenced,  and  it  is 
found  that  the  portions  of  the  building  which  were  first  constructed  are  entirely  free 
from  stains  and  defacement,  and  are  as  pure  and  beautiful  as  when  they  came  from 
the  hands  of  the  workmen.  The  stains  which  marred  the  appearance  of  some  of  the 
stones  shortly  after  they  were  laid  have  all  bleached  out,  and  it  can  scarcely  be 
doubted  that  every  block  of  marble  in  the  building  would  have  eventually  been  free 
from  discoloration  had  not  the  use  of  asphaltum  been  subsequently  resorted  to.  All 
the  stones  that  were  laid  during  the  later  years  of  the  progress  of  the  work  were 
thickly  coated  on  their  backs  and  beds  with  that  substance,  and  it  is  to  be  feared  that 
a permanent  discoloration  will  be  the  result.  Besides  the  staining  of  the  surface,  the 
asphaltum  is  found  to  exude  from  many  of  the  joints,  all  of  which  will,  however,  be 
cleaned  off  and  securely  calked,  and  it  is  probable  that  in  a few  years  the  asphaltum 
will  harden  and  this  cause  of  defacement  be  thus  abated.  It  is  greatly  to  be  regretted 
that  such  a substance  should  have  been  so  lavishly  used  in  a white  marble  building, 
and  it  is  proper  for  me  to  say  that  its  application  to  the  marble  of  the  Capitol  exten- 
sion never  met  my  approbation,  and  that  its  use  has  been  entirely  abandoned  since 
the  resumption  of  the  work. 

The  stones  which  were  defaced  and  mutilated  during  the  suspension  of  the  work 
by  evil-disposed  persons  or  by  accident  are  being  repaired  by  days’  workmen.  The 
cost  of  these  repairs,  to  October  31,  1862,  amounts  to  $770. 

The  top  of  the  walls,  which  remain  exposed  to  the  weather,  have  been  covered 
with  tin,  laid  on  a sheathing  of  rough  boards,  and  such  conductors  and  gutters  have 
been  made  as  were  found  to  be  necessary  to  prevent  any  further  deterioration  of  the 
building,  or  defacement  of  the  interior  stucco  embellishments,  until  the  porticos 
can  be  constructed  and  the  roof  properly  finished.  This  temporary  roofing  has  cost 
$621  75. 

Nothing  has  been  done  during  the  past  year  towards  the  completion  of  the  interior 
of  the  building,  except  the  prosecution  of  the  painting  on  the  wall  of  the  western 
stairway  of  the  south  wing,  entitled  “Western  Emigration,”  by  Mr.  E.  Leutze.  The 
proviso  attached  to  the  law  transferring  the  works  of  the  Capitol  extension  and  new 
dome  to  the  Department  of  the  Interior  arrested  the  execution  of  this  picture;  but  it 
was  afterwards  authorized  b}r  a law  of  Congress,  approved  July  5,  1862,  and  it  is  now 
completed,  with  the  exception  of  an  elaborate  pictorial  border  which  surrounds  it. 
This  will  be  finished  and  the  scaffolding  removed  during  the  present  month.  The 
cost  of  this  painting  will  be  $20,000,  of  which  $11,000  have  already  been  paid. 

The  picture  of  the  “Storming  of  Chepultepec, ” painted  on  canvas,  by  Mr.  James 
Walker,  and  intended  for  the  room  of  the  Committee  on  Military  Affairs  of  the 
House  of  Representatives,  was  finished  and  ready  for  delivery  at  the  time  of  the  sus- 
pension of  the  work,  and  $2,120  had  previously  been  paid  upon  it  by  the  govern- 
ment. It  has  since  been  delivered,  and  Mr.  Walker  has  been  paid  the  balance  of 
his  claim.  The  whole  cost  of  the  picture  was  $6,000. 

At  the  last  advices  from  Rome  the  plaster  models  for  the  bronze  valves  of  one  of 
the  eastern  front  doors  were  completed;  but  the  models  for  the  valves  of  the  other 
door  had  not  been  commenced,  nor  had  anything  been  done  in  reference  to  them 
beyond  the  studies  and  sketches  which  were  completed  before  the  death  of  Mr. 
Crawford.  An  agreement  exists  with  Mr.  F.  Yon  Muller,  at  Munich,  to  cast  these 


The  Extensions. 


817 


valves,  in  bronze,  for  $10,500;  but  none  of  the  models  have  been  forwarded  to  the 
foundery,  and  no  payment  has  yet  been  made  by  the  government  on  account  of  them. 

The  bronze  door  ordered  of  Mr.  Randolph  Rogers  was  completed  more  than  a year 
ago,  and  remains  at  Munich,  awaiting  the  orders  of  the  government.  The  sum  of 
$16,429  has  been  paid  on  account  of  it,  and  it  will  require  about  $12,000  to  pay  the 
balance  due  upon  it,  including  interest,  storage,  and  other  expenses,  to  this  date. 

The  door  is  composed  entirely  of  bronze,  back  and  front,  and  is  said  to  be  the  only 
work  of  the  kind  in  the  world  which  is  thus  constructed;  its  weight  is  20,000  pounds. 
The  leading  subject  of  its  embellishments  is  the  history  of  Columbus.  It  lias  two 
valves,  with  four  panels  in  each  valve,  and  one  semicircular  panel  over  the  transom. 
The  first  panel  (beginning  at  the  bottom  of  the  left  hand  valve)  contains  a scene  rep- 
resenting Columbus  before  the  council  of  Salamanca;  the  second  panel,  his  leaving 
the  convent  of  La  Rabida;  the  third  panel,  his  audience  before  Ferdinand  and  Isa- 
bella; the  fourth  panel,  his  departure  from  Palos;  the  semicircular  panel  over  the 
transom  represents  his  first  landing  at  San  Salvador;  the  fifth  panel,  his  first  encoun- 
ter with  the  Indians  on  the  Island  of  Hispaniola;  the  sixth  panel,  his  triumphal  entry 
into  Barcelona;  the  scene  in  the  seventh  panel  represents  him  a prisoner  in  chains 
about  to  be  sent  back  to  Spain;  and  the  eighth  panel  contains  a scene  representing 
his  death.  There  are  sixteen  small  niches  in  the  border  or  frame  around  the  door, 
in  which  are  sixteen  statuettes  representing  distinguished  contemporaries  of  Colum- 
bus, and  between  the  panels  are  heads  representing  historians  who  have  written  on 
his  voyages  from  his  own  time  down  to  the  present  day,  ending  with  Irving  and  Pres- 
cott. Crowning  the  door  is  a bust  of  Columbus.  The  ornaments  are  chiefly  emblem- 
atic of  conquest  ami  navigation. 

This  door  was  originally  intended  to  be  put  up  between  the  old  Hall  of  Repre- 
sentatives and  the  corridor  leading  to  the  south  wing.  My  own  opinion  is,  that 
this  would  not  be  a suitable  place  for  it,  as  there  is  nothing  in  the  location  that 
requires  such  a door,  nor  is  there  any  reason  why  an  opening  so  entirely  subordinate 
and  unimportant  in  the  design  of  the  building  should  be  embellished  with  so  mag- 
nificent and  expensive  a work  of  art.  The  door  which  closes  this  opening  should 
correspond  with  the  main  entrance  door  of  the  present  Hall  of  Representatives  which 
stands  opposite  it.  Besides,  were  Mr.  Rogers’s  door  put  up  in  this  passage  it  could 
never  be  seen  to  any  advantage;  it  would  stand  in  the  common  thoroughfare  through 
the  building,  and,  consequently,  it  could  never  remain  closed  during  the  sessions  of 
Congress;  its  valves  would  necessarily  be  always  folded  back  into  the  jambs,  thus 
sacrificing  the  whole  effect  of  the  composition.  In  view  of  these  considerations,  I 
respectfully  recommend  that  this  door  be  placed  in  the  eastern  front  of  the  centre 
building,  and  be  made  to  constitute  the  principal  entrance  to  the  Capitol.  In  this 
situation  its  elaborate  decorations  would  be  seen  to  advantage,  having  the  full  benefit 
of  light  and  shade,  and  there  would  be  nothing  to  prevent  its  occasionally  remaining 
closed. 

Elaborate  decorations  have  been  commenced  and  left  in  an  unfinished  state  in  the 
anteroom  of  the  Senate,  in  the  Senate  post  office,  in  the  room  occupied  by  the  ser- 
geant-at-arms  of  the  Senate,  and  in  the  post  office  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 
These  portions  of  the  building  have  consequently  a very  unsightly  appearance.  I 
would,  therefore,  respectfully  suggest  that  the  decorations  which  have  thus  been 
commenced  be  completed,  with  such  modifications  in  the  original  designs  as  may  be 
consistent  with  what  has  already  been  executed. 

I do  not  consider  it  necessary  or  expedient  at  the  present  time  to  commence  the 
decorations  of  the  walls  and  ceilings  of  any  of  the  rooms  or  passages  that  are  not 
already  in  progress.  These  may  be  deferred  to  more  peaceful  times.  My  only  desire 
is,  in  reference  to  the  decorative  painting,  to  complete  that  which  has  been  begun, 
and  to  repair  that  which  has  been  defaced. 


H.  Rep.  646 


-52 


818 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


There  are  now  on  the  grounds  of  the  Capitol,  and  on  the  surrounding  streets  and 
avenues,  1,160  blocks  of  unwrought  marble,  containing  in  the  aggregate  about  70,000 
cubic  feet,  which  have  been  inspected  and  approved  for  the  several  parts  of  the 
work,  each  piece  having  been  quarried  for  a specific  place  in  the  building.  These 
have  all  been  paid  for  by  the  government. 

There  are  also  613  blocks  of  marble,  containing  in  the  aggregate  41,620  cubic  feet, 
which  have  been  found,  upon  inspection,  to  be  insufficient  in  size  for  the  portions  of 
the  work  for  which  they  were  intended,  or  which  are  in  some  other  way  partially 
defective.  These  blocks  have  from  time  to  time  been  suspended,  and  remain  unpaid 
for.  A portion  of  them  may,  however,  be  brought  into  the  work  at  reduced 
dimensions. 

Besides  these,  there  are  132  blocks  of  marble,  amounting  in  the  aggregate  to  3,080 
cubic  feet,  which  have  been  condemned,  and  which  should  be  removed  from  the 
grounds  by  the  contractors  without  delay. 

There  are  1,012  blocks  of  wrought  marble  on  the  ground,  amounting  in  the  aggre- 
gate to  47,300  cubic  feet,  the  application  of  which  will  be  as  follows: 


For  the  eastern  porticos 7, 500  cubic  feet. 

For  the  north  and  south  porticos 23,600  “ 

For  the  western  porticos 11,  500  “ 

For  the  connecting  corridors 1,600  “ 

For  the  eastern  steps,  cheek  blocks,  &c 3,100  “ 


The  marble  yet  required  to  complete  the  work,  in  addition  to  what  has  already 
been  received,  amounts  to  1,100  blocks,  containing  in  the  aggregate  58,600  cubic  feet. 
This  quantity  will,  however,  be  reduced  by  whatever  amount  of  suspended  stone 
there  may  be  now  on  the  ground  which  may  hereafter  be  applied  to  the  work  at 
reduced  dimensions,  as  before  stated. 

Since  the  date  of  the  last  report  fire  monolithic  shafts  for  the  columns  of  the 
eastern  porticos  have  been  delivered,  making  in  all  29  of  these  shafts  now  on  the 
ground  and  in  the  building,  leaving  5 of  the  original  order  of  34  yet  to  be  delivered. 
< >n  the  2d  of  July  last  26  more  were  ordered,  by  direction  of  the  department,  making 
in  all  60  shafts  for  which  orders  have  been  issued,  that  being  the  number  required 
for  the  two  eastern  porticos  and  the  connecting  corridors.  There  are  now  at  the 
quarries  in  Baltimore  county,  Maryland,  several  of  these  monoliths,  ready  for  deliv- 
ery, but  which  have  been  detained  by  the  continued  occupation  of  the  railroad  by 
the  government.  The  contractors  assure  me  that,  should  they  be  able  to  obtain 
from  the  railroad  company  the  ordinary  facilities  for  transportation,  they  will  have 
no  difficulty  in  filling  this  order  by  the  1st  of  July,  1863. 

The  northern,  southern,  and  western  porticos  will  require  40  more  of  these  shafts, 
which  the  contractors  are  willing  to  obligate  themselves  to  deliver  by  the  1st  of 
January,  1864,  provided  they  receive  an  early  order  for  them,  that  they  may  be 
enabled  to  make  preparations  during  the  winter  for  more  extensive  operations  in  the 
quarries.  As  a large  quantity  of  the  marble  required  in  these  porticos  is  already 
wrought,  and  as  no  effectual  and  permanent  protection  can  be  afforded  to  the  build- 
ing against  the  action  of  the  elements  until  they  are  constructed,  1 respectfully 
recommend  that  the  balance  of  the  aforesaid  monolithic  shafts  be  ordered  immedi- 
ately, and  that  the  work  on  all  the  porticos  be  prosecuted  as  rapidly  as  possible. 

There  are  remaining  on  the  grounds  and  in  the  shops  of  the  Capitol  the  following 
quantities  of  variegated  and  fancy  marble,  none  of  which  will  be  required  for  the 
work: 

Of  variegated  Tennessee  marble,  138  blocks,  containing  in  the  aggregate 

1,995  cubic  feet,  the  cost  of  which  was  about §11, 000 

Of  sawed  remnants  of  the  same,  about  1,105  cubic  feet,  the  cost  of  which, 
in  the  rough,  was  about 6,  000 


The  Extensions. 


819 


Of  Potomac  marble,  15  pieces,  containing  in  the  aggregate  119  cubic  feet,  the 


cost  of  which  was $476 

Of  green  serpentine,  called  Vermont  verd-antique  marble,  802  cubic  feet, 

and  8 column  shafts,  the  aggregate  cost  of  which  was 5,  334 

Of  Italian  marble,  in  sawed  remnants,  about  2,600  cubic  feet,  the  aggregate 

cost  of  which  was  about 7, 150 

Also,  remnants  of  other  fancy  marbles,  which  have  cost  about 600 

Making  an  aggregate  of  about 30,  560 


All  of  these  marbles  should  be  disposed  of  as  soon  as  fair  prices  can  be  obtained 
for  them,  not  only  on  account  of  the  large  sum  of  money  that  is  thus  withdrawn 
from  the  funds  of  the  Capitol,  but  also  in  consideration  of  the  deterioration  they  are 
suffering  and  the  space  they  occupy  on  the  public  grounds. 

The  marble  delivered  by  the  contractors  from  the  quarries  at  Lee,  Mass.,  from 
September  30,  1861,  to  October  31,  1862,  and  which  has  been  approved  for  the  work, 
amounts  to  11,914  cubic  feet.  There  have  been  paid  to  the  said  contractors  for  mar- 
ble during  the  same  period  the  sum  of  $22,974.63. 

The  whole  quantity  of  marble  received  and  approved  from  the  commencement  of 
the  work  to  October  31,  1862,  with  the  cost  of  the  same,  is  as  follows: 


For  the  exterior. 

447,516f  cubic  feet,  from  Lee,  Mass.,  costing $788,705.13 

29  monolithic  shafts,  from  Baltimore  county,  costing 40,  600.  00 

For  the  interior. 

28,474  cubic  feet,  from  Italy,  costing $79,660.00 

9,830  cubic  feet,  from  Tennessee,  costing 66,021.97 

15,4094  cubic  feet,  from  Lee,  Mass.,  costing 28,  716.  31 

22  monolithic  shafts,  for  the  south  wing,  costing 4,  400.  00 

802  cubic  feet  of  Vermont  serpentine,  costing 3,208.00 

8 column  shafts  of  the  same,  costing 2, 126.  00 

119J  cubic  feet  of  Potomac  marble,  costing 476.  66 

2044  cubic  feet  of  Vermont  marble,  costing 553.  25 

35J  cubic  feet  of  marble,  from  the  Levant,  costing 176.  66 

15,611  lineal  feet  of  marble  skirting,  extending  around  all  the  halls  and 
rooms  throughout  the  Capitol  extension,  costing 14,  397.  07 


Total 1,029,041.05 

The  amount  paid  for  cutting  and  setting  marble  during  the  past  year  is  $26,361.51, 
making  the  total  amount  paid  for  this  branch  of  labor,  from  the  beginning  of  the 
work  to  October  31,  1862,  $1,373,749.12. 

The  number  of  bricks  delivered  during  the  year  amounts  to  80,667,  the  application 
of  which  has  been  chiefly  to  the  foundations  of  the  steps  and  the  filling  in  on  the  top 
of  the  connecting  corridors.  Their  aggregate  cost  is  $685. 66.  The  total  number  of 
bricks  received  at  the  building,  from  the  commencement  of  the  work  to  October  31, 
1862,  amounts  to  19,403,799. 

There  have  been  received  during  the  year  300  barrels  of  hydraulic  cement,  all  of 
which  have  been  applied  to  the  work.  The  whole  number  of  barrels  of  cement 
which  have  been  used  in  the  building,  from  the  commencement  of  the  work  to 
October  31,  1862,  amounts  to  46,941. 

The  application  and  cost  of  labor  on  the  Capitol  extension,  from  September  30, 
1861,  to  October  31,  1862,  has  been  as  follows: 

* * * 


$21, 369.  39 


820 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 


Cash  account  of  the  Capitol  extension. 

Amount  available  September  30,  1861 $356, 107. 24 

Amount  expended  from  September  30,  1861,  to  October  31,  1862  99  099  09 

Leaving,  on  tbe  31st  of  October,  1862,  an  unexpended  balance  of. . 257,  008. 15 

All  of  which  will  be  expended  by  the  end  of  the  present  fiscal  year. 

An  appropriation  will  be  required  for  the  next  fiscal  year  of  $500,000. 


* * * 

Tho.  U.  AY  alter, 

Architect  United  States  Capitol  Extension,  &c. 

Hon.  Caleb  B.  Smith, 

Secretary  of  the  Interior. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  28,  1863:  Congressional  Globe,  37 — 3,  p.  1395.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  State  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Sundry  Civil  bill  for  1864 — 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

For  continuing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension,  $500,000. 

Mr.  Holman.  I move  to  reduce  that  appropriation  to  $100,000.  That  is  enough 
for  the  protection  and  preservation  of  the  building.  Half  a million  at  this  time  for 
this  purpose  cannot  be  justified  at  all.  We  ought  to  reduce  these  expenditures 
wherever  we  can.  The  building  at  present  answers  all  of  the  purposes  for  which  we 
want  it. 

On  a division,  there  were — ayes  14,  noes  50. 

Mr.  Holman.  All  that  I want  is  a vote  on  the  amendment  in  the  House.  Will 
the  gentleman  agree  to  give  me  that? 

Mr.  Stevens.  I agree  to  that. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

The  Clerk  read,  as  follows: 

For  continuing  the  work  on  the  new  dome  of  the  Capitol,  $200,000. 

Mr.  McKnight.  I move  to  add  the  following  proviso  : 

Provided,  That  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  be,  and  he  is  hereby,  authorized  and  directed  to  have 
the  nondescript  ornament  removed,  under  the  direction  of  the  sculptor,  from  the  head  of  the  bronze 
statue  of  Liberty,  before  the  same  is  elevated  to  its  position  on  the  apex  of  the  Capitol  dome. 

Mr.  Maynard.  I make  the  point  that  this  is  a substantive  piece  of  legislation,  and 
therefore  not  in  order. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  sustains  the  point  of  order. 

Mr.  Trowbridge.  I move  to  reduce  the  appropriation  for  the  Capitol  dome  from 
$200,000  to  $50,000. 

Mr.  Chairman,  I have  made  this  proposition  in  good  faith.  I have  moved  to 
strike  out  $200,000  and  insert  $50,000  for  the  work  on  the  dome  of  this  Capitol, 
because  I think  it  ought  to  be  done.  Indeed  I would  prefer  that  both  these  para- 
graphs, which  together  provide  for  the  expenditure  of  $700,000  for  continuing  the 
work  on  this  Capitol,  should  be  stricken  out,  and  such  sum  only  inserted  as  may  be 
necessary  to  secure  the  work  already  commenced  against  the  damage  of  the  elements. 

When  the  terrible  troubles  by  which  we  are  now  environed  were  first  precipitated 
upon  the  country  this  work  was  under  the  management  of  the  War  Department. 
And  the  very  worthy  officer,  Captain  (now  General)  Meigs,  who  was  in  charge  of  it, 
foreseeing,  with  a sagacity  which  few  possessed  at  that  time,  the  magnitude  of  the 
contest  and  the  enormous  expenditures  which  the  nation  would  be  called  upon  to 


The  Extensions. 


821 


make  to  preserve  its  existence,  at  once  suspended  the  work,  although  lie  had  at  the 
time  an  unexpended  balance  of  appropriation  in  his  hands  amounting  to  near  four 
hundred  thousand  dollars. 

I believe  that  Captain  Meigs  did  right.  And  when,  at  the  last  session,  the  bill 
transferring  the  management  of  the  work  from  the  War  to  the  Interior  Department 
was  introduced,  and  I expressed  an  apprehension  that  the  design,  or  at  least  the 
effect  of  the  transfer  would  be  to  resume  the  work,  it  was  strenuously  denied  by  the 
advocates  of  the  transfer,  and  we  were  modestly  asked  simply  to  allow  so  much  of 
that  unexpended  balance  to  be  used  as  was  necessary  to  protect  and  secure  the 
exposed  parts  of  the  work  from  damage. 

But,  sir,  to-day  the  mask  is  thrown  off,  and  we  are  asked  to  appropriate  §700,000 
to  go  on  with  a work  which  no  sane  man  can  regard  as  a necessity  at  this  time.  I 
trust  we  shall  not  do  it.  I trust  the  House  will  take  this  occasion  to  proclaim  to  the 
people,  who  are  already  groaning  under  the  heavy  load  of  taxation  and  debt,  which 
we  have  been  obliged  to  impose,  that  the  funds  which  they  intrust  to  us  shall  not  be 
diverted  to  any  purposes  which  are  not  necessary  at  this  time,  but  shall  be  sacredly 
devoted  to  the  great  work  which  they  demand  at  our  hands — the  crushing  out  of  this 
wicked  rebellion,  and  the  preservation  and  restoration  of  their  Government.  For 
this  purpose  I have  not  faltered  or  hesitated,  and  shall  not  falter  or  hesitate,  to  vote 
for  any  sum  however  fabulous  in  amount. 

But,  sir,  this  is  the  touchstone  to  which  I have  desired  to  bring  every  expenditure, 
“Will  it  advance  the  great  cause  which  alone  absorbs  the  thoughts  of  all  the  loyal 
people  of  this  country  to-day?”  If  not,  then  I cannot  give  it  my  support.  Hence  I 
voted  against  the  great  canal  project  which  was  defeated  a few  days  ago,  and  in  which, 
sir,  I venture  to  say,  the  people  of  no  district  in  the  United  States  have  more  extensive 
and  vital  commercial  interests  than  have  the  people  of  the  district  I represent.  But 
it  was  not  even  pretended  that  this  work  could  be  completed  in  time  to  have  any 
effect  in  deciding  this  great  struggle;  and  however  1 might  act  under  other  circum- 
stances, I felt  obliged,  though  differing  from  all  my  colleagues,  to  vote  against  it. 

I have  thus  briefly  given  the  reasons  why  I have  moved  to  reduce  the  amount  to 
be  expended  on  this  Capitol,  and  I trust  the  committee  will  sustain  the  motion. 

Mr.  White,  of  Indiana.  I suggest  that  a separate  vote  be  allowed  upon  this  in  the 
House. 

Objection  being  made, 

Tellers  were  ordered;  and  Mr.  Holman,  and  Mr.  Phelps  of  California,  were 
appointed. 

Mi.  Trowbkidge.  I will  withdraw  the  amendment. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  3,  1863:  Congressional  Globe,  37 — 3,  p.  1539.] 

The  House  * * * proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  Commit- 
tee of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  on  the  civil  appropriation  bill. 

Mr.  Holman.  When  the  bill  was  under  consideration  in  the  Committee  of  the 
Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  it  was  agreed  that  a vote  should  be  taken  in  the 
House  on  my  amendment  to  reduce  the  appropriation  for  the  Capitol  extension  from 
§500,000  to  $100,000- 

The  Speaker.  The  gentleman  is  entitled  to  a separate  vote  on  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Holman.  The  amendment  was  not  adopted  in  committee.  There  being,  on 
division,  no  quorum  present,  I withdrew  it  with  the  understanding  that  there  should 
be  a separate  vote  on  it  in  the  House. 

Mr.  Stevens.  I do  not  understand  that  there  was  any  such  agreement. 

Mr.  Holman.  It  was  agreed  to  on  this  side  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Stevens.  I have  no  objection  that  that  amendment  shall  be  offered  and 
voted  on. 


822 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Holman.  I move  to  strike  out  of  the  item  for  the  Capitol  extension  the  sum 
of  $500,000,  and  insert  in  lieu  thereof  $100,000. 

Mr.  Stevens.  I move  the  previous  question  on  the  bill  and  amendments. 

The  previous  question  was  seconded,  and  the  main  question  ordered. 

The  question  was  taken  on  all  the  amendments  reported  from  the  Committee  of 
the  A hole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  on  which  no  separate  vote  was  demanded,  and 
they  were  agreed  to. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  3,  1863:  Congressional  Globe,  37—3,  p.  1514.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  Sundry 
Civil  bill  for  1864 — 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  reading  of  the  bill  will  be  proceeded  with,  and  the 
Senator  from  Maine  will  indicate  the  proposed  amendments  of  the  Committee  on 
Finance  at  the  proper  points. 

* * * 

The  Secretary  continued  the  reading  of  the  bill  down  to  the  following  clause: 

For  continuing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension,  $500,000. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  The  committee  propose  to  amend  that  clause  by  striking  out“five 
hundred”  and  inserting  “one  hundred  and  fifty,”  so  as  to  make  the  appropriation 
$150,000. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  sundry  Civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  Year 
ending  June  thirty,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-four,  and  for  the  year  ending  the  30  of  June,  1863, 
and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Mar.  3,  1863.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  12,  748.)] 

For  continuing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension,  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand 
dollars. 


[Annual  report  of  Thomas  TJ.  Walter,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1,  1863  (38 — 1,  House 

Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  p.  668).] 

Architect’s  Office,  United  States  Capitol, 

Washington,  I>.  C.,  November  1,  1863. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  on  the  state  of  the  public 
works  under  my  charge,  and  their  progress  during  the  past  year: 

CAPITOL  EXTENSION. 

Marble  work. — Since  the  date  of  my  last  annual  report  the  eastern  portico  of  the 
north  wing  has  been  constructed,  with  the  exception  of  a few  [tieces  of  the  cornice, 
all  of  which  are  now  in  the  hands  of  the  workmen. 

All  the  marble  required  to  complete  the  eastern  entrance  to  the  north  wing  is  deliv- 
ered and  wrought,  except  the  caps  for  the  cheek  blocks.  It  is  expected  that  this 
portion  of  the  work  will  be  completed  before  the  close  of  the  season. 

The  marble  for  the  steps,  the  cheek  blocks  and  the  carriage-way  of  the  eastern 
entrance  to  the  south  wing,  is  delivered,  with  the  exception  of  the  caps  for  the 
cheek  blocks,  and  the  most  of  it  is  wrought  and  prepared  for  the  work;  2,843  lineal 
feet  of  these  steps  are  set,  leaving  but  687  feet  to  put  in  place  to  complete  the  entire 
flight.  The  setting  of  this  part  of  the  work  has  advanced  as  far  as  it  has  been  found 
to  be  practicable,  until  the  portico  is  constructed,  inasmuch  as  all  the  materials  for 
the  superstructure  must  necessarily  be  hoisted  from  the  carriage-way. 


The  Extensions. 


823 


This  portico,  like  that  of  the  north  wing,  will  consist  of  twenty-two  marble  columns, 
composed  of  monolithic  shafts,  pedestals,  and  elaborately  wrought  capitals,  support- 
ing a highly  ornamented  entablature  and  a deeply  panelled  marble  ceiling.  Eight 
01  the  monolithic  shafts  for  this  portico  are  on  the  ground:  one  is  wrought  and  pre- 
pared for  the  building,  and  one  is  partly  finished;  three  of  the  pedestals  and  all  the 
bases  have  been  delivered;  two  of  the  pedestals,  ten  of  the  bases,  and  all  the  capitals 
are  completed. 

The  porticoes  of  the  connecting  corridors  have  been  finished,  and  the  roofing  and 
gutters  have  been  permanently  laid. 

The  inside  marble  jambs  and  head  of  the  front  door  of  the  north  wing  have  been 
wrought  and  set,  and  the  workmen  are  now  engaged  in  laying  the  marble  floor  of 
the  vestibule,  all  of  which  will  be  finished  before  the  meeting  of  Congress. 

The  marble  work  has  not  progressed  as  rapidly  as  I anticipated  at  the  opening  of 
the  season,  in  consequence  of  a deficiency  in  the  supply  of  marble.  The  contractors 
have  experienced  great  difficulty  in  obtaining  men  to  work  in  the  quarry;  and  they 
have  found  it  almost  impossible  to  procure  vessels  to  convey  the  material  to  Wash- 
ington, notwithstanding  they  have  paid,  during  the  year,  a rate  of  freight  more  than 
three  times  greater  than  the  prices  paid  before  the  war.  They  are  now,  however, 
about  making  arrangements  by  which  they  will  be  able  to  furnish,  during  the  coming 
year,  all  that  may  be  required  to  complete  the  work. 

Had  it  been  possible  to  obtain  the  marble  sufficiently  rapid,  the  eastern  porticoes 
of  both  wings  could  have  been  finished,  without  difficulty,  before  the  close  of  the 
present  season;  but  the  supply  of  such  pieces  as  were  most  needed,  being  scarcely 
sufficient  for  one  portico,  it  was  deemed  expedient  to  urge  on  that  of  the  north  wing 
to  completion,  so  that  the  expensive  apparatus  used  for  raising  the  columns  and  other 
heavy  blocks  might  be  transferred  to  the  south  wing  without  incurring  the  expense 
of  duplicating  it.  As  soon,  therefore,  as  the  heavy  work  of  the  north  portico  is  set, 
this  machinery  will  be  removed  to  the  south  wing,  and  the  work  of  that  portico  will 
be  urged  on  rapidly  to  completion. 

Nothing  has  been  done  during  the  year  to  the  north,  south,  and  west  porticoes. 
It  is  desirable  that  these  portions  of  the  work  be  prosecuted  as  rapidly  as  the  materials 
can  be  obtained;  a large  quantity  of  the  marble  required  for  their  construction  is 
already  on  the  ground,  and  about  35,000  cubic  feet  of  it  are  wrought,  and  prepared 
for  the  building. 

The  contractors  for  furnishing  marble  have  delivered,  from  the  quarries  at  Lee, 
Massachusetts,  since  the  date  of  my  last  annual  report,  20,238  cubic  feet,  for  which 
they  have  been  paid  the  sum  of  $39,777.56.  Also,  from  the  quarries  of  Baltimore 
county,  Maryland,  seventeen  monolithic  column  shafts  for  the  exterior  porticoes,  for 
which  they  received  the  sum  of  $23,800. 

The  marble  yet  required  to  complete  the  work,  in  addition  to  what  has  already 
Teen  delivered,  is  683  blocks,  containing  in  the  aggregate  38,362  cubic  feet;  also  fifty  - 
four  monolithic  shafts  for  the  exterior  porticoes. 

All  the  marble  received  and  approved  from  the  quarries  at  Lee,  Massachusetts,  for 
the  exterior  of  the  buildings,  from  the  commencement  of  the  work  to  the  present 
date,  amounts  to  467,754f  cubic  feet,  for  which  the  contractors  have  been  paid  the 
aggregate  sum  of  $828,482.69.  They  have  also  delivered  forty-six  monolithic  column 
shafts  from  the  quarries  in  Baltimore  county,  Maryland,  for  which  they  have  received 
$64,400. 

The  cost  of  all  the  marble  used  in  the  interior  of  the  building,  including  Italian, 
variegated,  and  fancy  marbles,  exclusive  of  workmanship,  amounts  to  $185,338.85. 

The  variegated  and  fancy  marbles  remaining  on  the  grounds  and  in  the  shops  of 
the  Capitol,  which  will  not  be  required  for  the  work,  have  cost  about  $30,000. 

The  amount  paid  for  cutting  and  setting  marble  from  October  31,  1862,  to  Octo- 
ber 31,  1863,  is  $153,162.67,  making  the  total  amount  paid  for  this  branch  of  labor, 
from  the  beginning  of  the  work  to  the  present  time,  $1,526,911.79. 


824 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Granite  work. — The  granite  platforms  and  steps  between  the  old  Capitol  and  the 
new  wings,  on  the  western  front,  have  been  laid,  and  the  approaches  to  both  wings 
from  the  west  have  been  completed. 

The  flagstone  pavement  on  the  east  front,  between  the  old  building  and  the  north 
wing,  is  in  progress,  and  will  be  completed  by  the  close  of  the  season. 

Bricks. — The  number  of  bricks  delivered  during  the  year  amounts  to  128,333,  at  an 
aggregate  cost  of  $1,376.33.  The  number  delivered  from  the  commencement  of  the 
work  to  October  31,  1863,  amounts  to  19,532,132. 

Cement. — There  have  been  received  at  the  building,  since  the  date  of  my  last 
annual  report,  405  barrels  of  cement,  making  47,346  barrels  received  since  the  com- 
mencement of  the  work. 

Hoofing. — It  has  been  found  that  the  corrugated  copper  roofing,  as  it  was  originally 
laid,  does  not.  afford  full  protection  to  the  buildings.  During  the  past  winter  the 
water  backed  up  the  slip  joints,  and  the  snow  drifted  through  the  laps  in  large 
quantities,  saturating  the  walls  and  arches,  and  in  some  instances  damaging  the 
ornamental  v'ork. 

It  was  at  first  proposed  to  remove  the  whole  of  this  roofing,  and  to  substitute  flat 
copper,  laid  upon  wooden  sheating,  with  raised  joints,  in  the  usual  manner;  but  it 
was  considered  doubtful  whether  suitable  material  could  be  obtained  in  time,  or 
skilful  workmen  be  found  to  lay  it  before  the  meeting  of  Congress;  it  was  therefore 
decided  to  endeavor  to  correct  the  evil  by  improving  the  present  roof  so  far  as  practi- 
cable. To  accomplish  this  object,  all  the  up  and  down  lap  joints  have  been  riveted 
together  and  made  as  nearly  water-tight  as  possible,  depending  upon  the  corruga- 
tions to  meet  any  expansion  and  contraction  that  may  arise  from  changes  of  tempera- 
ture. The  slip  joints  have  also  been  made  water-tight  by  riveting,  and  provision 
has  been  made  as  far  as  it  was  found  to  be  practicable  to  compensate  for  expansion 
and  contraction  in  this  direction  also.  The  work  has  been  thoroughly  done,  and  I 
doubt  not  that  its  results  will  be  satisfactory.  These  repairs  have  cost,  including 
materials,  $1,321.32. 

Gutters. — The  gutters  of  both  wings  are  made  of  cast  iron,  open  on  the  top,  with 
sleeve  joints  similar  to  those  of  ordinary  water  pipes;  the  joints  are  calked  with  hemp 
gaskets  and  red  lead,  in  the  usual  manner.  Although  joints  of  this  description  are 
unobjectionable  in  round  pipes,  they  can  have  no  strength  nor  permanency  in  open 
gutters.  Those  of  the  Capitol  extension  do  not  keep  out  the  water,  and  they  will 
eventually  cause  great  damage  to  the  buildings  if  they  remain  unattended  to.  All 
these  joints  have  been  covered  with  pitch  during  the  past  summer,  which  will  afford 
temporary  protection  until  a permanent  improvement  can  be  made. 

As  these  gutters  are  much  larger  than  are  necessary,  being  3|  feet  in  width  by  2 
feet  and  upwards  in  depth,  I propose  to  put,  a lining  of  wood  inside  of  them,  covering 
the  same  with  sheet  copper,  laid  in  the  same  manner  as  the  copper  gutters  on  the 
connecting  corridors.  The  cost  of  this  alteration  will  be  about  $7,500;  and  when  it 
is  done  I have  no  doubt  that  the  protection  afforded  to  the  buildings  will  be  com- 
plete and  permanent. 

Painting. — The  walls  and  ceilings  of  the  halls,  passages  and  stairways  of  the 
principal  and  attic  stories  of  the  north  wing  have  all  been  painted  in  flat  tints,  and 
prepared  for  a higher  style  of  finish  at  some  future  time,  should  a greater  degree  of 
ornamentation  be  deemed  desirable. 

It  is  proposed  to  have  the  walls  and  ceilings  of  the  halls,  passages,  and  stairways 
throughout  the  south  wing  painted  in  the  same  manner  during  the  recess  of  Congress. 

The  painting  of  the  walls  and  ceilings  of  the  Senate  post  office  and  the  room  of 
the  Sergeant-at-arms  of  the  Senate  has  been  completed,  with  the  exception  of  the 
frescoes;  the  designs  for  these  are  made,  but  it  was  considered  expedient  to  defer 
their  execution  for  the  present. 

Statuary. — The  group  of  statuary  executed  from  the  casts  furnished  by  the  late 


The  Extensions. 


825 


Thomas  Crawford,  for  the  pediment  of  the  eastern  portico  of  the  north  wing,  has 
been  put  in  place  and  securely  attached  to  the  building  by  heavy  copper  clamps. 
These  figures  have  all  been  executed  in  the  shops  of  the  Capitol  extension  of  marble 
from  the  quarries  at  Lee,  Massachusetts.  The  subject  they  are  intended  to  represent 
is  “ The  progress  of  civilization." 

The  two  marble  statues,  Justice  and  History,  which  were  executed  in  Italy,  from 
the  designs  of  Crawford,  for  the  top  of  the  front  door  of  the  north  wing,  have  also 
been  put  in  place.  They  are  very  beautiful  figures,  and  form  an  appropriate  and 
tasteful  crowning  ornament  to  the  Senate  entrance. 

The  plaster  models  for  the  eastern  front  door  of  the  north  wing  have  been  com- 
pleted by  Rinehart,  from  the  designs  of  Crawford.  They  have  been  shipped  from 
Rome,  and  are  now  due  at  New  York.  The  bronze  castings  for  these  doors  will  be 
executed  in  this  country. 

All  the  sculpture  for  the  eastern  front  of  the  north  wing  has  therefore  been 
designed  by  Crawford,  viz:  the  group  representing  the  progress  of  civilization, 
in  the  tympanum  of  the  pediment,  the  group  of  Justice  and  History,  over  the 
front  door,  and  the  bronze  doors  for  the  main  entrance,  leaving  the  correspond- 
ing  ornamentation  of  the  south  wing  yet  to  be  executed.  The  marble  work  of 
the  south  pediment  is  being  executed  with  a receding  tympanum,  similar  to  that 
on  the  north  wing,  so  as  to  admit  of  a group  of  sculpture  whenever  Congress  may 
cause  the  order  to  be  given.  The  cornice  of  the  soutli  front  door  is  also  left  without 
sculpture,  which  may  be  supplied  whenever  it  may  be  deemed  expedient.  And  if 
the  models  for  the  bronze  door  of  this  wing,  which  were  ordered  of  Crawford  in 
1855,  have  not  been  commenced,  I respectfully  suggest  that  the  order  be  withdrawn, 
so  as  to  leave  the  sculpture  of  this  entire  front  to  be  designed  and  executed  in  this 
country. 

As  it  will  require  a long  time  to  execute  these  doors  in  bronze,  temporary  wooden 
doors  have  been  made  for  the  entrances  of  both  wings;  these  will  be  sufficient  for  all 
practical  purposes  until  the  permanent  doors  can  be  completed. 

The  bronze  door  executed  in  Munich,  from  the  designs  of  Mr.  Randolph  Rogers, 
has  arrived  at  the  Capitol,  and  is  now  being  put  up  between  the  old  hall  of  represent- 
atives and  the  corridor  leading  to  the  south  wing.  This  is  the  location  for  which  it 
was  originally  intended  by  the  military  engineer  who  was  in  charge  of  the  work 
when  the  order  was  given.  I objected  to  this  locality  in  my  last  annual  report,  and 
gave  several  reasons  why  it  would  be  preferable  to  place  it  at  the  principal  entrance 
of  the  old  Capitol.  I find,  however,  after  having  seen  the  door,  that  it  is  not  at  all 
suitable  for  the  exterior  entrance  of  such  a building;  it  has  too  much  fine  detail  for 
outside  exposure  in  a climate  like  this,  and  were  it  placed  in  the  centre  of  the  east- 
ern front,  as  proposed,  its  surroundings  would  not  be  in  harmony  with  so  magnifi- 
cent and  elaborate  a work  of  art.  The  eastern  portico  of  the  old  building  will  cer- 
tainly be  taken  down  at  no  very  distant  day,  and  the  front  be  extended  eastward,  at 
least  to  the  front  line  of  the  wings,  so  as  to  complete  the  architectural  group,  and,  at 
the  same  time,  afford  additional  accommodations  to  the  legislative  department  of  the 
government.  When  this  improvement  shall  have  been  put  in  progress,  the  vestibule 
may  be  made  a leading  feature  in  the  building,  and  it  may  be  so  designed  as  to  be  in 
harmony  with  this  door,  which  can  then  be  removed  and  made  to  serve  the  purposes 
of  an  inner,  or  vestibule  door,  where  it  will  be  protected  from  the  weather,  and 
where  the  architecture  in  connexion  with  it  will  be  consistent  with  its  form,  and  in 
harmony  with  its  design. 

By  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March  3,  1855,  the  sum  of  $25,000  was  appropriated 
“ to  enable  the  President  of  the  United  States  to  contract  with  Hiram  Powers  for  some  work 
of  art  executed,  or  to  be  executed,  by  him,  and  suitable  for  the  ornament  of  the  Capitol 
By  authority  of  this  law  a contract  was  made,  on  the  26th  day  of  January,  in  the 
year  1859,  by  President  Buchanan,  with  Mr.  Hiram  Powers,  for  statues  of  Franklin  and 


826  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

Jefferson,  at  $10,000  for  each  statue,  to  be  delivered  at  New  York.  The  former 
arrived  at  the  Capitol  in  November  of  last  year,  and  the  latter  during  the  past  month. 
Franklin  has  been  placed  on  a temporary  pedestal  in  the  niche  opposite  the  eastern 
stairway  of  the  north  wing,  on  the  principal  floor;  and  Jefferson  is  about  to  be  sim- 
ilarly placed  in  the  corresponding  niche  opposite  the  eastern  stairway  of  the  south 
wing. 

Days’  workmen. 


The  application  and  cost  of  labor  on  the  Capitol  extension,  exclusive  of  the  work 
done  by  contract,  from  October  31,  1862,  to  October  31,  1863,  has  been  as  follows: 

* * * 


Cash  account  of  the  Capitol  extension. 


Amount  available  October  31,  1862  $257,  008. 15 

Appropriated  March  3,  1863  150,  000. 00 


407,  008. 15 

Amount  expended  from  October  31,  1862,  to  October  31, 1863 373, 296. 08 


Leaving,  on  31st  of  October,  1863,  an  unexpended  balance  of 33,  712.  07 

In  order  to  continue  the  work  without  interruption,  an  appropriation  will  be 
required  early  in  the  session,  for  the  balance  of  the  present  fiscal  year,  of  $150,000, 
and  an  appropriation  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1865,  of  $300,000. 

The  following  is  a list  of  all  the  appropriations  which  have  been  made  for  the 
extension  of  the  Capitol,  from  the  commencement  of  the  work  to  the  present  time: 

* * * 


$6,  433,  621.  74 

The  expenditures  from  the  commencement  of  the  work  up  to  October 


31,  1863,  amount  to _ 6,  399,  909.  67 

Leaving  a balance  of  appropriation,  as  before  stated,  of 33,  712.  07 


* * * 


Hon.  J.  P.  Usher, 

Secretary  of  the  Interior. 


Tho.  U.  Walter, 

Architect  of  the  United  States  Capitol  Extension,  &c. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  J.  P.  Usher,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Dec.  5,  1863.  (38 — 1,  House  Ex.  Doc. 

1,  p.  xi.)] 

Satisfactory  progress  has  been  made  on  the  work  of  the  Capitol  extension  and  new 
dome,  notwithstanding  the  difficulties  encountered  in  obtaining  the  marble  for  the 
former,  and  artisans  of  the  requisite  skill  and  experience  for  the  peculiar  character 
of  the  work  to  be  done  on  the  latter. 

Since  the  last  annual  report  from  this  Department  the  eastern  portico  of  the  north 
wing  has  been  constructed,  and  much  work  done  on  that  of  the  south  wing.  The 
porticos  of  the  connecting  corridors,  and  the  granite  platforms  and  steps  between  the 
old  or  central  portions  of  the  building  and  the  new  wings,  as  well  as  the  approaches 
to  both  wings  on  the  western  front,  have  also  been  completed.  It  is  expected  that 
the  eastern  entrance  to  the  north  wing  will  also  be  finished  the  present  season. 

The  group  of  statuary  which  was  executed  here  in  marble,  from  models  made  by 
the  late  Thomas  Crawford,  for  the  pediment  of  the  eastern  portico  of  the  north  wing, 
designed  to  represent  “the  progress  of  civilization,”  and  the  statues  of  “Justice”  and 
“History,”  which  were  also  designed  by  Crawford,  and  executed  in  Italy,  have  been 
put  in  their  respective  places,  and  attract  much  attention  and  merited  admiration. 


The  Extensions. 


827 


The  expensive  and  elaborately  wrought  bronze  door,  designed  by  Randolph  Roger.-, 
and  cast  at  the  Bavarian  foundery,  in  Munich,  and  the  marble  statues  of  Franklin 
and  Jefferson,  executed  in  Italy,  by  Hiram  Powers,  under  a contract  made  by  your 
immediate  predecessor,  under  the  authority  of  an  act  of  Congress,  have  also  been 
received  and  placed  in  appropriate  positions  in  the  building. 

All  these  works  of  art,  and  a few  others  not  yet  completed,  were  exempted  from 
the  restrictions  which  were  imposed  upon  the  embellishment  of  the  Capitol  with 
statuary  and  paintings  by  the  recent  legislation  of  Congress. 


[House  proceedings  of  Jan.  2C,  1804:  Congressional  Globe,  38 — 1,  p.  355.] 

The  House,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  State  of  the  Union,  having 
under  consideration  the  bill  to  supply  deficiencies  in  the  appropriations  for  the 
service  of  the  fiscal  year  1864 — - 

Mr.  Kernan.  I move  to  amend  this  section  by  adding  thereto,  as  a proviso,  the 
following: 

Provided , That  no  money  hereby  appropriated  shall  be  expended  on  the  Capitol  extension,  or  in 
continuing  the  north  wing  of  the  Treasury  extension  beyond  wliat  may  be  necessary  to  protect  the 
said  buildings  from  injuries. 

I notice  among  the  miscellaneous  items  we  have  appropriated  $250,000  for  the 
purpose  of  carrying  on  the  north  wing  Treasury  extension,  and  $150,000  for  continu- 
ing the  extension  of  the  Capitol.  Now,  sir,  I believe  each  of  these  buildings  contain 
abundant  accommodations  for  the  present  public  business.  We  certainly  are 
engaged  in  a struggle  which  taxes  all  the  financial  resources  of  the  United  States, 
and  it  seems  to  me  we  may  very  well  postpone  ornamenting  the  exterior  of  one  of 
these  buildings,  and  the  further  extending  the  other,  until  we  have  more  means  for 
such  purposes  than  now,  and  when  taxation  shall  not  be  as  onerous  as  it  necessarily 
is  now,  in  order  to  carry  on  this  war.  And  I think,  unless  we  begin  with  bills  like 
this,  and  cut  down  expenditures  by  the  hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars  upon 
matters  which  are  not  of  pressing  importance,  we  are  hardly  doing  our  duty  to  the 
country  in  the  present  state  of  things.  If  there  be  a necessity  of  expending  a por- 
tion of  these  sums  for  protecting  those  buildings  from  the  effects  of  the  weather,  no 
one  will  object,  and  I have  put  the  proviso  in  that  form.  But  to  go  on  doing  work, 
and  putting  it  up  for  ornament  more  than  from  any  necessity,  is  not  proper  in  the 
present  state  of  our  country  and  of  its  finances. 

Again,  this  money  is  being  expended  in  times  when  labor  and  materials  are  very 
high ; and  it  cannot  be  claimed  that  it  is  important  to  keep  these  laborers  in  the 
employment  of  the  Government,  because  there  is  a great  demand  for  their  labor, 
and  hence  no  hardship  will  be  done  toward  them.  I trust,  therefore,  we  will 
limit  this  expenditure  to  that  amount  which  shall  be  found  necessary  to  protect  the 
buildings,  and  let  their  completion  await  a time  when  the  Treasury  can  more  easily 
afford  it. 

Mr.  Stevens.  If  I understand  the  amendment,  it  seems  to  me  to  be  out  of  order 
at  this  point.  We  have  passed  the  appropriation  to  which  it  refers. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  would  state  that  a proviso  limiting  an  appropriation  has 
always  been  held  to  be  in  order. 

Mr.  Stevens.  The  amendment  does  not  apply  to  this  part  of  the  bill. 

The  Chairman.  It  applies  to  the  entire  bill,  or  to  any  part  of  the  bill. 

Mr.  Stevens.  Let  the  amendment  be  read  again. 

The  amendment  was  again  read. 

Mr.  Stevens.  When  we  were  upon  the  question  of  continuing  the  completion  of 
the  Capitol,  a motion  was  made  to  reduce  the  appropriation  from  $150,000  to  $50,000, 


828 


Documentary  Jit  story  of  the  Capitol. 


and  the  House  voted  down  the  amendment.  I suppose  that  to  be  a full  expression 
of  the  wish  of  the  House  to  continue  the  work  now  under  way  to  completion. 

Shortly  after  the  commencement  of  this  war,  the  question  arose  in  Congress  whether 
we  should  stop  all  further  progress  on  the  public  buildings  here  until  the  war  was 
over,  and,  after  a very  full  discussion  in  this  House,  the  House,  by  a very  large 
majority,  decided  that  as  a question  of  economy,  the  hands  being  all  here  and  the 
materials  here,  it  was  better  to  proceed  with  the  wrork.  Besides  that,  it  seemed  to 
the  House  that  it  would  not  look  very  well  to  stop  the  work  on  the  public  buildings 
simply  because  there  is  an  insurrection  in  the  South.  They  thought  it  best  to  go  on 
making  appropriations  for  these  purposes  so  as  to  give  confidence  to  the  country  that 
we  were  still  to  possess  this  capital  and  complete  these  buildings.  And  now  that 
this  work  is  drawing  to  a close,  it  seems  to  me  that  it  would  be  very  bad  economy 
to  dismiss  the  hands  now  here  and  stop  the  work.  I hope,  therefore,  that  the 
amendment  will  not  be  adopted. 

Mr.  Pbice.  I move  to  amend  the  amendment  by  striking  out  the  last  word.  I 
only  desire  to  say  that  the  gentleman  from  New  York  [Mr.  Kernan]  has  saved  me 
the  trouble  of  offering  this  amendment.  I have  examined  this  deficiency  bill  Avith 
a good  deal  of  anxiety.  I am  satisfied  that  we  are  not  legislating  on  these  matters  as 
our  constituents  would  desire.  I undertake  to  say,  and  I believe  that  in  saying  so  I 
express  the  sentiment  of  three  fourths  of  the  gentlemen  upon  this  side  of  the  House, 
that  eArery  dollar’s  worth  of  Avork  upon  the  public  buildings  Avhich  is  not  necessary 
and  essential  ought  to  be  stopped  until  this  rebellion  is  over.  We  go  on  here  mak- 
ing large  appropriations  for  these  objects  Avhen  Ave  have  not  yet  made  appropriations 
to  pay  the  pensions  of  the  men  Avho  have  lost  their  legs  and  arms  in  the  defense  of 
the  country,  and  who  are  sitting  at  home  to-day,  Avith  their  helpless  families  around 
them,  Avithout  any  means  of  support.  There  is  no  earthly  necessity  for  this  appro- 
priation at  this  time.  1 want  gentlemen  to  look  into  this  matter.  I want  to  see 
who  here  is  ready  to  vote  hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars  for  these  jmrposes,  when 
Ave  all  know  that  the  Avork  can  be  dispensed  with  until  the  war  is  ended  and  the 
rebellion  crushed.  I do  not  believe  that  this  country  is  bankfupt.  It  never  will 
be  so  long  as  there  are  stout  hearts  and  braATe  arms  in  the  country.  I know  that 
the  country  is  full  of  money.  1 am  willing  to  appropriate  for  all  propter  purposes, 
but  I am  opposed  to  making  appropriations  at  this  time  for  these  purposes.  Let  us 
wrait.  until  the  war  is  over.  Let  us  put  the  money  wrhere  it  is  needed.  Let  the 
wives  of  our  soldiers  Avho  have  been  made  Avidows,  and  the  children  of  our  soldiers 
who  have  been  made  orphans,  know  that  Ave  care  for  them  Avhile  we  hold  up  a 
defiant  front  to  the  A'illians  in  the  South  and  their  sympathizers  all  over  the  country. 
Let  us  not  vote  a dollar  here  that  is  not  essentially  necessary  for  the  carrying  on  of 
this  war  and  for  the  support  of  the  Government.  Let  us  show  to  the  country  that 
Ave  are  earnest  and  honest  in  our  purpose  to  carry  on  this  war  to  its  completion. 

Mr.  Scofield.  I wish  to  inquire  if  the  clause  to  Avhich  the  amendment  of  the  gen- 
tleman from  New  York  [Mr.  Kernan]  relates  can  be  amended  so  as  to  strike  out  a 
portion  of  the  $150,000? 

The  Chairman.  It  cannot  Avithout  unanimous  consent.  The  committee  has  passed 
from  its  consideration. 

Mr.  Scofield.  Then  it  seems  to  me  that  the  gentleman  from  New  York  might  as 
well  withdraw  his  amendment,  because  they  Avould  certainly  spend  the  $150,000  in 
protecting  the  building. 

Mr.  Kernan.  My  amendment  is  that  they  shall  not  expend  more  than  $50,000. 

Mr.  Scofield.  If  Ave  can  limit  them  to  a specific  sum,  I will  vote  Avith  the  gentle- 
man from  New  Yrork  for  his  amendment;  but  if  we  leave  them  sufficient  latitude  to 
enable  them  to  spend  the  whole  amount  in  merely  protecting  the  building,  I am 
afraid  every  single  dollar  of  the  appropriation  Avill  be  used  for  that  purpose  by  some 
hook  or  crook. 


The  Extensions. 


829 


The  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  disagreed  to. 

Mr.  Boutwell.  I move  to  amend  the  amendment  of  the  gentleman  from  New 
York  by  striking  out  the  last  word.  I do  it  for  the  purpose  of  saying  to  the  com- 
mittee that,  having  watched  with  such  care  as  I could  the  proceedings  of  the  House 
with  reference  to  the  appropriation  of  public  money  I think  the  time  has  come  when 
all  friends  of  the  country  should  establish  a principle  for  the  guidance  of  this  Govern- 
ment. That  principle,  in  my  judgment,  should  be  that,  there  should  be  no  expendi- 
ture of  public  money  that  is  not  absolutely  necessary  for  the  maintenance  of  the 
Government  and  the  prosecution  of  the  war.  We  are  expending  somewhere  from 
four  to  six  hundred  millions  a year,  which  can  only  be  met  by  taxation  on  the  peo- 
ple; and  this  Congress  cannot  adjourn,  with  safety  to  the  financial  reputation  of  the 
country,  without  imposing  a still  more  onerous  system  of  taxation  than  has  been  yet 
introduced.  While  this  country  is  not  on  the  verge  of  bankruptcy,  it  is  impossible 
for  us  to  raise  a sufficient  sum  of  money  on  credit  for  the  prosecution  of  the  war.  It 
must  be  done  by  taxation. 

Now,  while  I am  here  prepared  to  vote  taxation  which  shall  absorb  the  last  dollar 
of  the  property  of  my  constituents  for  the  purpose  of  prosecuting  the  war,  I am 
resolved  not  to  incur  knowingly  the  responsibility  of  voting  for  appropriations  not 
necessary  to  the  existence  of  the  Government  and  the  maintenance  of  the  integrity 
of  the  Union.  I say  that  the  time  has  come  when  this  House  shall  so  express  its 
judgment,  and  when  all  its  committees  shall  understand,  that  no  sanction  is  to  be 
given  to  an  appropriation  not  based  upon  necessity.  I submit  with  all  deference  to 
the  chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means,  and  to  other  committees  of  the 
House,  that  it  is  our  duty  to  the  country  to  insist  on  the  recognition  and  enforcement 
of  that  right  which  exists  primarily  in  this  House  as  the  guardian  of  the  Treasury. 

Mr.  Morris,  of  Ohio.  Mr.  Chairman,  there  is  an  old  adage  that  we  may  be  penny- 
wise  and  pound-foolish.  Having  been  a member  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings and  Grounds  last  Congress,  my  attention  was  somewhat  directed  to  the  question 
of  the  completion  of  these  public  buildings.  These  public  buildings  are  incomplete; 
they  are  in  such  a condition  as  renders  it  absolutely  necessary  that  they  should  be 
protected  from  the  weather;  and  if  an  appropriation  of  $150,000  or  of  $500,000  be 
required  for  the  completion  of  these  buildings,  what  comparison  would  either  sum 
bear  to  the  entire  annual  expenditure  of  the  Government?  I therefore  repeat  that, 
in  these  questions,  we  may  be  penny-wise  and  pound-foolish. 

Mr.  Boutwell.  I withdraw  my  amendment. 

Mr.  Ivernan.  The  appropriation  to  which  my  amendment  applies  is  not  one  of 
$150,000,  but  of  $400,000.  I know  very  well  that  there  are  cases  in  which  we  might 
be  penny-wise  and  pound-foolish;  but  I submit  that  it  is  not  such  a case  when  we 
simply  propose  to  stop  spending  money  for  the  raising  of  marble  columns  around  the 
public  buildings,  when  the  columns  that  support  this  Union — the  States — are  in  dan- 
ger of  being  overthrown  and  destroyed.  I trust  that  we  will  husband  our  resources 
to  do  Avhat  is  necessary  to  protect  these  buildings  from  injury,  and  let  their  comple- 
tion be  deferred  till  an  appropriate  time.  This  would  not  discommode  anything;  it 
would  not  prevent  us  having  proper  buildings  for  the  public  service.  It  would 
simply  stop  this  expenditure  of  money  by  half  millions,  on  mere  ornamentation,  at 
a time  when  we  require  all  the  financial  means  of  the  Government  to  preserve  it  by 
prosecuting  the  war. 

Mr.  Brooks  called  for  tellers  on  Mr.  Kernan’s  amendment. 

Tellers  were  ordered;  and  Messrs.  Kernan  and  Orth  were  appointed. 

The  committee  divided;  and  the  tellers  reported — ayes  71,  noes  37. 

So  the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 


830 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[House  proceedings  of  Jan.  27,  1864:  Congressional  Globe,  38 — 1,  372.] 

The  House  having  under  consideration  the  amendments  of  the  Committee  of  the 
Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  to  the  bill  to  supply  deficiencies  in  the  appropria- 
tions for  the  service  of  the  fiscal  year  1864 — 

The  amendments  of  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  on 
which  a separate  vote  was  not  asked  were  severally  read  and  concurred  in. 

Ninth  amendment: 

Provided , That  no  money  hereby  appropriated  shall  be  expended  on  the  Capitol  extension,  or  in 
continuing  the  north  wing  of  the  Treasury  extension,  beyond  what  may  be  necessary  to  protect  said 
buildings  from  injury. 

Mr.  Stevens  demanded  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

Mr.  Stevens.  I have  a word  to  say  before  the  vote  is  taken. 

The  Speaker.  It  has  been  the  usage  for  the  gentleman  reporting  a bill  to  be  heard 
after  the  main  question  has  been  ordered,  but  not  after  the  amendments  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  have  partly  been  voted  upon. 

Mr.  Stevens.  I ask  the  unanimous  consent. 

There  was  no  objection. 

Mr.  Stevens.  I wish  to  call  the  attention  of  the  House  to  the  effect  of  this  amend- 
ment, which  cuts  off  all  appropriations  for  finishing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  and 
Treasury  extensions,  and  only  allows  them  to  be  covered  in.  I ask  whether  it  is  any 
economy  at  all  to  dismiss  the  artists  and  laborers  employed  upon  these  grand  works 
now  near  completion,  to  dismiss  them  at  this  season  of  the  year  to  their  distress  and 
the  distress  of  their  families,  and  with  the  fact  staring  us  in  the  face  that  they  will 
have  to  be  recalled  here  at  great  expense  when  the  work  has  to  be  renewed. 

Now  I will  venture  to  say  that  there  is  no  more  creditable  work  to  this  or  any 
other  nation,  to  be  found  anywhere,  than  this  Capitol  and  the  Treasury  building  are. 
This  Capitol  is  a model  for  all  buildings  of  the  kind  everywhere.  And  now  it  is 
proposed  to  leave  the  dome  of  this  Capitol  unfinished,  a dome  not  inferior  to  that  of 
any  of  the  cathedrals  in  Germany ; and  indeed  I do  not  know  but  that  it  exceeds 
them  all.  I think  that  motives  of  humanity,  national  pride,  and  economy,  all  require 
that  the  amendment  should  be  disagreed  to,  and  that  the  work  should  be  allowed  to 
go  on.  I thank  the  House  for  its  indulgence. 

The  question  on  agreeing  to  the  ninth  amendment  was  taken ; and  it  was  decided 
in  the  negative — yeas  56,  nays  77. 

* * * 

So  the  amendment  was  disagreed  to. 


[Senate  Mis.  Doc.  No.  15,  38th  Congress,  1st  session.  Report  of  Thomas  TT.  Walter,  Architect  of 
United  States  Capitol  Extension,  made  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  January  14, 1864,  in  relation 
to  the  appropriation  for  carrying  on  the  work  on  the  two  Eastern  Porticoes  and  steps  of  the  Capitol 
Extension.  January  27,  1864. — Ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  and  be  printed.] 

Architect’s  Office,  United  States  Capitol, 

Washington,  D.  C.,  January  14,  1864. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  11th  instant, 
and  I respectfully  proceed  to  answer  the  inquiries  it  contains. 

A copy  of  the  estimate  furnished  by  me  to  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  of  the  Senate,  “for  carrying  on  the  work  of  the  two 
eastern  porticoes  and  steps  of  the  Capitol  extension,  and  completing  the  roofs  of 
the  connecting  corridors  for  nine  months,”  is  hereto  appended.  I remember  to  have 
stated  verbally  to  Senator  Foot,  also  to  Senator  Collamer,  that  I believe  the  sum 
of  §150,000,  in  addition  to  the  unexpended  balance  of  §184,000  then  on  hand,  would 


The  Extensions. 


831 


be  sufficient  to  complete  the  aforesaid  porticoes  and  pay  for  the  bronze  doors;  and 
that  it  was  my  opinion  that  both  of  the  said  porticoes  would  be  completed  by  the 
assembling  of  the  present  Congress. 

You  will  observe  that  the  estimate  referred  to  was  made  on  the  3d  of  February, 
1863;  it  was,  therefore,  based  upon  the  prices  paid  for  work  and  materials  during  the 
previous  season.  The  great  increase,  since  that  time,  in  the  price  of  everjdhing  per- 
taining to  building  has  vastly  augmented  the  cost  of  the  work,  and  has  conspired, 
with  other  circumstances  to  which  I will  refer  hereafter,  to  render  the  estimated  sum 
entirely  inadequate  to  accomplish  the  amount  of  work  that  was  anticipated  at  the 
time  the  appropriation  was  made. 

As  far  as  it  regards  the  expected  rate  of  progress  of  the  work,  I may  say  that  the 
only  data  we  could  have  upon  which  to  form  an  opinion  was  the  assurances  of  the 
contractors  who  furnish  the  marble  that  the  quantity  required  should  be  delivered 
in  time  to  enable  us  to  accomplish  the  completion  of  the  two  porticoes  in  question 
before  the  assembling  of  Congress. 

The  cause  of  the  delay  is  the  failure  of  these  contractors  to  furnish  the  marble  as 
rapidly  as  it  was  required;  the  reason  they  assign  is  the  impossibility  of  obtaining 
vessels  to  convey  it  from  Bridgeport,  Connecticut,  to  Washington.  The  cost  of  trans- 
portation before  the  war  was  at  one  time  as  low  as  $1  75  per  ton,  but  during  the 
past  year  they  have  paid  as  high  as  $6  per  ton,  and  the  most  of  the  time  vessels 
were  not  to  be  obtained  at  any  price.  Owners  of  vessels  are  afraid  of  such  freight, 
and  when  other  business  can  be  obtained  they  refuse  it  altogether.  The  contractors 
have  been  compelled,  in  some  instances,  to  send  only  portions  of  cargoes,  permitting 
captains  to  take  assorted  freight  to  other  places,  thus  causing  much  vexatious  delay. 
Such  a cargo,  containing  some  of  the  blocks  for  the  portico  of  the  south  wing,  is  now 
lying  at  Norfolk,  Virginia,  discharging  government  stores.  When  the  captain  finds 
it  convenient,  he  will,  no  doubt,  come  to  Washington  and  discharge  the  marble.  I 
have  used  every  possible  exertion  to  urge  on  the  contractors  to  hasten  the  delivery 
of  the  material,  and  I feel  satisfied  that  they  have  been  as  anxious  to  bring  it  as  we 
have  been  to  receive  it.  Their  bills  have  been  paid  the  moment  the  marble  has 
been  delivered  and  inspected,  and  they  have  been  kept  advised  of  the  exact  number 
and  dimensions  of  the  blocks  required,  specifying  from  time  to  time  those  that  were 
first  wanted;  we  could  do  no  more. 

In  view  of  these  facts,  I have  to  repeat,  that  the  only  cause  of  our  failing  to  finish 
these  porticoes  before  the  assembling  of  the  present  Congress  was  the  want  of  mar- 
ble. This  difficulty  could  not  have  been  anticipated  by  me,  and  the  means  to  over- 
come it  were  entirely  beyond  my  control.  There  has  been  no  lack  of  workmen  in 
the  other  "branches  of  the  work,  and  I doubt  not  that  had  the  marble  been  on  the 
ground,  and  the  appropriation  been  sufficient,  not  only  the  two  eastern  porticoes, 
but  the  marble  work  of  the  entire  Capitol  might  have  been  completed  before  the 
assembling  of  the  present  Congress. 

I now  respectfully  ask  you  to  consider  a few  facts  in  relation  to  the  amount  of 
work  actually  done  on  the  aforesaid  two  eastern  porticoes  during  the  past  year;  also 
to  the  expenditures  during  the  same  period.  I find,  from  your  letter  before  me, 
that  Senator  Foot  says,  in  reference  to  the  porticoes  in  question,  “ that  while  the 
appropriation  was  now  exhausted,  the  work  was  not  half  finished.”  The  present 
condition  of  these  porticoes,  unattended  by  a proper  explanation,  is  calculated  to 
lead  any  casual  observer  to  the  conclusion  to  which  the  honorable  senator  has 
arrived,  but  I trust  that  I shall  not  find  it  difficult  to  show  that  both  of  these 
porticoes  are  not  so  far  from  completion  as  their  appearance  would  seem  to  indicate. 

All  the  marble  for  the  north  portico  is  wrought  and  paid  for,  except  four  stones,  and 
these  are  in  hand  and  nearly  completed;  the  cutting  only  of  these  four  stones  remains 
to  he  paid  for,  and  that  is  all.  The  contractors  receive  nothing  for  setting;  hence 
every  stone  that  is  finished  and  paid  for  may  be  considered  as  set  in  the  building,  so 


832 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

far  as  regards  expenditure  on  the  part  of  the  government.  Now,  in  view  of  this  fact, 
the  marble  work  of  the  portico  of  the  north  wing  is  virtually  within  four  stones  of 
being  completed.  The  remaining  pieces  of  cornice,  which  are  not  yet  set,  are  all 
hoisted  on  the  building  and  are  temporarily  placed  behind  the  pediment,  on  the 
ceiling  of  the  portico,  to  be  put  in  place  as  soon  as  the  aforesaid  four  pieces  of  cornice 
now  in  hand  are  completed  and  set.  The  steps  are  nearly  all  wrought,  and  are  lying 
ready  to  be  put  in  place  the  moment  the  hoisting  apparatus  can  be  taken  down. 

As  to  the  portico  of  the  south  wing,  you  will  observe  that  the  immense  flight  of 
steps,  with  its  massy  cheek  blocks,  is  nearly  completed;  this  is  a very  considerable 
portion  of  the  entire  work.  A large  amount  of  the  superstructure  is  also  wrought, 
including  cornices,  ceiling-pieces,  and  the  entire  balustrade;  all  the  elaborately 
carved  capitals  are  also  completed  and  paid  for.  The  chief  work  to  be  done  to  this 
portico  is  that  of  the  monolithic  shafts;  of  these,  ten  yet  remain  to  be  delivered. 

I have  made  a careful  estimate  of  the  cost  of  completing  both  of  the  porticoes  in 
question,  including  the  copper  roofing,  the  inside  brick  work,  the  iron  work,  and 
everything  necessary  to  make  an  entire  finish,  and  find  that  it  will  amount  to 
$135,000,  as  follows: 

For  marble  required  to  finish  the  portico  and  steps  of  the  north  wing, 


including  workmanship,  brickwork,  and  materials $3, 180.  92 

For  marble  required  to  finish  the  portico  and  steps  of  the  south  wing, 

including  workmanship,  brickwork,  and  materials 88,  758. 17 

For  iron  work 635.  87 

For  copper  roofing 4,  823.  50 

For  carpenter’s  work,  lumber,  &c 651,  00 

For  laborers,  watchmen,  clerk-hire,  &c 25,  000.  00 

For  incidental  expenses,  say 11,  950.  54 


135,  000.  00 

I have  therefore  to  say,  that  the  estimate  of  $301,040  for  carrying  on  the  work  on 
these  porticoes,  which  I had  the  honor  to  submit  to  the  chairman  of  the  Commit- 
tee on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  on  the  3d  of  February  last,  was  entirely  inade- 
quate to  effect  the  completion  of  these  portions  of  the  work.  Many  things,  not 
considered  in  making  the  estimate,  were  found  to  be  necessary  to  be  done  for  the 
preservation  of  the  work,  and  for  promoting  the  convenience  of  Congress,  such  as  the 
extensive  repairs  which  have  been  done  on  the  roofs  of  both  wings,  the  completion 
of  the  granite  work  of  the  western  entrances  to  the  connecting  corridors,  &c. ; besides 
which  there  were  some  large  amounts  of  retained  per-centage  ordered  by  the  depart- 
ment to  be  paid  to  contractors,  and  which  were,  of  course,  not  considered  in  my 
estimate;  so  that  the  difference  between  what  the  work  has  actually  cost,  and  the 
amount  set  down  in  the  estimate,  is  chiefly  to  be  attributed  to  the  circumstances  of 
the  times,  and  to  expenditures  which  could  not  be  anticipated  by  me. 

You  request  me  to  furnish  you  with  a copy  of  any  correspondence  I may  have  had 
with  the  members  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  or  Finance, 
on  the  subject  of  the  aforesaid  estimate.  In  reply,  I have  to  say  that  I have  had  no 
correspondence  whatever  with  any  of  the  members  of  these  committees  touching  the 
matter  in  question.  An  appropriation  of  $500,000  had  passed  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives for  continuing  the  work  of  the  Capitol  extension;  and  just  before  the  bill 
was  reached  in  the  Senate,  Senators  Foot  and  Collajiek  called  upon  me  and  expressed 
a desire  to  reduce  the  appropriation,  so  as  to  confine  the  work  to  the  two  eastern 
porticoes,  and  the  liquidation  of  the  claims  for  the  bronze  doors;  and  they  wished  me 
to  say  how  much  it  would  require  to  accomplish  these  objects.  I immediately  made 
an  estimate  of  what  I supposed  could  be  done  during  the  year;  and  you  null  observe 
by  referring  to  the  copy  of  the  said  estimate,  which  is  hereto  appended,  that  I worded 
it  “for  carrying  on  the  work  of  the  eastern  porticoes — say  to  December  1,  1863;”  and 


The  Extensions. 


833 


I expressed  to  them,  verbally,  my  opinion  that  the  amount  specified  would  complete 
the  marble  work  of  both  these  porticoes.  The  sequel  shows  that  I was  right  as  to  the 
amount  being  sufficient  “for  carrying  on  the  work  to  December  1,  1863,”  and  for 
paying  for  the  bronze  doors;  but  I was  wrong  in  the  opinion  I gave  that  it  would 
cover  the  completion  of  both  porticoes.  That  opinion  was  expressed  in  conversation, 
without  calculation,  and  was  the  result  of  impression.  I trust  that  the  foregoing 
explanations  will  be  sufficient  to  show  you  why  my  anticipations  in  this  particular 
have  not  been  realized. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Thomas  U.  Walter, 

Architect  of  the  U.  S.  Capitol  Extension,  &c. 

Hon.  J.  P.  Usher, 

Secretary  of  the  Interior. 


Estimate  for  carrying  on  the  work  of  the  two  eastern  porticoes  and  steps  of  the  Capitol 
extension,  and  completing  the  roofs  of  the  connecting  corridors,  for  nine  months,  say  to 


December  1,  1863. 

For  stonecutting §90,  000 

For  25,000  feet  of  marble,  at  §1.98  49,  500 

For  31  monolithic  shafts,  at  §1,400 43,  400 

For  finishing  roofs  of  corridors 3,  500 

For  pay-roll  of  bricklayers,  laborers,  clerks,  watchmen,  &c.,  for  nine  months.  27, 000 

For  outstanding  debts 67,  200 

Incidental  expenses 21,  340 


Balance  of  appropriation  now  on  hand 


301, 940 
184,  000 


To  pay  for  bronze  doors  and  expenses 


117,940 
32,  060 


February  3,  1863. 


150, 000 

Thomas  U.  Walter, 

Architect  United  States  Capitol  Extension,  &c. 


[From  the  “Act  to  supply  Deficiencies  in  the  Appropriations  for  the  Service  of  the  Fiscal  Year  end- 
ing the  thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-four,  and  for  other  Purposes,”  approved 
Mar.  14,  1804.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  13,  25.)] 

For  the  Capitol  extension,  one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars. 


[The  report  of  Senator  Foot,  made  to  the  Senate  Mar.  29, 1864  (38 — 1,  Senate  Rept. 
No.  39,  8 pages),  accompanying  bill  S.  No.  209,  for  the  relief  of  Charles  F.  Ander- 
son, architect,  contains  a recapitulation  of  certain  facts  given  in  foregoing  docu- 
ments concerning  the  development  and  execution  of  plans  and  designs  for  the  Capitol 
Extension.  ] 


[House  proceedings  of  June  29,  1864:  Congressional  Globe,  38—1,  p.  3395.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  State  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  amendments  of  the  Senate  to  the  Sundry  Civil  bill  for  1865 — 


H.  Rep.  646 -53 


834 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  next  amendment  of  the  Senate  was  read,  as  follows: 

Insert: 

For  plans  and  detailed  drawings  for  proposed  changes  in  the  Capitol  wings  to  secure  improvements 
in  ventilation  and  the  acoustics  of  the  Halls  of  Congress,  the  sum  of  $1,500,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may 
be  necessary;  said  outlay  to  be  authorized  and  approved  by  the  joint  select  committee  of  the  two 
Houses  on  ventilation,  &c.,  of  the  said  Halls,  and  to  be  paid  out  of  the  aforesaid  appropriation  for  the 
Capitol  extension. 

Mr.  Brooks.  I would  like  to  have  some  explanation  of  that. 

Mr.  Stevens.  We  have  two  or  three  architects  employed,  and  if  they  are  compe- 
tent they  ought  to  do  it  without  extra  pay. 

Mr.  Brooks.  This  is  the  only  opportunity  for  me  to  say  that  I believe  this  is  an 
unfit  place  to  do  business  in,  especially  when  the  furnaces  are  going.  I trust  that 
something  will  be  done  to  ventilate  this  place  so  that  we  may  be  able  to  stay  here 
and  do  business.  I do  not  expect  myself  to  be  here  more  than  three  months  longer, 
but  for  the  great  mass  of  individuals  who  are  to  come  to  this  place  hereafter  to  do 
public  business,  I do  hope  that  something  will  lie  done  for  the  ventilation  of  this 
Hall.  Thousands  and  tens  of  thousands  of  dollars  have  been  thrown  away  here.  It 
is  impossible  to  stay  in  this  House  any  length  of  time  without  going  out  to  seek  the 
fresh  air.  That  is  one  of  the  causes  of  disorder.  It  is  impossible  to  sit  here  and 
devote  attention  to  the  business  that  is  going  on.  Members  must  breathe,  they 
must  have  fresh  air.  Here  the  air  is  artificial  and  the  light  is  artificial.  Let  the 
architects  who  have  control  of  this  matter  prepare  some  plan  for  remedying  the  evil. 

Mr.  Stevens.  The  gentleman  says  that  this  is  an  unfit  place  to  live  in,  and  I do  not 
think  it  is  a very  clever  place  to  die  in.  [Laughter.]  Whether  $1,500  is  necessary 
to  employ  new  architects  I do  not  know.  Gentlemen  can  concur  or  non-concur  in 
the  Senate  amendment  as  they  please. 

Mr.  Pruyn.  I take  it  for  granted  that  the  regular  architects  employed  upon  this 
Capitol  are  fully  occupied  with  that  regular  work,  and  that  you  will  find  it  neces- 
sary to  employ  somebody  who  shall  give  special  attention  to  this  subject,  and  some- 
body, if  you  please,  not  connected  with  the  building  heretofore.  I think  it  -would 
be  wise  to  go  outside  for  the  purpose  of  procuring  proper  plans  for  this  purpose,  and 
therefore  I hope  the  House  will  agree  to  vote  this  $1,500. 

Mr.  Morrill.  In  consequence  of  other  duties  I have  been  able  to  attend  but  one 
meeting  of  the  select  committee  upon  this  subject.  I desire  to  ask  my  colleague 
upon  the  committee,  from  Connecticut,  [Mr.  English,]  whether  any  action  of  that 
committee  has  been  had  relative  to  this  expenditure,  and  whether  that  committee 
deem  this  expenditure  important,  and  have  requested  it  or  not. 

Mr.  English.  As  a member  of  that  committee  I desire  to  state  to  the  House  that 
Mr.  Anderson  appeared  before  this  committee  with  the  original  plans  which  he 
devised  for  this  edifice.  The  plans  have  been  of  some  service  to  the  committee  in 
their  examinations  in  regard  to  the  ventilation  of  this  Hall  as  originally  contem- 
plated by  Mr.  Anderson.  There  has  been  no  action  taken  by  the  committee  in 
regard  to  compensation. 

Mr.  Morrill.  Another  question;  is  this  $1,500  to  be  appropriated  for  plans  to  be 
made  hereafter,  or  is  it  to  be  made  as  a compensation  for  those  already  made  and 
exhibited  before  the  committee? 

Mr.  English.  The  whole  matter  is  new  to  me,  and  no  action  has  been  taken  by  the 
committee;  but  the  committee  have  consulted  the  plans  during  one  evening. 

Mr.  Rice,  of  Maine.  I would  ask  the  gentleman  from  Connecticut  whether  the  select 
committee  recommend  this  appropriation. 

Mr.  English.  No  action  has  been  taken  by  the  committee. 

Mr.  Rice,  of  Maine.  I desire  to  say  that  a bill  has  been  reported  appropriating 
$7,500  for  Mr.  Anderson.  That  is,  I understand,  for  the  plans  which  he  has  produced 
heretofore,  and  for  services  for  which  he  has  been  paid. 


The  Extensions. 


835 


Now,  one  word  in  reference  to  this  appropriation.  I believe  that  to  appropriate 
$1,500  will  be  to  throw  away  just  so  much  money,  because  everybody  knows  that  it 
cannot  accomplish  anything  toward  the  ventilation  of  this  room.  The  Committee 
on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  to  which  I have  the  honor  to  belong,  have  investi- 
gated this  subject  to  some  extent.  They  investigated  it  in  connection  with  the  claims 
of  Sir.  Anderson,  and  we  gave  it  considerable  time  and  attention,  but  no  member  of 
the  committee  will  say  he  is  prepared  to  urge  our  views  upon  the  House  in  this  con- 
nection. I simply  mean  to  say  that  the  committee  agree  in  saying  that  $1,500  would 
be  a mere  bagatelle  toward  accomplishing  the  great  purpose  in  view.  Seventy-five 
thousand  dollars  would  be  the  least  amount  required. 

Mr.  Pruyn.  This  appropriation  is  for  plans. 

Mr.  Rice,  of  Maine.  This  joint  committee  should  make  a thorough  investigation  of 
this  matter.  Is  is  composed  of  able  gentlemen,  who  are  amply  ably  to  investigate 
this  subject,  and  therefore  I hope  this  appropriation  will  not  be  made,  but  that  the 
joint  committee  will  have  time  during  the  interim  between  the  two  sessions  to  thor- 
oughly look  into  the  matter.  If  that  committee  do  now  recommend  this  expenditure 
I have  not  a word  now  to  say;  but  in  the  absence  of  any  such  recommendation  I am 
opposed  to  it. 

So  far  as  the  plans  of  Mr.  Anderson  are  concerned,  I would  say  that  he  has  already 
been  paid  for  them  by  pending  legislation,  and  they  are  now  at  the  command  of  that 
committee. 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  Has  this  appropriation  any  connection  with  the  claim 
of  Mr.  Anderson? 

Mr.  Rice,  of  Maine.  I do  not  know  anything  about  it.  If  it  has  it  ought  not  to 
have. 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  I desire  to  state  that  I am  in  possession  of  some  facts 
in  relation  to  the  claim  of  Mr.  Anderson  to  six  or  seven  thousand  dollars. 

Mr.  Rice,  of  Maine.  I will  say  nothing  for  the  present  about  that  claim.  It  will 
not  come  up  for  action  during  this  session  of  Congress. 

Mr.  Wtashburne,  of  Illinois.  I understand  that  Mr.  Anderson  has  already  been 
paid  everything  he  claimed,  and  lias,  besides,  got  his  plans. 

Mr.  Morrill.  From  the  information  already  before  the  committee  it  is  obvious 
that  this  appropriation  is  not  needed.  I therefore  hope  it  will  be  non-concurred  in. 

Mr.  Brooks.  I would  ask  the  gentleman  from  Maine  what  he  proposes  to  do  now. 
Why  put  off  all  this  matter?  Why  legislate  for  posterity  instead  of  for  the  present? 

Sir.  Rice,  of  Maine.  I think  something  should  be  done  now,  but  the  matter  was 
taken  out  of  the  hands  of  the  appropriate  committee  and  given  to  this  joint  com- 
mittee. When  that  joint  committee  will  report  and  recommend  any  feasible  plan,  I 
will  certainly  give  it  my  hearty  concurrence,  but  until  we  do  get  some  report  from 
an  appropriate  committee  1 am  opposed  to  this  appropriation. 

Sir.  Brooks.  Will  the  Clerk  read  the  Senate  amendment  again? 

The  amendment  was  again  read. 

Mr.  Brooks.  Sir.  Chairman,  I do  not  see  that  the  $1,500  would  do  the  least  good; 
and  I quite  concur  in  the  remark  made  that  it  would  be  so  much  money  thrown 
away.  But  I propose  to  submit  something  practical  as  a substitute  for  the  Senate 
amendment,  to  the  effect  that  a sub-committee  of  four  from  the  joint  committee  on 
ventilation  be  directed  to  execute  some  plan  for  the  ventilation  of  the  two  Houses  of 
Congress,  and  that  $25,000  be  appropriated  therefor.  This  sub-committee  can  sit 
during  the  recess  and  devise  and  execute  some  plan  which  will  give  us  good  ventila- 
tion hereafter.  Acoustics  are  of  minor  importance.  We  can  do  without  hearing,  but 
we  cannot  do  without  breathing. 

Mr.  Pruyn.  I suggest  to  my  colleague  to  use  the  word  “authorized”  instead  of 
“directed.” 

Mr.  Brooks.  I accept  that  modification. 


836 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Morrill.  I hope  that  duty  will  not  be  imposed  on  the  committee  already  raised. 
It  seems  quite  enough  responsibility  to  impose  upon  them  a recommendation  to  the 
two  Houses  of  Congress  to  adopt  some  plan.  If  a plan  be  adopted  $25,000  will  not 
be  by  any  means  sufficient.  I am  opposed  to  authorizing  a committee  to  act  on  their 
own  judgment,  their  own  taste,  their  own  information  alone  in  making  important 
changes  in  these  Halls.  I trust  the  subject  will  be  properly  and  thoroughly  investi- 
gated, and  that  this  recommendation  will  be  subjected  to  the  scrutiny  and  examina- 
tion of  the  two  Houses,  to  be  by  them  adopted  if  approved  of. 

Mr.  Brooks.  I would  ask  the  gentleman  from  Vermont  if  he  ever  expects  that  one 
hundred  and  eighty  or  two  hundred  members  of  Congress  will  ever  take  the  time  to 
investigate  any  plan  of  ventilation.  I know  nothing  about  the  theory  of  ventilation 
or  of  acoustics,  but  there  is  one  fact  palpable  to  me  every  day  and  every  hour,  and 
that  is  that  this  is  not  a place  fit  to  breathe  in,  and  that  no  natural  breath  can  be 
inhaled  by  persons  here.  In  the  end  this  is  to  be  done  by  some  engineer  or  archi- 
tect; but  why  not  devolve  this  duty  on  a sub-committee?  Why  not  give  that  com- 
mittee power  now?  Why  not  have  a properly  ventilated  Hall  next  session  of  Con- 
gress? Some  architect,  some  engineer,  some  committee  will  have  to  direct  and 
execute  some  plan  finally,  for  a body  of  two  hundred  men  has  neither  the  time  nor 
the  capacity  to  act  upon  and  approve  any  plan. 

The  time  is  now  or  never.  The  same  debate  would  occur  next  winter,  and  nothing 
will  be  done.  The  same  debate  will  occur  the  winter  after,  and  nothing  will  be  done. 
The  whole  tendency  and  management  of  the  public  business  is  to  throw  it  out  of  the 
hands  of  the  House  and  necessarily  into  the  hands  of  a few  committees,  for  necessa- 
rily the  great  body  of  the  members  of  the  House  are  not  physically  able  to  remain 
within  these  walls  hour  after  hour.  They  must  go  out  of  doors  to  seek  pure  air. 
There  is  nothing  I have  desired  so  much  during  the  night  sessions  we  have  had 
here  as  to  escape  from  this  Capjitol.  It  would  have  been  better  that  the  two  Houses 
should  have  their  sittings  out  under  the  trees  where  we  could  have  the  pure  air  of 
heaven  rather  than  to  have  been  confined  within  these  walls.  Our  business  is  to 
a considerable  extent  transacted  by  unanimous  consent.  Why,  sir,  this  morning 
ten  or  fifteen  gentlemen  pressed  through  bills  involving  thousands,  tens  of  thousands, 
hundreds  of  thousands,  if  not  millions  of  dollars,  that  the  great  body  of  the  House 
will  know  nothing  of  until  they  read  them  in  the  published  acts  of  Congress.  It 
cannot  he  otherwise  in  this  Hall  as  at  present  arranged,  for  it  is  impossible  to  sit 
here.  I have  been  as  constant  in  my  attendance  here  and  as  constant  in  my 
attention  to  what  was  going  on  as  my  capacity  would  admit  during  the  present  Con- 
gress; but  it  is  impossible  for  any  member  to  know  what  goes  on.  Why,  sir,  our 
tenement  houses  in  New  York,  some  of  them  fifty,  sixty,  or  one  hundred  feet  under 
ground,  some  of  them  ten  or  twelve  stories  high,  are  better  supplied  with  air;  their 
tenants  enjoy  better  ventilation  than  we  who  live  within  these  gorgeous  rooms,  in 
this  magnificent  Capitol,  amid  this  gold,  surrounded  by  these  pictures,  reposing 
upon  these  luxurious  seats.  Sir,  I would  rather  sit  upon  a broken  bench  under  some 
leafy  tree  in  the  open  air  in  some  wild  woods  than  to  submit  to  the  miserable  con- 
finement within  this  Hall. 

Mr.  Morrill.  The  gentleman’s  denunciation  of  this  Hall  should  perhaps  betaken 
with  some  grains  of  allowance.  I believe  it  is  conceded  by  all  that  it  is  improperly 
ventilated,  but  the  question  arises  whether  we  shall  adopt  the  plan  of  the  present 
architect,  which  involves  no  great  amount  of  expenditure,  or  provide  for  some  new 
plan.  I believe  the  architect  assumes  that  he  can  give  any  amount  of  ventilation 
required  very  easily  without  any  change  of  the  present  plan.  Gentlemen  who  under- 
stand anything  of  the  construction  of  this  building  know  that  to  go  into  a reconstruc- 
tion of  this  Hall  would  involve  an  expenditure  of  hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars. 

Under  these  circumstances,  I think  it  is  no  more  than  proper  that  we  should  exer- 


The  Extensions. 


837 

cise  a considerable  amount  of  caution,  judgment,  and  discrimination  before  we  author- 
ize any  committee,  without  the  plan  being  submitted  to  Congress,  to  enter  upon  a 
work  which  may  involve  so  grave  consequences.  I trust  this  committee  will  not 
adopt  the  amendment  of  the  gentleman  from  New  York,  at  least  until  the  archi- 
tect has  had  the  opportunity  of  ascertaining  whether  a proper  amount  of  ventilation 
cannot  be  secured  under  the  present  plan. 

Upon  the  adoption  of  Mr.  Brooks’s  amendment  70  voted  in  the  affirmative,  and  29 
in  the  negative. 

Mr.  Rice,  of  Maine,  called  for  tellers. 

Mr.  Brooks.  Let  me  suggest  that  if  gentlemen  upon  the  other  side  of  the  House  do 
not  like  my  amendment  let  them  change  it  to  suit  themselves.  I do  not  care  how  it 
is  done,  I only  want  some  plan  adopted  to  give  us  pure  air. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I move  to  amend  the  amendment  of  the  gentleman  from  New  York 
by  adding  thereto: 

Provided,  That  no  greater  sum  shall  be  appropriated  under  this  appropriation  than  is  necessary  to 
increase  the  ventilation  sufficiently  upon  the  plan  now  in  existence. 

Mr.  Kalbfleisch.  I object  to  that  amendment.  The  gentleman  from  Vermont  and 
I differ  upon  many  subjects,  and  I think  upon  the  subject  of  ventilation.  I do  not 
know  what  these  plans  may  be.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Morrill.  All  I desire  is  that  we  shall  not  be  involved  in  an  expenditure  of  half 
a million  dollars  without  knowing  what  we  are  about. 

Mr.  Frank.  I presume  there  is  no  objection  upon  the  part  of  any  one  to  a proper 
investigation  being  made  in  regard  to  ventilation;  but  if  any  change  is  undertaken 
in  the  plan  of  this  Hall  there  is  no  question  but  a very  large  amount  of  expenditure 
will  be  involved. 

Mr.  Brooks.  I am  willing  to  limit  the  expenditure  to  $25,000. 

Mr.  Frank.  That  is  very  well,  but  the  gentleman  will  find  that  the  expenditure  of 
$25,000  will  be  but  the  entering  wedge  of  appropriations  of  hundreds  of  thousands. 

Mr.  Brooks.  I am  willing  to  add  the  proviso  that  there  should  be  no  change  in 
this  structure  of  the  Halls  of  Congress.  1 do  not  care  for  the  heat,  but  I want  to 
breathe  the  fresh  air  of  heaven.  I am  willing  to  endure  this  miserable  artificial 
light,  but  I want  to  breathe.  I do  not  ask  for  any  change  in  the  structure  of  the 
Flail;  I only  ask  that  some  plan  of  ventilation  may  be  adopted  that  will  enable  us  to 
sit  here  and  attend  to  the  public  business. 

Mr.  Stevens.  I want  to  move  to  amend  still  further. 

The  Chairman.  Further  amendment  is  not  in  order. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I desire  to  add  a proviso  that  no  greater  sum  shall  be  expended  under 
this  appropriation  than  shall  be  necessary  to  increase  the  ventilation  upon  the  plans 
now  in  use. 

Mr.  Stevens.  I understand  the  gentleman  from  New  York  accepts  that  amend- 
ment. 

Mr.  Brooks.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Morrill.  The  object  of  my  amendment  is  to  give  the  architect  an  opportunity 
to  increase  the  ventilation  upon  his  own  plan,  which  he  says  he  can  do,  and  without 
any  large  expenditure  of  money.  That  can  be  done  during  the  recess  of  Congress, 
while  to  make  an  entire  change  will  require  a year  or  more. 

Mr.  Brooks.  I want  added  the  words  “that  there  shall  be  no  change  in  the  Halls 
of  Congress.” 

Mr.  Morrill.  I am  willing  to  agree  to  that. 

The  amendment,  as  modified,  was  agreed  to. 

The  Senate  amendment,  as  amended,  Avas  non-concurred  in. 


838 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[House  proceedings  of  June  29,  1864:  Congressional  Globe,  38 — 1,  p.  3400.] 

The  House  having  under  consideration  the  Senate  amendments  to  the  Sundry 
Civil  bill  for  1865 — 

The  Speakek.  If  there  be  no  objection,  the  recommendations  of  the  Committee  of 
the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  will  be  adopted  on  all  the  amendments  except 
those  on  which  a separate  vote  shall  be  asked. 

There  was  no  objection.’ 

Mr.  Brooks  and  Mr.  Mallory  demanded  separate  votes  upon  their  amendments. 

The  Speaker  stated  the  question  to  be  first  upon  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Brooks, 
which  was  to  strike  out  the  thirtieth  amendment  of  the  Senate  and  insert  in  lieu 
thereof  the  following: 

That  the  joint  committee  on  ventilation  be  authorized  to  execute  some  plan  for  increasing  the 
ventilation  of  the  two  Houses  of  Congress  not  involving  a change  in  their  structure,  and  that  the 
sum  of  $25,000  is  hereby  appropriated,  or  so  much  thereof  as  shall  be  necessary,  to  carry  into  effect 
any  plan  that  may  be  agreed  upon  by  the  committee  aforesaid-  or  by  a sub-committee  thereof. 

Mr.  Holman.  I rise  to  a question  of  order.  That  amendment  makes  an  appropria- 
tion, and  is  not  in  order  to  be  offered  in  the  House. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  overrules  the  question  of  order  on  the  ground  that  it  is 
germane  to  the  Senate  amendment. 

* * « 

The  Speaker  stated  that  the  question  recurred  on  the  following  amendment  of  the 
gentleman  from  New  York  [Mr.  Brooks]  to  the  civil  appropriation  bill: 

That  the  joint  committee  on  ventilation  be  authorized  to  execute  some  plan  for  increasing  the 
ventilation  of  the  two  Houses  of  Congress,  not  involving  a change  in  their  structure,  and  that  the 
sum  of  $25,000  is  hereby  appropriated,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary,  to  carry  into  effect 
any  plan  that  may  be  agreed  upon  by  the  committee  as  aforesaid  or  by  a sub-committee  thereof. 

The  House  divided;  and  there  were — ayes  43,  noes  50. 

So  the  amendment  was  not  agreed  to. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  sundry  Civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  Year 
ending  the  Thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-five,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
July  2,  1864.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  13,  350,  351.)] 

For  continuing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension,  three  hundred  thousand  dollars. 
For  plans  and  detailed  drawings  for  proposed  changes  in  the  capitol  wings  to 
secure  improvement  in  the  ventilation,  heating,  and  acoustics  of  the  Halls  of  Con- 
gress, the  sum  of  fifteen  hundred  dollars,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary; 
the  said  outlay  to  be  authorized  and  approved  by  the  joint  select  committee  of  the 
two  houses  upon  the  ventilation,  &c.,  of  said  Halls,  and  to  be  paid  out  of  the  afore- 
said appropriation  for  the  capitol  extension. 


[Annual  report  of  Thomas  IT.  Walter,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1, 1864.  (38 — 2,  House 

Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  p.  689.)] 

REPORT  OF  THE  ARCHITECT  OF  THE  CAPITOL  EXTENSION. 

Architect’s  Office,  United  States  Capitol, 

Washington,  D.  C.,  November  1,  1864. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  lay  before  you  the  following  report  on  the  state  of  the 
public  works  under  my  charge,  and  their  progress  during  the  past  year. 

capitol  extension. 

Marble  work. — The  eastern  portico  of  the  north  wing  is  entirely  finished,  and  pre- 
sents a specimen  of  exterior  marble  work  which  has  probably  never  been  excelled. 
The  shafts  of  the  columns  are  all  monoliths,  the  bases  and  the  pedestals  are  each 


The  Extensions. 


839 


wrought  out  of  a single  block,  and  the  capitals  are  executed  in  two  courses,  with  the 
foliage  sculptured  out  of  the  solid.  The  architrave  over  each  inter-columniation  is 
likewise  monolithic,  and  the  ceilings  are  entirely  composed  of  massy  blocks  of  mar- 
ble, deeply  paneled,  and  richly  ornamented.  The  steps  and  carriage-ways  which 
form,  the  entrance  to  this  wing  are  completed,  except  the  caps  of  the  cheek  blocks, 
(these  pieces  are  very  large  and  difficult  to  quarry,  as  well  as  to  transport.)  No 
other  part  of  the  construction  is,  however,  depending  upon  them;  they  have,  there- 
fore, not  been  urged  forward  to  the  disadvantage  of  other  portions  of  the  work. 
Several  of  these  blocks  have  been  quarried,  and  are  now  on  their  way  to  the  Capitol. 
One  has  been  received,  and  wrought,  and  is  now  in  place. 

The  eastern  portico  of  the  south  wing  has  been  very  much  retarded  by  the  want  of 
certain  blocks  of  marble  which  were  necessary  to  render  available  the  work  already 
prepared  for  the  building.  The  most  of  the  material  required  for  this  portico  has 
been  delivered  and  wrought;  and,  had  it  not  been  for  the  delay  occasioned  by  the 
want  of  the  blocks  alluded  to,  there  would  have  been  no  difficulty  in  completing  this 
portion  of  the  work  during  the  present  season.  It  is  claimed,  however,  by  the  con- 
tractors that  this  delay  was  unavoidable,  and  that  no  means  within  their  control 
could  have  prevented  it.  In  addition  to  the  difficulty  of  obtaining  men  to  work  in 
the  quarries,  it  was  found  to  be  impossible  to  procure  vessels,  even  at  fabulous  prices, 
to  convey  the  stone  from  Bridgeport  to  Washington.  It  is  proper  for  me,  in  this 
connexion,  to  say  that  I have  not,  during  the  entire  season,  spared  any  efforts  to  urge 
on  the  delivery  of  the  required  material;  and,  while  I regret  the  delay  that  has  been 
occasioned  by  the  failure  of  the  contractors  to  fill  our  orders  in  time,  I am  of  the 
opinion  that  they  have  done  everything  in  their  power  to  comply  with  our  require- 
ments: their  failure  to  do  so  is  to  be  attributed  to  causes  over  which  they  could  have 
no  control.  All  the  monolithic  shafts  for  the  columns  of  this  portico,  being  twenty- 
two  in  number,  are  delivered  and  wrought,  and  sixteen  of  them  are  set  in  the  build- 
ing; the  capitals  and  bases  are  also  completed,  leaving  nothing  unfinished  pertaining 
to  the  columns  but  six  of  the  pedestals,  and  these  are  now  on  their  way  to  Washing- 
ton. Nearly  all  of  the  superstructure  is  wrought,  and  a considerable  portion  of  it 
has  been  set.  Should  the  winter  prove  favorable  for  work,  and  no  further  delays 
occur,  this  portico  will  be  finished  by  the  first  of  March  next.  The  steps  and  plat- 
forms are  completed  as  far  as  they  can  be  until  the  apparatus  by  which  the  columns 
are  hoisted  can  be  removed.  The  cheek  blocks  are  finished,  with  the  exception  of 
their  cappings. 

The  north,  south,  and  wrest  porticoes  remain  as  they  were  at  the  date  of  my  last 
annual  report,  it  having  been  found  to  be  impracticable  to  obtain  the  marble  neces- 
sary for  their  prosecution,  without  further  retarding  the  work  on  the  eastern  front. 
Five  of  the  monolithic  shafts  for  these  porticoes  have  been  delivered,  and  one  has 
been  wrought,  leaving  thirty-five  yet  to  be  furnished.  A large  portion  of  the  super- 
structure has  also  been  delivered  and  wrought,  including  the  entire  balustrade;  sev- 
eral of  the  capitals  of  the  columns  are  in  progress,  and  the  bases  are  nearly  all 
delivered.  The  construction  of  these  porticoes  will  be  rapid,  as  they  consist  of  single 
ranges  of  columns,  having  no  pediments,  nor  elaborate  flights  of  steps  like  those  on 
the  eastern  front;  the  substructures  upon  which  they  rest  are  already  completed,  so 
that  nothing  remains  to  be  executed  except  the  columns  and  entablature.  The 
wrought  material  for  these  porticoes  is  in  such  a state  of  forwardness  as  to  render  the 
rate  of  delivery  of  the  monolithic  shafts  and  the  pedestals  the  only  limit  to  their 
progress. 

The  contractors  for  furnishing  marble  have  delivered,  from  the  quarries  at  Lee, 
Massachusetts,  since  the  date  of  my  last  annual  report,  23,815  cubic  feet,  for  which 
they  have  been  paid  the  sum  of  $36,560.72;  they  have  also  delivered  from  the  quar- 
ries of  Baltimore  county,  Maryland,  nineteen  monolithic  column  shafts  for  the 
exterior  porticoes,  for  which  they  have  received  the  sum  of  $26,600. 


840 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  marble  which  yet  remains  to  be  furnished  to  complete  the  work,  in  addition 
to  what  is  now  on  the  ground,  consists  of  366  blocks,  containing  in  the  aggregate 
25,168  cubic  feet.  Also  thirty-five  monolithic  shafts  for  the  exterior  porticoes. 

The  marble  received  and  approved  from  the  quarries  at  Lee,  Massachusetts,  for 
the  exterior  of  the  buildings,  from  the  commencement  of  the  work  to  the  present 
date,  amounts  to  491,570  cubic  feet,  for  which  the  contractors  have  been  paid  the 
aggregate  sum  of  1865,043.41.  They  have  also  delivered  sixty-five  monolithic  column 
shafts  from  the  quarries  in  Baltimore  county,  Maryland,  for  which  they  have  received 
$91,000. 

There  have  also  been  delivered  for  the  interior  of  the  building,  since  the  com- 
mencement of  the  work,  57,523  cubic  feet  of  white  and  fancy  marbles,  the  aggregate 
cost  of  which  was  $199,735  92,  making  the  total  cost  of  all  the  marble  used  in  the 
Capitol  extension,  from  the  beginning  of  the  work  to  the  present  date,  $1,155,779.33. 

A quantity  of  refuse  and  useless  materials,  including  such  variegated  and  fancy  mar- 
bles as  were  not  required  for  the  work,  ami  which  were  rapidly  deteriorating,  were 
sold  at  public  auction  on  the  1st  of  October,  by  order  of  the  department.  The  net 
proceeds  of  the  sale  amounted  to  $12,469.83,  which  will  be  deposited  in  the  treasury 
to  the  credit  of  the  appropriation  for  the  Capitol  extension,  as  soon  as  the  collections 
are  completed. 

The  amount  paid  for  cutting  and  setting  marble  from  October  31,  1863,  to  October 
31,  1864,  is  $95,853.98,  making  the  total  amount  paid  for  this  branch  of  labor,  from 
the  commencement  of  the  work  to  the  present  time,  $1,622,765.77. 

Painting. — The  walls  and  ceilings  of  the  halls,  passages,  and  stairways  of  the  prin- 
cipal and  attic  stories  of  the  south  wing  have  been  repaired  and  painted  in  flat  tints, 
in  the  same  style  of  finish  as  that  heretofore  executed  in  the  corresponding  nortions 
of  the  north  wing. 

Permanent  screens , with  fly  doors,  have  been  placed  in  the  passage  back  of  the 
Speaker’s  chair,  in  the  south  wing,  which  will  reduce  the  number  of  doorkeepers, 
and  add  to  the  comfort  of  the  members.  These  screens  are  completed,  except  some 
portions  of  the  ornamental  work,  which  will  remain  to  be  finished  after  the  adjourn- 
ment of  Congress. 

Sculpture. — The  plaster  casts,  executed  from  the  designs  of  the  late  Thomas  Craw- 
ford, for  the  eastern  door  of  the  north  wing  of  the  Capitol  have  arrived,  and  are  now 
being  executed  in  bronze  at  the  foundry  in  Chicopee,  Massachusetts.  The  design  of 
this  door  is  grand  and  imposing;  and,  as  a work  of  art,  it  is  probably  unsurpassed  in 
any  country.  It  bears  the  marks  of  Mr.  Crawford’s  superior  genius,  in  all  its  details, 
as  well  as  in  its  grouping,  and  the  bold  handling  of  every  subject  it  presents.  I con- 
sider it  by  far  the  best  work  of  that  distinguished  artist,  and  I doubt  not  that  as  much 
justice  will  be  done  to  it  by  Mr.  Ames,  at  his  foundry  at  Chicopee,  as  it  would  have 
received  at  the  hands  of  Mr.  A7 on  Miller,  at  the  National  AVorks  at  Munich,  where  it 
was  designed  originally  to  have  it  executed.  But  let  the  result  be  what  it  may,  we 
will  have  the  satisfaction  to  know,  when  it  is  completed,  that  it  is  an  American  work. 

I am  strongly  impressed  with  the  idea  that  our  public  buildings  should  not  be 
suffered  to  degenerate  into  mere  museums  of  foreign  art;  I am  decidedly  of  the 
opinion  that  they  ought  to  constitute  a record  of  the  state  of  the  arts  in  our  own 
country,  at  the  time  they  were  executed.  Entertaining  these  views,  I am  gratified 
that  the  sculptures  of  the  north  wing  are  American,  and  I respectfully  recommend 
that  those  of  the  south  wing,  none  of  which  are  yet  under  contract,  shall  not  only  be 
confined  to  artists  of  our  own  country,  but  that  one  of  the  conditions  of  any  commis- 
sion that  may  hereafter  be  given  shall  be,  that  all  the  work,  both  of  design  and  exe- 
cution, shall  be  performed  in  the  United  States. 

Ventilation,  Ac.—  A series  of  experiments  in  relation  to  the  present  system  of 
warming,  ventilating,  ana  lighting  the  new  halls  of  Congress  are  now  in  progress, 
in  the  prosecution  of  which  we  have  the  invaluable  aid  of  Professor  Henry,  of  the 


The  Extensions. 


841 


Smithsonian  Institution,  and  Dr.  Charles  M.  Wetherill,  a distinguished  chemist  and 
physicist.  A report  upon  the  subject  will  be  submitted  to  the  department  at  as 
early  a day  as  may  be  found  to  be  practicable. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1,  1865.  (39 — 1, 

House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  p.  809.)] 

CAPITOL  EXTENSION. 

The  progress  of  this  work  since  the  last  report  of  my  predecessor,  T.  U.  Walter,  esq., 
(November  1,  1864,)  has  been  the  completion  of  the  eastern  portico  of  the  south 
wing,  including  the  steps  and  carriage-ways  to  the  same.  The  cheek -blocks  remain, 
however,  unfinished,  owing  to  the  difficulty  of  obtaining  blocks  of  marble  sufficiently 
large  for  the  capping.  There  are  eleven  pieces  of  marble  for  this  prurpose  now  on 
the  ground,  and  the  number  required  for  one  of  the  cheek-blocks  are  now  set  in 
place. 

The  greater  part  of  the  marble-work  for  the  north  portico  has  been  prepared  during 
the  present  season,  and  is  now  being  set.  It  is  expected  that  this  portion  of  the  work 
will  be  done  by  the  meeting  of  Congress. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  there  have  been  seventy-three  blocks  for  cornice,  archi- 
traves, &c.,  prepared  for  the  unfinished  porticoes. 

There  have  been  received,  in  addition  to  those  already  set,  nine  monolithic  col- 
umns, which  have  been  wrought  for  the  other  porticoes,  and  there  are  also  on  hand, 
belonging  to  the  government,  blocks  sufficient  to  make  eight  columns  in  two  pieces. 

As  the  contractors,  under  a provision  of  their  contract,  claim  the  right  to  deliver 
these  stone  in  two  pieces,  and  as  they  have  been  received  and  paid  for,  I respectfully 
recommend  that  they  be  used  in  the  western  porticoes,  alternately  with  monolithic 
columns. 

A marble  balustrade  is  being  prepared  to  go  between  the  plinths  of  the  columns  of 
all  the  porticoes,  except  where  the  steps  prevent.  This  will  add  to  the  beauty  of  the 
porticoes  and  to  the  security  of  visitors. 

There  will  be  required  for  the  completion  of  the  porticoes  fifteen  column  shafts 
and  about  20,000  cubic  feet  of  marble. 

Nearly  all  the  marble-work  for  the  upper  balustrades  for  the  southern  and  western 
porticos  has  been  prepared  for  several  years,  and  is  liable  to  damage.  It  is  to  be 
hoped  that  this  work  can  be  set  during  the  next  year. 

* * * 

No  appropriation  was  asked  for  this  work  at  the  last  session  of  Congress.  By 
reference  to  Mr.  Walter’s  report  of  November  1,  1864,  it  will  be  seen  that  he  states 
that  “no  appropriation  would  be  required  for  the  Capitol  extension  during  the 
ensuing  fiscal  year.  ’ ’ 


[From  the  annual  report  of  James  Harlan,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Dec.  4,  1865.  (39 — 1,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  p.  xvi.)] 

The  report  of  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension  furnishes  full  information  con- 
cerning the  condition  and  progress  of  the  work.  Since  the  report  of  his  predecessor, 
the  eastern  portico  of  the  south  wing,  including  the  steps  and  carriage  ways  to  the 
same,  has  been  completed,  with  the  exception  of  the  caps  of  the  cheek  blocks, 
delayed  for  the  want  of  marble  of  the  requisite  dimensions.  One  of  these  has  been 
finished,  and  eleven  pieces  of  marble  for  the  others  are  now  on  the  grounds. 

The  greater  part  of  the  marble  work  for  the  north  portico  has  been  prepared  dur- 
ing the  present  season,  and  this  portion  of  the  work  is  now  completed.  Seventy- 


842 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

three  blocks  for  cornice,  architraves,  &c.,  and  nine  monolithic  columns  have  been 
prepared  for  the  unfinished  porticos.  Some  years  since  the  Government  acceded  to 
an  interpretation  of  the  contract,  insisted  on  by  the  contractors,  which  allowed  them 
to  furnish  marble  of  such  dimensions  as  to  require  two  pieces  in  the  construction  of 
each  column.  There  is  on  hand  material  for  eight  columns  of  that  description.  The 
architect  recommends  that  they  be  placed  alternately  with  monolithic  columns  in 
the  western  porticos. 

Congress,  at  its  last  session,  made  no  appropriation  for  this  work,  and  the  architect 
estimates  that  $175,000  will  be  required  to  continue  it  during  the  present  fiscal  year, 
and  $200,000  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1867. 


[From  the  “Act  making  additional  Appropriations,  and  to  supply  the  Deficiencies  in  the  Appropria- 
tions for  sundry  civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal  Year  ending  the  thirtieth  of  June, 
eighteen  hundred  and  sixty- six,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Apr.  V,  1866.  (Stats,  at  Large, 
v.  14,  19.)] 

For  continuing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension,  one  hundred  and  seventy-five 
thousand  dollars. 


[House  proceedings  of  May  4,  1866:  Congressional  Globe,  39 — 1,  p.  2394.] 

VENTILATION  OF  THE  HALLS  OF  CONGRESS. 

Mr.  Rice,  of  Maine,  by  unanimous  consent,  submitted  the  following  resolution; 
which  was  read,  considered,  and  agreed  to: 

Resolved , That  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  he  directed  to  communicate  to  this  House  the  report 
made  to  him  by  Thomas  U.  Walter,  late  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension,  on  the  warming  and 
ventilation  of  the  two  Houses  of  Congress,  with  the  reportsof  Professor  Joseph  Henry  and  Dr.  Charles 
M.  Wetherill  accompanying  the  same. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  July  23,  1866:  Congressional  Globe,  39 — 1,  p.  4033.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  Sundry 
Civil  bill  for  1867 — 

Mr.  Buckalew.  I move  this  amendment  from  the  select  committee  on  ventilation, 
to  come  in  on  page  14,  immediately  after  the  appropriation  for  the  Capitol  extension: 

For  improvements  in  the  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol  proposed  in  the  report  of  the  joint  select  com- 
mittee of  the  two  Houses  upon  the  improvement  of  the  Halls  of  Congress  made  at  the  last  session,  and 
approved  and  recommended  at  the  present  session  by  the  select  committee  of  the  Senate  upon  the 
ventilation  and  sanitary  condition  of  the  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol,  the  sum  of  ©117, 685. 25;  and  the 
said  improvements  shall  be  made  and  executed  under  the  management  and  direction  of  Charles  F. 
Anderson,  as  architect  and  superintendent,  upon  plans  or  specifications  and  details  to  be  submitted 
to  and  approved  by  Dr.  Thomas  Antisell;  and  all  necessary  contracts  for  work  and  materials  shall  be 
made  by  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  with  the  concurrence  of  the  architect  and  all  accounts 
and  expenditures  for  said  sums  shall  be  examined  and  certified  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  for 
payment  by  said  Commissioner.  The  compensation  of  said  architect  and  superintendent  shall  be  at 
the  rate  heretofore  paid  to  the  superintending  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension,  payable  quarterly 
out  of  the  foregoing  appropriation,  commencing  from  and  after  the  passage  of  this  act. 

I suppose  it  would  be  best  to  have  the  report  of  the  committee  on  ventilation  at 
the  present  session  read  in  connection  with  this  amendment. 

At  the  last  session  of  Congress  an  elaborate  report  was  made  by  a joint  committee 
of  the  two  Houses,  recommending  precisely  the  improvements  now  contemplated. 
An  appropriation,  in  accordance  with  their  recommendation,  was  put  upon  the  mis- 
cellaneous appropriation  bill  by  the  Senate  last  year,  but  without  any  debate,  in  the 


The  Extensions. 


843 


expiring  hours  of  the  session;  and  the  committee  of  conference  on  the  part  of  the 
Senate,  in  meeting  a like  committee  from  the  House,  abandoned  the  proposed  appro- 
priation, and  they  did  it  upon  grounds  which  were  perhaps  unexceptionable. 
That  bill  was  loaded  down  with  enormous  amounts  of  undigested  or  unexamined 
matter,  and  this  section  was  of  that  character.  The  committee  had  not  leisure  to 
examine  the  subject,  and  it  was  abandoned,  as  I said  before,  along  with  a number  of 
other  sections  in  dispute. 

At  the  present  session  the  select  Senate  committee  took  up  the  investigation  and 
went  over  the  whole  field  of  inquiry  again,  and  we  now  report  to  the  Senate  the 
amendment  which  I have  proposed.  In  the  report  at  the  present  session  the  com- 
mittee have  not  gone  ov’er  the  grounds  covered  by  the  former  report,  but  they  have 
called  attention  to  leading  and  important  points,  which  sufficiently  vindicate  the 
measure.  Without  consuming  the  time  of  the  Senate  in  a prolonged  debate  upon  all 
the  points  involved,  I propose,  as  this  subject  is  important,  and  as  it  will  go  to  the 
House  of  Representatives  and  he  the  subject  of  reference  hereafter,  to  have  the  brief 
report  of  the  select  committee  at  the  present  session  lead. 

The  Secretary  read  the  following  report,  made  by  Mr.  Buckalew  on  the  18th 
instant: 

[See  39 — 1,  Senate  Rept.  No.  137,  pp.  17.] 

Mr.  Sprague.  I hope  the  Senator  will  explain  to  us  the  changes  it  is  proposed  to 
make  in  the  roof  and  Hall  before  we  vote. 

Mr.  Buckalew.  I will  give  some  explanation  of  this  plan  of  improvement  proposed 
by  the  committee.  The  general  features  of  the  plan  are  these:  that  the  present  roof 
shall  be  abolished;  we  commence  at  the  upper  extremity;  and  in  its  place  a double 
roof  or  one  counter-ceiled  be  substituted,  which  will  exclude  all  noise  of  storms  and 
all  influence  of  heat  and  cold  in  summer  and  winter;  the  ceiling  to  be  elevated,  and 
side  windows  to  be  placed  in  the  upper  elevation  of  the  Hall  in  its  whole  circumfer- 
ence, enabling  us  at  all  times  to  command  at  pleasure  a complete  supply  of  pure 
external  air  directly  into  our  Chamber;  and  by  making  the  windows  double,  as  they 
ought  to  be  in  all  buildings  of  magnitude,  we  obtain  control  of  the  Chamber  with 
reference  to  external  heat  and  cold  when  we  choose  to  exclude  them. 

It  will  be  observed  that  so  far  as  I have  gone  in  my  statement,  the  plan  obtains 
direct  communication  with  the  external  atmosphere  from  the  Hall,  and  secures  the 
air  in  it  perfectly  from  the  influence  of  external  heat  and  cold  as  well  as  external 
noise. 

The  next  point  is  a change  in  the  lighting  of  the  Hall.  We  propose  to  remove  the 
present  gas  jets  from  above  the  ceiling  and  replace  them  by  eight  or  twelve — I forget 
which — lights  adjusted  with  ventilating  chimneys  and  with  reflectors.  We  can 
obtain  from  a limited  number  of  such  lights  double  the  present  amount  of  lighting 
power  in  the  Hall,  if  we  choose,  by  the  simple  device  of  using  reflectors,  and  by 
using  chimneys  all  the  smoke  and  unused  gas  are  immediately  removed  and  dis- 
charged into  the  external  atmosphere.  That  portion  of  the  plan  will  avoid  the 
throwing  down  in  to  the  Hall  of  heat  at  night  sessions  and  enable  us  to  sit  here  with 
perfect  comfort  in  summer,  even  though  we  should  not  cool  the  air  before  we  intro- 
duce it  into  the  Hall,  which  we  propose  to  do. 

So  much,  sir,  with  regard  to  the  changes  above.  Now,  the  general  plan  of  improve- 
ment, as  proposed  in  the  former  report,  but  not  recited  in  the  present  one,  was  this: 
the  air  is  obtained  at  a short  distance  from  the  wings,  conveyed  through  an  entrance 
passage  of  adequate  capacity  to  a point  in  the  basement,  where  it  is  subjected  to  the 
influence  of  a fan;  that  is  the  moving  power,  the  one  now  used,  and  the  one  in 
almost  universal  use  in  all  large  structures.  Near  that  fan  is  placed  the  heating  appa- 
ratus; that  which  we  have  now  can  be  used,  and  we  may  extend  it  somewhat  in 
magnitude;  but  the  same  mode  of  heating  can  be  applied.  In  summer  also,  in  this 
passage  near  the  fan,  we  can  cool  the  air  perfectly  by  a double  process;  first  by  plac- 


844 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


ing  ice  upon  a grating  which  is  designed  in  the  plan;  and  secondly,  by  causing  jets 
and  spray  of  water  to  pass  through  it  in  its  way  to  the  general  air  chamber,  which  is 
above  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  upper  part  of  this  Hall.  The  air  then  is  conveyed 
upward  from  the  fan  through  a passage  to  an  air  chamber,  where,  whenever  you 
desire,  there  may  be  communication  with  the  external  atmosphere  to  temper  it;  that 
is,  you  can  reduce  the  temperature  or  increase  it  at  pleasure.  It  is  then  brought 
over  the  ceiling  and  admitted  to  the  Chamber  by  the  present  apertures  through  which 
the  air  is  excluded  or  carried  away. 

Then,  sir,  with  regard  to  its  removal  from  the  Hall,  it  will  be  removed  from  the 
Hall  through  the  present  apertures  in  the  floor  designed  for  its  introduction.  It  can 
be  taken  away  from  us  through  the  present  entrance  passage,  and  the  same  power 
which  is  now  used  to  introduce  it  can  be  used  to  remove  it  from  the  Hall. 

Speaking,  then,  in  general  times,  we  have  perfect  control  over  the  introduction  of 
the  air;  we  have  perfect  control  over  its  temperature  in  winter  and  in  summer;  we 
have  perfect  control  over  its  removal  and  its  discharge  without  making  any  exten- 
sive change  in  the  present  arrangements  for  its  introduction.  It  will  be  seen  from 
this  statement  which  I have  made  that  there  is  one  peculiarity,  which  is  not  familiar, 
perhaps,  to  most  members  of  the  Senate— I mean  the  introduction  of  air  through  the 
ceiling  and  its  removal  through  the  floor.  The  advantages  of  that  system  are  so 
manifest,  are  so  indisputable,  that  whenever  any  person  examines  the  subject  his 
conclusion  must  be  in  its  favor.  It  is  not  a matter  of  debate  or  dispute.  In  the  first 
place,  one  disadvantage  of  introducing  air  through  the  floor  of  the  Chamber,  and 
causing  it  to  pass  upward  in  currents,  is  that  all  the  dust  and  impurities  that  are 
brought  into  the  Hall,  and  are  upon  or  about  the  floor,  are  carried  up  into  the 
region  of  respiration  and  breathed.  Another  difficulty  is,  that  these  entrance  cur- 
rents affect,  to  some  extent,  the  sound  of  the  voice  in  speaking  in  the  Hall.  If  these 
currents  are  active  they  must  produce  very  considerable  disturbance. 

Another  difficulty  which  we  have  in  our  present  arrangements  is  the  want  of 
adequate  space,  which  we  obtain  by  the  proposed  plan.  I mean  adequate  space 
for  preparing  the  air  before  it  is  introduced  into  the  Hall.  Our  Sergeant-at-Arms 
has  made  an  attempt  to  hydrate  the  air,  to  impart  to  it  adequate  moisture  in 
the  winter  months,  when,  I may  say  without  exaggeration,  it  is  in  a state  highly 
injurious  to  the  human  system,  to  which  cause,  I have  no  doubt,  more  than  one 
victim  has  fallen.  Now,  the  air  taken  at  an  external  temperature  in  the  winter  of 
say  32°  degrees,  or  the  freezing  point,  is  conveyed  through  a closed  passage  in  which 
there  is  no  access  to  sources  of  moisture,  and  it  is  heated  up  to  a temperature  say  of 
75°.  It  is  then  in  a state  where  it  demands,  according  to  natural  laws,  more  than 
three  times  the  amount  of  moisture  which  it  contained  when  first  taken  from  the 
external  atmosphere  and  subjected  to  this  operation.  Thus,  sir,  we  have  it  in  the 
Chamber,  and  we  are  obliged  to  breathe  it  without  its  being  hydrated,  without  its 
having  conveyed  to  it  that  adequate  amount  of  moisture  required  at  the  temperature 
to  which  it  is  elevated. 

I had  that  subject  tested  by  Hr.  Wetherill,  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  who 
was  here  at  that  session,  and  who  was  doubtless  observed  by  Senators  on  several 
occasions  conducting  his  examinations.  The  average  annual  humidity  of  external 
atmospheric  air  in  this  country,  I believe,  is  about  68° — it  is  a little  higher  in  Great 
Britain — assuming  that  the  saturation  point  of  atmospheric  air  is  indicated  by  the 
number  100;  that  is,  when  the  air  contains  all  the  moisture  which  it  can  contain 
without  precipitation,  you  indicate  that  state  by  the  number  100,  and  then  in  exam- 
ining any  specimen  of  atmospheric  air  in  a given  case  you  may  indicate  the  amount 
of  moisture  present  by  a number  which  will  bear  the  same  relation  to  the  number 
100  that  the  quantity  present  bears  to  what  would  be  present  if  the  air  were  entirely 
saturated.  This  amount,  so  present,  is  called  by  scientific  men,  “relative  humidity,” 
which  is  indicated  by  an  absolute  number.  As  I said  before,  the  mean  annual  rela- 


The  Extensions. 


845 


tive  humidity  of  external  atmospheric  air  is  about  68°  in  this  country.  It  is  about 
that  in  Philadelphia.  In  the  air  in  this  Chamber  we  ought,  at  a temperature  of  75°, 
to  have  a relative  humidity  of  68°  or  70°.  Upon  one  occasion  Dr.  Wetherill  ascer- 
tained that  the  relative  humidity  of  air  in  our  galleries  was  27°.  He  tested  it  in  the 
galleries  and  upon  the  floor  and  in  the  air  space  above  the  ceiling  upon  another  occa- 
sion when  the  relative  humidity  of  the  air  stood  at  21°  in  the  diplomatic  gallery  and 
at  20°  at  the  level  of  the  desks  near  the  floor  of  the  Chamber.  The  relative  humidity 
of  the  air  we  breathed  was  20°  instead  of  70°.  This  was  in  cool  weather,  when  the 
out-door  temperature  was  at  about  the  freezing  point. 

Mr.  Roscoe,  an  English  writer  who  examined  this  subject,  informs  us  that  the  air 
in  the  House  of  Lords,  where  they  have  night  sessions,  sometimes  very  prolonged 
night  sessions,  especially  in  the  latter  part  of  the  parliamentary  sittings,  is  pleasant 
to  breath  when  its  relative  humidity  ranges  from  55°  to  82°;  and  yet,  sir,  during  the 
winter  months  we  sit  here  in  an  atmosphere  the  relative  humidity  of  which  is  some- 
times 20°  or  21°.  Of  course  as  the  season  advances,  as  warm  weather  comes  on,  as 
the  external  atmosphere  is  increased  in  its  temperature,  it  obtains  the  moisture 
which  it  demands  from  external  sources,  and  as  we  do  not  heat  it  by  artificial  means 
before  it  is  introduced,  this  objection  of  aridity  of  the  air  does  not  exist  here,  and 
you  are  not  obliged  to  any  considerable  extent  to  struggle  against  it.  It  is  the  dif- 
ficulty in  winter. 

Now,  sir,  what  the  committee  propose  at  this  time  is,  that  the  architect  who 
designed  the  Capitol  wings  originally,  and  a departure  from  whose  plans  has  intro- 
duced every  difficulty  that  exists  now  in  the  ventilation  of  the  Halls — I speak  that 
with  confidence  after  three  years’  examination  of  this  subject — shall  proceed  in 
accordance  with  the  plans  which  have  been  examined  and  approved  to  make  the 
necessary  preliminary  arrangements  before  the  next  session;  to  obtain  materials  and 
to  make  the  proper  contracts  preliminary  to  carrying  this  work  into  execution;  that 
during  the  next  session  we  shall  have  the  air  introduced  into  the  Senate  hydrated, 
that  is,  have  some  amount  of  moisture  forced  into  it,  and  that  we  shall  get  through 
the  next  session  as  well  as  we  can  with  that  single  improvement.  Immediately 
upon  our  adjournment  at  the  next  session,  the  work  above,  the  change  of  roof  and 
ceiling,  the  introduction  of  side  windows,  and  all  the  other  details  of  the  plan,  will 
be  carried  forward  and  can  be  executed  a considerable  time  before  the  meeting  of 
the  next  Congress. 

I will  conclude  by  saying  that  there  are  two  leading  defects  we  encounter  at 
present  in  examining  our  ventilation : the  one,  the  aridity  of  the  air  in  winter;  the 
other  is  the  excessive  heat  in  summer,  and  this  excessive  heat  in  the  Hall  is  pro- 
duced by  the  enormous  amount  of  metal  and  of  glass  which  is  placed  above  us.  It 
is  impossible  to  have  this  Senate  Chamber  ventilated  and  the  air  made  healthy  and 
the  condition  of  the  members  made  comfortable  so  long  as  that  roof  is  retained. 

As  I said  before,  the  architect,  in  designing  the  Capitol  wings,  originally  planned 
them  with  external  windows  in  the  whole  circumference  of  the  upper  part  of  the 
Hall,  and  there  was  no  glass  roof.  He  never  intended  any  such  abortion,  any  such 
monstrosity  in  this  climate,  as  a sort  of  Grecian  temple,  open  to  the  heavens,  or  with 
the  external  heat  and  cold  and  the  influence  of  noise  excluded  only  by  metal  and 
glass  in  the  manner  which  has  obtained. 

Let  me  explain  the  effect  of  that  roof  in  the  winter.  We  had  that  examined. 
Upon  one  occasion  when  the  external  temperature  was  at  a temperature  of  30^°  of 
Fahrenheit  the  thermometer  indicated  64°  in  the  air  space  between  the  ceiling  and 
the  roof,  which  is  our  lighting  space;  in  the  galleries  68°,  and  on  the  floor  of  the 
Senate  Chamber  70°.  What  did  that  mean?  The  'warm  air  lying  down  in  the  lowest 
part  of  the  space  and  the  coldest  air  in  the  upper  part;  what  did  that  mean?  It 
meant  this;  your  thirty-four  hundred  feet  of  glass  roof  and  your  seven  thousand  or 
ten  thousand  square  feet  of  copper  roof,  (a  single  thickness  at  that,)  and  the  iron 


846 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

and  glass  ceiling  were  such  instruments  and  agents  for  imparting  cold  to  the  air 
within  our  space  that  the  coldest  air  was  actually  in  the  upper  part  of  the  Hall  and 
the  warmest  air  in  the  lowest  part.  You  are  obliged  to  heat  air  and  drive  it  in  here 
and  fight  that  roof — contend  against  it — throughout  the  cold  months  of  the  winter; 
and  the  disturbance  thereby  produced  to  your  ventilation  is  incurable  while  the 
cause  remains. 

W e had  a Chaplain  in  the  last  Congress  who  understood  the  classic  languages,  and 
I went  to  him  to  obtain  a Latin  expression  regarding  the  roof  analogous  to  that 
which  is  used  in  reference  to  the  destruction  of  Carthage.  He  said  it  would  he, 
tectum  delendum  est,  which  may  mean,  the  roof  must  be  destroyed;  it  must  be  abol- 
ished; the  impertinence  of  its  presence  in  this  great  structure  must  not  be  perma- 
nently permitted.  I have  taken  that  as  my  motto  in  reference  to  this  question  of 
ventilation  which  has  been  under  consideration  for  three  years.  It  is  the  key-note 
to  the  whole  subject.  You  must  abolish  the  present  roof,  and  you  must  substitute 
some  other  arrangement  by  which  you  can  get  control  of  the  air  used  in  ventilating 
your  Hall.  By  adopting  this  report  the  Senate  two  years  from  this  time,  on  the  23d 
day  of  July,  1868,  can  sit  with  perfect  certainty  in  an  atmosphere  of  70°  in  this 
Chamber.  I think  that  is  an  illustration  of  the  proposed  reform  which  will  come 
home  to  members. 

Mr.  Johnson.  How  is  it  about  sound? 

Mr.  Buckalew.  One  of  the  leading  ideas  in  the  plan  of  introducing  air  through  the 
ceiling  and  taking  it  out  at  the  floor,  one  of  the  main  recommendations  of  it,  is  its  mani- 
fest improvement  with  regard  to  acoustics.  By  introducing  the  currents  of  air  at  the 
ceiling  and  causing  the  air  to  descend  through  a considerable  space  before  it  reaches 
the  person  the  inevitable  result  is  that  the  air  becomes  equalized  in  its  temperature 
and  in  its  density  through  its  whole  mass,  and  the  voice  traverses  it  with  entire  con- 
venience and  regularity.  We  have  had  that  subject  specially  examined  by  Dr. 
Antisell,  a man  of  science,  and  he  has  prepared  for  us  an  essay  or  a report  which 
wall  accompany  our  report  (read  to-day)  when  it  is  regularly  printed  and  prepared 
for  future  reference.  This  subject  of  the  acoustics  of  the  plan  was  also  examined  by 
Professors  Bache  and  Henry  when  it  was  contemplated  originally  to  adopt  it  here. 
They  visited  many  public  buildings  and  examined  that  question  with  care. 

I may  say  to  the  Senator,  in  addition,  that  for  the  purpose  of  avoiding  reverbera- 
tions which  to  some  extent  jrrevail  in  the  present  Hall,  it  is  only  necessary  to  have 
passages  for  the  air  sunk  in  the  panels  of  the  woodwork  which  curtains  the  Chamber. 
In  that  case  all  surplus  sound  would  be  conveyed  into  the  passages,  and  might  by 
tubes  be  conveyed  to  the  galleries,  as  is  done  in  Drury  Lane  Theater.  There  are 
sub-passages  connected  with  tubes  by  which  the  voice  is  conveyed  into  the  upper 
extremities  of  the  galleries  and  the  voices  of  the  actors  upon  the  stage  are  heard  dis- 
tinctly at  the  most  remote  points  of  that  building.  If  it  become  necessary  to  improve 
the  acoustics  of  the  Chamber  with  reference  to  the  excess  of  sounds  thrown  back 
from  the  walls  we  can  easily  dispose  of  all  that  surplus  sound  by  throwing  it  into  the 
walls  themselves  and  conveying  it  away  and  using  it  elsewhere  if  we  please. 

Mr.  Sumner.  Mr.  President,  we  must  all  be  very  grateful  to  the  Senator  from 
Pennsylvania  for  the  attention  which  he  has  given  to  this  important  question  which 
concerns  so  much  the  comfort  of  the  Senate;  I was  about  almost  to  say  the  character 
of  our  legislation;  for  while  living  in  this  anomalous  atmosphere,  certainly  it  may  he 
well  imagined  that  our  legislation  sometimes  must  suffer  with  our  bodies.  But  the 
Senator  will  pardon  me  if  I suggest  that  he  has  not  been  sufficiently  radical  in  his 
proposition.  I know  the  Senator  in  some  respects  is  unwilling  to  be  considered  a 
radical.  He  does  not  like  the  name. 

Mr.  Buckalew.  I have  no  distate  for  the  name;  I claim  to  be  very  radical  on  some 
subjects. 

Mr.  Sumner.  Very  well;  now  I wish  the  Senator  to  be  radical  on  this  subject 


The  Extensions. 


847 


which  he  has  particularly  in  hand.  He,  catching  a phrase  from  ancient  Rome,  says, 
not  that  Carthage  is  to  be  destroyed,  but  the  roof  is  to  be  destroyed.  Now,  I tell  the 
Senator  he  does  not  go  far  enough;  these  walls  are  to  be  destroyed.  The  difficulty  is 
not  so  much  with  the  roof  over  our  heads,  as  with  the  surrounding  walls.  This  room 
must  be  brought  to  the  open  air;  it  must  be  brought  where  there  can  be  windows 
that  will  look  out  to  the  light  of  day.  Through  those  windows  we  can  hav.e  a nat- 
ural ventilation;  and  as  this  building  is  seated  high  on  an  eminence,  it  is  open  to  the 
air  always  when  there  is  any  air  stirring.  I think  I do  not  go  too  far  when  I say 
there  is  no  public  edifice  in  the  world  which  enjoys  advantages  of  sight  equal  to  that 
of  this  Capitol.  If  any  one  calls  to  mind  the  great  buildings  of  London,  of  Paris,  or 
of  Rome,  there  is  not  one  of  them  that  can  be  compared  in  situation  with  this  Capi- 
tol. Now,  sir,  when  we  voluntarily  shut  ourselves  up  in  this  stone  cage  with  glass 
above,  we  renounce  all  the  advantages  and  opportunities  of  this  unparalleled  situa- 
tion. Let  these  walls  be  taken  down,  and  by  a radical  change  this  room  be  brought 
to  the  open  air.  That  will  be  a change  that  will  accomplish  at  once  all  in  the  way 
of  ventilation  and  everything  else  which  the  Senator  so  anxiously  recommends. 
The  proposition  is  more  radical  than  his;  it  will  be  expensive,  I fear  very  expensive, 
for  this  building  as  we  all  see  is  built  for  immortality.  Unless  there  is  some  act  of 
legislation  by  which  it  is  to  be  changed  this  room  will  continue  uncomfortable  as  it 
is  now  for  centuries.  Senators,  centuries  after  us,  unless  some  of  us  interfere  to 
make  the  change,  will  be  sitting  as  uncomfortably  as  ourselves.  Now,-  sir,  I think 
we  owe  it  to  those  who  are  to  come  after  us  to  initiate  the  change. 

I would  call  attention  to  two  things  which  I think  essential.  I have  alluded 
already  to  one  of  them,  and  I will  now  individualize  it  again.  First,  this  room  is  to 
be  brought  to  the  open  air  by  taking  down  these  walls  and  having  windows  that 
shall  look  out  to  the  sky.  Secondly,  and  that  is  not  less  important,  the  room  should 
be  not  more  than  half  its  present  size.  Here  we  are  in  this  room  sacrificed  to  the 
galleries.  In  that  respect  we  are  not  unlike  the  combatants  in  a Roman  amphithe- 
ater, and  here  we  are  engaged  in  our  disputes  to  make,  not  “a Roman  holiday,”  but 
a Washington  holiday.  It  is  on  the  occasion  of  a considerable  discussion,  or  what 
is  sometimes  called  “a  great  debate,”  that  these  galleries  are  filled  with  fourteen  or 
fifteen  hundred  people.  I need  not  remind  Senators  how  little  the  size  of  this  room 
consists  with  the  proper  transaction  of  public  business.  It  may  do  very  well  for  a 
considerable  occasion  when  some  person  is  to  occupy  the  whole  day  and  to  give 
himself  to  an  occasional  speech;  but  we  all  know  that  it  is  not  consistent  with  our 
comfort  in  the  transaction  of  everyday  business. 

I do  not  know  that  Senators  remember  the  testimony  that-  was  given  by  Sir  Robert 
Peel  before  the  committee  of  the  House  of  Commons  when  they  were  considering 
what  should  be  the  size  of  that  room.  He  was  summoned  before  the  committee  and 
interrogated  as  a witness  is;  he  was  reminded  that  the  House  of  Commons  consisted 
of  six  hundred  and  fifty-eight  members;  he  was  then  asked  what  accommodation  he 
thought,  all  things  considered,  should  be  provided  for  the  House  and  spectators,  to 
which  he  replied,  according  to  my  recollection:  true  the  House  of  Commons  con- 
sisted of  six  hundred  and  fifty-eight  members,  but  that  number  was  very  rarely  in 
attendance;  then  the  number  of  spectators  was  comparatively  small;  on  common 
occasions,  upon  everyday  business,  even  a small  house,  he  said,  would  not  be  filled, 
and  he  thought  it  better  to  construct  the  new  House  of  Commons  with  a view  to  the 
business  of  every  day  rather  than  with  a view  to  those  rare  occasions  when  the 
House  would  surely  be  filled.  He  said,  summing  up  his  testimony,  we  had  better 
be  comfortable  every  day  and  stand  a tight  squeeze  on  those  rare  occasions.  I think 
there  is  a great  deal  of  philosophy  in  that.  I think  that  the  Senate  had  better  be 
comfortable  every  day  and  every  hour  of  the  day,  when  it  is  transacting  its  morning 
business,  when  it  is  considering  the  introduction  of  measures,  and  occasionally  stand 
a tight  squeeze,  rather  than  be  uncomfortable  every  day,  as  it  is  through  the 
unreasonable  size  of  this  Chamber. 


848 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


You  all  know  that  when  business  is  introduced  or  motions  are  made  in  a common 
tone  of  voice,  it  is  difficult  for  us  to  hear  them  unless  we  give  very  special  attention, 
and  if  there  is  any  interruption  by  conversation  it  is  impossible.  Now,  I submit 
that  the  Chamber  ought  to  be  of  such  a size  that  a Senator  making  a motion  in  a com- 
mon tone  of  voice,  or  asking  a question  in  a common  tone  of  voice,  would  be  easily 
heard  throughout  the  Chamber.  I think  that  should  be  the  rule  of  the  architect. 
No  such  rule  has  been  employed;  this  has  been  constructed  with  reference  to  these 
spacious  galleries,  and  our  daily  business,  I may  say  our  daily  life,  is  sacrificed  to 
the  accommodation  of  the  galleries.  I submit  that  if  the  galleries  were  half  the 
present  size,  containing  some  seven  hundred  witnesses,  with  the  reporter’ s gallery 
which  already  exists,  the  whole  theory  of  our  institutions  would  be  amply  fulfilled, 
the  public  would  be  in  sufficient  attendance,  and  our  business  would  be  transacted 
much  more  easily  and  advantageously  than  it  is  now. 

I say,  therefore,  there  are  two  things  to  be  accomplished;  one  is  to  bring  this  room 
into  a smaller  space  and  another  is  to  bring  it  out  to  the  open  air;  and  in  doing  that  all 
the  object  of  my  friend  from  Pennsylvania  would  be  satisfactorily  accomplished. 
We  should  have  a new  system  of  ventilation  which  would  be  complete;  it  would  be 
a natural  ventilation  in  the  main  instead  of  an  artificial  one,  such  as  he  proposes. 

I have  thrown  out  these  remarks  as  they  come  to  my  mind,  believing  that  they 
are  important  for  the  consideration  of  the  Senate,  and  further  believing  that  it 
belongs  to  the  older  Senators  of  this  body,  those  who  have  been  the  longest  expe- 
rienced in  this  Chamber,  to  take  the  lead  in  these  suggestions.  Of  course  Senators 
who  have  recently  come  into  the  Chamber  will  not  consider  themselves  authorized 
by  experience  to  propose  a revolutionary  or  a radical  change  in  the  room.  It  will 
be  for  those  who  have  had  a longer  experience  of  the  Chamber,  and  especially  for 
those  who  have  had  an  experience  of  the  other  Chamber  where  we  were  before  this, 
to  insist  upon  this  change.  Why,  sir,  if  it  could  be  done  by  my  vote,  I would  go 
back  to-morrow  morning  gladly  to  that  other  Chamber  where  the  Senate  sat  for  so 
many  honorable  years  of  its  existence.  There  is  no  one  who  remembers  that 
Chamber  who  would  not  prefer  to  be  there  than  here.  For  the  transaction  of 
public  business  it  was  infinitely  superior  to  this  room,  and  then  on  those  rare  occa- 
sions when  there  was  a large  attendance  there  were  spectators  enough;  the  theory 
of  our  Government  was  amply  satisfied,  the  public  were  not  excluded,  and  there 
were  always  reporters  to  communicate  promptly  what  was  said. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  I am  very  much  gratified  that  the  Senator  from  Pennsylvania  has 
moved  in  this  matter.  I think  something  ought  to  be  done.  This  Hall  has  been  a 
subject  of  complaint  ever  since  we  moved  into  it.  I served  for  one  or  two  Con- 
gresses— I do  not  recollect  now  the  precise  period  when  we  moved  into  this  Hall — in 
the  old  Chamber;  and  from  the  time  we  first  came  here  until  now  it  has  always  been 
a subject  of  complaint,  not  only  in  summer,  but  in  winter.  It  used  to  be  complained 
of  when  we  first  came  here  very  seriously  in  consequence  of  currents  of  cold  air  in 
the  Chamber,  and  at  that  time,  some  years  ago — I think  the  late  Senator  from  New 
Hampshire  [Mr.  Hale]  moved  in  the  matter  first — a committee  was  raised,  and  it 
was  proposed,  I think,  at  that  time  to  change  the  Chamber  from  its  present  position 
to  the  exterior  of  the  building.  I have  always  been  hoping  that  that  change  would 
take  place.  I think  it  was  the  greatest  mistake  that  could  have  been  made  to  place 
these  Halls  in  the  center  of  the  wings  of  the  Capitol.  Now  it  is  in  contemplation  to 
improve  the  grounds.  They  are  already  very  beautiful  on  the  east  and  west  sides  of 
the  Capitol.  It  is  intended  to  extend  the  grounds  on  the  north  and  south,  and  to 
plant  trees.  The  prospect  will  be  inviting  and  pleasing  when  these  improvements 
are  made.  If  our  Hall  was  upon  the  exterior  of  the  building,  with  these  fine 
grounds  surrounding  them,  the  windows  open,  and  access  out  upon  the  balconies, 
what  a relief  it  would  be.  What  a relief  it  would  have  been  during  the  late  hot  and 
oppressive  weather  to  have  had  an  opportunity,  without  losing  the  business  of  the 


The  Extensions. 


849 


Senate,  without  being  so  far  away  that  you  could  not  tell  what  was  going  on,  to  have 
the  benefit  of  windows  upon  the  exterior.  It  is  not  simply  the  air;  it  is  the  prospect. 
The  prospect  is  worth  a great  deal.  It  is  a relief  from  the  tedious  business  of  a six 
or  eight  or  sometimes  ten  hour  session  to  look  out  upon  the  world,  and  not  to  be 
shut  up  here  like  prisoners  in  a jail  or  school-boys  in  a school-room,  where  the  win- 
dows are  closed,  lest  they  should  look  out  of  doors  and  their  attention  be  directed 
from  their  books. 

I therefore  should  be  sorry  to  see  any  money  expended  in  an  attempt  to  raise  the 
roof  of  this  Chamber  with  a view  of  improving  it  where  it  is.  I think  that  this  room 
should  be  adjoining  the  exterior  walls  of  the  building.  The  architect  some  years 
ago  made  an  examination  to  see  if  such  an  improvement  could  be  made,  and  the 
matter  was  seriously  considered.  I have  not  looked  at  his  report  recently,  but  he 
made  a report  and  an  estimate  of  the  expense.  Two  questions  were  considered:  first, 
whether  it  was  practicable,  consistent  with  the  safety  of  the  building,  in  the  manner 
in  which  it  is  constructed,  to  take  out  these  walls  and  change  the  Hall  to  the 
exterior  walls  of  the  building;  and  secondly,  what  the  expense  of  that  change 
would  be.  The  architect  reported  that,  it  was  practicable,  that  that  change  could  b( 
made  without  injury  to  the  building;  and  my  recollection  is  that  he  estimated  the 
expense  of  doing  it,  making  everything  complete,  and  providing  rooms  for  the  Sec- 
retary’s office  and  these  other  anterooms  elsewhere,  at  $200,000.  I do  not  remember 
what  the  estimate  is  of  the  improvement  contemplated  by  the  Senator  from  Penn- 
sylvania. If  he  stated  it,  I was  not  paying  attention  at  the  moment.  The  cost  of 
the  improvement  he  designs  making  would  of  course  be  much  less  than  this  radical 
change,  as  the  Senator  from  Massachusetts  calls  it,  of  moving  the  Ilall  to  the  exterior 
walls  of  the  building.  I am  not  now  prepared  to  suggest  a plan  of  doing  that;  but  I 
hope  we  may  have  the  sense  of  the  Senate  upon  the  question  as  to  how  this  improve- 
ment is  to  be  made.  I take  it,  all  will  agree  that  some  change  or  other  ought  to  be 
had  in  this  room.  My  own  judgment  is  that  when  we  make  that  change,  we  had 
better  change  the  location  of  the  Hall,  and  not  attempt  to  improve  it  where  it  is. 
It  is  not  in  the  right  place.  It  never  ought  to  have  been  in  the  center  of  the  building. 
Let  us  be  where  we  can  have  the  prospect  that  will  surround  us  and  have  the  benefit 
of  the  air  as  nature  furnishes  it,  without  having  it  pumped  up  or  blown  up  by 
artificial  machinery. 

Mr.  Buckalew.  I deem  it  necessary  to  make  a few  remarks  in  consequence  of  what 
has  been  said  by  Senators  who  have  spoken  in  the  debate.  In  the  first  place,  I agree 
entirely  in  the  opinion  expressed  by  the  Senator  from  Massachusetts  that  the  Senate 
and  House  Halls  were  made  too  large;  that  it  would  have  been  much  better  if  they 
had  been  constructed  of  smaller  dimensions;  but  I take  it  for  granted  that  we  shall 
not  get  any  measure  through  both  Houses  of  Congress  proposing  a reduction  or  con- 
traction in  their  size,  and  inducing  the  enormous  expenditure  which  will  be  necessary 
to  effect  that  object. 

The  Senator  from  Massachusetts  says  that  he  desires  to  get  to  the  external  atmos- 
phere. Now,  sir,  by  the  plan  proposed,  you  accomplish  that  object  ; you  get  to  the 
external  atmosphere.  The  only  difference  between  the  plan  which  the  Senator  sug- 
gested and  that  proposed  is,  that  by  this  plan  you  get  to  the  external  atmosphere  in 
the  upper  part  of  the  Hall  by  windows  surrounding  it,  and  according  to  his  idea  you 
would  get  to  the  external  atmosphere  in  the  lower  part  of  the  Hall  by  side  windows 
on  two  sides  of  the  Chamber  instead  of  four.  Therefore,  the  whole  object  which  he 
suggested  as  desirable  is  obtained  by  the  plan  before  us,  while  it  would  be  but  par- 
tially attained  by  his.  Of  course,  the  moment  that  air  is  introduced  from  windows 
in  the  upper  part  of  the  Hall,  it  would  fall  to  the  floor;  the  whole  mass  of  air  within 
the  entire  Chamber  would  be  changed;  and  besides  that,  you  would  not  be  subjected 
to  side  currents  of  air  upon  the  bodies  of  members  themselves.  There  can  be  no 
question  between  the  two,  which  is  to  be  preferred. 

H.  Rep.  646 54 


850 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Now,  sir,  with  regard  to  the  suggestion  that  we  shall  go  to  the  sides  of  the  wings 
with  our  Halls,  my  opinion  is,  after  a long  consideration  of  this  subject,  that  that 
proposed  reform  is  one  which  will  never  be  accomplished;  that  it  is  simply  a sug- 
gestion which,  if  not  impracticable,  will  not  within  any  reasonable  period  of  time  be 
realized.  In  the  report  made  by  the  select  committee  on  this  subject,  which  has 
been  read  at  the  desk,  a number  of  objections  to  it  are  stated  which  seem  to  me  to 
be  decisive.  But  in  addition  to  those  objections,  there  is  this  one:  after  you  get  the 
Hall  to  the  side  of  the  wing  with  two  of  its  sides  exposed  to  the  external  atmosphere 
through  the  windows  or  other  apertures,  the  whole  question  of  ventilation  and  its 
arrangement  returns  upon  you.  It  is  idle  to  talk  of  ventilating  a hall  of  mag- 
nitude steadily,  regularly,  and  successfully  by  side  windows  alone.  Those  side 
windows  will  be  exceedingly  objectionable  to  those  who  will  occupy  the  Hall 
because  of  the  currents  of  cold  air  which  will  fall  from  them  if  they  are  not 
double,  and  if  you  double  them,  as  they  will  necessarily  have  to  be  in  order  to  realize 
the  result,  the  Senator’s  external  prospect  would  be  excluded  or  impaired.  I do  not 
know  that  there  is  a single  recommendation  of  that  plan  which  remains,  after  con- 
sidering carefully  the  practical  difficulties  in  the  way,  except  this  one  of  having  a 
prospect,  a thing  which  you  can  have  now  by  stepping  out  upon  the  balcony  under 
the  colonnade.  You  are  able,  as  far  as  that  is  concerned,  to  realize  your  wish  if  you 
choose  to  withdraw  from  business  and  from  debate  to  enjoy  the  contemplation  of 
nature,  so  far  as  nature  can  be  seen  in  a city  inhabited  by  fifty  or  one  hundred 
thousand  people  with  the  artificial  conditions  established  by  them.  I repeat  again, 
that  when  we  get  to  the  sides  of  the  building  we  shall  have  to  adopt  some  effective 
plan  of  ventilation,  to  bring  the  air  in  above  or  below  and  remove  it  when  it  becomes 
contaminated. 

I have  but  one  further  remark  to  make,  which  I think  will  tend  to  reconcile 
gentlemen  to  the  adoption  of  this  amendment,  which  is  the  only  practical  point 
before  us.  The  elevation  of  the  ceiling,  the  insertion  of  side  windows,  and  the 
construction  of  a new  roof,  will  not  be  entered  upon  before  the  next  session  of 
Congress.  Of  necessity,  that  part  of  the  improvement  will  be  delayed.  When  we 
meet  next  winter,  we  shall  have  a model  in  wood,  open  to  the  inspection  of  all  the 
members  of  the  Senate,  showing  precisely  the  effect  of  the  changes  proposed  with 
reference  to  the  roof  and  the  ceiling  and  the  side  windows,  so  that  it  can  be  seen  by 
the  eye.  Then  if  there  be  insuperable  objections  in  the  minds  of  Senators  to  enter- 
ing upon  that  part  of  our  plan  of  improvement,  we  can  arrest  it  before  any  expense 
is  incurred  upon  it.  I suppose  this  explanation  ought  to  be  satisfactory  to  Senators, 
and  induce  them  to  agree  to  the  amendment. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  July  24,  1866:  Congressional  Globe,  39 — 1,  p.  4072.] 

CIVIL  APPROPRIATION  BILL. 

The  Senate,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  bill 
(II.  R.  No.  737)  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government 
for  the  year  ending  June  30,  1867,  and  for  other  purposes,  the  pending  question 
being  on  the  amendment  proposed  by  Mr.  Buckalew  from  the  select  committee  on 
ventilation. 

Mr.  Sumner.  That  is  a proposition  to  appropriate  $117,000  for  the  ventilation  of 
this  room.  If  we  are  to  continue  in  this  room  I should  like  to  have  it  ventilated; 
but  I think  that  so  large  an  outlay  of  money  is  out  of  place  for  that  object.  I think, 
as  I said  yesterday,  we  ought  to  go  further  and  do  something  better.  I am  not  will- 
ing, for  one,  to  pay  $117,000  merely  to  stay  in  this  gilded  cage  where  we  are  kept.  I 
will  pay  more  in  order  to  change  the  room  entirely.  I think  that  the  committee 


The  Extensions. 


851 


has  made  a mistake.  They  will  pardon  me;  I do  not  intend  really  any  criticism; 
but  I think  they  have  made  a mistake  in  trying  to  refashion  this  room.  That  is  the 
object  of  this  large  appropriation,  §117,000,  merely  for  the  ventilation  of  this  impos- 
sible Chamber;  for  when  it  is  ventilated  it  is  not  a proper  Chamber  for  the  Senate  of 
the  United  States.  I hope,  therefore,  that  instead  of  appropriating  §117,000  to  ven- 
tilate this  room,  we  shall  appropriate  perhaps  a larger  sum  to  make  a more  thorough 
change.  In  this  matter  I am  in  earnest.  I feel  that  we  shall  make  a mistake  if  we 
invest  more  money  in  this  apartment.  The  object  of  the  proposition  of  the  Senator 
is  a further  investment  of  money  in  these  walls  by  which  we  are  encaged.  I will 
invest  to  take  the  walls  down,  but  I am  unwilling  to  pay  more  to  keep  these  walls 
in  their  place. 

I am  not  able  to  present  a plan  as  a substitute  for  that  of  the  Senator  from  Penn- 
sylvania. I have  never  presented  this  subject  to  any  architect  or  person  who  was 
able  to  make  a report  as  an  architect  upon  it;  but  1 should  like  to  have  the  whole 
question  submitted  to  a proper  person  or  a proper  committee  with  a view  to  a prac- 
tical result.  As  I tried  to  say  last  night,  there  were  two  objects  at  which  1 would 
aim.  One  would  be  to  bring  the  Chamber  right  out  in  connection  with  the  open 
air,  and  the  other  would  be  to  diminish  the  size  of  the  Chamber.  I would  reduce  it 
by  one  half.  For  instance,  a Chamber  that  would  be  left  by  running  a line  from  the 
main  door  to  the  chair  of  the  President,  I think  would  be  ample  for  all  the  business 
of  the  Senate.  We  should  be  more  comfortable  in  it.  Public  business  would  be 
transacted  more  advantageously.  For  instance,  what  we  are  now  engaged  upon  to-day 
would  be  attended  to  much  better  than  in  this  large  room. 

Since  the  discussion  last  night,  I have  been  reminded  of  a saying  by  one  of  the 
best  of  the  early  English  writers,  old  Fuller,  which  you  will  find  in  his  proverbs. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  Can  you  give  the  chapter  and  verse.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Sumner.  I cannot  give  the  chapter  and  verse.  I have  got  it  here.  I have 
written  it  down.  It  is  as  follows,  and  I think  you  will  see  the  application  of  it,  and 
my  friend  from  Maine  will  not  be  insensible  of  it.  A house,  he  says  in  this  proverb, 
had  better  be  too  little  for  a day  than  too  big  for  a year;  therefore,  houses  ought  to 
be  proportioned  to  ordinary  occasions  and  not  extraordinary.  Now,  this  Chamber 
of  ours  is  not  proportioned  to  ordinary  occasions;  it  is  not  proportioned  to  our  every- 
day business;  and  what  I desire  is  that  it  should  be  brought  into  those  proportions, 
that  it  should  be  brought  into  harmony  with  what  we  are  called  upon  to  do  every 
day;  and  that  it  should  not  be  kept  in  proportion  to  those  extraordinary  occasions 
when  these  galleries  are  filled. 

Now,  sir,  I have  no  motion  to  make,  but  I do  not  see  how  I can  vote  for  this  large 
appropriation  which  is  to  involve  an  increased  expenditure  on  this  room,  which,  it 
seems  to  me,  we  ought  to  do  all  we  can  to  get  rid  of,  instead  of  putting  more  money 
into  it. 

Mr.  Harris.  Mr.  President,  I am  not  prepared  to  agree  to  any  proposition  to  change 
this  Chamber,  so  far  as  it  relates  to  its  size  or  its  location,  but  I am  decidedly  in  favor 
of  improving  its  ventilation.  But  I desire  to  inquire  of  the  Senator  from  Pennsyl- 
' vania  who  presents  this  proposition,  how  much  of  this  §117,000  he  proposes  to  have 
expended  during  the  recess  of  Congress.  I suppose  a very  small  proportion;  and  I 
should  think  it  much  more  advisable  to  make  an  appropriation  equal  to  the  amount 
to  be  expended  during  the  time  that  will  elapse  between  this  and  our  reassembly  in 
December,  and  then  consider  what  we  shall  do  after  Congress  shall  adjourn  next 
year.  It  seems  to  me  we  ought  to  make  a moderate  appropriation  now  to  carry  on 
the  changes  that  he  proposes  to  make  during  the  coming  recess. 

Mr.  Buckalew.  Mr.  President,  the  estimates  for  the  different  items  of  outlay  were 
very  carefully  ascertained  and  reported  at  the  last  session  in  the  report  of  the  joint 
select  committee,  and  they  appear  on  pages  24  and  25  of  that  report.  As  a matter 
of  course,  the  amount  proposed  for  appropriation  will  not  be  expended  before  the 


852 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


meeting  of  the  next  session  of  Congress;  but  it  is  necessary  to  know  what  the  Senate 
intend  to  do.  This  plan  of  improvement  is  an  entirety;  one  part  is  dependent  upon 
another;  and  a complete  result  can  only  be  secured  by  the  adoption  of  the  entire 
scheme,  at  least  in  its  main  parts.  The  committee  have  reported  to  the  Senate  a 
plan  in  conformity  to  their  investigations,  and  what  is  desired  is,  not  that  we  shall 
get  the  opportunity  of  spending  money  between  this  and  the  next  session  of  Con- 
gress, but  that  we  shall  have  the  plan  adopted  and  permit  all  the  preliminary 
arrangements  to  be  made  and  the  work  to  be  carried  forward  to  such  a point  that 
we  can  secure  its  completion  during  the  vacation  after  the  adjournment  at  the  next 
session.  As  I said  before,  the  Senate  would  still  have  it  within  their  power  at  the 
next  session  to  arrest  those  changes  which  I stated  in  connection  with  the  roof  and 
ceiling;  but  I do  not  believe  that  the  Senate  ever  would  arrest  them  if  the  work 
were  once  ordered. 

I stated,  also,  that  at  the  opening  of  the  next  session  there  would  be  a complete 
model  of  the  Senate  wing  ready,  showing  the  changes  proposed  above  the  Hall,  by 
which  members  would  be  enabled  to  judge  of  the  question,  if  indeed  there  should  then 
be  any  question,  with  regard  to  proceeding  in  completing  the  improvements  designed. 
To  be  sure,  you  can  make  appropriations  for  this,  that,  and  the  other  items  covered 
by  the  estimates  in  the  report  to  which  I have  alluded;  but  that  would  be  a very 
vain  and  frivolous  mode  of  proceeding,  leading  to  no  results,  bringing  us  to  no  con- 
clusion, and  securing  no  valuable  and  real  improvement.  The  subject  is  to  be  passed 
upon  as  a general  proposition,  and  not  in  detail. 

I do  not  know  that  the  Senator  desired  the  particular  estimates  to  be  stated.  I 
have  them  here  for  each  item  covered  by  this  appropriation,  amounting  in  the  aggre- 
gate to  a sum  a little  exceeding  $113,000.  We  voted  last  year,  without  serious  ques- 
tion, $160,000  for  extending  the  Congressional  Library.  A debate  took  place  on  the 
subject.  We  thought  that  object  was  sufficient  to  warrant  the  appropriation  of  so 
much  money.  To  be  sure,  it  has  not  been  all  expended;  it  is  not  all  expended  even 
at  this  time.  Now,  sir,  if  it  was  worth  while  for  us  to  expend  $160,000  in  extending 
the  Congressional  Library,  I ask  whether  it  is  not  worth  while  to  expend  the  amount 
proposed  in  the  pending  amendment  for  the  purpose  of  preserving  the  health  and 
securing  the  comfort  of  one  of  the  branches  of  the  great  legislative  department  of 
this  Government  in  future  time. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  I Avish  to  ask  the  Senator  whether  he  has  any  assurance  that  the 
work  will  be  done  between  now  and  December  next. 

Mr.  Buckalew.  That  is  the  very  point  to  which  the  Senator  from  New  York  spoke 
a moment  since  in  putting  his  question. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  I did  not  observe  it. 

Mr.  Buckalew.  Only  a certain  portion  of  the  work  can  be  accomplished  before  the 
next  meeting  of  Congress.  I stated  yesterday  that  the  committee  proposed  for  the 
next  session  simply  to  hydrate  the  air  that  is  to  be  let  into  this  Chamber? 

Mr.  Harris.  Will  the  Senator  allow  me  to  inquire  whether  or  not  that  is  not  a 
separate  work  from  the  work  that  is  contemplated  in  the  upper  part  of  the  Chamber? 

Mr.  Buckalew.  Yes,  sir. 

Mr.  Harris.  Entirely  distinct? 

Mr.  Buckalew.  But  that  is  not  involved  in  this  plan. 

Mr.  Harris.  That  is  all  that  is  proposed  to  be  done  this  year. 

Mr.  Buckalew.  It  is  no  part  of  the  plan  of  the  committee.  It  is  a mere  temporary 
device  for  the  next  session.  Unquestionably  this  roof  cannot  be  elevated  and  side 
windows  inserted  all  around  the  upper  part  of  the  Hall  before  the  next  session  of 
of  Congress;  it  is  impossible;  but  the  committee  have  reported  an  entire  plan,  and 
they  ask  the  Senate  to  adopt  it  as  an  entire  plan  securing  results.  You  cannot  take 
a part  of  it;  you  cannot  take  one  fragment  of  it;  you  cannot  adopt  the  improvement 
in  one  detail  and  get  results.  It  would  be  just  as  absurd  to  have  voted  last  winter  for 


The  Extensions. 


853 


some  part  of  the  additional  wing  to  the  Library  of  Congress,  because  it  was  not  pro- 
posed to  expend  the  money  before  Congress  would  be  in  session  again.  The  Senator 
will  see  that  there  is  no  force  in  his  observations,  unless  you  could  separate  and  divide 
one  part  of  this  plan  of  improvement  from  another. 

Mr.  Sherman.  I should  like  to  ask  whether  the  plan  proposed  in  the  two  wings  will 
not  involve  some  radical  changes  in  the  center  building?  Must  there  not  be  a propor- 
tional elevation  given  to  the  center? 

Mr.  Buckalew.  The  subject  of  the  effect  of  the  elevation  upon  the  appearance  of 
the  building  from  the  exterior  is  one  upon  which  I do  not  propose  to  enter.  It  is 
insisted  upon,  and  I believe  correctly,  that  the  present  elevation  of  the  Capitol  is 
defective;  that  it  departs  from  the  order  of  architecture  upon  which  the  Capitol  was 
originally  designed;  that  being  the  Roman  Corinthian  order,  as  it  is  technically 
known,  and  which  involves  the  breaking  of  sky  lines  by  irregular  elevations;  whereas 
the  sky  line  of  our  building  is  now  horizontal;  it  is  level  from  one  end  to  the  other. 
The  eye  does  not  rest  upon  the  Senate  or  House  wing  in  viewing  the  Capitol;  nothing 
is  dwelt  upon  but  the  dome.  It  departs  altogether  in  that  particular  respect  from 
the  principle  of  the  original  design. 

Mr.  Sherman.  What  I desire  to  know  is,  whether  this  will  render  it  necessary  to 
change  the  elevation  of  the  center  of  the  building. 

Mr.  Buckalew.  It  was  contemplated  by  the  architect  who  had  charge  of  the  Cap- 
itol extension  that  there  was  to  be  an  extensive  addition  built  in  connection  with  the 
dome,  and  when  he  resigned  his  office,  about  a year  since,  he  left  behind  him  in  his 
regular  annual  report  a plan  for  a change  in  the  center  part  of  the  building.  It  would 
involve  some  future  addition  to  the  structure  at  the  dome;  but  we  are  not  concerned 
with  that  at  present.  The  amount  of  elevation  upon  the  Senate  wing  would  not  be 
considerable,  and  it  would  not  interfere  at  all  with  the  exterior  adornment  of  the 
building,  the  porticos,  the  colonnades,  and  the  balustrading  above  on  the  outer  walls 
of  the  Senate  wing.  Our  addition  would  be  seen  behind  the  exterior  lines  at  a con- 
siderable distance.  I do  not  now  go  into  the  question  of  an  exterior  attic  or  barrier, 
which  may  be  added  for  architectural  reasons  and  general  effect,  but  is  not  con- 
templated by  this  appropriation. 

Mr.  Willey.  I think  I understood  the  honorable  Senator  to  state  that  while  it  was 
not  in  contemplation  to  do  anything  more  than  hydrate  the  air  in  the  Chamber 
between  this  session  and  the  next  session  of  Congress,  yet,  in  order  to  be  able  to 
complete  the  arrangements  in  the  roof  of  the  Chamber  between  the  end  of  the  next 
session  and  the  succeeding  session,  it  would  be  necessary  now,  at  this  time,  to  engage 
in  the  commencement  of  materials  and  arrangements  so  as  to  enable  the  architect 
and  builder  to  complete  the  changes  in  the  roof  between  the  next  and  succeeding 
session,  and  that  therefore  it  was  necessary  to  make  the  entire  appropriation  now,  in 
order  to  secure  the  materials,  &c.,  with  a view  to  the  ultimate  completion.  I believe 
I understood  the  Senator  correctly  in  that  respect. 

Mr.  Buckalew.  Yes,  sir. 

Mr.  Anthony.  After  the  very  elaborate  and  interesting  speech  which  the  Senator 
from  Pennsylvania  made  yesterday  upon  this  subject  I do  not  feel  as  though  I can 
add  anything  to  it.  I served  on  the  committee  under  him,  and  I commenced  the 
investigation  with  a very  strong  feeling  in  favor  of  pushing  the  Senate  Chamber  out 
against  the  exterior  wall,  which  I have  been  told  was  the  original  plan  of  the  build- 
ing; but  I was  entirely  satisfied,  from  examining  the  subject  and  hearing  the  discus- 
sion by  scientific  men,  architects  and  chemists,  that  this  Hall  never  would  be 
properly  ventilated  by  mere  lateral  ventilation;  that  the  temperature  would  be  dif- 
ferent in  different  parts  of  the  room,  and  in  order  to  make  it  comfortable  in  some 
parts,  it  wouid  be  necessary  to  make  it  very  uncomfortable  in  others,  and  even  if  the 
Senate  Chamber  was  placed  against  the  wall  of  the  building  with  the  windows  open- 
ing directly  into  the  air  it  would  be  necessary  to  have  an  artificial  ventilation,  and 


854 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


the  only  ventilation  that  has  been  successful  in  a large  room  is  ventilation  from 
above  and  forced  down  by  machinery.  I believe  we  shall  never  have  a comfortable, 
or  a healthful,  or  a tolerable  Chamber  here  until  we  adopt  some  system  like  the  one 
now  proposed.  This  is  altogether  the  best  that  I have  been  able  to  come  at.  I do 
not  believe  Ave  can  do  any  better  than  to  adopt  this  system.  I do  not  believe  we  can 
have  on  any  other  plan  that  has  been  brought  to  the  knowledge  of  the  committee 
anything  like  such  conditions  as  we  desire. 

Mr.  Buckalew.  I will  say  a few  words  more,  and  then  I will  leave  the  subject. 
This  plan  which  we  will  have  will  be  substantially  that  which  obtains  in  the  House 
of  Commons  at  London.  After  expending  over  $2,000,000  in  experiments  in  improv- 
ing the  ventilation  of  the  Houses  of  Parliament,  in  1854,  the  whole  subject  was  turned 
over  to  Goldsworthy  Gurney,  who  proceeded  to  adopt  a plan  involving  two  prin- 
ciples: first,  the  use  of  windows  around  the  whole  upper  elevation  of  the  hall;  and, 
secondly,  the  downward  movement  of  the  air  through  the  hall,  for  the  purpose  of 
ventilation.  In  1852  there  was  a parliamentary  committee  which  made  an  elaborate 
report.  In  1854  another  committee  sat  during  one  half,  perhaps  the  entire  session  of 
Parliament.  Their  report  constitutes  a large  volume  in  the  Congressional  Library. 
Lord  Palmerston  was  a member  of  the  committee,  and  must  have  expended  two  or 
three  weeks  of  his  valuable  time  in  service  upon  it,  prominent  as  he  was  in  the  Gov- 
ernment of  that,  country  and  in  the  councils  of  Parliament.  They  ventilated  the 
House  of  Commons  by  the  use  of  windows,  precisely  as  we  propose,  in  the  upper 
elevation  of  their  hall,  when  the  temperature  of  the  external  atmosphere  admits  of 
it,  and  they  warm  their  air  at  all  times,  when  they  do  not  use  the  external  air 
directly,  and  bring  it  into  the  hall  above  and  remove  it  at  the  floor.  Although  they 
had  expended  the  enormous  amount  which  I have  mentioned  in  experiments  before, 
on  all  sorts  of  plans,  such  as  I have  heard  discussed  for  two  or  three  sessions  about 
the  Capitol,  they  adopted  this  plan  of  1854,  and  from  that  day  down  to  this  the  par- 
liamentary papers  are  a blank  on  the  subject  of  ventilation;  so  perfect  and  so  entirely 
successful  was  this  system  of  windows  in  the  upper  elevation  of  the  hall,  and  down- 
ward movement  of  the  air. 

Besides  that,  the  legislative  chambers  at  Paris  and  the  public  buildings  in  that  city 
are  ventilated  on  precisely  these  principles.  A recent  elaborate  work  of  General 
Morin  was  sent  for  to  Paris  during  the  last  year,  and  has  been  thoroughly  examined. 
It  is  alluded  to  in  our  report.  We  have,  in  short,  the  highest  scientific  opinion  in 
favor  of  the  leading  principles  of  our  plan  of  improvement,  and  Are  have  also  the 
cases  of  the  House  of  Commons  and  other  public  structures  in  Great  Britain  and  the 
public  buildings  in  Paris.  It  is  idle  for  us  to  seek  for  information  in  this  country, 
to  call  men  who  have  a smattering  of  information  on  topics  of  this  kind  before  us 
and  reduce  their  evidence  to  writing.  If  Ave  had  twenty  volumes  of  such  testimony 
Ave  could  not  haA7e  the  guarantees  for  success  for  this  plan  which  we  have  from  the 
facts  Avhich  I haA'e  stated. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  proposed  by  the  Sen- 
ator from  Pennsylvania. 

The  amendment  Avas  agreed  to. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  sundry  Civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  Year 
ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-seven,  and  for  other  Purposes,”  approved  July 
28,  1866.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  14,  314,  317.)] 

For  the  Capitol  extension,  two  hundred  thousand  dollars. 

For  an  additional  appropriation,  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  joint 
committee  on  the  library,  to  decorate  the  capitol  with  such  AAmrks  of  art  as  may  be 
ordered  and  approved  by  said  committee,  as  provided  by  act  appro A^ed  August 
eighteen,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-six,  five  thousand  dollars. 


H.  Rep.  646— 5S-2. 


THE  ORIGINAL  WALTER  PLAN. 


The  Extensions. 


855 


[From  the  annual  report  of  O.  H.  Browning,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  19,  1866.  (39 — 2,  House 

Ex.  Doe.  No.  1,  p.  13.)] 

The  northern  and  western  porticos  of  the  north  wing  of  the  Capitol  are  completed, 
and  the  columns  of  the  southern  portico  are  soon  to  be  set.  It  is  believed  that  the 
ensuing  year  will  witness  the  completion  of  all  the  porticos.  Efforts  have  been  made, 
which  it  is  hoped  will  prove  successful,  to  improve  the  imperfect  and  objectionable 
ventilation  of  the  Senate  Chamber  and  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives.  In 
order  to  obtain  a supply  of  air  that  shall  at  the  same  time  be  pure  and  in  the  sum- 
mer cool,  it  is  proposed  to  construct  from  each  Hall  an  underground  duct,  opening 
in  the  center  of  a fountain  in  the  eastern  grounds.  The  jets  and  overflow  would  at 
once  assist  in  cooling  the  air  and  serve  to  relieve  it  of  all  mechanical  impurities. 

The  pipes  to  the  Government  spring  now  supply  the  Capitol  with  abundance  of 
pure  water. 

The  balance  on  hand  of  the  appropriation  for  the  Capitol  extension,  October  31, 
1866,  was  §80,410  83.  The  architect  estimates  that  §250,000  will  be  required  to  con- 
tinue the  work  during  the  next  fiscal  year. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  23, 1867:  Congressional  Globe,  39 — 2,  p.  1519.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  State  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Sundry  Civil  bill  for  1868 — 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

For  continuing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension,  $250,000. 

Mr.  Scofield.  I move  to  strike  that  out,  for  the  purpose  of  inquiring  of  the  chairman 
of  the  committee  ivhy  something  is  not  done  with  this  money  which  we  appropriate 
from  year  to  year.  It  ought  to  say  for  protracting  this  work.  As  we  come  here 
session  after  session,  except  with  the  aid  of  a glass  we  cannot  tell  there  has  been  any 
change  in  this  building,  and  still  we  make  an  appropriation  of  a quarter  of  a million 
for  “continuing”  it.  I ask  why  this  is  not  completed? 

Mr.  Stevens.  The  reason  is  that  it  is  a larger  work  than  those  of  us  who  are  accus- 
tomed to  small  things  can  realize,  and  therefore  it  is  found  that  it  takes  a longer 
time  to  build  a Capitol,  which  is  superior  to  any  in  the  world,  than  it  does  to  build 
a saw-mill.  I have  known  a saw-mill  to  be  built  in  a year;  this  Capitol  you  could 
not  build  in  less  than  twenty  years.  Every  year  when  I come  here  1 see  some 
progress  made.  There  may  be  workmen  employed  who  are  lazy,  though  I do  not 
know  it.  I always  see  them  busy  as  I pass.  I know  there  are  more  wanting  work 
than  can  get  it,  and  very  possibly  there  may  have  been  some  unjust  discriminations 
made.  I believe  there  have  been  some  mistakes  made  by  the  architect.  For 
instance,  this  end  of  the  Capitol  in  which  we  are  is  supplied  with  air  which  is  first, 
made  putrid  below.  All  outside  air  is  excluded,  and,  if  it  would  not  cost  so  much, 
it  would  be  well  to  alter  the  construction  of  this  Hall  so  that  we  could  breathe  some 
purer  air.  But,  then,  if  it  is  better  ventilated,  perhaps  our  prospective  successors 
may  complain  because  of  our  longer  lives.  [Laughter.]  If  any  of  the  money  that 
has  been  expended  upon  the  building  has  been  thrown  away,  that  is  a matter  for 
the  consideration  of  the  Committee  on  Accounts.  They  ought  to  look  out  for  that. 
I am  not  aware  that  any  of  the  money  last  appropriated  has  been  thrown  away  more 
than  usual.  The  gentleman  asks  how  much  more  money  it  is  going  to  take.  If  he 
will  ask  my  successor  some  years  hence  perhaps  he  will  find  out.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Scofield.  The  answer  of  the  chairman  of  the  committee  is  more  witty  than 
satisfactory.  What  he  says  about  persons  being  accustomed  to  small  outlays  I sup- 
pose is  designed  as  wit. 

Mr.  Stevens.  That  is  my  case. 


856 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Scofield.  I do  not  care  anything  about,  it,  but  I do  care  something  about  these 
wasteful  expenditures  from  year  to  year,  when  everybody  can  see  that  the  policy  is 
to  protract  this  work  and  do  j ust  as  little  as  possible  with  the  large  appropriations, 
so  as  to  make  it,  as  the  gentleman  says,  a twenty-year  job.  Now,  I have  no  idea 
that  this  Capitol  is  to  remain  at  Washington.  The  action  of  the  last  session  of  Con- 
gress upon  the  mileage  question  looks  to  the  removal  of  it  westward.  Whenever  the 
people  of  the  extreme  West  cannot  make  a fortune  on  mileage  in  coming  here  they 
will  demand  that  the  Capitol  shall  go  that  way,  as  it  ought  to  go.  It  is  not  likely 
to  remain  on  the  Potomac,  with  one  little,  crooked,  irregular  line  of  railroad  for  the 
vast  North  and  Northwest  leading  to  it.  Such  is  the  policy  of  the  legislation  around 
us  that  they  are  not  likely  to  allow  any  other  mode  of  reaching  here.  The  single 
monopoly  line  between  here  and  Baltimore  is  to  be  the  only  railroad  by  which  any- 
body is  ever  to  reach  this  place.  Now,  these  two  things  operating  together  will 
result  in  the  removal  of  this  Capitol.  In  that  view  I want  the  workmen  to  get  what 
little  marble  work  they  have  here  cut,  so  as  to  make  the  freight  as  little  as  possible 
when  we  come  to  move  the  Capitol  to  the  West.  I withdraw  the  amendment. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  1,  1867:  Congressional  Globe,  39 — 2,  p.  1686.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  State  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  General  Deficiency  bill  for  1867 — 

Mr.  Scofield.  I move  to  strike  out  lines  forty-eight  and  forty-nine,  as  follows: 

For  models  for  bronze  doors,  $8,940. 

Mr.  Kasson.  I wish  to  incpiire  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds 
whether  I have  been  correctly  informed  that  this  appropriation  is  for  doors  to  be  put 
in  the  Senate  end  of  the  Capitol,  and  to  correspond  with  the  bronze  doors  at  this 
end?  I am  informed  that  the  estimate  is  for  that  purpose,  to  go  on  with  work 
already  planned. 

Mr.  Scofield.  I do  not  care  where  they  are  to  be  put,  I will  not  vote  one  dollar  for 
any  such  doors  at  either  end  of  the  Capitol  or  anywhere  else.  They  serve  no  purpose 
but  to  block  up  the  way;  they  are  not  only  useless,  but  they  are  a great  nuisance. 
If  some  one  will  take  ours  and  put  them  in  a museum  where  those  who  wish  can  go 
and  see  them,  then  I may  consider  the  propriety  of  voting  for  these  new  specimens 
of  the  same  kind,  but  the  idea  of  blocking  up  the  passages  to  these  Halls  with  such 
things  is  mere  nonsense.  , 

Mr.  Conkling.  Can  any  gentleman  tell  us  whether  this  appropriation  is  for  doors 
yet  to  be  constructed,  or  whether  it  is  to  pay  for  doors  already  made? 

Mr.  Pice,  of  Maine.  I understand  that  these  estimates  are  for  the  construction  of 
bronze  doors  to  correspond  with  those  at  this  end  of  the  Capitol,  and  to  be  placed  in 
the  Senate  end.  I know  nothing  about  the  matter  particularly  myself,  but  I suggest 
that  instead  of  appropriating  this  money  for  these  new  doors  we  let  the  Senate 
remove  our  bronze  doors  to  the  other  end  of  the  Capitol.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Maynard.  Have  these  models  been  prepared  and  submitted,  and  is  this  an 
appropriation  to  pay  for  them,  or  is  it  an  appropriation  inviting  the  making  and  pre- 
sentation of  such  models  hereafter? 

Mr.  Farnsworth.  It  seems  to  be  for  work  to  be  done  in  the  future;  because  here 
immediately  following  this  there  is  an  appropriation  ‘ ! for  material  for,  and  casting 
and  fitting  the  same.” 

I am  very  glad  that  a motion  has  been  made  to  strike  out  this  item.  I agree 
entirely  with  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  [Mr.  Scofield]  that  these  doors  are 
a nuisance,  and  why  any  person  should  propose  to  erect  any  more  of  them  in  the 
Capitol  I cannot  understand.  They  only  block  up  the  way,  and  excite  a momentary 
curiosity  in  the  minds  of  strangers.  If  this  money  is  to  be  appropriated  we  had  far 


The  Extensions. 


857 


better  spend  it  for  pictures  which  will  really  ornament  the  Capitol  and  at  the  same 
time  commemorate  some  of  the  great  events  of  the  war  than  for  the  erection  of  these 
fancy  doors.  These  two  appropriations  amount  to  about  thirty  thousand  dollars,  to 
be  expended  for  these  bronze  things  merely  to  stand  there  and  attract  the  gaze  of 
the  passers-by.  The  proposition  is  absurd,  and  I hope  the  appropriations  will  be 
struck  out. 

Mr.  Kasson.  I did  not  hear  what  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings and  Grounds  said;  but  unless  some  further  light  is  given  upon  this  subject,  I 
know  of  no  objection  on  the  part  of  the  committee  to  striking  out  the  appropriation, 
and  letting  the  Senate  take  care  of  their  own  brass.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Hill.  I desire  to  know  whether  there  has  ever  been  any  law  passed  authoriz- 
ing the  making  of  these  models.  It  is  here  proposed  to  appropriate  something  over 
thirty  thousand  dollars  for  these  bronze  doors.  1 fully  concur  with  all  that  has 
been  said  about  the  utter  uselessness  of  these  doors,  and  if  we  desire  to  encourage 
art  by  paying  for  manufactures  of  this  kind,  we  certainly  had  better  select  some 
place  for  them  where  they  will  not  be  an  obstruction,  as  those  are  which  we  now 
have,  and  which  stand  there  uselessly  with  their  prongs  sticking  out  to  catch  the 
clothes  of  those  who  have  to  pass  them. 

Mr.  Rice,  of  Maine.  As  reference  has  been  made  to  me  as  the  chairman  of  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  I would  say  to  the  gentleman  from 
Iowa,  [Mr.  Kasson,]  that  so  far  as  the  committee  are  concerned  this  matter  has  not 
been  before  it  at  all.  Neither  do  I know  of  any  existing  contract  for  the  expenditure 
of  this  money  for  the  construction  of  these  doors,  and  I believe  there  is  none  such. 
The  question,  I say,  has  not  been  submitted  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings 
and  Grounds;  and  if  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  do  not  know  anything  about 
this  matter,  and  if  they  have  no  sufficient  data  upon  which  we  may  act  upon  it,  cer- 
tainly the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  have  not  any  such  data. 

I desire  to  say  to  my  colleague  on  the  right,  too,  that  in  addition  to  the  other 
expenditures  connected  with  these  doors  we  have  to  pay  §1,200  a year  to  a watchman 
to  keep  people  from  stealing  the  stealable  portions  of  them.  For  these  reasons  I 
think  it  very  bad  policy  to  pay  out  the  public  money  for  the  erection  of  any  more  of 
them. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

For  material  for,  and  casting.and  fitting  the  same,  [bronze  doors,]  $20,860. 

Mr.  Stevens.  As- the  other  item  has  been  stricken  out  this  ought  also  to  be  stricken 
out.  I therefore  move  to  strike  out  the  clause  just  read. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

For  eight  additional  monolithic  columns,  $11,200. 

Mr.  Conkling.  I would  like  to  hear  some  explanation  of  monolithic  columns. 

Mr.  Stevens.  I merely  desire  to  say  that  this  item  is  necessary,  in  order  that  all 
these  columns  may  be  monolithic,  or  each  of  a single  piece.  It  has  been  deemed  by 
the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension  to  be  best  that  all  these  columns  should  be  in 
one  piece  each.  That  is  all  the  explanation  I have  to  make. 

Mr.  Conkling.  I have  not  been  able  to  hear  the  explanation  of  the  gentleman  from 
Pennsylvania  [Mr.  Stevens]  and  I think  no  one  else  about  me  has  been  able  to  hear 
it.  I want  to  understand  what  these  magnificent  columns  are  to  be  for.  Monolithic 
columns,  I understand,  are  columns  made  of  a single  stone  each. 

Mr.  Maynard.  The  gentleman  from  New  York  [Mr.  Conkling]  will  recollect  the 
contest  we  had  some  years  ago,  in  relation  to  the  Capitol  extension,  over  monolithic 
columns,  or  columns  of  a single  piece  each,  and  columns  of  two  or  more  pieces  each. 


858 


Documentary  History  o f the  Capitol. 


We  finally  decided  to  adopt  the  monolithic  system.  The  number  for  which  this  item 
of  appropriation  is  to  provide  is  a deficiency  caused  by  breakage  or  some  other  cause; 
there  are  eight  more  needed  to  complete  the  full  number. 

Mr.  Davis.  I rise  to  a question  of  order.  Is  there  any  proposition  before  the  House 
to  amend?  If  not,  then  I make  the  point  of  order  that  this  debate  is  not  in  order. 

The  Chairman.  As  general  debate  upon  this  bill  has  not  yet  been  closed,  it  is  in 
order  to  debate  the  bill. 

Mr.  Davis.  Is  there  any  proposition  before  the  committee? 

The  Chairman.  The  bill  is  before  the  committee. 

No  amendment  being  offered, 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

For  ventilating,  89,000. 

Mr.  Davis.  I desire  to  make  an  inquiry  in  regard  to  this  item.  At  the  last  session 
of  Congress  a resolution  was  adopted  directing  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings 
and  Grounds,  or  some  other  committee,  to  examine  and  report  in  reference  to  some 
system  of  ventilating  this  Capitol  which  would  be  successful.  I desire  to  inquire 
whether  anything  has  been  done  by  that  committee,  and  if  so,  whether  this  amount 
of  $9,000  for  ventilating  is  at  all  connected  with  that  report. 

Mr.  Stevens.  There  was  a joint  committee  appointed  on  the  subject  ; but  I believe 
the  committee  lias  never  met,  and  nothing  has  been  done  under  the  resolution  to 
which  the  gentleman  refers. 

[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  2,  1S67:  Congressional  Globe,  39 — 2,  p.  1986.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the 
Deficiency  hill  for  1866 — 

Mr.  Trumbull.  I offer  the  following  amendment  to  come  in  on  page  4: 

For  supplying  deficiency  in  the  appropriation  for  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension,  850,000. 

I will  state  that  I hold  in  my  hand  a letter  from  the  architect  of  the  Capitol 
extension 

Mr.  Fessenden.  Are  there  not  two  items  in  the  bill  now? 

Mr.  Trumbull.  I have  hunted  for  them  in  the  bill  and  so  has  the  Clerk,  but  we 
have  not  been  able  to  find  them. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  There  is  an  appropriation  for  monolithic  columns  in  the  first  part 
of  the  bill  in  these  words: 

Capitol  extension: 

For  eight  additional  monolithic  columns,  811,200. 

For  ventilating,  89,000. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  It  is  right,  then,  that  amount  should  be  taken  out  of  this  $50,000. 
The  two  items  make  $20,200.  That  will  leave  this  appropriation  at  $29,800. 

Mr.  Henderson.  What  is  it  for? 

Mr.  Trumbull.  I will  state  in  a moment.  It  seems  this  was  proposed  in  the  House 
of  Representatives,  but  not  being  understood,  as  the  architect  thinks,  was  not  agreed 
to  there.  Mr.  Clark  says  in  his  letter  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior: 

I regret  to  state  that  the  moneys  on  hand  for  the  prosecution  of  this  work  will  not 
be  sufficient  for  the  present  fiscal  year. 

This  deficiency  is  owing  partly  to  the  fact  that  when  the  estimate  was  made  on 
which  the  appropriation  was  based  I had  just  become  connected  with  the  work,  and 
that  I was  not  aware  of  the  amount  of  expenditure  required  for  work  being  done 
abroad.  Consequently  I limited  the  estimate  to  the  work  of  finishing  the  marble 
and  the  other  work  connected  therewith. 

Two  items  of  expenditure  were  also  incurred  which  were  not  included  in  the  esti- 
mate, namely,  the  procuring  of  eight  additional  monolithic  columns  in  place  of  those 
in  two  blocks  on  hand  and  paid  for,  and  the  work  done  for  ventilation  at  the  two 


The  Extensions. 


859 


Halls,  both  items  being  ordered  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  at  the  request  of 
the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  one  or  other  of  the  Houses. 
These  items,  it  seems,  are  already  provided  for  in  the  bill. 

The  cost  of  this  additional  work  and  the  items  overlooked  is  as  follows: 


Paid  for  models  for  bronze  doors $8,  940  00 

Paid  for  materials,  casting,  and  fitting  bronze  doors 20,  860  00 

Paid  for  eight  additional  monolithic  columns 11,  200  00 

Paid  for  ventilating,  estimated  at 9,000  00 


Total 50,  000  00 


I therefore  respectfully  request  that  an  appropriation  of  $50,000  may  be  asked  for 
to  make  up  this  deficiency. 

And  he  makes  some  further  explanation.  It  seems  this  work  was  ordered,  and 
Mr.  Clark,  the  architect,  knew  nothing  about  it.  It  is  for  a model  of  the  bronze 
doors,  the  exterior  doors  of  the  Senate  and  House  wings,  which  were  ordered  some 
years  ago,  and  have  been  paid  for  out  of  the  money  which  Mr.  Clark  had  asked  for 
the  extension  of  the  building,  he  knowing  nothing  of  it  at  the  time.  The  letters 
perhaps  may  have  explained  it,  but  he  has  called  my  attention  to  the  subject  that 
the  amendment  may  be  moved  here.  I presume  there  will  be  no  objection  to  it 
when  properly  understood. 

The  amendment,  as  modified,  was  agreed  to. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  to  supply  Deficiencies  in  the  Appropriations  for  the  Service 
of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal  Year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-seven, 
and  for  other  Purposes,”  approved  Mar.  2,  1867.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  14,  468.)] 

Capitol  Extension. — For  eight  additional  monolithic  columns,  eleven  thousand  two 
hundred  dollars. 

For  ventilating,  nine  thousand  dollars. 

For  supplying  deficiency  in  the  appropriation  for  work  on  the  Capitol  extension, 
twenty-nine  thousand  eight  hundred  dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  sundry  Civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  Year 
ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-eight,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Mar. 
2,  1867.  (Stats,  at  Large,  V.  14,  461.)] 

For  continuing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension,  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand 
dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1,  1867.  (40 — 2, 

House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  p.  524.)] 

CAPITOL  EXTENSION. 

The  marble  work  of  the  southern  and  western  porticos  of  the  south  wing  has  been 
set  in  place,  thus  completing  all  the  porticos.  The  cheek  blockings  of  the  eastern 
front  of  the  north  wing  have  also  been  set.  It  is  expected  that  all  the  marble  work 
of  the  wings  will  be  put  in  place  this  season.  Much  is  to  be  done  in  cleaning,  point- 
ing, and  trimming  the  marble  work. 

y?  # 

I had  the  honor  to  propose,  in  my  last  report,  a plan  for  cooling,  in  summer,  the 
air  of  the  halls,  by  means  of  taking  the  air  from  the  basins  of  fountains  in  the  eastern 
grounds,  and  thence  along  subterranean  ducts  to  the  halls.  If  this  improvement  is 
to  be  made,  it  should  be  done  next  season,  before  the  terraces  are  finished. 

The  Crawford  bronze  doors,  for  the  principal  entrance  to  the  north  wing  which 
have  been  cast  and  are  now  being  finished  at  the  factory  of  James  T.  Ames,  esq., 
Chicopee,  Massachusetts,  are  nearly  done,  and  will,  in  all  probability,  be  put  in  place 
next  season. 

A large  water  main  is  now  being  laid  for  the  better  supply  of  water  to  the  Capitol. 


860 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  27,  1868:  Congressional  Globe,  40 — 2,  p.  1480.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Sundry  Civil  bill  for  1869 — 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

For  continuing  the  work  of  the  Capitol  extension,  $100,000. 

Mr.  Selye.  I move  to  strike  out  that  clause.  I understand  this  Capitol  covers 
already  between  three  and  four  acres  of  land,  and  for  heaven’s  sake  I would  like  to 
know  where  it  is  to  be  extended  to,  [laughter,]  and  which  end  it  is  proposed  to 
begin  at.  [Laughter.]  Each  end  is  finished  and  paid  for  by  the  tax-ridden  people. 
But,  if  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  will  tell  me  where  he  is  going  to  begin,  perhaps 
I will  vote  with  him.  Talk  about  your  furniture  at  the  Treasury;  for  God’s  sake 
look  over  your  heads  if  you  want  to  see  extravagance.  [Laughter.  ] I tell  you,  go 
on  with  your  extravagance,  and  it  will  lead  to  repudiation.  The  people  have  got 
something  to  say  about  this  matter,  whether  they  will  pay  these  taxes.  They  will 
pay  them  provided  economy,  prudence,  and  justice  are  subserved,  but  not  otherwise. 

Mr.  Van  Wyck.  I hope  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  [Mr.  Washburne]  wrill  explain 
this  matter.  The  inquiry  of  my  colleague  [Mr.  Selye]  is  a very  pertinent  one;  why 
it  is  proposed  to  expend  §100,000  more  upon  this  Capitol.  I hope  the  gentleman  will 
inform  the  committee  where  it  is  proposed  to  expend  that  money.  If  it  is  merely  to 
keep  a lot  of  men  gathered  and  clustered  about  this  Capitol  merely  to  draw  pay  and 
eat  up  the  §100,000,  then  I presume  the  committee  will  not  feel  it  to  be  their  duty 
to  vote  this  amount.  If  the  money  is  really  necessary  for  any  purpose  we  ought  to 
know  it. 

Mr.  Washbukne,  of  Illinois.  I do  not  care  about  enlightening  the  gentleman  at  all 
if  the  enlightenment  I give  him  will  induce  him  to  vote  for  the  bill  as  it  stands.  I 
was  opposed  to  this  appropriation,  and  I hope  it  will  be  stricken  out. 

Mr.  Van  Wyck.  I hope  so  too,  since  no  one  can  give  us  any  information  about  the 
matter.  We  are  called  upon  to  appropriate  $100,000,  we  know  not  for  what.  The 
evidence  of  our  senses  is  that  it  is  not  necessary.  My  colleague  [Mr.  Selye]  says  that 
he  has  taken  time  to  go  round  this  building,  long  and  tedious  as  the  journey  may  be, 
and  he  cannot  find  where  $100,000  more  can  be  expended.  I hope  the  appropria- 
tion will  be  voted  down,  as  no  one  can  tell  where  the  money  is  to  go. 

The  question  was  taken  on  Mr.  Selye’s  amendment,  and  it  was  agreed  to. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  20,  1868:  Congressional  Globe,  40 — 2,  p.  2026.] 

CIVIL  APPROPRIATION  BILL. 

The  morning  hour  having  expired,  the  House  resumed  the  consideration  of  House 
bill  No.  818,  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for 
the  year  ending  June  30,  1869,  and  for  other  purposes,  and  the  amendments  thereto 
reported  from  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union. 

* * * 

The  next  amendment  was  to  strike  out  the  following  clause: 

For  continuing  the  work  of  the  Capitol  extension,  $100,000. 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  That  was  struck  out,  I believe,  on  the  motion  of  the 
gentleman  from  Iowa,  of  the  Davenport  district,  [Mr.  Price,]  as  an  offset  for  the 
Iowa  grab.  Now,  I ask  the  attention  of  the  House  to  a letter  from  the  architect  of 
the  Capitol  extension,  which  covers  not  only  this  particular  item,  but  the  other  item 
for  repairs  of  the  Capitol.  I ask  the  Clerk  to  read  the  letter. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

Architect’s  Office,  Capitol  Extension, 

Washington , D.  C. , February  28,  1868. 

Sir:  In  reply  to  your  verbal  inquiries  in  relation  to  the  necessity  for  the  items  for 
the  Capitol  extension  and  new  dome,  in  the  pending  appropriation  bill,  I have  the 
honor  to  make  the  following  statement: 


The  Extensions. 


861 


The  appropriation  of  $125,000  asked  for  by  this  office  for  the  Capitol  extension  is 
for  the  completion  of  the  wings,  and  not  for  any  additions  or  extensions.  The  entire 
marble  work  is  in  an  unfinished  condition,  requiring  trimming  down  and  pointing 
the  joints,  in  order  to  prevent  injury  to  the  walls  by  the  absorption  of  water  and 
freezing  of  the  same  in  the  joints.  The  balustrade  of  the  southwest  portico  is  yet  to 
be  supplied. 

In  order  to  further  preserve  the  building  the  large  iron  gutters  on  the  roof,  which 
are  continually  leaking,  must  be  replaced  or  covered  by  copper  gutters.  The  roof 
itself,  from  its  peculiar  construction,  requires  constant  watching  and  repairs.  At 
every  snow  a force  of  men  are  required  to  clear  the  roof  in  order  to  keep  the  legisla- 
tive Halls  habitable.  In  fact  so  great  is  this  annoyance  that  a new  roof  of  a different 
construction,  before  many  years,  will  have  to  be  supplied. 

It  is  the  intention  to  paint  the  unfinished  committee  rooms,  and  the  exterior  wood 
work  should  also  be  repainted. 

The  granite  steps  of  the  north,  south,  and  western  porticos,  which  have  settled  off 
from  the  building  on  account  of  their  foundations  running  but  a short  distance  in 
the  ground,  and  then  resting  on  made  soil,  should  be  reset.  There  are  many  other 
repairs  and  contingencies  which  would  be  paid  for  out  of  this  appropriation. 

As  to  the  item  of  $5,000  for  the  new  Dome,  I have  to  say  that  the  entire  work  is 
not  yet  completed,  and  that  from  the  expansion  of  the  iron,  of  which  material  the 
Dome  is  constructed,  the  services  of  painters  are  constantly  required  to  fill  up  and 
paint  the  open  joints  and  other  portions  of  the  work  in  order  to  prevent  corrosion 
and  consequent  decay. 

The  item  of  $15,000  for  the  annual  repairs  of  old  portion  of  the  Capitol,  is  for  the 
necessary  reglazing,  painting,  plumbing,  and  keeping  the  copper  roof  in  repair,  and 
for  putting  on  iron  skylights  over  the  cupolas,  the  present  skylights  being  of  wood, 
and  are  so  decayed  that  it  is  impossible  to  keep  them  weathertight;  in  fact,  one  is 
in  such  a condition  there  is  danger  of  its  falling  in. 

I am,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Edward  Clark,  Architect. 

Hon.  E.  B.  Washburne, 

Acting  Chairman  Committee  on  Appropriations,  House  of  Representatives. 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  If  the  members  of  the  House  have  listened  to  the 
reading  of  this  letter  they  can  determine  what  they  should  do  in  regard  to  this 
appropriation.  I will  say,  however,  that  the  matter  is  more  elaborated  in  the  report 
of  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension,  to  which  members  can  refer.  I can  state, 
what  is  known  to  every  gentleman  here  who  knows  Mr.  Clark,  that  he  is  one  of  the 
most  honest,  reliable,  and  trustworthy  men  whom  we  have  ever  had  in  the  public 
service.  His  statements  are  to  be  fully  relied  upon.  The  House  has  the  facts  before 
it,  and  it  can  vote  upon  the  pending  amendment. 

The  question  was  upon  striking  out  the  clause. 

Mr.  Selye.  Will  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  [Mr.  Washburne]  yield  to  me  for  five 
minutes? 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Selye.  Mr.  Speaker,  this  architect,  the  gentleman  says,  is  an  honest  man.  He 
may  be;  but  it  is  wdth  him  as  all  other  architects,  the  moment  you  stop  the  appro- 
priations “Othello’s  occupation’s  gone;”  and  then  they  have  to  go  to  work  and  earn 
the  money  on  which  to  pay  their  taxes  as  my  constituents  do.  Now,  this  architect 
in  his  report  asks  for  $15,000  for  repairs,  when  it  appears  he  has  already  on  hand 
$51,000.  He  complains  that  the  gutters  and  sundry  other  things  about  this  building 
are  out  of  order.  Sir,  if  I were  the  architect  of  this  building  or  any  other  building, 
new  as  this  is,  and  if  any  part  of  it  should  get  out  of  repair  so  soon,  I would  fix  it  up 
in  the  night  at  my  own  expense,  to  save  my  own  credit. 

Mr.  Speaker,  we  have  been  twenty-eight  years  erecting  the  buildings  on  this  five- 
acre  lot — eight  years  longer  than  it  took  Solomon  to  build  the  temple  and  his  own 


862 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


house  besides.  [Laughter.  ] It  seems  to  me  that  these  buildings  should  be  well 
constructed  and  need  little  or  no  repairs  at  this  time. 

Now,  sir,  this  appropriation  should,  at  any  rate,  be  amended  so  as  to  read,  “for 
repairing  and  finishing  the  Capitol  extension,”  &c. 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  I have  no  objection  to  that  amendment;  I think  it  is 
very  proper. 

Mr.  Pruyn.  Does  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  think  that  this  appropriation  will 
finish  the  work? 

The  Speaker.  The  Clerk  will  read  the  paragraph  as  it  will  be  when  amended. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

For  repairing  and  finishing  the  Capitol  extension,  9100,000. 

Mr.  Newcomb.  I move  to  amend,  so  that  the  paragraph  will  read,  “ For  removing 
the  Capitol,”  &c.  [Laughter.] 

The  Speaker.  That  would  scarcely  be  germane. 

Mr.  Selye.  I see  that  in  this  bill  we  have  the  following  appropriation: 

For  the  annual  repairs,  such  as  painting,  glazing,  keeping  roots  in  order;  also  water-pipes,  pave- 
ments, and  approaches  to  public  buildings,  915,000. 

Now,  if  that  appropriation  is  to  pass,  I shall  ask  that  the  appropriation  of  $105,000 
be  cut  down  to  $50,000,  so  as  to  make  the  whole  appropriation  $65,000. 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  I believe  my  friend’s  time  has  expired.  I ask 
whether  the  amendment  to  the  phraseology  of  the  paragraph  is  considered  as 
adopted? 

The  Speaker.  It  is  regarded  as  pending.  The  first  question  is  upon  that  amend- 
ment. The  question  will  then  be  upon  the  amendment  reported  from  the  Com- 
mittee of  the  Whole,  to  strike  out  the  paragraph. 

The  amendment  of  Mr.  Selye  was  adopted. 

The  question  then  recurred  on  the  amendment  of  the  Committee  of  the  Whole, 
to  strike  out  the  paragraph. 

The  amendment  was  not  agreed  to. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  sundry  civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  Year 
ending  June  thirty,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-nine,  and  for  other  Purposes,”  approved  July  20, 
1868.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  15, 115.)] 

PUBLIC  WORKS  UNDER  THE  SUPERVISON  OF  THE  ARCHITECT  OF  THE  CAPITOL  EXTENSION. 

For  repairing  and  finishing  the  capitol  extension,  one  hundred  thousand  dollars: 
Provided,  That  no  improvements,  alterations,  or  repairs  of  the  capitol  building  shall 
be  made  except  by  direction  and  under  the  supervision  of  the  architect  of  the  capitol 
extension. 

[House  of  Representatives  Ex.  Doc.  No.  101,  40th  Congress,  3d  session.  Decoration  United  States 
Capitol.  Letter  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  relative  to  the  cost  of  art  decorations  at  the 
United  States  Capitol.  March  1,  1869.— Referred  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and 
Grounds  and  ordered  to  be  printed.] 

Department  of  the  Interior, 
Washington,  D.  C.,  March  1,  1869. 

Sir:  Pursuant  to  the  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  third  session  of 
the  40th  Congress,  adopted  February  2,  1869,  requesting  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior 
to  furnish  a statement  of  the  various  amounts  paid  for  works  of  art  to  decorate  the 
Capitol  since  the  first  day  of  January,  1855,  up  to  the  present  time.  I have  the  honor 
to  transmit  herewith  a copy  of  a statement  furnished  this  department  under  date  of 
the  26th  ultimo,  by  Edward  Clark,  esq.,  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension,  which 
contains  the  desired  information. 

I am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

O.  H.  Browning,  Secretary. 

Hon.  Schuyler  Colfax, 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


The  Extensions. 


863 


Architect’s  Office, 

United  States  Capitol  Extension, 

Washington,  I>.  C.,  February,  1S69. 

Sir:  In  compliance  with  your  directions,  I have  the  honor  to  submit  the  accom- 
panying statement  in  answer  to  the  following  resolution  of  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives of  February  2,  1869: 

Resolved,  That  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  be,  and  is  hereby,  directed  to  furnish  this  House  a state- 
ment of  the  various  amounts  paid  for  works  of  art  to  decorate  the  Capitol,  such  as  statues,  paintings 
in  oil,  frescoes,  (including  the  picture  in  the  dome,)  and  bronzes,  since  the  1st  day  of  January,  1855, 
up  to  the  present  time.  Also  the  names  of  the  different  artists,  whether  they  were  foreign  or  native, 
the  sum  received  by  each  for  their  work,  and  by  what  authority  they  were  employed. 

Statement  of  amounts  paid,  and  to  whom,  out  of  funds  appropriated  for  the  Capitol  exten- 
sion, for  works  of  art  to  decorate  the  Capitol,  viz: 


Amount  paid  to  Thomas  Crawford,  (American,)  for  models  for  pediment 
of  north  wing,  and  the  models  of  Justice  and  History  over  the  doorway 

of  main  entrance  to  north  wing $20,  000.  00 

Amount  paid  to  Thomas  Gagliardi,  (Italian, ) for  cutting,  in  marble, 

wheat  sheaf,  anchor,  group  of  instruction,  and  youths 5,  500.  00 

Amount  paid  to  Gagliardi  and  Casoni,  (Italians,)  for  cutting,  in  marble, 

figure  of  America,  and  Indian  Family 7, 000.  00 

Paid  to  G.  Casprero,  (Italian,)  for  cutting,  in  marble,  Indian  Grave 400.  00 

Amount  paid  to  G; 'Butti,  (Italian,)  for  cutting,  in  marble,  the  following 
figures,  viz: 

Soldier 1 , 600.  00 

Commerce 2,  200.  00 

Woodman 2,  550.  00 

Indian  Chief 3,  000.  00 

Hunter 2,  000.  00 

Amount  paid  to  H.  Giampaoli,  (Italian, ) for  cutting,  in  marble,  figure  of 
Mechanic 1,  900.  00 


The  marble  for  the  above  statuary  is  from  the  quarries  at  Lee,  Massachusetts,  and 
was  taken,  I believe,  from  the  blocks  furnished  for  other  portions  of  the  wings,  and 


for  which  no  separate  account  appears. 

Amount  paid  to  Thomas  Crawford,  for  statues  of  Justice  and  History,  over 

principal  doorway  north  wing. $3, 000.  00 

Paid  to  G.  Butti,  for  pedestal  for  niche  in  Senate  retiring  room 400.  00 

Paid  to  G.  Butti,  for  modelling  mask  of  Justice  for  door  of  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives   80. 00 

Paid  to  G.  Butti,  for  modelling  Eagle  for  block 80.  00 

Paid  Thomas  Crawford,  for  models  of  bronze  door  for  main  entrance  to 

north  wing 6,  000.  00 

Amount  to  William  H.  Rinehart,  for  plaster  model  for  bronze  door 

designed  by  Thomas  Crawford  for  main  entrance  to  south  wing 8,  940.  00 

Amount  paid  to  Randolph  Rogers,  (American,)  for  plaster  model  of 
bronze  door  in  passage  way  leading  from  old  to  new  Hall  of  Repre- 
sentatives  8,  000.  00 

Amount  paid  F.  Von  Miller,  (German,)  for  casting,  in  bronze,  the  door 

designed  by  Randolph  Rogers 17,000,00 

Amount  paid  to  James  T.  Ames,  (American, ) for  casting,  in  bronze,  door 

designed  by  Thomas  Crawford,  for  main  entrance  to  north  wing 50, 495. 11 

Amount  paid  to  Archer,  Warner,  Miskey  & Co.,  (Americans,)  for  bronze 
railings  for  stairways,  Senate  and  House 22, 498. 12 


864 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Amount  paid  Archer,  Warner,  Miskey  & Co.,  for  bronze  eagle  for  clock 

in  House  of  Representatives §150. 00 

Amount  paid  to  Cornelius  & Baker,  (Americans,)  for  bronze  Corinthian 

caps  for  columns  and  pilasters  in  main  stairway 3,  621.  00 

Amount  paid  to  Cornelius  & Baker,  for  bronze  arms  to  gallery  seats, 

House  of  Representatives 2, 575. 00 

Amount  paid  to  C.  Brumidi,  (Italian,)  for  decorating,  in  fresco,  various 
committee  and  other  rooms,  from  April  7,  1855,  to  December  3,  1864, 

at  §10  per  diem 19, 483. 51 

Amount  paid  C.  Brumidi,  for  designing  and  painting,  in  fresco,  three 
panels  and  three  corner  groups  of  figures  on  ceiling  of  Senate  post  office, 
as  per  authority  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  dated  August  13, 

1866 4,  989.  00 

Amount  paid  E.  Leutze,  (German, ) for  painting  picture  of  Emigration  on 

wall  of  western  stairway,  House  of  Representatives 20, 000. 00 

Amount  paid  James  Walker,  (American,)  for  picture  of  Storming  of 

Chepultepec,  now  hanging  in  western  stairway  of  north  wing 6, 137. 37 

Amount  paid,  and  to  whom,  out  of  funds  appropriated  for  the  construc- 
tion of  the  new  dome,  viz: 

Amount  paid  to  Thomas  Crawford,  for  modelling,  in  plaster,  figure 

of  Freedom,  to  surmount  dome 3,  000.  00 

Amount  paid  to  Clark  Mills,  (American,)  for  casting,  in  bronze,  the 

figure  of  Freedom,  to  surmount  the  dome 9,  800. 00 

Amount  paid  for  labor,  iron  work  and  copper,  for  statue  of  Freedom.  10, 996.  82 
Amount  paid  to  C.  Brumidi,  for  painting,  in  fresco,  picture  on  canopy 

of  dome  39, 500. 00 


Other  ornamental  painting  in  halls  of  legislation,  committee  rooms,  and  passages, 
and  bronze  works,  such  as  ornaments  for  doors,  and  register  fronts,  &c.,  have  been 
done  by  day  workmen,  the  cost  of  which  cannot  be  ascertained  from  the  rolls. 

The  above  was  ordered  by  the  officers  in  charge  of  the  construction  of  the  wings 
and  the  new  dome,  without  any  direct  sanction  of  Congress. 

Congress,  by  an  act  approved  August  18,  1856,  appropriated  §20,000  for  wrorks  of 
art,  &c.,  to  ornament  the  Capitol,  under  the  direction  of  the  Joint  Committee  on  the 
Library,  and  by  act  of  July  28,  1866,  appropriated  a further  sum  of  §5,000,  for  a sim- 
ilar purpose,  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  same  committee. 

From  the  amount  thus  appropriated  the  following  sums  have  been  paid,  viz: 


Amount  paid  to  H.  D.  Saunders,  (American,)  for  bust  of  Kosciusko §500 

Amount  paid  to  Horatio  Stone,  (American, ) for  statue  of  Hancock 5, 500 

Amount  paid  to  Mrs.  S.  F.  Ames,  (American, ) for  bust  of  President  Lincoln.  1, 500 

Amount  paid  to  Miss  C.  L.  Ransom,  (American),  for  portrait  of  Hon.  J.  R. 

Giddings 1, 000 

Amount  paid  to  Lloratio  Stone,  for  statue  of  Hamilton 10, 000 

Amount  paid  to  Mrs.  S.  F.  Ames,  for  additional  compensation  for  bust  of 
President  Lincoln,  as  per  act  approved  July  20,  1868 500 


By  an  act  approved  March  3,  1855,  §25,000  were  appropriated  to  enable  the  Presi- 
dent to  contract  with  Hiram  Powrers  for  some  work  of  art  to  decorate  the  Capitol,  out 


of  which  the  following  sums  have  been  paid,  viz: 

Paid  to  Hiram  Powers,  (American,)  for  statue  of  Jefferson §10, 000 

Paid  to  same,  for  statue  of  Franklin 10, 000 

I am,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 


Edw’d  Clakk,  Architect. 


The  Extensions. 


865 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  the  Legislative,  Executive,  and  Judicial  Expenses  of  the 
Government  for  the  Year  ending  the  thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy,”  approved 
Mar.  3,  1869.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  15,  284.)] 

For  packing-boxes  for  the  Senate,  ten  dollars’  worth  for  each  member,  seven  hun- 
dred and  forty  dollars:  Provided,  That  all  improvements,  alterations,  additions,  and 
repairs  of  the  Capitol  building  shall  hereafter  be  made  by  the  direction  and  under 
the  supervision  of  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extensions,  and  the  same  shall  be  paid 
for  out  of  the  appropriations  for  the  said  extensions  and  from  no  other  appropria- 
tion; and  that  no  furniture  or  carpets  for  either  house  shall  hereafter  be  purchased 
without  the  written  order  of  the  chairman  of  the  committee  to  audit  and  control 
the  contingent  expenses  of  the  Senate,  for  the  Senate,  or  without  the  written  order 
of  the  chairman  of  the  committee  on  accounts  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  for 
the  House. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  Sundry  Civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  Year 
ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy,  and  for  other  Purposes,”  approved  Mar.  3, 
1869.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  15,  306.)] 

Public  Works  under  the  Supervision  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension. — For  fin- 
ishing and  repairing  the  work  of  the  United  States  Capitol  extension,  seventy-five 
thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  to  supply  Deficiencies  in  the  Appropriations  for  the  Service 
of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal  Year  ending  June  thirty,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy,  and  for 
other  Purposes,”  approved  Apr.  20,  1870.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  16,  86.)] 

For  continuing  the  work  on  the  capitol  grounds,  and  repairing  the  capitol  build- 
ing, twenty  thousand  dollars. 


[House  proceedings  of  June  27,  1870:  Congressional  Globe,  41 — 2,  p.  4871.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Sundry  Civil  bill  for  1871 — 

The  clerk  read  as  follows: 

For  finishing  and  repairing  the  work  on  the  new  Dome  of  the  Capitol,  $4,000. 

Mr.  Farnsworth.  I move  to  insert  the  following: 

For  enlarging  the  doorways  or  openings  in  the  passages  between  the  Senate  and  House  wings  of  the 
Capitol,  and  removing  the  bronze  doors  from  the  passage  to  them,  which  now  obstruct  one  of  said 
passages,  ,$10,000. 

Mr.  Chairman,  I have  no  doubt  that  it  has  occurred  to  other  members  than  myself 
that  the  doorways  between  this  and  the  other  end  of  the  Capitol  are  narrow  and 
insignificant.  They  do  not  at  all  conform  to  the  character  of  the  building.  We  have 
a small,  low  doorway  in  a lofty,  handsome  passage  between  the  two  wings  of  this 
great  Capitol.  It  is  not  suitable.  It  is  insignificant.  It  is  a mean  passage,  a con- 
stant obstruction,  and  ought  to  be  removed. 

In  reference  to  the  bronze  doors,  it  must  have  occurred  to  every  member  that 
where  they  are  they  are  a great  nuisance.  Strangers  gather  round  and  block  up  the 
way  so  that  it  is  often  difficult  to  get  by.  It  is  not  a proper  place  for  those  doors. 
Many  pieces  of  the  bronze  have  been  chipped  off  and  carried  away  by  strangers  as 
curiosities  of  the  Capitol.  Now,  Mr.  Chairman,  these  bronze  doors  should  be 
removed  outside  to  the  east  front  of  this  wing  in  the  same  situation  relatively  as  the 
bronze  doors  of  the  Senate  wing.  They  should  be  used  for  outside  duty  and  not  for 

II.  Rep.  646 55 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


866 

inside  duty.  They  should  certainly,  however,  be  removed  from  their  present  loca- 
tion, where  they  are  an  obstruction  to  the  passage,  where  they  cannot  be  seen  well, 
and  where  they  are  by  no  means  safe  from  injury.  I do  not  say  where  they  shall 
be  placed,  but  I leave  it  to  the  architect  to  say. 

Mr.  Schenck.  I offered  a resolution  at  one  time  for  the  removal  of  those  bronze 
doors.  The  architect  of  the  Capitol  was  instructed  to  remove  those  doors  for  the 
reasons  which  the  gentleman  has  assigned.  The  design  was  that  they  should  be 
placed  on  the  east  front  of  this  wing;  but  the  architect  reported  that  the  marble 
door  was  not  of  a size  fitted  for  the  purpose.  I am  in  favor  of  the  gentleman’s 
proposition  for  the  removal  of  those  doors;  but  it  should  not  only  provide  for  the 
removal  of  the  doors,  but  for  placing  them  at  some  suitable  place  in  the  exterior  of 
the  building. 

Mr.  Farnsworth.  I have  no  objection  to  that  modification  being  made  to  my 
proposition. 

Mr.  Schenck.  The  gentleman’s  amendment  now  provides  only  for  removing  the 
doors.  I propose  not  only  to  remove  them,  but  to  provide  for  placing  them  at  some 
suitable  exterior  entrance  to  this  wing. 

Mr.  Dawes.  Mr.  Chairman,  I trust  this  House  will  not  by  an  amendment  put  on 
this  appropriation  bill,  without  any  consideration  whatever,  undertake  to  destroy 
the  architectural  plan  on  which  this  building  has  been  constructed,  and  especially 
when  the  gentleman,  a gentleman  of  taste  and  skill,  and  I have  no  doubt  learned  in 
architecture  himself,  states  that  he  does  not  know  what  we  had  better  do  in  placing 
these  bronze  doors  after  they  have  been  removed.  The  convenience  of  the  passage 
between  the  two  wings  of  course  must  be  looked  to;  but  if  it  be  as  he  now  says  it 
will  not  help  the  matter  by  enlarging  the  door  to  which  he  refers,  when  we  have 
doors  of  the  same  size  at  the  entrance  to  this  and  to  the  other  Hall.  If  the  small 
doorway  approaching  to  this  Hall  troubles  my  friend  from  Illinois,  if  he  cannot  get 
through  the  door  behind  him  at  the  present  size,  I ask  him  to  turn  round  and  say 
how  we  are  to  enlarge  it.  If  we  enlarge  one  we  shall  have  to  enlarge  them  all. 

We  might  all  of  us,  especially  those  who  have  seen  a good  deal  of  the  world  and 
visited  magnificent  buildings  elsewhere,  suggest  an  improvement  upon  this  building 
that  would  enhance  its  beauty  and  its  convenience;  there  is  not  a member  of  the 
House  but  could  do  that;  I think  I could  myself.  But  I submit  whether  it  is  exactly 
proper,  in  connection  with  an  appropriation  bill,  to  undertake  here  without  due 
consideration  to  alter  the  whole  plan. 

When  it  was  stated  some  years  ago  by  the  gentleman  from  Ohio  [Mr.  Schenck] 
that  he  could  not  get  to  the  Senate  Chamber  because  there  were  obstacles  in  the 
way,  the  architect  of  the  building  reported  that  if  you  enlarged  that  approach  as  you 
went  out  of  the  old  Hall  into  the  Rotunda  you  would  let  the  framework  of  the  Dome 
down;  that  it  was  already  settling  down,  and  if  you  enlarged  that  approach  it  would 
come  down  about  your  ears.  And  we  have  heard  no  more  of  it  until  my  friend  from 
Illinois  [Mr.  Farnsworth]  has  got  his  eye  on  the  Senate,  and  wants  the  way  to  the 
other  end  of  the  Capitol  improved,  so  that  he  may  find  no  obstacle  in  his  passage  to 
that  body.  I submit  that  it  is  a pretty  good  passage  as  it  is,  and  that  if  we  are  to 
enlarge  it  we  should  have  some  architect  who  knows  more  about  it  than  we  do,  and 
who  can  devote  more  of  his  time  to  it  than  we  possibly  can  in  a five- minutes  con- 
sideration of  the  amendment. 

The  Chairman.  Debate  is  exhausted  on  the  pending  amendment. 

Mr.  Farnsworth.  I move  to  amend  it  by  increasing  the  amount  from  $10,000  to 
$11,000.  I do  this  to  enable  me  to  add  a few  words  to  what  I have  already  said.  In 
order  to  see  the  necessity  of  what  I propose,  I think  members  have  only  to  look 
through,  as  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Dawes]  invites  them  to  do,  from 
the  House  to  the  Senate.  The  gentleman  is  mistaken  when  he  supposed  that  I 


The  Extensions. 


867 


asked  that  the  door  by  which  we  have  access  to  this  Hall  shall  be  enlarged,  and  that 
the  entrance  to  the  Senate  Chamber  shall  be  enlarged.  The  door  here  is  large 
enough  for  my  friend  or  myself  to  enter  the  House,  and  I have  no  doubt  the  door  of 
the  Senate  Chamber  is  large  enough  for  him  also.  But  this  is  not  the  point.  The 
crowds  who  flock  to  the  Capitol  do  not  enter  the  Senate  Hall  nor  the  House  flail, 
but  they  do  flock  from  one  wing  to  the  other  and  obstruct  the  passage.  Let  any 
gentleman  stand  in  the  center  of  the  corridor,  and  he  will  see  that  the  obstruction  is 
chiefly  at  the  doorways  into  the  Rotunda  on  the  other  side  of  the  old  Hall  of  Repre- 
sentatives. My  friend  from  Massachusetts  is  too  good  an  architect  to  pronounce  the 
judgment  himself  that  alteration  in  those  doorways  cannot  be  made  with  safety. 
They  are  low,  and  the  casings  are  wooden,  not  marble  nor  iron,  nor  made  of  any 
other  kind  of  metal.  And  there  are  corresponding  doors  from  the  Rotunda  on  the 
other  side,  insignificant  doorways  in  a lofty,  handsome  passage.  It  is  like  putting 
new  wine  into  old  bottles;  it  is  half  doing  the  thing. 

Row,  it  would  be  a very  insignificant  expense  to  enlarge  those  doorways  a little. 
I do  not  know  that  it  would  be  necessary  that  a vote  for  that  purpose  should  go 
through  the  Committee  on  Appropriations.  I observe  that  the  committee  have 
expended  considerable  time  in  putting  several  private  claims  at  the  end  of  this  bill, 
many  of  them  claims,  too,  which  have  been  resisted  and  opposed  by  several  of  the 
committees  of  this  House.  And  I suppose  it  is  because  the  committee  have  spent 
their  time  in  manipulating  little  private  claims  and  sticking  them  into  an  appropria- 
tion bill  that  they  have  not  had  time  to  look  after  matters  such  as  this  which  I now 
bring  under  the  attention  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Conger.  I rise  to  oppose  the  amendment.  I understand  that  it  is  proposed  to 
rearrange  the  whole  of  the  doorways  and  the  passage  between  the  House  and  the 
Senate.  I understand  that  this  is  in  order  that  members  of  the  House  may  be 
admitted  into  the  Senate  Hall  more  readily.  Now,  I would  suggest  that  the  door- 
ways by  which  ambitious  gentlemen  may  pass  from  this  House  to  the  Senate  are  not 
in  this  Capitol,  but  are  in  the  States.  It  is  there  that  ambitious  men  must  look  for 
the  passage  by  which  they  may  pass  from  this  body  to  the  Senate.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Swann.  I desire  to  ask  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  [Mr.  Farnsworth]  whether 
or  not  the  improvement  he  proposes  has  been  recommended  by  a competent  archi- 
tect— whether  it  has  been  recommended  by  the  architect  of  the  Capitol,  or  by  any 
other  upon  whose  skill  and  judgment  reliance  can  be  placed? 

Now,  sir,  I am  disposed  to  favor  the  amendment  of  the  honorable  gentleman  from 
Illinois.  These  doors  are  high  works  of  art,  and  the  ground  upon  which  I would 
advocate  the  amendment  of  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  is  that  they  should  be  placed 
in  a position  where  they  can  be  appreciated  by  the  public. 

It  is  well  known  that  where  they  stand  now  they  are  buried.  There  is  no  one 
who  has  had  an  opportunity  to  examine  these  works  of  art,  which  I myself  appre- 
ciate and  which  are  appreciated  by  the  country,  who  will  not  say  that  they  are 
now  in  such  a position  that  they  cannot  be  seen  to  advantage.  I think,  there- 
fore, that  if  the  suggestion  is  made  here  by  any  competent  architect  that  will 
bring  these  works  of  art  into  such  a position  that  they  will  be  seen  by  the  public,  it 
will  be  an  improvement  that  I do  not  think  any  gentleman  in  this  House  could 
object  to.  I do  not  mean  to  say  that  it  will  require  an  expenditure  of  $10,000.  I 
do  not  mean  to  pronounce  an  opinion  as  to  the  propriety  of  enlarging  all  these  doors 
from  the  House  of  Representatives  to  the  Senate,  although  I am  rather  disposed  to 
think  that  an  enlargement  is  necessary  in  order  to  give  proper  effect  to  this  build- 
ing. But  I do  say  that  in  the  position  in  which  these  doors  stand  now  they  are  at 
a great  disadvantage;  they  are  not  doing  justice  to  the  artist  who  conceived  these 
designs;  and  I will  cordially  unite  with  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  in  any  sugges- 
tion which  may  bring  these  great  works  of  art  into  such  a position  as  will  not  only 


868  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

do  justice  to  the  artist  who  conceived  them,  but  will  he  creditable  to  this  building. 
I therefore  cordially  cooperate  with  the  honorable  gentleman  from  Illinois  in  the 
suggestion  which  he  makes. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Dawes.  If  the  suggestion  of  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  [Mr.  Farnsworth] 
were  what  the  gentleman  from  Maryland  [Mr.  Swann]  supposes,  no  one  would 
object  to  it.  That  the  bronze  doors  are  in  the  wrong  place  is  admitted  by  the  archi- 
tect of  the  building;  that  he  does  not  intend  to  keep  them  there  is  well  known  to 
those  who  have  knowledge  of  his  plans.  They  were  placed  where  they  now  are 
temporarily  while  the  architect  was  waiting  for  their  counterparts  to  arrive.  They 
have  arrived  and  have  been  placed  at  the  front  of  the  Senate  Chamber.  The  orig- 
inal design  was  to  put  them  both  in  the  Rotunda.  It  was  found  impossible  to  put 
them  in  the  Rotunda.  When  the  first  ones  came  they  were  placed  temporarily 
where  they  now  are.  The  last  ones  have  been  put  in  the  front  of  the  Senate  Cham- 
ber, and  it  is  designed  ultimately  to  put  the  others  in  front  of  this  House.  But  that 
is  not  the  proposition  of  the  gentleman  from  Illinois.  His  proposition  is  to  enlarge 
these  approaches  to  the  Senate  and  the  House  from  the  Rotunda.  I was  informed 
by  the  architect,  when  this  question  was  raised  once  before,  that  he  was  apprehensive 
that  the  iron  Dome  would  not  permit  of  that  enlargement,  and  for  us  without  due 
consideration  to  require  it  to  be  done  seems  to  me  to  be  very  unwise.  That  the  doors 
will  be  removed  to  the  front  of  the  building  without  any  action  by  us  I have  no 
doubt. 

Mr.  Swann.  I withdraw  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Wood.  I renew  it.  I think  if  there  is  anything  that  illustrates  the  instability 
of  the  American  character  and  of  American  institutions  it  is  the  style  of  architecture 
that  has  been  adopted  periodically  with  reference  to  this  Capitol.  Since  the  original 
erection  of  the  Capitol  nearly  every  Congress,  and  certainly  every  Administration, 
has  done  something  to  change  it.  We  have  no  fixed  style  of  architecture;  we  have 
no  plan;  -we  have  nothing  stable;  nothing  is  fixed  beyond  this  periodical  disposition 
of  the  American  people  to  change,  change,  change.  We  no  sooner  establish  one 
thing,  however  well  and  carefully  matured,  than  those  who  succeed  us  in  public  life 
see  some  improvement  to  be  made,  and  make  a still  further  change.  This  is,  how- 
ever, I regret  to  say,  the  physical  temperament  of  the  American  people. 

Now,  sir,  in  my  judgment  we  have  changed  this  Capitol  within  twenty-five  years, 
to  a disadvantage.  In  the  old  Hall,  with  its  southern  exposure,  we  had  a continual 
southern  breeze  to  enliven  us  at  this  season  of  the  year  in  the  duties  of  legislation. 
But  by  this  change  wre  have  arranged  a gorgeous  and  magnificent  Hall,  and  shut  out 
the  air  of  heaven;  almost  shut  out  the  very  light  of  heaven,  thus  injuring  our  health 
and  retarding  our  progress  in  legislation  and  the  discussion  thereon. 

Some  gentlemen  rise  here  and  propose  to  change  the  avenues  leading  from  this 
Hall  to  the  Rotunda,  and  from  the  Rotunda  to  the  Senate  Chamber.  Now,  I say  to 
gentlemen  on  that  side  of  the  House,  that  to  enlarge  the  avenues  in  this  building  to 
the  Senate  Chamber  will  not  enable  them  to  reach  the  Senate  Chamber,  for  public 
opinion  in  this  country  will  have  something  to  say  on  that  subject.  The  sober 
second  thought  now  taking  place  throughout  the  length  and  breadth  of  this  land 
will  say  in  regard  to  the  seats  now  here  that  they  shall  soon  know  the  present 
incumbents  no  more  forever.  Instead  of  reaching  the  Senate  Chamber,  they  will 
not  even  get  back  here  again. 

Mr.  Dawes.  Now  let  us  have  a vote. 

Mr.  Wood.  I meant  no  personal  application  to  the  gentleman  in  what  I said. 

The  question  was  on  the  amendment  moved  by  Mr.  Farnsworth. 

Mr.  Farnsworth.  As  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Dawes]  says  the 
architect  of  the  Capitol  considers  that  the  change  Avould  be  dangerous  to  the  Dome 
of  the  Capitol,  I will  withdraw  the  amendment  which  I have  offered. 


The  Extensions. 


869 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  sundry  civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  Year 
ending  June  thirty,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-one,  and  for  other  Purposes,”  approved  July  15, 
1870.  (Stats,  at  Large,  V.  16,  302.)] 

Under  the  Direction  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension. — For  finishing  and  repair- 
ing the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension,  and  for  curbing  and  flagging  upper  terraces, 
one  hundred  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Additional  Appropriations  and  to  supply  the  Deficiencies  in  the  Appropria- 
tions for  the  Service  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal  Years  ending  June  thirty,  eighteen  hundred 
and  seventy,  and  June  thirty,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-one,  and  for  other  Purposes,” 
approved  July  15,  1870.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  16,  309,  312.)] 

That  the  Sergeant-at-Arms  of  the  Senate,  and  he  is  hereby,  authorized  and  directed 
to  purchase  two  exhaust  fans,  one  engine,  exhaust  pipes,  and  so  forth,  for  the  removal 
of  the  impure  air  of  the  Senate  chamber,  and  there  is  hereby  appropriated  the  sum 
of  five  thousand  dollars  to  purchase  the  same,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  neces- 
sary: Provided,  That  the  improvements  be  made  under  the  supervision  of  the 
engineer  of  the  Senate,  and  that  the  joint  committee  on  ventilation  be  directed  to 
inquire  into  the  practicability  and  expense  of  making  such  alterations  in  the  Senate 
chamber  and  the  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives  as  will  bring  said  chamber  and 
hall  to  the  exterior  of  the  building. 

For  ceiling  with  iron  laths  under  the  copper  roof  of  the  hall  of  the  House  of 
Representatives,  and  for  additional  glass  panels,  flues,  doors,  and  apparatus  for 
improving  the  lighting  and  ventilating  of  said  hall,  to  be  expended  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  architect  of  the  Capitol,  fifteen  thousand  dollars. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  24,  1871:  Congressional  Globe,  41 — 3,  p.  161.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  State  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Sundry  Civil  bill  for  1872 — 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

Public  buildings: 

Under  the  direction  of  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension— 

For  finishing  and  repairing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension  and  for  curbing  and  flagging  upper 
terraces,  $65,000. 

Mr.  Jexckes.  I offer  the  following  amendment  from  the  select  Committee  on  the 
Ventilation  of  the  Hall,  to  come  in  after  the  paragraph  just  read: 

For  enlarging  air  shaft,  plastering  ceiling  of  corridor,  readjustment  of  flues  under  the  floor,  new 
register  and  for  new  floor  in  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  for  additional  fans  for  exhaustion 
of  vitiated  air  from  the  Hall,  and  for  engine  to  operate  them,  and  for  additional  ventilators  in  the 
roof  of  the  Hall,  and  for  necessary  alterations  in  lighting,  heating,  and  ventilating-apparatus,  $20,000, 
or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary. 

The  best  argument  in  support  of  this  amendment  is  the  condition  of  the  air  in  the 
Hall  to-day.  During  the  greater  portion  of  this  session  the  ventilation  has  been 
reasonably  good.  There  has  been  very  little  complaint  from  members  either  of  too 
much  air,  or  of  too  much  heat,  or  too  much  cold.  But  this  is  one  of  the  days  on 
which  coal  fires  will  hardly  burn,  on  which  the  best  chimneys  will  not  draw,  and, 
as  many  gentlemen  have  noticed  and  remarked  to  the  officers  in  charge,  there  are 
downward  currents  felt  in  various  parts  of  the  Hall.  The  reason  of  that  is  that  the 
principle  upon  which  this  Hall  is  sought  to  be  ventilated  is  by  forcing  air  into  the 
Hall  from  below  and  allowing  it  to  escape  at  the  roof,  expecting  that  there  would  be 
a continuous  flow  of  air  from  the  place  of  supply  to  the  place  of  discharge;  but  on 
days  like  this  the  current  is  checked,  and  we  consequently  feel  the  air  revolving  over 
and  over  in  the  Hail  without  its  moving  freely  out  of  it.  The  object  of  this  amend- 
ment is  to  enlarge  the  air-shaft  that  descends  from  the  roof  down  to  the  neighborhood 
of  the  ascending  flues  of  the  chimney  with  which  it  is  now  connected,  to  double  its 
capacity,  and  to  place  within  it  or  adjoining  it  two  additional  fans  of  the  same 
description  as  those  that  now  force  the  air  into  the  Hall,  for  the  purpose  of  exhaust- 
ing the  vitiated  air  from  it 


870 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  amendment  is  also  for  another  purpose.  In  the  construction  of  the  floor  of 
this  Hall  the  registers  were  so  placed  that  much  of  the  dust  in  sweeping,  and  many 
of  the  scraps  of  paper,  and  of  one  thing  and  another  that  is  thrown  upon  the  floor, 
is  drawn  into  them  during  the  day;  and  when  in  the  mornings  the  hot  air  is  forced 
into  the  flues,  in  winter,  and  when  the  fans  are  set  in  motion  in  summer,  all  this 
accumulation  of  dust  is  thrown  out  and  mixed  with  the  air  in  the  Hall,  making  it 
uncomfortable  for  a long  time,  and  sometimes  during  the  whole  day.  Hence  the 
irritation  of  the  throat,  and  tits  of  coughing,  of  which  members  vainly  seek  the  cause. 
It  is  proposed  to  change  the  entire  arrangement  of  the  flues  and  registers,  so  as  to 
obviate  this  difficulty.  With  these  two  alterations  it  is  expected  that  there  will  be 
a great  increase  in  the  comfort  of  the  Hall.  The  alterations  that  have  already  been 
made  are  felt  for  the  greater  portion  of  the  time.  These  alterations  are  needed  for 
exceptional  times  and  occasions. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Farnsworth.  I move  to  amend  by  inserting:  “for  widening  the  passage  ways 
between  the  Senate  and  House  wings  of  the  Capitol,  $10,000,  or  so  much  thereof  as 
may  be  necessary.” 

Mr.  Speaker,  at  the  last  session  I offered  an  amendment  similar  to  this,  which  was 
rejected,  upon  the  understanding,  I think,  of  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on 
Appropriations,  that  the  attempt  to  make  this  improvement  would  endanger  the 
stability  of  the  Dome.  That  impression,  however,  wras  corrected  the  next  day  by  a 
letter  from  the  architect  of  the  Capitol.  In  that  letter,  which  was  published  in  the 
Globe  of  last  session,  the  architect  said  there  was  no  such  danger  as  had  been  appre- 
hended; that  in  fact  he  had  already  advocated  some  remodeling  of  the  internal 
arrangements  of  the  Capitol,  one  feature  of  which  was  the  widening  of  the  doors. 
The  bronze  doors,  as  I understand,  were  never  intended  to  be  kept  where  they 
now  are. 

Mr.  Dawes.  Has  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  found  his  progress  to  the  Senate 
obstructed  in  consequence  of  the  narrowness  of  the  passage  way?  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Farnsworth.  That  joke  is  not  very  new;  but  I will  say  that  I have  not  been 
obstructed  particularly  in  that  regard. 

Seriously,  I desire  the  attention  of  the  House  to  this  matter,  for  every  member  of 
the  House,  I think,  must  have  experienced  the  inconvenience  resulting  from  the 
blocking  up  of  these  passage  ways.  In  a building  like  this,  which  has  cost  so  much 
money  for  its  construction  and  adornment,  it  is  out  of  all  keeping  to  have  these 
narrow  doorways  between  the  two  wings.  As  the  architect  informed  me  last  session, 
a small  appropriation  will  probably  be  sufficient  to  make  the  needed  improvement, 
which  could  be  done  without  at  all  endangering  in  any  way  the  stability  of  the 
building.  I hope  there  will  be  no  objection  to  my  amendment. 

Mr.  Sargent.  The  objection  raised  last  year  was  that  the  proposed  change  might 
endanger  the  stability  of  the  Dome.  Has  the  Government  any  evidence  that  such 
would  not  be  the  effect? 

Mr.  Farnsworth.  I will  read  to  the  House  the  letter  of  the  architect  of  the  Capitol: 

Architect’s  Office, 

United  States  Capitol  Extension, 

Washington,  D.  C.,  June  27,  1870. 

Sir:  In  reply  to  your  inquiries  relative  to  the  enlargement  of  the  doorways  leading 
from  the  Halls  into  the  Rotunda,  I will  say  that  there  has  been  some  error  in  the 
statement  that  I have  reported  this  change  unsafe  on  account  of  the  Dome.  So  far 
from  this  being  the  case,  I have  made  and  advocated  a plan  for  the  remodeling  of 
the  Rotunda,  the  principal  features  of  which  are  the  enlargement  of  the  doorways  in 
question. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant,  Edward  Clark, 

Architect. 

Hon.  .1.  F.  Farnsworth,  House  of  Representatives. 


The  Extensions. 


871 


At  the  last  session  we  were  requested  to  postpone  this  proposition  till  the  present 
session.  I believe  that  at  that  time  no  gentleman  in  this  House  opposed  the  object 
I had  in  view,  and  I do  not  think  any  gentleman  will  oppose  it  now,  for  the  improve- 
ment contemplated  is  highly  necessary  and  is  in  keeping  with  the  character  of  the 
building. 

Mr.  Dawes.  Mr.  Speaker,  it  will  be  observed  by  the  letter  which  the  gentleman 
has  read  that  the  ideas  of  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  in  reference  to  widening  these 
doors  are  connected  with  a plan  of  alteration  (I  do  not  know  how  extensive)  of  the 
whole  of  that  part  of  the  Capitol.  It  does  not  seem  to  me  exactly  safe  for  us  here 
in  the  House  to  direct  one  particular  part  of  the  plan  to  be  executed  unless  we  have 
the  whole  plan  of  the  architect  before  us  and  design  to  carry  it  out.  What  that  plan 
is  I do  not  know;  and  even  if  I comprehended  the  plan  to  which  the  architect  has 
alluded  in  his  letter  I would  not  think  it  proper  to  incorporate  it  in  an  appropriation 
bill. 

Mr.  Farnsworth.  My  amendment  does  not  direct  absolutely  that  the  change  shall 
be  made. 

Mr.  Dawes.  Would  the  gentleman  be  willing  to  add  the  clause  “if  the  architect 
of  the  Capitol  should  deem  it  advisable?” 

Mr.  Farnsworth.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Sargent.  I suggest  that  there  be  added  also  a proviso  that  any  additional 
expense  incurred  beyond  the  amount  named  shall  be  unlawful. 

Mr.  Maynard.  I move,  pro  forma , to  amend  the  amendment  by  adding  $500  to 
the  amount  of  the  proposed  appropriation.  I submit  the  amendment  for  the  purpose 
of  advocating  this  great  improvement.  These  doors  have  been  in  the  Capitol  a long 
time.  When  they  were  built  they  were  large  enough  for  the  sort  of  men  who  then 
passed  through  them.  But  men  have  been  growing.  We  are  a larger  race  than 
those  for  whom  these  doors  were  constructed;  and,  as  a gentlemen  near  me  suggests, 
there  are  more  of  us.  Many  of  us  recollect  that  on  the  night  of  the  inauguration  of 
the  statue  of  Mr.  Lincoln  we  found  those  doors  too  small,  as  well  as  insufficient  in 
number.  I think  that  the  amendment  ought  certainly  to  be  adopted.  I would 
have  these  doors  something  like  old-fashioned  barn  doors,  through  which  loads  of 
hay  could  be  driven.  The  idea  of  restricting  these  means  of  communication  to  the 
narrow  limits  which  were  sufficient  fifty  or  even  twenty-five  years  ago  is  one  which 
I hope  will  not  be  countenanced  for  one  moment  by  this  House. 

Mr.  Farnsworth.  1 have  modified  my  amendment  to  meet  the  suggestions  of  the 
gentleman  from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Dawes]  and  the  gentleman  from  California,  [Mr. 
Sargent.]  I ask  that  it  be  read  in  its  modified  form. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

For  widening  the  passage-ways  between  the  Senate  and  House  wings  of  the  Capitol,  $10,000,  or  so 
much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary,  if  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  shall  deem  the  same  safe  and  prac- 
ticable; and  any  expenditure  on  a plan  that  shall  cost  a greater  sum  to  complete  it  shall  be  unlawful. 

The  question  being  taken  on  agreeing  to  the  amendment,  as  modified,  there  were — - 
ayes  24,  noes  42;  no  quorum  voting. 

Tellers  were  ordered;  and  Mr.  Farnsworth  and  Mr.  Hale  were  appointed. 

The  House  divided;  and  the  tellers  reported — ayes  ninety,  noes  not  counted. 

So  the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  sundry  civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
Year  ending  June  thirty,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-two,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Mar.  3,  1871.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  16,  500-1.)] 

Under  the  direction  of  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension: 

For  improving  the  heating  and  ventilating  of  the  Senate,  under  the  direction  of 
the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension,  three  thousand  dollars. 


872 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


For  furnishing  and  repairing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension,  and  for  curbing 
and  flagging  upper  terraces,  sixty-five  thousand  dollars. 

For  enlarging  air-shaft,  plastering  ceiling  of  corridors,  readjustment  of  flues  under 
the  floor,  new  registers,  and  for  new  floor  in  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives; for  additional  fans  for  the  exhaustion  of  vitiated  air  from  the  Hall,  and  for 
engines  to  operate  them,  and  for  additional  ventilators  in  the  roof  of  the  Hall,  and 
for  necessary  alterations  in  the  lighting,  heating,  and  ventilating  apparatus,  twenty 
thousand  dollars,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary. 

For  widening  the  passage-ways  between  the  Senate  and  House  wings  of  the  Capi- 
tol, ten  thousand  dollars,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary,  if  the  architect 
shall  deem  the  same  safe  and  practicable;  and  any  expenditure  on  a plan  that  shall 
cost  a greater  sum  to  complete  it,  shall  be  unlawful. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1,  1871.  (42 — 2, 
House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  p.  1125.)] 

By  direction  of  the  Committee  on  Ventilation  a new  floor  has  been  placed  in  the 
Hall  of  Representatives,  so  planned  as  to  make  space  for  additional  desks.  The  flues 
beneath  are  so  arranged  as  to  distribute  fresh  air  more  equally  than  heretofore  from 
the  fronts  of  the  platform  through  adjustable  registers. 

The  ventilating  shaft  has  been  considerably  enlarged  so  as  to  insure  a copious 
supply  of  air.  A steam-engine,  with  two  large  fans,  capable  of  expelling  50,000  cubic 
feet  of  air  per  minute,  has  been  placed  in  the  cellar  of  the  south  wing.  * * * 
Some  changes  have  been  made  in  the  floor  of  the  Senate  Chamber  by  the  introduc- 
tion of  registers  of  a peculiar  construction,  devised  by  the  Senate  engineer. 


[From  the  "Act  making  Appropriations  to  supply  Deficiencies  in  the  Appropriations  for  the  Service 
of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  thirt3%  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-two,  and 
for  former  Years,  and  for  other  Purposes,”  approved  May  18,  1872.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  17,  131.)  ] 

Capitol  Extension. — For  the  purpose  of  buying  and  putting  in  place  a new  boiler, 
water-tank,  and  steam  pump  in  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  ten  thousand 
dollars;  * * * 


[Senate  proceedings  of  June  7,  1872:  Congressional  Globe,  42 — 2,  p.  4352.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  Sundry 
Civil  bill  for  1873 — 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I am  also  directed  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings and  Grounds  to  offer  the  following  amendment,  to  come  in  after  line  nine 
hundred  and  sixty-five,  on  page  40: 

For  constructing  under-ground  air-shaft  for  inlet  of  fresh  air  to  Senate  Chamber:  for  plastering  on 
iron  laths  under  roof  of  Senate  Chamber;  additional  fire-proof  felting  for  steam-pipes;  and  for  con- 
structing ventilating-flues  for  corridors,  §12,000.  And  so  much  of  the  sum  appropriated  in  the  defi- 
ciency act,  approved  May  18,  1872,  for  the  boiler  and  water-tank  and  steam-pump  in  the  south  wing 
of  the  Capitol  as  may  not  be  expended  previous  to  June  30,  1872,. may  be  expended  during  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  30, 1873. 

I will  explain  this  amendment.  Senators  will  remember  that  only  a few  weeks 
ago,  when  a south  wind  occurred,  the  smoke  from  the  center  building  struck  down 
into  the  area  here,  and  came  into  the  Chamber  so  as  to  be  very  disagreeable  indeed, 
filling  the  room  with  gas  and  with  sulphurous  smoke.  In  order  to  avoid  that  it  is 
proposed  to  have  a duct  go  out  on  the  lower  space  in  front  of  the  building,  so  as  to 
get  pure  air. 


The  Extensions. 


873 


In  addition  to  that,  it  will  have  been  noticed  by  some  Senators  that  the  House 
have  already  got  their  roof  lined  with  iron  laths  and  plaster,  which  is  regarded  as  a 
very  great  improvement. 

In  addition,  it  is  thought  necessary  that  this  corridor  on  the  north  side  of  the 
Chamber  should  be  ventilated,  and  it  is  necessary  to  have  apertures  made  in  order 
to  carry  off  the  foul  air  that  gathers  here  in  the  winter  season  as  well  as  in  the 
summer  season. 

Then  there  was  an  appropriation  made  for  a deficiency  in  the  bill  passed  May  18, 
1872,  for  a boiler  and  water-tank,  but  it  is  manifestly  impossible  for  that  work  to  be 
done  until  after  the  adjournment  of  Congress,  and  then  under  our  laws  the  appro- 
priation will  have  been  covered  into  the  Treasury.  That  was  not  the  intention,  and 
this  amendment  merely  rectifies  that. 

Mr.  Logan.  What  is  the  amount  of  expenditure  for  that  duct? 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  For  the  whole,  for  procuring  fresh  air,  and  iron  laths 
and  steam-pipes  and  ventilation,  the  appropriation  is  $12,000.  It  was  by  mistake 
printed  $72,000.  We  only  asked  for  $12,000. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  If  the  Senator  will  add  to  that  a provision  for  pure  air  by  carrying 
this  Chamber  to  the  exterior  of  the  building,  I am  prepared  to  vote  for  it  and  have 
been  for  the  last  ten  years. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I think  that  is  a subject  big  enough  for  the  new  Reform 
party.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Trumbull.  I think  some  reform  party  or  somebody  else  ought  to  take  hold  of 
this  Hall  and  extend  it  to  the  exterior  of  the  building.  The  idea  that  for  all  time  to 
come  Senators  are  to  be  excluded  from  the  air  and  light  of  heaven  is  a little  too 
much.  I have  always  thought  it  was  a great  mistake  from  the  first  session  we  spent 
in  this  Chamber.  I believe  it  will  come  to  that  at  some  time,  and  I think  steps  ought 
to  be  taken  to  commence  the  work.  I understand  the  House  of  Representatives  are 
moving  in  that  direction  now,  to  extend  their  Chamber  to  the  exterior  walls.  These 
grounds  are  to  be  improved;  we  are  to  have  a beautiful  prospect,  with  trees  and 
flowers  surrounding  us;  and  yet  we  are  to  be  shut  up  here  in  the  center  of  a building 
like  a dungeon,  and  breathe  the  air  that  is  pumped  into  us;  and  now  $12,000  is  to  be 
appropriated  to  pump  it  from  another  direction.  It  is  said  that  the  wind  flies  down 
from  the  top  of  the  building,  and  smoke  gets  mixed  up  with  the  kind  of  air  that  is 
brought  in  here,  and  now  you  want  to  make  a duct  to  extend  out  of  the  building 
where  you  can  get  another  quality  of  air. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Maine.  The  whole  of  this  appropriation  is  not  for  that.  It 
includes  various  other  things. 

Mr.  Logan.  I should  like  to  ask  the  Senator  from  Vermont  if  this  appropriation 
is  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  Speaker? 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Maine.  Of  course  it  is  to  be  expended  under  the  architect  of  the 
Capitol  extension. 

Mr.  Logan.  I merely  wish  to  state  that  the  gentleman  who  made  the  suggestion  or 
recommendation  for  this  work  thought  it  could  be  done  for  less  money  than  that; 
and  I know  he  thinks  so  yet;  and  I do  not  know  why  the  architect  should  recom- 
mend the  appropriation  of  more  money  than  the  gentleman  who  made  the  suggestion 
of  the  plan  thinks  is  necessary. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I will  say  in  reply  to  the  Senator,  that  I am  sure  no 
more  money  will  be  expended  by  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension  than  is  abso- 
lutely necessary,  for  if  there  is  an  officer  of  the  Government  who  deserves  to  be 
complimented  for  his  economy,  I am  sure  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  is  that  man. 

Mr.  Conkling.  I wish  to  say  one  word  about  this  subject.  I do  not  want  to 
interfere  with  any  other  Senator. 

* * * 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  now  recurs  on  the  amendment  of  the  Sen- 
ator from  Vermont,  [Mr.  Morrill.] 


874 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Conkling.  If  the  success  of  this  $12,000  amendment  has  anything  to  do  with 
the  question  suggested  by  the  Senator  from  Illinois  [Mr.  Trumbull]  I wish  to  join 
him  now  in  entering  my  protest  against  it. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  It  has  not  I can  assure  the  Senator. 

Mr.  Conkling.  I am  not  so  sure  of  that,  and  I want  to  say  a word  about  it.  If 
Jefferson  Davis  had  never  engaged  in  rebellion  against  his  country,  I think  he  would 
lie  sufficiently  guilty  for  being  responsible,  as  I understand  he  is,  for  cooping  up  the 
Senate  in  this  iron  box  covered  with  glass.  As  has  been  said,  who  ever  heard  of 
putting  men  or  animals  in  a box  inside  of  a building,  shut  out  on  every  hand  from 
the  outer  air,  then  going  to  work  by  artificial  means  and  contrivances  to  pump  up 
and  blow  up  atmosphere  so  that  they  shall  not  be  like  a rat  in  an  exhausted  receiver, 
dying  from  the  want  of  anything  to  breathe? 

Mr.  Corbett.  I would  like  to  state  to  the  Senator  that  we  know  of  one  case,  and 
that  is  the  Tombs  in  New  York,  where  the  same  provision  is  made.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Conkling.  No,  Mr.  President,  I think  my  friend  will  look  in  vain  even  in  the 
Tombs  for  a parallel  to  that  unless  he  refers  to  that  Tombs  on  which  was  founded 
the  remark  “ Hark,  from  the  Tombs  a mournful  sound.”  [Laughter.] 

I was  going  to  say  this : man  is  a creature  of  imagination.  We  find  in  life  and  we 
find  by  looking  at  the  books  that  you  can  kill  a man  with  no  more  deadly  weapon 
than  imagination.  It  is  one  of  the  most  effective  ways  of  producing  death,  and  I 
believe  that  the  members  of  this  Senate  are  dying,  not  merely  from  w'ant  of  fresh 
air,  not  merely  from  the  fact  which  your  hygrometer  before  it  was  thrown  down  and 
broken  would  teach  you,  that  in  place  of  there  being  in  a cubic  foot  of  air  as  many 
grains  of  moisture  as  there  should  be,  there  had  been  sometimes  not  half  as  many — 
I believe  we  are  dying  not  only  from  that,  but  because  we  are  shut  out  from  those 
aliments  which  imagination,  if  not  our  corporeal  economy,  renders  necessary  for 
the  preservation  of  human  life.  You  may  pump  into  this  iron  box  air  which  as 
analyzed  or  tested  by  the  little  instrument  that  used  to  stand  here  behind  us  is,  if 
you  please,  in  temperature  that  of  summer,  in  quality  that,  of  the  outer  atmosphere, 
but  if  you  will  never  let  him  who  breathes  it  see  earth  or  sky,  trees  or  grass,  any- 
thing which  reminds  him  of  nature,  you  are  starving  him  for  the  want  of  that  upon 
which  complete  existence  depends. 

I am  not  going  into  any  philosophy  about  this.  It  is  not  a matter  of  fancy;  it  is  a 
matter  of  fact.  There  is  no  man  who  sits  here  whose  health  is  not  being  impaired 
by  the  situation  of  things,  by  the  way  in  which  he  is  compelled  to  live;  and  it  is 
monstrous  after  the  experience  we  have  had,  to  go  on  contemplating  the  idea  that 
for  all  time  men  are  to  languish  here  with  a feeling  about  their  heads  as  if  a tight 
band  was  drawn  around  them — and  I think  every  Senator  will  know  the  feeling  to 
which  I refer — coming  here  in  the  morning  with  a feeling  tolerably  fresh,  and  after 
sitting  here  an  hour  languished  and  wearied  with  a sense  of  exhaustion  and  a sense 
of  congestion  about  the  head  which  every  Senator  has  noticed — I say  it  is  monstrous 
to  contemplate  the  idea  that  this  is  to  go  on  when  we  have  only  to  take  out  that 
partition  and  yonder  partition,  and  move  this  Chamber  out  to  the  corner  where,  like 
all  other  civilized  people,  we  can  have  permission  to  breathe  the  air  that  God  made, 
in  place  of  breathing  the  air  pumped  up  through  these  apertures,  which  have  been 
used  in  the  two  Houses  by  a great  many  gentlemen  for  years  under  the  apprehen- 
sion that  they  were  spittoons.  [Laughter.] 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Senator’s  time  has  expired. 

Mr.  Cole.  Mr.  President,  this  is  a prolific  subject.  It  has  been  discussed  in  this 
body  before  frequently  and  very  fully,  and  I now  ask  the  Senator  from  Vermont  to 
withdraw  the  amendment,  for  I am  sure  that  Senator  must  be  conscious  of  the  value 
of  time. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I think  there  is  no  disposition  to  discuss  the  merits  of 
this  amendment.  There  is  no  objection  to  it,  as  I understand.  Has  anybody  any 
objection  to  it? 


The  Extensions. 


875 


Mr.  Conkling.  Yes,  I have  this  objection  to  it:  if  this  is  to  go  on  and  perpetuate 
the  business  of  trying  experiments  to  see  whether  by  another  duct,  or  another  flue, 
or  another  contrivance  we  cannot  get  some  more  air  in  here,  or  add  to  the  moisture 
or  improve  it  in  some  way,  then  I should  be  glad  to  have  this  thing  continue  until 
by  its  own  corruptions  it  cures  itself. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  The  Senator  from  New  York  must  be  quite  conscious  of 
the  fact  that  with  only  one  day  intervening  between  this  and  the  hour  of  adjourning 
it  is  impossible  to  consider  the  subject  that  he  proposes. 

Mr.  Conkling.  Of  course  it  is. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  The  amendment  which  I offer  relates  to  four  or  five 
different  subjects,  and  this  is  a minor  one.  If  any  Senator  objects  to  this  experi- 
ment, be  it  so;  but  whether  the  building  be  extended  or  not  extended,  this  would 
be  necessary  and  proper. 

Mr.  Conkling.  I withdraw  all  opjnosition  to  it.  The  Senator  from  Vermont  under- 
stands it  much  better  than  I do,  and  I do  not  feel  at  liberty  to  interpose. 

Mr.  Sprague.  I desire  to  thank  the  Senator  from  New  York  for  the  remarks  he 
has  made  in  reference  to  this  Chamber.  There  is  no  use  of  appropriating  money  for 
a ventilation  which  is  destructive  to  the  health  and  energy  of  the  members;  and  it 
is  passing  strange  to  me  that  Senators  will  sit  six,  eight,  and  ten  hours  breathing 
diseased  air,  coming  here  fresh  at  the  beginning  of  the  session,  and  leaving  impaired 
in  health,  and  intellectually,  and  in  almost  every  other  way.  I think  it  is  time  we 
should  put  our  faces  against  any  appropriation  in  the  mode  prescribed  by  the  Senator 
from  Vermont. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from 
Vermont. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 


[From  the  1 ‘Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
Year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-three,  and  for  other  Purposes,”  approved 
June  10,  1872.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  17,  361,  362.)] 

Capitol  Extension. — For  finishing  and  repairing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension, 
and  for  completing  the  flagging  of  the  upper  terraces,  fifty  thousand  dollars.  , 

For  an  additional  appropriation,  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  joint 
committee  on  the  library,  to  decorate  the  Capitol  with  such  works  of  art  as  may  be 
ordered  and  approved  by  said  committee,  as  provided  by  act  approved  August  eight- 
eenth, eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-six,  fifteen  thousand  dollars;  and  said  committee, 
whenever,  in  their  judgment,  it  shall  be  expedient,  are  authorized  to  accept  any 
work  of  the  fine  arts  on  behalf  of  Congress,  which  may  be  offered,  and-  to  assign  the 
same  such  place  in  the  Capitol  as  they  may  deem  suitable,  and  shall  have  the  super- 
vision of  all  works  of  art  that  may  be  placed  in  the  Capitol. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  18,  1S73:  Congressional  Globe,  42 — 3,  p.  1469.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  State  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Sundry  Civil  bill  for  1874 — 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  I move  to  insert  after  the  paragraph  last  read  the 
following: 

For  alteration,  extension,  and  refitting  of  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  for  the  accommo- 
dation of  the  increased  number  of  members,  and  the  better  ventilation  and  lighting  thereof,  to-be 
expended  under  the  supervision  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  $40,000,  or  so  much  thereof 
as  may  be  necessary. 

Mr.  Farnsworth.  I make  the  point  of  order  on  that  amendment. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  I only  desire  to  say  that  I am  authorized  to  report 
this  amendment  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  and  the  com- 


876 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


mittee  have  a bill  prepared,  which  they  will  report  as  soon  as  they  can  report  any- 
thing. It  would  have  been  brought  before  the  House  before  this  if  the  rules  had 
permitted  it.  I have  had  a consultation  with  the  Supervising  Architect,  and 
while  he  does  not  think  that  all  this  amount  will  be  needed,  yet  it  may  be  needed, 
and  he  thinks  this  the  cheapest  and  most  feasible  mode  of  making  the  alteration. 
The  proposition  is  to  extend  the  Hall  to  the  southern  side  of  the  Capitol,  taking  in 
the  lobby  and  the  Speaker’s  and  other  rooms.  That  is  the  only  way  by  which  we 
can  get  to  the  air  and  the  light  of  heaven  by  any  alteration  that  can  be  made  in  a 
single  recess.  To  make  any  other  alteration  we  would  have  to  abandon  this  Hall  for 
a session  of  Congress.  This  is  the  only  opportunity  when  this  matter  can  be  brought 
before  the  House,  and  I think  no  point  of  order  can  lie  against  it,  for  the  reason  that 
it  is  already  a law  to  repair  and  refit  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Farnsworth.  I must  insist  on  my  point  of  order,  that  this  is  new  legislation. 
There  is  no  law  authorizing  this  appropriation  of  money.  I am  opposed  to  the  pro- 
posed remodeling  of  the  Hall,  and  must  insist  on  the  point  of  order. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  must  overrule  the  point  of  order,  on  the  ground  that  it 
has  been  customary  on  appropriation  bills  heretofore  to  provide  for  finishing  and 
making  changes  in  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Farnsworth.  I must  appeal  from  the  decision  of  the  Chair,  and  I desire  the 
rule  to  be  read  on  which  the  Chair  bases  his  decision,  for  under  it  we  might  tear 
down  the  whole  Capitol  on  an  appropriation  bill. 

The  Chairman.  Will  the  gentleman  send  up  the  law  he  desires  to  have  read. 

Mr.  Farnsworth.  I have  no  law. 

Mr.  Sargent.  The  appeal  is  not  debatable. 

Mr.  Platt.  And  I object  to  debate. 

Mr.  Potter.  Is  there  any  law  authorizing  this  amendment? 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  has  already  ruled  upon  that  point  of  order,  and  held 
that  the  amendment  is  in  order.  From  that  decision  the  gentleman  from  Illinois 
[Mr.  Farnsworth]  has  taken  an  appeal.  The  question  is,  ‘ 1 Shall  the  decision  of  the 
Chair  stand  as  the  judgment  of  this  committee?” 

The  question  was  taken;  and  upon  a division  there  were^-ayes  61,  noes  20. 

No  further  count  being  called  for,  the  decision  of  the  Chair  was  sustained. 

The  question  recurred  upon  the  amendment  moved  by  Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachu- 
setts. 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  I desire,  without  wishing  or  seeking  to  influence  the  action 
of  this  Committee  of  the  Whole,  to  call  their  attention  to  precisely  what  it  is  now 
proposed  to  do.  I understand  that  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds 
are  in  favor  of  the  amendment  here  proposed  by  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts, 
[Mr.  Butler.]  The  proposition  was  laid  before  the  Committee  on  Appropriations, 
but  we  did  not  have  time  to  consider  it.  Indeed  our  bill  had  been  reported  to  the 
House  and  was  in  print  before  this  proposition  was  submitted  to  us. 

There  were,  however,  some  objections  raised,  which  I simply  wish  to  state,  not  to 
argue  or  to  urge  upon  the  committee.  The  proposition  is  to  take  out  the  entire  south 
side  of  this  Chamber  as  now  constructed;  to  remove  the  reporter’s  gallery  and  the 
adjoining  galleries,  the  Speaker’s  parlor  and  the  adjoining  rooms  on  that  side  of  the 
Hall,  and  to  extend  this  room,  with  its  cloak-rooms,  to  the  outside  of  the  building, 
to  the  outer  south  wall.  In  the  committee  there  were  two  objections  suggested  in 
conversation  on  the  subject,  which  perhaps  it  maybe  well  for  gentlemen  to  consider. 

In  the  first  place,  it  was  alleged  that  this  Hall  was  too  large  already;  that  but  a 
very  small  proportion  of  the  present  members  were  able  to  make  themselves  audible 
to  their  fellow-members  here  or  to  the  persons  in  the  galleries.  Some  of  the  best 
members  of  this  House  are  practically  speechless  so  far  as  the  great  body  of  the 
hearers  in  and  about'  this  Hall  is  concerned.  And  if  we  were  to  increase,  to  the 
extent  proposed  by  this  amendment,  this  Hall,  already  too  large,  it  would  only  make 


The  Extensions. 


it  the  more  difficult  for  any  man  of  ordinary  vocal  powers  to  be  heard,  the  more 
especially  when  there  is  as  much  noise  immediately  about  him  as  there  is  about  me 
at  this  moment. 

Mr.  Stevenson.  If  there  were  more  space  in  the  Hall  the  noise  would  be  more 
distributed. 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  It  is  said  by  some  that  this  Hall  should  be  rather  smaller 
than  larger  than  it  is.  The  fact  is  cited  that  when  the  House  met  in  the  old  Hall  it 
consisted  of  as  many  members  as  we  now  have  here,  though  the  old  Hall,  as  mem- 
bers are  well  aware,  is  very  much  smaller  than  this  Hall  now  is. 

Another  objection  suggested  is  that  we  now  have  two  beautiful  stairways,  with 
elaborate  bronze  railings,  coming  up  from  the  floor  below.  With  the  Hall  extended 
as  proposed  those  stairways  will  land  immediately  in  the  Hall  itself,  or  they  will 
have  to  be  removed.  A third  point  made  was  that  the  change  might  weaken  the 
support  of  the  Hall  itself.  I do  not  know  that  this  last  point  is  good  for  anything; 
the  second  is  of  no  very  great  consequence.  But  the  first  certainly  is  entitled  to 
some  weight,  and  should  be  considered  before  we  act.  I simply  throw  out  these 
suggestions  that  gentlemen  may  understand  Avhat  has  been  said  against  this  propo- 
sition. / 

Mr.  Dawes.  I am  naturally  a little  conservative,  and  inclined  to  hesitate  a great 
deal  before  agreeing  to  any  proposition  that  would  lead  to  tearing  up  this  Hall.  I 
know  as  well  as  does  my  colleague  [Mr.  Butler]  that  something  must  be  done  to 
accommodate  the  increased  number  of  Representatives  of  which  the  next  House  will 
be  composed. 

Mr.  Platt.  I rise  to  a point  of  order.  It  is  that  this  proposition  made  by  the  Com- 
mittee on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  must  come  before  the  House  and  receive 
its  affirmative  action  before  an  appropriation  for  the  purpose  will  lie  in  order. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  has  already  ruled  that  the  pending  amendment  is  in 
order,  and  that  decision  on  appeal  has  been  sustained  by  the  committee. 

Mr.  Dawes.  I was  saying  that  I was  afraid  this  was  not  the  way  to  accomplish  what 
we  desire.  I remember  when  we  first  came  into  this  Hall.  A committee  had  been 
appointed  to  examine  it  and  report  upon  its  acoustic  properties.  The  members  of 
that  committee  came  here  and  took  positions  all  about  this  Hall  and  tested  those 
properties,  and  then  returned  to  the  old  Hall  and  told  us  that  a whisper  could  be 
heard  anywhere  in  this  Hall.  There  were  then  as  many  members  in  this  House  as 
there  arenow.  Every  desk  was  full  size,  and  there  was  a space  around  it  so  that  every 
member  could  go  all  around  his  desk.  There  was  also  a central  open  space,  and  a 
space  behind  the  seats,  so  that  the  Hall  could  be  traversed  in  all  directions. 

But  though  there  were  as  many  members  then  as  there  are  now,  there  was  some 
uneasiness  and  dissatisfaction  about  the  Hall,  and  we  voted  out  all  those  desks,  and 
for  one  long  term  settees  were  provided,  and  we  sat  here  and  did  penance  at  the 
bidding  of  the  committee  that  forced  that  arrangement  upon  us.  Then  the  settees 
were  cleared  out,  and  the  desks  were  brought  back  again  and  doubled  up,  some  of 
them  like  those  just  behind  me  here.  Yet,  although  there  are  no  more  members 
here  than  before,  by  some  fault  in  the  arrangements  of  the  seats  we  do  not  find  the 
accommodations  here  that  all  feel  we  should  have. 

Now,  the  difficulty  has  been  in  the  arrangement  of  the  seats.  I feel  a firm  con- 
viction that  by  a proper  arrangement  of  the  seats  forty  additional  members  can  be 
conveniently  accommodated  in  this  Hall.  My  apprehension  is  that  if  we  should  take 
out  the  whole  of  the  southern  wall  of  the  Hall,  and  extend  the  Hall  in  that  direction, 
we  could  not  be  heard.  It  would  be  equivalent  to  getting  upon  a ten-acre  lot;  and 
no  mortal  man,  I am  afraid,  could  make  himself  heard.  I do  not  want  to  antagonize 
my  colleague,  who  has  spent  more  time  on  this  subject  than  I have.  I merely  give 
these  suggestions  derived  from  experience. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  I desire  the  House  to  observe,  I will  not  say  how 


878 


Documentary  History  of  the  Cajpitol. 


unfair,  but  how  unpleasant  it  is  to  have  sprung  upon  us  now  a debate  upon  a plan  of 
alteration.  The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  have  not  had  an 
opportunity  to  report  and  to  put  their  plans  before  the  House.  They  are  having 
those  plans  prepared.  But  the  last  appropriation  bill  in  which  this  appropriation 
can  be  inserted  is  now  going  through  the  House;  the  appropriation  may  be  defeated 
under  the  rules  unless  inserted  here. 

The  appropriation  which  I am  instructed  to  ask  is  only  for  a certain  sum,  or  so 
much  thereof  as  shall  be  necessary,  to  refit  this  Hall  for  the  accommodation  of  the 
House  hereafter.  Now,  when  the  committee  report  their  plans,  if  members  gener- 
ally object  to  those  plans,  if  the  sense  of  the  House  is  against  the  proposition,  then, 
when  the  whole  matter  is  before  the  House,  the  proposition  can  be  voted  down  and 
the  Hall  left  as  it  is.  But  it  will  require,  at  any  rate,  some  expenditure  of  money  to 
put  in  this  Ilall  forty  more  seats.  Hence  there  must  be  some  appropriation. 

I agree  that  the  acoustic  properties  of  this  Hall  .are  as  bad  as  they  can  be;  and  I 
do  not  expect  from  an  increase  in  the  size  of  the  Hall  any  improvement  in  that 
respect;  nor  does  the  Architect  in  his  plan.  The  difficulty  in  this  Hall  (every  man 
is  feeling  it  to-day)  is  that  we  are  here  without  any  fresh  air,  and  without  any 
opportunity  to  get  any  other  air  than  such  as  is  pumped  up  through  some  under- 
ground channel.  I do  not  know  but  it  may  prove  convenient  to  move  the  northern 
wall  of  the  Hall;  but  at  any  rate  I want  to  get  out  to  the  air  and  light  of  heaven, 
where  men  can  get  fresh  and  pure  air. 

In  answer  to  the  objections  which  have  been  made,  I will  also  say  that  the  gallery 
on  the  southern  side  of  the  Hall  has  nothing  whatever  to  do  with  the  support  of  the 
roof  or  the  building.  Nor  does  our  plan  interfere  with  those  beautiful  staircases  of 
which  the  gentleman  from  Ohio  [Mr.  Gakfield]  speaks,  and  which,  by  the  way,  are 
now  where  nobody  can  see  them.  We  do  not  interfere  with  those  at  all,  nor  do  we 
interfere  with  the  supports  of  the  building.  Our  proposition  is  to  arrange  the  hall, 
if  possible,  so  that  members  can  be  heard ; and  we  shall  endeavor  to  put  before  the 
House,  before  we  obtain  any  authority  for  an  expenditure  of  money,  a bill  to  which 
the  House  will  agree.  If  the  House  should  not  agree  to  our  plan,  not  a dollar  will 
be  expended;  and  if  the  plan  be  agreed  to,  only  so  much  as  is  necessary  will  be 
spent.  The  appropriation  cannot  in  any  event  be  used  for  any  other  purpose.  I 
am  entirely  willing  to  insert  in  this  amendment,  after  the  word  “expended,”  the 
words  “ according  to  the  resolution  of  the  House,”  or  “according  to  plans  to  be  here- 
after adopted.”  I do  not  care  what  phraseology  may  be  adopted,  so  that  there  is  an 
appropriation  which  may  be  used  whenever  a plan  can  be  agreed  upon.  If  no  other 
change  is  made  than  putting  in  this  Hall  forty  additional  seats,  money  must  be 
appropriated  for  that. 

Mr.  Gakfield,  of  Ohio.  I suggest  to  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  [Mr. 
Butler]  to  modify  his  amendment  so  as  to  provide  that  the  money  appropriated 
shall  be  expended  “on  a plan  to  be  adopted  by  the  House.”  In  that  form  the 
amendment,  I presume,  will  meet  with  no  objection. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  I am  content  with  the  proposition  in  that  form. 

Mr.  Kerr.  Mr.  Chairman,  I think  this  amendment  ought  not  to  prevail.  It  seems 
to  me  a matter  which  we  cannot  now  well  or  wisely  decide.  How  the  convenience 
of  members  is  to  be  affected  by  the  increased  number  who  will  occupy  this  House 
after  the  present  Congress  is  a matter  of  experiment.  We  do  not  know  how  conven- 
iently or  inconveniently  they  will  be  able  to  transact  business  in  this  Hall  as  it  now 
is.  My  own  judgment  is  that  the  number  of  persons  in  the  next  Congress  will  be 
too  great  for  their  convenient  occupancy  of  this  Hall.  Yet  that  is  a matter  of  experi- 
ment. In  the  English  House  of  Commons  there  is  not  more  than  enough  room  to 
seat  comfortably  two  hundred  persons,  yet  that  body  consists  of  six  hundred  and 
sixty-eight  members.  This  House  of  Representatives  will,  after  the  present  Con- 
gress, consist  of  two  hundred  and  ninety-two  members,  I believe. 


The  Extensions. 


879 


Mr.  Platt.  Three  hundred  and  two  with  Delegates. 

Mr.  Kerr.  Something  over  three  hundred,  including  the  Delegates  from  the  Terri- 
tories. I believe  it  is  practicable,  without  much  crowding  of  the  seats,  to  place  all 
the  new  members  in  this  Hall  and  give  them  comfortable  seats.  My  chief  objection 
to  this  proposed  enlargement  of  the  Hall  now  is  that  it  is  being  prematurely  done. 
We  ought  not  to  anticipate  what  may  be  the  wishes  of  the  next  House.  We  ought 
to  wait  until  they  come  here  and  until  they  are  organized.  Then  by  the  experience 
of  one  session  they  may  determine  what  they  can  best  do,  and  what  for  the  conven- 
ience of  future  Houses  may  require  to  be  done.  It  seems  to  me  that  is  the  wiser 
course,  and  the  one  we  ought  now  to  adopt. 

I am  thoroughly  persuaded,  for  the  convenience  and  health  of  members  and  the 
successful  transaction  of  business  in  any  legislative  body,  this  Hall  is  now  too  large. 
Any  gentleman  may  see  at  this  instant  with  what  an  effort  it  is  1 make  myself  heard 
at  all.  It  is  not  a pleasant  effort  to  speak  to  the  House  so  I can  be  heard  now.  If 
we  enlarge  this  House  by  thirty  or  fifty  feet  on  the  south  side,  it  seems  to  me  we 
might  as  well  go  out  into  a ten-acre  field  and  there  hold  our  sessions.  It  will  be 
spoiling  it  as  a deliberative  Hall  for  any  purpose  so  far  as  the  convenience  and  com- 
fort and  physical  health  of  members  are  concerned.  There  are  members  here  to-day 
as  intelligent,  as  well  posted  on  every  subject,  and  in  every  way  as  fit  to  instruct  this 
House  as  anybody  else,  whose  voices  are  hardly- ever  heard  here.  And  why? 
Because  they  lack  the  physical  strength  to  make  themselves  heard.  Now  let  us  not 
add  to  this  evil;  let  us  not  intensify  it  by  this  hasty  and  premature  change  in  the 
size  and  shape  of  this  Hall.  I hope  the  amendment  will  not  prevail. 

Mr.  Platt.  Mr.  Chairman,  while  I agree  with  the  remarks  and  the  ideas  of  the 
gentleman  from  Indiana  who  has  just  taken  his  seat,  I desire,  in  behalf  of  the  Com- 
mittee on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  to  say  to  this  House  they  have  not  yet 
decided  to  recommend  to  the  House  any  plan  in  regard  to  the  enlargement  of  this 
Hall,  or  any  arrangement  to  seat  the  additional  number  of  members  who  will  be 
present  in  the  next  Congress.  I am  myself,  as  one  member  of  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds — and  I believe  I violate  no  rule  of  this  House  in  stat- 
ing what  my  own  action  will  be;  I do  not  allude  to  the  opinions  of  any  other  member 
of  the  committee — I am  myself,  I say,  opposed  to  any  enlargement  of  this  Hall. 

I believe  it  is  already  large  enough  to  accommodate  not  only  three  hundred,  but 
if  necessary  more  than  that  number  of  members  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

Members  undoubtedly  to-day  have  much  difficulty  in  making  themselves  heard. 
I agree  with  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  that  the  acoustic  properties  of  this 
Hall  are  as  bad  as  they  possibly  can  be,  and  that  they  do  need  some  remedy.  I hope 
some  way  will  be  found  by  which  these  defects  may  be  remedied.  I believe  in  a 
great  measure  the  difficulty  is  now  owing  to  the  depression  in  the  ceiling,  which  we 
see  above  us.  I believe  when  a gentleman  speaks  here  now  his  voice  is  carried  up 
and  broken  by  those  indentations  in  the  ceiling,  causing  the  difficulty  which  every 
gentleman  has  in  making  himself  heard. 

But,  sir,  I think  the  amendment  should  prevail,  because  it  is  carefully  guarded. 
If  the  appropriation  proposed  to  be  made  is  made,  not  a dollar  of  it  will  be  expended 
until  the  House  decides  upon  the  plan  of  the  alteration.  Until  some  decision  is 
made  by  the  House  in  regard  to  what  shall  be  done  in  this  matter,  not  one  dollar 
can  be  taken  out  of  the  Treasury.  With  the  Committee  of  the  House  on  Public 
Buildings  and  Grounds,  and  with  the  special  committee  appointed  by  the  House  to 
take  this  subject  into  consideration,  of  which  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  is 
chairman,  I hope  the  amendment  will  be  adopted  so  that  all  expenditure  under  it 
may  be  regulated  by  such  action  as  may  be  desired. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Potter.  I ask  the  gentleman  from  Indiana  to  withdraw  his  amendment,  and 
I will  renew  it. 


880 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Kerr.  I withdraw  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Potter.  I renew  it. 

Mr.  Chairman,  when  the  question  arose  during  the  last  session  as  to  what  should 
be  the  number  of  Representatives  under  the  new  apportionment,  I insisted  it  should 
be  no  greater  than  it  is  now,  as  the  addition  of  the  new  members  would  render 
the  House  much  less  of  a deliberate  body  than  it  is  even  at  present. 

When  I came  to  this  House,  Mr.  Speaker,  at  the  beginning  of  the  Forty-First 
Congress,  a number  of  the  southern  States  were  in  whole  or  part  unrepresented,  and 
the  number  of  gentlemen  in  the  House  was  not  much  over  if  above  two  hundred. 
And  then  the  order  in  the  House  and  the  facility  of  hearing  and  making  yourself 
heard  were  noticeably  greater  than  they  have  been  since  the  addition  of  the  gentle- 
men from  the  South  who  came  in  subsequently  and  after  all  the  seats  became  full. 
For  myself,  in  view  of  the  present  confusion,  I look  forward  with  dread  to  the  con- 
dition of  things  which  must  exist  when  three  hundred  gentlemen  will  be  assembled 
here,  if  the  Hall  for  them  is  to  be  made  as  much  larger  than  it  is  now  as  our  numbers 
are  to  be  increased.  At  every  session  there  will  come  under  discussion  questions  of 
the  highest  importance,  becoming  each  year  as  the  country  increases  in  wealth  and 
influence  more  important,  requiring  for  theiy  settlement,  not  passion,  not  excitement, 
but  deliberate  and  careful  judgment,  and  one  must  needs  therefore  look  forward  with 
apprehension  to  the  result  if  we  are  to  make  a larger  Hall  than  this  in  which  to 
spread  out  this  greater  number  of  men. 

I did  think,  Mr.  Chairman,  when  I first  came  here  that  this  Hall  should  be  carried 
out  to  the  extremity  of  the  southern  wing  that  wre  might  get  in  light  and  air  from 
the  south,  but,  since  the  exhausting  apparatus  has  been  introduced,  I have  found 
that  the  air,  which  was  intolerable  before,  has  been  vastly  improved.  And  I know 
of  no  other  Hall,  in  which  so  large  a number  of  people  are  assembled,  in  which  the 
air  is  better  on  the  whole  than  it  is  in  this  House  of  Representatives,  so  far  at  least 
as  we  who  sit  on  the  floor  are  concerned.  And,  if  any  change  is  made,  I trust  it 
will  be  made  in  a rearrangement  within  the  limits  of  the  present  Hall.  Members 
who  sit  in  the  wings  of  this  Hall  do  not  hear  now,  and  because  they  cannot  hear 
they  become  indifferent  to  what  is  going  on,  and  increase  this  confusion,  and  this  a 
better  arrangement  of  seats  would  change.  Gentlemen  who  are  fitted  to  influence 
a deliberative  body  have  little  chance  in  this  House,  while  those  suited  to  a state  of 
agitation  have  most  control,  and  that  certainly  is  not  the  state  of  things  favorable  to 
wise  legislation,  and  one  a better  arrangement  of  seats  would  do  much  to  remedy. 

Mr.  Bird.  I rise  to  a question  of  order.  I have  been  unable  to  hear  the  gentleman 
from  New  York,  [Mr.  Potter;]  and  wish  he  would  speak  louder.  [Laughter.] 

The  Chairman.  The  committee  will  please  come  to  order. 

Mr.  Hawley,  of  Connecticut.  Mr.  Chairman,  I partly  agree  and  partly  disagree 
with  what  has  been  said  in  the  debate  on  this  proposition. 

A Member.  By  whom. 

Mr.  Hawley,  of  Connecticut.  I do  not  know  that  there  is  any  gentleman  who  has 
spoken  with  whom  I agree  precisely.  But  there  is  one  article  in  my  creed  which  I 
wish  to  emphasize.  I do  believe  that  this  is  the  foulest  Hall  in  which  any  delib- 
erative body  ever  undertook  to  sit  day  after  day.  And  I wish  here  as  a new  member — 
for  the  old  members  may  not  feel  it,  having  become  so  much  accustomed  to  it — I 
wish,  as  a new  member,  to  say  that  it  is  not  creditable  to  an  intelligent  body  of  men 
to  sit  here  month  after  month  in  this  foul  air. 

I have  read  much  of  the  wonderful  science  and  ingenuity  displayed  in  ventilating 
this  House.  But  I hesitate  not  to  say,  that  never  was  anything  more  stupidly  done, 
and  I hold  myself  responsible  to  prove  that  statement  before  any  tribunal.  It  is 
exceedingly  discreditable  to  us.  Let  any  man  step  out  into  the  fresh  air  for  ten 
minutes,  and  then  comeback  into  this  Hall,  and  if  his  lungs  and  nasal  organs  are  as 
nature  gave  them  he  will  be  half  sickened  on  coming  in  here  again. 


The  Extensions. 


881 


The  proposition  is  to  appropriate  §40,000  for  alterations  of  the  Hall.  I do  not  care 
what  the  particular  alteration  may  be;  but  I insist  that  this  shall  he  attended  to  in 
any  plan  which  may  be  adopted,  that  there  shall  be  better  ventilation.  I have 
myself  serious  doubts  whether  you  will  ever  get  the  good  air  you  ought  to  have 
unless  you  let  the  sun  strike  right  in,  as  it  should.  I do  not  like  to  live  in  this  con- 
servatory, this  hot-house  place.  As  to  the  size  of  the  Hall,  I think  it  is  abundantly 
large.  If  you  extend  it  to  the  south,  then  let  the  northern  walls  be  brought  south- 
ward, and  the  galleries  decreased.  I like  to  have  the  peojde  brought  here,  and 
would  make  every  possible  provision  for  their  accommodation.  But  our  first  object 
is  to  meet  the  wants  of  this  House  as  a deliberative  body,  and,  as  regards  that  object, 
the  Hall,  I think,  should  not  be  enlarged.  The  Hall,  so  far  as  size  is  concerned,  is 
large  enough.  Seats  could  be  so  arranged  that  a thousand  men  could  sit  and 
deliberate  here. 

The  House  of  Commons,  in  England,  has  been  referred  to,  but  there  was  a slight 
mistake  in  the  reference  which  was  made  to  that  body.  The  members  of  the  House 
of  Commons  number  about  six  hundred  and  fifty;  but  there  are  seats  for  only  four 
hundred.  Their  hall  is  too  small;  ours  is  abundantly  large  on  the  floor,  and  per- 
haps too  large  in  the  galleries.  I want  to  close  by  emphasizing  that  I think  we 
ought  to  get  some  one  to  attend  to  this  work  who  knows  enough  to  ventilate  the 
Hall. 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  I ask  unanimous  consent  that  debate  be  closed  on  the 
pending  paragraph. 

Mr.  Bird.  Since  it  seems  to  be  admitted  on  all  sides  that,  we  are  sitting  in  a very 
dangerous  atmosphere,  I hope  the  committee  will  rise  and  the  House  adjourn.  I 
move  that,  the  committee  do  now  rise. 

The  question  was  put  on  Mr.  Bird’s  motion;  and  on  a division  there  were — ayes 
62,  noes  47. 

So  the  motion  was  agreed  to. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  19,  1873 : Congressional  Globe,  42 — 3,  p.  1492.] 

MISCELLANEOUS  APPROPRIATION  BILL. 

The  House,  pursuant  to  order,  resolved  itself  into  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on 
the  state  of  the  Union,  (Mr.  Tyner  in  the  chair,)  and  proceeded  to  the  consider- 
ation of  the  bill  (II.  R.  No.  3921 ) making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of 
the  Government  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1874,  and  for  other  purposes. 

The  Chairman.  When  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  rose  yesterday  the  following 
paragraph  had  been  read:  * * * 

And  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Butler]  had  moved  to  amend  by 
adding  to  the  paragraph  the  following: 

For  alteration,  extension,  and  refitting  of  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  for  the  accommo- 
dation of  the  increased  number  of  members,  and  the  better  ventilation  and  lighting  thereof,  to  be 
expended  under  the  supervision  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  $40,000,  or  so  much  thereof 
as  may  be  necessary. 

Mr.  Maynard.  I move  to  amend  the  amendment  by  striking  out  the  last  word.  I 
do  so  for  the  purpose  of  saying  what  is  not  exactly  in  harmony  with  some  other 
things  that  have  been  said,  that  my  experience  in  this  Hall  is  most  favorable  to  its 
character  as  a place  for  the  assembling  of  a deliberative  body.  I think  any  one  who 
sat  in  the  old  Hall  and  came  from  that  to  this  will  agree  with  me  that  between  the 
two  there  is  certainly  no  comparison. 

In  the  first  place,  as  to  the  acoustic  properties  of  the  Hall,  there  are  no  echoes 
here,  no  reverberations.  When  every  one  in  it  except  the  speaker  is  silent,  there  is 
no  difficulty  in  hearing  an  ordinary  voice.  We  have  never  any  difficulty  in  hearing 
theChaplain  in  his  morning  service.  We  had  no  difficulty  in  hearing  the  long  report 

PI.  Rep.  646 56 


882 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 


■which  was  read  yesterday  from  the  Clerk’s  desk.  We  have  no  difficulty  in  hearing 
the  speaker  when  you  can  silence  the  noise  of  fifty  gentlemen  speaking  as  now  in  an 
ordinary  tone  of  voice.  And  certainly  I have  never  experienced  any  inconvenience 
either  from  excessive  heat  or  excessive  cold.  It  never  occurs  to  me  whether  the 
room  is  light  or  dark;  whether  the  air  is  gross  or  otherwise.  As  to  these  matters  I 
am  in  a state  of  more  complete  unconsciousness  than  in  any  public  building  or  room 
I have  ever  been  in. 

Air.  Hibbard.  I rise  to  a point  of  order.  It  is  impossible  to  hear  the  gentleman 
from  Tennessee. 

The  Chairman.  The  committee  will  come  to  order. 

Mr.  Cox.  I hope,  as  the  reporters  did  not  hear  what  the  gentleman  was  saying, 
that  he  will  say  it  over  again. 

Mr.  Maynard.  I do  not  think  it  was  my  fault  that  the  reporters  did  not  hear,  but, 
as  I previously  remarked,  where  fifty  gentlemen  are  talking  in  an  ordinary  tone  of 
voice  in  the  Hall,  and  when  there  is  talking  also  in  the  galleries,  it  can  not  be 
expected  that  one  can  be  heard.  It  is  not  the  fault  of  the  Hall.  It  is  the  fault  of 
ourselves,  if  there  be  a fault  anywhere. 

I was  about  to  observe  that  I have  heard  it  proposed  to  take  away  the  south  side 
of  the  Hall,  and  to  open  it  some  forty  feet  to  the  outer  wall.  That  will  destroy  all 
the  reception-rooms  we  now  have,  the  ladies’  reception-room,  the  Sergeant-at-  Arms’ 
room,  the  Speaker’s  room,  and  the  other  rooms  on  that  side.  I submit  that  now  we 
have  too  limited  an  amount  of  ante-room  in  connection  with  the  Hall.  There  is  no 
place  where  a gentleman  can  retire  with  a constituent  for  conversation  or  for  consul- 
tation. You  have  to  talk  with  him  as  you  best  can  in  the  lobbies  about  the  building, 
or  go  out  of  doors  and  see  him  at  a hotel  or  elsewhere.  By  this  contemplated 
improvement  you  drive  every  lady  out  of  the  rooms  now  set  apart  for  them. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  Do  you  think  that  would  be  really  a disadvantage? 
[Laughter.  ] 

Mr.  Maynard.  I understand  the  spirit  in  which  that  question  is  asked,  and  I do 
not  choose  to  respond  to  it  in  the  same  spirit.  I choose  to  say  that  ladies  of  char- 
acter and  of  honorable  purposes  have  occasion  to  confer  with  members  of  the  House. 
Our  own  wives  and  daughters  desire  to  consult  us  occasionally  on  important  domes- 
tic matters.  I am  unwilling  to  expel  them  from  this  end  of  the  Capitol  and  leave 
them  without  any  place  where  they  can  communicate  with  us.  I trust,  therefore, 
that  the  Hall  will  be  left  substantially  as  it  is,  and  that  the  seats  will  be  so  arranged, 
bringing  the  desks  closer  together,  so  as  to  accommodate  not  only  two  hundred  and 
ninety  members,  but  a very  much  larger,  number  than  that,  bringing  them  near 
enough  together  for  the  ordinary  purposes  of  consultation.  The  old  Hall  accom- 
modated the  same  number  of  Representatives  as  this  Hall  does,  and  they  performed 
their  duty  thoroughly,  and  there  were  great  men  there  in  those  days. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  I do  not  know  what  effect  the  size  of  the  Hall  could 
have  upon  the  size  of  the  Representatives,  but  I want  to  say  that  I do  not  propose 
to  turn  the  ladies  out  of  the  Capitol  by  this  improvement.  There  is  now  a'ladies’ 
reception  room  at  one  end  of  the  ladies’  gallery,  convenient  for  them  and  affording 
them  opportunities  for  all  their  wants. 

Mr.  Maynard.  That  would  have  to  go  too. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  The  great  difficulty  about  this  matter  is  that  gentle- 
men will  talk  about  what  they  know  nothing  about.  That  reception-room  will  not 
have  to  go  at  all.  We  have  prepared  a report  on  this  subject,  accompanied  by  a 
plan,  but  there  has  been  no  chance  to  bring  it  before  the  House.  But  this  appropri- 
ation is  necessary;  even  if  you  only  put  the  seats  closer  together  you  need  an  appro- 
priation. Therefore  I say  we  have  to  have  an  appropriation  to  do  something.  What 
that  something  shall  be  depends  upon  a plan  hereafter  to  be  submitted. 

Now,  it  is  said  that  we  want  to  make  this  Hall  ever  so  much  larger.  Nobody 
wants  to  make  it  any  larger  than  it  now  is,  but  only  to  move  it  nearer  to  the  air  and 


The  Thxtensions. 


883 


the  sun.  There  is  no  reason  why  the  northern  wall  cannot  be  brought  forward  and 
the  reception  rooms  put  on  that,  side  of  the  Hall,  enlarging  the  cloak  room  so  that 
members  can  move  about  them  without  being  run  over  by  one  another. 

Mr.  Holman.  Do  I understand  the  gentleman  to  say  that  this  south  wall  is  a tem- 
porary wall  and  not  a wall  on  which  the  roof  rests? 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  It  has  nothing  to  do  with  the  roof. 

Mr.  Holman.  Then  the  northern  wall  can  be  brought  forward. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  It  may  all  be  arranged  in  that  way  after  we  get  the 
money  to  do  it  with.  The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  propose  to 
have  a plan  agreed  to,  but  the  difficulty  is  that  the  rules  of  the  House  do  not  allow 
any  committee  to  report. 

* * * 

The  House  resumed  its  session  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  and  proceeded  with 
the  consideration  of  the  miscellaneous  appropriation  bill. 

The  question  was  upon  the  following  amendment: 

For  alteration,  extension,  and  refitting  of  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  for  tlie  accommo 
dation  of  the  increased  number  of  members,  and  the  better  ventilation  and  lighting  thereof,  to  be 
expended  under  the  supervision  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  extension,"  $40,000,  or  so  much  thereof 
as  may  be  necessary. 

Mr.  Dawes.  I would  suggest  to  my  colleague  [Mr.  Butler]  that  it  will  allay  the 
apprehensions  of  gentlemen  if  he  will  strike  out  of  his  amendment  the  word  “exten- 
sion,” for  some  may  think  that  that  would  involve  a change  of  the  Hall. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  I have  no  objection,  and  will  modify  my  amendment 
as  suggested. 

Mr.  Townsend,  of  Pennsylvania.  The  gentleman  from  Tennessee  [Mr.  Maynard]  is 
greatly  in  error  when  lie  asserts  that  ordinary  reading  at  the  Clerk’s  desk,  or  ordinary 
speaking  by  members,  can  be  heard  in  all  parts  of  this  Hall.  I wish  he  had  a little 
of  the  experience  of  some  of  us  whose  Congressional  homesteads  are  located  on  the 
outskirts  of  this  Hall,  and  have  been  for  a couple  of  sessions,  as  has  been  my  case. 
He  would  then  feel  that  any  change  or  alteration  for  the  better  would  be  worth  all 
that  it  would  cost.  I can  say  to  him  that  it  is  with  the  greatest  difficulty  that  we 
who  sit  in  the  outer  rows  can  hear  what  is  going  on  in  this  Hall  on  ordinary  occasions. 

Yesterday  afternoon,  when  the  Clerk  was  reading  the  report  of  the  Committee  on 
the  Credit  Mobilier  Investigation,  when  the  House  was  perfectly  still,  it  was  with 
great  difficulty  that  we  could  hear  it.  And  when  gentlemen  on  the  opposite  side  of 
the  House  with  the  most  orotund  voices  endeavor  to  address  the  Chair  we  have  great 
difficulty  in  hearing  what  they  say.  This  Hall  is,  indeed,  very  badly  arranged  in 
regard  to  its  acoustic  properties. 

Mr.  Maynard.  Cannot  the  gentleman  hear  the  Chaplain  in  the  morning? 

Mr.  Townsend,  of  Pennsylvania.  We  can  occasionally  hear  the  Chaplain  when  we 
get  here  in  time,  but  not  always  even  then.  As  I was  saying,  this  Hall  is  badly 
arranged  in  regard  to  its  acoustic  properties.  The  sound  of  our  voices  is  lost  up  in 
the  galleries;  it  is  very  much  like  whistling  in  an  empty  barn.  The  reason  we  hear 
the  Chaplain  in  the  morning  is  that  the  front  seats  are  to  a great  extent  unoccupied, 
and  there  is  so  much  quiet  in  the  House.  I therefore  think  it  would  be  a matter  of 
great  importance  for  us  to  adopt  this  amendment. 

We  will  have  in  the  next  House,  some  two  hundred  and  ninety-two  members  and 
ten  Delegates.  With  that  number  in  the  House,  and  with  the  hum  attendant  upon 
their  presence,  it  will  be  absolutely  impossible  for  members  on  the  outside  rows  of 
desks  to  hear  what  is  going  on.  And  I would  to-day  give  a valuable  consideration 
to  any  gentleman  who  would  change  seats  with  me  who  has  a seat  within  three 
ranges  of  the  Clerk’s  desk.  One  half  of  the  discussion  is  lost  to  us  here  unless  we 
pay  the  strictest  attention.  I therefore  hope  the  amendment  of  the  gentleman  from 
Massachusetts  will  be  adopted. 

The  question  was  then  taken  upon  the  amendment  as  modified;  and  upon  a divi- 
sion there  were — ayes  44,  noes  36;  no  quorum  voting. 


884 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Hibbard.  I ask  for  tellers. 

The  Chairman.  No  quorum  having  voted,  the  Chair  will  appoint  as  tellers  the 
gentleman  from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Butler,]  and  the  gentleman  from  New  Hamp- 
shire, [Mr.  Hibbard.] 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  I ask  the  gentleman  from  New  Hampshire  not  to  insist 
upon  a further  count,  but  to  let  the  amendment  be  adopted,  and  we  can  have  a vote 
upon  it  in  the  House. 

Mr.  Hibbard.  I decline  to  withdraw  my  call  for  a further  count. 

The  committee  again  divided;  and  the  tellers  reported  that  there  were — ayes  81, 
noes  41. 

So  the  amendment  was  adopted. 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  1 move  to  further  amend  the  paragraph  by  adding  the 
words  “this  appropriation  to  be  available  from  and  after  the  passage  of  this  act.”  I 
move  that  amendment  so  that  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  may  have  the  summer 
months  in  which  to  do  the  work. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-four,  and  for  other  purposes,’’  approved 
Mar.  3,  1873.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  17,  518,  519.)] 

Capitol  Extension. — For  continuing  the  work  on  the  Capitol,  and  for  general  care 
and  repairs  thereof,  sixty-five  thousand  dollars. 

For  extending  the  inlets  to  the  Senate  Chamber  for  fresh  air  to  the  lower  terrace 
near  the  western  park,  ten  thousand  dollars. 

For  constructing  coal-vaults  within  the  open  space  at  the  east  front  of  the  Capitol, 
between  the  wings  and  the  old  building,  sixteen  thousand  dollars;  and  for  connect- 
ing the  Capitol  by  telegraph,  to  be  used  solely  for  public  business,  with  all  the 
Departments  of  Government  and  the  Government  Printing  Office  in  the  city  of 
Washington,  eight  thousand  dollars,  or  so  much. thereof  as  may  be  necessary,  to  be 
expended  under  the  direction  of  the  officer  in  charge  of  the  public  buildings  and 
grounds:  Provided,  That  the  immediate  connection  of  the  wires  with  any  of  the  pub- 
lic buildings  shall  be  made  underground,  or  in  such  manner  as  not  to  injure  the 
appearance  of  the  Capitol  or  other  public  buildings. 

For  alteration  and  refitting  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives  for  the  accom- 
modation of  the  increased  number  of  members  and  the  better  ventilation  and  light- 
ing thereof,  to  be  expended  under  the  supervision  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol 
extension,  according  to  a plan  to  be  established  by  resolution  of  the  House,  forty 
thousand  dollars;  and  the  amounts  hereby  appropriated  for  work  on  and  around  the 
Capitol  shall  be  available  from  the  passage  of  this  act. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  to  supply  deficiencies  in  the  appropriations  for  the  service  of 
the  Government  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-three,  and 
for  other  purposes,”  approved  Mar.  3,  1873.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  17,  538.)] 

For  an  elevator  in  the  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol,  ten  thousand  dollars,  or  so  much 
thereof  as  may  be  necessary,  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  Architect  of 
the  Capitol  extension. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-five,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
June  23,  1874.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  18,  209,  214.)] 

To  enable  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library  to  purchase  such  works  of  art  for 
ornamenting  the  Capitol  as  may  be  ordered  and  approved,  ten  thousand  dollars. 

For  work  on  the  Capitol,  and  for  general  care  and  repairs  thereof,  fifty  thousand 
dollars. 


The  Extensions. 


885 


[House  proceedings  of  February  26,  1875:  Congressional  Record,  43 — 2,  p.  1805.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  State  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Sundry  Civil  bill  for  1876 — 

The  Clerk  read  the  following  paragraph : 

For  the  purchase  of  a noiseless  steam-pump  for  the  heating  and  ventilating  department  of  the 
House  of  Representatives,  11,000,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary. 

Mr.  Hawley,  of  Connecticut.  I move  to  strike  out  that,  paragraph,  and  I do  it  for 
the  purpose  of  making  an  inquiry.  I have  an  indistinct  recollection  that  toward  the 
close  of  the  last  session  a resolution  was  adopted  directing  certain  inquiries  to  be  made 
concerning  the  lighting  and  ventilating  of  this  Hall.  I desire  to  know  if  that  resolu- 
tion passed.  I certainly  hope  some  action  may  be  taken  in  that  direction.  I.  venture 
to  say,  deliberately,  that  this  Hall  is  the  most  conspicuous  failure  in  the  United  States; 
and  so  far  as  my  limited  observation  extends,  in  any  country,  as  to  ventilation,  light- 
ing, comfort,  and  health.  I invite  gentlemen  to  go  into  any  manufacturing  estab- 
lishment in  my  State  where  a large  number  of  men  are  employed,  and  I affirm  that 
they  can  find  no  room  containing  so  many  workmen,  confined  so  long  a time,  which 
is  not  better  lighted  and  better  ventilated  than  this  flail.  Through  the  registers, 
running  just  behind  the  feet  of  every  member,  come  streams  of  air  whose  tempera- 
ture is  sometimes  as  low  as  fifty,  or  sixty,  or  certainly  from  five  to  fifteen  degrees  lower 
than  the  average  temperature  in  which  our  heads  move,  which  the  various  ther- 
mometers show  to  range  from  72  to  80,  especially  when  the  fierce  heat  of  the  gas- 
lights beats  down  on  our  heads.  The  rapid  change  of  the  volume  makes  even  hot  air 
feel  cold.  All  the  light  we  get  in  the  day-time  comes  perpendicularly  through  ground- 
glass  skylights,  throwing  strong  lights  and  the  deepest  shadows,  that  strain  all  the 
nerves  of  the  eye  in  the  attempt  to  distinguish  faces  at  a short  distance.  We  get  no 
direct  supplies  of  light  or  air.  Every  principle  of  wholesome  lighting  and  heating  is 
defied,  and  so  we  go  on  year  after  year.  I have  no  doubt  that  the  untimely  deaths 
of  many  honorable  members  have  been  due  to  our  defiance  here  of  all  the  laws  of 
health. 

Mr.  Maynakd.  I oppose  the  amendment  for  the  purpose  of  saying  that  I have  been 
in  this  Hall  from  the  time  when  the  House  first  moved  into  it  from  the  other  Hall, 
and  my  experience  is  the  reverse  of  that  of  the  gentleman  from  Connecticut.  It  is 
to  my  mind  the  most  successful  room  ever  occupied  for  legislative  purposes  as  regards 
heat  or  light  or  air,  making  it  suitable  for  public  business.  I have  never  been  con- 
scious while  occupying  this  room  of  either  heat  or  cold,  light  or  darkness,  excess  or 
absence  of  ventilation;  and  I take  this  opportunity  to  have  on  record  my  estimate  of 
the  character  of  this  room,  in  reply  to  general  criticisms  that  from  time  to  time  have 
been  made  upon  it. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  I desire  to  move  to  strike  out  the  last  word,  and  I 
desire  to  do  it  because  my  experience  has  been  so  exactly  the  reverse  of  that  of  the 
gentleman  from  Tennessee. 

The  Chairman.  There  is  an  amendment  pending. 

Mr.  Hawley,  of  Connecticut.  I withdraw  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  I renew  it.  I desire  to  say  that  my  experience  has 
been  precisely  opposite  to  that  of  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee.  The  construction 
of  this  Hall  is  the  worst  fitted  for  the  purposes  for  which  it  is  used,  in  my  judgment, 
of  any  place  on  the  face  of  the  earth.  It  is  said  that  the  court  of  Areopagus  sat  in 
darkness  in  order  that  they  might  not  be  influenced  by  the  gestures  of  the  speaker. 
We  have  improved  on  that.  We  have  built  a place  where  we  can  see  the  orator  and 
his  gesture,  but  as  a rule  cannot  hear  a word  he  says. 

Mr.  Garfield.  That  was  the  theory  of  Roscius. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  Now,  I have  as  reasonably  strong  lungs  as  anybody 
in  this  Hall,  and  I cannot  be  heard  this  minute  distinctly  by  more  than  one  third 
in  it,  and  this  fact  gives  this  body  an  unfair  and  unjust  reputation.  We  are  called  a 
very  disorderly  body,  and  it  is  said  that  we  do  not  attend  to  the  current  business; 


886 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitoi. 


that  members  will  not  attend  to  what  is  going  on.  These  cross-bars  here  above  us 
catch  the  waves  of  sound  and  prevent  the  voice  from  being  heard,  and  then  these 
immense  galleries,  with  their  stairways,  tend  in  the  very  same  direction. 

Then  we  get  none  of  the  air  of  heaven  in  here  unless  it  is  pumped  up  through 
tubes  that  are  not  kept  clean,  but  are  reeking  with  all  the  filth  that  falls  into  them. 
We  get  none  of  the  light  of  heaven  except  as  it  comes  to  us  through  the  glass  above. 

Mr.  Maynard.  At  least  there  is  no  reverberation  in  this  Hall;  no  echo. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  Pardon  me;  I know  there  is  no  reverberation  in  the 
Hall, . because  you  cannot  get  any  sound  through  it;  that  is  what  I am  complaining 
of.  You  cannot  get  a reverberation  until  you  get  sound  to  traverse  space  and  come 
back. 

Sir,  reverberation  helps  the  voice.  I know  of  no  place  like  this  in  the  world 
excepting  one.  I undertook  to  make  a speech  in  the  court-house  of  a town  in 
Indiana,  a room  say  eighty  feet  by  sixty,  and  although  I may  say  I have  voice 
enough  to  reach  five  thousand  people  in  the  open  air,  yet  I could  not  be  heard  in 
that  court-house  for  the  reason  that  the  architect  had  run  large  pine-board  arches  of 
the  Gothic  pattern  clear  across  it,  which  stopped  the  voice  and  prevented  it  being 
heard. 

Sir,  this  Hall  will  never  be  fit  for  legislative  purposes,  in  my  judgment,  until  it  is 
carried  back  upon  each  side  so  as  to  allow  the  light  and  air  of  heaven  to  enter  into  it. 

Mr.  Maynard.  Did  the  gentleman  ever  listen  to  speaking  in  the  old  Hall? 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  I never  did;  but  because  that  was  bad,  that  is  no 
reason  why  this  should  be  made  worse.  I call  the  attention  of  every  man  here  to 
this  matter.  It  is  of  no  consequence  to  me  in  the  future  and  has  not  been  very  much 
in  the  past.  Men  who  have  been  accustomed  to  the  noisome  air  of  crowded  court- 
houses all  their  lives  may  be  able  to  live  here;  but  men  who  have  not  been  so  accus- 
tomed cannot  live  here.  A larger  percentage  of  the  members  of  this  House  of 
Representatives  die  than  of  any  other  body  of  men. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Platt  of  Virginia.  I differ  with  the  gentleman. 

Mr.  Garfield.  I hope  we  will  have  a vote  now. 

Mr.  Platt,  of  Virginia.  I hope  the  gentleman,  who  has  occupned  as  much  time  as 
anybody  in  this  House,  will  not  object  to  my  occupying  a little,  when  it  is  so  seldom 
I take  any  time  for  speaking  here. 

Mr.  Garfield.  Arery  well;  I will  give  the  gentleman  my  time. 

Mr.  Platt,  of  Virginia.  I know  it  is  very  much  the  fashion  of  gentlemen  occupy- 
ing this  Hall  to  decry  its  capacity  for  the  purpose  for  which  it  was  designed.  I do 
not  agree  with  the  estimation  held  of  it  by  the  gentleman  who  has  just  addressed  us. 
On  the  contrary,  every  gentleman  who  occupies  a seat  here  can  satisfy  himself  that 
so  far  from  this  Hall  being  defective  as  a place  to  be  heard  in,  there  is  no  better  hall 
anywhere,  no  place  in  the  Union,  I undertake  to  say,  where  if  the  people  occupying 
the  Hall  will  maintain  silence  the  speaker  can  be  better  heard. 

Mr.  Clements.  I ask  the  gentleman  to  speak  a little  louder  so  that  I can  hear  him. 

Mr.  Platt,  of  Virginia.  I will  explain  why  the  gentleman  cannot  hear  me  and  why 
there  is  difficulty  in  hearing  other  gentlemen  here.  It  is  because  there  are  two  hun- 
dred men  on  this  floor  talking  among  themselves  at  the  same  time  the  Speaker  is 
addressing  the  House.  We  all  know  that  in  their  conversation  members  are  in  the 
habit  of  speaking  in  their  ordinary  tones  of  voice  and  take  very  little  pains  to  lower 
it.  Then  we  have  the  lobbies  here  filled  with  gentlemen  who  are  also  talking  in  their 
ordinary  tones  of  voice;  and  the  galleries  are  filled  with  ladies  and  gentlemen  talking 
in  their  ordinary  tones  of  voice.  There  is  not  a church  or  public  hall  in  the  United 
States  where,  if  while  the  clergyman  or  orator  was  attempting  to  address  the  audience 
the  audience  should  do  precisely  what  is  being  done  every  moment  in  this  House,  he 
would  be  heard  any  better  than  members  are  heard  here.  It  is  very  easy  to  ascer- 
tain the  correctness  of  what  I say.  I undertake  to  say  that  at  this  moment  there  is 


The  Extensions. 


887 


no  gentleman  entitled  to  a seat  on  this  floor  who  cannot  he  heard  in  every  portion 
of  this  Hall  and  in  the  galleries  besides  if  those  here  will  maintain  the  silence  that 
is  maintained  in  churches  and  lecture-rooms. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  Allow  me  to  make  a single  observation. 

Mr.  Platt,  of  Virginia.  I have  no  time  to  be  interrupted,  particularly  by  the  gen- 
tleman from  Massachusetts. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  We  are  very  still  now. 

Mr.  Platt,  of  Virginia.  I want  to  ask  every  gentleman  within  the  sound  of  my  voice 
if  we  have  any  difficulty  in  hearing  the  Chaplain  in  the  morning  when  he  opens  the 
exercises  here? 

Mr.  Merriam.  Because  few  members  are  in  their  seats  so  early,  and  because  even 
Congressmen  bend  their  heads  in  silence  when  reminded  that  they  are  in  the  pres- 
ence of  their  Maker. 

Mr.  Platt,  of  Virginia.  We  hear  him  in  every  part  of  the  Hall.  Why?  Because 
we  show  him  the  respect  of  maintaining  silence  and  not  indulging  in  conversation  on 
the  floor  of  the  House.  I am  unwilling  that  these  complaints  against  this  Hall  shall 
be  made  here,  as  they  have  been  made,  without  having  the  real  difficulty  called  to 
the  attention  of  the  House. 

In  regard  to  the  pending  paragraph  which  it  is  proposed  to  strike  out,  I hope  it 
will  be  stricken  out,  and  that  not  one  dollar  will  be  expended  by  Congress  for  that 
purpose  until  some  correct  plan  for  heating  and  ventilating  this  Hall  as  it  should  be 
heated  and  ventilated  shall  be  devised.  I wish  I had  time  to  tell  members  about 
the  defective  construction  of  the  heating  and  ventilating  contrivances  which  are 
under  our  feet,  and  how  almost  impossible  it  is  that  any  effective  system  can  be 
adopted  by  following  their  present  plan  of  construction.  My  objection  to  this  para- 
graph is  that  this  subject  has  no't  been  considered  by  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings  and  Grounds  nor  by  any  other  committee  that  I know  of. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Coburn.  I move  an  amendment  to  the  amendment  for  the  purpose  of  saying 
a word  or  two  about  this  Hall.  It  has  been  extolled  to-day  lavishly  by  some  gentle- 
men, and  I cannot  agree  with  them  in  any  particular.  To  me  it  is  the  most  objec- 
tionable place  I ever  saw  for  a body  of  men  to  assemble  in.  The  air  comes  in  at  the 
wrong  place  and  in  the  wrong  direction.  When  the  weather  is  warm  the  sun  shines 
down  through  the  top  of  the  Hall  on  the  heads  of  members,  and  it  is  a source  of 
sickness  and  annoyance  from  the  beginning  to  the  end  of  the  heated  term.  This 
Hall  should  have  been  constructed  with  the  doors  and  windows  opening  to  the  outer 
air,  and  the  light  should  come  in,  as  in  ordinary  rooms,  from  the  sides  of  the  build- 
ing. I can  imagine  nothing  more  similar  to  the  plan  of  this  Hall,  so  far  as  heating 
and  lighting  are  concerned,  than  hot-houses  which  are  used  for  sprouting  cabbage- 
plants,  &c.  The  glass  top  of  this  Hall  has  about  the  same  effect  on  the  heads  of 
several  gentlemen  that  the  glass  tops  of  hot-houses  have  upon  the  plants  in  them.  I 
would  vote  to-day  for  an  appropriation  to  erect  a “wigwam”  or  some  other  inclosure 
in  which  Congressmen  might  assemble  and  where  they  would  have  an  ordinarily 
decent  place  to  do  the  public  business.  If  anything  could  reconcile  me  to  the  con- 
tinuance of  this  Hall  with  its  present  arrangements  as  the  place  of  meeting  of  the 
House  of  Representatives,  it  is  the  fact  that  it  will  be  occupied  in  the  next  Congress 
by  a large  democratic  majority.  If  1 could  be  so  malicious  as  to  desire  the  sickness 
or  possible  death  of  my  political  opponents,  that  might  be  a reason  for  voting  against  an 
appropriation  to  provide  some  other  place  for  the  meeting  of  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives or  some  improvement  of  this  Hall.  But  I do  say  that  much  as  I am  opposed 
politically  to  my  democratic  antagonists  and  unwilling  as  I am  that  they  should 
continue  in  power,  I will  vote  the  very  largest  possible  appropriation  to  build  a new 
hall  or  to  remodel  the  present  one  or  to  erect  a “wigwam,”  so  that  our  democratic 
friends  may  live  in  some  comfort  during  the  short  time  that  they  will  be  in  power. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 


888 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Eldredge.  I rise  to  oppose  the  amendment.  As  I am  about  to  retire  from 
Congress,  I want  to  bear  my  testimony  against  this  Hall  as  a very  unsuitable  place 
for  occupancy  by  the  House  of  Representatives.  I agree  with  every  one  of  the  gen- 
tlemen who  have  criticised  it  as  an  unfit  place  for  the  assemblage  of  a public  body. 
I can  account  in  no  way  for  the  remarks  of  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  [Mr.  May- 
nard] except  by  taking  his  words  literally,  as  I understood  them — that  he  is  insensible 
to  heat  and  insensible  to  cold,  insensible  to  light  and  insensible  to  darkness.  Only 
a reason  of  that  kind  can  account  for  the  fact  that  he  has  not  found  out  before  this 
time  that  this  Hall  is  an  unfit  place  for  the  use  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

Why,  sir,  go  around  this  Hall  to-day  and  you  will  find  nine  out  of  ten  of  the  mem- 
bers suffering  with  colds,  sore  throats — threatened  perhaps  with  pneumonia  or  inflam- 
mation of  the  lungs.  There  is  scarcely  a well  man  with  whom  I have  spoken  for  the 
last  ten  or  twenty  days  on  this  floor.  During  the  time  when  we  were  here  the  whole 
of  two  nights  “filibustering,”  as  it  was  called,  upon  the  civil-rights  bill,  almost  every 
man  in  this  Hall  became  more  or  less  sick.  I at  one  time  sent  for  the  Doorkeeper, 
telling  him  that  everybody  in  this  part  of  the  Hall  was  in  a chill.  He  went  to  the 
thermometer  and  came  back  telling  me  that  it  indicated  seventy-five  degrees.  I 
replied,  “I  am  suffering  with  a chill;  this  Hall  is  cold.”  He  then  examined  some 
of  the  flues  or  other  arrangements  under  the  seats  here,  and  found  that  cold  air  from 
out  of  doors  was  actually  blowing  in  upon  the  feet  of  all  of  us  here. 

Mr.  Maynard.  Will  the  gentleman  allow  me  to  call  his  attention  to  the  fact  how 
seldom  it  is  that  we  hear  a cough  in  this  House  as  compared  with  other  congrega- 
tions of  people? 

Mr.  Eldridge.  Why  it  is  very  seldom  that  a voice  is  heard.  The  best  voice  in  this 
House  cannot  be  heard  from  one  end  of  the  Hall  to  the  other,  even  when  the  Hall 
is  perfectly  still.  I undertake  to  say  that  there  is  not  a man  here  who  can  be  heard 
throughout  the  entire  length  and  breadth  of  this  Hall  even  when  profound  stillness 
otherwise  prevails;  for  then  the  reverberation  tends  to  drown  the  voice.  If  anyone 
can  be  heard  throughout  this  Hall  I can  be,  when  my  voice  is  in  good  condition;  and 
having  inquired  how  far  my  voice  could  be  heard,  I have  learned  that  unless  the  per- 
sons listening  are  facing  you,  they  cannot  hear  at  all  what  is  said  in  this  Hall. 

There  is  but  one  word  further  I want  to  say.  The  sunlight  of  heaven  does  not 
shine  here;  and  that  is  not  a fit  place  for  human  beings  where  God’s  sunlight  cannot 
shine  upon  them. 

The  Chairman.  Debate  upon  the  amendment  to  the  amendment  is  exhausted. 

Both  amendments  were  withdrawn. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  20,  1875:  Congressional  Record,  43—2,  p.  1811.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Sundry  Civil  bill  for  1876 — 

The  Clerk  read  the  following: 

To  enable  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library  to  purchase  such  works  of  art  for  ornamenting 
Capitol  as  may  be  ordered  and  ax>proved,  §15,000. 

* * * 

Mr.  Cox.  I move  to  amend  by  adding  to  the  pending  paragraph  the  following: 

Provided , That  there  be  constituted  a council  upon  matters  of  art,  to  be  named  by  the  Joint  Com- 
mittee on  the  Library,  consisting  of  five  persons  accomplished  in  such  matters,  to  whom  shall  be  sub- 
mitted, in  connection  with  said  committee,  all  designs  and  proposals  for  paintings  or  statues  ordered 
by  Congress,  a majority  of  whom,  in  connection  with  said  committee,  shall  decide  as  well  upon  the 
artist  to  be  selected  as  upon  the  subject-matter  of  such  designs  or  proposals,  except  when  otherwise 
expressed  in  the  law  authorizing  the  same;  and  that  no  compensation  be  attached  to  such  service, 
except  the  ordinary  expenses  of  going  to  and  from  Washington,  to  be  allowed  by  the  Committee  on 
the  Library,  according  to  such  rules  as  they  may  prescribe. 

Mr.  Maynard.  I must  make  a point,  of  order  on  this  amendment. 

Mr.  Frye.  It  is  new  legislation. 


The  Extensions. 


889 


Mr.  Maynard.  I think  that  Congress  is  perfectly  competent  to  manage  affairs  in 
this  Capitol. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  sustains  the  point  of  order. 

Mr.  Cox.  I move  then  to  amend  the  pending  paragraph  by  striking  out  .jil5,000 
and  inserting  $10,000.  I will  say  that  the  amendment  which  I just  offered  was  not 
intended  of  course  as  any  reproach  upon  the  distinguished  gentlemen  of  the  Com- 
mittee on  the  Library,  who  have  charge  of  the  decoration  of  the  Capitol.  That 
amendment  is  substantially  the  same  as  a bill  which  I introduced  last  session  when 
we  were  voting  large  amounts  of  money  for  statuary,  &c.  The  principal  difference 
is  that  my  bill  named  live  artists;  and  there,  perhaps,  was  my  mistake;  otherwise 
the  measure  might  have  carried.  It  was  criticised  everywhere  on  the  ground  mainly 
that  I named  artists  for  this  commission.  If  I had  named  perhaps  such  men  as  Mr. 
Perkins,  of  Boston,  men  of  leisure  and  taste,  men  not  engaged  practically  as  painters 
or  sculptors,  I think  it  very  likely  that  my  bill  would  have  received  more  favorable 
consideration. 

But,  Mr.  Chairman,  no  one  can  visit  this  Capitol  without  seeing  the  need  of  some 
improvement  in  respect  to  its  decoration.  Unless  you  want  to  have  here  some  day 
a bonfire  of  all  the  elements  of  art  which  are  incongruously  heaped  together  in  this 
Capitol,  we  had  better  provide,  and  that  soon,  a commission  to  determine  these 
matters  according  to  the  best  canons  of  artistic  criticism.  All  true  friends  of  art,  all 
men  of  good  taste,  ought  to  welcome  a measure  of  the  kind  I have  proposed.  My 
bill  of  last  session  was  received  with  approval  by  the  newspapers  in  Boston,  in  Cin- 
cinnati, in  New  York,  by  various  art  journals — by  almost  everybody  except  members 
of  Congress. 

Now,  sir,  1 do  not  know  exactly  where  we  can  find  our  best  artists;  but  I will 
send  to  the  Clerk’s  desk  to  be  read  an  extract  from  a western  paper.  There  may  be 
lying  in  abeyance  somewhere  in  the  West  some  artist  like  the  one  described  in  this 
paragraph,  who  may  be  selected  some  day  to  do  honor  to  this  Capitol  by  such  a piece 
of  work  as  is  suggested.  The  article  which  I ask  the  Clerk  to  read  is  the  only  co  - 
mentary  I have  to  make  on  the  decoration  of  this  Capitol. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

A father  procured  on  outfit  of  oil-paints  and  brushes  for  his  eight-year-old  son  the  other  day,  the 
lad  having  developed  a talent  for  drawing.  Little  was  seen  of  the  hoy  for  two  or  three  days,  and 
then  he  took  his  father  and  mother  by  the  hand»and  led  them  into  the  parlor,  and  triumphantly 
pointed  to  the  proof  of  his  artistic  skill.  The  gilt  paper  on  the  walls  formed  a fine  groundwork  for 
him,  and  he  had  painted  a horse  over  one  door,  a lion  over  another,  a bird  over  the  third,  and  at 
intervals  along  the  wall  he  had  brought  out  fighting-dogs,  ships,  fire-engines,  Indians  in  full  dress, 
and  bears  chasing  boys.  He  had  put  a new  border  on  the  bay-window  curtains,  striped  the  legs  of 
the  piano,  and  had  proceeded  to  touch  up  and  improve  certain  chromos  and  oil-paintings  hanging 
on  the  walls.  Father  and  mother  gazed  around,  and  the  young  artist  anxiously  waited  for  them  to 
pat  him  on  the  head  and  say  they  were  proud  of  such  a son.  The  father  placed  the  son’s  ear  between 
his  thumb  and  finger,  and  led  him  through  several  rooms  to  the  woodshed,  and  what  followed  may 
be  inferred  from  a remark  by  the  boy,  and  overheard  by  a pedestrian:  “ O,  father,  let  up  on  me,  and 
I'll  never  be  an  artist  any  more,  unless  I am  selected  by  Congress  to  paint  the  father  of  my  country 
for  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Cox.  1 withdraw  my  amendment. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-six,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Mar.  3,  1875.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  18,  376,  384,  393. )] 

To  enable  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library  to  purchase  such  works  of  art  for 
ornamenting  the  Capitol  as  may  be  ordered  and  approved,  fifteen  thousand  dollars. 

CAPITOL  EXTENSION. 

For  work  on  the  Capitol,  and  for  general  care  and  repairs  thereof,  fifty  thousand 
dollars. 

For  new  chandeliers  for  the  corridors  and  passages  of  the  House  of  Representatives, 
to  correspond  with  those  of  the  Senate,  five  thousand  dollars. 


890 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-seven,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
July  31,  1876.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  19,  115.)] 

Capitol  extension:  For  work  on  the  Capitol,  and  for  general  care  and  repair 
thereof,  sixty  thousand  dollars. 

For  taking  up  and  renewing  the  floor  of  the  Senate  Chamber  and  rearranging  the 
flues  for  more  equal  distribution  of  air  through  the  registers  of  the  floor,  five  thou- 
sand dollars. 

For  an  additional  steam  boiler  for  the  heating  apparatus  in  the  Senate  wing  of  the 
Capitol,  and  for  repairs  to  gas  pipes  in  the  Capitol  building,  eight  thousand  dollars. 


(House  proceedings  of  Feb.  21,  1877:  Congressional  Record,  44 — 2,  p.  1778.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  sundry  civil  bill  for  1878 — 

The  Clerk  resumed  the  reading  of  the  bill,  and  read  as  follows: 

Capitol  extension:  For  work  on  the  Capitol  and  for  general  care  and  repair  thereof,  140,000. 

Mr.  Piper.  I move  to  amend  that  paragraph  by  striking  out  $40,000  and  inserting 
in  lieu  thereof  $30,000.  As  the  chairman  of  the  Committe  on  Appropriations  is  also 
chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  I would  like  to  know 
what  extension  is  being  constructed  on  this  Capitol.  This  appropriation  is  “ for 
extension  of  the  Capitol  and  for  other  purposes.”  Now  the  gentleman  is  so  ivell 
informed  about  the  details  of  every  Department  of  this  Government  that  it  gives  me 
great  pleasure  to  hear  any  explanation  by  him  as  to  the  appropriation  of  the  people’s 
money  to  the  various  purposes  of  the  bills  which  he  reports  to  the  House. 

Mr.  Holman.  The  estimate  for  this  purpose  was  $60,000.  We  have  reduced  the 
amount  $20,000  and  I hardly  think  the  amount  can  be  safely  reduced  below  that. 

Mr.  Atkins.  This  is  for  taking  care  of  the  entire  building,  and  not  to  make  addi- 
tions to  it. 

Mr.  Piper.  The  words  used  are  ‘ ‘ Capitol  extension.  ’ ’ 

Mr.  /Vtkins.  Last  year  we  appropriated  $60,000  for  this  purpose  and  this  year  we 
propose  to  appropriate  $40,000;  that  is  all. 

Mr.  Holman.  I call  for  a vote. 

Mr.  Piper.  I withdraw  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Leavenworth.  1 offer  the  following  amendment,  to  come  in  at  that  point. 
After  the  word  “thereof”  insert  the  following: 

And  for  putting  an  elevator  in  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  under  the  supervision  of  the  Architect 
of  the  Capitol,  $50,000. 

And  strike  out  $40,000. 

Mr.  Holman.  I think  that  is  new  work  entirely,  and  that  the  amendment  is  sub- 
ject to  the  point  of  order,  that  this  is  an  appropriation  not  authorized  by  law. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  sustains  the  point  of  order. 

* * * 

Mr.  Harrison.  I offer  the  following  amendment: 

For  the  improvement  of  the  heating  and  ventilating  apparatus  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  to 
he  expended  by  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  the  sum  of  $33,000;  and  that  the  board  of  United  States 
officers  convened  by  request  of  the  Committee  on  Public-Buildings  and  Grounds,  to  advise  with  it  on 
the  subject,  be  requested  to  advise  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  in  the  premises;  and  that  hereafter 
the  subject  of  ventilating  and  heating  the  House  of  Representatives  be  placed  under  the  direction 
of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol. 

This  morning  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  by  a unanimous 
vote  directed  me  to  draft  a bill  and  prepare  a report  on  the  subject  of  the  ventilation 
of  this  Hall.  I will  bring  that  bill  before  the  House  as  soon  as  I can  get  an  oppor- 
tunity to  do  so. 

For  the  last  twelve  months  a subcommittee  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings 
and  Grounds  has  had  under  careful  consideration  the  subject  of  ventilating  this 


The  Extensions. 


891 


Hall.  We  have  had  in  consultation  with  us  a board  of  United  States  officers  con- 
sisting of  Professor  Henry,  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution;  Mr.  Clark,  the  Architect 
of  the  Capitol;  Mr.  Shuman,  in  the  employ  of  the  Architect  of  the  Treasury  Depart- 
ment; Dr.  Billings,  of  the  United  States  Army,  and  one  or  two  others.  We  have 
had  before  us  a large  number  of  experts  from  the  different  cities  of  the  United  States 
who  have  been  seeking  to  have  their  plans  adopted. 

During  the  last  summer  Dr.  Billings  visited  Europe,  where  he  examined  the  heat- 
ing and  ventilating  apparatus  of  the  House  of  Commons  and  the  House  of  Lords  in 
London,  of  the  opera-house  in  Vienna,  the  best  ventilated  building  in  the  world, 
and  also  other  buildings.  After  very  careful  examination  and  study  of  this  subject, 
this  board  within  the  last  few  days  have  submitted  to  us  their  report.  That  report 
this  morning  was  adopted  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  and 
as  I said,  I have  been  directed  by  that  committee  to  draft  a bill  to  carry  it  into  effect. 
As  the  bill  will  require  some  little  change  in  the  law,  I will  bring  it  to  the  attention 
of  the  House  as  soon  as  I can  do  so.  In  the  meantime,  in  order  to  have  an  appro- 
priation for  the  purpose,  I have  moved  this  amendment. 

I have  been  asked  to  state  what  is  the  plan.  It  is  utterly  impossible  in  a five- 
minute  speech  to  properly  explain  it.  It  does  not  change  the  present  system  of 
ventilation  in  this  Hall.  We  have  found  that  it  would  be  utterly  impossible,  without 
an  expense  of  from  $100,000  to  $200,000,  to  change  the  present  system  of  ventilation. 
But  by  perfecting  the  present  upward  system  of  ventilation,  by  removing  from 
beneath  the  floor  of  this  Hall  about  a million  of  brick  which  clog  up  the  flues,  by 
bringing  the  stack  of  heating  apparatus  or  radiators  from  far  off  in  the  corner  of  the 
building  by  the  room  of  the  Committee  on  Naval  Affairs  and  placing  it  under  this 
Hall,  near  the  center,  by  changing  the  ventilators  here  and  giving  each  member  the 
direct  control  of  the  ventilation  of  his  own  seat,  it  is  believed  that  we  will  be  able  to 
secure  a thorough  ventilation  of  the  House. 

I have  the  plan  in  the  committee- room,  not  knowing  that  the  House  would  go 
into  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  this  bill. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Harrison.  Is  my  time  up? 

The  Chairman.  The  five  minutes  time  of  the  gentleman  has  expired. 

Mr.  Conger.  Mr.  Chairman 

Mr.  Landers,  of  Indiana.  I desire  to  ask  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  [Mr.  Har- 
rison] one  question. 

Mr.  Harrison.  Will  the  gentleman  yield  to  me  to  finish  my  statement? 

Mr.  Landers,  of  Indiana.  After  my  question.  The  gentleman  says  it  is  not  pro- 
posed—— 

Mr.  Conger.  I rose  to  oppose  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Landers,  of  Indiana.  That  is  my  object. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  understood  the  gentleman  to  rise  to  ask  a question  after 
the  time  of  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  [Mr.  Harrison]  had  expired. 

Mr.  Landers,  of  Indiana.  I rose  also  to  oppose  the  proposition.  I have  a right  to 
yield  for  my  question  to  be  answered,  have  I not,  provided  it  comes  out  of  my  time? 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  had  not  recognized  the  gentleman. 

Mr.  Landers,  of  Indiana.  I had  hoped  that  the  Chair  would  recognize  me. 

Mr.  Conger.  The  gentleman  from  Illinois  [Mr.  Harrison]  sometime  since  very 
kindly  offered  to  yield  his  time  to  me,  because  he  thought  I had  superior  knowledge 
of  a certain  subject.  I may  say  that  my  friend  from  Illinois,  something  like  the  sub- 
ject which  he  is  discussing  here,  goes  back  and  forth  from  one  subject  to  another  as 
the  wind,  which  blows  where  it  listeth  and  we  know  not  whence  it  cometh  or 
whither  it  goeth.  [Laughter.]  So  it  is  with  my  friend’s  discussion  on  this  subject. 

The  gentleman  has  for  two  years  by  direction  of  the  House  been  charged  with  this 
windy  subject.  The  House  knew  instinctively  who  could  best  take  charge  of  such  a 
subject  as  that  [laughter]  and  they  selected  my  friend.  He  has  been  struggling  all 


892 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


that  time  to  obtain  some  knowledge,  some  information  by  which  he  could  enlighten 
the  House  as  to  the  means  of  ventilating  this  Hall  better  than  it  has  been  heretofc  re 
ventilated.  I know  he  is  better  prepared  than  I am  to  discuss  that  subject;  and 
with  all  the  grace  possible  I yield  to  him  the  remainder  of  my  time. 

Mr.  Harrison.  I thank  the  gentleman.  I think  there  is  no  man  in  this  House, 
who  needs  fresh  air  more  than  he.  [Laughter.  ] Sir,  in  olden  time,  when  the  gen- 
tleman from  Michigan  was  a baby,  he  had  a sweet  smile  upon  his  face.  When  he 
came  here  it  was  wreathed  in  smiles;  it  was  lovely  to  look  upon.  [Great  laughter.] 
But  now  see  the  effect  of  bad  ventilation  upon  him;  always  sour,  always  vinegary. 

Mr.  Chairman,  this  is  a very  serious  subject.  [Renewed  laughter.]  I think  the 
House  is  sufficiently  prepared  to  vote  on  my  amendment.  It  is  utterly  impossible, 
as  I have  already  said,  in  a few  moments  and  without  the  plan  before  me,  to  explain 
it.  If  gentlemen  wish  an  explanation,  I will  endeavor  to  give  it,  if  I can  be  allowed 
the  time.  [Cries  of  ‘ ‘ Go  on !”  “ Go  on  !”  ] Then  I have  got  consent  and  I will  take 
advantage  of  it.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Conger  and  many  others.  “Goon!”  “Goon!” 

Mr.  Harrison.  I ask  that  the  report  of  this  committee  of  officers  be  read. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

Second  report  of  the  hoard  of  Unites  States  officers  convened  by  request  of  the  subcommittee 

on  public  buildings  and  grounds  to  advise  with  regard  to  the  ventilation  of  the  House  of 

Representatives. 

Washington,  D.  C.,  February  2,  1877. 

The  board  find  that  the  measures  which  have  been  taken  to  give  an  increased  sup- 
ply  of  fresh  air  to  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  in  accordance  with  its 
recommendation  in  its  previous  report,  have  been  followed  by  good  results,  and  that 
the  test  of  actual  experience,  during  both  cold  and  warm  weather,  has  shown  that 
the  Hall  can  be  satisfactorily  heated  and  ventilated  with  the  system  now  employed, 
namely,  that  of  upward  currents,  and  that  this  can  be  done  without  causing  discom- 
fort to  the  occupants. 

The  recommendations  of  the  board  heretofore  presented  were  intended  to  meet  the 
great  want  existing,  namely,  that  of  an  increased  supply  of  air,  without  the  produc- 
tion of  unpleasant  draughts,  and  also  to  remove  or  mitigate  certain  sources  of  impurity 
which  were  found  to  exist  in  the  basement  of  the  building. 

These  recommendations  have  been  only  in  part  carried  out,  owing  to  the  want  of 
funds,  for,  although  the  sum  estimated  for  by  the  board,  namely,  $8,000,  was  duly 
appropriated  from  the  contingent  fund  of  the  House  at  the  close  of  the  last  session, 
yet  it  appears  that  this  appropriation  was  only  partially  available,  since  the  con- 
tingent fund  was  exhausted. 

For  this  reason  it  has  been  found  impossible  by  the  Architect  to  provide  the 
means  for  that  increased  supply  of  fresh  air  to  the  galleries  which  the  board  consider 
as  necessary. 

The  board  has  collected  information  as  to  the  practical  results  obtained  in  large 
halls  of  assembly  in  this  country  and  in  Europe  by  the  systems  of  heating  and  ven- 
tilation adopted,  and,  from  these  as  well  as  from  the  observations  and  experience  of 
its  members,  it  has  arrived  at  certain  conclusions  as  to  what  should  be  done  looking 
to  the  permanent  arrangement  for  heating  and  ventilating  the  south  wing  of  the 
Capitol,  which  may  be  stated  as  follows: 

1.  That  it  is  not  desirable  to  change  the  present  or  upward  system  of  ventilation 
of  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives  for  any  system  of  so-called  downward 
ventilation,  and  it  is  not  possible  to  apply  any  so-called  natural  system  of  ventilation, 
by  means  of  windows  and  openings  in  the  ceiling  and  walls  only,  to  a large  assembly 
Hall  like  this. 

2.  That  while  the  quantity  of  fresh  air  which  can  now  be  supplied  to  members  on 
the  floor  without  causing  unpleasant  draught  is  probably  sufficient  under  ordinary 
circumstances,  it  is  desirable  that  there  should  be  means  to  increase  it  when  needed. 


The  Extensions. 


893 


3.  That  the  supply  of  air  to  the  galleries  should  be  largely  increased,  and  that  there 
should  be  means  provided  for  furnishing  cooler  air  to  the  galleries  than  is  supplied 
to  the  floor  of  the  hall. 

4.  That  the  system  of  brick  flues  beneath  the  floor  of  the  House  should  be  removed 
and  galvanized  iron  flues  substituted  so  far  as  necessary. 

5.  That  a duct  should  be  constructed  to  bring  the  fresh  air  required  for  the  use  of 
the  House  to  the  injecting  fans  from  a point  on  the  lower  terrace  and  through  an 
ornamental  shaft  about  thirty  feet  high. 

6.  That  an  attempt  should  be  made  to  regulate  the  amount  of  moisture  in  the  air 
supplied  and  to  cool  the  air  in  warm  weather. 

7.  That  for  this  purpose,  as  well  as  for  other  reasons,  the  course  of  the  present 
fresh-air  duct  should  be  changed,  and  the  heating-coils  removed  from  their  inacces- 
sible and  inconvenient  position,  and  that  the  point  for  admission  of  fresh  air  beneath 
the  floor  shall  be  central  instead  of  in  one  corner,  as  at  present. 

8.  That  additional  means  of  ventilation  should  be  supplied  for  the  upper  lobbies. 

9.  That  an  attempt  should  be  made  to  so  arrange  a system  of  outlets  for  foul  air  in 
the  roof  that  the  wind  can  only  produce  an  increased  flow  of  air. 

If  this  can  be  done  successfully  the  exhaust  fans  now  in  use  will  become  available 
for  ventilation  of  the  basement  and  lobbies. 

10.  That  means  of  communication  by  a system  of  electric  signals  be  provided 
between  the  floor  of  the  House  and  the  engine-room. 

11  That  the  whole  matter  of  heating  and  ventilation  of  the  south  wing  of  the  Cap- 
itol should  be  placed  under  the  control  of  one  person  who  is  to  be  held  responsible 
for  their  proper  working.  Under  the  present  system,  or  rather  want  of  system,  the 
board  do  not  believe  that  any  apparatus  can  be  made  to  work  satisfactorily. 

If  it  is  desired  that  the  board  shall  continue  to  interest  itself  in  the  heating  and 
ventilating  of  the  House,  and  in  the  devising  of  the  best  means  of  carrying  out  its 
recommendations,  it  is  extremely  desirable  that  the  person  who  is  to  have  charge  of 
the  apparatus  when  completed  should  be  in  some  way  associated  with  the  board,  not 
only  to  carry  out  the  experiments  and  observations  which  it  may  deem  necessary, 
but  to  become  familiar  with  what  is  to  be  done,  and  with  the  ajiparatus  and  machin- 
ery decided  to  be  best  adapted  for  doing  it. 

12.  Plans  have  been  prepared  by  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  for  the  alterations 
recommended,  and  these  are  herewith  submitted.  The  total  cost  of  making  these 
changes,  and  of  putting  the  heating  apparatus  in  good  order,  including  the  purchase 
of  20,000  feet  of  new  steam-pipes,  is  estimated  at  $33,000. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Joseph  Henry, 

Secretary  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution,  President  of  the  Board. 

Thos.  L.  Casey, 

Lieutenant- Colonel,  Corps  of  Engineers,  Member  of  the  Board. 

Edward  Clark, 

Architect  United  States  Capitol,  Member  of  the  Board. 

F.  Schumann, 

Civil  Engineer,  Member  of  the  Board. 

John  S.  Billings, 

Surgeon,  United  States  Army,  Secretary  of  the  Board. 

Mr.  Harrison.  I believe,  Mr.  Chairman,  I had  unanimous  consent  to  finish  my 
remarks  on  this  subject. 

Mr.  Holman.  I have  no  objection,  of  course,  to  the  gentleman  proceeding;  but  I 
believe  the  five-minute  rule  cannot  be  waived  in  Committee  of  the  Whole. 

Mr.  Wilson,  of  Iowa,  obtained  the  floor,  and  yielded  to  Mr.  Harrison. 

Mr.  Harrison.  Mr.  Chairman,  the  plan  as  suggested  here  is  to  get  fresh  air  from  a 
spot  out  on  the  terrace,  removed  from  the  walls  of  the  Capitol.  The  cold  air,  instead 
of  being  driven  by  the  fans  to  the  far  corner  of  this  building,  will  be  carried  to  the 


894 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


stacks  which  will  be  placed  immediately  under  the  Hall  and  very  near  to  the  center. 
Then  the  flues  under  this  floor,  which  are  now  of  brick,  and  in  which,  as  I have 
stated  before,  nearly  a million  of  brick  are  placed,  will  be  removed.  At  present 
this  brick-work  absorbs  the  heat;  and  when  it  has  become  heated  it  is  utterly  impos- 
sible for  the  engineer  to  cool  it  in  less  than  about  half  an  hour.  On  the  other  hand, 
when  these  bricks  become  cold,  it  is  utterly  impossible  to  heat  them  in  less  than  a 
half  an  hour.  These  brick  flues  will  therefore  be  removed,  and  will  be  replaced 
by  flues  of  galvanized  iron.  Around  this  Hall  will  be  a system  of  ventilation  through 
which  the  heated  air  will  come.  Under  each  desk  will  be  a ventilator  under  the 
control  of  each  member,  so  that  he  can  prevent  draughts  from  coming  directly  upon 
himself,  while  he  cannot  prevent  the  general  influx  of  air  around  the  room. 

In  addition  to  this,  these  officers  recommend  the  attachment  of  what  is  called  a 
cold-air  duct  to  one  of  the  engines,  by  which,  when  the  House  becomes  too  much 
heated,  cold  air  can  be  rapidly  thrown  in  and  mixed  with  the  warm  air,  so  that  the 
air  may  come  into  the  Hall  thoroughly  tempered. 

We  believe  that  this  system  will  be  a success,  though  of  course  to  a certain  extent 
it  will  be  an  experiment.  We  have  had  before  our  committee  men  from  nearly 
every  city  of  the  Union,  wishing  to  get  a contract  for  perfecting  the  ventilation  of 
this  House.  The  estimates  submitted  are  in  no  instance  less  than  $85,000.  We  sub- 
mitted all  these  plans  to  this  committee  of  experts;  we  consulted  with  them;  and 
they  have  come  to  the  conclusion  that  the  plan  they  propose  to  adopt  is  a feasible, 
practicable,  and  economical  one. 

Mr.  White.  I understood  the  gentleman  to  say  that  it  was  necessary  to  have  the 
brick-work  underneath  removed  in  order  to  perfect  our  system  of  ventilation.  I 
want  to  ask  the  gentleman  whether  he  does  not  think  that  the  tobacco-juice  and  all 
other  sorts  of  filth  now  going  into  these  flues  ought  to  be  removed? 

Mr.  Harrison.  The  whole  substructure  under  here  will  be  removed  and  cleaned; 
and  then  the  system  will  be  so  changed  that  refuse  tobacco  and  other  impurities 
cannot  be  thrown  into  the  flues. 

Mr.  White.  I wish  to  inquire  further  whether  it  is  possible  to  keep  out  these 
impurities  under  the  present  system  of  ventilation,  which  undertakes  to  carry  the 
foul  air  upward. 

Mr.  Harrison.  It  is  thoroughly  practicable;  at  least  we  believe  it  is  so,  or  we  would 
not  recommend  this  plan. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  White.  Mr.  Chairman,  I have  a profound  respect  for  the  opinions  of  the  gen- 
tleman from  Illinois,  [Mr.  Harrison.]  I always  bow  my  head  with  deference  to 
gentlemen  who  offer  theories  in  regard  to  ventilation.  But  after  two  years  of  expe- 
rience in  regard  to  this  matter — experience  in  the  very  midst  of  the  operation  of  this 
system— I think  that  my  experience  is  worth  more  than  the  theories  of  these  gentle- 
men who  propose  to  ventilate  this  House.  And  I do  not  offer  my  experience  alone. 
I state  what  every  gentleman  on  this  floor  must  know  to  be  a fact,  that  around  this 
Hall  on  the  outside  are  openings  for  the  reception  of  the  pure  air  which  is  to  be  forced 
into  this  Hall  by  driving-fans.  This  pure  air  comes  over  refuse  tobacco,  cigar-stumps, 
apple-peelings,  and  all  sorts  of  filth  which  the  boys  from  the  street  see  fit  to  throw  into 
those  holes.  After  the  air  has  been  heated  it  reaches  this  Hall  through  these  open- 
ings here  in  the  floor,  and  all  the  foul  particles  that  can  be  evaporated  by  this  heated 
air  are  evaporated,  and  in  this  condition  the  air  comes  in  here  for  us  to  breathe. 
Can  anything  be  more  destructive  to  life  or  health  or  comfort  than  to  be  confined 
in  such  an  impure  atmosphere? 

Again,  it  is  a well-known  fact  that  the  air  which  we  breathe  out  of  our  lungs  is 
much  heavier  than  the  natural  air.  By  the  exhaust  fans  which  draw  the  air  upward 
we  undertake  to  carry  off  the  carbonic-acid  gas  through  the  ceiling,  to  take  it  out  at 


The  Extensions. 


895 


the  roof  of  the  house  instead  of  at  the  bottom  of  it.  To  accomplish  this  unnatural 
and  life-destructive  work  we  are  asked  to  appropriate  the  sum  of  $33,000. 

Now,  as  I understand  the  gentleman,  he  does  not  propose  a new  system  of  ventila- 
tion. He  proposes  to  continue  the  old  system;  and  what  is  it?  It  is  simply  to  bring 
this  air  to  us  from  the  outside  through  the  old  channels,  with  the  exception  that  the 
little  holes  at  the  rear  of  our  seats  shall  be  closed.  There  is  to  be  a register  under 
each  desk,  which  'each  member  may  open  or  shut  at  pleasure;  but  if  it  be  the 
pleasure  of  two-thirds  of  the  members  to  close  those  registers,  then  the  persons  in 
the  galleries  will  have  to  endure  the  draught  where  air  is  forced  in  upon  them. 

Mr.  Harrison.  If  the  gentleman  had  listened  to  the  report,  he  would  have  learned 
that  the  gallery  will  have  a system  of  heating  for  itself.  There  are  to  be  flues  car- 
ried into  the  gallery. 

Mr.  White.  Notwithstanding  the  remark  of  the  gentleman,  it  is  nevertheless  the 
truth  that  these  officers  propose  to  get  the  pure  air  into  this  House  by  bringing  it  over 
the  same  impurities  over  which  it  has  always  been  brought  in.  They  propose  to  con- 
tinue the  same  old  plan  of  pumping  the  foul  air  out  of  this  House  through  the  roof, 
and  as  it  goes  upward  we  naturally  get  bad  air  to  breathe.  We  have  never  yet  had 
pure  air  in  this  Hall.  You  can  taste  it  the  minute  you  get  inside  the  corridors 
around  this  Hall.  We  not  only  get  no  natural  air,  but  we  get  no  natural  light  in 
this  Hall. 

I was  about  to  offer  an  amendment  to  improve  the  ventilation  of  the  House  at  the 
moment  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  rose.  But  if  it  is  proposed  to  put  it  into  the 
same  old  system,  to  make  the  same  old  system  more  perfect,  we  will  only  get  more 
of  the  bad  air  we  have  been  getting  all  along,  and  I will  oppose  the  amendment  and 
I think  the  House  should  vote  it  down.  I ask  the  amendment  be  again  read. 

The  amendment  was  again  read.  • 

Mr.  Holman.  Mr.  Chairman,  it  seemed  to  me  the  ventilation  of  this  Hall  since  the 
improvements  at  the  last  session  was  quite  complete,  and  we  could  scarcely  hope, 
even  by  large  appropriations  of  money,  to  materially  improve  that  ventilation.  Gen- 
tlemen have  observed  this:  when  the  Hall  is  crowded  with  people,  galleries  and  all, 
that  the  atmosphere  seems  to  become  oppressive.  But  this  subject  of  ventilation  is 
one  of  such  interest  that  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  with 
great  unanimity- — with  entire  unanimity  with  the  exception  of  my  views — have 
favored  this  appropriation  of  $33,000.  Now,  inasmuch  as  we  have  appropriated  a 
larger  sum  than  is  imperatively  required  for  the  improvement  of  the  public  grounds, 
I ask  to  insert  that  provision  in  the  bill,  if  the  House  shall  determine  to  adopt  it,  in 
another  form.  The  bill  now  provides  for  the  improvement  of  the  Capitol  grounds 
and  for  paving  the  roadway  and  footwalks  in  the  Capitol  grounds,  $100,000.  I move 
to  add  to  that,  “provided,  however,  that  a sum  not  exceeding  $33,000  of  this  appro- 
priation he  used  for  the  improvement,”  &c.,  then  using  the  language  of  the  amend- 
ment moved  by  the  gentleman  from  Illinois.  I have  consulted  with  such  members 
of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  upon  the  floor,  and  believe  they  acquiesce  in 
this  proposition.  Gentlemen  will  discover  when  we  come  to  add  up  the  items 
making  up  this  appropriation  bill  it  will  be  found  to  involve  a very  large  sum  of 
money  in  the  aggregate,  and  therefore  it  seems  to  me  no  appropriation  should  be 
made  in  this  instance  increasing  those  appropriations  beyond  what  is  imperatively 
required.  We  are  satisfied  this  $33,000  can  be  deducted  from  that  $100,000  without 
any  embarrassment  of  the  public  interest,  or  without  necessarily  postponing  the 
completion  of  the  public  grounds. 

Mr.  White.  I now  ask  that  the  amendment  be  read  as  it  will  stand  if  amended 
by  the  gentleman  from  Indiana. 

The  amendment  was  again  read. 

Mr.  Harrison.  Mr.  Chairman,  I am  willing  to  accept  that  as  a modification  of  my 
own  proposition. 


896 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Harris,  of  Massachusetts.  Mr.  Chairman,  I desire  very  much  to  vote  for  an 
appropriation  for  the  ventilation  and  heating  of  this  Hall,  but  I shall  never  vote  a 
dollar  for  a system  of  ventilation  which  is  absurdly  wrong-side  up.  It  has  been 
demonstrated,  I believe,  in  some  portions  of  the  country,  that  heated  air  drawn  into 
the  top  of  a large  hall,  and  the  foul  air  thrown  out  by  pumps  at  the  bottom,  give 
free  ventilation.  It  is  known  to  every  gentleman,  I suppose,  that  all  the  air  which 
we  breathe  forth  from  our  lungs,  all  the  air  thrown  out  from  our  bodies,  is  vitiated 
and  loaded  with  foul  matters.  It  descends  to  our  feet,  and  if  it  be  allowed  to  rise  to 
our  lungs  we  breathe  it  over  and  over.  When  we  can  let  our  air  in  at  the  top, 
properly  warmed,  properly  heated,  and  draw  the  foul  air  out  by  strong  pumps  at 
our  feet,  we  will  be  constantly  breathing  free  air;  and  until  that  system  is  adopted 
there  can  be  no  ventilation  and  no  introduction  of  pure  air  into  this  Chamber  which 
will  answer  the  purpose. 

Mr.  Harrison.  How  do  you  mean,  sir? 

Mr.  Harris,  of  Massachusetts.  I understand  they  propose  to  force  in  heated  air  at 
the  bottom  and  force  out  foul  air  by  some  process.  I believe  if  gentlemen  will  take 
pains  to  investigate  this  subject  they  will  come  to  the  conclusion  that  any  system  of 
ventilation  such  as  is  now  proposed  is  absolutely  wrong-side  up  and  will  not  work. 

* * * 

Mr.  Harrison.  I move  to  strike  out  the  last  word,  in  order  to  reply  to  the  gentle- 
man from  Massachusetts.  I will  say  to  the  gentleman  that  this  committee  has  studied 
this  question,  and  believe  what  is  proposed  is  not  wrong-side  up. 

A great  many  persons  think  that  it  is  the  easiest  and  simplest  thing  in  the  world 
to  ventilate  a large  hall.  Men  who  have  been  living  in  a small  house,  with  a large 
fire-place  and  windows,  where  they  can  move  from  point  to  point,  and  when  their 
backs  are  freezing  turn  round  and  warm  their  backs,  or  when  their  feet  are  cold  can 
put  their  feet  to  the  fire,  imagine  that  that  system  can  be  brought  into  this  huge 
establishment.  They  think  also  that  if  we  could  only  get  the  sunlight — if  we  could 
in  some  way  strike  out  these  walls  and  admit  the  light  of  heaven — all  would  be 
right.  Now,  suppose  that  we  were  to  attempt  to  strike  out  these  walls.  In  the  first 
place,  strike  these  down  and  this  vast  superstructure,  this  roof  which  they  support, 
would  fall  in  upon  us.  But  suppose  it  could  be  done  safely,  we  would  then  throw 
the  atmosphere  of  this  House  against  the  outer  walls  which  are  cold  where  it  would 
become  rapidly  congealed  and  fall  and  cause  numerous  currents. 

But,  then  they  say,  “Give  us  the  light  of  heaven.”  Why,  sir,  in  the  Supreme 
Court,  where  they  had  the  light  of  heaven,  they  could  not  stand  it  and  have  erected 
a screen  to  enable  the  lawyers  who  sit  there  to  look  at  the  judges.  I do  not  know 
but  the  want  of  that  light  of  heaven  has  been  the  cause  of  some  late  decisions;  but 
I will  not  say  anything  on  that  subject. 

Mr.  Chairman,  it  is  an  utter  impossibility  to  connect  natural  and  artificial  venti- 
lation together.  The  two  things  are  as  oil  and  wrater  that  cannot  be  mingled.  And 
if  you  have  natural  ventilation  with  outside  windows  and  large  fire-places,  then  you 
must  have  gentlemen  moving  from  point  to  point,  their  faces  burning  and  their  backs 
freezing.  Y ou  could  not  possibly  by  any  natural  system  of  ventilation  heat  this 
room  in  such  a way  that  men  could  sit  here  during  the  day  and  keep  themselves 
comfortable.  In  other  large  halls  such  as  the  great  exchanges  where  men  meet  to 
discuss  sales  for  half  an  hour  or  so  they  knock  out  the  roof;  but  they  stand  while 
they  are  there.  They  cannot  sit;  men  who  sit  still  must  have  an  equal  heat  upon 
them.  Where  men  are  moving  about  it  is  another  thing. 

The  question  was  before  the  committee  whether  we  could  have  a downward  system 
of  ventilation.  We  found  it  utterly  impractical.  Some  say,  “Ybu  do  not  exhaust 
the  air.”  The  facts  are  that  we  can  carry  out  of  this  building  twice  as  much  bad  air 
as  wre  can  get  fresh  air  in.  Gentlemen  say,  “ Why  do  you  not  let  the  fresh  air  in?’ 
Fresh  air  can  get  into  this  room  in  two  ways.  One  is  through  the  shafts  which  heat 


The  Extensions. 


897 


and  temper  it;  the  other  is  by  opening  the  doors  of  this  Hall.  What  would  be  the 
result  of  opening  the  doors?  Draughts  would  come  in  through  the  open  doors  of  the 
galleries,  there  would  be  a rush  of  air  in  the  gallery,  the  bad  air  in  rising  is  immedi- 
ately cooled,  and  falls  back  upon  us,  and  we  have  to  breathe  it. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Clymer.  The  subject  of  the  ventilation  of  this  Hall  is  one  full  of  interest  to 
every  member  of  this  House  and  to  the  public  who  are  in  the  habit  of  visiting  it.  It 
is  a fact,  and  indeed  a lamentable  one,  that  very  large  numbers  of  those  of  us  who 
are  obliged  to  be  here  continuously  have  had  our  health  seriously  impaired  by  the 
foul  condition  of  the  air  of  this  Hall.  Therefore  there  seems  to  me  to  be  a pressing 
necessity  to  adopt  some  means  whereby  this  evil  may  be  remedied.  This  being 
apparent,  it  is  our  duty  to  adopt  some  plan  which  will  unquestionably  secure  the 
end  desired.  The  trouble  about  that  proposed  by  the  gentleman  from  Illinois,  [Mr. 
Harrison,]  who  seems  to  have  studied  the  subject  with  care  and  to  have  a general 
idea  as  to  what  we  should  have,  is  that  he  is  unable  to  offer  us  any  guarantee  what- 
ever of  the  success  of  his  plan.  The  committee  of  which  he  is  a member  has  called 
in  the  advice  of  experts,  and  we  have  before  us  their  suppositions  as  to  what  will  be 
the  result  of  the  plan  proposed  by  them.  But  after  all  they  are  mere  suppositions, 
and  I fear  that  if  we  spend  this  large  amount  of  money  wre  wdll  not  be  any  better  off 
in  this  respect  next  session  than  we  are  this  session. 

Now,  sir,  there  is  a member  of  this  House,  one  whose  pursuits  and  habits  in  life 
have  compelled  him  to  make  this  subject  of  ventilation  a study,  one  who  has  given 
it  more  thorough  investigation,  and  one  who  has  dealt  with  it  more  practically  than 
any  other  person  in  this  House  and  to  a larger  extent  perhaps  than  most  persons  in 
the  country  whose  lives  are  devoted  to  subjects  of  this  kind.  I have  his  word  that 
if  this  House  should  authorize  him — and  he  is  amply  responsible  for  all  he  offers  to 
do — he  will  guarantee  the  perfect  and  entire  ventilation  of  this  Hall  so  that  no  man 
on  the  floor  and  no  persons  who  occupy  the  gallery  need  complain  of  it.  If  w7e  will 
say  that  he  shall  do  this,  he  wall  never  ask  of  this  Government  one  dollar  unless  he 
makes  the  ventilation  perfect  and  complete.  I confess  that  I would  prefer  to 
embrace  an  offer  of  this  kind,  coming  from  a responsible  jierson,  one  who  under- 
stands the  subject,  rather  than  try  w'hat  at  best  is  alleged  to  be  a mere  experiment, 
for  the  result  of  which  w7e  have  no  guarantee  in  the  assertion  either  of  the  gentle- 
man who  jiroposes  it  or  of  those  for  whom  he  speaks. 

Mr.  Harrison.  The  gentleman  is  mistaken  in  saying  that  it  is  an  experiment. 

Mr.  Clymer.  The  gentleman  will  pardon  me;  he  certainly  stated  in  the  speech 
which  he  made  in  the  early  part  of  this  discussion  that  he  could  not.  guarantee  its 
success. 

Mr.  Harrison.  Of  course  I cannot  guarantee  its  success. 

Mr.  Clymer.  I propose  to  have  it  done  by  some  one  who  will  guarantee  its  success 
and  who  wi'll  take  the  risk,  and  if  it  be  not  successful  we  will  not  be  called  on  to  pay 
a large  sum  of  money  for  that  which  will  be  utterly  worthless. 

A Member.  To  what  member  of  Congress  did  you  refer. 

Mr.  Clymer.  Hon.  Mr.  Hewitt,  of  New7  York. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Atkins.  I desire  to  ask  the  gentleman  a question.  It  is  this:  If  the  vitiated 
atmosphere  in  this  Hall  is  not  produced  by  the  oil-shops,  the  slop-shops,  and  cooking- 
places,  and  all  that  kind  of  thing  below  us,  where? 

Mr.  Harrison.  No,  sir.  So  far  as  the  vitiated  atmosphere,  the  atmosphere  that  is 
deleterious  to  health  is  concerned,  that  has  nothing  to  do  with  it;  but  the  unpleas- 
ant odors  in  the  outer  halls  are  due  to  that  cause. 

Mr.  Atkins.  I want  to  say  to  the  gentleman  that  there  are  some  rooms  below  this 
Hall  which  are  used  for  oiling  machinery,  and  in  which  there  is  a great  deal  of 

H.  Rep.  646 57 


898 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


paint,  and  the  atmosphere  from  those  rooms  passes  right  through  this  Hall  and  into 
the  committee-rooms. 

Mr.  Habkison.  That  is  an  entire  mistake.  The  gentleman  has  been  misinformed. 

Mr.  Atkins.  I am  told  so  by  the  engineer  of  the  House. 

Mr.  White.  I move  to  strike  out  the  last  word.  I object  to  the  amendment  as  it 
now  stands  for  two  reasons.  The  first  one  is  that  I am  opposed  to  an  appropriation 
of  $100,000  for  the  improvement  of  these  Capitol  grounds.  The  second  is  that  this 
amendment,  which  proposes  to  give  $33,000,  out  of  the  $100,000  appropriated  to  the 
Capitol  grounds,  for  the  improvement  of  the  ventilation  of  the  House,  would  per- 
petuate a system  which  has  been  tried  and  found  wanting.  I am  aware  that  very 
much  of  this  bad  ventilation  can  be  attributed  to  the  incompetent  engineer  that  has 
charge  of  the  heating  apparatus  of  the  House.  I believe  that  if  we  had  competent 
officers  the  ventilation  would  be  much  better;  but  never,  until,  as  the  gentleman 
from  Massachusetts  has  suggested,  this  carbonic-acid  gas  goes  in  the  direction  that 
nature  intended  it  should  go — by  making  it  heavier  than  the  natural  air — downward, 
instead  of  upward — shall  we  have  a complete  system  of  ventilation  in  this  Hall. 

I want  to  say  a word  to  the  gentleman  from  Illinois,  [Mr.  Habkison,]  who  I regret 
has  taken  occasion  to  remind  me  of  the  fact  that  I am  used  to  standing  around  log- 
cabin  fires  in  the  backwoods,  simply  because  he  happened  to  be  born  in  the  “ Blue 
Grass”  region  of  Kentucky  and  I was  not  so  fortunate  as  to  be  born  there,  and 
because  his  subsequent  life  has  been  spent  in  Chicago,  where  he  could  see  great 
buildings  and  the  powerful  machinery  for  their  ventilation,  and  smell  the  Chicago 
River.  It  was  never  my  lot  to  do  that. 

Now  I want  to  call  the  attention  of  the  House  to  this  fact,  and  it  is  a fact,  that  we 
cannot  have  this  carbonic-acid  gas  go  upward  before  our  faces  without  having  to 
breathe  it.  You  may  say  we  breathe  it  in  a very  much  diluted  state  and  in  a way 
that  we  get  very  little  of  it.  But  no  man  can  tell,  no  scientist  can  tell  how  much  or 
how  little  it  takes  of  the  foul  gases  that  have  once  been  breathed  out  of  the  lungs,  if 
breathed  in  again,  to  make  a man  an  invalid.  The  only  proper  way  is  to  have  a 
system  of  ventilation  that  lets  the  air  go  out  at  the  bottom  and  brings  in  the  pure  air 
at  the  top.  This  amendment  to  give  $33,000  for  the  ventilation  of  this  Hall  does 
not  propose  to  do  that.  It  proposes  to  continue  the  old  system  and  make  a stronger 
draught  to  force  in  more  air  at-  the  bottom.  Yesterday  I was  cold  and  wanted  a fire 
made  in  the  cloak-room,  but  the  servant  told  me  that  it  was  utterly  impossible  to 
build  a fire  because  the  draught  down  the  chimney  (which  was  occasioned  by  the 
draught  in  the  House)  was  so  great  that  the  fire  would  not  burn.  I want  to  know 
whether  under  this  appropriation  of  $33,000  we  shall  not  increase  the  draught  down 
the  chimneys  so  as  to  make  it  utterly  impossible  to  have  fires  in  the  grates  lighted 
at  all.  I object  to  the  amendment  and  appeal  to  the  House  to  vote  it  down. 

Mr.  Hewitt,  of  New  York.  As  my  name  has  been  mentioned  by  the  gentleman 
from  Pennsylvania  [Mr.  Clymer]  I feel  constrained  to  say  a word,  but  the  House 
will  see  the  condition  to  which  I am  reduced  by  the  air  of  this  House.  I am  abso- 
lutely unable  to  make  myself  heard.  I have  been  under  the  doctor’s  care  for  the 
last  ten  days,  and  I am  assured,  and  I am  conscious  of  it  myself,  that  there  is  no 
other  cause  for  it  but  the  impure  ventilation  of  this  House. 

Now  there  are  no  difficulties  in  the  way  of  ventilating  any  hall.  It  is  a subject 
perfectly  well  understood.  There  are  two  systems  of  ventilation : the  one  is  by  the 
introduction  of  pure  air  at  the  top  and  the  abstraction  of  impure  air  at  the  bottom, 
and  there  is  the  reverse  of  that  system,  the  introduction  of  the  pure  air  at  the  bottom 
and  the  abstraction  of  impure  air  at  the  top.  They  are  both  in  successful  operation 
in  many  places  in  this  country  and  also  in  Europe. 

The  former  system,  that  which  takes  the  impure  air  out  at  the  bottom  and  intro- 
duces the  pure  air  at  the  top,  is  the  system  of  General  Morin,  the  eminent  director 
of  the  Conservatoire  des  Arts  et  Metiers  in  Paris.  That  system  has  been  very  largely 
applied  in  many  public  buildings  and  is  invariably  successful. 


The  Extensions. 


899 


The  other  system,  the  system  of  abstracting  the  impure  air  at  the  top  and  intro- 
ducing the  pure  air  at  the  bottom,  is  the  system  in  use  in  the  British  houses  of  Par- 
liament, and  in  many  buildings  in  this  country,  and  it  also  works  very  well.  As  one 
instance  of  its  admirable  working,  I can  point  to  the  Cooper  Institute  building  in 
New  York  City,  which  has  a larger  hall  than  this,  which  is  supplied  with  fresh  air 
at  the  bottom  and  parts  with  its  impure  air  at  the  top.  The  air  is  forced  in  and  out 
at  such  a rate  that  in  two  minutes’  time  every  particle  of  air  in  the  hall  can  be 
changed. 

The  simple  secret  of  the  whole  matter  is  that  you  cannot  ventilate  unless  you  get 
the  air.  The  trouble  in  this  ITall  is  that  you  do  not  get  the  air.  All  that  it  is  nec- 
essary to  do  here  is  to  get  the  air  into  this  Hall,  and  if  the  openings  are  sufficiently 
large,  (and  I have  no  doubt  they  are,  but  if  they  are  not  they  can  very  readily  be 
made  so,)  the  impure  air  will  pass  out. 

Just  imagine  that  this  Hall  is  tilled  with  material;  it  is  not  a vacant  space  but  it 
is  tilled  with  material  substance.  This  impure  air  at  the  bottom  must  be  taken  out, 
must  be  pushed  out  of  this  Hall.  If  enough  air  does  not  come  in  in  time  to  change 
it  sufficiently  to  render  it  safe  for  life,  then  the  impure  air  is  not  pushed  out  at  all, 
but  is  left  here  as  a solid  mass,  as  it  were,  and  being  heavier  than  the  pure  air  it  sinks 
to  the  bottom  and  we  breathe  it. 

Now  if  gentlemen  think  that  any  member  of  Congress  can  ventilate  this  Hall,  they 
must  be  like  those  who  think  that  every  man  can  be  a farmer.  The  proper  under- 
standing of  the  subject  of  ventilation  is  an  art.  I venture  to  say  that  those  gentle- 
men who  have  signed  this  report  are  competent  experts  and  know  all  about  what 
they  propose  to  do;  and  I have  no  doubt  that  if  permitted  they  will  accomplish  the 
desired  result. 

What  I wanted  to  call  the  attention  of  the  House  to  is  the  error  which  some  gen- 
tlemen seem  to  have  fallen  into,  that  successful  ventilation  depends  upon  the  adop- 
tion of  one  or  the  other  of  these  systems.  Good  ventilation  may  be  had  by  either  of 
them. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Springer.  I move  to  strike  out  the  last  word,  and  I yield  my  time  to  the  gen- 
tleman from  New  York,  [Mr.  Hewitt.] 

Mr.  Hewitt,  of  New  York.  I was  merely  going  to  add  that  what  is  required  to  get 
out  the  impure  air  from  this  Hall  is  a ventilating  flue  properly  heated,  so  that  the 
pressure  which  is  brought  to  bear  from  the  engine  shall  enable  this  impure  air  to  pass 
readily  out  of  the  room.  Of  course  it  will  be  very  easy  to  apply  the  system  practi- 
tically  to  this  room;  there  is  no  trouble  about  it.  The  suggestion  of  the  gentleman 
from  Pennsylvania  [Mr.  Clymer]  was  the  result  of  an  accidental  conversation  only. 
I have  no  desire  to  undertake  the  ventilation  of  this  Hall. 

Mr.  Clymer.  I did  not  suppose  the  gentleman  had. 

Mr.  Hewitt,  of  New  York.  I think  it  would  be  entirely  improper  for  any  mem- 
ber of  Congress  to  undertake  to  do  any  such  thing.  But  I do  say,  with  my  expe- 
rience here  for  these  two  sessions,  finding  that  my  health  is  being  undermined,  and 
knowing  that  my  usefulness  is  being  destroyed,  knowing  that  my  constituents  and, 
I believe,  the  constituents  of  every  gentleman  in  this  room  do  not  desire  that  our 
health  shall  be  impaired,  but  on  the  contrary  have  the  greatest  possible  interest  in 
preserving  our  health  and  maintaining  our  usefulness — knowing  all  that,  I did  say 
that  if  nothing  else  could  be  done  1 would  be  glad,  and  would  feel  that  I had  ren- 
dered some  service  in  my  day  and  generation,  if  I could  be  permitted  at  my  own 
expense  to  ventilate  this  Hall,  and  I would  not  expect  to  be  paid  back  from  the 
public  Treasury.  And  I say  now  that  if  gentlemen  in  this  Hall  cannot  otherwise 
protect  themselves  from  this  bad  atmosphere,  and  will  allow  me  to  confer  this  bene- 
faction upon  my  country,  I may  consider  it  the  greatest  opportunity  of  my  life,  at 
my  own  cost  and  expense,  to  provide  for  the  proper  ventilation  of  this  Hall. 

Mr.  White.  I will  offer  an  amendment  that  will  cover  that. 


900 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Springer.  I propose  to  resume  the  floor  for  the  remainder  of  my  time.  I 
offer  as  an  amendment  to  the  amendment  of  the  gentleman  from  Indiana  [Mr. 
Holman]  that  which  I send  to  the  Clerk’s  desk,  and  after  it  is  read  I will  thank  the 
Clerk  to  read  the  amendment  as  it  will  be  if  my  amendment  should  be  adopted. 

The  Clerk  read  the  amendment  to  the  amendment;  which  was  to  strike  out  all 
after  the  word  “Capitol,”  down  to  and  including  the  word  “premises,”  and  to  insert 
in  lieu  thereof  the  following:  “Upon  plans  to  be  furnished  by  Hon.  Abram  S. 
Hewitt,  and  in  such  manner  as  he  may  direct;”  so  that  the  amendment,  as  amended, 
will  read : 

Provided  further , That  a sum  not  exceeding  $33,000  of  this  appropriation  may  be  used  for  an  improve- 
ment in  the  heating  and  ventilating  apparatus  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  to  be  expended  by 
the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  upon  plans  to  be  furnished  by  Hon.  Abram  S.  Hewitt,  and  in  such  man- 
ner as  he  may  direct;  and  that  hereafter  the  subject  of  ventilating  and  heating  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives be  placed  under  the  direction  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Hewitt,  of  New  York.  I sincerely  hope  that  this  amendment  will  not  be 
adopted.  It  would  put  me  in  a very  false  position.  I simply  state  my  belief  that 
this  commission  is  composed  of  men  who  are  quite  competent  to  do  this  work  and 
that  it  will  be  well  done  by  them.  I say  further  that,  if  it  should  fail  to  be  properly 
done  by  them,  I will  be  willing  to  accept  any  responsibility  that  may  be  imposed 
upon  me  by  this  House;  but  it  would  be  very  unjust  to  put  that  responsibility  on 
me  now. 

Mr.  Springer.  I withdraw  the  amendment  to  the  amendment. 

Mr.  White.  I desire  to  offer  a substitute. 

Mr.  Fort.  Mr.  Chairman 

Mr.  Holman.  I hope  that  after  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  [Mr.  Fort]  is  heard 
the  debate  on  this  paragraph  will  cease  by  unanimous  consent. 

Mr.  White.  I object.  I want  to  offer  an  amendment. 

Mr.  Holman.  There  is  no  objection  to  offering  an  amendment,  but  we  want  the 
debate  to  stop. 

Mr.  White.  I would  like  to  explain  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Fort.  Mr.  Chairman,  experience  has  taught  us  that  one  of  the  best  systems 
of  ventilating  this  House  is  the  plan  of  issuing  tickets  to  the  galleries.  It  reduces 
the  number  of  bellows  that  are  operating  upon  the  atmosphere  there,  and,  in  refer- 
ence to  one  portion  of  the  gallery,  it  changes  very  much  the  character  of  the  individu- 
als who  are  engaged  in  that  business.  Formerly  I fancied,  when  I approached  one 
portion  of  this  gallery,  that  I could  feel  the  impurities  pouring  down  upon  my  head 
almost  as  perceptibly  as  I would  water  tumbling  over  a precipice.  The  trouble  has 
been  that,  the  amount  of  fresh  air  coming  into  the  Hall  has  often  been  insufficient 
for  the  number  of  persons  in  attendance. 

Mr.  Harrison.  I said  that  last  year. 

Mr.  Fort.  And  the  difficulty  is  not  altogether  with  the  number  of  persons.  The 
character  and  condition  of  the  persons  occupying  the  gallery  have  very  often  a great 
deal  to  do  with  the  condition  of  the  atmosphere  that  pours  down  upon  our  heads 
from  a certain  gallery  in  this  House. 

This  consideration  proves  to  me  conclusively  that  impure  air  must  descend.  It  is 
impossible  to  make  the  impurities  in  the  atmosphere  go  upward  except  by  an  atmos- 
pheric current.  Hot  air  will  rise  as  a balloon  will  rise;  cold  air  will  go  downward  as 
a cannon  ball  goes  downward.  But  the  impurities  in  the  atmosphere  will  not  rise 
unless  carried  up  by  a current.  We  must  have  currents. 

In  my  judgment  nature  can  ventilate  this  Hall  cheaper  and  better  than  all  the 
machinery  which  gentlemen  can  apply.  What  we  most  want  is  to  have  pure  air 
come  in  around  this  Hall;  and  without  attempting  to  resort  to  machinery  or  mechan- 
ical contrivances  we  must  spend  a great  deal  of  money  in  order  to  get  sufficient 
quantities  of  air  into  this  Hall  to  supply  such  an  audieuce  as  we  often  have  here  when 
the  galleries  are  full.  The  remedy  must  in  a great  degree  consist  in  bringing  in  pure 


The  Extensions. 


901 


air  and  letting  the  impurities  pass  out  with  the  current.  As  the  gentleman  from  New 
York  said,  you  can  drive  out  impure  air,  but  you  must  do  it  with  a current.  Impure 
air,  even  though  heated,  will  not  rise  unless  you  have  a current. 

Mr.  White.  I move  to  amend  by  inserting  the  following: 

That  the  proposition  of  the  gentleman  from  New  York  [Mr.  Hewitt]  he,  and  is  hereby,  accepted  by 
the  House. 

We  have  been  told  by  the  gentleman  in  charge  of  this  bill  [Mr.  Holman]  that  it 
appropriates  a very  large  sum  of  money.  Yet  we  are  asked  to  give  $100,000  for  the 
improvement  of  the  pavements,  walks,  and  grounds  around  this  building.  Seeing 
that  it  is  more  necessary  to  improve  the  inside  of  the  cup  or  platter  than  to  polish 
the  outside,  the  gentleman  has  kindly  consented  that  $33,000  of  this  $100,000  should 
be  appropriated  to  the  ventilation  of  this  Hall.  The  purposed  mode  of  improvement 
is  admitted  to  be  a theory — the  vision  of  some  scientists  or  of  several  perhaps.  It  is 
also  indorsed  by  the  distinguished  gentleman  from  New  York  [Mr.  Hewitt],  who 
says  he  believes  the  system  proposed  in  the  report  will  be  a success.  But  it  is  not 
denied  that  the  plan  is  simply  an  experiment.  Now  the  gentleman  from  New  York 
has  kindly  offered  to  take  this  experiment  upon  his  own  shoulders.  He  has  led  us 
to  believe  that  these  charges  about  the  great  amounts  of  money  which  the  democratic 
party  spent  in  the  late  election  did  not  touch  him;  that  he  is  left  whole  with  an 
abundance  of  means;  and  he  proposes  to  benefit  his  race  by  improving  the  ventila- 
tion of  the  Hall  occupied  by  the  representatives  of  the  people.  I say  allow  him  to 
do  it.  If  you  do  not  you  will  have  upon  your  heads  the  curse  of  having  given 
$33,000  to  carry  out  a mere  experiment,  the  money  expended  upon  which  will  prove 
to  be  worse  that  thrown  away.  I say,  allow  the  gentleman  from  New  York  to  come 
in  and  take  this  responsibility  upon  his  own  shoulders.  If  he  fails,  his  name  will  go 
down  to  history  as  a failure;  if  he  succeeds,  posterity  will  honor  him.  But  in  either 
event  the  Government  will  save  $33,000. 

Mr.  Hakrison.  1 rise  to  oppose  the  amendment.  I am  sorry  to  say  I do  not  know 
whether  my  friend  from  Kentucky  [Mr.  White]  meant  this  for  a joke  or  not.  If  he 
did,  it  was  a good  one.  If  he  meant  it  for  a castigation  of  the  gentleman  from  New 
York,  1 think  that  gentleman  can  afford  to  let  it  go.  The  bray  will  come  back  and 
break  upon  his  own  ears,  not  upon  those  of  the  gentleman  from  New  York. 

Now  I want  to  say  one  word.  This  is  a serious  matter.  They  say  that  this  propo- 
sition is  an  experiment.  The  Senate,  sir,  has  exactly  the  same  plan  we  have  here 
and  it  is  a success,  only  the  Senate’s  Hall  being  smaller,  the  flues  adequate,  and 
the  ducts  large  enough,  they  get  a sufficiency  of  air.  Go  to  the  Senate  Chamber, 
and  when  you  open  the  door  you  will  find  the  current  of  air  coming  out  of  the  Sen- 
ate into  the  corridor.  Stand  at  yonder  door  or  any  of  these  doors  in  this  Hall  and 
the  current  comes  from  without.  Here  we  have  to  put  screens  before  our  doors  to 
prevent  gentlemen  who  sit  in  the  neighborhood  of  them  from  being  made  sick.  In 
the  Senate  the  air  comes  in  warm  and  tempered,  and  presses  out,  and  so  strong  is  it 
that  when  you  go  into  the  corridor  of  the  Senate  you  will  feel  the  pure  air  coming 
toward  you.  Why  is  that?  The  gentlemen  from  Kentucky  [Mr.  White],  bred  away 
up  in  the  mountains  of  Kentucky,  where  in  the  houses  when  the  chinks  drop  out 
the  air  pours  in  and  they  have  health,  where  a backlog  is  put  on  and  turned  around 
like  you  would  turn  a turkey  on  a spit 

Mr.  White.  Does  the  gentleman  mean  to  say  I was  born  in  the  “ pea- vine  region  ” 
of  Kentucky,  for  if  he  does 

Mr.  Harrison.  I was  born  there  myself  if  you  were  not,  and  if  you  were  you  ought 
not  to  be  ashamed  of  it.  Now,  in  getting  the  foul  air  out,  the  exhaust  of  this  House 
is  so  large  that  instead  of  having  air  coming  from  below  and  pressing  out  we  have  to 
keep  the  air  from  the  corridors.  The  exhaust  of  this  House  is  one  hundred  and 
eighty  thousand  feet  a minute,  whereas  the  air  driven  in  only  gives  about  forty  or 
fifty  or  sixty  thousand  feet  when  severely  pressed.  The  consequence  is  that  with  the 
exhaust  fan  run  to  its  capacity  or  in  the  neighborhood  of  its  capacity  the  air  from  the 


902 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


corridors  rushes  in  and  makes  draughts.  Our  proposition  is  to  give  the  ability  to  the 
atmosphere  from  without  to  he  brought  into  the  stacks,  the  radiators  heated  and  tem- 
pered, and  then  when  it  gets  impure  to  pass  out. 

I am  myself  running  an  elevator  in  the  city  of  Syracuse,  and  it  is  run  in  addition 
to  heating  the  building  with  steam.  I have  in  my  hand  an  estimate  from  the  engi- 
neer who  runs  the  elevator  and  warms  the  building  with  steam,  in  which  he  esti- 
mates the  entire  additional  expense  of  running  the  elevator  at  $2.54  a day,  giving  all 
the  items  of  expense.  I say  that  the  additional  expense  of  running  this  elevator 
would  not  exceed  $3  a day,  and  that,  it  would  be  the  greatest  public  convenience 
that  could  be  added  to  this  building. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Holman.  I only  wash  to  say  that  the  elevator  at  the  other  end  of  the  Capitol, 
which,  after  great  hesitation,  we  allowed,  has  cost  the  Government  not  less  than 
$5,000  a year  from  the  year  that  it  was  first  established,  including  the  many  altera- 
tions that  have  been  made,  the  engine,  the  engineer,  and  the  conductor.  And  in 
view  of  the  large  sum  appropriated  by  this  bill  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  ask 
the  House  to  vote  down  this  amendment. 

Mr.  Banks.  I move  to  strike  out  the  last  word.  The  proposition  presented  is  cer- 
tainly well  worth  the  consideration  of  the  House.  There  is  no  portion  of  their  labor 
more  worrisome  upon  members  of  this  House  than  that  of  getting  here  during  a large 
portion  of  the  year,  and  especially  during  a large  portion  of  the  long  session. 

Now  the  elevator  since  it  was  first  invented  has  of  its  own  force  been  adopted  in 
almost  every  public  building  in  all  parts  of  the  country.  I know  perfectly  well  the 
man  who  invented  it  and  without  any  effort  to  give  it  popularity  it  has  now  been 
adopted  and  is  being  adopted  in  all  the  public  buildings,  in  all  the  hotels,  and  in  a 
great  many  private  houses  in  this  country,  and  will  be  ultimately  in  other  countries. 
Now  where  there  are  so  many  persons  obliged  to  come  here,  upon  what  theory  or 
reason  can  it  be  said  that  they  shall  be  compelled  every  day  to  walk  up  and  down 
these  four  flights  of  stairs  which  we  are  obliged  to  travel,  many  of  us,  from  other 
causes  which  have  been  spoken  of  here,  in  ill  health  and  many  advanced  in  years?  It 
seems  to  me  that  this  is  one  of  the  absolutely  necessary  expenses  that  we  should  incur. 

Now,  what  has  been  said  by  the  gentleman  from  Indiana  [Mr.  Holman]  may  be 
strictly  true.  It  may  cost  $5,000  to  run  the  elevator  at  the  other  end  of  this  build- 
ing, but  it  does  not  cost  $5,000  nor  $1,000  to  run  the  elevators  that  are  used  in  hotels, 
in  stores,  and  in  commercial  establishments,  and  there  is  no  reason  in  the  world  why 
it  should  cost  more  than  $1,000  at  the  outside  to  run  an  elevator  for  a year  at  this 
end  of  the  Capitol.  I hope  the  House,  in  consideration  of  the  advantages  and  com- 
forts to  be  derived  from  an  elevator  and  of  the  thanks  they  will  receive  from  those 
men  who  will  follow  them  in  the  performance  of  their  duties  here,  will  vote  for  this 
appropriation.  I withdraw  the  formal  amendment. 

The  question  was  then  taken  upon  the  amendment  moved  by  Mr.  Leavenworth, 
and  upon  a division  there  were — ayes  67,  noes  70. 

Before  the  result  of  this  vote  was  announced, 

Mr.  Leavenworth  said:  No  quorum  has  voted,  and  I call  for  a further  count. 

Tellers  were  ordered;  and  Mr.  Leavenworth  and  Mr.  Holman  were  appointed. 

The  committee  again  divided;  but  before  the  result  was  declared, 

Mr.  Conger  said:  I suppose  consent  will  be  given  to  have  a vote  taken  on  this 
amendment  in  the  House,  and  then  we  can  go  on  with  the  bill. 

Mr.  White.  I hope  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  will  not  take  his  seat  without 
yielding  to  me  after  what  he  has  said. 

Mr.  Holman.  I believe  I have  the  floor. 

Mr.  Banks.  Before  debate  is  closed  I wish  to  be  heard. 

Mr.  Holman.  I move  by  unanimous  consent  all  debate  on  the  pending  paragraph 
be  considered  as  closed  when  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  has  completed  what 
he  has  to  say. 


The  Extensions. 


903 


The  Chairman.  The  Chair  hears  no  objection,  and  that  will  be  considered  as 
agreed  to. 

Mr.  Banks.  Now,  Mr.  Chairman,  while  the  proposition  of  the  gentleman  from  New 
York  is  a very  liberal  one,  yet  it  seems  to  me  if  the  ventilation  of  this  Ilall  is  to  be 
perfected,  the  Government  is  able,  and  ought  to  take  upon  itself  the  expense  and 
responsibility  of  it.  Therefore  I hope  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  will  withdraw 
his  amendment. 

Mr.  White.  I certainly  will  if  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  will  yield  a 
moment  to  me  to  say  a word. 

Mr.  Banks.  I will  yield  to  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  before  my  time  has 
expired. 

Mr.  White.  But  I wish  to  say  it  now,  and  say  it  to  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  who 
referred  to  me  in  his  five-minute  speech — I only  want  one  word. 

Mr.  Banks.  Very  well;  I will  yield  to  the  gentleman  for  one  word.  Say  it  now 
before  the  time  is  gone. 

Mr.  White.  I say  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  in  taunting  me  with  being  born  in 
the  hills  of  Kentucky,  in  the  “pea- vine  district,”  instead  of  the  “blue  grass”  or 
lower  silurian  limestone  region  of  Kentucky,  as  he  was,  is  unkind  in  this 

Mr.  Harrison.  I take  it  all  back  if  the  gentleman  feels  so  bad  about  it. 

Mr.  White.  I am  not  ashamed  of  the  “pea-vine”  district;  I am  proud  of  it.  But 
if  I had  lived  so  long  by  that  sweet-smelling  river  Chicago,  as  the  gentleman  has, 
then  I could  live  on  anything  and  would  not  need  any  ventilation,  and  therefore  I 
do  not  wonder  he  introduces  such  an  abominable  system  after  he  himself  has  lived 
there  so  long. 

Mr.  Banks.  Now,  Mr.  Chairman,  the  difficulties  we  encounter  in  this  Hall  in 
regard  to  ventilation  were  imposed  upon  us  by  scientific  men.  We  had  scientific 
men  from  all  parts  of  the  world.  The  architects  of  the  British  houses  of  Parliament 
were  here,  and  spent  a whole  year,  and  whatever  scientific  men  could  do  they  have 
done  for  us,  and  about  as  much  as  any  scientific  men  will  do  hereafter.  The  difficulty 
is,  this  is  an  iron  box  within  a stone  box.  There  are  twenty-five  or  thirty  feet 
between  the  outside  walls  of  this  Chamber  and  the  outside  walls  of  the  building; 
and  no  natural  light  and  no  natural  air  ever  did  or  ever  can  come  into  this  Chamber. 
How  can  it  be  made  a suitable  place  for  the  daily  assembling  of  from  four  hundred 
to  fourteen  hundred  people?  I do  not  believe  bringing  currents  of  air  into  this 
Chamber  from  the  outside  can  remedy  the  difficulty;  nor  do  I believe  these  currents 
of  air  can  be  disposed  of  so  as  not  to  be  dangerous  to  members  of  the  House  and  to 
the  ladies  and  others  seated  in  the  galleries.  There  is  a current  of  air  that  is  strong 
enough  to  sweep  away  an  ordinary  person  in  some  parts  of  the  gallery  where  the 
wives  and  children  of  the  members  daily  congregate;  and  if  you  bring  in  air  enough 
to  make  a ventilation  for  all  these  people,  you  will  have  a force  of  the  currents  that 
will  be  just  as  dangerous  to  those  who  encounter  it  as  the  foulness  of  the  air  itself. 

But  as  the  committee  has  considered  the  subject  maturely,  and  as  I know  the  gen- 
tlemen who  have  charge  of  the  inquiries  into  this  matter  are  well  acquainted  with 
the  subject,  and  as  the  expense  of  the  experiment  will  be  trifling,  I hope  it  will  be 
made;  and  that  if  it  fail  we  will  then  do  what  is  necessary  to  be  done,  bring  this 
Chamber  to  the  air  and  light  of  heaven,  which  are  better  than  any  scientific  man  ever 
made,  better  than  that  which  the  honorable  gentleman  from  New  York  [Mr.  Hew- 
itt] proposes  to  make  or  can  make.  Let  us  go  to  the  outside  and  bring  in  the  air 
and  light  of  heaven,  which  the  Cooper  Institute,  to  which  he  refers  and  whose  ven- 
tilation he  approves,  enjoys,  and  with  which  every  building  on  the  face  of  the  earth 
is  accommodated  where  there  is  a free  and  pure  air.  Meanwhile  I am  willing  to 
vote  for  the  report  of  the  gentlemen  who  have  examined  this  matter. 

Mr.  Hewitt,  of  New  York.  I wish  to  explain,  in  regard  to  the  great  hall  of  the 
Cooper  Institute,  that  it  has  no  access  to  the  outer  air.  It  is  a tight  box,  into  which 
the  air  is  forced  by  power  and  out  of  which  the  air  goes  by  a ventilating  flue.  It  is 


904 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


a case  in  point.  The  great  hall  of  the  Cooper  Institute  has  no  access  to  the  outer  air 
except  that  forced  into  it  by  power. 

Mr.  Banks.  The  hall  of  the  Cooper  Institute  is  used  for  two  or  three  hours  in  an  „ 
evening,  fifteen  hundred  or  two  thousand  people  congregating  in  it  and  going  away 
after  an  hour  or  two.  I have  no  doubt  that  fresh  air  can  be  supplied  in  the  way  the 
gentleman  speaks  of  for  a limited  time,  but  we  are  here  from  four  to  six  hours  every  day. 

Mr.  White.  I withdraw  my  amendment. 

The  Chairman.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  gentleman  from  Illinois 
[Mr.  Harrison]  as  modified  on  the  suggestion  of  the  gentleman  from  Indiana  [Mr. 
Holman.  ] 

Mr.  White.  I hope  the  gentlemen  who  have  this  matter  in  charge  will  divide  the 
amendment  so  that  we  can  vote  on  the  $33,000  for  ventilating,  and  then  afterward 
on  the  other  matter. 

The  Chairman.  Debate  is  not  in  order. 

Mr.  WniTE.  My  object  is  that  no  part  of  the  $67,000  proposed  in  this  amendment 
may  go  to  the  improvement  of  these  public  grounds. 

Mr.  Holman.  Move  to  reduce  the  appropropriation  of  $100,000. 

Mr.  White.  I move  to  reduce  the  $100,000  to  $33,000.  I do  it  for  the  reason 

The  Chairman.  Debate  is  not  in  order.  The  gentleman  will  put  his  amendment  in 
writing. 

Mr.  White.  I offer  the  following  amendment: 

Strike  out  “8100,000,”  and  insert  “$33,000.” 

The  question  being  taken  on  Mr.  White’s  amendment  to  the  amendment,  it  was 
not  agreed  to. 

The  question  being  taken  on  Mr.  Harrison’s  amendment  as  modified,  there 
were— ayes  48,  noes  14;  no  quorum  voting. 

Mr.  White.  I call  for  a further  count. 

Tellers  were  ordered;  and  Mr.  White  and  Mr.  Springer  were  appointed. 

The  committee  again  divided;  and  the  tellers  reported — ayes  84,  noes  39. 

Mr.  White.  A quorum  has  not  voted.  I do  not,  however,  make  a point  on  that, 
but  shall  ask  for  a vote  in  the  House. 

So  further  count  not  being  called  for,  the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Leavenworth.  I offer  the  following  amendment. 

After  the  word  “grounds”  insert  the  following: 

And  for  putting  an  elevator  in  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  to  be  done  under  the  direction  of  the 
Architect  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Holman.  I am  compelled  to  insist  upon  the  point  of  order  that  this  is  new  work. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  sustains  the  point  of  order. 

Mr.  Leavenworth.  Will  the  Chair  allow  me  to  say  that  this  differs  from  my  former 
amendment?  This  stands  on  precisely  the  same  footing  as  the  amendment  just 
adopted.  It  is  not  subject  to  the  objection  made  to  it  by  the  gentleman  from  Indiana. 

It  makes  no  additional  appropriation. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  misunderstood  the  object  of  the  amendment.  It  is  in 
order. 

Mr.  Le  avenworth.  It  is  a most  extraordinary  fact  that  the  American  Congress 
should  have  spent  tens  of  millions  of  dollars  on  this  building  which  we  occupy;  that 
we  should  have  adorned  it  with  the  most  elaborate  frescoing  found  anywhere  on  the 
continent  ; that  we  should  have  spent  hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars  in  beautifying 
it  architecturally;  and  that  we  are  now  spending  hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars  in 
buying  additional  grounds  and  beautifying  them;  and  yet  that  we  should  be  denying 
ourselves  the  most  common  comforts  that  modern  civilization  has  produced. 

Every  public  building  of  any  importance,  every  hotel  that  is  put  up  in  any  city  on 
the  continent,  every  store  in  which  a large  amount  of  business  is  transacted,  every 
factory  which  is  built  in  the  country,  every  large  edifice  which  is  erected  for  the 
purpose  of  being  rented,  four  stories  high,  is  provided  with  an  elevator.  It  has 


The  Extensions. 


905 


become  a necessity.  It  is  not  one  of  the  luxuries  of  life,  like  those  for  which  we  have 
expended  here  so  many  millions  of  dollars,  but  is  one  of  the  ordinary  comforts  of 
life.  But  yet  we  deny  ourselves  this  convenience  and  comfort;  for  we  are,  in  this 
building,  like  people  in  a fourth  story.  This  is  substantially  the  fourth  story, 
although  we  call  it  the  second;  for  each  flight  of  stairs  is  equal  to  two  flights  in  an 
ordinary  building.  Ascending  to  the  second  story  of  this  building  is  equivalent  to 
ascending  to  the  fourth  story  of  any  ordinary  building.  And  yet  we  deny  to  our- 
selves the  convenience  and  comfort  of  an  elevator  in  getting  to  the  second  floor  of 
this  building.  We  deny  the  same  conveniences  to  every  person  that  attends  this 
House.  There  is  not  a hotel  in  this  country  in  which  one-quarter  of  the  number  of 
ladies  go  up  stairs  daily  as  ascend  to  these  galleries  every  day,  and  yet  we  deny  to 
our  mothers,  our  sisters,  our  wives,  and  all  the  ladies  of  this  country  the  necessary 
convenience  which  an  elevator  affords  to  them.  We  have  an  elevator  at  the  other 
end  of  the  Capitol,  and  the  additional  expense  of  running  this  elevator  will  be  noth- 
ing. I call  the  attention  of  the  House  to  the  letter  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol, 
which  I send  to  the  Clerk’s  desk  and  ask  to  have  read. 

Mr.  Atkins.  I rise  to  a question  of  order.  The  gentleman’s  time  has  expired. 

Mr.  Holman.  I raised  a question  of  order  on  this  proposition,  and  in  the  midst  of 
the  confusion  1 presume  the  Chair  did  not  understand  it.  It  was  that  tins  is  inde- 
pendent legislation  on  an  appropriation  bill.  It  is  entirely  immaterial  whether  it 
appropriates  money  or  not.  It  is  legislation  on  an  appropriation  bill  and  it  does  not 
reduce  expenditures,  but  conceding  that  it  reduced  expenditures  it  would  not  be  in 
order.  It  is  independent  legislation  and  not  in  the  line  of  retrenchment.  Buie  120 
of  the  House  is  very  imperative  on  this  subject.  This  bill  is  certainly  large  enough 
not  to  be  loaded  down  with  independent  provisions. 

Mr.  Springer.  The  one  hundred  and  twentieth  rule  has  reference  to  amendments 
which  change  existing  law,  and  if  an  amendment  changes  existing  law  it  must  be  in 
the  line  of  retrenchment  to  make  it  in  order.  But  this  amendment  does  not  change 
existing  law,  and  therefore  that  rule  does  not  apply  to  it. 

The  Chairman.  The  amendment  is  in  order. 

Mr.  Conger.  Then  I rise  to  oppose  the  amendment,  and  I yield  my  time  to  the 
gentleman  from  New  York,  [Mr.  Leavenworth.] 

Mr.  Leavenworth.  I call  for  the  reading  of  the  letter. 

The  Clerk  read  the  letter,  as  follows: 

Architect’s  Office,  United  States  Capitol, 

Washington,  D.  C.,  January  31,  1877. 

Sir:  In  reply  to  yours  of  the  29th  instant,  I beg  leave  to  state  that  I have  exam- 
ined the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol  in  reference  to  the  location  of  a passenger  elevator. 

In  my  judgment,  the  most  suitable  place  is  at  the  south  end  of  the  eastern  corridor, 
near  the  entrance  to  the  room  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations,  and  convenient 
to  the  bronze  stairway. 

The  estimated  cost  of  the  elevator,  together  with  that  of  changing  the  position  of 


doorway  where  necessary  in  the  rooms  in  each  story,  is  as  follows: 

For  elevator $6,  000 

For  carrying  steam-pipe  to  elevator 300 

For  constructing  well-hole  and  tiling  floors  to  correspond  with  present  pat- 
terns   2, 500 

For  changing  doorways  in  rooms  and  painting  the  rooms,  rendered  necessary 
by  the  change 5(  0 


9,  300 

The  cost  of  running  an  elevator  will  be  put  little  beyond  the  salary  of  the  attendant. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Edward  Clark, 

Architect  of  the  United  States  Capitol. 

Hon.  E.  W.  Leavenworth. 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


906 


Mr.  Leavenworth.  Mr.  Chairman,  the  only  expense  which  is  involved  by  the 
amendment  now  offered  is  not  an  expense  in  addition  to  the  appropriation;  it  merely 
defines  the  mode  in  which  a portion  of  the  appropriation  shall  be  expended,  and 
when  the  elevator  has  been  put  in  there  is  the  entire  expense.  You  already  have 
the  engineer;  you  have  the  engine  also;  you  have  all  the  conveniences;  you  have  the 
power,  and  it  is  only  necessary  to  apply  the  power  to  the  elevator.  That  is  all  the 
additional  expense  there  is.  The  entire  additional  expense  which  would  be  involved 
in  running  the  elevator  would  not  amount  to  $3  a day. 

Many  Members.  0,  no. 

The  tellers  completed  their  count,  and  reported  that  there  were — ayes  63,  noes  75. 

Mr.  Leavenworth.  I do  not  insist  upon  a further  count. 

No  further  count  being  called  for,  the  amendment  was  accordingly  declared  to  be 
not  agreed  to. 

The  Clerk  resumed  the  reading  of  the  bill,  and  read  through  the  portion  relating 
to  the  Capitol  extension. 

Mr.  Holman.  With  a view  of  asking  the  House  for  an  evening  session,  as  it  is  now 
half  past  four  o’clock,  I will  move  that  the  committee  rise. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to. 

The  committee  accordingly  rose;  and  the  Speaker  having  resumed  the  chair,  Mr. 
Buckner  reported  that  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  had 
had  under  consideration  the  bill  (H.  R.  No.  4682)  making  appropriations  for  sundry 
civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1878,  and  had 
come  to  no  resolution  thereon. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  26,  1877:  Congressional  Record,  44 — 2,  p.  1949.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  sundry  civil  bill  for  1878 — 

Mr.  Harrison.  The  other  day  there  was  a discussion  with  regard  to  the  ventilation 
of  the  House  and  I offered  an  amendment  which  was  adopted.  I desire  now  to 
correct  the  phraseology  of  that  amendment  and  ask  unanimous  consent  that  that 
which  I now  offer  be  accepted  in  place  of  the  amendment  already  adopted. 

The  Clerk  read  the  proposed  amendment,  as  follows: 

Provided , however.  That  a sum  not  exceeding  $33,000  of  this  appropriation  may  be  used  for  the 
improvement  of  the  heating  and  ventilating  of  the  House  of  Representives,  to  be  expended  by  the 
Architect  of  the  Capitol  in  accordance  with  the  report  of  the  board  of  United  States  officers  convened 
by  the  request  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  and  that  said  board  of  officers  be 
requested  to  advise  the  Architect  in  the  premises,  and  that  hereafter  the  subject  of  ventilating  and 
heating  the  House  of  Representatives  be  placed  under  the  direction  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Holman.  What  is  the  change  made  upon  the  amendment  as  already  adopted? 

Mr.  Harrison.  The  words  “ in  accordance  with  the  report  submitted  by  the  board 
of  United  States  officers,”  &c.,  are  inserted. 

Mr.  Holman.  There  is  no  objection  to  that. 

By  unanimous  consent  the  amendment  as  now  read  was  substituted  for  that  here- 
tofore adopted. 

[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 

year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-eight,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 

Mar.  3,  1877.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  19,  348. )] 

Capitol  extension:  For  work  on  the  Capitol,  and  for  general  care  and  repairs 
thereof,  forty  thousand  dollars. 

For  four  new  steam-boilers,  waste-water  pipes,  and  attachments,  for  the  Senate 
wing  of  the  Capitol,  fifteen  thousand  dollars.  And  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  is 
hereby  authorized  to  dispose  of  the  old  boilers  at  public  auction. 


The  Extensions. 


907 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  Oct  1,  1877.  (45 — 2,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  1,  p.  899.1] 

The  question  of  improving  the  heating  and  ventilation  of  the  Representative 
Chamber  engaged  so  much  attention  during  the  last  session  of  Congress  that  a com- 
mittee on  this  subject  was  appointed  under  a resolution  of  the  House. 

After  much  consultation  by  them,  it  was  ordered  that  the  whole  subject  be  referred 
to  a commission  of  gentlemen  named  by  them  for  examination  and  recommendation 
as  to  what  changes,  in  their  judgment,  should  be  made. 

This  commission,  after  a thorough  examination  of  the  apparatus  and  various  plans 
and  reports  proposing  changes,  finally  recommended  as  follows:  [Quoted  in  House 

proceedings  of  Feb.  21,  1877.] 

As  provided  by  law,  the  changes  and  improvements  recommended  above  have 
been  made. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Carl  Schurz,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  1, 1877.  (45—2,  House  Ex.  Doc. 

No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  1,  p.  LII.)] 

The  Architect  reports  that  the  entire  building  has  been  kept  in  good  condition, 
and  that  new  boilers  and  an  elevator  have  been  put  in  the  Senate  wing. 

He  also  states  that  important  changes  and  improvements  in  the  heating  and  venti- 
lating apparatus  of  the  House  wing  have  been  made,  as  recommended  by  a commis- 
sion, consisting  of  Prof.  Joseph  Henry;  Col.  T.  L.  Casey,  Corps  of  Engineers,  United 
States  Army;  Mr.  F.  Schumann,  engineer;  Surgeon  J.  S.  Billings,  United  States 
Army,  and  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol.  He  states  that  these  improvements  have 
been  considered  satisfactory  and  gives  a detailed  description  of  them. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-nine,  and  for  other  purposes,’’  approved 
June  20,  1878.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  20,  226,  239.)] 

Capitol  extension:  For  work  on  the  Capitol,  and  for  general  repairs  thereof,  fifty- 
five  thousand  dollars. 

To  enable  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library  to  purchase  works  of  art  for  the 
Capitol  building,  fifteen  thousand  dollars. 

To  purchase  the  portraits  of  the  Presidents,  three  thousand  dollars. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  27,  1879:  Congressional  Record,  45 — 3,  p.  1987.] 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee.  I am  instructed,  Mr.  Speaker,  by  a select  committee  to 
submit  the  following  report: 

Mr.  Casey  Young,  from  the  Select  Committee  on  Ventilation  of  the  Hall,  submitted 
the  following  report:  [45 — 3,  House  Rept.  No.  116.  18  pages.] 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee.  I will  endeavor  to  explain  as  briefly  as  possible  the 
alterations  in  the  present  system  of  ventilating,  heating,  and  lighting  the  Flail  of 
Representatives  suggested  in  the  report  just  read  at  the  Clerk’s  desk.  At  the  first 
session  of  the  Forty-fourth  Congress  this  subject  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  of  which  I was  a member.  That  committee  appointed 
a subcommittee  which  investigated  the  whole  subject,  anil  at  the  outset  of  their 
inquiries  they  discovered  two  prominent  and  important  facts.  One  was  that  the 
condition  of  the  atmosphere  in  the  Hall  when  occupied  by  any  considerable  number 


908 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


of  individuals  was  exceedingly  dangerous  to  the  health  of  members  and  other  per- 
sons occupying  the  floor  and  galleries.  A competent  chemist  was  employed  to 
analyze  the  air  which  we  were  compelled  to  breathe,  and  by  his  report  we  learned 
that  the  greatest  danger  existed  to  the  health  of  every  man  who  breathed  it  for  any 
considerable  length  of  time.  Another  fact  which  was  very  soon  disclosed  to  the 
gentlemen  investigating  this  subject  was  that  the  lighting,  heating,  and  ventilating 
of  any  building,  particularly  one  constructed  like  this,  was  a problem  requiring  so 
much  of  scientific  learning  and  so  careful  an  investigation  that  it  was  almost  impos- 
sible for  any  committee  of  this  body  to  arrive  at  an  intelligent  conclusion. 

Hence  it  was  that  it  was  deemed  proper  by  the  committee  to  call  to  their  assistance 
the  aid  of  gentlemen  who  from  their  scientific  attainments  were  better  qualified  to 
determine  the  various  questions  presented  to  their  consideration  than  they  were 
themselves.  Accordingly  a board  of  five  scientific  Government  officers,  of  which 
Professor  Henry  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution  was  chairman,  was  organized  by  this 
committee  and  requested  to  suggest  such  changes  and  alterations  in  the  architecture 
of  the  Plall  as  would  perfect  its  lighting,  acoustic,  and  heating  properties.  These 
gentlemen,  after  an  investigation  extending  over  a period  of  more  than  twelve 
months,  submitted  the  result  of  their  investigations,  which  are  set  out  mainly  in  the 
report  which  has  just  been  read. 

Among  the  most  important  changes  which  have  been  recommended,  in  my  judg- 
ment, by  the  board  of  scientists  is  the  removal  of  part  of  the  second  wall  back  of  the 
Speaker’s  stand,  intervening  between  it  and  the  reception,  Speaker'’ s,  and  official 
reporters’  room,  throwing  the  whole  space  into  an  open  lobby,  so  that  the  light  and 
sunshine  from  the  south  may  be  reached  through  the  outer  wall.  The  drawings  I 
have  before  me  show  the  condition  of  the  lobby  and  rooms  back  of  the  Speaker’s 
chair  as  they  at  present  appear,  and  how  they  will  be  when  the  proposed  change  is 
made. 

The  second  suggestion  made  is  the  removal  of  the  desks  from  the  Hall,  in  order 
that  the  space  for  air-openings  in  the  floor  may  be  enlarged,  so  that  a larger  quantity 
of  fresh  air  may  be  admitted.  The  greatest  difficulty  we  have  had  to  contend  with 
in  adjusting  this  nice  and  delicate  problem  of  ventilation  is  getting  into  the  Hall 
enough  of  fresh  air  under  any  condition,  and  we  found  it  impossible  with  the  open- 
ings now  in  the  floor  to  obtain  as  great  a quantity  as  is  required  for  healthful  ventila- 
tion; and  hence  for  that  purpose,  among  other  arrangements,  the  removal  of  the 
desks  is  urged  both  by  the  board  of  scientists  and  the  committee. 

It  is  deemed  proper  and  important  by  these  gentlemen  also  to  build  open  fire- 
places around  the  inner  wall  of  the  House,  for  two  purposes:  one  to  produce  radiant 
heat,  and  the  other  to  provide  a means  of  ventilation,  carrying  off  the  poisonous  and 
noxious  gases  that  circulate  in  the  Hall  whenever  occupied  by  any  number  of  per- 
sons. But  without  the  removal  of  the  desks,  thus  bringing  the  outer  circle  of  seats 
thirteen  feet  nearer  the  Speaker’s  stand,  these  fire-places  cannot  be  built  except  in 
the  corners  of  the  Hall,  as  they  would  give  too  much  heat  for  the  comfort  of  the 
members  who  under  the  present  arrangement  would  be  compelled  to  sit  near  them. 
So  this  suggestion  cannot  be  carried  out  without  their  removal.  These  are  the  more 
important  suggestions  made  by  this  board  of  scientists;  and  after  a careful  examina- 
tion we  think  all  of  them  are  important  and  should  be  adopted  by  the  House  and 
carried  into  execution  as  quickly  as  possible. 

If  there  is  nothing  more  to  be  said  by  any  one  else,  I will  call  the  previous  ques- 
tion on  the  resolution. 

Mr.  Wood  addressed  the  Chair. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  would  like  to  have  order.  There  is  scarcely  any  subject 
that  is  more  important  to  the  comfort,  almost  the  lives,  of  members  than  this  very 
subject.  The  Chair  thinks  there  ought  to  be  order  to  hear  the  remarks  of  gentlemen 
upon  it.  , 


The  Extensions. 


909 


Mr.  Wood.  I concur  entirely  in  the  remarks  of  the  Speaker  with  reference  to  the 
importance  of  this  question.  There  is  in  this  report,  as  I am  advised  by  gentlemen 
who  are  familiar  with  the  scientific  part  of  the  question,  a great  deal  of  good.  But 
there  is  one  suggestion  as  to  which  I doubt  whether  it  can  be  practically  executed. 
Scientific  men  are  very  well  in  theory,  but  in  the  practical  affairs  of  life  they  very 
frequently  fail. 

I doubt  very  much  whether  it  is  practicable  to  conduct  the  business  of  this  House 
without  the  desks  we  are  in  the  habit  of  occupying.  In  the  English  House  of  Com- 
mons the  debates  and  business  of  the  house  are  conducted  on  an  entirely  different 
principle  from  what  has  grown  up  to  be  a practice  and  usage,  and  which  is  positive 
law  with  reference  to  our  deliberations,  if  we  have  any  deliberations  in  the  House 
here.  Now  members  conduct  a great  deal  of  their  correspondence  and  a great  deal 
of  their  examination  of  important  papers,  and  to  a large  extent  prepare  their 
speeches,  during  the  running  debates  in  the  House  upon  ordinary  business,  and 
they  do  it  at  their  desks.  We  certainly  do  not  want  to  adopt  a practice  which  would 
be  constantly  compelling  us  to  have  a call  of  the  House  to  bring  members  in  for  the 
purpose  of  voting,  which  would  inevitably  result  from  the  abolition  of  the  desks  in 
this  Hall. 

Now,  sir,  I am  old  enough  to  recollect  the  old  Hall  before  this  wing  of  the  Capitol 
was  built.  When  I first  came  to  Congress  we  had  not  this  Hall.  What  is  now  the 
round  room  known  as  the  Hall  of  Statuary,  between  this  and  the  main  Rotunda, 
was  then  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives.  We  had  access  to  the  fresh  air 
from  without  constantly  by  having  no  rooms  in  the  outer  wall  of  the  Hall  in  which 
we  assembled,  and  we  had  all  the  ventilation  we  could  possibly  require  simply  by 
the  absence  of  the  obstructions  which  stand  between  this  Hall  and  the  outer  wall  of 
this  end  of  the  Capitol. 

So  far,  therefore,  as  carrying  out  the  report  of  the  committee  would  remove  these 
obstructions  and  give  us  the  fresh  air  from  without,  with  the  addition  of  a wind-sail 
which  would  bring  in  the  fresh  air  from  over  our  heads  and  remove  this  malaria 
which  we  are  constantly  breathing,  and  so  far  as  we  could  get  pure  air  from  below 
by  any  process  of  ventilation  that  can  be  recommended  by  the  committee,  I favor  it; 
but  I cannot  favor  any  plan  for  the  removal  of  the  desks,  which  in  my  opinion  are 
so  necessary  for  the  business  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Clymer.  Will  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  yield  to  me  that  I may  offer  an 
amendment? 

Mr.  Cook.  I rise  to  a question  of  order.  There  is  so  much  noise  in  the  Hall  that 
it  is  impossible  to  hear  a word  that  is  said. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  has  repeatedly  requested  gentlemen  to  be  silent,  but 
seems  to  be  powerless.  The  gentleman  from  Georgia  raises  the  question  of  order 
that  gentlemen  speaking  cannot  be  heard.  The  Chair  requests  the  House  to  come 
to  order. 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee.  I entertain  the  opinion  that  has  been  expressed  by  the 
gentleman  from  New  York,  [Mr.  Wood.]  When  I first  commenced  the  investigation 
of  this  subject,  I believed,  as  he  does  now,  that  it  would  be  exceedingly  inconvenient 
for  the  members  of  this  House  to  remove  the  desks,  but  a more  careful  and  extended 
examination  of  the  subject  has  satisfied  me  that  they  ought  to  be  removed,  not  only 
for  the  purpose  of  securing  a more  perfect  system  of  ventilation,  but  in  order  to 
promote  the  public  interest  and  the  dispatch  of  public  business. 

In  the  first  place,  one  of  the  most  important  advantages  that  would  result  from  it 
would  be  the  bringing  of  the  rear  circle  of  seats  thirteen  feet  nearer  the  Speaker’s 
stand,  and  every  gentleman  who  has  had  the  misfortune  I have  had  for  the  last  four 
years,  to  sit  in  one  of  the  outer  seats,  will  readily  appreciate  the  convenience  that 
will  result  in  that  respect.  It  is  known  to  every  gentleman  on  this  floor  that  during 
the  discussion  and  consideration  of  the  greatest  and  most  important  questions  that 


910 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


are  submitted  for  our  action  two-thirds  of  the  members  of  this  House  are  busily 
engaged  in  writing  at  their  desks,  and  scarcely  know  what  subject  is  under  considera- 
tion. I know  this  is  the  case  with  myself,  and  I believe  the  observation  and  practice 
of  other  gentlemen  coincide  with  my  own.  Now,  it  is  proposed,  in  order  to  meet 
the  temporary  inconvenience  which  members  would  feel  by  the  removal  of  desks  as 
regards  writing  purposes,  to  have  placed  immediately  inside  of  the  iron  railing  fifteen 
tables  four  feet  long  and  two  and  one-half  feet  wide,  provided  with  writing  materials, 
where  members  can  go  and  write  for  any  length  of  time  they  may  choose. 

Then,  for  such  writing  as  it  is  desirable  to  do  at  their  seats  we  propose  to  substi- 
tute for  the  chairs  we  now  have  chairs  with  a wing  on  one  side  and  a drawer  on  the 
other  where  writing  materials  may  be  kept,  and  at  which  anything  which  it  is  neces- 
sary to  write  hurriedly  at  the  seat  may  be  written.  If  gentlemen  who  doubt  the 
convenience  of  this  arrangement  will  be  kind  enough  to  step  to  the  seat  of  my 
colleague  on  the  committee,  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts,  [Mr.  Loring,]  and 
examine  his  chair  they  will  be  convinced  that  the  introduction  of  such  chairs  into 
the  Hall  will  be  a very  great  improvement  upon  those  we  now  have  with  the  desks 
in  front. 

Mr.  Steele.  I desire  to  hear  my  friend  from  Tennessee,  [Mr.  Young.] 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee.  I would  be  very  happy  to  have  you  do  so,  as  I think 
you  would  be  interested  by  what  I am  saying. 

The  Speaker.  It  has  come  to  this,  that  the  request  of  the  Chair  must  be  regarded. 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee.  I am  not  at  all  disturbed. 

Mr.  Steele.  I am  not  quite  through. 

The  Speaker.  Gentlemen  must  be  quiet,  and  the  Sergeant-at-Arms  will  go  through 
the  Hall  and  request  those  whom  he  may  see  conversing  to  cease  conversation. 

Mr.  Steele.  I was  going  to  say  if  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  [Mr.  Young] 
would  change  his  position  and  take  a place  in  another  part  of  the  Hall,  then  there 
would  be  an  opportunity  for  all  to  hear  him.  I do  not  like  to  have  him  turn  his 
back  to  me  when  he  is  engaged  in  so  important  an  enterprise. 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee.  I know  of  no  one  to  whom  I would  sooner  turn  my 
face  than  the  gentleman  from  North  Carolina  [Mr.  Steele.]  It  is  not  my  habit  to 
turn  my  back  to  gentlemen  like  him,  and  if  I have  done  so  now  it  is  only  from  the 
force  of  circumstances,  among  which  is  the  fact  that  I can  only  face  one  way  at  a 
time. 

* * ■X- 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee.  Ever  since  I have  been  here  I have  had  my  full  share  of 
the  difficulty  which  my  friend  from  North  Carolina  [Mr.  Steele]  points  out  as  the 
one  under  which  he  is  laboring  at  this  time  by  reason  of  the  location  of  his  seat;  for 
I have  not  occupied  a position  where  I could  be  heard  distinctly  the  few  times  I felt 
myself  called  upon  to  speak,  nor  indeed  where  I could  hear  anybody  else.  That  is 
one  reason  why  I desire  to  have  these  desks  removed,  so  that  gentlemen  who  like 
myself  have  seats  on  the  outer  circle  can  get  near  enough  to  the  desk  to  understand 
what  is  said  upon  questions  of  legislation.  I now  yield  to  the  gentleman  from  Penn- 
sylvania, [Mr.  Clymer.] 

Mr.  Clymer.  It  will  be  remembered  that  when  this  important  subject  was  under 
consideration  in  the  former  Congress  there  was  a member  of  the  House  who  at  that 
time  took  an  active  and  intelligent  interest  in  the  question.  I allude  to  Mr.  Hewitt, 
of  New  York.  In  his  remarks  upon  the  subject  he  showed  an  intimate  acquaintance 
with  it,  and  the  feeling  seemed  to  be  general  in  that  Congress  that  it  would  be  bene- 
ficial if  he  could  carry  his  views  into  effect.  I ask  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee 
[Mr.  Young]  to  add  his  name  to  the  list  of  commissioners. 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee.  I have  no  objection. 

Mr.  Clymer.  I make  the  suggestion  without  his  knowledge,  and  it  may  be  that  he 
will  be  unwilling  to  serve.  But  he  is  about  to  close  a useful  and  honorable  career  in 


The  Extensions. 


911 


this  body,  and  I conceive  that  it  would  be  his  pleasure,  if  he  did  not  feel  it  to  be  his 
duty,  to  render  his  country  the  important  service  of  aiding  to  make  this  Hall  agree- 
able and  healthful  for  the  Representatives,  which  it  is  not  now.  I therefore  move 
to  add  the  name  of  Abram  S.  Hewitt,  of  New  York.  8 

Mr.  O’Neill.  From  the  statements  made  by  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  [Mr. 
Young]  I have  no  doubt  as  to  how  I shall  vote  upon  the  proposition  when  sub- 
mitted to  the  House.  I look  upon  it,  however,  as  a merely  temporary  arrangement, 
an  effort  to  get  proper  ventilation  in  this  Hall.  I have  lived  in  the  Hall  with  its 
present  ventilation  for  a great  many  years  and  I have  enjoyed  good  health;  and  I 
hope  to  live  in  it  many  years  yet  by  the  will  of  my  constituents. 

I look  upon  all  these  propositions  as  temporary  expedients.  We  never  will  have 
a Hall  fit  for  the  House  of  Representatives  to  sit  in  until  some  rearrangement  of  this 
Capitol  building  is  made.  I think  there  is  pending  now  in  the  Senate  a bill  pro- 
posing to  extend  the  central  portion  of  the  Capitol  east  and  west,  by  which  means 
there  will  be  provided  a hall  for  the  House  of  Representatives  and  one  for  the  Senate 
in  those  extensions,  and  in  that  way  we  can  have  the  fresh  air  of  heaven  coming 
into  the  Halls  of  the  two  Houses.  Besides  we  would  have  the  Senate  and  House 
nearer  to  each  other,  and  then  members  and  Senators  would  save  themselves  the 
frequent  walks  we  now  have  to  take  when  we  desire  to  see  each  other. 

It  seems  to  me  that  it  would  be  well  for  us  to  expend  some  millions  of  dollars  to 
perfect  the  arrangement  of  the  Capitol  building.  There  need  not  be  any  waste  of 
the  space  which  we  now  occupy  in  this  Hall.  By  removing  the  galleries  and  taking 
away  the  lobbies,  extending  the  Hall  so  that  it  will  reach  the  open  air  of  the  south, 
we  would  have  a magnificent  room  for  the  Congressional  Library.  And  altering  the 
Senate  Chamber  in  the  same  way  would  provide  a most  commodious  room  for  the 
Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States. 

Now,  as  regards  the  Halls  of  the  two  Houses  of  Congress,  from  my  experience  of 
all  the  changes  and  experiments  that,  have  been  made  for  proper  ventilation,  I think 
we  will  never  have  any  success  until  the  building  is  extended  and  rearranged,  not 
only  for  the  purpose  of  producing  the  proper  architectural  effect,  but  for  the  purpose 
of  bringing  the  air  of  heaven  into  the  Halls  of  the  two  Houses,  where  members  and 
Senators  are  sitting.  I therefore  look  upon  this  as  a mere  temporary  expedient.  I 
shall  vote  for  the  proposition  submitted,  but  at  the  same  time  I trust  that  the  gener- 
osity and  liberality  of  Congress,  not  at  this  session  perhaps  but  at  some  coming 
session,  will  be  such  that  the  Representatives  of  the  people  will  be  willing  to  expend 
some  millions  of  dollars  to  perfect  this  great  building  of  which  the  country  is  so 
proud,  and  of  which  it  will  be  prouder  when  it  is  altered  and  so  arranged  as  to  pro- 
duce the  proper  architectural  effect  and  comfort  for  those  using  it. 

Mr.  Harris,  of  Virginia.  I cannot  consent  to  any  arrangement  by  which  these 
desks  are  to  be  removed.  I happened  to  be  here  in  the  Thirty-sixth  Congress  when 
the  same  feeling  that  seems  to  be  now  prevailing  in  regard  to  removing  the  desks 
took  possession  of  the  House.  At  the  first  session  of  that  Congress  the  order  was 
made  for  the  removal  of  the  desks;  and  when  we  returned  for  the  short  session  the 
desks  had  been  removed  and  chairs  and  circular  benches  had  been  put  in  their 
places.  How  did  the  change  operate?  No  member  had  any  place  on  which  to  put 
a book  or  a paper.  When  a gentleman  rose  to  speak,  if  he  had  manuscript  in  his 
hand,  a page  ran  around  with  a small  desk  and  put  it  down  before  him;  and  when 
he  had  finished,  the  page  ran  and  placed  it  before  the  member  next  speaking.  The 
arrangement  became  so  manifestly  inconvenient  that  before  the  session  expired  an 
order  was  made  for  the  restoration  of  the  old  desks.  My  friend  from  Tennessee  just 
now  illustrated  himself  the  use  of  these  desks.  He  had  two  jiapers  before  him,  and 
read  first  from  one  and  then  from  the  other,  laying  each  paper  on  the  desk  while 
not  reading.  Now,  if  the  gentleman  had  had  no  desk  before  him,  what  would  he 
have  done  with  those  extra  papers?  He  would  have  been  obliged  to  call  a page  to 


912 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


hold  the  papers  or  put  them  on  the  floor.  Gentlemen  can  hardly  realize  the  con- 
venience of  these  desks  until  they  have  made  the  experiment  of  doing  without  them. 
I hope  we  shall  adopt  no  plan  under  which  the  desks  will  be  removed. 

Mr.  Reagan.  I do  not  propose  to  discuss  the  whole  plan  proposed  by  this  com- 
mittee; I wish  merely  to  express  my  concurrence  with  the  remarks  of  the  gentleman 
from  Virginia  [Mr.  Harris]  in  reference  to  the  removal  of  the  desks.  In  the  Thirty- 
fifth  or  the  Thirty-sixth  Congress  the  House  reached  the  conclusion  that  it  would 
facilitate  business  and  enable  members  to  give  more  careful  attention  to  current 
legislation  if  the  desks  were  removed  and  members  thus  prevented  from  writing  at 
their  seats.  We  did  remove  the  desks  and  had  benches  provided  for  members.  But 
we  submitted  to  that  arrangement  for  a few  weeks  only,  when  we  became  satisfied 
that  we  could  better  attend  to  our  duties,  better  perform  our  obligations  to  our  con- 
stituents by  having  desks  before  us  than  by  being  deprived  of  them.  I feel,  sir,  that 
the  attempt  to  deprive  ourselves  of  the  use  of  desks  would  be  a mistake  which  we 
would  soon  be  obliged  to  rectify. 

Mr.  Hayes.  I would  like  to  ask  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  whether  the  chair 
which  stands  over  in  the  corner  is  a sample  of  the  chairs  which  the  committee  pro- 
pose to  put  in  this  Hall. 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee.  Yes,  sir. 

Mr.  Hayes.  Well,  if  that  chair  is  a sample,  it  seems  to  me  it  is  only  necessary  for 
any  member  to  examine  it  and  sit  in  it  a few  moments,  to  become  entirely  satisfied 
that  such  a chair  will  not  be  suitable  for  this  House.  We  want  a chair  with  a back 
which  we  can  lean  upon  comfortably,  and  in  which  we  can  turn.  We  sit  here  gen- 
erally from  four  to  six  hours  daily,  sometimes  longer;  and  we  want  to  turn  about  in 
our  seats.  In  such  a chair  as  the  sample  over  in  the  corner,  we  would  be  obliged  to 
sit  in  one  position  with  no  possibility  of  resting  ourselves  by  a change  of  posture. 

I agree  also  with  what  has  been  said  in  regard  to  the  desks.  It  does  seem  to  me 
that  we  must  have  before  us  here  something  upon  which  we  can  place  our  papers 
and  in  which  we  can  keep  them.  It  strikes  me  that  what  the  gentleman  from  New 
York  [Mr.  Wood]  has  said  is  true:  that  if  we  remove  these  desks,  it  will  not  be  six 
weeks  before  we  shall  pass  a resolution  to  replace  them.  I believe  we  must  have 
something  of  this  kind  for  our  convenience. 

Mr.  Wood.  The  gentleman  from  Tennessee  [Mr.  Young]  asked  me  a few  moments 
ago  to  look  at  the  chair  which  is  in  one  of  the  corners  of  the  Hall,  and  which  is  a 
sample  of  the  chairs  the  committee  propose  to  substitute  for  these  desks.  I have 
examined  it;  and  my  opinion  is,  that  by  introducing  such  chairs  we  shall  gain  noth- 
ing in  point  of  room,  while  we  would  suffer  very  serious  inconvenience,  and  that  Ave 
would  not  retain  them  three  days  after  we  had  adopted  them. 

Mr.  Loring.  Mr.  Speaker,  I am  glad  that  thus  far  in  this  discussion  no  objection 
has  been  made  to  the  plan  of  the  committee  Avith  regard  to  ventilation.  It  is 
encouraging  to  knoAAr  that  this  House  agrees  that  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania 
[Mr.  O’Neill]  is  the  only  member  Avho  enjoys  good  health  under  existing  circum- 
stances. [Laughter.] 

Mr.  O’Neill.  I want  to  say  that  during  fourteen  years  I have  never  been  one-half 
hour  out  of  this  House  on  account  of  sickness. 

Mr.  Loring.  I congratulate  the  gentleman  upon  his  constitution. 

Mr.  Hayes.  And  on  his  correct  habits. 

Mr.  Loring  I undertake  to  say  that  members  of  the  House  ha\Te  had  their  health 
so  much  impaired  by  the  influence  of  the  bad  air  here  that  they  have  ultimately 
died  from  the  effects;  and  many  others  have  had  their  liims  shortened  by  the  injury 
to  their  constitutions,  caused  by  the  vitiated  atmosphere  they  breathe  here.  Those 
of  us  Avho  come  here  a little  late  in  life  cannot  endure  what  some  of  the  younger 
members  do.  I myself  have  been  deprived  of  more  than  six  weeks’  service  in  this 
House  during  the  present  Congress  on  account  of  the  evil  influences  of  the  air  of  the 
House. 


The  Extensions. 


913 


The  scientific  men  who  appeared  before  the  committee — (and  through  your  cour- 
tesy, sir,  I was  put  in  immediate  communication  with  the  committee,  who  kindly 
elected  me  an  honorary  member  and  listened  to  the  suggestions  that  I made  very 
earnestly) — these  scientific  men  have  agreed  that  this  House  can  be  successfully  ven- 
tilated. Experiment  after  experiment  has  been  made,  each  experiment  being  an 
improvement  on  the  preceding  one.  It  has  been  concluded,  as  the  chairman  of  the 
committee  has  stated,  that  by  increasing  the  influx  of  air  in  order  that  it  may  corre- 
spond with  the  escape  of  air,  these  currents  which  now  blow  about  us  like  gales  of 
wind,  these  draughts  which  in  connection  with  the  bad  air  are  injuring  our  health  so 
much,  can  be  prevented.  Those  of  the  Capitol  commissioners  who  are  exjierts  in 
ventilation  have  agreed  with  an  opinion  I expressed  strongly  to  the  committee,  that 
the  foundation  of  good  ventilation  is  a fire-place.  The  committee  have  determined 
that  we  shall  have  fire-places,  large  open  fire-places,  in  the  corner  of  this  Hall. 
They  have  agreed,  moreover,  that  the  members  of  this  House  are  entitled  to  a con- 
venient, pleasant,  well-arranged  room  to  which  they  can  retire  for  fresh  air,  and  in 
which  they  can  receive  such  of  their  friends  as  they  desire  to  meet,  without  being 
compelled  to  undergo  the  pressure  of  the  crowd  in  the  corridors  and  lobbies  of  this 
House. 

In  providing  this  ample  and  convenient  apartment  for  the  convenience  of  the  House 
it  is  found  that  the  introduction  of  fresh  outer  air  through  the  south  windows  of  this 
wing  of  the  Capitol  into  the  body  of  the  House  is  made  possible,  and  that  the  ill- 
effects  of  the  air  of  the  lobby  now  in  existence  can  be  prevented.  Air  and  light  are 
thus  provided  for  all  who  desire  them. 

The  Architect  of  the  House  has  ascertained  that  the  construction  of  open  windows 
in  the  galleries  in  the  places  now  occupied  by  the  vacant  niches  in  front  of  the  House 
is  entirely  practicable,  and  that  the  fine  cornices  of  this  room  now  hidden  in  dark- 
ness by  the  defect  in  the  arrangements  for  lighting  it — an  architectural  defect  which 
ought  to  be  remedied  at  once — may  be  brought  into  view  and  their  beauty,  which  is 
hardly  surpassed  by  any  similar  structure  in  the  world,  may  be  revealed.  In  this 
way  also  can  the  galleries  themselves  be  supplied  with  fresh  air  by  lateral  ventilation. 

These  are  the  suggestions  in  regard  to  ventilation  which  I am  satisfied,  sir,  upon 
careful  examination  myself  and  with  the  assistance  of  Dr.  Billings  and  Professor 
Baird,  the  two  special  scientists  of  the  commission,  will  accomplish  the  object  we  all 
have  in  view. 

In  regard  to  the  seating  of  the  House  I ask  any  man  here  if  he  looks  upon  the  plan 
now  in  use  as  perfect.  Is  it  perfect  while  we  have  a desk  here  which  is  just  large 
enough  to  be  in  our  way  and  not  large  enough  to  be  a convenience  to  us?  Not  only 
is  it  difficult  for  a member  of  this  House  who  is  not  fortunate  enough  to  occupy  a 
seat  upon  some  one  of  the  passage-ways  to  gain  access  to  his  seat,  but  when  he  lias 
gained  it  he  finds  it  still  more  difficult  to  address  the  House  until  he  has  secured  the 
favor  of  a seat  next  a passage-way  where  he  may  perchance  display  those  powers  of 
eloquence  which  God  has  bestowed  upon  all  of  us  who  have  gathered  here.  [Laugh- 
ter.] There  is  not  room  enough,  sir,  for  the  orators  of  this  House  if,  while  they 
address  this  assembly,  they  are  compelled  to  stand  behind  tire  desks  assigned  them. 
[Laughter.]  I had  no  idea,  in  any  suggestion  I made  to  the  committee  or  to  this 
House,  to  deprive  gentlemen  of  all  opportunity  to  write,  or  to  deposit  their  papers 
and  documents  in  a safe  and  convenient  receptacle. 

Now,  sir,  in  order  to  satisfy  myself  that  this  convenience  can  be  secured  without 
the  desks  we  now  have,  I ordered  a chair  in  the  place  of  the  desk  I have  occupied 
since  I entered  this  Hall,  and  I have  found  it  perfectly  convenient  both  for  writing 
and  stowage.  It  was  somewhat  too  large,  it  is  true,  for  the  space  allowed  it  in  the 
present  arrangement  of  desks  and  chairs,  and  was  not  convenient  for  those  on  either 
hand  of  me;  but  for  myself  I found  it  satisfactory  as  a writing-desk.  I found  the 
drawers  in  it  convenient  for  my  papers;  I found  it  an  easy  chair  to  sit  in;  I found  I 

H.  Rep.  64b 58 


914 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


could  sit  up  erect  and  not  be  compelled  to  cramp  myself  behind  my  desk.  There 
may  be  four  feet  allowed  in  front  of  this  chair  if  arranged  as  proposed,  in  which 
every  gentleman  will  find  ample  room  for  his  physical  comfort,  a thing  which  is 
impossible  with  the  present  seating  of  the  House.  There  is  an  opportunity  for  the 
occupant  of  the  chair  to  rise  conveniently  without  being  hampered  by  his  desk;  and 
even  if  this  chair  which  has  been  exhibited  to  the  House  is  not  entirely  satisfactory, 
if  it  does  not  seem  adapted  to  the  wants  of  those  who  are  to  use  it,  it  may  be  so 
modified  as  to  suit  the  convenience  of  any  member  upon  the  floor. 

Now  I am  asked  what  is  to  be  gained,  sir,  by  this  arrangement?  Those  of  us  who 
sit  in  the  rear  of  the  House  will  be  brought  thirteen  feet  nearer  to  the  Speaker’s  desk 
than  we  are  now.  We  shall  have  more  space  than  we  now  have,  and  we  shall  have 
an  opportunity  to  move  about  without  disturbing  our  associates  on  this  floor.  For 
myself  I find  neither  comfort  nor  convenience  in  the  present  arrangement.  It  adds 
greatly  to  the  difficulty  of  ventilation;  it  increases  the  heat  of  the  Hall;  it  creates  a 
crowd  when  no  crowding  is  necessary.  Substitute  for  this  a chair  which  is  easily 
approached,  which  has  before  it  an  open  and  airy  space,  and  which  is  so  compact  as 
not  to  occupy  too  much  room,  and  we  shall  have  at  once  an  agreeable  and  cheerful 
Hall,  and  all  the  conveniences  we  desire. 

Now,  with  regard  to  the  effect  of  this  proposed  arrangement  upon  the  ventilation 
of  the  House,  the  chairman  of  the  committee  has  stated  that  experts  agree  that  itwill 
be  beneficial.  The  difficulty  now  is  that  the  House  is  crowded  with  furniture  and 
members.  The  floor  should  be  relieved  of  this  pressure,  and  will  be  relieved  by 
adopting  the  recommendation  of  the  committee.  We  shall  have,  as  I have  said, 
abundance  of  room  to  write  and  ample  convenience  for  documents  and  papers;  and 
in  addition  to  this,  if  the  proposition  of  the  committee  is  fully  carried  out,  we  shall 
have  the  additional  convenience  of  tables  inside  the  bar  of  the  House,  which  can  be 
used  for  writing  and  the  consultation  of  books,  should  it  be  necessary  to  occupy  more 
space  than  the  chairs  or  even  the  existing  desks  can  give. 

But,  sir,  I am  not  strenuous  about  the  rearrangement  of  seats  at  this  time  at  all. 
If  we  can  have  fresh  air,  good  light,  fire-places,  ventilation,  and  an  ample  reception- 
room,  I shall  be  content  for  the  present,  if  I can  get  no  more.  If,  however,  we  can 
have  the  suggestions  of  the  commission  and  the  committee  still  further  carried  out  in 
the  seating  of  the  House  we  shall  have  still  more  comfort,  still  more  convenience, 
and  still  better  air.  I trust,  sir,  therefore,  that  the  suggestions  of  the  committee  will 
be  adopted  by  the  House. 

Mr.  Ittner  obtained  the  floor. 

Mr.  Wood.  T desire  to  offer  an  amendment. 

The  Speaker.  The  gentleman  from  Missouri  [Mr.  Ittner]  is  recognized. 

Mr.  Ittner.  This  is  a practical  question  about  which  I do  not  know  but  what  I am 
possibly  as  competent  to  speak  as  any  man  on  this  floor.  If  I am  not  I ought  to  be 
at  least. 

Now,  with  reference  to  the  removal  of  the  desks  in  this  Hall,  I consider  that  an 
impracticable  proposition.  I do  not  conceive  that  it  would  need  any  discussion  to 
impress  upon  any  member  of  this  body  that  fact,  and  I am  satisfied  that  if  any  other 
proposition  is  entertained,  or  any  other  mode  of  arranging  the  seats  and  desks  is 
resolved  upon,  it  will  of  necessity  prove  a failure.  I do  not  presume  that  there  is  a 
single  man,  if  all  the  talent  of  the  United  States  were  concentrated  in  the  arrange- 
ment of  these  desks,  who  could  improve  upon  the  present  arrangement. 

I concur  in  the  views  of  the  gentleman  from  Virginia  [Mr.  Harris]  and  the  gentle- 
man from  Texas  [Mr.  Reagan]  that  if  any  mode  outside  of  the  present  mode  is 
adopted  it  will  be  abandoned  in  a very  short  time  thereafter  and  the  present  arrange- 
ment be  again  resorted  to;  but  when  we  come  to  the  question  of  ventilation,  this  is 
a question  that  deserves  serious  consideration  at  the  hands  of  every  member  upon 
this  floor. 


The  Extensions. 


915 


I claim,  and  the  pending  proposition  proves,  that  the  inodes  of  ventilation  that 
have  been  resorted  to  in  the  past,  have  utterly  failed,  and  that  any  artificial  modes  of 
ventilating  which  may  be  resorted  to  in  the  future  must  perforce  likewise  prove  a 
failure.  The  very  design  and  construction  of  this  Hall  is  an  abortion,  and  you  can- 
not make  anything  out  of  it.  So  far  as  the  ventilation  is  concerned  I claim  that  the 
talent  does  not  exist  that  can  benefit  or  improve  upon  the  present  system.  You 
might  as  well  try  to  put  common  sense  and  intelligence  into  the  skull  of  an  idiot  as 
try  to  improve  the  ventilation  of  this  Hall. 

We  are  here  boxed  up  in  a box  within  a box.  We  have  here  between  us  and  day- 
light. and  fresh  air  three  or  four  walls,  partition  walls.  We  have  two  roofs,  or  more 
properly  speaking  a ceiling  and  a roof;  and  I would  like  to  know  what  mode  of  ven- 
tilation you  can  adopt  that  will  overcome  these  insurmountable  barriers.  Fire-places 
have  been  spoken  of  as  a means  of  ventilation,  f am  in  favor  of  open  fire-places,  and 
wherever  I go  to  rent  rooms  I always  give  the  preference  to  those  having  open  fire- 
places. I would  have  open  fire-places  and  also  open  windows,  so  that  we  can  raise 
the  lower  sash  and  lower  the  upper  sash  and  get  in  the  sunlight  and  fresh  air  of 
heaven.  You  can  never  secure  that  in  this  concern  unless  you  tear  down  these  par- 
tition walls  and  change  the  plan  and  construction  of  the  roof,  and  get  your  air  directly 
from  the  outside.  This  is  the  only  practicable  way  in  which  the  present  room  can 
be  utilized  and  made  a success. 

The  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Loring]  in  the  few  remarks  he  made 
demonstrated  the  truth  of  what  I say.  He  says  that  you  want  a good  and  commo- 
dious room  where  you  can  retire  and  get  fresh  air  and  ventilation.  We  want  the 
Hall  so  constructed  that  we  can  get  fresh  air,  healthy  ventilation,  while  we  are  sitting 
in  our  seats.  I say  that,  so  far  as  I am  concerned,  I appreciate  the  value  of  the 
health  of  the  members  of  this  body.  I have  no  personal  interest  in  the  question,  but 
I speak  to  those  who  are  members  of  the  next  Congress,  and  I think  it  is  the  duty 
of  those  members,  in  consideration  of  their  own  health  and  that  of  their  compeers, 
to  adopt  some  means  of  constructing  a new  Hall.  If  possible,  get  some  practical  and 
sensible  man  as  an  architect;  and  if  you  cannot  remodel  this  Hall  for  the  purposes 
you  desire,  then  I say  add  a wing  to  it  that,  can  be  so  arranged  as  to  be  practical. 
If  it  were  not  that  you  cannot  dispense  with  your  committee  and  reception  rooms, 
you  might  tear  out.  these  walls  to  which  I have  referred,  dispense  with  these  corri- 
dors and  committee-rooms,  and  by  that  means  you  can  get  the  fresh  air  and  bright 
sunlight  of  heaven.  Leave  the  desks,  but  have  sufficient  space  between  them  so  that 
you  will  not  be  compelled  to  reach  your  seat  by  way  of  the  back  door,  as  was 
remarked  by  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts.  By  that  means  you  will  not  only 
get  good  ventilation  and  natural  light,  but  you  will  have  the  necessary  room  required 
for  members  to  deliberate  in  this  Hall. 

That  is  all  I have  to  say  upon  the  subject.  I shall  oppose  any  movement  to  change 
the  arrangement  of  the  desks,  because  the  present,  arrangement  cannot  be  improved 
upon,  and  I shall  oppose  any  movement  toward  ventilating  the  Hall,  because  I say 
that  the  experience  of  the  science  of  ventilation  has  been  exhausted  upon  this  con- 
cern, and  it  cannot  be  improved  upon.  That  is  a practical  impossibility. 

I now  yield  to  the  gentleman  from  New  York,  [Mr.  Townsend.] 

Mr.  Townsend,  of  New  York.  I rise  simply  for  the  purpose  of  entering  my  protest 
against  a continuance  of  the  system  under  which  I have  suffered  for  four  long  years. 
I have  suffered  here  as  a martyr  to  science.  [Laughter.]  1 have  suffered  here 
because  science  was  ventilating  this  Hall  without  one  particle  of  common  sense. 
[Laughter.]  Science  has  been  engaged  in  lifting  the  foul  atmosphere  out  of  this 
Hall,  but  science  has  not.  asked  common  sense  if  it  were  not  true  that  foul  air  is  heavy 
and  would  not  be  lifted. 

We  sit  here  in  this  Hall  ordinarily  in  the  presence  of  from  two  to  three  thousand 
people.  At  other  times  there  are  perhaps  four  thousand  in  the  Hall  altogether.  On 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


916 

occasions  of  excitement  fully  four  hundred  are  on  this  floor,  with  from  fifteen  hun- 
dred to  twenty-five  hundred  in  the  galleries,  and  every  breath  that  comes  from  those 
people  creates  an  atmosphere  that  falls  down  and  settles  here  in  the  body  of  the  Hall. 
To  obviate  this  difficulty  scientists  are  at  work  at  the  corners  lifting  and  lifting  and 
lifting,  [laughter,]  and  we  are  suffering  from  the  heavy  and  foul  air  that  will  not  be 
lifted,  but  is  lurking  in  the  Hall. 

The  foul  air  remains,  and  if  common-sense  men  were  to  come  in  here  without  any 
science — without  any  experience  in  ventilating — common  sense  would  open  the  way 
to  the  outside  of  the  building  horizontally  and  cut  passages  through  to  the  outer 
windows  and  let  in  the  air  from  the  bottom  of  the  windows  and  let  it  blow  over  the 
Hall,  but  common  sense  cannot  be  considered.  We  shall  have  high-priced  science 
and  an  utter  want  of  common  sense.  I do  not  care  how  many  scientific  men  you 
put  upon  your  commission  if  you  join  with  it  common  sense  and  let  God’s  atmos- 
phere into  the  Hall.  If  not,  you  will  suffer  as  I have  suffered  and  as  my  prede- 
cessors did.  I am  going  out  of  this  Hall.  The  ventilation  of  this  Hall  is  not  one  of 
those  things  that  I shall  remember  with  pleasure.  [Laughter.] 

God  gave  me  a good  constitution.  I would  say  to  the  gentleman  from  Pennsyl- 
vania [Mr.  O’Neill]  that  I like  him  have  not  lost  my  health  here.  I am  going  out 
and  shall  cease  to  suffer.  You  who  are  to  remain  will  cease  to  suffer  in  this  way  if 
somebody  will  tear  down  the  separating  walls  and  let  the  winds  of  heaven  blow  under 
the  seats  and  above  them.  We  want  a purifying  atmosphere  that  shall  sweep  along 
the  floor,  and  if  we  cannot  have  that  you  will  have  to  suffer  as  we  have  suffered  in 
times  past. 

I want  to  say  one  word  further  to  the  gentlemen  who  are  to  continue  in  the  serv- 
ice of  their  country  in  this  Hall,  about  the  engine  of  torture  that  is  jiroposed  to  be 
substituted  for  your  chairs  and  desks.  I have  had  it  by  my  seat  for  one  day.  I 
find,  whatever  it  may  do  fore  and  aft,  that  three  of  these  chairs  cannot  stand  where 
four  of  the  other  kind  have  stood.  I protest  against  the  wicked  and  I would  say 
almost  felonious  folly  of  not  opening  the  Hall  to  the  outer  windows — a work  that 
may  be  done  for  $5,000. 

Mr.  Butler.  The  ventilation  or  something  else  in  this.  Hall  has  left  me  without  the 
power  of  making  myself  heard.  I do  not  know  that  I ought  to  say  anything  about 
this  subject.  I certainly  shall  not  antagonize  the  report  of  the  committee,  because 
with  that  1 do  not  mean  to  have  anything  to  do.  I am  in  no  sense  responsible  for  it. 

In  November,  1877,  after  waiting  for  some  weeks  for  the  majority  party  in  the 
Hall  to  move  some  improvement  in  ventilation,  and  having  given  considerable  atten- 
tion to  that  matter  in  the  Forty-third  Congress,  I introduced  a resolution  to  have 
measures  taken  to  have  the  Hall  ventilated.  I had  the  advantage  of  plans  and  spec- 
ifications and  scientific  knowledge,  so  far  as  scientific  knowledge  is  of  any  advantage, 
that  had  been  obtained  in  a former  Congress.  I always  supposed  that  my  plan  was 
defeated  in  a former  Congress  by  the  unwillingness  of  the  Speaker  of  that  day  to  give 
up  the  Speaker’s  room  and  the  reporters  to  give  up  the  reporters’  room  and  the  unwill- 
ingness of  the  members  not  to  have  a convenient  place  to  see  ladies  in  the  corners. 
[Laughter.  ] 

A.  Member.  Or  somewhere  else. 

Mr.  Butler.  But  that  resolution  passed  unanimously,  and  I supposed  under  parli- 
amentary usage  I should  have  been  put  at  the  head  of  the  committee  proposed  to 
bestow  labor  upon  it,  but  my  resolution  incautiously  provided  for  a clerk.  That  was 
a little  crumb  of  patronage  that  could  not  be  allowed.  [Laughter.]  And  so  I 
found,  contrary  to  parliamentary  rules,  a much  abler,  better,  and  more  experienced 
man;  better  in  politics,  because  he  had  just  got  up  where  I left  off.  [Laughter.] 
So  he  was  put  at  the  head  of  the  committee,  and  I was  put  fourth  or  fifth.  I very 
seldom,  or  never,  attended  the  meetings  of  that  committee. 

Now,  there  seems  to  me  no  justice  in  this.  I do  not  know  what  the  report  con- 


The  Extensions. 


917 


tains,  as  I have  carefully  abstained  from  listening  to  it,  so  that  I might  not  appear 
to  criticise  it,  but  I have  a few  words  to  say  about  the  ventilation  of  this  Hall.  1 am 
certain  that  members  never  will  dispense  with  their  desks.  That  has  been  tried 
under  the  most  favorable  circumstances,  and  the  experiment  did  not  last  sixty  days. 
Therefore,  we  must  have  the  desks  in  some  form. 

I agree  it  would  be  better  for  us  to  legislate  without  them;  but  that  good  we 
will  not  take.  There  are  too  many  conveniences,  and  most  of  our  troubles  come 
from  choosing  ease  rather  than  good.  Therefore  that  must  be  laid  out  of  the  way. 

Now,  in  ordinary  times,  in  any  other  place  under  heaven  but  this,  I can  make 
from  three  thousand  to  five  thousand  people  hear  me.  Why  is  it  that  I cannot  make 
three  hundred  people  hear  me  here.  Why,  sir,  in  Indiana  I have  spoken  in  the  oak 
groves  amid  the  breezes  of  heaven  to  five  thousand  and  ten  thousand  people,  and 
there  are  men  in  this  Hall  who  know  I made  myself  heard.  Why  is  it  that  we  rival 
in  a different  manner  the  Areopagus  who  sat  at  night,  in  the  darkness,  lest  they 
might  be  influenced  by  the  gestures  and  magnetism  of  the  speaker.  We  do  better; 
we  sit  here  and  have  nothing  but  the  magnetism  and  the  gestures.  We  never  hear 
anything  that  the  speaker  says.  This  is  in  consequence  of  the  construction  of  the 
Hall;  that  is,  it  is  broken  overhead  for  the  sake  of  some  very  ill-looking  paintings  in 
the  squares,  every  one  of  which  throws  back  the  voice  to  the  ear  of  the  man  who 
utters  it.  If  you  will  look,  watching  as  I watch  now,  you  can  hear  the  echo  right 
back  to  your  own  ear;  and  the  sound  is  all  broken  up.  Not  only  that,  but  this 
performance  of  .squares  and  indentations  overhead  increases  the  general  tumult, 
because  echoes  and  re-echoes  verberate  and  reverberate  until  a small  sound  becomes 
like  the  roar  of  the  ocean. 

There  is,  I am  informed,  one  hall  in  this  Country,  not  made  by  a man  of  science, 
where  fifteen  thousand  people  can  hear  the  ordinary  voice  of  a speaker — Brigham 
Young’s  tabernacle.  There  are  many  of  you  who  know  about  that.  How  is  that 
made?  Why  it  is  substantially  as  if  we  cut  an  egg-shell  longitudinally  in  halves  and 
got  under  it  and  spoke  from  one  of  the  foci.  Now,  if  this  Hall  could  be  taken  and 
made  perfectly  smooth  its  acoustics  would  be  vastly  improved.  Get  rid  of  this  gin- 
ger-bread work  which  makes  this  Hall  look  like  the  saloon  of  a steamboat.  Have 
something  of  use.  That  is  my  idea.  Smooth  your  walls;  give  place  for  your  gal- 
leries, not  in  the  form  they  are  now,  but  let  these  corners  be  rounded  over  the  heads 
of  the  people  there,  and  they  will  hear  as  well  as  we.  Make  everything  smooth  and 
clear  and  clean,  so  that  the  sound  can  take  care  of  itself. 

Now  for  ventilation.  Everybody  will  agree  that  the  ventilation  of  this  Hall  is  fear- 
ful in  its  results.  There  is  a larger  percentage  of  dead  members  in  this  House  than 
of  any  other  number  of  men,  and  yet  we  are  more  than  the  average  of  men  in  physi- 
cal strength,  and  as  I want  to  say,  passing  away  from  this  Hall,  more  than  the  aver- 
age of  men  in  knowledge  of  life  and  of  habit,  and  more  than  the  average  of  the  same 
number  of  men  in  propriety  of  conduct  and  living  which  gives  long  life. 

Now,  then,  what  is  the  trouble?  Why,  what  do  we  do?  We  dig  a hole  in  the 
ground  out  into  what  was  once  a swamp,  for  every  foot  from  this  declivity  to  the 
Potomac  was  originally  a swamp;  and  we  have  dug  that  hole  out  so  as  get  as  near  as 
we  can  to  the  middle  of  that  swamp,  and  we  put  in  powerful  pumps  and  powerful 
steam-engines  to  pump  that  air  coming  from  the  swamp  up  here  to  breathe.  And 
how  many  thousand  dollars  have  been  spent  for  that  purpose  I do  not  know;  not  by 
any  science — I want  to  redeem  science  from  the  observation  of  my  friend  from  New 
York,  [Mr.  Townsend,] — I do  not  believe  science  did  that.  Something  did  it.  And 
here  we  are  pumping  up  from  the  lowest  part  of  this  city,  where  none  of  us  would  be 
willing  to  make  our  residence,  where  you  cannot  get  a Congressman  to  live — we  pump 
that  air  up  by  heavy  machinery  and  a great  expenditure  of  steam  in  here  to  breathe. 
We  do  not  give  it  a chance  to  get  up  higher,  so  as  to  mix  with  pure  air,  before  we  catch 
and  imprison  it  and  bring  it  to  our  lungs.  That  is  the  first  thing  in  ventilation.  Where 


9 1 8 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


should  t lie  air  come  from?  I say  take  the  air  which  will  come  in  from  the  heaven 
above  us  if  you  will  let  it.  Send  up  air-ducts  as  high  as  the  top  of  this  Capitol; 
open  them  at  the  bottom,  let  cold  air  flow  in,  and  it  will  press  out  the  warm  air  if 
you  give  it  a place  to  go  out,  without  any  pumping  machinery  or  broiling  engineers 
almost  to  death.  Carry  up  air-ducts  all  around  your  walls.  I am  content  you  shall 
put  fire-places  below  them.  There  will  then  be  two  currents  of  air,  one  up  the 
chimney  and  the  other  down  the  air-duct.  1 speak  hand  ineypertus;  I have  tried  it. 
1 have  ventilated  my  own  house,  in  which  I live,  in  the  same  way.  When  I was 
away  the  scientific  men  who  were  putting  in  heating  apparatus  came  and  put  in  an 
immense  hole  at  the  bottom  to  let  cold  air  into  my  house.  When  I went  home  and 
saw  it  I told  my  carpenter  to  put- a strong  plank  door  over  it,  list  it  so  that  it  should 
be  perfectly  tight,  put  a strong  lock  on  it,  and  give  me  the  key;  and  I have  lost  the 
key,  and  it  never  has  been  open  since.  [Laughter.] 

1 Iis  idea,  as  the  idea  of  everybody  else  seems  to  be,  was  that  you  must  take  all  your 
air  from  the  bottom  of  the  building.  Not  at  all;  you  should  take  it  from  the  top; 
cold  air  will  press  down  and  drive  the  warm  air  out,  and  you  need  not  have  either 
fan  or  any  other  machinery  to  secure  proper  ventilation.  Put  your  fire-places  around 
the  Hall,  make  up  a little  fire  in  them  so  as  to  produce  a current  that  will  carry  out 
the  warm  air,  then  put  your  plain  air-ducts  in  from  the  top  of  the  building,  and  let 
your  cold  air  press  down  so  as  to  feed  these  fire-places,  and  you  will  have  neither 
draught  nor  bad  ventilation. 

Mr.  Townsend,  of  New  York.  Will  the  gentleman  allow  me  to  ask  him  one  ques- 
tion? 

Mr.  Butler.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Townsend,  of  New  York.  The  gentleman  and  myself  agree  so  nearly  in  this 
thing  that  I wish  to  call  his  attention  to  another  matter.  It  is  that  foul  air  is  not 
merely  warm  air,  but  it  is  also  heavy  air;  it  does  not  rise  with  the  warm  air. 

Mr.  Butler.  I agree  with  that.  The  heavy  foul  air  is  carbonic  acid  gas  more  or  less 
impregnated  with  hydrogen,  so  that  it  almost  becomes  carbureted  hydrogen.  But 
that  will  be  pressed  into  the  fire-places,  and  will  go  up  the  chimney. 

I have  spoken  of  your  means  of  ventilation.  Now,  where  do  you  want  your  Hall? 
Tear  out  all  of  these  walls  surrounding  us  here;  it  can  be  done.  Go  out  to  the  corner 
of  the  building.  Let  the  two  sides  of  your  Hall  be  the  two  sides  of  the  building. 
Open  the  windows,  and  let  the  free  air  of  heaven  into  your  Hall.  Redeem  yourself 
from  your  present  condition,  from  what  every  man  of  you  knows  to  be  the  fact,  that 
the  water-closet  of  this  building,  out  in  the  corner  here,  is  the  best  ventilated  and  the 
sweetest  part,  of  it. 

Now  extend  your  Hall  out  into  the  corner  of  the  building;  go  out  there  and  live 
there  all  the  time.  Then  you  can  have  this  inner  room,  which  can  be  ventilated 
but  cannot  be  lighted  well  and  effectively,  for  reception-rooms  and  for  any  other 
purposes  for  which  it  may  be  needed.  Let  me  say  to  you  that  there  is  another  thing; 
no  man  ought  to  live  for  a large  portion  of  his  time  in  a room  where  the  sunlight  of 
heaven  does  not  come  in  free  and  pure. 

Mr.  Bridges.  Will  the  gentleman  allow  me  to  ask  him  a question? 

Mr.  Butler.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Bridges.  Is  the  gentleman  not  aware  that  by  opening  the  windows  on  the 
south  of  the  building  the  malaria  rising  from  the  low  marshy  grounds  south  of  the 
Capitol  would  blow  right  in  upon  us  here? 

Mr.  Butler.  No,  I am  not,  and  I will  tell  you  why.  I have  all  my  windows  in 
my  own  house  opening  in  that  direction.  I studied  that  question  carefully.  In  the 
olden  time  the  reason  why  the  part  of  Capitol  Hill  where  my  house  is  situated  was 
not  built  upon  was  because  malaria  came  up  from  the  low  ground.  The  Tiber  Creek 
was  then  open  and  flowing,  and  full  of  sewage.  I would  not  have  lived  there  at 
that  time  upon  any  account.  But  since  the  creek  called  the  Tiber  has  been  closed 


The  Extensions. 


919 


over  and  made  a sewer  it  draws  off  from  these  low  grounds  almost  all  there  is  which 
will  produce  malaria,  in  the  way  of  stagnant  water  and  other  matters  producing 
malaria,  and  besides,  in  the  summer  time,  different  from  what  it  is  in  Pennsylvania 
and  different  from  what  it  is  in  Massachusetts,  the  cool  air  comes  from  the  south  up 
the  Potomac,  the  draught  is  up  river,  and  that  carries  the  malaria  by  and  over  us, 
whatever  comes  up.  Fifty  years  ago  there  were  a great  many  cases  of  malarial  fever 
around  in  this  neighborhood.  But  there  has  not  been  one  case  of  chills  and  fevers 
indigenous  to  the  neighborhood  for  the  last  twenty  years.  I have  gone  over  that 
subject  with  great  care  in  connection  with  my  own  purposes,  for  I wanted  to  know 
what  I was  about,  where  I was  going  to  live,  and  perhaps  prepare  a place  for  my 
children. 

Now,  I say  that  if  you  will  go  out  to  the  corner  of  this  building  you  M ill  then  get 
the  sunlight  and  the  free  air  of  heaven,  and  from  both  directions,  first  from  the  top 
of  the  building  and  then  from  the  side,  when  the  condition  of  the  atmosphere  will 
permit  an  open  window  and  open  draught. 

Mr.  Conger.  Will  the  gentleman  allow  me  to  ask  him  a question? 

Mr.  Butler.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Conger.  I wish  to  ask  the  gentleman  this  question:  while  air  taken  from  the 
slope  on  the  west  side  of  the  Capitol  is  so  malarial  and  so  impure,  why  may  not  some 
of  it  come  in  at  the  south  windows  with  a proper  current  from  the  Potomac  to  force 
it  in? 

Mr.  Butler.  I hear  the  question,  and  am  very  glad  of  an  opportunity  to  answer  it. 
Some  of  it  will  come  in,  but  the  difference  is  between  bringing  in  some  of  it  and 
bringing  in  all  of  it.  Now  we  get  nothing  else.  I am  M illing  to  take  a little  rum  in 
my  water,  but  I want  some  water,  to  drink  water  part  of  the  time.  [Laughter.] 
That  is  the  difference. 

I have  now  said  all  that  I care  to  say  on  this  subject.  I have  given  you  the  theory 
upon  which  I should  proceed  in  this  matter;  and  as  I M ill  soon  go  out  of  this  Hall, 
in  all  probability  never  to  return  to  it  as  member,  I have  submitted  these  views  for 
the  benefit  of  those  who  may  come  after  me,  so  that  members  of  Congress  may  be 
enabled  to  retain  here  that  full  vigor  of  constitution,  of  mind,  and  of  body  M'hich 
they  bring  with  them  M'hen  they  come  from  their  constituents. 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee,  resumed  the  floor. 

Mr.  Wood.  Before  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  demands  the  previous  question 
I desire  to  call  the  gentleman’s  attention  to  an  amendment  which  I have  offered,  and 
on  which  I desire  a vote,  to  add  the  following: 

Provided, , That  nothing  herein  shall  authorize  the  removal  of  the  desks  as  now  existing. 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee.  Mr.  Speaker,  the  comparison  instituted  by  the  gentle- 
man from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Butler]  as  to  our  relative  greatness,  political  or  other- 
wise, is  not  a matter  necessary  to  be  discussed  in  connection  nrith  the  proper  method 
of  ventilating  this  Hall;  and  1 would  pass  it  by  unnoticed  but  for  the  reason  that 
justice  to  the  Speaker  requires  that  1 should  reply  to  it  very  briefly,  though  in  doing 
so  I shall  make  no  effort  to  controvert  the  conclusion  evidently  fixed  in  the  gentle- 
man’s own  mind  that  he  is  better  fitted  than  all  the  rest  of  mankind  for  the  duties  of 
any  position  in  which  he  might  be  placed. 

At  the  time  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  offered  the  resolution  under  M'hich 
this  committee  MTas  created  I held  in  my  hand  a report  in  respect  to  the  ventilation, 
heating,  and  lighting  of  this  Hall,  M'hich  I had  prepared  as  chairman  of  a committee 
appointed  for  that  purpose,  after  careful  and  thorough  investigation  of  about  two 
years.  Nom7,  I am  willing  to  grant  that  the  gentleman  would  have  been  better 
qualified  for  the  discharge  of  this  or  any  other  duty  than  myself,  for  he  is  a very 
great  man,  and  I “only  a poor  erring  mortal;”  but  after  an  investigation  of  this 
particular  question  for  so  long  a time,  aided  by  the  most  learned  gentlemen  that  I 


920 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


could  call  to  my  assistance,  including  Professor  Henry  of  the  Smithsonian  Institu- 
tion, Professor  Baird,  his  successor,  two  or  three  Army  officers,  Professor  Billings, 
of  the  Army  Medical  Corps,  the  latter  of  whom  had  visited  almost  all  the  houses  of 
assembly  in  Europe  for  the  express  purpose  of  investigating  this  very  question — after 
having  had  the  assistance  of  all  these  gentlemen,  probably  it  would  not  be  altogether 
immodest  on  my  part  to  claim  that  I was  quite  as  well  advised  about  the  proper 
method  of  ventilating  this  Hall  as  the  distinguished  gentleman  from  Massachusetts 
could  have  been  without  giving  it  any  thought  or  attention  at  all— nor  do  I think 
the  Speaker  did  him  so  very  great  a wrong  in  not  naming  him  as  chairman  of  the 
committee. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  desires  to  ask  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  whether  he 
did  not  do  all  that  under  the  authority  of  the  House? 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee.  Certainly;  in  pursuance  of  a resolution  of  this  House 
adopted  more  than  a year  before.  Further,  if  the  gentleman  had  done  us  the  honor 
to  meet  with  the  committee  after  its  appointment  by  the  Speaker,  he  should  have 
been  its  chairman  if  the  other  members  had  chosen  to  select  him,  for  the  very  first 
time  we  met  I submitted  that  question  to  the  members  of  the  committee  who  were 
present,  and  declared  that  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts,  if  he  did  us  the  honor 
to  attend,  should,  so  far  as  I was  concerned,  lie  chairman.  I believe  my  colleagues 
on  the  committee  will  bear  me  out  in  this  statement. 

Now,  the  gentleman’s  idea  of  ventilation  is  as  faulty  as  his  conception  of  parlia- 
mentary propriety.  I will  not  undertake  to  enter  into  a discussion  of  all  the  nice 
distinctions  connected  with  the  question  of  ventilating  this  or  any  other  hall,  nor 
will  I undertake  to  tell  the  House  the  dangers  resulting  from  lateral  ventilation,  the 
imperfections  in  downward  ventilation,  or  the  advantages  that  flow  from  upward 
ventilation,  for  upon  all  these  questions  there  is  the  widest  divergence  of  opinion 
among  scientists,  and  upon  each  one  of  them  a volume  might  be  written. 

But  I will  say  that  one  of  the  most  learned  scientists  of  this  country — a gentleman 
who  has  devoted  long  years  to  the  investigation  of  this  very  subject,  who  has  visited 
Europe,  examining  the  method  of  ventilation  in  the  English  House  of  Parliament, 
as  well  as  that  adopted  in  similar  buildings  at  Berlin,  Paris,  and  elsewhere  in  the  Old 
World,  gave  us  upon  his  return  the  result  of  his  investigation.  Our  recommendations 
are  in  some  measure  based  upon  his  conclusions.  He  declared  to  us,  and  the  proposi- 
tion will  be  apparent  to  any  one  who  will  reflect  a moment,  that  in  all  houses  where 
there  are  galleries  occupied  by  large  numbers  of  people  the  downward  system  of  ven- 
tilation can  never  lie  safely  adopted.  Why?  Because  the  air  we  breathe  coining 
from  the  roof  and  being  first  breathed  by  a larger  number  of  persons  than  those  who 
occupy  the  floor,  must  necessarily  be  impure  before  it  can  reach  us.  In  this  build- 
ing when  there  are  three  hundred  persons  who  occupy  the  floor  and  two  thousand 
in  the  galleries,  it  will  require  only  a moment’s  reflection  to  demonstrate  how  dan- 
gerous must  be  that  system  of  ventilation  which  brings  the  air  we  breathe  through 
two  thousand  people  who  are  also  breathing  it  every  moment. 

Some  gentlemen  who  have  discussed  the  question  this  morning  evidently  do  not 
(if  they  will  allow  me  to  say  so)  understand  the  matter  sufficiently  well  to  discuss  it 
very  intelligently.  They  neither  understand  the  question  of  ventilation  nor  do  they 
comprehend  the  architectural  structure  of  this  Hall.  Gentlemen  who  talk  about 
removing  these  interior  walls  in  order  that  we  may  get  the  atmosphere  from  the 
outer  world  do  not  know  that  if  this  were  done  the  building  could  not  stand  fora 
single  hour.  By  reason  of  its  peculiar  architecture,  it  is  impossible  to  remove  these 
inner  walls  without  destroying  the  whole  building.  When  I first  undertook  the 
investigation  of  this  question  I was  of  the  same  opinion  now  expressed,  as  I under- 
stand them  by  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Butler]  and  the  gentleman 
from  Missouri,  [Mr.  Ittner,]  that  the  only  perfect  system  of  ventilation  which  can 
be  adopted  for  this  Hall  would  be  the  removal  of  these  inside  walls  so  as  to  have 


The  Extensions. 


921 


access  to  the  outside  air  and  sunshine.  But  that  cannot  be  accomplished  if  we  can 
rely  upon  the  judgment  of  every  architect  who  has  examined  the  question.  They 
have  all  declared  to  us  that  if  the  inside  walls  are  removed  the  whole  building  will 
be  practically  destroyed.  The  nearest  we  can  come  to  meeting  the  conditions 
deemed  necessary  by  these  gentlemen  is  to  enlarge  the  opening  in  the  wall  immedi- 
ately in  the  rear  of  the  Speaker’s  stand  and  also  either  remove  the  middle  wall  or 
enlarge  the  openings  in  it,  making  an  open  lobby  so  that  on  one  side  at  least  we  will 
get  the  outside  sunshine  and  fresh  air. 

There  is  no  possible  way,  if  we  can  rely  on  the  statement  of  the  architects  who 
have  examined  this  question,  by  which  fresh  air  can  be  brought  into  the  Hall,  other 
than  by  the  method  in  which  it  is  now  brought,  except  by  the  change  we  suggest 
back  of  the  Speaker’s  stand. 

One  word  in  reference  to  the  removal  of  the  desks,  and  then  I am  jierfectly  willing 
the  House  should  determine  that  question  on  the  amendment  offered  by  the  gentle- 
man from  New  York,  [Mr.  Wood.]  I do  not  insist  on  it  so  far  as  I am  personally 
concerned.  My  personal  convenience,  outside  of  that  which  attaches  to  a seat  so  far 
from  the  Speaker’s  chair,  would  make  me  desire  the  desks  to  remain;  but  a careful 
examination  of  the  subject  has  satisfied  me  they  are  really  an  obstruction  to  the 
transaction  of  public  business. 

I have  illustrated  some  of  the  inconveniences  to  which  gentlemen  are  subjected 
who  are  so  unfortunate  as  to  have  the  bad  location  I have  in  the  Hall  since  I have 
been  addressing  the  House  this  morning,  for  I have  occupied  the  seats  of  nearly  a 
dozen  members  simply  because  I cannot  speak  from  my  own.  Every  time  I have 
taken  the  floor  in  this  discussion  I have  had  to  change  my  position  and  impose  upon 
the  good  nature  of  some  other  member.  To  meet  inconveniences  of  this  kind,  to 
accommodate  gentlemen  who  occupy  seats  so  remote  from  the  Speaker’s  stand  that 
they  cannot  be  heard  in  different  quarters  of  the  House,  or  hear  others,  we  provide 
that  small  tables  may  be  disposed,  six  or  eight  in  number,  about  the  middle  of  the 
rows  of  seats,  where  gentlemen  may  stand  who  desire  to  address  the  House.  This 
drawing  I have  in  my  hand  shows  where  these  tables  will  be  located,  about  six  or 
eight  in  different  parts  of  the  Hall,  so  that  gentlemen  who  are  now  prevented  by  the 
location  of  their  seats  from  being  heard  can  go  to  one  of  these  tables  and  stand  while 
speaking. 

There  was  something  said  by  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Butler]  and 
other  gentlemen  about  the  locality  the  atmosphere  came  from  which  we  breathe. 

That  is  one  of  the  objections  we  propose  to  meet  in  these  recommendations.  It  is 
proposed  that  a tower  be  built  at  the  foot  of  the  second  terrace,  twenty  feet  high, 
and  that  the  air  duct  through  which  the  fresh  air  comes  into  the  Hall  shall  connect 
with  the  base  of  this  tower,  so  that  the  atmosphere  we  breathe  shall  come  from  an 
altitude  twenty  feet  above  the  second  terrace  west  of  the  Hall. 

I now  yield  to  the  gentleman  from  New  York  to  call  for  a vote  on  his  amendment. 

Mr.  Wood.  I will  not  protract  the  debate,  but  ask  for  a vote  on  my  amendment. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

Provided,,  That  nothing  herein  shall  authorize  the  removal  of  the  desks  as  now  placed. 

Mr.  Clymer.  I have  an  amendment,  to  put  in  the  name  of  Mr.  Abram  S.  Hewitt. 

The  Speaker.  The  first  vote  will  be  taken  on  the  amendment  of  the  gentleman 
from  New  York. 

The  House  divided;  and  there  were — ayes  102,  noes  53. 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee.  I do  not  ask  for  a further  count. 

So  the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

The  question  recurred  on  Mr.  Clymer’s  amendment,  adding  the  name  of  Abram  S. 
Hewitt. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee.  I have  a further  amendment  I desire  to  offer 


922 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Robbins.  Now  let  the  resolutions  be  read  as  they  have  been  amended. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

Resolved,  That  Professor  Spencer  F.  Baird,  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution;  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Thomas  L.  Casey,  of  the  Corps  of  Army  Engineers;  Mr.  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol;  Mr. 
F.  Schumann,  civil  engineer,  Treasury  Department;  Professor  John  S.  Billings,  surgeon  United  States 
Army;  Abram  S.  Hewitt,  Benjamin  F.  Butler,  G.  B.  Loring,  and  Frank  Jones,  be,  and  they  are 
hereby,  constituted  an  advisory  board,  without  additional  pay  or  compensation,  with  power  and 
authority  to  make  and  carry  out,  through  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  during  the  approach- 
ing recess  of  Congress,  all  the  changes  and  alterations  in  the  heating,  lighting,  and  ventilating  the 
Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  that  are  set  out  and  recommended  in  the  report  submitted  by 
them  and  adopted  by  the  select  committee  appointed  by  resolution  of  the  House  to  inquire’  into  the 
present  method  of  heating,  lighting,  and  ventilating  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives;  and 
the  said  board  may  employ  a clerk  during  the  time  they  are  engaged  in  the  performance  of  such 
work:  Provided , That  nothing  herein  shall  authorize  the  removal  of  the  desks  as  now  placed. 

Andie  it  further  resolved,  That  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  extension  and  the  Electrician  of  the 
House  be,  and  they  are  hereby,  authorized  and  empowered  to  purchase  two  dynamo-electric  machines 
and  their  necessary  attachments  for  lighting  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  providing 
they  shall  not  cost  a sum  exceeding  $2,500. 

Mr.  Conger.  I understood  a name  was  to  he  added. 

The  Speaker.  It  was  added. 

Mr.  Conger.  I do  not  know  why  it  was  inserted  first. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  does  not  know  either. 

Mr.  Clymer.  As  I offered  the  amendment  I had  no  desire  to  place  Mr.  Hewitt’s 
name  at  the  head  of  the  commission. 

Mr.  Conger.  As  there  is  a clerk  to  be  appointed,  and  there  must  necessarily  be  a 
democrat  at  the  head  of  it,  I have  no  objection.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Clymer.  It  was  not  my  intention  as  the  mover  of  the  amendment  that  Mr. 
Hewitt’s  name  should  be  placed  in  that  position. 

Mr.  Conger.  So  I understood. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  is  unable  to  answer,  as  he  took  no  interest  in  the  matter. 

Mr.  Calkins.  I move  the  name  of  Benjamin  F.  Butler  be  added. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  hears  no  objection.  The  Chair  will  say  further,  as  allu- 
sion has  been  made  this  morning  to  the  matter,  that  in  appointing  the  committee 
under  the  resolution  offered  by  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Butler]  him- 
self, the  Chair  selected  the  chairman  of  the  committee  after  due  reflection,  not  from 
any  political  consideration  whatever.  The  gentleman  from  Tennessee  [Mr.  Young] 
hail  given  this  subject,  by  the  direction  of  the  House,  long  and  arduous  attention,  and 
he  was  appointed  by  the  Chair  with  his  eyes  open,  knowing  what  he  was  doing. 

Mr.  Conger.  In  this  case  the  appointment  is  by  the  resolution. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  has  nothing  to  do  with  this. 

Mr.  Conger.  By  some  means  a member  of  this  House  is  now  appointed  chairman. 

Mr.  Fort.  Has  the  name  of  Mr.  Butler  been  added? 

The  Speaker.  If  there  be  no  objection,  the  name  of  Benjamin  F.  Butler  will  be 
added. 

There  was  no  objection. 

Mr.  Conger.  Following  the  other  precedent,  the  name  of  Mr.  Butler  should  be 
added  at  the  top  of  the  list.  I move  that,  following  the  former  precedent,  his  name 
be  placed  at  the  front  end  of  the  commission. 

Mr.  Clymer.  Probably  the  gentleman  from  Michigan  [Mr  Conger]  would  like  to 
be  put  on  the  commission  and  have  his  name  also  put  in  advance  of  the  others. 
I suggest  that  the  name  of  the  gentleman  from  Michigan  be  added. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  hears  no  objection. 

Mr.  Conger.  I do  not  desire  to  be  added  to  the  commission.  I am  not  so  much 
of  a partisan  that  I cannot  recognize  the  eternal  fitness  of  things. 

Mr.  Fort.  I desire  to  ask  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  a question.  Is  he 
informed  that  the  wall  of  this  Chamber  cannot  be  removed  without  endangering  the 
building? 


The  Extensions. 


923 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee.  I had  reference  to  the  wall  just  beyond  that. 

Mr.  Fort.  I have  conversed  with  two  or  three  architects,  one  of  whom  was  Mr. 
J.  B.  Mullet,  who  was  the  architect  of  the  new  State  Department,  and  I was  informed 
distinctly  by  him  that  it  could  be  removed  without  a particle  of  trouble  and  at  a 
very  small  expense,  and  that  the  building  would  be  as  firm  and  the  roof  supported 
as  well  as  it  is  now. 

Mr.  Ittner.  I desire  to  make  this  suggestion  to  the  chairman  of  the  committee, 
that  if  the  gentleman  who  traveled  all  over  this  country  and  Europe  investigating 
this  question  of  the  ventilation  of  public  buildings  is  not  in  the  lunatic  asylum  he 
had  better  be  placed  on  this  commission  also. 

Mr.  Cox,  of  New  York.  1 move  to  add  the  name  of  Mr.  Jones,  of  New  Hampshire. 

Mr.  HaAe.  I suggest  that  the  name  of  Dr.  Loring,  who  has  given  great  attention 
to  this  matter,  be  added  to  this  commission. 

The  Speaker.  It  is  moved  that  the  name  of  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts 
[Mr.  Loring]  be  added.  The  Chair  hears  no  objection.  The  gentleman  from  New 
York  suggests  that  the  name  of  the  gentleman  from  New  Hampshire  [Mr.  Jones]  be 
added.  The  Chair  hears  no  objection. 

Mr.  Ittner.  In  the  remark  I made  a moment  ago  I do  not  desire  to  be  considered 
as  having  reflected  upon  the  gentleman  whom  I had  in  my  mind’s  eye  when  I spoke. 
I wish  to  convey  the  idea  that  any  man  who  had  traveled  all  over  this  country  and 
Europe  investigating  the  proper  modes  of  heating  and  ventilating  halls  of  this  descrip- 
tion, if  not  now  in  a lunatic  asylum  ought  to  be  there. 

Mr.  Speaker.  He  is  on  the  committee.  [Great  laughter.] 

Mr.  Conger.  I think  that  is  a fair  equivalent  of  the  other  place. 

Mr.  Bacon.  I offer  the  amendment,  which  1 send  to  the  desk. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

After  the  words  “desks  as  now  placed”  insert  “or  the  substitution  of  others  more  convenient  in 
their  stead.” 

The  amendment  was  not  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Atkins.  I suggest  to  my  colleague,  t]jie  chairman  of  the  committee,  that  he 
introduce  a joint  resolution  making  the  appropriation  contemplated  in  his  resolution. 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee.  I have  an  amendmend  here  which  I desire  to  offer.  I 
am  informed  by  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  and  the  Electrician  that  the  recom- 
mendation made  in  this  amendment  will,  if  carried  out,  save  the  Government  in 
four  or  live  years  ten  or  fifteen  thousand  dollars.  It  is  for  the  purpose  of  providing 
two  dynamo-electric  machines  for  lighting  the  Hall. 

The  Clerk  read  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Atkins.  I again  call  the  attention  of  my  colleague  to  my  suggestion  in  regard 
to  the  modification  of  his  resolution. 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee.  I have  made  arrangements  in  the  Senate  in  regard  to  it. 

Mr.  Atkins.  Those  arrangements  do  not  amount  to  anything. 

Mr.  Y oung,  of  Tennessee.  I have  already  arranged  for  the  apjnropriation  being 
made  in  the  sundry  civil  bill. 

Mr.  Atkins.  I would  ask  my  colleague  to  modify  his  resolution. 

Mr.  Ittner.  Mr.  Speaker,  I was  unfortunate  in  my  explanation,  and  I desire  to  cor- 
rect myself.  I do  not  desire  to  be  understood  as  reflecting  upon  the  honorable 
chairman  of  the  committee  having  this  hill  in  charge,  and  who  has  also  given  this 
subject  much  thought  and  study.  What  I meant  to  say  was,  that  an)'  man  who  had 
devoted  two  years  to  the  close  consideration  of  an  impractical  proposition  and  not 
be  driven  to  insanity  must  be  endowed  with  an  unusual  strong  mental  organization. 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee.  From  the  discussion  upon  the  subject  this  morning  I 
should  judge  that  the  investigation  of  the  subject  has  a strong  tendency  to  lunacy. 

I now  call  the  previous  question  on  the  resolution. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  desires  to  suggest  to  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  that 


924  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

the  first  resolution  is  a House  resolution,  and  the  second  resolution  will  be  a joint 
resolution. 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee.  Then  I will  strike  out  the  second  resolution,  and  I will 
get  the  Senate  to  insert  the  provision  of  it  in  the  sundry  civil  bill. 

Mr.  Conger.  I should  like  to  know  what  electric  light  the  gentleman  suggests. 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee.  I do  not  know;  it  is  the  suggestion  of  the  Architect  of 
the  Capitol. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  suggests  to  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  that  he  allow 
his  first  resolution  to  be  passed.  He  can  then  submit  a joint  resolution  covering  the 
second  of  these  resolutions. 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee.  That  is  what  I propose  to  do. 

The  question  was  taken;  and  the  resolutions,  as  modified,  were  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Young,  of  Tennessee,  moved  to  reconsider  the  vote  by  which  the  resolutions 
were  adopted;  and  also  moved  that  the  motion  to  reconsider  be  laid  on  the  table. 

The  latter  motion  was  agreed  to. 


[From  the  "Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Mar. 
3,  1879.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  20,  391.)] 

Capitol  extension:  For  work  on  the  Capitol,  and  for  general  repairs  thereof,  fifty 
thousand  dollars:  Provided,  That  one  thousand  five  hundred  dollars  of  this  amount 
may  be  used  for  the  purchase  of  file-cases,  or  boxes  for  the  file  room  of  the  Clerk’s 
office  of  the  House  of  Representatives.  * * * 


[From  the  ‘‘Act  making  appropriations  for  the  legislative,  executive,  and  judicial  expenses  of  the 
Government  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty,  and  for  other 
purposes,”  approved  June  21,  1879.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  21,  26.)] 

To  enable  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library  to  purchase  works  of  art,  five 
thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  Oct.  1,  1879.  (46 — 2,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  2,  pp.  321-3.)] 

In  accordance  with  plans  recommended  by  the  board  having  in  charge  the  venti- 
lation of  the  House  of  Representatives,  and  approved  by  Congress  by  act  passed 
March  3,  1879,  the  Speaker’s,  Sergeant-at-Arms’ , and  reporters’  rooms  at  the  south 
of  the  hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives  have  been  converted  into  one  room,  and 
by  means  of  large  openings  into  their  north  wall  have  been  thrown  open  to  the  cor- 
ridor between  them  and  the  hall,  thus  making  a large,  light,  and  airy  retiring-room 
for  members.  The  blank  doorways  in  the  south  wall  of  the  gallery  have  been 
opened,  and  the  rooms  and  water-closet  in  that  portion  of  the  building  arranged  to 
suit  this  modification.  To  provide  accommodations  for  the  committee  and  the 
officers  thus  dispossessed,  several  rooms  under  the  old  hall  of  Representatives  have 
been  fitted  up,  and  the  folding  department,  formerly  occupying  these  rooms,  trans- 
ferred to  the  cellar  below.  * * * 

LIGHTING  THE  CAPITOL  AND  GROUNDS. 

It  will  be  seen  by  the  accompanying  report  of  Assistant  Engineer  J.  FI.  Rogers, 
electrician  of  the  Capitol,  that  by  means  of  the  dynamo-electric  machines  recently 
put  in  operation  the  voltaic  battery,  formerly  used  for  lighting  the  hall  of  the  House 
of  Representatives  and  the  rotunda,  has  been  superseded. 


The  Extensions. 


925 


It  gives  me  pleasure  to  state  that  Mr.  Rogers  has  made  some  advances  in  his 
experiments  towards  perfecting  a constant,  steady,  and  desired  light. 

Owing  to  the  reduction  of  the  estimates  for  gas-lighting  and  to  the  fact  that  an 
additional  session  of  Congress  was  called,  that  was  not  provided  for  in  the  estimates 
for  gas,  there  remains  unpaid  to  the  gas  company  the  amount  of  $2,898.24. 

Mr.  Rogers  in  his  report  says: 

As  required  by  the  act  passed  March  3,  1879,  dynamo-electric  machines  have  been 
purchased,  viz:  Three  machines,  together  with  the  necessary  attachments,  including 
the  fitting  up  of  steam-engines,  for  the  sum  appropriated.  Two  of  these  machines 
are  set  in  the  basement  of  the  south  wing,  and  one  about  to  be  placed  in  the  base- 
ment of  the  north  wing.  By  use  of  these  it  has  been  demonstrated  that  the  gas-jets 
in  the  two  halls  and  rotunda  can  be  ignited,  thus  throwing  out  of  use  the  voltaic 
battery,  which  has  been  run  heretofore  at  a heavy  annual  expense. 

Experiments  are  now  being  made  with  a view  to  lighting  the  hall  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  by  the  electric  light.  We  have  succeeded  in  overcoming  the  diffi- 
culties of  the  staglamite,  that  of  the  crator,  and  also  that  of  preserving  equidistance 
of  the  electrodes,  and  now  only  a slight  flickering  remains,  which  we  hope  soon  to 
overcome. 

Such  is  the  sensibility  of  the  eye  to  the  flickering  rays  of  light  that  we  hesitate  to 
apply  the  electric  lights  in  the  halls  of  legislation  in  its  present  comparatively  imper- 
fect state. 


[House  proceedings  of  May  27,  1880:  Congressional  Record,  46 — 2,  p.  3892.] 

The  House,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union,  having  under 
consideration  the  sundry  civil  bill  for  1881 — 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

Public  buildings: 

Capitol  extension:  For  work  on  the  Capitol,  and  for  general  repairs  thereof,  $50,000. 

Improving  Capitol  grounds:  For  continuing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  grounds,  $60,000. 

Lighting  the  Capitol  and  grounds:  For  lighting  Capitol  and  grounds  about  the  same,  including 
Botanic  Garden  and  Senate  stable 

Mr.  Conger  ( interrupting  the  Clerk) . Are  all  these  appropriations  under  the  head 
of  “public  buildings”  to  be  read  before  amendments  are  offered?  I understand  that 
the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  [Mr.  Klotz]  has  an  amendment. 

Mr.  Smith  of  New  Jersey.  I wish  to  take  an  appeal  from  the  decision  of  the  Chair. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  thinks  the  gentleman  from  New  Jersey  is  too  late, 
although  he  has  a disposition  to  accommodate  him. 

Mr.  Klotz.  I ask  unanimous  consent  to  go  back. 

Mr.  Robertson.  I will  state  to  the  Chair  that  the  gentleman  from  New  Jersey  was 
about  to  take  an  appeal  when  the  Clerk  went  on  with  the  reading  of  the  bill,  and 
being  a modest  man  he  took,  his  seat.  I did  not  know 

The  Chairman.  If  the  gentleman  makes  the  statement  that  lie  intended  to  take  an 
appeal  the  Chair  will  recognize  him. 

Mr.  Blount.  The  House  has  some  right  in  the  matter.  The  Clerk  has  gone  on 
reading  for  several  paragraphs,  and  it  is  now  too  late  to  raise  an  appeal  on  a matter 
which  has  been  passed  over. 

The  Chairman.  If  there  be  no  objection  the  Chair  will  allow  the  gentleman  from 
New  Jersey  to  take  an  appeal  from  the  decision  of  the  Chair  in  reference  to  the 
matter  to  which  he  refers.  Is  there  objection  to  allowing  the  gentleman  to  take  an 
appeal  ? 

Mr.  Blount.  Yes;  I object. 

Mr.  Berry.  I move  that  the  committee  rise. 

The  committee  divided;  and  there  were — ayes  51,  noes  63. 

So  the  committee  refused  to  rise. 


926 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Klotz.  I rise  for  the  purpose  of  offering  the  following  amendment: 

Iu  line  7ti7.  after  the  word  "dollars,”  insert  ‘‘and  for  passenger  elevator  in  south  wing  of  the  Capi- 
tol as  may  be  located  by  the  Speaker  and  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  $7,000.” 

Mr.  Blount.  We  have  passed  that. 

Mr.  Conger.  No;  we  did  not  pass  it,  for  I called  the  attention  of  the  Chair  when 
the  Clerk  was  reading  it. 

Mr.  Blount.  I ask  the  amendment  be  again  read. 

The  amendment  was  again  read. 

Mr.  Klotz.  1 hope  the  gentleman  from  Georgia  will  not  insist  on  his  objection  to 
that  amendment. 

Mr.  Blount.  1 will  make  no  objection  to  that. 

Mr.  McMillin.  I rise  to  a point  of  order.  [Cries  of  “Too  late!”]  My  point  of 
order  is  that  it  changes  the  law  and  does  not  retrench  expenditure. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  overrules  the  point  of  order. 

Mr.  Klotz’s  amendment  was  adopted. 


[House  proceedings  of  May  28,  1880:  Congressional  Record,  46 — 2,  p.  3945.] 

The  House,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union,  having  under 
consideration  the  sundry  civil  bill  for  1881 — 

Mr.  Atkins.  I am  instructed  unanimously  by  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  to 
move  as  an  amendment  a proviso  to  the  amendment  which  has  been  adopted,  offered 
by  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania,  [Mr.  Klotz.] 

The  amendment  of  Mr.  Klotz  was  as  follows: 

For  a passenger-elevator  in  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  as  may  be  located  by  the  Speaker  and 
the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  17,000. 

The  amendment  of  Mr.  Atkins  was  to  add  the  following: 

Provided,  That  the  location  of  such  elevator  shall  not  in  any  way  interfere  with  the  use  or  occupa- 
tion of.  or  communication  between,  any  of  the  offices  or  committee-rooms  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Conger.  I think  we  can  leave  that  to  the  Speaker  of  the  House. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to;  upon  a division — ayes  54,  noes  48. 

Mr.  Klotz.  I give  notice  that  I shall  call  for  a separate  vote  on  this  amendment  in 
the  House. 


[House  proceedings  of  May  31,  1880:  Congressional  Record,  46 — 2,  p.  3981.] 

The  House  having  under  consideration  the  amendments  to  the  sundry  civil  bill 
for  1881,  reported  from  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  House  on  the  state  of  the 
Union — 

The  next  amendment  on  which  a separate  vote  was. demanded  was  as  follows: 

Insert  after  the  word  "dollars,”  in  line  767,  the  following: 

"For  a passenger  elevator  in  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  as  may  be  located  by  the  Speaker  and 
the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  $7,000:  Provided,  That  the  location  of  such  elevator  shall  not  in  anyway 
interfere  with  the  use,  or  occupation  of,  or  communication  between  any  of  the  offices  or  committee- 
rooms  of  the  House.” 

Mr.  Klotz.  Mr.  Speaker,  I reserved  the  right  to  call  for  the  yeas  and  nays  on  the 
proviso  to  that  amendment  in  the  House,  and  I demand  therefore  a separate  vote 
upon  the  provision  which  has  been  added  to  the  original  amendment.  I want  to 
explain  the  reason  of  this,  and  I would  like  to  ask  if  I have  the  right  to  do  so? 

The  Speaker  pro  tempore.  The  gentleman  cannot  at  this  time. 

Mr.  Klotz.  If  this  provision  is  inserted  in  that  amendment  it  will  kill  the  bill. 

The  Speaker  pro  tempore.  Debate  is  not  in  order  at  this  time. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  I rise  to  a parliamentary  inquiry. 

The  Speaker  pro  tempore.  The  gentleman  will  state  it. 


The  Extensions. 


927 


Mr.  Blackburn.  The  question  pending,  as  I understand  it,  before  the  House  is 
upon  the  amendment  to  the  clause  of  the  bill  which  provides  for  the  erection  of  an 
elevator  in  the  House  wing  of  the  Capitol,  which  shall  not  interfere  with  the  use  or 
occupation  of  any  of  the  rooms  of  the  House.  Is  that  the  question  pending? 

The  Speaker  pro  tempore.  The  gentleman  from  Kentucky  is  in  error.  The  House 
is  voting  upon  a proposition  which  comes  from  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  and 
,which  is  not  subject  to  a division. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  Then  I ask  this  further  question:  whether  it  is  not  a vote  upon  a 
proposition  to  put  an  elevator  in  this  wing  of  the  Capitol,  with  the  condition  coupled 
that  the  elevator  shall  not  interfere  with  the  use,  or  occupation,  or  communication 
between  any  of  the  committee-rooms  or  offices  of  this  House? 

The  Speaker  pro  tempore.  For  the  benefit  of  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  and  of 
the  House  the  Chair  will  cause  the  amendment  to  be  read. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  The  vote,  as  I understand,  is  upon  the  provision  as  an  entirety. 

The  Speaker  pro  tempore.  It  is. 

Mr.  Klotz.  I rise  to  a parliamentary  inquiry.  I see  that  is  the  only  way  to  get  a 
chance  to  state  the  question  to  the  House.  Now',  I wish  to  ask  the  Speaker  if  the 
effect  of  this  amendment  is  not  to  kill  the  bill? 

Mr.  Blackburn.  No. 

•Mr.  Klotz.  I asked  the  Speaker.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Atkins.  I object  to  debate. 

Mr.  Clymer.  My  colleague  [Mr.  Klotz]  has  the  right  to  ask  a parliamentary 
question. 

Mr.  Atkins.  But  not  to  make  a speech. 

Mr.  Klotz.  I learned  from  the  gallant  gentleman  from  Kentucky  [Mr.  Black- 
burn] how  to  get  this  before  the  House,  and  I desire  to  exercise  my  right. 

The  Speaker  pro  tempore,  (Mr.  McMillin.  ) The  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  shall 
have  every  right  to  which  he  is  entitled.  The  Chair  will  state  the  vote  is  on  the 
amendment  as  an  entirety  as  reported  from  the  Committee  of  the  Whole.  What 
effect  its  adoption  will  have  on  the  bill  or  on  the  elevator  to  be  constructed  the 
House  will  have  to  judge. 

Mr.  Klotz.  I desire  to  ask  another  question.  If  the  amendment  offered  by  the 
gentleman  from  Tennessee  [Mr.  Atkins]  be  adopted,  will  it  not  virtually  kill  the 
proposition? 

The  Speaker  pro  tempore.  That  is  not  a matter  of  which  the  Chair  can  judge. 

Mr.  Klotz.  I wdsh  to  ask  the  Speaker — [cries  of  “Vote!”  “Vote!”]  I am  bound 
to  have  my  say,  and  gentlemen  may  as  well  keep  still  first  as  last.  [Laughter.]  I 
wish  to  ask  the  Speaker  if  the  elevator  is  not  to  go  through  a committee-room  or  an 
office,  whether  the  effect  of  that  is  not  to  kill  the  proposition? 

The  Speaker  pro  tempore.  With  that  the  Chair  has  nothing  to  do.  The  question  is 
the  amendment. 

Mr.  Bayne.  I rise  to  make  a parliamentary  inquiry. 

Mr.  Klotz.  Mr.  Speaker,  I ask  for  a division  of  the  propositions  in  the  amendment. 

The  Speaker  pro  tempore.  The  gentlemen  from  Pennsylvania  [Mr.  Bayne]  is 
recognized. 

Mr.  Bay'ne.  I wish  to  say  that  my  colleague  [Mr.  Klotz]  reserved  the  right  to  call 
for  a separate  vote  on  the  proviso  which  w'as  an  amendment  to  his  amendment. 
Has  he  not  a right  to  demand  a separate  vote  on  that  proviso? 

The  Speaker  pro  tempore.  No  such  reservation  has  been  reported  to  the  Chair. 

Mr.  Bayne.  I distinctly  remember  my  colleague  made  such  a reservation  at  the 
time,  and  I suppose  it  forms  a part  of  the  Record.  [Cries  of  “Regular  order!”] 

Mr.  Klotz.  The  Record  shows  that  I reserved  the  right  to  demand  a separate  vote 
on  that  proviso. 

The  Speaker  pro  tempore.  No  such  condition  has  been  reported  to  the  Chair.  The 


928 


.Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


regular  order  is  demanded,  and  the  question  is  on  the  amendment  reported  by  the 
Committee  of  the  Whole. 

The  question  being  taken,  the  Speaker  pro  tempore  stated  that  the  ayes  had  it,  and 
the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  I move  to  reconsider  the  vote  by  which  the  amendment  was 
agreed  to;  and  also  move  that  the  motion  to  reconsider  be  laid  on  the  table. 

The  Speaker  pro  tempore.  The  Chair  will  inform  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky 
that  it  is  usual  to  reserve  the  motion  to  reconsider  until  all  the  amendments  have 
been  disposed  of. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  Very  well;  I withdraw  the  motion  for  the  present. 

Mr.  Klotz.  I call  for  the  yeas  and  nays  on  the  amendment.  I want  to  show  the 
Chair  and  the  House  that  it  appears  from  the  Record  I reserved  the  right  to  demand 
a separate  vote  on  the  proviso. 

The  Speaker  pro  tempore.  The  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  [Mr.  Klotz]  was 
on  the  floor  at  the  time  the  Chair  announced  the  result  of  the  vote.  He  now  says 
he  demanded  the  yeas  and  nays.  The  Chair  will  put  the  question  on  ordering  the 
yeas  and  nays. 

The  question  was  taken;  and  there  were  ayes  10;  not  a sufficient  number. 

So  the  yeas  and  nays  were  not  ordered,  and  the  amendment  was  not  agreed  to. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  June  8,  1880:  Congressional  Record,  46 — 2,  p.  4284.] 

The  Senate,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  having  under  consideration  the  amend- 
ments of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  to  the  sundry  civil  bill  for  1881 — 

The  next  amendment  was,  under  the  head  of  “public  buildings,”  in  line  959,  after 
the  word  “House,”  to  insert  “nor  with  the  lighting  or  ventilation  thereof;”  so  as  to 
make  the  clause  read: 

Capitol  extension:  For  work  on  the  Capitol,  and  for  general  repairs  thereof,  $50,000;  and  for  passen- 
ger-elevator in  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  as  may  be  located  by  the  Speaker  and  the  Architect  of  the 
Capitol,  $7,000:  Provided , That  the  location  of  such  elevator  shall  not  in  any  wise  interfere  with  the 
use  or  occupation  of  or  communication  between  any  of  the  offices  or  committee-rooms  of  the  House, 
nor  with  the  lighting  or  ventilation  thereof. 

Mr.  Beck.  1 desire  to  say  that  the  amendment  was  inserted  at  the  request  of  the 
Committee  on  Appropriations  of  the  House,  as  shown  by  a letter  from  the  chair- 
man, which  I ask  may  be  made  part  of  the  Record.  We  did  not  desire  to  inter- 
fere with  their  action,  and  inserted  it  at  the  request  of  the  chairman  in  charge  of 
the  bill. 

The  Presiding  Officer,  (Mr.  Wallace  in  the  chair. ) Does  the  Senator  desire  to 
have  the  letter  read? 

Mr.  Beck.  I do  not.  I merely  want  it  to  go  into  the  Record  to  show  that  this 
was  done  at  the  request  of  the  House  committee. 

The  letter  referred  to  is  as  follows: 

Committee  on  Appropriations,  House  of  Representatives, 

Washington,  D.  C.,  June  8,  1880. 

Dear  Sir:  The  Committee  on  Appropriations  of  the  House  of  Representatives 
instruct  me  to  express  to  you  the  hope  that,  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  of  the 
Senate  will  so  amend  the  clause  providing  for  the  construction  of  an  elevator  in  the 
south  wing  of  the  Capitol  by  adding,  after  the  word  “House,”  in  line  959,  the  fol- 
lowing words:  “nor  with  the  lighting  or  ventilation  thereof,  or  of  any  corridor. ” 
The  purpose  of  such  an  amendment  is  manifest. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  your  obedient  servant, 

.T.  D.  C.  Atkins, 

Chairman  Committee  on  Appropriations, 

Hon.  James  B.  Beck.  House  of  Representatives. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 


The  Extensions. 


929 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-one,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
June  1(1,  1880.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  21,  272,281.)] 

Capitol  extension:  For  work  on  the  Capitol,  and  for  general  repairs  thereof,  fifty 
thousand  dollars;  and  for  passenger-elevator  in  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  as  may  be 
located  by  the  Speaker  and  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  seven  thousand  dollars: 
Provided , That  the  location  of  such  elevator  shall  not  in  any  wise  interfere  with  the 
use  or  occupation  of  or  communication  between  any  of  the  offices  or  committee 
rooms  of  the  House,  nor  with  the  lighting  or  ventilation  thereof,  or  of  any  corridor. 

To  enable  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library  of  Congress  to  purchase  works  of 
art,  ten  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  Oct.  1,  1880.  (46 — 3,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  2,  p.  437.)] 

The  improvements  to  the  Hall  of  Representatives,  which  were  ordered  by  the 
commission,  of  which  the  Hon.  Abraham  S.  Hewitt  is  chairman,  have  been  com- 
pleted. These  consist  mainly  in  connecting  the  rooms  at  the  south  of  the  Hall  with 
the  lobby,  by  which  a large  retiring  room  for  members  was  made;  constructing  air- 
duct  and  shaft,  opening  some  distance  from  the  building  on  the  west  front,  so  as  to 
prevent  the  introduction  of  air  into  the  Hall  charged  with  coal-gas  from  chimneys, 
and  other  impurities  from  the  building,  as  has  been  the  case  formerly;  and  by 
greatly  increasing  the  openings  in  the  floor  of  the  Hall,  for  the  admission  of 
fresh  air. 

These  changes  have  added  largely  to  the  comfort  of  the  occupants  of  the  Hall,  and 
have  afforded  an  ample  supply  of  pure  air  for  respiration. 


[House  proceedings  of  Dec.  8,  1880:  Congressional  Record,  46 — 3,  p.  38.] 

ELEVATOR  IN  SOUTH  WING  OF  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  Hawk.  I ask  unanimous  consent  to  submit  the  resolution  which  I send  to  the 
desk. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

Resolved,  That  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  be,  and  he  is  hereby,  instructed  to  report  to  the  House 
with  as  little  delay  as  possible  the  reasons  for  a failure  to  build  the  elevator  for  which  appropriation 
was  made  at  the  late  session  of  Congress. 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  proceed  at  once  under  direction  of  the  Architect 
to  consider  a location  for'  an  elevator  in  the  south  end  of  the  Capitol  building,  and  without  unrea- 
sonable delay  said  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  be  instructed  to  cause  such  elevator  to  be  built. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  thinks  it  but  just  to  say  that  the  omission  to  make  a 
report  on  this  subject  is  his  fault.  The  report  is  prepared  in  substance,  but  the 
Chair  has  not  had  time  to  have  it  written  out  in  full.  In  this  report  the  Speaker  of 
the  House  and  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  give  their  reasons  why  they  have  not 
executed  the  law  referred  to  in  the  resolution. 

Mr.  Hawk.  I think  there  can  be  no  objection  to  letting  the  resolution  go  to  the 
proper  committee. 

Mr.  Atkins.  It,  should  go  to  the  committee  under  the  rule. 

The  Speaker.  The  resolution  is  an  admonition  to  the  Speaker  of  the  House  and  the 
Architect  of  the  Capitol  that  the  House  would  like  to  hear  from  them  on  the  subject 
of  the  elevator.  The  report  will  be  made  to-morrow  morning  and  the  resolution 
meanwhile  may  lie  over. 

Mr.  Hawk.  Very  well. 

H.  Rep.  646 59 


930  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

[House  proceedings  of  Dec.  10,  1880:  Congressional  Record,  46 — 3,  p.  75.] 
ELEVATOR  IN  SOUTH  WING  OF  CAPITOL. 

The  Speaker  laid  before  the  House  a communication;  which  was  read,  as  follows: 
To  the  House  of  Representatives: 

By  the  act  approved  June  16,  1880,  the  undersigned  were  required  to  locate  and 
construct  a passenger  elevator  in  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol.  The  conditions 
imposed  by  fhe  law  rendered  the  location  and  construction  of  said  elevator  imprac- 
ticable. The  law  reads  “that  the  location  of  said  elevator  shall  not  in  any  wise 
interfere  with  the  use  or  occupation  of,  or  communication  between,  any  of  the  offices 
or  committee-rooms  of  the  House,  or  with  the  light  or  ventilation  thereof,  nor  of  any 
corridor.”  While  it  was  practicable  to  locate  and  construct  an  elevator  so  that  it 
would  not  seriously  interfere  with  the  rooms  or  corridors,  it  was  not  possible  to  locate 
and  construct  one  so  that  it  would  not  in  any  wise  obstruct  or  interfere  with  the  light 
or  ventilation  of  any  of  the  offices,  committee-rooms,  or  corridors  of  the  House.  In 
consideration  of  the  above  they  were  unable  to  take  any  steps  in  the  matter.  They 
recognize  the  necessity  for  an  elevator,  for  the  convenience  of  public  business,  in  the 
south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  and  recommend  further  legislation  in  relation  to  the 
same.  The  appropriation  for  this  purpose  might  be  allowed  to  remain  available,  in 
order  that  the  elevator  may  be  constructed  during  the  present  fiscal  year. 

Saji.  J.  Randall, 

Speaker. 

Edward  Clark, 
Architect  United  States  Capitol. 

Washington,  D.  C.,  December  10,  1880. 

Mr.  Conger.  This  communication  is  a privileged,  report,  I presume? 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  would  so  suppose,  as  it  relates  to  the  convenience  of  the 
House. 

Mr.  Conger.  Has  any  disposition  been  made  of  it? 

The  Speaker.  Nothing  has  been  done  with  it.  The  Chair  submitted  it  for  the 
action  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Atkins.  I suggest  that  the  communication  be  referred  to  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 

Mr.  Conger.  I do  not  see  why  that  should  be  done.  If  we  can  have  no  elevator 
here  until  some  change  can  be  made  in  the  building  or  until  further  legislation  can  be 
had , then  of  course  it  is  useless  to  press  this  matter  now.  But  it  seems  to  me  that  the 
suggestions  which  were  made  to  the  Speaker  the  other  day  should  be  laid  before 
the  Architect  for  his  consideration.  I should  be  very  glad  if  this  question  could  be 
further  examined  and  another  report  made  upon  it. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  can  say  that  his  own  opinion  agreed  with  that  of  the 
Architect  as  to  where  this  elevator  should  be;  but,  as  we  understood  the  amendment 
adopted  in  the  Senate,  it  precluded  the  possibility  of  locating  the  elevator  where  we 
supposed  it  should  be.  This  location,  the  Chair  will  state,  was  in  the  corridor 
between  the  two  rooms  of  the  Appropriations  Committee.  But,  in  consideration  of 
the  wording  of  the  law  and  the  wishes  of  the  committee  on  the  subject,  no  action 
was  taken. 

Mr.  Conger.  Was  it  supposed  that  it  would  interfere  with  the  views  of  the  Senate 
or  with  any  law  if  the  elevator  should  be  placed  in  the  corner  of  the  small  room  this 
side  of  the  corridor? 

The  Speaker.  The  debate  in  the  Senate  seemed  to  indicate  that  the  amendment 
was  put  in  at  the  request  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations. 

Mr.  Atkins.  I suppose  that  is  true. 

Mr.  Conger.  I move  that,  the  matter  partially  reported  upon  be  recommitted  for 
further  consideration. 

The  Speaker.  Recommitted  to  whom? 


The  Extensions. 


931 


Mr.  Conger.  To  the  same  persons  who  have  made  this  report.  I suggest  that, 
taking  this  as  a partial  report,  they  make  some  further  examination  and  recom- 
mendation. 

The  Speaker.  The  gentleman  might  offer  a resolution  that  the  persons  authorized 
by  law  to  locate  this  elevator  and  superintend  its  construction  be  requested  to  make 
further  investigation  and  report  to  the  House  their  opinion  as  to  where  it  should  be 
located. 

Mr.  Reagan.  If  that  is  not  acted  on  so  as  to  revive  the  committee,  in  view  of  the 
report  just  made,  would  it  not  be  proper  to  refer  so  much  to  the  Committee  on 
Appropriations  as  perpetuates  the  item  for  another  year? 

The  Speaker.  That  part  might  be  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Appropriations. 

Mr.  Conger.  In  the  opinion  of  a good  many  members  of  the  House,  and  probably 
without  objection  from  anybody,  the  elevator  might  be  so  constructed  as  to  come  up 
through  the  small  room  this  side  of  the  corridor,  now  set  apart  for  the  Committee  on 
Appropriations.  It  perhaps  would  take  up  not  more  than  a quarter  of  that  room, 
leaving  sufficient  private  room  for  the  Committee  on  Appropriations,  and  not  inter- 
fere with  any  passage  or  corridor  or  light  in  any  part  of  the  building. 

Mr.  Atkins.  Does  the  gentleman  suggest  it  be  inclosed  and  cut  off  from  the 
building? 

Mr.  Conger.  Yes;  that  it  be  inclosed  and  cut  off  from  the  other  part  of  the  room. 

Mr.  Atkins.  That  might  be  done. 

Mr.  Conger.  Those  who  examined  the  subject  think  that  an  elevator  could  be 
placed  there  in  a suitable  position  coming  right  up  through  the  corner  of  the  room 
now  appropriated  to  the  Committee  on  Appropriations. 

Mr.  Atkins.  That  would  do  if  we  are  to  have  an  elevator,  but  I myself  do  not  see 
any  necessity  for  going  to  any  such  an  expense;  not  at  all,  sir. 

Mr.  Conger.  I did  not  hear  the  latter  remark  of  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee. 

Mr.  Atkins.  I said,  Mr.  Speaker,  I do  not  myself  see  any  necessity  for  going  to  the 
expense  of  having  an  elevator. 

Mr.  Conger.  Why,  sir,  there  are  gentlemen,  members  of  this  House,  who  are 
brought  in  here  on  the  shoulders  of  their  fellow-members,  by  the  hands  of  their 
fellow-members  or  by  men  employed  for  that  purpose,  members  who  without  assist- 
ance cannot  ascend  the  stairs.  If  all  the  members  in  the  House  were  young  and 
vigorous  like  my  friend  from  Tennessee  and  myself,  there  would  be  no  need  of  an 
elevator.  [Laughter.  ] 

Mr.  Atkins.  That  is  so;  I can  help  myself. 

Mr.  Conger.  I submit,  sir,  there  are  reasons  why  there  should  be  an  elevator  for 
the  accommodation  of  infirm  members  of  this  House.  We  now  see  those  members 
brought  up  from  the  outside  by  fellow-members,  and  I say  it  is  a shame  that  while 
the  Senate  has  an  elevator  for  the  ease  and  comfort  of  luxurious  Senators,  infirm  and 
maimed  members  of  this  House  are  denied  the  ordinary  means  of  access  to  the  floor 
of  this  hall. 

Mr.  Robeson.  I can  give  two  hundred  and  fifty  reasons  why  we  should  have  an 
elevator. 

Mr.  Hawk.  Mr.  Speaker,  I introduced  the  other  day  resolutions  on  this  subject. 
Members  of  the  House,  of  course,  must  know  I am  peculiarly  interested  in  the  erec- 
tion of  such  an  elevator,  and  I introduced  those  resolutions  for  the  purpose  of  calling 
attention  to  the  fact  that  while  there  has  been  an  appropriation  made  for  the  pur- 
pose, nevertheless  nothing  has  been  done.  I wish  to  have  pushed  forward  as  rapidly 
as  possible  the  construction  of  the  work.  Now,  in  order  that  this  enterprise  may  be 
accomplished — and  I certainly  believe  it  is  necessary  or  I would  not  advocate  it  for  a 
moment — believing,  as  I do,  it  is  a necessary  improvement  in  this  building,  I shall 
move  the  report  be  recommitted,  with  instructions  to  further  consider  the  propriety 
of  erecting  the  elevator,  and  that  steps  be  taken  to  have  the  elevator  constructed 
with  as  little  delay  as  possible. 


932  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

The  Speaker.  To  what  committee  does  the  gentleman  wish  these  instructions  to 
go? 

Mr.  Hawk.  To  the  same  committee  from  which  the  report  now  comes. 

The  Speaker.  That  is,  to  the  gentlemen  who  are  authorized  by  law? 

Mr.  Hawk.  I am  not  particular  about  that,  Mr.  Speaker.  Let  it  go  to  the  Com- 
mittee on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  if  it  be  agreeable  to  the  Speaker,  and  let 
that  committee  be  instructed  to  provide  under  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  for  the 
construction  of  an  elevator. 

Mr.  McMillin.  What  instructions  do  I understand  the  gentleman  proposes  to 
give? 

Mr.  Hawk.  That  this  report  be  recommitted  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings and  Grounds  with  instructions  to  such  committee  to  further  consider  the  pro- 
priety of  erecting  an  elevator,  with  leave  to  report  to  this  House  by  bill  or  otherwise. 

I wish  t.o  say  in  this  connection  that  this  elevator,  it  seems  to  me,  should  be  erected 
for  the  purpose  of  accommodating  citizens  visiting  the  Capitol.  Many  aged  and  infirm 
persons  visit  the  Capitol  of  the  country,  and  it  is  difficult  for  them  to  ascend  to  the 
second  or  third  stairs  of  this  building.  This  elevator  should  be  erected  for  their 
accommodation  as  well  as  for  the  accommodation  of  members  of  this  House. 

Mr.  Reagan.  In  order  to  meet  the  views  of  the  gentleman  from  Illinois,  I propose 
to  offer  the  following  as  a substitute: 

Resolved,  That  the  report  of  the  persons  charged  with  the  duty  of  locating  and  constructing  and 
contracting  for  the  construction  of  an  elevator  in  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol  be  recommitted  to 
said  persons,  with  instructions  to  see  what  further  can  be  done  to  secure  the  construction  of  such  an 
elevator. 

I offer  that,  in  view  of  the  remarks  made  by  the  gentleman  from  Michigan,  and 
seemingly  concurred  in  by  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee,  that  an  elevator  should  be 
constructed,  so  the  committee  may  make  further  inquiry  to  see  whether  the  difficul- 
ties presented  in  the  report  cannot  be  overcome. 

Mr.  Atkins.  I am  not  myself  sure  whether  if  constructed  as  provided  for  under 
the  suggestion  of  the  gentleman  from  Michigan  it  would  destroy  that  room  as  a 
committee-room  or  not.  I do  not  know  but  what  the  noise  of  the  elevator  would 
prevent  its  use  as  a deliberation  room.  I can  tell  nothing  about  that.  It  is  not  a 
matter,  however,  which  I expect  to  have  much  interest  in.  [Laughter.]  That  is 
one  thing  sure,  for  it  cannot  be  constructed  before  the  4th  of  March  next. 

Mr.  Hawk.  If  the  location  of  the  elevator  in  that  part  of  the  building  would  make 
such  noise  as  to  destroy  the  deliberations  of  the  committee,  then  the  committee 
might  find  some  other  room.  The  improvement  is  certainly  needed,  and  should  be 
made  at  once. 

Mr.  McMillin.  According  to  the  report  of  the  committee  there  can  be  no  elevator 
constructed  there.  If  constructed,  it  has  to  be  done  in  pursuance  of  the  statute. 
And  the  committee  report  the  said  statute  is  not  broad  enough  to  authorize  the  con- 
struction of  an  elevator  in  this  end  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Hawk.  The  gentleman  from  Tennessee  seems  to  forget  that  it  is  suggested  the 
elevator  is  to  be  so  erected  as  to  not  interfere  with  the  light  or  ventilation  of  the  Hall 
or  any  of  the  committee-rooms. 

Mr.  McMillin.  And  the  committee  which  have  had  this  matter  in  charge  report 
that  it  is  impossible  to  erect  the  elevator  without  doing  so. 

The  Speaker.  It  was  found  on  examination  by  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  and 
the  Speaker  that  it  could  not  be  erected  in  compliance  with  the  strict  letter  of  the 
law  without  interfering  in  some  way  with  the  halls  or  some  of  the  committee-rooms. 
Of  course  we  could  not  erect  it  inside  of  the  committee-rooms,  and  if  erected  in  any 
of  the  corridors  it  would  obstruct  the  light  from  some  of  the  windows,  so  that  in 
either  case  it  could  not  be  done  under  the  law  as  passed. 

Mr.  McMillin.  It  would  be  an  equal  violation  of  the  statute  whether  it  was 
erected  in  the  committee-room  or  in  the  corridor. 


The  Extensions. 


933 


Mr.  Hawk.  But  the  gentleman  from  Michigan  [Mr.  Conger]  has  suggested  that 
possibly  on  re-examination  of  the  subject  this  committee  might  find  that  it  could  be 
located  without  seriously  interfering  with  either  the  corridor  or  the  committee-rooms; 
and  with  a view  to  have  a further  examination  of  the  subject,  recognizing  the  impor- 
tance of  the  erection  of  the  elevator,  I favor  the  resolution  of  the  gentleman  from 
Texas. 

Mr.  Reagan.  If  it  be  found  on  examination  that  there  is  space  sufficient  to  cut  off 
a portion  of  that  room  now  used  by  the  Committee  on  Appropriations,  and  dead- 
walls  are  left,  it  is  not  likely  or  possible  that  the  noise  will  interfere  with  the  delib- 
erations of  the  committee. 

The  resolution,  as  amended,  was  then  agreed  to. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  26,  1881:  Congressional  Record,  16 — 3,  p.  2159.] 

The  House,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union,  having  under 
consideration  the  sundry  civil  bill  for  1882 — 

Mr.  Hawk.  Mr.  Chairman,  I offer  an  amendment  to  come  in  after  line  856. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

For  passenger  elevator  in  the  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  to  be  located  by  the  Architect  of  the 
Capitol,  $7,000;  such  elevator  to  be  so  located  as  to  interfere  as  little  as  possible  with  the  use  of  the 
offices  and  rooms  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Blount.  Individually,  I have  no  objection  to  that,  and  shall  not  make  the 
point  of  order  upon  it.  If  any  other  gentleman  chooses  to  do  so  he  can  do  it. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eightv-two,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Mar.  3,  1881.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  21,  p.  449.)] 

For  passenger  elevator  in  south  wing  of  the  Capitol,  to  be  located  by  the  Architect 
of  the  Capitol,  seven  thousand  dollars;  such  elevator  to  be  so  located  as  to  interfere 
as  little  as  possible  with  the  use  of  the  offices  and  committee-rooms  of  the  House. 

To  enable  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library  to  purchase  works  of  art,  ten 
thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  Oct.  1,  1881.  (47 — 1,  House  Ex 

Doc.  No.l,  pt.  5.  v.  2,  p.  821.)] 

Congress  having  removed  the  restrictions,  relating  to  the  elevator  in  the  south 
wing,  referred  to  in  my  last,  the  work  of  constructing  the  elevator  is  now  nearly 
completed. 

It  is  located  at  the  south  end  of  the  eastern  corridor.  This  position  was  chosen 
because  it  was  considered  more  convenient  of  access  to  those  who  are  compelled  to 
use  the  elevator,  being  near  the  main  carriage  entrance;  besides  it  connects  with  both 
the  ladies’  retiring  room  in  the  gallery  and  the  rooms  in  the  basement,  where  it  is 
likely  the  bathing  rooms  may  be  placed.  It  is  also  more  convenient  of  approach  to 
the  post-office  and  refectory.  It  is  recommended  that  the  bathing  rooms  be  moved 
from  their  present  location  to  the  rooms  just  mentioned,  at  the  foot  of  the  elevator, 
which  arecomparatively  light  and  can  be  well  ventilated,  while  the  rooms  now  used 
for  that  purpose  are  dark  interior  rooms,  with  no  windows  or  other  means  of  ade- 
quate ventilation.  If  this  change  should  be  made,  the  refectory  could  be  extended 
so  as  to  give  a private  room  for  members,  as  is  the  case  in  the  Senate. 


934 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[House  proceedings  of  Jan.  31, 1882:  Congressional  Record,  47—1,  p.  767.] 

CHANGES  IN  HOUSE  WING. 

Mr.  Shallenberger.  I move  that  the  House  resolve  itself  into  the  Committee  of 
the  Whole  House  on  the  state  of  the  Union. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to;  and  the  House  accordingly  resolved  itself  into  the 
Committee  of  the  Whole  House  on  the  state  of  the  Union  (Mr.  Browne  in  the  chair). 

The  Chairman.  The  House  is  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  House  on  the  state  of  the 
Union,  and  the  Clerk  will  read  the  first  business  upon  its  Calendar. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

A bill  (H.  R.  No.  3181)  authorizing  and  directing  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  to 
make  certain  changes  and  repairs  in  the  House  wing  of  the  Capitol. 

The  Chairman.  If  there  be  no  objection  the  bill  will  be  laid  aside  to  be  reported 
to  the  House  with  the  recommendation  that  it  do  pass. 

Mr.  Randall.  Oh,  no!  Let  us  have  the  bill  read. 

The  bill  was  read,  as  follows: 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America,  That  the  Archi- 
tect of  the  Capitol  be,  and  is  hereby,  authorized  and  directed  to  remove  the  bath-rooms  from  their 
present  position  adjoining  the  House  restaurant  to  the  rooms  in  the  southeast  corner  of  the  basement, 
at  the  foot  of  the  elevator,  and  to  make  needful  alterations  and  repairs  necessitated  by  such  removal, 
and  the  space  now  used  as  bath-rooms  shall  be  added  to  the  restaurant  and  reserved  exclusively  for 
the  use  of  members  of  Congress.  The  necessary  expense  attending  the  same  shall  not  exceed  in  the 
aggregate  $3,000. 

Mr.  Shallenberger.  Now  read  the  report  I had  the  honor  to  make  from  the  Com- 
mittee on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  grounds  having  agreed  to  report  a bill 
(H.  It.  No.  3181)  entitled  “A  bill  authorizing  and  directing  the  Architect  of  the 
Capitol  to  make  certain  changes  and  repairs  in  the  House  wing  of  the  Capitol,”  sub- 
mit the  following  report  : 

The  present  bath-rooms  adjoin  and  connect  with  the  House  refectory  by  glass 
doors,  which  are  closed  temporarily.  The  rooms  are  without  proper  light  and  venti- 
lation, being  wholly  interior.  They  communicate  with  the  corridors,  and  when 
filled  with  steam  become  more  or  less  offensive.  Since  the  elevator  has  been  placed 
in  the  southeast  corner  of  the  House  wing  near  the  bath-rooms,  their  location  is 
more  public  and  more  objectionable.  Besides,  the  space  now  used  as  bath-room  is 
generally  needed  for  additional  accommodations  to  the  refectory  to  be  reserved  for 
members  of  the  House,  who  must  have  prompt  service  during  the  sittings  of  Congress. 
The  location  of  the  elevator  has  rendered  available  in  the  basement  very  desirable 
space  for  bath-rooms,  having  light  and  ventilation  on  two  sides,  and  being  easy  of 
access  at  the  foot  of  the  elevator.  The  architect  of  the  Capitol  has  fully  considered 
the  change  proposed,  and  has,  during  the  recess  of  Congress,  made  a close  estimate 
of  the  expense  attending  it,  and  has  recommended  in  his  printed  report  the  location 
proposed  as  the  most  eligible  and  suitable  for  bath-rooms.  He  states  that  the  entire 
work  can  be  concluded  within  sixty  days,  and  without  interfering  with  the  use  of 
the  present  bath-rooms  until  the  new  are  finished.  The  old  tubs,  being  of  marble, 
more  or  less  porous  and  cracked,  should,  for  sanitary  reasons,  give  place  to  others, 
the  cost  of  which  would  lie  less  than  the  expense  of  removing  the  present  ones. , The 
entire  work,  including  fittings  and  repairs,  can  be  completed,  in  the  judgment  of  the 
architect,  for  a sum  not  exceeding  $3,000,  and  can  proceed  without  disturbance  or 
annoyance  to  the  House  or  to  any  of  its  committees. 

The  committee  unanimously  report  the  bill  favorably  to  the  House,  and  ask  its 
passage. 

Mr.  Shallenberger.  Mr.  Chairman,  I do  not  propose  to  detain  the  committee  with 
any  extended  remarks  on  this  proposition.  I think  it  has  sufficiently  commended 


The  Extensions. 


935 


itself  to  a majority  of  members  during  the  past  two  weeks.  I shall  therefore  reserve 
whatever  remarks  I have  to  make  until  after  gentlemen  opposed  to  the  bill  have  been 
heard.  But  before  yielding  the  floor  I ask  the  Clerk  to  read  a paragraph  from  the 
report  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

[Same  as  preceding  document.] 

Mr.  Randall.  When  is  this  work  to  be  commenced? 

Mr.  Shallenberger.  The  architect  assures  us  he  can  begin  the  work  at  once,  and 
prosecute  it  without  disturbance  of  the  business  of  the  House,  and  that  he  can  con- 
clude it  within  sixty  days  without  interfering  with  the  present  use  of  the  bath-rooms 
to  any  extent  whatever.  The  bath-rooms,  as  they  now  exist,  are  interior  rooms, 
without  light,  without  ventilation,  and  illy  adapted  to  the  purpose,  and  for  sanitary 
reasons  alone  the  present  bath-tubs  should  be  removed,  and  give  place  to  others.  In 
view  of  the  fact  that  these  changes  are  made  necessary  for  sanitary  reasons,  and  the 
occupancy  of  the  present  bath-rooms  can  continue  until  after  we  shall  have  had 
better  accommodations  provided  for  the  use  of  members,  1 trust  the  opposition  to 
the  passage  of  this  hill  will  be  waived,  and  that  it  will  he  laid  aside  to  be  reported 
favorably  to  the  House. 

Mr.  Randall.  I move  the  committee  rise  and  report  the  bill  to  the  House.  My 
object  is  to  dispose  of  this  bill  and  then  to  go  to  the  House  Calendar. 

Mr.  Page.  I wish  to  say  a word  in  opposition  to  the  bill.  I am  against  the  pro- 
posed change  as  recommended  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 
I do  not  believe  it  will  be  conducive  to  the  health  of  members  of  this  House  to  com- 
pel them  to  go  down  into  the  basement  to  bathe.  I do  not  believe  that  the  basement 
of  this  building  is  a proper  place  for  a bath-room.  If  there  is  anything  about  this 
House  that  many  members  appreciate  it  is  this  bath-room.  The  bath-room  is  con- 
venient and  is  well  fitted  up.  The  tubs  are  good,  it  is  a good  location,  dry,  and  the 
ventilation  I never  heard  complained  of  before.  The  object  in  making  this  change, 
at  an  expense  of  $3,000,  is  simply  to  give  the  restaurant-keeper  an  opportunity  of 
extending  his  accommodations,  and  allowing  more  men  to  come  here  and  take  their 
meals.  When  that  is  done,  and  this  expense  is  incurred,  the  members  of  this  House 
will  be  no  better  accommodated  than  they  are  now.  It  is  generally  full  when  you 
go  down  there.  Outsiders  occupy  the  tables  and  the  members  are  compelled  to  wait 
and  take  their  turn.  The  whole  object  of  this  bill  is  to  give  additional  room  to  the 
restaurant-keeper.  He  has  privileges  enough  already,  and  I hope  the  House  will 
not  agree  to  this  bill. 

Mr.  Randall.  1 fully  agree  with  the  gentleman  from  California,  and  my  only 
object  in  making  the  motion  is  to  get  the  House  to  come  to  a vote  without  debate. 

Mr.  Page.  I move — — 

Mr.  Blount.  Before  the  gentleman  from  California  makes  a motion  I desire  to  say 
a word.  I entirely  agree  with  him  in  all  that  he  says  on  this  subject.  So  far  as  I 
know  individually,  and  I have  been  here  for  several  years,  I have  never  heard  sug- 
gested a complaint  on  the  part  of  members  of  this  House  in  reference  to  the  ventila- 
tion or  inconvenience  of  the  bath-room.  Nor  have  I ever  heard  a suggestion  that  it 
should  be  removed  because  of  sanitary  reasons.  But  1 have  heard,  from  the  Forty- 
fourth  Congress  down,  suggestions  that  the  keeper  of  the  restaurant  wanted  more 
room;  and  applications  for  that  purpose  have  been  presented  by  himself  or  friends 
constantly. 

Mr.  Calkins.  I rise  to  a point  of  order.  I do  not  want  to  cut  the  gentleman  from 
Georgia  off;  but  every  member  knows  whether  he  wants  this  change  made  or  not, 
and  can  exhibit  this  fact  by  his  vote.  The  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  has  made 
objection  to  the  bill  in  committee.  Under  the  rules  we  must  go  back  in  the  House 
and  report  to  the  House  without  any  further  discussion. 

Mr.  Blount.  I understood  when  I obtained  the  floor  that  1 was  proceeding  by 
consent. 


936 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Calkins.  Then,  of  course,  I withdraw  the  point  for  the  present. 

Mr.  Blount.  Now,  Mr.  Chairman,  I was  proceeding  to  state  that  we  have  not,  and 
1 know  from  others  who  preceded  me  here  that  there  has  been  no  urgency  in  the 
matter  of  the  wants  and  the  convenience  of  the  members  of  this  House,  that  this 
change  should  be  made.  All  recognize  the  fact  that  that  bath-room  is  convenient. 
The  restaurant  is  convenient,  and  I do  not  see,  as  the  gentleman  from  California  has 
stated,  why  that  change  should  take  place,  and  the  members  remanded  to  the  base- 
ment of  the  building  when  they  want  to  take  a bath.  I trust  it  will  not  be  done. 
1 am  not  aware  that  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  has  ever  before  made  this  suggestion 
or  intimated  the  importance  of  it.  But  the  gentleman  from  Indiana  [Mr.  Holman] 
will  bear  me  out  in  the  assertion  that  all  through  the  Forty-fourth  Congress  persistent 
efforts  were  made  to  enlarge  the  restaurant  by  making  the  change  that  is  now  asked. 
There  is  no  necessity  for  the  change,  and  I trust  the  House  will  not  agree  to  this 
proposition. 

The  Chairman.  The  question  is  on  the  motion  of  the  gentleman  from  Pennsyl- 
vania, that  the  committee  rise  and  report  the  bill  to  the  House. 

Mr.  Shallenberger.  With  a favorable  recommendation? 

Mr.  Neal.  No,  sir. 

The  Chairman.  The  motion  is  that  the  bill  be  reported  to  the  House. 

Mr.  Page.  Without  recommendation. 

Mr.  Shallenberger.  Then  I move  to  amend  by  inserting  the  words,  “with  a 
favoral  >le  recommendation.  ’ ’ 

Mr.  Page.  Then  I offer  an  amendment  to  the  amendment:  that  the  committee  rise 
and  report  the  bill  to  the  House  with  the  recommendation  that  it  do  not  pass. 

Mr.  Randall.  Will  the  Chair  permit  me  to  suggest  that  we  let  the  bill  come  into 
the  House,  and  then  a motion  to  lay  it  on  the  table  will  test  the  sense  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Page.  Without  recommendation? 

Mr.  Randall.  Either  way  will  test  the  sense  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Shallenberger.  I insist  upon  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Page.  Is  that  in  order? 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  thinks  it  is  in  order.  The  gentleman  from  Pennsyl- 
vania [Mr.  Randall]  moves  that  the  committee  rise  and  report  the  bill  to  the  House. 
The  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  on  the  left  [Mr.  Shallenberger]  moves  to  amend 
that  motion  by  adding  that  it  be  reported  to  the  House  with  a favorable  recommen- 
dation. 

Mr.  Page.  I hope  the  gentleman  will  withdraw  that  motion  and  let  it  come  before 
the  House  without  recommendation;  otherwise  I shall  move  to  strike  out  “favorable” 
ami  insert  “ unfavorable.”  I make  that  motion. 

Mr.  Randall.  The  sense  of  the  House  can  be  tested  on  the  motion  to  lay  on  the 
table. 

Mr.  Page.  I withdraw  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Shallenberger.  Just  one  word,  Mr.  Chairman. 

The  Chairman.  The  motion  is  not  debatable.  The  motion  is  on  the  amendment 
offered  by  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania,  [Mr.  Shallenberger.] 

The  committee  divided;  and  there  were — ayes,  59;  noes,  50. 

So  the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

The  motion  as  amended  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Springer.  I move  that  the  committee  now  rise. 

Mr.  Bayne.  I hope  that  motion  will  not  prevail.  Why  not  go  on  with  the 
Calendar? 

The  Chairman.  The  motion  has  been  already  agreed  to. 

The  committee  accordingly  rose,  and  the  Speaker  having  resumed  the  chair,  Mr. 
Browne  reported  that  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  House  on  the  state  of  the  Union, 
having  had  under  consideration  a bill  (H.  R.  No.  3181)  authorizing  and  directing 
the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  to  make  certain  changes  and  repairs  in  the  House  wing 


The  Extensions. 


937 


of  the  Capitol,  had  instructed  him  to  report  the  bill  to  the  House  favorably  and 
recommend  its  passage. 

Mr.  Camp.  I rise i to  a parliamentary  inquiry. 

Mr.  Randall.  Pending  that,  I move  that  the  bill  be  laid  on  the  table. 

Mr.  Camp.  I desire  to  know  whether  we  are  in  the  Committee  of  the  Whole,  or  in 
the  House?  No  motion  was  made  that  the  committee  rise. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  will  state  that  the  gentleman  from  New  York  is  mistaken. 
There  was  a motion  made  that  the  committee  rise. 

Mr.  Camp.  It  was  not  submitted  to  the  committee. 

Mr.  Hawk.  It  was  submitted  to  the  committee  when  the  motion  was  made  to 
report  the  bill  to  the  House,  and  was  adopted. 

The  Speaker.  The  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  on  the  right  [Mr.  Randall]  made 
his  motion.  That  motion  was  amended  on  motion  of  the  gentleman  from  Pennsyl- 
vania on  the  left,  [Mr.  Shallenberger.  ] As  amended  it  was  adopted  by  the 
committee,  and  in  pursuance  of  the  adoption  of  that  motion  the  committee  rose. 

Mr.  Shallenberger.  I move  the  previous  question  on  the  engrossment  and  third 
reading  of  the  bill. 

Mr.  Randall.  I move  to  lay  the  bill  on  the  table.  This  is  an  unnecessary  expend- 
iture of  money. 

Mr.  Hawk.  Is  debate  in  order. 

The  Speaker.  The  motion  to  lay  on  the  table  is  not  debatable. 

* * * 

CHANGES  IN  HOUSE  WING  OF  CAPITOL. 

The  Speaker.  The  question  is  on  the  motion  of  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania, 
[Mr.  Randall,]  to  lay  the  bill  on  the  table. 

Mr.  Randall.  I call  for  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

The  question  was  taken;  and  there  were — yeas  103,  nays  112,  not  voting  77;  as 
follows:  * * * 

So  the  House  refused  to  lay  the  bill  on  the  table. 

* * * 

The  Speaker.  The  question  recurs  on  the  demand  made  bv  the  gentleman  from 
Pennsylvania  on  the  left  [Mr.  Shallenberger]  for  the  previous  question  on  the 
engrossment  and  third  reading  of  the  hill. 

The  previous  question  was  ordered;  and  under  the  operation  thereof  the  bill  was 
ordered  to  be  engrossed  and  read  a third  time;  and,  being  engrossed,  it  was  accord- 
ingly read  the  third  time. 

Mr.  Shallenberger.  I move  the  previous  question  on  the  passage  of  the  bill. 

The  previous  question  was  ordered. 

The  Speaker.  The  question  is  on  the  passage  of  the  bill. 

Mr.  Holman  and  Mr.  Neal  called  for  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

The  question  was  taken;  and  there  were — yeas  116,  nays  98,  not  voting  78;  as 
follows:  * * * 

So  the  bill  was  passed. 

Mr.  Shallenberger  moved  to  reconsider  the  vote  by  which  the  bill  was  passed; 
and  also  moved  that  the  motion  to  reconsider  be  laid  on  the  table. 

The  latter  motion  was  agreed  to. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  2,  1882:  Congressional  Record,  47 — 1,  p.  818.] 

Mr.  Rollins.  I am  directed  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds, 
to  whom  was  referred  the  bill  (H.  R.  No.  3181)  authorizing  and  directing  the  Archi- 
tect of  the  Capitol  to  make  certain  changes  and  repairs  in  the  House  wing  of  the 


938 


Documentary  IDstory  of  the  Capitol. 


Capitol,  to  report  it  without  amendment,  and  I ask  for  its  present  consideration.  It 
is  a small  bill,  and  it  is  desirable  that  the  work  shall  be  done  immediately. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  Is  there  objection  to  the  present  consideration  of  the 
bill? 

Mr.  Ingalls.  The  regular  order,  Mr.  President. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  Objection  being  made,  the  bill  will  be  placed  on  the 
Calendar. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  3,  1882:  Congressional  Record,  47 — 1,  p.869.] 

CHANGES  IN  HOUSE  WING  OF  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  Rollins.  I ask  the  Senate  to  consider  House  bill  No.  3181,  to  provide  changes 
in  the  House  part  of  the  Capitol,  to  which  my  attention  has  been  called  to-day  by 
several  members  of  the  House.  They  are  very  anxious  it  should  be  passed,  and  there 
is  no  objection  to  it.  It  will  take  but  a moment. 

By  unanimous  consent,  the  Senate,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  proceeded  to 
consider  the  bill  (II.  R.  No.  3181)  authorizing  and  directing  the  Architect  of  the 
Capitol  to  make  certain  changes  and  repairs  in  the  House  wing  of  the  Capitol. 

The  bill  was  reported  to  the  Senate  without  amendment,  ordered  to  a third  read- 
ing, read  the  third  time,  and  passed. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-two,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Aug.  7,  1882.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  22,  338.)] 

F or  reconstructing  and  improving  the  Senate  elevator,  and  for  constructing  a freight- 
elevator  for  the  use  of  the  Senate,  and  for  repairs  to  coils  and  steam  machinery  in 
the  basement  of  the  Senate  wing,  ten  thousand  dollars. 

To  enable  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library  to  purchase  works  of  art,  ten  thou- 
sand dollars. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  July  2,  1884:  Congressional  Record  48—1,  p.  5912.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  Sundry 
Civil  bill  for  1885 — 

Mr.  MoRRrLL.  By  direction  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  I 
move,  after  line  1115,  to  insert: 

For  the  increase  of  the  openings  in  the  floor  of  the  Senate  Chamber,  the  lower  openings  in  the 
roof,  and  the  arrangement  for  the  exhaust-fans  to  draw  air  from  the  corridors  and  stairways,  as  rec- 
ommended by  the  chief  engineer  of  the  United  States  Senate  and  Architect  of  the  United  States 
Capitol,  $6,000. 

I shall  not  take  time  to  discuss  the  amendment,  but  I refer  Senators  to  Miscella- 
neous Document  103,  in  which  will  be  found  an  interesting  report.  This  is  for  the 
purpose  of  getting  a larger  amount  of  air  in,  and  also  having  an  opening  on  the  top, 
after  the  late  improvement  of  the  House,  which  is  found  to  be  a very  great  one.  I 
trust  there  will  be  no  objection  to  the  amendment. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

[The  document  referred  to  is  48 — 1,  Senate  Mis.  Doc.  103:  Letter  of  W.  P.  Canaday,  Sergeant-at-Arms 
United  States  Senate,  transmitting  report  of  Chief  Engineer  T.  A.  Jones,  regarding  the  heating  and 
ventilation  of  the  Senate  Chamber,  with  certain  recommendations  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol 
relative  thereto,  communicated  to  the  Senate  June  9,  1884.] 


The  Extensions. 


939 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal  year 
ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-five,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  July  7 
1884.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  23,  209.)] 

For  the  increase  in  the  openings  in  the  floor  of  the  Senate  Chamber,  the  openings 
in  the  roof,  and  the  arrangement  for  the  exhaust  fans  to  draw  air  from  the  corridors 
and  stairways,  as  recommended  by  the  Chief  Engineer  of  the  United  States  Senate 
and  Architect  of  the  United  States  Capitol,  six  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  legislative,  executive,  and  judicial  expenses  of  the 
Government  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-five,  and  for 
other  purposes,”  approved  July  7,  1884.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  23,  165.)] 

To  enable  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library  of  Congress  to  purchase  works  of 
art,  twelve  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  legislative,  executive,  and  judicial  expenses  of  the 
Government  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-six,  and  for 
other  purposes,”  approved  Mar.  3,  1885.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  23,  394.)] 

For  the  purchase  of  works  of  art,  under  the  direction  of  the  Joint  Committee  on 
the  Library,  five  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-seven,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Aug.  4,  1886.  (Stats,  at  Large,  24,  239,  254,  256.)] 

For  introducing  the  electric  light  into  the  entire  Senate  extension  wing  of  the 
Capitol,  under  the  direction  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  twenty  thousand  dollars. 

For  the  purchase  of  works  of  art,  and  the  necessary  cleaning  and  repairing  thereof, 
including  new  frames,  under  the  direction  of  the  Joint  Committee  on  the  Library  of 
Congress,  ten  thousand  dollars. 

For  extending  Senate  boiler-vaults  and  for  additional  steam-boilers  for  the  same, 
ten  thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  the  same  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of 
the  Architect  of  the  Capitol. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Jan.  31,  1887:  Congressional  Record,  49 — 2,  p.  1193.] 

The  Senate,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  having  under  consideration  the  sundry 
civil  bill  for  1888 — 

Elevator  for  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol:  For  the  construction  of  an  elevator  in  the  south  end  of  the 
eastern  corridor  of  the  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol,  $15,000:  and  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  is  directed 
to  have  the  same  completed  for  use  by  December  1,  1887. 

Mr.  Plumb.  I should  like  to  ask  the  Senator  from  Iowa  where  the  new  elevator  is 
to  be  located? 

Mr.  Allison.  As  the  clause  stands  now  it  would  be  located  in  the  corridor  in  the 
northeast  end  of  the  Senate  wing. 

Mr.  Plumb.  Is  it  to  come  up  in  front  of  the  Finance  Committee  room? 

Mr.  Allison.  Yes,  sir. 

Mr.  Plumb.  Let  me  call  the  attention  of  the  Senator  from  Iowa  and  of  the  Senate 
to  the  fact  that  that  is  right  where  the  bulk  of  the  travel  between  the  two  Houses 
goes  by.  That  would  run  where  very  often  a large  crowd  of  people  are  in  process  of 
coming  from  the  House  wing  to  the  Senate  wing.  To  build  an  elevator  at  that  point 


940 


Documentary  ID  story  of  the  Capitol. 


would,  it  seems  to  me,  clog  up  to  a very  great  degree,  if  not  absolutely  for  a con- 
siderable portion  of  the  time,  that  space. 

As  long  as  I have  been  here  I have  not  discovered  that  there  is  any  more  necessity 
for  an  additional  elevator  now  than  there  was  ten  years  ago.  It  seems  to  some,  I may 
say  without  disrespect,  to  be  desirable  to  keep  tinkering  at  this  building  without  very 
much  regard  to  the  necessities  of  the  service. 

Mr.  Allison.  If  the  Senator  from  Kansas  objects  to  the  specification  I will  consent, 
without  having  the  authority  of  thecommittee  to  do  so,  to  strike  out  the  words  “the 
south  end  of.” 

Mr.  Teller.  Strike  it  all  out. 

Mr.  Cullom.  Strike  the  whole  business  out. 

Mr.  Allison.  It  would  then  read: 

For  the  construction  of  an  elevator  in  the  eastern  corridor  of  the  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol,  $15,000. 

Mr.  Teller.  It  seems  to  me  that  a better  suggestion  would  be  to  strike  it  all  out. 
I do  not  myself  think  we  need  any  elevator  at  that  point,  and,  besides,  I do  not 
think  it  is  a good  thing  to  tear  up  the  Capitol  with  that  kind  of  work.  We  have  an 
elevator  which  I think  is  ample  for  the  business  of  the  Senate  and  of  the  employes 
who  have  any  business  to  use  it.  I have  never  seen  any  necessity  for  a new  elevator. 
It  can  not  be  put  in  where  it  is  proposed  without  destroying  the  harmony  of  the 
building.  It  will  be  out  of  place  there. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  Senator  from  Colorado  will  accomplish  his  pur- 
pose by  voting  in  the  negative,  against  inserting  the  clause. 

Mr.  Allison.  I modify  the  amendment  by  striking  out  the  words  “the  south  end 
of.  ’ ’ 

Mr.  Teller.  Where  will  you  put  it  then? 

Mr.  Allison.  I do  not  know. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  Senator  from  Iowa  moves  to  strike  out,  in  line 
1284,  the  words  “the  south  end  of;”  so  as  to  read: 

For  the  construction  of  an  elevator  in  the  eastern  corrider  of  the  Senate  wing,  &c. 

Mr.  Teller.  That  is  still  worse. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I believe  that  there  are  very  grave  objections  to  placing  an  elevator 
as  proposed  in  the  amendment  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations,  for  it  would  not 
only  be  an  obstruction  that  would  be  very  serious  for  the  Committee  on  Public 
Lands  and  for  approach  to  the  restaurant,  but  it  would  make  a dark  avenue  for 
the  three  stories,  first  on  the  basement,  then  on  the  second  story,  and  then  on 
the  one  above.  The  only  light  that  comes  into  the  corridors  on  the  Senate  side  now 
is  from  the  south  side,  and  if  those  windows  should  be  blocked  up  all  of  the  cor- 
ridors in  the  three  stories  would  be  almost  darkened.  But  there  might  be  an  eleva- 
tor placed  in  the  eastern  corridor  near  the  door  that  enters  into  the  reporter’s  room. 

Mr.  Teller.  Where  would  that  be? 

Mr.  Morrill.  In  the  corridor  as  you  come  in  on  the  east  from  the  outside  door  on 
the  left-hand  side.  That  space  might  be  occupied  with  the  least  possible  objection, 
and  it  is  the  only  place  that  I know  of  where  an  elevator  could  be  put  up  with  any 
sort  of  decency. 

Mr.  Plumb.  Does  the  Senator  think  it  necessary  in  the  building  at  all? 

Mr.  Morrill.  I do  not  myself  know  that  it  would  not  be  necessary,  but  I suppose 
the  elevator  that  we  now  have  is  a good  deal  of  inconvenience  to  the  Judiciary  Com- 
mittee and  to  the  Appropriations  Committee  in  making  a constant  noise  in  moving 
up  and  down.  I suppose  it  is  a kind  of  a nuisance,  and  so  it  would  be  to  any  other 
committee-room.  Otherwise  than  that  I know  of  no  inconvenience  about  it. 

Mr.  Teller.  It  seems  to  me  the  suggestion  of  the  Senator  from  Vermont  is  still 
worse  than  the  other  proposition.  It  is  true  that  at  the  place  proposed  by  the  com- 
mittee it  will  darken  the  hall,  but  at  the  other  place  it  will  absolutely  destroy  the 


The  Extensions. 


941 


symmetry  of  the  eastern  entrance.  It  would  be  incongruous,  and  it  ought  not  to  be 
placed  there. 

I do  not  believe  the  committee  have  given  the  subject  as  much  attention  as  they 
ought  to  have  done.  The  present  elevator,  I understand,  is  to  be  left;  I do  not 
understand  that  it  is  proposed  to  take  that  away. 

It  is  insisted  now  that  we  need  two  elevators.  I do  not  think  that  we  very  much 
need  any,  but  we  certainly  do  not  need  more  than  one;  and  to  tear  up  the  front  of 
this  building  where  we  come  in  here,  and  where  it  is  now  suggested,  or  to  shut  up 
those  lights  at  the  place  where  it  was  first  suggested,  is  simply  absurd.  I believe 
that  the  whole  thing  ought  to  be  stricken  out,  or  at  least  we  ought  to  refuse  to  agree 
to  the  amendment  until  there  is  more  care  and  attention  given  to  the  subject  and 
some  better  place  selected,  if  we  must  have  a new  elevator,  than  the  places  which 
have  been  suggested. 

Mr.  Allison.  This  matter  has  been  carefully  considered  by  the  Committee  on 
Appropriations  several  times.  It  passed  the  Senate  at  the  last  session  of  Congress 
after  a pretty  full  debate  in  this  body  and  was  agreed  upon,  but  it  was  finally  stricken 
out  of  the  bill  at  the  urgent  solicitation  of  certain  Senators  because  we  could  not 
agree  upon  the  exact  location  to  suit  them. 

I do  not  care  more  particularly  to  define  the  location  of  this  proposed  elevator 
than  is  defined  in  the  amendment,  striking  out  the  words  which  I have  suggested, 
nor  do  I advocate  this  elevator  simply  because  the  present  elevator  inconveniences 
the  Committee  on  Appropriations,  although  it  does  greatly  inconvenience  that  com- 
mittee, not  because  of  the  noise  in  the  running  up  and  down  of  the  elevator  (that 
does  not  inconvenience  us),  but  because  of  the  fact  that  in  that  remote  corridor  there 
is  a constant  flow  of  people,  making  it  practically  impossible  to  use  the  present 
elevator. 

I venture  the  statement  that  ordinarily  the  Senators  who  go  up  and  down  that 
elevator  during  the  sessions  of  the  Senate  do  not  feel  safe  in  doing  so,  for  the  reason 
that  it  is  overcrowded  and  overloaded.  There  is  a necessity  for  another  elevator,  or 
else  we  should  have  no  elevators  in  this  building.  Merely  that  we  may  disarrange 
a little  capstone,  or  perhaps  a figure  or  two  of  ornamention  in  some  portion  of  the 
eastern  end  of  the  Capitol,  constitutes  no  reason  why  we  should  fail  to  have  the  use 
of  an  additional  elevator.  The  Capitol  is  here  for  the  convenience  of  people,  and 
modern  elevators  seem  to  be  necessary  for  the  convenience  of  people. 

The  Senator  from  Colorado  seems  to  think  an  elevator  is  not  necessary.  If  we  are 
to  have  elevators  at  all  this  additional  one  is  necessary  because  the  present  one  is  not 
sufficient.  It  is  a matter  in  which  I have  no  interest  different  from  or  other  than 
other  Senators.  I believe  that  we  ought  to  have  an  additional  elevator  here. 

This  amendment  was  put  in  after  the  fullest  consideration  by  the  committee  and 
after  consultation  with  other  Senators  who  are  interested.  I can  appreciate  very 
well  that  the  Senator  from  Vermont  [Mr.  Morrill],  having  the  room  of  the  Com- 
mittee on  Finance,  of  which  he  is  chairman,  near  the  corridor  named  here,  should 
object  to  having  it  in  his  neighborhood.  I can  also  see  that  the  Senator  from 
Kansas  [Mr.  Plumb],  having  his  committee-room  in  the  lower  corridor,  should 
object  to  that  particular  location.  I am  willing  to  accommodate  both  Senators. 
This  phraseology  was  inserted  because  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  said  that  was  the 
natural  place  for  it,  and  he  wanted  us  to  put  it  at  that  point.  There  are  plenty  of 
places  for  an  elevator  in  the  eastern  corridor  without  taking  the  location  named  in 
the  amendment. 

Mr.  Vest.  Will  the  Senator  allow  me  to  say  a word  there? 

Mr.  Allison.  Yes,  sir. 

Mr.  Vest.  I happen  to  know  something  about  this  matter,  because  when  the  last 
sundry  civil  appropriation  bill  was  passed  this  appropriation  was  contained  in  it, 
and  it  located  the  elevator  on  the  right-hand  side  of  the  eastern  entrance,  which 


942 


Documentary  History  .of  the  Capitol. 


would  destroy  tire  door  that  now  leads  into  the  room  of  the  Committee  on  the 
District  of  Columbia.  It  attracted  no  attention  from  me  at  the  time,  though  I was 
a member  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  but  after  it  passed 
the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  Major  Clark,  came  to  the  chairman  of  the  Committee 
on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  the  Senator  from  Virginia  [Mr.  Mahone],  and 
called  his  attention  to  the  location,  and  said  that  it  was  almost  impossible  to  put  it 
there;  that  it  would  ruin  that  entrance  to  the  Capitol  altogether. 

Mr.  Allison.  That  particular  location  was  abandoned.  1 do  not  say  that  it  was  a 
good  location. 

Mr.  Vest.  If  the  Senator  will  permit  me,  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Pub- 
lic Buildings  and  Grounds  then  called  me  into  consultation.  The  Senator  from 
Vermont  [Mr.  Morrill]  was  at  that  time  unfortunately  very  ill  and  not  present; 
but  the  Senator  from  Virginia  and  myself,  with  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  went 
and  examined  all  the  possible  locations.  Major  Clark  explained  to  us  the  thickness 
of  the  walls  and  the  peculiar  construction  of  the  Capitol,  and  he  is  the  only  man 
living,  I believe,  who  knows  all  about  it.  He  told  us  that  the  elevator  could  not  be 
put  near  the  eastern  entrance;  that  it  would  be  necessary  in  that  case  to  close  up 
the  door  to  the  District  Committee  room  and  put  it  immediately  outside  of  that 
door,  or  else  to  cut  a place  inside  of  the  reception  room,  which  he  considered 
impracticable. 

The  result  of  our  examination  and  exploration  was  that  we  concluded,  with  the 
advice  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  that  the  space  near  the  Finance  Committee 
room  was  the  only  eligible  location,  and  I honestly  believe  if  the  elevator  is  not  put 
there  it  ought  not  to  be  erected  at  all. 

Mr.  Allison.  The  Architect  of  the  Capitol  seems  to  think  that  is  an  available 
place,  and  he  relies  on  the  Senator  from  Vermont  [Mr.  Morrill]  to  object  to  that 
place,  so  that  no  elevator  at  all  will  be  put  in  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Teller.  He  is  right. 

Mr.  Allison.  I went  with  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  and  he  pointed  out  to  me 
three  places,  two  in  the  eastern  corridor  and  one  in  the  reception-room,  either  one 
of  which  he  said  was  perfectly  practicable  and  perfectly  available.  That  is  what  he 
told  me  within  ten  days.  He  did  say  that  the  proper  place,  in  his  judgment,  with 
reference  to  the  beauty  and  ornamentation  of  this  side  of  the  Capitol,  was  at  the 
door  of  the  committee-room  of  the  Senator  from  Vermont. 

Mr.  Dawes.  Diagonally  across  from  the  present  elevator? 

Mr.  Allison.  Yes,  diagonally  across  from  where  the  elevator  is.  But  the  Senator 
from  Vermont  objects.  I desire,  so  far  as  I am  concerned,  to  yield  to  his  suggestion 
as  far  as  possible,  but  we  need  another  elevator.  It  is  perfectly  easy,  convenient, 
and  practicable  to  put  it  in  the  eastern  end  of  the  Capitol,  and  1 hope  the  amend- 
ment will  be  agreed  to  in  some  form. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I do  not  so  much  object  to  the  proposed  location  because  it  would 
destroy  the  convenience  or  the  beauty  of  the  entrance  to  the  room  of  the  Committee 
on  Finance,  but  it  would  absolutely  exclude  the  light  from  all  these  corridors  from 
top  to  bottom  if  put  there.  As  the  Senator  from  Iowa  has  stated,  Mr.  Clark  does 
consent  that  it  is  practicable  to  take  a space  near  the  eastern  entrance  of  the  Capitol, 
this  side  of  the  door  that  goes  into  the  reporter’s  room;  and  it  would  not  be  a very 
great  destruction  of  the  beauty  of  the  entrance.  It  would  be  near  the  entrance,  but 
so  far  removed  that  there  would  be  room  enough  to  get  into  the  reporter’s  room,  and 
then  it  would  go  up  without  any  sort  of  obstruction  from  the  lower  floor  to  the 
upper  loft,  and  end  in  the  upper  space  near  the  room  of  the  Committee  on  Revolu- 
tionary Claims. 

Mr.  Beck.  Mr.  President,  I voted  in  committee  for  this  amendment  to  locate  the 
elevator  in  the  south  end  of  the  eastern  corridor  of  the  Senate  wing,  and  I voted  for 
it  with  some  reluctance,  because  of  the  objections  stated  by  the  Senator  from  Ver- 


The  Extensions. 


943 


mont,  as  I understood  him.  He  was  not  here  last  year  when  the  question  was  up, 
because  he  was  quite  unwell  at  that  time,  but  all  the  information  I hail,  all  the 
observation  I could  make,  after  going  around  with  Mr.  Clark  and  others,  was  that 
the  place  ought  to  be  at  the  window  near  the  door  of  the  Finance  Committee  room. 
Elevators  are  constructed  now  so  that  they  obstruct  the  light  very  little. 

These  galleries  sometimes  contain  a thousand  people,  and  every  once  in  a while 
when  the  Senator  from  Vermont  is  about  to  make  a great  speech  the  people  in  the 
galleries  of  the  other  House  rush  over  here,  and  they  ought  to  have  some  way  when 
they  come  out  of  the  House  gallery  to  get  up  very  quickly  so  as  to  hear  him  for  fear 
that  he  might  get  through  before  they  got  in. 

The  present  elevator  is  so  crowded,  not  only  as  a passenger,  but  as  a freight  eleva- 
tor, that  it  seems  to  me  we  ought  to  have  two,  and  that  the  eastern  end  of  the  build- 
ing ought  to  be  accommodated.  1 do  not  believe  it  would  injure  the  Finance  Com- 
mittee room.  Fortunately,  or  unfortunately,  I happen  to  be  a member  of  both  the 
Commtttee  on  Finance  and  the  Committee  on  Appropriations,  and  1 know  that 
people  crowd  in  near  the  room  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  very  much.  If 
the  travel  by  elevator  were  equally  divided  it  would  not  do  any  harm. 

If  it  is  not  to  be  placed  there  I am  willing  to  vote  to  strike  out  the  amendment, 
because  if  put  anywhere  else  in  the  corridor  below,  it  seems  to  me  it  would  destroy 
the  whole  symmetry  of  the  building. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I shall  vote  against  the  proposition  in  any  shape.  I do  not  believe 
it  is  absolutely  necessary.  However,  I move  to  amend  the  amendment  of  the  com- 
mittee so  as  to  make  it  read : 

For  the  construction  of  an  elevator  near  the  eastern  entrance  of  the  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol. 

I propose  to  strike  out  the  words  “in  the  south  end  of  the,”  and  the  word  “cor- 
ridor,” and  to  insert  the  word  “entrance”  in  lieu  of  the  word  “corridor.” 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  amendment  proposed  by  the  Senator  from  Ver- 
mont will  be  stated. 

The  Secretary.  In  line  1281  strike  out  the  words  “in  the  south  end  of  the,”  and 
in  line  1282  strike  out  the  word  “corridor”  and  insert  the  word  “entrance;”  so  as 
to  read: 

For  the  construction  of  an  elevator  near  the  eastern  entrance  of  the  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol, 
Slo.OOO. 

Mr.  Morrill.  Now,  I wish  to  say  one  word  more.  Nearly  all  the  strangers  who 
come  up  here  to  see  their  friends  in  the  Senate  approach  by  the  corridor  on  the 
south  side  of  the  Senate,  and  they  stand  there  until  they  can  get  some  messenger  or 
page  to  Send  in  their  cards.  When  the  Committee  on  Finance  have  gentlemen 
calling,  as  they  have  every  day,  for  the  purpose  of  seeing  some  member  of  the  com- 
mittee or  on  some  business  that  is  pending,  they  always  wait  in  the  light  of  that 
window.  As  I said  before,  an  elevator  would  be  absolutely  destructive  of  the  light 
on  the  lower  floor,  on  the  second  floor,  and  on  the  upper  floor.  It  would  be  a very 
great  inconvenience  to  our  entrance  into  the  restaurant,  and  if  there  is  a place  in  the 
Capitol  where  there  ought  not  to  be  an  elevator  that  is  the  spot. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  I am  surprised  that  the  Senate  is  engaged  in  such  high  debate  on 
this  question  of  the  means  of  getting  up  and  down  from  its  various  stories.  This 
Capitol,  1 am  bound  to  assume,  was  built  purely  for  beauty,  to  please  the  Committee 
on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  and  the  dilettanti 
generally  who  live  at  the  west  end  of  the  town,  and  that  the  purposes  of  public  busi- 
ness and  the  opportunity  to  carry  it  on  are  purely  a secondary  consideration. 

I am  sure  I must  be  right  about  that,  for  I remember  that  when  I was  a long  time 
a member  of  the  Committee  on  Private  Land  Claims  up  in  the  northeast  corner,  and 
my  old  friend  Judge  Thurman,  and  Judge  Davis,  and  ever  so  many  gentlemen  were 
chairmen  of  it,  the  room  smoked,  the  chimney  drew  down  instead  of  up;  and  when 


944 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


we  modestly  appealed  to  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  and  somebody  else  to  put  one 
of  these  whirligig  contrivances  on  top  of  that  chimney,  to  have  the  smoke  go  out 
from  the  fire-place  up  the  chimney  instead  of  coming  out  into  the  room,  we  were  met 
all  the  time,  and  have  been  to  this  day,  by  the  statement  that  if  you  put  a cap  on 
that  chimney  it  would  show  over  the  balustrade  around  the  top  of  the  Capitol,  and 
the  dilettanti  and  the  citizens  who  come  up  and  approach  the  building  would  see  it 
and  it  \yould  not  present  a handsome  appearance. 

That  is  the  trouble  here.  We  have  a great  reception  room  where  a great  many 
people  come  for  good  and  necessary  business  purposes  to  wait.  A great  many  others 
come  to  lounge  around  and  sleep  there  and  stay  there  all  day,  and  where  there  is 
room  to  have  an  elevator  large  enough  to  carry  fifteen  people  at  a time  in  any  corner 
of  it  up  and  down  from  top  to  bottom.  But  we  can  not  have  it  there  because  it  would 
spoil  the  beauty  of  a graining  or  a fresco  of  a woman  with  a torch  in  her  hand,  or 
something  of  that  kind.  It  will  not  do  to  have  it  there.  What  is  the  public  busi- 
ness and  the  public  convenience  compared  to  the  beauty  that  this  Capitol,  inside  and 
out,  was  intended  only  to  subserve? 

Then,  when  you  come  over  to  the  Finance  Committee  room,  it  is  objectionable  to 
my  friend  and  colleague,  because  it  is  going  to  destroy  the  light  which  shines  on  the 
outside  of  his  door.  Fie  ought  to  remember  that  with  you,  Mr.  President,  and  my 
colleague  and  the  Senator  from  Kentucky  [Mr.  Beck]  inside,  it  does  not  require  a 
great  deal  of  light  outside  to  carry  on  the  public  business.  And  so  you  must  send 
nine-tenths  of  the  people  who  come  into  the  Capitol  and  want  to  go  upstairs  and  wish 
an  elevator,  three  or  four  hundred  feet  from  the  east  side  of  this  wing  to  the  west  side 
of  it,  to  a narrow  corridor  that  has  no  other  light  between  the  committee-room  of  the 
Judiciary  Committee  and  the  committee-room  of  the  Committee  on  Naval  Affairs,  or 
you  must  send  them  up  to  the  entrance  of  the  room  of  the  Committee  on  Appro- 
priations, where  there  is  a similar  narrow  corridor  with  no  other  light  than  that 
which  comes  through  where  the  elevator  is,  and  then  up  to  the  room  of  the  Com- 
mittee on  Privileges  and  Elections  and  the  room  of  the  Committee  on  Commerce  on 
top,  where  there  is  a similar  narrow  corridor,  with  no  other  light,  in  order  that  we 
may  save  the  beauty  of  the  east  wing  of  the  Capitol  and  the  light  on  the  outside  of 
the  Finance  Committee  room,  and  send  everybody  to  travel  a half  or  a quarter  of  a 
mile  and  crowd  up  those  narrow  and  dark  corridors  to  reach  the  elevator  that  is 
now  there. 

Is  that  a good  thing  to  do?  I do  not  think  it  is  necessary  to  put  this  elevator  into 
the  entrance  of  my  friend’s  committee  room,  although  there  is  more  light  on  the 
outside  of  that  door,  coming  from  the  great  corridor  out  here  and  from  the  other 
way,  than  in  any  other  corridor  that  I know  of  in  the  Capitol,  with  its  southern 
exposure;  and  an  elevator  would  diminish  the  light  there  less  than  anywhere  else. 

Mr.  Morrill.  It  would  obscure  the  whole  of  it. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  It  would  divide  this  tremendous  flow  that  fills  these  narrow  corri- 
dors on  every  one  of  the  floors  every  day  so  that  it  is  a 'serious  business — it  was  this 
morning — to  get  into  the  room  of  the  Committee  on  the  Judiciary  at  all,  or  the  room 
of  the  Committee  on  Naval  Affairs  by  the  door  on  that  side  of  the  hall,  which  is 
closed  for  the  very  reason  that  nobody  can  get  in  and  out  of  it,  and  the  same  is  the 
case  on  the  top  floor 

If  you  divide  it  it  will  mitigate  the  evil,  but  it  is  not  necessary,  in  my  opinion, 
unless  beauty  is  the  sole  object  for  which  this  Capitol  was  built,  to  confine  it  to  that 
particular  place  if  it  is  not  the  best  one  for  convenience.  There  is  room  enough  and 
convenience  enough  in  the  eastern  broad  entrance  where  people  do  not  come  in; 
there  is  room  enough  in  this  great  reception  room,  and  in  the  open  space  below  it, 
and  in  the  open  space  above  it,  to  put  an  elevator;  but  if  we  are  to  sacrifice  every- 
thing for  all  time  to  come  to  what  some  people  consider  to  be  beauty,  we  had  better, 
as  my  friend  says,  be  opposed  to  the  whole  thing  altogether. 


The  Extensions. 


945 


Mr.  Morrill.  Was  the  amendment  which  I proposed  acted  upon? 

The  President  pro  tempore.  Not  yet;  it  is  pending. 

Mr.  Morrill.  Then  I merely  desire  to  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  my  colleague 
has  a committee-room  that 'is  situated  precisely  as  the  room  of  the  Public  Lands 
Committee,  and  the  Committee  on  Finance,  and  the  Committee  on  Public  Printing 
will  be  when  this  elevator  is  put  in.  These  committees’  rooms  are  in  corridors  that 
will  have  the  light  as  much  obstructed  by  a large  elevator  as  in  the  corridors  of  which 
he  speaks,  having  a small  elevator. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  You  are  mistaken. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I am  not  mistaken.  I ought  also  to  remind  my  friend  that  he  is  one 
of  the  west-enders  himself. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  question  is  on  agreeing  to  the  amendment  of  the 
Senator  from  Vermont  [Mr.  Morrill]  to  the  amendment  of  the  Committee  on 
Appropriations. 

The  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  rejected. 

Mr.  Plumb.  What  was  that  amendment? 

Mr.  Edmunds.  It  was  an  amendment  locating  the  elevator  in  the  corridor,  by  the 
eastern  entrance. 

Mr.  Plumb.  Let  the  amendment  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations,  as  it  now 
stands,  be  read. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  Chair  understands  that  the  amendment  offered  by 
the  Senator  from  lavra  [Mr.  Allison]  has  been  adopted. 

Mr.  Teller.  Let  it  be  read  as  amended. 

Mr.  Call.  We  do  not  understand  it. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  It  will  be  read. 

The  Secretary  read  as  follows: 

For  the  construction  of  an  elevator  in  the  eastern  corridor  of  the  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol,  flo.OOO. 

Mr.  Plumb.  I think  the  difficulty  with  this  is  the  fact  that  we  have  one  elevator 
now  and  we  can  not  make  room  enough  for  all  the  persons  who  wish  to  ascend  from 
the  lower  story  to  the  story  above. 

Of  course  I can  appreciate  the  feeling  which  the  Senator  from  Vermont  [Mr. 
Edmunds]  has  about  the  condition  of  things  in  front  of  the  Judiciary  Committee 
room,  but  I think  that  would  all  be  resolved  by  the  substitute  which  I shall  propose. 
I move  to  strike  out  all  about  this  elevator  and  to  provide  that  the  one  we  now  have 
shall  be  removed. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  Senator  from  Kansas  moves  as  a substitute  for  the 
committee  amendment  what  will  be  read. 

The  Secretary.  It  is  proposed  to  strike  out  the  paragraph  from  line  1280  to  line 
1285,  inclusive,  and  to  insert: 

That  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  be  directed  to  remove  the  elevator  now  in  the  north  wing  of  the 
Capitol. 

Mr.  Plumb.  And  I propose  to  add: 

And  for  that  purpose  $1,000  is  hereby  appropriated. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  That  would  make  it  out  of  order.  Stick  to  it  as  you  had  it,  and 
take  the  sense  of  the  Senate. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  question  is  on  agreeing  to  the  amendment  of  the 
Senator  from  Kansas  [Mr.  Plumb]  to  the  amendment. 

The  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  rejected. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  question  recurs  on  agreeing  to  the  amendment,  of 
the  Committee  on  Appropriations  as  amended. 

Mr.  Plumb.  Let  us  have  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

H.  Rep.  640 60 


946 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 


Mr.  Vest.  Do  I understand  that  the  amendment  offered  by  the  chairman  of  the 
committee  was  adopted? 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  Chair  so  understands. 

Mr.  Test.  I do  not  think  we  had  any  vote  on  it.  I want  to  vote  for  the  provision 
as  it  came  from  the  committee.  I do  not  want  the  location  struck  out.  I am 
addressing  myself  now  to  the  Senator  from  Iowa.  I did  not  understand  that  his 
amendment  was  adopted.  It  was  proposed  to  take  a vote  on  it. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  If  there  is  any  doubt  about  it,  the  Chair  will  again 
submit  the  question  on  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Iowa  [Mr.  Allison]  . The 
Chair  understood  it  to  be  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Ingalls.  Mr.  President,  having  been  unfortunately  detained  from  the  Chamber 
during  this  instructive  debate,  I am  without  the  information  that  will  enable  me  to 
vote  intelligently.  As  the  committee  of  which  I have  the  honor  to  be  the  chairman 
occupies  a room  to  the  northward  of  the  colonnade  from  the  eastern  entrance,  I am 
curious  and  somewhat  interested  to  know  what  the  location  of  the  proposed  elevator 
is  to  be. 

In  conversation  with  Mr.  Clark,  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  the  other  day,  after 
after  having  called  his  attention  to  this  amendment  in  the  language  in  which  it  was 
reported  from  the  committee,  1 was  advised  that  the  purpose  of  the  committee  was 
to  locate  the  elevator  in  the  casement  of  the  window  near  the  entrance  of  the  Finance 
Committee  room.  Such  I understand  to  have  been  the  deliberate  intention  of  the 
committee  after  consultation  with  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  for  the  purpose  of 
ascertaining  how  the  wants  of  the  public  and  the  needs  of  the  Senate  would  be  best 
accommodated  in  the  location.  Now  comes  the  Senator  from  Iowa,  and  in  a myste- 
rious and  subtle  way 

Mr.  Hale.  Furtive.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Ingalls.  Not  “furtive,”  as  the  Senator  from  Maine  suggests,  because  that  is 
not  a characteristic  of  the  Senator  from  Iowa;  but  in  a subtle  way  he  moves  an 
amendment  to  change  in  some  method  a provision  that  was  absolutely  clear  and 
specific  before,  with  the  expectation,  I fear  greatly,  in  some  way  or  other  of  confound- 
ing this  subject  and  leaving  to  the  caprice,  or  the  design,  or  the  whim  of  some  other 
person  or  persons  the  location  of  this  elevator  in  some  other  place  than  that-  which 
has  heretofore  been  selected.  I trust  the  location  of  this  movable  car  for  the  con- 
venience of  the  infirm  and  the  indolent  from  floor  to  floor  in  this  building  having 
been  determined,  that  before  we  are  called  upon  to  vote  to  change  the  language  we 
shall  be  advised  whether  we  do  not  thereby  change  the  location  also.  If  not,  why 
the  change? 

Mr.  Allison.  The  Senator  from  Vermont  [Mr.  Morrill]  suggested  that  the  par- 
ticular spot  named  in  this  amendment  was  not  the  exact  place  where  this  elevator 
should  be  located,  although  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  did  say  to  the  Committee 
on  Appropriations  that  this  was  the  proper  place,  also  saying  to  the  committee  that 
there  were  at  least  two  or  three  places  that  were  perfectly  feasible  as  locations.  Now, 
I consented,  in  order  that  this  matter  might  be  left  to  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol, 
who  knows  of  course  more  about  it  than  we  can  know,  to  provide  for  an  elevator  in 
the  eastern  end  of  this  wing  of  the  Capitol,  and  I am  willing  to  trust  to  the  Architect 
of  the  Capitol  to  fix  the  location. 

I am  very  well  aware  that  there  is  one  convenient  method  of  defeating  this 
amendment,  and  that  is  to  compel  us  by  law  to  fix  the  exact  location  of  the  ele- 
vator, and  then,  because  it  does  not  suit  this  Senator  or  that  Senator,  or  this  com- 
mittee or  that  committee,  we  shall  have  no  elevator  at  all.  Therefore,  if  I had  my 
own  way,  I should  put  in,  just  as  the  Architect  proposes,  that  exact  location,  and 
that  is  what  the  committee  did.  To  accommodate  the  Senator  from  Vermont  I was 
willing  that  those  three  words  should  be  struck  out,  and  I stated  when  I suggested 
that  they  be  struck  out  that  I did  so,  not  on  the  motion  of  the  committee,  but  on 


The  Extensions. 


947 


my  own,  and  I do  not  care  whether  they  are  in  or  out.  What  I think  we  ought  to 
have  is  an  elevator  in  this  Capitol,  and  in  the  eastern  corridor  of  this  Capitol;  and 
no  shifting  or  changing  about  it,  whether  it  suits  this,  that,  or  the  other  Senator  or 
committee,  should  prevent  our  having  it. 

Mr.  Hale.  Hoes  not  the  Senator  from  Iowa  believe  that  the  proper  and  fitting 
place  for  this  elevator  to  accommodate  the  public  that  now  crowd  the  other  elevator 
is  at  the  south  end  of  the  eastern  corridor? 

Mr.  Allison.  I am  inclined  to  think  that  would  be  a very  good  place  for  it.  I 
am  inclined  to  think  that  it  would  be  still  better  to  put  it  at  the  eastern  entrance 
where  people  come  in,  and  the  only  objection  made  by  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol 
to  that  location  is  the  fact  that  in  some  way  it  will  disfigure  that  grand  entrance  to 
the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I do  not  understand  when  the  Architect  was  present  with  the  Sena- 
tor and  myself  that  he  made  any  objection  to  that  location  at  all.  He  thought  it 
was  entirely  suitable. 

Mr.  Hale.  What  possible  objection  is  there  to  putting  it  at  the  south  end  of  the 
eastern  corridor  where  it  will  be  plainly  in  sight,  and  where  it  will  be  out  of  the 
way,  where  it  will  accommodate  everybody,  and  where  it  will  not  discommode 
anybody? 

Mr.  Morrill.  You  were  not  here  when  I made  my  statement  from  the  Senator 
from  Iowa. 

Mr.  Hale.  I did  not  hear  it,  but  I have  been  at  this  place  very  many  times,  and  I 
do  not  know  of  any  place,  unless  some  individual  objection  is  raised,  where  it  would 
suit  the  general  public  so  well  as  it  would  at  the  south  end  of  that  corridor  near  the 
entrance  to  the  door  of  the  Committee  on  Finance.  It  is  no  nearer  to  that  com- 
mittee than  the  present  elevator  is  to  the  Appropriations  Committee  room,  and  there 
are  a hundred  men  who  go  into  the  Appropriations  Committee  room  where  there  is 
one  who  goes  into  the  Finance  Committee  room. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I think  the  Senator  is  very  much  mistaken.  I think  we  have  more 
members  of  the  other  House  coming  into  the  Finance  Committee  room  than  go  into 
the  Appropriations  Committee  room. 

Mr.  Hale.  We  have  more  of  the  general  public. 

Mr.  Morrill.  And  we  have  a large  part  of  the  public  coming.  Besides,  as  I have 
stated  over  and  over  again,  it  would  be  an  obstruction  to  the  light,  to  the  entrance 
into  the  restaurant,  and  to  all  the  rooms,  from  top  to  bottom. 

Mr.  Hale.  No  more  than  the  old  elevator  is. 

Mr.  Morrill.  There  is  not  any  other  light  at  all  for  these  corridors  except  what 
comes  on  that  side. 

Mr.  Hale.  I never  heard  but  one  sentiment  expressed  except  by  the  Senator  from 
Vermont. 

Mr.  Allison.  I withdraw  my  amendment. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  Senator  from  Iowa  withdraws  his  amendment. 
The  question  recurs  on  the  amendment  reported  by  the  Committee  of  Appropriations. 

Mr.  Plumb.  Let  us  have  the  yeas  and  nays  on  that. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  yeas  and  nays  have  been  ordered. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I renew  the  amendment,  because  I am  satisfied  that  if  Senators 
would  go  down  stairs  and  look  and  see  what  the  effect  would  be  of  putting  this 
elevator  at  one  of  the  other  places  there  would  be  no  question  as  to  what  should  be 
done.  I therefore  renew  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Iowa. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from 
Vermont,  which  will  be  read. 

The  Secretary.  It  is  proposed,  in  line  1281,  after  the  word  “the,”  where  it 
occurs  the  second  time  in  the  line,  to  strike  out  “south  end  of  the,”  so  as  to  read: 

For  the  construction  of  an  elevator  in  the  eastern  corridor  of  the  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol,  &c. 


948 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Ingalls.  Now,  INI r.  President,  after  the  statement  of  the  Senator  from  Ver- 
mont, the  issue  is  plainly  tendered  to  the  Senate,  because  the  Senator  from  Iowa 
having  admitted  that  the  Architect  of  theCapitol,  in  consultation  with  theCommittee 
on  Appropriations,  affirmed,  and  that  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  acted  on  his 
statement,  that  the  better  place  for  this  elevator  was  at  the  south  end  of  the  east 
corridor  of  the  Senate,  now  agrees  to  the  motion  to  strike  out  those  words;  that  is  a 
declaration  Which,  in  my  judgment,  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  will  be  compelled 
to  heed,  that  this  body  by  a majority,  the  issue  having  been  tendered,  has  decided 
that  the  elevator  shall  not  be  located  in  that  place. 

Mr.  Hale.  Undoubtedly. 

Mr.  Ingalls.  If  this  is  a matter  affecting  the  convenience  of  the  occupants  of  any 
committee-room,  all  I have  to  say  is  that,  rather  than  have  the  eastern  corridor 
mutilated  by  an  elevator,  I will  cheerfully  abandon  the  room  I occupy  to  anybody 
so  far  as  my  statement  or  declaration  can  reach  that  result;  and  if  there  is  any 
objection  on  the  part  of  the  Senator  from  Vermont  resulting  from  his  personal  con- 
venience, the  noise,  the  uproar,  the  throng,  the  din  that  will  occur  around  the 
entrance,  the  vestibule,  the  portal  of  that  peaceful  retreat,  so  far  as  I am  concerned, 
I am  willing  to  make  any  sacrifice  to  enable  him  and  the  committee  of  which  he  is 
the  honored  head  to  obtain  some  cloistered  seclusion  where  they  will  be  wholly 
apart  from  the  din  and  noise  that  will  result  from  being  somewhere  in  the  neighbor- 
hood of  the  entrance  to  that  elevator. 

It  seems  to  me  that  the  merest  casual  inspection  of  these  two  corridors,  the  merest 
glance  at  the  situation,  will  disclose  to  everybody  that  that  is  where  the  elevator,  if 
at  all,  ought  to  be;  anil  so  far  as  the  subterranean  part  of  it  is  concerned,  1 went  the 
other  day  with  Mr.  Clark  myself  examining  the  different  locations  where  this  should 
be  placed,  and  we  went  up-stairs  and  down-stairs,  and  into  the  third  story  below,  and 
examined  the  whole  course  of  this  elevator  from  the  foundation  to  the  top  story, 
and  there  is  no  ground  whatever  for  supposing  that  there  is  to  be  any  obstruction 
either  to  light,  or  comfort,  or  convenience  upon  the  story  below;  none  whatever. 
By  simply  cutting  through  the  wall  there  can  be,  without  any  sort  of  interruption 
to  the  convenience  below,  or  diminution  of  space,  a location  there  that  will  accom- 
modate everybody;  and  so  far  as  the  door  of  the  Finance  Committee  room  is  con- 
cerned, it  can  readily  be  arranged  by  cutting  through  the  transverse  wall,  so  that  the 
entrance  to  the  elevator  shall  be  from  the  west  instead  of  from  the  north  and  in 
entire  seclusion,  and  there  need  never  be  any  more  noise  or  tumult  about  that  room 
than  there  is  now. 

I appeal  also  to  the  experience  of  the  members  of  the  Judiciary  Committee  and  of 
the  Appropriations  Committee  if  all  this  pretext  about  the  obstruction  to  the  rooms 
is  not  wholly  without  foundation.  Nobody  is  obstructed;  nobody  is  interfered  with; 
and  I hope,  therefore,  that  as  we  are  called  upon  to  vote  on  this  matter  the  Senate 
will  agree  to  vote  down  this  amendment  and  allow  the  section  to  stand  as  it  came 
from  the  Committee  on  Appropriations. 

Mr.  Morrill.  It  is  perfectly  obvious  that  every  Senator  who  has  a committee- 
room  near  where  this  elevator  is  proposed  to  be  located  is  very  acute  in  discovering 
that  it  will  be  no  annoyance  to  anybody  else  to  have  it  placed  somewhere  else.  The 
Senator  from  Kansas  [Mr.  Ingalls]  is  exceedingly  anxious  that  this  should  not  be 
anywhere  near  his  magnificent  room  that  he  has  on  the  right  hand  side  of  the  east- 
ern entrance  to  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Ingalls.  I hope  the  Senator  will  allow  me  just  a moment.  I said  distinctly 
that  if  that  was  the  only  objection,  I would  gladly  exchange  with  the  Senator  from 
Vermont  and  take  his  committee-room  for  the  one  I occupy. 

Mr.  Morrill.  Yes,  but  the  Senator  from  Kansas  went  on  to  say  that  it  was  no 
possible  inconvenience  to  any  of  the  committee-rooms  on  the  other  side.  I think  he 
is  a better  judge  of  what  is  his  own  convenience  than  he  is  of  that  of  some  others. 


The  Extensions. 


949 


Mr.  Hale.  The  Senator  will  allow  me  on  that  point 

Mr.  Morrill.  I wish  to  occupy  only  a moment  more. 

Mr.  Hale.  The  Committee  on  Appropriations  have  an  elevator  at  their  door,  and 
they  would  not  want  it  removed.  It  does  not  inconvenience  the  room  in  the  least. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  Senator  from  Vermont  [Mr.  Morrill]  has  the 
floor. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I should  like  very  much  that  Senators  could  have  an  opportunity  to 
go  and  see  the  place  that  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  at  last  agreed  was  the  most 
appropriate  place  for  this  elevator,  as  I understood  him. 

Mr.  Ingalls.  Where  was  that? 

Mr.  Morrill.  Where  it  would  not  interfere  at  all  with  the  beauty  of  the  Capitol 
nor  with  any  committee-room  whatever. 

Mr.  Ingalls.  Where  was  that? 

Mr.  Morrill.  Just  on  the  entrance  on  the  left-hand  side  coming  in  from  the 
eastern  door. 

Mr.  Plumb.  Mr.  President,  it  is  pretty  evident  that  if  this  matter  depends  on  who 
has  seen  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  last,  the  Senator  from  Vermont  ought  to  have 
another  chance.  The  Senator  from  Iowa  and  my  colleague  have  evidently  been 
interviewing  him  since  the  Senator  from  Vermont  has  seen  him,  and  they  have  been 
talking  with  him  and  got  him  at  very  great  disadvantage.  I think  now  we  ought  to 
postpone  this  matter  long  enough  at  any  rate  to  give  the  Senator  from  Vermont  a 
chance  to  see  Mr.  Clark,  who  has  shown  himself  very  flexible,  and  will  be  able  to 
give  us  another  report  by  to-morrow  morning. 

The  fact  is,  that  an  elevator  in  front  of  any  committee-room  is  more  or  less  a bur- 
den to  the  occupants  of  the  room,  especially  to  the  occupants  of  a committee-room 
like  that  of  the  Judiciary  or  the  Finance  Committee,  where  there  is  very  serious  pub- 
lic service.  That  might  be  said  also  in  regard  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Lands; 
but  I do  not  care  anything  about  that  matter,  because  that  is  not  in  a place  where 
people  are  constantly  coming  and  going,  as  they  would  be  in  front  of  the  door  of  the 
Finance  Committee.  The  situation  is  very  greatly  different  there  from  what  it  is 
either  in  front  of  the  Appropriations  Committee-room  or  the  Judiciary  Committee- 
room.  There  is  a constant  surging  of  people  backward  and  forward  there  which 
will  impede  the  ingress  and  egress,  so  far  as  the  elevator  is  concerned,  and  will  be  a 
perpetual  annoyance  to  the  members  of  the  Finance  Committee  in  every  way. 

My  colleague  sees  the  disadvantage  of  this,  and  is  willing  to  surrender  his  com- 
mittee-room rather  than  to  be  discommoded  by  this  elevator.  I hope  we  shall  have 
the  same  courtesy  for  the  Senator  from  Vermont,  that  we  shall  not  discommode 
anybody  for  that  which  is  to-day  practically  without  testimony  in  its  favor.  I have 
never  heard  a word  said  in  favor  of  an  elevator.  There  has  never  been  any  public 
complaint,  there  has  never  been  any  complaint  on  the  part  of  any  member  of  the 
Senate  that  I have  ever  heard  of,  except  by  two  or  three  members  of  the  Appropria- 
tions Committee.  I have  always  supposed  that  really  it  was  intended  finally  to  result 
in  taking  that  elevator  away  as  soon  as  we  got  this  one  established  over  here,  and  that 
an  amendment  would  be  introduced  to  take  away  the  one  now  annoying  to  the 
members  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  and  the  Committee  on  the  Judiciary. 
That,  I have  no  doubt,  was  the  scheme,  to  load  up  one  set  of  committee  rooms  at 
the  expense  of  another. 

Mr.  Hale.  I do  not  look  upon  this  matter  in  the  light  that  some  Senators  have 
viewed  it.  I do  not  think  it  is  an  inconvenience  to  any  committee-room  to  have  an 
elevator  at  its  door.  I spend  a good  deal  of  time  in  the  Committee  on  Appropria- 
tions, go  in  and  out  there  a great  many  times  a day,  come  up  from  below,  and  go 
down  from  above,  and  I have  always  considered  it  a convenience  to  have  the  eleva- 
tor there.  The  Senator  from  Vermont  who  has  conservative  ideas,  not  wanting  any 


950 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

changes,  does  not  wish  an  elevator  near  the  door  of  his  committee-room,  but  in  a 
month  after  it  is  in  he  -will  never  know  the  difference. 

The  need  of  this  elevator  is  simply  to  accommodate  the  public.  The  throng  is 
increasing  here  every  year.  There  are  a hundred  people  visiting  the  Capitol  every 
day  now  to  ten  five  years  ago,  and  it  is  increasing  all  the  time.  They  fill  up  the 
corridors,  they  throng  about  the  elevator,  and  one  elevator  is  not  enough.  There 
ought  to  he  another  for  the  accommodation  of  the  public.  So  far  as  my  knowledge 
goes,  that  was  the  one  object  in  view  by  the  Committee  on  Appropriations,  to  accom- 
modate this  constantly  increasing  throng,  and  as  a Senator  said  just  now,  it  is  not  a 
pleasing  spectacle  when  a thing  of  this  kind  is  sought  to  he  done  for  the  public  ben- 
efit, to  find  every  man  leaping  to  his  feet  and  objecting  because  it  is  going  to  interfere 
a little  with  him.  If  you  wait  until  nobody  objects  you  will  never  have  an  elevator, 
you  will  never  have  this  throng  accommodated,  they  will  crowd  around  this  single 
elevator,  and  Senators,  no  matter  what  committee-room  they  belong  to,  will  have  no 
opportunity  of  using  it.  They  go  down  to  lunch,  but  they  can  not  get  in  the  eleva- 
tor, it  is  filled  three  or  four  or  five  deep,  and  they  have  to  come  up  the  stairway.  It 
is  a nuisance  that  ought  to  be  abated,  and  to  my  mind  there  ought  not  to  be  any 
objection  raised  here  because  it  is  going  to  he  in  one  place  or  another.  I insist  that 
it  does  not  inconvenience  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  to  have  the  elevator 
there.  I never  want  to  see  that  one  removed. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  proposed  by  the 
Senator  from  Vermont  to  the  amendment  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations. 

The  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  rejected. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  question  now  recurs  on  the  amendment  reported 
by  the  committee. 

Mr.  Plumb.  I call  for  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  yeas  and  nays  have  already  been  ordered. 

Mr.  Gibson.  I ask  that  the  amendment  be  reported. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  amendment  will  be  read. 

The  Secretary.  After  line  1279,  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  propose  to  insert: 

Elevator  for  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol:  For  the  construction  of  an  elevator  in  the  south  end  of  the 
eastern  corridor  of  the  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol,  $15,000;  and  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  is  directed 
to  have  the  same  completed  for  use  by  December  1,  1887. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I desire  to  call  the  attention  of  the  Senate  to  the  fact  that  mine  is 
the  same  amendment  which  was  first  proposed  by  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on 
Appropriations,  and  it  would  leave  the  place  for  the  elevator  where  it  would  be  no 
obstruction  to  any  committee  whatever,  and  as  convenient  as  any  spot  in  the  Capitol. 
If  it  is  placed  where  it  is  now  proposed,  it.  will  be  an  inconvenience  to  no  less  than 
three  committees,  and  will  he  an  obstruction  to  the  light  of  all  the  corridors. 

Mr.  Plumb.  I think  the  Senator  from  Vermont  mistakes  the  question.  His  amend- 
ment was  voted  down.  The  question  is  now  on  the  amendment  of  the  committee. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I renewed  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Iowa  [Mr.  Allison]. 

Mr.  Hale.  That  was  just  now  voted  down. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  If  the  Senator  from  Vermont  did  not  understand  the 
question,  the  Chair  will  again  put  it  on  his  amendment;  but  the  Chair  put  the  ques- 
tion on  his  amendment. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I know  my  amendment  was  voted  on,  but  I renewed  the  amend- 
ment of  the  Senator  from  Iowa. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  That  was  the  amendment  the  Chair  last  submitted  to 
the  Senate,  but  the  Chair  will  again  put  the  question  on  the  amendment  offered  by 
the  Senator  from  Vermont,  similar  to  the  amendment  offered  by  the  Senator  from 
Iowa  some  time  ago.  The  question  is  on  that  amendment  to  the  amendment  of  the 
Committee  on  Appropriations. 

The  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  rejected. 


The  Extensions. 


951 


The  President  pro  tempore.  The  question  recui's  on  the  amendment  as  reported 
by  the  Committee  on  Appropriations. 

Mr.  Plumb.  I make  a point  of  order  on  the  amendment.  It  is  not  covered  by  the 
estimates,  it  increases  the  appropriation,  and  it  is  new  legislation. 

Mr.  Kenna.  Is  it  not  too  late  to  raise  a point  of  order  to  that  amendment  after  an 
amendment  to  it  has  been  voted  upon? 

Mr.  Hale.  I take  it  the  Senator  can  put  on  any  clause  increasing  the  conveniences 
at  this  end  of  the  Capitol;  it  can  put  an  elevator  in  or  change  a rule;  it  is  only 
regulating  the  use  of  the  Capitol. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  Does  the  Senator  from  Kansas  raise  the  point  of  order? 

Mr.  Plumb.  I make  the  point  of  order. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  Chair  is  of  opinion  that  after  the  amendment  has 
been  received,  and  the  yeas  and  nays  have  been  ordered  upon  it,  it  is  too  late  to 
raise  the  question.  The  Chair,  however,  is  required  under  the  rule  to  submit  all 
questions  of  relevancy  to  the  Senate,  and  the  Chair  will  submit  this  question  to  the 
Senate. 

Mr.  Harris.  I do  not  think  the  question  of  relevancy  is  raised  at  all.  The  point 
of  the  Senator  from  Kansas  is  that  it  is  new  legislation  and  does  not  appear  in  the 
regular  estimates.  The  question  of  relevancy  is  not  involved  in  the  question  of 
order,  either  directly  or  remotely. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  Chair  will  submit  the  question  of  order  to  the 
Senate. 

Mr.  Allison.  Before  that  question  is  submitted  I desire  to  ask  the  Chair  if  he 
understands  the  rule  to  be  that  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  can  not  add,  for 
instance,  a page  to  the  number  of  pages  in  the  Senate  unless  there  is  a prior  estimate 
for  that? 

Mr.  Cockrell.  The  rule  does  not  relate  to  Senate  expenses. 

Mr.  Allison.  This,  I suppose,  is  a part  of  the  regular  expenses  of  the  Senate.  If 
there  is  anything  we  can  regulate,  it  seems  to  me  we  can  provide  for  our  conveni- 
ences; but  I may  be  entirely  mistaken. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  Will  the  Chair  kindly  state  again  what  the  point  of  order  is? 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  point  of  order  raised  by  the  Senator  from  Kansas 
is  that  the  item  with  respect  to  an  elevator  for  the  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol  is  not 
in  order  on  the  ground  that  no  estimate  has  been  made  for  it  by  any  Department; 
that  it  is  a new  item  of  appropriation  not  contained  in  any  estimate. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  I hope  the  chair  will  decide  it,  as  it  has  been  a settled  matter  for 
twenty  years.  The  rule  has  expressly  for  twenty  years — I remember  it  that  long — 
been  that  the  question  of  estimates  applied  to  amendments  proposed  by  a Senator, 
that  a single  individual  in  this  Chamber  should  not  stand  up  and  suddenly  spring 
an  amendment  on  any  appropriation  bill  for  which  no  Department  had  made  an 
estimate.  Then,  in  order  to  guard  against  the  danger  of  that  and  not  put  everything 
in  the  hands  of  the  Executive  Department  of  the  Government,  the  rule  went  on  to 
provide  that  after  having  that  right  as  to  estimates,  there  should  be  a right  to  move 
amendments  to  carry  out  an  existing  law  or  treaty  stipulation,  or  an  act  or  resolution 
already  passed  through  the  Senate  and  not  yet  a law.  Now,  it  comes  to  another 
alternative: 

Or  unless  the  same  be  moved  by  direction  of  a standing  or  select  committee  of  the  Senate,  or  pro- 
posed in  pursuance  of  an  estimate  of  the  head  of  some  one  of  the  Departments. 

Now  you  have  got  all  branches  of  the  subject. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  If  the  Senator  will  read  the  next  few  lines  he  will  see 
the  point  now  raised.  It  is  not  on  the  first  clause  of  Rule  XVI,  but  on  the  second 
clause,  as  the  Chair  understands. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  Then  I will  read  the  second  clause: 

2.  All  amendments  to  general  apprupiiation  bills  moved  by  direction  of  a standing  or  select  com- 


952 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

mittee  of  the  Senate,  proposing  to  increase  an  appropriation  already  contained  in  the  bill,  or  to  add 
new  items  of  appropriation,  shall,  at  least  one  day  before  they  are  considered,  be  referred  to  the  Com- 
mittee on  Appropriations. 

I have  gone  far  enough,  I suppose,  to  cover  the  point. 

Mr.  Plumb.  Let  me  suggest  that  that  amendment  was  not  referred  to  the  Commit- 
tee on  Appropriations. 

INI r.  Edmunds.  That  is  just  what  I was  going  to  say,  and  that  is  really  the  only 
point.  Here  is  an  amendment  that  is  not  estimated  for  by  the  Secretary  of  the 
Treasury,  who  is  supposed,  or  has  been  supposed  under  all  former  administrations, 
and  I presume  under  this,  to  have  no  very  special  concern  with  how  the  two  Houses  of 
Congress  regulate  their  Chambers  and  conveniences  within  their  own  administra- 
tion. I suppose  everybody  has  always  agreed  to  that. 

So  we  come  to  a case  where  naturally  there  would  not  be  and  should  not  be  an 
estimate  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  as  to  what  it  was  desirable  the  Senate 
should  do  about  its  contingent  expenses,  for  instance,  whether  it  would  pay  $100  to 
the  widow  of  an  employe  who  was  killed  by  an  explosion  in  this  wing  of  the  Capitol 
to  bury  her  husband  or  not.  It  is  none  of  his  business.  So,  then,  the  rule  as  applied 
to  this  case  comes  right  down  to  the  question  of  whether  this  amendment  is  proposed 
“by  direction  of  a standing  or  select  committee  of  the  Senate.”  That  is  the  only 
test;  it  is  not  estimated  for;  it  is  not  to  carry  into  effect  a treaty  or  a law;  it  is  to 
co-ordinate  the  comfort  and  convenience  of  the  Senate,  and  that  is  all. 

Now,  the  amendment  is  moved  by  direction  of  a standing  committee,  it  is  reported 
by  a standing  committee,  but  it  was  not  referred  to  that  committee  two  days  before, 
or  one  day  before,  or  whatever  the  time  required  by  the  rule  is.  There  is  the  point, 
and  literally,  but  absurdly,  we  should  be  bound  to  hold,  if  we  had  not  construed  it 
for  twenty  years  the  other  way,  that  if  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  wished  to 
do  anything  about  this  Senate  they  must  first  consider  the  proposition,  report  it  as 
an  amendment  to  a bill  that  they  have  under  consideration  themselves,  and  send  it 
back  to  themselves  two  days  before  they  report  it,  which  everybody  has  known  for 
twenty  years  is  absolutely  absurd. 

The  construction  of  the  rule  has  been  the  common-sense  one  for  twenty  years,  that 
any  committee  reporting  an  amendment  to  an  appropriation  bill  that  was  otherwise 
proper  had  the  right  to  report  with  that  bill  any  amendment  that  they  saw  fit  to 
recommend,  because  the  spirit  of  the  rule  requiring  a reference  of  an  amendment  to 
the  Committee  on  Appropriations  was  that  they  should  have  time  to  consider  it,  and 
nothing  else. 

Mr.  Harris.  I ask  for  information.  Has  the  contingent  fund  of  the  two  Houses 
ever  been  estimated  for,  and,  if  so,  by  whom? 

Mr.  Edmunds.  I suppose  not.  It  never  ought  to  have  been;  and  yet,  on  every 
side,  from  every  committee  of  the  Senate,  for  twenty  years  past,  to  my  personal 
knowledge,  amendments  have  been  reported  for  which  there  was  no  estimate,  and 
for  which  the  rule  provided  that  any  committee  had  a right  to  call  to  the  attention 
of  this  branch  of  Congress — and  that  is  enough  for  us — a matter  of  public  expendi- 
ture that  the  Department  might  be  entirely  opposed  to.  That  is  our  affair. 

Mr.  Kenna.  Will  the  Senator  from  Vermont  allow  me  to  make  a suggestion? 

Mr.  Edmunds.  Y es. 

Mr.  Kenna.  I desire  to  call  the  attention  of  the  Senate  to  the  fact  that  the  pro- 
posed amendment,  as  recommended  by  the  committee,  was  reached  in  the  consider- 
ation of  this  bill;  subjected  to  discussion;  that  one  or  two  or  three  amendments  to  it 
were  presented,  debated,  and  voted  down;  and  then,  and  not  till  then,  the  point  of 
order  was  made  against  it.  I submit  to  the  Chair  and  to  the  Senate  whether,  with- 
out reference  to  the  question  he  is  discussing,  it  is  not  too  late,  after  the  failure  of  a 
Senator  to  perfect  an  amendment  according  to  his  own  ideas,  then  to  come  in  and 
make  a point  of  order  against  it. 


The  Extensions. 


953 


Mr.  Edmunds.  It  probably  and  undoubtedly  is  too  late,  but  I do  not  wish  to  put 
it  on  the  ground  of  blockading  the  capacity  of  the  Senate  to  legislate  on  the  careful 
report  of  a committee,  whether  we  agree  to  it  or  not,  upon  any  proposition  that  a 
Senate  committee  brings  to  this  body.  I do  not  put  my  discussion  of  this  point 
upon  that  ground,  although  it  is  a perfectly  good  one;  but  I say  that  the  construc- 
tion of  this  rule  has  been  for  twenty  years  that  the  committee  to  whom  other  com- 
mittees submit  amendments,  having  amendments  of  its  own  to  propose,  having 
considered  them  (which  was  the  only  object  of  the  reference  of  matters  from  other 
committees),  may  report  them  with  the  bill,  and  it  is  within  the  rule. 

Mr.  Harris.  I beg  to  suggest  to  the  Senator  from  Vermont  that  when  he  presided 
over  the  deliberations  of  this  body,  and  when  every  other  gentleman  has  presided 
over  them  for  the  last  ten  years,  as  I know,  under  this  rule  there  has  not  been  a sin- 
gle session  of  Congress  that  the  Chair  has  not  ruled  amendments  reported  by  the 
Committee  on  Appropriations  to  be  out  of  order  because  they  contained  new  legisla- 
tion. Our  rules  having  formerly  prescribed  that  the  Presiding  Officer  of  the  Senate 
should  have  charge  of  the  Senate  end  of  the  Capitol,  and  now  that  the  Committee 
on  Kules  shall  have  control  of  that  portion  of  the  building,  I have  been  seriously  in 
doubt,  and  for  my  life  I can  not  imagine  who  should  make  estimates  for  an  elevator 
in  the  Capitol.  I do  not  know  what  officer  would  be  called  upon  to  make  the 
estimates. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  If  my  friend  will  allow  me  on  his  reference  to  when  I was  Presid- 
ing Officer,  I undoubtedly  held — I certainly  ought  to  have  held — that  the  Committee 
on  Appropriations  in  respect  to  new  legislation  had  no  more  authority  than  anybody 
else,  than  a Senator,  or  any  other  committee  of  the  body;  but  it  is  clear  to  my  mind, 
as  has  been  held  here  and  acquiesced  in  by  the  Senate  for  all  these  years,  that  an 
item  of  appropriation  for  an  object  which  did  not  exist  in  the  law  anywhere,  but 
which  provided  for  an  expenditure  of  money  in  the  ordinary  course  of  the  Govern- 
ment, was  not  new  legislation  in  the  sense  of  making  it  obnoxious  to  a point  of  order 
on  the  ground  that  it  was  legislation. 

I do  not  understand  the  Senator  from  Kansas  to  make  a point  that  this  is  legisla- 
tion on  an  appropriation  bill,  because  as  to  the  Navy,  when  there  was  a stress,  we 
have  held  by  acquiescence  that  you  may  provide  on  the  naval  appropriation  bill  for 
any  number  of  new  cruisers  (and  I wish  you  might  provide  for  one  hundred  at  the 
present  session) — that  such  an  amendment  was  not  out  of  order  on  the  question  of 
legislation. 

Mr.  Harris.  I remember  that  decision  On  the  new  cruisers,  and  it  was  one  to 
which  I did  not  assent  myself.  I should  be  very  glad  to  find  ground  on  which  this 
amendment  is  in  order. 

Mr.  Hoar.  The  Senator  from  Vermont  is  clearly  right  in  holding  that  the  rule 
which  requires  amendments  to  be  referred  to  a committee  and  reported  therefrom 
when  it  is  applied  to  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  itself  authorizes  that  com- 
mittee, in  spirit  though  not  in  letter,  to  make  reports  on  the  bill  without  going 
through  the  form  of  a previous  reference.  That  has  been  the  custom,  as  the  Senator 
from  Vermont  says  everybody  has  known  for  twenty  years.  I should  say  everybody 
has  made  it  known  for  ten  years  according  to  my  knowledge. 

But  I wish  to  enter  a caveat  against  the  opinion  of  the  Senator  from  Vermont  that 
it  is  too  late  to  make  an  objection  because  there  has  been  a vote  in  committee  upon 
an  amendment  or  there  has  been  a consideration  of  it  or  there  has  been  an  amend- 
ment proposed  to  it.  We  are  now  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  and  I conceive  that 
an  amendment  adopted  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  might  be  held  out  of  order,  if 
out  of  order,  by  the  Senate  when  the  bill  was  reported  to  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  That  I admit. 

Mr.  Hoar.  So  that  that  part  of  the  Senator’s  suggestion  I do  not  concur  with.  The 
other  seems  to  me  very  clearly  right. 


954 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Beck.  I have  observed  that  nothing  produces  so  large  a debate  in  the  Senate 
as  a point  of  order,  and  I have  ascertained  also  after  a long  experience  that  there  is 
but  one  rule  that  I have  ever  been  able  to  understand,  and  that  is  that  the  Senate 
always  does  whatever  a majority  desires  should  be  done,  and  I think  this  whole 
thing  can  be  settled  by  submitting  it  to  the  Senate. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  Chair  is  clearly  of  opinion  that  within  the  plain 
language  of  this  rule  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  have  no  more  power  to  pro- 
pose amendments  than  any  other  committee  of  the  body,  and  the  inhibition  in  the 
second  clause  of  the  rule  applies  to  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  as  well  as  to 
any  other  committee.  Clause  2 of  Rule  XVI  provides  that: 

2.  All  amendments  to  general  appropriation  bills  moved  by  direction  of  a standing  or  select  com- 
mittee of  the  Senate,  proposing  to  increase  an  appropriation  already  contained  in  the  bill,  or  to  add 
new  items  of  appropriation,  shall,  at  least  one  day  before  they  are  considered,  be  referred  to  the 
Committee  on  Appropriations,  and  when  actually  proposed  to  the  bill,  no  amendment  proposing 
to  increase  the  amount  stated  in  such  amendment  shall  be  received. 

But  it  seems  to  the  Chair  that  it  has  always  been  the  practice  of  the  Senate  to  allow 
the  Committee  on  Appropriations  to  report  amendments,  and  without  that  power 
they  would  be  limited  only  to  the  estimates  made  by  the  Departments.  Such  a 
restraint  on  the  power  of  the  Senate  can  scarcely  be  tolerated  under  our  rules.  Nor 
does  the  Chair  believe  it  was  the  real  intention  of  the  rule  to  prevent  the  Committee 
on  Appropriations  from  reporting  in  favor  of  new  items  of  appropriation,  or  to 
increase  or  diminish  the  amount  of  an  appropriation.  Otherwise  the  Committee  on 
Appropriations  of  the  Senate  would  be  practically  limited  and  would  be  almost  nuga- 
tory. They  would  have  to  follow  the  estimates  of  the  Departments  literally;  they 
could  not  increase  the  amount,  nor  could  they  add  new  items.  That  is  rather  a 
strained  construction  of  the  rule.  Therefore  the  Chair  desires  to  submit  the  question 
to  the  Senate  for  a vote,  whether  or  not  it  will  enforce  this  rule,  in  so  many  words, 
against  the  Committee  on  Appropriations.  The  Chair  submits  the  question  of  order 
to  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  Will  the  Chair  please  state  precisely  the  question  of  order  submitted? 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  question  of  order  is:  Is  the  amendment  proposed 
by  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  in  Order?  As  many  as  are  in  favor  of  that 
proposition  will  say  “aye;”  the  contrary  “no.”  [Putting  the  question.]  The 
“ayes”  seem  to  have  it.  The  “ ayes”  have  it.  The  amendment  is  in  order. 

Mr.  Saulsbury.  As  the  amendment  now  reported  by  the  committee  is  to  be  sub- 
mitted to  a vote,  I shall  vote  against  it. 

The  present  elevator  was  constructed  on  motion  of  the  then  Senator  from  Indiana, 
Mr.  Morton.  Prior  to  that  time  we  had  no  elevator.  Our  predecessors  who  occupied 
seats  here  walked  up  and  down.  Now  we  propose  to  construct  a second  elevator. 
We  have  one  elevator  at  this  end  of  the  Capitol.  I understand  they  have  one  elevator 
at  the  House  of  Representatives,  where  there  are  three  times  the  number  of  members 
there  are  in  this  body.  There  are  twice  as  many  people  who  occupy  the  galleries  of 
the  other  House  as  occupy  the  galleries  of  the  Senate.  This  amendment  proposes  an 
expense  of  $15,000,  and  then  an  additional  expense  adding  two  persons  to  the  force 
of  the  Senate  to  run  the  elevator.  I shall  vote  against  the  amendment. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  yeas  and  nays  will  be  called  on  the  amendment. 

The  result  was  announced — yeas  34,  nays  15;  as  follows:  * * * 

So  the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-eight,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Mar.  3,  1887.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  24,  526.)] 

Elevator  for  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol:  For  the  construction  of  an  elevator  in  the  south 
end  of  the  eastern  corridor  of  the  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol,  fifteen  thousand  dollars; 
and  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  is  directed  to  have  the  same  completed  for  use  by 
December  first,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-seven. 


The  Extensions. 


955 


Elevator  for  House  wing  of  the  Capitol:  For  the  construction  of  an  elevator  for  the  use 
of  the  public  in  the  House  wing  of  the  Capitol,  to  be  located  at  the  south  end  of  the 
western  corridor  and  to  run  from  the  basement  to  the  upper  story,  twelve  thousand 
dollars,  and  the  Architect  is  directed  to  have  the  same  completed  for  use  by  Decem- 
ber first,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-seven. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-nine,  and  for  other  purposes,"  approved 
Oct.  2,  1888.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  25,  523.)] 

Steam-boilers,  House  wing  of  the  Capitol:  For  new  boilers  for  House  wing,  and  for 
fitting  up  boiler  vaults,  and  steam-pipes  connected  with  the  same,  twelve  thousand 
dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  ninety,  and  for  other  purposes,"  approved  Mar. 
2,  1889.  (Stats,  at  Large,  V.  25,  958.)] 

Ventilation,  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol:-  For  constructing  tower  and  large  air-duct 
leading  from  same  to  Senate  wing  for  supplying  fresh  air  to  the  Senate  Chamber  from 
western  grounds,  similar  to  that  already  constructed  for  the  same  purpose  for  the 
House  of  Representatives,  eight  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  ninety-one,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Aug.  30,  1890.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  26,  388.)] 

To  enable  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  to  increase  the  steam  plant  of  the  Senate 
wing  by  removing  five  old,  condemned  boilers,  and  replacing  them  with  boilers  of 
five-hundred  horse-power  capacity,  of  the  same  type  as  the  new  ones  now  in  use, 
fifteen  thousand  dollars,  or  as  much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary. 


[Senate.  Mis.  Doc.  No.  42.  52d  Congress,  1st  session.  Jan.  17,  1892. — Referred  to  the  Committee  on 
Rules  and  ordered  to  be  printed. 

The  Vice-President  presented  the  following  letter  from  the  Architect  of  the  United 
States  Capitol,  relating  to  ventilation  and  plumbing  of  the  Senate  wing: 

Architect’s  Office,  U.  S.  Capitol, 
Washington,  Ih  C.,  January  16,  1892. 

Sir:  In  obedience  to  the  resolution  passed  the  Senate  on  the  12th  instant,  relating 
to  the  ventilation  and  plumbing  of  the  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol,  I have  the  honor 
to  report  as  follows: 

I consider  the  Senate  chamber  and  corridors  well  ventilated;  also,  all  of  the  com- 
mittee rooms  originally  constructed  for  that  purpose.  There  are  some  apartments, 
formerly  used  as  storerooms,  that  are  now  used  for  business  purposes.  These  are 
ventilated  only  by  the  air  being  forced  in  by  the  fan,  to  find  its  way  out  by  means 
of  the  openings  into  the  corridors,  through  doors  which  are  always  open  when  the 
rooms  are  occupied. 

The  plumbing,  in  my  judgment,  is  in  good  condition,  except  in  the  case  of  that 
to  one  washstand  which  is  now  being  put  in  order.  It  is  true  that  much  of  the 
plumbing  fixtures  are  not  of  the  latest  patterns.  These  might,  with  advantage,  be 
changed  for  those  of  the  most  recent  and  approved  styles. 


956 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


l am  not  aware  of  any  defect  in  the  plumbing  or  sewerage  existing  within  the 
Capitol  which  can  unfavorably  affect  the  sanitary  condition  of  the  building.  A san- 
itary engineer  of  high  reputation  and  experience  has  been  called  to  make  a careful 
examination  of  the  plumbing  and  sewerage  and  report  upon  the  same. 

1 have  the  honor  to  be,  your  obedient  servant, 

Edward  Clark, 
Architect , United  States  Capitol. 

The  Vice-President. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  22,  1892:  Congressional  Record,  52 — 1,  p.  2302.] 

SANITARY  CONDITION  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

The  Vice-President.  The  Chair  lays  before  the  Senate  a resolution  coming  over 
from  a previous  day,  which  will  be  read. 

The  Chief  Clerk  read  the  resolution  submitted  yesterday  by  Mr.  Butler,  as  follows: 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Rules  be,  and  it  is  hereby,  authorized  and  directed  to  select  two 
expert  architects,  at  a compensation  to  be  agreed  upon  by  said  committee  and  said  experts,  and 
instruct  them — said  architects — to  make  a thorough  examination  of  the  sanitary  condition  of  the 
Capitol,  and  especially  to  examine  the  structure  recently  built  on  the  terrace  of  the  Capitol,  the 
tunnels  through  which  air  is  pumped  into  the  two  wings  of  the  building,  and  report  upon  the  condi- 
tion of  the  same,  and  what  changes,  if  any,  can  be  made  to  improve  their  condition.  And  further, 
that  said  expert  architects  be  authorized  and  instructed  to  submit  any  suggestions  or  recommenda- 
tions as  to  the  character  of  the  work  on  the  terraces,  whether  the  same  has  been  done  in  a proper 
manner,  and  in  what  manner  the  same  may  be  improved  and  made  habitable. 

And  further,  that  said  expert  architects  be  instructed  to  examine  and  report  upon  the  ventilation 
of  the  Senate  Chamber  and  in  what  way  the  same  may  be  improved. 

The  Vice-President.  The  question  is  on  agreeing  to  the  resolution. 

Mr.  Vest.  I suggest  to  the  Senator  from  South  Carolina  that  the  resolution  ought 
to  instruct  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds.  I understand  that  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  Committee  on  Rules  is  as  to  the  management  of  the  Senate  wing 
of  the  Capitol,  but  not  as  to  the  building  itself.  The  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings and  Grounds  has  always  had  the  jurisdiction  of  such  matters.  I am  not  the 
chairman  of  that  committee,  but  in  his  absence  I make  this  suggestion. 

Mr.  Butler.  T have  not  the  slightest  preference  as  to  the  committee  so  that  the 
resolution  may  get  some  action.  I suggested  the  Committee  on  Rules  because  I sup- 
posed that  committee  had  taken  jurisdiction  of  a similar  resolution,  but  I have  no 
objection  to  substituting  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds.  I move 
to  amend  the  resolution  by  striking  out  “the  Committee  on  Rules”  and  inserting 
“the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds;”  so  as  to  read: 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  be,  and  it  is  hereby,  authorized 
and  directed,  etc. 

The  Vice-President.  The  resolution  will  he  so  modified.  The  question  is  on 
agreeing  to  the  resolution  as  modified. 

Mr.  Vest.  I wish  to  state  in  addition,  although  I do  not  propose  to  anticipate  the 
report  of  these  experts,  that  this  matter  has  been  under  consideration  several  times 
by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds.  We  have  never  had  the 
assistance  of  any  other  architect  than  the  architect  of  the  building  itself  and  a gentle- 
man who  at  one  time  filled  the  position  of  landscape  architect  for  the  grounds  of  the 
Capitol,  and  who  was  an  architect  of  considerable  eminence. 

I will  content  myself  by  simply  saying  that  the  result  of  all  the  investigations  we 
have  made  and  of  all  the  reports  we  have  had,  has  been  to  the  effect  that  the  defects  in 
the  ventilation  of  this  Chamber  will  always  continue  until  there  is  a radical  change 
in  the  structure  of  the  Chamber  itself.  As  constructed  now,  it  is  evident  to  every 
Senator  that  it  is  a box  without  any  access  to  the  outside  atmosphere.  It  is  depend- 


The  Extensions. 


957 


ent  for  ventilation  to  a large  extent  upon  the  air  which  is  pumped  up  from  the 
bottom  of  the  Capitol.  That  air  in  the  nature  of  things,  as  I am  informed,  must 
always  be  impure.  In  orderto  bring  ventilation  to  this  Chamber  it  will  be  necessary 
to  remove  these  walls  and  to  make  the  Chamber  an  outside  one.  That  would  cost  a 
vast  amount  of  money,  how  much  I am  unable  to  state.  The  estimate  put  upon  it 
went  into  more  than  $100,000.  These  walls  are  massive,  and  it  would  result  in  a 
reorganization  of  all  this  end  of  the  Capitol. 

But  I simply  make  these  remarks  in  order  that  Senators  may  think  about  the 
question. 

Mr.  Hale.  Before  the  Senator  sits  down  may  I make  an  inquiry? 

Mr.  Vest..  Certainly. 

Mr.  Hale.  I may  have  misunderstood  the  Senator,  but  I thought  he  said  that 
necessarily  the  air  which  is  pumped  up  from  outside  must  be  impure.  Why  must 
it  be  impure? 

Mr.  Vest.  Because  I am  informed  that  the  air  which  comes  from  the  surface 
adjoining  the  Capitol  is  more  or  less  impregnated  with  decaying  vegetable  matter  and 
with  the  dampness  that  comes  from  the  ground.  I am  not  prepared  to  speak  as  an 
expert  in  regard  to  it,  but  one  thing  I do  know  without  being  an  expert,  that  there 
is  not  a large  chamber  in  the  United  States  used  for  similar  purposes  with  the  Senate 
Chamber  which  has  worse  ventilation  than  this  chamber  now  has,  and  it  must 
come  from  the  fact  that  the  air  is  to  a certain  extent  impure. 

Mr.  Hale.  I had  always  understood  that  one  thing  claimed  for  this  method  of  our 
getting  air  is  that  we  are  sure  to  get  pure,  sweet  air.  It  comes  from  the  outside,  not 
from  any  place  where  there  is  a marsh  or  a bog  but  from  high  ground,  with  a plain 
slope  where  all  moisture  runs  off,  and  if  there  is  any  good  air  it  must  be  there. 

Mr.  Dawes.  From  how  near  the  ground  is  it  taken? 

Mr.  Hale.  I do  not  know  from  how  near  the  ground  it  is  taken,  but  even  if  it  is 
near  the  ground,  if  there  is  any  good  air  anywhere  on  Capitol  Hill  it  ought  to  be 
there. 

Mr.  Butler.  If  the  Senator  will  allow  me,  I will  state  my  reason  for  introducing 
the  resolution.  I of  course  do  not  speak  as  an  expert,  because  I have  no  expert 
knowledge,  but  I do  know,  and  I think  every  other  Senator  will  agree  with  me,  that 
there  is  something  wrong  about  this  Chamber.  There  is  no  doubt  about  the  fact 
that  there  is  something  wrong  about  the  ventilation,  and  there  must  have  been 
something  wrong  about  the. structure  of  the  rooms  on  the  terrace. 

I happened  to  be  in  the  city  of  Washington  last  summer  and  I went  down  there 
with  a view  of  trying  to  get  a committee  room.  I looked  through  the  various  apart- 
ments, and  they  were  uninhabitable.  Now,  they  are  not  built  underground;  on  the 
contrary,  they  are  on  top  of  the  ground;  but  the  moisture  there  is  so  dense  and 
intense  that  it  is  impossible  to  live  in  them.  It  is  impossible  to  put  any  articles  in 
them  for  preservation.  I discovered  that  one  of  them,  newly  built,  was  leaking. 

In  my  peregrinations  down  in  the  labyrinths  of  the  lower  part  of  the  Capitol,  I 
went  down  into  the  tunnel  through  which  all  the  air  is  pumped  into  this  Chamber, 
and  I found  it  in  a state  of  dampness  and  moisture  that  must  make  the  air  impure 
when  it  comes  to  us.  There  is  a stream  of  water  running  right  down  the  bottom  of 
it.  The  walls  were  saturated  with  moisture  on  both  sides.  It  seemed  to  me  that 
that  could  be  prevented — it  seems  to  me  now  that  it  could  be  prevented — by  some 
method;  what,  I confess  I do  not  know;  but  the  tunnel  through  which  the  air 
comes,  to  which  the  Senator  from  Maine  refers,  ought  to  be  as  clean  and  as  pure 
as  possible;  whitewash  or  some  disinfectant  ought  to  lie  tried  in  some  way;  but 
it  is  not;  whether  resulting  from  defect  in  the  structure  or  some  other  defect,  of 
course  I can  not  undertake  to  say.  It  is  very  well  known  that  at  the  end  of  the 
tunnel  there  is  a tower,  I suppose  15  or  20  feet  high.  I understand  that  the  air 
comes  in  at  the  top  of  that  tower  and  is  then  drawn  into  the  Senate  Chamber  by  a 


958 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

great  fan,  and  it  is  claimed  that  we  get  the  purest  air  there  is.  That  seems  to  me 
to  be  unreasonable. 

The  same  difficulty  existed  in  a large  measure  with  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives. They  went  to  work  on  that  side  and  took  down  the  wall  in  the  rear 
of  the  Speaker’s  chair.  I have  never  been  able  to  understand  why  the  wall  in  the 
rear  of  the  President’s  chair  may  not  be  taken  down  and  arched  without  such  an 
enormous  expense.  If  the  wall  that  separates  the  lobby  from  the  Marble  Room 
were  taken  down,  that  would  be  some  improvement,  it  seems  to  me. 

The  rooms  that  I speak  of,  I forget  how  many,  forty  or  fifty  perhaps,  have  been 
made  there  in  the  terrace,  and  they  ought  to  be  inhabitable  rooms;  but  I do  not 
think  one  of  them  is.  1 believe  my  friend  the  Senator  from  Iowa  [Mr.  Allison]  had 
a room  down  there,  and  he  had  to  abandon  it  on  account  of  the  dampness.  I was 
shown  into  it,  and  I discovered  the  dampness  on  the  wall.  I do  not  know  that  that 
is  the  reason  why  he  abandoned  it,  but  I am  quite  sure  that,  he  did  get  out,  and 
nobody  has  got  into  it  since. 

Now,  I should  like  to  have  the  opinion  of  some  architect  or  of  two  architects  who 
are  not  interested  in  the  building  of  the  terrace  or  in  the  sanitary  condition  of  the 
Capitol  particularly,  and  get  their  report,  and  see  if  something  can  not  be  done. 

Mr.  Allison.  If  the  Senator  will  yield  to  me  a moment,  I wish  to  say  that  the  par- 
ticular room  of  which  he  speaks  I abandoned  because  I was  able  to  secure  a better 
one  for  the  use  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations;  but  I understand  that  it  is  occu- 
pied now  by  a committee  of  this  body,  and  is  a very  comfortable  room. 

Mr.  Butler.  1 do  not  know;  I discovered  that  it  was  vacated  by  the  Senator  from 
Iowa,  and  I supposed  it  was  because  it  was  damp. 

Mr.  Voorhees.  I ask  that  the  resolution  be  again  read. 

The  resolution  was  read. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  Mr.  President,  I have  no  objection  to  the  adoption  of  the  resolu- 
tion, but  I think  that  the  Senator  from  South  Carolina  is  seeking  to  remedy  an  evil 
which  is  without  remedy.  His  criticisms  upon  the  rooms  known  as  the  terrace 
rooms  must,  I am  sure,  be  predicated  upon  an  observation  made  some  time  ago 
when  they  'were  but  hardly  completed.  I have  a room  in  the  terrace,  and  I do  not 
believe  that  there  are  better  ventilated,  better  lighted,  purer,  or  healthier  rooms  in 
all  this  Capitol,  than  that  terrace  furnishes. 

Mr.  Butler.  May  I ask  the  Senator  if  he  is  referring  to  the  rooms  on  the  opposite 
side  of  the  gallery  to  the  one  he  occupies,  or  the  ones  on  this  side  where  they  have 
windows  and  ventilation  and  light? 

Mr.  Blackburn.  Mr.  President,  as  a member  of  the  Committee  on  Rules  1 have 
gone  into  all  these  rooms,  for  it  is  the  business  of  that  committee  to  advise  the  Sen- 
ate, as  it  has  charge  of  this  wing  of  the  Capitol  building.  I know  it  took  some  time 
for  those  rooms  to  dry  out  after  they  were  constructed,  but  in  my  judgment  they  are 
to-day  as  healthy,  as  well  ventilated,  as  well  lighted,  and  as  desirable,  except  for 
their  remoteness  of  position,  as  any  committee  rooms  in  this  Chamber  or  that  belong 
to  this  wing  of  the  Capitol. 

So  far  as  the  Senator’s  criticisms  go  as  to  the  lack  of  ventilation  of  this  Chamber, 
we  all  know  where  the  fault  lies.  It  lies  in  the  very  plan  upon  which  this  Chamber 
was  constructed.  The  Hall  of  the  House  and  the  Chamber  of  the  Senate  are  both 
casemates;  they  are  houses  built  inside  of  houses;  they  are  boxes,  as  the  Senator 
from  Missouri  [Mr.  Vest]  suggests.  They  have  no  surface  front  at  all;  your  corri- 
dors stretch  all  around  them;  you  have  committee  rooms  outside  of  the  corridors, 
and  the  only  light  you  get  is  through  the  triple  plate-glass  roof  above  you;  the  only 
air  you  get  is  pumped  up  through  the  gratings  in  your  floor.  That  is  the  fault  of  the 
Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  and  a great  and  grievous  fault  it  is.  You  had 
better  build  a wigwam  with  planks  set  up  on  end,  with  windows  cut  by  a saw  in 
order  to  get  the  fresh  air  of  heaven.  But  the  air  tubes  through  which  we  bring  into 


The  Extensions. 


959 


this  Chamber  and  into  the  Hall  of  the  House  the  air  that  is  breathed  by  the  mem- 
bers of  the  two  bodies  in  my  judgment  are  as  well  devised  and  as  efficient  and  as 
good  as  it  is  possible  for  any  committee  to  suggest  or  devise. 

So  far  as  these  additional  rooms  in  the  terrace  are  concerned,  I have  no  hesitation 
in  asserting  that  they  are  as  well  lighted,  infinitely  better  lighted,  better  ventilated, 
and  healthier  than  the  Chamber  in  which  we  sit  or  the  Chamber  in  which  the  other 
House  holds  its  sessions. 

Now,  Mr.  President,  this  is  not  the  first  time  that  our  attention  has  been  called, 
and  that  recently,  to  the  sanitary  condition  of  this  Capitol  building.  The  Senator 
from  Maine  [Mr.  Hale]  was  induced,  and  very  properly,  to  introduce  a resolution 
here  not  long  ago  directing  an  inquiry  to  be  made  and  investigation  had  as  to  the 
sewerage  of  this  wing  of  the  Capitol.  The  health  officer  of  this  District  called  atten- 
tion to  it  and  said  that  it  was  miserable  and  indefensible.  The  resolution  introduced 
by  the  Senator  from  Maine  was  sent  to  the  Committee  on  Rules,  and  that  committee 
took  charge  of  it  and  inquired  into  it,  and  it  was  found  to  be  a scare  without  cause. 
As  to  the  sewerage  of  this  building,  as  proven  by  the  testimony  of  the  best  experts  in 
the  country,  as  to  its  ventilation,  and  as  to  its  lighting,  they  are  to-day  as  good  as  it 
is  possible  to  make  them  unless  you  remodel  your  structure  and  give  to  your  two 
Chambers  surface  fronts. 

Mr.  Butler.  Do  I understand  my  friend  to  apply  his  remarks  to  all  of  the  com- 
mittee, rooms  down  here? 

Mr.  Blackburn.  In  the  terrace? 

Mr.  Butler.  Yes,  about  the  terrace. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  To  every  one  of  them. 

Mr.  Butler.  I think,  Mr.  President,  there  must  have  been  wonderful  progress 
made  since  I wras  there. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  I allude  to  every  one  that  is  occupied  to-day. 

Mr.  Butler.  Ah!  There  are  about  forty  that  are  not  occupied  because  they  can 
not  be.  That  is  exactly  what  I am  talking  about. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  It  was  known  when  they  were  constructed  that  they  would  not 
and  never  could  be  occupied. 

Mr.  Butler.  Then  some  architect  ought  to  be  arraigned  and  tried  for  felony  if  he 
spent  so  much  money  for  rooms  which  can  not  be  occupied  by  anybody. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  The  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension  of  the  House  and  Senate 
wings  is  dead.  I have  no  criticisms  to  pass  upon  him.  If  he  made  a mistake  in 
constructing  the  Hall  of  the  House  and  the  Chamber  of  the  Senate,  that  is  our 
misfortune. 

So  far  as  the  terrace  addition  to  the  Capitol  is  concerned,  I undertake  to  say  that 
no  architect  could  have  utilized  the  space  that  was  afforded  to  better  advantage  or 
have  done  it  better  than  the  proof  shows  that  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  did  in  the 
construction  of  these  wings  and  of  these  terrace  buildings  of  which  this  resolution 
complains. 

The  Committee  on  Appropriations,  on  the  floor  of  this  Chamber,  and  the  Com- 
mittee on  Finance,  on  this  same  floor,  have  no  better  lighted,  have  no  better  ven- 
tilated, have  no  healthier,  no  drier,  no  better  quarters  than  the  terrace  rooms  which 
are  occupied  by,  I think,  seventeen  committees  of  this  Chamber  right  now. 

Mr.  Butler.  I am  delighted  to  hear  the  Senator  from  Kentucky  pay  such  a glow- 
ing tribute  to  these  rooms;  but,  as  I stated,  during  the  last  summer  I happened  to  be 
in  that  neighborhood,  and  my  recollection  is  that  I was  informed  there  were  forty  of 
those  rooms  that  had  not  been  finished. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  Will  the  Senator  from  South  Carolina  allow7  me  to  ask  a question? 

Mr.  Butler.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Bl  ackburn.  I inquire  whether  those  unoccupied  rooms  in  the  terrace  were  not 
constructed  for  the  purpose  of  storage,  and  not  for  the  purpose  of  occupancy  by  com- 
mittees of  the  Senate? 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


960 


Mr.  Butler.  1 really  am  unable  to  answer  that  question. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  If  the  Senator  will  permit  me,  I will  answer  it  for  him,  and  say 
it  was  so. 

Mr.  Butler.  That  being  true,  I will  venture  to  make  the  assertion  that  there  is 
not  one  of  them  which  can  be  used  for  storage — not  one. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  They  are  being  used  to-day. 

Mr.  Butler.  The  dampness  is  so  great  there  that  I was  informed — I do  not  know 
anything  about  it  personally— that  nothing  can  be  put  into  the  rooms.  I undertake 
to  say  that  I went  into  one  of  those  rooms  on  the  outside  very  nearly  opposite,  I 
believe,  to  the  room  occupied  by  the  Senator  from  Kentucky,  and  I discovered  a 
stream  of  water  running  down  one  of  the  pipes.  The  roof  had  been  improperly 
constructed. 

Mr.  Chandler.  Will  the  Senator  allow  me  a single  inquiry?  Does  the  Senator 
refer  to  the  outside  rooms  entirely? 

Mr.  Butler.  I am  referring  to  all  of  the  rooms.  The  Senator  from  Kentucky  says 
that  the  resolution  complains  of  the  rooms  on  the  terrace.  The  resolution  makes  no 
complaint;  it  is  simply  one  of  inquiry,  and  I should  be  delighted  to  have  the  report 
from  some  disinterested  expert  to  the  effect  that  the  rooms  had  been  properly  con- 
structed and  that  they  are  habitable,  and  that  they  are  the  best  rooms  in  this  Capitol, 
but  I do  not  believe  that  any  expert  living  will  say  so. 

Mr.  Chandler.  I agree  that  this  resolution  ought  to  pass,  but  I am  not  willing  to 
join  in  an  indiscriminate  condemnation  of  these  rooms. 

The  rooms,  I will  say  to  the  Senator  from  South  Carolina,  which  have  been  fitted  up 
and  occupied  for  committee  rooms,  are  fairly  good  rooms.  There  is  some  dampness 
about  them,  but  they  seem  to  be  gradually  drying  out,  and  I have  no  words  of  con- 
demnation to  utter  in  connection  with  those  terrace  rooms.  But,  Mr.  President,  I 
think  this  resolution  ought  to  pass.  If  I remember  rightly,  when  the  answer  was 
made  to  the  resolution  which  was  passed  at  this  session,  introduced  by  the  Senator 
from  Maine  [Mr.  Hale],  it  was  distinctly  stated  that  there  ought  to  be  some 
changes  made  in  the  drainage  of  the  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol,  which,  it  was 
stated,  could  not  be  made  while  Congress  was  in  session.  I supposed,  therefore,  that 
those  changes  would  be  made  during  the  coming  summer  after  the  adjournment  of 
Congress.  I believe  those  changes  should  be  made,  and  I think  that  they  should  be 
made  after  the  most  careful  investigation  and  the  best  advice  that  can  be  obtained 
upon  the  subject. 

I understand  the  scope  of  the  resolution  of  the  Senator  from  South  Carolina,  the  first 
clause  of  which  is  that  experts  shall  make  a thorough  examination  of  the  sanitary 
condition  of  the  Capitol,  to  be  broad  enough  to  enable  these  architects  to  advise  as  to 
how  the  whole  drainage  of  the  Senate  wing  shall  be  renovated.  If  that  be  so,  I think 
the  resolution  is  an  important  one,  and  I think  that  it  would  be  a mistake,  without  very 
good  advice,  to  go  on  and  tear  open  the  drainage  below  us  and  undertake  to  substi- 
tute a different  system  of  drainage.  I should  be  unwillingfor  one  to  see  it  attempted 
until  after  the  advice  had  been  obtained  of  two  architects,  exactly  as  indicated  by 
the  Senator  in  his  resolution,  and  I take  it  that  a very  important  object  will  be 
accomplished  if  that  investigation  can  be  made,  and  it  ought  to  be  made  now. 
There  is  none  too  much  time  in  which  to  make  it  in  order  that  the  responsible 
authority  which  is  to  engage  in  the  work  of  reconstructing  the  drainage  of  this  wing 
of  the  Capitol  may  have  all  the  advice  that  it  is  possible  to  obtain.  Therefore  I hope 
that  the  resolution  will  pass. 

I noticed,  Mr.  President,  that  the  resolution  was  introduced  yesterday  as  a resolu- 
tion of  instruction  to  the  Committee  on  Rules. 

Mr.  Butler.  The  resolution  has  been  modified  in  that  respect. 

Mr.  Chandler.  Do  I understand  the  Senator  now  prefers  that  the  supervision  of 
this  investigation  shall  be  made  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds? 


The  Extensions. 


961 


The  Vice-President.  The  resolution  has  been  so  modified. 

Mr.  Butler.  I modified  the  resolution  at  the  suggestion  of  the  Senator  from  Missouri 
[Mr.  Vest],  on  the  statement  from  him  that  that  committee  had  general  jurisdiction 
of  the  whole  Capitol  building,  whereas  the  Committee  on  Rules  only  had  authority 
to  determine  the  location  of  the  committees,  etc.,  and  I thought  perhaps  there  was 
something  in  that,  and  therefore  I consented  to  that  change,  with  the  assurance 
of  the  Senator  from  Missouri  that  those  architects  would  be  appointed  at  once. 

Mr.  Call.  I ask  the  Senator  from  South  Carolina  if  he  would  have  any  objection  to 
adding  to  the  two  architects  designated  by  him  the  inspector  of  plumbing  of  the  Dis- 
trict of  Columbia?  He  is  known  to  a great  many  Senators  here  to  be  perhaps  the 
most  accomplished  man  in  all  sanitary  matters  in  this  District,  and  for  that  reason  I 
make  the  suggestion. 

Mr.  Butler.  I have  not  the  slightest  objection,  but  the  committee  should  select 
whomever  they  think  proper,  and  I have  not  undertaken  in  the  resolution  to  desig- 
nate the  persons  to  be  selected  by  the  committee.  Therefore  I think  it  would  be 
entirely  too  premature 

Mr.  Call.  I suggest  to  the  Senator  that  the  inspector  of  plumbing  is  not  an  archi- 
tect, and  the  resolution  authorizes  the  committee  to  employ  only  two  architects. 

Mr.  Butler.  Very  well.  I take  it  for  granted  the  architects  will  employ  such 
assistants  as  they  please;  but  we  can  not  designate  anybody  to  attend  to  this  busi- 
ness. The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  should  do  that. 

Mr.  Call.  I suggest  to  the  Senator  to  amend  the  resolution  by  providing  for  one 
architect  and  one  expert  on  sanitation. 

Mr.  Butler.  I hope  that  will  not  be  adopted. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  I move  that  the  resolution  be  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Rules. 

Mr.  Butler.  1 trust  that  will  not  be  done.  I see  no  reason  for  defeating  the  reso- 
lution in  that  way.  I certainly  object  to  the  amendment  offered  by  the  Senator  from 
Florida  [Mr.  Call]  . If  this  gentleman  is  such  an  expert  as  the  Senator  states,  as  I 
have  no  doubt  he  is,  the  committee,  I dare  say,  will  employ  him. 

Mr.  Call.  The  committee  would  not  have  authority  to  employ  him  under  the 
resolution. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  I object  to  the  present  consideration  of  the  resolution. 

The  Vice-President.  The  resolution  is  before  the  Senate,  and  one  objection  does 
not  carry  it  over. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  Then  I move  its  reference  to  the  Committee  on  Rules. 

Mr.  Cali..  I withdraw  the  amendment  I suggested. 

The  Vice-President.  The  question  is  on  agreeing  to  the  resolution  as  modified. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  1 move  its  reference  to  the  Committee  on  Rules. 

The  Vice-President.  Does  the  Chair  understand  that  the  amendment  offered  by 
the  Senator  from  Florida  is  withdrawn? 

Mr.  Call.  That  is  withdrawn. 

The  Vice-President.  The  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Florida  is  withdrawn, 
and  the  question  is  on  the  resolution  as  modified. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  I move  to  refer  the  resolution  with  the  amendments  to  the  Com- 
mittee on  Rules. 

The  Vice-President.  There  are  no  amendments  pending.  The  question  is  on  the 
resolution  as  modified. 

Mr.  Voorhees.  There  has  been  a tone  of  remark,  Mr.  President,  in  regard  to  the 
construction  of  this  Capitol,  that  I think  ought  not  to  be  left  without  a word  on  that 
subject. 

Mr.  Walter,  who  was  the  architect  of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  is  dead,  as  has 
been  announced,  but  he  leaves  those  who  were  close  to  him  and  who  cherish  bis 
fame,  and  justly  so,  as  one  of  the  great  architects  of  the  world  in  his  time.  To 

H.  Rep.  646 61 


962 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


denounce  him  as  deserving  censure  because  this  building  has  faults,  is  very  unjust 
and  to  my  mind  not  warranted. 

There  were  Committees  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  in  those  days  as  now. 
No  one  man  is  responsible  for  the  structure  of  this  building.  The  architect  had  no 
more  to  do  with  its  form,  dimensions,  and  manner  of  structure  than  any  other  archi- 
tect whose  work  is  submitted  to  a committee  and  adopted  by  that  committee.  It 
happens  that  I have  been  connected  with  the  Public  Buildings  Committee  for  ten  or 
eleven  years,  and  during  that  time  have  inspected  hundreds  of  designs  with  reference 
to  the  construction  of  the  new  Library  building.  It  was  at  last  the  design  that  we 
adopted  by  which  that  building  is  now  going  up  in  view  of  this  Capitol.  So  with 
the  construction  of  the  Capitol.  Mr.  Walter  and  other  architects  submitted  to  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  at  that  time,  their  designs,  their  plans, 
their  views,  and  it  will  be  curious  now  and  entertaining  to  go  back  and  look  at  the 
names  of  the  men  who  were  upon  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds 
at  that  time. 

I am  not  one  of  those  men  who  believe  in  the  degeneracy  of  the  race  or  that  the 
Senators  of  to-day  are  less  able  than  those  of  times  gone  by;  but  there  are  names 
connected  with  the  construction  of  this  building  as  committeemen  which  adorn 
American  history  quite  as  much  as  any  known  to  that  history.  The  criticism  passed 
upon  Mr.  Walter  in  his  grave  should  be  shared  with  a large  number  of  other  men, 
members  of  this  body  and  members  of  the  lower  House.  This  building  did  not 
spring  up  in  a night;  it  was  not  the  creation  of  a day;  it  was  not  the  growth  of  a 
brief  period;  it  was  handled  and  canvassed  from  year  to  year  and  rose  here  in  accord- 
ance with  plans  and  designs  most  thoroughly  scrutinized  and  carefully  matured. 

Now,  Mr.  President,  in  regard  to  the  building  itself  for  a moment,  I of  course  have 
the  least  possible  pretension  to  a knowledge  of  architecture,  although  my  duties  as 
Senator  have  thrown  me  in  connection  with  that  subject  to  a considerable  extent.  I 
believe — and  if  I am  in  error  I shall  stand  corrected — there  is  no  government  public 
building  in  the  world  where  legislative  bodies  sit  but  what  is  an  inside  structure  as 
this  is.  There  is  no  legislative  body,  as  I am  informed,  anywhere  on  the  globe  that 
sits  against  an  outside  wall.  How  could  it  be  done  here?  An  outside  wall  would 
have  to  have  its  windows,  its  lights,  and  in  periods  of  great  excitement  we  should 
have  a multitude  crowded  around  the  windows  and  doors  of  an  outside  hall  and  we 
immediately  inside. 

I believe  some  Senator,  whether  it  was  the  Senator  from  Kentucky  [Mr.  Black- 
burn] or  the  Senator  from  Missouri  [Mr.  Vest]  or  the  Senator  from  South  Carolina 
[Mr.  Butler],  suggested  the  building  of  a wigwam. 

Mr.  Butler.  I did  not. 

Mr.  Voorhees.  1 believe  the  Senator  did  not. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  I said  it  would  be  better  than  this. 

Mr.  Voorhee*.  I do  not  think  so.  I have  spoken  in  wigwams.  I have  canvassed 
in  political  campaigns  when  excitement  filled  what  we  call  wigwams,  temporary 
structures  for  political  meetings.  Certainly,  Mr.  President,  the  grave  business  of  the 
United  States  of  America  could  not  be  transacted  in  one  of  them  with  a multitude 
around  shouting  praises  and  peans  to  political  favorites  as  they  listen  to  their  voices 
through  the  windows  that  alone  screen  them  from  the  outside  public.  In  other 
words,  if  I am  correct,  the  structure  of  this  building  is  a necessity;  the  form  in  which 
it  was  made  is  made  a necessity  by  the  exigencies  of  government  and  by  the  princi- 
ples of  human  nature.  If  it  carries  with  it  certain  deprivations,  if  it  carries  with  it 
certain  trials,  if  it  carries  with  it  certain  personal  sacrifices,  they  have  to  be  endured. 
I do  not  expect  in  here,  nor  could  any  man  expect,  the  sweet  air  of  the  prairies  to 
be  wafted  to  our  olfactories  over  beds  of  flowers.  We  can  not  expect  that.  We  are 
not  in  the  open  air.  We  are  here  for  a duty,  and  to  my  mind  this  building  is  as  well 
constructed  for  the  discharge  of  the  duties  intrusted  to  our  hands  as  is  possible. 


The  Extensions. 


963 


A word  more  as  to  the  ventilation  of  this  building.  I have  been  in  this  Capitol 
many  years,  in  both  ends  of  it,  and  I have  looked  at  the  great  machinery  that 
gathers  up  with  a mighty  suction  the  outside  atmosphere  and  hurls  it  in  tremendous 
volumes  through  these  hallways,  through  these  chambers,  and  through  these  gal- 
leries, and  I can  not  for  the  life  of  me  conceive  a want  of  air.  As  I say,  it  may  not 
be  as  fresh  as  from  a bed  of  violets,  but  still  it  is  fresh  air. 

The  best  evidence  of  that  is  that  I have  known  gentlemen  here — and  gentlemen 
with  no  great  physical  superiority — stand  upon  this  floor  three  and  four  hours  at  a 
time  and  resume  the  next  day  with  unimpaired  lung  vigor.  That  can  not  be  done 
where  there  is  a poisoned  atmosphere.  Let  any  gentleman  rise  in  a hall  where  the 
atmosphere  is  poisonous  and  he  will  sink  down  as  if  asphyxiated.  Gentlemen  will 
speak  with  as  much  ease  here  as  in  the  average  building  wherever  you  go  to  make 
addresses  throughout  the  United  States.  There  is  hardly  a State  from  the  north  end. 
of  New  England  to  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  in  which  I have  not  addressed  the  people,  and 
I have  found  as  little  difficulty  in  speaking  with  readiness  and  with  a reasonable 
amount  of  voice  in  this  building  as  anywhere  else  in  the  world. 

Mr.  President,  we  are  prone  to  pessimistic  views.  Overwork,  tired,  late  hours, 
resulting  in  a headache  and  disordered  stomach,  dizzy  and  weary,  we  look  around 
for  some  object  to  vent  our  spleen  upon,  and  commence  abusing  this  beautiful  Hall 
in  which  we  stand.  I have  had  my  periods  of  ill  health  as  well  as  others;  I am 
thankful  to  my  Father  in  heaven  that  1 feel  that  I am  improving  day  by  day,  but  at 
the  worst  and  lowest  ebb  I never  thought  that  I was  killed  because  I breathed  the 
air  of  the  Senate  of  the  United  States. 

I would  not  have  risen  at  all,  Mr.  President,  but  that  I have  a kind  and  tender 
affection  for  the  memory  of  Thomas  U.  Walter  and  his  family,  and  whatever  faults 
there  may  be  here  I think  they  are  but  light  and  rest  lightly  on  his  grave.  They 
should  not  rest  there  at  all. 

I desire  the  adoption  of  the  resolution  of  the  Senator  from  South  Carolina.  Let 
sanitary  engineering  go  on  here — that  is  the  proper  word  in  connection  with  exam- 
ining the  ventilation  of  the  building — let  sanitary  engineers  go  to  work  here  and  see 
what  is  necessary,  if  anything  is  necessary.  Sanitary  engineering  is  an  old  science. 
It  antedates  the  Christian  era  a thousand  years  and  goes  back  to  the  architecture  of 
Rome;  it  examined  cellars  and  foundations  there,  and  it  is  well  known  to  experienced 
architects.  Let  that  be  done  under  the  resolution  of  the  Senator  from  South  Caro- 
lina, and  we  shall  all  be  benefited  by  the  knowledge  which  will  be  obtained.  This 
much  I felt  I ought  to  say. 

Mr.  Butler.  One  moment.  I shall  not  take  up  any  time  of  the  Senate,  Mr.  Presi- 
dent, but  my  distinguished  friend  from  Indiana  has  certainly  set  up  a man  of  straw 
to  knock  him  down  if  he  referred  to  anything  that  fell  from  me,  because  I have  not 
made  the  slightest  reflection  upon  the  architects  of  the  Capitol,  past  or  present. 

Mr.  Voorhees.  No,  you  have  not. 

Mr.  Butler.  I have  always  had  great  admiration  for  the  character  of  this  build- 
ing, but  I can  hear  on  all  sides,  almost  every  day  of  my  life,  from  Senators  and 
employes  of  this  body  that  there  is  some  defect  in  the  ventilation.  What  that  is  I 
confess  I do  not  know. 

As  I said  before,  I have  made  no  reflections  upon  the  present  Architect  of  the  Cap- 
itol, but  it  certainly  is  entirely  competent  for  the  Senate  of  the  United  States,  where 
millions  and  millions — I do  not  believe  I exaggerate  when  I say  millions  and 
millions  of  dollars  have  been  expended  in  the  construction  of  additions  to  this  Cap- 
itol— to  have  that  matter  investigated  and  improved  upon,  if  possible.  The  Senator 
from  Kentucky  [Mr.  Blackburn]  says  that  we  have  in  the  terrace  lovely,  charming, 
beautiful  rooms.  I trust  that  the  architects  will  so  report;  nobody  will  be  more  grati- 
fied than  myself  if  that-  be  true;  but  he  will  excuse  me  for  saying  that- 1 think  per- 
haps I might  venture  to  compare  my  judgment  with  his  as  to  what  constitutes  an 


Documentary  IHstory  of  the  Capital. 


964 

attractive  and  habitable  room,  and  I am  quite  sure  that  a very  large  number  of  these 
rooms  are  uninhabitable,  and  I do  not  think  as  at  present  constructed  they  will  ever  be 
habitable  either  for  human  beings  or  for  storage  purposes.  1 do  not  believe  that  a frog 
could  live  in  some  of  them  in  their  present  condition.  A great  deal  of  money  has 
been  spent  there.  I simply  want  these  architects  and  experts  to  go  and  examine 
and  report  to  the  Senate  upon  the  condition  of  the  committee  rooms  in  the  terrace, 
and  upon  the  condition  of  the  tunnel  through  which  the  air  is  pumped  into  this 
Chamber,  and  let  them  say  whether  its  condition  can  be  improved  or  not.  If  it  can 
be,  I think  it  is  the  duty  of  the  Senate  to  have  that  improvement  made.  If  it  can 
not  be,  I suppose  I can  endure  the  defective  ventilation  as  -well  as  any  Senator  here; 
but  I made  no  reflection  upon  anybody  and  did  not  intend  to  make  any. 

The  Yice-Pkesident.  The  motion  made  by  the  Senator  from  Kentucky  [Mr. 
Blackburn]  to  refer  the  resolution  to  the  Committee  on  Rules  will  be  considered  as 
agreed  to  if  there  be  no  objection. 

Mr.  Butler.  I hope  that  will  not  be  done. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  As  the  Committee  on  Rules  is  charged  with  the  custody  of  this 
wing  of  the  Capitol  building,  I can  not  for  my  life  see  why  this  resolution  should 
not  go  to  that  committee  for  consideration.  If  every  Senator  is  going  to  exercise  his 
pleasure  and  get  up  here  every  morning  and  offer  resolutions  imposing  investigations 
and  inquiries  looking  to  improvements  that  are  exclusively  within  the  hands  of  that 
committee  without  its  being  allowed  or  furnished  an  opportunity  to  pass  upon  the 
question,  there  is  no  end  to  the  trouble. 

I have  no  objection  to  the  adoption  of  the  resolution  of  the  Senator  from  South 
Carolina;  I do  not  think  there  is  anything  in  it;  I think  it  is  another  scare  like  many 
that  we  have  had  before  it;  means  nothing,  and  nothing  will  come  of  it  in  my  judg- 
ment; but  you  have  a committee  of  this  Chamber  charged  with  the  custody  and  con- 
duct of  the  business  that  pertains  to  this  wing  of  the  Capitol.  Now,  if  the  Senator 
wants  anything  done  in  that  direction,  I fail  to  understand  why  he  objects  to  the 
committee  that  is  charged  with  this  duty  having  an  opportunity  to  pass  upon  it. 

Mr.  Butler.  If  the  Senator  will  pardon  me  for  saying  not  as  usual,  but  certainly 
this  morning — if  he  will  excuse  me  for  a little  slang — I think  he  has  gone  off  on  half 
cock  entirely. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  I do  not  need  to  say  it  of  the  Senator  from  South  Carolina,  be- 
cause the  Senate  reads  that  in  his  resolution. 

Mr.  Butler.  The  Senator  certainly  has  not  considered  what  has  been  done.  The 
resolution  as  originally  drafted  referred  the  matter  to  the  Committee  on  Rules,  but  I 
yielded  to  the  suggestion  of  the  Senator  from  Missouri  [Mr.  Vest]  to  send  it  to  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  so  that  what  the  Senator  from  Ken- 
tucky says  about  resolutions  being  introduced  every  morning  has  no  application 
to  me. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  Except  as  to  this  morning. 

Mr.  Butler.  The  Senator  is  off  again.  Yesterday  morning  I introduced  a resolu- 
tion. I do  not  generally  burden  the  Senate  with  many  resolutions,  but  this  seemed 
an  important  matter,  and  I can  see  no  earthly  reason  for  its  going  to  the  Committee 
on  Rules.  The  Senate  can  judge  of  the  advisability  of  passing  the  resolution  or  not. 
If  they  do  not  choose  to  pass  it,  let  them  vote  it  down.  If  it  goes  to  the  Committee 
on  Rules,  the  chances  are  it  will  be  pigeon-holed. 

Mr.  Blackburn.  I should  be  glad  if  the  Senator  from  South  Carolina  would  make 
good  the  imputation  he  has  put  upon  that  committee  by  referring  to  a single  resolu- 
tion in  all  the  history  of  this  Senate  Chamber  wherein  the  Committee  on  Rules  has 
pigeon-holed  anything. 

Mr.  Butler.  Put' haps  they  want  to  establish  a precedent  in  this  resolution,  Mr. 
President. 


The  Extension s. 


965 


Mr.  Blackburn.  Mr.  President,  if  there  was  an  excuse  for  the  establishment  of 
a precedent,  I think  it  would  be  found  in  this  very  resolution  that  the  Senator 
offers. 

I have  no  objection  to  any  investigation  or  any  inquiry,  but  I do  insist  that  it 
should  be  conducted  orderly  and  with  due  deference  and  respect  to  this  Chamber 
and  its  organization;  and  for  that  reason  I moved  to  refer  what  to  my  mind  is  a very 
trivial  suggestion  of  an  inquiry  that  has  wasted  more  time  of  the  Senate  than  the 
results  would  ever  warrant  to  the  Committee  on  Rules,  where  the  resolution  prop- 
erly belongs. 

Mr.  Vest.  Mr.  President,  as  I am  responsible  for  the  change  in  the  resolution  of 
the  Senator  from  South  Carolina,  I want  to  state  very  frankly  why  I made  the  sug- 
gestion. It  is  not  a matter  of  life  or  death  or  of  great  parliamentary  importance,  but 
still  it  is  well  enough  to  understand  exactly  what  we  are  doing  about  this  matter. 
I have  always  thought  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Committee  on  Rules  extended  to  the 
management  of  the  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol,  and  the  jurisdiction  of  the  Committee 
on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  went  to  a change,  if  any  was  necessary,  in  the 
structure  of  the  building.  The  committee  on  rules  certainly  has  not  jurisdiction  of 
public  buildings  and  grounds.  If  it  has,  then  we  have  one  committee  too  many  and 
the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  ought  to  be  struck  from  the  roll  of 
committees.  In  the  absence  of  the  chairman  of  that  committee,  I made  this  sugges- 
tion. This  is  a question  as  to  changing  or  as  to  examining  into  the  structure  of  the 
building  to  find  what  defects  it  has,  if  any.  It  is  not  a question  of  rules  governing 
the  Senate.  Therefore,  I think  the  suggestion  was  pertinent  and  proper  that  the 
change  should  be  made.  It  is  immaterial  to  me,  but  in  the  absence  of  the  chairman 
of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  I felt  it  my  duty  to  make  that 
suggestion. 

The  Vice-President.  The  question  is  on  the  motion  of  the  Senator  from  Kentucky 
that  the  resolution  as  modified  be  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Rules  [putting  the 
question].  The  Chair  is  unable  to  decide. 

Mr.  Hawley.  Mr.  President,  I think  the  motion  is  not  understood. 

The  Vice-President.  The  motion  made  by  the  Senator  from  Kentucky  is  to  refer 
the  resolution  as  modified  to  the  Committee  on  Rules.  The  Chair  will  put  the  ques- 
tion again. 

The  motion  was  not  agreed  to. 

The  V ice- President.  The  question  now  is  on  agreeing  to  the  resolution  as  modified. 

The  resolution  as  modified  was  agreed  to. 


[Senate  Report  No.  880, 52d  Congress,  1st  session.  July  5,  1892,  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Appro- 
priations and  ordered  to  be  printed.] 

Mr.  Vest,  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  presented  the 
following  report:  On  the  examination  of  the  sanitary  condition  of  the  Capitol  undei* 
Senate  resolutions  of  March  22  and  April  12,  1892. 

In  pursuance  of  Senate  resolution  adopted  March  23, 1892,  authorizing  and  direct- 
ing the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  to  select  and  employ,  for  an 
agreed  compensation,  two  expert  architects  for  the  purpose  of  having  them  make  a 
thorough  examination  of  the  sanitary  condition  of  the  Capitol,  and  especially  to 
examine  the  structure  recently  built  on  the  terrace,  and  the  tunnels  through  which 
air  is  pumped  into  the  two  wings  of  the  building,  and  to  make  suggestions  upon  the 
condition  of  the  Capitol,  and  what  changes  can  be  made  to  improve  the  same, 
submit  the  following  report: 

Assuming  under  the  terms  of  the  resolution  it  was  intended  that  the  best  attainable 
expert  talent  should  be  secured,  the  committee  employed  Col.  George  E.  Waring,  of 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


966 

Newport,  R.  I.,  and  Dr.  A.  C.  Abbott,  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania,  the  former 
at  an  agreed  compensation  of  $2,500,  and  the  latter  for  the  sum  of  $25  for  each  day 
of  actual  service,  and  the  traveling  and  personal  expenses  of  tnemselves  and  their 
assistants;  the  entire  cost  of  the  work,  which  has  been  thorough,  and  has  continued 
for  ten  weeks,  being  $4,786.63.  With  the  gentlemen  named  was  associated  Col. 
John  S.  Billings,  Assistant  Surgeon-General,  who,  as  an  officer  of  the  Government, 
made  no  charge  for  his  services. 

VENTILATION  OF  THE  SENATE  CHAMBER. 

The  report  of  Dr.  Abbott,  herewith  tiled,  is  accompanied  by  charts,  showing  the 
result  of  aerial  analysis  made  in  different  parts  of  the  Senate  Chamber,  both  when 
the  Senate  was  empty  and  in  session. 

It  appears  from  these  charts  that  the  air  pumped  into  the  chamber  is  reasonably 
pure,  but  that  the  impurity  increases  after  it  comes  into  the  chamber,  and  that  in 
certain  parts  of  the  room  this  impurity  is  for  some  reason  largely  increased.  The 
greatest  impurity  is  found  in  the  northeast  corner  and  in  the  galleries. 

The  conclusion  reached  by  the  experts  is  that  no  radical  changes  in  the  structure 
of  the  chamber  should  be  made,  but  that  the  openings  for  admitting  air  from  the 
fans,  both  to  the  floor  and  galleries,  should  be  enlarged;  that  these  increased  open- 
ings should  be  made  around  the  sides  of  the  room  by  cutting  away  the  useless  iron 
filigree  work  which  obstructs  the  overhanging  brackets  on  the  sides  of  the  walls. 

In  the  northeast  corner  of  the  chamber,  where  the  largest  impurity  of  air  is  found, 
the  openings  should  lie  restored  which  were  closed  on  account  of  drafts.  By  using 
valves  this  can  be  done  without  discomfort  to  Senators  occupying  seats  in  that 
vicinity. 

To  supply  the  galleries  with  a greater  quantity  of  fresh  air  two  new  vertical  ducts 
should  be  constructed  in  the  walls  to  supply  the  north  side,  and  the  risers  of  the 
seats  should  be  filled  with  gratings. 

The  experts  also  recommend  the  construction  of  a wooden  screen  with  sliding 
doors  in  the  main  air  duct  after  it  leaves  the  coils,  so  that  a special  supply  of  cooler 
air  can  be  sent  to  the  gallery.  They  also  recommend  that  the  opening  on  the  cham- 
ber side  of  the  heaters  should  lie  enlarged  by  cutting  the  piers  so  as  to  give  as  much 
additional  area  to  the  opening  as  possible. 

The  estimated  cost  of  these  changes  in  the  Senate  Chamber  is  $3,000. 

THE  SENATE  COMMITTEE  ROOMS. 

The  ventilation  of  the  Senate  committee  rooms,  as  shown  by  chart  5,  was  found  to 
be  very  defective  and  unsatisfactory,  but  this  comes  largely  from  the  failure  to  use 
the  means  provided  for  ventilation.  There  is  no  systematic  or  skilled  supervision 
of  the  aeration  or  ventilation  of  the  committee  rooms.  They  are  filled  with  the  odor 
of  stale  tobacco  smoke,  which  can  only  be  expelled  by  thorough  ventilation  and  by 
opening  the  windows  each  day,  but  there  is  no  systematic  attention  to  this  simple 
remedy.  The  largest  amount  of  impure  air  was  found  in  the  room  of  the  District  of 
Columbia  Committee  and  the  Secretary’s  office. 

The  temperature  of  the  committee  rooms  is  exceedingly  irregular,  and  the  coils, 
instead  of  being  arranged  separately  for  each  room,  are  constructed  for  heating  two 
or  more  rooms  by  the  same  coil,  so  that  the  temperature  of  one  room  can  not  be 
changed  without  changing  that  of  others. 

To  remedy  existing  defects  the  brick  piers  in  vffiich  the  coils  are  encased  should 
be  taken  down  and  a separate  coil  given  to  each  room,  the  entire  alteration  costing 
$5,000. 


The  Extensions. 


967 


COMMITTEE  ROOMS  ON  TERRACE. 

The  analysis  made  by  Dr.  Abbott  did  not  show  as  much  impurity  in  the  air  of  the 
terrace  rooms  as  in  those  of  the  main  building.  The  ventilation  is  satisfactory, 
although  it  will  be  at  least  a year  before  the  masonry  in  the  terrace  structure  is 
thoroughly  dried. 

It  is  recommended  by  the  experts  that  the  inlets  for  fresh  air  to  the  terrace  rooms 
should  be  placed  8 or  10  feet  above  the  floor,  and  that  the  valves  be  removed  from 
the  foul-air  registers. 

The  estimated  cost  of  these  changes  is  $800. 

SYSTEMATIC  VENTILATION. 

The  experts  earnestly  recommend  that  the  ventilation  of  the  Senate  chamber, 
cloak  rooms,  and  galleries,  should  be  under  the  exclusive  supervision  and  control  of 
the  engineer,  so  that  the  sporadic  habit  now  obtaining  of  having  a grating  closed  by 
placing  carpeting  over  it,  at  the  instance  of  some  official,  should  be  stopped.  In  this 
the  committee  fully  concur,  for  it  is  evident  that  regular  and  systematic  ventilation 
can  only  be  obtained  by  placing  the  matter  under  the  control  of  an  intelligent  officer, 
who  will  be  responsible  for  the  result. 

DRAINAGE  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

A thorough  and  elaborate  examination  of  the  sewers  which  carry  off  the  drainage 
of  the  Capitol  was  made  by  the  experts,  as  will  appear  from  their  report  herewith 
filed. 

The  main  sewer  of  the  original  Capitol,  the  center  building,  is  2 feet  high  and  3 
feet  wide,  and  the  sewers  of  the  wings  are  3 feet  6 inches  wide  and  5 feet  high. 

Until  the  construction  of  the  air  duct  of  the  Senate  wing,  the  three  sewers  united, 
and  continued  in  a southwesterly  direction  to  the  sewerage  system  of  the  city.  After 
the  air  ducts  were  built  that  of  the  House  wing  was  carried  across  the  sewer,  and 
that  of  the  Senate  was  cut  off  and  a trap  placed  at  that  point.  The  sewer  was  then 
continued  by  a 30-inch  terra  cotta  pipe  in  a northwesterly  direction  to  the  city 
sewerage. 

These  sewers  receive  the  rain  water  from  the  roof,  the  waste  water  from  the 
elevator  tanks,  the  water  used  in  washing  the  floors,  clean  waste  water  from  sinks, 
and  the  entire  foul  drainage  of  the  building. 

The  original  interior  drainage  sytem  of  each  building  having  been  inaugurated 
ninety  and  forty  years  ago  when  the  buildings  were  constructed,  and  the  waste  pipes 
being  built  into  the  walls  beyond  examination,  it  is  impossible  to  know  their  condi- 
tion. It  can  be  safely  inferred,  however,  from  the  inferior  plumbing  which  then 
obtained,  and  the  fact  that  the  pipes  were  made  of  iron,  that  they  are  greatly 
impaired  by  rust,  if  not  absolutely  destroyed. 

The  experts  report  that  “the  drainage  of  the  whole  building  is  without  plan  or 
system,  and  is  to  be  regarded  as  a patchwork  of  make-shift  devices  more  or  less  good 
according  to  the  quality  of  the  best  plumbing  work  done  at  the  time  of  construction.” 

The  only  pipes  which  reach  the  outer  air  are  the  rain-water  leaders.  All  waste 
pipes  within  the  building  terminate  at  their  upper  fixtures,  and  all  are  trapped  before 
entering  the  sewer,  so  that  they  are  entirely  unventilated. 

The  experts  declare  that  the  defects  incident  to  such  a system  of  sewerage  would 
be  fatal  to  an  ordinary  building.  The  bad  effect  is  much  modified  in  the  case  of  the 
Capitol  because  of  the  constant  exhaust  produced  by  the  fire  flues,  and  because  of 
the  very  perfect  system  of  artificial  ventilation  to  which  the  building  is  subjected  by 
the  forcing  and  exhausting  fans.  These  influences  do  not  entirely  remove  the 


968 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


danger,  and  the  general  conclusion  must  be  reached  that  the  whole  system  of  drainage 
is  not  at  all  in  accord  with  the  status  of  modern  sanitary  knowledge. 

The  following  is  the  concluding  sentence  of  that  part  of  the  report  which  relates 
to  drainage: 

We  therefore  pronounce  the  whole  drainage  system  of  the  Capitol,  so  far  as  it  relates  to  the  removal 
of  foul  wastes,  to  be  wrong  in  principle,  imperfect  in  detail,  and  without  the  safeguards  which 
universal  modern  practice  accepts  as  of  the  first  necessity. 

The.  experts  recommend  that  the  brick  sewers  be  improved  and  relegated  to  the 
double  service  of  carrying  off  rain  water  from  the  roofs,  courts,  and  terraces,  and  the 
water  from  the  elevator  tanks,  and  melting  ice  or  snow,  and  that  all  foul  drainage  be 
withheld  from  them. 

That  within  each  sewer  and  attached  to  its  walls,  there  be  constructed  a waste  pipe 
8 inches  in  diameter,  passing  beyond  the  traps  of  the  sewers,  and  that  on  the  House 
side  of  these  traps  inlet  pipes  of  8 inches  or  more  in  diameter  be  carried  to  or  above 
the  surface  of  the  ground  to  furnish  fresh  air  for  the  ventilation  of  the  entire  drainage 
system. 

They  also  recommend  that  all  of  the  present  soil  and  waste  pipes  be  abandoned 
and  closed  up;  that  the  present  fixtures,  at  least  in  most  cases,  be  removed;  that 
these  waste  pipes  be  carried  up  through  the  roof  of  the  building,  without  traps  or 
Obstructions,  and  that  they  be  supplied  with  modern  fixtures,  each  fixture  to  be 
trapped  off  from  the  waste  pipe,  the  work  generally  to  be  done  in  conformity  with 
the  best  plumbing  work  of  the  day. 

The  cost,  is  estimated  at  $25,817.40  for  the  plumbing  of  the  Senate  wing;  $29,071.29 
for  the  plumbing  of  the  House  wing;  $12,787.37  for  the  plumbing  of  the  central  build- 
ing; and  $500  for  the  necessary  repairs  and  improvements  of  the  main  sewers,  being 
a total  of  $68,126.06. 

KITCHEN  SEWER  ON  SENATE  WING. 

As  a specimen  of  the  present  inadequate  sewerage,  the  experts  call  attention  to  the 
fact  that  there  were  recently  taken  from  the  branch  brick  sewer,  which  leads  from 
the  kitchen  of  the  Senate  restaurant,  five  wheelbarrow  loads  of  grease,  entrance  being 
made  through  the  only  manhole  on  the  main  sewer  at  the  point  where  the  kitchen 
sewer  enters. 

PLUMBING  FIXTURES. 

There  are  one  hundred  and  twenty  bowls,  baths,  sinks,  water-closets  and  urinals 
on  the  Senate  side,  nearly  all  of  which  are  defective  in  either  construction  or 
connections. 

The  experts  say  in  their  report: 

So  few  of  the  fixtures  of  the  Capitol  conform  to  the  requirements  of  modern  sanitary  plumbing  that 
substantially  all  should  be  removed  as  essential  to  the  purification  of  the  atmosphere  of  the  building, 
where  in  spite  of  the  good  general  ventilation  there  are  not  a few  places  pervaded  by  a distinct 
drainage  smell. 

They  report  that  the  method  of  connecting  fixtures  with  waste  pipes,  traps,  etc.,  is 
also  defective,  and  give  many  illustrations  of  this  in  different  rooms. 

There  is  no  thorough  pipe  ventilation  and  the  traps  are  generally  defective.  In 
some  of  the  committee  rooms  the  air  seemed  to  be  tainted,  and  in  one  committee 
room,  that  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  the  water-closet  is  in  a tight  closet  and 
necessarily  produces  foul  odor.  The  urinals  are  so  arranged  as  to  make  it  impossible 
to  prevent  bad  smells  and  foul  air. 

SOUTH  WING  (HOUSE). 

The  experts  report  the  sewers  on  the  House  side  of  the  Capitol  to  be  in  better  con- 
dition than  those  on  the  Senate  wing,  but  they  recommend  repairs  where  the  branch 
sewers  enter  the  main  sewer. 


The  Extensions. 


969 


PLUMBING  FIXTURES. 

In  the  west  cloak  room  of  the  House  the  experts  report  the  plumbing  to  be  very 
defective,  there  being  only  one  trap  used  for  two  or  three  fixtures,  leaving  a con- 
siderable length  of  slimy  waste  pipe  free  to  exhale  its  odors  into  the  room. 

In  the  east  cloak  room  it  is  still  worse,  as  the  connecting  pipe  is  larger  and  has 
more  fouling  surface. 

In  the  closet  adjoining  the  room  of  the  Military  Affairs  Committee  of  the  House 
the  urinal  and  water-closet  are  defective,  and  there  is  a very  bad  smell. 

In  the  room  adjoining  the  committee  room  of  Foreign  Affairs  there  is  a pan  water- 
closet,  which  is  not  admissible  even  in  a well-ventilated  apartment. 

PIPE  VENTILATION. 

The  same  defects  as  to  want  of  ventilation  for  the  waste  pipes  is  found  on  the  House 
side  as  on  the  Senate  wing,  and  the  defects  are  specially  pointed  out  in  the  report  of 
the  experts. 

The  traps  and  pipe  connections  are  better  than  those  on  the  Senate  side,  but  the 
experts  suggest  that  the  House  restaurant,  having  been  once  used  as  a bathroom, 
and  all  the  fixtures  having  been  cut  off  except  the  basin,  it  would  be  well  to  make 
sure  that  they  are  all  properly  closed,  which  could  only  be  done  by  taking  up  the 
floor. 

There  are  upon  the  House  side  of  the  Capitol  151  bowls,  baths,  sinks,  water-closets, 
and  urinals. 

CENTRAL  BUILDING. 

The  experts  make  no  special  criticism  on  the  sewerage  of  the  central  or  old  Capitol 
building,  except  as  contained  in  their  general  remarks  on  the  whole  sewerage  system 
of  the  Capitol  hereinbefore  set  forth. 

The  plumbing,  however,  as  might  be  expected  from  the  age  of  the  building,  is  not 
in  accordance  with  modern  methods.  The  water-closets  and  urinals  smell  badly, 
and  need  immediate  change. 

Of  the  Supreme  Court  toilet  room  the  experts  say: 

The  Supreme  Court  toilet  room  is  a sanitary  curiosity.  It  has  a urinal  which  is  said  to  be  trapped, 
but  the  trap  could  not  be  seen.  Also  an  iron  sink  closely  incased  beneath,  so  that  it  could  not  be 
examined.  Also  five  washout  water-closets,  flushed  from  overhead  and  probably  modern. 

The  amazing  feature  is  that  the  wastes  of  this  room  deliver  into  a vertical  brick  shaft,  at  least  35 
feet  deep,  connected  with  the  head  of  the  old  sewer.  A 10-inch  rain-leader  pipe  also  enters  into  the 
top  of  this  shaft.  During  rains,  no  doubt,  portions  of  the  walls  and  the  floor  of  this  shaft  are  cleansed, 
but  in  the  absence  of  rain  the  walls,  the  floor,  and  the  connecting  sewer  must  be  in  very  foul  condition. 

The  effect  of  this  condition  is  doubtless  mitigated  by  ventilation  through  the  rain-leader,  but  the 
whole  arrangement,  so  far  as  outlet  is  concerned,  is  as  bad  as  it  well  can  be. 

PIPE  VENTILATION  AND  TRAPS. 

The  waste  pipes  in  the  central  building  are  unventilated  and  subject  to  all  the 
criticism  placed  by  the  experts  upon  those  of  the  Capitol  wings.  As  to  the  traps  and 
pipe  connection,  they  were  found  defective  in  many  instances  and  in  some  could  not 
be  examined. 

There  are  in  the  central  building  fifty-eight  bowls,  baths,  sinks,  water-closets,  and 
urinals. 

TERRACE. 

The  sewerage  and  plumbing  of  the  rooms  on  the  terrace,  both  on  the  Senate  and 
House  wings,  are  thoroughly  discussed  by  the  experts  in  their  report,  but  it  is 
enough  to  say  that  while  improvements  are  suggested,  the  recent  date  at  which  the 
terrace  work  was  done  has  secured  the  modern  and  improved  conditions  which 
were  not  possible  when  the  main  buildings  were  constructed. 


970 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


SENATE  RESTAURANT. 

It  is  earnestly  recommended  by  the  experts  that  the  kitchen  of  the  Senate  restau- 
rant should  be  enlarged  and  remodeled. 

As  now  arranged  it  is  contracted,  dark,  badly  ventilated,  and  necessarily  produc- 
tive of  sanitary  conditions  which  are  not  conducive  to  health. 

The  plan  submitted  in  detail  by  the  experts  will  give  additional  room,  more  light, 
and  more  healthful  surroundings. 

The  estimated  cost  of  the  improvement  and  of  necessary  fixtures  is  $14,570. 

In  submitting  t heir  report  the  committee  beg  leave  to  state  that  no  labor  has  been 
spared  to  have  the  work  intrusted  to  them  faithfully  and  thoroughly  done,  and  if 
nothing  else  has  been  or  will  be  accomplished  it  is  yet  a matter  of  sincere  congratu- 
lation that  the  real  sanitary  condition  of  the  Capitol  with  all  details  of  construction 
has  been  placed  on  record  from  the  careful  and  scientific  examination  of  the  most 
accomplished  experts  in  this  country  if  not  in  the  world. 


REPORTS  OF  EXPERTS. 


* 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  ninety-three,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Aug.  5,  1892.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  27,  367.)] 

For  improving  ventilation  of  the  Senate  Chamber  and  of  Senate  committee  rooms, 
improving  drainage  of  central  portion  of  the  Capitol,  and  of  the  north  and  south 
wings,  and  making  improvements  and  addition  to  kitchen  of  Senate  restaurant, 
and  to  coal  and  fuel  bins  in  Senate  wing,  ninety-seven  thousand  four  hundred  and 
ninety-six  dollars  and  six  cents;  said  amount  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of 
the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  in  accordance  with  the  plans  and  specifications  adopted 
by  Colonel  George  E.  Waring,  junior,  and  Doctor  John  S.  Billings,  as  set  forth  by 
the  reports  made  by  them  under  the  Senate  resolution  of  April  twelfth,  eighteen 
hundred  and  ninety-two,  ordering  an  investigation  and  report  by  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  sanitary  condition  of  the  Senate  Chamber  and 
other  parts  of  the  Capitol. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  to  supply  deficiencies  in  the  appropriations  for  the  fiscal  year 
ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  ninety-three,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Mar. 
3,  1893.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  27,  657.)] 

Electric  lighting  plant,  House. — For  purchase  of  the  electric  lighting  plant  of  the 
House  wing,  ten  thousand  three  hundred  and  ninety-two  dollars  and  sixty-three  cents; 

For  repairs  and  extension  of  the  same  to  meet  the  present  requirements  of  the 
service,  five  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Hoke  Smith,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  21,  1894.  (53 — 3,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  6,  v.  1,  p.  lii.)] 

The  Architect,  Mr.  Edward  Clark,  reports  that  the  plumbing  and  draining  of  the 
entire  building  is  completed. 


The  Extensions. 


971 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Hoke  Smith,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  27,  1895.  (54 — 1,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  5,  v.  1,  p.  lxxiv.  )] 

A passenger  elevator  has  been  placed  in  the  vestibule  leading  to  the  Supreme 
Court,  the  eastern  elevator  at  the  House  wing  has  been  changed  from  the  pressure 
to  the  gravity  system,  the  western  elevator  at  that  wing  has  been  extended  to  the 
subbasement,  and  a passage  and  stairway  constructed  to  afford  access  to  the  commit- 
tee rooms  of  the  terrace.  Electric  call  bells  connecting  the  Members’  desks  with 
suitable  annunciators  in  the  cloakrooms  have  been  placed  in  the  Hall  of  Representa- 
tives. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  ninety-seven,  and  for  other  purposes,"  approved 
June  11,  1896.  (Stats,  at  Large,  V.  29,  432-433.)] 

For  necessary  repairs  and  improvements  to  the  steam-heating  and  ventilating 
apparatus  of  the  Senate,  including  air  ducts,  elevators,  legislative  bell  service,  and 
all  machinery  relating  thereto  in  the  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol,  including  the 
Supreme  Court,  under  the  direction  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  four  thousand 
six  hundred  dollars. 

For  the  extension  of  the  electric-light  plants  in  the  Capitol  and  to  the  grounds  about  the 
Capitol. — For  additional  engine  and  generator,  running  of  conduits,  wiring,  lamps 
and  fixtures,  steam  pipe  and  fitting,  cables  for  feeder  system,  and  for  the  pay  of 
electricians,  wire  men,  and  laborers,  said  work  to  be  done  by  the  Architect  of  the 
Capitol,  under  the  direction  of  the  Senate  Committee  on  Rules,  in  accordance  with 
the  plan  adopted  by  said  committee,  forty-five  thousand  dollars,  or  so  much  thereof 
as  may  be  necessary. 

Ventilation , Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol. — For  the  improvement  of  the  ventilation  of 
the  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol,  including  the  installation  of  refrigerating  apparatus, 
in  accordance  with  the  plans  submitted  by  Professor  S.  H.  Woodbridge  to  the  Com- 
mittee on  Rules,  United  States  Senate,  said  work  to  be  done  by  the  Architect  of  the 
Capitol  under  the  supervision  of  said  Woodbridge  and  the  direction  of  the  Senate 
Committee  on  Rules,  fifty-five  thousand  dollars,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be 
necessary. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  David  It.  Francis,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  December  3,  1896.  (54 — 2, 

House  Doc.  No.  5,  v.  1,  p.  cxxiii.)  ] 

An  electric-lighting  plant,  provided  with  4 engines  and  dynamos  of  the  direct- 
connecting  type,  having  a total  capacity  of  5,000  lights  of  16-candlepower  each,  has 
been  installed  in  the  Capitol  building  and  is  now  in  operation.  Wherever  possible 
gas  has  given  way  to  electric  illumination,  to  the  betterment  of  the  atmospheric  con- 
ditions in  the  building,  and  affording  illumination  to  points  in  the  corridors  and  base- 
ment rooms  hitherto  unprovided  for.  In  connection  with  the  electric-light  plant  in 
the  House  wing,  a new  water  tube  boiler  of  the  forged-steel  type  has  been  placed  in 
position.  Under  instructions  of  the  Senate  Committee  on  Rules,  the  electric-light 
plants  have  been  run  day  and  night,  including  Sundays.  Preparations  are  now  being 
made  to  further  extend  electric  lighting  to  the  Capitol  grounds  and  to  the  ceilings  over 
the  Senate  Chamber  and  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


972 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  July  1,  1897.  (55 — 2,  House 
Doc.  No.  5,  Misc.  Repts.,  pp.  735-738.)] 

HEATING-  AND  VENTILATION  OF  THE  SENATE  WING. 

Under  the  authority  of  the  act  approved  June  11,  1896,  the  ventilation  of  the 
Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol  has  undergone  much  improvement  by  a reconstruction  of 
the  Senate  floor  and  improvement  in  the  manner  of  introducing  the  air  through  the 
floor  and  suitable  control  of  its  exit,  together  with  changes  in  the  heating  control  in 
the  various  committee  and  other  rooms  in  the  Senate  wing.  New  and  more  efficient 
fans  have  been  placed  in  the  subbasement  rooms  allotted  for  the  purpose  and  in  the 
attic  of  the  connecting  corridor  and  over  the  press  gallery.  Steam  has  given  way  to 
electricity  as  a motive  power  for  the  operation  of  the  ventilating  fans. 

* * * 

The  plan  for  the  improvement  of  the  ventilation  of  the  Senate  wing  was  extended 
so  as  to  embrace  the  improvement  of  the  ventilation  of  the  Supreme  Court  room. 
Some  work  in  connection  with  this,  as  well  as  for  the  Senate,  remains  to  be  done 
out  of  the  balance  of  the  original  appropriation.  This  balance  left  unexpended  to 
July  1,  1897,  can  not  be  utilized  without  additional  authority  of  Congress.  For 
want  of  time  prior  to  the  meeting  of  Congress,  the  original  plans  were  not  com- 
pleted. The  plans  for  the  improvement  of  the  ventilation  of  the  Senate  wing  wrere 
made  by  Prof.  S.  H.  Woodbridge,  of  the  Institute  of  Technology,  Boston,  Mass.,  by 
direction  of  the  Senate  Committee  on  Rules.  This  work,  though  carried  out  by  this 
office,  vras  under  the  technical  supervision  of  Professor  Woodbridge. 

The  report  of  Professor  Woodbridge,  in  detail,  is  printed  as  an  appendix  to  this 
report. 

* * * 

Improvement  to  the  ventilation  of  the  Hall  of  Representatives  is  recommended^ 
by  a reconstruction  of  the  House  floor  and  galleries  in  a manner  similar  to  that  ot  the 
Senate,  and  the  substitution  in  the  galleries  of  the  House  of  chairs  with  ventilating 
seat  legs.  * * * 

With  the  changes  recommended,  any  modern  system  of  ventilation  could  be 
applied.  This  statement  is  made  in  view  of  the  fact  that  for  some  time  past  the 
question  of  a system  suitable  for  the  House  has  been  under  consideration  by  the 
House  committee.  The  recommendation  of  ventilating  chairs  for  the  galleries,  to 
take  the  place  of  the  present  benches,  is  made  in  consequence  of  the  general  satis- 
faction derived  by  their  use  in  the  Senate  gallery,  where  overcrowding  has  been 
prevented. 

* * * 

Congress  having  provided  for  an  extension  of  the  electric-lighting  system  to  the 
ceilings  of  the  Senate  Chamber,  the  House  of  Representatives,  and  to  the  Capitol 
grounds,  under  the  original  plan  adopted  by  the  Senate  Committee  on  Rules,  this 
work  was  done,  and  put  in  complete  operation  by  the  meeting  of  Congress. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Cornelius  N.  Bliss,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  16, 1897.  (55 — 2,  House 

Doc.  No.  5,  p.  cii. )] 

The  ventilation  of  the  Senate  wing  has  undergone  great  improvement  by  a recon- 
struction of  the  Senate  floor  and  improvement  in  the  manner  of  introducing  the  air 
through  the  chamber  floor,  as  wrell  as  improved  control  of  its  exit  through  the  ceil- 
ing. In  addition,  changes  have  been  effected  in  the  heating  and  control  of  air  sup- 
plied to  the  committee  and  other  rooms  in  the  Senate  wing.  New  and  more  efficient 
fans  for  the  purpose  named  have  been  installed.  Steam  has  given  wTay  to  electricity 


The  Extensions. 


973 


for  the  operation  of  these  fans.  In  this  improvement,  attention  has  been  given  to 
the  restaurant  of  the  Senate  and  to  the  Supreme  Court.  This  important  work  was 
done  under  the  authority  of  the  Senate  Committee  on  Rules,  with  the  advisory  serv- 
ices of  Prof.  S.  II.  Woodbridge,  heating  and  ventilating  engineer 

Under  the  resolution  of  the  Senate,  passed  May  13,  1886,  marble  busts  of  the  late 
Vice-Presidents  Breckinridge  and  Colfax  have  been  procured  for  the  niches  in  the 
Senate  Chamber. 

The  Architect  recommends  the  improvement  of  the  ventilation  of  the  House  of 
Representatives  by  a reconstruction  of  the  House  floor  and  galleries,  in  a manner 
suited  to  the  adoption  of  any  system  of  ventilation,  together  with  the  substitution  of 
chairs  with  ventilating  seat  legs  for  the  galleries;  and  that  electric  operation  of  the 
ventilating  fans  be.  substituted  for  steam  operation.  For  this  purpose  recommenda- 
tion is  made  for  the  purchase  of  a new  1,500  ampere  dynamo  and  engine. 

* * * 

The  electric  lighting  system  of  the  Capitol  has  been  generally  extended  to  meet 
the  requirements  of  the  various  committee  rooms  and  corridors  and  important  exten- 
sions have  been  made  to  the  ceilings  over  the  two  halls  of  Congress,  to  the  great 
benefit  of  the  ventilation  not  only  of  the  legislative  chambers,  but  also  the  passage- 
ways and  rooms  throughout  the  building. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  July  1.  1900.  (5(3 — 2,  House  Doc. 

No.  5,  Misc.  Repts.,  pt.  1,  p.  509.)] 

HEATING  AND  VENTILATION. 

The  heating  and  ventilating  of  a building  the  size  and  detail  of  the  Capitol  Build- 
ing is  a subject  worthy  of  the  most  careful  attention,  for  it  involves  the  health  and 
comfort  of  those  whose  duties  associate  them  with  it.  To  this  subject  I have  given 
the  most  earnest  consideration,  and  the  efforts  of  those  under  my  direction  during 
the  past  year  have  been  aimed  to  continue  as  much  as  possible  the  improvement  of 
these  conditions,  which  already  had  been  improved  during  the  previous  year. 

I regret  to  again  state  that  the  system  of  ventilation  and  heating,  as  now  existing 
in  the  House  wing  of  the  Capitol,  does  not  produce  the  beneficial  results  found  in 
the  Senate  wing.  As  pointed  out  in  my  former  report,  these  conditions  are  due  to 
the  presence  of  . a superior  system  of  ventilation  in  the  Senate  wing.  The  ventilating 
apparatus  used  in  the  Senate  wing  not  only  cares  for  the  ventilation  of  the  Senate 
Chamber  in  a superior  manner,  but  looks  to  the  care  of  the  subbasement  odors,  par- 
ticularly those  emanating  from  the  kitchen  and  terraces,  which  are  under  the  con- 
trol of  special  apparatus,  exhaust  fans  therefor  being  in  successful  operation.  I 
sincerely  hope  that  Congress  may  see  fit  to  revise  the  system  in  the  House  wing,  and 
by  the  installation  of  suitable  apparatus  completely  overcome  the  faults  of  that  sys- 
tem. I will  therefore  repeat  in  this  report  the  recommendation  made  in  the  last, 
that  a sum  be  provided  to  reconstruct  the  floor  of  the  House,  revise  its  present  ven- 
tilating apparatus,  and  bring  the  ventilation  of  that  Hall  to  the  proper  standard. 
The  conditions  as  shown  by  the  tests  made  by  this  office  should  be  improved  with- 
out further  delay. 

In  my  previous  report  I gave  certain  bacteriological  tests,  comparative  of  course, 
which  showed  certain  differences  to  exist  between  the  ventilation  of  the  House  and 
that  of  the  Senate. 

The  present  conditions  in  the  House  wing  can  be  readily  overcome  by  the  recon- 
struction of  the  floor  of  the  Hall,  and  the  installation  of  proper  apparatus,  and  special 
attention  to  the  House  kitchen.  The  House  kitchen  and  restaurant  are  the  source 
of  odors  which,  up  to  the  present  time,  have  been  impossible  to  control.  The  only 


974 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


proper  method  of  correcting  the  evil  in  this  building  is  to  combine  the  restaurants 
and  kitchens  into  one  and  locate  them  in  the  upper  story  of  the  building.  As  at 
present  this  does  not  seem  practicable,  and  as  the  House  kitchen  apparently  must 
remain  in  its  present  quarters,  any  ventilating  system  installed  in  the  House  wing 
must  include  a branch  applying  to  this  particular  phase  of  the  subject. 

The  present  restaurant  keeper  and  his  employees  have  been  conscientious  in  their 
endeavors  to  conduct  the  same  in  as  cleanly  and  orderly  manner  as  possible.  But, 
nevertheless,  the  kitchen  odors  frequently  reach  even  the  attic  story  corridors,  and 
nothing  but  suitable  mechanical  appliances  will  obviate  this.  There  can  be  no  doubt 
that  these  kitchen  odors  reach  at  times  the  very  doors  of  the  Hall  and  its  surrounding 
corridors,  producing  disagreeable  impressions  in  the  minds  of  Members  of  Congress, 
and  are  sufficient  cause  for  complaint. 

Referring  to  the  Hall  proper,  the  present  arrangement  of  the  floor  does  not  admit 
of  modern  and  satisfactory  ventilation.  The  structural  conditions  beneath  the  floor 
do  not  admit  of  the  proper  distribution  of  air  through  the  various  risers.  This  can 
only  be  accomplished  by  the  removal  of  the  jiresent  supporting  piers  and  ducts  and 
the  tearing  out  of  the  present  floor  and  its  reconstruction,  so  as  to  form  a pressure 
chamber,  with  suitable  outlets  to  the  individual  desks  and  the  proper  control  of  the 
individual  admission  of  air. 

The  seating  arrangements  in  the  galleries  call  for  revision.  The  present  method 
of  seating,  which  is  by  means  of  benches,  has  passed  the  limit  of  usefulness.  These 
benches  have  rendered  good  service,  and  now  that  we  know  more  of  sanitation  and 
ventilation  we  must  recognize  the  qualities  of  the  more  comfortable  and  individually 
ventilated  folding  chair.  If  we  would  have  good  ventilation  in  the  galleries  we 
must  first  control  the  number  of  persons  admitted  to  them,  and  then  see  that  each 
individual  receives  his  own  supply  of  air.  Overcrowding,  as  is  frequently  the  case 
during  occasions  of  national  interest,  must  be  prevented.  It  is  evident  that  with  the 
proper  seating  arrangements  in  the  galleries  in  the  form  of  chairs  the  number  of  gal- 
lery visitors  can  be  easily  controlled.  These  attentions  to  gallery  ventilation  are 
very  important  features  to  be  considered,  because  much  of  the  trouble  in  the  present 
ventilation  of  the  Hall  of  Representatives  is  due  to  the  conditions  now  existing  in 
the  galleries.  Individual  ventilation  of  the  members’  desks  is  a product  of  modern 
ventilation.  We  must  distribute  the  air  going  through  the  floor  so  that  each  mem- 
ber will  receive  a generous  supply  free  of  his  neighbor. 

The  ventilation  of  the  House  wing  of  the  Capitol  has  been  earefully  studied  by 
this  office  during  the  past  year,  and  the  consideration  of  the  subject  so  well  advanced 
that  suggestions,  plans,  and  specifications  can  be  readily  presented  to  Congress. 


[From  the  “Act  Making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  nineteen  hundred  and  two,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Mar.  3, 
1901.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  31,  1157.)] 

For  improving  the  ventilation  of  the  Hall  of  Representatives  and  the  corridors 
adjacent  thereto,  including  new  floor  for  the  Hall  and  the  installation  of  new  venti- 
lating and  heating  apparatus,  the  ventilation  of  the  House  restaurant  and  kitchen, 
for  materials,  labor,  appliances,  and  so  forth,  fifty-one  thousand  two  hundred  dollars, 
to  be  immediately  available. 

For  refurnishing  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  the  Speaker’s  rooms, 
and  the  office  of  Sergeant-at-Arms,  and  for  furniture  for  the  new  committee  rooms 
in  the  old  library  portion  of  the  building,  sixty-one  thousand  dollars,  to  be  imme- 
diately available  and  to  be  disbursed  by  the  Clerk  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

For  refitting  the  file  room  of  the  House  of  Representatives  with  metal  fireproof 
cases,  twelve  thousand  five  hundred  dollars. 


The  Extensions. 


975 


The  three  foregoing  appropriations  shall  be  expended  under  the  direction  and 
supervision  of  a commission,  consisting  of  three  Members-elect  to  the  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives of  the  Fifty-seventh  Congress,  to  be  appointed  by  the  Speaker  of  the 
House  of  Representatives  of  the  Fifty-sixth  Congress. 


[From,  the  appendix  to  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  July  1,  1901. 
(57 — 1,  House  Doc.  No.  1,  Misc.  Repts.,  pt.  1,  p.  527.)] 

LIST  OF  STATUARY,  UNITED  STATES  CAPITOL. 

STATUARY  HALL. 

John  Peter  Gabriel  Muhlenberg,  Pennsylvania;  Robert  Fulton,  Pennsylvania; 
Ethan  Allen,  Vermont  ; Jacob  Collamer,  Vermont  ; Lewis  Cass,  Michigan;  James  A. 
Garfield,  Ohio;  William  Allen,  Ohio;  John  M.  Kenna,  West  Virginia;  Oliver  P. 
Morton,  Indiana;  John  Stark,  New  Hampshire;  Daniel  Webster,  New  Hampshire; 
Nathanial  Greene,  Rhode  Island;  Roger  Williams,  Rhode  Island;  Robert  Livingston, 
New  York;  George  Clinton,  New  York;  Roger  Sherman,  Connecticut;  Jonathan 
Trumbull,  Connecticut;  Richard  Stockton,  New  Jersey;  Philip  Kearny,  New  Jersey; 
James  Shields,  Illinois;  James  Marquette,  Wisconsin;  Samuel  Adams,  Massachu- 
setts; John  Winthrop,  Massachusetts;  William  King,  Maine;  plaster  model  of  George 
Washington,  (not  a State  statue),  by  Houdon;  plaster  model,  Goddess  of  Freedom, 
T.  Cranford,  sculptor. 

ROTUNDA. 


E.  D.  Baker,  Thomas  Jefferson,  Abraham  Lincoln,  Alexander  Hamilton,  U.  S. 
Grant. 


HOUSE  CORRIDOR. 


Foot  of  staircase,  west  side,  bronze  bust  and  pedestal  of  Indian  chief. 
Foot  of  staircase,  east  side,  statue  of  Thomas  Jefferson. 


clerk’s  room  of  house  of  representatives. 
Bust  and  bracket  of  John  Quincy  Adams. 

SENATE  CORRIDOR. 

Foot  of  staircase,  west  side,  statue  of  John  Hancock. 

Foot  of  staircase,  east  side,  statue  of  Benjamin  Franklin. 


NORTH  LOBBY SENATE  GALLERY- 


Bust  and  pedestal,  Chippewa  chief;  bust  and  pedestal,  Thomas  Crawford;  bust  and 
pedestal,  T.  Kosciusko;  bust  and  pedestal,  Garibaldi;  bust  and  pedestal,  Charles 
Sumner;  bust  and  pedestal,  R.  R.  Pulaski;  bust  and  pedestal,  Abraham  Lincoln. 

BUSTS  AND  BRACKETS  IN  SUPREME  COURT. 

John  Jay,  John  Rutledge,  Oliver  Elsworth.  John  Marshall,  Roger  B.  Taney, 
Salmon  P.  Chase,  Morris  E.  R.  White. 

FOOT  OF  TERRACE  BETWEEN  THE  TWO  WESTERN  STAIRWAYS. 


Bronze  statue,  John  Marshall. 


976 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


ON  THE  EASTERN  PLAZA. 

Colossal  statue  of  George  Washington,  by  Horatio  Greenough. 

EAST  CENTRAL  PORTICO — GROUPS  AND  STATUES. 

The  Rescue,  by  Horatio  Greenough;  The  Discover}',  by  Luigi  Presico;  Mars,  by 
Luigi  Presico;  Ceres,  by  Luigi  Presico. 

IN  SENATE  GALLERY BUSTS  AND  PEDESTALS  OF  VICE-PRESIDENTS. 

John  Adams,  Thomas  Jefferson,  Aaron  Burr,  George  Clinton,  Eldridge  Gerry, 
Daniel  Tompkins,  J.  C.  Calhoun,  A.  E.  Stevenson,  T.  A.  Hendricks,  Millard  Fill- 
more, William  R.  King,  J.  C.  Breckenridge,  Hannibal  Hamlin,  Schuyler  Colfax, 
Henry  Wilson,  William  A.  Wheeler,  Chester  A.  Arthur,  Levi  P.  Morton. 

NORTH  VESTIBULE,  MAIN  FLOOR  SENATE. 

John  Tyler,  Andrew  Johnson. 

vice-president’s  room. 

Bust  and  bracket,  Henry  Wilson;  bust  and  bracket,  Lafayette  Foster. 

LIST  OF  PAINTINGS,  UNITED  STATES  CAPITOL. 

HEAD  OF  STAIRCASE,  HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES,  EAST  SIDE. 

Emancipation  Proclamation,  by  Frank  Carpenter;  portrait  of  Henry  Clay,,  by  J. 
Nagle;  portrait  of  Gunning  Bradford,  by  J.  Nagle;  portrait  of  Charles  Carroll,  by 
Sully. 

HALL  OF  HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES. 

Portrait  of  George  Washington,  by  John  Vanderlyn;  portrait  of  Lafayette,  by  Ary 
Shaffer;  painting,  Entrance  into  Monterey,  by  A.  Bierstadt;  painting,  Discovery  of 
the  Hudson,  by  A.  Bierstadt;  painting  on  the  wall,  Cornwallis  Sues  for  Cessation  of 
Hostilities  under  a Flag  of  Truce,  by  C.  Brumidi. 

ROOM  OF  COMMITTEE  ON  APPROPRIATIONS,  HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES. 

Portrait  of  James  A.  Garfield. 

ROOM  OF  COMMITTEE  ON  INDIAN  AFFAIRS. 

Eight  paintings,  representing  Indian  Life. 

ROOM  OF  COMMITTEE  ON  MILITARY  AFFAIRS. 

Paintings  of  Fort  Knox,  Maine;  Fort  Tyler,  Florida;  Fort  Snelling,  Minnesota; 
Fort  Seamel  and  George,  Maine;  Fort  Defiance,  New  Hampshire;  Fort  Sumter, 
before  the  war,  South  Carolina;  Fort  Sumter,  after  the  war,  South  Carolina;  Fort 
Sumter,  after  the  bombardment,  South  Carolina;  Fort  Mackinac,  Michigan;  Fort 
Mifflin,  Pennsylvania;  Lafayette,  New  York;  Tompkins  and  Wadsworth,  New  York; 
West  Point,  New  York;  Fort  Delaware,  Delaware;  Fort  Jefferson,  Florida;  Fort 
Trumbull, * Fort  Rice,  Dakota. 

speaker’s  room. 

Portrait  of  ex-Speaker  John  W.  Taylor,  New  York 

STATUARY  HALL. 


Portrait  of  Joshua  R.  Giddings. 


The  Extensions. 


977 


ROTUNDA. 

Signing  the  Declaration  of  Independence,  by  John  Trumbull;  Surrender  of  General 
Burgoyne,  by  John  Trumbull;  Surrender  of  Cornwallis,  by  John  Trumbull;  General 
Washington  Resigning  his  Commission,  by  John  Trumbull;  Embarkation  of  the  Pil- 
grims, by  Robert  Weir;  Landing  of  Columbus,  by  John  Vanderlyn;  Discovery  of  the 
Mississippi,  by  William  H.  Powell;  Baptism  of  Pocahontas,  by  John  G.  Chapman. 

HEAD  OF  MARBLE  STAIRCASE,  HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES,  WEST  SIDE. 

Westward  the  Course  of  the  Empire  takes  its  Way,  by  Emanuel  Luitze. 

UPPER  LANDING  OF  STAIRCASE,  WEST  SIDE. 

Portrait  of  John  Marshall,  copy  by  Richard  N.  Brooks. 

speaker’s  LOBBY,  HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES EX-SPEAKERS. 

Frederick  Muhlenberg,  of  Pennsylvania;  Robert  C.  Winthrop,  of  Massachusetts; 
John  W.  Jones,  of  Virginia;  James  L.  Orr,  of  South  Carolina;  Henry  Clay,  of  Ken- 
tucky; William  Pennington,  of  New  Jersey;  Joseph  B.  Varnum,  of  Massachusetts; 
Robert  M.  T.  Hunter,  of  Virginia;  Andrew  Stevenson,  of  Virginia;  Theodore  Sed- 
wuick,  of  Massachusetts;  Schuyler  Colfax,  of  Indiana;  Thomas  B.  Reed,  of  Maine; 
Jonathan  Trumbull,  of  Connecticut;  Nathaniel  P.  Banks,  of  Massachusetts;  John 
White,  of  Kentucky;  Jonathan  Dayton,  of  New  Jersey;  John  W.  Taylor,  of  New 
Jersey;  John  Bell,  of  Tennessee;  Philip  P.  Barbour,  of  Virginia;  Linn  Boyd,  of  Ken- 
tucky; Michael  C.  Kerr,  of  Indiana;  Samuel  J.  Randall,  of  Pennsylvania;  James  G. 
Blaine,  of  Maine;  Charles  J.  Crisp,  of  Georgia;  John  G.  Carlisle,  of  Kentucky; 
Galusha  A.  Grow,  of  Pennsylvania;  J.  Warren  Keifer,  of  Ohio;  J.  W.  Davis,  of 
Indiana;  Howell  Cobb,  of  Georgia;  James  K.  Polk,  of  Tennessee;  Langdon  Cheves, 
of  South  Carolina. 

MAIN  CORRIDOR  OF  SENATE. 

East  side:  Portrait  of  George  Washington,  by  Gilbert  Stewart;  portrait  of  John 
Adams,  copy,  by  Andrews. 

West  side:  Portrait  of  Thomas  Jefferson,  copy  from  Thomas  Sully;  portrait  of 
Patrick  Henry,  by  Martin. 


HEAD  OF  GRAND  STAIRCASE. 

West  side:  Battle  of  Chepultepec,  by  James  Walker;  portrait  of  George  Washing- 
ton, by  Charles  Wilson  Peale,  1779. 

East  side:  Battle  of  Lake  Erie,  by  William  H.  Powell;  portrait  of  Henry  Clay, 
portrait  of  Daniel  Webster,  portrait  of  John  C.  Calhoun,  by  H.  F.  Darby. 

SUPREME  COURT  ROBING  ROOM. 

Portraits  of  John  Jay  (Chief  Justice) , by  Gray,  after  Gilbert  Stewart;  Taney  (Chief 
Justice),  by  Healey;  Oliver  Ellsworth  (Chief  Justice),  John  Marshall  (Chief  Justice), 
by  Rembrant  Peale;  Salmon  P.  Chase  (Chief  Justice),  by  W.  Cogswell;  Norman  W. 
Waite  (Chief  Justice),  by  Cornelia  Fassett;  Rutledge  (Chief  Justice),  by  Robert 
Hinkley;  John  Marshall  (Chief  Justice),  by  Martin,  1814. 

COMMITTEE  ON  RULES. 

Portrait  of  Pocahontas. 


H.  liep.  646 62 


978 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


ROOM  OP  SERGEANT- AT-ARMS,  SENATE. 

Portrait  of  Prof.  Joseph  Henry,  by  H.  Ulke. 

ROOJVI  OF  VICE-PRESIDENT. 

Portrait  of  Washington,  by  Kembrant  Peale. 

SENATE  LOBBY,  GALLERY  FLOOR. 

Grand  Canyon  of  the  Yellowstone,  by  T.  Moran;  Chasm  of  the  Colorado,  by  T. 
Moran;  portrait  of  Charles  Sumner,  by  Ingalls;  portrait  of  General  Dix,  by  Mrs. 
Morell;  Electoral  Commission,  by  Cornelia  Fassett;  First  Fight  of  Ironclads,  by 
W.  F.  Hakall;  Table  Rock,  Niagara  Falls,  by  Regis  Gignoux;  portrait  of  Lincoln,  in 
Mosaic,  by  Salvaiti;  portrait  of  James  A.  Garfield,  in  Mosaic,  by  Salvaiti;  Miss  Mott 
directing  Generals  Marion  and  Lee  to  burn  her  mansion  to  dislodge  the  British, 
artist,  John  Blake  White  (presented  by  Octavus  A.  White,  M.  D.,  LL.  D.,  1827); 
General  Marion  inviting  a British  officer  to  share  his  meal,  1830,  artist,  John  Blake 
White  (presented  by  Octavus  A.  White,  M.  D.,  LL.  D. );  Sergeants  Jasper  and  New- 
ton rescuing  American  prisoners  from  the  British,  artist,  John  Blake  White  (pre- 
sented by  Octavus  A.  White,  M.  D.,  LL.  D.,  1820);  Battle  of  Fort  Moultrie,  (1812, 
artist,  John  Blake  White  (presented  by  Octavus  A.  White,  M.  D.,  LL.  D.,  1820.) 

SENATE  COMMITTEE  ROOMS. 

Committee  on  Arid  Lands:  Portrait  of  Gen.  George  H.  Thomas;  artist,  S.  W. 
Price.  Portrait  of  John  Paul  Jones. 

Committee  on  Finance:  Portrait  of  George  Washington,  by  Gilbert  Stewart;  portrait 
of  Henry  Laurens,  by  John  S.  Copley. 

Committee  on  Judiciary:  Portrait  of  Thomas  Hendricks. 

Committee  on  Library:  Portrait  of  Benjamin  West,  by  Benjamin  West. 

Committee  on  Public  Lands:  “Recall  of  Columbus,”  by  A.  G.  Heaton. 

Committee  on  Rules:  Portrait  of  U.  S.  Grant,  by  Cogswell. 


[House  of  Representatives,  Report  No.  16,  57th  Congress,  1st  session.  Refurnishing  the  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives. December  19,  1901,  committed  to  the  Committees  on  Rules  and  Appropriations  and 
ordered  to  be  printed.] 

Mr.  Cannon,  from  the  commission  to  direct  and  supervise  the  expenditure  of 
appropriations  for  refurnishing  the  House  of  Representatives  and  certain  offices  and 
committee  rooms,  and  to  improve  the  ventilation  of  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, submitted  the  following  report  (to  accompany  H.  Res.  74) : 

Under  the  following  provisions  enacted  in  the  sundry  civil  appropriation  act 
approved  March  3,  1901 — 

For  improving  the  ventilation  of  the  Hall  of  Representatives  and  the  corridors  adjacent  thereto, 
including  new  floor  for  the  Hall  and  the  installation  of  new  ventilating  and  heating  apparatus,  the 
ventilation  of  the  House  restaurant  and  kitchen,  for  materials,  labor,  appliances,  and  so  forth,  fifty- 
one  thousand  two  hundred  dollars,  to  be  immediately  available. 

For  refurnishing  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  the  Speaker’s  rooms,  and  the  office  of 
Sergeant-at-Arms,  and  for  furniture  for  the  new  committee  rooms  in  the  old  library  portion  of  the 
building,  sixty-one  thousand  dollars,  to  be  immediateiy  available  and  to  be  disbursed  by  the  Clerk 
of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

For  refitting  the  file  room  of  the  House  of  Representatives  with  metal  fireproof  cases,  twelve  thou- 
sand five  hundred  dollars. 

The  three  foregoing  appropriations  shall  be  expended  under  the  direction  and  supervison  of  a 
commission,  consisting  of  three  members-elect  to  the  House  of  Represntatives  of  the  Fifty-seventh 
Congress,  to  be  appointed  by  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Fifty-sixth  Con- 
gress— 

the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Fifty-sixth  Congress  appointed 
Joseph  G.  Cannon,  of  Illinois,  John  Dalzell  of  Pennsylvania,  and  James  D.  Rich- 


The  Extensions. 


979 


ardson,  of  Tennessee,  Represen tatives-elect  to  the  Fifty-seventh  Congress,  to  consti- 
tute the  commission  thus  provided  for. 

The  commission  held  its  first  meeting  March  8,  1901,  and  appointed  as  its  clerk 
James  C.  Courts,  the  clerk  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations.  At  this  meeting 
they  also  conferred  at  length  with  Wallace  H.  Hills,  now  chief  clerk  of  the  Treasury 
Department;  Bernard  R.  Green,  superintendent  of  the  Library  of  Congress  building; 
Elliott  Woods,,  assistant  architect  of  the  Capitol;  and  W.  J.  Browning,  Chief  Clerk 
of  the  House  of  Representatives,  all  of  whom  in  their  official  capacities  having  had 
more  or  less  extended  experience  in  furnishing  public  buildings.  At  its  next  meet- 
ing the  commission  formally  intrusted  to  Elliott  Woods,  the  assistant  architect  of  the 
Capitol,  the  practical  execution  of  all  of  the  work  provided  for  under  the  appropria- 
tions above  referred  to. 

The  commission  held  other  formal  sessions  during  the  months  of  March,  April, 
and  May  for  the  purpose  of  determining  upon  the  designs  and  character  of  furniture 
and  the  letting  of  contracts  therefor.  At  other  times,  and  as  conditions  required, 
the  individual  members  of  the  commission  gave  their  attention  to  the  details  and 
progress  of  the  work. 

In  furnishing  the  Hall  the  commission  adopted  the  continuous  or  segmental  form 
of  desks  as  the  form  giving  a maximum  amount  of  desk  room  to  each  member  and 
affording  the  greatest  space  between  the  aisles  and  the  ranges  of  desks,  there  being 
a gain  of  from  2 to  21-  inches  in  the  aisles  and  8 inches  between  the  ranges  as  com- 
pared with  the  old  arrangement  of  single  desks.  Aside  from  this  consideration,  it 
would  have  been  difficult,  if  not  impracticable,  to  provide  separate  or  detached  desks 
for  the  members  under  the  increased  representation  required  in  the  new  apportion- 
ment act.  The  full  seating  capacity  of  the  Hall  as  now  provided  for  is  400,  an  excess 
of  10  desks  over  the  actual  needs  of  the  membership  of  the  House,  including  delegates, 
in  the  next  Congress,  the  Fifty-eighth. 

In  the  exercise  of  its  best  judgment,  after  careful  consideration,  the  commission 
provided  for  centain  changes  in  the  interior  arrangement  of  the  House  Hall,  cloak- 
rooms, and  lobby,  and  it  is  believed  that  these  changes  will  add  materially  to  the 
comfort  of  members  and  aid  in  the  maintenance  of  order  and  decorum.  Notable 
among  these  changes  is  the  removal  of  the  barber  shops  from  the  cloakrooms  to  a 
well-equipped  and  commodious  room  near  the  main  entrance  to  the  House  wing  of 
the  building,  at  the  foot  of  the  stairway  and  elevator  used  by  members,  and  adjacent 
to  the  office  of  the  Sergeant-at-Arms  and  the  post-office.  The  pages  are  provided 
with  benches  and  a proper  electrical  call  system  in  the  northeast  and  northwest  cor- 
ners of  the  Hall,  where  they  can  see  and  respond  promptly  to  the  members.  All 
hooks  on  the  walls  and  all  movable  coat  racks  in  the  center  of  the  cloakrooms  are 
dispensed  with,  and  modern  coat  and  hat  rack  systems  are  installed  instead  in  one 
end  of  each  cloakroom.  All  sofas,  loilnging  chairs,  and  other  articles  of  furniture  not 
indispensable  to  the  transaction  of  the  business  of  the  House  have  been  excluded  from 
the  Hall.  The  bulkheads  or  partition  walls  with  doorways  have  been  removed  from 
the  ends  of  the  lobby  corridor. 

The  wooden  annex  in  the  vestibule  at  the  entrance  of  the  House  wing,  formerly 
used  by  the  Committee  on  Ways  and  Means,  but  no  longer  necessary  to  that  com- 
mittee since  its  acquisition  of  the  room  formerly  occupied  by  the  Sergeant-at-Arms, 
has  also  been  removed,  likewise  the  telephone  booths,  which  have  been  transferred 
from  the  lobby  to  convenient  locations  in  the  cloakrooms;  and  the  Weather  Bureau 
map,  formerly  in  the  lobby  corridor,  north  wall,  has  been  consigned  to  a position  at 
the  east  end  of  the  lobby.  The  Department  telegraph  lines  and  operator’s  table  are 
left  in  their  old  position  in  the  west  end  of  the  lobby.  The  oil  portraits  of  Wash- 
ington and  of  Lafayette  and  the  two  large  paintings  by  Bierstadt  have  been  trans- 
ferred from  the  south  wall  of  the  Flail  to  appropriate  positions  in  the  lobby  corridor. 
The  painting,  Washington’s  Farewell  to  His  Officers,  by  Brumidi,  in  the  southwest 


980 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


corner  of  the  Hall,  is  a plaster  fresco  on  the  masonry  wall  and  can  not  be  removed 
without  injury,  except  at  considerable  expense.  It  was  therefore  left  in  its  place. 

The  last  complete  refurnishing  of  the  Hall  of  the  House  occurred  in  1873,  when 
the  small  oak  desks  familiar  to  members  of  the  last  and  previous  Congresses  were 
installed.  The  membership  of  the  House  then  numbered  303,  including  Delegates, 
and  the  desks,  without  label  frames,  desk  plates,  and  inkstands,  cost  $21.75  each. 
Prior  to  that  expenditure  and  incident  to  the  first  occupation  of  the  new  south  wing 
of  the  Capitol  by  the  House  of  Representatives,  appropriations  were  made,  from 
1856  to  1858,  for  furnishing  the  Hall,  committee  rooms,  and  offices,  aggregating 
$80,000.  The  membership  of  the  House,  including  Delegates,  then  numbered  244. 
The  desks  and  chairs  provided  on  that  occasion  were  of  oak,  elaborately  hand 
carved. 

Continued  increase  in  the  population  of  the  country  proportionate  to  that  which 
has  marked  the  last  decade  and  the  same  ratable  apportionment  of  representation 
as  is  now  fixed  by  law  will,  after  the  next  census,  require  a material  enlargement  of 
the  present  Hall  by  the  removal  of  its  south  wall  and  gallery  so  as  to  embrace  the 
lobby  corridor  within  its  floor  area,  unless  the  use  of  desks  for  members  be  abandoned. 

Indeed,  the  limits  of  the  Hall,  as  contemplated  by  its  designer  a half  century  ago 
and  as  actually  constructed,  will  have  been  reached,  if  not  exceeded,  with  the  com- 
ing of  the  Fifty-eighth  Congress.  The  45  panels  in  the  ceiling,  designed  as  settings 
for  the  seals  of  the  several  States,  have  all  been  filled,  and  every  foot  of  available 
floor  space  will  be  required  to  accommodate  the  desks  and  chairs  of  the  390  Members 
and  Delegates  who  will  compose  the  next  House  of  Representatives. 

The  whole  of  the  recent  work  of  refurnishing  the  Hall,  cloakrooms,  lobby,  Speak- 
er’s rooms,  office  of  the  Sergeant-at-Arms,  and  committee  rooms  in  the  old  Library 
section  of  the  building,  together  with  the  improvement  of  the  ventilation  of  the 
Hall,  refitting  the  file  room  with  metal  fireproof  cases,  and  many  subordinate  objects 
not  contemplated  under  the  original  estimates  on  which  the  appropriations  were 
made,  as,  for  example,  lining  the  ventilating  chamber  under  the  Hall  with  glazed 
tiling,  the  new  bronze  railing  surrounding  the  desk  platforms  of  the  Hall,  the  new 
mantels  and  mirrors  in  the  cloakrooms,  and  thoroughly  overhauling  and  renewing 
the  decorations  of  the  ceiling  and  side  walls  of  the  Hall  and  lobby,  has  been  accom- 
plished within  the  limit  of  the  sums  appropriated. 

In  addition  to  the  work  that  has  been  done  under  the  appropriations  controlled 
by  the  commission,  other  extensive  improvements  have  been  made  by  the  Architect 
of  the  Capitol  in  the  central  or  old  part  of  the  building  and  in  the  House  wing.  The 
entire  roof  structure  of  the  former  has  been  practically  rebuilt  in  a fireproof  manner, 
including  the  ceilings  of  the  Supreme  Court  chamber  and  Statuary  Hall.  The  main 
stairway  to  the  rotunda  from  the  west  entrance  has  been  reconstructed  in  marble, 
and  the  committee  rooms  in  the  old  Library  section  have  been  decorated  and  finally 
completed  for  the  use  of  the  House  and  Senate.  The  bathrooms  in  the  House  wing 
have  been  thoroughly  overhauled  and  completely  refitted,  and  all  of  the  committee 
rooms  in  that  wing  have,  where  necessary,  been  painted  and  decorated,  and  in  them 
the  furniture  has  been  renovated  and  in  a large  measure  replaced,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  Clerk  of  the  House  and  out  of  appropriations  under  his  control. 

The  furniture  procured,  so  far  as  the  commission  was  enabled  to  procure  it,  has  in 
every  respect  been  of  the  very  best  quality  and  workmanship  obtainable  in  the 
market.  Utility,  durability,  and  simplicity  of  design  have  been  sought,  and  useless 
ornamentation  and  display  avoided  in  every  particular. 

Mr.  Elliott  Woods,  the  Assistant  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  to  whom,  as  stated,  the 
commission  intrusted  the  practical  execution  of  the  work  over  which  they  had  direc- 
tion and  supervision,  performed  his  onerous  task,  in  all  of  its  infinite  particulars  and 
details,  with  exemplary  zeal,  fidelity,  and  intelligence.  His  report  is  submitted 
herewith  as  an  appendix,  and  relates  with  particularity  the  details  of  the  work  done 
and  the  expenditures  therefor. 


H.  Rep.  G4G — 58-2. 


INTERIOR  VIEW  OF  STATUARY  HALL.  OCTOBER  5,  1902. 


The  Extensions. 


981 


It  will  conduce  greatly  to  the  comfort  of  members  who  have  occasion  to  occupy 
their  desks  during  the  periods  when  the  House  is  not  in  session,  and  to  the  orderly 
and  cleanly  appearance  of  the  Chamber,  if  the  following  amendment  to  the  rules, 
which  the  commission  recommend,  should  be  adopted  and  enforced: 

There  shall  be  excluded  at  all  times  from  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives  and  the  cloak- 
rooms all  persons  not  entitled  to  the  privilege  of  the  floor  during  the  session,  except  that  until  fifteen 
minutes  of  the  hour  of  the  meeting  of  the  House  persons  employed  in  its  service,  accredited  members 
of  the  press  entitled  to  admission  to  the  press  gallery,  and  other  persons  on  request  of  members,  by 
card  or  in  writing,  may  be  admitted. 

The  commission  also  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following: 

Hereafter  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  shall  supervise  and  direct  the  care  and  repair  of  all  furni- 
ture in  the  Hall  cloakrooms,  lobby,  committee  rooms,  and  offices  of  the  House,  and  all  furniture  here- 
after required  for  the  House  of  Representatives  or  for  any  of  its  committee  rooms  or  offices  shall  be 
procured  on  designs  and  specifications  made  or  approved  by  the  Architect. 


Appendix. 

Architect’s  Office,  United  States  Capitol, 

Washington,  D.  C.,  December  3,  1901. 

Hon.  Joseph  G.  Cannon, 

Chairman  of  the  commission  of  the  House  of  Representatives  to  supervise  the  expend- 
iture of  certain  appropriations  made,  for  the  refurnishing  of  and  ventilation  of  the 
House  of  Representatives;  also  for  refitting  with  steel  cases  the  office  of  the  file  clerk 
of  the  House. 

Sir:  In  the  sundry  civil  bill  approved  March  3,  1901,  the  following  appropriations 
were  made: 

“ For  improving  the  ventilation  of  the  Hall  of  Representatives  and  the  corridors 
adjacent  thereto,  including  new  floor  for  the  Hall  and  the  installation  of  new  venti- 
lating and  heating  apparatus,  the  ventilation  of  the  House  restaurant  and  kitchen, 
for  materials,  labor,  appliances,  and  so  forth,  fifty  one-thousand  two  hundred  dol- 
lars, to  be  immediately  available. 

“For  refitting  the  file  room  of  the  House  of  Representatives  with  metal  fireproof 
cases,  tw’elve  thousand  five  hundred  dollars. 

“For  refurnishing  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  the  Speaker’s  room, 
and  the  office  of  Sergeant-at-Arms,  and  for  furniture  for  the  newr  committee  rooms  in 
the  old  library  portion  of  the  building,  sixty- one  thousand  dollars,  to  be  immediately 
available  and  to  be  disbursed  by  the  Clerk  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

“The  three  foregoing  appropriations  shall  be  expended  under  the  direction  and 
supervision  of  a commission,  consisting  of  three  members-elect  to  the  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives of  the  Fifty-seventh  Congress,  to  be  appointed  by  the  Speaker  of  the 
House  of  Representatives  of  the  Fifty-sixth  Congress.” 

On  the  10th  day  of  March  following,  this  office  received  the  following  communi- 
cation: 

March  9,  1901. 

Mr.  Edwlvrd  Clark, 

Architect  United  States  Capitol. 

Sir:  At  a meeting  held  this  day  of  the  commission  of  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives appointed  under  a provision  contained  in  the  sundry  civil  appropriation  act 
approved  March  3,  1901,  to  direct  and  supervise  the  expenditure  of  certain  appro- 
priations made  by  said  act,  the  following  action  was  had,  namely: 

With  reference  to  the  three  appropriations  made  in  the  sundry  civil  appropriation 
act  approved  March  3,  1901,  over  which  the  commission  have  direction  and  control, 
it  is  hereby  ordered: 


982 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


1.  Under  the  appropriation  “For  improving  the  ventilation  of  the  Hall  of  Repre- 
sentatives and  the  corridors  adjacent  thereto,  including  new  floor  for  the  Hall  and 
the  installation  of  new  ventilating  and  heating  ajiparatus,  the  ventilation  of  the 
House  restaurant  and  kitchen,  for  materials,  labor,  appliances,  and  so  forth,  fifty-one 
thousand  two  hundred  dollars,  to  be  immediately  available,”  the  Architect  of  the 
Capitol  is  authorized  and  directed  to  cause  to  be  prepared,  as  speedily  as  may  be 
practicable,  for  the  consideration  of  the  commission,  plans  and  specifications  for  all 
work  authorized  by  said  appropriation. 

2.  Under  the  appropriation  “For  refitting  the  file  room  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives with  metal  fireproof  cases,  twelve  thousand  five  hundred  dollars,”  the 
Architect  of  the  Capitol  is  authorized  and  directed  to  cause  to  be  prepared,  as 
speedily  as  may  be  practicable,  for  the  consideration  of  the  commission,  plans  and 
specifications  for  all  work  authorized  by  said  appropriation. 

3.  Under  the  appropriation  “For  refurnishing  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives, the  Speaker’s  rooms,  and  the  office  of  Sergeant-at-Arms,  and  for  furniture 
for  the  new  committee  rooms  in  the  old  library  portion  of  the  building,  sixty-one 
thousand  dollars,  to  be  immediately  available,  and  to  be  disbursed  by  the  Clerk  of  the 
House  of  Representatives,”  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  is  authorized  and  directed  to 
cause  to  be  prepared,  as  speedily  as  may  be  practicable,  for  the  consideration  of  the 
commission,  plans  and  specifications  for  all  work  authorized  by  said  appropriation, 
availing  of  such  assistance  in  this  connection  as  may  be  furnished  by  the  Secretary 
of  the  Treasury  at  the  request  of  the  commission,  and  employing  such  other  expert 
assistance  as  in  his  discretion  may  be  requisite.  All  contracts  under  this  appropria- 
tion shall  be  drawn  and  entered  into  under  the  existing  regulations  of  the  Interior 
Department,  and  all  payments  from  said  appropriation  shall  be  made  by  the  Clerk 
of  the  House  of  Representatives  on  vouchers  prepared  and  approved  as  required  in 
the  case  of  similar  payments  when  made  by  the  Interior  Department. 

It  is  desired  by  the  commission  that  you  will  act  in  the  premises  with  all  possible 
expedition. 

Very  respectfully,  J.  G.  Cannon,  Chairman. 

In  compliance  with  this  order,  the  preparation  of  plans  and  specifications  for  the 
work  named  in  the  appropriation  was  proceeded  with,  and  at  various  times  they  were 
submitted  for  the  consideration  of  the  commission  for  adoption  and  approval.  In 
general  all  materials  were  jiurchased  under  the  usual  procedure  of  this  office — that  is, 
after  competition  preceded  either  by  circular  letter  or  advertisement.  In  some  cases, 
particularly  with  respect  to  emergency  items  connected  with  the  ventilation  of  the 
House,  purchases  were  made  in  open  market. 

VENTILATION  OF  THE  HOUSE. 

The  old  wood  riser  floor  of  the  House  was  removed  entire.  Some  60  tons  of  brick 
ducts  were  taken  out  and  the  masonry  floor  beneath  the  wooden  floor  brought  down 
to  as  low  a level  as  the  lower  story  arches  would  permit.  The  entire  basin  thus 
formed  was  trimmed  down  so  that  the  structural  brickwork  showed  clear  and  fresh. 
The  side  wralls  were  plastered  with  white  Keene  cement,  and  where  small  ducts  led 
to  the  gallery  these  were  cleaned  out  and  provided  with  entering  air  controls.  The 
entire  floor  of  the  basin  was  then  covered  with  a base  of  Portland  cement  upon  which 
white  glazed  tile  v'as  laid,  forming  a sanitary  floor  of  exceptional  quality. 

Upon  this  floor  and  at  suitable  radial  distances,  as  provided  for  in  the  plans,  cast- 
iron  columns,  enameled  on  their  exterior  surface,  were  placed.  These  support  the 
upper-floor  framing,  upon  which  the  amphitheater  floor  rests.  The  construction  of 
this  floor,  of  two  layers  of  pine  flooring  with  leaded  joints,  is  such  that  it  forms  an 
amphitheater  of  smooth  surface  perfectly  air-tight.  The  inclination  is  such  as  to 
provide  for  the  construction  of  the  circular  risers  5 inches  in  height,  upon  which  the 
desks  rest.  The  inclination  is  greater  in  the  present  floor  than  in  the  old.  Itelevates 
each  row  of  desks  1 inch  more  than  the  old,  but  provides  the  necessary  area  to  the 


Tice  Extensions. 


983 


riser  front  for  the  proper  distribution  of  air.  The  fronts  of  the  risers  are  supported 
by  ornamental  bronze  grilles  backed  by  brass-wire  gauze.  No  horizontal  grilles 
are  used.  These  were  not  considered  in  the  present  method  for  sanitary  reasons. 
They  were  the  source  of  unhealthy  and  unclean  conditions  in  the  former  arrange- 
ment, and  had  much  to  do  with  contaminating  the  air  in  the  Hall.  Each  desk  is 
provided  wfth  an  air-distribution  box,  which,  together  with  the  open  grille  fronts 
of  the  risers,  supplies  all  air  to  the  floor  within  the  desk  limits.  Around  the  wall 
surface  of  the  Hall  and  under  the  Speaker’s,  Clerk’s,  and  reporters’  desks  are  arranged 
suitable  openings  duly  controlled,  which  supply  air  in  addition  to  that  passing  through 
the  desk  floor. 

DISTRIBUTION  OF  THE  AIR. 

In  the  old  method  of  ventilating  the  House  distribution  was  attempted  by  means 
of  brick  and  iron  directing  ducts,  running  in  various  directions  under  the  floor. 
Naturally  the  air  would  follow  paths  of  least  resistance,  and  many  desks  received 
more  than  the  necessary  supply  and  complaints  of  drafts  were  frequent. 

The  distribution  of  air  under  the  new  system  is  effected  by  means  of  supply  aper- 
tures cut  through  the  amphitheater  floor  to  supply  the  risers  and  apertures  cut 
through  both  the  amphitheater  and  riser  floors  to  supply  the  desks.  The  apertures 
that  reach  the  distributing  boxes  under  the  desks  are  supplied  with  tin  tubes,  form- 
ing an  independent  conduit  from  the  lower  air  chamber  to  the  desk.  Each  aperture 
in  the  amphitheater  floor  is  supplied  with  a regulating  damper,  which  controls  the 
amount  of  air  passing  through  the  opening.  By  this  means  the  quantity  of  air  given 
to  each  linear  foot  of  desk  and  riser  can  be  absolutely  controlled.  It  means  an  equal 
distribution  over  the  entire  floor  surface.  This  method  also  insures  an  upward  rise 
of  the  air  in  one  body,  and  should  be  devoid  of  vortex  or  downward  currents.  The 
air  supplied  to  the  air  chamber  beneath  the  floor  will  always  be  under  a condition  of 
light  pressure.  Perhaps  the  whole  method  can  be  simply  explained  by  comparing 
the  air  chamber  and  openings  with  a steam  boiler  under  light  pressure  supplied  with 
numerous  outlet  valves  which  can  be  so  controlled  as  to  permit  the  escape  of  vapor 
in  equal  quantities  from  each  opening. 

The  quantity  of  the  air  supplied  will  naturally  vary  with  the  seasons,  and  is  subject 
to  excellent  control.  In  the  summer  time  probably  double  the  quantity  of  air  now 
supplied  will  be  given  to  the  interior  of  the  Hall.  This  can  be  done  in  warm  weather 
without  ill  effects,  but  the  same  quantity  during  the  winter  season  would  cause  com- 
plaint. In  winter  the  human  being  could  stand  with  comfort  a supply  of  probably 
30  cubic  feet  per  minute.  In  the  summer  time  probably  three  times  that  quantity 
could  be  furnished  without  any  discomfort  whatever.  We  have  prepared,  therefore, 
for  the  various  conditions  which  may  arise,  and  which  will  be  governed  as  they  arise. 

The  method  of  ventilating  the  House  gallery  has  been  completely  changed.  For- 
merly the  gallery  was  supplied  with  wooden  benches  for  the  seating  of  the  occupants, 
and  small  apertures  were  placed  in  the  front  of  these  benches.  Under  this  method 
the  escape  of  air  from  the  floor  beneath  was  much  impeded  by  the  clothing  and  limbs 
of  the  occupants.  With  the  approval  of  the  House  commission  the  benches  and  floor 
were  removed  and  an  air-tight  floor  put  in  around  the  entire  gallery.  The  seating 
capacity  was  considerably  altered.  The  old  method  of  seating  has  given  way  to  the 
introduction  of  folding  chairs  with  ventilating  legs.  The  construction  of  the  risers 
on  which  the  chairs  rest  and  the  risers  upon  which  persons  walk  is  such  that  the 
direction,  motion,  and  velocity  of  the  air  supplied  are  very  little  impeded.  The  method 
of  ventilating  through  the  chair  legs  surrounds  the  body  with  the  needful  supply  of 
air,  and  in  such  manner  that  it  does  not  have  to  pass  through  the  clothing.  Like  the 
amphitheater  floor  below,  the  floor  of  the  gallery  has  been  constructed  of  very  heavy 
tongue  and  grooved  wood  with  leaded  joints.  The  chair  legs  are  beveled  to  conform 
to  the  floor  construction,  and  are  supplied  with  air  through  holes  bored  through  the 
floor. 

The  ventilation  of  the  lobby  is  effected  by  means  of  apertures  in  the  ceiling  of  the 


984 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


principal  corridor  of  that  space,  from  which  run  galvanized-iron  ducts  connecting  with 
the  exhaust  chamber  over  the  ceiling.  The  conditions  of  the  floor  are  now'  such  that 
once  a week  persons  may  he  sent  below  the  floor  and  have  free  access  to  every  part 
of  the  space,  which  may  be  thoroughly  disinfected.  It  seems  wholly  improbable  that 
at  any  time  can  an  unhealthy  condition  exist  in  this  air  chamber. 

MACHINERY. 

The  ventilation  of  the  Hall  is  accomplished  by  the  operation  of  two  fans  driven  by 
electric  motors — one,  of  40  horsepower,  located  in  the  subbasement  and  in  the  main 
air  duct;  the  other,  a fan  of  12  horsepower,  located  over  the  east,  corridor  of  the  House, 
with  an  intake  opening  directly  into  the  space  over  the  ceiling  of  the  Hall  and  an 
outlet  through  the  louvers  in  the  roof.  The  inlet  for  the  fresh  air,  as  heretofore, 
is  a tower  in  the  southwest  grounds,  some  800  feet  from  the  building.  The  air  after 
reaching  the  building  first  passes  through  the  tempering  and  heating  coils,  auto- 
matically controlled.  The  principal  fan  is  a double  one  and  forces  the  air  upward 
into  the  space  or  air  chamber  under  the  House  floor.  The  operation  is  such  as  will 
keep  the  air  under  a certain  definite  pressure.  The  supply  ducts  of  the  galleries  lead 
up  from  the  air  chamber  under  the  floor  to  the  space  under  the  gallery  floor. 

By  the  arrangements  of  the  fan  over  the  ceiling  it  is  intended  that  about  80  per  cent 
of  the  total  amount  of  air  supplied  to  the  Hall  will  be  exhausted  mechanically 
through  the  ceiling,  and  thus  prevent  a downward  escape  of  the  vitiated  air. 

The  arrangements  of  the  ceiling  outlets  are  such  that  all  the  air  rising  from  the 
floor  proper  must  pass  upward  and  backward  over  the  gallery  and  out  through  the 
perimeter  of  the  ceiling.  This  should  insure,  beyond  all  question,  any  of  the  vitiated 
air  from  the  galleries  falling  to  the  floor.  The  remaining  20  per  cent  of  the  air 
escapes  through  the  various  doorways  which  from  time  to  time  will  be  opened. 

The  first  operation  of  the  machinery  has  proved  that  the  occupants  of  the  Hall 
and  galleries  can  be  supplied  with  the  needed  quantity  and  distribution  of  air.  It 
also  shows  that  the  capacity  is  considerably  in  excess  of  the  demands,  and  will  prove 
important  when  it  is  desired  to  flush  the  Hall  with  air  during  the  night  hours.  It, 
would  be  well  to  state  here  that  in  the  installation  of  a new  system  of  such  magni- 
tude there  will  be  more  or  less  adjustment  necessary  from  day  to  day.  This  will 
probably  cover  a period  of  from  one  to  two  months,  and  must  be  carried  forward 
under  practical  conditions — that,  is  to  say,  after  noting  from-  time  to  time  the  quan- 
tities, conditions,  movement  and  disposition  of  the  air,  particularly  during  sessions. 

For  the  automatic  control  of  the  temperature  of  the  air  in  the  Hall  and  galleries 
there  has  been  installed  a series  of  thermophones  placed  at  various  points  in  the  Hall 
and  under  the  doors.  The  instrument  has  attached  to  it  a thermometer  which  governs 
a small  valve  at,  the  back,  which  in  turn  permits  the  escape  of  compressed  air.  This 
compressed  air  operates  the  by-pass  damper  at  the  heating  coils,  permitting  or  pro- 
hibiting the  access  of  the  untempered  air  to  the  main  air  duct.  The  same  system  is 
installed  to  operate  the  valves  controlling  the  inlet  of  steam  to  the  various  sections 
of  the  large  heating  coil.  The  apparatus  is  first  adjusted  to  the  standard  temperature 
desired.  If,  for  instance,  the  temperature  in  any  part  of  the  Hall  should  fall  one 
degree,  the  automatic  thermophone  will  open  one  of  the  air  valves  which  operates 
the  mechanism  necessary  to  close  the  cold-air  damper.  On  the  other  hand,  if  the 
temperature  should  rise  one  degree  above  the  standard,  a valve  is  opened  which, 
operating  the  machanism  at  the  damper,  will  open  the  by-pass  damper,  admitting 
the  cold  air  to  mix  with  the  warmed  air.  This  damper  will  remain  open  until  the 
air  is  of  the  proper  temperature.  The  sum  of  the  whole  action  is  compared  to  a 
balance — the  by-pass  damper  moving  to  and  fro  as  the  conditions  vary.  All  steam 
valves  in  the  main  coil  can  be  opened  or  closed  with  compressed  air  by  means  of 
small  levers  in  the  office  of  the  chief  engineer.  There  is  no  necessity  for  any  person 
to  enter  the  air  duct  at  any  time  during  sessions  to  operate  the  machinery. 

The  compressed  air  is  furnished  from  an  iron  tank  charged  with  an  air  pump  driven 


The  Extensions. 


985 


by  an  electric  motor.  The  operation  of  the  pump  is  also  automatically  controlled, 
starting  or  stopping  according  to  the  standard  pressure  set  for  the  tank.  A system 
of  pipes  leads  from  the  air  tank  and  runs  to  the  various  points  where  automatic 
control  is  desired.  The  capacity  of  the  compressed-air  apparatus  is  such  that  by 
means  of  suitable  connections  under  the  floor  the  bronze  risers  and  their  backing 
may  be  thoroughly  cleaned  from  time  to  time  without  removing  them  from  their 
settings.  This  will  effect  a great  saving  of  time  and  labor,  as  formerly  every  casting 
had  to  be  removed  from  the  floor,  taken  to  the  subbasement,  and  cleaned  by  steam. 

The  House  kitchen  and  restaurant,  when  the  adjustments  are  completed,  will  be 
ventilated  as  follows: 

At  the  north  wall  of  the  kitchen  has  been  installed  a large  fan  directly  connected 
to  an  8-horsepower  electric  motor.  The  inlet  of  the  fan  is  through  the  kitchen  wall. 
The  outlet  is  a large  galvanized  iron  duct  running  along  the  principal  subbasement 
corridor  and  connecting  to  one  of  the  large  stacks  reaching  outward  to  the  roof. 

In  the  principal  room  of  the  restaurant  an  opening  has  been  made  through  the 
wall  into  the  shaft  carrying  the  dumb-waiter.  When  the  fan  is  in  operation,  the 
exhaust  on  the  kitchen  will  cause  the  air  to  enter  the  dumb-waiter  shaft  from  both 
the  bar  and  principal  rooms,  and  the  quantity  passing  through  the  shaft  will  be  suf- 
ficient to  cause  the  air  in  the  principal  rooms  to  change  with  sufficient  rapidity. 
The  air  passing  downward  through  the  dumb-waiter  shaft  will  travel  through  the 
lower  rooms,  over  the  ranges,  and  out  through  the  fan. 

The  appropriation  for  refurnishing  comprised  the  following  separate  items: 

1.  The  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  including  the  lobby  of  the  House  and 
the  cloak  rooms  of  the  House. 

2.  The  room  of  the  Speaker  of  the  House. 

3.  The  office  of  the  Sergeant-at-Arms  of  the  House. 

4.  The  new  committee  rooms  of  the  House  located  in  the  old  library  section  of  the 
Capitol. 

The  third  item  was  considered  at  the  second  meeting  of  the  House  Commission,  at 
which  time  was  presented  a scheme  offered  by  the  Sergeant-at-Arms,  through  the 
Chief  Clerk  of  the  House.  The  scheme  referred  to  was  one  approved  by  the  Sergeant- 
at-Arms,  and  was  considered  by  the  Commission  as  meeting  the  wishes  of  that  office. 
The  plans  and  estimates  were  furnished  by  the  Jeffris  Company,  of  Janesville, 
Wis.,  the  total  cost  being  $2,000.  Under  authority  of  the  Commission  the  Architect 
ordered  the  furniture,  as  shown  on  the  plans.  The  scheme  covers  a general  banking 
outfit,  with  the  necessary  desks,  and  is  built  of  Wisconsin  birch  wood.  The  outer 
portion  of  the  counter  is  stained  and  finished  to  a mahogany  color  and  furnished  with 
suitable  grilles,  windows,  and  reserved  spaces  for  the  conduct  of  the  business  of  the 
office. 

The  room  of  the  Speaker  of  the  House  was  furnished  in  specially  designed  mahog- 
any furniture,  upholstered  in  light-green  leather.  The  plans  for  this  room  had  been 
prepared  early  and  submitted  for  the  approval  of  the  then  Speaker.  The  Commission 
authorized  the  Architect  to  hold  to  the  original  scheme,  if  in  his  judgment  the  prices 
therefor  were  reasonable.  This  being  the  case,  the  purchase  was  made  through  the 
bidders,  W.  B.  Moses  & Sons,  the  price  being  $1,129.85. 

In  accordance  with  orders  of  the  Commission,  the  Architect  prepared  a schedule  of 
the  furniture  desired  for  the  Hall  of  the  House,  cloakrooms,  lobby,  and  the  new  com- 
mittee rooms;  submitted  and  had  approved  models  for  the  House  desks  and  chairs; 
prepared  and  furnished  the  proper  specifications  for  the  construction  of  the  several 
articles  of  furniture  and  called  for  further  bids.  The  detailed  specifications,  bids, 
etc.,  will  be  found  in  the  exhibit  herewith. 

The  results  have  produced  the  furniture  now  in  the  Hall  of  the  House,  the  cloak- 
rooms and  lobby,  and  in  the  new  committee  rooms.  The  furniture  in  the  committee 
rooms  covers  only  that  required  for  the  actual  conduct  of  business.  It  is  expected 
that  additional  pieces  will  be  required  as,  from  time  to  time,  the  chairmen  may  find 


986 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


necessary.  A reasonable  sum  has  been  reserved  to  supply  these,  and  at  the  present 
writing  the  wishes  of  the  several  chairmen  are  being  considered. 

The  character  of  the  furniture  procured  is  of  a very  high  order.  All  was  specially 
designed  to  tit  in  the  various  rooms.  The  cases  are  mostly  of  the  combination  type 
and  constructed  to  meet  the  wishes  of  the  chairmen  who  were  expected  to  occupy 
the  rooms.  The  movable  furniture  is  upholstered  in  dark  green  leather.  The  cases, 
desks,  and  tabled  are  of  the  simplest  possible  character.  Mahogany  wood  best  tends 
to  the  construction  of  furniture  which  may  be  expected  to  improve  with  age.  Sim- 
plicity of  design,  as  carried  out  by  this  office,  has  its  special  purpose,  namely,  the 
care  in  the  future.  The  furniture  procured  for  the  House  is  free  of  ornamentation, 
and  is  easily  and  inexpensively  gone  over  from  season  to  season. 

I think  the  House  commission  is  to  be  congratulated  on  the  adoption  of  the  seg- 
mental form  of  desks.  It  will  be  understood,  of  course,  that  provision  had  to  be 
made  for  the  increased  membership  of  the  House,  due  to  the  reapportionment. 
After  careful  consideration  this  office  found  that  the  segmental  plan  favored  the 
greatest  possible  desk  room  to  individual  members  for  the  amount  of  space  in  the 
present  Hall.  Every  available  and  practicable  foot  of  floor  space  is  now  occupied 
by  the  400  desks  provided.  The  ten  extra  desks  will  accommodate  Representatives 
and  Delegates  who  in  the  course  of  the  next  ten  years  may  be  added  to  the  member- 
ship of  the  House.  Again,  the  smallest  of  the  present  desks  is  one  inch  longer  than 
the  old,  and,  by  comparison  with  the  arrangement  of  the  former  desks,  they  offer 
the  same  numerical  arrangement  for  each  row.  Of  course,  the  corners  of  the  Hall 
have  been  utilized  to  accommodate  the  added  number  of  desks,  and  this  of  necessity 
restricts  the  use  of  the  Hall  to  strictly  legislative  functions,  the  aisles  at  the  rear 
walls  of  the  Hall  being  wide  enough  to  permit  free  access  to  each  and  every  part  of 
the  desk  floor. 

The  modifications  of  the  arrangements  in  the  cloakrooms  were  submitted  to  the 
commission  solely  to  provide  for  members  an  increased  and  comfortable  lounging 
place,  and  as  a measure  to  compensate  for  the  restrictions  in  floor  space  in  the  Hall. 
The  removal  of  the  barber  shops  to  a room  provided  for  their  use  solely,  and  con- 
venient to  the  private  staircase  leading  to  the  loddy,  gives  to  each  cloakroom  a gain 
of  90  square  feet  of  floor  space.  The  arragement  for  hats  and  coats  is  a radical 
departure  from  the  old  method,  but  with  competent  attendance  should  prove  satis- 
factory; the  gain  in  comfort  and  the  increase  in  floor  space  available  for  furniture 
should  prove  its  value  during  the  present  long  session.  Small  details  may  be  changed 
at  any  time,  but  it  is  hoped  that  the  principal  clear  room  space  may  be  preserved. 
The  fitting  out  of  the  cloakrooms  has  been  such  as  to  make  them  as  cheerful  as  pos- 
sible. Tne  furniture  is  of  solid  mahogany,  upholstered  in  pigskin.  New  Tennessee 
marble  mantels,  with  suitable  mirrors,  and  new  mahogany  entrance  doors  have  been 
provided.  The  fireplaces  have  been  rearranged.  A new  wash  basin  and  filter  out- 
fit in  each  cloakroom  has  been  provided,  and  the  telephone  booths,  formerly  in  the 
lobby,  have  been  placed  in  the  cloakrooms.  New  electric-lighting  fixtures  have  been 
installed  both  in  these  rooms  and  in  the  lobby. 

The  removal  of  the  pages  to  the  Hall  merits  attention. 

In  each  corner  of  the  Hall  is  an  independent  electric  call  system.  The  device  is 
placed  on  a small  table,  and  consists  of  an  exposed  series  of  numbered  platinum  disks. 
Each  table  device  takes  care  of  200  desks.  The  desks  on  the  Democratic  side  of  the 
House  range  in  numbers  from  1 to  200;  those  on  the  Republican  side  from  201  to 
400.  At  the  right-hand  side  of  each  desk  and  attached  to  the  bottom  is  an  electric 
push  button.  Pressing  this,  the  circuit  is  closed  and  current  flows  through  to  the 
disk  of  the  registering  device  corresponding  to  the  number  of  the  desk  button.  The 
disk  appears  red-brown,  and  after  about  thirty  seconds  resumes  its  normal  color. 
The  operation  is  silent.  The  person  in  charge  sends  the  page  to  the  dumber  regis- 
tered. On  either  side  of  the  device  tables  suitable  benches  are  provided  for  the 
seating  of  pages  not  engaged  in  answering  calls. 


The  Extensions. 


987 


The  office  of  the  file  clerk  of  the  House  has  been  entirely  refitted  with  the  most 
modern  type  of  steel  file  cases.  The  boxes  are  now  dust  and  vermin  proof,  and  the 
whole  arrangement  is  adapted  to  the  needs  of  the  file  clerk  and  for  the  most  con- 
venient conduct  of  the  business  of  his  office.  Colonel  French,  in  charge,  devoted 
considerable  time  during  the  past  summer  to  the  study  of  the  proposed  arrange- 
ments, and  the  plans  were  drawn  largely  in  accordance  with  his  wishes.  The  work 
provides  the  principal  office  with  steel  file  cases  running  to  the  spring  line  of  the 
room  arch,  and  covers  in  addition  the  small  anteroom  and  gallery.  The  cases 
attached  to  the  north  wall  of  the  room  are  provided  with  a base  series  of  five  steel 
desks  for  the  use  of  the  clerks. 

All  steel  work  is  of  the  very  highest  order  of  workmanship  and  material,  and  is 
enameled  in  light  olive-green  color,  the  character  of  the  enameling  being  such  that 
the  cases  can  be  cleaned  down  from  time  to  time.  The  work  was  furnished  under  a 
contract  with  the  Art  Metal  Construction  Company,  the  lowest  bidders.  In  the 
exhibit  attached  hereto  will  be  found  a statement  of  the  bids  received. 

I would  like  to  call  the  attention  of  the  commission  to  the  fact  that  in  addition  to 
the  work  estimated  for  in  the  appropriation  for  the  ventilation  of  the  House  there 
have  been  provided  new  mantels  for  the  cloakrooms,  costing  $900;  15  pairs  of  new 
mahogany  doors  and  transoms  for  the  Hall  of  the  House,  costing  $1,659.30;  an  entire 
redecoration  of  the  Hall,  costing,  approximately,  $1,500;  the  lining  of  the  air  cham- 
ber beneath  the  floor  with  white  glazed  tile,  costing  $3,940,  and  the  new  barbershop 
for  the  House,  costing  $1,688.30. 

The  total  cost  of  these  added  improvements  is  $9,687.60. 

In  conclusion,  I desire  to  express  to  you  and  to  the  other  members  of  the  com- 
mission the  thanks  of  this  office  for  courtesies  during  the  consideration  of  the  plans, 
sketches,  and  models  submitted,  and  throughout  the  progress  of  the  work. 

The  full  discussion  of  every  detail,  and  consequent  advice,  and,  above  all,  the  har- 
monious relations  always  existing  aided  most  materially  in  the  prosecution  of  the 
work. 

Mr.  James  C.  Courts,  clerk  of  the  commission,  rendered  valuable  aid  in  the  prepa- 
ration and  arrangement  of  the  multitude  of  details  involved  in  the  reception  of 
sketches,  letters,  and  bids,  all  of  which  this  office  remembers  and  thoroughly 
appreciates. 

Further  thanks  are  extended  to  Prof.  S.  H.  Woodbridge,  heating  and  ventilating 
engineer,  of  Boston,  for  professional  interest  and  services  rendered  in  connection 
with  the  change  in  the  system  of  ventilating  the  Hall.  His  abilities  as  a heating  and 
ventilating  engineer  are  of  the  highest  order,  and  this  office  relied  upon  them  with 
all  confidence. 

Elliot  Woods, 

Acting  Architect  United  States  Capitol. 

Approved. 

Edward  Clark, 

Architect  United  States  Capitol. 


[Prom  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  nineteen  hundred  and  three,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  June  28, 
1902.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  32,  pt.  1,451.)] 

For  steel  shelving  for  the  Senate  library,  for  the  principal  office  room  and  for  rooms 
under  the  roof,  nine  thousand  seven  hundred  and  fifty  dollars.  And  the  Superin- 
tendent of  the  Capitol  Building  and  Grounds  is  hereby  authorized  to  pay,  out  of  the 
appropriation  heretofore  made  for  the  construction  of  rooms  in  the  old  library  space, 
the  sum  of  twenty-five  thousand  one  hundred  and  seventeen  dollars  for  steel  shelv- 
ing already  contracted  for  and  erected  in  place  in  the  upper  rooms  of  the  Senate 
library. 


988 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 

[From  the  annual  report  of  Elliott  Woods,  Superintendent  of  the  United  States  Capitol  Building  and 
Grounds,  July  1,  1902.  (57—2,  House  Doc.  No.  5,  Misc.  Repts.,  pt.  1,  p.  405.)] 

An  important  and  special  work  was  that  of  the  remodeling  and  improving  the 
House  bathing  rooms.  The  condition  there  liad  grown  to  be  distressing,  and  revision 
was  determined  upon.  The  old  and  broken  marble  tubs  were  removed,  disclosing  a 
deteriorated  plumbing  system.  As  the  system  embraced  toilets  and  lavatories  in  each 
room  it  was  deemed  wise  to  renew  the  entire  system,  and  this  has  been  done. 

The  bathing  rooms  now  present  a pleasing  and  cleanly  appearance.  With  the 
exception  of  one  room,  the  fixtures  are  of  porcelain  of  the  highest  grade.  The  walls 
throughout  are  wainscoted  with  the  finest  Italian  white  marble  9 feet  and  1 inch  high. 
In  the  excepted  room,  the  walls  are  lined  with  so-called  English  vein  Italian  marble. 
The  tub  is  of  the  same  handsome  material. 

This  bathing  room,  as  well  as  that  in  the  Senate  wing,  is  supplied  with  a resting 
room  containing  a large  ten-plate  static  electrical  machine  driven  by  a motor.  It 
seems  that  certain  classes  of  minor  ailments  affecting  the  human  body  yield  to  this 
electrical  treatment,  and  the  machine  affords  a harmless  and  beneficial  tonic  even  to 
the  well.  Both  machines  have  been  much  patronized  during  the  past  session. 

Before  their  installation,  these  machines  were  thoroughly  tested  in  our  physical 
laboratory  south  of  the  Capitol  by  Mr.  C.  P.  Gliem,  the  chief  electrical  engineer, 
under  my  personal  supervision. 

A new  Roman  mosaic  floor  has  been  laid  in  the  elipse  adjoining  the  Rotunda  and 
the  principal  floor;  and  the  corridor  running  from  the  Rotunda  to  the  connecting 
corridor,  Senate  wing,  lias  been  painted  in  simple,  dignified  style,  the  ornamental 
features  being  touched  with  gold  and  the  whole  work  designed  to  bring  out  the 
architectural  features. 

* * * 

IMPROVED  VENTILATION  FOE  THE  HALL  OF  REPRESENTATIVES,  NEW  FURNISHINGS  THERE- 
FOR, FURNISHING  NEW  COMMITTEE  ROOMS  OLD  LIBRARY  SPACE,  AND  REFITTING  THE 

FILE  ROOM  OF  THE  HOUSE. 

The  following  laws  passed  by  Congress  at  the  last  session  will  be  found  in  the 
sundry  civil  act  approved  March  3,  1901: 

For  improving  the  ventilation  of  the  Hall  of  Representatives  and  the  corridors  adjacent  thereto, 
including  new  floor  for  the  Hall  and  the  installation  of  new  ventilating  and  heating  apparatus,  the 
ventilation  of  the  House  restaurant  and  kitchen,  for  materials,  labor  appliances,  and  so  forth,  fifty- 
one  thousand  two  hundred  dollars,  to  be  immediately  available. 

For  furnishing  the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  the  Speaker’s  rooms,  and  the  office  of  the 
Sergeant-at-Arms,  and  for  furniture  for  the  new  committee  rooms  in  the  old  Library  portion  of  the 
building,  sixty-one  thousand  dollars,  to  be  immediately  available,  and  to  be  disbursed  by  the  Clerk 
of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

For  refitting  the  file  room  of  the  House  of  Representatives  with  metal  fireproof  cases,  twelve  thou- 
sand five  hundred  dollars. 

In  accordance  with  the  laws  named,  an  entire  new  system  of  ventilation  has  been 
installed  for  service  in  the  House  of  Representatives  and  the  Lobby.  A separate 
and  distinct  system  governs  the  ventilation  of  the  House  restaurant  and  kitchen. 
The  former  system  is  controlled  by  automatic  devices  regulating  the  admission, 
exhaustion,  and  temperature  of  the  air.  The  latter  is  purely  a system  of  exhaustion, 
taking  the  air  from  the  restaurant  rooms,  down  the  dumb  waiter,  through  the  kitchen 
to  the  exhaust  fan,  from  which  it  is  delivered  through  a stack  to  an  outlet  above  the 
roof. 

The  House  system  consists  essentially  of  an  automatically  governed  heating  coil 
in  the  main  supply  duct,  a double-cone  pressure  fan  to  force  the  tempered  air  over 
an  evaporator  supplying  the  proper  percentage  of  moisture,  and  large  ducts  leading 
to  a pressure  chamber  under  the  entire  floor  of  the  Hall  and  galleries.  From  the 
Hall  chamber,  which  is  lined  throughout  with  glazed  tile,  and  which  is  scoured 


The  Extensions. 


989 


weekly,  the  air  passes  through  various  grilled  risers  in  the  floor  and  through  per- 
forated boxes  under  the  desks,  into  the  Hall  proper;  and  through  specially  devised 
legs  attached  to  the  gallery  chairs  to  supply  the  occupants  of  the  galleries.  Regu- 
lating dampers  in  the  floor  permit  the  accurate  distribution  of  air  in  average  quanti- 
ties over  the  entire  floor  area. 

The  operation  of  the  new  system  of  ventilation  has  been  most  successful  during 
the.  past  session. 

The  Hall  has  been  entirely  refurnished  with  new  desks,  400  sections  being  provided 
to  meet  the  coming  membership  due  to  the  new  apportionment. 

The  new  desks,  built  of  the  finest  mahogany,  are  arranged  in  segmental  style, 
being  built  in  solid  sections  to  suit  the  arrangement  of  the  riser  curves  and  aisles. 
They  seem  to  give  good  satisfaction. 

Each  desk  is  provided  with  a suitable  push  button  for  calling  the  pages,  who  are 
located  in  the  Hall  proper,  instead  of  in  the  cloak  rooms  as  heretofore.  The  device 
registering  the  member’s  call  is  silent  in  character.  It  consists  of  a glass-faced  tank 
with  small  disks,  which,  when  the  button  is  pushed  and  electrical  connection  made, 
turns  a brown  red,  the  color  then  gradually  fading  away  in  about  thirty  seconds’  time. 

The  cloak  rooms  and  Lobby  of  the  House  have  also  been  refitted  with  new  furni- 
ture, mantels,  and  mirrors,  and  the  House  galleries  with  new  chairs,  elsewhere 
described. 

The  file  room  of  the  House  has  been  entirely  refitted  with  new  and  modern  steel 
file  and  other  cases.  * * * 

New  furniture,  carpets,  and  draperies  have  been  placed  in  the  new  committee 
rooms,  old  library  space.  Everything  supplied  to  these  rooms  has  been  specially 
designed.  The  furniture  throughout  is  of  mahogany. 

Out  of  the  appropriation  other  than  provided  for  in  the  laws  quoted  these  new 
committee  rooms  have  been  decorated.  Prior  to  the  work  the  rooms  were  assigned 
to  the  various  committees  of  the  House  and  Senate,  which  enabled  this  office  to  pro- 
cure designs  for  decoration  suitable  to  subjects  entertained  by  the  several  commit- 
tees. Each  room  is  therefore  characteristically  treated.  The  sum  of  §32,404.28  was 
expended  for  this  work,  paid  out  of  the  appropriation  “Reconstructing  committee 
rooms,  Library  space.” 

A new  marble  floor  has  been  laid  in  the  principal  floor  corridor  fronting  the  new 
Library  rooms,  at  a cost  of  $4,234. 

* * * 

STEEL  CASES  AND  SHELVING,  SENATE  LIBRARY  AND  SENATE  DOCUMENT  ROOM. 

At  the  cost  of  $24,894  the  Senate  document  room  has  been  entirely  refitted  with 
modern  steel  file  cases  and  shelving.  Steel  book  shelving  has  been  installed  in  the 
space  under  the  new  roof,  at  the  cost  of  $23,500. 

The  main  room  of  the  stationery  room  of  the  Senate  has  been  entirely  refitted  with 
new  steel  case  work  arranged  for  the  particular  purposes  for  which  the  room  is  used. 
The  cost  of  this  section  of  the  work  was  $2,790. 

* * * 


[From  the  “Act  Making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  nineteen  hundred  and  four,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Mar.  3, 
1903.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  32,  pt.  1,  1113.)] 

To  procure  two  new  steel  boilers  of  the  water-tube  type  of  about  two  hundred  and 
twenty-five  horsepower  for  the  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol,  ten  thousand  five  hun- 
dred dollars. 

To  authorize  the  Superintendent  of  the  Capitol  Building  and  Grounds  to  continue 
the  construction  of  steel  cases  for  the  proper  protection  of  the  files  of  the  Senate, 
sixteen  thousand  seven  hundred  and  thirty-five  dollars,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may 
be  necessary,  to  be  immediately  available. 


IV.  THE  DOME. 


[Suggestion  of  a new  Dome.  From  the  report  of  C.  B.  Cluskey,  architect  and  engineer,  to  the  Com- 
mittee on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  House  of  Representatives,  July  26,  1848.  (30— 2,  House 

Report,  No.  90,  p.  4.)] 

The  Dome  should  have  a proper  scaffolding  made  to  traverse  around  it,  so  that  the 
workmen  could  repair  it  with  safety  to  themselves,  and  the  superintendent  have  an 
opportunity  of  examining  it  as  it  progresses.  Before  doing  this,  however,  it  will  be 
necessary  to  take  out  some  of  the  ribs  which  have  perished  in  part,  or  take  it  down 
altogether,  for  it  is  wholly  out  of  proportion,  and  was  but  a temporary  expedient — a 
mere  external  covering — when  put  up,  as  the  architect  who  designed  the  building 
intended  that  it  should  be  of  stone,  and  of  a different  shape.  1 would,  therefore, 
recommend  the  substitution  of  a colonnade  of  thirty  columns,  made  of  cast  iron,  rest- 
ing on  the  third  blocking  course,  supporting  an  entablature  and  segment  roof  of  the 
same  material  surmounted  by  an  open  tower,  finishing  with  a liberty  cap  and  vane 
at  the  top.  There  are  other  considerations,  independent  of  the  following,  which 
forcibly  recommend  this  suggestion.  The  external  covering  will,  from  time  to  time, 
require  considerable  repairs,  and  if  by  accident  it  should  take  fire  the  internal  dome 
would  be  destroyed,  and  with  it  all  those  valuable  paintings  in  the  rotunda,  which 
are  much  treasured  by  the  nation,  as  well  as  endangering  the  whole  structure. 
Moreover,  the  light  which  is  now  used  in  the  lantern  at  the  top  of  the  pole,  and 
which  I would  recommend  to  betaken  down,®  could  be  applied  differently  and  more 
brilliantly  by  placing  a burner  lit  with  gas  and  a parabolic  reflector  of  twenty  inches 
diameter,  made  and  put  up  on  approved  optical  principles,  between  each  column, 
thus  producing,  by  the  angle  they  would  make  to  each  other,  a combined  effect, 
would  illuminate  the  grounds  around,  and  exhibit  the  building  in  beautiful  and 
bold  relief  for  a considerable  distance. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  22,  1855:  Congressional  Globe,  33 — 2,  p.  893.] 

The  House,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union,  having  under 
consideration  the  civil  and  diplomatic  bill  for  1856,  Representative  Harry  Hibbard, 
of  New  Hampshire,  in  the  chair — 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky.  I desire  to  offer  the  following  amendment: 

For  removing  the  present  dome  over  the  central  portion  of  the  Capitol,  and  the  construction  of  one 
upon  the  plan  designed  by  T.  U.  Walter,  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension,  8100,000. 

Mr.  Iveitt.  Is  that  to  remove  the  dome  on  this  building? 

Mr.  Stanton.  Yes,  sir. 

Mr.  Houston.  I desire  to  know  whether  that  amendment  comes  irorn  any  com- 
mittee of  this  House? 


990 


a Since  the  manuscript  was  written  the  pole  has  been  removed. 


Die  Dome. 


991 


Mr.  Stanton.  No,  sir;  I offer  it  upon  my  own  responsibility.  It  comes  recom- 
mended by  no  committee,  but  it  comes  recommended  by  a necessity  which  every 
gentleman  who  examines  the  subject  must  see.  The  present  dome  does  very  well 
for  the  original  building,  but,  as  everybody  must  see,  requires  to  be  changed  to  pre- 
serve the  symmetry  of  the  building  when  the  extensions  are  completed.  It  is 
important  that  the  appropriation  should  be  made  now ; and  I understand  the  change 
can  be  made  beforethe  meeting  of  the  next  Congress.  The  architect  of  the  building  has 
designed  a dome,  the  plan  of  which  1 have  seen,  and  which  commends  itself  to  my 
judgment;  and  which  all  who  have  seen  it  say  is  most  beautiful  and  perfect.  It  is 
well  known  that  the  present  dome  is  entirely  too  low  to  preserve  the  symmetry  of 
the  building  when  the  extensions  are  completed.  It  will  give  it  a squatty  appearance, 
if  I may  be  allowed  the  expression.  Unless  this  is  done  the  whole  purpose  of  the 
extensions,  so  far  as  its  beauty  of  construction  is  concerned,  will  be  defeated.  Now, 
sir,  I understand  that  the  plan  proposed  by  the  architect  is  a proper  one,  and  that  it 
will  not  be  attended  with  great  cost.  That  dome  has  always  been  an  eye-sore  to 
architects  and  others  who  have  taste  in  such  matters;  and  it  seems  to  me  that  now 
is  the  appropriate  time  to  authorize  the  reconstruction  of  it.  It  can  be,  perhaps, 
completed  before  we  get  back  here  during  the  next  fall. 

I am  requested  to  say  that  it  is  designed  to  construct  it  of  cast  iron,  and  from  the 
experience  which  the  architect  has  had  in  these  matters  I have  no  doubt  he  will 
make  it  a very  perfect  thing.  No  man  can  look  at  the  library,  which  is  constructed 
entirely  of  cast  iron,  without  being  immediately  convinced  that  such  a structure  can 
be  erected  as  will  be  a credit  to  the  architect  and  to  the  country. 

Mr.  Greenwood.  I understand  that  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  has  offered  this 
amendment  upon  his  own  responsibility,  and  that  it  has  not  been  proposed  by  any 
committee  having  charge  of  the  subject.  1 have  no  doubt  but  what  we  might  find 
objects  about  this  Capitol  upon  which  to  spend  money  for  the  next  fifty  years.  I 
have  no  doubt  that  we  might  find  some  beautiful  drawings  by  experienced  archi- 
tects which  would  suggest  something  that  might  beautify  the  Capitol.  But  while,  I 
trust,  I have  some  national  pride,  I am  opposed  to  making  these  useless  expenditures. 
I am  opposed  to  the  amendment,  and  hope  the  committee  will  vote  it  down. 

Mr.  Sollers.  I move  to  increase  the  appropriation  one  dollar.  My  object  in  rising 
is  not  to  discuss  the  question  of  improving  the  architecture  of  the  Capitol,  but  I wish 
to  say  that  I am  not  much  in  favor  of  any  of  these  new  schemes  of  improvement.  I 
have  been  over  the  Capitol  extension  with  my  friend  from  Kentucky,  [Mr.  Stanton,] 
and  have  looked  at  it  carefully;  and  if  I had  to  designate  it,  I would  call  it  the  pill- 
box style  of  architecture — one  box  above  another,  and  no  light  or  air  from  any 
quarter  except  by  artificial  means. 

I do  not  think  you  can  get  anybody  to  put  up  an  iron  dome,  as  my  friend  thinks. 
My  impression  is,  that  whenever  Congress  enters  into  a contract  of  this  sort  with 
anybody,  it  is  always  cheated.  I do  not  object  to  the  amendment  because  an  iron 
dome  would  not  be  a good  dome,  if  it  could  be  constructed;  but  does  the  history  of 
the  architecture  of  the  world  present  an  example  of  an  iron  dome?  I have  done. 

Mr.  Taylor,  of  Ohio.  I think  that  it  would  be  very  wrong  for  this  committee  to  inter- 
fere between  the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  extension  and  the  very  eminent 
architect  who  is  to  cooperate  with  him  in  the  work. 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky.  Allow  me  to  say  that  there  is  no  conflict  whatever 
between  them. 

Mr.  Taylor.  I am  aware  of  that;  but  I understand  that  the  gentleman  proposes, 
by  this  amendment,  to  remove  the  present  dome  from  the  central  portion  of  the 
Capitol,  and  construct,  in  place  of  it,  one  designed  by  Thomas  U.  Walter,  the  archi- 
tect of  the  Capitol  extension,  to  be  constructed  under  his  direction.  Now,  sir,  if 
Messrs.  Meigs  and  Walter  had  communicated  to  us  that  this  was  necessary  I should 
most  cheerfully  have  voted  for  it. 


992 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Stanton.  If  the  gentleman  is  afraid  of  a conflict,  I will  strike  out  that  part  of 
the  amendment  providing  that  the  work  shall  be  done  under  the  direction  of  the 
architect.  / 

Mr.  Taylor.  I do  not  say  that  there  is  any  conflict,  hut  I dislike  that  the  House 
should  undertake  to  direct  what  kind  of  dome  shall  be  placed  on  the  Capitol  of  the 
United  States.  I know  nothing  of  architecture;  but  I have  the  utmost  confidence  in 
Captain  Meigs,  the  eminent  engineer,  who  has  been  designated  by  the  President  to 
superintend  the  building,  and  I believe  Mr.  Walter  has  not  a superior,  as  an  archi- 
tect, in  this  or  any  other  country.  I am  content  to  make  the  appropriations  neces- 
sary to  complete  this  great  building — an  honor  to  our  country,  and  which  is 
progressing,  as  far  as  I can  see,  to  the  satisfaction  of  everybody;  and  I am  not  pre- 
pared to  reflect  on  the  plan  of  the  building,  as  the  gentleman  from  Maryland  [Mr. 
Sollers]  seems  to  have  done.  It  appears  to  be  progressing  beautifully.  I believe 
that  Captain  Meigs  and  Mr.  Walter,  who  have  submitted  plans  for  this  work — 
which  any  gentleman  can  see  who  will  walk  into  the  new  building — are  eminently 
entitled  to  our  confidence,  and  that  we  ought  not  to  interfere  with  them,  or  direct  in 
what  manner  the  dome  shall  be  placed  on  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Sollers.  Will  the  gentleman  allow  me  one  question? 

Mr.  Taylor.  Yes,  sir. 

Mr.  Sollers.  The  gentleman  has  had  great  experience,  and  has  traveled  abroad, 
which  I have  not.  I would  ask  him  if  he  believes  that  the  House  of  Representatives 
of  the  United  States,  which  will  have  to  contain  a great  many  more  members  than  it 
now  does,  and  therefore  ought  to  be  larger,  can  ever  be  supplied  with  air  by  artificial 
means? 

Mr.  Taylor.  I can  only  say,  as  I said  before,  that  I am  no  architect,  and  am  not 
acquainted  with  the  best  modes  of  ventilating  and  lighting  buildings.  But  I will  say 
to  the  gentleman  that  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  have  been 
informed  by  Captain  Meigs  and  Mr.  Walter,  the  architect,  that  the  best  talent  of 
this  country  has  been  invoked  to  insure  proper  lighting  and  ventilating  of  the  new 
Capitol  extension.  1 may  mention  Professors  Bache  and  Henry  as  among  them. 
After  consultation  with  these  gentlemen,  and  others,  a plan  has  been  adopted  for 
ventilating  and  lighting  the  new  parts  of  this  building.  Now,  what  are  we  to  do? 
Are  we,  who  are  not  versed  in  architecture,  to  disarrange  a plan  which  has  been 
adopted  by  eminent  scientific  men?  It  is  true,  as  my  friend  from  Maryland  says, 
that  I have  had  some  experience,  and  have  seen  some  buildings,  both  at  home  and 
abroad,  but  I do  not  profess  to  understand  anything  of  architecture.  I can  admire 
a fine  building.  I know  when  one  is  well  lighted.  I know  that  this  Hall,  though 
well  lighted,  is  very  poorly  ventilated,  and  I trust  that  the  new  one  will  be  better 
prepared  to  accommodate  the  members  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Stanton.  I will  modify  my  amendment  by  striking  out  that  portion  of  it 
which  proposes  to  put  the  construction  of  the  dome  under  the  direction  of  the  archi- 
tect. Now,  I desire  to  say  this  with  reference  to  the  plan.  I understand  that  the 
plan  is  one  which  has  been  studied  by  the  architect,  and  that  it  is  approved  by  the 
engineer,  as  well  as  by  the  architect.  There  is  no  conflict  between  them  in  the 
world.  They  both  believe  that  the  design  is  practicable,  that  it  is  necessary  to 
the  perfection  of  the  building,  and  that  without  it  the  building  would  be  imperfect. 
I understand  further,  that  they  desire  this  appropriation.  I understand  from  the 
chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  that  he  was  called 
upon — very  recently,  it  is  true — to  summon  his  committee  together,  but  something 
intervened  and  prevented  it,  or  the  matter  would  have  been  properly  before  the 
committee.  I believe  that  the  chairman  of  the  committee  concurs  with  me  in  my 
views  upon  this  subject.  I repeat  that  there  is  no  sort  of  conflict  between  the  engi- 
neer and  the  architect. 


The  Dome. 


993 


Mr.  Taylor.  If  the  words  “under  the  direction  of  the  architect”  are  stricken  out, 
there  will  probably  be  no  conflict. 

Mr.  Stanton.  I have  modified  my  amendment  in  that  way. 

Mr.  Sollers.  I withdraw  my  amendment  to  the  amendment. 

The  question  recurred  on  Mr.  Stanton’s  amendment. 

Mr.  Tweed  demanded  tellers. 

Tellers  were  ordered;  and  Messrs.  Stuart,  of  Michigan,  and  Witte  were  appointed. 

The  question  was  taken;  and  the  tellers  reported — ayes  70,  noes  70. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  votes  in  the  affirmative. 

So  the  amendment  w'as  adopted. 

[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  24,  1855:  Congressional  Globe,  33 — 2,  p.  931.] 

CIVIL  AND  DIPLOMATIC  BILL. 

The  Speaker.  The  business  first  in  order  is  the  consideration  of  the  civil  and  dip- 
lomatic bill,  and  the  amendments  reported  from  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the 
state  of  the  Union.  * * * The  next  amendment  was  reported,  as  follows: 

For  removing  the  present  dome  over  the  central  portion  of  the  Capitol,  and  the  construction  of  one 
under  the  plan  designed  by  T.  U.  Walter,  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension — $100,000. 

The  question  was  taken;  and  the  House  concurred  in  the  amendment. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  the  civil  and  diplomatic  expenses  of  Government,  for 
the  year  ending  the  thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-six,  and  for  other  purposes,”  ap- 
proved Mar.  3,  1855.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  10,  p.  663.)] 

For  removing  the  present  dome  over  the  central  portion  of  the  Capitol,  and  the 
construction  of  one  upon  the  plan  as  designed  by  Thomas  FT.  Walter,  architect  of 
the  Capitol  extension,  under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  one 
hundred  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Capt.  M.  C.  Meigs,  Superintendent  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Oct.  14,  1855. 

34 — 1,  House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  2,  p.  117.)] 

Washington,  November  16,  1S55. 

Dear  Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  report  the  progress  of  operations  for  rebuilding  the 
dome  of  the  Capitol. 

At  the  termination  of  the  last  session  of  Congress,  an  appropriation  was  made  for 
removing  the  old  dome,  a great  part  of  which  was  constructed  of  wood,  and  for 
replacing  it  by  one  of  cast  iron,  incombustible,  and  of  a design  more  appropriate  to 
the  building  as  enlarged. 

At  that  time  the  exterior  elevation  only  of  the  dome  had  been  studied,  and  a 
drawing  sketched,  showing  the  general  effect  of  the  whole  building  as  completed. 

Immediately  after  the  appropriation  was  made,  the  study  of  the  details  of  the 
exterior  and  the  design'for  the  interior  were  taken  up. 

The  design  for  the  exterior  has  been  revised,  and  an  elaborate  drawing  of  it  made 
upon  a large  scale. 

The  design  of  the  interior  was  made  at  the  same  time  with  this  drawing,  the  dis- 
tribution of  parts  and  decorations  of  the  exterior  and  interior  being  so  made  as  to 
correspond. 

The  more  careful  and  deliberate  study  then  given  to  the  subject  lias  resulted  in  an 
improvement  of  the  proportions  of  the  whole  design. 

H.  Rep.  640 63 


994 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  exterior  presents  a noble  peristyle,  124  feet  in  diameter,  of  columns  27  feet  in 
height  resting  upon  an  octagonal  base  or  stylobate,  which  itself  is  93  feet  above  the 
basement  floor.  The  top  of  the  entablature  of  the  peristyle  is  at  the  height  of  127 
feet  above  the  basement  floor. 

From  this  entablature  springs  an  attic  44  feet  in  height  and  108  feet  in  diameter; 
and  from  the  cornice  of  the  attic,  the  great  dome,  of  a semi-ellipsoidal  form,  rises  to 
a height  of  228  feet. 

The  lantern  on  top  of  this  dome  is  17  feet  in  diameter,  and  52  feet  high,  and  will 
be  crowned  by  a bronze  statue  of  Liberty  16  feet  6 inches  in  height,  rising  to  the 
height  of  300  feet  above  the  basement  floor  of  the  building. 

The  interior  of  the  rotundo  will  remain  unchanged  to  the  height  of  the  stone  cor- 
nice 44  feet  above  the  floor.  Above  this  cornice  a vertical  wall  will  be  raised,  with 
a deep  recessed  panel  nine  feet  in  height,  to  be  filled  with  sculpture,  forming  a con- 
tinuous frieze  three  hundred  feet  in  length,  of  figures  in  alto  relievo.  The  subject 
to  be  the  history  of  America. 

The  gradual  progress  of  a continent  from  the  depths  of  barbarism  to  the  height  of 
civilization;  the  rude  and  barbarous  civilization  of  some  of  the  Ante-Columbian 
tribes;  the  contests  of  the  Aztecs  with  their  less  civilized  predecessors;  their  own 
conquest  by  the  Spanish  race;  the  wilder  state  of  the  hunter  tribes  of  our  own  regions; 
the  discovery,  settlement,  Avars,  treaties;  the  gradual  advance  of  the  white,  and  retreat 
of  the  red  races;  our  own  revolutionary  and  other  struggles,  with  the  illustration  of 
the  higher  achievements  of  our  present  ch'ilization,  will  afford  a richness  and  \rariety 
of  costume,  character,  and  incident,  which  may  worthily  employ  our  best  sculptors 
in  its  execution,  and  which  will  form  for  future  ages  a monument  of  the  present 
state  of  the  arts  in  this  country. 

Above  the  frieze  the  interior  will  be  enriched  by  a series  of  attached  columns, 
with  large  windows  in  the  interspaces,  giving  ample  light  to  the  rotundo. 

Above  this  colonnade  a dome  Avill  spring,  which,  contracting  to  a space  of  65  feet 
in  diameter,  will,  through  its  opening,  permit  the  eye  to  see  another  and  lighter 
colonnade  at  a higher  leA^el.  The  whole  being  closed  in  at  the  base  of  the  lantern, 
and  at  a height  of  203  feet  above  the  pavement  of  the  rotundo,  by  a second  dome  of 
73  feet  span. 

This  upper  dome,  lighted  by  openings  around  its  base,  should  be  richly  painted. 
Galleries  at  various  heights  of  stairs  between  the  inner  and  outer  shells  of  the  build- 
ing will  afford  easy  access  to  all  parts  of  the  dome,  and  from  thence  will  be  obtained 
a series  of  most  picturesque  views  of  the  interior  of  the  rotundo,  and  of  the  beautiful 
surrounding  scenery. 

The  whole  will  form  a fitting  centre  to  this  magnificent  building,  the  very  central 
meeting-point  of  a great  nation. 

The  magnitude  and  complication  of  this  structure  makes  laborious  and  careful 
study  necessary  in  the  drawings  and  preparations  for  its  execution. 

It  will  be  proper  to  employ  the  resources  of  several  foundries  in  its  construction. 
By  making  careful  drawings,  and  supplying  to  each  founder  a standard  United  States 
scale,  the  patterns,  though  made  in  different  places,  can  all  be  made  to  correspond, 
so  as  to  insure  their  fitting  properly. 

Each  casting  will  be  so  made  as  to  allow  in  all  its  important  bearing  points  a small 
surplus  of  metal  to  be  turned  or  cut  off  by  machinery,  so  as  to  insure  a perfect  fit, 
and  bring  into  play  the  full  strength  of  the  material. 

The  columns  for  the  peristyle  ha\’e  been  already  put  in  hand.  The  patterns  are 
nearly  completed  by  Messrs.  Pool  & Hunt,  of  Baltimore.  Thin  shafts,  27  feet  in 
length,  will  be  cast  in  a A'ertical  position  in  dry  sand.  For  this  purpose  the  founders 
have  been  obliged  to  sink  a pit  in  their  foundry  nearly  30  feet  in  depth.  This  will 
be  lined  with  a cast-iron  curb  to  make  it  perfectly  water-tight.  By  this  means  it  is 
expected  to  secure  castings  perfectly  straight  and  true. 


The  Dome. 


995 


The  patterns  for  the  foliage  of  the  capitals  are  nearly  ready  for  the  foundry. 
These  patterns  have  been  cast  in  bronze,  and  require  only  fitting  to  the  bell  of  the 
capital  to  be  ready  for  casting  in  iron. 

The  complication  of  these  patterns,  and  the  skill  required  to  prepare  them,  can 
hardly  be  conceived  by  one  who  has  not  had  occasion  to  execute,  with  perfect  sharp- 
ness and  relief  in  metal,  the  intricate  and  elaborate  foliage  and  volutes  of  a Corinthian 
capital. 

The  wall  of  the  present  rotundo  is,  where  it  rises  above  the  roof  of  the  old  build- 
ing, about  five  feet  in  thickness.  This  wall  will  be  the  base  upon  which  the  weight 
of  the  whole  structure  will  be  thrown. 

The  old  dome  being  removed  to  a level  about  five  feet  above  the  interior  cornice 
of  the  rotundo,  a vertical  wall  of  twenty  feet  in  height  will  be  carried  up,  and  upon 
a strong  iron  curb  the  cast-iron  structure  will  be  commenced.  This  foundation  plate 
will  be  made  of  cast-iron,  with  a massive  band  of  wrought  iron  let  into  it. 

The  pilasters  and  pillars  of  the  drum  of  the  dome  will  be  securely  bolted  down  to 
this  foundation  plate,  and  the  pedestals  of  the  columns  of  the  peristyle  being  tied  to 
the  wrought-iron  band,  the  whole  will  be  so  united  as  to  insure  perfect  stability. 

There  are  few  of  the  great  domes  of  the  Old  World  which  have  not  begun  to  show 
symptoms  of  decay.  Irregularities  in  the  settlement  of  their  massive  foundations 
cause  cracks,  which  break  the  bond  of  the  masonry  of  which  they  are  generally 
composed. 

In  some  cases  the  wrought-iron  bands  which  were  originally  introduced  in  their 
construction  have  been  broken  by  the  immense  forces  thus  called  into  play,  and  new 
ones  have  been  added  to  them  in  more  modern  times. 

Those  who  have  visited  Rome  will  remember  the  threatening  cracks  in  the  great 
dome  of  the  Pantheon  of  Agrippa,  and  will  have  heard  of,  if  they  have  not  seen,  the 
iron  hoops  by  which  the  dome  of  St.  Peter’s  has  been  reinforced. 

Our  structure  being  built  of  the  strongest  material  used  in  construction,  admits  of 
a lightness  and  yet  of  a strength  which  cannot  be  attained  in  masonry.  Each 
course  in  its  construction  will  be  so  united  as  to  form  a continuous  chain,  capable  of 
itself  resisting  all  the  thrusts  it  may  receive  from  the  parts  above  it.  At  the  same 
time,  the  ease  with  which  a pattern  once  made  is  repeated  in  iron,  enables  us  to 
erect  it  at  far  less  cost  than  anything  of  the  same  magnitude  and  magnificence  in 
another  material.  Instead  of  months  spent  in  the  elaborate  carving  of  columns  and 
cornices,  the  pattern  once  made,  a few  days  suffices  to  multiply  it  as  often  as  may  be 
required. 

The  arrangements  for  demolishing  the  old  dome  and  erecting  the  new  one,  required 
careful  study  and  extensive  preparation. 

The  lower  part  of  the  interior  dome  of  the  rotundo  is  of  brick.  Upon  this  brick- 
work rests  a course  of  heavy  cut-stone  voussoirs,  from  which  spring  wooden  ribs 
which  supported  a lath  and  plaster  ceiling. 

The  exterior  dome  was  entirely  of  wood,  covered  with  copper. 

A scaffold  has  been  erected  in  the  form  of  a triangular  tower,  18  feet  base  and  100 
feet  in  height.  This  rises  a little  above  the  eye  of  the  old  dome. 

Upon  this  will  be  placed  a derrick  built  of  two  sticks  of  timber,  mast  and  boom, 
each  80  feet  in  length;  the  diameter  of  the  peristyle  of  the  dome  being  124  feet,  and 
that  of  the  circle  commanded  by  the  boom-derrick  160  feet.  Every  piece  of  iron  to 
be  used  can  be  set  by  the  derrick. 

By  this  means  we  avoid  the  use  of  the  immense  and  expensive  scaffolding  generally 
used  in  these  constructions. 

As  it  is  important  to  interfere  as  little  as  possible  with  the  use  of  the  old  building 
during  the  construction  of  the  dome,  a temporary  wooden  roof  has  been  thrown  over 
the  rotundo.  An  offset  of  3£  inches  in  the  rotundo  wall  just  above  the  cornice  sup- 
ports a set  of  wooden  rafters,  so  framed  together,  in  the  form  of  a cone,  that  they 
were  erected  without  the  use  of  other  scaffolding  than  the  central  derrick  tower. 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


996 

A wooden  curb  against  the  wall  took  the  thrust  of  these  rafters  as  they  were  raised, 
and  prevented  any  tendency  to  cause  the  wall  to  spread. 

The  boards  with  which  they  are  covered  are  doubled  at  the  lower  edge  of  the  roof. 
They  break  joint  and  serve  as  continuous  ties.  By  this  means  a very  light  and  yet 
very  strong  and  substantial  conical  roof,  96  feet  in  diameter,  has  been  made,  which, 
while  supported  by  an  offset  of  31-  inches  in  the  masonry,  exerts  no  outward  thrust 
upon  the  wall. 

By  twelve  large  glazed  windows,  sufficient  light  is  admitted  to  allow  of  the  rotundo 
being  used  as  though  no  work  was  going  on  above. 

At  first,  a light  covering  of  canvas  was  intended;  but  the  height  at  which  the 
work  above  is  to  be  carried  on  is  so  great,  that  the  smallest  object  dropped  by  a 
workman  would  have  penetrated  anything  less  substantial;  and  thus  a chisel  or 
hammer  falling  from  a careless  hand  might  have  been  productive  of  fatal  effects. 
This  roof  is  now  nearly  completed;  and  while  writing  this,  it  has  saved  the  life  of  a 
workman  who  fell  from  above. 

The  lath  and  plaster  of  the  interior  dome,  and  the  copper  and  part  of  the  framing 
of  the  exterior,  have  been  removed. 

The  work  of  demolishing  the  masonry  will  be  one  of  difficulty  not  unattended  with 
danger;  but  by  the  employment  of  proper  precautions,  in  careful  hands,  I expect  to 
accomplish  it  without  accident. 

The  great  height  of  the  derrick  to  be  used  upon  the  dome  above  the  points  from 
which  it  must  be  stayed,  made  it  necessary  to  use  for  its  stays  wire-rope.  These 
have  been  manufactured,  for  the  purpose,  at  the  wire-rope  factory  of  Mr.  Roebling, 
at  Trenton,  N.  J.  Most  of  the  rope  has  been  received;  but  one  or  two  coils  are  still 
needed . 

The  castings  and  other  materials  for  the  dome  will  be  hoisted  by  a steam-engine, 
placed  upon  the  top  of  the  Capitol  near  the  base  of  the  dome.  The  engine  has  been 
procured,  but  the  platform  upon  which  it  is  to  stand  and  the  hoisting-crabs  are  not 
yet  completed. 

The  heaviest  single  casting  to  be  used  in  the  dome  will  weigh  ten  tons.  The  parts 
of  all  the  derricks  and  cranes  have  been  so  proportioned  as  to  lift  this  weight  safely. 

A crane,  worked  also  by  the  steam-engine,  will  raise  the  castings  from  the  ground 
and  place  them  upon  the  platform  by  the  steam-engine,  and  within  reach  of  the 
great  derrick  on  the  central  tower. 

All  these  preparations  are  in  a forward  state.  The  central  scaffold  or  tower  is 
completed.  The  temporary  roof  of  the  rotundo  is  finished,  except  the  painting  of 
its  canvas  sheeting  and  the  completion  of  the  copper  rain-gutter.  The  machinery 
and  castings  of  the  derrick  are  nearly  ready.  The  spars  are  fitted  and  placed  within 
the  tower,  ready  to  be  raised  as  soon  as  the  remainder  of  the  wire  stays  are  received. 
The  crab  for  the  steam  hoisting  apparatus  is  in  progress. 

The  large  lathes — one  of  27  feet  in  length,  for  turning  and  jointing  the  ends  of  the 
column  shafts,  the  other  a horizontal-face  plate  lathe,  for  turning  the  bases  and  capi- 
tals of  the  columns,  and  for  fitting  other  parts  of  the  work — are  set  up  in  an  addition 
of  the  machine  shop  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  now  being  erected. 

The  importance  of  having  all  parts  of  this  Avork  accurately  fitted,  in  order  that 
when  set  up  they  may  come  together  without  difficulty  and  with  the  least  possible 
hand-work,  has  led  to  the  determination,  while  procuring  the  castings  from  different 
skilful  founders,  to  do  all  the  fitting  on  the  spot.  The  more  perfect  the  bearing 
surfaces,  the  stronger  the  work,  and  the  lighter  it  will  be  possible  to  make  it. 

In  the  building  of  the  New  Y ork  Crystal  Palace,  it  was  found  that  different  parts 
coming  from  different  and  distant  foundries,  worked  from  different  scales,  and  with 
different  allowances  for  shrinkage,  required  to  be  fitted  upon  the  ground  in  order  to 
bring  them  together. 

The  great  height  of  the  dome  makes  it  difficult  to  find  workmen  who  are  effective. 


The  Dome. 


997 


In  the  demolition  of  the  old  one,  men,  strong  and  active  on  the  ground,  were  found 
to  crawl  about  upon  these  heights,  some  of  them  unable  even  to  stand  upright,  and 
few  of  them  at  first  able  to  do  a reasonable  day’s  work,  such  is  the  effect  upon  the 
nerves  of  the  sensation  of  height. 

This  makes  it  the  more  necessary  that  the  parts  should  be  perfectly  fitted  before 


they  are  hoisted  to  their  places. 

Cash  account. 

Appropriated  March  4, 1855 $100,000  00 

Expended  in  year  ending  September  30,  1855  6, 173  74 

Amount  available  for  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1856 93,  826  26 

Required  for  service  of  fiscal  year  ending  June  30, 1857 100,  000  00 

Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 


M.  C.  Meigs, 

Captain  of  Engineers,  Supt. 

Hon.  Jefferson  Davis, 

Secretary  of  War. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Jefferson  Davis,  Secretary  of  War,  Dec.  3,  1855.  (34 — 1,  House  Ex.  Doc. 

No.  1,  pt.  2,  p.  18.)] 

At  the  last  session,  Congress  adopted  a plan  and  made  an  appropriation  for  a new 
dome  to  the  Capitol.  No  estimate  of  the  cost  of  the  work  had  been  submitted,  nor  has 
any  yet  been  prepared.  In  fact,  at  that  time  only  the  exterior  had  been  studied,  and 
a sketch  made  showing  the  general  effect  of  the  whole  building  as  completed.  The 
study  of  the  details  has  since  been  entered  into,  and  I refer  to  the  report  of  the  officer 
in  charge  for  a narrative  of  his  operations,  as  well  as  for  a full  description  of  the  con- 
templated structure,  which  promises  to  be  an  object  of  rare  architectural  beauty.  The 
resources  exhibited  in  the  machinery  designed  to  raise  the  enormous  masses  of  iron 
composing  the  dome,  and  to  place  them  accurately  in  their  elevated  positions,  reflect 
the  highest  credit  upon  the  capacity  and  skill  as  an  engineer  of  the  officer  in  charge 
of  the  work. 


[MSS.:  Military  Book,  Letters  Sent,  War  Office,  No.  37,  Record  and  Pension  Office,  War  Department.] 

War  Department, 
Washington,  Jan.  15,  1856. 

Capt.  M.  C.  Meigs, 

In  charge  of  Capitol  Extension,  Washington  City: 

Sir:  The  second  photograph  of  the  statue  with  which  it  is  proposed  to  crown  the 
dome  of  the  Capitol,  impresses  me  most  favorably.  Its  general  grace  and  power, 
striking  at  first  view,  has  grown  on  me  as  I studied  its  details. 

As  to  the  cap,  I can  only  say,  without  intending  to  press  the  objection  formerly 
made,  that  it  seems  to  me  its  history  renders  it  inappropriate  to  a people  who  were 
born  free  and  would  not  be  enslaved. 

The  language  of  art,  like  all  living  tongues,  is  subject  to  change;  thus  the  bundle 
of  rods,  if  no  longer  employed  to  suggest  the  functions  of  the  Roman  Lictor,  may  lose 
the  symbolic  character  derived  therefrom,  and  be  confined  to  the  single  signification 
drawn  from  its  other  source — the  fable  teaching  the  instructive  lesson  that  in  Union 
there  is  strength.  But  the  liberty  cap  has  an  established  origin  in  its  use,  as  the 
badge  of  the  freed  slave;  and  though  it  should  have  another  emblematic  meaning  to- 
day, a recurrence  to  that  origin  may  give  to  it  in  the  future,  the  same  popular  accepta- 
tion which  it  had  in  the  past. 


998 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Why  should  not  armed  Liberty  wear  a helmet?  Her  conflict  being  over,  her  cause 
triumphant,  as  shown  by  the  other  emblems  of  the  statue — the  visor  would  be  up  so 
as  to  permit,  as  in  the  photograph,  the  display  of  a circle  of  stars — expressive  of  end- 
less existence  and  of  heavenly  birth.  With  these  remarks,  I leave  the  matter  to  the 
judgment  of  Mr.  Crawford;  and  I need  hardly  say  to  you,  who  know  my  very  high 
appreciation  of  him,  that  I certainly  would  not  venture,  on  a question  of  art,  to  array 
my  opinion  against  his. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obt.  servt.,  Jeff’n  Davis, 

Secretary  of  War. 


[House  of  Representatives,  Mis.  Doc.  No.  65,  34th  Congress,  1st  session.  New  Dome  on  the  Capitol. 
Sundry  letters  addressed  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means,  in  reference  to  the 
projected  New  Dome  on  the  Capitol.  March  17,  1856,  referred  to  the  Committee  of  Ways  and 
Means,  and  ordered  to  be  printed.] 

War  Department, 
Washington , March  5,  1856. 


Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  transmit  herewith  reports  from  the  engineer  in  charge  of 
the  Capitol  extension,  and  the  architect  of  the  work,  in  reply  to  your  letter  of  the 
27th  ultimo,  requiring  the  amount  expended  of  the  appropriation  for  removing  the 
old  and  constructing  a new  dome,  the  amount  required  to  complete  it,  and  whether 
any  change  has  been  made  in  the  original  plans. 

This  work  was  authorized  by  Congress  upon  plans  adopted  by  a committee,  with- 
out any  consultation  with  this  department.  When  preparing  the  last  annual  report, 
endeavored  to  obtain  an  estimate  of  the  cost  of  completing  the  work,  but  the  plans 
and  drawings  were  not  so  far  advanced  as  to  enable  the  engineer  to  furnish  it.  For 
the  same  reason,  the  engineer  is  still  unable  to  prepare  a reliable  estimate;  but  the 
architect,  in  his  report  herewith  transmitted,  states  that  the  cost  will  probably 
amount  to  $945,000. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Jeff’n  Davis, 
Secretary  of  War. 

Hon.  L.  D.  Campbell, 

Chairman  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means,  Ho.  of  Reps. 


Office  of  Extension  of  United  States  Capitol, 

Washington,  D.  C.,  March  5,  1856. 

My  Dear  Sir:  I return  the  letter  of  the  Hon.  L.  D.  Campbell,  chairman  of  the 
Committee  of  Ways  and  Means,  referred  to  me  for  a report. 

The  committee  ask  for  a statement — 1st,  of  the  amount  expended  of  the  appropri- 
ation of  $100,000  “for  removing  the  present  dome  over  the  central  portion  of  the 
Capitol,  and  the  construction  of  one  upon  the  plan  as  designed  by  Thos.  U.  Walter, 
architect  of  the  Capitol  extension,  under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United 
States,”  per  act  approved  March  3,  1855. 

The  annual  report  from  this  office  of  26th  November  last,  which  accompanied  your 
annual  report  to  the  President,  gave  a complete  account  of  the  work  and  the  expend- 
iture up  to  that  time. 

By  referring  to  my  books,  I find  that  the  appropriation  of  3d  March,  1855, 

was $100,  000  00 


Expended  to  3d  of  March,  1856 23,  229  70 

Balance  available  3d  of  March,  1856 76,  770  30 


The  Dome. 


999 


2d.  Whether  there  has  been  any  change  in  the  plan  originally  designed  by  Mr. 
Walter,  architect  as  above,  (and  if  so,  when  the  change  was  ordered,)  on  which  the 
appropriation  of  $100,000  was  predicated. 

I have  caused  the  original  sketches  which  were  in  the  Representative  Hall  when 
the  appropriation  was  moved  by  the  Hon.  Richard  H.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky,  and 
voted  by  the  House,  to  be  placed  this  morning  in  the  room  of  the  Committee  of 
Ways  and  Means,  with  the  more  elaborate  drawings  since  made  for  construction. 

By  these  drawings,  ami  by  the  letter  of  Mr.  Walter,  herewith  enclosed,  the  com- 
mittee will  be  able  to  judge  for  themselves  as  to  this  point. 

3d.  An  estimate  of  the  cost  of  the  “ new  dome  of  the  Capitol,”  for  which  it  appears 
you  have  submitted  an  estimate  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  30th  June,  1857,  of  $100,000. 

When  requested  by  you,  at  the  time  of  preparing  the  annual  report,  to  submit  an 
estimate  of  the  total  cost  of  the  dome,  I replied  that,  until  the  details  of  construc- 
tion could  be  more  fully  worked  out  so  as  to  determine  the  quantity  of  materials  to 
be  used  in  it,  any  estimate  which  I could  make  would  be  only  conjectural,  and  I 
therefore  preferred  not  then  to  submit  a final  estimate,  the  matter  being  of  too  great 
importance  for  a conjecture. 

We  have  since  made  some  progress  in  the  studies,  but  I do  not  consider  that  we 
yet  have  the  elements  of  an  accurate  estimate. 

As  the  committee  request  me,  however,  I herewith  enclose  the  letter  of  Mr.  Wal- 
ter, containing  an  estimate  made  by  himself. 

Engineers  are  in  the  habit  of  going  into  greater  detail  than  architects  in  making 
up  their  estimates,  though  I do  not  know  that  they  are  able  in  the  end  to  attain 
much  greater  accuracy  than  belongs  to  the  more  general  estimate  of  an  experienced 
architect. 

I have  preferred  submitting  Mr.  Walter’s  report  upon  the  second  and  third 
branches  of  the  letter  of  the  committee,  because  the  matter  seems,  in  a measure,  to 
be  treated  as  personal  to  him. 

I may  remark,  in  conclusion,  that  while  the  design  for  the  dome  is  referred  to  in 
the  law  as  Mr.  Walter’s,  the  original  drawing,  and  the  more  detailed  drawings  since 
made,  have  been  prepared  in  this  office,  in  full  and  free  consultation  between  Mr. 
Walter  and  myself,  and  that  I consider  that  in  whatever  credit  or  responsibility  there 
is  to  be  attached  to  the  work  hereafter,  we  have  to  share. 

The  design  I look  upon  as  a very  noble  and  graceful  one — one  which,  if  completed, 
will  be  an  honor  to  the  country,  and  will  compare  favorably  with  those  most  cele- 
brated in  the  old  world;  while  the  adoption  of  cast-iron  as  the  material  will 
materially  reduce  the  cost  and  the  time  occupied  in  its  construction,  when  compared 
with  similar  monuments  heretofore  erected. 

I have  the  honor  to  be  your  obedient  servant, 


M.  C.  Meigs, 

Captain  of  Engineers,  in  Charge. 


Hon.  Jeff’n  Davis,  Secretary  of  War. 


Washington,  D.  C.,  March  4,  1856. 

Dear  Sir:  In  compliance  with  the  request  contained  in  your  letter  of  the  1st 
instant,  accompanying  which  you  have  sent  me  a copy  of  a letter  addressed  to  the 
Secretary  of  War  by  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  of  the 
House  of  Representatives,  I proceed  to  answer  the  second  and  third  queries  con- 
tained in  said  letter. 

The  second  question  is  an  inquiry  as  to  whether  there  has  been  any  change  in  the 
original  plan  of  the  dome  of  the  Capitol,  on  which  the  appropriation  of  $100,000, 
approved  March  3d,  1855,  was  predicted.  In  answer  to  this  question,  I remark  that 
no  essential  alteration  has  been  made — no  change  that  could  be  considered  as  a 
departure  from  the  original  plan. 


1000 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 


In  elaborating  the  details  of  the  structure,  it  was  found  necessary  to  modify  some 
of  its  features,  but  the  general  design  remains  unchanged.  The  outline  of  the  cupola 
has  been  corrected,  so  as  to  make  it  more  graceful;  the  windows  of  the  peristyle 
have  been  simplified,  for  the  purpose  of  improving  the  effect  of  the  colonnade;  the 
height  has  been  slightly  increased,  so  as  to  bring  it  into  better  proportion  with  the 
entire  mass;  and  the  marble  attic,  designed  to  be  constructed  over  the  centre  portico 
as  a base  to  the  dome,  has  been  omitted. 

The  original  design,  which  was  before  Congress  at  the  time  the  appropriation  was 
made,  together  with  the  working  drawings  which  have  since  been  prepared,  will  be 
laid  before  the  committee. 

By  comparing  these  drawings,  it  will  be  seen  that  the  chief  modification  is  the 
omission  of  the  marble  attic  alluded  to.  It  was  found,  upon  a careful  examination 
of  the  upper  part  of  the  old  Capitol,  that  such  an  attic  could  not  be  built  without 
expensive  additions  to  the  structure  below,  and  after  a labored  study  of  the  aesthetic 
effect  of  the  dome  when  completed,  as  it  would  appear  from  the  most  advantageous 
points  of  sight,  it  became  evident  that  such  an  attic,  architecturally  considered, 
would  he  rather  an  injury  than  an  improvement;  it  was  therefore  omitted  on  the 
working  drawings.  But,  in  case  Congress  should  prefer  to  retain  it,  there  will  be  no 
more  difficulty  in  adding  it  hereafter,  than  in  building  it  now;  this  is,  therefore, 
simply  an  omission,  that  may  be  supplied,  if  desirable,  at  some  future  day. 

The  third  query  relates  to  an  estimate  of  the  cost  of  the  new  dome.  As  the  whole 
work  will  be  composed  of  iron  furnished  by  contract,  it  will  be  impossible  to  say 
exactly  what  it  will  cost,  until  we  ascertain  at  what  prices  the  material  can  be 
obtained.  I have,  however,  made  an  approximate  estimate,  based  upon  prices  we 
have  heretofore  paid  for  other  work  on  the  Capitol  extension,  and  find  the  total  cost 
to  amount  to  $945,000;  whether  it  exceeds  or  comes  short  of  this  sum,  will  depend 
on  the  price  per  pound  we  shall  have  to  pay  for  the  iron,  which  is  a question  that 
nothing  short  of  the  actual  proposals  of  the  contractors  who  may  offer  for  the  work 
can  decide. 

I am,  dear  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Tho.  U.  Walter, 

Arch.  Ex.  U.  S.  Capitol  and  New  Dome. 

Captain  M.  C.  Meigs, 

U.  S.  Engineer,  in  charge  of  Capitol  Extension  and  New  Dome. 


Office  Extension  U.  S.  Capitol, 

New  Dome,  &c.,  dec.,  March  8,  1856. 

My  Dear  Sir:  I have  received  the  letter  of  Hon.  L.  D.  Campbell,  chairman  of 
the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means,  referred  to  me  for  a report,  and  herewith  return 
it  with  the  information  required. 

First.  As  to  the  estimated  weight  of  the  dome: 

Mr.  Walter,  in  making  the  estimate  which  I had  the  honor  to  enclose  to  you  on 
the  5th  instant,  assumed  that,  for  that  approximate  calculation,  a thickness  of  six 
inches  of  solid  cast-iron  around  the  whole  dome  would  be  equal  to  the  total  weight. 

He  deduced  from  this,  that  the  whole  dome  would  weigh  about  6,700  tons,  or 
15,000,000  of  pounds. 

Second.  Has  an  examination  of  the  walls  of  the  Capitol  been  made  to  ascertain 
their  capacity  to  bear  the  weight  of  the  dome;  and  if  so,  who  made  the  examina- 
tion? and  if  a report  was  made,  furnish  a copy  to  the  committee. 

Being  charged  with  the  construction  of  the  dome,  I have  myself  made  the  exam- 
ination which  I considered  necessary  in  this  case. 


The  Dome. 


1001 


I have  not  heretofore  made  any  formal  report  upon  the  subject. 

I find  that  the  wall  of  the  rotundo  is  built  partly  of  Aquia  creek  sandstone,  partly 
of  brick,  and  I presume  that  in  the  interior  of  some  of  the  heavier  parts  of  the  wall, 
the  filling  may  be  of  the  common  blue  gneiss  extensively  used  for  rough  masonry  in 
this  city. 

I find  that  the  exterior  facing  of  the  wall  above  the  roof  of  the  wings  is  cracked  in 
many  places,  indicating  that  the  settlement  which  has  taken  place  in  this  great  mass 
of  masonry  has  not  been  perfectly  regular. 

The  cellar  walls,  under  the  crypt  of  the  rotundo,  in  plan,  form  a rectangle  of 
106X100  feet,  out  of  which  are  taken  a circle  of  87  feet  diameter  under  the  rotundo, 
and  four  small  circles  of  10  feet  diameter  in  the  masses  at  the  corners  of  the  square. 

This  mass  continues  with  little  diminution  of  size  up  to  the  roof  arches  of  the  attic 
story.  Above  the  roofs  the  wall  is  circular  both  inside  and  out,  excepting  projec- 
tions to  the  east  and  west.  The  thickness  of  the  circular  portion  is  five  feet  at  the 
level  of  the  spring  of  the  old  dome. 

It  will  be  necessary  to  remove  a portion  of  this  masonry  as  low  as  the  level  of  the 
spring  of  the  old  dome  which  projects  into  the  rotundo. 

This  I propose  to  replace  with  masonry  of  hard  bricks,  laid  in  cement  mortar,  and 
well  tied  together  by  iron  bands  laid  in  the  wall. 

The  object  of  those  bands  is  to  prevent  any  injurious  separation  taking  place  in  the 
wall  from  cracks  occurring  during  the  progress  of  the  settlement,  which  must  be 
expected  as  the  weight  is  gradually  built  up. 

This  brick-masonry  in  cement  will  form  a firm  and  compact  mass,  which  will 
transmit  the  weight  of  the  dome  and  uniformly  distribute  it  over  the  whole  horizon- 
tal section  of  the  lower  wall. 

This  horizontal  section,  disregarding  the  projections  to  the  east  and  west  which 
do  not  materially  increase  the  resisting  power  of  the  walls,  is  5 feet  by  300,  equal  to 
1,500  square  feet.  15,000,000  pounds  equally  distributed  over  this  surface  is  10,000 
pounds  to  the  square  foot. 

By  experiments  made  by  Professor  Walter  R.  Johnston  in  the  year  1852,  at  the 
request  of  a select  committee  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  of  which  the  Honor- 
able John  McNair  was  chairman,  the  weight  necessary  to  crush  a cube  of  Aquia  creek 
sandstone  was  found  to  be  5,245  pounds  upon  each  square  inch. 

By  experiments  lately  made  by  the  commission  on  building  materials  for  the 
Capitol  extension,  the  crushing  weight  per  square  inch  of  brick  varies  from  2,500  to 
12,842  pounds  per  square  inch. 

The  crushing  weight  upon  a cube  of  brick  and  cement  mortar  cut  from  the  walls  of 
the  Capitol  extension  built  by  myself,  I have  ascertained  within  a day  or  two  to  vary 
from  1,333J  pounds  to  2,3554  pounds  oer  square  inch. 

These  values  give  for  the  crushing  weight  per  square  foot — 

Maximum.  Minimum. 


Of  Aquia  creek  sandstone,  in  pounds 755,  280 

Of  brick 1,849,248  360,000 

Of  brick  and  mortar  about  two  years  old 339, 120  192,  000 


The  pressure  of  the  dome  upon  the  wall  being  10,000  pounds  per  square  foot,  is 
only  ^yth  part  of  the  strength  of  the  weakest  specimen  of  the  brick  and  mortar  in 
the  above  table,  and  only  -j^th  part  of  the  strongest  brick  and  mortar. 

It  is  y-jth  of  the  strength  of  sandstone,  and  ^gth  of  the  weakest  and  y^th  of  the 
best  brick  tried  in  our  experiments. 

The  practical  rule  adopted  by  eminent  engineers  and  architects  is,  that  the  pressure 
per  square  foot  upon  masonry  must  not  exceed  one-tenth  the  strength  of  the  stone  of 
which  it  is  built. 

As  we  will  have  only  yt^th  of  the  crushing  weight  of  the  stone,  and  j^th  of  that  of 


1002 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 


the  weakest  brick  we  have  found  that  would  be  likely  to  be  used  iu  the  work,  I 
consider  that  the  wall  is  quite  able  to  bear  the  weight  of  the  dome. 

The  weight  per  square  foot  upon  the  foundation  of  the  Girard  college  is  about 
13,440  pounds. 

The  table  below  gives  the  weights  per  square  foot  upon  the  principal  supporting 
piers  of  some  European  domes. 


Weights  per  square  foot  upon  the  masonry  of  certain  celebrated  structures. 

Pounds. 


Pillars  of  the  dome  of  St.  Peter’s,  Rome _ 33,330 

Pillars  of  the  dome  of  St.  Paul’s,  London 39,450 

Pillars  of  the  dome  of  St.  Genevieve,  Paris 60,000 

Pillars  of  the  dome  of  Toussaint,  Angers , 90,  000 


St.  Peter’s  is  built  of  travatin;  St  Paul’s,  of  Portland  stone;  St.  Genevieve,  of  lime- 
stone; Toussaint,  a hard  shell  limestone. 

All  these  stones  are  weaker  than  Aquia  creek  sandstone,  except  the  limestone  of 
the  church  of  Toussaint,  which  is  somewhat  stronger — crushing  under  900,000  pounds 
to  the  square  foot,  while  the  Aquia  creek  stone  crushes  under  755,280  pounds. 

Comparing  the  10,000  pounds  per  square  foot  pressure  of  the  new  dome  of  the 
Capitol  with  the  pressures  of  the  above  table,  it  will  be  seen  that  there  can  be  no 
doubt  of  the  sufficiency  of  the  walls  of  the  rotundo  to  support  the  dome. 

It  should  be  remembered  that  cast  iron  is  a far  lighter  material  than  stone  for  any 
building,  as  its  strength  is  so  great  that  it  is  used  in  much  smaller  quantity.  For 
example,  the  shafts  of  the  columns  of  the  peristyle  of  the  dome,  already  cast,  weigh 
10,000  pounds  each.  Column  shafts  of  the  same  length  and  diameter,  cut  from  the 
marble  of  which  the  Capitol  extension  is  built,  would  weigh  23,000  pounds. 

I am,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 


M.  C.  Meigs, 

Capt.  Engrs. , in  charge  New  Dome,  Ex.  U.  S.  Capitol,  &c. 


Hon.  Jefferson  Davis, 

Secretary  of  War. 


War  Department, 
Washington,  March  10,  1856. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  6th  instant, 
calling  on  me  to  furnish  information  to  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  on  the 
following  points,  viz: 

1st.  What  is  the  estimated  weight  of  the  dome,  as  proposed  in  the  plan  now  exhib- 
ited to  the  committee? 

2d.  Has  an  examination  of  the  walls  of  the  Capitol  been  made  to  ascertain  their 
capacity  to  bear  the  weight  of  the  dome,  &c.,  Ac.? 

Your  letter  was  referred  to  the  engineer  in  charge  of  the  Capitol  extension;  and 
from  his  report,  herewith  enclosed,  it  will  be  found  that  the  estimated  weight  of  the 
dome  is  about  6,700  tons,  or  15,000,000  pounds;  and  that  an  examination  of  the  walls 
of  the  Capitol  was  made  by  him,  which  satisfactorily  exhibited  their  capacity  to  bear 
the  weight  of  the  dome. 

Though  it  was  found  that  by  the  settlement  of  the  structure  some  cracks  had 
occurred  which  necessarily  weaken  the  walls,  the  plan  adopted  to  secure  a uniform 
distribution  of  the  additional  weight  to  be  imposed  over  the  whole  bearing  surface 
of  the  supporting  walls,  together  with  the  wide  margin  between  the  strength  of  the 
weakest  material  in  them  and  the  pressure  of  the  proposed  dome,  leave  little  reason 
to  doubt  the  correctness  of  the  engineer’s  conclusion  “that  the  wall  is  quite  able  to 
bear  the  weight  of  the  dome.” 


The  Dome. 


1003 


As  the  queries  propounded  on  the  part  of  the  committee  would  seem  to  imply  that 
certain  investigations  should  have  been  made  by  this  department  before  the  plan  of 
the  new  dome  was  submitted,  it  may  not  be  improper  to  state  that  the  Congress 
decided  to  remove  the  existing  dome  and  to  construct  a new  one  according  to  a plan 
specified  in  the  act  of  appropriation,  without  an  expression  of  opinion  on  the  part  of 
this  department,  either  as  to  the  purpose  for  which  the  appropriation  was  made,  or 
the  architectural  design  according  to  which  it  was  to  be  expended.  It  is  not  to  be 
supposed  that  the  sum  appropriated  was  expected  to  complete  the  structure  accord- 
ing to  the  plan  adopted.  The  only  discretion  which  the  act  left  to  the  Executive 
was  the  material  out  of  which  the  dome  was  to  be  constructed,  and  in  this  it  will  be 
found  that  the  lightest  and  cheapest  material  fitted  for  the  purpose  has  been  selected. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Jeff’n  Davis, 

Secretary  of  War. 

Hon.  Lewis  D.  Campbell, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means. 


War  Department, 

Washington,  March  14,  1856. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  your  letter  of  the  13th  instant, 
respecting  the  weignt  and  cost  of  the  projected  new  dome  for  the  Capitol,  and  inquir- 
ing, by  direction  of  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means,  “First,  whether  they  are  to 
act  upon  the  hypothesis  that  the  weight  of  the  whole  dome  would  be  about  6,700 
tons,  or  15,000,000  of  pounds;  and  if  so,  whether  upon  the  responsibility  of  the  engi- 
neer in  charge,  of  the  architect,  or  of  both.  Second.  In  reference  to  the  estimate 
for  its  completion,  whether  $945,000,  as  set  forth  in  the  letter  of  Mr.  Walter  of  the 
4th  March,  1856,  which  accompanied  one  from  you  [the  Secretary  of  War]  of  the  5th 
March,  1856,  is  sufficient;  and  if  so,  whether  upon  the  responsibility  of  the  engineer 
in  charge,  of  the  architect,  or  of  both;  if  not,  what  sum  will  be  required.” 

In  reply  to  these  inquiries,  I have  to  state  that  the  estimates  both  of  the  weight 
and  cost  of  the  dome,  are  those  of  the  architect,  whose  plan  of  the  dome  was  adopted 
by  Congress,  and  the  estimates  are  given  upon  his  responsibility.  This  department 
is  unable  to  submit,  at  present,  any  more  reliable  estimates  than  those,  and  can 
suggest  no  other  hypothesis  for  the  action  of  the  committee. 

The  engineer  in  charge  of  the  construction  of  the  dome  was  called  upon  by  me 
before  the  meeting  of  Congress  for  an  estimate  of  the  total  cost  of  the  construction. 
He  then  replied  that  the  study  of  the  details  had  not  progressed  far  enough  to  enable 
him  to  make  an  estimate,  and  such  continued  to  be  his  position  when  the  estimate  of 
the  architect  was  sent  to  you  as  the  best  answer  the  department  could  give  to  your 
inquiry  of  the  27th  ultimo. 

The  plan  of  the  dome  having  been  designed  by  Mr.  Walter,  and  adopted  by  Con- 
gress without  an  estimate  of  the  engineer,  without  the  recommendation,  and,  I may 
add,  without  the  concurrence  of  this  department,  the  style,  upon  which  will  mainly 
depend  the  cost  of  the  structure,  must  be  better  understood  by  the  architect  and 
such  members  of  your  committee  as  were  in  the  last  Congress  than  by  myself. 

This  department  had  no  other  means  of  judging  how  Congress  intended  the  interior 
to  be  finished,  than  by  inspection  of  the  plan  designated  in  the  act  of  appropriation. 
This  exhibited  a high  order  of  architecture,  and  thus  indicated  an  expensive  style  of 
interior  finish.  The  cost  would  unquestionably  be  reduced  by  adopting  a lower 
standard  than  that  on  which  the  architect  made  his  estimate,  and,  on  the  other  hand, 
it  could  as  certainly  be  magnified  by  a more  ornate  style  of  interior  finish  than  was 
contemplated  by  him.  This  department,  therefore,  can  say  no  more  than  that  the 


1004 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


appropriations  shall  be  expended  in  the  most  economical  manner  to  secure  whatever 
purpose  Congress  had,  or  may  have,  in  reference  to  the  dome,  and,  in  the  absence 
of  more  specific  information,  will  take  care  to  conform  the  interior  (the  details  of 
which  are  not  yet  decided)  as  nearly  as  possible  to  the  exterior,  as  shown  in  the  plan 
which  has  been  approved  by  Congress. 

Very  repectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Jeff’n  Davis, 

Secretary  of  War. 

Hon.  L.  D.  Campbell, 

Chairman  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means,  H.  R. 


U.  S.  Capitol  Extension,  Post  Office  Extension, 

and  Washington  Aqueduct  Office, 

Washington,  March  15,  1856. 

My  Dear  Sir:  As  the  questions  relating  to  the  dome,  now  under  discussion  in  the 
committee,  may  refer  to  the  origin  of  the  appropriation,  I beg  leave  to  give  you  a 
reference  to  the  debate  in  the  Globe  on  22d  February,  1855:  Motion  by  Mr.  Stanton 
of  Kentucky.  Mr.  Houston,  chairman  of  Ways  and  Means,  asked  whether  that 
motion  came  from  any  committee.  Mr.  Stanton  replied,  “ No,  sir.  I offer  it  on  my 
own  responsibility.  It  comes  recommended  by  no  committee,”  Ac.,  &c.  After 
debate,  in  which  Messrs.  Greenwood,  Sollers,  Stanton,  and  Taylor  took  part,  vote 
70  to  70,  a tie;  chairman  voted  aye. 

February  24th,  vote  on  amendment,  and  there  seems  to  have  been  no  opposition. 
I am,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

M.  C.  Meigs,  Captain. 

Hon.  Lewis  D.  Campbell, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means. 


[A  debate  on  the  new  Dome,  incidently,  occurred  in  the  House  of  Representatives 
on  May  26,  1856,  reproduced  in  the  section  relating  to  the  Capitol  Extension  from 
Congressional  Globe,  34 — 1,  Appendix,  p.  624.] 


[House  of  Representatives,  Mis.  Doc.  No.  124,  34th  Congress,  1st  Session.  New  Dome  on  the  Capitol. 
Letter  from  the  Secretary  of  War,  communicating  a report  from  Captain  Meigs,  showing  the  amount 
of  money  required  to  meet  the  contracts  entered  into  in  connection  with  the  New  Dome.  June  21, 
1856,  referred  to  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means.] 

War  Department, 
Washington,  May  17,  1856. 

Sir:  I herewith  enclose  a report  from  Captain  M.  C.  Meigs,  containing  the  state- 
ment requested  in  your  letter  of  the  8th  instant,  of  “the  amount  required  to  meet 
the  contracts  already  entered  into  in  connection  with  the  new  dome  of  the  Capitol.” 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Jeff’n  Davis, 

Secretary  of  War. 

Hon.  L.  D.  Campbell, 

Chairman  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means, 

House  of  Representatives. 


The  Dome. 


1005 


U.  S.  Capitol  Extension,  Post  Office  Extension, 

and  Washington  Aqueduct  Office, 

Washington , May  16,  1856. 

My  Dear  Sir:  I have  made  engagements  for  the  thirty-six  cast-iron  columns, 
including  shafts,  bases,  and  capitals,  for  the  peristyle  of  the  dome. 

They  weigh  about  11,745  pounds  each,  or  422,823  pounds  in  all. 

At  the  price  at  which  they  are  delivered  on  the  cars  at  Washington — 3T% 


cents  per  pound — these  will  cost $14,375  98 

We  have  already  received  and  paid  for  297,719  pounds,  at  3T4T  cents 10, 122  42 2 

Balance  (to  be  delivered)  125,104  pounds,  at  3-j^  cents 4,  253  56 J 


No  other  engagement  has  been  made  for  the  supply  of  the  material  for  the  dome. 
There  are  a number  of  persons  employed  in  the  shops,  and  the  current  expenses  for 
their  wages  are  about  $900  per  month. 

There  is  now  available  of  the  appropriation  for  the  dome  the  sum  of  $66,383. 

I return  the  letter  of  the  Hon.  L.  D.  Campbell,  chairman  of  the  Committee  of 
Ways  and  Means,  of  the  8th  instant,  referred  to  me  for  report. 

The  delay  in  making  this  report  has  been  caused  by  waiting  for  the  receipt  of  a 
portion  of  the  ornamental  castings  for  the  capitals  of  the  columns,  which,  daily 
expected,  arrived  only  yesterday.  I wished,  by  actual  trial,  to  determine  their 
exact  weight  before  sending  in  this  estimate. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

M.  C.  Meigs, 

Captain  Engineers,  in  charge  neiv  dome,  Extension  United  States  Capitol,  &c.,  &c. 

Hon.  Jefferson  Davis, 

Secretary  of  War. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  July  14,  1856:  Congressional  Globe,  34 — 1,  p.  1614.] 

DOME  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  Hale  submitted  the  following  resolution;  which  was  considered  by  unanimous 
consent,  and  agreed  to: 

Resolved. , That  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  be  instructed  to  inquire  into  the  expediency  of 
suspending  operations  on  the  dome  of  the  Capitol,  and  of  removing  the  present  old  structure  and 
replacing  it  by  some  building  in  symmetry  with  the  new  wings  now  in  progress  of  construction,  so 
that  the  whole  building,  when  completed,  may  be  uniform  and  symmetrical,  and  conformable  to  the 
requirements  of  a chaste,  simple,  and  modern  architecture. 

[No  report  made.] 


[Senate  proceedings  of  August  14,  1856;  Congressional  Globe,  34 — 1,  p.  2099.] 

ENLARGEMENT  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  Iverson.  I desire  to  present  a resolution  of  inquiry,  which  I ask  the  Senate  to 
act  upon  at  once: 

Resolved,  That  the  memorial  and  papers  of  C.  B.  Cluskey,  architect  and  civil  engineer,  asking  to  be 
compensated  for  the  plan  projected  by  him,  for  the  “enlargement  of  the  Capitol,”  and  presented  on 
the  1st  day  of  December,  1850,  in  pursuance  of  the  Senate’s  resolution  of  the  25th  of  September  pre- 
vious, (which  plan  was  approved,  and  its  adoption  recommended  by  the  examining  architects,)  be 
taken  from  the  files  of  the  Senate,  and  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings;  and  that  said 
committee  examine  and  compare  his  design  for  a cast-iron  dome  over  the  rotunda,  with  associate 
subordinate  features  on  the  wings,  as  shown  on  said  plan,  with  the  plan  on  which  the  dome  is  pro- 
posed to  be  erected,  and  report  their  relative  cost  and  adaptation  to  the  whole  structure  in  its  present 
extended  length  and  form;  also,  how  far  the  design  of  Mr.  Cluskey  is  embodied  and  about  to  be  used 


1006 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


in  the  proposed  plan;  and  what  compensation,  if  any,  should  be  allowed  him  for  being  the  first  to 
devise  and  recommend  the  improvement  of  the  dome  by  one  of  cast-iron,  of  increased  architectural 
proportions  and  harmony  of  design,  as  described  in  his  report  on  the  public  buildings  here  in  1849: 
(see  report  No.  90  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  Thirtieth  Congress,  second 
session. ) 

I desire  the  resolution  to  go  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  at  the  present 
session;  and  ask  them  now  to  act  on  it  or  not,  as  they  please. 

Mr.  Cass.  I have  not  the  slightest  objection;  but  there  is  an  assertion  of  fact  in 
the  resolution  of  which  I know  nothing.  It  is,  that  this  man  was  the  first  to  propose 
the  plan. 

Mr.  Iverson.  That  is  to  be  inquired  into  by  the  committee. 

Mr.  Cass.  It  seems  to  me  the  resolution  states  a fact,  and  I do  not  know  whether 
it  is  true  or  not. 

Mr.  Bayard.  I have  not  the  slightest  objection  to  the  reference  of  the  resolution 
to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings;  but  the  honorable  Senator  who  presents  it 
need  not  expect  any  report  at  this  session  of  Congress.  It  is  utterly  impossible 
for  us  to  act  on  it  now.  It  is  mingling  with  the  construction  of  the  Capitol  some 
matter  of  private  claim  as  to  the  original  design,  as  I understand  from  the  reading  of 
it.  I think  it  cannot  be  expected  that  we  should  make  that  investigation  at  this  ses- 
sion, but  I will  do  so  at  the  next  session,  if  I am  still  a member  of  the  committee. 

Mr.  Seward.  I desire  to  hear  the  indicative  portion  of  that  resolution  read,  and  I 
want  to  know  whether  I commit  myself  to  any  assertion  of  fact  by  the  recital. 

Mr.  Cass.  Why  not  let  the  memorial  be  simply  referred? 

Mr.  Seward.  The  Senator’s  objection  is  met  by  inserting  the  words  “ as  he  alleges” 
after  “projected  by  him.” 

Mr.  Iverson.  I have  no  objection  to  that  modification. 

The  resolution,  as  modified,  was  agreed  to. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  certain  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  year 
ending  the  thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-seven,”  approved  Aug.  18,  1856  (Stats,  at 
Large,  v.  11,  86.)] 

For  continuing  the  construction  of  the  new  dome  of  the  Capitol,  one  hundred 
thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Capt.  M.  C.  Meigs,  in  charge  of  construction  of  the  New  Dome,  Novem- 
ber, 1856.  (34 — 3,  Senate  Ex.  Doc.  No.  5,  v.  2,  p.  223.)] 

Office  of  Extension  of  United  States  Capitol, 

Washington,  November  13,  1856. 

Dear  Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  report  the  progress  of  operations  for  rebuilding  the 
dome  of  the  Capitol. 

At  the  date  of  my  last  annual  report,  the  temporary  roof  over  the  rotundo  was  in 
place,  and  required  only  painting  to  be  finished.  The  upper  and  wooden  portion  of 
the  old  dome  was  partly  demolished.  The  iron  work  and  other  parts  of  the  derricks 
and  cranes  were  nearly  ready. 

As  the  removal  of  the  lower  part  of  the  old  dome,  composed  of  stone  and  brick 
masonry,  would  necessarily  be  attended  with  great  noise  and  dirt,  and  was  not  with- 
out danger  to  the  occupants  of  the  rotundo,  it  was  not  thought  proper  to  attempt  it 
during  the  session  of  Congress. 

There  was  also  much  misapprehension  in  Congress  in  regard  to  the  plans  and  esti- 
mates for  the  stone,  and  some  disposition  was  indicated  in  the  committees  to  recom- 
mend a change  in  the  plan  which  had  been  adopted  by  Congress.  For  these  reasons 
the  work  was  confined  to  completing  the  derricks,  cranes,  and  other  machinery,  and 


T}ie  Dome. 


1007 


to  the  casting  of  the  columns  of  the  peristyle  of  the  dome.  These  could  all  be  made 
useful  in  any  plan  which  might  be  finally  adopted  by  Congress. 

At  the  end  of  the  session  the  machinery  was  all  complete  and  in  place.  One  of 
the  iron  columns  was  hoisted  to  the  top  of  the  eastern  portico,  for  the  purpose  of 
testing  the  working  of  the  derricks  and  steam-hoisting  apparatus,  and  showing  the 
effect  of  the  colonnade  at  that  height. 

The  full  consideration  given  to  the  matter  in  Congress  resulted  in  an  appropriation 
of  one  hundred  thousand  dollars  for  continuing  the  work  upon  the  plan  first  adopted 
by  them.  Immediately  after  the  adjournment,  in  August,  the  demolition  of  the 
masonry  was  commenced. 

The  exterior  facing  of  the  dome  and  of  the  rotundo  wall,  above  the  roof  of  the  Capi- 
tol, was  of  cut  sandstone.  The  arch  of  the  inner  dome  itself,  for  about  two-thirds  of 
its  height,  was  of  brick,  with  a heavy  stone  curb  at  the  top,  in  which  the  wooden 
structure  rested. 

The  stone  work  has  been  removed  down  to  the  broad  projecting  exterior  cornice, 
which,  at  a height  of  sixty-four  feet  above  the  rotundo  floor,  terminates  the  vertical 
wall. 

The  brick  lining  has  been  removed  down  to  the  level  of  the  interior  cornice,  forty- 
eight  feet  above  the  floor.  The  track  of  the  stone  work  of  the  wall  above  the  interior 
cornice  is  thus  exposed.  The  stone  proves  to  be  well  cut,  but  badly  set.  The  joints 
are  not  well  filled  with  mortar,  and  that  which  partly  fills  them  is  not  of  good 
quality. 

The  use  of  hydraulic  cement  was  unknown  in  the  country  when  this  masonry  was 
laid.  Many  of  the  stones  are  broken  by  the  unequal  settlement,  and  unequal  bear- 
ing to  which  they  were  exposed  from  this  faulty  construction.  Belowr  this  level 
the  wall  is  Composed  principally  of  brick,  with  an  interior  facing  of  cut  stone. 

In  order  to  secure  a firm  and  solid  foundation  for  the  iron  wrork,  the  brick  lining 
which  has  been  removed  is  being  replaced  by  brick  work  laid  in  cement  mortar,  and 
tied  together  with  hoop-iron  bands. 

The  joints  of  the  stone  work  are  being  cleaned  out  and  filled  with  a grout,  com- 
posed of  cement  and  water,  without  sand.  This  grout  can  be  injected,  so  as  to  per- 
fectly fill  the  joints  and  secure  a proper  support  for  every  stone. 

The  brick  and  stone  will  be  connected  by  numerous  iron  cramps,  and  by  heavy  iron 
ties  let  into  the  stone,  in  addition  to  the  hoop-iron  bands,  used  in  the  brick  work. 

By  this  means  I expect  to  make  a capping  to  the  wall  of  some  twenty  feet  in  height, 
perfectly  solid,  and  so  tied  together  that  it  will  act-  as  one  mass  to  distribute  the 
weight  of  the  dome  over  the  whole  of  the  lower  wall.  Of  the  strength  of  this  con- 
struction there  can  be  no  doubt. 

The  sandstone  of  which  the  outer  facing  is  composed  crushes  under  a weight  of 

750.000  pounds  to  the  square  foot.  The  bricks  vary  in  strength  from  360,000  to 

1.772.000  pounds  to  the  square  foot. 

Experiments  which  I have  made  upon  small  cubes  of  brick  and  mortar  taken  from 
the  works  of  the  Capitol  extension,  only  two  years  old,  gave  a strength  of  192,000  to 

339.000  pounds  to  the  square  foot.  Those  five  years  old  bore  700,000  pounds  to  the 
square  foot. 

These  results  so  far  exceed  the  strength  required  for  resisting  the  crushing  weight 
of  the  iron  work,  as  to  leave  no  room  for  anxiety  on  that  point 

The  most  striking  example  of  the  tenacity  given  to  brick  work  Dy  the  use  of  hoop 
iron  band,  is  the  experimental  arch  built  by  Brunei  at  the  Thames  tunnel.  This 
was  a semi  arch  projecting  from  the  face  of  a pier  to  a distance  of  sixty  feet.  A cor- 
responding projection  on  the  other  side  of  the  pier  served  to  balance  it.  By  the 
skillful  use  of  hoop  iron  in  the  horizontal  joints  of  the  spandrils,  and  of  hard  brick 
and  cement  throughout,  an  arch  was  thus  projected  from  the  side  of  a pier  equiva- 
lent to  the  half  of  an  arch  of  120  feet  span,  with  only  ten  feet  rise. 


1008 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Part  of  the  iron  work  for  the  dome  is  already  delivered.  The  36  columns  of  the 
peristyle,  27  feet  in  height,  with  their  caps  and  bases,  have  been  received.  The 
shafts,  caps,  and  bases  have  all  been  turned  and  fitted  together.  Some  of  the  caps 
have  been  fitted  with  their  foliage  and  volutes,  but  this  work  is  not  yet  completed. 

There  are  two  cast-iron  cornices,  with  a row  of  enriched  panels,  to  be  built  into 
the  brick  wall  below  the  colonnade.  The  brackets  which  support  the  lower  cornice, 
and  part  of  those  which  support  the  upper  cornice,  have  been  received.  Part  of  the 
panels  are  also  delivered. 

The  plates  and  foliage  which  these  brackets  support,  and  which  make  the  profile 
of  the  cornice,  are  being  manufactured  in  New  York. 

The  heavy  brackets,  weighing  two  and  a half  tons  each,  upon  which  the  wall  and 
columns  of  the  dome  will  rest,  are  about  to  be  cast  in  Baltimore. 

The  columns,  capitals,  bases,  and  shafts  were  cast  in  Baltimore,  and  fitted  up  in 
the  work-shops  here. 

During  the  approaching  winter,  the  working  drawings  for  the  whole  structure  will 
be  prepared,  and  the  castings  made,  to  carry  the  framework  up  to  the  height  of 
about  one  hundred  feet  above  the  rotundo  floor,  and  it  is  hoped  that  this  work  can 
be  set  soon  after  the  resumption  of  operations  in  the  spring. 

There  will  be  required  for  the  service  of  the  fiscal  year  ending  30th  June,  1858,  the 


sum  of  $500,000. 

Cash  account. 

Amount  available  30th  September,  1856 $93,826  26 

Appropriated  in  1856  100,000  00 

193,  826  26 

Expended  in  year  ending  30th  September,  1856 36,911  41 

Available  for  service  of  year  ending  30th  June,  1857 156,  914  85 

Required  for  service  of  year  ending  30th  June,  1858 500,  000  00 

The  total  estimate  for  the  dome  is 945,  COO  00 

Appropriated  in  1855 $100,  000 

Do.  1856 100,000 

200,  000  00 

Yet  to  be  appropriated 745,000  00 


Of  which  there  will  be  required  for  next  year  $500,000. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

M.  C.  Meigs, 

Captain  of  Engineers. 

Hon.  Jefferson  Davis, 

Secretary  of  War. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Jefferson  Davis,  Secretary  of  War,  Dec.  1,  1856.  (34 — 3,  House  Ex.  Doc. 

No.  1,  v.  2,  p.  24.)] 

The  work  upon  the  new  dome,  suspended  during  the  session  of  Congress,  has  been 
resumed. 

The  machinery  for  the  removal  of  the  masonry  of  the  old  dome  and  construction 
of  the  new  has  been  erected,  and  the  old  dome  has  been  completely  demolished. 

Great  care  is  necessary  in  forming  upon  the  old  walls  the  foundations  to  support 
the  iron  work;  and  the  means  adopted  and  described  in  the  report  of  the  officer  in 
charge  seem  well  adapted  to  insure  success. 

The  design  which  was  originally  adopted  by  Congress  appears  to  have  been  in 
advance  of  a study  of  its  details  and  an  estimate  of  its  cost.  Inquiries  by  committees 


The  Dome. 


1009 


of  the  House  of  Representatives,  and  to  which  the  Department  replied,  indicated  a 
probable  change  in  the  plan  of  the  dome;  and  under  these  circumstances  it  has  been 
deemed  advisable  to  await  further  action.  Therefore  no  estimate  is  presented  by 
this  Department  for  the  continuation  of  that  structure,  as  the  amount  that  will  be 
required  must  depend  upon  the  plan  to  be  executed. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  certain  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  year 
ending  the  thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-eight,”  approved  Mar.  3,  1857.  f Stats,  at 
Large,  v.  11,  226.)] 

For  continuing  the  work  of  the  new  dome  of  the  Capitol,  five  hundred  thousand 
dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Capt.  M.  C.  Meigs,  in  charge  of  construction  of  the  New  Dome,  Nov.  30, 
1857.  (35 — 1,  House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  2,  vol.  2,  p.  45.)] 

Office  of  the  Extension  of  the  U.  S.  Capitol, 

Washington  City,  November  30,  1857. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  report  the  progress  of  operations  for  rebuilding  the  dome 
of  the  Capitol. 

At  the  date  of  my  last  annual  report  the  old  dome  had  been  removed,  a temporary 
roof  built  over  the  rotundo,  the  machinery,  derricks,  cranes,  steam  engine,  and  hoist- 
ing apparatus  prepared,  and  the  operation  of  rebuilding  the  upper  part  of  the  rotundo 
wall,  in  good  masonry,  to  receive  the  iron  work,  was  in  progress. 

The  winter  suspended  operations  upon  this  work.  In  the  spring  it  was  resumed, 
and  the  wall  was  carried  up  in  brick  and  cement,  with  hoop-iron  bond,  the  joints  of 
the  old  exterior  facing  of  sandstone  being  grouted  and  made  solid  with  cement 
mortar  to  near  the  level  of  the  top  of  the  cast-iron  brackets,  which  directly  receive 
the  weight  of  the  iron  superstructure,  and  which  support  upon  their  outer  ends  the 
columns  of  the  peristyle. 

These  brackets,  which  weigh  about  two  and  a half  tons  each,  are  embedded  in  the 
brick  work,  held  together  by  the  brick,  iron,  and  cement  bond,  and  by  a heavy 
wrought-iron  band,  also  embedded  in  the  brick  work.  Strong  wrought-iron  screw 
bolts  also  connect  their  outer  ends,  forming  a continuous  hoop  of  wrought-iron. 
There  are  seventy-two  of  these  brackets,  weighing  in  all  479,923J  pounds. 

Upon  these  rest  one  hundred  and  forty-four  pillars  of  cast-iron,  twenty-three  feet 
ten  and  three-quarter  inches  in  height,  averaging  in  weight  4,942  pounds  each. 
These  are  firmly  connected  by  cast  and  wrought-iron  braces  and  bolts,  and  form  the 
skeleton  of  the  wall  or  drum  of  the  dome  from  the  floor  of  the  peristyle  to  the  top  of 
the  columns.  Many  of  these  are  in  place,  and  others  are  being  daily  delivered, 
fitted,  and  hoisted  to  their  places. 

The  ends  or  bearing  surfaces  of  these  pillars  are  turned  in  a lathe,  or  planed  in  a 
heavy  vertical  planing  machine,  which  was  designed  and  built  for  this  special 
purpose. 

The  frame  of  each  of  the  thirty-six  piers  between  the  windows  of  the  principal 
stage  of  the.  dome  is  composed  of  a group  of  four  of  these  pillars,  with  their  cross- 
braces and  ties. 

Upon  these  will  rest  another  tier  of  heavy  castings,  which  will  be  connected  with 
the  entablature  upon  the  top  of  the  columns  by  cast  and  wrought-iron  braces  and 
ties.  These  castings  are  being  made. 

The  columns  are  all  made  and  fitted.  Some  of  them  have  been  set.  Others  will 
be  set  as  the  fitting  and  setting  of  the  floor-plates  of  the  colonnade  is  completed. 

The  drawings  of  the  details  of  entablature  of  windows,  of  pilasters,  and  of  the  skin 

H.  Rep.  04b 04 


1010 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


or  outside  covering  generally  of  this  stage  of  the  dome  are  completed,  and  arrange- 
ments are  being  made  for  the  casting  and  manufacture  of  the  iron  work. 

The  drawings  of  the  next  stage  are  in  progress. 

The  great  difficulty  and  complexity  of  this  structure — one  of  the.  most  complicated 
and  difficult  works  of  engineering  and  architecture  ever  attempted — have  made  it 
impossible  to  complete  all  the  studies  for  it  as  rapidly  as  I had  hoped;  but  a great 
quantity  of  work  is  now  in  hand,  and  will  be  set  during  the  early  part  of  the  next 


season. 

Cash  account. 

Available  30th  September,  1856  §156,  914  85 

Appropriated  in  1857  500,  000  00 

656,  914  85 

Expended  in  the  year  ending  30th  September,  1857 54,  720  93 

Available  30th  September,  1857 602, 193  92 

No  appropriation  is  asked  for  the  next  fiscal  year,  as  the  sum  now  available  will 
be  as  much  as  can  be  judiciously  applied  during  the  year. 

Respectfully  submitted.  M.  C.  Meigs, 


Captain  of  Engineers,  in  charge. 

Hon.  J.  B.  Floyd, 

Secretary  of  War. 


[House  proceedings  of  May  19,  1858:  Congressional  Globe,  35 — 1,  p.  2255.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  State  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  an  item  in  relation  to  the  Washington  Aqueduct,  in  the  Sundry  Civil 
bill  for  1859— 

Mr.  Burnett.  * * * Now  we  are  told  that  these  estimates  were  for  §2,300,000; 
what  assurance  have  we  that  that  will  complete  the  work?  Gentlemen  express  the 
opinion  that  it  will.  They  say  that  the  agent  for  the  Government  says  it  will;  but 
I call  the  attention  of  gentlemen  to  one  solitary  improvement  in  connection  with 
this  Capitol,  on  which  estimates  w7ere  furnished.  I mean  the  dome  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Goode.  I desire  to  say  that  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Buildings  never 
made  an  estimate  for  that  dome.  The  estimate  was  made  by  the  architect. 

Mr.  .T.  Glancy  Jones.  I rise  to  a question  of  order.  The  gentleman  from  Ken- 
tucky is  not  confining  his  remarks  to  the  subject  of  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Burnett.  I am  giving  the  reasons  wdiy  this  appropriation  should  be  reduced, 
and  I think  I understand  as  well  as  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania,  whether  I 
am  confining  myself  to  the  subject  or  not.  Now,  take  this  dome  of  the  Capitol — I 
know  it  wras  not  estimated  for  by  the  Superintendent  of  Public  Works,  but  it  is  one 
instance  to  show  an  enormous  expenditure  of  public  money,  over  and  above  the 
estimates  submitted  to  the  House.  Now  we  are  told  here,  that  contractors  may 
suffer.  The  gentleman  from  Virginia,  on  my  left  [Mr.  Letcher],  says  there  is  no 
contract  made.  He  is  on  the  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means,  and  certainly  ought 
to  know.  He  speaks  by  authority. 

Mr.  Letcher.  There  has  been  a proposition  for  bids,  and  these  bids  have  been 
made;  and  from  what  I understand,  the  facts  are  simply  these:  that  these  bids  are 
within  the  estimate  of  one  million  dollars;  but  that  the  Secretary  of  War,  in  the 
absence  of  the  appropriation,  has  not  completed  the  contracts. 

Mr.  Burnett.  Then,  sir,  if  the  contractors  lose  anything  it  is  their  own  fault.  I 
am  not  here  for  the  purpose  of  legislating  for  contractors  with  this  Government. 
I am  not  here  for  the  purpose  of  providing  for  the  losses  of  individuals  who  may 


The  Dome. 


1011 


undertake  public  works;  but  I am  here  for  the  purpose  of  protecting  the  interests  of 
the  entire  country.  When  we  are  told  that  the  Treasury  has  no  money  in  it,  and 
that  we  must  economize,  I am  for  applying  the  knife  where  we  can  best  do  it  with- 
out injury  to  the  public  good.  That  is  my  rule. 

Now,  on  the  subject  of  this  Capitol,  we  are  told  that  we  have  to  vote  a large  sum 
of  money  for  it.  Sir,  if  this  economy  is  necessary,  let  us  commence  economizing  at 
the  right  place;  and  I know  of  no  better  place  to  commence  than  on  these  two 
appropriations  in  this  bill. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 


[From  the  animal  report  of  Capt.  M.  C.  Meigs,  in  charge  of  construction  of  the  New  Dome,  Nov.  15, 
1858.  (35 — 2,  House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  2,  v.  2,  pt.  2,  p.  757.)] 

Office  of  the  Extension  of  the  United  States  Capitol, 

Washington,  November  15,  1858. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  report  the  progress  of  operations  for  rebuilding  the  dome 
of  the  Capitol. 

At  the  date  of  my  last  annual  report  the  brick  work  of  the  walls  had  been  carried 
to  within  a foot  or  two  of  the  top  of  the  brackets  on  which  the  piers  and  columns  of 
the  peristyle  rest.  Some  of  the  pillars  of  the  principal  story  had  been  set,  and  others 
were  being  received  and  fitted. 

During  the  past  year  the  skeleton  of  the  principal  story  in  two  stages,  as  high  as 
the  top  of  the  cornice  of  the  circular  colonnade,  has  been  finished,  and  the  columns 
have  all  been  set  in  their  places.  The  height  above  the  base  of  the  iron  work  is 
42]  feet. 

The  wrought  iron  boiler  plate  band,  which  connects  the  whole  work,  has  been 
secured  in  its  place,  and  the  work  made  ready  for  winter. 

The  shell  which  covers  this  skeleton,  with  forms  of  architectural  decoration,  is  now 
being  prepared  by  Messrs.  James  Beebe  & Co.,  at  their  works  in  New  York,  and  will 
be  ready  to  set  early  next  season. 

It  embraces  the  interior  and  exterior  pilasters  and  cornices;  the  window-frames 
and  their  mouldings;  and  the  heavy  balustrades  which  surmounts  the  exterior  cor- 
nice, and  will  complete  the  principal  story  of  the  wrork. 

I should  be  pleased  to  be  able  to  report  a greater  progress  in  this  work,  but  the 
want  of  cordial  co-operation  on  the  part  of  the  architect  associated  with  me  has  much 
interfered  wTith  the  studies  and  drawings  of  the  work.  As  it  appears  to  me,  he  has 
much  mistaken  his  authority  and  his  duty;  and,  as  it  was  a matter  which  could  be 
settled  only  by  the  department,  I have  awaited  its  decision. 

A careful  estimate  of  the  quantity  of  iron  received  for  the  dome,  to  the  month  of 
June  last,  shows  that  there  had  been  received  of 

Cast  iron 2,  860,  529  lbs.  = 1,  277  tons. 

Wrought  iron 237,  247  lbs.  = 106  tons. 


3,  097,  776  1,  383 

The  greater  part  of  this  iron  work  was  finished  and  in  place  upon  the  dome,  and 
the  total  expenditure  to  that  date  having  been  $206,391  52,  including  all  expenses 
for  pay  of  officers  and  workmen;  for  making  drawings  and  patterns;  for  demolishing 
and  removing  the  old  dome  and  re-building  the  masonry,  and  all  other  incidental 
expenses;  I find  that  the  cost  of  the  iron  work  p>ut  up  had  averaged,  per  lb.,  6f  cents. 

This  average  should  be  diminished  as  the  work  progresses,  for  a large  portion  of 
the  total  expenditure,  which  is  included  in  making  it  up,  is  properly  chargeable 
upon  the  whole  work;  such  as  the  first  studies  of  drawings;  demolition  of  the  old 


1012 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


dome;  rebuilding  of  masonry  to  receive  the  iron  work,  machinery,  derricks,  engines, 
and  tools  for  hoisting  and  fitting  the  iron  work,  &c. 

A drawing,  showing  the  present  state  of  the  work,  accompanies  this  report. 

Cash  account. 


Available  September  30,  1857  _ $602, 193  92 

Expended  to  September  30,  1858  119, 450  43 

Available  September  30, 1858 482,  743  49 


No  appropriation  was  made  at  the  last  session,  and  none  is  asked  this  year,  as  the 
sum  available  will  be  sufficient  for  the  service  of  the  year. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

M.  C.  Meigs, 

Captain  of  Engineers  in  charge. 

Hon.  John  B.  Floyd, 

Secretary  of  War. 


[Annual  report  of  Capt.  M.  (T.  Meigs,  in  charge  of  the  construction  of  the  New  Dome,  Oct.  26,  1859. 

(36 — 1,  Senate  Ex.  Doc.  No.  2,  v.  2,  p.  566.)] 

Office  of  the  Extension  of  the  U.  S.  Capitol, 

Washington,  October  26,  1859. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  report  the  progress  of  operations  for  rebuilding  the  dome 
of  the  Capitol. 

At  the  date  of  my  last  annual  report  the  frame-work  of  the  dome,  up  to  and  includ- 
ing the  wrought-iron  boiler-plate  band  at  the  level  of  the  top  of  the  cornice  of  the  cir- 
cular colonade  or  peristyle,  had  been  erected.  The  shell  or  covering  plates  for  this 
frame-work  were  being  prepared  in  New  York. 

A portion  of  this  covering  has  been  received  and  put  up.  The  workmen  are  now 
engaged  upon  it. 

No  further  advance  has  been  made  with  the  frame-work,  which  remains  as  at  the 
date  of  my  last  annual  report. 

I regret  that  I cannot  report  greater  progress. 

The  obstacles  referred  to  in  my  last  annual  report  have  prevented  it,  and  a year 
has  thus  been  lost. 

There  have  been  received  during  the  year — 


750,115  pounds  of  cast-iron,  costing $33,763  28 

2,602  pounds  of  wrought-iron,  costing 94  48 


The  total  quantity  of  iron  received  from  the  beginning  of  the  work  has  been 
3,877,0481  pounds. 

There  were  applied  to  the  work  of  the  Dome  during  the  year,  by  all  persons 
employed  by  the  United  States,  4,424^  days’  work,  costing  $10,830.37. 

Cash  account. 


Available  30th  September,  1858  $482,  743  49 

Expended  to  30th  September,  1859  51,358  28 

Available  1st  October,  1859  431, 385  21 


No  appropriation  was  made  at  the  last  session,  and  none  is  asked  this  year,  as  the 
sum  available  will  be  sufficient  for  the  service  of  the  year. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

M.  C.  Meigs, 

Captain  of  Engineers  in  Charge. 

Hon.  John  B.  Floyd, 

Secretary  of  War. 


The  Dome. 


1013 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  1,  I860:  Congressional  Globe,  36 — 1,  p.  647.] 

DOME  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  Bright.  I submit  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  be  instructed  to  inquire  whether 
any  doubt,  as  to  the  stability  and  safety  of  the  work  of  the  dome  of  the  Capitol,  has  caused  its  slow 
progress;  whether  any  change  has  been  made  in  the  plans  laid  before  the  committees  of  Congress  at 
the  time  the  appropriations  were  made;  also  what  relation  the  prices,  paid  or  to  be  paid,  bear  to  the 
original  estimates,  and  whether  the  estimates  are  now  considered  sufficient.  What  contracts,  agree- 
ment, bids,  or  proposals  for  work  or  materials  have  been  made,  invited,  or  rejected.  And  whether 
it  is  expedient  to  arrest  the  continuation  of  the  work. 

* * * 

Mr.  Bright.  These  resolutions  refer  some  important  matters  to  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  the  appropriate  committee  to  consider  them,  and  I 
hope  there  will  be  no  objection  to  the  passage  of  the  resolutions. 

Mr.  Hale.  I shall  not  object  to  that,  and  shall  vote  for  them,  and  if  the  Senator 
does  not  want  an  amendment  I shall  not  propose  any,  but  if  he  does  not  propose  an 
amendment  I shall  offer  a resolution  to-morrow  instructing  them  to  extend  that 
inquiry  still  further  as  to  the  ability  and  capacity  of  the  old  building  to  sustain  the 
dome  that  is  to  be  erected  upon  it  according  to  the  plan.  I do  not  believe  it  myself, 
and  I think  the  better  way  would  be  to  tear  that  old  thing  down. 

Mr.  Bright.  That  is  a matter  we  shall  consider  of  course,  if  it  is  the  pleasure  of  the 
Senate  to  refer  these  resolutions  to  the  appropriate  committee.  I have  no  objection 
to  an  amendment,  such  as  that  proposed  by  the  Senator,  or  he  can  offer  it  in  a 
separate  form. 

Mr.  Hale.  I will  offer  it  to-morrow. 

Mr.  Hamlin.  I did  not  hear  the  first  clause  of  the  resolutions  read,  and  I ask  the 
Senator  from  Indiana  if  there  is  anything  there  which  calls  for  the  amount  already 
expended  ? 

Mr.  Bright.  There  is  not. 

Mr.  Hamlin.  Then  I move  to  amend  the  first  resolution  by  adding,  at  the  end  of 
it,  the  words,  “and  the  amount  already  expended.” 

Mr.  Bright.  To  report  the  amount  already  expended? 

Mr.  Hamlin.  Yes;  to  report  the  amount  already  expended. 

Mr.  Bright.  That  is  shown,  however,  by  the  record. 

Mr.  Hamlin.  Let  us  have  it  altogether. 

Mr.  Bright.  Very  well.  I have  no  objection  to  the  amendment. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to;  and  the  resolutions,  as  amended,  were  adopted. 


[Senate  Mis.  Doc.  No.  29.  36th  Congress,  1st  Session.  Letter  from  the  Superintendent  of  the  Capitol 
Extension,  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  in  relation  to  the 
Dome  and  Porticoes  of  the  Capitol.  March  5,  1860. — Motion  to  print  referred  to  the  Committee  on 
Printing.] 

Office  United  States  Capitol  Extension  and 

New  Dome  of  the  Capitol, 
Washington , February  29,  1860. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor,  in  answer  to  your  letter  of  the  8th  instant,  received  on  the 
13th  instant,  transmitting  the  resolutions  of  the  United  States  Senate  of  the  1st 
instant,  in  relation  to  the  Dome  and  Porticoes  of  the  Capitol,  to  make  the  following 
statement : 

In  order  to  set  at  rest  the  question  of  the  stability  of  the  dome,  I have  calculated 
the  pressure  which  the  new  dome  will  exert  upon  the  foundations;  have  compared 
the  weights  of  the  old  and  new  domes,  and  the  pressures  per  square  foot  which  the 


1014 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


old  dome  exerted,  with  that  which  the  new  dome  will  exert.  The  pressure,  per 
square  foot,  which  will  be  exerted  by  the  new  dome,  has  been  compared  with  the 
crushing  weight  of  the  materials  of  which  the  walls  are  built.  The  calculations  and 
comparisons  are  appended  to  this  report,  and  are  marked  A. 

It  will  be  found,  upon  consultation  of  the  appendix,  that  the  pressure  which  will 
be  exerted  by  the  new  dome  upon  the  foundation  walls  is  one  fifty-sixth  of  the  force 
necessary  to  crush  the  materials  of  which  the  wall  is  built,  and  that  the  pressure 
exerted  by  it  upon  the  smallest  or  weakest  section  of  the  supporting  Avails,  is  less 
than  one-eleventh  of  the  crushing  force  of  the  materials.  These  figures  are  obtained, 
taking  ewerything  in  the  most  unfavorable  state  for  the  dome;  that  is,  taking  the 
crushing  force  of  brick  at  the  smallest  number  given,  and  the  weight  of  the  dome  as 
great  as  it  can  be  under  the  worst  circumstances. 

I consider,  therefore,  that  there  is  no  doubt  of  the  stability  of  the  dome. 

To  show  how  insignificant  the  weight  of  the  new  dome  will  be  compared  to  that 
of  a masonry  dome  of  the  same  dimensions,  I have,  from  its  weight,  calculated  the 
height  of  a cylindrical  masonry  Avail  of  the  same  internal  diameter  as  the  rotunda, 
and  five  feet  thick,  which  will  Aveigh  as  much  as  the  Avhole  dome.  Starting  from 
the  cornice  of  the  rotunda,  as  seen  from  the  principal  story  floor,  the  wall  would 
be  less  than  sixty  feet  high. 

The  top  of  the  iron  Avork  noAV  erected  is  higher  than  this  wall  would  be. 

The  progress  of  the  work  upon  the  dome  has  not  been  as  slow  as  at  first  sight  it 
appears  to  have  been.  The  whole  weight  of  the  iron  work  of  the  dome  is,  in  round 
numbers,  thirty-seven  hundred  tons.  Nineteen  hundred  tons,  or  more  than  half  of  this 
iron,  has  already  been  purchased,  and  nearly  all  of  it  has  been  erected.  It  is  impos- 
sible to  go  on  with  this  part  of  the  work  very  rapidly,  because  a great  deal  of  it  is 
inside  work,  in  small  pieces,  and  the  derrick  now  in  use  ought  not  to  be  moved  until 
that  Avork  is  completed.  Much  more  shoAV  could  have  been  made  by  moving  the 
derrick  now  up,  and  by  commencing  the  erection  of  the  upper  frame-AVork  at  once; 
but  that  course  would  not  ha\rebeen  economical;  in  fact,  it  would  have  retarded  the 
completion  of  the  work. 

There  appears,  therefore,  to  have  been  no  necessity  for  hurrying  the  detailed 
drawings  of  the  upper  part  of  the  dome,  and  I do  not  think  their  completion  Avould 
have  expedited  the  completion  of  the  work. 

In  addition  to  the  Avork  already  mentioned,  a cylindrical  brick-wall,  twenty-seven 
feet  high,  and  about  two  and  a half  feet  thick,  and  ninety-four  feet  in  internal 
diameter  has  been  built  above  the  old  rotunda  Avails,  which  is  connected  Avith  the 
outer  stone-wall,  above  the  roof.  Upon  this  wall  the  new  dome  is  to  rest. 

I find,  upon  consultation  of  the  files  of  this  office,  that  the  old  dome  was  taken 
down,  and  the  derrick  and  temporary  roof  erected  between  March  3,  the  date  of  the 
first  appropriation,  and  October  3, 1855.  The  brick-wall  below  the  iron  brackets  was 
finished  on  April  14,  1856,  and  the  first  bracket  Avas  placed  on  March  18,  1857. 

It  folloAVs,  therefore,  that  in  less  than  in  three  yeai's,  nearly  nineteen  hundred  tons 
of  iron  have  been  cast,  transported,  hoisted,  and  set  in  place  in  the  dome.  This  is 
an  average  of  more  than  six  hundred  tons  per  annum,  or  more  than  two  tons  for 
each  working  day;  and  when  it  is  remembered  that,  in  addition  to  the  labor  of 
hoisting,  nearly  every  piece  of  iron  required  carefully  fitting,  before  it  could  be  placed, 
I think  it  will  be  acknowledged  that  the  progress  of  the  dome  has  not  been  sIoav. 

The  original  design  laid  before  the  committees  of  Congress  was  altered,  as  appears 
in  the  papers  accompanying  a report  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  dated  March  5,  1856; 
Avhich  report  is  published  in  House  of  Representatives,  34th  Congress,  1st  session, 
Mis.  Doc.  No.  65.  The  reasons  for  the  change  appear  to  have  been  considered  good 
by  Congress,  as  an  appropriation  of  $100,000  for  the  continuance  of  the  work  was 
made  August  18,  1856,  and  another  of  $500,000,  March  3,  1857. 


The  Dome. 


1015 


Another  change  has  been  made  by  the  architect,  during  the  past  year,  which,  in 
his  opinion,  became  necessary,  because  the  figure  of  freedom  and  its  pedestal, 
designed  by  Crawford,  for  the  top  of  the  dome,  are  larger  in  all  respects  than  the 
figure  and  pedestal,  which  were  drawn  upon  the  altered  design  referred  to  above.  On 
this  account  he  altered  the  outlines  of  the  lantern,  and  the  curve  of  the  cupola,  and 
this  alteration  has  brought  the  dome  nearly  back  to  the  original  design.  The  coin- 
cidence would  have  been  more  striking  were  it  not  that  the  diameter  of  the  lower 
part  (that  now  erected)  had  been  increased  in  the  first  altered  design,  as  explained 
in  the  document  quoted  above. 

The  designs  for  the  interior  of  the  upper  part  of  the  dome  have  also  been  changed, 
and  photographic  copies  of  the  drawings  showing  this  interior  finish  in  the  first  and 
second  altered  drawings  are  transmitted  with  this. 

These  alterations  have  been  approved  by  the  War  Department. 

I cannot  find  that  the  cost  of  the  work,  nor  the  time  of  its  completion  has  been 
affected  by  these  changes. 

I transmit  with  this  a sketch  showing  the  designs,  as  compared  with  each  other, 
drawn  to  the  same  scale,  and  the  committee  can  judge  of  the  importance  of  the 
changes. 

I also  transmit  photographic  copies  of  the  drawings  of  the  dome,  as  originally  pre- 
sented to  the  committees  of  Congress,  of  that  referred  to  in  the  congressional  docu- 
ment quoted  above,  and  of  that  altered  to  suit  the  Crawford  statue;  also  vertical 
sections  showing  the  interior  finish  previously  referred  to. 

The  dome  can  be  brought  back  to  the  form  and  dimensions  of  the  first  altered 
design,  without  other  loss  to  the  United  States  than  that  arising  from  the  rejection 
of  the  drawings,  which  have  been  made  at  considerable  expense,  and  in  great  detail. 
The  completion  of  the  dome  would  Vie  retarded  by  the  change  just  as  long  a time  as 
will  be  required  to  make  the  detailed  drawings.  In  any  event  a modification  of  that 
part  of  the  design,  which  is  intended  for  what  is  technically  termed  the  lantern, 
would  necessarily  be  made  on  account  of  the  size  of  the  Crawford  statue. 

My  own  opinion  is  that  it  will  be  conducive  to  the  interests  of  the  United  States  to 
carry  out  the  design  last  made;  and  I base  my  opinion  upon  the  fact  that  this  design 
is  no  more  expensive  than  either  of  the  others — that  it  is  suitable  in  dimensions  to 
the  statue  which  is  to  surmount  the  finished  dome,  and  that  the  work  will  be  sooner 
finished  by  its  prosecution. 

The  correspondence  in  relation  to  the  contracts,  bargains,  proposals,  and  bids  is 
appended  to  this  report,  and  is  marked  B.  The  statement  of  the  payments  made 
from  the  appropriations  is  also  made,  and  is  in  the  same  appendix. 

From  this  statement  it  appears  that  the  sum  of  $.301 , 860  41  has  been  expended, 
and  the  results  have  been  the  demolition  of  the  old  dome;  the  erection  of  the  tem- 
porary roof;  the  procural  of  the  necessary  hoisting  apparatus,  scaffolding,  tools,  &c. ; 
the  erection  of  a cylindrical  brick  'wall  twenty-eight  feet  high,  about  two  and  a half, 
feet  thick,  and  ninety-four  feet  in  internal  diameter,  and  the  purchase,  erection,  and 
painting  of  nineteen  hundred  tons  of  iron. 

The  balance  on  hand  and  in  the  treasury  is  $398,145  59,  and  there  remains  the 
sum  of  $245,000  to  be  appropriated  to  fill  the  estimate  made  for  the  completion  of 
the  work.  This  gives  the  sum  of  $643,145  59,  which  may  be  considered  available  to 
complete  the  work  within  the  original  estimate. 

With  this  amount  about  eighteen  hundred  tons  of  iron  are  to  be  purchased,  fitted, 
and  erected  upon  the  dome.  The  necessary  additional  hoisting  apparatus  and  scaf- 
folding are  to  be  procured,  erected,  and  taken  down  after  the  completion  of  the 
work,  and  the  whole  dome  is  to  tie  thoroughly  painted.  The  bronze  statue  is  to  be 
cast  and  erected.  The  temporary  roof  which  now  covers  the  rotunda  is  to  be  taken 
down,  and  another  is  to  be  erected  sixty  feet  higher.  This  must  be  taken  down  also 
after  the  completion  of  the  work. 


1016 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


It  will  be  seen  that  the  iron  hereafter  to  be  furnished  will  cost  erected,  in- 
cluding the  furnishing,  erection,  and  removal  of  the  hoisting  apparatus, 
and  the  removal  of  the  temporary  roof,  seven  cents  per  pound,  amount- 
ing to  $282,240;  or,  as  the  weight  may  be  somewhat  greater  than  the 

calculated  weight,  it  will  be  safe  to  say $300, 000 

The  estimate  for  the  painting  is 20, 000 

The  bronze  statue,  masonry,  plastering,  pay  of  architect,  clerks  and 

draughtsmen,  superintendence,  office  rent,  and  freight  for  three  years  . . 75, 000 

Outstanding  bills,  and  amount  necessary  to  pay  for  Avork  already  ordered . 100, 000 

Alteration  of  roof  of  old  building  to  accommodate  the  lowest  section  of 
the  dome,  and  making  new  roof  where  necessary 50, 000 

545, 000 

Ten  per  cent,  for  unforeseen  contingencies 54, 500 

Total  cost  of  completion  of  dome 599, 500 

Amount  on  hand 398,141 

Amount  to  be  appropriated 201, 355 


This  would  make  the  cost  of  the  dome  completed  $901,355 — the  amount  of  the 
original  estimate  being  $945,000. 

I have  no  doubt  that  the  estimate  above  given  will  more  than  cover  the  expense 
of  the  work. 

The  original  estimate  Avas  based  upon  the  prices  paid  for  various  iron  work  in  the 
Capitol  extension,  or  an  average  of  6.3  cents  per  pound.  The  prices  hitherto  paid 
for  the  dome  iron  work  have  varied  from  9 to  2\  cents  per  pound,  making  the  aver- 
age 5.8  cents  per  pound.  The  cost  of  scaffolding,  hositing  apparatus,  painting,  and 
contingent  expenses  is  not  included.  The  price  to  be  paid  for  the  remainder  of  the 
iron,  including  scaffolding  and  hoisting,  is  seven  cents  per  pound;  and,  supposing 
that  as  much  iron  will  be  bought  hereafter  as  has  already  been  purchased,  (which 
supposition  is  not  far  from  the  truth,)  the  average  price  of  the  whole  of  the  iron 
work  will  be  6.4  cents  per  pound,  differing  very  little  from  the  original  estimate.  In 
this  calculation  the  painting,  bronze  statue,  and  contingent  expenses,  consisting  of 
pay  of  architect,  clerks,  draughtsmen,  receiver,  superintendence,  and  office  rent, 
have  not  been  included. 

* * * 

W.  B.  Franklin, 

Captain  of  Topographical  Engineers, 

In  charge  of  Capitol  Extension  and  New  Dome  of  Capitol. 

Hon.  J.  D.  Bright, 

Chairman  Com.  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  U.  8.  Senate. 

A. 

Investigation  of  the  stability  of  the  sustaining  walls  of  the  new  dome  of  the  United  States 

capitol. 


Pounds. 

Weight  of  iron  work  already  erected 4, 261, 421 

Weight  of  iron  work  to  be  erected  above  that  now  on  the  dome 2, 993,  744 

Weight  of  iron  work  to  be  erected  below  that  now  on  the  dome 344,  600 


Total  weight  of  iron  work  of  the  whole  dome 7, 599, 765 

Ten  per  cent,  to  cover  all  differences  between  calculated  and  actual 

weights 759, 976 

Weight  of  masonry  above  the  smallest  section  of  the  sustaining  wall 5, 214,  000 


Total  weight  to  be  supported  at  the  smallest  section  of  the  sustaining 
walls 13, 573,  741 


The  Dome. 


1017 


Area  of  smallest  section  of  the  sustaining  wall : 5(V.5X2X3.1416X4/=1269.2  square 
feet. 

Therefore,  the  pressure  on  the  square  foot  at  the  smallest  section  of  the  sustaining 
wall  is  13,573,741  lbs.  divided  by  1269.2,  or  10,691  lbs. 

The  masonry,  of  which  this  smallest  section  is  a part,  is  faced  with  Aquia  creek 
cut  sandstone,  and  backed  by  a brick  wall  laid  in  hydraulic  lime  mortar.  It  is 
strongly  tied  by  wrought  iron  bands,  and  is  a very  excellent  piece  of  work.  It 
extends  about  four  feet  below  the  smallest  section  above-mentioned,  and  at  that 
point  rests  upon  the  old  walls  of  the  rotunda.  The  additional  weight  due  to  its 
extension  below  the  smallest  section  is  816,375  lbs.,  which,  added  to  13,573,741  lbs., 
gives  14,390,116  lbs.  as  the  pressure  which  the  new  dome  will  exert  upon  the  wall 
of  the  rotunda  after  its  completion. 

The  area  of  the  smallest  section  of  this  wall  is  311  X 5'  = 1,555  square  feet.  There 
fore  the  pressure  per  square  foot  exerted  by  the  new  dome  upon  the  smallest  sec- 
tion of  the  old  walls  will  be  14,390,116  lbs.  divided  by  1,555,  or  9,254  lbs.  This  is  at 
the  level  of  the  top  of  the  balustrade  of  the  main  building. 

Below  this  level  the  horizontal  section  of  the  walls  which  sustain  the  dome  is 
rectangular,  and  the  circle  of  the  rotunda  and  four  small  circles,  each  ten  feet  in 
diameter,  have  been  taken  from  the  area  of  the  rectangle.  Other  walls  connect  with 
the  sustaining  walls,  and  increase  their  strength  materially.  They  are  not,  however, 
taken  into  consideration. 

At  the  level  of  the  top  of  the  balustrade  of  the  main  building  this  rectangle  meas- 
ures 107  feet  by  102  feet,  and  the  rotunda  is  98  feet  in  diameter.  At  the  floor  of  the 
principal  story  it  measures  108  feet  by  101  feet,  and  the  rotunda  is  97  feet  in  diameter. 
At  the  basement  story  it  measures  105  feet  by  101  feet,  and  the  rotunda  is  86  feet  in 
diameter;  and  at  the  level  of  the  cellar  floor  the  foundation  walls  are  102  feet  by  98 
feet,  the  rotunda  being  84  feet  in  diameter.  Below  this  point  the  walls  spread  out, 
and  the  pressure  per  square  foot  is  diminished. 

The  following  table  shows  the  pressure  per  square  foot  which  will  be  exerted  upon 
the  sustaining  'walls  by  the  new  dome,  at  the  various  levels  indicated,  giving  the  area 
of  the  sustaining  walls,  and  the  weights  to  be  sustained  at  those  levels: 


Area  of  sus- 
taining 
walls. 

Total  weight. 

Pressure 
per  square 
foot. 

Square  feet. 
3,924 
3,322 
3, 204 

1, 555 
1,269 

Pounds. 
51, 292,  253 
44, 770, 853 
36,  694,  928 

14,390, 116 
13,573,741 

Pounds. 
13, 071 
13, 477 
11,453 

8,765 
10, 691 

Principal  storv  floor 

Level  of  top  of  balustrade  of  main  building,  being  the  top  of 

the  walls  common  to  the  new  and  old  domes 

Smallest  section  of  new  wall  below  new  dome 

Pounds. 

In  the  old  dome  the  weight  of  masonry  above  the  smallest  section  was 9,  337,  286 

Weight  of  metal  work 29,  934 

Weight  of  timber,  plastering,  railing,  glass,  and  iron  clamps 2,486,364 


Total  weight  of  old  dome  above  smallest  section  of  sustaining  walls. . 11,  853,  584 

Therefore  the  vertical  pressure  per  square  foot  exerted  by  the  old  dome  upon  the 
smallest  section  of  the  old  walls  was  11,853,584  lbs.  divided  by  1,555,  or  7,623  lbs. 


1018 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol, 


The  following  table  shows  the  pressure  per  square  foot  which  was  exerted  upon  the 
sustaining  walls  by  the  old  dome,  at  the  various  levels  indicated,  giving  the  area  of 
the  sustaining  walls,  and  the  weights  to  be  sustained  at  those  levels: 


Area  of  sus- 
taining 
walls. 

Total  weight. 

Pressure 
per  square 
foot. 

Foundation  or  cellar 

Square  feet. 
3, 924 
3, 322 
3,204 

1,555 

Pounds. 
48, 756, 221 
42,234, 821 
34, 158, 896 

11, 853, 584 

Pounds. 
12, 425 
12,713 
10, 661 

7,623 

Basement  floor 

Principal  story  floor 

Level  of  top  of  balustrade  of  main  building,  being  top  of  the 
walls  common  to  the  new  and  old  domes 

Tire  following  table  gives  a comparison  of  the  pressure  exerted  upon  the  sustaining 
walls  by  both  domes: 


Pounds  per  square  foot. 


New  dome. 

Old  dome. 

Difference. 

13,071 

13,477 

11,453 

9,254 

12, 425 
12, 713 
10, 661 

7,623 

646 

764 

792 

1,631 

Level  of  top  of  balustrade  of  main  building,  being  top  of  walls 
common  to  the  new  and  old  domes 

The  substitution  of  the  new  dome  for  the  old  one  will,  therefore,  increase,  the 
pressure  upon  the  foundation  walls,  at  the  level  of  the  cellar  floor,  from  48,756,221 
pounds  to  51,292,253  pounds;  an  increase  of  646  pounds  per  square  foot,  or  about 
5.2  per  cent. 

At  the  highest  point  of  the  walls  common  to  both  domes,  the  pressure  .per  square 
foot  is  increased  1,631  pounds,  an  increase  of  about  twenty-one  per  cent. 

The  foundation  walls  are  formed  of  large  bluestone,  laid  in  lime  mortar.  I have 
examined  them,  and  do  not  find  any  crack  or  sign  of  settlement.  They  are  excellent 
walls. 

The  basement  walls  are  of  Aquia  Creek  cut  sandstone. 

The  principal  story  walls,  or  the  walls  of  the  rotunda,  as  high  as  the  interior 
cornice,  are  faced  on  the  inside  with  Aquia  Creek  sandstone,  and  are  backed  with 
brick.  There  are  some  cracks  in  the  interior  facing,  but  they  are  old,  and,  in  my 
opinion,  have  no  effect  upon  the  stability  of  the  work. 

Above  the  roof  of  the  main  building,  the  exterior  of  the  dome  wall  is  faced  with 
cut  Aquia  Creek  sandstone,  backed  with  brick.  This  brick  backing  has  been  built 
to  support  the  new  dome,  as  has  been  previously  stated.  It  is  an  excellent  wall. 

The  materials  mentioned  above  have  the  following  crushing  weights  to  the  square 
foot,  viz: 


Aquia  creek  sandstone  a 

Brick  « 

Brick  and  mortar,  two  years  old  a 
Brick  (Morin’s  experiments) 


Maximum. 
755,  280  lbs. 
1,  849,  248  lbs. 
339, 120  lbs. 
307,  277  lbs. 


Minimum. 

360,  000  lbs. 
192, 000  lbs. 
122,911  lbs. 


Now,  the  greatest  pressure  which  will  be  exerted  by  the  new  dome  is  at  the  base- 
ment, or  crypt  floor,  where  it  will  be  13,477  pounds  per  square  foot.  The  stone  which 
is  to  bear  this  weight  requires  a pressure  of  755,280  pounds  per  square  foot  to  crush 
it,  or  about  fifty-six  times  the  weight  of  the  dome. 

a Taken  from  a report  of  Captain  Meigs,  dated  March  8,  1856.  The  Aquia  creek  sandstone  crushing 
weight  was  determined  by  Professor  Walter  Ii.  Johnston,  in  1852;  that  for  brick  by  the  Capitol  exten- 
sion commission  on  building  materials  in  1856;  and  that  for  brick  and  mortar  by  Captain  Meigs  in  1856. 


The  Dome. 


1019 


The  pressure  which  will  be  exerted  by  the  new  dome  upon  the  walls  having  the 
smallest  section  is  10,691  pounds  per  square  foot.  This,  under  the  most  unfavorable 
circumstances,  is  less  than  one-eleventh  of  the  crushing  force  of  the  materials  of  which 
the  walls  are  composed. 

As  it  has  become  an  axiom  with  engineers  that  one-tenth  of  the  crushing  load  can 
be  safely  borne  by  the  walls  of  the  edifice,  it  follows  that  the  walls  will  be  entirely 
safe  after  the  erection  of  the  new  dome. 

Below  are  given  the  pressures  per  square  foot  upon  the  foundations  of  the  Girard 
College,  Philadelphia,  and  sundry  European  domes,  compared  with  the  pressure 
upon  the  foundations  of  the  dome  on  the  Capitol,  as  stated  above.  These  quantities 


are  taken  from  the  report  already  quoted: 

Girard  College,  pounds  per  square  foot 13,  440 

St.  Peter’s,  Rome,  pounds  per  square  foot 33,  330 

St.  Paul’s,  London,  pounds  per  square  foot 39,  450 

St.  Genevieve,  Paris,  pounds  per  square  foot 60,  000 

Toussaint,  Angers,  pounds  per  square  foot 90,  000 

New  dome  on  the  U.  S.  Capitol,  pounds  per  square  foot 13,  477 


W.  B.  Franklin, 

Captain  Topographical  Engineers  in  Charge  of  New  Dome. 

February  24,  1860. 


Appendix  B. 


Correspondence  in  relation  to  the  contracts,  bargains,  p>roposals,  and  bids,  with  statement  of 
payments  on  account  of  the  new  dome  of  the  Capitol. 


July  18,  1855. 

Gentlemen:  There  are  thirty-six  columns  to  be  cast  for  the  dome  of  the  Capitol. 
They  will  be  two  feet  eight  and  one  half  inches  diameter  and  twenty-seven  feet 
long,  deeply  fluted  Corinthian  columns;  the  shafts  cast  in  one  piece,  the  caps  and 
bases  to  slip  over  the  shafts;  the  foliage  to  be  attached  to  the  bell  by  screws  or  rivets. 
I shall  be  glad  to  receive  offers  from  you  for  them  delivered  in  Washington. 
Respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 


Merrick  & Sons,  Philadelphia. 


M.  C.  Meigs, 

Captain  of  Engineers  in  Charge. 


The  following  named  parties  were  also  invited  to  submit  proposals  for  these 
columns:  * * * 

The  following  is  an  abstract  of  the  offers  received: 

* * * 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Capt.  W.  B.  Franklin,  in  charge  of  construction  of  the  New  Dome,  Nov.  6, 
1860.  (36 — 2,  Senate  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  v.  2,  p.  178.)] 

Office  of  New  Dome  of  Capitol, 

Washington,  November  6,  1860. 

Sir:  I have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  upon  the  operations  of  the 
past  year  in  the  construction  of  the  new  dome. 

When  I took  charge  of  the  work  on  November  1,  1859,  I found  that  all  of  the 
work  from  the  base  of  the  colonnade  to  the  balustrade  above  the  cornice  was  under 
contract.  This  work  has  all  been  finished. 

The  base  of  the  dome  and  the  part  above  the  colonnade  have  been  placed  under 
contract  during  the  past  year,  and  at  this  time  the  whole  of  the  base  is  finished, 
except  a small  part  at  the  northeast  corner,  which  has  been  left  off  to  permit  the 
proper  manipulation  of  the  hoisting  apparatus. 


1020 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  fitting  of  the  foundation  of  the  base  to  the  walls  of  the  old  building  was  a 
tedious  and  expensive  work. 

The  appearance  of  the  dome  has  been  much  improved  by  the  completion  of  the 
base. 

The  iron  work  constituting  the  thirty  feet  in  height  next  above  the  colonnade  has 
been  nearly  all  placed. 

A contract  has  been  entered  into,  by  direction  of  the  department,  by  which  the 
base  of  the  dome  and  all  that  part  of  it  above  the  colonnade  are  to  be  erected  at  a 
fixed  price  of  seven  cents  per  pound.  It  is  estimated  that  under  this  contract  the 
cupola  will  be  erected  by  the  1st  of  July  next. 

The  lantern  of  the  dome,  and  the  statue  of  freedom  which  will  surmount  it,  will 
easily  be  erected  in  the  whole  of  1861. 

The  casting  in  bronze  of  Crawford’s  colossal  statue  of  freedom  was  commenced  in 
June  last,  and  has  progressed  well.  It  is  now  about  one-half  finished,  and  the  style 
of  the  work  is  entirely  satisfactory.  As  soon  as  it  is  completed  it  will  be  erected  on 
some  prominent  spot  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Capitol  for  exhibition  until  the  dome  is 
ready  for  its  reception. 

On  the  pay-rolls  of  the  United  States  during  the  past  year  there  have  been  made 
18,351  days,  costing  $41,978  93;  6,809  days  havebeen  made  by  the  contractors,  and 
1,217,360  pounds  of  iron  have  been  received. 

The  services  of  the  architect  have  been  paid  for  from  this  appropriation  for  two 
years  and  eleven  months  at  $4,500  per  annum,  making  $13,125. 

Expense  connected  with  Statue  of  Freedom. 


Four  months’  service  of  caster  and  rent  of  foundery $1, 600  00 

812  days’  labor  on  pay-rolls 1,  333  24 

15,0921  pounds  copper 3,320  35 

1,525  pounds  tin • 480  37 

150  barrels  plaster 262  50 

Hauling,  coal,  lumber,  tank,  &c 1,000  00 


Total 7,996  46 

Cash  account. 

Amount  available  September  30,  1859  $431, 385  21 

Expended  to  September  30,  1860  144,  321  77 


Amount  available  October  1,  1860  287,  063  44 


The  amount  which  will  be  available  on  July  1,  1861,  will  probably  suffice  to  carry 
on  the  work  during  the  next  fiscal  year. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

W.  B.  Franklin, 

Captain  of  Topographical  Engineers  in  Charge. 

Hon.  John  B.  Floyd, 

Secretary  of  War. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Capt.  M.  C.  Meigs,  in  charge  of  construction  of  the  New  Dome,  Nov.  26, 
1861.  (37 — 2,  Senate  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  v.  2,  p.  77.)] 

The  expenditure  since  I resumed  charge  of  the  works  has  been:  * * * For 
new  Dome,  $32,252.98.  * * * xhe  dome  has  made  considerable  progress;  the 

temporary  roof  which  covers  the  rotunda  has  been  raised  above  the  windows  of  the 
peristyle,  and  the  rotunda  is  now  well  lighted. 


The  Dome. 


1021 


A contract  was  made  for  this  work  under  the  direction  of  Secretary  Floyd,  which 
appears  to  have  been  made  illegally.  The  work  was  done,  however,  and  the  matter 
having  been  referred  to  Captain  Franklin,  the  late  superintendent,  and  myself,  a 
settlement  was  recommended  and  adopted  on  terms  which  appeared  to  be  the  most 
equitable  possible  under  the  circumstances.  At  the  same  time  the  contractor  was 
directed  to  cease  work,  and  though  he  has  preferred  to  employ  a small  force  in  put- 
ting up  some  of  the  iron  which  he  had  already  prepared,  he  was  notified  that,  if  he 
chose  to  do  this,  it  must  be  done  at  his  own  expense  and  risk,  and  subject  to  any 
order  that  may  hereafter  be  taken  by  the  Government  in  the  case. 

The  bronze  statue  of  Freedom  is  still  in  progress.  * * * The  entire  expendi- 
ture during  the  year  ending  30th  September,  1861,  * * * has  been  on  account 

of  the  new  dome,  $144,597.97.  * * * 

NEW  DOME. 


Amount  available  October  1,  1360  $287,063  44 

Appropriated  since 000,000  00 


Total  287,  063  44 

Expended  to  September  30,  1861  144,  597  97 


Available  October  1,  1861 

* * * 


142,465  47 


The  total  quantity  of  castings  received  during  the  year  ending  30th  September, 
1861,  is  2,235,4811  pounds. 

The  total  quantity  put  up  in  its  place  for  the  same  period  is  about  1,  795,  945  pounds. 
The  following  table  shows  in  detail  the  cost  of  the  figure  of  Freedom  to  30th  Sep- 
tember, 1861: 


Labor,  to  May  15,  1861 

Hauling,  to  May  15,  1861 

Mills,  for  services  and  rent  of  fo'undery 

Berry,  for  vat 

Wetmore,  for  crucibles 

Phelps,  Dodge  & Co.,  for  tin 

Revier  Copper  Company,  for  copper 

Morgan  & Rhinehart,  for  plaster 

John  McClellan,  for  castings  (iron) 

Old  iron 

Old  scrap  copper 

Coal,  wood,  nails,  oil,  alcohol,  buckets,  brooms,  sand,  lumber,  &c.,  &c 


$4,  812  36 
141  07 
4,  800  00 
30  00 
78  75 
570  00 
3,328  70 
525  00 
302  95 
20  00 
500  00 
500  00 


15,608  83 

Paid  on  account  of  contract  for  completion 1,  200  00 

16,  808  83 


[From  the  report  of  Thomas  U.  Walter,  architect  in  charge  of  the  construction  of  the  New  Dome, 
May  8,  1862.  (37 — 2,  Senate  Mis.  Doc.  No.  97,  p.  5.)] 

THE  NEW  DOME. 

When  this  work  was  suspended  in  May  last,  the  contractors  decided  to  go  on  at 
their  own  risk,  and  put  up  the  castings  which  were  then  on  the  ground,  the  aggre- 
gate weight  of  which  was  above  1,300,000  pounds.  They  have,  accordingly,  been 
constantly  employed  since  that  time,  and  are  still  at  work.  The  weight  of  castings 
they  have  put  up  in  this  interim  is  about  one  million  of  pounds,  leaving  about  300,000 
pounds  now  on  the  ground. 


1022 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


At  the  date  of  the  suspension  of  the  work  there  were  three  sections  in  height  of  the 
main  ribs  in  place,  and  the  outside  finish  of  the  structure  was  carried  up  to  the  top 
of  the  entablature  over  the  pilasters.  Since  that  time  four  more  sections  of  the  main 
ribs  have  been  set,  leaving  but  one  more  section  to  be  put  up  to  reach  the  upper 
balustrade  or  base  of  the  lantern.  The  large  consoles,  with  the  cornice  over  them, 
have  been  set;  also,  the  heavy  moulding  at  the  base  of  the  cupola;  a considerable 
portion  of  the  covering,  and  two  sections  of  the  outer  ribs  which  form  the  curve. 

The  top  of  the  iron  work,  as  far  as  it  has  now  progressed,  is  207  feet  above  the 
floor  of  the  basement  story  of  the  Capitol,  and  an  additional  elevation  of  97  feet  is 
yet  required  to  reach  the  top  of  the  crowning  statue. 

The  whole  amount  appropriated  by  Congress  for  the  dome,  up  to  the 


present  time,  is $700, 000  00 

The  expenditures,  from  the  commencement  of  the  work  to  May  1, 1862, 
amount  to 561, 140  79 


Leaving  a balance  of  appropriation  available  at  this  date,  of 138,  859  21 


Which  will  be  sufficient  to  carry  on  the  work  during  the  next  fiscal  year. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Tho.  U.  Walter, 

Architect  of  the  United  Stales  Capitol  Extension,  &c. 

Hon.  Caleb  B.  Smith, 

Secretary  of  the  Interior. 


[Annual  report  of  Thomas  0.  Walter,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1, 1862.  (37 — 3,  House 

Ex.  Doc.  No.  35,  p.  9. ) ] 

THE  NEW  DOME. 

The  progress  of  this  work  during  the  past  year  has  been  constant  and  satisfactory. 
At  the  time  of  the  suspension  of  the  work  in  May,  1861,  the  contractors  had  above 
1,300,000  pounds  of  iron  castings  on  the  ground,  prepared  to  be  put  in  place;  and 
although  they  were  directed  to  suspend  operations,  and  were  notified  that  if  they 
proceeded  they  would  do  it  at  their  own  expense  and  risk,  they  concluded  to  go  on, 
at  least  with  the  putting  up  of  the  material  on  the  ground,  trusting  for  the  future  to 
the  justice  of  the  Government.  This  was  alike  creditable  to  their  perseverance  and 
to  their  patriotism.  They  have  thus  prevented  the  sound  of  the  hammer  from  being 
stopped  on  the  national  Capitol  a single  moment  during  all  our  civil  troubles. 

The  principal  frame  of  the  structure  is  now  completed,  the  ribs  of  the  cupola  have 
been  put,  in  place,  and  the  workmen  are  engaged  in  setting  the  plates  which  consti- 
tute the  outer  covering,  all  of  which  will  be  finished  before  the  close  of  the  present 
year.  This  will  leave  nothing  to  be  done  to  complete  the  exterior  but  the  construc- 
tion of  the  tholus,  or  lantern,  and  the  placing  of  the  ornaments  on  the  upper  windows, 
and  around  the  spring  of  the  cupola.  These  ornaments  are  now  being  cast. 

The  most  of  the  castings  for  the  inner  dome,  or  ceiling  of  the  rotunda,  are  made 
and  ready  for  shipment.  As  soon  as  they  arrive  an  additional  gang  of  workmen  will 
.be  forwarded  from  the  foundery  to  commence  putting  them  in  place. 

The  present  height  of  the  iron  work  above  the  basement  floor  of  the  Capitol  is  215 
feet,  and  the  height  of  the  portion  yet  to  be  constructed,  including  the  crowning 
statue,  is  71  feet  3 inches. 


OUTWARD  TO  SUPPORT  COLONNADE  OF  NEW  DOME. 


The  Dome. 


1023 


The  amount  of  iron  which  has  been  delivered  at  the  work  from  September  30, 1861, 
to  October  31,  1862,  is  207,017  pounds;  and  during  the  same  period  about  1,185,000 
pounds  have  been  put  up. 

The  total  quantity  of  iron  received  from  the  beginning  of  the  work  to  October  31, 
1862,  is  7,536,907  pounds,  and  it  will  require  about  767,500  pounds  more  to  complete  it. 

The  statue  of  Freedom,  which  is  intended  as  the  crowning  feature  of  the  dome,  is 
completed,  and  removed  to  the  grounds  east  of  the  Capitol,  where  it  has  been  placed 
on  a temporary  pedestal,  in  order  that  the  public  may  have  an  opportunity  to  exam- 
ine it  before  it  is  raised  to  its  destined  position.  This  statue  is  19  feet  6 inches  in 
height,  and  weighs  14,985  pounds.  It  is  composed  entirely  of  bronze  and  is  con- 
structed in  five  sections,  the  weight  of  the  heaviest  of  which  is  4,740  pounds.  When 
it  is  put  in  its  place,  the  screw  bolts,  which  now  disfigure  it,  will  be  removed,  and 
the  entire  statue  will  be  washed  with  an  acid  which  will  cause  a slight  oxydation, 
and  thus  produce  a rich  and  uniform  bronze  tint  which  will  never  change. 

There  have  been  expended  on  account  of  this  statue  the  sum  of  $23,796  82,  the 


details  of  which  are  as  follows: 

Paid  T.  Crawford  for  plaster  model $3,  000  00 

Paid  Clark  Mills  for  services,  rent  of  foundery,  and  labor 9,  800  00 

Paid  for'  labor  to  May  15,  1861  4,  812  36 

Paid  for  hauling 141  07 

Paid  Phelps,  Dodge  & Co.  for  tin 570  00 

Paid  the  Revier  Copper  Company  for  copper 3,  328  70 

Paid  Morgan  & Rinehart  for  plaster 525  00 

Paid  John  McClelland  for  iron  castings 302  95 

Paid  for  old  scrap  copper 500  00 

Paid  for  coal,  wood,  nails,  oil,  alcohol,  sand,  buckets,  brushes,  lumber, 

crucibles,  etc 628  75 

Paid  for  removing  the  statue  from  the  foundry,  and  putting  it  up  upon 
the  grounds  east  of  the  Capitol 187  99 


Making  the  total  cost  to  this  date 23,  796  82 


The  whole  amount  appropriated  by  Congress  for  the  dome,  up  to  the 

present  time,  is 700,000  00 

The  expenditures  from  the  commencement  of  the  work  to  October  31, 

1862,  amounts  to 608,  008  28 


Leaving  a balance  of  appropriation  available  at  the  above  date  of.  91,  991  72 
All  of  which  will  be  expended  during  the  present  fiscal  year. 


An  appropriation  will  be  required  for  the  next  fiscal  year  of  $200,000,  which  will 
complete  the  work.  The  original  estimate  was  $945, 000. « I find,  however,  that  by 
careful  study  in  the  details  of  the  design,  I have  been  able  greatly  to  reduce  the 
weight  of  the  structure,  and  thus  to  bring  the  entire  cost,  including  the  expensive 
crowning  statue,  to  about  $900, 000. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  with  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

Tho.  U.  Walter, 

Architect  United  States  Capitol  Extension,  etc. 

Hon.  Caleb  B.  Smith, 

Secretary  of  the  Interior. 


« This  estimate  will  be  found  in  Miscellaneous  Document  No.  65,  House  of  Representatives,  34th 
Congress,  1st  session,  page  4. 


1024 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Caleb  B.  Smith,  Secretary  of  the  Interior.  Nov.  29,  1862.  (37—3,  House 

Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  v.  2,  p.  23.)] 

NEW  DOME. 

The  work  on  the  new  iron  dome  has  progressed  with  great  rapidity.  The  principal 
frame  of  the  structure  is  now  completed;  the  ribs  of  the  cupola  have  been  put  in 
place,  and  the  workmen  are  engaged  in  setting  the  plates  which  constitute  the  outer 
covering,  all  of  which  will  be  finished  before  the  close  of  the  year.  This  will  leave 
nothing  to  be  done  to  complete  the  exterior  but  the  construction  of  the  tholus,  or 
lantern,  upon  the  top  of  which  is  to  be  placed  the  statue  of  Freedom,  which  is 
intended  as  the  crowning  feature  of  the  dome,  and  the  placing  of  the  ornaments  on 
the  upper  windows  and  around  the  spring  of  the  cupola. 

The  present  height  of  the  iron  work  above  the  basement  floor  of  the  Capitol  is  215 
feet,  and  the  height  of  the  portion  yet  to  be  constructed,  including  the  crowning 
statue,  is  71  feet  3 inches,  making  the  entire  elevation,  when  completed,  286  feet  3 
inches. 

The  original  estimate  of  the  cost  of  the  dome  was  $945,000.  The  whole  amount 
appropriated  by  Congress  up  to  the  present  time,  is  $700,000.  The  expenditures, 
from  the  commencement  of  the  work  to  the  suspension,  in  May,  1861,  were 
$561,140  79,  and  since  the  resumption  of  the  work,  under  the  supervision  of  this 
Department,  to  October  31,  1862,  $56,867  49,  making  an  aggregate  of  $618,008  28, 
leaving  a balance  of  appropriation,  at  that  date,  of  $81,991  72. 

It  is  estimated  that  an  additional  appropriation  of  $200,000  will  be  necessary  for 
the  completion  of  the  work.  This  will  make  the  aggregate  cost  $900,000,  being 
$45,000  less  than  the  original  estimate. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  government  for  the  year 
ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-four,  and  for  the  year  ending  the  thirtieth  of 
June,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-three,  and  for  other  purposes,’’  approved  Mar.  3,  1863.  (Stats,  at 
Large,  v.  12,  718.)] 

For  continuing  the  work  on  the  new  dome  of  the  Capitol,  two  hundred  thousand 
dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Thomas  U.  Walter,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1,  1863 
(38 — 1,  House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  p.  673.)] 

THE  NEW  DOME. 

Exterior. — Since  the  date  of  my  last  annual  report  the  outside  of  the  cupola  or 
spherical  portion  of  the  dome  has  been  completed;  the  exterior  embellishments  of 
the  upper  windows  and  the  tile  ornaments  at  the  spring  of  the  cupola  have  been  fin- 
ished, and  the  entire  construction  of  the  exterior  completed  as  high  as  the  base  of 
the  tholus  or  lantern.  The  most  of  the  frame  work  of  the  tholus  has  been  put  up, 
and  it  is  now  being  prepared  to  receive  the  statue  of  Freedom,  which  will  be  put  in 
place  in  a few  days.  Nothing  now  remains  to  complete  the  exterior  but  the  shell  or 
skin  of  the  tholus,  and  the  balustrade  around  the  top  of  the  cupola,  the  castings  for 
which  are  all  on  the  ground,  and  will  be  put  in  place  before  the  close  of  the  year. 

Interior. — The  ribs  to  sustain  the  spherical  ceiling  of  the  interior  have  all  been  put 
up,  and  about  one-fourth  of  the  paneling  has  been  set. 

The  castings  for  the  entire  work  are  completed  and  delivered  at  the  Capitol,  with 
the  exception  of  about  fifty  tons,  which  will  be  forwarded  from  the  foundry  in  New 
York  in  a few  days. 

The  aggregate  weight  of  the  iron  which  has  been  put  in  place,  since  the  date  of 
my  last  annual  report,  amounts  to  718,896  pounds. 


The  Dome. 


1025 


The  total  quantity  of  iron  received  for  the  dome  from  the  beginning  of  the  work  to 
October  31,  1863,  amounts  to  8,526,035  pounds,  and  the  quantity  which  remains  to 
be  delivered  amounts  to  about  100,000  pounds. 

Stairways. — The  iron  work  which  has  been  prepared  for  the  stairways  outside  of  the 
supporting  walls  of  the  dome  amounts  to  12,687  pounds,  all  of  which  is  now  on  the 
ground  and  ready  to  be  put  up.  These  stairways  are  under  cover  of  the  base  or 
podium  of  the  dome,  and  lead  from  the  attic  story  of  the  Capitol  to  the  drum  of  the 
peristyle.  When  this  part  of  the  work  shall  have  been  completed,  the  ascent  to  the 
dome  will  be  safe  and  commodious. 

The  progress  of  the  construction  of  the  dome  has  been  constant,  and  the  character 
of  the  workmanship  entirely  satisfactory.  It  has  not,  however,  advanced  as  rapidly 
as  I desired,  or  expected,  in  consequence  of  the  difficulties  encountered  by  the  con- 
tractors in  obtaining  suitable  workmen.  The  vast  amountof  iron  work  required  by  the 
Government  in  the  construction  of  war  vessels,  firearms,  etc.,  has  occupied  the  most 
of  the  skillful  workmen  of  the  country;  and  the  added  difficulty  of  finding  men  who 
can,  under  any  circumstances,  work  at  so  great  a height  from  the  ground,  has  also 
tended  to  retard  the  progress  of  the  work.  These  difficulties  cannot  be  overcome; 
we  are  therefore  compelled  to  proceed  as  rapidly  as  we  are  able  with  the  present 
gang  of  workmen,  most  of  whom  have  been  with  us  from  the  beginning.  The  con- 
tractors could  employ  to  advantage  four  times  as  many  men  as  are  now  at  work,  but 
such  workmen  as  could  be  trusted  to  manage  heavy  masses  of  iron  at  such  fearful 
heights  are  not  now  to  be  obtained. 

It  is  expected  that  the  entire  exterior  of  the  dome  will  be  completed,  with  the 
force  now  engaged  upon  it,  before  the  close  of  the  present  year,  and  it  will  require 
some  rive  or  six  months  more  to  finish  the  construction  of  the  interior. 

Lighting. — Arrangements  are  being  made  for  lighting  the  interior  at  night  by 
means  of  Gardiner’s  electro-magnetic  gas-lighting  apparatus,  the  most  of  the  materials 
for  which  have  been  delivered,  and  are  ready  to  be  put  up  as  soon  as  the  scaffolding 
can  be  removed. 

Painting. — The  cartoons  for  the  picture  on  the  canopy  over  the  eye  of  the  inner 
dome  are  being  prepared,  and  its  execution  will  be  commenced  as  soon  as  the  iron 
work  which  is  to  receive  it  can  be  put  in  place. 

Cash  account  of  the  new  dome. 


Amount  available  October  31,  1862  $91,  991  72 

Appropriated  March  3,  1863 200,  000  00 


291,991  72 

Amount  expended  from  October  31,  1862,  to  October  31,  1863 180,  649  98 


Leaving,  on  the  31st  of  October,  1863,  an  unexpended  balance  of  appro- 
priation of 111,341  74 


[From  the  annual  report  of  J.  P.  Usher,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Dee.  5,  1863.  (38 — 1,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  p.  XI.)] 

The  colossal  figure  of  “Freedom,”  designed  by  Crawford  and  executed  by  Clark 
Mills,  was,  on  the  2d  instant,  successfully  raised  to  its  elevated  place  on , the  new 
dome,  and  forms  a grand  and  appropriate  crowning  to  the  Capitol  of  the  nation. 

H.  Rep.  646 65 


1026 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

[From  the  annual  report  of  Thomas  TT.  Walter,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1,  1864. 

(38—2,  House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  p.  693.)] 

THE  NEW  DOME. 

At  the  date  of  my  last  annual  report  preparations  were  being  made  for  putting  the 
Statue  of  Freedom  in  place  on  the  top  of  the  dome.  This  was  accomplished  without 
accident,  on  the  second  day  of  December  last.  The  statue  is  19  feet  6 inches  in 
height,  and  weighs  14,985  pounds.  It  consists  of  five  sections,  the  heaviest  of  which 
weighs  4,740  pounds.  Four  of  these  sections  had  been  previously  raised  to  their 
places,  and  firmly  secured  to  the  structure,  leaving  the  fifth  section,  which  embraces 
the  head  and  shoulders,  to  constitute  the  crowning  feature,  the  hoisting  and  adjust- 
ing of  which  was  the  occasion  of  the  following  special  order  of  the  War  Department: 

Headquarters  Department  op  Washington, 

Twenty-second  Army  Corps,  December  1,  1863. 

Special  Order  No.  248.1 

* * * 

3.  At  12  m.,  on  the  2d  instant,  the  Statue  of  Freedom  which  crowns  the  dome  of  the  national  Capi- 
tol will  be  inaugurated.  In  commemoration  of  the  event,  and  as  an  expression  due  from  this  depart- 
ment, of  respect  for  the  material  symbol  of  the  principle  upon  which  our  government  is  based,  it  is 
ordered — 

First,  At  the  moment  at  which  a flag  is  displayed  from  the  statue,  a national  salute  of  thirty-five 
guns  will  be  fired  from  a field  battery  on  Capitol  hill. 

Second,  The  last  gun  from  this  salute  will  be  answered  by  a similar  salute  from  Fort  Stanton,  which 
will  be  followed  in  succession,  from  right  to  left,  by  salutes  from  Forts  Davis,  Mahan,  Lincoln,  Bun- 
ker Hill,  Totten,  De  Eussy,  Reno,  Cameron,  Corcoran,  Albany,  and  Scott. 

4.  Brigadier  General  W.  F.  Barry  will  make  the  necessary  arrangements  for  and  superintend  the 
firing  from  Capitol  hill,  Brigadier  General  G.  A.  De  Russy  that  from  the  works  south,  and  Lieutenant 
Colonel  J.  A.  Hoskins  that  from  those  north  of  the  Potomac. 

* * * 

By  command  of  Major  General  Angur. 

Carroll  H.  Potter,  A.A.G. 

Precisely  at  12  m.,  on  the  aforesaid  2d  day  of  December,  1863,  the  crowning  fea- 
ture of  the  statue  was  started  from  the  ground  in  fijont  of  the  Capitol,  by  means  of 
the  steam  hoisting  apparatus  which  has  been  successfully  used  for  the  construction 
of  the  entire  dome,  and  in  twenty  minutes  it  reached  the  height  of  three  hundred 
feet,  when  it  was  moved  to  its  place,  and  firmly  attached  to  the  remaining  portion 
of  the  figure;  as  soon  as  it  was  properly  adjusted,  the  American  flag  was  unfurled 
over  its  head,  and  the  national  salute  was  fired,  in  accordance  with  the  foregoing 
programme  of  Major  General  Augur.  The  effect  was  thrilling,  and  grateful  to  every 
loyal  heart. 

The  final  completion  of  the  work  of  the  dome  has  been  very  much  retarded  by 
the  want  of  suitable  workmen.  The  construction  is  complicated  and  difficult,  requir- 
ing great  care  and  skill.  The  masses  of  iron  to  be  handled  are  heavy,  and  the  great 
height  at  which  the  work  is  executed  increases  the  difficulty  of  maintaining  the 
proper  gangs  of  workmen.  The  work  has,  however,  advanced  steadily,  and  without 
accident,  and  but  a few  weeks  more  will  be  required  to  bring  it  to  a final  completion. 

The  exterior  is  entirely  finished,  except  a small  portion  of  the  base,  which  was 
omitted  in  the  construction  to  give  place  to  the  steam-engine  and  hoisting  apparatus; 
as  soon  as  these  can  be  dispensed  with,  they  will  be  removed,  and  the  void  will  be 
filled,  the  materials  for  this  purpose  being  all  fitted  and  made  ready  for  their  places. 
All  the  exterior  scaffolding  is  removed,  and  the  outside  painting  is  finished.  The 
interior  ceiling  is  likewise  completed,  and  its  massy  and  elaborate  finish  cannot  fail 
to  impress  the  spectator,  at  least  with  a conception  of  the  immense  labor  it  has 
required  to  produce  it.  The  fact  should  not  be  lost  sight  of  that  this  ceiling,  as  well 
as  the  entire  structure,  inside  and  outside,  is  wholly  composed  of  iron. 

The  remaining  work  to  be  done  consists  of  the  construction  of  the  iron  stairways 


The  Dome. 


1027 


leading  from  the  attic  story  of  the  centre  building  to  the  drum  of  the  peristyle,  and 
the  stairs  to  lead  from  the  spring  of  the  ceiling  to  the  platform  of  the  tholus  or  lan- 
tern. The  materials  for  these  stairways  are  all  prepared;  it  will,  therefore,  require 
but  a short  time  to  construct  them.  The  apparatus  for  lighting  the  dome  with  gas, 
and  the  interior  painting,  also  remain  to  be  completed. 

The  aggregate  weight  of  iron  which  has  been  put  in  place  since  the  date  of  my  last 
annual  report  is  781,271  pounds;  and  the  total  quantity  which  has  been  delivered  for 
the  dome  from  the  beginning  of  the  work  to  the  present  date  amounts  to  8,878,743 
pounds.  All  the  castings  for  the  entire  work  are  completed  and  delivered  at  the 
Capitol. 

Cash  account  of  the  neiv  dome. 


Amount  available  October  31,  1863  $111,  341  74 

Amount  expended  from  October  31,  1863,  to  October  31,  1864 53,  381  27 

Leaving,  on  the  31st  of  October,  1864,  an  unexpended  balance  of  57,  960  47 


By  an  act  of  Congress  approved  March  3,  1863,  an  appropriation  of  $200,000  was 
made  for  1 ‘continuing  the  work  on  the  new  dome  of  the  Capitol.  ’ ’ This  is  the  last 
appropriation  that  was  made  for  the  dome;  it  was  founded  upon  an  estimate  which 
accompanied  my  annual  report  under  date  of  October  31, 1862,  in  which  I took  occa- 
sion to  remark  that  this  sum  would  complete  the  work.  Had  the  prices  of  labor  and 
materials  remained  the  same  as  they  were  at  that  time,  which  it  should  be  observed 
was  two  years  ago,  the  whole  would  have  been  completed  Avithin  the  amount  speci- 
fied. But  the  great  change  which  has  since  taken  place  in  the  cost  of  everything 
pertaining  to  building  Avill  render  the  balance  on  hand  inadequate  to  the  entire  com- 
pletion of  the  work.  I therefore  respectfully  suggest  that  an  additional  appropria- 
tion be  made  of  $50,000. 

Although  the  progress  of  neither  the  Capitol  extension  nor  the  new  dome  has 
been  as  rapid  as  I desired,  or  had  reason  to  expect  at  the  commencement  of  the  sea- 
son, 1 am,  nevertheless,  of  the  opinion  that  the  amount  of  work  which  has  been 
done,  and  the  quantity  of  materials  which  haAre  been  furnished  since  my  last  annual 
report,  form  a very  creditable  aggregate,  in  ATiew  of  the  difficulties  which  must 
unavoidably  be  encountered  in  all  mechanical  pursuits  at  a time  when  the  country 
is  involved  in  Avar.  Notwithstanding  some  of  the  contractors  have  lost  heavily  by 
the  advance  of  wages  and  the  increase  in  the  prices  of  materials,  a spirit  of  patriotism 
has  led  them  steadily  on,  regardless  of  pecuniary  sacrifice,  and  I doubt  not  that  they 
have  done  all  in  their  power  to  fulfil  our  requirements. 

[From  the  annual  report  of  EcUvard  Clark.  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1,  1865.  (39 — 1, 

House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  p.  811.)  ] 

THE  NEW  DOME. 

That  portion  of  the  base  omitted  to  give  place  for  the  steam-engine  and  hoisting 
apparatus  has  been  filled  in.  The  stairways  leading  from  the  attic  story  of  the  centre 
building  to  the  platform  of  the  lantern  haAre  been  put  in  place,  rendering  access  to 
that  elevated  position  of  the  dome  easy  and  safe. 

The  picture  over  the  eye  of  the  dome  is  all  painted  in,  but  the  artist  is  umvilling 
to  have  the  scaffolding  removed  until  the  plastering  is  thoroughly  dry,  and  the  pic- 
ture toned.  As  it  will  be  at  times  vieived  by  gas-light,  he  wishes  to  have  the  oppor- 
tunity of  trying  it  by  this  light  before  dismissing  it  from  his  hands. 

The  arrangements  for  lighting  the  dome  by  means  of  Gardiner’s  electro-magnetic 
apparatus  is  now  in  progress,  and  w'ill  probably  be  finished  early  in  the  session. 

Since  the  31st  of  October  last,  30,457pounds  of  iron  for  the  work  of  the  dome  have 
been  received,  which  together  Avith  that  heretofore  received  for  this  work  make  the 
entire  weight  of  the  iron  used  in  the  dome  8,909,200  pounds.  An  appropriation  of 
$50,000  will  be  needed  to  pay  bills  already  due,  and  for  the  completion  of  the  Avork. 


1028 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  James  Harlan,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Dec.  4, 1865.  (39—1,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  p.  xvi.)] 

The  arrangements  for  lighting  the  new  dome,  by  Gardner’s  electro-magnetic  appa- 
ratus, are  in  progress.  A further  appropriation  is  necessary  for  the  completion  of 
the  dome,  which  is  now  nearly  finished,  and  to  discharge  existing  liabilities  for 
work  already  done  upon  it. 


[From  the  “Act  making  additional  appropriations,  and  to  supply  the  deficiencies  in  the  appropria- 
tions for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  the  thirtieth  of  June, 
eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-six,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  April  7,  1866.  (Stats,  at  Large, 
v.  14,  p.  19.)] 

For  completing  the  dome  of  the  Capitol,  fifty  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  O.  H.  Browning,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  19, 1866.  (39 — 2,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  p.  13.)] 

The  apparatus  for  lighting,  by  means  of  galvanic  electricity,  the  one  thousand  and 
eighty -three  gas-burners  of  the  dome,  has  proved  a complete  success.  They  can  now 
be  lighted  in  a few  minutes.  An  interesting  paper  on  this  subject  has  been  prepared, 
at  the  request  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  by  three  electricians  of  repu- 
tation, and  is  annexed  to  his  annual  report.  The  sum  of  $48,481  79  was  expended 
on  the  dome  during  the  year  ending  October  31,  1866,  at  which  date  there  was  on 
hand  a balance  of  $1,539  59.  An  appropriation  of  $15,000  will  be  required  to  com- 
plete this  work.  The  belt  between  the  second  and  third  cornices  of  the  rotunda 
should  be  ornamented  by  a series  of  national  pictures,  or  in  some  other  appropriate 
manner;  and  designs  for  the  purpose  will  be  invited  from  eminent  artists,  if  Congress 
confer  the  requisite  authority. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  year 
ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-eight,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Mar. 
2,  1867.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  14,  p.  461.)] 

For  the  dome  of  the  Capitol,  fifteen  thousand  dollars. 


t 

[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  27,  1868.  (Congressional  Globe,  40 — 2,  p.  1481.)] 

The  House,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union,  having  under 
consideration  the  sundry  civil  bill  for  1869 — • 

Mr.  Dodge.  I move  to  strike  out  lines  two  hundred  and  fifty-six  and  two  hundred 
and  fifty-seven,  which  are: 

For  continuing  the  work  on  the  new  dome  of  the  Capitol,  $5,000. 

Mr.  Washburne,  of  Illinois.  I hope  that  will  be  agreed  to.  Let  it  go  to  Des 
Moines.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Dodge.  That  is  the  place  I propose  to  put  it. 

Mr.  Price.  It  is  a good  place  for  it  to  go  to. 

Mr.  Blaine.  I merely  desire  to  say  that  I think  these  appropriations  for  the 
Capitol  ought  not  to  be  stricken  out.  If  the  gentleman  from  New  York  [Mr.  Selye], 
who  is  a practical  man,  will  go  down  to  the  steam  marble  works  here  he  will  see 
where  the  $100,000  are  to  be  swallowed  up,  and  whether  we  put  the  appropriation 
in  this  bill  or  not  it  has  got  to  come,  or  the  Capitol  will  remain  unfinished.  A e 
may  as  well  look  the  fact  in  the  face  that  this  Capitol  is  a vastly  expensive  building, 
and  somebody  has  got  to  pay  the  bills.  If  you  can  find  anybody  besides  Congress 
who  will  do  it  I hope  you  will  do  so. 


H.  Rep.  646 — 58-2. 


VIEW  OF  DOME  AND  CENTRAL  EAST  PORTICO,  1903. 


The  Dome. 


1029 


Mr.  Wilson,  of  Iowa.  Will  the  gentleman  state  what  work  on  the  Dome  is  to  be 
continued?  Work  on  the  Dome!  I should  like  to  know  from  the  Committee  on 
Appropriations  what  work  on  the  Dome  is  uncompleted?  My  understanding  is  that 
the  Dome  is  already  completed;  and  the  next  paragraph  of  the  bill  is: 

For  the  annual  repairs,  such  as  painting,  glazing,  keeping  roofs  in  order,  also  water  pipes,  pave- 
ments, and  approaches  to  public  buildings,  $15,000. 

Now,  is  this  for  the  commencement  of  the  renovation  of  the  inside  of  the  Dome 
that  I have  heard  talked  about,  which  is  to  result  in  taking  out  the  entire  lower  por- 
tion of  the  inside  of  the  Dome  and  engaging  in  an  improvement  of  the  plan  of  the 
Dome  which  will  cost  us  some  two  or  three  hundred  thousand  dollars  before  we  are 
through?  Is  that  the  scheme? 

Mr.  Blaine.  No;  it  has  nothing  to  do  with  that. 

Mr.  Wilson,  of  Iowa.  Well,  what  is  it  for? 

Mr.  Blaine.  If  the  gentleman  will  go  up  to  the  Dome,  which  is  rather  a tedious 
operation,  he  will  find  that  the  work  is  not  yet  completed  according  to  the  design. 
Has  the  gentleman  been  there  this  session? 

Mr.  Wilson,  of  Iowa.  Not  this  session. 

Mr.  Blaine.  Then  the  gentleman  ought  not  to  have  asked  his  question  with  such 
an  air  of  confidence. 

Mr.  Wilson,  of  Iowa.  I only  asked  it  to  get  information  from  the  Committee  on 
Appropriations,  and  I assert  that  the  gentleman  has  given  us  no  information. 

Mr.  Blaine.  We  got  our  information  from  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension, 
one  of  the  most  reliable,  trustworthy,  and  economical  officers  that  the  Government 
has  anywhere,  and  if  we  cannot  take  his  estimates  we  cannot  take  anybody’s.  I 
am  not  a practical  architect  and  I do  not  know  where  the  money  is  to  be  expended. 
I only  know  that  Mr.  Clark,  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension,  deemsthese  appro- 
priations absolutely  essential.  Of  course,  it  is  of  no  more  interest  to  me  than  to  any 
one  else 

Mr.  Wilson,  of  Iowa.  I presume  from  what  the  gentleman  says  that  he  has  not 
been  to  the  top  of  the  Dome. 

Mr.  Blaine.  No,  not  at  all,  and  I do  not  propose  to  go.. 

Mr.  Van  Wyck.  I made  that  perilous  voyage  up  the  Dome  a few  days  since  and  I 
do  not  remember  seeing  anything  unfinished  there. 

Mr.  Blaine.  Probably  the  gentleman  had  a swimming  in  his  head,  he  got  up  so 
high,  so  that  he  could  not  tell  what  was  around  him. 

Mr.  Van  Wyck.  If  we  continue  to  appropriate  tens  and  hundreds  of  thousands  of 
dollars  in  this  way,  our  heads  will  swim  more  by  and  by. 

The  question  was  upon  the  motion  of  Mr.  Dodge,  to  strike  out  “for  continuing  the 
work  on  the  new  Dome  of  the  Capitol,  $5,000.” 

The  motion  to  strike  out  was  agreed  to. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  year  end- 
ing June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-nine,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  July  20, 
1868.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  15,  p.  115.)] 

For  the  repairing  and  finishing  the  work  on  the  new  Dome  of  the  Capitol,  five 
thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  year 
ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Mar.  3, 
1869.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  15,  p.  306.)] 

For  finishing  and  repairing  the  work  on  the  new  Dome  of  the  Capitol,  five  thou- 
sand dollars. 


1030 


Documentary  History  of  the  CajpitoL 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  year 
ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-one,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  July 
15,  1870.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  16,  p.  302.)] 

For  finishing  and  repairing  the  work  on  the  new  Dome  of  the  Capitol,  four  thou-  , 
sand  dollars. 


[“An  act  for  the  relief  of  Janes,  Fowler,  Kirtland  and  Company, ” approved  Feb.  9, 1871.  (Stats. at 

Large,  v.  16,  p.  681.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  be,  and  he  is  hereby, 
authorized  and  directed  to  pay  to  Janes,  Fowler,  Kirtland  and  Company,  of  New 
York,  contractors,  for  building  the  Dome  of  the  Capitol  at  Washington,  out  of  any 
money  in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated,  the  sum  of  sixty  thousand 
dollars  in  full  satisfaction  of  all  claim  for  losses  or  damages  arising  from  the  action 
of  the  Government  in  stopping,  ordering,  and  directing  the  construction  of  said 
work. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-two,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Mar.  3,  1871.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  16,  p.  501. )] 

For  finishing  and  repairing  the  work  on  the  new  Dome  of  the  Capitol,  five  thou- 
sand dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-three,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
June  10,  1872.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  17,  p.  361.)] 

For  finishing  and  repairing  the  work  on  the  new  Dome  of  the  Capitol,  four  thou- 
sand dollars. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  June  30, 1886:  Congressional  Record,  49 — 1,  p.  6307.] 

Mr.  Ingalls  introduced  a bill  (S.  2784)  to  provide  for  gilding  the  statue  of  Free- 
dom on  the  Dome  of  the  Capitol;  which  was  read  twice  by  its  title,  and  referred  to 
the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  July  24,  1886:  Congressional  Record,  49 — 1,  p.  7471.] 

The  Senate,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  having  under  consideration  the  sundry 
civil  bill  for  1887 — 

Mr.  Mahone.  On  page  59  I move  to  insert  after  line  1436: 

For  gilding  in  gold  the  statute  of  Freedom  on  the  Dome  of  the  Capitol,  including  base,  and  the 
scaffold,  to  be  done  under  the  supervision  and  direction  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  $5,000,  or  so 
much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary. 

Mr.  Allison.  If  I can  I reserve  the  point  of  order  on  that  amendment. 

Mr.  Mahone.  The  amendment  has  been  recommended  by  the  Committee  on  Pub- 
lic Buildings  and  Grounds,  and  has  been  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Appropria- 
tions. I believe  it  is  in  order. 

Mr.  Allison.  It  is  for  gilding  in  gold.  If  it  was  silver  I might  have  been  disposed 
to  report  it,  but  I do  not  like  this  discrimination.  [Laughter.] 


The  Dome. 


1031 


Mr.  Mahone.  You  are  not  much  of  a silver  man  to-night.  [Laughter.]  The 
necessity  of  this  is  manifest.  We  are  advised  that  this  statue  is  corroding  and  that 
this  work  is  necessary  for  its  proper  preservation.  We  all  must  admit  that  it  is  very 
necessary,  for  its  appropriate  relations  to  the  Capitol.  I hope  it  will  be  adopted. 

Mr.  Allison.  Is  the  amendment  in  order? 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  Chair  sees  no  point  of  order  that" can  be  raised 
against  it. 

Mr.  Allison.  I believe  the  Senator  stated  that  it  was  reported  by  the  Committee 
on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  and  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Appropriations. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  That  makes  it  in  order.  The  question  is  on  the 
amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Virginia. 

The  amendment  was  rejected. 


V.  THE  GROUNDS. 


[House  proceedings  of  Dec.  13,  1815:  Annals  of  Congress,  14 — 1,  p.  385.1 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Tucker,  the  Committee  for  the  District  of  Columbia  were 
instructed  to  inquire  into  the  expediency  of  providing,  by  law,  for  the  enclosure  and 
improvement  of  the  public  square,  near  the  Capitol,  in  the  said  District. 


[House  proceedings  of  Apr.  11,  1816:  Annals  of  Congress,  14 — 1,  p.  1360.] 

The  House  went  into  Committee  of  the  Whole,  on  the  bill  making  an  appropria- 
tion for  the  improvement  of  the  Capitol  Square.  The  blank  was  filled,  on  motion  of 
Mr.  Tucker,  with  the  sum  of  §30,000;  and  Mr.  Clay  made  a few  remarks  in  support 
of  the  object  of  the  bill;  when  the  Committee  reported  the  bill  and  amendments  to 
the  House. 

The  amendment  and  the  bill  itself  were  opposed  by  Messrs.  Wright  and  Nelson, 
the  former  of  whom  moved  to  lay  it  on  the  table;  and  were  advocated  by  Messrs. 
Tucker,  Calhoun,  Jackson,  and  Robertson.  Mr.  Wright’s  motion  was  negatived; 
and  he  then  demanded  the  yeas  and  nays  on  the  question  of  engosssing  the  bill,  which 
were  refused  by  the  House;  and  the  bill  was  finallly  ordered  to  be  engrossed  for  a 
third  reading  to-morrow. 


[House  proceedings  of  Apr.  12,  1816:  Annals  of  Congress,  14 — 1,  p.  1361.] 

The  engrossed  bill  making  an  appropriation  for  graduating,  enclosing,  and  improving 
the  Capitol  Square,  was  read  the  third  time,  and  the  question  on  its  passage  stated. 
This  question  gave  rise  to  a short  debate,  in  which  Messrs.  Smith  of  Maryland, 
Tucker,  Reynolds,  and  Cuthbert,  advocated  the  bill;  and  Messrs.  Root,  Hardin, 
Wright,  Pickering,  and  Webster,  opposed  it.  The  last  named  gentleman  moved  to 
lay  the  bill  on  the  table,  which  motion  finally  prevailed — ayes  65,  noes  51;  and  the 
bill  lies  on  the  table  accordingly. 


[House  proceedings  of  Apr.  18,  1816:  Annals  of  Congress,  14 — 1,  p.  1405.] 

CAPITOL  SQUARE. 

The  House  then  resolved  itself  into  a Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  bill  making 
an  appropriation  for  graduating,  enclosing,  and  improving  the  Capitol  Square. 

Mr.  Tucker  moved  an  additional  section  to  the  bill,  providing  for  the  appointment 
of  one  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings,  instead  of  the  three  now  in  commission, 
and  repealing  the  authority  under  which  they  were  appointed;  and  vesting  in  him 
the  application  of  the  present  appropriation,  the  superintendence  of  the  improve- 
ments of  the  square,  &c.,  with  a salary  of  §2,000  per  annum. 

1032 


ST.  EAST  110  FiWIDE 


PLAT  OF  GROUNDS.  *8oj 


The  Grounds. 


1083 


After  considerable  debate,  in  which  Mr.  Nelson  opposed  the  motion,  and  Messrs. 
Tucker,  Clay,  Webster,  and  Pickering  advocated  it,  the  amendment  was  adopted. 

Mr.  Ingham  moved  to  postpone  the  operation  of  the  bill  to  the  1st  of  June,  which 
was  negatived;  and  Mr.  Tucker  proposed  to  increase  the  compensation  of  the  Com- 
missioner to  $2,500,  which  was  also  negatived. 

Mr.  Wilde  moved  to  incorporate  a provision  in  the  bill  to  authorize  the  President 
of  the  United  States  to  cause  to  be  sold  certain  lots,  the  property  of  the  United 
States,  within  the  City;  the  proceeds  of  the  sale  to  constitute  a fund,  the  interest  of 
which  to  go  to  the  support  of  a National  University;  which  motion  he  supported  at 
some  length,  urging  the  propriety  of  such  policy  as  tended  to  foster  and  benefit  the 
City,  and  censuring  that  hostile  spirit,  which,  after  Congress  had  determined  to 
make  it  the  permanent  Seat  of  the  Government,  yet  withheld  any  aid  in  its  improve- 
ment, and  left  it  to  languish  in  a state  which  made  it  odious  to  those  who  were 
brought  here  on  the  public  business,  &e. 

Mr.  Webster  suggested  the  impropriety  of  connecting  the  proposition  with  the 
present  bill,  which  it  might  endanger  without  being  itself  successful,  &c. ; after 
which  Mr.  Wilde  withdrew  his  motion. 

The  Committee  then  rose  and  reported  the  bill  and  amendments  to  the  House;  and 
the  latter  were  further  amended,  on  motion  of  Mr.  Tucker,  by  inserting  a clause  to 
prohibit  the  Commissioner,  while  serving  as  such,  from  holding  or  exercising  any 
other  office. 

Mr.  Tucker  then  renewed  his  motion  to  increase  the  compensation  of  the  Com- 
missioner, but  without  success. 

The  amendments  of  the  Committee,  as  amended,  were  concurred  in  by  the  House, 
and  the  question  put  on  ordering  the  bill  to  a third  reading;  when 

Mr.  Wright  moved  to  strike  out  so  much  of  the  first  section  as  provided  the 
appropriation  for  improving  the  Capitol  Square. 

The  motion  was  opposed  by  Mr.  Webster,  and  Mr.  Wright  replied,  and  asked  for 
the  yeas  and  nays  on  the  question,  which  were  refused  by  the  House;  after  which 
the  motion  was  rejected.  The  bill  was  then  ordered  to  be  engrossed  for  a third  read- 
ing to-morrow. 


[House  proceedings  of  Apr.  19,  1816:  Annals  of  Congress,  11 — 1,  p.  1406.] 

An  engrossed  bill  making  an  appropriation  for  enclosing  and  improving  the  public 
square  near  the  Capitol,  was  read  the  third  time,  and  passed. 


[‘ ' An  Act  making  an  appropriation  for  enclosing  and  improving  the  public  square  near  the  capitol ; 
and  to  abolish  the  office  of  commissioners  of  the  public  buildings,  and  of  superintendent,  and  for 
the  appointment  of  one  commissioner  of  the  public  buildings,”  approved  Apr.  29,  1816.  (Stats,  at 
Large,  v.  3,  324.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  Slates  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  a sum  not  exceeding  thirty  thousand  dollars  be,  and  the 
same  is  hereby,  appropriated,  to  be  applied  under  the  direction  of  the  President  of 
the  United  States,  to  enclosing  and  improving  the  public  square,  east  of  the  capitol, 
which  sum  shall  be  paid  out  of  any  money  in  the  treasury,  not  otherwise  appropriated. 

Sec.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  so  much  of  any  act  or  acts  as  authorizes  the 
appointment  of  three  commissioners,  for  the  superintendence  of  the  public  buildings, 
be,  and  the  same  is  hereby,  repealed;  and  in  lieu  of  the  said  commissioners,  there 
shall  be  appointed,  by  the  President  of  the  United  States,  by  and  with  the  advice 
and  consent  of  the  Senate,  one  commissioner,  ivho  shall  hold  no  other  office  under 
the  authority  of  the  United  States,  and  who  shall  perform  all  the  duties  with  which 


1034 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

the  said  three  commissioners  were  charged,  and  whose  duty  it  shall  also  be  to  con- 
tract for,  and  superintend  the  enclosing  and  improvements  of  the  public  square,  under 
the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States. 

Sec.  3.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  there  shall  be  allowed  to  the  said  commis- 
sioner a salary  of  two  thousand  dollars,  to  be  paid  quarterly,  out  of  any  moneys  in 
the  treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated. 

Sec.  4.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  such  persons  as  may 
have  been  appointed  to  superintend  the  repairing  of  the  public  buildings,  to  deliver 
up  unto  the  commissioner  who  shall  be  appointed  in  virtue  of  this  act,  all  plans, 
draughts,  books,  records,  accounts,  contracts,  bonds,  obligations,  securities,  and  other 
evidence  of  debt  in  their  possession,  which  belong  to  their  offices. 

Sec.  5.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  from  and  after  the  third  day  of  March  next, 
the  office  of  superintendent,  established  by  act  of  Congress  of  first  May,  one  thou- 
sand eight  hundred  and  two,  shall  cease,  and  thereafter  the  duties  of  said  office  shall 
be  performed  by  the  commissioner  to  be  appointed  by  virtue  of  this  act;  and  to 
whom  the  superintendent  shall  deliver  all  documents,  securities,  books,  and  papers, 
relating  to  said  office;  and  from  and  after  the  third  day  of  March  next,  the  commis- 
sioner aforesaid  shall  be  vested  with  all  the  powers  and  perform  all  the  duties  con- 
ferred upon  the  superintendent  aforesaid. 

* * * 


[Letter  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  transmitting  estimate  for  enclosing  and  improving 
the  Capitol  Square,  communicated  to  the  House  Feb.  3,  1817.  (14 — 2,  House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  64.)] 

Office  of  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 

Washington  City,  January  28th,  1817 . 

Sir:  In  order  to  carry  into  effect  the  act  of  Congress,  entitled  “ An  act  making  an 
appropriation  for  enclosing  and  improving  the  public  square  near  the  Capitol,”  the 
first  consideration  which  presented  itself  was  to  digest  a plan  combining,  with  the 
requisite  degrees  of  utility  and  taste,  that  durability  which  it  was  believed  ought  to 
be  principally  consulted  in  public  works  of  this  description.  After  determining  the 
plan,  the  execution  of  it  was,  agreeably  to  the  provision  of  the  act,  offered  to  the 
competition  of  the  public,  and  a contract  entered  into  with  one  of  our  enterprising 
citizens,  under  which  great  part  of  the  work  has  been  executed.  It  was,  however, 
soon  ascertained  that  the  sum  appropriated  by  the  act  above  mentioned  would  fall 
considerably  short  of  accomplishing  the  object  contemplated;  and  this  appears  to 
have  been  occasioned,  in  part,  by  the  original  estimate  not  having  been  made  to 
embrace  the  entire  square.  The  paper  marked  A,  contains  an  estimate  of  the  sum 
which  would  be  required  for  this  purpose,  amounting  to  forty-five  thousand,  six  hun- 
dred and  fifty-three  dollars  and  eighty-five  cents;  leaving  a deficiency  of  twenty-five 
thousand,  six  hundred  and  fifty-three  dollars  and  eighty-five  cents,  to  be  supplied 
by  future  appropriation  if  the  wisdom  of  Congress  should  so  direct. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  with  great  respect,  sir,  your  obedient  servant, 

Samuel  Lane, 

Commissioner  Public  Buildings. 

The  honourable  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives  U.  S. 

* * * 

N.  B. — If  it  should  be  determined  to  extend  the  exterior  enclosure  round  the  semi- 
circular area  west  of  the  Capitol,  and  omit  the  interior  wall,  then  an  additional  sum 
of  $12,000  will  be  required  for  the  enclosure,  and  $1,000  to  partially  graduate  and 
improve  the  surface  of  the  ground. 


The  Grounds. 


1035 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  26, 1817:  Annals  of  Congress,  14 — 2,  pl033.] 

Mr.  Condict,  from  the  Committee  on  the  Expenditures  on  the  Public  Buildings, 
to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  and  estimate  of  the  Commissioner  in  relation  the 
public  square,  made  a report  as  follows: 

The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  and  estimate 
of  the  Commissioner  in  relation  to  the  public  square,  report — that  at  the  last  session 
of  Congress,  the  sum  of  $30,000  was  appropriated  for  the  purpose  of  improving  the 
public  square  east  of  the  Capitol,  which  sum  has  been  expended,  and  is  found  to  be 
insufficient  for  its  completion,  from  causes  stated  in  the  letter  of  the  Commissioner. 
The  Committee  are  of  opinion  that  it  will  better  comport  with  the  original  design  of 
the  City,  and  be  more  satisfactory  to  the  public,  to  omit  the  interior  wall,  in  front  of 
the  Capitol,  and  extend  the  enclosure  around  the  semi-circular  area,  west  of  the 
building.  They  respectfully  submit  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved,  That  it  is  expedient  to  appropriate  the  sum  of  — -dollars,  to  complete  the  improvement  of 
the  public  square,  and  that  the  Commissioner  be  instructed,  with  the  approbation,  and  under  the 
direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States,  to  enclose  the  semi-circular  area  west  of  the  Capitol. 

The  report  was  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table. 


[From  the  “Act  making  further  provision  for  repairing  the  public  buildings,  and  improving  the 
public  square,”  approved  Mar.  3,  1817.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  3,  389.)] 

Sec.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That,  for  the  purpose  of  completing  the  enclosure 
and  improvement  of  the  public  square,  near  the  Capitol,  a sum  not  exceeding  thirty- 
eight  thousand  six  hundred  and  fifty-eight  dollars  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby,  appro- 
priated, to  be  applied  under  the  same  direction  as  aforesaid  [of  the  President  of  the 
United  States]. 

* * * 

Sec.  4.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  commissioner  of  the  public  buildings  be 
authorized  to  extend  the  enclosure  round  the  semi-circular  area  west  of  the  Capitol. 


[From  the  “Act  making  further  appropriations  for  continuing  the  work  upon  the  centre  building  of 
the  Capitol,  and  other  public  buildings,”  approved  Apr.  11,  1820.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  3,562.)] 

For  graduating  the  ground  round  the  Capitol,  and  supplying  the  deficiency  in 
former  appropriations  for  enclosing  and  improving  the  Capitol  square,  five  thousand 
five  hundred  and  ninety-one  dollars. 


[House  proceedings  of  Apr.  25,  1822:  Annals  of  Congress,  17 — 1,  p.  1656.] 

PUBLIC  BUILDINGS. 

A message  was  received  from  the  Senate,  returning  the  bill  which  originated  in 
the  House  of  Representatives,  making  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings,  with 
an  amendment  to  add  $1,250  to  graduate  and  improve  the  public  grounds  around 
the  Capitol. 

Mr  Cocke  moved  that  the  House  disagree  to  the  amendment  of  the  Senate.  The 
motion  was  supported  by  Mr.  Van  Wyck  and  the  mover,  and  opposed  by  Mr. 
Taylor. 

Mr.  Blackledge  remarked,  that  the  sum  which  had  been  allowed  to  the  person 
employed  in  that  business,  viz. , seven  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  would  be  probably 
sufficient. 

The  Speaker  suggested  that  it  was  necessary,  by  the  rule,  that  this  question  be 
discussed  in  a Committee  of  the  Whole  before  a decision  on  it;  and,  thereupon, 

The  House  went  into  a Committee  of  the  Whole,  on  the  aforesaid  bill. 


v 


1036 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Cocke  renewed  the  motion  which  he  had  made  in  the  House  to  disagree  to 
the  said  amendment. 

Mr.  Mallary  moved  that  the  Committee  rise.  This  motion  was  opposed  by  Mr. 
Cocke  and  Mr.  Taylor,  when  it  was  withdrawn  by  the  mover,  who  observed  that 
he  perceived  it  was  leading  to  a discussion,  which  was  the  very  thing  he  intended 
to  avoid. 

Mr.  Taylor  moved  to  strike  out  that  part  of  the  amendment  which  related  to 
graduating  the  public  ground,  which  was  agreed  to — ayes  79. 

Mr.  Rochester  moved  to  amend  the  amendment,  by  striking  out  §1,250,  and  to 
insert  in  lieu  thereof,  the  sum  of  §750.  After  a discussion  of  the  subject,  by  Messrs. 
Van  Wyck,  Kent,  Nelson  of  Massachusetts,  and  Rhea,  the  question  was  taken,  and 
negatived. 

The  amendment  of  the  Senate,  as  amended,  was  then  agreed  to — ayes  68,  noes  34, 
and  the  Committee  rose,  and  reported  the  same. 

In  the  House,  the  decisions  in  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  were  affirmed — ayes  74. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  24,  1824:  Annals  of  Congress,  18 — 1,  p.  422.] 

GENERAL  APPROPRIATION  BILL. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Smith,  the  Senate,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  proceeded  to 
consider  the  bill  ‘ ‘ making  appropriations  for  the  support  of  Government  for  the  year 
1824,”  with  the  several  amendments  proposed  thereto  by  the  Committee  on  Finance 
in  the  Senate. 

The  several  amendments  proposed  in  the  details  of  the  bill,  were  taken  up,  in 
course. 

* * * 

The  next  amendment  was,  to  strike  out  the  amount  of  §1,160,  “ for  improving  the 
Capitol  square,  and  painting  the  railing  round  the  same,”  and  insert  in  lieu  thereof 
the  sum  of  §3,000.  Mr.  Smith  explained  the  reasons  for  proposing  this  increase. 
Messrs.  Macon,  and  Holmes,  of  Maine,  made  some  few  remarks  upon  the  subject; 
and  the  amendment  was  then  carried. 


[Letter  of  J.  Elgar,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  to  the  Chairman  of  the  House  Committee  for 
Finishing  and  Furnishing  the  Public  Buildings,  Jan.  26,  1826.  (19 — 2,  House  Report  No.  122,  p.  6.)] 

D. 

Office  of  Comm’r  of  Public  Buildings, 

Washington,  January  26th,  1826. 

Sir:  I have  now  the  honor  to  enclose  estimates  for  the  Capitol  and  its  appendages, 
and  for  furnishing  the  President’s  House. 

The  ground  around  the  Capitol  has  been  so  encumbered  with  materials  and  shops, 
as  to  prevent  any  systematic  attempt  to  regulate  it;  and  no  plan  for  that  purpose  has, 
as  yet,  been  arranged.  Until  a design  for  the  improvement  of  the  ground,  gateways, 
&c.  shall  have  been  adopted,  it  is  not  practicable  to  estimate  the  ultimate  expense. 
It  is  proposed,  therefore,  to  confine  our  operations,  for  the  present  season,  to  finish- 
ing the  foot-way  on  the  outside  of  the  wall,  and  progressing  with  regulating  and 
planting  the  ground  as  circumstances  may  admit,  and,  in  the  mean  time,  to  have  a 
plan  and  estimates  prepared  for  future  consideration. 

* * * 

I have  the  honor  to  remain,  with  the  greatest  respect,  sir,  your  most  obedient 

servant,  , 

J.  Elgar. 

Hon.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Bu  ildings,  ci'c. 


The  Grounds. 


1037 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  2,  1827:  Register  of  Debates,  19 — 2,  v.  3,  p.  500.] 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Chambers,  the  bill  making  appropriations  for  the  Public  Build- 
ings, was  taken  up,  explained  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  by  Mr.  Chambers,  who 
offered  several  amendments;  which  were  agreed  to. 

On  one  of  these  items  Mr.  Chambers  observed  that  the  only  difficulty  suggested 
when  this  bill  was  before  the  Senate  yesterday,  was  in  relation  to  the  proposed 
entrance  through  the  West  front.  He  did  not  intend  to  urge  this  improvement  after 
the  Senate  had  indicated  an  opposition  to  it.  The  estimated  cost  of  materials  and 
work  for  the  whole  improvement  was  15,064.  This  sum  deducted  from  the  sum  now 
in  the  bill  would  leave  $80,215  05.  Justice  to  an  individual  connected  with  this 
transaction,  required  that  this  sum  should  be  increased.  He  had  the  authority  of 
the  Architect  to  say  that  more  than  a month  since,  Mr.  Lee  had  received  an  order 
from  the  Commissioner  to  procure  additional  force,  and,  with  all  possible  despatch, 
to  prepare  the  necessary  stone.  The  Commissioner  acted,  it  is  said,  under  the  brder 
of  the  Committee  of  the  House  of  Bepresentatives.  Mr.  Lee,  however,  had  no  cause 
to  inquire  into  his  authority,  his  order  being  the  usual  and  only  mode  by  which 
gtone  had  heretofore  been  procured.  It  was  believed  that  the  greater  part  of  the 
stone  then  ordered,  had  been  taken  from  the  quarry;  and  every  principle  of  justice 
required  that  so  much  of  it  as  had  been  prepared,  should  be  paid  for.  The  cost  of 
the  stone,  which  was  to  be  found  in  two  items  of  the  estimate  furnished  by  the 
Architect,  one  of  $441,  the  other  of  $1,545,  amounting  to  $1,986,  he  proposed  to 
include  in  the  appropriation  to  meet  the  claim  of  Mr.  Lee.  This  sum,  added  to  the 
before  mentioned  sum  of  $80,215  05,  will  make  $82,201  05,  which  last  mentioned 
amount  he  proposed  to  substitute  for  the  sum  mentioned  in  the  bill. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to,  and  the  bill  was  then  read  a third  time,  and  returned 
to  the  other  House. 


[From  the  report  of  Charles  Bulflneh,  Architect  of  the  Capitol.  (20 — 1,  House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  41,  p.  6.)] 
REPORT  OF  THE  PROCEEDINGS  ON  THE  PUBLIC  BUILDINGS,  FOR  THE  YEAR  1827. 

Washington,  December  27,  1827. 

* * * 

In  proceeding  upon  the  work,  attention  was  directed  to  such  parts  as  were  most 
essential,  and  which  would  produce  a general  approach  towards  the  completion  of 
the  building,  and  regulation  of  the  grounds.  A flight  of  steps,  on  the  west  side, 
leading  to  the  first  terrace,  has  been  completed;  the  semicircular  wall,  with  the 
arches  for  wood  vaults,  capable  of  containing  four  hundred  cords,  with  two  flights  of 
steps,  leading  to  the  upper  terrace  over  the  vaults,  are  also  finished.  A large 
quantity  of  earth  has  been  removed  from  the  easterly  part  of  Capitol  Square,  to 
bring  it  to  its  proper  graduation,  and  is  deposited,  in  part,  on  the  west  side,  to  form 
the  terrace  and  glacis;  also,  to  raise  Pennsylvania  avenue  to  the  right  ascent,  and 
otherwise  disposed  to  bring  the  contiguous  public  grounds  into  order  on  the  south 
side  of  the  Capitol.  Broad  pavements  of  stone  flags  are  laid  on  the  east  front,  and 
on  the  north  and  south  ends  of  the  building,  and  brick  pavement,  of  the  same 
width,  continued  to  the  north  and  south  entrances,  over  the  circular  terrace,  and 
along  the  line  of  the  west  side  of  the  square.  A rich  cast-iron  railing  borders  the 
terrace  round  the  building,  and  the  grounds  to  the  west.  The  garden  grounds  to 
the  east  are  enclosed  by  a wrought-iron  railing,  conformable  to  that  which  sur- 
rounds the  square.  Stone  piers  to  the  north  and  south  entrances,  and  to  the  square, 
have  been  raised  to  the  height  to  receive  the  railing,  but  are  not  completed. 

* * * 

Charles  Bulfinch, 
Architect  of  Capitol  of  United  States. 

Joseph  Elgar,  Esq., 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


1038 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

[Ho.  of  Reps.  Rep.  No.  69,  20th  Congress,  2d  Session.  Appropriation  for  the  public  buildings.  Feb- 
ruary 4,  1829.] 

Mr.  Van  Rensselaer,  from  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings,  made  the  fol- 
lowing report: 

The  Select  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings  beg  leave  to  submit  the  following 
report,  and  accompanying  documents: 

The  paper  marked  A,  being  a letter  from  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  to  the 
Chairman  of  the  committee,  contains  an  estimate  of  repairs  and  work  to  be  done  on 
and  about  the  Capitol.  The  committee  have  deemed  it  their  duty  to  recommend  to 
the  House  an  appropriation  for  a part  of  the  objects  included  in  this  estimate.  That 
portion  of  it  which  is  printed  in  italics  is  regarded  by  the  committee  as  a work 
necessary  to  the  improvement  of  the  public  grounds  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the 
Capitol,  and  as  such,  likely,  at  some  period,  to  be  sanctioned  by  Congress.  But  the 
committee  have  not  thought  it  expedient  to  recommend  it,  at  the  present  session. 

* * * 

Another  plan  has  been  submitted  to  the  committee,  (paper  D, ) for  an  ample  sup- 
ply of  water  at  the  Capitol,  of  which  the  committee  are  disposed  to  think  favorably, 
but  which  they  have  not  recommended  for  present  adoption. 

By  a law,  passed  at  the  last  session  of  Congress,  the  office  of  Architect  of  the 
Capitol  was  made  to  cease  on  the  fourth  day  of  March  of  the  present  year.  As  the 
work  which  is  necessary  to  he  done  in  repairing,  finishing,  and  enclosing  the  Capitol 
will  occupy  a portion  of  the  ensuing  year,  it  became  necessary  to  make  provision  for 
continuing  the  Architect  in  office,  so  long  as  might  be  requisite  for  this  purpose. 
This  object  is  embraced. in  the  second  section  of  the  bill  reported  by  the  committee. 


(A.) 

January  21,  1829. 

Sir:  It  wTas  expected,  at  the  close  of  the  last  session  of  Congress,  that  all  the  work 
specified  in  the  estimates  on  which  the  appropriation  for  the  Capitol  was  founded, 
would  be  completed  in  the  course  of  the  current  season.  This  has  been  effected  as 
far  as  was  possible  in  the  short  recess,  but,  owing  to  unavoidable  hindrances,  some 
portions  are  still  unfinished. 

1st.  The  stone  for  flagging  part  of  the  passages  was  not  _ received  until  it  was  too 
late  to  attempt  to  use  it.  The  same  is  now  prepared  and  ready  for  laying. 

2d.  The  iron  work  of  the  north  and  south  entrances  is  in  great  forwardness,  but 
the  completing  of  this,  and  of  the  railing  to  enclose  the  grounds,  has  been  prevented 
by  the  inclemency  of  the  season.  It  is  hoped  that  some  part  of  this  work,  which 
will  not  interfere  with  the  convenience  of  Congress,  may  be  finished  during  the 
session. 

I now  beg  leave  to  ask  the  attention  of  the  committee  to  the  expediency  of  having 
two  lines  of  iron  scroll  railing  from  the  western  lodges  to  the  first  flight  of  steps,  for 
the  purpose  of  securing  the  grounds  from  the  intrusion  of  cattle,  to  which  they  will 
be  subject,  from  the  unavoidable  necessity  of  keeping  open  the  western  gates.  I 
present  an  estimate  for  this  fencing,  and  for  gutters  of  free  stone,  in  place  of  the 
temporary  gutters  now  laid.  Also,  an  estimate  for  painting  part  of  the  exterior  of 
the  building,  particularly  of  the  roof,  which  requires  attention  and  repair. 

The  want  of  stabling  for  the  horses  used  by  the  messengers  of  both  Houses  of  Con- 
gress has  been  much  felt,  and  has  led  to  inconveniencies  and  delay  in  executing 
business.  I offer  a plan  and  estimate  for  a stable,  to  be  placed  on  the  public  ground 
on  a line  with  the  engine  house. 

The  Capitol  being  now  finished  with  the  exception  of  these  particular  objects,  I 
beg  leave  to  suggest  that  the  public  grounds  immediately  adjacent  should  conform 


.Rep.  646 — 58-! 


VIEW  OF  THE  OLD  CAPITOL  AND  GROUNDS  FROM  THE  PRESIDENT’S  HOUSE. 


The  Grounds. 


1039 


in  some  degree  to  the  importance  and  high  finish  of  the  building.  To  bring  them 
into  such  state,  I propose  that  the  triangular  space  between  the  Pennsylvania  and 
Maryland  avenues,  and  as  far  west  as  Third  street  at  the  bend  of  the  canal,  should  be 
permanently  fenced  in.  This  would  secure  the  improvement  of  the  ground,  and 
render  it  practicable  to  form  the  foot  walks  on  the  avenues,  one  of  which  has  not 
been  brought  into  form,  and  the  other  is  only  paved  of  one-half  the  required  width. 

I also  propose  to  regulate  and  bring  to  its  proper  graduation  the  portion  of  the 
Maryland  avenue  nearest  to  the  Capitol,  and  to  plant,  the  whole  avenue  with  four 
ranges  of  forest  trees.  Nothing  has  been  done  of  this  kind  for  the  embellishment 
and  advantage  of  the  approaches  to  the  public  buildings  since  the  time  of  the 
administration  of  Mr.  Jefferson,  when  he  directed  the  improving  and  planting  of 
Pennsylvania  avenue,  and  defrayed  the  expense  from  funds  under  his  control. 
Besides  the  beauty  and  healthiness  of  these  improvements,  they  must  add  much  to 
the  value  of  the  contiguous  land  belonging  to  the  public,  which  may  be  offered  for 
sale  after  the  improvements  shall  have  been  effected. 

With  great  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

Charles  Bulfinch. 

Hon.  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer, 

Chairman  of , the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings. 


Estimate  of  work  'proposed  to  be  done  on  the  Capitol  and  its  vicinity  in  the  year  1829. 


Two  lines  of  iron  scroll  fencing,  from  the  lodges  to  the  first  flight  of  steps. 

A gutter  of  free  stone,  three  feet  wide,  on  each  side  and  up  the  glacis 

Finishing  gates  and  fences 

Finishing  the  court  in  south  wing 

Laying  stone  flagging  in  passages 

Painting  the  outside  of  the  building,  and  repairs  of  roof 

Work  on  the  grounds,  regulating,  and  planting,  viz: 


For  gardener’s  salary $750 

labor  and  carts 1,  250 


Stable  for  messengers’  horses 

An  iron  rail  fence,  on  a low  brick  wall,  to  enclose  the  public  grounds 
west  of  the  Capitol,  viz: 

Length  of  fencing  3,650  feet,  at  §6 

Twelve  stone  piers,  at  $300 

Steps  into  the  ground  from  the  street 

Paving  2,400  feet  along  the  above  fence 

Graduating  Maryland  avenue  south  of  these  grounds 

Planting  and  securing  1,000  trees  on  said  avenue 

Graduating  and  bringing  into  order  the  public  land  north  of  the  Capitol, 
and  bordering  on  Pennsylvania  avenue 


$2,  073  50 
921  92 
2,  000  00 
967  21 
300  00 
4,  000  00 


2,  000  00 

2,  000  00 


21,  900  00 
3,  600  00 
800  00 
2, 400  00 
1,  500  00 
1,000  00 

3,000  00 


Respectfully  presented  by 


N.  B.  Amount  of  preceding  estimate 
Deduct 


48,  462  63 


Charles  Bulfinch, 
Architect  Capitol  U.  S. 


$48,  462  63 
31,  200  00 


Add  this  sum,  extension  of  the  privies  on  south  wing 


17,262  63 
1,  500  00 


18,  762  63 


1040 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

(D.) 


Washington,  January  26,  1829. 

Sir:  After  reflecting  on' the  conversation  I had  with  you  some  days  ago  respecting 
the  scarcity  of  water  on  the  Capitol  hill,  either  for  culinary  purposes,  cleanliness,  or 
to  extinguish  fires,  I am  decidedly  of  opinion  that  something  should  be  done  to 
ensure  a sufficient  supply  of  that  most  useful  and  necessary  article. 

I have  been  informed  that  there  is  not  a well  on  the  hill  but  may  be  pumped  dry 
in  fifteen  minutes:  if  that  is  the  case,  and  from  the  best  information  I have  been  able 
to  procure  I believe  it  to  be  true,  only  let  us  figure  to  ourselves  the  consequences  of 
a fire  on  the  Capitol  hill,  either  in  the  Capitol  itself  or  in  the  houses  of  individuals: 
the  canal  and  the  Tiber  creek  are  the  only  places  from  which  a supply  of  water  could 
be  obtained;  and  the  distance  is  too  great,  the  population  too  thin,  and  the  fire 
engines  too  few  in  number,  and  too  inefficient,  to  justify  any  hope  of  success  in  a 
contest  with  that  most  terrible  of  all  destroying  elements,  fire. 

Three  years  ago  I took  a series  of  levels  to  find  the  height  of  one  of  the  branches 
of  the  Tiber  creek,  to  ascertain  the  practicability  of  bringing  a supply  of  water  to 
the  Capitol:  on  examining  the  different  branches,  the  only  one  that  afforded  any 
chance  of  a supply  at  a proper  elevation  is  that  branch  which  passes  to  the  east  side 
of  the  Catholic  burying-ground,  and  heads  on  the  lands  of  Thomas  Peter  and  Mr. 
Dunlop,  and  is  about  north  12°  west  of  the  Capitol,  and  distant  about  three  miles. 
The  point  to  which  I carried  the  level  is  about  150  yards  above  the  road  which  runs 
along  the  northern  boundary  of  the  city,  where,  on  the  east  side  of  a large  white 
oak  tree,  and  close  to  the  ground,  there  is  a bench  mark,  which  is  10.315  feet  above 
the  stone  pavement  under  the  arcade  in  front  of  the  Capitol. 

From  the  best  information  I am  able  to  obtain,  this  branch,  which  is  wholly  sup- 
plied with  springs,  is  (excepting  in  rainy  weather)  the  same  nearly  in  Summer  and 
Winter;  and  by  a careful  measurement  of  the  quantity  of  water  furnished  at  a time 
when  it  might  be  considered  at  its  minimum,  made  by  the  late  Col.  Roberdeau,  Maj. 
Kearney,  and  myself,  it  was  found  to  discharge  124  cubic  feet  in  two  minutes  and  four 
seconds,  or  13,935  cubic  feet,  equal  to  104,241  wine  gallons,  in  24  hours. 

On  examining  the  sources  of  this  branch,  it  is  found  to  head  in  a swamp  about 
one-third  of  a mile  above  the  point  the  level  was  carried  to,  and  is,  as  before  observed, 
entirely  fed  by  springs,  which  might  be  collected,  by  means  of  covered  drains,  into 
a reservoir  at  a clump  of  cedar  bushes  near  a small  brick  house  on  the  west  side  of 
the  swamp;  and  on  a reconnoisance  of  this  site,  I believe  that  five  more  feet  of  ele- 
vation might  be  obtained,  which  would  reach  a point  in  the  Capitol  15  feet  above  the 
basement  story. 

If  this  water  should  be  brought  to  the  Capitol  hill,  and  terminate  in  a large  reser- 
voir, say  at  the  highest  point  of  the  Capitol  square,  the  security  and  advantage 
accruing  both  to  public  and  private  property  is  very  obvious:  from  that  point  it  could 
be  taken  to  every  part  of  the  Capitol  and  public  grounds,  at  the  elevation  of  the  res- 
ervoir, not  only  for  security  against  fire,  but  for  other  purposes,  among  which  niay 
be  enumerated  objects  of  cleanliness,  watering  the  grass,  shrubbery,  trees,  &c.  &c., 
and  might  be  conveyed  to  the  whole  of  the  inhabited  parts  of  the  hill;  thereby 
affording  an  abundant  supply  for  extinguishing  fires,  and  for  every  useful  and  neces- 
sary purpose. 

To  make  out  an  accurate  estimate  of  the  expense  would  require  a careful  survey 
of  the  line  along  which  the  conveyance  will  be  made,  the  distance,  and  of  course 
the  length  of  pipes  necessary;  but  an  approximation  may  be  made  near  enough  by 
assuming  the  following  data,  viz: 

To  3 miles  of  a cast  iron  pipe,  3 inches  in  the  interior  diameter,  say  15,840 

running  feet,  laid,  including  every  expense,  at  one  dollar  per  running 

foot  $15,840  00 


The  Grounds. 


1041 


To  reservoir  and  drains  for  collecting  the  water  at  the  source $1,  500  00 

To  reservoir  on  Capitol  square,  60  x 25, 10  feet  deep,  faced  and  paved  with 

cut  stone,  and  laid  in  Roman  cement 5,  000  00 

To  conveyance  to  the  different  parts  of  the  Capitol  and  public  grounds..  2,  000  00 
To  contingencies  and  unforeseen  incidents 660  00 


Total $25,  000  00 

I am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 


Robert  Leckie. 

To  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


[Rep.  No.  145.  House  of  Representatives,  21st  Congress,  1st  Session.  Water  for  the  Capitol.  Feb.  2, 
1830. — Referred  to  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings.  Letter  from  George  Camaron,  upon  the 
subject  of  furnishing  a supply  of  water  for  the  use  of  the  Capitol.] 

To  the  Honorable  the  Speaker 

Of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States. 

Sir:  You  are  respectfully  requested  to  present  the  following  Hydraulic  plans  and 
instruments  to  the  consideration  of  the  House  of  Representatives.  A model  corre- 
sponding with  the  accompanying  specification  and  drawing  will  be  at  your  service, 
if  called  for. 

A fountain  of  pure  spring  water,  affording  four  hogsheads  per  minute,  can  be 
obtained  within  five  or  six  hundred  yards  from  the  Capitol,  which  may  be  raised  by 
steam  or  other  power,  into  a reservoir  on  the  hill,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Capitol. 
That  portion  of  the  water  which  may  not  be  wanted  about  the  Capitol,  can  be  car- 
ried off  to  other  parts  of  the  city. 

I am  prepared,  if  requested,  to  furnish  calculations  which  exhibit  the  superiority 
of  the  plan  for  supplying  pure  water  from  springs  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  Capi- 
tol, over  any  plan  which  proposes  to  bring  water  through  pipes  a great  distance  by 
means  of  its  own  gravity. 

Yours  respectfully,  Geo.  Camaron. 


[Rep.  No.  281.  House  of  Representatives,  21st  Congress,  1st  Session.  Skinner’s  Grand  Basin — Water 
for  public  buildings,  &c.  March  8,  1830.] 

To  the  Honorable  Chauncey  Forward,  Member  of  the  House  of  Representatives: 

Sir:  Permit  the  undersigned  to  make,  through  you,  the  following  communication 
to  the  House  of  Representatives.  It  was  sent  to  the  honorable  Speaker  last  Thurs- 
day, but  unfortunately  miscarried,  so  that  he  has  never  seen  it,  and  the  undersigned 
is  unwilling  to  give  the  Speaker  further  trouble  with  it.  Knowing  that  your  con- 
stituents are  deeply  interested  in  whatever  appertains  to  the  city  of  Washington  and 
the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Canal,  he  takes  the  liberty  to  request  you  to  offer  the 
within  to  the  House,  and  move  its  printing,  and  reference  to  the  proper  committee. 
It  is  a subject,  of  so  much  importance,  that  he  deems  it  a duty  he  owes  to  the  public 
to  bring  before  them  the  consideration  of  it,  in  a shape  most  likely  for  examination. 

The  undersigned  having  had  several  years  practical  experience  in  civil  engineering, 
and  having  lately  been  led,  incidentally,  as  such,  to  look  for  some  improvements  of 
the  city,  he  has  become  satisfied  that  no  basin  of  water  contemplated  to  be  made 
within  the  city  will  be  at  all  adequate  to  the  purpose  intended.  A new  conception 
has  occurred  on  that  subject,  and,  as  he  deems  it,  of  sufficient  magnitude  to  demand 
the  attention  of  Congress,  and  of  the  city.  The  improvement  aimed  at  will  be 

II.  Rep.  646 66 


1042 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


obvious  upon  the  following  suggestions  in  a hasty  outline;  especially  as  it  is  under 
the  eye  of  Congress. 

In  the  first  place,  it  is  proposed  that  there  be  formed  a grand  common  basin,  200 
eet  in  width,  and  about  400  perches  in  length,  extending  from  near  the  foot  of  the 
botanic  garden,  through  the  centre  of  the  mall,  to  the  Potomac  river;  containing  a 
sheet  of  water  of  about  thirty  acres,  constructed,  say,  in  the  following  manner:  Let 
the  excavation  be  one  foot  below  low  water  mark,  so  that,  when  the  tide  is  shut  in 
by  a lock  and  dam,  it  may  contain  a body  of  water  from  four  to  five  feet  in  depth, 
renewable  at  pleasure.  If,  then,  the  contemplated  canal  from  Georgetown  be  con- 
ducted into  this  basin,  at  the  height  of  four  feet  above  high  tide,  with  a fall  of  two 
feet  from  Georgetown,  it  will  have  a uniform  depth  of  water  from  seven  to  eight 
feet,  making  allowance  for  waste  at  the  locks;  which  would  be  a depth  sufficient  for 
any  steamboats,  or  for  any  vessels  in  the  home  trade.  The  immense  importance  of 
such  a basin,  not  only  as  an  ornament  and  finish  of  the  public  grounds  in  front  of 
the  capitol,  but  to  the  future  growth  and  commerce  of  the  city,  as  the  undersigned 
would  most  respectfully  suggest,  deserves  the  attention  both  of  Congress  and  the  city. 
That  this  city  is  to  become  a commercial  one,  in  no  inferior  sense  of  the  word,  seems 
now  to  be  generally  admitted.  Should  we  not  then  be  aware  of  this  fact,  and  have 
an  ultimate  reference  to  it  in  all  our  preparatory  movements? 

He  begs’ leave  to  suggest  another  consideration  of  much  weight,  growing  out  of  the 
foregoing.  It  will  readily  be  perceived  that  there  would  be  a fall,  from  the  top  of 
this  basin  to  the  bottom  of  the  Washington  canal,  of  about  eight  feet.  Now,  taking 
one  half  of  the  tide,  which  is,  say,  two  feet,  and  add  it  to  the  four  feet  in  the  great 
basin  above  high  water  mark,  and  you  have  a nearly  uniform  mean  water  power  of 
six  feet  fall — sufficient  for  any  saw-mill.  Moreover,  this  water  power  would  be  the 
same  throughout  the  whole  distance  between  centre  market  and,  say,  Fifteenth  street; 
from  which  it  would  be  in  the  power  of  Congress,  and  of  the  city,  to  derive  great 
advantages,  as  will  appear  by  the  suggestions  hereinafter  made.  To  the  city,  it  may 
become  a source  of  revenue,  besides  the  improvements  and  increase  of  population  to 
which  it  would  naturally  lead,  by  selling  or  leasing  this  water  power  for  the  erection 
of  saw-mills,  grist-mills,  breweries,  nail  factories,  slitting  and  rolling  mills,  spin- 
ning, weaving,  cloth  dressing,  trip-hammering,  turning,  grinding,  polishing,  and  other 
machinery. 

There  is  still  another  consideration  of  this  subject,  of  very  great  consequence,  both 
in  regard  to  the  health  of  the  city  and  its  insurance  against  fire,  and  which  comes  in 
contact  with  a resolution  of  Congress,  now  before  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Build- 
ings, which  has  for  its  object  the  bringing  of  water  from  some  of  the  distant  hills  to 
the  capitol,  and  other  public  buildings.  It  is  for  this  reason,  among  others,  that  the 
undersigned  lias  thought  proper  to  address  Congress  without  loss  of  time.  Because, 
if  a substitute  can  be  found  in  this  water  power,  and  much  more  than  a substitute,  it 
would  seem  to  be  proper  to  arrest  the  expense  under  that  resolve.  It  is  supposed 
that  this  substitute  may  be  found  in  the  following  manner:  If  Congress  were  to  erect 
a single  building  for  hydraulic  purposes,  between  the  proposed  basin  and  the  old 
Washington  canal,  in  connexion  with  the  foregoing  water  power,  operating  a set  of 
forcing  pumps,  water  might  be  raised  into  a cistern  on  the  top  of  the  building  of  any 
supposed  height  or  magnitude;  so  that  water  might  be  conveyed  from  it  to  the  lobby 
of  the  House  of  Representatives,  to  the  top  of  the  General  Post  Office,  and  of  all 
the  other  public  buildings.  And  may  it  not  be  suggested  that-  there  ought  to  be  a 
tank  of  water  on  the  top  of  all  the  public  offices,  from  which,  with  their  own  hose, 
kept  and  fitted  for  that  purpose,  they  might  extinguish  fire  in  any  room  in  a very 
few  minutes,  and  before  any  engine  could  arrive  at  the  spot — an  insurance  of  the 
public  papers,  and  of  the  Patent  Office,  greater  than  that  of  all  the  fire  engines  in 
the  city.  Nor  should  we  omit  to  hint  to  the  city,  as  we  pass  along,  how  much  use 


The  Grounds. 


1043 


they  might  make  of  this  same  water  power  for  similar  purposes.  For  instance,  how 
much  would  such  a tank  be  worth  to  Gadsby’s  immense  establishment,  not  only  as 
an  insurance  against  fire,  but  for  any  other  purposes  to  which  he  might  choose  to 
apply  it.  Suppose,  then,  that  in  connexion  with  the  building  aforesaid,  there  were 
to  be  four  or  five  ten-feet  water  wheels,  with  a power  of  six  feet  fall;  is  it  not  appar- 
ent that  a sufficient  quantity  of  water  might  be  raised  for  the  supply  of  the  public 
buildings?  and  that  an  extension  of  the  same  power  would  supply  the  whole  city,  in 
all  future  time,  with  water  more  decidedly  wholesome  than  any  which  should  be 
brought  two  or  three  miles  from  distant  fountains?  Nor  would  such  a building,  with 
all  its  machinery,  cost  but  a small  part  of  the  expense  of  bringing  a supply  from  the 
distant  hills,  if  it  could  be  obtained,  which  is  at  least  doubtful.  Nor,  indeed,  if  bet- 
ter water  could  be  obtained  from  the  hills,  for  the  purpose  of  drinking,  which  is  not 
supposed  to  be  the  case,  would  it  supersede  the  necessity  of  this  more  abundant 
fountain  at  the  basin?  and  it  should  be  remembered  that  the  city  of  Philadelphia,  by 
their  new  water  works,  which  they  say  is  the  very  best  of  water,  is  supplied  from 
the  Schuylkill.  In  the  supposed  case,  the  city  of  Washington  may  be  watered  by 
the  Potomac  river. 

It  is  apparent  that  this  is  no  proper  subject  for  individual  enterprise,  and  that,  to 
effect  it  in  all  its  parts,  there  must  be  a co-operation  of  Congress,  of  the  city  of 
Washington,  of  the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Canal  Company,  and  of  the  Washington 
Canal  Company;  because  the  Washington  Canal  would  become  a foot-race  for  the 
establishments  which  should  be  erected  between  it  and  the  great  basin.  [It  is 
respectfully  suggested  that  if,  by  this  means,  their  purpose  should  be  frustrated,  they 
should  be  liberally  paid  for  their  stock  in  that  undertaking.]  Moreover,  if  the 
Washington  Canal  were  converted  into  a foot-race  and  common  sewer,  it  would,  of 
course,  be  narrowed  down  to  the  width  of,  say,  30  feet;  it  might  then  have  a bridge 
over  every  street;  mills  arid  other  buildings  might  be  erected  directly  upon  it,  so 
that  there  need  be  no  chasm  in  the  population  of  that  part  of  the  city;  and  being 
paved  with  coarse  flag  stone  on  the  bottom,  as  it  necessarily  must  be,  it  would 
become  a clean  and  wholesome  refrigerator  for  that  part  of  the  city.  And,  by  the 
way,  the  lands  which  that  company  have  now  a right  to  occupy,  being  of  course 
thrown  into  market  as  building  lots,  in  connexion  with  the  water  power,  would  be 
worth  several  times  enough  to  buy  out  the  whole  concern. 

The  entire  opening  down  through  the  centre  of  the  mall  should  be  600  feet,  so  as  to 
have,  beside  the  canal,  200  feet  on  each  side  for  road  and  wharfage;  leaving  a strip 
of  the  mall  on  each  side,  say  350  feet  wide,  which,  if  it  were  laid  out  in  building  lots, 
would  be  worth  more  money  than  the  whole  mall  without  the  basin.  The  strip  on  the 
North  side,  however,  necessarily  connected,  as  it  would  be,  with  the  foregoing  water 
power,  is  estimated  at  about  three  times  the  value  of  the  strip  on  the  South  side  of 
the  basin.  If,  then,  Congress  were  to  give  the  strip  on  the  North  side  of  the  basin 
to  the  city  of  Washington,  to  be  laid  out  in  building  lots,  in  connexion  with  the  lots 
given  up  by  the  old  Washington  Canal,  and  with  the  forementionecl  water  power, 
after  selling  lots  enough  to  pay  the  present  debts  of  the  city,  (not  including  the  mil- 
lion of  dollars  borrowed  for  the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Canal)  the  remaining  lots  and 
leases  of  this  water  power,  together  with  the  tolls  and  wharfage  of  the  basin,  would 
create  an  income  at  least  equal  to  the  ordinary  tax  of  the  city. 

In  order  to  give  this  subject  a practical  shape,  it  is  necessary,  perhaps,  to  say  some- 
thing of  the  expense  of  this  basin.  The  entire  expense  of  the  basin  is  put  at  two 
hundred  seventy-six  thousand  dollars,  based  upon  a calculation  corrected  by  three 
practical  engineers,  one  of  whom  has  himself  constructed  more  than  70  miles  of  road 
and  canal;  nor  do  they  doubt  that  responsible  individuals,  with  good  security,  would 
be  found  to  undertake  it  for  about  that  sum.  That  portion  of  the  mall  left  on  the 
South  side,  would  be  taken  for  nearly  one  half  the  sum;  the  other  half  would  be  in 


1044  Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

cash,  as  the  work  should  be  performed.  The  calculation,  stated  roundly,  is  thus 


made  out: 

Excavation  simply $100,  000 

Extra  removal  of  three-fourths  of  the  contents,  (say  one  mile) 95,  000 

Walls,  coping,  &c 40,  000 

Lock,  dam,  &c 30, 000 

Opening  the  entrance  channel  to  the  lock 10, 000 

Two  rows  of  best  trees,  on  each  side 1, 000 


I am,  Sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 
Washington,  March  2,  1830. 


276, 000 
I.  L.  Skinner. 


notes  on  the  foregoing. 

That  the  Washington  Canal,  with  the  contemplated  basin  at  the  mouth  of  the 
Tiber,  cannot  lie  made  to  answer  the  same  purposes  as  the  proposed  basin,  is  obvious 
from  the  following  considerations:  1.  It  cannot  be  made  to  have  the  same  capacity. 

2.  To  give  it  the  same  height  would  cost  more  money,  on  the  same  area,  on  account 
of  the  badness  of  the  bottom  and  of  the  materials  to  be  excavated,  and  because  it 
must  have  a new  separate  part  for  a foot-race. 

There  is,  moreover,  an  insuperable  objection  to  the  Washington  Canal  and  basin, 
since  to  raise  the  water  in  it  as  high  as  proposed  would  choke  up  all  the  sewers,  and 
wet  the  cellars  in  the  most  populous  part  of  the  Pennsylvania  Avenue. 

2.  It  is  presumed  that  the  charter  of  the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Canal  Company 
will  be  found  to  authorize  them  to  come  down  to  the  proposed  basin.  And  why 
not?  They  are  authorized  to  come  “to  tide  water.” 

In  legal  construction,  not  simply  to  tide  water,  for  then  they  must  stop  at  the  Little 
Falls;  but  into  tide  water  far  enough  to  meet  the  commerce  of  the  ocean,  which  is 
the  object  of  the  undertaking;  and  also  to  accommodate  those  who  live  on  tidewater. 
And  where  is  that  most  suitable  and  central  point  in  tide  water,  if  it  be  not  the  con- 
templated basin?  a point  exactly  central  for  Georgetown,  Washington,  the  Navy 
Yard,  and  Alexandria.  For  their  difference  of  water  distance  is  no  difference  at  all 
in  a practical  sense. 

3.  Will  not  the  proposed  basin  save  the  great  expense  of  the  aqueduct  and  canal 
from  Georgetown  to  Alexandria?  since  it  is  certain  that-  Alexandria  never  can  com- 
pete with  Georgetown  in  the  boat  trade  by  such  a canal.  It  would  only  lead  them 
to  the  pursuit  of  an  imaginary  interest;  whereas  their  real  interest  and  strength  lie 
in  their  situation  on  the  Potomac,  with  a depth  of  water  sufficient  for  any  foreign 
commerce,  within  thirty  minutes  steamboat  distance  from  the  proposed  central 
basin. 

4.  A canal  from  this  central  basin  to  the  Eastern  Branch,  with  a lock  and  dam  of 
the  same  height,  would  make  a finish  of  this  whole  subject,  and  leave  nothing 
further  to  be  contemplated. 

5.  There  is  one  more  fact  that  we  might  dwell  upon  a moment  with  pleasure.  It 
is  the  tribute  of  respect  which  the  contemplated  basin  would  pay  to  Congress,  for  the 
patriotism  with  which  they  have  sustained  the  Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Canal  from  the 
beginning,  as  it  will  bring  the  water  of  one  of  the  great  rivers  of  the  West  to  the  South 
front  door  of  the  Capitol,  and  some  of  the  commerce  of  the  richest  valley  on  the 
globe,  of  equal  extent,  into  a basin  of  water  under  their  own  eye. 


The  Grounds. 


1045 


[House  of  Representatives.  Rep.  No.  344.  21st  Congress,  1st  session.  Water  for  the  Capitol.  Letter 
from  Robert  Mills  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Buildings,  upon  the  subject  of 
providing  a supply  of  water  for  the  use  of  the  Capitol.  April  5,  1830.] 

City  of  Washington,  March  30,  1830. 

The  Honorable  G.  C.  Verplanck, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings. 

Dear  Sir:  I have  given  a personal  examination  to  all  the  main  streams  contiguous 
to  the  city,  capable  of  giving  the  requisite  supply  of  water,  for  the  purpose  of  irri- 
gating the  public  buildings  and  grounds,  together  with  furnishing  the  means  of 
guarding  against  the  ravages  of  fire,  and  meeting  the  future  demands  of  the  city;  and 
would  take  the  liberty  of  submitting  the  following  brief  expose  on  the  relative 
merits  of  these  streams,  and  the  probable  expense  of  conducting  them  to  the  Capitol. 

First — The  waters  of  the  Tiber. 

This  stream  is  the  nearest  to  the  Capitol,  and  may  therefore  be  brought  there  at 
the  least  expense,  but  it  is  necessarily  of  limited  capacity,  and  doubtful  character,  with 
regard  to  yielding  a permanent  and  full  supply.  The  main  head  springs,  which  have 
been  examined  and  gauged,  are  found  to  yield  as  follows:  No.  1.  seven  gallons  per 
minute:  No.  2.  three  gallons  per  minute:  No.  3.  four  and  a half  gallons  per  minute. 
The  expense  of  bringing  in  the  whole  to  the  Capitol  is  estimated  to  cost  $43,7104, 
exclusive  of  purchase  of  springs.  The  cost  of  bringing  in  the  first  is  about  §32,000, 
besides  the  right  of  the  spring.  If  it  should  be  thought  expedient  to  resort  to  these 
waters,  then,  to  avail  ourselves  of  all  the  advantages  furnished  by  them,  I would 
suggest  the  following  plan  of  operation.  First,  To  construct  a proper  reservoir,  or 
basin,  (at  a point  where  all  the  head  springs  fall  into  the  main  ravine)  capable  of 
collecting  and  retaining  all  the  flow  of  the  descending  streams.  Second,  To  lead 
these  united  waters,  by  a proper  channel,  to  a point  where  they  may  be  used  to  the 
greatest  advantage.  Third,  To  create  a power  by  this  means,  equivalent  to  raise  the 
necessary  supply  for  the  Capitol  into  a basin  on  the  top  of  the  adjacent  high  grounds, 
from  whence  it  may  be  conducted  by  pipes  where  required.  Fourth,  To  collect  the 
water,  used  to  work  the  pump  engine,  after  it  has  been  discharged  from  the  wheel, 
into  a proper  basin,  and  lead  it  by  a canal  or  tunnel,  along  the  edge  of  the  Capitol 
hill  into  a reservoir  constructed  in  front  of  the  Capitol  to  the  East,  at  a correspond- 
ing level,  which  it  is  presumed,  will  be  of  sufficient  altitude  to  command  the  Presi- 
dent’s house  and  offices,  Navy  Yard,  Penitentiary,  &c. 

There  is  another  stream  which  may  be  taken  into  this  last  line  of  supply,  as  it  will 
be  intersected  by  it,  a little  to  the  Northwest  of  the  Capitol;  and  thus,  an  additional 
quantity  of  water  obtained  to  the  reservoir,  which  will  be  mostly  drawn  from. 

According  to  this  plan,  it  will  be  seen,  that  none  of  the  available  waters  of  this 
stream  would  be  lost,  but  all  husbanded  and  judiciously  applied;  not  only  furnishing 
a supply  to  the  Capitol,  but  providing  an  abundant  supply  for  the  other  [lublic 
buildings.  The  expenses  of  carrying  this  plan  into  execution,  with  a view  simply  to 
furnishing  the  Capitol  with  water,  would  probably  not  exceed  $20,000;  if  the  other 
public  buildings  are  supplied  also,  the  additional  cost  would  vary  from  $10,000  to 
$20,000,  according  to  extent  of  supply.. 

The  position  of  the  upper  reservoir  would  not  be  much  over  a mile  from  the  Capitol. 
The  mill  seat  situate  on  the  Tiber  presents  a suitable  place  for  the  pump  engine 
house;  this  mill  seat  has  a head  and  fall  of  about  30  feet,  and  works  an  overshot 
wheel.  It  has  no  head  reservoir  to  collect  the  waters  above,  and  consequently,  works 
under  every  disadvantage;  yet  it  runs  two  pair  of  stones  six  months  in  the  year.  If 
it  had  the  addition  of  a head  reservoir,  it  is  believed  that  it  would  be  capable  of 
running,  the  year  round,  one  pair  at  least. 

The  small  quantity  of  water  demanded  for  the  use  of  the  Capitol,  could  be  supplied 


1046 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


at  little  expense,  as  it  would  require  but  a small  engine,  whilst  the  other  public 
buildings,  demanding  a much  larger  supply,  would  be  able  to  realize  this  at  the  same 
time  (at  no  expense  of  power)  from  the  source  created  by  the  expended  water  of  the 
engine.  If  the  waters  of  the  Tiber,  therefore,  should  be  preferred,  it  would  be  most 
advisable  that  they  should  be  introduced  in  this  way  as  furnishing  the  most  abundant 
supply,  at  the  least  expense. 

Second — The  waters  of  Rock  Creek. 

The  position  of  this  stream,  with  regard  to  the  city,  is  very  favorable  as  a source 
from  whence  a supply  of  water  may  be  obtained  for  all  the  purposes  demanded  by 
the  public  buildings,  not  only  at  present,  but  looking  forward  to  the  increase  of  the 
city,  for  all  future  demands,  as  well  of  a private  as  of  a public  nature. 

The  capacity  of  this  stream  to  furnish  a full  supply  of  water  to  the  city,  cannot  be 
doubted,  and  the  nature  of  the  bordering  high  grounds  is  peculiarly  well  adapted  for 
the  formation  of  suitable  reservoirs,  sufficiently  elevated  to  admit  of  the  water  they 
may  contain,  to  be  conducted  to  the  Capitol  hill. 

The  character  of  country  through  which  this  stream  flows,  is  mountainous  and 
rocky;  the  springs,  therefore,  are  constant,  and  of  a pure  quality,  running  mostly 
over  a rocky  bed.  The  number  and  power  of  the  mill  seats,  situate  on  this 
stream,  prove  its  importance  as  a means  of  answering  all  the  reasonable  demands 
of  the  city,  whether  for  useful  or  ornamental  purposes;  and  its  location  evidently 
points  it  out  as  a most  suitable  source  from  whence  to  supply  the  public  build- 
ings with  water,  and  at  little  expense,  commensurate  with  the  extent  of  the 
objects  to  be  embraced.  Lying  on  the  West  side  of  the  city,  (and  of  course  of 
the  public  buildings)  the  water  taken  from  this  stream  would  pass  through  the 
most  populous  parts  of  the  city,  along  by  the  President’s  house,  public  offices, 
post  office,  &c..  before  reaching  the  Capitol;  thus  every  portion  of  the  conduit 
pipe  would  or  may  be  profitably  employed,  and  eventually  reimbursed  the  first 
cost;  whereas,  bringing  the  water  from  the  East  side  of  the  city,  all  the  length  of 
the  i>ipe,  leading  from  the  head  reservoir,  would  benefit  no  other  object  than 
the  Capitol;  to  advantage  the  other  public  buddings,  so  much  additional  pipe 
would  be  requisite,  as  they  are  distant  from  the  Capitol,  and  then  there  would 
not  be  an  adequate  supply  for  all  purposes.  The  importance  of  providing  all  the 
public  buildings  with  a full  supply  of  water,  as  a guard  against  the  ravages  of  fire,  can- 
not be  questioned;  and  as  it  is  of  importance  that  provision  be  made,  also,  for  the 
city  generally,  in  this  particular,  the  value  of  the  waters  of  Rock  creek  must  be 
manifest.  The  higher  parts  of  the  city  are  now  dependent  on  wells  for  a supply  of 
water.  The  inadequacy  of  these,  in  times  of  fire,  need  not  be  shown.  The  fate  of 
such  cities  as  have  had  to  depend  on  this  precarious  source  of  supply,  on  these  occa- 
sions, is  well  known.  The  ample  supply  of  water  which  this  stream  would  furnish 
will  afford  the  means  of  introducing  all  those  useful  and  ornamental  water  works  to 
the  public  buildings  anil  squares  which  are  so  refreshing  and  beautiful  in  the  sultry 
season,  and  which  are  so  peculiarly  grateful  in  this  climate.  But  it  is  in  the  event 
of  a fire  that  its  value  would  be  most  sensibly  appreciated,  and  particularly  con- 
nected with  the  offices,  where  so  many  valuable  documents  are  deposited,  the  loss  of 
which  would,  perhaps,  be  irreparable. 

The  plan  of  operation  associated  with  this  stream  as  a means  of  supply  to  the  public 
buildings,  would  be  as  follows:  1st.  To  purchase  the  requisite  water  power  and  rights 
on  this  stream,  at  a suitable  point  where  a reservoir  might  be  constructed  sufficiently 
elevated  to  receive  the  waters  of  supply  for  the  public  buildings,  &c.  2d.  To  con- 

struct the  necessary  basins,  and  to  erect  a pump  engine,  of  a sufficient  capacity  to 
supply  the  summit  basin  with  water.  3d.  To  conduct  a main  supply  pipe  from  the 


The  Grounds. 


1047 


summit  basin,  of  a proper  calibre,  first,  down  to  the  Pennsylvania  Avenue  above  the 
Six  Buildings,  thence  along  the  said  avenue,  passing  the  President’s  House,  and 
public  offices,  (each  of  which  would  receive  a branch  pipe  of  supply)  and  terminating 
on  the  Capitol  Hill.  Lateral  pipes  may  branch  off  from  the  main,  to  answer  any 
other  public  or  private  demand  which  it  may  be  proper  to  attend  to. 

There  are  two  or  three  situations  on  Rock  Creek  admirably  well  calculated  for  the 
purposes  demanded,  and  which  would  admit  of  the  construction  of  the  necessary 
water  works  at  a moderate  cost.  The  whole  expense  of  conducting  the  water  to  the 
Capitol  from  this  quarter  will  probably  not  exceed  $50,000,  and  give  a supply  also  to 
the  President’s  House  and  offices.  The  main  pipe  will  be  very  little  longer  than 
what  would  be  required  to  bring  the  springs  of  the  Tiber  to  the  Capitol.  The  pur- 
chase of  the  water  rights,  and  the  erection  of  a pump  engine,  would  be  the  chief 
expense  additional  incurred. 

There  is  a branch  of  Rock  Creek  which,  from  the  circumstance  of  the  hilly  char- 
acter of  the  country  in  which  it  rises,  I am  inclined  to  think  will  be  found  to  give  a 
more  ample  supply  of  water  than  any  branch  of  the  Tiber,  and  must  be  considerably 
more  elevated.  It  rises  not  very  distant  from  the  North  boundary  of  the  City.  I 
have  annexed  a sketch  of  the  relative  positions  of  all  the  sources  of  supply  proposed, 
with  the  Capitol  and  President’s  House,  by  which  you  can  form  a judgment  of  the 
relative  merits  of  each. 

Should  the  committee  think  favorably  of  either  of  the  plans  proposed,  and  desire 
a more  minute  examination  and  estimate  of  the  expense  of  carrying  them  into  exe- 
cution, I would  devote  my  attention  to  the  subject  farther,  and  furnish  the  requisite 
information  as  soon  as  practicable.  Having  been  engaged  several  years  in  works  of 
this  nature,  (particularly  in  Baltimore,  where  I was  charged  with  the  works  for  sup- 
plying that  city  with  water, ) 1 am  induced  to  believe  that  I could  be  serviceable  to 
the  committee  in  suggesting  and  carrying  any  plans  into  execution  which  they  may 
approve,  and  therefore  would  respectfully  offer  my  professional  services. 

Before  closing  I would  beg  leave  to  make  a few  general  remarks.  Both  the  city 
of  Philadelphia  and  that  of  Baltimore  are  supplied  by  a pump  engine,  worked  by  a 
water  power,  derived  from  the  same  source  that  irrigates  the  city.  There  was  more 
economy,  simplicity,  and  certainty,  in  this  mode  of  operation,  than  by  steam.  Rock 
Creek  is  a bolder  stream  than  that  which  supplies  the  city  of  Baltimore  with  water; 
and  this  last  has  sufficed  for  the  demands  of  the  city  to  the  present  time,  with  a 
population  of  60,000.  The  waters  of  large  streams,  particularly  running  through 
a hilly,  rocky,  or  mountainous  country,  are  considered  as  always  preferable  to 
springs.  The  longer  water  is  exposed  to  the  air,  the  softer  and  more  wholesome 
it  becomes.  Water  taken  from  wells  is  an  instance,  and  springs  partake  more  or  less 
of  the  nature  of  well  water,  in  consequence  of  their  confined  state.  Again,  to  depend 
on  one  or  two  springs  for  a public  supply  is  very  precarious — springs  frequently  sink, 
or  dry  up;  they  never  increase,  but,  on  the  contrary,  decrease  in  quantity;  there  is  a 
natural  cause  for  this  in  a cultivated  country;  1st,  the  cutting  off  the  trees,  (the  natural 
conductors  of  moisture)  and  the  consequent  exposure  of  the  surface  of  the  ground  to 
the  action  of  the  sun’s  rays;  2d,  the  draining  of  marshy  grounds,  &c.  A spring  (or 
springs)  therefore  should  never  be  resorted  to  for  a supply  of  water  for  public  pur- 
poses, except  no  alternative  is  left  but  to  use  them  or  be  without  water.  Washington 
is  surrounded  with  abundant  streams,  which  possess  a power  within  themselves  to 
supply  any  quantity  of  water  which  may  be  demanded.  As  a large  expense  must 
necessarily  be  incurred,  even  in  resorting  to  a spring,  it  would  be  worthy  of  consid- 
eration whether  a more  effective  supply  could  not  be  obtained,  and,  at  the  same 
cost,  by  resorting  to  a congregation  of  springs. 

Excuse  the  liberty  I have  taken  in  making  these  remarks,  and  permit  me  to  salute 
you  with  sentiments  of  respect. 


Robekt  Mills. 


1048 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[House  of  Representatives.  Rep.  No.  375.  21st  Congress,  1st  session.  Skinner’s  Grand  Central  Basin. 

April  20,  1830.  Read,  and  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Internal  Improvements.] 

Mr.  Taliaferro,  from  the  Committee  for  the  District  of  Columbia,  to  which  had 
been  referred,  in  part,  the  letter  from  Mr.  Skinner,  upon  the  subject  of  a central 
canal  basin  in  the  city  of  Washington,  made  the  following  report: 

The  Committee  for  the  District  of  Columbia,  to  whom  was  referred,  in  part,  the 
letter  of  Mr.  Skinner,  addressed  to  the  House  of  Representatives,  upon  the  subject 
of  a central  canal  basin  in  the  city  of  Washington,  and  the  supply  of  water  for  the 
public  buildings,  &c.  &c.  have  had  the  same  under  consideration,  and  concur  in 
three  general  propositions.  The  first  is,  that  the  proposed  central  basin  would  be  a 
superb  and  highly  ornamental  finish  to  the  arrangement  of  the  public  grounds  on 
the  AVest  of  the  Capitol,  as  well  as  the  most  appropriate  and  useful  harbor  and  mart 
of  trade  in  the  centre  of  the  city,  on  a convenient  line  between  its  heavy  and  dis- 
tributory  commerce,  which  in  its  present  condition  are  too  widely  separated.  The 
second  is,  that  this  reservoir,  fed  by  a suitable  conductor  from  the  Georgetown  basin, 
would  give,  by  the  application  of  suitable  means,  an  abundant  supply  of  water  for 
the  security  of  the  public  buildings  against  fire,  &c.  &c.  The  third  is,  that  the 
whole  plan  taken  together  would  bring  into  the  market  a large  amount  of  building 
lots,  which,  added  to  the  tolls  and  wharfage  of  the  basin,  might  probably  produce 
a fund  more  in  amount  than  the  cost  of  the  work.  The  committee,  however,  not 
having  the  time  or  the  means  to  make  the  necessary  estimates,  are  of  opinion  that 
the  subject  deserves  examination;  and,  believing  that,  the  object  falls  more  properly 
within  the  range  of  the  functions  of  another  committee,  ask  to  be  discharged  from 
its  further  consideration,  and  beg  leave  to  recommend  to  the  House  the  following 
resolution: 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Internal  Improvements  be  instructed  to  take  the 
subject  under  their  consideration,  and  to  decide  on  the  propriety  of  requesting  the 
President  of  the  United  States  to  cause  an  examination  to  be  made  into  the  practi- 
cability, utility,  and  cost,  of  the  contemplated  work;  and  order  a report  of  the  result 
of  such  examination  to  be  made  to  the  present  or  to  the  next  session  of  Congress. 

The  foregoing  resolution  being  read,  was,  on  the  question  put  thereon,  agreed  to 
by  the  House. 


[House  of  Representatives.  Rep.  No.  376.  21st  Congress,  1st  session.  Skinner’s  Grand  Central  Basin. 

April  22,  1830.] 

Mr.  Craig,  of  Anrginia,  from  the  Committee  on  Internal  Improvements,  to  which 
the  subject  had  been  referred,  made  the  following  report: 

The  Committee  on  Internal  Improvements,  to  whom  was  referred  the  letter  of  Mr. 
Skinner,  on  the  subject  of  a central  basin  in  the  city  of  Washington,  have  had  the 
same  under  consideration,  and  beg  leave,  respectfully,  to  express  their  concurrence 
in  opinion  with  the  Committee  on  the  District  of  Columbia,  to  whom  the  same  sub- 
ject was,  heretofore,  referred,  that  the  proposed  work  is  of  such  importance,  on 
account  of  the  tendency  it  will  have  to  enhance  the  value  of  the  adjacent  public  lots, 
and  the  accommodation  it  will  afford  to  the  commercial  action  of  the  city  of  AVash- 
ington,  in  addition  to  its  ornamental  effects,  as,  in  the  opinion  of  this  committee, 
will  justify  a survey  and  estimate.  This  survey  and  estimate  can,  as  this  committee 
believe,  be  accomplished  by  the  Board  of  Internal  Improvements,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  President,  without  any  special  appropriation  being  made  to  that  object. 
They,  therefore,  recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following  resolution: 

Resolved,  That  the  basin  and  other  improvements,  contemplated  in  the  plan  of 
Mr.  Skinner,  are  of  such  importance  to  the  public,  as  well  as  to  the  city  of  AV ashing- 


In' 

<0 

\ 


PLAT  OF  ('.ROUNDS,  (S.in 


The  Grounds. 


1049 


ton,  as  to  merit  a survey  and  examination.  And  that  the  President  of  the  United 
States  be,  and  he  is  hereby,  requested  to  procure  the  same  to  be  made,  by  the  Board 
of  Engineers,  under  the  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  and  to  cause  a report 
thereof,  together  with  an  estimate  of  the  cost,  to  be  laid  before  Congress,  as  early  as 
may  be  at  their  next  session. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Mar.  2,  1831.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  4,  474.)] 

To  make  good  the  deficiency  in  the  estimates  of  the  year  one  thousand  eight  hun- 
dred and  twenty-nine,  for  finishing  gates  and  fences,  five  thousand  nine  hundred  and 
eighty-four  dollars. 

For  purchasing  Seneca  stone  flagging  for  the  terrace  and  walks  adjoining  the 
Capitol,  three  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  for  improving  Pennsylvania  Avenue,  supplying  the  public  buildings  with  water,  and 

for  paving  the  walk  from  the  western  gate  to  the  Capitol  with  flagging,”  approved  May  25,  1832. 

(Stats,  at  Large,  v.  4,  518.)] 

For  bringing  water  in  pipes  to  the  Capitol,  and  the  construction  of  reservoirs  and 
hydrants,  and  the  purchase  of  the  rights  of  individuals  to  the  water,  forty  thousand 
dollars. 

Sec.  3.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That-  the  commissioner  of  the  public  buildings  is 
hereby  authorized  and  directed  to  contract  for  the  jiurchase,  delivery,  and  laying  of 
Seneca  flagging  on  the  walk  from  the  western  gate  to  the  Capitol ; and  for  this  pur- 
pose the  sum  of  seven  thousand  one  hundred  and  two  dollars  be,  and  the  same  is 
hereby,  appropiated,  to  be  paid  out  of  any  money  in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise 
appropriated. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Mar.  2,  1833.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  4,  649.)] 

For  dressing  and  laying  the  stone,  procured  for  paving  the  terrace  of  the  Capitol, 
seven  thousand  dollars. 

For  enclosing  and  improving  the  public  ground  north  of  the  Capitol,  two  thousand 
dollars. 


[House  proceedings  of  June  7,  1834:  Register  of  Debates,  23 — 1,  v.  10,  pt.  4,  p.  4414.] 

The  bill  making  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings  and  grounds,  and  for  other 
purpose,  was  taken  up. 

Mr.  Parker  moved  to  destroy  the  bill  by  striking  out  the  whole  of  it;  but  after- 
wards modified  his  motion  by  striking  out  the  enacting  clause,  and  was  understood 
as  finally  withdrawing  it. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Fuller,  the  bill  was  amended  by  striking  out  the  following 
clause: 

“For  salary  of  gardener  employed  in  superintending  the  Capitol  square  and  other 
public  grounds,  lighting  lamps,  keeping  grounds  and  walks  in  order,  and  planting  in 
the  Capitol  square,  three  thousand  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars.” 

Mr.  E.  Everett  proposed  to  amend  it  by  removing  the  naval  monument  from  its 
present  situation  to  the  square  east  of  the  Capitol;  but,  on  a suggestion  of  Mr.  Wat- 


1050 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


mough,  modified  the  motion  to  remove  it  to  the  botanic  garden;  but,  after  some 
desultory  discussion,  the  motion  was  rejected. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Mercer,  the  proposed  wall  round  the  botanic  garden  was 
stricken  out ; he  desiring  to  have  the  western  square  enlarged;  to  which  purpose  such 
a wall  would  be  an  obstacle. 

* * * 

Mr.  Vinton  moved  to  extend  the  square  west  of  the  Capitol  to  the  foot  of  the  slope, 
and  to  extend  the  botanic  garden  to  the  canal,  but  the  motion  did  not  succeed. 


[From  the  “Act  in  addition  to  the  act  entitled  ‘An  act  making  appropriations,  in  part,  for  the  sup- 
port of  Government,  for  the  year  eighteen  hundred  and  thirty-six,  and  for  other  purposes,’  ” 
approved  July  4,  183fi.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  5,  p.  114.)] 

For  Capitol  square  and  other  public  grounds,  one  thousand  dollars. 

For  graveling  the  yard  east  of  the  Capitol,  two  thousand  dollars. 

For  conveying  the  surplus  water  of  the  Capitol  to  the  Botanic  Garden,  making  a 
basin,  and  purchasing  a fountain  of  Hiram  Powers,  five  thousand  dollars. 

For  extending  the  Capitol  square,  and  improving  the  grounds  within  and  adjacent 
to  the  same,  as  far  west  as  the  first  street  intersecting  the  Pennsylvania  Avenue  from 
the  east,  the  sum  of  twenty-five  thousand  dollars,  to  be  paid  out  of  any  money  in 
the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated. 


[House  of  Representatives,  Doc.  No.  36,  24th  Congress,  2d  session.  Expenditure — public  buildings 
Report  of  the  Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings,  made  in  obedience  to  the  act  of  the  3d  March, 
1829.  December  23,  1836.] 

Office  of  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 

December  SI,  1836. 

Sir  : In  obedience  to  the  act  of  Congress,  passed  March  3,  1829,  requiring  the 
Commissioner  of  the  Public  Buildings  to  make  an  annual  report  of  the  manner  in  which 
all  appropriations  for  the  public  buildings  and  grounds  have  been  applied,  &c.,  I 
have  the  honor  to  report,  that  the  alterations,  repairs,  and  improvements  directed  to 
be  made  under  the  several  appropriations  have  been  faithfully  attended  to,  and  that 
the  expenditures  on  the  public  buildings,  and  other  objects  committed  to  my  charge, 
have  been  as  follows,  viz  : 

* * * 

For  gravelling  the  yard  east  of  the  Capitol §1,  907  091 

* * * 

For  the  purchase  of  Smith’s  spring,  including  one  acre  of  land,  and  for 
enclosing  the  same;  for  building  culverts,  and  keeping  the  water-pipes 

in  order 5, 115  721 

* * * 

For  extending  the  Capitol  square,  and  improving  the  grounds  within  and 
adjacent  to  the  same,  as  far  west  as  the  first  street  intersecting  Penn- 
sylvania avenue  from  the  east 15, 513  02J 

* * * 

The  yard  east  of  the  Capitol  has  been  graduated  and  improved  by  a thick  coat  of 
gravel  and  clay,  which,  from  the  adhesive  quality  of  the  material  used,  will,  in  a 
short  time,  become  firm  and  compact. 

The  extension  of  the  Capitol  square  as  far  west  as  First  street  has  engaged  much  of 
my  attention,  and,  though  the  work  has  been  retarded  for  the  want  of  materials,  the 
whole  enclosure  will  be  completed  by  the  last  of  March. 

A part  of  the  materials  have  been  purchased  “for  conveying  the  surplus  water  of 


The  Grounds. 


1051 


the  Capitol  to  the  botanic  garden,  making  a basin,  and  purchasing  a fountain  of 
Hiram  Powers;  ” but  owing  to  the  failure  on  the  part  of  the  contractor  to  comply  with 
his  contract,  the  work  will  not  be  finished  before  the  month  of  May. 

Mr.  John  A.  Smith’s  spring,  with  one  acre  of  land,  has  been  purchased  for  the 
sum  appropriated  by  Congress  for  that  purpose,  and  a deed,  certified  to  be  good  by 
the  district  attorney,  has  been  executed  for  the  same,  and  recorded  in  the  proper 
office.  It  may  be  proper  here  to  state,  that,  by  a contract  heretofore  entered  into 
between  Mr.  John  A.  Smith  (the  former  proprietor  of  the  spring  which  supplies  with 
water  the  reservoirs  at  the  Capitol,)  and  my  predecessor  in  office,  Mr.  Smith  conveyed 
to  the  United  States,  for  a valuable  consideration,  all  the  water  within  an  enclosed 
wall  of  eight  feet  square.  It  was  ascertained  by  several  measurements,  that  the 
spring  within  the  enclosure  yielded  only  sixteen  gallons  of  'water  per  minute — a 
quantity  barely  sufficient  to  supply  one  of  the  reservoirs  with  pure  water.  By  the  late 
purchase  a supply  of  sixty-six  gallons  of  water  per  minute  has  been  added  to  the 
head  fountain,  as  will  appear  by  the  accompanying  report  of  Mr.  Mills,  the  architect, 
marked  A. 

* * * 

Well  selected  trees  have  been  planted  round  Lafayette  and  Fountain  squares,  and 
the  trees  and  shrubs  at  the  Capitol  and  President’s  squares  have  been  also  well 
attended  to,  and  the  grounds  improved  by  top  dressings  of  rich  compost,  prepared 
during  the  year. 

* * * 


I have  the  honor  to  be,  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

The  Hon.  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

* * * 


W.  Noland. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  civil  and  diplomatic  expenses  of  Government  for  the 
year  eighteen  hundred  and  thirty-seven,”  approved  Mar.  3,  1837.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  5,  172.)] 

For  completing  the  improvements  commenced,  by  extending  the  capitol  square 
west,  forty  thousand  dollars. 


[House  of  Representatives.  Doc.  No.  28.  25th  Congress,  2d  session.  Annual  report  of  the  Commis- 
sioner of  Public  Buildings,  December  15,  1837.] 

Office  of  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings, 

December  15,  1837. 

Sir:  In  compliance  with  the  act  of  Congress,  passed  March  3d,  1829,  entitled  “An 
act  making  appropriations  for  public  buildings,  and  other  purposes,”  I have  the 
honor  to  report  that  the  expenditures  on  the  public  buildings,  and  other  objects 
under  my  charge,  during  the  present  year,  have  been  as  follows:  * * * 

For  completing  the  improvements  commenced,  by  extending  the  Capitol 

square  west 838,  472  22 

* * * 

For  conducting  the  water  along  the  Pennsylvania  avenue,  from  the  pipes 
at  the  Capitol,  to  the  Treasury  and  General  Post  Office  buildings,  with 

the  necessary  fire  plugs  to  water  the  avenue 9,  326  00 

* * * 

The  extending  of  Capitol  square  to  First  street  west,  has  been  completed,  so  far  as 
was  contemplated  by  the  appropriations  of  March  last,  with  the  exception  of  a part 
of  the  centre  footway,  which  has  been  left  in  an  unfinished  state  for  the  want  of 
materials,  the  contractor  having  failed  to  send  on  the  requisite  supply  of  flagging. 

* * * 


1052 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Estimates  of  appropriations  necessary  for  the  public  buildings  and  improvements 
of  the  public  grounds,  will  be  laid  before  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and 
Grounds. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  with  high  respect,  your  obedient  servant, 

W.  Noland. 

Hon.  the  Speaker  of  the  House  o f Heps. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  civil  and  diplomatic  expenses  of  Government  for  the 
year  eighteen  hundred  and  thirty-eight,”  approved  Apr.  6, 1838.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v. 5, 222.)] 

For  extending  Capitol  square  west,  and  improving  the  same  south  of  the  centre 
footway,  according  to  the  plan  already  in  part  executed,  under  the  provisions  of  an 
act  of  the  last  Congress,  twenty-three  thousand  one  hundred  and  twenty-seven 
dollars  and  eighty  cents. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  civil  and  diplomatic  expenses  of  Government  for  the 
year  ending  the  thirtieth  day  of  June,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-nine,  and  for  other 
purposes,”  approved  Aug.  12,  1848.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  9,  293.)] 

* * * for  the  purchase  and  erection  of  lamps  and  lamp-posts  of  iron,  and  for 
the  laying  of  gas  pipes,  and  for  other  necessary  fixtures  for  lighting  the  Capitol 
grounds  with  gas,  to  lie  expended  under  the  direction  of  Commissioner  of  Public 
Buildings,  a sum  not  exceeding  ten  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  to  supply  deficierfcies  in  the  appropriations  for  the  service  of  the  fiscal  year  ending 
the  thirtieth  of  June,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  fifty,”  approved  May  15,  1850.  (Stats,  at 
Large,  v.  9,  426.)] 

For  continuing  the' pavement  of  the  avenue  around  the  Capitol  grounds,  sixteen 
thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  Commis- 
sioner of  Public  Buildings,  on  whose  application  to  the  Secretary  of  War  an  officer 
of  the  engineers  or  other  corps  of  the  Army  may  be  detailed  to  supervise  the  work. 

[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  30,  1852:  Congressional  Globe,  32 — 1,  p.  921.] 

EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  Borland  submitted  the  following  resolution;  which  was  agreed  to: 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  be  instructed  to  inquire  how  far,  and  in  what 
direction,  the  grounds  around  the  Capitol  will  have  to  be  extended  in  conformity  with  the  plan  of 
extension  of  the  building  that  has  been  begun;  how  much  private  property  would  be  included  in 
such  extension  of  the  grounds;  and  what  amount  of  money  would  probably  be  required  to  purchase 
said  private  property,  and  make  the  necessary  improvements  of  the  grounds  in  consequence  of  the 
extension. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  B.  B.  French,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  Oct.  5,  1854.  (33 — 2, 
Senate  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  1,  603.)] 

My  predecessor  in  this  office  made  an  estimate  of  fifteen  thousand  dollars  for 
removing  fences,  grading  streets,  Ac.,  preparatory  to  the  extension  of  the  Capitol 
square.  I made  a like  estimate  last  year,  but  nothing  has  yet  been  appropriated. 

I conceive  it  my  duty  again  to  call  the  attention  of  Congress  to  this  important 
subject,  as  it  is  probable  that,  before  another  winter,  the  exterior  of  the  wings  of  the 
Capitol  will  be  very  far  advanced,  if  not  completed.  The  circular  roads  on  the  north 
and  south  of  the  building  must  necessarily  be  extended  so  as  to  connect  at  New  Jer- 
sey avenue  south,  and  at  Delaware  avenue  north,  with  B streets  north  and  south,  and 
the  work  of  changing  those  roads  should  not  be  delayed  beyond  the  next  summer. 

I submit  herewith  a diagram,  marked  H,  exhibiting  my  own  ideas  in  relation  to 
the  changes  which  will  be  necessary.  [Diagram  not  printed.] 


NORTHWEST  VIEW  OF  CAPITOL,  1840, 


The  Grounds. 


1053 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  20,  1855:  Congressional  Globe,  33 — 2,  p.  893.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  civil  and  diplomatic  bill  for  1856 — 

Mr.  Ckaige.  I am  directed  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  to 
offer  the  following  amendment: 

For  removing  fences,  grading  streets,  &c.,  preparatory  to  the  extension  of  Capitol  square  in  accord- 
ance with  plans  submitted  by  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  $15,000:  Provided , That  no  part 
of  this  appropriation  shall  be  expended  except  upon  property  now  owned  by  the  United  States. 

Mr.  Chairman,  that  amendment  becomes  necessary  in  consequence  of  the  exten- 
sion of  the  Capitol  north  and  south.  It  is  intended  that  the  Capitol  extension  shall 
be  completed  by  the  next  session  of  Congress,  and  therefore  it  is  proper  that  we 
should  now  provide  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  grounds  north  and  south.  It  is 
with  that  view  my  amendment  is  now  offered. 

Mr.  Stanton,  of  Kentucky.  Mr.  Chairman,  I have  no  doubt  that  important 
changes  in  the  grounds  will  be  necessary  in  consequence  of  the  extension  of  the 
Capitol.  But  I simply  desire  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings 
and  Grounds  to  state  whether  the  plan  proposed  by  the  Commissioner  of  Public 
Buildings  will  conflict  at  all  with  that  proposed  in  connection  with  the  original  plan 
for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol.  I understand  that  the  plan  originally  devised  will 
take  in  the  whole  or  a large  portion  of  the  territory  belonging  to  the  Government  on 
both  sides  of  the  Capitol  grounds,  so  as  to  relieve  to  a considerable  extent  the  abrupt- 
ness of  the  ascent.  If  that  plan  is  carried  out  it  will  involve  the  expenditure  of 
much  more  than  $15,000,  and  the  appropriation  is  not  what  is  required. 

Mr.  Jones.  It  will  be  as  much  as  can  be  expended  during  this  year,  I presume. 

Mr.  Ckaige.  I do  not  understand  precisely  what  the  original  plan  was.  The  plan 
I have  indicated,  however,  of  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  contemplates 
the  extension  of  the  grounds  to  B street  north,  and  to  B street  south.  The  appro- 
priation, the  gentleman  will  see,  is  not  to  complete  the  grounds,  but  to  remove  the 
fences  and  rubbish,  preparatory  to  completing  them. 

Mr.  Stanton.  I only  desired  to  know  whether  the  plan  of  the  Commissioner  of 
Public  Buildings  would  conflict  with  the  one  originally  proposed  in  connection  with 
the  extension  of  the  Capitol.  I think  it  is  a matter  of  some  importance  that,  that 
plan  should  be  carried  out.  It  is  necessary  for  the  symmetry  of  the  plan.  The  ter- 
races will  have  to  be  altered,  and  a great  deal  of  work  done,  besides  removing  fences 
and  rubbish;  and  this  appropriation  will  certainly  not  carry  out  that  plan.  If  the 
two  plans  conflict,  we  might  as  well  decide  between  them  now. 

Mr.  Ckaige.  This  appropriation  certainly  cannot  conflict  with  any  plan  for  extend- 
ing these  grounds,  for  it  is  only  to  remove  fences,  and  to  make  the  preparations 
necessary  for  making  the  extension. 

Mr.  Stanton.  Very  well.  I do  not  object  to  it. 

The  question  was  taken  and  the  amendment  adopted. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  civil  and  diplomatic  expenses  of  Government,  for  the 
year  ending  the  thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  fifty-six,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Mar.  3, 1855.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  10,  602.)] 

For  removing  fences,  grading  streets,  &c.,  preparatory  to  the  extension  of  the 
Capitol  Square,  in  accordance  with  the  plan  submitted  by  the  Commissioner  of 
Public  Buildings,  fifteen  thousand  dollars:  Provided,  That  no  part  of  this  appropria- 
tion shall  be  expended  except  upon  property  now  owned  by  the  United  States. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Jno.  B.  Blake,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  Oct.  11,  1855.  (34 — 1, 
Senate  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  1,  596.)] 

Since  I have  been  in  office  the  grounds  north  of  the  Capitol  have  been  filled  up 
and  graded,  and  the  work  has  been  transferred  to  those  south  of  the  Capitol,  where 


1054 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


the  small  balance  of  the  appropriation  that  remains  will  be  judiciously  expended. 
The  appropriation,  so  far  as  I can  learn,  was  not  based  on  any  specific  estimate,  but 
was  designed  to  accomplish  as  much  of  the  work  as  possible,  without  any  special 
designation  of  the  extent.  To  complete  the  unfinished  portion  that  has  been  com- 
menced, and  which  must  necessarily  be  embraced  in  any  plan  that  may  be  adopted, 
will  require  §566,000.  This  sum  may  strike  the  casual  observer  as  being  large,  in 
comparison  with  the  amount  expended  in  grading  the  grounds  north  of  the  Capitol; 
but  it  is  readily  explained  by  the  greater  extent  of  surface  and  depth  of  filling  up, 
which  are  more  than  five  times  as  much  as  was  required  on  the  north  side  of  the 
Capitol.  As  no  plan  for  the  extension  of  the  Capjitol  grounds  has  been  adopted,  it  is 
impossible  to  state  what  amount  of  filling  up  and  grading  will  be  necessary,  and,  of 
course,  no  estimate  of  the  final  cost  can  at  this  time  be  made.  It  appears  to  me  that 
it  would  be  advisable  to  adopt  a plan  as  soon  as  possible,  and  proceed  to  carry  it  out 
without  delay,  so  that  when  the  Capitol  is  completed  the  grounds  may  be  in  a con- 
dition corresponding  with  the  extent  and  magnificence  of  the  building. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  5,  1856:  Congressional  Globe,  34 — 1,  p.  577.] 

PURCHASE  OF  LOTS  IN  THE  DISTRICT. 

Mr.  Brows  submitted  the  following  resolution;  which  was  considered  by  unanimous 
consent,  and  agreed  to: 

Resolved , That  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  be  instructed  to  inquire  and  report  to  the 
Senate  at  what  price  the  lots  belonging  to  private  individuals,  within  the  following  limits,  can  be 
purchased:  commencing  at  the  north  gate  of  the  Capitol  and  following  Delaware  avenue  to  its  inter- 
section with  B street  north:  along  B street  to  Third  street  west:  along  Third  street  to  its  intersection 
with  B street  south:  along  said  street  to  New  Jersey  avenue:  and  along  said  avenue  to  the  south  gate 
of  the  Capitol:  and  that  in  each  case  where  he  may  think  the  sum  asked  is  excessive  he  shall  note 
the  amount  of  such  excess  in  his  report. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  20,  1856:  Congressional  Globe,  34 — 1,  p.  696. j 

EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Greenwood.  I offer  the  following  resolution  by  request.  In  doing  so  I do  not 
commit  myself  on  the  subject: 

Resolved,  That  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  be  instructed  to  inquire  into  the  expediency  of 
purchasing  square  No.  575  and  part  of  square  No.  576,  in  conformity  with  the  recommendation  of  the 
Secretary  of  the  Interior:  what  amount  of  money  would  probably  be  required  to  purchase  said  pri- 
vate property,  and  make  the  necessary  improvement  of  the  grounds  in  consequence  of  the  extension. 

Mr.  Jones,  of  Tennessee.  Mr.  Speaker,  there  is  an  investigation  now  going  on  by 
the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  under  the  direction  of  the  Sen- 
ate, to  ascertain  what  each  one  of  the  proprietors  demand  for  their  property  on  the 
squares  referred  to,  west  to  Third  street,  and  north  to  B street;  and  also,  what  the 
property  is  worth  according  to  the  value  affixed  to  real  estate  in  the  city.  The 
Commissioner,  when  he  makes  the  investigation,  will  submit  his  report  to  us  as  well 
as  to  the  Senate,  for  he  is  our  officer  as  vrell  as  that  of  that  body.  When  the  report 
is  made  it  will  be  printed  and  laid  before  all  the  members.  I state  these  facts  for  the 
information  of  the  House,  and  not  by  way  of  objection  to  the  gentleman’s  reso- 
lution. 

Mr.  Greenwood.  I am  obliged  to  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  for  the  informa- 
tion which  he  has  furnished  the  House.  In  my  judgment  there  is  no  necessity  for 
extending  the  purchase  to  the  extent  demanded.  The  object  of  the  resolution  is  to 
make  inquiries  in  regard  to  the  propriety  of  purchasing  said  ground  in  the  particular 
locality  required  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  grounds.  The  investigation  can  do 
no  harm. 

The  resolution  was  adopted. 


STEPS  AND  ENTRANCE  TO  WEST  FRONT  OF  THE  OLD  CAPITOL. 


1055 


The  Grounds. 

[Senate  proceedings  of  July  17,  1856:  Congressional  Globe,  34 — 1,  p.  1647.] 

EXTENSION  OF  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Brown.  I desire  to  make  a report  from  the  Committee  on  the  District  of 
Columbia.  A communication  from  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  relative 
to  the  purchase  of  certain  lots  adjacent  to  the  Capitol  grounds,  and  the  prices  at 
which  they  are  held  by  the  owners,  was  some  time  since  referred  to  that  committee 
with  instructions  to  make  certain  inquiries.  They  have  had  the  subject  under  con- 
sideration, and  have  instructed  me  to  report  that  they  will  move  an  amendment  for 
that  purpose  to  the  civil  appropriation ’bill  when  it  shall  be  under  consideration. 
The  amendment  is  rather  long,  and  I present  it  now,  so  that  it  may  be  printed  and 
laid  on  the  desks  of  members. 

Mr.  Pratt.  I would  suggest  that  it  be  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings, if  that  course  meets  the  approval  of  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  the 
District  of  Columbia. 

Mr.  Brown.  I have  no  objection  to  its  taking  that  reference,  so  that  it  be  printed. 
We  had  to  take  cognizance  of  the  subject,  inasmuch  as  it  was  referred  to  us. 

The  amendment  was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings,  and  ordered 
to  be  printed. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  25,  1857:  Congressional  Globe,  39 — 3,  p.  866.] 
EXTENSION  OF  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Bayard.  I am  instructed  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds 
to  report  a bill  (S.  No.  626)  enlarging  the  grounds  surrounding  the  Capitol.  I am 
also  instructed  to  ask  that  the  Senate  will  now  take  up  the  bill  for  consideration. 
There  is  an  actual  necessity  that  it  should  be  passed  at  this  session.  I have  been 
too  unwell  to  report  it  at  an  earlier  day.  I do  not  think  it  will  take  fifteen  minutes. 

The  bill  was  read  the  first  time,  and  ordered  to  a second  reading. 

Mr.  Johnson.  I ask  the  Senator  if  the  bill  will  give  rise  to  discussion,  or  is  it 
likely  to  pass  without  debate? 

Mr.  Bayard.  I should  think  it  would  not  give  rise  to  discussion.  If  it  does  give 
rise  to  a debate,  I shall  let  it  go  over.  It  is  necessary  that  it  should  be  passed  at  this 
session. 

The  bill  was  read  the  second  time. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  I think  that  bill  cannot  possibly  pass  without  further  examina- 
tion. It  had  better  lie  over  to  give  members  a chance  to  understand  it. 

Mr.  Brodiiead.  Let  the  bill  be  printed. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  A bill  of  this  importance  ought  to  be  printed,  so  that  we  can 
see  it. 

Mr.  Bayard.  The  result  will  probably  be  to  defeat  the  bill  at  this  session.  The 
plan  has  been  agreed  upon  by  the  Committees  on  Public  Buildings  of  both  Houses. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  Then  we  are  to  take  it  without  knowing  anything  about  it  on  the 
judgment  of  the  committees.  We  ought  to  know  what  expenditure  is  involved. 

Mr.  Bayard.  The  expenditure,  I suppose,  will  be  about  three  hundred  thousand 
dollars. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  Who  can  entertain  the  idea  of  passing  a bill  of  that  kind  without 
the  examination  of  anybody? 

Mr.  Bayard.  The  honorable  Senator  must  be  aware  that  there  must  be  a large 
expenditure  to  enlarge  the  public  grounds.  Nobody  could  anticipate  anything  else. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  bill  is  before  the  Senate  by  general  consent,  and 
can  be  disposed  of  only  by  motion. 


1056 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Fessenden.  The  Senator  from  Delaware  said  that,  if  it  gave  rise  to  discussion, 
he  would  consent  to  its  postponement,  and  I suggest  that  it  must  necessarily  give 
rise  to  discussion. 

Mr.  Bayard.  I should  have  reported  this  bill  a month  ago,  but  my  health  would 
not  allow  me  to  do  so.  We  have  had  intercourse  with  the  committee  of  the  other 
House;  it  has  been  a matter  of  consideration  at  the  last  session  as  well  as  at  this; 
and  we  have  finally  agreed  on  this  as  the  only  practicable  plan  which  will  properly 
enlarge  the  grounds  surrounding  the  Capitol.  I do  n6t  suppose  that,  if  the  bill  be 
printed,  Senators  will  be  able  to  ascertain  anything  more,  unless  they  take  the 
trouble  to  inquire  as  to  the  particulars  of  the  plan.  I do  not  think  they  will  be 
enlightened  by  the  mere  printing  of  the  bill. 

The  Secretary  proceeded  to  read  the  bill  at  length. 

Mr.  Johnson.  It  is  impossible  to  hear  a word  of  that  bill;  and  I move  to  postpone 
it  until  to-morrow,  and  that  it  be  printed. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  27,  1857:  Congressional  Globe,  34 — 3,  p.  920.] 

Mr.  Bayard.  I hope  the  Senate  will,  before  taking  up  the  Private  Calendar,  con- 
sider the  bill  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  in  reference  to  the  enlarge- 
ment of  the  public  grounds  adjoining  the  Capitol.  It  is  absolutely  necessary  to  be 
passed  at  this  session.  If  not,  the  grounds  cannot  be  completed  until  the  lines  are 
defined;  and  the  heaviness  of  the  embankment  on  the  southern  side  will  require  an 
interval  of  two  years  before  a railing  can  be  placed  there  or  the  street  paved.  I 
think  the  bill  will  not  create  debate.  I have  had  the  plan  put  up  in  the  lobby  so 
that  Senators  may  examine  it.  It  has  been  agreed  to  by  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings  and  Grounds  of  both  Houses.  The  bill  is  printed  and  on  the  table,  and 
was  postponed  until  yesterday,  and  ought  to  have  come  up,  as  I think,  then.  I hope 
it  will  be  taken  up  now.  It  cannot  require  much  time  to  dispose  of  it  before  you  go 
on  with  the  Private  Calendar.  If  the  bill  passes  to-day,  I hope  to  have  it  passed  in 
the  House  of  Representatives,  because  it  ought  to  be  passed  at  this  session. 

* * * 

Mr.  Cass.  I think  the  bill  submitted  by  the  honorable  Senator  from  Delaware, 
with  respect  to  the  public  grounds,  is  indispensable  to  be  acted  upon.  I think 
nothing  should  delay  the  action  of  the  Senate  on  that  point.  It  is  a matter  of  great 
public  interest. 

Mr.  Adams.  Why  did  it  not  come  here  sooner? 

Mr.  Cass.  The  season  is  so  far  advanced  that  if  the  bill  be  not  passed  immediately 
the  work  cannot  be  begun  this  year. 

Mr.  Brodhead.  There  is  no  necessity  for  that  bill.  The  public  buildings  have  not 
yet  been  finished.  I ask  that  the  question  may  be  put  on  my  motion. 

Mr.  Bayard.  It  is  a bold  assertion  on  the  part  of  the  Senator  from  Pennsylvania 
to  say  that  there  is  no  necessity  for  that  bill  when  he  knows  nothing  about  it.  There 
is  a necessity.  Though  the  public  buildings  are  not  completed,  are  you  to  let  the 
public  grounds  lie  in  the  condition  in  which  they  now  are  until  after  you  finish  the 
Capitol,  which  will  probably  be  three  years  hence?  It  will  take  you  two  years,  as  I 
have  stated,  before  the  filling  in  which  has  to  take  place  on  the  southern  side,  in 
order  to  give  any  approaches  there,  can  settle  so  as  to  have  it  paved  or  a railing  put 
around  it.  I think  it  is  a matter  of  great  public  interest;  I have  no  interest  in  it 
more  than  any  Senator;  but  the  honorable  Senator  from  Pennsylvania  is  entirely 
mistaken  when  he  says  there  is  no  necessity  for  the  passage  of  that  bill.  It  ought  to 
be  passed  at  this  session;  for  if  it  does  not  pass  at  this  session,  of  course  it  will  not 
pass  until  towards  the  close  of  next  session,  and  that  year  will  have  elapsed,  so  that 


CAPITOL,  1850,  EAST  FRONT. 


The  Grounds. 


1057 


you  cannot  begin  the  filling  up  until  the  next  year;  and  thus  you  lose  two  years;  and 
then  it  will  take  two  years  for  the  ground  to  settle.  You  cannot  fill  it  up  until  you 
have  defined  and  extended  the  public  grounds.  I say  there  is  a strong  reason  for 
taking  up  this  bill  now.  It  will  require  but  a short  time  for  its  consideration,  and 
then  the  private  bills  from  the  House  of  Representatives  can  come  up  in  order. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  3,  1857:  Congressional  Globe,  34 — 3,  p.  1082.] 

The  Senate,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  having  under  co  ideratio  the  sundry 
civil  bill  for  1858 — 

Mr.  Bayakd.  I have  one  more  amendment  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings. It  is  to  add  as  new  sections  to  the  bill  the  following: 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  public  grounds  surrounding  the  Capitol  shall  be  enlarged, 
(according  to  the  plan  approved  by  the  Committees  on  Public  Buildings  of  the  Senate  and  House  of 
Representatives,  respectively,  which  plan  is  hereby  directed  to  be  deposited  in  the  custody  of  the 
Secretary  of  the  Interior,)  by  extension  between  First  street  east  and  First  street  west,  in  the  follow- 
ing manner:  Northwardly  to  the  south  side  of  north  B street,  and  southwardly  to  the  north  side  of 
south  B street,  including,  in  addition  to  so  much  of  the  reservations,  avenues,  and  streets  as  are 
necessary  for  such  extension,  the  two  squares  designated  on  the  plan  of  the  city  of  Washington  as 
Nos.  687  and  688,  respectively;  and  to  provide  more  safe  and  convenient  approaches  from  Pennsylva- 
nia avenue  into  First  street  west  and  north  B street,  and  from  Maryland  avenue  into  First  street 
west  and  south  B street,  so  much  ground  shall  be  taken  from  the  southeast  corner  of  square  No.  575 
as  will  be  cut  off  by  an  arc  of  a circle  of  two  hundred  and  thirty  feet  radius,  w'hich  shall  touch  Penn- 
sylvania avenue  at  a point  in  the  front  of  said  square  one  hundred  and  seventy-seven  feet  and  six 
inches  westward  from  the  southeast  angle  thereof;  and  so  much  ground  shall  be  taken  from  the 
northeast  corner  of  square  No.  576  as  will  be  cut  off  by  an  arc  of  a circle  of  two  hundred  and  thirty' 
feet  radius,  which  shall  touch  Maryland  avenue  at  a point  in  the  front  of  said  square  one  hundred 
and  seventy-seven  feet  and  six  inches  westward  from  the  northeast  angle  thereof. 

Sec.  — . And  be  itfurtlier  enacted,  That  for  carrying  the  preceding  section  into  effect,  and  obtaining 
the  title  to  such  private  property  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  purpose,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Sec 
retary  of  the  Interior  to  make  application  to  the  circuit  court  for  the  District  of  Columbia,  which 
court  is  hereby  authorized  and  required,  upon  such  application,  to  appoint  five  disinterested  and 
impartial  commissioners,  freeholders  and  residents  in  the  said  District,  to  make  a just  and  equitable 
appraisement  of  t ne  cash  value  of  the  several  interest  of  each  and  every  owner  of  the  real  estate  and 
improvements  thereon  necessary  to  be  taken  for  the  public  use,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of 
the  preceding  section.  Before  any  action  under  such  appointment,  each  of  the  said  commissioners 
shall  be  sworn  or  affirmed  by  one  of  the  judges  of  said  district  court,  faithfully  and  impartially'  to 
perform  his  duties.  Each  commissioner  must  view  the  premises  of  which  the  value  is  to  be  appraised, 
but  a majority  agreeing  may  make  the  appraisement  of  value.  The  said  commissioners,  or  a majority 
of  them,  shall,  within  forty  days  after  their  appointment,  make  a report  in  writing  to  the  said  district 
court,  under  their  hands,  describing  the  separate  premises  of  which  the  value  is  therein  appraised, 
with  sufficient  certainty  for  the  purpose  of  identity,  and  specifying  the  cash  value  as  appraised  by 
them  of  the  interest  of  each  owner  in  the  premises  so  described,  which  report  shall  be  filed  and 
remain  of  record  in  the  said  court.  The  appraisement  made  as  aforesaid  shall  be  final  and  conclusive. 

Sec.  — . And  be  itfurtlier  enacted,  That  the  fee-simple  of  all  premises  so  appropriated  for  public  use, 
of  which  an  appraisement  shall  have  been  made  in  the  report  of  the  commissioners  to  be  filed  as 
aforesaid,  shall,  upon  payment  to  the  owner  or  owners  respectively  of  the  appraised  value,  or  in 
case  the  said  owner  or  owners  refuse  or  neglect  for  fifteen  days  after  the  filing  of  the  report  to 
demand  the  same  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  upon  depositing  the  said  appraised  value  in 
the  said  district  court  to  the  credit  of  such  owner  or  owners  respectively,  shall  be  vested  in  the 
United  States.  And  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  is  hereby  authorized  and  required  to  pay'  to  the 
several  owner  or  owners  respectively  the  appraised  value  of  the  several  premises,  as  specified  in  the 
report  of  said  commissioners,  or  pay  into  court  byr  deposit,  as  hereinbefore  provided,  the  said 
appraised  values,  and  the  sum  necessary  for  such  purpose  is  hereby  appropriated  out  of  any  moneys 
in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated. 

Sec.  — . And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  said’  commissioners  are  hereby  authorized  to  employ  a 
clerk  to  prepare  and  transcribe  the  said  report  so  to  be  made  by  them,  and  the  Secretary  of  the  Inte- 
rior is  hereby  authorized  to  pay  to  each  of  said  commissioners  and  the  said  clerk,  for  their  respective 
services,  such  compensation  as  he  may'  deem  just  and  reasonable,  and  the  sum  necessary'  for  that 
purpose  is  hereby  appropriated. 

Sec. — . And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  upon  the  title  to  the  property  herein  and  hereby  appropri- 

H.  Rep.  646 67 


1058 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


ated  for  public  use  becoming  vested  in  the  United  States,  as  provided  in  the  preceding  sections,  the 
Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  is  authorized  to  enter  and  take  possession  of  the  property  so  appro- 
priated without  suit  or  process. 

Sec.  — . And  be  it  farther  enacted,  That  the  sum  of  $66,000  be,  and  the  same  is  hereby,  appropriated, 
out  of  any  moneys  in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated,  for  filling  up  and  leveling  the  public 
grounds  around  the  Capitol  as  herein  enlarged,  and  removing  the  buildings  therefrom. 

I do  not  purpose  to  detain  the  Senate  on  this  subject.  I was  anxious  to  pass  this 
measure  as  a separate  hill,  but  I found  that  impracticable,  the  Senate  being  engaged 
with  other  questions  to  which  a preference  was  given.  The  enlargement  of  the 
public  grounds  around  the  Capitol  is  necessary  to  be  Commenced  at  once.  Their 
improvement  afterwards  must  be  the  work  of  time.  Until  you  definitely  fix  the 
boundaries,  you  cannot  go  on  with  the  improvements.  There  is  a great  deal  of  fill- 
ing up  to  take  place  on  the  southern  side,  the  embankment  of  which,  according  to 
the  written  communication  of  the  engineer  who  has  been  employed  by  the  Commis- 
sioner of  Public  Buildings  in  surveying  the  ground,  will  take  from  one  to  two  years 
to  settle  before  you  can  pretend  to  grade  it,  or  fix  a circular  fence  around  it,  or  pro- 
ceed with  any  improvements  whatever.  I therefore  think  it  very  important  that 
we  should  act  at  this  session.  Beyond  all  question,  as  the  Capitol  is  now  extended, 
(and  we  expect  to  get  into  the  new  wings  next  December,)  the  grounds  are  entirely 
inappropriate  to  it.  The  committees  of  both  Houses  have  investigated  all  the  plans 
before  them,  and  have  approved  of  this  plan.  The  approval  of  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  of  the  House  of  Representatives  and  of  the  Senate  is  indorsed  on 
the  plan  as  it  is  hung  up  in  the  lobby. 

I am  aware  there  are  differences  of  opinion  as  to  the  extension  of  the  grounds  in  a 
westerly  direction.  My  own  judgment  is  entirely  against  that.  It  is  corroborated 
by  the  committee  of  the  House.  It  is  corroborated  by  the  architect  who  gave  you 
the  design  of  the  Capitol.  It  is  corroborated  by  the  engineer,  and  indeed  by  all  per- 
sons of  taste  and  judgment  in  the  matter.  There  is  no  projection  of  the  building  in 
a westerly  direction,  and  there  is  no  necessity  for  the  enlargement  of  the  grounds  in 
that  direction,  and  there  would  be  difficulty  in  arranging  and  grading  the  public 
grounds,  if  you  extended  them  westward.  If  this  measure  be  not  adopted  now,  the 
public  grounds  will  remain  in  their  present  confused,  disorganized  state  for  years 
after  the  new  Capitol  will  have  been  occupied  by  both  Houses  of  Congress. 

Mr.  Douglas.  It  is  with  great  reluctance  that  I antagonize  with  my  friend  from 
Delaware  on  this  question.  I award  to  him,  as  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Pub- 
lic Buildings,  full  credit  for  the  deep  interest,  the  industry,  the  application,  and  the 
skill  he  has  shown  in  the  performance  of  the  intricate  and  delicate  duties  of  that 
position.  He  doubtless  thinks  he  has  done  the  best  he  can  for  the  park  about  the 
Capitol;  but  I believe  he  has  failed  to  secure  for  the  public  grounds  that  breadth  on 
the  lower  side  of  the  slope,  the  western  slope  facing  the  city,  that  we  ought  to  have. 
If  we  must  have  a curtailment,  I prefer  to  make  the  curtailment  on  the  east,  up  on 
the  hill,  and  enlarge  on  that  side  facing  the  city.  I will  go  for  the  largest  amount  of 
ground  for  the  park  surrounding  the  public  buildings.  His  plan  does  not  make  that 
breadth,  north  and  south,  fronting  the  city,  which  I think  is  essential  for  the  pur- 
pose of  making  the  public  grounds  what  they  ought  to  be.  Anxious  as  I am  to  secure 
this  large  appropriation  of  land,  I feel  bound  to  resist  the  proposition  of  the  commit- 
tee as  falling  short  of  what  we  ought  to  have.  In  other  words,  I am  not  willing  to 
take  in  a less  park  than  we  shall  have  by  taking  the  ground  between  C street  north 
and  C street  south,  and  going  westward  as  far  as  Second  or  Third  street  west.  As  to 
the  enlargement  eastward,  I should  not  make  much  controversy  whether  you  take 
in  the  blocks  proposed  to  be  included  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  or  not. 
I am  not  willing  to  limit  the  extension  west,  north,  and  south  by  a less  limit  than  I 
have  stated. 

Mr.  Bayard.  It  is  natural  that  there  should  be  a difference  of  opinion  in  relation 
to  the  enlargement  of  the  public  grounds.  The  honorable  Senator  from  Illinois  may 


The  Grounds. 


1059 


be  right;  I do  not  pretend  to  set  np  my  own  taste  or  judgment  against  his;  but  I 
think  it  would  be  a mistake  to  carry  the  grounds  in  the  direction  he  mentions.  In 
that  opinion  I am  confirmed,  as  I said  before,  by  the  judgment  of  others  more  com- 
petent than  myself  to  decide.  We  must,  in  matters  of  this  kind,  adopt  some  plan. 
Each  individual  Senator  might  vary  somewhat  in  his  particular  taste;  and  after  all, 
it  seems  to  me  you  must  consult  others  more  skilled  than  yourselves. 

The  Senator  said  that  he  was  willing  to  abandon  the  proposition  to  extend  the 
grounds  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  Capitol,  because  he  does  not  think  extension  in 
that  direction  necessary.  Why,  sir,  you  could  not  make  any  decent  approach  to  the 
Capitol  on  that  side,  without  taking  in  the  blocks  I propose.  Without  taking  in  these 
blocks,  the  approaches  to  the  Capitol  would  certainly  be  very  inelegant  and  inappro- 
priate. If  you  did  not  take  them  in,  you  will  have  the  road-way  running  almost 
through  the  center  of  your  grounds,  and  you  will  have  a set  of  buildings  on  a triangle, 
or  some  irregular  figure,  immediately  alongside  the  public  grounds.  The  western  ex- 
tension, I admit,  is  somewhat  a matter  of  taste.  The  Capitol  is  not  projected  in  that 
direction,  as  I remarked.  There  is  no  alteration  which  would  require  any  departure 
from  the  original  plan  of  the  grounds,  arising  out  of  an  increase  in  the  size  of  the 
building  on  the  western  extremity.  1 can  see  no  reason,  therefore,  for  departing 
from  the  plan  as  originally  adopted.  It;  strikes  me  that  the  grounds  will  be  suffi- 
ciently ample  for  all  purposes  when  you  take  in  the  blocks  which  the  committee 
propose,  with  a view  to  obtain  the  necessary  entrance  on  the  western  side,  arising 
from  the  extension  of  the  circular  road-way  that  surrounds  the  Capitol. 

The  Senate  can  determine  the  question  as  they  see  fit.  All  that  I can  say  is,  that 
it  seems  to  me  to  be  necessary  that  you  should  be  accurate  in  defining  your  bounda- 
ries. If  there  is  any  other  plan  that  the  honorable  Senator  will  submit,  and  the 
Senate  prefer  it,  very  well;  it  is  not  for  me  to  contest  their  judgment.  I can  only 
say  that  the  committees  of  both  Houses  have  agreed,  after  examination,  on  the  plan 
before  you. 

Mr.  Wilson.  I have  bestowed  some  little  thought  on  this  subject,  and  I am  con- 
strained to  differ  from  the  committee,  and  to  concur  entirely  with  the  suggestion 
made  by  the  Senator  from  Illinois.  A great  fault  in  Washington,  and  in  all  Amer- 
ican cities,  is  that  we  have  neglected  to  provide  public  grounds  large  enough.  Look 
at  your  Treasury  Building,  your  Patent  Office,  your  Post  Office  Department;  see  how 
they  are  located.  If  grounds  had  been  preserved  around  them,  those  buildings  might 
have  been  ornaments  to  the  city  of  Washington.  Now,  while  you  are  spending 
millions  of  dollars  in  making  a large  and  magnificent  Capitol  for  the  country,  which 
we  trust  is  to  stand  here  while  the  Union  endures — and  that  will  endure  as  long  as 
the  sun  and  moon  shall  endure — I think  we  should  have  grounds  large  enough,  and 
that  they  should  be  ornamented  and  beautified,  so  that  all  who  visit  the  Capitol  will 
see  in  these  public  grounds  something  to  attract  their  admiration. 

Mr.  Bayard.  Allow  me  to  suggest  that  the  plan,  as  adopted  by  the  committee, 
may  be  enlarged  hereafter,  if  Congress  think  it  proper  to  do  so.  I have  stated  that 
it  is  necessary  that  some  extension  should  be  ordered  at  once,  because,  unless  it  be 
done,  the  ground  cannot  be  graded  and  filled  up  for  two  years  to  come.  This  will 
not  interfere  at  all  with  a further  extension  at  the  next  session  of  Congress,  if  a 
better  plan  can  be  devised.  Why  not  let  this  proposition  pass,  and  get  a further 
extension  hereafter,  if  it  be  desirable?  Unless  we  have  some  definite  boundary  fixed 
by  which  we  may  know  what  work  is  to  be  done,  the  men  cannot  go  on  to  fill  up 
the  ground.  It  is,  therefore,  important  to  act  at  once. 

Mr.  Wilson,.  I have  but  a word  to  say,  as  I know  how  precious  time  is.  Why 
will  not  the  Senate  consent  to  go  down  as  far  as  Third  street,  where  the  public 
grounds  now  go  on  one  side  of  Pennsylvania  avenue,  and  up  to  C street,  where 
Trinity  church  stands,  so  as  to  take  in  the  ground  from  there  to  the  railroad  station? 
All  this  space,  ought,  in  my  judgment,  to  be  a part  of  the  public  grounds  surrounding 


1060 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


this  Capitol;  and  I think,  in  starting,  it  is  best  to  start  right,  and  to  take  lots  enough 
at  once.  One  hundred  thousand  dollars,  or  two  hundred  thousand  dollars,  or  three 
hundred  thousand  dollars,  is  of  no  consequence  to  the  country  in  comparison  with 
the  importance  of  having  the  grounds  large  enough  about  this  Capitol,  and  having 
those  grounds  beautified  and  adorned. 

Mr.  Peatt  called  for  the  yeas  and  nays;  and  they  were  ordered. 

Mr.  Douglas.  I desire  to  offer  an  amendment  to  the  amendment.  I wish  to  have 
the  grounds  enlarged  northward  and  southward  to  C street  south,  and  C street  north, 
and  westward  to  Third  street;  and  I am  willing  to  leave  the  curve  lines  to  be  fixed 
by  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  Does  the  Senator  from  Illinois  propose  his  amendment 
by  direction  of  a committee? 

Mr.  Douglas.  No,  sir;  I propose  to  amend  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from 
Delaware  as  to  the  boundaries.  He  proposes  to  enlarge  the  grounds  by  a given 
boundary.  My  proposition  is  to  amend  his  boundary. 

Mr.  Houston.  I do  not  know  that  I have  any  particular  objection  to  this  amend- 
ment; I do  not  care  how  magnificent  or  extensive  the  design  may  be;  but  there  is 
one  principle  in  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Delaware  to  which  I object. 
By  it,  the  Government  assumes  the  whole  power  and  privilege  of  determining  what 
the  rights  of  the  citizens  are.  They  have  no  option,  no  election  in  the  matter.  The 
amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Delaware  gives  the  circuit  court  of  this  district 
power  to  appoint  five  commissioners  for  the  purpose  of  determining  the  value  of  this 
property.  The  judge  can  appoint  them  from  any  part  of  the  District  of  Columbia  he 
may  think  proper — persons  acquainted  or  unacquainted  with  the  value  of  the  prop- 
erty involved  in  this  bill  of  condemnation.  The  action  of  the  commissioners  is  to  be 
final,  or  rendered  so  by  the  fiat  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  and  the  citizens  are 
liable  to  be  turned  out  of  house  and  home  within  forty  days  after  the  judgment  is 
rendered.  They  have  no  voice  in  the  selection  of  the  arbitrators  who  are  to  value 
their  property.  It  is  to  be  taken  from  them  and  confiscated,  or  appropriated  to 
Government  uses  without  their  consent.  It  seems  to  me  that  in  time  of  profound 
peace,  when  no  great  emergency  exists,  this  would  be  an  act  of  violence  and  usurpa- 
tion towards  them  which  the  necessities  of  the  Government  do  not  sanction.  If  the 
citizens  were  allowed  any  election — if  they  were  to  be  heard  by  any  representative 
or  persons  selected  by  themselves,  there  would  be  some  fairness  in  it.  No  man  knows 
so  well  the  value  of  his  property  to  himself  as  the  owner.  What  may  appear  very  indif- 
ferent to  persons  not  immediately  connected  with  it,  to  him  is  inestimable.  He  may 
have  attachments  to  it.  It  may  be  his  home,  or  his  place  of  business,  of  great  con- 
sequence to  him.  He  may  have  in  his  mind  designs  of  improvement.  Here  you 
propose  to  deprive  men  of  their  property,  and  to  pay  them  what  the  valuators  may 
say  it  is  worth,  without  their  having  any  voice  in  the  matter.  I have  before  me  a 
memorial  from  one  of  the  property-holders  concerned,  and  I ask  that  it  may  be  read. 

The  Secretary  read  as  follows: 

To  the  honorable  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States: 

The  memorial  of  Samuel  0.  Busey,  of  the  city  of  Washington,  showeth: 

That  he  resides  on  lot  23,  square  688,  in  the  city  of  Washington;  owns,  has  built 
upon,  and  improved  the  same  for  his  dwelling  and  place  of  business,  as  a practicing 
physician;  his  dwelling  fronts  on  First  street  east,  between  A and  B streets  south. 
His  business  locality  for  several  years  last  past  has  been  fixed,  is  well  known,  and 
designed  to  be  permanent. 

That  a bill  entitled  ‘ ‘ A bill  to  enlarge  the  Capitol  grounds  surrounding  the  Capitol  ” 
is  now  pending  in  the  Senate,  the  object  of  which  is  to  deprive  this  memorialist  (in 
common  with  the  other  owners  of  the  property  in  said  square)  of  his  said  property, 
to  break  up  his  business  locality,  and  to  remove  him  from  his  home  against  his  will, 
and,  as  he  respectfully  conceives,  without  any  provision  by  law  under  which  he  shall 
receive  just  compensation  therefor. 


The  Grounds. 


1061 


That  the  only  provision  in  that  bill  for  compensation  to  the  property-holders  in 
said  square  is  that  they  shall  he  paid  the  present  cash  value  of  their  interest  in  the 
lands  and  improvements,  to  be  assessed  and  ascertained  by  five  commissioners,  to  be 
appointed  by  the  circuit  court,  out  of  the  free-holders  and  residents  of  the  District. 

That  while  your  memorialist  does  not  desire  to  raise  any  question  as  to  such  legis- 
lation by  Congress  he  submits  that  every  involuntary  transfer  of  real  estate  should  be 
guarded  with  extreme  care;  and  whenever  it  is  designed  for  the  public  use,  provision 
should  be  made  by  law  for  the  amplest  means  and  opportunity  to  the  party  whose 
property  is  to  be  taken,  to  be  heard  by  counsel  and  his  witnesses;  that  the  jury  or 
commissioners  should  come  from  the  vicinage;  and  that  they  should  not  be  confined 
to  the  actual  cash  value  of  what  the  property  would  bring  in  the  market,  but  should 
be  allowed  to  estimate,  also,  the  incidents  pertaining  to  the  property  as  improved 
and  cultivated  for  the  purposes  of  business  or  residence. 

In  each  of  these  several  particulars,  the  said  bill  is  essentially  defective. 

The  commission  should  be  drawn  by  lot,  or  selected  equally  by  the  Government 
and  the  party,  with  power  to  them  to  choose  another,  or  a jury  should  be  summoned 
in  the  usual  mode  and  drawn  by  lot  from  a full  panel  of  twenty-four;  the  commis- 
sioners or  jury  should  be  taken  from  the  city  of  Washington  alone,  not  from  the 
county  at  large;  ample  notice  should  be  given  of  the  meeting  of  the  commissioners, 
or  of  the  jury,  and  the  parties  should  be  heard  by  counsel,  with  the  right  to  examine 
witnesses;  the  inquisition  should  beheld  and  taken  openly;  the  damages  should  not 
be  limited  to  an  actuul  cash  value,  but,  as  in  almost  every  case  of  condemnation  of 
private  land  for  public  use,  they  should  be  such  as  to  embrace  and  cover  the  increased 
value  of  the  land  to  the  proprietor  according  to  its  uses  and  importance  to  him;  and 
your  memoralist  prays  that  the  said  bill  may  be  amended  accordingly,  in  order  that 
some  approach  may  be  made  to  a fair,  just,  and  reasonable  estimate  of  the  damages 
which  will  result  to  himself  as  well  as  others  by  the  contemplated  appropriation  of 
his  and  their  property  to  the  public  use. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Samuel  C.  Busey. 

Mr.  Houston.  I have  no  doubt  that  the  committee  intended  to  do  what  seemed  to 
them  fair  and  reasonable;  but  I find  here  a proposition  that  if  the  freeholders  who 
are  to  be  dispossessed  do  not  actually  receive  the  money  within  fifteen  days,  it  is  to 
be  the  duty  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  to  make  a title  to  the  United  States.  I 
see  also,  “upon  the  property  herein  and  hereby  appropriated  for  public  use  becoming 
vested  in  the  United  States,  as  provided  in  the  third  section  of  this  act,  the  Commis- 
sioner of  Public  Buildings  is  hereby  authorized  to  enter  and  take  possession  of  the 
property  so  appropriated  without  suit  or  process.” 

The  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  is  to  have  power  to  turn  men,  women,  and 
children  into  the  street  heels  over  head,  and  throw  their  furniture  with  them  if  his 
humanity  may  require  that  sacrifice  of  generosity  on  his  part.  They  have  no  alter- 
native, no  appeal.  They  are  given  no  opportunity  to  be  heard.  The  commissioners 
are  not  to  be  drawn  by  lot  from  a body  of  twelve  or  fifteen  or  twenty-four  men,  but 
they  are  to  be  specially  appointed.  I think  I have  not  witnessed  on  any  occasion  in 
this  body  a more  direct  attack  on  the  rights  and  liberties  of  citizens  than  is  con- 
tained in  this  proposition.  The  Government,  I know,  is  all  powerful,  and  Congress 
has  power  to  invest  others  with  authority  sufficient  to  oppress  any  citizen.  In  mak- 
ing the  grand  and  magnificent  extension,  prompted,  I presume,  by  the  overflowing 
condition  of  the  Treasury,  it  seems  to  me  we  should  proceed  with  some  caution,  and 
should  take  some  care  to  protect  the  citizen  against  aggression  or  oppression. 

I am  not  disposed  to  occujjy  the  time  of  the  Senate.  Senators  having  had  their 
attention  called  to  this  matter,  will  be  enabled  to  decide  it.  I trust  that  until  some 
investigation  shall  be  had,  until  Senators  shall  have  had  an  opportunity  of  reflecting 
upon  the  subject  and  looking  into  it,  no  action  will  be  taken  upon  this  proposition. 
If  you  will  look,  sir,  at  the  blocks  of  marble  now  lying  about  the  Capitol,  you  will 


1 062 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


see  that  they  would  keep  two  thousand  men  employed  until  the  next  meeting  of 
Congress.  Property  does  not  advance  so  very  rapidly  in  price.  The  Treasury  is 
still  accumulating.  There  is  no  danger  of  exhaustion.  We  need  not  fear  that  it  will 
very  soon  be  depleted.  I think  no  harm  can  result  from  postponing  this  measure  for 
a year.  Such  a delay  will  endanger  neither  the  Government  nor  the  citizen,  but 
will  afford  the  committee  an  opportunity  of  revising  their  action  so  as  to  make  it 
more  conformable  to  what  the  citizens  ought  to  expect,  and  have  a right  to  claim,  of 
this  body,  than  if  we  were  now,  on  the  spur  of  the  occasion,  to  decide  on  a subject 
involving  the  rights  of  so  many. 

Mr.  Seward.  I think  we  are  all  obliged  to  the  honorable  Senator  from  Texas,  or 
ought  to  feel  ourselves  so,  for  having  called  our  attention  to  this  particular  feature  of 
the  proposition:  that  the  commissioners  for  valuing  the  property  to  be  taken  for  this 
improvement  are  all  directed  to  be  appointed  by  the  circuit  court  of  the  District  of 
Columbia,  without  the  intervention  of  the  parties  interested,  and,  practically,  with- 
out an  opportunity  on  their  part  to  participate  in  the  appointment.  I think  that 
is  a good  objection  to  the  details  of  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Delaware, 
and  my  colleagu  is  engaged  in  preparing  a modification  to  remove  that  difficulty. 

Mr.  Rusk.  I think  the  honorable  Senator  from  Delaware,  after  the  manifestations 
of  the  Senate,  will  withdraw  the  amendment.  It  strikes  me  that  it  is  too  large  a 
subject  for  us  to  act.  on  now.  I think  there  is  clearly  a disposition  in  the  Senate 
against  it,  and  I hope  it  will  be  withdrawn. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  There  is  an  amendment  offered  by  the  Senator  from 
Illinois  to  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Delaware. 

Mr.  Seward.  I do  not  offer  now  the  amendment  which  I suggested,  but  I submit 
another  one  in  this  shape: 

And  no  person  holding  an  office  or  place  under  the  Government  of  the  United  States  shall  be  such 
commissioner. 

This,  it  seems  to  me,  will  remove  one  of  the  objections  which  have  been  very  prop- 
erly and  justly  brought  to  the  notice  of  the  Senate  by  the  honorable  Senator  from 
Texas.  I have  been  a witness  to  the  laborious  and  praiseworthy  efforts  of  the  hon- 
orable Senator  from  Delaware  to  engage  the  attention  of  the  Senate  to  this  subject  at 
an  earlier  day  in  the  session,  and  I have  been  a witness  to  his  entire  failure.  If  it 
should  be  postponed  until  the  next  session  of  Congress,  I expect  to  be  a witness  to 
precisely  the  same  efforts  on  his  part,  and  the  same  delays,  with  the  same  result. 

I have  one  word  further  to  add  which  is  in  favor  of  the  amendment  of  the  hon- 
orable Senator  from  Illinois.  From  the  hour  when  it  was  discovered  to  be  necessary 
to  enlarge  these  grounds  until  the  time  the  enlargement  shall  be  reduced  into  pos- 
session, the  property  to  be  added  began  to  advance,  is  advancing,  and  will  continue 
to  advance.  You  will  buy  the  property  cheaper  to-day  by  twenty -five  per  cent,  than 
you  will  at  the  end  of  the  next  session. 

Mr.  Rusk.  In  my  judgment  this  is  altogether  too  large  a subject  to  be  acted  on 
now.  In  addition  to  the  objections  mentioned  by  my  colleague,  I see  another. 
Who  is  to  determine  the  value  of  this  property?  What  amount  of  temptation  is  to 
be  thrown  in  the  way?  Where  is  the  check  in  this  whole  proposition  from  begin- 
ning to  end?  We  have  no  time  now  to  investigate  it.  One  gentleman  gets  up  and 
suggests  B street  as  a proper  boundary ; another  says  C street,  and  presents  us  with  a 
very  large  proposition.  I am  unwilling  to  vote  for  these  liberal  ideas  of  extension 
until  we  have  a survey  of  the  ground,  that  I may  know  something  about  it.  The 
honorable  Senator  from  Illinois  has  the  advantage  of  me  in  that  respect.  How  much 
his  proposition  covers  I do  not  know. 

Mr.  Douglas.  Only  enough  for  a handsome  park. 

Mr.  Rusk.  But  there  are  a great  many  lots  to  be  bought  by  the  Government,  and 
a vast  amount  of  money  is  to  come  out  of  the  Treasury  for  their  condemnation. 
There  should  be  great,  guards.  I think  the  danger  is  all  on  one  side.  I do  not  think 


The  Grounds. 


1063 


there  is  any  danger  of  people  having  property  taken  from  them  for  a very  small 
price,  but  the  danger  is  that  a very  large  price  will  be  given. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  I llinois  is  to  strike 
out  all  of  the  first  section  of  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Delaware,  after  the 
word  “enacted,”  and  insert: 

That  the  public  grounds  surrounding  the  Capitol  shall  be  enlarged  by  extending  them  northward 
and  southward  to  C street  north  and  C street  south,  eastward  to  First  street  east,  and  westward  to 
Third  street  west,  the  lines  of  extension  to  be  drawn  either  by  the  lines  of  the  streets  herein  men- 
tioned, or  by  curved  lines  not  interfering  with  the  prescribed  widths  of  those  streets,  as  the  President 
of  the  United  States  may  direct. 

Mr  Benjamin  called  for  the  yeas  and  nays;  and  they  were  ordered. 

Mr.  Hunter.  1 shall  vote  for  the  amendment  to  the  amendment,  and  then  against 
the  whole.  I want  the  subject  postponed. 

Mr.  Bayard.  As  I stated  before,  I am  perfectly  indifferent  myself  as  to  the  extent 
of  the  enlargement  of  the  public  grounds;  but  I cannot  see  the  necessity  for  the  exten- 
sion proposed  by  the  honorable  Senator  from  Illinois.  The  reason  assigned  by  the 
honorable  Senator  from  Massachusetts  has  hardly  an  application  here,  because  the 
botanic  garden  is  part  of  the  public  grounds,  and  must  always  remain  open;  and  that 
composes  about  one  half  of  the  ground  you  will  take  in  on  the  west  side,  under  the 
proposition  of  the  Senator  from  Illinois.  The  extension  which  he  proposes  seems  to 
me  to  be  greater  than  is  requisite  for  the  purposes  of  the  Capitol.  I do  not  know 
that  I can  carry  in  my  mind  the  plan  of  the  city  so  as  to  realize  exactly  how  far  his 
amendment  will  extend  the  grounds.  My  impression  is,  that  it  will  lie  a useless 
expenditure,  and  it  is  right  that  the  Senate  should  be  aware  of  the  probable  cost. 
The  ground  recommended  by  the  committee  to  be  included  in  the  public  grounds, 
which  is  now  the  property  of  private  citizens,  is  assessed,  with  its  improvements,  at 
$166,000.  I suppose  the  valuation  will  probably  be  $300,000.  If  we  take  in  grounds 
on  the  west  side,  as  proposed  by  the  Senator  from  Illinois,  I presume  the  cost  will 
be  $800,000,  probably  $1,000,000.  I shall  not  object,  if  it  be  the  sense  of  the  Senate 
that  it  is  necessary  to  surround  the  Capitol  with  such  an  extent  of  ground;  but  it  is 
right  that  the  Senate  should  know  exactly  what  will  be  the  cost.  I had  hoped  that 
the  Senator  from  Illinois  would  suffer  the  plan  of  the  committee  to  be  adopted.  It 
will  not  interfere  with  the  further  extension  of  the  grounds  at  the  next  session, 
when  there  will  be  time  more  deliberately  to  discuss  the  whole  question  than  there 
is  now.  His  plan  includes  all  that  the  committee  recommend,  and  more.  If  he  will 
allow  the  plan  of  the  committee  to  be  adopted  as  it  stands,  I think  there  would  be  a 
greater  probability  of  action  at  the  present  session,  as  the  committees  of  each  House 
have  agreed  to  it.  I fear  that  his  amendment,  if  adopted,  will  cause  the  failure  of 
the  entire  proposition. 

Mr.  Wade.  It  appears  to  me  that  if  we  are  to  act  on  this  subject  at  all,  there  is  no 
other  way  than  to  take  the  well-considered  plan  of  the  committee.  It  is  a subject  of 
such  a nature  that  no  man  can  rise  here  and  reduce  a proposition  for  enlargement 
within  any  limits  that  can  be  understood.  I shall  cast  my  vote  relying  on  the  judg- 
ment of  the  committee,  who  have  had  the  matter  under  consideration,  who  under- 
stood the  ground,  who  have  had  maps  and  plans  of  it  drawn  so  that  they  could 
understand  it.  If  we  do  not  take  their  proposition  at  this  stage  of  the  session,  I am 
sure  the  result  will  be  to  postpone  the  question  to  another  time.  It  is  a question  of 
importance.  It  seems  to  me  that  if  it  is  necessary  to  do  anything,  we  ought  to  adopt 
at  once  the  plan  of  the  committee,  which  is  not  so  large  as  some  gentlemen  suppose  it 
to  be,  and  at  some  future  period  we  may  extend  it,  if  it  be  deemed  proper.  I hope 
we  shall  now  either  take  the 'plan  of  the  committee  or  postpone  the  whole  subject. 

Mr.  Pugh.  I suggest,  as  we  have  but  five  minutes  before  the  hour  arrives  for  the 
recess,  that  we  postpone  this  bill  informally,  and  resume  its  consideration  when  the 
Senate  reassembles,  and  by  that  time  Senators  can  look  into  the  amendment  and 
understand  it  better. 


1064 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  President  pro  tempore.  That  course  will  be  taken  if  there  be  no  objection. 
The  Chair  hears  none. 

* * * 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  bill  (PI.  R.  No.  615)  making  appropriations  for 
certain  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  year  ending  30th  of  June,  1858,  is 
now  before  the  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  the  pending  question  being  on 
the  amendment  offered  by  the  Senator  from  Illinois  to  the  amendment  offered  by 
the  Senator  from  Delaware,  on  which  the  yeas  and  nays  have  been  ordered.  Is  the 
Senate  ready  for  the  question? 

Mr.  Bayard.  I feel  too  unwell  to  discuss  the  question,  but  I desire  to  say  a few 
words  lief  ore  the  vote  is  taken.  I have  looked  at  these  grounds  since  the  recess  took 
place,  and  I am  perfectly  satisfied,  from  my  knowledge  of  what  the  cost  will  be  of 
the  ground  proposed  to  be  bought  by  the  committee,  that  the  Senate  must  calculate 
upon  the  expenditure  of  $1,500,000  to  obtain  the  property  within  the  bounds  desig- 
nated in  the  amendment  of  the  honorable  Senator  from  Illinois.  It  proposes  to 
extend  the  grounds  down  to  Third  street,  and  C street  north,  and  south  on  one  side. 
Taking  the  number  of  buildings  comprised  within  those  bounds  into  account  it  can- 
not be  estimated  at  less,  and  I should  not  be  surprised  if  it  went  up  to  $2,000,000. 
I tuink  those  bounds  are  unnecessarily  large  for  the  Capitol  grounds,  and  therefore 
an  extravagance.  If  we  have  plenty  of  money  in  the  Treasury  I do  not  think  we  are 
justified  in  an  extravagant  expenditure  of  it. 

The  grounds  upon  which  the  committees  of  both  Houses  agreed  will  be  enlarged 
relatively  to  the  new  buildings;  they  will,  in  fact,  be  more  extensive  for  the  new 
relatively  than  for  the  old  building,  and  in  my  judgment  quite  as  much  as  is  neces- 
sary for  the  present.  At  all  events,  if  I am  in  error  in  that,  this  enlargement  can 
take  place  at  a subsequent  session  of  Congress  when  gentlemen  can  give  to  it  more 
consideration.  The  committee  might  have  agreed  to  go  as  far  as  the  amendment  to 
the  amendment,  or,  if  not  so  far,  further  than  they  have  gone,  but  they  were  satis- 
fied that  it  would  be  lost  in  the  House  of  Representatives.  I am  perfectly  satisfied 
that  if  we  adopt  the  amendment  of  the  honorable  Senator  from  Illinois,  the  whole 
amendment  will  be  lost  in  the  House  of  Representatives,  because  the  committee  of 
that  House  after  consultation  have  agreed  upon  the  amendment  as  it  stands,  and  the 
quantity  of  ground  as  designated  in  it.  Certainly,  at  this  period  of  the  session,  with 
the  committee  of  that  House  opposed  to  the  alteration,  it  cannot  be  carried.  If  the 
amendment  of  the  Senator  be  adopted,  I shall  vote  against  the  whole  amendment, 
and  move  to  substitute  one  for  merely  filling  up  the  ground,  leaving  the  question  of 
the  extension  of  the  public  grounds  to  be  decided  afterwards. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I suggest  to  the  Senator  that  he  had  better  withdraw  the  original 
amendment. 

Mr.  Bayard.  I would  rather  have  the  vote  taken  on  it. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  Like  some  other  Senators,  Mr.  President,  my  attention  was  not 
particularly  directed  to  this  matter  before  the  recess.  Since  that  time  I have  taken 
occasion  to  look  at  the  premises;  and  I think  no  person  can  look  at  them,  and  look 
at  the  present  buildings  as  they  stand,  and  consider  what  they  are  to  be,  and  not 
come  to  the  conclusion  that  the  present  plan  of  the  committee  does  not  give  ground 
enough,  relatively,  for  the  size  of  the  building.  To  my  mind  it  is  very  clear  that,  at 
one  time  or  another,  we  shall  be  obliged  to  enlarge  the  grounds  very  much;  and  the 
question  raised  now  is,  when  is  the  best  time  to  do  it — whether  to  make  an  arrange- 
ment now  to  take  the  property  in  the  mode  proposed,  if  we  take  it  in  that  mode,  or 
to  take  a portion  of  it,  and  at  some  future  period  take  all  the  rest  we  may  want. 

Now,  sir,  that  we  shall  be  obliged  to  go  to  a larger  extent  on  each  side  of  the  Capi- 
tol, and  take  in  some  portion  of  those  grounds,  is  very  manifest.  In  the  first  place, 
to  a person  walking  up  in  this  direction,  when  he  arrives  at'  the  bottom  of  the 
grounds  the  Capitol  cannot  be  seen.  It  makes  no  show,  or  only  a small  portion  of 
it  does  so.  It  does  not  present  the  appearance  that  a building  that  has  cost  so  much 
ought  to  do.  Considering  for  one  single  moment  what  the  feeling  of  this  country 


1065 


The  Grounds. 

is — that  if  we  are  not  we  are  to  be  the  greatest  nation  on  the  face  of  the  earth,  it 
would  seem  very  singular  to  allow  the  building  up  of  this  city  to  go  on,  and  be  con- 
tracted in  grounds  as  we  are  at  present,  or  must  be  if  what  the  committee  propose  be 
adopted,  and  leave  it  to  the  future  to  clear  the  buildings  surrounding  the  Capitol  at 
a very  much  greater  cost  than  would  be  necessary  at  the  present  time.  If  we  <lo 
what  has  been  suggested  by  the  committee— take  a portion  of  ground  at  present,  and 
wait  until  another  year  to  take  another,  and  another  year  to  take  another  portion — 
the  consequence  will  be,  that  the  expenditure  will  be  very  much  larger  than  if  we 
take  all  we  may  want  now. 

I am  very  clearly  of  opinion — no  man  accustomed  to  such  things  can  hesitate  to 
believe — that  the  grounds  should  be  extended  as  far  as  Second  street,  and  we  should 
take  away  those  buildings  that  now  deface  the  approach  to  the  Capitol.  My  own 
opinion  is  that  we  ought  to  go  to  Third  street.  I know  the  expense  will  be  large — 
it  may  be  §2,000,000.  What  of  that?  What  is  that  in  reality  to  us?  It  is  of  no  sort 
of  consequence.  It  is  a large  sum;  but  then,  in  considering  a question  of  this  kind 
for  the  Capitol  of  the  country, the  question  of  $1,000,000  is  of  very  little  consequence. 
The  idea  seems  to  be,  that  we  are  to  have  contracted  grounds,  instead  of  their  being 
extended  as  they  should  be.  The  present  very  small  and  mean  appearance  of  the 
grounds  at  this  moment,  with  these  grand  buildings  in  this  little  yard,  will  not  be 
satisfactory.  My  judgment  is,  that  vre  should  extend  the  grounds;  and  we  may  as 
well  do  it  now,  because,  if  we  take  a portion,  all  the  other  property  around  the  Capitol 
will  rise  one  hundred  per  cent.,  or  at  least  fifty  per  cent.,  in  value,  before  another 
year,  and  will  continue  rising,  until  we  shall  be  surrounded  by  an  infinitude  of  diffi- 
culties. I am  sorry  that  the  matter  is  not  better  digested.  We  do  not  know  exactly 
what  we  do  want;  but  I am  in  favor  of  taking  all  that  may  be  necessary  at  once. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I merely  wish  to  state  that  I believe  we  have  now  adopted  as  many 
amendments  as  a committee  of  conference  can  consider  and  have  engrossed  and 
enrolled  before  twelve  o’clock  to-morrow.  I hope,  in  consideration  of  the  difficul- 
ties that  surround  us,  that  we  shall  vote  on  these  questions  without  debate. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  to  the  amendment. 

The  question  being  taken  by  yeas  and  nays,  resulted — yeas  28,  nays  12;  as  follows: 
* * * 

So  the  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  question  now  is  on  the  amendment  as  amended. 

Mr.  Hunter.  I hope  we  shall  vote  down  the  amendment  as  amended. 

Mr.  Seward.  I have  an  amendment  to  offer  to  the  first  section  of  the  amend- 
ment of  the  Senator  from  Delaware. 

Mr.  Hunter.  Let  us  take  the  vote  on  the  amendment.  There  is  no  necessity  to 
amend  it. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  Chair  wih  inform  the  Senator  from  Hew  York 
that  the  first  section  of  the  amendment  has  been  stricken  out,  and  the  amendment 
to  the  amendment  introduced  in  its  place. 

Mr.  Toombs  called  for  the  yeas  and  nays;  and  they  were  ordered;  and  being  taken, 
resulted — yeas  26,  nays  19;  as  follows:  * * * 

So  the  amendment  as  amended  was  agreed  to. 

[From  the  annual  report  of  Jno.  B.  Blake,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  Oct.  15,  1857.  (35 — 1, 

House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  2,  p.  726.)] 

The  time  is  at  hand  when  the  work  of  extending  the  Capitol  grounds  ought  to  be 
commenced.  The  extent  to  which  they  should  be  enlarged  is  a matter  for  Congress 
to  determine,  and,  therefore,  it  does  not  become  me  to  express  any  preference 
between  the  various  plans  that  have  been  suggested.  I may,  however,  be  permitted 
to  express  a hope  that  some  plan  will  be  adopted  in  the  early  part  of  the  approaching 
session,  and  an  appropriation  made  to  carry  it  out,  so  that  the  work  may  be  com- 
menced as  soon  as  the  spring  opens. 


1066 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

[From  the  annual  report  of  J.  Thompson,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Dec.  3,  1857.  (35—1,  House  Ex. 

Doe.  No.  2,  p.  70.)] 

The  grounds  around  the  Capitol  are  particularly  commended  to  the  favorable  con- 
sideration of  Congress,  in  the  hope  that  early  measures  may  be  taken  to  relieve  them 
of  their  present  uncomely  appearance.  The  time  has  come  when  some  plan  should 
be  agreed  upon  for  their  extension;  but  how  far  they  should  be  extended  is  a ques- 
tion to  be  determined  by  congressional  action. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  May  6,  1858:  Congressional  Globe,  35 — 1,  p.  1989.] 

Mr.  Bright,  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  to  whom  the 
subject  was  referred,  reported  a bill  (S.  No.  319)  to  enlarge  the  public  grounds  sur- 
rounding the  Capitol;  which  was  read,  and  passed  to  a second  reading. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Jno.  B.  Blake,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  Nov.  6,  1858.  (35 — 2, 

House  Doc.  2,  vol.  1,  690.)] 

In  my  report  of  October  11,  1855,  I called  the  attention  of  your  predecessor  to  the 
importance  of  tilling  up  the  public  grounds  south  of  the  Capitol,  between  A and  B 
streets  south,  and  New  Jersey  avenue  and  First  street  west;  and  I submitted  an 
estimate  of  the  amount  necessary  for  the  purpose.  Congress  had  previously  shown 
its  appreciation  of  the  importance  of  the  work,  per  act  of  March  3,  1855,  by  making 
an  appropriation  in  the  following  words: 

“For  removing  fences,  grading  streets,  &c.,  preparatory  to  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  square,  in 
accordance  with  the  plans  submitted  by  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  $15,000:  Provided, 
That  no  part  of  this  sum  shall  be  expended  except  upon  property  now  owned  by  the  United 
States.” 

The  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  while  fully  aware  of  the  necessity  of  completing  the 
work  thus  commenced,  did  not  deem  it  a proper  subject  for  executive  recommenda- 
tion, inasmuch  as  it  had  been  initiated  by  Congress.  The  $15,000  appropriated  were 
expended  almost  entirely  in  filling  up  the  public  grounds  north  of  the  Capitol;  and 
the  small  balance  remaining  was  applied  to  similar  work  on  the  grounds  south  of 
the  Capitol,  which  accomplished  but  little.  No  appropriation  has  since  been  made 
for  the  object.  Serious  inconvenience  must  result  from  the  delay;  and,  to  obviate  it 
as  far  as  possible,  the  necessity  for  an  appropriation  to  renew  the  work  at  the  earliest 
practicable  moment  is  urgent.  The  south  wing  of  the  Capitol  extension  is  so  near 
completion  as  to  render  it  apparent  that  a convenient  road-way  of  approach  to  the 
building  on  that  side,  when  the  grounds  shall  be  extended,,  cannot  be  made  as  soon 
as  it  will  be  required,  for  the  depth  of  the  embankment  necessary  is  very  great,  and 
before  any  improvements  whatever,  either  plantations,  walls  for  the  support  of 
fences,  stair- ways  or  road- ways  can  be  judiciously  constructed  upon  its  surface,  it 
must  not  only  have  been  slowly  and  carefully  made  in  thin,  successive  layers,  but  it 
must  also  have  had  time  to  settle  and  become  perfectly  compacted.  Even  if  it  were 
possible  to  avoid  any  extension  of  the  present  Capitol  grounds,  north  or  south,  the 
ultimate  necessity  for  filling  up  the  contiguous  public  grounds  to  the  grades  of  the 
avenues  aud  streets  surrounding  them  would  still  remain;  while  in  view  of  the  fact 
that  they  must  be  included  in  any  and  every  possible  plan  for  the  enlargement  of 
the  Capitol  grounds,  and  that,  until  they  shall  be  filled  up,  no  approach  to  the 
Capitol  on  the  south,  from  Pennsylvania  or  Maryland  avenues,  can  be  made,  it  is 
obviously  most  important  that  the  work  should  be  commenced  as  soon  as  possible. 
Thirty  thousand  dollars  could  be  judiciously  expended  upon  this  work  during  the 


The  Grounds. 


1067 


next  season;  and  I deem  it  to  be  my  duty  respectfully  to  recommend  that  an  appro- 
priation be  asked  for  that  amount. 

It  is  not  inappropriate,  in  connection  with  this  subject,  to  state  here  that  great 
public  and  private  injury  is  resulting  from  the  delay  in  deciding  upon  a plan  for  the 
extension  of  the  Capitol  grounds.  Many  individuals  owning  property  within  the 
limits  of  the  various  plans  which  have  from  time  to  time  been  proposed  are  anxious 
to  make  improvements,  but  are  prevented  from  doing  so  until  they  can  positively 
know  the  determination  of  Congress  whether  it  will  be  required  tor  public  uses,  or 
not;  whilst  others  having  lots  within  the  same  limits,  impatient  of  delay,  are  build- 
ing houses  on  them,  which  will  add  largely  to  their  value,  and  increase  to  that  extent 
the  cost  to  the  Government,  if  it  should  determine  to  purchase,  without  the  slightest 
benefit.  Thus  the  Government  suffers  in  the  steady  increase  in  value  of  the  lots  and 
the  improvements  put  upon  them,  the  citizens  suffer  from  uncertainty  and  consequent 
unwillingness  to  improve  their  property,  and  the  city  suffers  from  retardation  of 
improvement  in  quarters  which  need  only  the  adoption  of  any  fixed  and  determined 
plan  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  grounds  to  be  occupied  and  embellished  by 
private  residences  worthy  of  proximity  to  the  Capitol. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  9,  1860:  Congressional  Globe,  36 — 1,  1075.] 

THE  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Bright,  in  pursuance  of  previous  notice,  asked  and  obtained  leave  to  introduce 
a bill  (S.  No.  265)  to  enlarge  the  public  grounds  surrounding  the  Capitol;  which 
was  read  twice  by  its  title. 

Mr.  Bright.  Were  it  not,  Mr.  President,  that  there  are  already  so  many  special 
orders,  I should  ask  the  Senate  to  make  this  bill  a special  order  for  some  day  not  far 
distant;  but  I am  unwilling  to  embarrass  gentlemen  who  have  special  orders.  I will 
state,  however,  that  1 shall  take  occasion  at  an  early  day  to  call  up  the  bill,  believing 
it  is  important  that  we  should  settle  the  question  whether  we  will  enlarge  the  Capitol 
grounds  or  not.  It  is  proper  that  I should  state,  further,  that  the  Committees  on 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  both  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives, 
have  had  a meeting  and  unanimously  agreed  upon  this  bill.  We  have  caused  a map 
to  be  made  showing  the  shape,  size,  and  quantity  of  the  ground  we  propose  to  take 
within  the  enclosure  around  the  Capitol,  and  have  caused  the  map  to  be  placed  in 
the  Senate  Chamber,  with  proper  explanations  upon  it,  and  a mark  drawn  around 
the  land  which  we  propose  to  include.  I hope  Senators  will,  in  their  leisure 
moments,  examine  it  with  a view  to  being  able  to  vote  upon  the  question  when  it 
comes  up.  Let  the  bill  go  on  the  Calendar  or  lie  on  the  table;  I have  no  choice. 

The  Vice  President.  It  will  go  on  the  Calendar,  if  no  motion  be  made. 


[House  proceedings  of  June  15,  1860:  Congressional  Globe,  36 — 1,  p.  3054.] 

The  House,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union,  having  under 
consideration  the  Senate  amendments  to  the  sundry  civil  bill  for  1861 — 

Mr.  Sherman.  The  remaining  amendments  of  the  Senate  all  relate  to  a single  sub- 
ject, and  seem  to  have  been  inserted  into  this  appropriation  bill  by  the  Senate  with 
very  little  consideration.  I hope  they  will  be  considered  all  together  and  the  ques- 
tion taken  upon  them  without  debate. 

There  being  no  objection,  the  following  amendments  of  the  Senate  were  considered 
as  one  amendment: 


1068 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Fortieth  amendment: 

Sec.  7.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  public  grounds  surrounding  the  Capitol  shall  be  enlarged 
according  to  the  plan  approved  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Building  and  Grounds  of  the  Senate  and 
House  of  Representatives,  respectively,  which  plan  is  hereby  directed  to  he  deposited  in  the  custody 
of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior:  and  that,  for  the  purpose  of  effecting  this  enlargement,  the  United 
States  shall  acquire  the  title  to  the  following  described  squares  and  parts  of  squares  in  the  city  of 
Washington,  namely:  so  much  of  square  five  hundred  and  seventy-five  as  is  included  within  the  fol- 
lowing described  lines:  beginning  on  the  west  side  of  First  street  west,  at  a point  sixty-seven  feet 
north  of  the  southeast  comer  of  said  square,  and  running  thence  south  with  the  line  of  First  street 
west  to  the  southeast  corner  of  said  square;  thence  with  the  line  of  Pennsylvania  avenue  along  the 
boundary  of  said  square  in  said  avenue  one  hundred  and  eighty  feet;  thence  in  a straight  line  to  the 
point  of  beginning;  also  so  much  of  square  five  hundred  and  seventy-six  as  is  included  within  the 
following  described  lines:  beginning  on  the  west  side  of  First  street  west,  at  a point  sixty-seven  feet 
south  of  the  northeast  corner  of  said  square,  and  running  thence  north  with  the  line  of  First  street 
west  to  the  northeast  corner  of  said  square;  thence  with  the  line  of  Maryland  avenue  along  the 
boundary  of  said  square  on  said  avenue,  one  hundred  and  eighty  feet;  thenc-e  in  a straight  line  to 
the  point  of  beginning;  also  the  whole  of  squares  six  hundred  and  eighty-seven  and  six  hundred 
and  eighty-eight. 

Forty-first  amendment: 

Sec.  8.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That,  for  carrying  this  act  into  effect  and  obtaining  the  title  to 
such  private  property  as  may  be  necessary  for  the  purpose,  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Secretary  of  the 
Interior  to  make  application  to  the  Court  of  Claims;  which  court  is  hereby  authorized  and  required, 
upon  such  application,  in  such  mode  and  under  such  rules  and  regulations  as  they  may  adopt,  to 
make  a just  and  equitable  appraisement  of  the  cash  value  of  the  several  interest  of  each  and  every 
owner  of  the  real  estate,  and  improvements  thereon,  necessary  to  be  taken  for  the  public  use,  in 
accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  act. 

Forty-second  amendment: 

Sec.  9.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  fee-simple  of  all  premises  so  appropriated  for  public  use, 
of  which  an  appraisement  shall  have  been  made  under  the  order  and  direction  of  said  court,  shall, 
upon  payment  to  the  owner  or  owners,  respectively,  of  the  appraised  value,  or  in  case  the  said  owner 
or  owners  refuse  or  neglect,  for  fifteen  days  after  the  appraisement  of  the  cash  value  of  said  lands 
and  improvements  by  said  court,  to  demand  the  same  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  upon 
depositing  the  said  appraised  value  in  the  said  court  to  the  credit  of  such  owner  or  owners,  respec- 
tively, shall  be  vested  in  the  United  States.  And  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  is  hereby  authorized 
and  required  to  pay  to  the  several  owner  or  owners,  respectively,  the  appraised  value  of  the  several 
premises,  as  specified  in  the  appraisement  of  said  court,  or  pay  into  court  by  deposit,  as  hereinbefore 
provided,  the  said  appraised  values;  and  the  sum  necessary  for  such  purpose  is  hereby  appropriated 
out  of  any  moneys  in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated. 

Forty-third  amendment : 

Sec:.  10.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  said  court  may  direct  the  time  and  manner  in  which  posses- 
sion of  the  property  condemned  shall  be  taken  or  delivered,  and  may,  if  necessary,  enforce  any  order 
or  issue  any  process  for  giving  possession.  The  costs  occasioned  by  the  inquiry  and  assessment  shall 
be  paid  by  the  United  States;  and,  as  to  other  costs  which  may  arise,  they  shall  be  charged  or  taxed 
as  the  court  may  direct. 

Forty-fourth  amendment: 

Sec.  11.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  no  delay  in  making  an  assessment  of  compensation,  or  in 
taking  possession,  shall  be  occasioned  by  any  doubt  which  may  arise  as  to  the  ownership  of  the  prop- 
erty, or  any  part  thereof,  or  as  to  the  interests  of  the  respective  owners;  but  in  such  cases  the  court 
shall  require  a deposit  of  the  money  allowed  as  compensation  for  the  -whole  property,  or  the  part  in 
dispute.  In  all  cases,  as  soon  as  the  United  States  shall  have  paid  the  compensation  assessed,  or 
secured  its  payment  by  a deposit  of  money  under  the  order  of  the  court,  possession  of  the  property 
may  be  taken. 

Forty-fifth  amendment: 

Sec.  12.  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  all  laws  and  parts  of  laws  inconsistent  with  the  provisions 
of  this  act  be,  and  the  same  are  hereby,  repealed. 

Mr.  Sherman.  The  Committee  of  Ways  and  Means  recommend  non-concurrence 
in  those  amendments. 

The  amendments  were  non-concurred  in. 


The  Grounds. 


1069 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  sundry  Civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  year 
ending  the  thirtieth  of  June,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-one,”  approved  June  25,  1860.  (Stats,  at 
Large,  v.  12,  111.)] 

* * * 

Sec.  8.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  district  attorney  of  the  United  States  for 
the  District  of  Columbia,  under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United  States, 
shall  ascertain  the  fair  cash  value  of  the  real  estate  hereinafter  mentioned;  also,  at 
what  price  the  same  can  he  purchased,  and  the  condition  of  the  titles,  and  report  the 
result  to  Congress  at  its  next  session,  to  wit:  the  following  described  squares  and 
parts  of  squares  in  the  city  of  Washington,  namely:  so  much  of  square  five  hundred 
and  seventy-five  as  is  included  within  the  following  described  lines:  beginning  on 
the  west  side  of  First  .Street  west,  at  a point  sixty-seven  feet  north  of  the  southeast 
corner  of  said  square,  and  running  thence  south  with  the  line  of  First  Street  west  to 
the  southeast  corner  of  said  square;  thence  with  the  line  of  Pennsylvania  Avenue 
along  the  boundary  of  said  square  in  said  avenue  one  hundred  and  eighty  feet; 
thence  in  a straight  line  to  the  point  of  beginning;  also  so  much  of  square  five  hun- 
dred and  seventy-six  as  is  included  within  the  following  described  lines:  beginning 
on  the  west  side  of  First  Street  west,  at  a point  sixty-seven  feet  south  of  the  north- 
east corner  of  said  square,  and  running  thence  north  with  the  line  of  First  Street 
west,  to  the  northeast  corner  of  said  square;  thence  with  the  line  of  Maryland  Ave- 
nue along  the  boundary  of  said  square  on  said  avenue  one  hundred  and  eighty  feet; 
thence  in  a straight  line  to  the  point  of  beginning;  also,  the  whole  of  squares  six 
hundred  and  eighty-seven  and  six  hundred  and  eighty-eight. 


[Senate.  Mis.  Doc.  No.  17.  36th  Congress,  2d  Session.  Report  of  the  District  Attorney  of  the  United 
States  for  the  District  of  Colombia,  relative  to  the  value  of  certain  real  estate  in  the  city  of  Wash- 
ington. 1861 — February  14. — Read,  referred  to  the  Commitee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  and 
ordered  to  to  be  printed.] 

To  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States: 

In  the  eighth  section  of  the  act  entitled  ‘ ‘An  act  making  appropriations  for  sundry 
civil  expenses  of  the  government  for  the  year  ending  the  30th  of  June,  1861,” 
approved  June  25,  1860,  it  is  provided  “that  the  district  attorney  of  the  United 
States  for  the  District  of  Columbia,  under  the  direction  of  the  President  of  the  United 
States,  shall  ascertain  the  fair  cash  value  of  the  real  estate  hereinafter  mentioned; 
also,  at  what  price  the  same  can  be  purchased,  and  the  condition  of  the  titles,  and 
report  the  results  at  its  next  session.  ’ ’ 

In  compliance  with  these  requirements,  I respectfully  submit  the  following  report: 
It  will  be  observed  that,  by  the  terms  of  the  above  section,  no  special  mode  is 
pointed  out  by  which  the  fair  cash  value  of  the  said  real  estate  should  be  ascertained, 
(the  same  being  the  premises  embraced  in  the  proposed  enlargement  of  the  Capitol 
grounds,  as  described  in  said  section  and  delineated  upon  the  accompanying  plats. 

A satisfactory  answer  to  this  inquiry  presented  much  difficulty,  but  it  is  confidently 
believed  that  it  will  be  found  in  the  results  furnished  by  the  following  plan,  which, 
after  most  careful  consideration,  was  determined  upon  as  the  best  to  accomplish  the 
object  in  view. 

Nine  citizens  of  the  city  of  Washington,  selected  from  various  localities  in  the 
several  wards,  were  requested  to  ascertain  by  personal  inspection  and  mutual  consul- 
tation the  cash  value  of  said  premises.  The  parties  thus  selected  are  well  known  in 
this  community  as  persons  of  high  integrity,  and  specially  familiar  with  the  value  of 
real  estate  in  the  different  sections  of  the  city  of  Washington. 


1070 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  results  of  their  examination  will  be  found  in  the  accompanying  statement,  to 
which  their  respective  names  are  subscribed,  with  a certificate  to  the  effect  that  they 
have  personally  inspected  the  premises  in  question,  that  in  their  judgment  it  was 
worth  the  amount  named,  and  that  they  had  no  interest  therein. 

This  statement  exhibits  in  tabular  form  the  several  squares,  the  contents  of  each 
lot  or  subdivision  thereof  in  the  same,  the  value  per  square  foot,  and  also  of  the 
improvements  thereon.  The  aggregate  amount  is  $417,574  90. 

A comparison  with  the  last  corporation  assessments  of  the  same  property  (copies 
of  which  are  herewith  submitted)  confirm  the  general  accuracy  and  justice  of  this 
special  valuation.  In  fact,  this  special  valuation  must  be  justly  regarded  in  the 
light  of  a verdict  by  an  intelligent  and  impartial  jury,  having  every  facility  to  form 
a correct  judgment;  and,  as  such,  a very  large  portion  of  the  parties  interested  have 
signified  their  purpose  to  receive  it  if  the  purchase  be  authorized  at  this  session  of 
Congress. 

With  a view  to  ascertain  at  what  price  the  property  in  question  could  be  pur- 
chased, letters  (a  copy  of  the  form  of  which  is  herewith  furnished)  were  addressed 
to  the  parties  appearing  on  the  books  of  the  corporation  as  the  owners  thereof. 
Answers  were  received  from  several,  the  originals  of  which,  with  a tabular  state- 
ment of  their  contents,  are  herewith  submitted.  It  is  not  within  the  province  of 
this  report  to  express  an  opinion  upon  the  merits  of  these  propositions,  but  it  is 
proper  to  say  that  the  values  named  exceed  those  fixed  by  the  commission  of  nine. 

The  several  titles  have  been  carefully  examined,  and  the  results  are  fully  set  forth 
in  the  abstracts  contained  in  the  accompanying  record,  showing  the  exact  condition 
of  each  up  to  the  time  of  the  examination.  Most  of  the  property  is  in  condition  to 
be  transferred  immediately,  upon  consummation  of  the  purchase,  to  the  government; 
other  portions,  on  accounts  of  defects  in  titles  and  infancy  of  parties  interested,  will 
compel  legal  proceedings,  and  thereby  cause  some  delay. 

It  may  be  safely  assumed  that  the  total  cost  of  the  purchase,  including  all  expenses, 
cannot  exceed  five  hundred  thousand  dollars,  allowing  the  most  extravagant  margin 
possible  to  cover  such  cases  where  the  values  named  in  the  report  of  the  commis- 
sioners may  be  refused,  and  a resort  to  legal  proceedings  rendered  necessary. 

Whilst  this  amount  is  named  as  a maximum,  it  is  scarcely  to  be  doubted  that  the 
actual  cost  will  be  much  less,  if  the  purchase  be  authorized  at  this  time. 

The  accompanying  statement  from  Mr.  Randolph  Coyle  shows  the  contents  of  the 
inclosed  area  of  the  present  Capitol  grounds,  the  extent  of  the  proposed  enlarged 
grounds,  the  difference  between  the  two,  and  how  much  is  made  up  of  the  public 
spaces,  avenues,  streets,  and  public  alleys.  It  will  be  seen  from  this  statement  that 
the  government  is  appropriating  for  the  proposed  enlargement  of  the  Capitol  grounds 
the  area  of  certain  streets,  avenues,  and  alleys,  now  used  as  public  thoroughfares,  the 
value  of  which,  according  to  the  estimate  which  may  be  placed  upon  it,  (certainly 
not  less  than  that  of  the  adjoining  ground,)  would  amount  to  a large  sum,  and  may 
be  justly  considered  as  a reduction  to  that  extent  of  the  actual  cost  of  the  proposed 
purchase. 

It  may  not  be  considered  inappropriate  to  say  that  very  many  of  the  parties 
interested  consider  that  they  are  justly  entitled  to  a settlement  of  this  matter  at  this 
session  of  Congress,  as  it  has  been  in  suspense  for  many  years.  They  complain  that 
they  cannot  rent  their  property  for  any  fixed  considerable  period  of  time,  and  that 
they  feel  unwilling  to  improve  the  vacant  ground,  or  add  to  present  improvements, 
in  this  state  of  uncertainty  as  to  when  the  government  may  think  proper  to  take  it, 
and  at  what  prices. 

Respectfully  submitted. 

Robert  Ould,  District  Attorney. 


February  13,  1861. 


1071 


The  Grounds. 


Washington,  January  21,  1861. 

My  Dear  Sir:  By  reference  to  my  notes  I find  that  the  inclosed  area  of  the  pres- 
ent Capitol  grounds  is  1,348,976  square  feet,  or  30.968  acres. 

The  inclosed  area  of  the  proposed  enlarged  grounds  will  be  2,450,578  square  feet, 
or  56.257  acres. 

Difference  between  present  and  proposed  inclosure,  1,111,602  feet,  of  which 
254,986  is  private  budding  ground,  and  the  remainder,  856,616,  public  spaces, 
avenues,  streets,  and  public  alleys. 

In  addition  to  the  254,986  feet  of  private  ground  mentioned  above  there  are  11,370 
feet  of  private  ground  in  the  triangles  cut  off  at  the  northeast  corner  of  square  576 
and  southeast  corner  of  square  575.  The  total  amount  of  ground,  therefore,  to  be 
purchased  for  the  execution  of  the  plan  is  266,356  square  feet. 

Yours,  very  truly, 


Randolph  Coyle. 


Robert  Gulp,  Esq. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Caleb  B.  Smith,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  30,  1861.  (37 — 2,  Senate 

Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  v.  1,  p.  456.)] 

The  subject  of  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  grounds  has  heretofore  occupied  the 
attention  of  Congress.  The  private  property  necessary  to  make  the  proposed  exten- 
sion, has  been  appraised,  in  conformity  with  the  directions  of  an  act  of  Congress,  at 
the  sum  of  $417,594  90. 

The  propriety  of  making  a purchase  involving  so  large  an  expenditure,  at  a time 
when  the  demands  upon  the  Treasury  for  the  support  of  the  war  have  rendered  a 
resort  to  direct  taxation  necessary,  must  be  determined  by  Congress.  The  Commis- 
sioner zealously  advocates  an  early  appropriation  for  that  purpose,  for  reasons  which 
will  be  found  upon  reference  to  his  report. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  B.  B.  French,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  Oct.  29,  1862.  (37 — 3, 
House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  v.  2,  p.  601.)] 

THE  EXTENSION  OF  TIIE  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

I last  year  called  special  attention  to  the  extension  of  the  grounds  around  the 
Capitol.  Congress  having  taken  no  definite  action  on  that  subject,  I consider  it 
of  sufficient  importance  to  be  again  mentioned  in  this  report.  All  I can  add  to  what 
I last  year  said  is,  that  the  reasons  then  given  are  as  strong,  and  I beliete  of  more 
strength  now  than  they  were  one  year  ago.  They  are  as  follows: 

“This  is  a subject  of  great  importance,  both  to  the  government  and  the  individuals 
who  own  the  grounds  proposed  to  be  purchased.  It  is  evident  to  every  one  that, 
when  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  is  completed,  the  present  grounds  on  the  north 
and  south  must  be  enlarged.  Many  propositions  of  enlargement  have  been  made, 
and  in  June,  1860,  a section  was  added  to  the  civil  appropriation  act,  authorizing  the 
ascertainment  of  the  cash  value  of  certain  described  real  estate,  being  that  which  it 
was  considered  absolutely  necessary  to  include  in  the  Capitol  grounds.  Nine  citi- 
zens were  appointed  to  appraise  the  cash  value  of  the  real  estate  described,  and  after 
a careful  investigation  of  the  whole  matter,  the  Commissioner  reported  the  aggregate 
value  of  all  the  property  described  as  $417,594  90.  The  district  attorney,  to  whom 
the  subject  was  referred,  in  his  report  to  Congress,  in  February  last,  says: 

“It  may  not  be  considered  inappropriate  to  say  that  very  many  of  the  parties  interested  consider 
that  they  are  justly  entitled  to  a settlement  of  this  matter  at  this  session  of  Congress,  as  it  has  been 
in  suspense  many  years.  They  complain  that  they  cannot  rent  their  property  for  any  fixed  consid- 
erable period  of  time,  and  that  they  feel  unwilling  to  improve  vacant  ground  or  add  to  present 
improvements  in  this  state  of  uncertainty  as  to  when  the  government  may  think  proper  to  take  it, 
and  at  what  prices.  (Senate  Mis.  Doc.  No.  17,  36th  Cong.,  2d  session.) 


1072 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


There  is  one  view  of  this  matter  worthy  of  consideration  at  the  present  time.  It 
is  well  known  that  the  government  now  holds  much  private  property  under  lease, 
or  agreement,  for  army  uses,  for  which  it  is  paying  high  rents.  If  the  present 
unfortunate  war  continues,  many  more  private  buildings  must  necessarily  be  occu- 
pied. The  real  estate  which  the  government  proposes  to  purchase  for  the  extension 
of  the  Capitol  grounds  has  upon  it  quite  a large  number  of  substantial  brick  build- 
ings that  would  make  excellent  hospitals  or  quarters  for  troops,  and  were  they  now 
in  the  possession  of  the  government  much  of  the  enormous  rent  now  paid  would  be 
saved  by  the  use  of  these  buildings.  I know  of  at  least  thirty  buildings  on  the 
appraised  property  suitable  for  the  purposes  mentioned  that  would,  in  ordinary 
times,  rent  for  the  interest  on  the  sum  at  which  the  entire  property  is  appraised, 
and  I will  venture  to  say  that  the  government  could  not,  at  this  moment,  obtain 
equal  accommodations  for  twice  that  sum.  If  I am  correct  in  this  opinion,  certainly 
a wiser  investment  of  so  much  could  not  be  made  at  the  present  time.  If  it  is  con- 
ceded that  the  government  must  at  some  time  become  possessed  of  the  property, 
now  is  the  time  to  purchase  it,  for  it  never  can  be  purchased  cheaper,  and  it  never 
can  be  used  more  advantageously;  and  there  is  no  doubt  that  the  owners  would  be 
glad  to  take  government  securities,  on  any  time  that  the  United  States  might  please 
to  fix,  in  payment. 

* * * 


Hon.  Caleb  B.  Smith, 

Secretary  of  the  Interior. 


B.  B.  French, 

Com  missioner  of  Public  Buildings. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Thomas  U.  Walter,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1,  1864. 

(38 — 2,  House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  p.  691.)] 

CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

The  time  has  arrived  when  it  becomes  necessary  to  make  some  arrangement  for 
completing  the  grounds  around  the  Capitol.  The  new  wings  approach  within  seven- 
teen feet  of  the  line  of  A street,  north  and  south,  and  the  embankments  already  reach 
beyond  the  middle  of  these  streets;  it  is  therefore  necessary  that  they  be  vacated,  and 
the  grounds  enlarged  north  and  south. 

Many  plans  have  been  suggested  for  the  extension  of  these  grounds  by  the  purchase 
of  additional  land,  and  property-holders  have  complained  of  being  kept  in  a state  of 
suspense  by  a want  of  action  on  the  part  of  the  government.  My  own  opinion  is 
that  no  additional  property  is  required.  The  government  already  owns  to  B street 
north  and  south,  from  west  First  street  to  Delaware  avenue  on  one  side,  and  New 
Jersey  avenue  on  the  other;  if,  therefore,  A street  is  vacated,  and  the  circle  extended 
to  B street  north  and  B street  south,  ample  space  will  be  obtained  for  all  the  purposes 
of  beauty  and  utility  required  by  the  Capitol.  A map  is  hereto  appended,  showing 
the  proposed  finish,  which,  it  will  be  observed,  does  not  require  the  purchase  of  a 
single  additional  foot  of  land. 

I have,  from  time  to  time,  made  plans  for  various  members  and  committees  of 
Congress  for  extending  the  grounds  on  the  east,  even  down  to  the  Potomac,  on  the 
west  to  Third  street,  and  on  the  north  and  south  to  C street,  and  even  as  far  as  D 
street.  I have  never,  however,  sympathized  with  any  of  these  schemes  for  a great 
enlargement  of  the  space  around  the  Capitol.  I am  of  the  opinion  that  the  land 
already  owned  by  the  government,  when  included  within  the  Capitol  enclosure,  will 
be  quite  as  extensive  as  will  comport  with  the  convenience  of  a building  used  for 
legislative  purposes,  and  quite  sufficient  to  give  a proper  effect  to  its  architecture. 
The  area  of  the  present  enclosure  is  26  acres,  and  when  enlarged,  as  here  proposed, 
it  will  exceed  41  acres. 

In  order  to  bring  the  subject  of  the  improvement  of  these  grounds  more  directly 
before  you,  I respectfully  recommend: 


The  Grounds. 


1078 


First.  That  the  Washington  and  Georgetown  Railroad  Company  be  authorized,  by 
law  or  otherwise,  as  the  case  may  be,  to  remove  the  track  from  the  Capitol  grounds, 
and  to  run  it  along  A street  north  to  east  First  street,  and  thence  to  Pennsylvania 
avenue,  as  shown  on  the  accompanying  map;  and  further,  that  the  corners  of  the 
Capitol  square  be  rounded,  so  as  to  admit  of  a graceful  and  easy  curve.  By  this 
arrangement  the  Capitol  grounds  will  be  preserved  intact,  and  the  approach  of  the 
cars  to  the  north  wing  will  be  as  near  as  it  now  is  by  the  track  traversing  the  grounds. 

Second.  That  authority  be  obtained  from  Congress  for  grading  the  streets  on  the 
north  and  south,  and  for  vacating  A street  on  either  side  as  soon  as  the  new  streets 
are  prepared  for  travel. 

Third.  That  the  Washington  and  Georgetown  and  the  Metropolitan  Railroad  Com- 
panies be  directed  to  conform  their  tracks  to  the  new  arrangement,  and  to  locate  the 
same  so  as  to  leave  as  much  of  the  roadway  as  possible  free  for  other  vehicles. 

Fourth.  That  a gradual  process  of  filling  up  be  commenced,  north  and  south,  from 
the  Capitol  to  B street,  with  the  view  of  continuing  the  terraces,  as  indicated  on  the 
map. 

Fifth.  That  measures  be  taken  for  paving  the  entire  space  in  front  of  the  Capitol, 
to  the  line  of  the  present  railroad  track,  with  granite  blocks,  leaving  an  enclosed 
circle  for  foliage  and  fountains  opposite  each  connecting  corridor. 

Sixth.  That  arrangements  be  made  for  enclosing  the  Capitol  grounds  with  suitable 
railings,  lodges,  and  gates  of  entrance. 

In  order  to  put  these  improvements  in  hand,  and  carry  them  on  through  the 
ensuing  year,  it  will  require  a special  appropriation  of  $150,000. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  B.  B.  French,  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  Nov.  8,  1864.  (38 — 2, 

House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  p.  686.)] 

EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

On  this  subject  I can  add  but  little  to  the  arguments  I have  used  in  my  former 
reports,  to  which  reference  is  respectfully  made.  It  can  only  be  said  that,  as  the 
years  roll  on  and  the  Capitol  extension  approaches  its  completion,  the  absolute 
necessity  of  enlarging  the  grounds,  north  and  south,  becomes  more  and  more  appar- 
ent. To  the  eye  of  one  having  any  appreciation  of  the  beautiful  in  architecture  or 
the  fitness  of  things,  it  is  certainly  anything  but  pleasant  to  see  the  beautiful  north 
and  south  facades  perched  up  on  unseemly  banks  of  rough  earth,  and  approached  by 
an  unseemly  flight  of  wooden  steps  that  would  be  pronounced  inappropriate  to  the 
most  humble  private  dwelling! 


[From  the  annual  report  of  J.  P.  Usher,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Dec.  5, 1864.  (38 — 2,  House  Ex.  Doc. 

No.  1,  p.  14.)] 

The  approaching  completion  of  the  Capitol,  under  the  direction  of  the  architect, 
Mr.  Walter,  imparts  much  interest  to  his  report  upon  that  and  kindred  subjects. 
Accompanying  it  are  plans  and  drawings  of  the  surrounding  grounds  which  he  pro- 
poses to  add  to  those  of  the  Capitol,  in  order  to  render  them,  in  his  opinion,  rea- 
sonably spacious  and  suitable  to  the  building.  His  views  appear  to  me  to  be  correct 
and  judicious.  They  do  not  require  the  purchase  of  any  private  property,  and  should 
they  be  adopted  by  Congress,  it  is  recommended  that  measures  be  taken  and  the 
necessary  appropriations  be  made  to  grade,  embellish,  and  inclose  the  grounds. 

Owing  to  the  increased  cost  of  construction,  additional  appropriations  for  the  com- 
pletion of  the  work  are  necessary.  I refer  to  the  report  of  the  architect  for  particu- 
lars upon  this  subject. 

H.  Rep.  646 


■68 


1074 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  Nov.  1,  1865.  (39 — 1,  House 

Ex.  Hoc.  No.  1,  p.  811.)] 

EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

It  is  important  that  the  work  on  the  terraces  and  slopes  be  commenced  at  an  early 
day,  and  that  steps  be  taken  to  extend  these  grounds. 

A plan  for  this  purpose  was  submitted  by  Mr.  Walter  in  his  last  annual  report, 
the  adoption  of  which,  with  a few  modifications,  I earnestly  recommend. 

It  is  a question  whether  the  grounds  east  of  the  Capitol  should  not  also  be 
extended  to  B streets  north  and  south;  but  as  this  has  no  relation  to  the  terraces, 
&c. , or  any  other  work  near  the  building,  it  is  unimportant  that  it  should  be  acted 
upon  at  present. 

As  the  filling  of  the  terraces,  &c.,  near  the  building,  will  be  on  the  ground  now 
owned  by  the  Government,  the  work  should  be  commenced  as  soon  as  the  authority 
is  given,  and  an  appropriation  made  for  this  purpose. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  June  22, 1866:  Congressional  Globe,  39 — 1,  p.  3334.] 

Mr.  Trumbull  asked,  and  by  unanimous  consent  obtained,  leave  to  introduce  a 
bill  (S.  No.  386)  to  enlarge  the  public  grounds  surrounding  the  Capitol;  which  was 
read  twice  by  its  title. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  As  this  bill  has  already  been  considered  by  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  I move  that  it  be  printed  and  placed  on  the  Calendar. 
The  motion  was  agreed  to. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  July  10,  1366:  Congressional  Globe,  39 — 1,  p.  3699.] 

ENLARGEMENT  OF  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  Then  I renew  my  motion  to  proceed  to  the  consideration  of  Senate 
bill  No.  386. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to;  and  the  Senate,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  pro- 
ceeded to  consider  the  bill  (S.  No.  386)  to  enlarge  the  public  grounds  surrounding 
the  Capitol.  It  proposes  that  the  public  grounds  surrounding  the  Capitol  be  enlarged 
(according  to  the  plan  approved  by  the  Committees  on  Public  Buildings  of  the  Sen- 
ate and  House  of  Representatives  respectively,  which  plan  is  directed  to  be  deposited 
in  the  custody  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior)  by  extension  between  First  street 
east  and  First  street  west,  in  the  following  manner:  northwardly  to  the  south  side 
of  north  B street,  and  southwardly  to  the  north  side  of  south  B street,  including,  in 
addition  to  so  much  of  the  reservations,  avenues,  and  streets  as  are  necessary  for 
such  extension,  the  two  squares  designated  on  the  plan  of  the  city  of  Washington  as 
Nos.  687  and  688  respectively. 

It  is  to  be  the  duty  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  to  purchase  from  the  owner  or 
owners  at  such  price,  not  exceeding  its  actual  cash  value,  as  may  be  mutually  agreed 
on  between  the  Secretary  and  such  owner  or  owners,  and  not  exceeding  the  appraisal 
made  by  the  commission  of  nine  in  their  report  to  Robert  Ould,  United  States  dis- 
trict attorney  for  the  District  of  Columbia,  on  the  21st  of  January,  1861,  such  private 
property  as  may  be  necessary  for  carrying  the  act  into  effect,  the  value  of  the  prop- 
erty so  purchased  to  be  paid  to  the  owner  or  owners  on  the  requisition  of  the  Sec- 
retary; but  before  payment  shall  be  made  the  owner  or  owners  of  the  property 
purchased  are,  by  good  and  sufficient  deed  or  deeds  in  due  form  of  law  and  approved 
by  the  Attorney  General  of  the  United  States,  to  fully  release  and  convey  to  the 


The  Grounds. 


1075 


United  States  their  several  and  respective  rights  in  the  titles  to  such  lands  and  prop- 
erty so  purchased. 

If  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  shall  not  be  able  to  agree  with  the  owner  or  owners 
upon  the  price  to  be  paid,  or  if,  for  any  other  cause,  he  shall  be  unable  to  obtain  the 
title  to  any  such  property  by  mutual  agreement  with  the  owner  or  owners,  it  is  to 
be  his  duty  to  make  application  to  the  supreme  court  of  the  District  of  Columbia; 
which  court  is  required,  upon  such  application,  in  such  mode  and  under  such  rules 
and  regulations  as  it  may  adopt,  to  make  a just  and  equitable  appraisement  of  the 
cash  value  of  the  several  interests  of  each  and  every  owner  of  the  real  estate  and 
improvements  thereon  necessary  to  be  taken  for  the  public  use  and  to  which  the 
Secretary  has  been  unable  to  obtain  the  title  by  mutual  agreement  with  the  owner 
or  owners.  The  fee-simple  of  all  premises  so  appropriated  for  public  use,  of  which 
an  appraisement  shall  have  been  made  under  the  order  and  direction  of  the  court, 
is  upon  payment  to  the  owner  or  owners  respectively  of  the  appraised  value,  or  in 
case  the  owner  or  owners  refuse  or  neglect  for  fifteen  days  after  the  appraisement  of 
the  cash  value  of  the  lands  ami  improvements  by  the  court  to  demand  it  from  the 
Secretary  of  the  Interior,  upon  depositing  the  appraised  value  in  the  court  to  the 
credit  of  such  owner  or  owners  respectively  to  be  vested  in  the  United  States.  And 
the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  is  to  pay  to  the  several  owner  or  owners  the  appraised 
value  of  the  several  premises  as  specified  in  the  appraisment  of  the  court,  or  pay  into 
court  by  deposit,  the  appraised  value. 

The  court  may  direct  the  time  and  lqanner  in  which  possession  of  the  property 
condemned  shall  be  taken  or  delivered,  and  may,  if  necessary,  enforce  any  order  or 
issue  any  process  for  giving  possession.  The  costs  occasioned  by  the  inquiry  and 
assessment  are  to  be  paid  by  the  United  States;  and  as  to  other  costs  which  may 
arise,  they  are  to  be  charged  or  taxed  as  the  court  may  direct.  No  delay  in  making 
an  assessment  of  compensation,  or  in  taking  joossession,  is  to  be  occasioned  by  any 
doubt  which  may  arise  as  to  the  ownership  of  the  property,  or  any  part  of  it,  or  as 
to  the  interests  of  the  respective  owners,  but  in  such  cases  the  court  is  to  require  a 
deposit  of  the  money  allowed  as  compensation  for  the  whole  property,  or  the  part  in 
dispute.  In  all  cases,  as  soon  as  the  United  States  shall  have  paid  the  compensation 
assessed,  or  secured  its  payment,  by  a deposit  of  money,  under  the  order  of  the 
court,  possession  of  the  property  may  be  taken. 

The  Washington  and  Georgetown  Railroad  Company  are  required  to  remove  their 
track  from  Delaware  avenue,  between  A and  B streets  north,  and  from  the  Cajutol 
grounds,  and  to  run  the  same  along  B street  north  to  First  street  east,  thence  along 
First  street  east  to  the  main  line  on  Pennsylvania  avenue,  as  now  established;  and 
the  Metropolitan  Railroad  Company  are  required  to  remove  the  track  of  their  road 
from  A street  north  and  from  New  Jersey  avenue,  between  A and  B streets  north. 

The  sum  of  $50,000  is  appropriated,  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  Sec- 
retary of  the  Interior,  in  grading,  filling  up,  removing  buildings,  and  improving  the 
public  grounds  and  streets  around  the  Capitol  as  herein  enlarged;  but  no  grading  of 
the  public  square  east  of  the  Capitol  is  to  be  commenced  until  the  title  to  the  private 
property  to  be  purchased  under  the  provisions  of  the  act  shall  be  acquired  by  the 
United  States. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  There  is  a misprint  in  the  printing  of  the  bill  at  the  close  of  the 
second  section.  It  now  reads: 

Fully  release  and  convey  to  the  United  States  all  their  and  each  of  their  respective  rights  in  said 
titles  to  such  lands  and  property  so  purchased. 

It  should  read,  “all  their  rights  and  titles  to  such  lands,”  &c. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  That  correction  will  be  made,  if  there  be  no  objection. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  If  I can  have  the  attention  of  Senators,  as  this  is  a matter  in  which 
all  are  interested,  I will  try  to  explain  what  this  proposed  enlargement  is.  I have  a 
map  here  which  shows  it  precisely.  The  streets  immediately  north  and  south  of  the 


1076 


Documentary  History  of  the  Ca.pitol. 


Capitol  are  known  as  A street  north  and  A street  south.  A street  is  the  nearest 
street  to  the  Capitol.  The  embankment  reaches  over  into  A street  at  the  present 
time;  and  so  also  south  of  the  Capitol.  The  Government  now  own  all  the  land  west 
of  the  Capitol  building  between  A and  B streets,  so  that  we  have  to  purchase  no 
grounds  in  order  to  extend  the  present  grounds  to  B street  north  and  B street  south. 
There  are  in  the  grounds  as  now  inclosed  about  the  Capitol  twenty-six  acres.  If  the 
extension  recommended  by  the  committee — this  bill  comes  from  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  and  is  approved  by  that  committee,  both  of  the  Sen- 
ate and  House — takes  place,  there  will  be  in  the  Capitol  grounds  forty-one  acres, 
besides  the  two  blocks,  the  dimensions  of  which  I do  not  know  exactly,  known  as 
squares  687  and  688,  which  are  the  blocks  lying  north  and  south  of  the  square  east 
of  the  Capitol.  The  block  upon  which  the  houses  are  where  Mrs.  Carter  lives  is 
one  block,  and  the  other  is  the  block  corresponding  to  that  on  the  south  side  of 
the  square.  There  will  be  forty-one  acres  of  ground  besides  what  is  in  those  two 
blocks;  and  I suppose  in  those  blocks  there  are  four  or  five  acres  probably,  so  that 
there  will  be  say  forty-five  acres  in  the  inclosure.  The  committee  recommend  the 
purchasing  of  those  two  blocks  and  closing  up  A streets  north  and  south,  leaving  the 
in  closure  just  as  it  now  is  on  First  street  west,  and  extending  the  square  to  B street 
both  north  and  south,  and  then  running  on  B street  up  to  First  street  east,  which  is 
the  street  directly  east  of  the  public  square  lying  east  of  the  Capitol,  and  which  runs 
between  the  square  and  what  is  known  as  Carroll  Row  and  the  Old  Capitol.  We 
propose  to  remove  the  railroad  of  the  Washington  and  Georgetown  company  from 
A street,  and  let  them  run  on  B street,  and  then  on  First  street  east  over  to  Penn- 
sylvania avenue  and  to  the  navy-yard,  as  at  present;  and  the  other  railroad  of  course 
will  stop  on  B street,  instead  of  coming  up  to  A street. 

In  connection  with  this  plan  it  is  proposed  by  the  committee  to  grade  down  the 
grounds  lying  east  of  the  Capitol.  The  ground  east  of  the  Capitol,  from  the  steps 
east,  now  rises;  and  the  elevation  of  First  street  east,  which  is  over  here  by  the  Car- 
roll  block,  is  a little  over  eight  feet  higher  than  the  foot  of  the  Capitol  steps.  This 
gives  a very  low  appearance  to  the  building  from  that  direction.  It  is  thought  it 
would  improve  the  building  very  much  to  grade  that  square  down  so  as  to  bring 
First  street  east  one  foot  lower  than  the  lowest  step  of  the  eastern  front  of  the 
Capitol.  Then  the  ground  will  be  drained  north  and  south.  As  all  will  recollect 
who  have  any  knowledge  of  the  ground,  it  declines  very  rapidly  north  and  south. 
It  will  require  no  grading  on  B street  north  or  B street  south;  there  is  a sufficient 
descent  to  take  off  the  water. 

We  have  had  this  ground  all  surveyed  by  engineers  detailed  by  the  engineer 
department,  and  also  by  the  architect  in  charge  here,  Mr.  Clark,  who  have  measured 
the  quantity  of  earth  which  is  necessary  in  order  to  extend  the  terrace.  The  ter- 
race on  the  west  front  of  the  Capitol,  according  to  the  proposed  plan,  is  to  be  extended 
around  on  the  north  and  south  ends  of  the  Capitol;  and  it  will  require  a large  amount 
of  earth  upon  the  south  of  the  Capitol  to  fill  it  up  to  B street  and  to  grade  B street. 
The  quantity  of  earth  which  may  be  obtained  by  grading  down  the  square  east  of 
the  Capitol,  as  proposed,  will  not  be  sufficient  to  fill  up  what  will  be  requisite  to 
extend  these  terraces  and  make  this  improvement;  so  that  it  will  cost  nothing  to 
grade  the  block  east  of  the  Capitol.  We  can  get  earth  there  cheaper  than  anywhere 
else,  and  we  shall  need  twice  the  amount  that  will  be  furnished  by  this  grading. 

The  two  blocks  of  ground  to  which  I have  referred,  the  one  on  which  Mrs.  Carter’s 
is  and  the  one  corresponding  to  it  on  the  other  side,  are  known  as  squares  687  and 
688.  In  1860  the  title  of  the  different  owners  to  the  property  in  those  squares  was 
examined,  and  I have  in  my  hand  the  report  of  the  district  attorney  for  the  District 
of  Columbia,  who  was  charged  with  that  duty,  showing  who  owns  each  lot,  and 
tracing  the  title  of  each  person  to  the  property  which  he  claims,  and  also  the  assessed 
value  of  these  two  blocks,  and  their  estimated  value  by  nine  gentlemen  selected  for 


The  Grounds. 


1077 


that  purpose.  I will  read  the  report  of  those  nine  gentlemen  as  to  the  value  of  these 
lots,  as  the  Senate  probably  would  like  to  know  something  about  what  the  expense 
of  purchasing  these  squares  will  be: 

Washington,  January  21,  1861. 

In  compliance  with  the  request  of  .Robert  Ould,  United  States  attorney  for  the  District  of  Columbia, 
that  the  undersigned  should  appraise  the  fair  cash  value  of  the  several  pieces  of  real  estate  embraced 
in  a certain  proposed  enlargement  of  the  public  grounds  around  the  Capitol,  we  respectfully  submit 
that,  after  a personal  inspection  of  the  premises  and  a careful  consideration  of  the  value  thereof,  in 
our  judgment  the  same  are  worth  the  several  amounts  named  in  the  aforesaid  schedules.  We  fur- 
ther certify  that  we  have  no  interest  in  the  said  property. 

Given  under  our  hands. 

I will  read  the  names.  They  are  all  citizens  of  Washington  and  known  to  many 
members  of  the  Senate,  and  I presume  the  valuation  at  that  time  was  a fair  one: 

Thomas  J.  Fisher,  Charles  W.  Boteler,  jr.,  George  W.  Riggs,  Samuel  Bacon,  Richard  Wallach,  B.  B. 
French,  J.  Van  Riswiek,  J.  M.  Brodhead,  John  D.  Brandt. 

The  estimate  of  these  two  blocks  which  we  proptose  now  to  purchase  at  that  time 
was  for  the  value  of  the  lots  in  square  687,  187,933,  and  for  the  value  of  the  improve- 
ments upon  that  square,  $47,150.  The  value  of  the  lots  in  square  688  was  $97,754, 
and  the  value  of  the  improvements,  $57,550,  making  the  whole  value  of  the  two 
squares,  as  estimated  by  this  commission  of  nine  gentlemen — and  each  particular  lot 
is  calculated  for  as  well  as  the  improvements — about  three  hundred  and  sixty  thou- 
sand dollars,  I think.  The  bill  under  consideration  provides  that  the  Secretary  of 
the  Interior  may  purchase  this  property  by  private  contract  with  the  owners  at  a 
price  not  exceeding  that  named  in  this  appraisal  made  in  1861;  but  in  case  he  cannot 
agree  with  the  owners  as  to  the  price,  then  the  bill  contains  a provision  for  the  con- 
demnation of  the  property  under  the  direction  of  the  supreme  court  of  the  District 
of  Columbia. 

I believe  I have  presented  to  the  Senate  all  that  is  necessary  to  an  understanding 
of  the  matter,  and  I shall  be  happy,  so  far  as  I can,  to  explain  to  any  member  of  the 
Senate  who  may  desire  it  anything  further  or  communicate  any  information  that  I 
may  have  in  explanation  of  the  bill. 

Mr.  Howard.  I will  inquire  from  the  Senator  from  Illinois  whether  he  has  made 
any  estimate  of  the  probable  expense  of  the  purchase  which  is  contemplated  by  the 
bill  at  the  present  time.  The  report  which  he  has  read  was  dated  in  1861,  five  years 
ago.  Between  that  time  and  this,  I take  it  for  granted,  the  property  has  increased 
in  value  considerably,  and  must  now  be  worth,  according  to  asking  prices,  perhaps 
half  a million  at  least. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  I do  not  know.  The  information  in  regard  to  that  is  somewhat 
conflicting.  One  member  of  the  committee — I do  not  know  whether  he  is  now  pres- 
ent— informed  me  that  some  of  the  owners  had  stated  to  him  that  they  were  willing 
to  take  the  appraisal.  I have  seen  other  owners,  and  they  say  they  will  not  take  it; 
but  if  they  do  not,  then  the  bill  provides  for  a condemnation.  We  thought  it  better 
to  put  a limit  on  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  that  he  should  not  give  above  this 
appraisal.  The  Senator  will  remember  this  appraisement  was  made  before  the  war. 

Mr.  Howard.  I noticed  that. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  And  perhajis  at  one  time  the  property  has  been  much  lower;  it 
could  have  been  bought  for  less.  How  it  may  be  now  I cannot  say.  There  is  a dif- 
ference of  opinion  about  that.  My  own  judgment  is  that  most  of  the  proprietors  will 
be  glad  to  take  the  amount  that  the  property  was  appraised  at;  but  if  they  do  not, 
we  know  no  other  way  than  to  proceed  to  condemn  it  and  pay  for  it  what  may  be 
assessed  by  a jury  under  the  direction  of  the  proper  court. 

Mr.  Howard.  I have  not  been  able  to  discover  any  very  pressing  necessity,  especially 
at  the  present  time,  for  enlarging  the  Capitol  grounds  and  incurring  further  expense 
for  that  purpose.  I do  not  know  wherein  the  necessity  exists.  The  Capitol  has 


1 


1078 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


been  here  for  half  a century  or  more,  and  we  have  got  on  very  comfortably  with  it, 
got  on  very  well  with  the  small  patch  of  ground  on  which  we  have  been  located.  1 
am  not  able  to  discover  any  great  inconvenience  from  want  of  ground  merely.  There 
is  great  inconvenience  in  this  Chamber,  I am  quite  aware,  owing  to  the  peculiar 
atmosphere  with  which  we  are  blessed,  but  I do  not  know  of  any  necessity  for  an 
expansion  of  the  surface  that  we  are  occupying. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  I should  like  to  ask  my  friend  from  Michigan  whether  he  is  willing 
the  Capitol  should  stand  as  it  now  is,  with  no  ground  beside  the  wings. 

Mr.  Howard.  That  would  involve  such  a variety  of  considerations  that  it  might 
occupy  more  time  than  I should  be  willing  to  allow. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  I am  not  willing  it  should  stand  that  way  without  ground.  We 
must  do  it  at  some  time  or  other. 

Mr.  Howard.  I merely  rose  to  make  an  inquiry.  I have  got  a partial  answer  from 
my  friend  from  Illinois;  but  as  to  a part  of  my  question  he  does  not  seem  to  have 
given  it  attention,  and  that  is  the  necessity  which  exists  for  extending  the  surface  of 
the  public  grounds. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  I suppose  that  is  obvious  to  every  one’s  eye-sight.  Certainly  this 
building,  upon  which  so  many  millions  have  been  expended,  is  not  to  be  left  here 
permanently  in  this  unfinished  condition  of  the  grounds  about  it. 

Mr.  Howard.  If  the  capital  could  be  moved  into  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi  river, 
the  people  there  could  furnish  any  amount  of  ground  that  might  be  necessary  without 
any  expense. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  Will  they  meet  the  expense  of  the  removal? 

Mr.  Howard.  There  are  some  reasons  which  I think  might  induce  them  to  take 
the  entire  expense  of  removing  the  capital,  if  they  had  a chance. 

Mr.  Johnson.  I have  great  respect  for  the  opinion  of  the  honorable  member  frbm 
Michigan;  but  I am  inclined  to  think  that  in  this  instance  he  will  be  thought  by  the 
Senate  to  be  in  error.  I am  so  well  satisfied  of  that,  that  I will  not  undertake  to  state 
why  I think  that  he  is  in  error.  I rise  for  a different  purpose,  and  I ask  the  atten- 
tion, therefore,  of  my  friend  from  Illinois. 

The  second  section  of  the  bill  limits  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  who  is  to  pur- 
chase the  property,  to  the  sum  that  was  ascertained  to  be  its  value  in  1861,  before 
the  war  commenced,  and  amounting,  perhaps,  as  he  correctly  added  it  up,  to  some 
three  hundred  and  sixty-odd  thousand  dollars.  That  estimate  was  made  upon  the 
hypothesis  that  a dollar  was  a dollar.  Now,  I want  to  know  from  the  honorable 
member  whether  this  valuation  is  to  be  paid  in  the  existing  currency.  I suppose  it 
is.  If  it  is  to  be  paid  in  that  way  the  owners  of  the  property  will  not  get  the  value 
of  their  property  as  it  was  ascertained  in  1861,  but  just  so  much  less  as  a dollar  now 
is  worth  less  than  it  was  in  1861. 

Then,  my  friend  from  Illinois  will  be  kind  enough  to  tell  me  what  is  the  meaning, 
in  the  particular  which  I have  mentioned,  of  the  succeeding  section.  The  third 'sec- 
tion assumes  that  the  Secretary  may  not  be  able  to  obtain  the  property  by  purchase 
from  the  present  owners,  and  it  gives,  therefore,  to  the  Secretary  the  authority  to 
have  the  property  condemned  under  “the  provisions  of  this  act.”  I want  to  know 
of  my  friend  from  Illinois  whether  under  that  condemnation  the  jury  or  the  board, 
whoever  may  pass  upon  the  value  of  the  property,  can  give  to  the  owners  more  than 
the  amount  ascertained  to  be  the  value  of  the  property  in  1861. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  Shall  I reply  now? 

Mr.  Johnson.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  Surely  this  has  nothing  to  do  with  the  appraisement  in  1861. 
While  I am  up,  if  the  Senator  will  allow  me,  I will  answer  both  his  questions.  The 
first  part  of  the  bill  provides  for  the  purchase  of  this  property  at  private  sale  by  con- 
tract. The  committee  were  not  willing  to  leave  the  thing  without  limit,  to  leave  the 
Secretary  to  pay  any  price  he  thought  proper,  and  therefore  we  have  provided  in 


The  Grounds. 


1079 


this  bill  that  he  shall  purchase  it  at  private  sale,  if  he  can,  at  a price  not  exceeding 
that  appraisement,  of  course  at  a price  to  be  paid  in  the  currency  of  the  country. 
The  Senator  from  Maryland  thinks  that  will  not  purchase  the  property  now.  He 
may  be  correct  in  that.  We  had  information  before  the  committee  that  some  of  the 
proprietors,  and  we  were  informed  that  one  who  owned  largely  of  this  property, 
would  accept  the  appraisement  for  the  property,  of  course  payable  in  the  currency 
of  the  country;  others  may  not;  and  perhaps  this  information  may  not  be  correct, 
though  one  of  the  members  of  the  committee  stated  that  he  had  the  information. 
Then  we  have  provided,  if  it  cannot  be  purchased  at  that  price,  that  it  shall  be  con- 
demned under  the  direction  of  the  supreme  court  of  the  District  of  Columbia,  and 
that  condemnation  has  no  reference  whatever  to  the  appraisement  in  1861.  The 
Senator  will  observe  that  the  third  section  is  not  limited.  1 do  not  suppose  it  would 
be  competent  to  limit  it. 

Mr.  Johnson.  I do  not  think  it  would. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  I apprehend  we  should  have  no  right  to  do  so,  or  perhaps  would 
have  no  right;  it  would  at  least  be  questionable.  1 submit,  as  the  Senator  has  raised 
that  question,  whether  he  thinks  we  could  properly  limit  it  in  that  way.  If  so,  I 
should  have  no  objection  to  putting  in  a proper  limitation. 

Mr.  Johnson.  My  friend  misunderstands  me.  I supposed  the  section  was  suscep- 
tible of  a different  interpretation  from  the  one  which  the  honorable  member  says  is 
the  only  one  which  can  be  put  upon  it. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  I may  be  mistaken. 

Mr.  Johnson.  If  it  was  susceptible  of  a different  interpretation,  I intended  to  say 
it  was  what  we  could  not  accomplish.  We  must  give  to  the  owners  of  property 
taken  for  public  use  what  the  worth  of  the  property  is  at  the  time  of  the  taking.  If, 
therefore,  the  property  should  be  worth  more  than  §360,000  supposing  none  of  the 
proprietors  are  willing  to  sell,  we  cannot  get  it  from  them  without  paying  them  what 
it  is  found  to  be  actually  worth. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  If  the  Senator  will  allow  me,  I will  say  that  I was  mistaken  in 
stating  the  amount  to  be  §360,000.  It  is  not  quite  §360,000. 

Mr.  Johnson.  The  principle  is  the  same,  whatever  the  amount.  The  Senator 
stated  it  to  be  §360,000. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  I ran  it  over  in  my  mind  as  I was  speaking,  but  I see,  on  coming 
to  add  up  the  figures,  that  the  amount  is  only  two  hundred  and  ninety-odd  thousand 
dollars — less  than  three  hundred  thousand. 

Mr.  Johnson.  That  does  not  affect  the  present  question.  I supposed  the  Senator 
had  added  it  up  correctly.  The  only  reason  that  made  me  doubt  whether  the  jury 
or  the  court  could  give  the  actual  value  of  the  property  is  that  in  the  second  section 
the  appraised  value  in  1861  is  made  the  maximum  beyond  which  the  Secretary  of 
the  Interior  cannot  go,  and  then  it  says  in  the  third  section  that  the  supreme  court 
of  the  District  of  Columbia  is  authorized,  in  such  mode  and  under  such  rules  and  regu- 
lations as  it  may  adopt,  ‘ ‘ to  make  a just  and  equitable  appraisement  of  the  cash  value 
of  the  several  interests  of  each  and  every  owner  of  the  real  estate  and  improvements 
thereon  necessary  to  be  taken  for  the  public  use,  in  accordance  with  the  provisions 
of  this  act.”  I believe  the  honorable  member’s  interpretation  of  the  section  is  right; 
but  it  would  put  it  beyond  all  doubt  if  the  words  “at  the  time  when  the  appraise- 
ment is  made”  were  inserted. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  I have  no  objection  to  that  amendment.  I think  the  section  means 
that  now. 

Mr.  Johnson.  I think  that  is  the  legal  effect  of  it,  but  I want  to  make  it  plain.  I 
move  to  insert  after  the  word  “act,”  in  the  fourteenth  line  of  the  third  section,  the 
words  “at  the  time  of  said  appraisement.” 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 


1080 


Documen  tary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  2, 1807:  Congressional  Globe,  39 — 2 , p.  1790.] 

ENLARGEMENT  OF  THE  PUBLIC  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Rice,  of  Maine.  I ask  unanimous  consent  to  report  from  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  Senate  bill  No.  386,  to  enlarge  the  public  grounds 
surrounding  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Scofield.  I object. 

Mr.  Rice,  of  Maine.  I move  to  suspend  the  rules. 

The  rules  were  not  suspended. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  12,  1867:  Congressional  Globe,  40 — 1,  p.  68.] 

Air.  Patterson,  of  New  Hampshire,  asked,  and  by  unanimous  consent  obtained, 
leave  to  introduce  a bill  (S.  No.  54)  to  enlarge  the  public  grounds  surrounding  the 
Capitol;  which  was  read  twice  by  its  title,  and  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings  and  Grounds. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  14,  1867:  Congressional  Globe,  40—1,  p.  93.] 

CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  I am  instructed  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and 
Grounds,  to  whom  was  referred  a bill  (S.  No.  54)  to  enlarge  the  public  grounds  sur- 
rounding the  Capitol,  to  report  in  part.  I will  state  that  it  is  not  expected  that  the 
bill  referred  to  will  pass  both  Houses  at  the  present  session,  and  the  committee  have 
concluded  to  recommend  an  appropriation  of  $20,000  under  the  advice  of  the  archi- 
tect, for  the  purpose  of  grading  and  filling  and  improving  the  public  grounds.  It  is 
necessary  to  begin  that  work,  and  it  will  make  a great  saving  if  it  is  begun  at  once, 
besides  saving  time,  and  to  appropriate  a small  sum  for  that  purpose.  There  is 
another  reason  why  action  should  be  had.  Owing  to  the  recent  act  that  we  passed 
placing  the  public  buildings  and  grounds  under  the  direction  of  the  chief  Engineer  of 
the  Army,  there  is  now  a conflict  of  jurisdiction,  and  nobody  knows  exactly  by  whom 
the  repairs  and  alterations  are  to  be  made.  The  second  section  of  this  bill  is  added 
therefore  for  the  purpose  of  setting  that  right.  It  is  a short  bill  and  will  be  easily 
understood,  and  if  there  is  no  objection  I should  like  to  have  it  considered  at  the 
present  time,  as  it  is  important  to  pass  it  at  the  present  session. 

By  unanimous  consent,  the  bill  (S.  No.  64)  to  provide  in  part  for  grading  the  pub- 
lic grounds,  and  for  other  purposes,  was  read  twice  by  its  title,  and  considered  as  in 
Committee  of  the  Whole.  It  appropriates  the  sum  of  $20,000,  to  be  expended  by  the 
Secretary  of  the  Interior,  under  the  supervision  of  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  exten- 
sion, in  grading,  filling  up,  removing  buildings,  and  improving  the  public  grounds 
and  streets  around  the  Capitol.  All  the  repairs  and  alterations  of  the  Capitol  build- 
ing are  to  be  made  under  the  direction  and  supervision  of  the  architect  of  the  Capi- 
tol extension. 

The  bill  was  reported  to  the  Senate  without  amendment,  ordered  to  be  engrossed 
for  a third  reading,  read  the  third  time,  and  passed. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  22,  1867:  Congressional  Globe,  40 — 1,  p.  288.] 

GRADING  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

The  next  business  upon  the  Speaker’s  table  was  Senate  bill  No.  64,  to  provide  in 
part  for  grading  the  public  grounds,  and  for  other  purposes;  which  was  read  a first 
and  second  time. 


The  Grounds. 


1081 


Mr.  Stevens,  of  Pennsylvania.  I move  that  the  bill  be  referred  to  the  Committee 
on  Appropriations  when  the  same  shall  have  been  appointed. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  25,  1867:  Congressional  Globe,  40 — 1,  p.  338.] 

GRADING  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Stevens,  of  Pennsylvania.  The  other  day  I had  ordered  to  be  referred  to  the 
Committee  on  Appropriations  a bill  from  the  Senate,  not  thinking  at  the  time  that 
there  was  no  such  committee  yet  appointed.  The  Senate  deem  the  passage  of  the 
bill  important  at  this  time.  It  is  Senate  bill  No.  64,  to  provide  in  part  for  grading 
the  public  grounds,  and  for  other  purposes.  It  is  an  appropriation  of  $20,000,  and 
affects  our  comfort  here.  I ask  that  the  motion  to  refer  be  reconsidered,  and  that  it 
be  again  put  upon  the  Speaker’s  table. 

Mr.  Holman.  If  the  bill  contains  an  appropriation  will  it  not  have  to  be  considered 
in  Committee  of  the  Whole? 

Mr.  Stevens,  of  Pennsylvania.  I do  not  ask  that  the  bill  be  put  upon  its  passage 
at  this  time;  merely  that  it  be  placed  upon  the  Speaker’s  table  the  same  as  if  no 
order  had  been  made  in  regard  to  its  reference. 

No  objection  was  made,  and  the  bill  was  accordingly  again  placed  upon  the  Speak- 
er’s table. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  30,  1867:  Congressional  Globe,  40 — 1,  p.  461.] 

GRADING  THE  PUBLIC  GROUNDS. 


The  next  business  on  the  Speaker’s  table  was  Senate  bill  No.  64,  to  provide  in  part 
for  grading  the  public  grounds,  and  for  other  purposes,  which  had  been  referred  to 
the  Committee  on  Appropriations,  and  ordered  to  be  reported  back  by  unanimous 
consent. 

Mr.  Stevens,  of  Pennsylvania.  This  bill  was  sent  to  us  from  the  Senate,  where  it 
was  examined  by  the  Committee  on  Finance.  It  ought  to  pass. 

The  bill  was  read.  It  appropriates  $20,000,  to  be  expended  by  the  Secretary  of 
the  Interior,  under  the  supervision  of  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension,  in 
grading,  filling  up,  removing  buildings,  and  improving  the  public  grounds  and  streets 
around  the  Capitol,  and  provides  that  all  the  repairs  and  alterations  of  the  Capitol 
building  shall  be  made  under  the  direction  and  supervision  of  the  architect  of  the 
Capitol  extension. 

Mr.  Holman.  This  is  an  appropriation  bill,  and  I raise  the  point  of  order  that  it 
should  be  referred  to  the  Committee  of  the  Whole. 

Mr.  Stevens,  of  Pennsylvania.  I move  to  suspend  the  rules  for  the  purpose  of  con- 
sidering it  in  the  House. 

On  the  motion  to  suspend  the  rules,  there  were — ayes  fifty-six. 

Mr.  Windom  demanded  tellers. 

Tellers  were  ordered;  and  the  Chair  appointed  Messrs.  Windom  and  Stevens,  of 
Pennsylvania. 

The  House  divided;  and  the  tellers  reported — ayes  sixty-six,  noes  not  counted. 

So  the  rules  were  suspended. 

Mr.  Stevens,  of  Pennsylvania.  I call  the  previous  question. 

The  previous  question  was  seconded  and  the  main  question  ordered;  and  under 
the  operation  thereof  the  bill  was  read  the  third  time,  and  passed. 


1082 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Stevens,  of  Pensylvania,  moved  to  reconsider  the  vote  by  which  the  bill  was 
passed;  and  also  moved  that  the  motion  to  reconsider  be  laid  on  the  table. 

The  latter  motion  was  agreed  to. 


[“An  Act  to  provide  in  Part  for  Grading  the  Public  Grounds,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Mar. 

30,  1867.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  15,  13.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled,  That  the  sum  of  twenty  thousand  dollars  is  hereby  appropri- 
ated, out  of  any  money  in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated,  to  be  expended 
by  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  under  the  supervision  of  the  architect  of  the  Capitol 
extension,  in  grading,  filling  up,  removing  buildings,  and  improving  the  public 
grounds  and  streets  around  the  Capitol. 

Sec.  2.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  all  repairs  and  alterations  of  the  Capitol 
building  shall  be  made  under  the  direction  and  supervision  of  the  architect  of  the 
Capitol  extension. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1,  1867.  (40 — 2, 

House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  p.  528.)] 

EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Over  141,000  loads  of  earth  have  been  deposited  in  the  cavity  at  the  south  of  the 
Capitol,  and  the  terraces  at  the  north  wing  have  been  somewhat  put  in  shape.  It 
is  desirable  that  the  boundaries  of  the  proposed  extension  of  the  grounds  should  be 
agreed  upon,  and  authority  given  to  open  and  pave  the  streets  at  the  northern  and 
southern  limits,  and  to  vacate  A street  north  and  south,  so  that  the  lower  terraces 
can  be  finished. 

In  laying  out  the  terraces,  it  is  the  intention  to  flag  or  pave  the  upper  and  narrow 
one,  and  to  plant  the  lower  and  wide  one. 

In  connection  with  these  improvements,  provision  should  be  made  for  building 
stables  for  post  office  vehicles  of  the  Senate  and  House,  as  the  present  stables  must 
be  moved  before  the  grounds  can  be  graded  and  planted.  When  the  streets  leading 
from  Pennsylvania  avenue  to  Capitol  hill  are  laid  out,  there  will  be  two  triangular 
reservations  at  the  north  and  southwestern  corners  of  these  grounds,  which  will  be 
sufficiently  large  for  these  stables  and  for  the  proposed  document  storehouses.  If, 
however,  it  be  deemed  improper  to  obstruct  these  reservations  with  buildings,  con- 
venient sites  might  be  purchased  for  this  purpose. 

In  justice  to  the  property  holders  in  scjuares  687  and  688,  an  early  decision  should 
be  made  in  relation  to  the  incorporation  of  those  squares  in  the  public  grounds.  Several 
persons  owning  property  in  these  squares  have  been  deterred  from  making  improve- 
ments, on  account  of  the  action  of  the  Senate  relating  to  the  purchase  of  their  prop- 
erty. In  my  judgment,  these  squares  are  indispensable  to  the  proper  completion  of 
the  Capitol  grounds;  and  I consider  the  grounds,  even  with  this  addition,  too  lim- 
ited. If  they  were  extended  to  C streets  north  and  south,  the  Capitol  would  stand 
about  in  the  centre  of  the  grounds,  whereas  if  B street  should  be  the  northern  and 
southern  limit,  the  lawn  from  the  foot  of  the  terrace  will  be  very  narrow. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  O.  H.  Browning,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  18, 1867.  (40 — 2,  House 

Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  p.  19.)] 

If  the  Capitol  grounds  be  extended  to  C streets  north  and  south,  as  recommended 
by  the  architect,  the  Capitol  would  occupy  about  the  centre  of  the  enlarged  area.  It 
is  universally  conceded  that  the  present  limits  are  entirely  too  contracted.  Justice 


The  Grounds. 


1083 


to  the  adjoining  proprietors  requires  that  it  should  at  an  early  day  be  determined  to 
what  extent  their  property  contiguous  to  those  limits  will  be  needed  for  public  uses. 
Squares  numbered  575,  576,  687,  and  688  were  appraised  in  1860,  by  authority  of  Con- 
gress, as  a preliminary  step  to  their  purchase.  All  permanent  improvement  of  the 
property  was  suspended.  The  Senate  subsequently  passed  a bill  providing  for  the 
purchase  of  the  squares,  but  limiting  the  price  thereof  to  the  appraisal  of  1860. 
The  value  of  real  estate  in  that  portion  of  the  city  has  since  then  greatly  enhanced. 
In  view  of  these  facts  the  holders  of  this  property  have  presented  a memorial  to  this 
Department  urging  that  three  disinterested  appraisers  be  selected — one  by  the  Gov- 
ernment, one  by  the  property  owners,  and  the  third  by  these  two;  that  Congress 
shall  at  once  decide  what  grounds  shall  be  purchased  and  direct  their  value  to  be 
fixed  by  the  appraisers.  The  propriety  of  early  legislative  action  is  suggested. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  19,  1868.  Congressional  Globe,  40 — 2,  p.  1257.] 

Mr.  Fessenden,  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  to  whom 
was  referred  the  bill  (S.  No.  51)  to  enlarge  the  public  grounds  surrounding  the 
Capitol,  reported  it  with  amendments. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  4,  1868.  Congressional  Globe,  40 — 2,  p.1615.] 

EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  I desire  to  take  up  this  morning  the  bill  for  the  extension  of  the 
Capitol  grounds.  It  has  once  passed  the  Senate  unanimously,  and  it  is  important 
that  it  should  go  to  the  House  of  Representatives.  I think  it  will  occasion  no  debate. 
It  is  the  same  bill  precisely  that  passed  the  Senate  last  year.  I move  that  it  be 
taken  up. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to;  and  the  Senate,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  pro- 
ceeded to  consider  the  bill  (S.  No.  51)  to  enlarge  the  public  grounds  surrounding  the 
Capitol. 

It  proposes  to  enlarge  the  public  grounds  surrounding  the  Capitol  (according  to  the 
plan  approved  by  the  committees  on  Public  Buildings  of  the  Senate  and  House  of 
Representatives  respectively,  which  plan  is  directed  to  be  deposited  in  the  custody 
of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior)  by  extension  between  First  street  east  and  First 
street  west,  in  the  following  manner:  northwardly  to  the  south  side  of  north  B street, 
and  southwardly  to  the  north  side  of  south  B street,  including,  in  addition  to  so 
much  of  the  reservations,  avenues,  and  streets  as  are  necessary  for  such  extension, 
the  two  squares  designated  on  the  plan  of  the  city  of  Washington  as  Nos.  687  and  688 
respectively. 

By  the  second  section  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  is  directed  to  purchase  from 
the  owner  or  owners,  at  such  price,  not  exceeding  its  actual  cash  value,  as  may  be 
mutually  agreed  on  between  the  Secretary  and  such  owner  or  owners,  and  not  exceed- 
ing the  appraisal  made  by  the  commission  of  nine  in  their  report  to  Robert  Quid, 
United  States  district  attorney  for  the  District  of  Columbia,  on  the  21st  of  January, 
1861,  such  private  property  as  may  be  necessary  for  carrying  the  act  into  effect,  the 
value  of  the  property  so  purchased  to  be  paid  to  the  owner  or  owners  on  the  requisi- 
tion of  that  Secretary;  but  before  such  payment  shall  be  made  the  owner  or  owners 
of  the  property  purchased  are  by  good  and  sufficient  deed  or  deeds,  in  due  form  of 
law,  and  approved  by  the  Attorney  General  of  the  United  States,  to  fully  release  and 
convey  to  the  United  States  all  their  and  each  of  their  several  and  respective  rights 
in  the  titles  to  the  lands  and  property  so  purchased. 


1084 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  third  section  provides  that  if  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  shall  not  be  able  to 
agree  with  the  owner  or  owners  of  any  private  property  needed  for  the  purposes  of 
the  act  upon  the  price  to  be  paid  for  it,  or  if,  for  any  other  cause,  he  shall  be  unable 
to  obtain  the  title  to  any  such  property  by  mutual  agreement  with  the  owner  or 
owners,  it  shall  be  his  duty  to  make  application  to  the  supreme  court  of  the  District 
of  Columbia;  which  court,  in  such  mode  and  under  such  rules  and  regulations  as  it 
may  adopt,  is  to  make  a just  and  equitable  appraisement  of  the  cash  value  of  the 
several  interests  of  each  and  every  owner  of  the  real  estate  and  improvement  thereon 
necessary  to  he  taken  for  the  public  use  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  the  act, 
and  to  which  the  Secretary  has  been  unable  to  obtain  the  title  by  mutual  agreement 
with  the  owner  or  owners. 

The  fourth,  fifth,  and  sixth  sections  provide  for  the  details  of  acquiring  title. 

The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  reported  the  bill  with  amend- 
ments. The  first  amendment  of  the  committee  was  to  strike  out  the  seventh  section 
in  the  following  words: 

Sec.  7.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  Washington  and  Georgetown  Railroad  Company  he,  and 
they  are  hereby,  required  to  remove  their  track  from  Delaware  avenue,  between  A and  B streets 
north,  and  from  the  Capitol  grounds,  and  run  the  same  along  B street  north  to  First  street  east, 
thence  along  First  street  east  to  the  main  line  on  Pennsylvania  avenue,  as  now  established;  and  that 
the  Metropolitan  Railroad  Company  be,  and  they  are  hereby,  required  to  remove  the  track  of  their 
road  from  A street  north  and  from  New  Jersey  avenue,  between  A and  B streets  north. 

And  to  insert  in  lieu  thereof  the  following: 

Sec.  7.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  Washington  and  Georgetown  Railroad  Company  and  che 
Metropolitan  Railroad  Company  be,  and  they  are  hereby,  required  to  remove  their  tracks,  respect- 
ively, from  the  Capitol  grounds,  as  hereby  established,  and  to  run  the  same  as  they  may  be  directed, 
from  time  to  time,  by  the  officer  in  charge  of  the  public  buildings  and  grounds,  as  the  grading  and 
filling  up  of  said  grounds  may  render  necessary. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

The  next  amendment  was  in  section  eight,  line  four,  to  strike  out  the  word 
“under”  and  insert  “by,”  and  after  the  word  “Interior”  to  insert  “under  the 
supervision  of  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension;”  so  that  the  section  will  read: 

Sec.  8.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  sum  of  850,000  is  hereby  appropriated  out  of  any  money 
in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated,  to  be  expended  by  the  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  the 
Interior,  under  the  supervision  of  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension,  in  grading,  filling  up, 
removing  buildings,  and  improving  the  public  grounds  and  streets  around  the  Capitol  as  herein 
enlarged. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

The  next  amendment  was  in  section  eight,  line  eight,  after  the  word  “enlarged” 
to  strike  out  the  following  words: 

But  no  grading  of  the  public  square  east  of  the  Capitol  shall  be  commenced  until  the  title  to  the 
private  property  to  be  purchased  under  the  provisions  of  this  act  shall  be  acquired  by  the  United 
States. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  I offer  the  following  amendment,  to  come  in  at  the  end  of  the 
eighth  section,  in  lieu  of  the  words  stricken  out: 

And  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  is  hereby  authorized  to  sell  at  public  auction  such  materials  in 
the  buildings,  in  squares  Nos.  687  and  6S8,  as  are  not  necessary  for  the  public  works  in  this  District; 
and,  further,  that  the  moneys  realized  by  such  sales  shall  be  applied  to  the  improvement  and  exten- 
sion of  the  Capitol  grounds. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  I do  not  know  that  the  bill  requires  any  explanation.  It  is  the 
same  bill,  so  far  as  the  enlargement  and  purchase  are  concerned,  that  was  passed 
unanimously  by  the  Senate  a year  ago,  hut  was  not  taken  up  in  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives. I will  state  with  regard  to  it  that  it  was  the  wish  of  some  of  the  Com- 


The  Grounds. 


1085 


mittee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  Senate  to  enlarge  the  grounds  more 
than  is  proposed  in  this  bill ; but  a joint  meeting  of  the  committees  of  the  two  bodies, 
the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  was  had,  and  it  was  thought  expedient  to 
go  no  further  at  this  time  than  the  former  bill  proposed;  and  it  was  thought  advisa- 
ble and  necessary  to  commence  this  work  soon,  and  hence  to  pass  the  bill  as  it  was 
passed  before  if  possible.  So  it  has  been  agreed  upon  by  the  committees  of  the  two 
Houses.  All  that  it  is  necessary  to  purchase  is  two  squares  that  were  pointed  out  to 
the  Senate  before,  which,  as  Senators  will  see,  must  be  purchased  in  order  to  any 
enlargement  of  the  Capitol  grounds  themselves.  If  there  is  any  further  explanation 
required  I am  ready  to  answer  any  questions  in  regard  to  it;  but  I suppose  there  will 
be  no  objection  to  the  bill  whatever. 

Mr.  Conkling.  I should  like  to  ask  the  Senator  if  he  intends  to  have  a final  vote 
taken  on  the  bill  this  morning? 

Mr.  Fessenden.  Yes,  sir,  if  I can;  because  I wish  it  to  go  to  the  House  of  Repre-' 
sentatives  as  soon  as  possible.  I think  it  has  been  very  thoroughly  examined  and 
agreed  upon  by  the  two  committees,  and  unless  there  is  an  objection  to  any  enlarge- 
ment I think  this  is  as  small  a one  as  can  possibly  be  made. 

Mr.  Conkling.  I should  like  to  look  at  it  before  it  is  passed  finally. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  I can  explain  it,  and  the  Senator  can  examine  the  plan  which  I 
have  here.  There  was  no  objection  whatever  to  the  bill  in  the  Senate  when  it  was 
passed  before. 

Mr.  Conkling.  I should  like  to  inquire  the  aggregate  cost  of  this  proposed  extension. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  I do  not  recollect  the  exact  cost  of  these  two  squares.  I think  it 
was  stated  before. 

Mr.  Sherman.  They  were  assessed. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  Yes,  sir;  and  by  the  terms  of  the  bill,  unless  the  price  can  be 
agreed  upon,  they  are  to  be  taken  and  condemned.  The  bill  makes  provision  for 
condemning  them.  They  are  absolutely  necessary,  if  any  enlargement  is  to  be  had. 

The  bill  was  reported  to  the  Senate  as  amended,  and  the  amendments  were  con- 
curred in.  The  bill  was  ordered  to  be  engrossed  for  a third  reading,  was  read  the 
third  time,  and  passed. 

Mr.  Fessenden.  I move  to  amend  the  title  of  the  bill  by  adding  the  words  “and 
for  other  purposes,”  which  may  be  necessary,  as  there  is  an  appropriation  in  it  for 
grading. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  That  amendment  will  be  made. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  20,  1868:  Congressional  Globe,  40 — 2,  p.  2028.] 

ENLARGEMENT  OF  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

The  next  business  upon  the  Speaker’s  table  was  Senate  bill  No.  54,  to  enlarge  the 
public  grounds  surrounding  the  Capitol,  and  for  other  purposes;  which  was  taken 
from  the  table  and  read  a first  and  second  time. 

Mr.  Garfield  moved  that  the  bill  be  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings and  Grounds. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to. 


[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  for  sundry  civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  Year 
ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty -nine,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  July  20, 
1868.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  15,  118.)] 


For  improvement  of  capitol  grounds,  two  thousand  dollars. 


1086 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

[From  the  “Act  making  Appropriations  and  to  supply  Deficiencies  in  the  Appropriations  for  the 
Service  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal  Year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and_ sixty- 
eight,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  July  23,  1868.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  15,  176.)] 

For  continuing  the  filling  and  grading  of  the  Capitol  grounds,  under  the  direction 
of  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension,  ten  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  year 
ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Mar.  3, 
1869.  'Stats,  at  Large,  v.  15,  309.)] 

For  continuing  the  work  of  grading  and  filling  the  Capitol  grounds,  fifteen  thou- 
sand dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  to  supply  deficiencies  in  the  appropriations  for  the  service 
of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-nine, 
and  additional  appropriations  for  the  year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy, 
and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Apr.  10,  1869.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  16,  12.)] 

Sec.  5.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  appropriation  of  fifteen  thousand  dollars, 
“ for  continuing  the  work  of  grading  and  filling  the  Capitol  grounds,”  appropriated  in 
“An  act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the 
year  ending  June  thirty,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy,”  approved  March  three, 
eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-nine,  shall  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  archi- 
tect of  the  Capitol  extension. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  11, 1870:  Congressional  Globe,  41 — 2,  p.  1205.] 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont,  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds, 
to  whom  the  subject  was  referred,  reported  a bill  (S.  No.  530)  to  enlarge  the  public 
grounds  surrounding  the  Capitol. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  May  11,  1870:  Congressional  Globe,  41 — 2,  3352.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  legisla- 
tive, executive,  and  judicial  bill  for  1871 — 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I now  offer  another  amendment  from  the  Committee 
on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  to  enlarge  the  grounds  surrounding  the  Capitol. 
I believe  the  Clerk  has  a copy  of  it. 

The  Vice  President.  The  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Vermont  will  be  read. 

The  Chief  Clerk  read  the  amendment,  which  was  to  add  the  following  sections  to 
the  bill: 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  public  grounds  surrounding  the  Capitol  shall  be  enlarged 
(according  to  the  plan  approved  by  the  Committees  on  Public  Buildings  of  the  Senate  and  House  of 
Representatives,  respectively,  which  plan  is  hereby  directed  to  be  deposited  in  the  custody  of  the 
Secretary  of  the  Interior, ) by  extension  between  First  street  east  and  First  street  west,  in  the  following 
manner:  northwardly  to  the  south  side  of  north  B street,  and  southwardly  to  the  north  side  of  south 
B street,  including  in  addition  to  so  much  of  the  reservations,  avenues,  and  streets  as  are  necessary 
for  such  extension,  the  two  squares  designated  on  the  plan  of  the  city  of  Washington  as  Nos.  6S7  and 
688,  respectively. 

And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  to  purchase  from 
the  owner  or  owners  thereof,  at  such  price,  not  exceeding  its  actual  cash  value,  as  may  be  mutually 
agreed  on  between  the  Secretary  and  such  owner  or  owners,  and  not  exceeding  the  appraisal  made 
by  the  commission  of  nine  in  their  report  to  Robert  Ould,  United  States  district  attorney  for  the 


The  Grounds. 


1087 


District  of  Columbia,  on  the  21st  day  of  January,  18G1,  such  private  property  as  may  be  necessary  for 
carrying  this  act  into  effect,  the  value  of  the  property  so  purchased  to  be  paid  to  the  owner  or  owners 
thereof  out  of  any  money  in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated  on  the  requisition  of  said  Sec- 
retary: Provided,  That  before  such  payment  shall  be  made  the  owner  or  owners  of  the  property 
purchased  shall,  by  good  and  sufficient  deed  or  deeds,  in  due  form  of  law,  and  approved  by  the 
Attorney  General  of  the  United  States,  fully  release  and  convey  to  the  United  States  all  their  and 
each  of  their  several  and  respective  rights  in  said  titles  to  such  lands  and  property  so  purchased. 

And  be  it  f urther  enacted,  That  if  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  shall  not  be  able  to  agree  with  the 
owner  or  owners  of  any  private  property  needed  for  the  purposes  of  this  act  upon  the  price  to  be  paid 
therefor,  or  if  for  any  other  cause  he  shall  be  unable  to  obtain  the  title  to  any  such  property  by 
mutual  agreement  with  the  owner  or  owners  thereof,  it  shall  be  his  duty  to  make  application  to  the 
supreme  court  of  the  District  of  Columbia,  which  court  is  hereby  authorized  and  required,  upon  such 
application,  in  such  mode  and  under  such  rules  and  regulations  as  it  may  adopt,  to  make  a just  and 
equitable  appraisement  of  the  cash  value  of  the  several  interests  of  each  and  every  owner  of  the  real 
estate  and  improvements  thereon  necessary,  to  be  taken  for  the  public  use,  in  accordance  with  the 
provisions  of  this  act,  and  to  which  the  Secretary  has  been  unable  to  obtain  the  title  by  mutual 
agreement  with  the  owner  or  owners  thereof. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  fee-simple  of  all  premises  so  appropriated  for  public  use,  of  which 
an  appraisement  shall  have  been  made  under  the  order  and  direction  of  said  court,  shall,  upon  pay- 
ment to  the  owner  or  owners  respectively  of  the  appraised  value,  or  in  case  the  said  owner  or  owners 
refuse  or  neglect  for  fifteen  days  after  the  appraisement  of  the  cash  value  of  said  lands  and  improve- 
ments by  said  court  to  demand  the  same  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  upon  depositing  the  said 
appraised  value  in  the  said  court  to  the  credit  of  such  owner  or  owners  respectively,  be  vested  in  the 
United  States;  and  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  is  hereby  authorized  and  required  to  pay  to  the  sev- 
eral owner  or  owners  respectively  the  appraised  value  of  the  several  premises  as  specified  in  the 
appraisement  of  said  court,  or  pay  into  court  by  deposit,  as  hereinbefore  provided,  the  said  appraised 
values;  and  the  sum  necessary  for  such  purpose  is  hereby  appropriated  out  of  any  moneys  in  the 
Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  said  court  may  direct  the  time  and  manner  in  which  possession  of 
the  property  condemned  shall  be  taken  or  delivered,  and  may,  if  necessary,  enforce  any  order  or  issue 
any  process  for  giving  possession.  The  cost  occasioned  by  the  inquiry  and  assessment  shall  be  paid 
by  the  United  States;  and  as  to  other  costs  which  may  arise,  they  shall  be  charged  or  taxed  as  the 
court  may  direct. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  no  delay  in  making  an  assessment  of  compensation  or  in  taking  pos- 
session shall  be  occasioned  by  any  doubt  which  may  arise  as  to  the  ownership  of  the  property  or  any 
part  thereof,  or  as  to  the  interests  of  the  respective  owners,  but  in  such  cases  the  court  shall  require 
a deposit  of  the  money  allowed  as  compensation  for  the  whole  property  or  the  part  in  dispute.  In  all 
cases,  as  soon  as  the  United  States  shall  have  paid  the  compensation  assessed,  or  secured  its  payment 
by  a deposit  of  money,  under  the  order  of  the  court,  possession  of  the  property  may  be  taken. 

And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  Washington  and  Georgetown  Railroad  Company  and  the  Metro- 
politan Railroad  Company  be,  and  they  are  hereby,  required  to  remove  their  tracks,  respectively,  from 
the  Capitol  grounds,  as  hereby  established,  and  to  run  the  same  as  they  may  be  directed  from  time 
to  time  by  the  officer  in  charge  of  the  public  buildings  and  grounds,  as  the  grading  and  filling  up  of 
said  grounds  may  render  necessary. 

And  be  it  f urther  enacted,  That  the  sum  of  $50,000  is  hereby  appropriated  out  of  any  money  in  the 
Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated,  to  be  expended  by  the  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior, 
under  the  supervision  of  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension,  in  grading,  filling  up,  removing 
buildings,  and  improving  the  public  grounds  and  streets  around  the  Capitol,  as  herein  enlarged;  and 
the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  is  hereby  authorized  to  sell  at  public  auction  such  materials  in  the 
buildings  in  squares  No.  687  and  688  as  are  not  necessary  for  the  public  works  in  this  District;  and 
further,  that  the  moneys  realized  by  such  sales  shall  be  applied  to  the  improvement  and  extension  of 
the  Capitol  grounds. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  Mr.  President,  this  is  an  old  acquaintance  of  the  Senate, 
the  amendment  being  almost  identical  in  language  with  a bill  that  has  twice  before 
passed  the  Senate  almost  unanimously.  Having  been  passed  by  the  Senate  during 
the  war,  though  it  was  deemed  proper  to  complete  the  Capitol,  it  was  thought  advis- 
able on  the  part  of  the  House  to  wait  until  the  Capitol  was  finished  before  final  action 
should  be  had  upon  the  extension  of  the  grounds.  Senators  who  have  taken  notice 
of  the  grounds  will  see  that  we  own  two  squares  now  on  the  west  side  of  the  Capitol, 
north  and  south,  more  than  has  been  hitherto  improved.  In  order  to  complete  the 
symmetrical  form  of  the  grounds  it  is  necessary  that  the  two  squares  on  the  east.side 
should  be  purchased  and  incorporated  into  the  grounds,  which  will  then  be  none  too 
large  for  this  most  beautiful  and  magnificent  building  that  has  been  erected  within 
the  last  ten  years. 


1088 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  President,  I present  this  as  a measure  of  sheer  economy.  If  the  Government 
had  taken  these  squares  when  it  was  first  proposed,  to  take  them  they  could  have 
been  obtained  for  one  half  the  price  for  which  they  can  now  be  obtained.  The  Con- 
gress of  the  ( Tnited  States  from  time  to  time  has  had  this  subject  under  consideration, 
and  has  had  all  the  titles  investigated,  with  a view  of  incorporating  these  two  squares 
into  the  Capitol  grounds.  The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  within 
the  last  year  have  had  parties  to  consult  with  all  the  proprietors,  and  have  ascer- 
tained about  what  they  will  be  willing  to  accept  as  the  price  of  the  property  owned 
by  them,  and  it  is  ascertained  that  it  will  cost  a fraction  over  $500,000,  if  a mutual 
agreement  should  be  had.  If  the  squares  should  be  taken  possession  of  under  process 
of  law  and  the  land  be  condemned,  whether  it  would  be  appraised  at  so  much  or 
appraised  at  more,  is  beyond  the  knowledge  of  the  committee. 

But  it  is  so  obviously  a matter  of  economy,  that  if  ever  these  two  squares  are  to  be 
incorporated  in  the  public  grounds  it  should  be  done  now,  that  I think  it  can  need 
no  argument.  Any  Senator  who  has  ever  observed  the  grounds  at  all  will  at  once 
concede  that  they  will  not  be  any  too  large,  if  large  enough,  after  these  two  squares 
shall  have  been  purchased  and  incorporated  into  them.  Until  this  can  be  done  it  is 
manifestly  impossible  to  properly  lay  out  and  improve  the  squares  we  already  own. 
I do  not  desire  to  occupy  further  time  of  the  Senate  on  the  amendment  unless  it 
should  be  necessary  in  the  progress  of  the  debate. 

Mr.  Corbett.  I should  like  to  ask  the  Senator  whether  the  two  blocks  to  which 
he  has  referred  are  those  on  either  side  of  the  square  in  front  of  the  Capitol? 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  Yes,  sir. 

Mr.  Corbett.  That,  are  now  occupied  by  buildings? 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  Yes,  sir. 

Mr.  Corbett.  I understand  it  is  proposed  to  take  one  square  on  each  side  of  the 
east  front? 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  Yes,  sir. 

Mr.  Trumbull.  It  takes  the  square  where  Whitney’s  corner  is  and  the  square 
where  the  Casparis  House  is  on  the  other  side. 

Mr.  Pomeroy.  Does  the  Government  own  any  of  the  land  about  here? 

Mr.  Trumbull.  The  Government  owns  to  B street  north  and  B street  south  now. 
They  own  to  B street  on  each  side;  and  now  it  is  proposed  to  take  these  other  two 
squares  to  B street,  the  square  where  the  Whitney  House  is,  and  the  square  where 
the  Casparis  House  is. 

The  Presiding  Officer,  (Mr.  Edmunds  in  the  chair.)  The  question  is  on  agreeing 
to  the  amendment  reported  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  May  27,  1870:  Congressional  Globe,  41 — 2,  p.  3892.] 

LEGISLATIVE,  ETC.,  APPROPRIATION  BILL. 

The  Senate  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  bill  (H.  R.  No.  974)  making  appro- 
priations for  the  legislative,  executive,  and  judicial  expenses  of  the  Government  for 
the  year  ending  June  30,  1871. 

The  V ice  President.  The  next  reserved  amendment  is  the  amendment  in  regard 
to  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  grounds.  Is  the  reading  of  the  amendment  called 
for  by  any  Senator? 

Mr.  Harlan.  I desire  to  have  the  amendment  read. 

The  Chief  Clerk  read  the  amendment,  which  was  to  insert  as  additional  sections 
the  following:  [Same  as  that  presented  by  Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont,  May  11,  1870, 
numbered  Sec.  8 to  15  inclusive.] 

Mr.  Harlan.  Mr.  President,  a substantial  reason  in  opposition  to  the  adoption  of 
this  proposed  amendment  has  been  set  forth  by  the  Legislature  of  Iowa  in  a re'solu- 


The  Grounds.  1089 

tion  which  I hold  in  my  hand,  and  will  ask  the  Secretary  to  read  as  a part  of  my 
remarks. 

The  Chief  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

Joint  resolution  in  relation  to  the  removal  of  the  national  capital. 

Whereas  the  present  national  capital  was  located  in  the  infancy  of  the  Republic,  and  with  reference 
to  the  convenience  of  the  people  living  on  the  Atlantic  coast;  and  whereas  the  remarkable  growth 
of  our  country,  the  rapid  increase  of  its  population,  the  vast  extent  of  the  additions  made  to  its  terri- 
tory, and  the  wonderful  development  of  its  agricultural,  mineral,  and  commercial  resources,  forcibly 
suggests  and  demands  a more  central  and  eligible  position  for  the  permanent  seat  of  Government; 
and  whereas  it  is  believed  the  removal  indicated  is  only  a question  of  time,  and  that  the  time  has 
come  when  it  should  be  practically  and  earnestly  considered  and  prepared  for:  Therefore, 

Resolved  by  the  General  Assembly  of  the  State  of  Iowa,  That  our  Senators  in  Congress  be,  and  are 
hereby,  instructed,  and  our  Representatives  requested,  to  oppose  all  appropriations  of  public  funds 
for  the  erection  of  new  buildings,  or  permanent  additions  to  those  now  in  existence,  or  for  other 
permanent  improvements  in  the  District  of  Columbia,  except  so  far  as  the  same  may  be  absolutely 
necessary;  and  to  use  all  honorable  means  to  effect,  at  the  earliest  practicable  period,  a removal  of 
the  seat  of  Government  from  Washington  city  to  some  point  in  the  great  valley  of  the  Mississippi. 

Resolved,  That  the  secretary  of  State  be  directed  to  forward  a copy  of  this  preamble  and  joint  reso- 
lution to  each  of  our  Senators  and  Representatives  in  Congress. 

Approved,  February  25,  1870. 

Mr.  Harlan.  Mr.  President,  it  is  manifest  from  this  statement  made  by  the  Legis- 
lature of  one  of  the  States  of  the  Union  that  this  subject  is  now  being  considered 
seriously  by  the  people.  The  inhabitants  of  the  State  of  Iowa  embrace  emigrants 
from  all  the  States  of  the  Union,  and  an  opinion  expressed  by  them,  therefore,  may 
be  taken  as  a reflex  of  the  opinion  of  the  people  of  the  whole  nation.  There  can 
therefore  be  no  doubt,  I think,  that  the  time  is  approaching  when  this  question  will 
be  pressed  on  the  serious  attention  of  the  Congress  of  the  United  States,  with  a pos- 
sibility, not  to  say  a probability,  that  the  decision  will  be  made  in  accordance  with 
the  suggestions  of  the  resolution  which  has  just  been  read.  The  probability  of  such 
a result  ought  to  be  a conclusive  reason  against  making  appropriations  that  would  be 
entirely  useless  if  the  capital  should  be  removed.  The  appropriation  contemplated 
by  this  amendment  is  of  that  character.  It  proposes  that  the  Government  shall 
condemn  the  private  property  found  on  two  entire  squares  of  this  city  located  near 
the  Capitol;  that  the  buildings,  including  hotels,  boarding-houses,  and  private  resi- 
dences, covering  nearly  the  whole  area  of  these  two  squares,  shall  be  torn  down  and 
carted  away  at  the  expense  of  the  United  States  for  the  purpose  of  enlarging  the 
public  grounds.  If  the  capital  is  to  be  removed,  of  course  this  will  not  only  be  useless, 
but  a detriment  to  the  city  of  Washington.  It  will  be  the  destruction  of  no  incon- 
siderable portion  of  this  beautiful  city. 

But,  Mr.  President,  independent  of  the  belief  entertained  by  so  many  of  the  people 
of  the  western  States  that  the  capital  ought  to  be  and  will  be  at  an  early  period 
removed  to  a more  central  position,  as  it  seems  to  me,  there  is  no  necessity  for  mak- 
ing this  destruction  of  property  and  the  necessary  appropriation  of  money  at  this 
time.  We  have  public  grounds  east  and  west  of  the  Capitol  building  to  the  extent, 
I judge  from  the  appearance,  of  something  like  thirty  acres;  about  twelve  or  fifteen 
acres  in  a park  at  the  east  front  of  the  Capitol,  and  a park  of  equal  or  greater  size  on 
the  west  front.  This  has  proved  to  be  sufficient  for  public  use  now  for  more  than 
half  a century. 

There  would  seem  to  be,  therefore,  no  immediate  necessity  for  enlarging  these 
grounds.  If  the  capital  is  to  remain  here,  to  be  sure  it  might  be  a convenience;  it 
might  enhance  the  beauty  of  the  grounds;  it  might  contribute  to  some  extent  to  the 
pleasure  of  pleasure-seekers,  those  who  may  desire  to  recreate  in  the  groves  now 
growing  on  these  premises,  or  which  may  hereafter  be  planted.  But,  to  say  the 
most  that  can  be  said  of  it,  it  is  but  a luxury.  It  is  a proposition  to  enhance  the 
pleasure  of  members  of  Congress  and  the  other  officers  of  the  Government,  and 
strangers  who  may  visit  the  Capitol,  at  the  public  expense. 

H.  Rep.  6d0 69 


1090 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

There  is  no  immediate  public  necessity  for  this  improvement,  and  as  the  people 
are  now  very  heavily  taxed,  it  would  not  seem  to  be  a very  propitious  time  to  thus 
enlarge  the  public  expenses.  The  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Finance  informed 
the  Senate  a few  days  since  that  the  people  of  this  country  are  now  paying  taxes  for 
national  purposes  amounting  in  the  aggregate  to  about  three  hundred  and  ninety- 
three  million  dollars  per  annum,  and  he  proposes  to  reduce  them  only  to  the  amount 
of  about  forty-three  millions;  so  that  the  taxes  to  be  paid  hereafter,  if  the  financial 
measures  which  he  proposes  shall  be  adopted,  will  reach  between  three  and  four 
hundred  millions.  Of  that  amount  an  average  State  of  the  Union,  like  Iowa,  will 
have  to  pay  per  annum  over  ten  millions,  unless  the  tax  laws  shall  be  changed. 
But  if  the  reduction  of  taxes  should  take  place  which  he  contemplates,  the  people  of 
Iowa  would  be  required  to  pay  between  eight  and  nine  million  dollars  a year  as  their 
proportion  of  the  expenses  of  the  national  Government.  This  would  average  eight 
or  nine  dollars  per  annum  for  every  man,  woman,  and  child  in  the  United  States,  or 
about  forty  dollars  per  annum  for  each  family. 

Now,  sir,  when  the  people  are  thus  burdened  by  national  taxation  is  it  right  for 
their  Representatives  at  the  national  capital  to  increase  these  burdens  for  purposes 
of  luxury  alone?  It  is  merely  a luxury  and  nothing  else.  There  is  no  public  neces- 
sity for  making  this  expenditure  at  the  present  time,  except  to  enhance  the  pleasure 
of  pleasure-seekers,  those  who  may  desire  to  recline  in  the  shade  of.  the  groves 
located  or  to  be  located  on  these  grounds. 

Sir,  I am  not  prepared  to  vote  for  this  proposition.  There  is  but  one  reason,  as  it 
appears  to  me,  that  can  be  urged  in  opposition  to  the  view  I have  expressed,  and 
that  is  that  these  grounds  may  increase  in  value;  that  if  the  capital  should  not  be 
removed,  if  .this  should  remain  as  the  permanent  seat  of  Government  of  the  United 
States,  these  grounds  will  greatly  increase  in  value,  so  that  if  the  enlargement  is 
ever  to  occur  it  would  be  economical  to  make  the  purchase  at  once.  It  may  be 
answered  that  three  fourths  of  the  value  of  this  property  consists  in  the  tenements, 
private  residences,  boarding-houses,  and  hotels  located  on  these  grounds.  The 
value  of  these  edifices  will  not  increase  with  time,  but  greatly  deteriorate  with  the 
revolution  of  years.  As  time  passes  these  edifices  will  become  less  valuable  than  they 
are  at  present.  The  only  increment  of  value,  therefore,  that  can  be  considered  in 
this  discussion  is  the  increase  of  the  value  of  the  land  occupied  by  these  edifices,  and 
in  all  human  probability  the  decrease  of  the  value  of  the  houses  standing  on  them 
will  equal  the  increase  of  the  value  of  the  lands;  so  that  in  all  human  probability 
the  Government  will  be  able  to  purchase  these  premises  at  any  time  hereafter  at  as 
low  a rate  as  they  can  be  bought  now. 

For  these  reasons,  and  others  that  I might  assign  had  my  time  not  been  limited  to 
ten  minutes,  I am  not  prepared  to  vote  for  tin's  amendment;  and  as  I desire  to  record 
my  vote  against  it,  before  taking  my  seat  I ask  that  the  question  be  taken  by  yeas 
and  nays. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I regret  that  this  question  should  be  seriously  agitated 
on  the  part  of  any  Senator.  It  is  damaging  to  our  character  and  to  the  stability  of 
the  Government  itself.  Contrary  to  the  opinion  of  the  Senator  from  Iowa,  lam  firm 
in  my  conviction  that  it  is  fixed  as  fate  or  foreknowledge  absolute,  that  this  capital 
never  will  be  removed. 

Mr.  President,  I will  not  go  into  the  constitutional  question,  although  there  is  a 
gravity  about  it  which  I would  commend  to  Senators,  for  it  must  be  conceded  at 
once  that  the  constitution  of  1789  never  would  have  been  adopted  had  the  old  thir- 
teen States  supposed  in  giving  power  to  admit  new  States,  that  those  new  States 
would  vote  to  remove  the  capital.  It  must  be  obvious  to  every  reader  of  our  history 
that  the  Constitution  under  which  we  now  exist  could  not  have  been  adopted  had  it 
been  so  understood. 


The  Grounds. 


1091 


Mr.  President,  I deny  that  any  considerable  portion  of  our  people  are  in  favor  of 
the  removal  of  the  capital.  I claim  that  it  is  only  in  very  limited  localities  that  such 
a feeling  exists.  And  where  do  they  propose  to  have  it  go?  To  St.  Louis,  a city  in 
a State  that  would  have  joined  the  rebellion  and  been  a secession  State  as  much  as 
South  Carolina  or  Mississippi,  had  it  not  been  for  the  gallant  efforts  of  one  single 
man,  Frank  P.  Blair;  and  I desire  to  do  him  so  much  of  credit  as  to  acknowledge 
this,  although  his  course  subsequently  has  not  wholly  met  my  approval. 

But,  Mr.  President,  this  matter  is  no  new  question  to  the  Senate.  The  substance 
of  this  amendment  has  passed  almost  unanimously  when  it  has  been  on  several  occa- 
sions heretofore  introduced;  and  now  I only  press  it  as  a question  of  economy.  Had 
the  bills  on  this  subject  passed  by  the  Senate  at  earlier  periods  become  a law,  we 
should  have  saved  at  least  a quarter  of  a million  dollars,  one  half  the  present  price; 
and  if  it  shall  be  postponed  now  for  several  years,  it  unquestionably  will  cost  doublq 
what  these  two  squares  can  now  be  obtained  for. 

The  Senator  from  Iowa  has  this  morning  voted  for  more  than  half  as  much  annu- 
ally to  tax  the  Government  than  this  will  cost,  by  voting  to  raise  the  pay  of  mere 
counters,  little  girls  without  any  families,  rent,  or  taxes  to  pay,  with  no  expenses 
except  their  board  and  clothes,  mere  counters  of  scrip,  up  to  the  salary  of  a first-class 
clerk;  and  that  is  to  be  a tax  annually,  while  the  amount  proposed  here  once  paid, 
is  for  all  time. 

Now,  Mr.  President,  any  Senator  here  who  observes  the  higgledy-piggledy  condi- 
tion of  the  Capitol  grounds,  jagged  and  unrounded  out,  will  see  at  once  that  they  are 
disproportionate  to  the  present  size  of  the  Capitol.  When  the  old  Capitol  existed 
without  these  two  immense  wings  that  have  been  added  to  it,  perhaps  the  grounds 
were  large  enough ; but  now  they  are  wholly  inadequate,  and  it  is  impossible  to  obtain 
a stand-point  from  which  to  look  at  the  stately  and  grand  proportions  of  this  build- 
ing. It  is  perfectly  clear  that  these  two  squares  that  notch  in  here  on  the  east  side 
of  the  Capitol  grounds  must  and  will  at  no  remote  period  be  obtained  for  the  pur- 
poses indicated  in  this  amendment.  They  never  can  be  obtained  at  so  little  cost 
as  now. 

It  is  for  the  credit  of  the  Government,  for  the  credit  of  our  people,  that  we  shall 
not  put  up  such  a building  as  this  and  then  fizzle  out  and  say  that  w'e  are  not  even 
able  to  fence  it  or  put  it  in  decent  and  comely  shape.  No  Senator  with  his  own  pri- 
vate grounds  would  hesitate  a moment  about  prompt  and  instant  action.  It  is  a 
measure  of  true  economy. 

But,  Mr.  President,  I do  not  desire  to  go  beyond  my  five  minutes,  and  as  I see  that 
1 have  reached  that  limit,  I take  my  seat. 

Mr.  Yates.  I regret  very  much  that  I have  not  here  the  resolutions  of  the  State 
constitutional  convention  of  Illinois,  which  has  just  adjourned,  on  this  subject  of  the 
removal  of  the  capital,  to  come  in  in  aid  of  the  resolutions  of  the  State  Legislature 
of  Iowa,  which  have  been  presented  by  the  Senator  from  that  State.  Now,  sir,  let 
me  say  that  I desire  to  see  these  grounds  improved.  I never  have  voted  against  such 
an  appropriation  while  I have  been  here,  except  that  for  the  erection  of  a building 
for  the  Department  of  State.  I would  have  everything  correspond  in  magnificence  and 
splendor  to  finish  what  we  have  begun,  and  I would  vote  every  dollar  that  is  necessary 
for  that  purpose.  I believe  and  know  that  my  constituents  would  be  willing  to  sustain 
me  in  that  course ; but  whether  they  would  or  not  I would  vote  it  anyhow  and  take  the 
risk  of  the  consequences.  But,  sir,  the  Senator  from  V ermont  seems  to  treat  the  idea  of 
the  removal  of  the  capital  as  an  idle  thing,  in  the  face  of  the  resolutions  of  the  State 
Legislature  of  Iowa  and  of  the  unanimous  vote  of  the  convention  of  the  people  of  the 
State  of  Illinois.  Why,  Mr.  President,  I stand  here  to  inform  that  Senator  that  he  is 
mistaken ; that  this  question  has  been  decided.  It  has  been  stated  in  the  public  press 
here  and  elsewhere  that  the  project  for  the  removal  of  the  capital  had  received  a 
black  eye;  that  it  had  been  ignored  and  voted  down  by  the  Senate.  But,  sir,  I stand 


1092 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


here  now  to  predict  as  future  history  that  not  one  solitary  member  of  Congress  from 
any  northwestern  State  can  lie  elected  as  Representative  to  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives during  the  present  fall,  and  come  back  hei-e,  unless  he  is  pledged  inviolably  to 
the  removal  of  the  capital  to  the  Mississippi  valley. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  Will  the  Senator  allow  me  to  ask  him  a single  question? 
I would  be  perfectly  willing,  to-day,  to  leave  it  to  the  Senators  from  Iowa  and  Illi- 
nois whether  they  would  remove  the  capital.  1 desire  to  ask  the  Senator,  if  he  had 
the  sole  power  himself,  would  he  remove  the  capital? 

Mr.  Yates.  Why  not?  Where  is  the  best  blood  of  Vermont  except  in  the  mighty 
West,  growing  free  and  fresh  there  with  renewed  enterprise  and  vigor,  building  up 
free  institutions,  churches,  schools,  and  colleges.  Those  are  the  men  with  large  pos- 
sessions, immense  wealth,  who  are  giving  an  impetus  to  our  onward  march  to  impe- 
rial power  and  proud  position.  Why  not?  Will  it  not  be  central  to  New  England? 
Does  New  England  desire  to  have  the  capital  right  under  her  fingers?  It  will  be 
central  to  every  portion  of  the  United  States,  North,  West,  South,  and  East.  It  will 
be  upon  our  mighty  river.  It  will  be  where  our  railroads  cross  that  river.  It  will 
be  in  the  center  of  a hundred  States  with  a hundred  million  people  before  long,  com- 
prehending the  commerce,  the  trade,  the  wealth,  the  power,  the  literature,  the 
greatness,  and  the  grandeur  of  our  country.  Why  should  it  not  go  there?  Must  we 
keel)  if'  here  now  when  the  majority  of  the  American  people  say  that  it  shall  go  else- 
where? The  South  will  go  for  the  removal  with  one  voice.  Already  New  England 
is  crossing  our  rivers  with  low  bridges,  obstructing  the  commerce  of  the  Mississippi, 
of  the  Ohio,  and  of  the  Illinois,  and  other  rivers,  obstructing  the  navigation  of  those 
great  streams  whjch  the  Constitution  has  declared  shall  be  forever  free  to  all  the 
people  of  the  United  States  of  America.  Shall  we  submit,  will  the  South  submit  to 
have  our  rivers  bridged  over,  so  that  our  mighty  commerce  shall  not  go  down  to 
the  Gulf? 

The  Presiding  Officer,  (Mr.  Anthony  in  the  chair.)  It  is  the  duty  of  the  Chair 
to  remind  the  Senator  from  Illinois  that  his  live  minutes  are  up. 

Mr.  Tipton.  Mr.  President,  it  is  impossible  to  discuss  this  question  within  the  time 
allowed,  if  it  is  a question  that  can  be  discussed  at  all,  which  I doubt.  I think  there 
is  so  little  in  it  to  the  West  that  it  cannot  be  discussed  in  the  Senate  of  the  United 
States.  The  same  effort  to  manufacture  public  opinion  for  the  removal  of  the  capi- 
tal is  practiced  upon  the  Missouri  river  as  in  other  parts  of  the  United  States.  The 
Governor  of  the  State  of  Nebraska  fancying,  I apprehend,  that  if  any  man  touched 
this  question  he  would  be  immortal,  issued  his  commissions,  and  Nebraska  was  rep- 
resented by  a full  corps  in  the  celebrated  St.  Louis  convention.  But  when  you  come 
to  test  the  question  here,  my  colleague  and  myself  vote  against  the  removal  of  the 
capital,  knowing  that  there  is  no  public  opinion  there,  and  I aver  for  myself  that 
there  never  can  be  a public  opinion  in  that  region  of  country  which  ever  will  induce 
me  to  vote  for  the  removal  of  the  national  capital  while  this  country  and  the  popula- 
tion remain  loyal.  On  that  matter  I shall  never  be  the  subject  of  any  instructions. 

Mr.  President,  the  conviction  in  the  minds  of  our  people  is  the  same;  the  convic- 
tion in  the  minds  of  all  who  have  ever  been  in  Washington  city,  as  far  as  I know,  is 
the  same;  and  we  know,  with  great  respect  to  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  Iowa, 
how  easy  it  is,  from  time  to  time,  to  get  through  a resolution  of  instructions,  and  we 
do  not  suppose  there  is  any  more  consistency  or  importance  in  those  instructions 
which  the  State  of  Iowa  sends  here  than  there  was  in  the  instructions  she  sent  here 
on  the  subject  of  the  franking  privilege.  Her  Legislature  seemed  to  grasp  that  whole 
subject,  and  came  to  the  conclusion  that  Congressmen  had  so  long  enjoyed  a special 
monopoly  that,  in  order  to  get  it  out  of  our  hands,  it  was  necessary  to  repeal  all  laws 
allowing  matter  to  go  through  the  mails  free.  I have  the  same  amount  of  respect 
for  their  resolution  on  the  subject  of  abolishing  the  franking  privilege  that  I have  on 
the  subject  of  removing  the  capital  of  the  United  States.  We  understand  how  reso- 


The  Grov/nds. 


1093 


lutions  are  manufactured  on  this  subject,  and  how  public  opinion  is  indicated  thereby; 
but  as  far  as  I have  any  knowledge  there  is  no  public  opinion  adverse  to  the  capital 
remaining  here. 

The  Senator  from  Nevada  [Mr.  Stewaet]  on  the  evening  of  a previous  discussion, 
I think,  certainly  represented  the  far-western  view  of  the  subject;  and  we  coming 
from  Nebraska  think  we  represent  the  view  of  that  which  is  the  central  part  of  the 
country.  You  cannot  argue  it. 

If  we  were  to  look  to  the  mere  matter  of  expense,  this  would  not  be  the  time  to 
agitate  the  removal  of  the  capital,  imposing  $100,000,000  on  the  tax-payers.  My 
friend  from  Iowa  is  afraid  that  we  shall  impose  a few  hundred  thousand  dollars’ 
expense  on  the  country  by  the  improvement  of  these  Capitol  grounds.  If  we  have 
been  half  a century  in  adorning  these  grounds  partially,  it  becomes  us  to  redouble  our 
energy  and  diligence  if  we  are  ever  to  accomplish  anything  permanent  and  final,  and 
therefore  there  is  no  time,  I apprehend,  for  delay. 

So  far  as  distance  is  concerned,  by  our  railroad  facilities  we  are  all  now  almost  at 
the  door  of  the  capital.  In  two  days  and  a half  from  our  residence  in  Nebraska,  we 
are  here  at  the  capital,  and  in  one  week  from  San  Francisco.  1,  at  my  residence  at 
home,  am  nearer  the  capital  to  day  than  the  members  at  Harrisburg,  Pennsylvania, 
were  a few  years  ago  when  they  made  their  trips  here  upon  horseback,  such  changes 
have  taken  place. 

If  I had  the  time  I might  refer  to  other  points.  I will  never  have  any  idea  of 
removing  the  capital  of  this  Union  away  from  the  Potomac  or  from  close  proximity  to 
the  sea-board.  A nation  that  cannot  protect  herself  here,  with  the  advantages  and 
the  facilities  of  this  great  Potomac,  is  not  able  to  protect  herself  anywhere,  and  shall 
not  with  my  vote  ever  be  permitted  to  skulk  away  to  the  inaccessible  center  on 
account  of  her  inability  to  defend  herself  near  the  sea-board. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  It  becomes  the  duty  of  the  Chair  to  remind  the  Senator 
from  Nebraska  that  his  five  minutes  have  expired. 

Mr.  Stewart.  Mr.  President,  I will  vote  for  this  proposition  on  the  ground  of 
economy.  I believe  it  would  be  cheaper  to  spend  $10,000,000  here  now,  than  to,  by 
any  vote  of  ours  or  any  hesitation,  get  up  an  agitation  for  the  removal  of  the  capital, 
a foolish,  vain  agitation.  I believe  if  you  would  leave  it  to  the  State  of  Illinois  alone 
to  locate  the  capital,  it  would  take  her  ten  years  to  do  it,  and  you  would  have  more 
sectional  discussion,  more  waste  of  time,  more  disturbance  of  the  public  credit,  than 
any  other  question  could  raise. 

Washington  is  as  centrally  located  as  any  place  that  will  be  likely  ever  to  secure 
the  capital  As  between  the  North  and  South,  it  is  very  centrally  located ; as  between 
the  East  and  Wrest  it  might  be  put  a few  hundred  miles  further  west  and  be  more 
central;  but  the  people  of  the  far  West,  when  they  start,  would  rather  come  near  to 
the  sea-board. 

As  I said  before,  there  are  associations  about  Washington  that  are  attractive;  it  is 
a healthy  location,  there  is  very  little  sickness  here,  and  there  are  many  more  things 
that  attract  here  than  there  could  possibly  be  in  any  new  point  selected  in  the  valley 
of  the  Mississippi.  I apprehend  if  you  could  put  it  to  a vote  of  the  people,  there 
would  be  a very  large  majority  in  favor  of  retaining  it  here.  If  you  raise  this  ques- 
tion, it  is  entirely  uncertain  where  the  capital  will  go.  I prophes3r,  if  it  ever  is 
removed,  which  I doubt  very  much,  which  I am  confident  it  never  will  be,  it  will 
be  more  likely  to  go  to  the  city  of  New  York  than  to  go  further  West.  When  the 
people  of  this  country  undertake  to  decide  that  question,  it  will  be  decided  not  only 
according  to  numbers  but  according  to  commercial  wealth  and  power.  It  is  idle  to 
raise  such  a question;  and  if  by  the  prompt  appropriation  of  this  money  we  can 
improve  these  grounds  and  indicate  that  something  is  stable  and  certain,  it  will  be  a 
matter  of  economy  to  do  it  now. 

1 should  have  taken  no  special  interest  in  this  appropriation  if  it  had  not  been  indi- 


1094 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


cated  here  that,  it  was  to  be  defeated  because  of  an  intention  to  remove  the  capital 
and  thereby  invite  agitation  in  the  country  upon  a question  that  can  only  injure  our 
credit,  disturb  the  peace  of  the  community,  cultivate  sectional  strife,  and  finally  lead 
to  no  good  whatever  to  any  human  being. 

Mr.  Ross.  Mr.  President,  it  is  unfortunate  for  this  proposition  that  it  was  brought 
into  this  Chamber  within  about  twenty-four  hours  after  the  passage  of  a bill  for  the 
reduction  of  the  Army  on  the  sole  plea  of  economy.  By  that  bill  it  was  proposed  to 
save  some  three  or  four  million  dollars  to  the  Treasury,  and  the  plea  was  made  that 
it  was  so  essential  to  relieve  the  burdens  of  taxation  upon  the  people  that  the  Army 
could  be  spared,  and  it  was  the  first  victim  in  the  consideration  of  economical  propo- 
sitions. That  measure  proposed  to  reduce  an  organization  upon  which  depends  the 
protection  of  life  and  property  in  one  half  of  the  States  and  Territories  of  this  Union. 
It  was  passed  in  the  face  of  the  known  fact;  known,  I think,  to  every  Senator  who 
is  conversant  with  the  condition  of  affairs,  that  this  year,  and  now,  our  entire  west- 
ern border,  from  the  British  possessions  to  the  Rio  Grande,  is  threatened  with  the 
fiercest  war  that  ever  was  waged  upon  the  plains.  And  yet,  sir,  upon  the  heel  of  that 
proposition,  after  the  Senate  had  voted  to  save  this  little  pittance  of  two,  or  three,  or 
four  millions  to  the  Treasury — little  in  comparison  to  the  whole  measure  of  taxation — 
we  are  met  with  a proposition  which  cannot  result  in  the  expenditure  of  one  dollar 
less  than  110,000,000  before  it  is  completed;  and  that,  too,  simply  for  the  ornamen- 
tation of  this  city,  where  we  are  doing  well  enough  as  we  are.  The  State  Department 
is  accommodated  conveniently;  we  have  public  grounds  and  pleasure- walks  here  with 
which  we  have  been  satisfied  for  a good  many  years,  and  may  be  for  a great  many 
years  to  come;  and  it  is  brought  in,  too,  in  the  face  of  the  known  sentiment  of  a large 
portion  of  this  country  that  the  capital  must  and  will  be  removed,  that  it  must  be 
removed  long  before  these  improvements  shall  have  been  completed.  How  can  it 
be  expected  that  the  capital  will  be  retained  on  this  extreme  sea-board  when  the 
Mississippi  valley  becomes  the  great  hive  of  this  country,  as  it  will,  and  the  seat  of 
commerce  and  of  wealth  of  this  nation;  and  that,  too,  within  our  day?  I simply  wish 
to  record  my  vote  against  the  proposition. 

Mr.  Flanagan.  Mr.  President,  I feel  it  due  to  myself  to  make  a few  remarks  on 
this  subject,  I shall  support  with  a good  deal  of  zeal,  if  necessary,  the  amendment 
and  the  expenditure  proposed,  I care  not  to  what  extent.  The  particular  reason 
why  I desire  to  give  my  views  very  briefly  is  that  I have  seen  recently  going  the 
rounds  of  the  papers  a declaration  that  I was  in  favor  of  the  removal  of  the  capital  of 
this  Government.  It  is  entirely  a mistake,  sir.  I have  never  at  any  time  uttered 
such  a sentiment.  From  my  boyhood  since  I went  to  school  and  read  the  life  of 
Washington  I have  looked  upon  his  name  as  sacred.  I yet  hold  thatviev.  In  view 
of  the  reason  assigned  this  morning  by  the  distinguished  Senator  from  Iowa  for  his 
action  on  this  amendment,  showing  the  alliance  of  these  questions,  I think  it  is 
absolutely  necessary  that  some  expression  should  be  given  here  aside  from  the  over- 
whelming vote  that  I have  no  hesitancy  in  saying  will  be  the  response  to  this  propo- 
sition. There  is  no  necessity  for  an  argument  so  far  as  the  vote  of  the  Senate  is  con- 
cerned, but  it  is  just  aswrell  that,  our  views  should  be  distinctly  understood  elsewhere. 

I have  the  honor  in  part  to  represent  the  State  of  Texas,  the  extreme  State  in  the 
Union;  I live  many  miles  from  here,  but  I have  no  hesitancy  in  saying  that  a cor- 
poral’s guard  could  not  be  raised  in  my  State,  with  its  immense  area,  in  favor  of  the 
removal  of  the  capital.  The  idea  is  suggested  that,  it  is  upon  one  side  of  the  country! 
That  may  do  for  an  argument,  but.  it  is  certainly  not.  a very  substantial  reason.  One 
hundred  million  people  are  spoken  of.  I hope  that  at  an  early  day  this  Government, 
may  be  blessed  with  that  number.  I have  no  hesitancy  in  saying  that  if  it  be  per- 
petuated, it.  will  at  a very  early  day  boast  of  that  proud  number;  but.  that  wall  still 
be  no  argument,  in  favor  of  a removal  of  the  capital.  With  the  facilities  w'hich  we 
are  fondly  hoping  we  shall  realize  at  a very  early  day  this  capital  will  be  readily 


1095 


The  Grounds. 

accessible  to  all.  I have  no  doubt  that  we  shall  have  a southern  Pacific  railroad, 
and  that  will  be  abundantly  satisfactory  to  us,  and  will  enable  us  to  visit  the  capi- 
tal whenever  it  may  be  necessary.  So  far  as  the  metes  and  bounds  of  the  United 
States  are  concerned  at  this  day,  I will  say  that  we  are  in  the  day  of  our  infancy; 
and  the  man  does  not  live  who  is  prepared  to  say  what  they  will  be,  or  who  is  pre- 
pared to  say  where  we  shall  stick  our  pegs  and  not  be  permitted  to  go  further.  Even 
Solomon  in  his  day  could  not,  perhaps,  have  done  it. 

I fondly  think  the  day  is  not  distant  when  the  stars  and  stripes  will  float  with 
proud  credit  and  honor  and  glory,  as  in  the  proud  old  days  of  Rome,  over  Mexico, 
Cuba,  and  all  the  islands  adjacent.  I believe,  as  I have  been  raised  to  believe 
from  my  earliest  boyhood,  that  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  is  second  only 
to  the  blessed  Gospel.  I believe  that  mankind  is  to  be  benefited,  and  I hope  they 
are  being  so  at  this  day,  by  the  light  shining  out  from  the  glorious  Constitution  of 
the  United  States,  and  there  is  no  telling  where  we  are  to  make  a stop.  In  that 
view  of  the  subject  I am  not  one  that  is  ready  to  look  to  a pittance  of  half  a million 
or  a million  dollars  for  the  improvement  of  the  mighty  capital  of  this  nation,  this 
greatest  city  known  to  civilized  man.  I am  glad  of  the  opportunity  to  vote  for  an 
appropriation  for  the  extension  of  these  improvements,  and  to  express  my  opinion 
and  determination,  as  I feel  now,  never  under  any  circumstances  to  vote  for  the 
removal  of  the  capital  of  this  glorious  nation. 

Mr.  Corbett.  I ask  for  the  reading  of  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Sherman.  It  is  a long  amendment  of  several  sections,  appropriating  §500,000 
to  extend  the  Capjitol  grounds. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  It  is  what  was  agreed  to  in  Committee  of  the  Whole. 

Mr.  Corbett.  Upon  that  question  I wish  to  make  two  or  three  remarks.  The 
extension  of  the  Capitol  grounds  has  been  a question  of  discussion  for  a great  many 
years.  We  have  the  result  of  a growth  of  some  sixty  years  in  the  grounds  in  front 
of  the  Capitol,  a small  space,  and  we  have  been  building  this  Capitol  nearly  sixty 
years.  We  all  know  that  it  takes  time  to  beautify  these  grounds,  that  it  takes  time 
to  plant  and  grow  trees.  We  may  erect  a building  in  a few  years,  but  we  cannot 
grow  trees  and  beautify  the  grounds  in  so  short  a time.  Therefore  I regard  it  as 
economy  to  obtain  this  additional  ground  as  soon  as  possible,  that  we  may  plant 
trees  and  beautify  the  space  in  a manner  commensurate  with  the  beauty  of  this 
Capitol  and  the  grandeur  of  this  Government,  and  to  meet  the  expectations  of  the 
people  who  visit  the  capital.  We  know  that  all  the  citizens  of  the  United  States 
who  visit  this  capital  expect  to  see  that  not  only  the  Capitol,  but  the  grounds  are 
beautiful  and  something  beyond  anything  else  in  the  United  States.  This  is 
acknowledged  to  be  the  most  beautiful  Capitol  building,  perhaps,  in  the  world,  and  I 
hope  we  may  lay  out  such  grounds  around  it  and  so  beautify  it  that  it  shall  always 
be  attractive,  and  that  it  shall  never  be  the  desire  of  any  portion  of  our  people  to 
remove  it. 

Mr.  Howard.  Mr.  President,  I shall  vote  for  this  amendment  and  against  striking 
it  out.  I hope  we  shall  provide  the  means  for  extending  and  beautifying  the  Capi- 
tol grounds,  so  far  as  it  is  practicable.  As  to  the  removal  of  the  capital,  the  change 
of  the  seat  of  Government,  Mr.  President,  if  it  were  a new  question  entirely,  I think 
I should  probably  vote  to  locate  it  at  some  different  place  from  this,  for  I think 
there  are  places  within  the  limits  of  the  United  States  that  would  be  more  consistent 
with  the  convenience  of  the  people  of  the  United  States  generally;  but  we  are  to 
remember  that  the  nation  has  already  expended  a vast  amount  upon  the  Capitol  and 
public  buildings  at  this  place;  not  less,  according  to  the  information  which  I can 
obtain,  than  sixty  million  dollars;  perhaps  even  it  would  rise  to  a higher  figure. 

In  the  case  of  a removal  of  the  capital,  we  see  very  plainly  that  this  large 
investment  of  money  would  become  next  to  useless  and  valueless;  for  it  is  not  to  be 
expected  that  the  materials  which  have  gone  into  the  public  buildings  here  could  be 


1096 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


removed  to  a considerable  distance  with  any  safety  or  with  any  profit  whatever. 
This  has  become  in  some  sort  an  ancient  city;  it  bears  the  hallowed,  sacred  name  of 
Washington,  which  sends  a thrill  to  the  heart  of  ever  true  American.  It  bears  the 
name  of  the  Father  of  his  Country,  whom  we  all  so  highly  reverence,  and  I look  in 
vain  for  the  time  when  this  seat  of  Government  shall  be  changed  for  any  locality  on 
the  great  Father  of  Waters  or  elsewhere  within  the  limits  of  the  United  States.  It 
is  hallowed  in  the  hearts  of  the  American  people  by  traditions  and  recollections  too 
sacred  to  be  treated  lightly;  and  I believe  to-day  if  the  question  were  propounded 
to  the  voters  of  the  United  States  whether  they  would  remove  the  seat  of  Govern- 
ment to  any  other  place  in  the  United  States  there  would  be  a vast  majority  of  votes 
against  the  removal.  They  love  the  name  of  Washington;  all  their  political  tradi- 
tions are  centered  at  Washington,  the  capital  of  the  United  States,  which  will  be  in 
aftertimes  as  sacred  in  the  minds  of  the  American  people  as  was  the  name  of  Rome, 
which  never  moved  an  inch  from  her  seven  hills  during  her  long  domination  of 
more  than  a thousand  years,  the  ruler  of  the  world;  as  sacred  as  is  the  name  of 
London  to  any  Briton  in  whatever  part  of  the  world  he  may  be;  as  sacred  as  the 
name  of  Paris,  which  has  also  been  the  capital  of  France  for  more  than  a thousand 
years.  The  mere  agitation  of  the  question  is  in  some  sort,  according  to  my  judg- 
ment, injurious  to  the  public  taste  and  to  the  public  feeling,  as  well  as  detrimental 
to  the  owners  of  property  in  this  District  and  to  the  stability  of  the  Government 
itself.  However  beautiful  or  excellent  may  be  our  form  of  government,  however 
excellent  may  be  our  laws  and  institutions,  however  attractive  they  may  be  to  the 
rest  of  mankind,  we  are  not  to  forget  that,  after  all,  there  is  in  the  popular  heart  a 
sort  of  superstitious  reverence  for  the  capital  of  their  country,  a feeling  which  draws 
the  attachment  of  the  citizen  to  the  center  of  the  nation  to  which  it  belongs. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  It  becomes  the  duty  of  the  Chair  to  remind  the  Senator 
from  Michigan  that  his  five  minutes  have  expired. 

Mr.  Howard.  I suppose  I must  respectfully  submit  to  the  order  of  the  Chair. 

Mr.  Casserly.  Mr.  President,  the  question  before  the  Senate  is  whether  an  amend- 
ment inserted  in  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  shall  be  allowed  to  remain  in  the  bill? 
That  amendment  proposes  to  add  to  the  Capitol  grounds,  and  it  is  conceded  calls  for 
a prompt  expenditure  of  $500,000.  It  is  a financial  question,  an  economical  question, 
whether  that  amendment  should  be  adopted  or  stricken  out.  For  one,  I regret  that 
the  question  of  the  removal  of  the  capital  has  been  brought  into  the  debate.  It  is 
not  a question  of  the  removal  of  the  capital.  As  I regard  it,  it  is  purely  a question 
whether  at  this  time,  under  all  the  circumstances,  we  should  add  any  expenditure, 
commencing  with  $500,000  and  drawing  after  it  probably  three,  four,  or  five  times  as 
much,  if  we  can  avoid  it.  So  far  as  the  question  of  removal  is  concerned  I am 
unable  to 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  The  Senator  is  entirely  mistaken  in  saying  that  it  will 
draw  any  further  appropriation  after  it.  The  buildings  on  these  squares  will  be 
amply  sufficient  to  fence  and  adorn  the  grounds. 

Mr.  Casserly.  I am  not  certain  that  I understand  the  Senator  from  Vermont. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I said  that  the  Senator  was  mistaken  in  supposing 
that  this  would  draw  after  it  any  further  amount  than  the  amount  for  the  bare 
payment  of  the  ground.  The  Senator  speaks  of  its  drawing  after  it  four  or  five 
times  as  much  more. 

Mr.  Casserly.  It  must  draw  after  it  a large  amount  more. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  But  the  buildings  on  the  ground  are  sufficient  to  pay 
all  that,  as  raw  material. 

Mr.  Casserly.  Why,  sir,  is  the  Senator  serious  in  telling  us  that  after  he  has  got  this 
ground,  the  buildings  upon  it,  which  of  course  are  of  no  value  except  for  what  he 
calls  the  raw  material,  will  produce  a fund  sufficient  to  put  these  grounds  in  proper 
order — to  sod  them,  to  plant  them  with  trees,  to  build  jDroper  walks,  to  construct 


The  Grounds. 


1097 


sufficient  drainage — without  any  additional  appropriation?  Why,  sir,  the  men  who 
are  to  take  charge  of  these  grounds,  the  additional  force  required  will  draw  after  it 
an  expense  which  will  be  no  trifle.  The  expenditures  for  the  public  grounds  in  the 
city  of  Washington  down  to  this  date  point  a moral  not  only  contrary  to  the  views 
expressed  by  the  Senator  from  V errnont,  but  the  amount  itself  is  enormous.  What 
have  we  to  show  for  it?  I think  it  will  be  within  bounds  to  say  that  no  similar 
expenditure  in  authentic  history  has  produced  results  so  slender  as  the  moneys 
expended  on  the  public  grounds  of  the  city  of  Washington.  We  have  out  of  all  of 
them  but  a single  park,  a single  square  that  one  of  us  could  show  with  any  feeling  of 
satisfaction  to  a stranger  either  from  the  United  States  or  from  Europe — I mean  the 
one  known  as  La  Fayette  square.  That  is  a creditable  public  ground,  and  that  is 
much  more  than  can  be  said  of  any  other  public  ground  in  this  city.  I speak  of 
them,  of  course,  as  not  mere  inclosures,  mere  paddocks,  mere  fenced  pastures,  but 
as  public  grounds. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  It  becomes  the  duty  of  the  Chair  to  remind  the  Senator 
that  his  five  minutes  have  expired. 

Mr.  Casserly.  I shall  vote  against  this  expenditure,  because  it  can  be  spared,  and 
I am  in  favor  of  sparing  anything  that  can  be  spared. 

Mr.  Stockton.  I am  very  sorry  to  differ  with  the  Senator  from  California  in  his 
view  of  this  subject.  I should  not  have  said  anything  about  it,  although  I am  a 
member  of  the  committee  that  reported  this  appropriation,  if  it  had  not  been  for  the 
remarks  that  he  has  just  made. 

He  said  when  he  first  rose  that  this  was  a mere  economical  question,  a question  of 
expenditure.  Now,  Mr.  President,  let  us  meet  it  on  that  ground.  The  chairman  of 
the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  on  another  occasion,  showed  to 
the  Senate  that  if  this  investment  had  been  made  six  or  eight  years  ago  hundreds  of 
thousands  of  dollars  would  have  been  saved.  To  make  it  now  is  to  save  hundreds 
of  thousands  of  dollars.  I should  like  to  ask  the  Senator  from  California  whether 
when  he  makes  a good  investment  in  real  estate  he  is  wasting  his  money?  And  I 
should  like  to  inquire  whether  it  is  a waste  of  the  public  money  properly  and  eco- 
nomically and  at  the  proper  time  to  invest  it  in  real  estate  in  the  capital  of  the 
nation?  No,  Mr.  President. 

Mr.  Casserly.  If  my  friend  will  allow  me  to  answer  him,  I certainly  should  not 
think  it  a good  time  to  invest  in  real  estate  when  I was  staggering  under  more  debt 
than  I could  pay. 

Mr.  Stockton.  Mr.  President,  if  I should  be  passing  along  in  some  of  the  old 
countries  of  Europe,  or  even  in  some  of  the  old  settled  parts  of  this  country,  and 
should  see  a magnificent  castle,  on  which  millions  of  dollars  had  been  spent,  with- 
out a roof  ever  having  been  put  upon  it,  I should  say  that  the  man  who  built  that 
castle  was  a thriftless  man;  and  so  I would  say  of  a man  who  invested  all  his  money 
in  walls  and  had  nothing  left  go  on  and  finish  his  mansion. 

The  Senator  from  California  complains  that  there  is  not  a public  square  in  this  city, 
except  one,  which  is  creditable  to  show1  to  any  stranger;  and  in  saying  that  he  says  but 
the  truth.  But  why  is  it  so?  It  is  because  gentlemen  come  in  here,  as  he  does  now, 
and  resist  appropriations  which  are  necessary  to  improve  these  grounds  and  make 
available  the  large  sums  already  invested.  The  city  of  Washington  now  contains 
many  magnificent  buildings  which  will  compare  with  the  buildings  in  many  of  the 
old  capitals  of  Europe,  and  it  wants  nothing  in  the  world  but  a little  proper  invest- 
ment of  money  at  the  present  time  to  become  an  ornament  to  this  country,  a city  of 
which  we  may  be  proud.  We  want  the  streets  properly  paved.  We  want  this 
investment  not  for  mere  pleasure-grounds  to  recreate  in,  as  has  been  said  in  this 
debate,  but  for  the  health  of  the  people;  and  in  addition  to  that,  in  order  that  all 
the  people  of  the  country  may  feel  that  proper  pride  in  the  capital  of  the  country 
that  they  ought  to  feel. 


1098 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


One  word,  sir,  on  the  removal  of  this  capital.  Gentlemen  make  themselves  proph- 
ets, and  predict  in  a solemn  way  that  this  capital  must  be  moved.  I know  there  are 
men  whose  policy  and  whose  politics  and  whose  statesmanship  consist  in  moving 
landmarks.  I trust  that  the  Senator  from  California  will  not  join  that  party.  There 
is  no  blessing  pronounced  on  those  who  move  landmarks.  I believe  in  holding  on 
to  all  the  landmarks  that  our  fathers  have  made,  and  one  of  the  most  sacred  of  those 
is  the  place  where  they  located  this  capital.  I trust  that,  in  this  generation  and  in 
our  time  there  will  be  enough  of  the  old  blood  of  the  Revolution  flowing  in  the  veins 
of  the  citizens  out  West,  who  emigrated  there  from  Vermont,  Massachusetts,  New 
York,  New  Hampshire,  and  my  own  State,  to  remember  that  the  capital  was  first  in 
Philadelphia;  from  there  it  went  to  Trenton;  that  it  followed  the  Army  and  its  for- 
tunes and  the  vicissitudes  of  the  war  to  Princeton,  and  after  all  those  bloody  fields, 
deliberately,  after  the  war  was  over,  was  set  down  and  located  here  in  the  city  of 
Washington,  in  a city  that  was  made  for  a capital. 

An  allusion  was  made  by  a Senator  on  the  other  side  of  the  Chamber  to  Rome. 
As  the  stranger  approaches  the  city  of  Rome,  and  looks  down  on  her  floating  in  the 
midst  of  the  Campagna,  he  salutes  her  with  the  great  twin  brethren  who  fought  so 
well  for  Rome: 

Hail  to  the  great  asylum ! 

Hail  to  the  hill-tops  seven ! 

Hail  to  the  fire  that  burns  for  aye, 

And  the  shield  that  fell  from  heaven ! 

And  so  may  the  pilgrim  from  the  distant  West,  in  approaching  this  beautiful  city, 
seated  on  these  magnificent  hills,  or  going  up  to  the  Soldiers’  Home  or  the  heights  of 
Georgetown,  and  looking  upon  the  broad  sweep  of  the  Potomac  coasting  the  Virginia 
hills,  and  the  Capitol  sitting  here  on  the  spot  that  nature  created  for  it,  feel  just  as 
proud  as  if  he  had  been  born  in  the  city  of  Washington,  and  as  happy  in  the  contem- 
plation as  though  he  had  a pecuniary  interest  in  the  improvement  of  the  capital. 

Mr.  President,  I wish  that  not  only  the  members  of  the  Legislatures  who  have 
passed  the  resolutions  in  favor  of  moving  the  capital,  but  all  the  agitators  of  this 
movement,  could  stand  on  the  heights  of  Arlington  and  watch  the  setting  sun 
reflected  from  the  dome  of  our  Capitol.  Let  them  turn  their  faces  to  Mecca  when 
they  worship;  let  them  not  forget  Jerusalem,  although  they  wander  in  strange  lands. 
Let  not  strength  and  manhood  forget  the  parent  that  cherished  its  infancy,  but  rather 
let  all  unite  in  a permanent  determination  that  at  least  this  old  landmark  shall  not 
be  removed.  The  safety  and  permanence  of  our  institutions  must  depend,  in  some 
measure  at  least,  on  cherishing  the  sacred  memories  that  hang  around  the  capital. 
I hope,  Mr.  President,  that  I shall  not  live  to  see  this  capital  removed,  for  it  will,  in 
my  judgment,  be  the  entering  wedge  of  disunion. 

Mr.  Cole.  The  objection  made  to  this  proposition  by  my  colleague  is  that  it  is 
against  economy  to  make  this  appropriation  at  this  time.  If  it  is  delayed,  it  will 
cost  more  whenever  it  is  made.  At  present  this  eastern  portion  of  the  city  is  neg- 
lected. It  has  heretofore  been  the  unattractive  portion  of  the  city.  The  property 
in  this  part  of  the  city  is  much  less  in  value  than  the  portion  to  the  west  of  the 
Capitol.  But  all  of  us  who  have  had  occasion  to  look  at  the  growth  of  this  city  are 
aware  that  it  is  now  extending  over  Capitol  hill  where  those  who  founded  the  city 
intended  it  should  be  placed. 

My  colleague  must  have  forgotten  the  vote  that  he  gave  a few  moments  ago  in  favor 
of  an  appropriation  of  $250,000  for  the  benefit  of  a class  of  clerks  who  have  not,  so 
far  as  has  appeared  in  the  debate,  asked  for  any  such  addition  to  their  present  com- 
pensation. If  the  Government  is  struggling  under  debt,  as  he  says,  and  is  almost 
unable  to  bear  the  burdens  upon  it,  that  addition  should  not  have  been  added  to 
those  burdens. 

The  question  of  the  removal  of  the  capital  has  been  brought  into  this  debate.  I 


The  Grounds. 


1099 


do  not  suppose  this  capital  will  ever  be  removed  from  this  place  while  the  Republic 
lasts.  It  is  said  to  be  only  a question  of  time  involved.  Sir,  there  are  other  ques- 
tions besides  the  question  of  time  involved  in  the  removal  of  this  capital.  The 
question  of  expense  is  a very  important  one.  The  public  improvements  made  by 
the  General  Government  in  this  city  in  the  construction  of  the  Capitol  and  other 
public  buildings  amount  to  not  less  than  $75,000,000,  and  the  removal  of  the  capital 
would  operate  virtually  as  an  abandonment  of  that  amount  of  property. 

There  is  also  a question  of  location,  a more  important  one  than  the  one  of  time 
merely.  It  would  be  utterly  impossible  to  fix  upon  any  new  site  by  the  concurrence 
of  any  very  considerable  portion  of  the  people  of  the  country.  The  State  of  Wis- 
consin would  claim  it;  the  State  of  Illinois  would  claim  it;  the  State  of  Iowa  I 
believe  claims  it;  the  State  of  Indiana  also;  and  Missouri  is  a prominent  candidate 
for  the  location  of  the  capital,  if  it  is  to  be  removed.  It  would  be  impossible  to  fix 
upon  any  site  if  the  question  were  merely  a question  of  removal,  without  reference 
to  the  expense  that  it  would  be  to  the  Government. 

But,  sir,  let  me  add  that  aside  from  the  question  of  the  expense,  if  this  were  only  the 
capital  by  its  designation,  without  any  improvements,  as  it  was  made  seventy  years 
ago,  I cannot  imagine  any  better  location  than  this.  I say  this  as  a resident  of  a 
part  of  the  Union  far  distant  from  this.  I do  not  know  of  any  better  selection  that 
could  be  made.  I would  not  remove  it  away  inland.  I would  leave  it  as  it  is,  in 
convenient  proximity  to  the  Atlantic  ocean,  if  it  cannot  be  taken  to  a place  nearer 
the  other  ocean. 

The  improvements  that  have  been  made  here  are  said  to  be  among  the  most  mag- 
nificent presented  by  any  nation.  I believe  they  are.  It  is  the  unanimous  voice  of 
those  who  have  traveled  far  and  wide  that  our  improvements,  our  public  buildings, 
are  equal  to  those  of  any  other  nation.  Shall  we  now,  with  all  the  sacred  associations 
clustering  around  Washington,  which  have  been  described  by  Senators  in  this  discus- 
sion, abandon  this  location,  abandon  these  improvements,  and  seek  some  other  site 
for  the  capital  of  the  country  merely  to  gratify  the  whim,  or  to  gratify  the  desire  of 
the  people  of  some  particular  locality  that  would  claim  the  capital  if  it  could  be  had 
by  merely  making  their  claim?  I can  see  no  reason  for  it,  either  growing  out  of  econ- 
omy or  out  of  convenience,  or  for  any  other  reason. 

Mr.  Carpenter.  I desire  simply  to  say  that  in  voting  for  this  appropriation  I do 
not  consider  myself  as  voting  for  the  removal  of  the  capital  or  continuing  it  at  this 
place.  If  we  were  to  change  this  capital  in  twenty  years,  if  it  was  certain  to  be 
removed  in  that  length  of  time,  I should  be  ashamed  to  leave  such  a field  as  this. 
Let  us  leave  a clean  sheet  behind  us  when  we  go;  and  within  twenty  years  it  is  safe 
to  say  the  capital  will  not  be  changed.  If  you  were  to  submit  to-day  the  proposition 
to  the  delegations  in  Congress  from  Minnesota,  Iowa,  Wisconsin,  Illinois,  and  Indiana 
to  locate  the  capital  it  would  be  twenty-five  years  before  they  would  agree  upon  a 
site.  Milwaukee  is  the  only  place  where  it  ought  to  be,  [laughter;]  and  yet  General 
Paine,  of  the  House,  and  myself  are  the  only  men  who  would  agree  upon  that 
location.  [Laughter.  ] 

Mr.  Drake.  I do  not  expect  to  live  to  see  the  day  that  the  capital  of  this  nation 
will  be  removed  from  this  spot.  I do  not  believe  there  is  a Senator  on  this  floor  who 
will  live  to  see  that  day  I am  opposed  to  the  entertainment  of  the  proposition  in 
any  form  to  remove  this  capital. 

In  addition  to  the  considerations  which  have  been  mentioned,  there  is  one  that 
would  control  my  vote  under  all  circumstances;  and  that  is  the  consideration  of 
climate.  I do  not  believe  that  there  can  be  found  in  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi,  to 
which  it  is  proposed  to  move  this  capital,  a spot  of  land  where  the  climate  would  be 
as  healthful,  as  pleasant,  taking  the  year  round,  as  this  one.  I never  was  aware 
until  I came  into  the  Senate,  more  than  three  years  ago,  of  the  superiority  of  this 
spot  in  the  matter  of  climate.  It  is  infinitely  superior  in  climate  to  my  own  home, 


1100 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


or  to  any  place  in  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi  that  I know  of  on  this  parallel  of  lati- 
tude. If  you  remove  it  far  enough  north  of  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi  to  get  rid 
of  the  fervid  heat  which  prevails  along  this  parallel  of  latitude,  then  you  get  up 
where  in  the  winter  the  climate  is  intolerable  from  its  changeableness,  from  the 
severity  and  the  extremity  of  the  alternations  of  temperature,  until  you  get  up  into  the 
hyperborean  regions  from  which  my  friend  from  Minnesota  [Mr.  Ramsey]  comes; 
and  there  it  takes  a start  in  the  winter  and  freezes  up,  and  the  whole  concern 
remains  frozen  up  for  about  six  months.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  President,  Missouri  has  been  mentioned  as  a candidate  for  the  location  of  the 
capital.  That  is  news  to  me.  There  is  only  one  spot  in  Missouri  that  has  been  men- 
tioned in  that  connection,  and  that  is  St.  Louis;  and  I venture  to  say  there  cannot 
be  found  one  hundred  men  in  the  State  of  Missouri  who  would  vote  for  Missouri  to 
give  up  the  city  of  St.  Louis  to  the  nation  for  a capital. 

Mr.  Cole.  If  the  Senator  will  allow  me 

Mr.  Drake.  I only  have  five  minutes. 

Mr.  Cole.  A very  improper  use,  then,  has  been  made  of  the  name  of  his  city  and 
State.  If  he  is  taken  by  surprise  he  is  the  only  person  in  the  body  who  is  taken  by 
surprise  at  it. 

Mr.  Drake.  I am  not  surprised  at  the  use  which  has  been  made  of  the  name  of  the 
city  of  St.  Louis  in  this  connection;  but  I am  taken  by  surprise  by  the  statement  of 
the  Senator  from  California  that  Missouri  is  a candidate  for  the  capital.  No  such 
thing,  sir.  I would  not  wish  any  man  in  Missouri  a more  sure  and  speedy  consign- 
ment of  himself  to  oblivion  as  a public  man  than  to  advocate  that  the  State  of  Mis- 
souri should  give  up  the  city  of  St.  Louis  to  this  nation  for  a capital. 

Mr.  Yates.  She  does  not  give  it  up. 

Mr.  Drake.  Yes,  she  does.  She  is  required  to  give  it  up  by  the  Constitution,  for 
the  Constitution  requires  that  the  United  States  shall  acquire  the  jurisdiction  over  the 
ten  miles  square  where  the  capital  is  to  lie  located,  and  the  State  of  Missouri  would 
laugh  at  any  man  who  should  propose  there  to  give  up  our  metropolis  to  the  United 
States  for  a capital.  And,  sir,  if  they  would  give  it  up,  I do  not  think  the  climate  is 
favorable,  and  it  ought  not  to  go  there. 

Mr.  Morton.  I was  much  surprised  to  hear  a remark  of  the  Senator  from  Wiscon- 
sin a few  moments  ago,  speaking  of  Milwaukee  as  being  a favorable  place  for  the 
location  of  the  new  capital.  I thought  it  was  understood  by  everybody  that  if  the 
capital  is  to  be  removed,  it  ought  to  go  to  the  neighborhood  of  Indianapolis,  [laugh- 
ter,] but  I am  not  now  presenting  the  claims  of  that  place. 

Mr.  Davis.  Mr.  President,  I have  always  indulged  myself  with  the  delusion,  it 
may  be,  that  this  city,  selected  for  the  capital  of  the  nation  by  Washington,  was  to  be 
its  permanent  capital.  I have  a faint  hope  that  that  is  so.  At  any  rate  it  is  the  wish 
of  my  heart.  If  the  option  was  given  to  me  at  this  moment  that  this  capital  should 
remain  in  its  present  site  or  go  to  the  city  of  St.  Louis  I would  say,  let  it  remain 
here  forever.  Like  the  honorable  Senator  from  Missouri,  I would  not  have  this  capi- 
tal by  a great  way  as  a gracious  gift  to  the  city  of  Louisville.  For  about  thirty  years 
I have  witnessed  the  spectacle  of  a people  having  no  power  of  self-government, 
oppressed,  wronged,  and  degraded  beyond  any  people  in  America,  and  they  are  the 
people  of  Washington  city,  resulting  from  the  fact  that  they  have,  under  the  Consti- 
tution, no  power  of  self-government.  I would  never  consent  that  the  proud  and 
noble  commercial  metropolis  of  the  State  of  Kentucky  should  be  reduced  to  any  such 
point  of  oppression  and  degradation.  I would  scorn  the  proffer  of  the  capital  of  the 
United  States  to  that  city  as  a gracious  gift. 

Sir,  I do  not  believe  that  Congress  have  the  power  under  the  Constitution  to  move 
the  capital.  I believe  it  was  located  under  the  Constitution  as  a single  act,  to  be 
performed  in  the  matter  of  locating  the  capital,  and  that  all  the  power  of  Congress 


The  Grounds. 


1101 


over  the  subject  was  thereby  exhausted.  As  long  as  that  Constitution  remains 
inviolate  in  that  respect  this  capital  will  be  immovable. 

If  Congress  now  refuses  this  appropriation  it  will  just  be  throwing  before  the 
' country  another  great  question  of  popular  excitement  to  agitate  the  whole  land, 
where  the  capital  is  to  be  removed  and  where  shall  it  be  located.  I regard  this  as 
one  of  the  great  vagaries  that  have  originated  in  this  day  and  generation.  I want 
this  question  at  least  settled.  I want  the  question  settled  as  far  as  Congress  can 
‘settle  it,  that  the  removal  of  the  capital  of  the  United  States  from  Washington  city 
is  not  an  open  question;  that  it  is  one  fixed  by  the  Constitution,  and  it  is  not  to  be 
unsettled  by  congressional  legislation. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  concurring  in  the  amendment  made  as 
in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  on  which  the  yeas  and  nays  have  been  ordered. 

The  question  being  taken  by  yeas  and  nays,  resulted — yeas  42,  nays  10;  as 
follows:  * * * 

So  the  amendment  was  concurred  in. 


[House  proceedings  of  June  27,  1870:  Congressional  Globe,  11 — 2,  p.  48G9.] 

The  House,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union,  having  under 
consideration  the  sundry  civil  bill  for  1871 — 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

Public  buildings,  under  the  direction  of  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension: 

For  finishing  and  repairing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension,  and  for  curbing  and  flagging  upper 
terraces,  $100,000. 

Mr.  Benjamin.  I move  to  strike  out  that  item.  Mr.  Chairman,  some  two  or  three 
years  ago  we  had  the  pleasing  intelligence  communicated  to  us  that  this  Capitol 
extension  was  then  complete,  and  that  the  large  appropriations  we  had  been  called 
upon  to  make  from  year  to  year,  that  had  amounted  in  the  aggregate  to  millions  of 
dollars,  would  cease  from  that  time,  and  that  we  would  be  asked  for  no  more  for  this 
Capitol  extension.  Last  year  we  found,  from  the  appropriation  bill  then  reported, 
that  there  was  a little  mistake  in  that;  that  it  was  not  quite  complete  yet;  and  a 
small  item  of  one  or  two  hundred  thousand  dollars  more  was  asked  for  and  voted 
for  completing  the  Capitol  extension. 

1 1 would  seem  from  the  item  now  before  us  that  somebody  is  still  further  mistaken; 
either  those  who  had  informed  us  that  this  Capitol  building  was  finished,  or  the  Com- 
mittee on  Appropriations,  1 do  not  know  which;  but  from  what  I have  been  able 
to  see  about  the  Capitol  I am  inclined  to  think  that  the  Committee  on  Appropria- 
tions must  be  mistaken,  and  that  this  amount  is  designed  for  some  other  purpose. 
This  is  ‘‘for  finishing  and  repairing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension,  and  for  curb- 
ing and  flagging  upper  terraces,  $100,000:”  A small  item,  it  is  true,  in  connection 
with  this  Capitol,  but  still  a considerable  item,  especially  when  added  to  the  numer- 
ous other  large  items  contained  in  this  and  the  other  appropriation  bills  we  have  been 
passing  during  this  session  of  Congress. 

Now,  Mr.  Chairman,  I do  not  believe  there  is  anything  in  the  condition  of  this 
Capitol  to-day  which  demands  that  we  should  appropriate  this  large  sum  of  money. 
I do  not  know  what  further  is  intended  to  be  done  if  we  vote  this  money  which  we 
are  asked  to  appropriate,  whether  it  is  to  be  for  embellishments;  whether,  as  is  sug- 
gested to  me  by  a gentleman  beside  me,  we  are  to  have  another  figure-head  on  the 
Capitol.  If  so,  I think  we  want  no  further  appropriations  of  money  merely  for  the 
embellishment  of  the  Capitol . Tax-ridden  as  our  people  now  are,  and  harassed  as  they 
are,  and  as  they  will  continue  to  be,  with  tax-gatherers  calling  upon  them  for  a portion 
of  their  earnings  year  after  year,  it  seems  to  me  this  is  not  the  time  to  appropriate  these 
large  sums  for  further  embellishing  this  Capitol.  It  is  not  needed  for  any  practical 


1102 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


purpose;  it  is  not  needed  for  the  preservation  of  the  building;  it  is  not  needed  for  any 
purpose  whatever,  unless  it  be  to  give  some  persons  employment  about  it  who  are 
now  idle. 

We  have  economy  preached  often  in  this  Hall;  we  have  economy  preached  in  the 
public  prints;  we  will  have  it  preached  largely  from  the  stump  during  the  canvass 
that  will  ensue  between  now  and  the  time  we  will  meet  here  again.  Now,  here  is  a 
place  where  we  can  practice  it;  where  we  can  save  to  the  Government  and  to  the 
people  at  least  $100,000,  and,  in  connection  with  items  that  are  to  follow,  $150,000. 
It  is  a substantial  saving  to  the  Government  and  the  tax-payers,  and  I insist  that  we 
commence  economy  here,  for  we  have  not  commenced  it  yet;  indeed,  we  have  been 
going  on  from  the  beginning  more  recklessly  than  in  either  of  the  Congresses  that 
have  preceded  this,  so  far  as  my  knowledge  extends;  and  I hope  the  committee  will 
strike  the  item  out. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Kelsey.  I rise  to  oppose  the  amendment  of  the  gentleman  from  Missouri  [Mr. 
Benjamin]  for  the  purpose  of  stating  one  or  two  things  that  do  not  seem  to  be  gener- 
ally understood  by  members  on  the  floor.  If  this  whole  $100,000  were  intended  for 
repairs  on  the  Capitol  it  would  still  be  less  on  the  cost  of  the  building  than  the  aver- 
age repairs  of  public  buildings  in  the  country.  If  the  gentleman  had  taken  pains  to 
go  upon  the  roof  of  the  building  and  examine  what  repairs  are  now  necessary  there 
he  would  have  seen  that  considerable  appropriations  are  needed  to  prevent  the 
building  from  going  to  rapid  decay.  If  he  will  examine  the  rooms  around  the  gal- 
leries of  this  House,  and  see  how  the  walls  are  stained  by  wet,  and  how  the  ceilings 
are  falling  off,  he  will  recognize  the  necessity  of  at  once  repairing  the  roof  so  that  the 
water  will  not  be  dripping  down  into  the  rooms  around  this  Hall. 

Mr.  Benjamin.  I understand  that  the  item  which  follows  this  is  for  the  very  pur- 
pose of  which  the  gentleman  speaks,  the  repair  of  the  roof. 

Mr.  Kelsey.  That  is  for  the  old  Capitol  building,  the  gentleman  will  observe. 
This  is  for  the  wings.  There  is  another  thing.  Every  one  can  see  at  a glance  that 
the  terraces  around  this  building  have  not  yet  been  flagged;  there  is  nothing  to  pre- 
vent their  washing  away  every  rain  that  comes.  This  money  is  wanted  for  that 
purpose  in  part. 

I think  the  estimates  for  repairs  of  the  Capitol  building  and  for  completing  these 
necessary  improvements  around  it  are  as  economical  as  they  can  be  made.  I believe 
the  architect  in  charge  of  this  work  is  one  of  the  most  careful  and  economical  men  in 
the  service  of  the  Government,  and  if  he  would  take  a little  more  pains  to  show  mem- 
bers of  the  House  what  is  really  necessary  to  preserve  this  building  and  take  care  of  it 
there  would  be  less  opposition  to  his  estimates  when  they  come  before  the  Committee 
of  the  'Whole.  I hope  the  motion  of  the  gentleman  from  Missouri,  to  strike  out  this 
appropriation,  will  not  prevail. 

Mr.  Bctlee,  of  Massachusetts.  I offer  the  following  amendment,  to  come  in  at  the 
end  of  the  paragraph: 

Provided , That  the  first  expenditure  of  this  appropriation  shall  he  devoted  to  grading  and  putting 
in  order  the  plateau  of  the  east  front  of  the  Capitol  and  making  proper  approaches  thereto. 

Everybody  that  has  seen  the  east  front  of  this  Capitol  knows  the  condition  in 
which  this  plateau  is  and  sees  the  necessity  that  it  should  be  first  put  in  order.  It  is 
now  a mud-hole.  The  approaches  are  such  that  nobody  can  reach  the  building  with 
any  comfort  or  convenience  tvho  does  not  come  in  the  horse-cars,  and  then  it  is  very 
uncomfortable  getting  from  the  cars  to  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Benjamin.  Would  not  this  very  item  that  follows  be  enough  to  provide  for 
that? 

Mr.  Peteks.  Lines  six  hundred  and  three  and  six  hundred  and  four  of  the  printed 
bill. 

Mr.  Butlek,  of  Massachusetts.  I know;  but  I want  that  to  be  the  first  thing  done. 


The  Grounds. 


1103 


We  have  made  appropriations  for  it  for  three  or  four  years;  and  now  I want  a pro- 
viso put  on  that  the  first  expenditure  shall  be  for  that. 

Mr.  Peteks.  Look  at  lines  six  hundred  and  three  and  six  hundred  and  four. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  I have  done  that. 

Mr.  Benjamin.  Those  lines  are  for  the  very  purpose  the  gentleman  states  he  has 
in  view. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  What  I desire  is  this,  and  1 pray  my  friend  from 
Missouri  [Mr.  Benjamin]  to  notice:  to  provide  that  this,  which  is  an  eye-sore  to  the 
whole  nation,  shall  be  first  attended  to. 

Mr.  Benjamin.  The  better  way  would  be  to  strike  out  these  lines,  and  then,  if 
necessary,  increase  the  next  item  for  that  purpose. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  I do  not  know  whether  this  first  item  is  necessary 
or  not.  However,  if  gentlemen  think  my  amendment  would  come  in  better  some- 
where else,  I will  withdraw  it  at  this  time. 

* * * 

The  cpiestion  recurred  upon  the  motion  of  Mr.  Benjamin,  to  strike  out  the  para- 
graph; and  being  taken,  upon  a division  there  were — ayes  30,  noes  49;  no  quorum 
voting. 

Tellers  were  ordered;  and  Mr.  Beaman  and  Mr.  Benjamin  were  appointed. 

The  committee  again  divided;  and  the  tellers  reported  that  there  were — ayes  49, 
noes  67. 

So  the  motion  to  strike  out  was  not  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Finkelnburg.  I move  to  amend  the  pending  paragraph  by  striking  out 
“$100,000”  and  inserting  “$50,000.” 

Mr.  Benjamin.  I move  to  amend  the  amendment  of  my  colleague  [Mr.  Finkeln- 
burg] so  as  also  to  strike  out  the  words  “finishing  and”  and  the  words  “for  curbing 
and  flagging  upper  terraces;”  so  that  the  paragraph,  as  amended,  will  read  “for 
repairing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension,  $50,000.” 

Mr.  Finkelnburg.  I suggest  that  the  question  had  better  be  first  taken  on  my 
amendment,  to  fix  the  amount  to  be  appropriated  for  this  purpose. 

Mr.  Dawes.  I think  the  House  of  Representatives  have  deliberately  considered 
this  question  of  enlarging  the  Capitol  grounds  and  making  further  expenditures  upon 
them.  And  after  the  House,  by  a very  large  vote,  have  decided  that  they  will  not 
expend  large  sums  in  enlarging  the  Capitol  grounds,  I do  not  think  the  gentlemen 
representing  the  western  interest  in  this  matter  are  actuated  by  the  same  spirit  which 
actuated  the  House  when  they  made  their  decision.  That  decision  was  made  upon 
the  ground  that  this  was  not  a suitable  or  a proper  time  to  make  these  large  expendi- 
tures. 

No  one  certainly  objects  to  putting  this  Capitol  building  in  proper  repair  and  in 
decent  condition,  not  involving  any  large  or  permanent  expenditures.  And  I do 
think  that  the  gentlemen  from  Missouri  [Mr.  Finkelnburg  and  Mr.  Benjamin]  on 
the  one  side  and  on  the  other  should  not  object  to  the  small  amount  asked  here  in 
order  to  put  the  building  in  a proper  condition  upon  the  plan  which  now  exists,  so 
long  as  the  friends  of  the  Capitol  retention  do  not  propose  to  enlarge  the  grounds  or 
enter  upon  any  permanent  expenditures.  The  friends  of  the  Capitol  extension  do 
not  propose  to  add  to  these  large  expenditures.  Then  let  gentlemen  refrain  from 
this  attempt  to  keep  the  building  and  the  grounds  about  it  in  an  unfit  state.  All  that 
is  desired  or  recommended  by  this  appropriation  is  to  finish  it  up  in  its  present  con- 
dition, to  complete  the  walks,  the  terraces  and  the  approaches  to  the  building,  and 
to  make  the  necessary  repairs  around  the  building.  That  is  all  this  appropriation  is 
asked  for;  not  a dollar  toward  any  enlargement  of  the  grounds,  or  any  permanent 
appropriation  that  ought  to  provoke  the  jealousy  or  local  prejudices  of  gentlemen 
here. 


1104 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 


Mr.  Benjamin.  In  moving  to  strike  out  this  paragraph  I did  not  do  it  with  any 
view  at  all  to  the  question  of  the  retention  of  the  Capitol  at  this  city.  I did  not  make 
the  motion  upon  that  principle.  I am  entirely  walling  that  this  Capitol  shall  be 
kept  in  repair.  I think  it  ought  to  be,  so  long  as  the  capital  of  the  nation  is  located 
here.  If  I had  had  any  view  with  reference  to  the  removal  of  the  capital  I certainly 
should  have  taken  another  course  in  bringing  the  matter  to  the  notice  of  the  com- 
mittee than  by  moving  merely  to  strike  out  an  appropriation  for  keeping  this  build- 
ing in  repair.  Neither  have  I any  jealousy,  as  the  gentleman  would  seem  to  inti- 
mate, toward  the  section  of  country  in  which  this  capital  is  located  or  the  section  of 
country  that-  desires  to  continue  it  here.  That  matter  does  not  enter  into  my  calcu- 
lation at  all.  But  1 do  think  that  this  is  an  extravagant  appropriation — an  amount 
entirely  unnecessary  in  connection  with  these  other  items  for  the  purpose  of  keeping 
this  Capitol  in  repair. 

Now,  the  gentleman  well  knows,  as  we  all  know,  that  these  wings  are  just  com- 
pleted. The  gentleman  from  New'  York  [Mr.  Kelsey]  says  that  we  want  to  prevent 
the  Capitol  from  being  washed  away  by  storms.  My  understanding  is  that  every- 
thing connected  with  the  walls  of  this  Capitol  is  of  marble;  and  if  so,  I apprehend 
that  during  the  next  twelve  months  the  storms  will  beat  against  it  in  vain,  and  there 
will  be  no  sensible  diminution  of  any  portion  of  it  which  is  exposed  to  the  v'eather, 
even  if  we  do  not  make  this  appropriation. 

Now,  this  item  is  not  for  repairs  of  the  Capitol.  I am  willing  to  grant  an  amount 
sufficient  for  necessary  repairs.  But  I have  moved  to  strike  out  the  words  “finish- 
ing” and  “curbing  and  flagging  upper  terraces;”  and  I hope  the  appropriation  will 
be  reduced  as  suggested  by  my  colleague  [Mr.  Finkelnbueg]  to  $50,000,  which  1 
apprehend  is  ample  for  the  purpose,  as  much  as  we  are  called  upon  by  any  exigencies 
which  may  arise,  to  appropriate  for  this  object. 

Mr.  Schenck.  I am  opposed  to  the  proposition  of  the  gentleman  from  Missouri 
[Mr.  Benjamin]  for  the  very  reason  that  the  appropriation  is  now  couched  in  proper 
terms.  This  appropriation  is  for  finishing  work  that  is  yet  incomplete;  it  is  not  for 
repairing  alone.  As  long  as  the  counsels  of  the  gentleman  and  others  of  similar 
views  prevail  I am  afraid  we  shall  have  to  continue  from  year  to  year  these  appro- 
priations for  1 ‘ finishing.  ’ ’ If  we  make  little  niggardly  appropriations,  for  instance, 
for  completing  in  part  a terrace  at  the  end  of  one  wing  of  this  Capitol,  and  then  leave 
it  in  an  incomplete  condition,  to  be  worn  down  by  the  next  rains  that  come,  we  must, 
of  course,  make  another  appropriation  the  next  year,  and  so  on  again  and  again.  It 
is  because  we  do  not  give  a sufficient  sum  at  once  to  finish  as  w'ell  as  to  keep  in  repair 
that  we  are  called  upon  to  appropriate  in  this  way  again  and  again  for  the  same 
object. 

So  far  as  this  whole  matter  is  concerned  I feel  a pride  in  the  capital  of  my  nation. 
I feel  a pride  in  almost  everything  in  this  building,  except  this  miserable  arrange- 
ment in  which  we  legislate,  a gaudy  box,  stuck  inside  another  gaudy  box,  without 
access  of  outer  air  at  all.  But  so  far  as  the  exterior  is  concerned  I am  proud  of  this 
building;  and  with  that  exterior  I w'ould  connect  all  its  proper  surroundings,  includ- 
ing these  terraces,  including  the  necessary  paving,  including  the  complete  finishing, 
so  that  on  approaching  the  building  one  may  see  that  it  is  not  only  completed  as  a 
building,  but  completed  in  its  setting.  I would  go  a little  further.  I regret  very 
much  not  to  have  been  here  to  record  my  vote  against  that  vandal  act  by  which  the 
House  of  Representatives  refused  to  take  in  these  adjoining  grounds  and  carry  out 
this  whole  work  as  it  was  originally  intended. 

As  to  all  this  talk  about  removing  the  capital  I must  say,  with  due  respect  to  the 
opinion  of  gentlemen  who  widely  differ  with  me,  that  I never  regarded  it  as  anything 
but  bosh.  We  have  reached  that  stage  in  the  history  pf  our  country  when  it  matters 
very  little  where  the  capital  is.  The  railroads  have  to  a considerable  extent  oblit- 
erated distance,  and  the  telegraphs  have  obliterated  time.  Therefore  our  capital 


The  Grounds. 


1105 


may  as  well  be  at  one  point  as  another,  for  all  practical  purposes.  When  I first  came 
to  Congress,  more  than  twenty  years  ago,  it  took  me  just  six  days  to  travel  from  my 
home  in  southwestern  Ohio  to  Washington.  The  people  of  San  Francisco  can  now 
come  here  in  that  time.  They  are  now  as  near  to  Washington  as  I was  then,  and  a 
little  nearer  if  you  take  into  account  their  superior  facilities  for  coming  and  the  com- 
fort with  which  they  can  travel.  What  future  improvements  may  he  made  in  the 
transportation  of  persons  as  well  as  of  property  from  one  part  of  the  country  to 
another,  so  as  to  make  it  easier,  I will  not  undertake  to  say. 

But,  sir,  here  the  capital  is,  here  it  is  likely  to  remain;  and  I wonder  any  gentle- 
man who  approaches  it  from  any  direction  does  not  feel  so  much  shame  at  its  sur- 
roundings as  to  be  willing  to  appropriate,  as  this  bill  proposes,  a reasonable  amount 
for  the  purpose  of  making  it  decent  in  its  approaches;  making  its  surroundings  as 
creditable  as  this  great  and  magnificent  building  itself.  I trust,  therefore,  not  a dol- 
lar will  he  taken  from  this  appropriation. 

The  question  recurred  on  the  amendment  to  the  amendment. 

The  committee  divided;  and  there  were — ayes  9,  noes  50;  no  quorum  voting. 

So,  no  further  count  being  demanded,  the  amendment  to  the  amendment  was 
disagreed  to. 

The  amendment  was  then  rejected. 

* * * 

[Page  4872.] 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

For  continuing  the  work  of  grading  and  filling  the  grounds  around  the  Capitol,  $25,000. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  I now  renew  the  amendment  I made  some  time 
since,  and  to  which,  I understand,  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  will  not  object. 
It  is  to  add  to  the  paragraph  just  read  the  following: 

Provided,  That  the  first  expenditure  of  this  appropriation  shall  be  devoted  to  grading  and  putting 
in  order  the  plateau  of  the  east  front  of  the  Capitol,  and  making  proper  approaches  thereto. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  July  6,  1870:  Congressional  Globe,  41 — 2,  p.  5285.] 

APPROACHES  TO  THE  CAPITOL. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I am  also  instructed  to  report  a joint  resolution,  which 
will  not  take  longer  than  to  have  it  read. 

The  joint'  resolution  (S.  R.  No.  243)  in  regard  to  grading  the  streets  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  Capitol  was,  by  unanimous  consent,  read  three  times,  and  passed.  It  requires 
the  mayor  of  the  city  of  Washington  to  have  the  grades  of  the  streets  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  Capitol  so  modified  and  established,  with  the  approval  of  the  chief  of  engi- 
neers of  the  Army,  the  officer  in  charge  of  public  buildings  and  grounds,  and  the 
architect  of  the  Capitol  extension,  as  may  be  necessary  to  effect  an  easy  and  proper 
approach  to  the  Capitol,  and  to  furnish  a plan  of  the  same  to  Congress  at  its  next 
session. 

[House  proceedings  of  July  14,  1870:  Congressional  Globe.  41 — 2,  p.  5596.] 

GRADING  STREETS  IN  VICINITY  OF  CAPITOL. 

The  next  business  on  the  Speaker’s  table  was  a joint  resolution  (S.  R.  No.  243)  in 
regard  to  grading  the  streets  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Capitol. 

The  joint  resolution  was  read.  It  requires  the  mayor  of  the  city  of  Washington  to 

H.  Rep.  046 70 


1106 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


have  the  grades  of  the  streets  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Capitol  so  modified  and  estab- 
lished, with  the  approval  of  the  chief  of  engineers  of  the  Army,  or  the  officer  in 
charge  of  public  buildings,  and  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension,  as  may  be 
necessary  to  effect  an  easy  and  proper  approach  to  the  Capitol,  and  furnish  a plan  of 
the  same  to  Congress  at  its  next  meeting. 

There  being  no  objection,  the  bill  was  taken  from  the  Speaker’s  table,  read  three 
times,  and  passed. 


[No.  115.  “A  resolution  in  regard  to  grading  the  streets  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Capitol,”  approved 
July  14,  1870.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  16,  389.)] 

Resolved  bij  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America  in 
Congress  assembled,  That  the  mayor  of  the  city  of  Washington  is  hereby  required  to 
to  have  the  grades  of  the  streets  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Capitol  so  modified  and  estab- 
lished, with  the  approval  of  the  chief  engineer  of  the  Army,  or  officer  in  charge  of 
public  buildings,  and  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension,  as  may  be  necessary  to 
effect  an  easy  and  proper  approach  to  the  Capitol,  and  to  furnish  a plan  of  the  same 
to  Congress  at  its  next  meeting. 


[From  the  ‘‘Act  mating  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  year 
ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-one,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  July 
15,  1870.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  16,  302.)] 

For  continuing  the  work  of  grading  and  rilling  the  grounds  around  the  Capitol, 
twenty-five  thousand  dollars:  Provided,  That  the  first  expenditure  of  this  appropria- 
tion shall  be  devoted  to  grading  and  putting  in  order  the  plateau  of  the  east  front  of 
the  Capitol,  and  making  proper  approaches  thereto. 


[The  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for 
the  year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-one,  and  for  other  pur- 
poses,” approved  July  15,  1870  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  16,  302),  also  contains  this  item, 
already  given  in  the  section  covering  the  Capitol  extension: 

Under  the  direction  of  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension. — For  finishing  and 
repairing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  Extension,  and  for  curbing  and  flagging  upper  ter- 
races, one  hundred  thousand  dollars.] 


[From  the  annual  report  of  J.  D.  Cox,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Oct.  31,  1870.  (41—3,  House  Ex.  Doc. 

No.  1,  pt.  4,  p.  xviii.)] 

The  Capitol  may  be  said  to  be  completed,  though  its  grounds  should  be  largely 
extended  to  correspond  with  its  majestic  proportions.  * * * It  may  be  deemed 
inexpedient  to  enlarge  the  area  of  the  Capitol  grounds  by  the  purchase  of  adjacent 
private  property,  but  no  one  can  seriously  question  the  propriety  of  suitably  improv- 
ing those  which  now  belong  to  the  United  States. 


[From  the  ‘‘Act  making  Appropriations  for  sundry  civil  Expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
Year  ending  June  thirty,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-two,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Mar.  3,  1871.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  16,  501.)] 

For  continuing  the  work  of  grading  and  filling  the  grounds  around  the  Capitol, 
twenty  thousand  dollars. 


The  Grounds. 


1107 


[House  proceedings  of  Dec.  18,  1871:  Congressional  Globe,  42 — 2,  p.  199.] 

ENLARGEMENT  OF  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Chipman  introduced  a bill  (LI.  R.  No.  765)  for  the  enlargement  of  the  grounds 
surrounding  the  Capitol;  which  was  read  a first  and  second  time,  ordered  to  lie 
printed,  and  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  5,  1872:  Congressional  Globe,  42 — 2,  p.  1422.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  legisla- 
tive, executive,  and  judicial  bill  for  1873 — 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I offer  an  amendment  from  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings  and  Grounds.  I desire  to  say  to  the  Senate  that  this  is  the  same  proposi- 
tion that  has  passed  time  and  again,  year  after  year,  for  the  addition  of  the  two 
squares  of  ground  on  the  east  side  of  the  Capitol.  It  seems  that  the  Senate  has  been 
unanimously  of  the  opinion  that  it  was  good  economy  to  take  these  two  squares,  for 
years,  and  I should  not  propose  the  amendment  again  only  that,  I understand  there 
is  a prospect  that  the  other  House  will  now  assent  to  the  proposition.  Therefore  I 
trust  it  will  pass  as  usual. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  amendment  will  be  read. 

The  Secretary  read  the  amendment,  which  was  to  insert  the  following  additional 
sections: 

[Identical  with  those  presented  by  Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont,  on  May  11,  1870.] 

Mr.  Cole.  I would  ask  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and 
Grounds,  of  which  committee  I happen  myself  to  be  a member,  whether  he  has  any 
assurance  that  the  appraisement  made  in  1861  will  be  sufficient  for  carrying  out  the 
object  of  this  proposition.  The  first  section  of  the  amendment  speaks  of  an  appraise- 
ment made  by  a commission  in  a report  to  Robert  Ould,  United  States  attorney  for 
the  District  of  Columbia,  on  the  21st  day  of  December,  1861.  The  question  comes 
up  in  my  mind  whether  that  method  of  getting  at  the  value  of  the  property  is  ade- 
quate at  this  time. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  The  Senator  will  see  that  there  is  another  alternative; 
that  if  it  cannot  be  accomplished  in  that  way,  the  grounds  are  to  be  condemned  by 
order  of  the  court,  as  usual.  It  is  only  put  as  an  alternative. 

Mr.  Cole.  I would  rather  this  should  come  up  as  a separate  measure.  Being  of 
the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  I am  in  favor  of  the  measure;  I 
hardly  dare  oppose  it  in  any  form  in  which  it  is  presented;  but  as  it  is  legislation  as 
well  as  asking  an  appropriation,  I would  rather  it  should  be  considered  as  an  inde- 
pendent measure.  That  is  all  I have  to  say  on  the  subject. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  The  only  practical  mode  of  getting  any  action  on  this 
subject  is  by  putting  it  on  the  appropriation  bill.  I hope,  therefore,  it  will  be 
agreed  to. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  the  adoption  of  the  amendment  of  the 
Senator  from  Vermont. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  1G,  1872:  Congressional  Globe,  42 — 2,  p.  1750.] 

EXTENSION  OF  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Chipman.  Mr.  Speaker,  I desire  to  avail  myself  of  the  courtesy  of  the  House 
for  a few  moments  to  speak  of  the  importance  of  extending  the  grounds  surrounding 
the  Capitol  building,  and  fixing  definitely,  for  all  time,  the  boundaries  to  the  same. 


] 108 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 


1 think  my  impression  as  a citizen  of  the  United  States  may  be  mentioned  as  the 
impression  of  all  persons  who  visit  this  great  Capitol,  that  this  Capitol  building  may 
be  regarded  as  a great  central  figure  in  the  plan  of  our  city,  representing  to  a certain 
extent  the  civilization  of  this  country.  While  the  beauty  of  this  building  in  its 
exterior  or  interior  is  beyond  comparison  with  any  other  building  erected  for  the 
same  purpose  in  the  world,  yet  the  moment  the  eye  leaves  the  Capitol  building 
itself,  it  rests  upon  surroundings  which  not  only  diminish  the  beauty  of  the  building, 
but  present  a standing  reproach  and  disgrace  to  the  wqole  people  of  this  country. 

Here  we  have  a structure  which  has  cost  not  far  from  ten  or  twelve  million  dollars, 
and  which  is  yet  uncompleted  on  its  original  plan.  The  center  must  be  projected 
eastward  and  improvements  made  at  that  point,  with  the  plan  of  which  we  are  all 
familiar,  before  it  can  be  said  that  the  Capitol  building  is  complete.  Then,  when 
that  is  done,  and  you  have  here  the  forty  additional  members  of  Congress  that  have 
been  added  to  the  already  large  list,  and  when  you  have  developed  in  this  country, 
after  ten  or  twenty  years,  vast  interests  the  consideration  of  which  will  center  in 
this  great  building,  it  will  be  discovered  that  the  present  Capitol,  with  the  proposed 
extension  in  the  center,  and  excluding  from  the  Capitol  building  the  Supreme  Court 
and  our  great  Congressional  Library,  and  the  Court  of  Claims,  and,  in  short,  all  the 
offices  of  the  Government  whose  duties  are  not  directly  connected  with  the  legislative 
branch  of  it — I say,  when  these  are  all  excluded,  as  they  will  be,  from  the  Capitol 
building,  it  will  be  found  that  it  is  scarcely  adequate  to  the  needs  of  this  growing 
country. 

Now,  sir,  if  you  will  take  up  a map  showing  the  surroundings  to  the  Capitol,  and 
the  limit  of  the  grounds  as  now  prescribed,  you  will  perceive  that  squares  687  and 
688,  lying  the  one  to  the  northeast  of  the  Senate  wing  and  the  other  to  the  southeast 
of  the  House  wing,  are  essential  to  the  completion  of  the  grounds,  not  only  in  an 
esthetic  point  of  view,  but  in  a practical  point  of  view,  as  much  so  as  it  is  essential 
for  a man  to  have  proper  grounds  surrounding  his  residence  to  enable  him  to  have 
free  ingress  and  egress  to  and  from  it. 

You  will  perceive,  by  examining  this  map,  that  the  distance  at  present  from  the 
northeast  corner  of  the  Senate  wing  to  the  southwest  corner  of  block  No.  687,  now 
commonly  known  as  “Whitney’s,”  is  but  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  feet.  Then, 
if  you  will  examine  the  plan  further,  it  will  be  seen  that  the  distance  between  the 
southeast  corner  of  the  House  wing  and  the  northwest  corner  of  square  688,  com- 
monly known  as  “Sanderson’s,”  is  about  the  same.  Thus  it  will  be  seen  that  by 
preserving  in  front  of  the  Capitol,  which  must  be  done  if  the  grounds  are  restricted 
to  their  present  limit,  a street  of  a hundred  feet  width,  which  is  the  ordinary  width 
of  streets  in  this  city,  there  will  remain  surrounding  those  portions  of  the  Capitol  to 
which  I have  alluded  a space  of  but  fifty  feet,  and  if  reduced  by  the  terraces  and 
pavements  that  are  necessary  to  the  protection  of  this  portion  of  the  Capitol  building, 
it  will  be  found  that  this  street  of  one  hundred  feet  will  run  practically  against  the 
very  Capitol  itself. 

Now,  I need  not,  I hope,  Mr.  Speaker,  attempt  to  prove  to  this  House  that,  this 
building  should  not  be  confined  by  any  such  limits.  The  Government  already  owns 
the  grounds  inclosed  upon  the  west  front  of  the  Capitol  building.  It  also  owns  the 
ground  extending  to  B street  north  on  the  north  front  of  the  Capitol.  It  owns  the 
grounds  extending  to  First  street  east  of  the  Capitol,  and  to  B street  south,  south  of 
the  Capitol.  By  taking  in  the  two  squares  which  I have  indicated  the  grounds  will 
be  embraced  in  what  I may  describe  as  a parallelogram;  but  by  excluding  these  two 
squares  there  is  and  always  will  be  a disagreeable  projection  into  the  very  heart  of 
these  grounds,  marring  their  harmony,  and  making  it  impossible  for  ornamentation, 
except  in  certain  directions  from  the  Capitol  building.  I do  not  believe  that  it  com- 
ports with  the  dignity  of  this  nation,  nor  is  it  contributive  to  the  good  order  of  Con- 


The  Grounds. 


1109 


gress,  that  private  property  should  abut  so  closely  to  the  national  Capitol  and  be 
subject  to  occupation,  as  it  now  is,  by  saloons  and  restaurants. 

But  without  speaking  further  of  the  plan  itself,  or  of  its  importance  to  the  Govern- 
ment in  making  this  Capitol  something  of  an  exponent  of  the  civilization  of  our  peo- 
ple and  illustrating  their  appreciation  for  the  beautiful  as  well  as  the  useful,  let  me 
suggest  a few  points  wherein  further  delay  upon  this  subject  will  work  great  injury 
to  private  property,  and  to  the  interests  of  private  individuals  as  well  as  the  public. 
I assume,  sir,  that  no  intelligent  person  in  this  House,  unless  it  be  some  one  who  is 
innoculated  with  the  idea  of  removing  the  national  capital,  a scheme  at  once  mis- 
chievous, and  I think  unpatriotic,  will  say  that  ultimately  these  two  squares  are  not 
to  be  included  within  the  Capitol  grounds.  It  is  then  a question  simply  as  to  when 
this  shall  be  done.  This  is  not  a new  question.  It  has  agitated  Congress  within  my 
own  observation  for  eight  years,  and  the  records  of  Congress  will  show  that  the  idea 
was  discussed  for  many  years  previous  to  1861. 

Before  speaking  of  the  peculiar  hardships  to  citizens  residing  upon  Capitol  Hill, 
let  me  call  the  attention  of  the  House  to  the  report  of  the  district  attorney  of  the 
United  States  for  the  District  of  Columbia,  made  under  the  authority  of  an  act  of 
Congress  approved  .Tune  25,  1860.  This  report  will  be  found  in  Miscellaneous  Docu- 
ment, Senate  No.  17,  Thirty-sixth  Congress,  second  session.  I call  attention  to  this 
report,  not  for  the  purpose  of  giving  it  entire,  although  it  cannot  be  found  except 
upon  the  files  of  the  Senate,  but  more  particularly  to  show  that  this  is  not  only  not 
a new  question,  but  that  Congress  and  the  nation  are  pledged  to  a certain  extent  to 
make  this  purchase,  and  that  the  people  living  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Capitol  building 
who  have  abstained  from  improving  their  property  have  done  it  upon  the  faith 
which  the  Government  pledged  in  this  act  of  Congress  that  this  purchase  would 
be  made. 

This  report  shows  the  total  valuation  of  the  property  as  assessed  at  the  time  by  the 
corporation  authorities  of  Washington  city.  It  also  shows  the  actual  valuation  of 
the  property  as  reached  by  nine  of  our  most  intelligent  citizens,  who  under  oath 
made  an  award  and  a report  which  the  district  attorney  of  that  day  submits  with 
his  report.  The  aggregate  value  was  $417,574  90. 

The  district  attorney  stated: 

‘ ‘ It  may  be  safely  assumed  that  the  total  cost  of  the  purchase,  including  all  expenses,  cannot  exceed 
$500,000,  allowing  the  most  extravagant  margin  possible  to  cover  such  cases  where  the  value  named 
in  the  report  of  the  commissioners  may  be  refused  and  a resort  to  legal  proceedings  rendered  neces- 
sary.” 

I have  had  prepared  within  a few  days  by  the  District  authorities  a statement  show- 
ing the  assessed  valuation  of  these  two  squares  with  the  improvements,  and  without 
giving  it  in  detail  I would  state  that  the  valuation  of  square  No.  687  is  §175,661,  and 
of  square  No.  688,  §202,820,  making  a total  of  §378,481.  I think  it  may  be  assumed 
as  true  that  owing  to  the  peculiar  situation  of  these  two  squares  and  the  doubts 
which  will  always  hang  over  titles  in  consequence  of  this  proposed  enlargement  of 
the  grounds,  the  assessed  valuation  which  I have  given  would  not  be  increased  by  an 
assessment  of  any  jury,  so  that  the  total  would  exceed  the  sum  of  §500,000,  from 
which,  of  course,  should  be  deducted  the  value  of  the  materials  which  would  be 
removed  from  the  squares.  The  value  of  the  improvements  as  given  by  the  report  of 
the  assessors  amounts  to  about  one  hundred  and  forty  thousand  dollars. 

There  are  some  other  facts  connected  with  the  subject  which  I wish  to  give  in 
this  connection  as  tending  to  show  the  favorable  side  of  this  purchase.  I find  as  an 
exhibit  to  this  same  report  to  which  I have  alluded,  a statement  made  by  Mr.  Ran- 
dolph Coyle,  an  old  and  skilled  surveyor  of  this  city  for  many  years,  from  which  I 
give  the  following  facts:  the  present  area  of  the  Capitol  grounds  is,  1,348,976  square 
feet,  or  30.986  acres;  the  area  of  the  proposed  enlarged  ground  will  be  2,450,578  square 
feet,  or  56.257  acres;  the  difference  between  the  present  and  the  proposed  inclosure 


1110 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


is  1,111,602  square  feet,  of  which  254,986  feet  is  private  building  ground,  and  the 
remainder,  856,616  feet,  public  spaces,  avenues,  streets,  and  public  alleys. 

Thus  you  will  perceive,  Mr.  Speaker,  that  in  a purchase  of  these  two  squares  the 
Government  will  come  into  possession  by  its  right  to  close  the  alleys  and  avenues, 
and  including  the  public  spaces  about  the  Capitol,  of  a quantity  of  ground  more  than 
three  times  as  great  as  that  which  it  is  proposed  to  purchase.  This  statement  will  be 
varied  probably  somewhat  in  the  total  by  excluding  from  the  estimate  two  small 
squares  which  are  not  now  included  in  the  proposed  plan  of  extension;  but  the  rela- 
tive advantage  which  the  Government  will  derive  by  this  purchase  by  possessing 
itself  of  what  are  now  streets,  avenues,  and  alleys,  will  not  be  materially  changed. 
Tli  is  tends  directly  to  reduce  the  cost  of  the  purchase,  and  should  be  considered  in 
that  connection. 

Now,  sir,  one  word  with  regard  to  the  effect  of  this  measure  upon  the  present  and 
future,  not  only  of  the  improvements  in  the  city  of  Washington  at  large  but  more 
immediately  upon  those  contemplated  upon  Capitol  Hill.  There  is  at  present,  I may 
say  truthfully,  no  decent,  certainly  no  convenient  approach  to  the  Capitol  from  the 
west,  which  is  the  locality  occupied  by  the  great  masses  of  our  population,  and  no 
such  approach  can  be  made  with  the  present  limited  area  of  the  Capitol  grounds. 
The  people  of  the  District  have  made  a loan  of  $4,000,000  for  the  purpose  of  beautify- 
ing and  improving  the  capital  of  the  nation.  In  the  plan  of  improvement  which  is 
proposed  to  be  adopted,  Capitol  Hill  forms  a part.  Our  people  appreciate  the  impor- 
tance of  the  Capitol  building  itself  as  the  central  figure  in  this  great  plan  of  improve- 
ments. This  plan  stretches  in  its  extent  from  the  limits  of  Georgetown  in  the  west, 
to  the  limits  of  Washington  in  the  east.  Improvements  are  going  on  in  the  western 
portion  of  our  city,  but  in  this  portion  immediately  surrounding  the  Capitol,  those 
which  are  dependent  to  a certain  extent  upon  the  grade  which  may  be  established 
permanently  about  the  Capitol  are  stopped  and  must  remain  suspended  until  this 
question  is  settled. 

Sir,  it  is  the  remark  of  all  persons  who  visit  this  city  that  Washington  should  have 
been  built  upon  Capitol  Hill.  Why  it  wras  not  so  built  is  a question  unnecessary  for 
me  to  answer,  but  certain  it  is  that  Capitol  Hill  is  one  of  the  most  desirable  and 
delightful  portions  of  the  District  of  Columbia  for  private  residences;  and  must 
ultimately  become  one  of  the  most  popular  and  attractive  portions  of  the  city  for  that 
purpose.  It  should  be  the  wish  of  all  who  feel  an  interest  in  the  development  of  the 
national  capital  that  the  improvements  in  the  city  should  be  made  as  much  as  possi- 
ble throughout  the  entire  city  and  for  the  equal  benefit  of  all,  so  that  you,  Mr. 
Speaker,  who  may  prefer  to  live  on  Capitol  Hill,  or  my  friend  who  has  just  spoken, 
who  may  prefer  to  live  in  the  western  portion  of  the  city,  may  have  equal  facilities 
and  advantages  of  ingress  and  egress  to  the  Government  buildings  in  the  various 
parts  of  the  city,  and  especially  to  the  national  Capitol  building.  But,  sir,  so  long 
as  there  remains  a doubt  about  the  boundaries  of  the  Capitol  grounds,  so  long  will 
this  beautiful  part  of  the  city  remain  unimproved  to  a certain  extent,  and  unsought 
by  investors  in  real  estate. 

You  will  find,  by  passing  around  the  two  squares  I have  indicated,  Nos.  687  and 
688,  that  there  is  not  a house  which  has  been  constructed  upon  either  of  those  squares 
since  Congress  authorized  an  assessment  with  a view  of  purchase.  This  plan  of  the 
extension  of  the  grounds  has  hung  over  this  property  like  a pall.  The  lots  that  are 
unimproved  have  remained  vacant  and  useless  to  their  owners,  while  houses  have 
gone  into  dilapidation  and  decay,  and  have  not  produced  a sufficient  income  to  war- 
rant the  owners  in  keeping  them  in  even  ordinary  repair.  Not  only  that,  but  the 
squares  immediately  opposite  these,  outlying  the  present  proposed  limits  to  the 
Capitol  grounds,  have  been  affected  by  this  same  unsettled  condition  of  affairs.  Sup- 
pose that  any  man  places  a valuable  improvement  upon  any  one  of  these  squares  he 
may  be  said  to  do  so  to-day  caveat  emptor;  so  that  if  he  puts  an  improvement  there 


The  Grounds. 


1111 


which  would  not  be  made  with  economy  and  prudence,  he  would  be  liable  to  loss  in 
case  the  Government  should  dispossess  him. 

In  his  report  to  Congress,  in  1861,  the  United  States  district  attorney  said: 

It  may  not  be  considered  inappropriate  to  say  that  very  many  of  the  parties  interested  consider 
that  they  are  justly  entitled  to  a settlement  of  this  matter  at  this  session  of  Congress,  as  it  has  been 
in  suspense  for  many  years.  They  complain  that  they  cannot  rent  their  property  for  any  fixed 
period  of  time,  and  that  they  feel  unwilling  to  improve  the  vacant  ground,  or  add  to  present  improve- 
ments, in  their  state  of  uncertainty  as  to  when  the  Government  may  think  proper  to  take  it  and  at 
what  prices. 

You  know,  sir,  there  is  a proposition  made  to  reduce  the  grade  upon  the  east  front 
of  the  Capitol,  so  as  to  give  the  building  a greater  elevation,  and  repair  to  some  extent 
the  mistake  which  was  made  in  locating  the  Capitol  building  where  it  now  is,  instead 
of  placing  it  about  the  line  of  First  street,  east.  The  doubt  which  still  obtains  upon 
the  point  of  reducing  the  grade  has  retarded  improvements  upon  those  squares  which 
would  be  affected  by  that  change,  which  outlie  the  limits  to  the  Capitol  grounds 
which  I have  described.  I can  state,  I believe,  without  violating  any  confidence, 
that  there  is  a proposition  to  build  a mammoth  hotel  upon  the  square  immediately 
east  of  the  House  wing  of  the  capitol,  fronting  on  First  street  east  and  the  Capitol 
grounds. 

This  proposed  hotel  is  to  be  fitted  up  more  particularly  for  the  accommodation  of 
members  of  Congress  and  their  families,  visitors  to  the  national  Capitol,  and  the 
traveling  public;  and  that  negotiation  hangs  to  day  unclosed  in  consequence  of  the 
doubts  resting  upon  this  question.  Within  the  last  year  a fine  block  of  houses,  cost- 
ing hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars,  has  been  erected  on  East  Capitol  street  by  an 
enterprising  citizen,  and  they  are  to-day  imperiled  by  this  question  of  the /change  of 
grade  around  the  Capitol  building;  nor  can  that  fine  row  of  houses  be  provided  safely 
with  any  pavement  in  front  of  them  until  this  question  of  the  grounds  is  settled,  and 
the  grade,  which  is  a necessary  question  involved  in  the  extension,  is  settled. 

There  is  this  consideration  which  may  be  mentioned  also:  the  march  of  improve- 
ment in  this  city  will  not  wait  a great  while  the  tardy  action  of  Congress  in  securing 
proper  protection  to  the  public  buildings.  Whether  the  United  States  will  complete 
its  necessary  work  or  not,  the  citizens  of  the  District  of  Columbia  propose  to  do  their 
part  of  it,  and  this  will  involve  necessarily  a large  expenditure  of  money  upon  Capitol 
Hill  for  improvements  which  will  ultimately  have  to  be  changed  by  the  action  of 
Congress  itself.  Those  improvements  must  necessarily  enhance  the  value  of  property 
upon  Capitol  Hill,  as  they  are  enhancing  the  value  of  property  in  the  western  portion 
of  the  city,  and  they  cannot  fail  to  have  their  effect  upon  this  measure  and  the 
squares  which  it  is  proposed  to  take  in;  so  that  while  we  may  to-day  or  this  summer 
purchase,  by  the  consent  of  the  property-owners,  these  squares  at  less  than  their 
actual  value,  and  less  than  the  maximum  figures  I have  given,  8500,000,  I do  not 
believe  that  they  can  be  purchased  a year  or  two  hence  for  much  less  than  double 
the  sum,  so  that  economy  would  dictate  their  purchase  at  this  time. 

The  rapid  growth  of  Capitol  Hill  will  astonish  any  one  who  has  not  watched  it  for 
the  last  five  years.  This  growing  population,  comprising  our  intelligent  and  enter- 
prising citizens,  should  not  be  cut  off  from  other  portions  of  the  city,  as  they  now 
are  practically,  by  this  impassable  ground  around  the  Capitol. 

This,  Mr.  Speaker,  is  not  a local  improvement.  It  is  not  an  improvement  which  will 
materially  affect  the  property  interests  of  the  people  of  the  District  of  Columbia.  I do 
not  speak  upon  this  question  as  the  representative  alone  of  the  people  of  the  District  of 
Columbia,  but  I urge  this  measure  upon  the  House,  as  of  national  importance.  We 
should  not  only  protect  the  public  faith  and  the  public  credit,  but  we  should  protect 
the  nation  from  the  disgrace  and  humiliation  which  will  attend  a postponement  of  this 
question  of  completing  the  surroundings  of  the  national  Capitol  building.  You  may 
expend  from  year  to  year,  ten,  fifteen,  or  twenty  thousand  dollars,  as  you  have  been 


1112 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


doing,  but  as  was  truthfully  said  by  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Butlek,] 
the  other  day,  in  the  discussion  which  was  sprung  upon  the  House  upon  this  ques- 
tion, those  appropriations  are  made  only  to  fill  up  the  places  which  are  made  waste 
again  by  the  storms  of  the  fall  and  winter. 

I ask  any  gentleman  here  if  he  has  perceived  in  the  last  ten  years  any  material 
improvement  in  the  grounds  surrounding  the  Capitol  building.  Our  citizens  are 
beautifying  and  building  up  the  city  several  squares  from  these  grounds,  but  they 
dare  not  expend  money  where  you  desire  it,  and  they  desire,  for  fear  it  will  be  lost 
to  them.  I came  in  here  to  day,  Mr.  Speaker,  somewhat  unexpectedly  to  say  a 
word  upon  this  subject,  because  the  House  will  be  called  tqton  to  meet  the  issue 
probably  during  the  coming  week.  The  Senate  has  for  several  years,  and  almost 
with  unanimity,  insisted  upon  making  a sufficient  appropriation  to  purchase  these 
two  squares  and  complete  these  grounds,  and  year  after  year  the  House,  from  a sense 
of  economy,  and  doubting  probably  the  propriety  of  making  the  purchase,  have 
struck  out  the  appropriation. 

I hope  that  this  year  the  usual  opposition  will  not  be  made  to  this  extension.  I 
do  not  believe  the  time  will  ever  come  when  the  Government  can  better  afford  to 
make  this  purchase,  and  I trust  there  will  be  no  more  delay  in  the  matter.  I am 
looking  into  a not  distant  future  which  shall  present  in  Washington  a city  that  shall 
illustrate  the  great  characteristics  of  our  people.  If  the  Government  of  the  United 
States  would  pay  to  the  authorities  of  the  District  of  Columbia  its  fair  proportion  of 
the  tax  upon  its  own  property,  we  would  make  this  city  a great  one  and  a beautiful 
one  without  further  cost  to  the  Unitxl  States,  and  would  agree  also  to  make  this  pur- 
chase which  I am  now  urging.  On  this  near  future  the  people  whom  I have  the 
honor  to  represent  propose  to  make  their  impress.  We  ask  that  the  United  States 
shall  not  retard  us  in  that  work  by  refusing  to  do  that  which  all  must  see  is  a neces- 
sity, and  for  the  doing  of  which  the  United  States  has  itself  given  its  pledge. 

Let  ns,  then,  no  1< mger,  while  we  point  with  pride  to  this  great  building,  and  exhibit 
to  our  friends  and  visitors  its  beauties  and  the  glory  of  its  architecture;  let  us  no 
longer  be  obliged,  as  we  conduct  them  from  this  splendid  monument  to  American 
taste,  to  apologize  for  the  shabby,  mean,  and  disgraceful  condition  of  its  surroundings. 

This  is  not  in  any  sense  a sectional  question,  and  those  who  favor  this  measure  are 
the  representatives  of  no  section.  The  discussion  which  was  sprung  upon  the  House 
the  other  day  developed  in  a few  minutes  the  fact  that  it  has  the  support  of  Repre- 
sentatives from  ocean  to  ocean.  I hope,  then,  that  no  false  economy,  that  no  dread 
of  the  responsibilities  of  the  presidential  year,  that  no  possible  and  not  probable 
effect  on  the  reelection  of  any  member  of  Congress;  in  short,  that  no  personal  reasons, 
will  be  urged  against  the  measure  at  this  time. 

I had  hoped,  Mr.  Speaker,  to  have  secured  time  from  my  other  duties  to  have  pre- 
pared with  some  care  the  reasons  for  making  this  extension  of  the  Capitol  grounds  at 
this  time,  and  I had  thought  of  presenting  them  in  connection  with  a bill  for  this 
purpose  which  I introduced  at  the  beginning  of  the  session.  But  the  probability  is 
that  the  question  will  have  to  be  met,  coming  to  us  from  the  other  branch  of  Con- 
gress, before  the  bill  can  be  reported  which  I introduced.  This,  sir,  is  my  apology 
for  stating  in  this  cursory  and  possibly  disjointed  manner  the  reasons  in  support  of 
this  measure. 


[House  proceedings  of  Apr.  11,  1872:  Congressional  Globe,  42 — 2,  p.  2373.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  LTnion  having  under 
consideration  the  Senate  amendments  to  the  legislative,  executive,  and  judicial  bill 
for  1873 — 

The  Clerk  read  the  ninety-second  amendment  as  follows: 

[Identical  with  the  sections  presented  by  Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont,  in  the  Senate  on  May  11,  1870, 
except  this  proviso  is  added  to  the  section  beginning  “That  the  fee-simple  of  all  premises  so  appro- 


The  Grounds. 


1113 


priated  for  public  use,”- etc.:  " Provided , That  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  is  hereby  authorized  to 
sell  at  public  auction  such  materials  in  the  buildings  in  squares  Nos.  687  and  688  as  are  not  necessary 
for  the  public  works  in  this  District;  and  further,  that  the  moneys  realized  by  such  sales  shall  be 
applied  to  the  improvement  and  extension  of  the  Capitol  grounds.”] 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  This  ninety-second  amendment  of  tne  Senate  consists  of 
several  sections,  which  provide  for  the  condemnation  and  purchase  by  the  Govern- 
ment of  file  United  States  of  two  squares  east  of  the  Capitol  lying,  respectively  north 
and  south  of  the  public  grounds  immediately  in  front  of  the  building.  This  has 
been  the  subject  of  discussion  in  Congress  since  1861,  at  which  time  proceedings  were 
had  to  ascertain  the  value  of  these  grounds  with  a view  to  adding  them  to  our  public 
grounds.  The  subject  was  laid  over,  but  two  or  three  times  since  it  has  been  brought 
up  in  the  House.  At  the  last  session  of  Congress  the  Senate  put  on  the  same  amend- 
ment. Those  two  squares  amount  to  about  three  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  square 
feet  of  ground,  and  it  is  estimated  it  will  cost  in  the  neighborhood  of  half  a million 
dollars. 

The  assessments  made  by  the  city  authorities  on  these  grounds  amount  to  about  three 
hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars  and  the  opinion  has  been  expressed  before  the 
Committee,  by  gentlemen  who  are  familiar  with  the  facts,  that  an  increase  to  the 
sum  of  half  a million  dollars  would  probably  be 'the  total  cost  for  the  property  so 
subjected  to  condemnation  for  public  uses. 

It  is  said,  on  the  one  hand,  that  since  the  Government  gave  the  first  intimation  in 
1861  that  it  desired  to  take  possession  of  that  property,  the  interests  of  all  parties 
concerned  have  been  paralyzed  by  the  uncertainty  hanging  over  their  decision. 

The  Committee,  after  carefully  considering  the  question,  came  to  the  conclusion 
that  they  would  ask  the  House  to  non-concur,  not  merely  as  a formal  matter,  but  as 
the  expression  of  the  sentiment  of  the  House,  so  that  when  this  matter  goes  to  the 
conference  committee  the  conferees  on  the  part  of  the  House  may  know,  as  far  as  a 
vote  can  let  them  know,  what  the  wishes  of  the  House  are  in  this  regard.  Of  course 
a conference  must  be  free  and  without  instruction;  but  1 ask  the  attention  of  the 
House  to  the  matter,  so  that  when  the  vote  is  taken  it  may  be  in  some  manner  an 
index  of  what  the  House  intends  to  do.  I have  no  doubt  that  some  day  or  other 
those  two  squares  will  belong  to  the  Government  property  here.  But  it  seems  to  me, 
in  the  first  place,  a bad  practice  to  put  in  an  appropriation  bill  a measure  of  this  sort. 
These  provisions  ought  to  be  in  a distinct  bill,  where  the  whole  subject  can  lie 
debated  on  its  own  merits. 

Mr.  Hoar.  I desire  to  ask  the  gentleman  from  Ohio  [Mr.  Garfield]  one  question. 
If  this  purchase  must  sooner  or  later  be  made  by  the  Government,  will  not  the  rise 
in  value,  on  the  strength  of  that  belief,  be  more  than  the  interest  on  this  appropria- 
tion? 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  That  may  be  true.  But  the  property  has  not  been  rising 
in  value  since  1861  at  anything  like  the  rate  at  which  the  surrounding  property  has 
been  rising  in  value.  It  ought  to  be  conceded,  however,  that  this  very  naturally 
results  from  this  question  of  doubt  hanging  over  it.  We  have  been  informed  that 
only  §25,000  of  betterments  in  the  way  of  buildings  have  been  put  on  those  two 
squares  since  1865,  for  the  reason  that  men  will  not  risk  their  money  on  ground  the 
value  of  which  hangs  by  so  uncertain  a tenure.  For  my  own  part,  I should  have  pre- 
ferred doing  something  to  put  these  two  public  squares  in  the  general  reservation,  if 
the  people  of  this  District,  and  the  Congress  with  the  people,  had  not  shown  their 
disposition  to  entertain  the  future  possibility  of  cutting  our  public  grounds  in  two 
by  substantially  giving  away  for  nothing  one  hundred  and  twenty  thousand  square 
feet  of  ground. 

Mr.  Finkelnburg.  I would  like  to  understand  from  the  chairman  of  the  committee 
what  amount  of  expenditure  there  would  likely  be  under  this  provision? 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  We  cannot  tell.  This  provision  is  for  the  condemnation 
of  the  property.  The  estimate  is  that  it  will  amount  to  about  half  a million  dollars. 


1114 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Finkelnburg.  For  the  real  estate? 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  That  would  be  the  entire  amount. 

Mr.  M aynard.  I move  to  strike  out  the  last  word,  for  the  purpose  of  saying  that  if 
this  measure  had  been  adopted  twenty  years  ago,  the  time  when  it  was  determined 
to  enlarge  the  Capitol,  it  would  have  cost  the  Government  probably  not  one  fourth 
part  of  the  amount  which  it  will  cost  now.  And  it  will  not  cost  now  one  fourth  part 
of  what  it  would  cost  the  Government  perhaps  five  or  ten  years  from  this  time.  We 
may  as  well  decide  now  as  ever  where  we  will  have  the  public  grounds  around  the 
Capitol  extend.  That  the  American  people  will  ever  consent  that  the  grounds  around 
this  building  shall  remain  as  they  are  now,  or  in  anything  like  the  same  general  con- 
dition as  they  are  in  now,  surrounded  by  unsightly  buildings,  and  in  a generally 
dilapidated  state,  for  any  great  length  of  time,  I have  not  the  slightest  idea.  We 
owe  it  to  the  country  of  which  this  is  the  capital,  we  owe  it  to  the  self-respect  of  the 
American  people  that  we  shall  take  early  and  prompt  action  in  removing  now  what 
is  a disgrace,  and  a disgrace  which  stares  every  man  in  the  face  who  comes  to  the 
city  and  stops  at  the  foot  of  Capitol  hill. 

I trust  that  the  House  will  cooperate  with  the  Senate  in  this  amendment — and  I 
rose  for  the  purpose  of  expressing  that  opinion — and  in  the  carrying  into  effect  what 
is  a well-digested  and  mature  plan,  having  the  approval  of  the  Committees  on  Public 
Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  two  Houses;  a plan  which  has  had  the  approval  of 
every  committee  and  of  every  one  who  has  made  an  examination  of  the  matter  by 
order  of  Congress,  and  which  has  been  postponed  only  because  it  would  cost  a con- 
siderable present  sum  of  money. 

The  postponement,  as  I have  already  observed,  has  cost  the  Government  too  much, 
and  if  it  is  postponed  further  it  will  cost  us  a good  deal  more.  It  is  a thing  that  will 
ultimately  be  done,  and  if  we  do  not  do  it,  if  we  are  not  capable  of  doing  it,  our 
successors  will  be  capable  of  rising  to  the  height  of  the  question,  and  will  do  it. 
There  is  no  building  anywhere  of  anything  like  the  importance  of  this  public  building 
that  is  surrounded  by  such  shabby  premises  as  surround  this  Capitol.  We  ought 
twenty  years  ago  to  have  condemned  this  property  and  paid  for  it  such  sum  as  might 
have  been  agreed  upon,  or  if  we  could  not  agree  upon  any  price,  by  some  judicial 
process  the  price  of  the  surrounding  property  could  have  been  settled.  Then  the 
surrounding  property  would  have  gone  into  the  market  and  would  have  been  built 
upon  and  improved,  instead  of  the  unsightly  structures  which  now  surround  the 
Capitol.  I understand  that  under  the  rules  the  first  question  will  be  upon  concurring 
in  the  amendment  of  the  Senate,  and  I trust  that  the  amendment  will  prevail.  I 
now  withdraw  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Storm.  Mr.  Chairman,  I renew  the  amendment.  I rise  simply  to  say  I hope 
the  House  will  concur  in  the  recommendation  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations 
to  non-concur  in  this  amendment.  I do  not  see  the  use  of  our  buying  lands  to  enlarge 
the  grounds  around  the  Capitol  when  we  are  giving  lands  away  to  corporations  for 
nothing.  1 do  not  believe  in  the  policy  of  paying  large  sums  of  money  for  valuable 
tracts  of  lands  or  squares  in  this  city,  and  then,  by  a vote  of  the  House,  giving  them 
all  away  to  rich  corporations.  I am  afraid  that  if  we  enlarge  the  grounds  upon  the 
east  side  of  the  Capitol  it  will  only  excite  the  cupidity  of  some  rich  corporations, 
and  they  will  come  here  and  get  them  as  a gratuity.  The  great  difficulty  in  improv- 
ing the  grounds  around  the  Capitol  is  that  we  have  allowed  the  railroad  companies 
to  build  depots  too  close  to  us,  and  driven  away  all  improvements  that  would  adorn 
the  lands  around  the  Capitol.  If  we  pursue  the  policy  which  was  adopted  by  the 
House  last  week,  the  further  extension  of  the  grounds  will  rather  injure  than  bene- 
fit the  Capitol.  Let  us  improve  the  grounds  we  have,  (and  I think  we  have  enough. ) 
Let  us  settle  the  policy  whether  we  will  continue  to  give  away  lands  for  nothing 
before  we  buy  any  more  lands. 

Mr.  Maynard.  I suggest  to  the  gentleman  that  he  can  hardly  prevent  the  lands 
being  used  for  some  valuable  and  useful  purposes  unless  we  take  them  and  improve 


The  Grounds. 


1115 


them.  He  would  not,  I suppose,  follow  the  policy  of  the  dog  in  the  manger,  the 
policy  of  not  using  them  ourselves  or  allowing  them  to  be  used  for  any  other  purpose. 

Mr.  Storm.  I think  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  was  in  favor  the  other  day  of 
giving  the  right  to  a railroad  company  to  build  a depot  upon  a Government  reserva- 
tion because  we  cannot  improve  it.  Now,  let  us  not  buy  any  more  lands  when  we 
cannot  improve  those  we  already  have. 

Mr.  Maynard.  I propose  to  improve  the  lands  we  have  and  to  buy  other  lands,  so 
as  to  make  the  grounds  commensurate  to  the  building. 

Mr.  Storm.  A portion  of  this  land  was  given  away  to  the  Baltimore  and  Potomac 
Railroad  Company. 

Mr.  Maynard.  If  necessary  we  can  tell  them  to  get  out  of  the  way.  We  have  got 
two  railroad  companies  now  passing  through  the  Capitol  grounds,  and  this  amend- 
ment proposes  that  they  shall  be  removed,  and  whenever  we  propose  to  improve  any 
part  of  the  grounds  we  have  retained  the  power  of  removing  these  railroad  compa- 
nies and  letting  them  go  elsewhere. 

Mr.  Storm.  You  refused  last  year  to  improve  these  grounds. 

Mr.  Maynard.  We  retained  the  power  to  remove  any  structures  that  may  be  put 
there. 

Mr.  Banks.  I offer  the  following  amendment: 

Add  to  section  twelve  these  words: 

And  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  shall  be,  and  is  hereby,  authorized  and 
directed  to  cause  the  removal  of  the  locomotive  railway  track  in  front  of  the  west  entrance  and  the 
public  grounds  adjoining.  All  acts  or  parts  of  acts  inconsistent  with  this  provision  are  hereby 
repealed. 

Mr.  Banks.  I am  perfectly  willing  to  vote  the  appropriaton  which  has  been  pro- 
posed by  the  Senate  in  their  amendment;  but  I think  the  removal  of  the  incumbrances 
now  upon  the  Capitol  grounds  ought  to  be  first  provided  for.  The  privilege  of  running 
this  locomotive  track  along  in  front  of  the  Capitol  was  given  during  the  war  by  an  act 
of  Congress  in  1863,  and  it  requires  some  action  on  the  part  of  Congress  to  authorize  its 
removal.  Sir,  there  is  not  another  city  in  the  world  where  a railway  track  of  this 
character  would  be  allowed  to  stand  in  front  of  the  Capitol  and  the  public  grounds. 
And  inasmuch  as  it  is  proposed  to  vote  a large  sum  of  money  for  the  extension  of 
the  Capitol  grounds,  it  seems  to  me  to  be  incumbent  upon  us  to  provide,  at  least  so 
far  as  we  can,  for  the  removal  of  these  obstructions  which  are  so  dangerous,  I may 
say  so  indecent. 

Mr.  Maynard.  I desire  to  say  but  a few  words  upon  this  subject.  At  the  beginning 
of  the  war,  as  I now  recollect,  there  was  not  a single  place  where  there  was  a line  of 
continuous  travel  between  the  States  lying  south  of  the  Ohio  and  the  Potomac,  and 
the  States  lying  north — a fact  in  connection  with  the  intercourse  between  the  two 
sections  that  very  often  attracted  my  attention,  and  which  was  found  to  have  a great 
deal  of  significance.  During  the  war  that  matter  was  obviated,  and  several  connect- 
ing lines  were  made.  But  east  of  the  Alleghany  mountains  this  very  line  of  railroad, 
to  which  the  amendment  of  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Banks]  applies, 
is  the  only  connecting  line  at  present.  We  have  now  in  contemplation  another  con- 
necting line  of  railroad.  As  soon  as  the  Baltimore  and  Potomac  railroad  is  completed, 
and  the  structure  we  voted  for  the  other  day  shall  have  been  brought  in  condition 
for  public  use,  that  will  obviate  the  necessity  for  this  track  so  far  as  it  is  a connecting 
link.  But  until  that  is  done  this  amendment  of  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts 
should  not  go  into  effect,  because  it  is  exceedingly  important,  not  only  in  a commer- 
cial, but  in  a social  and  political  view,  that  the  two  sections  of  the  country  shall  be 
bound  together  by  this  line  of  intercommunication,  so  that,  a man  can  take  a sleeping- 
car,  for  example,  in  the  city  of  Lynchburg  or  the  city  of  Charlottesville,  and  if  he 
choses  to  make  the  journey,  find  himself  in  the  morning  in  one  of  the  northern  cities. 
Previous  to  the  war  such  a thing  was  impossible.  It  is  now  possible,  and  is  made 


1116 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


possible  by  this  very  track  that  the  gentleman  has  frequently  aimed  at  in  previous 
suggestions  he  has  made,  and  which  he  now  aims  at  by  this  amendment. 

Mr.  Banks.  1 do  not  object  to  a continuous  railway  communication  between  the 
South  and  the  North,  but  it  cannot  be  necessary  for  that  communication  that  a rail- 
way shall  run  within  twenty  feet  of  the  west  front  of  the  Capitol  grounds,  a danger- 
ous and  improper  obstruction.  The  ground  voted  the  other  day  by  the  House  for  a 
railway  depot  on  Sixth  street  does  not  give  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  any  con- 
tinuous connection.  When  he  gets  it  it  will  give  him  just  the  same  connection  that 
he  will  have  if  this  track  in  front  of  the  Capitol  is  taken  up.  There  is  not  a city  nor 
a town  in  the  world  that  would  allow  a railway  track,  without  any  public  necessity 
or  convenience  whatever,  to  remain  directly  in  front  of  the  Capitol  and  the  Capitol 
grounds.  If  we  are  now  going  to  extend  these  grounds,  we  should  provide,  at  least 
so  far  as  we  can,  for  the  removal  of  these  obstructions. 

The  Chairman.  Debate  upon  the  amendment  to  the  amendment  of  the  Senate  has 
been  exhausted. 

The  question  was  then  taken  on  the  amendment  moved  by  Mr.  Banks  to  the 
amendment  of  the  Senate;  and  it  was  agreed  to,  upon  a division — ayes  seventy-five, 
noes  not  counted. 

The  question  was  upon  the  amendment  of  the.  Senate  as  amended. 

Mr.  Wood.  I move  to  strike  out  the  last  word  for  the  purpose  of  saying  that  I hope 
we  will  concur  in  the  amendment  of  the  Senate.  I presume  there  is  really  no  room 
for  a difference  of  opinion  as  to  the  propriety  of  the  removal  of  certain  very  obnox- 
ious incumbrances  upon  the  grounds  about  this  Capitol,  and  upon  securing  the  neces- 
sary grounds  about  the  finest  Capitol  in  the  world. 

In  my  travels  I have  visited  every  one  of  the  European  capitals  and  inspected  the 
public  buildings  there;  and  I feel  justified  in  saying  that  this  is  the  finest  Capitol  in 
the  world.  But,  sir,  no  Government  in  Europe  would  for  a day  tolerate,  in  prox- 
imity to  its  Capitol  buildings,  such  things  as  we  have  within  sight  of  this  Capitol 
from  our  very  windows. 

If  we  delay  the  adoption  of  this  proposition  the  cost  of  the  ground  will  in  the 
future  be  very  much  more  than  it  is  now.  While  we  are  engaged  in  completing  this 
building  and  in  perfecting  the  embellishments  and  rural  decorations  with  which  we 
are  all  so  familiar,  and  of  which  we  are  so  proud,  I think  it  is  the  proper  time  for  us 
to  secure  these  two  blocks  of  ground  and  lay  them  out  in  uniformity  with  the  gen- 
eral plan  of  improvements  in  the  vicinity  of  this  building.  I hope,  therefore,  we 
shall  avail  ourselves  of  this  opportunity  and  agree  to  the  proposition  of  the  Senate, 
thus  securing  for  the  Government  this  ground  necessary  for  finishing  in  a proper 
manner  the  surroundings  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Chipman.  Mr.  Chairman,  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations 
[Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio,]  suggested  as  a possible  reason  why  this  measure  should 
not  be  adopted  at  the  present  time,  that  the  House  has  granted  to  a railroad  com- 
pany the  right  to  use  a certain  portion  of  the  reservation  toward  the  President’s 
House,  nearly  half  a mile  distant.  How  there  can  be  any  logical  connection  between 
allowing  a railroad  company  to  occupy  for  depot  purposes  a portion  of  a reservation 
half  a mile  distant,  and  a proposition  to  enlarge  the  grounds  immediately  surround- 
ing the  Capitol,  is  beyond  my  comprehension. 

Now,  1 want  to  say  one  word  to  the  friends  of  the  measure  just  alluded  to.  I want 
you  to  support  the  present  proposition;  for  you  see  it  is  sought  to  be  defeated  on 
account  of  the  vote  which  you  cast  some  days  ago  upon  the  other  question.  I have 
consulted  at  least  two  of  the  finest  landscape  gardeners  in  this  country  upon  the  effect 
of  the  location  of  a railroad  depot  on  that  reservation;  and  while  I am  not  at  liberty 
to  give  their  names,  I will  state  that  one  of  those  gentlemen — an  author  of  much 
reputation — gave  it  to  me  as  his  opinion  that  it  would  not  seriously  impair  the  reser- 
vation extending  toward  the  President’s  House.  No  one  claims  that  it  would  not 


The  Grounds. 


1117 


impair  it  somewhat,  but  it  will  not  do  so  seriously.  I therefore  ask  the  chairman  of 
the  Committee  on  Appropriations  to  withdraw  the  objection  which  he  makes  to  this 
amendment,  on  the  ground  that  the  House  in  its  wisdom  has  deemed  it  right  to 
authorize  the  location  of  a depot  at  some  distance  from  the  Capitol.  I call  upon  him 
not  to  connect  these  measures,  for  they  can  have  no  connection  logically. 

I wish  now  to  say  a word  for  my  constituents.  This  measure  itself  i3  national;  and 
I am  glad  there  are  some  members  who  can  take  a broad  view  of  the  question.  But 
locally  the  failure  to  act  favorably  upon  the  pending  proposition  is  a serious  detri- 
ment to  our  people.  At  present  Capitol  Hill  is  cut  off  from  the  lower  part  of  the 
city,  because  we  cannot  make  improvements  around  the  Capitol  until  you  have 
established  the  grades.  We  have  no  right  to  establish  a grade  anywhere  around 
these  grounds,  and  we  cannot  go  on  with  the  improvements  proposed  here  in  the 
District,  continuing  the  streets  and  avenues  from  the  lower  part  of  the  city  to  the 
upper  part,  until  this  question  has  been  finally  determined. 

There  is  another  reason  in  favor  of  this  proposition.  These  two  squares  which  it 
is  proposed  to  include  in  the  Capitol  grounds  are  lying  at  present  useless  to  their 
owners.  The  proposed  enlargement  of  the  Capitol  grounds  hangs  over  this  property 
like  a pall.  And  the  effect  is  extended  beyond  these  two  squares.  Property  imme- 
diately abutting  upon  the  squares  proposed  to  be  taken  in  can  be  bought  for  about 
the  same  as  property  two  or  three  squares  distant.  Owners  of  property  in  the  two 
squares  in  question  cannot  sell  and  they  dare  not  improve.  You  are  holding  this  ax 
over  them,  neither  improving  or  enlarging  your  grounds  or  allowing  them  to  do  so. 
It  is  not  right  or  just  or  fair  to  keep  these  people  in  this  condition.  I am  speaking 
now  only  locally  and  for  the  interest  of  these  people  most  directly  interested.  Either 
make  this  purchase  now  or  say  it  never  will  be  done. 

If  I were  to  speak  from  a national  standpoint,  1 would  speak  as  some  gentlemen 
have  spoken  here  to-day  with  reference  to  the  effect  of  this  measure  upon  our  whole 
people.  You  cannot  afford  to  continue  a building  worth  from  twelve  to  fifteen  mil- 
lion dollars  in  the  midst  of  surroundings  which  you  would  never  tolerate  around 
your  private  residences.  But  as  an  investment  the  Government  can  afford  the  pur- 
chase. The  private  property  in  the  squares  amounts  to  about  one  third  as  much  as 
would  be  embraced  in  the  streets,  avenues,  and  alleys  which  would  be  inclosed  with 
the  grounds.  But  I do  not  put  the  matter  on  so  low  a ground.  We  owe  it  to  the 
nation’s  honor  to  wipe  out  this  disgrace  and  relieve  our  country  from  this  standing 
reproach. 

I venture  to  say  there  is  not  a member  on  this  floor  who  owns  a homestead  who 
has  not  expended  more  money  for  its  surroundings  than  you  have  expended  here  on 
the  surroundings  of  this  magnificent  temple.  It  is  a shame  and  a disgrace  to  your 
civilization,  and  it  is  a stigma  on  the  national  name  that  it  should  be  allowed  to 
remain  here  in  that  condition,  and  that  we  should  hesitate  to  pass  so  just  and  wise  a 
bill.  I thank  in  behalf  of  my  people  the  gentlemen  who  have  dared  to  sj)eak  for  it, 
and  I hope  the  committee  will  vote  for  it. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Wood.  I withdraw  my  amendment. 

Mr.  Swann.  I renew  it.  Mr.  Chairman,  when  this  subject  came  up  at  the  last  ses- 
sion of  Congress  a similar  amendment  to  the  one  now  under  consideration  was  pro- 
posed by  the  Senate.  I rise,  sir,  to  say  that  I am  in  favor  now  as  I was  then  of  the 
purchase  of  these  squares  so  necessary  to  the  embellishment  of  this  Capitol.  In  the 
first  place,  we  are  under  an  obligation  to  the  property  holders  around  this  Capitol  to 
give  them  a definite  answer  as  to  whether  or  not  these  reservations  are  required  as 
necessary  appendages  to  the  improvements  now  being  projected.  I quite  agree  with 
the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  [Mr.  Storm]  when  he  expressed  apprehension 
that  after  we  have  purchased  this  property  hereafter  some  railroad  company  might 
come  in  and  claim  a subsidy,  as  has  been  done  on  a former  occasion.-  Neither  he 


1118 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


nor  I can  be  held  responsible  for  this.  I can  only  say  that  I am  opposed  to  all  these 
subsidies.  I am  for  keeping  the  Government  property  intact  around  this  Capitol 
and  everywhere  else  in  the  city. 

I consider  it  a disgrace  that  the  Capitol  of  this  nation  should  be  kept  in  the  condi- 
tion in  which  it  is  now,  and  in  which  it  has  been  for  some  time  past.  Since  this 
question  was  first  agitated  here  this  property  has  been  greatly  enhanced  in  value. 
It  is  worth  more  to  day  than  it  was  last  year,  as  you  will  find  when  you  come  to 
condemn  it,  and  so  it  will  continue  to  improve.  If  it  be  established  that  the  seat  of 
Government  is  to  remain  where  it  is,  and  I believe  there  is  no  question  on  that 
point,  I hold  the  Government  ought  to  procure  promptly  all  the  property  necessary 
to  complete  the  plans  to  make  this  Capitol  what  it  should  be — the  center  of  attrac- 
tion of  the  whole  nation,  as  well  as  a place  to  be  resorted  to  and  admired  by  the  peo- 
ple of  the  whole  country,  and  not  only  by  our  own  citizens,  but  by  those  who  visit 
it  from  every  part  of  the  world. 

These  reservations,  sir,  are  necessary  if  you  mean  to  carry  out  the  plans  projected 
with  a view  to  the  Capitol  improvement  already  so  creditable  to  the  nation;  and  I 
say,  Mr.  Chairman,  that  it  is  a great  mistake  to  suppose  the  people  are  opposed  to 
any  extension  of  these  grounds  or  to  any  appropriation  of  money  necessary  to  make 
this  Capitol  what  it  should  be.  They  will  the  rather  applaud  your  action  as  wise 
and  judicious.  On  that  ground  I shall  vote  not  only  for  the  appropriation  asked  for 
here  to  extend  our  limits  so  as  to  complete  these  plans,  but  to  whatever  extent  may 
be  necessary  to  make  this  Capitol  attractive  in  all  its  appointments.  I think  we  owe 
it  to  the  people  of  this  country  that  the  Capitol  of  the  nation  should  not  be  kept  in 
the  condition  in  which  it  has  been  for  years  past. 

This  appropriation  is  a small  one.  At  all  events,  it  is  not  one  of  such  magnitude 
as  to  interfere  with  the  general  appropriations  of  the  country.  It  is  one  demanded 
for  the  convenience  of  the  Representatives  of  the  people,  and  of  all  who  resort  to  the 
seat  of  Government.  On  that  ground  I advocate  it  and  hope  it  will  be  sustained  by 
members  on  both  sides  of  the  House. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Perry,  of  Ohio.  If  I understood  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Appropria- 
tions in  his  remarks  on  this  proposed  appropriation,  he  was  rather  in  favor  of  making 
it,  but  felt  it  his  duty  to  call  our  attention  to  the  fact  that  it  was  a little  incongruous 
to  our  rules  to  attach  it  to  an  appropriation  bill.  If  I understood  his  meaning  cor- 
rectly, that  embodied  in  substance  his  objection  to  this  provision  of  the  bill.  It  was 
a very  proper  thing  for  him  to  call  our  attention  to.  But  this  measure  was  before 
the  House  last  spring,  and  has  been  before  it  so  many  times,  and  is  so  well  under- 
stood, that  it  appears  to  me  that  we  might  as  well  dispose  of  it  at  once.  If  the 
appropriation  is  to  be  made — and  I presume  there  is  no  gentleman  in  this  House 
who  does  not  feel  that  sooner  or  later  it  will  be  made — if  it  is  to  be  made,  why  should 
we  not  make  it  now  and  have  an  end  of  it?  Why  should  we  not  buy  that  ground  at 
once  before  the  price  rises?  Why  not  let  it  be  taken  into  a comprehensive  plan  for 
the  improvement  of  the  Capitol?  This  Capitol  is  undoubtedly  to  grow  in  some 
degree  corresponding  to  the  growth  of  the  country;  and  the  growth  of  the  country 
is  to  be  far  more  magnificent  than  the  grandest  imagination  can  now  prefigure. 
Why  should  we  now  spend  day  after  day  in  postponing  an  appropriation  which  we 
all  know  must  be  made?  I shall  therefore  vote  for  the  appropriation. 

The  Chairman.  Debate  on  the  amendment  is  exhausted. 

Mr.  Swann.  I withdraw  the  proforma  amendment. 

Mr.  Sargent.  I renew  it,  Mr.  Chairman.  The  Committee  on  Appropriations  in 
passing  on  this  matter  did  not  design  to  fetter  the  action  of  its  individual  members 
so  that  they  could  not  express,  those  of  them  who  desired  so  to  do,  their  concurrence 
with  the  Senate  in  this  legislation. 

I think  I am  justified  in  saying — and  my  friend  from  Ohio,  the  chairman  of  the 


The  Grounds. 


1119 


committee,  will  bear  me  out  in  saying  it — that  there  was  a division  of  opinion  among 
the  members  of  the  committee,  and  that  it  was  understood  that  some  of  us  who 
desired  that  this  question  should  be  settled,  and  who  thought  that  the  manner  in 
which  the  provisions  of  the  amendment  were  arranged  in  the  Senate  was  judicious, 
could  have  the  liberty  on  the  floor,  without  the  appearance,  as  in  ordinary  cases  of 
opposing  the  committee,  to  express  our  desire  that  this  matter  should  be  settled  by 
an  appropriation,  and  that  this  work  which  these  individual  members  thought  was 
necessary  should  be  inaugurated. 

Now,  sir,  for  one  I believe  that  I am  fully  prepared  to  vote  in  favor  of  this  improve- 
ment. It  has  been  considered  over  and  over  again  in  both  Houses  of  Congress.  Gen- 
erally it  has  come  to  us  at  such  a late  hour  of  a session  of  Congress  that  we  have  had 
no  time  to  consider  in  the  House  the  details  of  the  arrangement  or  to  determine  with 
ordinary  care  whether  the  legislation  proposed  would  answer  in  the  end.  On  the 
contrary,  it  now  comes  to  us  when  we  are  not  pressed  by  other  public  business;  when 
there  are  not  some  seven  or  eight  appropriation  bills  crowding  us  as  on  the  last  night 
or  during  the  last  two  or  three  nights  of  the  session.  It  comes  to  us  at  a period  of 
the  session  when  we  can  afford  to  give  ample  time  for  the  consideration  of  the  sub- 
ject, and  the  objection  heretofore  made  to  passing  this  legislation  on  a mere  hasty 
consideration  does  not  now  exist;  for  there  is  no  necessity  for  such  haste  on  this 
occasion. 

The  Senate  very  properly  under  its  rules  legislates  upon  appropriation  bills.  There 
are  some  restrictions,  as  for  instance,  that  an  amendment  must  be  submitted  to  a 
committee  and  reported  back  from  that  committee.  But  there  is  nothing  in  the 
rules  of  the  Senate  which  prevents  the  Senate,  when  these  mere  forms  have  been 
complied  with,  from  putting  the  proposed  amendments  upon  a bill  of  this  character. 
Consequently,  the  amendments  come  regularly  before  us.  I have  heard  no  criticism 
of  the  details  of  this  measure.  If  it  is  desirable  that  the  improvement  be  made,  then 
it  would  seem  to  be  conceded  that  this  is  the  manner  in  which  it  should  be  done.  I 
think,  sir,  with  the  gentleman  who  represents  so  ably  the  District  of  Columbia  upon 
this  floor,  that  it  is  a shame  and  a disgrace  that  these  unsightly  buildings  should 
crowd  so  close  upon  this  magnificent  Capitol. 

I have  no  doubt  that  before  a long  while  measures  will  be  taken  in  order  to  sweep 
away  these  unsightly  tenement  houses,  grog-shops,  and  the  like,  which  crowd  us 
upon  one  side  of  the  Capitol,  and  to  open  those  grounds  so  that  there  may  he  more 
breathing  room,  more  opportunity  of  displaying  the  fine  architectural  proportions  of 
this  building.  If  this  is  to  be  done,  as  has  been  well  suggested,  now  is  the  time  to 
do  it.  It  will  be  better  to  do  it  this  year  than  the  next,  because  next  year  there  will 
be  a higher  price  put  upon  this  property,  while  it  will  be  of  no  higher  value  to  the 
Government.  The  object  for  which  the  Government  uses  it  will  not  be  enhanced  by 
an  increase  in  the  value  of  the  property.  If  this  year  we  can  save  one-fourth  of  the 
amount  which  we  should  have  to  expend  in  two  years  from  this  time,  now  is  cer- 
tainly the  time  when  we  ought  to  make  the  appropriations. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Gakfield,  of  Ohio.  Before  asking  to  close  debate  upon  this  amendment  it  is 
due  to  the  House  that  two  or  three  facts  should  be  stated,  so  that  they  may  see  the 
exact  scope  of  the  amendment  proposed.  These  two  squares,  if  purchased  by  the 
Government,  will  enlarge  the  outline  of  the  grounds  by  throwing  portions  of  several 
avenues  and  cross  streets  into  the  area,  and  thereby  increase  the  grounds  by  an 
amount  considerably  greater  than  the  two  squares  proposed  to  be  purchased.  These 
two  squares  contain  254,985  square  feet.  The  avenues  and  streets  which  will  come 
into  the  public  grounds  in  consequence  of  taking  the  two  squares  will  amount  to 
856,617,  or  more  than  three  times  as  much  as  the  actual  surface  of  the  two  squares 
themselves,  so  that  the  purchase  of  the  two  squares  will  enlarge  the  area  of  our  pub- 
lic grounds  by  a total  of  1,111,602  feet. 


1120 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  How  can  the  taking  of  two  squares  bring  in  so 
many  streets  and  squares? 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  The  gentleman  will  remember  that  Pennsylvania  avenue 
runs  immediately  across  our  east  front,  and  then  turns  eastward  between  one  of 
these  squares,  and  the  front  part  and  the  corresponding  streets  upon  the  opposite 
side  also  run  through  this  ground.  The  effect  of  this  measure  will  be  to  shut  up  a 
portion  of  Delaware  avenue  on  the  one  side  and  New  Jersey  avenue  on  the  other, 
and  also  a portion  of  the  present  course  of  Pennsylvania  avenue. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  They  are  all  ours  now. 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  No;  they  are  a part  of  the  streets  of  the  city.  I should 
state  further  that  in  1861  the  exact  estimate  of  the  amount  to  be  paid  for  these  two 
squares  was  $246,314  90.  That  was  the  amount  awarded  by  a commission,  and 
would  have  been  the  sum  then  paid  if  the  bill  had  passed  as  it  stood  at  that  time. 
The  assessments  made  for  the  purpose  of  taxation  this  year  upon  these  two  squares 
amount  to  $378,481.  What  the  award  will  be  in  case  this  amendment  passes,  I can- 
not say,  but  I fear  it  will  amount  to  $500,000. 

I have  now  stated  the  principal  facts  that  bear  upon  the  case.  I only  wish  to  say 
in  addition  that  I agree  with  gentlemen  around  me  that  it  is  a shame  that  the 
approaches  and  surroundings  of  this  noblest  and  most  beautiful  of  our  public  build- 
ings, the  Capitol  of  the  country,  should  be  in  the  condition  they  now  are;  and  a 
greater  shame  that  we  have  allowed  a portion  of  these  grounds  to  be  delivered  over 
to  a railroad  corporation.  But  I remind  the  committee  of  the  increase  which  this 
measure  will  make  in  our  appropriations.  I am  anxious  to  keep  the  amount  of 
expenditures  as  low  as  possible.  For  myself,  I shall  vote  against  the  amendment, 
but  I have  tried  to  state  the  case  fairly,  and  I now  ask  a vote  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Sargent.  I withdraw  my  amendment. 

Mr.  Townsend,  of  Pennsylvania.  I renew  the  amendment.  Mr.  Chairman,  the 
condition  of  the  public  grounds  around  the  national  Capitol  has  always  seemed  to 
me  to  be  a national  disgrace.  The  citizen  of  any  portion  of  our  country  who  comes 
here  to  the  Capitol  of  the  nation,  if  he  be  a stranger,  expects  to  find  here  a magnifi- 
cent public  building  surrounded  with  well-cultivated  grounds,  suitable  and  in  accord- 
ance with  the  magnitude  of  the  building  and  the  dignity  and  character  and  resources 
of  the  nation.  But  when  such  a citizen  of  this  great  .Republic,  or  a citizen  of  a for- 
eign Government,  comes  to  the  Capitol  of  the  nation,  instead  of  finding  such  surround- 
ings and  embellishments,  he  finds  instead  that  it  is  situated  in  the  midst  of  almost 
an  open  common,  denuded  of  grass,  seamed  with  gullies,  covered  with  stones,  and 
over  which  stray  horses  and  cattle  may  range  at  their  leasure,  and  which  seems  to  be 
merely  the  depot  of  a parcel  of  railroads  that  are  running  to  and  from  it.  I repeat, 
therefore,  that  the  condition  of  affairs  as  it  stands  now  is  a national  disgrace;  for  even 
the  magnificent  monument  of  the  Father  of  his  Country  which  stands  in  front  of  this 
building  is  protected  only  by  a rickety,  tumble-down  wooden  fence,  not  even  credit- 
able to  a farmer’s  barnyard,  and  that  on  that  square  there  are  one  or  two  miserable 
old  wooden  shanties  in  juxtaposition  with  that  monument,  so  that  I may  say  in  a 
word  that  all  the  surroundings  of  the  Capitol  are  unworthy  of  this  great  nation. 

I say,  therefore,  that  it  would  be  a matter  of  pride  to  the  people  of  the  country, 
nay,  that  they  would  all  rejoice,  if  we  make  the  moderate  expenditure  which  is  here 
proposed;  they  would  all  be  glad  that  we  would  invest  a small  portion  of  the  people’s 
money,  the  portion  that  is  required  for  the  proper  embellishment  and  adornment  of 
the  national  Capitol.  I would  have  these  squares  purchased  for  public  use,  and 
instead  of  having  a country  tavern  at  one  corner  and  an  eating  and  drinking-saloon 
at  the  other,  I would  have  them  appropriated  as  provided  in  the  bill  and  the  build- 
ings razed  to  the  ground,  the  ground  properly  graded,  planted  with  trees,  sown  with 
grass,  ornamented  with  shrubbery  and  flowers,  and  adorned  with  statues,  and  made 
in  every  way  conformable  in  design  and  execution  with  suitable  surroundings  of  this 


The  Grounds. 


1121 


great  edifice,  so  as  to  be  a pride  and  pleasure  to  every  citizen  of  this  country  when 
he  may  choose  to  come  here  and  visit  the  national  Capitol. 

I hope,  therefore,  that  there  is  no  member  here  to-day  who  will  object  to  voting 
this  small  sum  for  the  purposes  contemplated,  especially  when  he  remembers  that 
by  the  measures  that  are  about  being  introduced  into  the  House  concerning  retrench- 
ment of  the  Government  expenditures  and  a reduction  of  the  taxes  imposed  upon 
the  people  we  shall  reduce  their  burdens  by  a sum  more  than  a hundred  times  as 
large  as  the  sum  proposed  to  be  expended  for  this  purpose.  I trust,  therefore,  that 
there  will  be  no  hesitation  on  the  part  of  any  member  to  vote  for  this  appropriation. 
And  I am  glad  to  observe  that,  so  far  as  any  expression  of  opinion  has  been  made 
here  as  yet,  the  members  are  unanimously  in  favor  of  this  measure  for  the  proper 
extension  and  suitable  adornment  of  the  national  Capitol  grounds,  approaches,  and 
surroundings. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Moore  obtained  the  floor. 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  I ask  unanimous  consent  that  all  debate  upon  the  pend- 
ing amendment  may  be  terminated  with  the  remarks  of  the  gentleman  from  Illinois, 
[Mr.  Moore,]  who  now  has  the  floor. 

Mr.  Holman.  I object  to  that. 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  I will  include  the  remarks  of  the  gentleman  from  Indiana, 
[Mr.  Holman.] 

Mr.  W.  R.  Roberts  and  others  objected. 

Mr.  Moore.  I think  I would  take  as  much  pride  in  the  beauty  of  the  Capitol  and 
its  surroundings  as  perhaps  any  other  member  of  this  House.  And  I suppose, 
from  indications  that  I see  about  me,  that  in  time  this  property  may  be  pur- 
chased and  the  improvements  made  which  have  been  suggested.  But  I do  feel  a 
serious  opposition  to  undertaking  right  now  to  do  everything  that  has  to  be  done  by 
this  Government  for  that  purpose.  With  all  the  burdens  of  taxation  now  resting  on 
the  people,  with  the  general  desire  there  is  to  reduce  those  burdens,  and  at  the  same 
time  pay  off  annually  a reasonable  amount  of  the  public  debt,  I think  we  might 
afford  to  defer  for  a time  some  of  the  magnificent  schemes  of  improvement  that  are 
recommended  to  us.  The  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  [Mr.  Townsend]  thinks 
that  the  national  Capitol  is  a national  disgrace 

Mr.  Townsend,  of  Pennsylvania.  Not  the  Capitol  building,  but  the  grounds 
around  it. 

Mr.  Moore.  And  that  when  strangers  come  here  they  feel  scandalized,  they  feel 
that  the  country  is  degraded  in  that  the  grounds  about  the  Capitol  are  so  unsightly. 
Now,  sir,  when  I first  came  to  the  capital  I found  not  only  the  Capitol  building  but 
the  grounds  themselves  more  magnificent  than  I had  expected.  Still  I would  like 
to  see  all  those  improvements  made  at  the  proper  time.  But  the  appropriation  of 
$500,000  now  asked  for  this  purpose  will  not  be  enough.  If  we  make  this  appropri- 
ation we  will  not  stop  short  of  two  or  three  million  dollars  before  the  work  is  com- 
pleted; and  I apprehend  that  the  expenditure  will  have  to  be  made  in  a very  short 
period  of  time. 

Sir,  it  has  been  declared  here  time  and  again  that  we  have  not  the  money  neces- 
sary to  pay  the  poor  widows  of  our  soldiers  the  little  pensions  that  they  ask  at  our 
hands.  Some  of  our  best  men  say  they  would  not  object  to  a more  liberal  scheme 
of  pension  payments  if  it  was  not  for  the  immense  amount  it  would  take  from  the 
Treasury.  During  the  Forty-First  Congress  some  eighty-four  persons  were  relieved 
at  a cost  to  the  Treasury  of  only  $11,000.  That  was  the  amount  of  money  spent  by 
Congress  in  its  liberality  in  that  direction. 

Now,  sir,  I say  that  no  interest  of  this  Government  demands  this  immediate  out- 
lay. We  propose  to  leave  something  for  our  successors  in  office  to  do;  we  do  not 
want  to  do  everything  now.  We  can  wait,  and  in  the  mean  while  the  resources  of 

H.  Rep.  646 71 


1122 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


the  country  will  be  developing  and  its  revenues  accumulating,  while  the  burdens  of 
the  people  will  be  lessened.  Let  us  not  crowd  on  all  these  heavy  appropriations, 
unless  there  is  an  immediate  demand  or  necessity  therefor. 

Sir,  I am  opposed  to  this  proposition  at  the  present  time,  not  because  I am  opposed 
to  adorning  and  beautifying  the  surroundings  of  this  Capitol;  not  because  I am  in 
favor  of  the  removal  of  the  Capitol  hereafter.  The  American  people  can  do  in  that 
matter  as  they  please.  I am  perfectly  willing  that  the  Capitol  shall  remain  here,  and 
that  as  time  goes  on  it  shall  be  properly  beautified.  But  I do  not  wish  everything 
to  be  done  now  while  the  people  are  demanding  of  us  a reduction  of  their  burdens 
of  taxation. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Maynard.  I desire  to  say  to  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  [Mr.  Moore]  that 
the  amendment  does  not  propose  an  expenditure  of  $500,000.  No  specific  sum  is 
named.  The  amount,  whatever  it  shall  be,  may  be  payable  this  year  or  may  not  be 
paid  till  the  next  year.  That  would  depend  upon  how  soon  the  title  could  be 
perfected. 

Mr.  Holman.  The  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  [Mr.  Townsend]  suggested  that 
the  amount  proposed  to  be  appropriated  in  this  amendment  is  small.  Now,  sir,  I 
think  it  well  enough  to  know  what  is  appropriated.  I apprehend  that  no  gentleman 
is  able  to  indicate  very  clearly  how  much  we  are  to  pay  in  carrying  out  this  project 
of  embellishment.  It  is  conceded  that  this  is  not  a work  of  necessity.  I have 
observed  that  within  the  last  ten  years  we  have  appropriated  more  money  for  the 
embellishment  and  ornamentation  of  our  Capitol  and  its  grounds  than  had  been 
appropriated  in  all  our  previous  history.  These  appropriations  have  certainly  not 
been  imperatively  demanded  by  the  wants  of  the  nation. 

Sir,  I infer  from  the  confusion  and  excitement  prevailing  in  the  House  that  this 
amendment  is  to  be  concurred  in  and  this  money  appropriated:  that  for  the  purpose  of 
ornamenting  the  Capitol  this  addition  is  to  be  made  to  the  public  grounds.  I there- 
fore wish  to  propose  an  amendment  which  shall  fix  some  limit  on  the  appropriation. 
The  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania  indicated  perhaps  a lower  sum  than  he  himself 
would  regard  as  sufficient.  I move  to  amend  by  inserting  after  the  word  “neces- 
sary,” in  line  sixteen  of  section  nine,  these  words:  “not  exceeding  $375,000.” 

Mr.  Roosevelt  obtained  the  floor. 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  I ask  unanimous  consent  that  debate  may  be  closed  in  ten 
minutes. 

Mr.  \V.  R.  Roberts.  I object. 

Mr.  < Iarfield,  of  Ohio.  Will  the  gentleman  agree  to  close  debate  in  fifteen  min- 
utes, so  that  himself  and  two  other  gentlemen  may  speak? 

Mr.  Potter.  I object. 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  Then  say  twenty  minutes.  That  will  give  four  gentlemen 
a chance. 

Mr.  W.  R.  Roberts.  I object  to  that. 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  I move,  then,  that  the  committee  rise,  that  debate  may 
be  closed  by  the  House. 

Mr.  Roosevelt.  I hope  that  my  colleague  [Mr.  W.  R.  Roberts]  will  withdraw  his 
objection  to  the  last  proposition  of  the  gentleman  from  Ohio. 

Mr.  W.  R.  Roberts.  Very  veil;  I withdraw  my  objection. 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  Then  I withdraw  the  motion  that  the  committee  rise. 

The  Chairman.  Is  there  objection  to  the  proposition  of  the  gentleman  from  Ohio 
[Mr.  Garfield]  that  debate  on  this  proposition  terminate  in  twenty  minutes? 

There  was  no  objection. 

Mr.  Roosevelt.  I move  to  amend  the  pending  amendment  by  striking  out  the  last 
word.  The  objection  which  has  been  made  here  to  the  amendment  of  the  Senate 
for  the  purchase  of  this  ground — and  it  is  the  only  objection  I have  heard — is  that 


The  Grounds. 


1123 


we  have  not  money  enough  in  the  Treasury  to  meet  the  ordinary  and  proper'  demands 
upon  it,  and  the  gentleman  from  Illinois,  [Mr.  Moore,]  who  urges  this  objection, 
has,  very  curiously  it  seems  to  me,  brought  to  our  attention  the  “poor  widows” 
who  are  applying  to  Congress  for  the  payment  of  their  claims  against  the  Govern- 
ment— claims  which  the  gentleman  assumes  have  been  refused  on  account  of  the 
poverty  of  the  nation.  Now,  with  all  due  respect  to  the  gentleman,  I think  that  pre- 
cisely the  contrary  is  the  fact. 

It  has  seemed  to  me,  in  listening  to  the  various  private  bills  and  private  appropria- 
tions which  we  have  passed,  that  there  has  been  a widow  in  every  one  of  them,  and 
that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  get  anything  appropriated  unless  there  is  a widow 
interested.  [Laughter.]  When  we  have  had  a pension  claim  before  us,  its  payment 
has  been  demanded  and  obtained  because  there  was  some  elderly  widow  dependent 
upon  it.  When  we  have  had  under  consideration  some  other  claim,  it  has  been 
urged  because  some  young  widow  desired  it.  [Laughter.]  When  an  extension  of 
a patent  has  been  demanded  the  reason  urged  has  been  that  some  handsome  widow 
was  to  receive  the  proceeds.  [Laughter.]  It  has  seemed  to  me,  Mr.  Chairman,  as 
though  the  widows  had  entire  control  of  the  appropriations  in  this  House;  and  for 
my  part  I would  hang  up  in  every  committee-room  the  warning  of  the  elder  Weller 
to  his  son,  “ Samivel,  Samivel,  beware  of  widders.”  [Laughter.]  It  seems  to  me 
that  we  have  money  enough  to  provide  for  all  the  widows  who  need  it,  and  can  also 
spare  a little  for  the  proper  improvement  of  the  public  grounds  around  the  Capitol. 

I have  had  a pleasure  that  perhaps  many  of  my  associates  have  had,  the  pleasure 
of  traveling  abroad  and  observing  there  the  handsome  buildings  erected  by  those 
old  monarchies,  as  well  as  the  worn-out  temples  and  castles  of  ancient  times;  and  in 
my  opinion  not  one  of  them  equals  or  ever  equaled,  in  beauty,  in  architectural 
adornment,  in  extent  and  elegance,  this  building  in  which  we  stand  to-day.  I 
should  like  to  see  it  surrounded  with  grounds  befitting  it,  extensive,  adorned,  and 
beautified  as  they  ought  to  be,  in  harmony  with  the  extent  and  beauty  of  the  build- 
ing itself. 

But  what  have  we  now?  What  is  there  in  the  surroundings  so  appropriate  that  it 
should  be  retained,  so  precious  that  gentlemen  would  not  sacrifice  it,  or  so  valuable 
that  they  would  not  be  willing  to  do  away  with  it?  We  have  on  the  left-hand  cor- 
ner, as  we  pass  out  of  the  Capitol,  a drinking-saloon,  used  and  appropriated  more 
especially,  if  report  be  true,  by  members  of  the  Senate.  [Laughter.]  So,  on  the 
right-hand  side,  as  we  pass  out,  is  another  drinking-saloon,  and  that,  I am  sorry  to 
say,  is  occasionally  made  use  of  by  members  of  this  House.  [Laughter.]  We  have 
nothing  else  but  barracks  around  those  drinking-saloons  on  the  one  hand  and  on  the 
other.  Is  there  anything  so  elegant  here  that  we  shall  retain  it  as  it  is?  I appeal  to 
my  fanatical  friends  on  the  other  side  of  the  House  whether  they  will  not  lend  a 
willing  and  helping  hand  to  break  up  these  nurseries  of  Democracy  while  they  atthe 
same  time  improve  the  appearance  of  the  Capitol.  [Laughter.  ] 

Why,  it  seems  to  me,  Mr.  Chairman,  that  we  have  abundant  money  to  appropriate 
to  so  laudable  a purpose.  We  should  at  least  appropriate  from  our  national  Treas- 
ury a small  sum  of  money  toward  beautifying  these  grounds  when  the  people  of  this 
city  have  shown  a willingness  almost  to  ruin  themselves  for  the  same  purpose.  I 
happen  to  belong  to  a committee  of  this  House  which  during  sixty  or  seventy  sittings 
has  been  investigating  into  the  amount  of  money  that  the  residents  have  been 
expending  on  improvements  in  this  capital  of  the  nation.  They  have  incurred  a 
debt  of  how  much  neither  they  nor  I am  able  exactly  to  say.  but  running  up  to  any- 
where from  five  to  fifteen  million  dollars,  in  order  to  make  the  streets  more  elegant, 
more  level,  better  drained,  better  paved,  more  handsome,  more  appropriate  to  the 
magnificent  design  on  which  this  city  was  laid  out;  and  it  seems  to  me  that  Congress, 
representing  the  wealth  of  this  great  nation,  and  speaking  for  the  forty  million  people 
who  go  to  make  it  up,  might  appropriate  at  least  §500,000,  or  whatever  sum  may  be 


1124 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


necessary,  in  order  to  give  this  building,  which  has  no  superior  in  the  world  over,  the 
Capitol  of  that  nation,  the  front  view  and  approach  and  the  surroundings  intended 
when  it  was  originally  laid  out,  and  appropriate  to  its  imposing  grandeur. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

The  Chairman.  The  question  recurs  on  the  amendment  of  the  gentleman  from 
Indiana,  [Mr.  Holman.] 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  I can  only  say,  Mr.  Chairman,  if  this  thing  is  to 
be  done  at  all  now  it  had  better  be  done  well.  Three  hundred  and  fifty  thousand 
dollars  will  not  pay  for  the  property  to  be  taken,  taxed  one  half  its  value;  not  for 
more  than  two  thirds,  and  yet  its  assessed  value  exceeds  that  sum.  We  may  as  well 
look  the  matter  in  the  face.  This  improvement  will  cost  more  than  treble  that  sum, 
and  yet  there  is  no  man  who  desires  to  see  the  improvement  made  more  than  I do. 
I hope  at  some  time  to  vote  for  it,  and  vote  for  it  too  in  the  most  liberal  form.  But 
when  the  Senate  think  the  resources  of  the  country  will  not  allow  soldiers’  widows 
to  have  pensions  from  the  date  of  the  death  of  their  husbands  who  died  in  the  war, 
but  only  will  allow  them  pensions  from  the  date  of  the  passage  of  the  special  pension 
acts,  and  when  that  proposition  comes  from  Vermont,  I am  not  inclined  to  vote  for 
another  proposition  from  Vermont  to  give  one  or  two  million  dollars  for  the  pur- 
pose of  beautifying  the  Capitol  grounds  just  now.  That  is  the  difficulty  we  find 
here  and  now.  In  other  words,  with  the  great  claims  of  our  soldiers  in  the  war  of 
1812  to  go  upon  the  pension-lists,  and  to  claims  for  bounty,  and  the  appeals  now 
before  the  House,  which  I think  very  just,  that  the  first  volunteers  going  out  under 
Lincoln’s  proclamation  should  have  their  bounties,  some  eighty  thousand  of  whom 
have  never  received  any,  which  will  take  from  the  Treasury  §4,000,000,  I doubt 
whether  it  is  worth  while  to  do  this  thing  now. 

We  shall  not  gain  anything  substantially  and  we  shall  not  lose  anything.  I do 
not  agree  this  will  be  like  the  sibylline  leaves,  when  one  part  is  gone  twice  as  much 
would  be  asked  for  the  remainder;  but  what  I desire  is  that  our  Committee  on  Public 
Expenditures,  having  now  ample  time,  shall  investigate  this  matter  and  bring  in  a 
bill  which  we  may  carefully  consider,  and  prescribe  how  the  lands  needed  may  be 
taken  and  appraised  and  the  true  value  ascertained,  so  that  we  may  know  exactly 
how  much  is  necessary  to  pay  and  how  much  we  will  pay  for  this  improvement. 
And  next  session,  if  it  commends  itself  to  our  judgment,  let  us  go  on  knowing  exactly 
what  it  is  to  cost.  It  will  take  six  months  at  least  to  arrange  the  preliminaries  in 
this  matter,  and  when  at  the  end  of  six  months  or  a little  more  we  come  together 
again,  we  will  be  in  a condition  to  see  what  has  been  the  prosperity  of  the  country, 
and  what  is  best  for  us  to  do  in  this  large  expenditure. 

Mr.  Poland.  I would  like  to  ask  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Butler] 
a legal  question.  How  is  he  going  to  institute  and  carry  out  proceedings  for  the  con- 
demnation of  land  before  he  takes  it? 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  Pardon  me.  I have  not  said  anything  about  tak- 
ing it.  I have  talked  about  paying  for  it,  which  is  an  entirely  different  question. 
All  railroads  take  land  and  then  settle  the  question  as  to  the  pay  afterward  when 
the  amount  is  determined.  Now,  I want  the  Committee  on  the  Public  Lands  to 
report  a law  providing  for  the  appraisement  of  the  land,  so  that  we  may  ascertain 
how  much  it  will  cost  us,  and  who  has  the  title.  We  will  then  know  whom  and 
how  much  we  have  to  pay,  and  if,  on  seeing  just  what  it  is  going  to  cost  us,  we  think 
right  to  do' so,  we  can  then  vote  to  pay  for  it  and  take  possession  of  it  for  the  use  of 
the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Potter.  I have  been  absent,  Mr.  Chairman,  during  most  of  the  debate  on 
this  Senate  amendment,  and,  without  fully  apprehending  the  details  of  the  proposi- 
tion under  discussion,  desire  now  to  occupy  a moment  in  wdiich  to  say  that  while  I 
entirely  appreciate  the  importance  of  avoiding  unnecessary  public  expenditures, 
and  particularly  of  avoiding  them  at  this  time,  it  does  seem  to  me  that  if  there  is  any 


The  Grounds. 


1125 


expenditure  in  this  city  on  the  part  of  the  Government  which  would  be  proper,  and 
which  the  country  can  afford,  it  is  an  expenditure  for  finishing  the  grounds  about 
this  Capitol.  It  has  been  my  fortune,  sir,  to  see  most  of  the  great  public  buildings 
of  Europe,  and  I agree  with  my  colleague  on  my  left  [Mr.  Roosevelt]  in  thinking 
that  the  Capitol  of  the  United  States  is,  in  its  dimensions  and  character  and  beauty, 
a building  worthy  of  this  great  Republic.  And  if  it  was  right  to  spend  so  many 
millions  of  money  for  erecting  on  this  hill  this  magnificent  structure,  surely,  because 
of  that  eternal  fitness  of  things  which  must  prevail  everywhere,  it  is  also  becoming 
and  proper  that  the  grounds  about  it  should  be  decently  completed  and  made 
respectable. 

It  has  been  a subject  of  regret,  I think,  to  any  man  who  had  any  eye  or  any  regard 
for  fitness  and  propriety,  to  see  the  shabby  and  unfinished  condition  in  which  the 
grounds  around  this  Capitol  have  been  left  almost  ever  since  the  buildings  were  con- 
structed. I am  glad  they  are  now  approaching  completion,  and  for  myself,  I shall 
conceive  it  wholly  within  my  duty  to  support  any  measure  which  will  provide  that 
by  suitable  extensions  and  expenditures  these  grounds  are  completed,  and  made 
worthy  of  the  Capitol  which  they  surround.  Sometime  or  other  we  must  do  this. 
The  longer  it  is  put  off  the  greater  will  be  the  cost  to  the  Government,  and  the  wiser 
therefore  the  economy  of  doing  now  that  which  ought  to  be  done,  and  must  ulti- 
mately be  done,  and  which  a nation  so  rich  and  prosperous  as  this  can  so  amply 
afford  to  do  without  further  delay. 

Mr.  Poland.  I do  not  precisely  understand  what  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts 
[Mr.  Butler]  means  by  his  proposition  upon  this  subject.  If  I understand  the  pro- 
vision in  the  bill,  it  proposes  precisely  what  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  says 
we  ought  to  do. 

Many  years  ago,  as  far  back  as  1861,  a commission  was  appointed  who  appraised 
all  the  lots  of  these  two  squares;  and  it  is  said  that  a portion  of  their  appraisal  was 
very  much  less  than  the  appraisal  of  the  assessors  in  this  district  for  taxing  purposes, 
which  I suppose  is  here  as  in  other  places,  less  than  the  actual  value.  The  bill  pro- 
vides that  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  shall  not  by  agreement  pay  more  for  these 
lands  than  the  appraisal,  and  that  if  the  owners  will  not  take  that  appraisement,  then 
he  shall  go  on  by  certain  proceedings  in  the  courts  to  have  the  land  condemned. 

Now,  my  friend  from  Massachusetts,  [Mr.  Butler,]  if  I understand  him  aright, 
desires  that  there  shall  be  a condemnation  of  these  lands  before  we  take  them.  So 
far  as  I understand  the  legal  proceeding  by  which  you  condemn  a man’s  land,  and 
take  it  against  his  will,  at  a valuation  fixed  by  somebody,  you  cannot  take  it  until 
you  have  instituted  legal  proceedings  for  its  condemnation.  And  before  anything  of 
the  kind  can  be  done  which  the  gentleman  says  ought  to  be  done  here,  we  must 
proceed  precisely  in  the  manner  which  this  bill  orders. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  The  bill  makes  this  provision: 

In  all  cases,  as  soon  as  the  United  States  shall  have  paid  the  compensation  assessed,  or  secured  its 
payment  by  a deposit  of  money,  underthe  order  of  the  court,  possession  of  the  property  may  betaken. 

Mr.  Poland.  I am  not  aware,  Mr.  Chairman,  that  it  has  ever  been  provided  in 
this  country,  either  by  Congress  or  by  any  State  Legislature,  that  you  may  take  a 
man’s  property  and  take  possession  of  it  until  you  do  pay  him  for  it.  I,  for  one, 
will  never  vote  for  a bill  allowing  you  to  take  a man’s  property  from  him  until  you 
pay  him  compensation  for  it.  Now,  Mr.  Chairman,  I desire  to  say  another  word. 

Mr.  Hoar.  The  gentleman  will  allow  me  to  state  that  in  Massachusetts,  in  the 
case  of  highways,  railroads,  and  school-houses,  it  is  the  universal  practice  to  take 
the  lands  before  payment  is  actually  made. 

Mr.  Poland.  I will  not  enter  into  any  controversy  in  relation  to  the  law  of  my 
State.  If  gentlemen  know  better  what  it  is  than  I do,  they  are  welcome  to  their 
knowledge. 


1126 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


There  was  another  suggestion  which  the  gentleman  made  which  I desire  to 
answer,  and  that  is  in  reference  to  something  the  Senate  has  done  with  regard  to 
some  pension  bills.  Now,  if  you  are  never  to  pass  this  measure  or  any  other  in  this 
House  until  everybody  here  is  satisfied  with  what  the  Senate  does  in  relation  to  all 
other  measures,  I apprehend  very  few  bills  will  ever  get  through.  If  the  gentleman 
from  Massachusetts  should  be  satisfied  with  the  action  of  the  Senate  in  relation  to 
the  pension  bills,  I do  not  think  his  ingenuity  would  be  at  fault  to  find  something 
else  that  he  could  object  to  in  the  action  of  the  Senate,  and  the  gentleman  or  some- 
body else  who  may  be  his  successor,  or  the  successor  of  some  of  the  rest  of  us  may 
always  find  a valid  excuse  for  opposing  this  measure. 

Having  said  this  much,  I desire  to  say  a word  in  regard  to  the  proposition  itself. 
It  seems  to  me  that,  with  the  amount  of  money  expended  upon  this  national  Capitol, 
to  leave  to  private  ownership  grounds  within  ten  rods  of  the  Capitol  itself,  and  private 
grounds  so  occupied  as  has  been  stated  by  the  gentleman  from  New  York,  is  a burn- 
ing shame,  and  that  it  would  not  be  allowed  anywhere  else.  There  is  on  the  face  of 
it  a niggardly  parsimony  in  allowing  private  grounds  to  come  within  ten  rods  of  a 
national  building  which  has  cost  so  many  millions  as  this  has. 

Mr.  W.  E.  Egberts.  I desire  to  say  only  a few  words  in  relation  to  this  matter.  It 
strikes  me  as  being  very  extraordinary,  indeed,  that  a proposition  should  be  pre- 
sented here  asking  so  large  an  appropriation  for  beautifying  the  surroundings  of  the 
Capitol,  when  we  remember  that  it  was  only  a few  days  ago  that  another  bill  was 
introduced  giving  away  a large  portion  of  the  grounds,  that  was  originally  intended 
and  appropriated  for  a public  park,  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a railroad  depot 
thereon. 

One  of  the  excuses,  or  rat  her  the  chief  argument  urged  on  behalf  of  that  bill  by 
those  who  fought  for  it  here  day  after  day,  obstructing  the  legitimate  legislation  of 
the  country  in  order  that  it  might  be  carried  through  at  all  hazards,  was  that  we 
would  never  require  the  grounds  for  a public  park,  as  it  would  cost  too  much,  and 
the  location  whereon  stands  the  unfinished  monument  to  the  memory  of  Washington 
is  mostly  occupied  by  old  wood-sheds,  shanties,  and  cow-pens,  to  the  great  disgrace 
of  Congress  and  of  the  entire  nation  which  permits  such  things  to  exist.  And  now, 
after  voting  away  a valuable  square  in  the  very  heart  of  the  intended  park  without 
one  dollar  of  remuneration,  and  chiefly  on  the  plea  that  we  did  not  want  any  more 
pleasure-grounds  than  we  had  already,  we  are  asked  to  appropriate  1500,000  as  the 
first  installment  toward  the  purchase  of  two  squares  near  the  Capitol.  This  seems 
to  me  a most  extraordinary  proceeding.  We  give  land  away  to  a railroad  as  a gift 
on  the  ground  that  we  did  not  want  a park,  and  now  after  doing  this,  we  conclude, 
or  at  least  are  I fear  about  to  do  so,  that  we  want  a park,  and  must  purchase  at  an 
enormous  price  adjacent  grounds  for  that  purpose. 

Another  objection  I have  to  the  purchase  is  that,  we  have  no  definite  idea  of  how 
much  this  addition  to  the  present  park  will  ultimately  cost  the  nation.  We  are 
asked  for  $500,000.  Now,  the  next  Congress  will  in  all  likelihood  be  asked  for  as 
much  more,  and  God  only  knows  where  or  when  the  costs  will  end;  for  when  once 
the  nation’s  purse-strings  are  unloosed  we  know  by  a sad  and  costly  experience  that 
it  requires  a desperate  national  effort  to  draw  them  tight  again. 

Sir,  I oppose  this  appropriation  at  this  time  when  the  nation  can  ill  afford  to 
expend  its  money  even  in  beautifying  the  Capitol  of  the  nation.  Let  us  beautify  the 
grounds  we  have  first,  and  the  time  will  arrive  when  we  can  afford  to  purchase  more 
land  for  the  extension  of  the  public  grounds.  I oppose  the  amendment  and  hope  it 
will  not  pass. 

Mr.  Hibbard.  I desire  to  ascertain  whether  the  adoption  of  the  amendment  moved 
by  the  gentleman  from  Indiana  [Mr.  Holman]  will  defeat  the  object  of  the  amend- 
ment of  the  Senate.  For  the  purpose  of  ascertaining  that  fact  I will  call  upon  the 
gentleman  from  the  District  of  Columbia  [Mr.  Chipman]  to  inform  the  Committee 


1127 


The  Grounds. 

of  the  Whole  in  regard  to  the  probable  expense  of  successfully  carrying  out  the 
proposition  involved  in  the  Senate  amendment. 

Mr.  Chipman.  In  reply  to  the  gentleman  from  New  Hampshire  [Mr.  Hibbard]  I 
will  state  that  when  in  1861  Congress  authorized  a commission  to  assess  the  value  of 
these  two  squares  of  ground,  that  commission  was  composed  of  ten  of  our  most 
eminent  citizens,  whose  leanings,  if  they  had  any  at  all,  were  in  favor  of  our  own 
people.  They  reported  the  value  of  the  property  at  $417,574  90.  The  then  district 
attorney  reported  to  Congress  that  $500,000  would  be  ample  to  purchase  these  two 
squares  and  to  complete  the  adornment  of  the  grounds  surrounding  the  Capitol. 
The  improvements  upon  those  squares  are  worth  $150,000,  which  would  reduce  the 
total  cost,  and  would  go  to  the  adornment  of  the  Capitol  grounds.  Under  our  present 
District  government  the  valuation  of  those  grounds,  for  purposes  of  taxation,  is  now 
$378,481. 

Mr.  Dawes.  It  has  been  stated  here  that  this  is  precisely  the  same  proposition 
which  was  attached  by  the  Senate  to  the  appropriation  bill  of  last  year. 

Mr.  Peters.  It  is  not  the  same. 

Mr.  Dawes.  I see  it  is  not,  but  it  has  been  so  stated.  I would  like  to  call  the 
attention  of  the  gentleman  to  that  difference,  and  I wish  to  ask  his  opinion  as  a 
lawyer  upon  the  effect  of  that  difference.  The  amendment  of  the  Senate  last  year 
provided  for  an  appeal  to  a jury  by  any  dissatisfied  owner  of  real  estate;  I see  that 
that  provision  is  left  out  of  this  amendment.  I would  inquire  of  the  gentleman  if 
he  thinks  it  is  possible  to  take  away  this  property  without  a trial  by  jury. 

Mr.  Chipman.  I understand  this  amendment  allows  the  owner  of  the  property  to 
go  to  court  in  case  an  agreement  is  not  arrived  at  by  the  commissioners  mentioned' 
in  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Dawes.  That  is  not  the  question,  as  to  where  this  amendment  allows  the  own- 
ers of  the  property  to  go.  The  question  is,  whether  the  gentleman  thinks  this  prop- 
erty can  be  taken  from  the  owners  without  a trial  by  jury. 

Mr.  Chipman.  I think  the  owners  will  consent 

Mr.  Dawes.  That  is  not  the  question.  I know  if  they  consent  to  have  it  taken 
away  from  them  it  can  be  taken  away  from  them  without  any  action  of  the  court. 
But  what  I want  to  know  is,  if  any  of  them  are  dissatisfied  with  the  award  of  these 
commissioners,  does  the  gentleman  think,  as  a lawyer,  that  this  property  can  be 
taken  from  them  without  a jury? 

Mr.  Chipman.  This  Government  jtossesses  the  right  of  eminent  domain. 

Mr.  Dawes.  I know  that.  But  I ask  the  gentleman  as  a lawyer  if  he  thinks  they 
can  take  his  farm,  for  instance,  without  his  consent  and  without  the  intervention  of 
a jury? 

Mr.  Chipman.  I think  so.  I know  the  United  States  have  seized  millions  of  prop- 
erty which  is  being  paid  for  by  the  Court  of  Claims  without  jury.  But  this  bill  does 
not  deprive  the  owners  of  property  from  having  a jury.  The  bill  sends  them  to  the 
court,  and  when  there,  they  can  have  the  jury  under  general  provisions  of  law. 

Mr.  Dawes.  I differ  with  the  gentleman. 

Mr.  Maynard.  Does  the  gentleman  question  the  correctness  of  the  opinion  of  the 
gentleman  from  the  District  of  Columbia? 

Mr.  Dawes.  I certainly  have  an  impression  to  the  contrary;  I think  there  is  some- 
thing in  the  Constitution  about  it. 

Mr.  Hibbard.  I move  to  amend  the  amendment  of  the  gentleman  from  Indiana  so 
as  to  increase  the  amount  to  $450,000. 

The  question  was  taken  upon  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Hibbard,  and  it  was  not 
agreed  to,  upon  a division — ayes  45,  noes  84. 

The  question  was  then  taken  on  the  amendment  moved  by  Mr.  Holman,  and  on 
a division  there  were — ayes  50,  noes  72. 

Before  the  result  of  the  vote  was  announced. 


1128 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Holman  called  for  tellers. 

Tellers  was  ordered;  and  Mr.  Holman  and  Mr.  Sargent  were  appointed. 

The  committee  again  divided;  and  the  tellers  reported  that  there  were — ayes  62, 
noes  71. 

So  the  amendment  moved  by  Mr.  Holman  was  not  agreed  to. 

The  question  recurred  upon  the  amendment  of  the  Senate  as  amended. 

Mr.  Harris,  of  Virginia.  I desire  to  propose  an  amendment  to  the  amendment 
which  was  adopted  on  motion  of  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts,  [Mr.  Banks.] 
I have  drawn  up  this  amendment  in  consultation  with  him,  and  I believe  it  is  satis- 
factory to  him.  I move  to  amend  his  amendment  by  inserting  after  the  words 
“authorized  and  directed ” the  words  “ within  six  months  from  the  termination  of 
the  present  session  of  Congress;  ” so  that  his  amendment,  if  so  amended,  will  read: 

And  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  shall  be,  and  hereby  is,  authorized  and 
directed,  within  sis  months  from  the  termination  of  the  present  session  of  Congress,  to  cause  the 
removal  of  the  locomotive  railway  track  in  front  of  the  west  entrance  of  the  Capitol,  &c. 

Mr.  Banks.  I have  no  objection  to  that. 

The  Chairman.  If  there  be  no  objection,  the  amendment  will  be  considered  as 
agreed  to. 

There  was  no  objection;  and  the  amendment  was  adopted. 

The  question  then  recurred  on  concurring  in  the  amendment  of  the  Senate  as 
amended . 

Mr.  Kellogg.  I move  further  to  amend  the  Senate  amendment  by  inserting  after 
the  word  “necessary,”  in  line  sixteen  of  section  nine,  the  words  “not  exceeding 
$500,000.” 

Mr.  Holman.  I move  to  amend  the  amendment  of  the  gentleman  from  Connecti- 
cut [Mr.  Kellogg]  by  striking  out  “five  hundred  thousand”  and  inserting  “four 
hundred  thousand.” 

On  agreeing  to  the  amendment  there  were — ayes  47,  noes  54;  no  quorum  voting. 

Tellers  were  ordered;  and  Mr.  Holman  and  Mr.  Kellogg  were  appointed. 

The  committee  divided;  and  the  tellers  reported — ayes  78,  noes  56. 

So  Mr.  Holman’s  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

The  question  recurring  on  agreeing  to  Mr.  Kellogg’s  amendment  as  amended,  it 
was  agreed  to. 

The  Senate  amendment,  as  amended,  was  then  concurred  in;  there  being — ayes 
110,  noes  32. 

Mr.  Holman.  I move  to  amend  by  adding  the  following  at  the  end  of  section  nine: 

Provided,  however,  That  this  appropriation  is  made  on  the  express  condition  that  no  railroad  shall 
be  permitted  to  cross  or  railroad  depot  be  located  on  the  public  grounds  of  the  city  of  Washington, 
between  the  Capitol  and  the  grounds  around  the  President’s  House. 

Mr.  Maynard.  I raise  the  point  of  order  that  that  amendment  is  not  germane; 
that  it  proposes  new  legislation. 

The  Chairman.  The  point  of  order  is  well  taken. 

Mr.  Holman.  When  an  expenditure  of  $500,000  is  at  stake  we  should  be  able  to 
understand  what  is  transpiring.  As  far  as  I can  understand  in  the  confusion,  there 
has  been  a point  of  order  made,  but  nothing  beyond  that.  I desire  to  say  on  that 
point  of  order 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  has  ruled  upon  the  point  of  order;  and  debate  is  not 
in  order. 

Mr.  Holman.  My  amendment  proposes  a limitation  on  the  appropriation.  Is  it 
not  in  order  to  limit  an  appropriation? 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  did  not  so  understand  the  amendment.  It  will  be 
again  read. 

The  Clerk  again  read  the  amendment. 


The  Grounds. 


1129 


Mr.  Sargent.  I raise  another  point  of  order — that  the  Committee  of  the  Whole 
having  concurred  in  the  Senate  amendment,  that  amendment  is  not  now  open  to 
amendment. 

The  Chairman.  The  point  of  order  is  well  taken. 

Mr.  Holman.  I move  to  add  this  proviso 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  must  state  to  the  gentleman  from  Indiana  that  before 
he  rose  to  offer  his  former  amendment  the  Senate  amendment  had  been  concurred 
in  as  amended. 

Mr.  Holman.  All  the  paragraphs  together? 

The  Chairman.  It  was  agreed  by  the  committee  that  they  should  all  be  treated  as 
one  amendment. 


[House  proceedings  of  Apr.  12,  1872:  Congressional  Globe,  42 — 2,  p.  2391.] 
LEGISLATIVE,  ETC.,  APPROPRIATION  BILL. 

The  Speaker.  The  regular  order  being  called,  the  House  resumes  the  consider- 
ation of  the  report  of  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  amendments  of  the  Senate 
to  the  bill  (II.  R.  No.  1060)  making  appropriations  for  the  legislative,  executive,  and 
judicial  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  year  ending  June  30, 1873,  and  for  other 
purposes,  on  which  the  previous  question  was  seconded  and  the  main  question 
ordered  prior  to  the  adjournment  last  evening.  Gentlemen  will  now  please  to  indicate 
on  what  amendments  they  desire  a separate  vote. 

Mr.  Holman.  I desire  a separate  vote  on  amendment  ninety-two. 

* * * 

Mr.  Harris,  of  Virginia.  I would  like  to  have  a separate  vote  on  the  amendment 
of  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Banks]  in  regard  to  taking  up  the  rail- 
road track  in  front  of  the  Capitol. 

-5f 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  I move  to  reconsider  the  vote  by  whicn  tne  report,  as 
regards  those  amendments,  tvas  concurred  in;  and  also  move  that  the  motion  to 
reconsider  be  laid  on  the  table. 

The  latter  motion  was  agreed  to. 

The  Speaker.  The  first  question  in  order  is  on  the  amendment  number  twenty- 
five,  on  page  15.  The  Clerk  will  report  the  amendment  adopted  by  the  Committee 
of  the  Whole,  and  also  the  amendment  offered  by  the  gentleman  from  California 
[Mr.  Sargent]  last  evening.  But  in  the  mean  time  the  gentleman  from  Ohio  [Mr. 
Garfield]  is  entitled  to  one  hour  to  close  debate. 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  Mr.  Speaker,  I do  not  desire  to  trespass  upon  the  atten- 
tion of  the  House,  for  I am  anxious  as  they  are  to  get  on  with  business,  but  I wish 
to  call  attention  to  one  or  two  items  which  we  are  asked  to  vote  upon. 

I ought  to  say  to  the  House  that  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  were  surprised 
at  the  vote  of  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  in  regard  to  the  squares  proposed  to  be 
added  to  the  Capitol  grounds.  The  committee  had  no  idea  that  the  Committee  of 
the  Whole  would  be  in  favor  of  that  amendment.  I do  not  know  that  they  are  yet 
for  it,  but  an  amendment  was  adopted  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  which  seems  to 
neutralize  the  meaning  of  the  sections  concerning  this  purchase.  The  amount  of 
money  put  in  is  so  limited  as  to  make  the  purchase  impossible  or  at  least  to  make  it 
unfeasible.  Whether  we  are  to  regard  the  adoption  of  that  as  instructions  or  not 
I can  scarcely  say,  but  I hope  that  the  House  will  non  concur  in  the  amendment  of 
the  Senate,  so  that  if  anything  is  to  be  done  in  this  regard  the  provisions  may  be 
looked  over  with  more  care.  One  or  two  things  which  were  mentioned  in  the  debate 
yesterday  are  worthy  the  consideration  of  the  House.  The  Senate  amendment  does 
not  provide  for  the  condemnation  of  this  property  by  a jury,  but  provides  for  its 
condemnation  by  a court. 


1130 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


I very  much  doubt  whether  we  have  any  right  under  the  Constitution  to  take  pri- 
vate property  without  having  a regular  assessment  by  a jury.  If  we  are  going  to 
make  this  purchase  at  all  I think  we  ought  to  have  some  amendment  put  in  which 
will  provide  for  a jury  of  assessment.  If  we  concur  in  the  Senate  amendment  with- 
out change  we  leave  all  these  questions  unsettled,  and  we  also  leave  the  amendment 
without  that  amount  of  care  that  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  would  have  taken 
had  they  supposed  there  was  any  reasonable  probability  of  the  amendment  being 
adopted  by  the  House.  For  these  reasons  I hope  the  House  will  non-concur  in  the 
Senate  amendments. 

Mr.  Brooks,  of  New  York.  Will  the  gentleman  allow  me  to  express  my  hope  against 
his  hope  that  the  House  will  concur  in  this  amendment? 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  I tried  to  state  fairly  and  justly  the  grounds  for  and  against 
this  amendment  yesterday,  but  I want  whatever  is  to  be  done  to  be  done  with  the 
utmost  care,  and  if  I were  to  indicate  what  ought  to  be  done,  I should  say  that  the 
suggestion  of  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts,  [Mr.  Butler,]  made  on  yesterday, 
is  the  wisest  suggestion : that  we  make  arrangements  for  an  assessment  and  for  a true 
report  on  the  whole  subject  with  a view  to  condemnation  of  the  property.  Twenty 
years  ago  when  action  was  had  upon  this  subject  it  was  taken  in  that  form.  A com- 
missioner was  appointed  to  go  over  the  whole  ground  and  find  out  at  what  rate  the 
purchase  could  be  had  by  private  persons,  and  make  such  estimates  and  such  report 
that  Congress  would  have  the  entire  subject  fully  before  them.  It  seems  to  me,  sir, 
that  we  should  take  the  same  course  now. 

I yield  for  a moment  to  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts,  [Mr.  Butler.] 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  I desire  to  say  that  I am  very  much  in  favor  of 
this  improvement,  and  wish  it  to  be  done  in  the  most  economical  and  efficient  way 
possible.  But  I hold  it  to  be  a constitutional  provision,  the  fundamental  law,  that 
you  cannot  take  a man’s  property  without  giving  him  a trial  by  jury  to  ascertain 
how  much  it  is  worth.  If  there  is  anything  in  the  Constitution,  that  is  there.  You 
cannot  take  a man’s  property  and  say  that  he  shall  have  so  many  dollars  for  it.  The 
provision  is  that  there  shall  be  adequate  compensation,  and  for  that  the  common 
law-right  is  secured  by  the  Constitution,  and  there  is  but  one  tribunal,  a jury  of 
twelve  men. 

Now,  what  I wish  should  be  done  is  that  there  shall  be  a non-concurrence  in  this 
amendment,  not  for  the  purpose  of  defeating  the  project,  but  because  if  we  say  we 
will  have  this  property  at  all  hazards,  without  any  limit  as  to  the  price  to  be  paid 
except  what  may  be  found  as  damages  by  the  jury,  this  property  will  rise  to  more 
than  double  its  present  value  within  the  next  sixty  days.  But  if  we  say  that  we 
will  have  an  appraisal  and  condemnation,  and  a jury  to  ascertain  what  it  is  worth, 
then  every  man  in  the  city  of  Washington,  except  perhaps  the  owners  of  the  prop- 
erty, will  be  anxious  to  keep  down  the  appraisal  and  have  reasonable  remuneration 
awarded,  for  fear  Congress  may  not  take  it.  There  would  probably  be  only  four  or 
five  men  who  could  not  be  agreed  with  as  to  the  price  of  their  land,  and  require  a 
jury.  And  that  appraisement  being  made,  and  that  amount  ascertained,  then  that 
could  be  reported  here  at  the  next  session,  and  we  can  then  appropriate  the  neces- 
sary amount,  and  hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars  would  be  saved,  besides  having 
the  thing  done  regularly  and  in  order. 

Mr.  Brooks,  of  New  York.  I can  not  undertake  to  answer  the  law  of  the  gentle- 
men from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Butler  and  Mr.  Dawes.]  But  I can  say  this  in  reply 
to  them,  that  if  we  should  undertake  to  do  anything  in  this  matter  that  is  against 
the  Constitution  of  the  country,  the  courts  will  arrest  our  action  and  make  it  right, 
and  thereby  protect  the  citizens  here  and  the  owners  of  the  surrounding  property 
here. 

Now,  the  honorable  gentleman  from  Ohio  [Mr.  Garfield]  and  the  honorable  gen- 
tleman from  Illinois  [Mr.  Moore]  made  some  remarks  the  other  day  approving  this 


The  Grounds. 


1131 


improvement,  but  saying  that  now  is  not  the  time,  but  that  hereafter  would  be  a 
more  proper  period  for  this  enlargement  of  the  surroundings  of  the  Capitol  than  is 
the  present  moment.  Let  me  say  that  for  full  thirty  years  I have  heard  that  same 
speech  exactly  made  at  different  periods  in  this  Capitol,  and  with  the  same  argu- 
ments. For  this  has  been  a struggle  now  of  thirty  years  to  make  more  beautiful  the 
surroundings  of  this  Capitol,  and  we  have  waited  long  enough. 

Nor  is  the  House,  I hope,  to  be  deterred  by  the  magnitude  of  the  expense;  because 
our  fathers,  during  the  darkest  period  of  our  late  war  with  Great  Britain,  or  subse- 
quent to  that  time,  when  this  country  was  impoverished  by  the  war,  made  the  largest 
appropriation  at  that  time,  or  any  time  before,  for  the  creation  of  what  was  the  Capi- 
tol before  the  wings  were  put  on,  and  which  made  it  then  one  of  the  most  beautiful 
Capitols  in  the  world. 

The  most  proposed  to  be  expended  now  by  the  amendment  before  us  is  1400,000. 
And  if  it  should  cost  more,  then  more  would  he  appropriated  by  Congress  when  it 
was  deemed  necessary.  But  now  is  the  time,  now  is  the  accepted  hour,  and  I ob- 
trude my  remarks  upon  the  House  here,  because  as  a member  of  the  Opposition — • 
though  a humble  one — I do  not  intend,  so  far  as  I am  concerned,  that  any  political 
argument  whatever  shall  be  made  against  this  expenditure. 

In  conclusion,  let  me  say  that  I shall  give  my  vote  for  this  amendment  as  a popular 
vote.  I believe  the  people  of  this  country  approve  and  desire  that  their  Representa- 
tives shall  not  only  be  in  a beautiful  Capitol  but  with  corresponding  beautiful  sur- 
roundings. And  wherever  there  has  been  a republican  people,  or  a republican  or  a 
democratic  country,  in  any  age  of  the  world,  the  democracy  themselves,  the  people 
at  large,  have  been  most  liberal  in  appropriations  for  their  representatives,  both  in 
their  capitols  and  their  surroundings.  They  have  ever  demanded  to  have  their  beau 
ideal  of  government  beautifully  represented  in  the  grounds  or  structures  in  which 
they  or  their  representatives  assembled. 

Democracy  is  not  a coarse  and  vulgar  thing,  but  the  ideal  creation  of  the  best  and 
the  most  beautiful.  Thus  in  the  Pnyx  of  Athens  gathered  the  Anthenian  democracy, 
where,  from  the  Bema,  Demosthenes,  Themistocles,  or  Pericles  pointed  to  the  Areo- 
pagus, or  rather  to  the  Acropolis,  full  of  stately  and  gorgeous  temples,  the  Parthenon, 
the  Erechtheium,  and  the  Propylsea,  the  creations  of  the  government  of  Pericles,  or 
of  the  glorious  art  of  Phidias  and  Praxiteles.  And  thus  from  the  Roman  Forum  the 
Roman  orators  pointed  to  the  Capitolum,  where  was  the  Roman  golden  temple  full 
of  the  Roman  sacred  gods.  Even  so  the  republicans  of  the  Middle  Ages  in  Florence, 
Pisa,  or  Venice,  decorated  and  adorned  their  capitols  with  glorious  statues  or  frescoes 
or  noble  parks;  the  people  in  all  of  them,  the  democratic  people,  feeling  that  as  they 
exalted  their  own  chosen  governments  they  exalted  the  democratic  principle,  and 
also  exalted  themselves. 

It  is  a most  mistaken  idea,  then,  that  the  people  of  this  country,  the  voters  of  the 
country,  desire  us  to  be  niggardly  or  parsimonious  in  the  surroundings  of  the  Capitol, 
which  represents  the  people  themselves.  And  if  there  be  anything  that  is  gratifying 
to  the  people  of  this  country  it  is  this  beautiful  Capitol,  or  anything  mortifying  to  the 
people  it  is  the  miserable  surroundings  which  environ  us  here  on  every  side.  But  I 
have  risen,  not  to  make  a speech,  only  as  a humble  member  of  the  Opposition  to  say 
that  no  political  capital  shall  be  made  against  you  for  this  appropriation,  at  least  so 
far  as  I am  concerned. 

Mr.  Morgan.  The  gentleman  is  not  authorized  by  the  Democratic  party  to  say  any 
such  thing  here. 

Mr.  Brooks,  of  New  York.  I spoke  for  myself. 

Mr.  Morgan.  The  gentleman  must  speak  for  himself,  not  for  the  rest  of  us  here. 

Mr.  Dawes.  As  is  knoAvn  to  those  who  have  been  here  during  past  Congresses,  I 
have  heretofore  opposed  this  proposed  enlargement  of  the  Capitol  grounds,  not 
because  I did  not  think  the  measure  ought  to  be  carried  out,  and  ultimately  would 


1132 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


be,  but  I have  never  seen  the  time  when  we  did  not  need  for  other  purposes  the 
money  which  this  purchase  would  require.  As  it  has  always  been  said  that  the 
ground  meanwhile  lies  dormant  and  does  not  rise  in  value  because  of  this  discussion, 
I have  always  felt  that  if  this  were  so  the  Government  was  not  suffering  by  the 
delay. 

I have,  however,  made  up  my  mind  that  at  this  time,  perhaps,  the  purchase  had 
better  be  made.  But  I desire  to  have  it  so  made  as  to  involve  the  Government  in  as 
little  expense  as  possible.  The  figures  which  have  been  presented  here  are,  when  you 
come  to  look  at  them,  exceedingly  delusive.  Members  who  may  have  any  idea  that 
$500,000  is  going  to  compass  this  expense  may  just  as  well  abandon  that  idea  now  as 
wait  and  see  themselves  within  one  year  confronted  with  double  that  amount  as  the 
valuation  of  this  property,  which  will  be  the  case  unless  great  safeguards  be  thrown 
around  this  measure. 

Now,  draw  this  bill  in  whatever  form  you  please,  the  Constitution  of  the  United 
States  will  secure  to  all  the  owners  of  this  property  who  may  desire  it  such  damages 
as  a jury  of  twelve  men  may  award  them,  and  those  damages  you  must  pay.  Now, 
Mr.  Speaker,  let  us  not  bind  ourselves  beforehand  to  take  this  property  at  whatever 
valuation  twelve  men  may  put  upon  it;  but  let  us  first  provide  for  obtaining  that 
valuation ; let  us  provide  for  ascertaining  the  damages;  let  us  provide  in  the  first  place 
all  that  machinery,  because  along  with  the  cost  of  the  ground  must  come  expendi- 
tures for  grading,  iron  fencing,  &e.  Let  all  this  be  submitted  to  a commission;  if  the 
machinery  provided  in  this  bill  be  sufficient,  very  well;  but  let  there  be  a report  at 
the  next  session  of  Congress.  Then  the  owners  of  this  property  will  know  that  they 
cannot  go  before  a jury  and  swell  their  damages  to  an  enormous  rate,  as  they  might 
be  disposed  to  do  if  we  were  bound  to  take  the  property  at  any  price  twelve  men 
may  fix. 

According  to  the  plan  I propose  we  shall  not  move  the  buildings  and  clear  the 
ground  during  the  coming  summer;  but  we  shall  take  such  means  that  at  the  next 
session  we  may  secure  this  property  at  a fair  and  reasonable  price.  By  this  process 
the  cost  of  the  ground,  as  well  as  the  expense  of  grading,  fencing,  ornamentation, 
&c.,  may  be  brought  within  the  limitation  of  $500,000.  But  I agree  with  my  col- 
league [Mr.  Butler]  that  it  would  be  most  unwise  for  us  to  bind  ourselves  beyond 
revocation  to  pay  the  price  which  a jury  may  put  upon  the  property;  for  a condem- 
nation must  carry  along  with  it  a trial  by  jury.  I never  had  a doubt  on  this  point 
until  the  present  moment,  when  a doubt  is  suggested  to  me  by  a shake  of  the  head 
of  my  distinguished  friend  from  Vermont,  [Mr.  Poland.]  The  principle  has  been 
so  many  times  declared  by  other  learned  judges  that  I thought  it  perfectly  settled  that 
under  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States  we  cannot  take  away  a man’s  property 
except  in  pursuance  of  a trial  by  jury. 

But  suppose  you  dodge  a trial  by  jury  and  have  a commission  appointed  by  a court 
to  settle  this  question,  what  is  the  difference?  The  owners  of  the  property  will 
know  that  the  Government  has  bound  itself  by  law  to  pay  whetever  the  commission 
may  fix,  and  they  will  have  every  inducement  to  swell  the  valuation  to  an  enormous 
figure.  It  is  perfectly  delusive  to  expect  that  under  such  circumstances  you  could 
get  this  property  for  $500,000.  If  you  appropriate  in  advance  out  of  the  Treasury  the 
aggregate  sum  which  may  be  fixed  as  the  valuation  by  consent,  by  appraisement,  by 
award  of  a commission,  or  by  the  verdict  of  a jury,  then  you  will  never  get  this 
property  for  $1,000,000. 

I have  made  up  my  mind  to  support  this  measure  if  it  can  be  properly  guarded  so 
that,  we  may  secure  these  two  lots  of  ground  without  involving  the  Government  in 
an  extraordinary  expenditure.  Otherwise,  I shall  be  obliged  to  vote  against  the 
proposition  and  endeavor  to  secure  its  postponement  as  long  as  possible.  Being 
myself,  as  a member  of  the  House,  engaged  in  the  work  of  trying  to  reduce  taxation, 
and  constantly  hearing  the  cry  as  to  the  “burdens  of  taxation”  and  the  necessity  for 


The  Grounds. 


1133 


their  reduction,  I am  not  disposed  to  impose  on  the  Government  any  extraordinary 
expenditure,  however  much  it  may  enlarge  and  beautify  the  Capitol  grounds  and 
commend  this  stately  building  to  the  eye.  Unless  in  securing  this  object  we  can  pursue 
proper  economy,  and  throw  suitable  safeguards  around  the  proposed  expenditure,  I, 
for  one,  am  not  disposed  to  undertake  the  project. 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  I now  yield  for  five  minutes  to  the  gentleman  from  Ver- 
mont, [Mr.  Poland.] 

Mr.  Poland.  I came  in,  Mr.  Speaker,  while  the  first  gentleman  from  Massachu- 
setts [Mr.  Butler]  was  speaking.  I understand  his  objection  to  this  to  be — one 
objection,  at  least,  and  that  was  suggested  by  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on 
Appropriations,  the  gentleman  from  Ohio,  [Mr.  Garfield,] — that  this  Senate  amend- 
ment does  not  provide  for  condemnation  by  jury.  Now,  I have  no  doubt  but  this 
amendment  does  provide  for  condemnation  by  a jury  if  the  laws  require  it.  If  the 
Secretary  of  the  Interior  is  not  able  to  agree  with  these  owners  as  to  the  valuation  of 
their  property  he  is  to  apply  to  the  court,  and  the  court  by  proper  proceedings  is  to 
proceed  to  the  condemnation  of  this  property.  Therefore,  if,  in  the  judgment  of  the 
court,  the  Constitution  entitles  the  owners  of  these  lands  to  have  their  value  assessed 
by  jury,  the  court  will  say  so,  and  there  will  be  a condemnation  of  the  property  upon 
a verdict  of  a jury  as  to  its  value. 

Mr.  Potter.  And  if  the  court  does  not  say  so,  then  this  proceeding  is  null  and  void 
on  that  assumption. 

Mr.  Poland.  That  is  so,  provided  the  gentlemen  are  right  in  their  idea  of  the 
extent  of  the  constitutional  requirement;  but  the  supreme  court  of  one  State,  at  least, 
has  decided  that  the  valuation  of  property  is  not  one  of  the  “causes  of  common  law” 
mentioned  in  the  Constitution  so  as  to  entitle  the  owner  or  the  public  appropriating 
it  to  a trial  by  a jury.  I understand  that  to  be  the  prevailing  legal  doctrine  on  the 
subject. 

The  Speaker.  There  is  so  much  noise  and  confusion  in  the  House  that  it  is  utterly 
impossible  to  hear  the  gentleman  from  Vermont.  Members  will  resume  their  seats. 

Mr.  Poland.  I was  saying,  when  no  one  could  hear  what  1 was  saying,  that  if  the 
Constitution  requires  these  damages  should  be  assessed  by  jury,  the  provision  is 
ample  to  authorize  the  court  to  say  so,  and  to  cause  the  damages  to  be  assessed  in 
that  manner. 

But  the  last  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Dawes]  who  spoke  seems  to  be 
afraid  of  the  same  constitutional  right.  His  great  difficulty  is  that  the  damages  to 
be  awarded  will  be  entirely  too  great — that,  a jury  may  be  obtained  that  will  give  a 
verdict  for  damages  more  than  they  ought  to  give.  I should  like  to  know  when  in 
the  future,  to  which  my  friend  looks  forward  with  so  much  hope,  we  will  not  meet 
precisely  this  very  same  difficulty. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  I will  state  to  the  gentleman  from  Vermont  that  if 
we  are  to  take  this  at  all  hazards,  then  a jury  may  fix  whatever  price  they  please; 
but  if  we  do  not  take  it  until  we  find  what  it  is  going  to  cost,  then  vYe  will  have  a 
right  to  expect  the  jury  will  bring  in  a fair  verdict  for  the  damages  to  be  allowed. 

Mr.  Poland.  I endeavored  yesterday  to  answer  the  idea  which  my  friend  has  just 
now  suggested.  I do  not  know  of  any  way  until  we  have  passed  a lawr  by  which  we 
agree  to  take  the  land,  until  we  have  sequestered  it  in  some  legal  mode,  how  we  can 
get  the  question  before  a jury.  I do  not  understand  we  can  set  up  a sham  proceeding, 
that  we  can  make  moot  court  for  the  purpose  of  determining  the  value  of  this  property. 
We  have  to  say  in  the  first  place  we  will  take  the  property,  and  institute  proceedings 
for  its  condemnation.  If  we  take  it  now  we  have  to  do  it  in  that  way.  In  the  far- 
distant  future  my  friend  from  Massachusetts  expects  to  reach  some  time  when  we  are 
to  take  it.  We  must  do  it  in  the  same  way  and  encounter  the  same  perils. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  In  reference  to  the  taking  of  land  for  road  purposes, 
we  assess  the  damages  by  a jury,  and  if  they  are  too  much  then  the  road  is  discon- 


1134 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


tinued  and  there  is  an  end  of  it,  and  no  one  is  hurt.  If,  however,  the  damages  are 
what  we  think  right  and  proper,  then  the  road  is  made. 

Mr.  Poland.  If  we  pass  this  bill,  Congress  will  be  in  session  again  long  before  the 
proceedings  will  be  gone  through  with  for  the  condemnation  of  the  land,  and  if  there 
is  any  such  difficulty  as  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  supposes,  the  power  in 
our  hands  is  entirely  effectual  to  provide  a remedy  by  repealing  the  law,  which  will 
be  a very  effectual  discontinuance  of  the  whole  proceedings. 

My  friend  from  Massachusetts-  [Mr.  Dawes]  says  he  is  in  favor  of  this.  I have 
been  hearing  the  gentleman  make  this  same  declaration  for  a great  many  years,  that 
he  was  in  favor  of  it,  but  not  in  favor  of  it  now;  and  if  that  gentleman  will  remain 
here  a great  many  more  years,  as  I hope  he  will,  I expect  to  hear  him  still  making 
the  same  declaration  so  long  as  this  subject  is  before  Congress.  He  is  always  in 
favor  of  it,  but  in  favor  of  it  at  some  future  time,  and  never  in  favor  of  it  when  it 
has  come  to  be  a thing  to  be  done.  We  have  already  lost  time  and  money  by  not 
doing  this.  Perhaps  it  ought  to  have  been  done  in  1861.  This  property  has  increased 
largely  in  value  since  that.  time. 

Mr.  Dawes.  The  difficulty  of  my  friend  from  Vermont  seems  to  be  that  he  regrets 
lost  opportunities  of  taking  large  sums  of  money  out  of  the  Treasury  of  the  United 
States.  I am  sorry  he  has  had  such  lost  opportunities. 

Mr.  Poland.  The  lost  opportunity  I am  speaking  of  was  the  lost  opportunity  to 
get  this  property  at  a much  lower  price  than  we  can  now  get  it  at. 

Mr.  Dawes.  I ought  to  add  to  my  friend  that  this  is  not  the  kind  of  lost  opportu- 
nity which  works  eternal  ruin.  It  is  another  kind  of  opportunity,  the  loss  of  which 
by  a man  does  that. 

Mr.  Poland.  To  the  poetical  reference  of  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  I have 
nothing  to  say,  because  I do  not  understand  poetry.  I apprehend  if  it  is  postponed 
for  another  ten  years  we  shall  make  just  as  much  as  we  have  made  by  the  postpone- 
ment of  the  last  ten  years.  The  property  will  double  in  price  in  another  ten  years, 
and  if  the  improvement  is  postponed  for  that  length  of  time,  it  will  take  twice  as 
much  money  then  to  carry  it  out  as  it  would  now. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  I yield  three  minutes  to  the  gentleman  from  Indiana,  [Mr. 
Coburn.] 

Mr.  Coburn.  We  have  many  and  large  expenditures  forced  upon  us  constantly. 
There  is  a great  strain  upon  the  people  for  the  payment  of  the  interest  on  the  public 
debt,  for  the  regular  expenses  of  the  Government,  and  for  bounties,  pensions,  and 
the  expenditures  of  the  war  not  yet  closed  up,  a large  amount  of  claims  and  other 
demands  pressing  upon  the  Treasury.  And  now  with  this  tremendous  load  upon  us, 
members  who  profess  to  be  the  friends  of  economy  are  insisting  upon  buying  two 
squares  at  an  enormous  cost,  and,  in  addition,  paying  for  the  buildings  situated 
thereon  and  throwing  them  away.  For  what  purpose?  For  the  purpose  of  making 
beautiful  and  ornamental  grounds  about  the  Capitol.  Not  for  anything  that  is  nec- 
essary; not  for  anything  that  is  demanded  in  the  nature  of  things,  but  for  the  mak- 
ing of  a splendid  surrounding  ground,  as  the  gentleman  from  New  York  [Mr.  Brooks] 
says,  “around  the  finest  buildings  in  the  world,”  vying  with  the  architectural  dis- 
plays of  ancient  Greece  and  Rome.  At  this  time,  with  this  pressure  upon  a republi- 
can people,  who  have  gone  through  the  most  stupendous  and  costly  struggle  to  main- 
tain their  existence  and  pay  their  debt,  yet  known  in  the  existence  of  a free  country, 
we  are  called  upon  to  do  that.  It  strikes  me  that  under  the  circumstances  is  this 
one  of  the  most  unreasonable  propositions  that  could  be  submitted  to  us. 

Why,  sir,  what  is  the  value  of  that  property,  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand 
square  feet,  as  I am  informed?  Property  has  been  selling  on  the  other  side  of  the 
square  at  ?2  50  per  square  foot,  and  that  at  a greater  distance  from  the  Capitol  than 
this  is.  At  that  rate  the  cost  of  this  property  would  amount  to  over  five  hundred 


The  Grounds. 


1135 


thousand  dollars  for  the  naked  ground,  independent  of  the  buildings,  which  are 
worth  several  hundred  thousand  more.  I ask  gentlemen  if  they  are  ready  to  go  into 
an  expenditure  of  that  kind  at  this  time,  and  I have  risen  now  for  the  purpose  of 
submitting  my  most  earnest  remonstrance  against  anything  of  that  kind. 

It  may  be  possible,  in  time  to  come,  this  ground  will  not  be  needed.  It  may  be 
possible  in  some  future  day  that  the  people  will  say  that  this  building  here  is  not 
needed.  It  may  he  that  the  Capitol  of  the  country,  like  the  center  of  population 
and  power,  will  travel  westward.  When  this  Capitol  was  put  here  it  was  about  the 
center  of  population.  But  the  mysterious  and  potent  center  of  population  has  been 
constantly  traveling  westward.  It  has  crossed  the  Alleghenies,  it  has  crossed  the 
Ohio,  it  has  crossed  the  State  of  Ohio  and  is  traveling  toward  what  is  the  natural 
center  of  the  power  and  influence  and  wealth  of  this  country,  the  great  Mississippi 
river.  It  may  be,  Mr.  Speaker,  when  that  point  is  reached,  that  the  people  of  this 
country  will  not  desire  to  have  this  ground  and  these  buildings  here.  I am  therefore 
in  favor  of  postponing  any  action  of  this  kind. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  I yield  three  minutes  to  the  gentleman  from  Illinois,  [Mr. 
Moore.] 

Mr.  Moore.  I have  been  opposed  to  this  appropriation,  as  I said  yesterday,  not 
because  1 am  opposed  to  the  adornment  of  the  grounds  about  this  Capitol,  but  for 
the  reason  that  it  is  not  an  immediate  necessity,  and  that  the  burdens  already  upon 
the  people  are  extremely  heavy.  The  people  of  this  country  have  for  the  last  ten 
years  borne  such  burdens  as  no  other  people  on  the  face  of  the  earth  perhaps  ever 
did,  and  borne  them  willingly.  Under  Republican  rule  for  the  last  ten  years  we 
have  accomplished  vastly  more  in  this  country  than  was  ever  accomplished  under 
any  other  administration  during  the  same  length  of  time.  And  as  the  people  have 
responded  to  every  demand  made  upon  them  heretofore,  they  are  now  looking  for  a 
careful  administration  of  the  financial  affairs  of  the  Government.  They  are  not 
demanding  this  expenditure  at  this  time,  and  the  amount  to  be  expended,  and  that 
will  certainly  be  expended  in  carrying  out  this  improvement,  is  not  a necessary 
expenditure. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  I now  yield  to  the  gentleman  from  Virginia,  [Mr.  Harris.] 

Mr.  Harris,  of  Virginia.  On  yesterday  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  [Mr. 
Banks]  offered,  and  the  committee  passed,  an  amendment  to  this  bill  providing  that 
the  railroad  track  in  front  of  the  west  entrance  to  the  Capitol  should  be  taken  up. 
By  the  courtesy  and  kindness  of  the  House  I succeeded  in  procuring  an  extension 
of  the  time  six  months;  but  I find  upon  examination  of  the  law  that  six  months  will 
not  answer;  that  no  law  has  been  passed  authorizing  the  railroad  to  make  any  other 
connection.  This  amendment  of  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  strikes  down  the 
connection  between  the  North  and  the  South.  At  present  a man  can  get  upon  the 
railroad  in  New  Orleans  and  keep  on  it  until  he  gets  to  New  York  or  Boston.  He 
can  get  on  at  Pittsburg  and  can  jiass  through  this  city  without  really  disturbing  any- 
body, for  the  trains  each  way  pass  at  night.  If  the  amendment  be  adopted,  those 
in  the  sleeping  cars,  women  and  children  and  all  will  be  turned  out  at  ten  o’clock 
at  night  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Potomac  and  be  taken  by  wagons  or  omni- 
buses to  the  depot  of  the  Baltimore  and  Ohio  railroad.  This  is  the  nineteenth  cen- 
tury, and  efforts  are  being  made  to  connect  every  place  by  rail.  The  gentleman’s 
proposition  is  to  retrograde  to  the  position  of  things  years  ago,  and  separate  the  con- 
nection between  the  North  and  the  South.  I have  no  particular  fancy  for  this  route, 
but  the  point  I make  is  this:  it  is  not  right  or  proper  to  remove  this  road,  which 
disturbs  nobody,  without  providing  some  other  means  of  making  this  important  con- 
nection. Let  me  say  further  that  they  carry  cotton,  cattle,  and  other  products  of 
the  South  through  this  city  to  Philadelphia  and  New  York,  disturbing  no  mortal 


1136 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


man  in  their  passage  in  the  night.  The  gentleman  proposes  to  cut  the  road  short.  I 
hope  his  amendment  will  not  be  agreed  to,  but  that  Congress  will  provide  some  other 
mode  of  connecting  the  road  and  then  require  them  to  take  up  their  present  track, 
but  do  not  now  destroy  the  connection. 

At  a time  when  an  earnest  effort  is  being  made  to  fraternize  the  sections,  to  culti- 
vate mutual  and  kindly  relations  between  them,  to  promote  the  general  welfare  by 
connecting  them  with  rails  of  steel,  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  proposes  to 
sunder  the  connecting  links  which  bind  them  together.  I trust  he  will  not  succeed. 
I hope,  Mr.  Speaker,  the  amendment  adopted  on  yesterday  in  committee  will  to-day 
be  defeated  by  the  House. 

Mr.  Maynard.  I would  like  to  say,  in  addition  to  what  has  been  said  by  the  gen- 
tleman from  Virginia,  that  the  taking  up  of  these  tracks  would  cost  the  people  of  the 
South  a §100,000  a year  in  additional  freights. 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  I yield  now  to  my  colleague,  [Mr.  Bingham.] 

Mr.  Bingham.  I desire  to  say  to  the  House  that  so  far  as  any  question  of  law  has 
been  raised  here  touching  the  validity  of  the  Senate  amendment  to  this  bill,  gentle- 
men ought  to  be  satisfied  when  they  look  at  the  provisions  of  the  eighth  section  of 
the  Senate  amendment  in  regard  to  the  condemnation  of  the  property  that  may  be 
taken.  It  is  as  follows: 

Sec.  8.  That  if  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  shall  not  be  able  to  agree  with  the  owner  or  owners  of 
any  private  property  needed  for  the  purposes  of  this  act  upon  the  price  to  be  paid  therefor  or  if  for  any 
other  cause  he  shall  be  unable  to  obtain  the  title  to  any  such  property  by  mutual  agreement  with  the 
owner  or  owners  thereof,  it  shall  be  his  duty  to  make  application  to  the  supreme  court  of  the  District 
of  Columbia,  rvhieh  courtis  hereby  authorized  and  required,  upon  such  application,  in  such  mode,  and 
under  such  rules  and  regulations  as  it  may  adopt,  to  make  a just  and  equitable  appraisement  of  the 
cash  value  of  the  several  interests  of  each  and  every  owner  of  the  real  estate  and  improvements  thereon 
necessary  to  be  taken  for  the  public  use  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  act,  and  to  which 
the  Secretary  has  been  unable  to  obtain  the  title  by  mutual  agreement  with  the  owner  or  owners 
thereof. 

It  is  enough  to  say  that  if  gentlemen  are  right  in  their  suppositions  that  there  can 
be  no  condemnation  of  real  estate  without  assessment  of  value  by  a jury,  the  court 
will  be  constrained,  under  the  Constitution,  to  empanel  a jury  to  assess  the  value. 
Gentlemen  will  bear  in  mind  that  years  ago  a question  arose  quite  kindred  to  that 
now  raised  here  as  to  the  effect  and  meaning  of  the  term  “due  process  of  law”  as 
used  in  the  fifth  article  of  amendments  to  the  Constitution,  which  was  passed  upon 
in  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States.  I refer  to  the  case  of  Murray  vs.  The 
Hoboken  Land  and  Improvement  Company,  18  Howard,  280.  In  that  case  land 
was  seized  on  a Treasury  warrant  issued  to  the  United  States  marshal,  and  sold. 
The  question  raised  and  decided  in  the  case  was  whether  upon  a warrant  issued  by 
the  Treasury  land  could  be  seized  and  sold  by  the  marshal  without  the  intervention 
of  a jury.  The  validity  of  the  act  of  Congress  authorizing  such  seizure  and  sale  was 
sustained  by  the  Supreme  Court  and  stands  to-day  unchallenged,  declaring  that  the 
phrase  “ due  process  of  law”  means  the  law  of  the  land. 

It  seems  to  me  that  gentlemen  must  be  satisfied  on  the  point  of  law  here  raised, 
and  that  there  is  and  can  be  no  difficulty  in  condemning  the  land  taken,  because  the 
bill  provides  that  if  there  is  not  an  amicable  transfer,  by  agreement  of  the  owners  of 
the  property,  to  the  United  States,  the  question  of  damages  is  to  be  assessed  by  the 
supreme  court  of  the  District  of  Columbia.  Of  course  the  obligation  imposed  by 
the  Constitution  rests  upon  the  court,  and  if  the  Constitution  requires  that  a jury 
shall  assess  the  value,  the  court  must  assess  the  damages  accordingly,  unless  the 
owner  waives  the  requirement. 

I have  said  about  all  I have  the  opportunity  to  say  in  the  limited  time  allowed  me; 
enough,  I think,  to  satisfy  every  gentleman  in  this  House  that  there  is  no  difficulty 
of  law  in  this  matter.  I hope  the  House  will  not  reject  the  amendment  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  the  Whole.  It  is  utterly  useless  to  talk  about  this  thing  of  neglecting  this 


The  Grounds. 


1137 


beautiful  Capitol  and  leaving  it  exposed  on  every  side  because  somebody  contem- 
plates a removal  of  it  in  some  future  day  to  some  other  place.  While  we  have  a 
Capitol,  I trust  the  Representatives  of  the  people  will  consider  it  their  duty  to  see  to 
it  that  it  has  the  proper  surroundings  and  adornments. 

Mr.  Morgan.  Honorable  gentlemen  have  said  that  they  believed  this  to  be  the 
most  grand  and  beautiful  Capitol  building  in  the  world.  I myself  believe  that  such 
is  the  fact,  and  am  much  gratified  that  it  is  so.  I did  not  intend  to  say  a word  on 
this  subject,  until  I felt  called  upon  to  do  so  by  the  remarks  of  the  gentleman  from 
New  York  city,  [Mr.  Brooks.]  We  are  told  constantly  in  both  branches  of  Congress 
that  the  people  of  the  United  States  at  the  present  time  are  more  heavily  taxed  than 
are  any  other  people  on  earth.  The  amount  of  our  debt,  measured  by  the  interest 
they  pay,  is  greater  than  that  of  any  other  people  on  earth. 

I therefore,  rise,  on  behalf  of  the  tax-payers  of  the  country,  who  are  thus  overbur- 
dened, to  put  in  my  earnest  protest  on  their  behalf  against  this  wicked  and  inexcusa- 
ble extravagance  of  expending,  at  this  time,  one  half  million  of  money  to  extend  and 
beautify  the  Capitol  grounds.  And  I warn  gentlemen  that  they  are  pursuing  the 
surest  method  of  having  the  Capitol  removed.  I have  heretofore  voted  against  reso- 
lutions in  favor  of  the  removal  of  the  Capitol.  But  if  this  reckless  extravagance  is  to 
be  checked  only  by  its  removal  to  some  distant  point  in  the  West,  then  I am  for  the 
removal  of  the  Capitol  at  the  earliest  practicable  period.  I will  not  occupy  any  fur- 
ther time  on  that  point;  but  will  reply  to  remarks  made  on  yesterday  by  the  gen- 
tleman from  Connecticut,  [Mr.  Kellogg.]  That  honorable  gentleman  held  in 
his  hand  a copy  of  the  Washington  Patriot  newspaper  of  yesterday  morning,  and 
read  from  it  an  article  justifying  the  conduct  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  in  taking 
from  the  Treasury,  in  violation  of  law,  the  sum  of  $93,000  and  making  a gift  of  it  to 
Secor  & Co.  I refer  to  that  now  for  the  purpose  of  saying  that  the  Democratic  party 
is  not  responsible  for  this  article  of  the  Patriot.  When  I read  that  article,  not  notic- 
ing what  journal  it  was,  I supposed  I was  reading  the  Washington  Chronicle.  That 
article  does  not  in  any  respect  reflect  the  sentiments  of  the  Democratic  party,  but 
seems  more  like  an  emanation  from  one  of  the  many  splendid  fetes  given  by  the  Sec- 
retary. I do  not  charge  that  the  Secretary  seeks  to  stifle  public  sentiment  by  the 
fumes  Avhich  arise  from  his  sumptuous  and  hospitable  table;  nevertheless  the  world 
so  believes. 

Mr.  Sargent.  I am  glad  to  see  the  truth  from  any  source. 

Mr.  Morgan.  One  word  more.  The  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Butler] 
told  us  the  other  day,  and  the  gentleman  from  Connecticut  [Mr.  Kellogg]  repeated 
yesterday,  that  there  was  no  instance  in  which  one  dollar  of  the  public  funds  had 
been  wrongfully  appropriated  by  any  officer  of  the  Government.  The  contrary  has 
been  proved.  I hold  that  when  the  Secretary  of  the  Navy  in  violation  of  all  law 
takes  $93,000  from  the  Treasury,  it  makes  no  difference  to  the  people  whether  it 
goes  into  his  pocket  or  into  the  pocket  of  another  man.  When  a gentleman  who 
occupies  the  high  position  of  a Cabinet  officer  wrongfully  takes  from  the  Treasury 
such  an  enormous  sum  of  money,  he  must  not  be  surprised  if  persons  presume  that 
he  has  an  interest  of  some  kind  in  the  act  of  wrongdoing. 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  I now  yield  four  minutes  to  the  gentleman  from  Califor- 
nia, [Mr.  Sargent.] 

Mr.  Sargent.  Mr.  Speaker,  I wish  to  speak  to  the  question  before  the  House;  I 
have  no  time  to  follow  the  gentleman  into  general  politics  in  four  minutes.  My 
friend  from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Dawes]  says  that  he  believes  in  this  project  and  will 
be  willing  to  make  this  appropriation  when  we  have  no  other  use  for  the  money. 
The  position  is  absurd.  Why,  sir,  in  the  midst  of  the  war  we  completed  this  Capi- 
tol. We  went  on  year  by  year  and  expended  millions  in  order  to  complete  this  mag- 
nificent extension  and  make  the  proportions  and  beauty  of  this  building  such  as  they 
now  are;  and  about  the  close  of  the  war  we  erected  the  figure  of  liberty  and  put  it 

H.  Rep.  6d6 72 


1138 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


upon  the  Dome.  The  principle  which  the  gentleman  would  apply  would  have  stopped 
all  the  improvements  on  the  Capitol  at  that  time.  Yet  he  voted  for  them.  We 
certainly  do  not  need  money  now  as  we  did  when  all  our  energies  were  taxed  to 
carry  on  a great  war. 

But,  says  the  gentleman  from  Indiana,  [Mr.  Coburn,]  we  may  have  no  further  use 
for  this  building  by  and  by.  If,  by  making  this  appropriation,  we  can  declare  that 
the  project  of  capital-moving  is  dead,  then  I am,  for  that  reason  also,  in  favor  of  this 
appropriation.  If  the  gentleman  from  Indiana  speaks  for  the  West,  I speak  for  a 
farther  West.  If  his  constituents  come  a thousand  miles  to  get  to  this  capital,  mine 
come  three  thousand  miles.  Upon  the  Pacific  certainly,  and  throughout  the  great 
West,  I believe,  there  is  a feeling  of  reverence  for  this  spot  of  ground,  dedicated  by 
the  father  of  our  country  as  the  capital  of  the  nation,  and  used  as  such  for  these 
many  years.  There  are  holy  memories  connected  with  it.  There  is  an  illustrious 
history  associated  with  this  spot  of  our  national  territory;  and  never,  as  I believe, 
will  it  be  exchanged  for  another  with  the  intelligent  consent  of  the  people  of  the 
United  States. 

Why,  sir,  if  the  capital  were  to  be  removed,  where  should  we  go?  To  some  city 
where  there  are  adequate  means  to  supply  the  wants  of  the  people’s  representatives 
when  they  meet  there,  and  those  of  the  various  officers  who  carry  on  the  departments 
of  the  Government?  In  such  a city  you  would  not  have  the  jurisdiction  necessary 
for  the  protection  of  the  interests  of  the  Government.  You  must  have  at  your  seat 
of  Government  such  jurisdiction  as  the  United  States  now  exercises  over  this  District. 
Chicago,  St.  Louis,  Cincinnati,  or  any  other  great  city  of  the  West,  if  it  could  supply 
the  other  necessary  elements,  would  not  give  us  that  jurisdiction. 

If  you  go  upon  unsettled  land  to  secure  jurisdiction  you  must  start  with  shanties; 
you  must  expend  hundreds  of  millions  of  dollars  before  you  could  have  a Capitol 
building  fit  for  occupancy,  a Treasury,  and  Interior  and  Post  Office  Departments, 
and  public  buildings  generally,  ornamented  public  squares,  &c.  You  must  erect  anew 
all  necessary  public  structures;  you  must  build  up  a city;  you  must  introduce  water 
and  gas,  or  dispense  with  them  until  a city  had  grown  up;  it  would  be  years  before 
there  would  be  any  hotels  which  would  be  inhabitable;  and  meanwhile  the  repre- 
sentatives of  the  people  and  other  officers  of  the  Government  must  put  up  with 
accommodations  entirely  inadequate  to  enable  them  to  discharge  properly  the  func- 
tions of  the  Government.  Besides  all  this,  the  removal  of  the  records  of  the  Gov- 
ernment would  cause  confusion  which  twenty-five  years  of  careful  labor  would  not 
remedy.  No  man  can  say  how  long  it  would  take  the  officers  of  the  Government  to 
get  the  records  in  such  a condition  as  they  now  are,  when  reference  can  be  made  to 
any  year  or  month  or  day  to  any  subject  extending  back  nearly  a century.  All 
these  documents  would  have  to  be  huddled  into  and  transported  in  boxes  to  a place 
where  no  juroper  accommodations  would  be  provided  to  receive  them.  Many  would 
be  lost,  and  the  loss  might  be  of  evidences  of  payment  of  claims  that  would  after- 
ward cost  the  people  untold  millions. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  I now  yield  three  minutes  to  the  gentleman  from  Massa- 
chusetts, [Mr.  Banks.] 

Mr.  Banks.  Mr.  Speaker,  I hope  the  House  will  sustain  the  vote  of  the  Committee 
of  the  Whole,  and  provide  for  the  ultimate  removal  of  the  railroad  track  now  lying  in 
front  of  the  Capitol.  In  my  judgment  it  would  beacrimeforus  to  appropriate  $500,000 
for  the  enlargement  of  the  Capitol  grounds  while  we  obstruct  by  this  railroad  the 
entire  entrance  to  these  grounds  on  the  city  side.  While  I hope  proper  provision 
will  be  made  for  the  removal  of  this  track,  I am  willing  to  grant  as  much  time  as 
may  be  necessary  for  the  work  to  be  done  without  unduly  interfering  with  the  inter- 
ests of  the  railroad  company.  But  it  is  necessary  the  removal  should  be  provided 
for  by  law  before  the  company  will  take  any  steps  to  provide  for  another  route. 


The  Grounds. 


1139 


It  is  not  altogether  true,  as  the  gentleman  from  Virginia  [Mr.  Harris]  has  said, 
that  a continuous  route  is  absolutely  necessary ; for  the  company  did  not  have  such 
a route  until  1863,  when  the  war  was  going  on.  Gentlemen  on  the  floor  of  the  House 
tell  me  this  morning  that  in  the  vicinity  of  Baltimore  members  of  Congress  have 
been  dumped  off  in  the  middle  of  the  night,  or  at  two  o’clock  in  the  morning,  to  gain 
a passage  to  the  capital  as  best  they  could.  Yet  the  gentleman  from  Virginia  says  it 
is  necessary  the  company  should  have  a continuous  passage  for  cattle  across  the  very 
entrance- way  to  the  nation’s  Capitol! 

If  more  time  than  the  amendment  now  proposes  is  necessary  to  enable  the  com- 
pany to  accomplish  the  removal  of  their  track,  undoubtedly  such  additional  time 
will  be  granted.  It  is  not  entirely  true  that  this  road  is  used  only  in  the  night;  for 
two  or  three  days  ago  I myself  was  interrupted  in  going  to  the  depot  by  the  passage 
of  a train  on  this  road,  and  other  gentlemen  tell  me  that  the  passage  of  day  trains 
has  been  frequent.  It  is  very  likely  that  it  may  be  used  in  the  night,  but  it  is  a 
structure  obstructive  and  indecent  in  its  character,  standing  at  the  very  entrance  of 
the  Capitol  and  cutting  off  hundreds  who  wish  to  go  into  or  pass  out  of  the  Capitol 
grounds.  1 am  willing  to  give  them  that  time  for  its  removal,  but  1 hope  this  House 
will  insist  upon  the  fact  being  fixed  in  this  law  that  at  some  time  or  other  this  work 
is  to  be  removed  and  cease  to  be  the  eye-sore  it  now  is. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 

Mr.  Scofield.  Mr.  Speaker,  I would  be  glad  if  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts 
would  withdraw  his  amendment  asking  the  House  to  do  this  thing  at  this  time  with- 
out notice.  I know  something  of  the  wants  of  the  people  coming  to  and  going  from 
this  capital.  I know  this  work  ought  to  be  removed.  I believe,  however,  when 
that  is  done  it  should  be  done  on  consultation  with  the  managers  of  this  road,  and 
they  should  have  plenty  of  time  to  mature  some  plan  for  the  purpose  of  transporting 
freight  around  this  Capitol  so  as  to  meet  the  demands  of  trade  and  at  the  same  time 
answer  all  the  purposes  of  convenience.  We  should  in  common  justice  give  these 
parties  an  opportunity  to  determine  what  is  to  be  done  when  the  present  track  is 
removed.  It  is  so  managed  now  that  very  rarely  any  one  is  prevented  from  passing. 
To  be  sure  there  may  be  rare  instances  when  some  one  has  to  wait.  It  may  be  that 
it  is  sometimes  inconvenient,  but  it  is  utterly  impossible  to  make  any  provision  which 
will  not  at  some  time  or  other  incommode  some  one  or  other  person.  It  is  a matter 
of  the  greatest  convenience  to  the  country  at  large.  It  is  very  well  known  that  1 do 
not  like  this  Baltimore  and  Ohio  Railroad,  and  indeed  none  of  us  in  Pennsylvania  are 
very  fond  of  it,  because  we  have  had  from  it  no  favors  to  be  thankful  for;  but  I do 
say  that  we  ought  not  to  destroy  the  present  convenience  of  the  people  in  the  facili- 
ties now  afforded  for  the  carriage  of  freight,  and  if  the  track  is  to  be  removed  it  should 
be  done  after  full  notice  so  as  to  give  the  managers  of  this  road  ample  opportunity  to 
mature  some  plan  to  take  the  place  of  the  present  one. 

Mr.  Banks.  I insist  that  the  matter  shall  be  determined  now. 

Mr.  Archer.  I hope  the  gentleman  will  agree  to  fix  the  time  at  two  years. 

Mr.  Banks.  I think  eighteen  months  are  enough. 

* * * 

[Page  2398.] 

The  Speaker.  The  next  amendment  on  which  a separate  vote  is  demanded  is  the 
ninety-second  amendment  of  the  Senate,  which  was  concurred  in  by  the  Committee 
of  the  Whole,  with  two  amendments  thereto. 

The  ninety-second  amendment  of  the  Senate  was  as  follows: 

[Identical  with  that  read  on  Apr.  11,  1872.] 

The  first  amendment  made  by  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  to  the  amendment  of 
the  Senate  was  as  follows: 

In  line  sixteen,  section  nine,  after  the  words  “ necessary  for  such  purpose,”  insert  the  words  ‘‘not 
exceeding  $100,000  ” 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 


1140 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  next  amendment  by  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  to  the  amendment  of  the 
Senate  was  as  follows: 

Add  to  section  twelve  these  words: 

And  the  Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  shall  be,  and  hereby  is,  authorized  and 
directed,  within  six  months  from  the  termination  of  the  present  session  of  Congress,  to  cause  the 
removal  of  the  locomotive  railway  track  in  front  of  the  west  entrance  and  the  public  grounds  adjoin- 
ing. All  acts  or  parts  of  acts  inconsistent  with  this  provision  are  hereby  repealed. 

Mr.  Harris,  of  Virginia.  I desire  to  say  in  regard  to  this  amendment,  which  was 
adopted  on  motion  of  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts,  [Mr.  Banks,]  with  a modi- 
fication suggested  by  myself,  that  on  consultation  with  the  gentleman  who  moved 
the  amendment  an  alteration  has  been  agreed  to  which  I believe  will  meet  the  appro- 
bation of  the  House.  I ask  that,  instead  of  the  words  ‘ ‘ within  six  months  from  the 
termination  of  the  present  session  of  Congress,”  there  be  substituted  “within  two 
years  from  the  passage  of  this  act.” 

Mr.  Banks.  I agree  to  that. 

The  amendment  was  modified  as  suggested,  and  as  modified  was  agreed  to. 

The  question  recurred  on  concurring  in  the  amendment  of  the  Senate,  as  amended. 

The  House  divided,  and  there  were — ayes  72,  noes  66. 

Mr.  Holman  and  Mr.  Ambler  called  for  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

The  question  was  taken;  and  it  was  decided  in  the  affirmative — yeas  87,  nays  86, 
not  voting  67;  as  follows:  * * * 

So  the  amendment  of  the  Senate  as  amended  was  concurred  in. 

* * * 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  I rise  to  a question  of  privilege.  It  will  quicken  action 
upon  the  legislative  appropriation  bill  if  the  House  asks  for  a conference  on  the  dis- 
agreeing votes  and  let  it  go  back  to  the  Senate  again.  I ask  that  the  bill  be  returned 
to  the  Senate  with  the  amendments  that  we  have  concurred  in,  and  that  a conference 
be  asked  upon  the  disagreeing  votes  of  the  two  Houses. 

Mr.  Scofield.  On  the  amendment  making  the  appropriation  of  $400,000,  or  author- 
izing the  purchase  of  public  grounds,  I voted  no.  I find  at  the  Clerk’s  desk  that  my 
name  is  not  recorded.  He  also  tells  me  that  if  it  had  been  recorded  it  would  have 
made  a tie  vote.  I voted  on  the  question,  and  voted  against  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Sargent.  I would  inquire  if  it  is  not  too  late  to  make  any  correction  that 
would  affect  the  result  of  the  vote? 

Mr.  Scofield.  As  1 voted,  I only  want  to  have  my  vote  properly  recorded. 

Mr.  Dawes.  Does  any  one  propose  to  take  advantage  of  a mistake? 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  I ask  unanimous  consent  that  the  proceedings  of  the  House 
upon  this  amendment  of  the  Senate  shall  be  considered  as  set  back  to  the  moment  of 
finishing  the  roll-call  upon  the  amendment,  and  that  the  roll  be  again  read,  and  we 
proceed  from  that  point. 

Mr.  Bingham.  And  allow  every  one  to  vote  who  has  not  voted? 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  .Certainly,  if  he  w'as  within  the  bar  when  the  last  name  on 
the  roll  was  called.  I make  this  request  in  the  interest  of  fair  play  simply. 

Mr.  Sargent.  After  the  vote  has  been  announced 

Mr.  Dawes.  I would  like  to  know  if  there  is  anybody  here  who  proposes  to  take 
advantage  of  a mistake? 

The  Speaker.  To  whom  does  the  gentleman  from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Dawes] 
address  his  question? 

Mr.  Dawes.  I want  to  know  if  there  is  any  objection  to  going  back  as  proposed  by 
the  gentleman  from  Ohio? 

Mr.  Sargent.  That  is  only  the  little  playful  way  the  gentleman  has  of  reflecting 
upon  other  members  of  the  House. 


The  Grounds. 


1141 


Mr.  Dawes.  I would  like  to  know  if  any  one  objects  to  correcting  a mistake  of  the 
Clerk  in  recording  the  votes  of  members. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  cannot  answer  that  question.  The  Chair  was  about  to 
submit  the  proposition  to  the  House,  and  then  it  will  be  understood. 

Mr.  Banks.  I hope  this  matter  will  be  postponed  for  the  present. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  will  entertain  it  now,  as  it  involves  a question  of  privi- 
lege. 

Mr.  Banks.  The  question  properly  comes  up  when  the  Journal  is  read. 

Mr.  Butler,  of  Massachusetts.  And  in  the  meantime  the  bill  will  go  to  the  Senate. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  would  direct  that  the  bill  shall  not  go  to  the  Senate  until 
this  question  has  been  disposed  of. 

Mr.  Scofield.  If  the  mistake  is  allowed  to  be  corrected  now,  others  who  did  not 
vote  might  be  allowed  now  to  vote. 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  My  proposition  was  that  all  proceedings  in  regard  to  that 
amendment  be  regarded  as  set  back  to  the  time  when  the  call  of  the  roll  was  con- 
cluded upon  it. 

The  Speaker.  That  can  be  done  by  unanimous  consent. 

Mr.  Banks.  I think  I must  object  to  that.  The  one  thing  to  be  done  is  to  correct 
the  Journal  when  it  comes  to  be  read.  According  to  the  statement  of  the  gentleman 
from  Pennsylvania  [Mr.  Scofield]  the  Journal  is  not  correct. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  will  rule  upon  the  point  presented.  The  roll  having 
been  called  upon  the  question  of  concurring  in  the  Senate  amendment  as  amended, 
no  motion  having  been  made  that  the  reading  of  the  names  be  omitted,  the  names  of 
those  who  had  voted  were  read,  and  then  the  announcement  was  made  by  the  Chair 
of  how  the  vote  stood.  Shortly  after  that  announcement,  and  after  the  House  had 
proceeded  to  the  consideration  of  other  business,  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania 
[Mr.  Scofield]  arose  in  his  place  and  alleged  that  his  vote  was  not  recorded,  although 
he  had  voted  in  the  negative.  Now,  the  right  of  the  gentleman  to  make  that  asser- 
tion, and  of  the  Chair  to  recognize  it  and  rule  upon  it,  arises  absolutely  upon  the 
journalization  of  the  record  of  that,  vote;  and  when  the  Journal  is  read  the  gentleman 
can  raise  that  point  of  order,  and  the  Chair  can  rule  upon  it.  It  will  not  require 
unanimous  consent,  because  a correction  of  the  Journal  is  within  the  purview  of  the 
Chair  to  that  extent;  but  by  unanimous  consent  it  may  be  done  now. 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  It  would  be  far  better  to  do  it  now. 

Mr.  Banks.  If  it  does  not  take  up  too  much  time  to  do  it  now,  I will  not  object. 

Mr.  Dawes.  I suppose  it  could  be  done  by  unanimous  consent,  and  in  no  other 
way.  That  is  what  led  me  to  make  the  inquiry  if  any  gentleman  objected  to  correct- 
ing a mistake.  I understood  the  gentleman  from  California  [Mr.  Sargent]  to  object. 

Mr.  Sargent.  I have  not  said  anything  of  the  kind,  and  the  gentleman  from  Mas- 
sachusetts [Mr.  Dawes]  by  his  inquiry  casts  a slur  upon  the  members  of  this  House, 
and  if  he  refers  to  me  he  does  me  an  injustice.  As  the  gentleman  interrupted  me 
before  when  I rose  to  make  an  inquiry  of  the  Chair,  I desire  to  make  it  now  without 
impertinent  interruptions  from  him  or  from  any  one  else.  I wish  to  inquire  whether 
the  correction  of  the  Journal  would  affect  the  declared  action  of  the  House  upon  the 
question?  In  other  words,  has  it  not  been  frequently  adjudicated  in  this  House  that 
while  a person  has  the  right  to  state  how  he  has  voted  upon  any  proposition,  yet  the 
result  of  the  vote  after  it  has  been  declared  is  not  thereby  affected? 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  will  suggest  one  mode  (and  it  is  a very  direct  one)  by 
which  the  House  can  extricate  itself  from  the  difficulty.  It  is  a mode  perfectly  fair 
toward  every  member  of  the  House,  and  one  against  which,  in  the  judgment  of  the 
Chair,  no  objection  can  be  alleged,  except  that  of  occupying  time  just  now;  and  if 
that  point  be  raised  the  question  can  go  over  for  the  present.  The  vote  on  concur- 
ring in  the  Senate  amendment  has  not  been  reconsidered. 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  I was  just  going  to  say  that  if  unanimous  consent  be  not 
given  to  the  course  I suggested,  we  may  have  a reconsideration. 


1142 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  Speaker.  That  motion  had  better  be  made. 

Mr.  Peters.  Then  I move  to  reconsider  the  vote  on  concurring  in  the  Senate 
amendment. 

Mr.  Sargent.  I wish  to  have  an  answer  to  my  parliamentary  inquiry.  It  is  per- 
tinent. I wish  to  know  what  the  rule  is  where  a member  subsequently  to  the  declara- 
tion of  a vote  rises  and  states  that  he  voted  differently  from  what  is  recorded  on  the 
Journal? 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  will  answer  the  gentleman  that  one  of  the  most  vexatious 
and  least  settled  questions  of  parliamentary  practice  is  that  involved  in  the  point  now 
raised  by  the  gentleman  from  California.  It  is  a very  delicate  matter,  involving 
oftentimes  questions  of  correctness  of  statement,  and  where  the  House,  as  in  this 
case,  has  within  its  power  the  means  of  overcoming  the  difficulty  by  a simple  vote  of 
reconsideration,  the  Chair  suggests  that  such  a course  is  decidedly  advisable,  and 
hopes  that  it  will  be  adopted  in  this  case,  because  thereby  no  one  will  lose  any  right. 

Mr.  Sargent.  I have  no  objection  to  that.  I was  only  asking  what  has  been  the 
adjudication.  The  question  has  been  adjudicated. 

Mr.  Dawes.  I believe  the  gentleman  from  California  does  not  want  to  take  advan- 
tage of  the  mistake. 

Mr.  Sargent.  No,  sir;  but  I thought  I had  a right  to  information  on  a point  of 
parliamentary  law  directly  presented  to  the  House. 

The  Speaker.  The  question  is  on  the  motion  of  the  gentleman  from  Ohio,  [Mr. 
Garfield,]  to  reconsider  the  vote  on  concurring  in  the  Senate  amendment  with 
reference  to  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  grounds. 

The  motion  to  reconsider  was  agreed  to. 

The  Speaker.  The  question  now  recurs  upon  concurring  in  the  ninety-second 
amendment  of  the  Senate,  as  amended,  on  which  the  yeas  and  nays  have  been 
ordered.  The  Chair  will  not  allow  one  name  to  be  called  upon  this  vote  unless  order 
be  obtained.  The  Clerk  states  that  on  the  former  vote  he  did  not  hear  the  response 
of  the  gentleman  from  Pennsylvania,  [Mr.  Scofield,]  and  this  wras  not  because  the 
gentleman  did  not  speak  audibly,  but  on  account  of  the  noise  made  by  other  members. 

Mr.  Banks.  I ask  for  the  reading  of  the  Senate  amendment. 

The  Speaker.  It  is  an  amendment  of  five  sections,  with  the  amendment  of  the 
gentleman  from  Massachusetts,  [Mr.  Banks,]  and  the  amendment  limiting  the 
expenditure  to  $100,000. 

Mr.  Banks.  I do  not  insist  on  hearing  the  amendment  read. 

The  question  was  again  taken ; and  it  was  decided  in  the  affirmative — yeas  95, 
nays  89,  not  voting  56;  as  follows:  * * * 

So  the  Senate  amendment,  as  amended,  was  concurred  in. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Apr.  22,  1872:  Congressional  Globe,  42 — 2,  p.  2637.] 

The  Senate  having  under  consideration  the  conference  report  on  the  legislative, 
executive,  and  judicial  Hill  for  1873 — 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I think  there  are  four  prominent  points  in  this  report 
that  can  be  very  briefly  stated. 

* * * 

In  relation  to  the  extension  of  the  public  grounds,  the  House  amended  the  Senate 
amendment  by  limiting  the  amount  of  appropriation  to  $400,000,  and  it  was  thought 
best  to  accept  the  amendment  to  the  amendment,  as  the  squares  may  possibly  lie 
obtained  for  that,  and  if  they  are  not,  an  additional  sum  can  hereafter  be  appropri- 
ated. My  judgment  was  that  they  would  cost  $500,000,  but  they  may  not. 


The  Grounds. 


1143 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  legislative,  executive,  and  judicial  expenses  of  the 

Government  for  the  year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-three,  and  for  other 

purposes,”  approved  May  8,  1872.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  17,  83.)] 

Sec.  6.  That  the  public  grounds  surrounding  the  Capitol  shall  be  enlarged  (accord- 
ing to  the  plan  approved  by  the  Committees  on  Public  Buildings  of  the  Senate  and 
House  of  Representatives,  respectively,  which  plan  is  hereby  directed  to  be  deposited 
in  the  custody  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior)  by  extension  between  First  street 
east  and  First  street  west,  in  the  following  manner:  northwardly  to  the  south  side  of 
North  B street,  and  southwardly  to  the  north  side  of  South  B street,  including,  in 
addition  to  so  much  of  the  reservations,  avenues,  and  streets  as  are  necessary  for  such 
extension,  the  two  squares  designated  on  the  plan  of  the  cityr  of  Washington  as  num- 
bers six  hundred  and  eighty-seven  and  six  hundred  and  eighty-eight,  respectively. 

Sec.  7.  That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  to  purchase,  from 
the  owner  or  owners  thereof,  at  such  price,  not  exceeding  its  actual  cash  value,  as 
may  be  mutually  agreed  on  between  the  Secretary  and  such  owner  or  owners,  and  not 
exceeding  the  appraisal  made  by  the  commission  of  nine  in  their  report  to  Robert 
Ould,  United  States  district  attorney  for  the  District  of  Columbia,  on  the  twenty-first 
day  of  January,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-one,  such  private  property  as  may  be 
necessary  for  carrying  this  act  into  effect,  the  value  of  the  property  so  purchased  to 
be  paid  to  the  owner  or  owners  thereof,  out  of  any  money  in  the  Treasury  not  other- 
wise appropriated,  on  the  requisition  of  said  Secretary:  Provided,  That  before  such 
payment  shall  be  made  the  owner  or  owners  of  the  property  purchased  shall,  by 
good  and  sufficient  deed  or  deeds,  in  due  form  of  law,  and  approved  by  the  Attorney 
General  of  the  United  States,  fully  release  and  convey  to  the  United  States  all  their 
and  each  of  their  several  and  respective  rights  in  said  titles  to  such  lands  and  prop- 
erty so  purchased. 

Sec.  8.  That  if  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  shall  not  be  able  to  agree  with  the 
owner  or  owners  of  any  private  property  needed  for  the  purposes  of  this  act  upon  the 
price  to  be  paid  therefor,  or  if  for  any  other  cause  he  shall  be  unable  to  obtain  the 
title  to  any  such  property  by  mutual  agreement  with  the  owner  or  owners  thereof, 
it  shall  be  his  duty  to  make  application  to  the  supreme  court  of  the  District  of  Colum- 
bia, which  court  is  hereby  authorized  and  required,  upon  such  application,  in  such 
mode,  and  under  such  rules  and  regulations  as  it  may  adopt,  to  make  a just  and 
equitable  appraisement  of  the  cash  value  of  the  several  interests  of  each  and  every 
owner  of  the  real  estate  and  improvements  thereon  necessary  to  be  taken  for  thepub- 
lic  use  In  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  act,  and  to  which  the  Secretary  has 
been  unable  to  obtain  the  title  by  mutual  agreement  with  the  owner  or  owners  thereof. 

Sec.  9.  That  the  fee-simple  of  all  premises  so  appropriated  for  public  use,  of  which 
an  appraisement  shall  have  been  made  under  the  order  and  direction  of  said  court, 
shall,  upon  payment  to  the  owner  or  owners,  respectively,  of  the  appraised  value,  or 
in  case  the  said  owner  or  owners  refuse  or  neglect  for  fifteen  days  after  the  appraise- 
ment of  the  cash  value  of  said  lands  and  improvements  by  said  court  to  demand  the 
same  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  upon  depositing  the  said  appraised  value  in 
the  said  court  to  the  credit  of  such  owner  or  owners,  respectively,  be  vested  in  the 
United  States.  And  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  is  hereby  authorized  and  required 
to  pay  to  the  several  owner  or  owners,  respectively,  the  appraised  value  of  the  sev- 
eral premises  as  specified  in  the  appraisement  of  said  court,  or  pay  into  court  by 
deposit,  as  hereinbefore  provided,  the  said  appraised  values;  and  the  sum  necessary, 
not  exceeding  four  hundred  thousand  dollars,  for  such  purpose  is  hereby  appropri- 
ated out  of  any  moneys  in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated:  Provided,  That 
the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  is  hereby  authorized  to  sell  at  public  auction  such  mate- 
rials in  the  buildings  in  squares  numbers  six  hundred  and  eighty-seven  and  six  hun- 
dred and  eighty-eight  as  are  not  necessary  for  the  public  works  in  this  District;  and 


1144 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


further,  that  the  moneys  realized  by  such  sales  shall  be  applied  to  the  improvement 
and  extension  of  the  Capitol  grounds. 

Sec.  10.  That  said  court  may  direct  the  time  and  manner  in  which  possession  of 
the  property  condemned  shall  be  taken  or  delivered,  and  may,  if  necessary,  enforce 
any  order  or  issue  any  process  for  giving  possession.  The  cost  occasioned  by  the 
inquiry  and  assessment  shall  be  paid  by  the  United  States,  and,  as  to  other  costs 
Avhich  may  arise,  they  shall  be  charged  or  taxed  as  the  court  may  direct. 

Sec.  11.  That  no  delay  in  making  an  assessment  of  compensation,  or  in  taking  pos- 
session, shall  be  occasioned  by  any  doubt  which  may  arise  as  to  the  ownership  of  the 
property,  or  any  part  thereof,  or  as  to  the  interests  of  the  respective  owners,  but  in 
such  cases  the  court  shall  require  a deposit  of  the  money  allowed  as  compensation 
for  the  whole  property  or  the  part  in  dispute.  In  all  cases,  as  soon  as  the  United 
States  shall  have  paid  the  compensation  assessed,  or  secured  its  payment,  by  a 
deposit  of  money,  under  the  order  of  the  court,  possession  of  the  property  may  be 
taken. 

Sec.  12.  That  the  Washington  and  Georgetown  Railroad  Company  and  the  Metro- 
politan Railroad  Company  be,  and  they  are  hereby,  required  to  remove  their  tracks, 
respectively,  from  the  Capitol  grounds,  as  hereby  established,  and  to  run  the  same 
as  they  may  be  directed,  from  time  to  time,  by  the  officer  in  charge  of  the  public 
buildings  and  grounds,  as  the  grading  and  filling  up  of  said  grounds  may  render  nec- 
essary. That  a commission,  consisting  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  the  chief 
engineer  of  the  Army,  and  the  officer  in  charge  of  public  buildings  and  grounds,  is 
hereby  authorized  and  directed  to  examine  and  report  to  Congress,  prior  to  the  sec- 
ond Monday  of  December  next,  a plan  by  which  the  locomotive  railroad  track  in 
front  of  the  western  entrance  of  the  Capitol  shall  be  removed,  with  due  regard  to  the 
rights  of  all  parties  concerned,  and  by  which  proper  connections  with  other  railroads 
may  be  made. 


[From  the  “Act  making-  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-three,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
June  10,  1872.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  17,  361.)] 

For  continuing  the  work  of  grading  and  filling,  and  for  planting  the  grounds 
around  the  Capitol,  paving  B street  north,  from  Delaware  to  New  Jersey  avenues, 
and  the  quadrant,  thence  to  Pennsylvania  avenue,  and  for  curbing  and  paving  the 
footways  around  the  Capitol  grounds,  thirty-five  thousand  dollars,  which  shall  be 
available  immediately:  Provided , That  the  grades  of  the  streets  and  avenues  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  Capitol  be,  and  the  same  are  hereby,  established  in  conformity  with 
the  plan  approved  by  the  mayor  of  the  city  of  Washington,  the  officer  in  charge  of 
public  buildings  and  grounds,  and  the  architect  of  the  Capitol  extension,  as  author- 
ized by  the  joint  resolution  approved  July  fourteenth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy; 
and  for  this  purpose  the  plan  made  by  William  Forsyth,  surveyor,  dated  January 
twenty-third,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-one,  on  file  in  the  office  of  the  architect 
of  the  Capitol  extension,  shall  be  considered  authentic. 


[The  ‘ ‘Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for 
the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1873,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  June  10,  1872 
(Stats,  at  Large,  v.  17,  361),  also  contains  this  item  already  given  in  the  section  cover- 
ing the  Capitol  Extension: 

Capitol  extension. — For  finishing  and  repairing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  extension, 
and  for  completing  the  flagging  of  the  upper  terraces,  fifty  thousand  dollars.] 


The  Grounds. 


1145 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  18,  1873:  Congressional  Globe,  42 — 3,  p.  1469.] 

The  House,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union,  having  under 
consideration  the  sundry  civil  bill  for  1874 — 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

For  grading  and  paving  the  streets  and  footways  around  the  Capitol,  and  running  from  Pennsyl- 
vania avenue  to  B streets  north  and  south,  to  the  line  of  the  east  front  of  the  Capitol,  and  for  improv- 
ing the  grounds  within  that  area,  $125,000:  Provided , That  in  tire  improvements  of  streets  about  the 
Capitol  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  shall  assess  and  collect  the  cost  of  all  improvements  made  in 
front  of  all  private  property  in  the  same  proportion  as  charged  by  the  District  authorities  for  similar 
improvements. 

Mr.  Hibbard.  1 move  to  strike  out  that  paragraph,  and  I do  it  for  the  purpose  of 
making  an  inquiry  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations.  Can  they  inform  the  House 
how  many  years  it  will  be  if  this  appropriation  be  made  before  the  remaining  pav- 
ing stones  that  now  lie  near  the  west  entrance  to  the  House  side  of  the  Capitol  will 
be  put  down,  and  how  many  years  in  addition  to  that  it  will  be  before  a few  more 
are  provided  so  as  to  complete  the  paving  at  the  steps  of  the  western  entrance  to 
the  House  side  of  the  Capitol? 

Mr.  Garfield,  of  Ohio.  The  work  to  which  the  gentleman  alludes  applies  to  all 
the  grounds  around  the  Capitol,  and  will  probably  be  very  extensive  and  take  some 
time.  The  Committee  on  Appropriations  had  laid  before  them  by  the  Supervising 
Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension  a map  of  the  surroundings  of  the  Capitol,  and  he 
divided  the  work  to  be  done  into  sections. 

The  committee  concluded  it  was  best  to  undertake  the  work  of  completing  three 
sections:  the  grading  and  paving  on  the  west  front,  on  the  south  front,  and  on  the 
north  front,  reaching  up  to  the  east  line  of  the  Capitol  building.  An  estimate  was 
made  to  complete  the  paving  and  grading  and  all  the  necessary  work  to  be  done,  and 
in  making  a roadway  where  the  street  cars  now  run  and  on  the  corresponding  side, 
thus  completing  the  whole  work  up  to  the  line  of  the  east  front  of  the  Capitol. 

All  that  part  of  the  grounds  on  the  east  side  is  in  a wretched  condition.  Gentle- 
men will  remember  that  between  the  Capitol  and  the  Baltimore  depot  there  is  a lot 
on  which  used  to  stand  work-shops,  a marble-shop,  and  all  sorts  of  rubbish  and 
debris.  All  that  has  been  removed;  but  as  yet  no  grading  or  improvement  of  that 
great  mud-yard  has  been  done. 

We  have  appropriated  only  enough  to  do  that  work  and  to  complete  the  other 
work  up  to  the  east  line  of  the  Capitol  front. 

Mr.  Hibbard.  My  inquiry  related  only  to  some  ten  square  rods  by  the  steps  of  the 
Capitol,  at  the  western  entrance  to  the  House.  I withdraw  the  amendment. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  28,  1873:  Congressional  Globe,  42 — 3,  p.  1951.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  Sundry 
Civil  bill  for  1874 — 

The  Chief  Clerk  continued  the  reading  of  the  bill. 

The  next  amendment  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  was  on  page  28,  line  six 
hundred  and  seventy-nine,  after  the  word  “Capitol,”  to  strike  out  the  words  “and 
running  from  Pennsylvania  avenue  to  B street  north  and  south,  to  the  line  of  the 
east  front  of  the  Capitol;”  so  as  to  read: 

For  grading  and  paving  the  streets  and  foot-ways  around  the  Capitol,  and  for  improving  the 
grounds  within  that  area,  $125,000. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

The  next  amendment  was  on  page  28,  line  six  hundred  and  eighty-two,  to  increase 
the  appropriation  “for  grading  and  paving  the  streets  and  footways  around  the  Capi- 
tol, and  for  improving  the  grounds  within  that  area,”  from  $125,000  to  $250,000. 


1146 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  .Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I move  to  amend  the  amendment  by  striking  out 
“two”  and  inserting  “three;”  so  as  to  make  the  appropriation  $350,000.  I desire 
to  say  that  if  it  is  intended  to  inclose  and  pave  and  finish  the  streets  all  around  the 
Capitol,  it  will  take  this  other  $100,000.  I have  the  estimates  of  the  officer  in  charge 
of  the  public  buildings  and  grounds  setting  forth  in  detail  the  cost  of  each  item,  and 
he  makes  it  out  $375,607,  with  a deduction  of  $26,892  that  will  have  to  be  paid  by 
the  holders  of  private  property  on  the  adjacent  boundary.  I think  the  time  has 
arrived  when  we  ought  to  complete  the  streets  around  this  Capitol  and  have  them 
inclosed.  I trust,  therefore,  the  Senate  will  be  in  favor  of  making  this  additional 
appropriation,  and  having  at  least  within  a year  to  come  the  grounds  about  the 
Capitol  look  a little  better  than  a common  cattle-yard. 

Mr.  Cole.  I think  the  appropriation  proposed  in  the  amendment  of  the  committee, 
which  is  twice  that  proposed  by  the  House  of  Representatives,  the  Ilouse'having  put 
it  at  $125,000,  and  we  making  it  $250,000,  is  ample  for  this  work  for  one  year.  The 
Senator  from  Vermont  need  not  flatter  himself  nor  entertain  the  hope  that  the  work 
will  be  completed,  no  matter  how  much  may  be  appropriated.  There  is  no  design 
of  completing  anything  about  this  Capitol,  or  to  prevent  there  being  some  repulsive 
sights  as  leverage  by  which  to  obtain  appropriations.  Two  hundred  and  fifty  thou- 
sand dollars  is  all  that  can  be  well  expended  during  the  year,  and  I am  positive 
about  this  from  the  fact  that  the  grounds  on  the  two  squares  adjoining  the  east  park 
are  not  cleared,  and  cannot  be  cleared  and  settled  for  improvement  before  the  end 
of  the  time  for  which  this  appropriation  is  made.  I hope  the  Senate  wifi  not  concur 
in  adding  even  yet  $100,000  to  the  large  amount  we  are  appropriating. 

Mr.  Cameron.  I am  surprised  that  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Appropria- 
tions should  object  to  this  amendment.  We  all  know  that  the  improvement  of  Capi- 
tol Hill  and  the  improvement  of  the  city  of  Washington  has  been  retarded  for  fifteen 
years  by  just  such  arguments  as  are  this  moment  used  by  the  Senator  from  California. 
Gentlemen  have  said  you  could  not  use  during  the  year  more  than  the  smallest  sum 
proposed.  Now  let  us  look  back  only  a year  ago.  If  we  had  had  a large  enough 
appropriation  made  last  year  we  should  have  had  all  the  unsightly  buildings  on  the 
adjoining  squares  torn  down,  we  should  have  had  the  ground  clear,  wre  should  have 
had  the  green  sod  covering  the  whole  space  around  this  building.  There  is  no  place 
in  the  world  where  half  so  much  money  has  been  expended  in  public  buildings  as 
here  without  anything  to  adorn  their  surroundings. 

It  has  often  been  said  that  the  grounds  around  the  Capitol  were  a disgrace  to  the 
nation.  When  we  are  away  from  Washington  we  try  to  contradict  this,  and  when 
we  come  here  we  all  say  to  ourselves  that  none  of  these  criticisms  are  so  strong  as 
they  ought  to  have  been  against  the  Government,  and  the  gentlemen  here  in  the 
Senate  and  House  who  are  the  representatives  of  the  Government,  and  who  make 
and  unmake  the  appropriations.  In  one  year,  if  you  will  give  the  appropriations 
which  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  now  asks,  you  will  have 
all  this  changed. 

Fifty  years  ago  Mr.  Calhoun,  by  his  own  energy,  fought  the  whole  Senate  to  get 
an  appropriation  of  $30,000  to  make  that  park  which  is  west  of  the  Capitol  building. 
Before  that  the  ground  there  was  a barren  waste,  just  as  it  is  on  the  right  of  us;  but 
since  that  time  more  than  a generation  has  passed,  and  now  see  the  beauty  of  the 
trees.  If  you  were  to  ask  a stranger  now  how  old  are  these  maples,  he  would  say 
seventy-five  years.  They  are  not  more  than  forty;  it  may  be  not  more  than  thirty- 
five  years  since  they  were  planted.  And  yet  if  it  had  not  been  for  the  great  power 
Mr.  Calhoun  had  at  that  time,  twenty  years  more  would  not  have  seen  those  trees 
planted.  I went  out  myself  here  eight  or  ten  years  ago,  when  the  lamented  Sen- 
ator from  Maine  [Mr.  Fessenden]  was  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings and  Grounds,  and  I told  him  they  were  cutting  down  trees  which  thirty  years 
could  not  replace,  and  asked  him  to  stop  it.  He  went  down.  Fifty  trees  stood  at 


The  Grounds. 


1147 


their  level,  and  he  came  there  just  to  save  five  of  them,  and  those  five  are  there  yet. 
The  man  who  plants  a tree  must  have  some  civilization. in  his  soul,  and  the  man 
who  would  bring  a flower  here  and  plant  it  around  such  a beautiful  building  as  this 
must  have  some  poetry  in  him ; and  the  man  or  the  woman  without  poetry  is  not  fit 
to  live  here  or  any  place  else. 

Why  should  we  not  have  all  these  surroundings  covered  with  the  green  grass,  which 
is  so  delightful  to  the  eye  and  to  the  heart  of  everybody,  in  place  of  the  solitary 
barren  which  we  now  behold?  What  is  $100,000  when  you  know  you  have  to  exjrend 
it  in  a certain  time?  Why  should  you  not  act  liberally  and  give  the  $100,000  to-day 
in  place  of  giving  in  driblets  for  ten  years  to  come?  The  expenditure  of  the  $100,000 
in  ten  years  is  eaten  up  in  the  expenses  of  superintendence  and  clerks  and  the  people 
who  live  on  the  money  of  the  Government.  Give  a large  sum  at  once,  enough  to 
complete  the  work,  and  you  secure  immediate  accountability,  when  everybody 
remembers  the  responsibility  put  upon  him  and  expects  to  make  a proper  account. 

I am  in  favor  of  this  appropriation,  and  would  be  if  it  was  twice  or  thrice  as  much. 
The  chairman  of  this  committee  has  studied  this  subject  well;  he  has  been  in  charge 
of  it;  and  we  all  admit  that  he,  aided  by  the  extraordinary  ability  of  the  gentleman 
who  is  now  superintendent,  has  done  more  for  the  city  in  the  last  three  years  than 
was  done  in  any  fifteen  years  before.  I trust,  we  shall  make  the  appropriation. 

Mr.  Conkling.  I shall  vote  without  hesitation  for  the  amendment  offered  by  the 
Senator  from  Vermont.  We  know  nothing  of  this,  except  that  we  have  a Commit- 
tee on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  whom  I feel  very  sure  we  can  trust.  I agree 
with  the  Senator  from  Pennsylvania  that  a wise  man  doing  this  for  himself  would 
not  spread  the  expenditure  over  a long  period  of  time  for  two  reasons:  first,  because 
he  would  want  the  advantage  and  convenience  of  having  the  work  completed;  and 
second,  as  the  Senator  from  Pennsylvania  has  said,  it  is  expensive  and  wanting  in 
economy  to  distribute  a work  over  a long  period  of  time  which  can  be  done  shortly. 

But,  Mr.  President,  I wish  to  say  one  word  about  this  matter  for  a reason  con- 
nected with  one  of  the  street-car  companies,  which  those  of  us  who  have  no  mode  of 
travel  except  on  foot  and  in  the  people’s  carriage  are  interested  in.  Like  most  of  the 
members  of  the  Senate,  I ride  a good  deal  in  the  street  cars  of  the  F Street  Railway 
Company,  and  if  I could  find  time  to  go  and  see  the  superintendent  of  those  cars  and 
of  that  road  I should  like  to  call  his  attention  to  the  fact  that  I cannot  get  into  their 
cars  unless  I fight  to  do  so.  Wherever  I encounter  one  of  them,  unless  I am  so  near 
that  I might  take  the  horse  by  the  bit  and  arrest  him,  the  car  passes  me  by,  and 
there  are  no  gestures  and  there  is  no  tone  of  voice  which  my  lungs  admit  of  which 
enables  me  to  get  on.  Accordingly,  as  I go  out  of  here  at  night,  sometimes  running 
for  my  life  for  the  privilege  of  getting  into  one  of  those  cars,  and  sometimes  by  day, 
when  the  driver  apparently  can  see  and  does  see  those  who  beckon  to  him,  it  occurs 
to  me  at  times  to  get  into  the  mud  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  this  building,  here 
on  our  public  grounds;  1 will  not  say  how  many  inches  deep,  but  deep  enough  to 
make  it  very  inconvenient  even  for  people  who  wear  thick  boots.  Now,  if  we  are 
to  run  and  catch  on  to  these  cars  by  main  force,  I feel  a little  personal  interest  in 
living  to  see  the  time  when  the  pavement,  the  sewer,  the  flagging,  or  whatever  it  is, 
shall  be  completed,  so  that  we  shall  not  have  to  wade  or  swim  in  order  to  catch  an 
F street  car. 

Mr.  Wilson.  You  want  to  have  it  happen  in  your  term. 

Mr.  Conkling.  As  my  friend  says,  I should  like  to  have  it  happen  in  my  term, 
which  may  be  so  brief  that  it  will  not  happen;  but  for  the  benefit  of  those  who  are 
going  to  be  here  I should  like  to  have  it  occur  some  time  or  other.  Now  I am  will- 
ing to  vote  that  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds, 
who  is  a very  practical  and  sagacious  man,  shall  be  permitted  to  go  on  and  do  this 
W'ork  as  fast  as  he  thinks  it  is  economical  to  do  it. 

Mr.  Cole.  I do  not  know  but  that  we  have  made  a mistake  in  raising  this  from 
$125,000  up  to  $250,000,  and  I am  half  inclined  to  think  that  the  Committee  on 


1148 


Documentary  History  of  the  Cajpitol. 


Appropriations  have  erred  in  that.  In  looking  at  the  estimates  I find  an  estimate 
submitted  for  $125,000,  which  estimate  of  course  was  submitted  by  the  parties  having 
this  matter  in  particular  charge,  probably  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings  and  Grounds;  and  I think  I should  be  willing  to  acquiesce  in  a motion,  if 
anybody  should  make  it,  to  disagree  to  the  amendment  of  the  Committee  on  Appro- 
priations and  put  it  as  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and 
Grounds  in  his  estimates  fixed  it  originally. 

Mr.  Sawyer.  I wish  to  say  to  my  friend,  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Appro- 
priations, that  the  $125,000  put  in  the  bill  by  the  House  was  not  intended  to  cover 
the  amount  of  space  which  it  is  intended  to  cover  by  the  amendment  of  the  Senator 
from  Vermont,  but  it  came  simply  up  to  this  side  of  the  squares  which  by  an  act  of 
Congress  of  the  last  session  we  agreed  to  buy.  The  present  proposition  is  to  improve 
those  two  squares,  the  buildings  from  which  will  be  removed  in  the  next  six  months, 
to  put  all  the  grounds  of  the  Capitol  in  good  condition  and  inclose  them.  So  it  is  not 
fair  to  say  that  we  propose  to  make  an  appropriation  of  $350,000  where  the  House 
have  made  an  appropriation  of  $125,000,  or  that  anybody  has  made  an  estimate  of 
$125,000.  It  is  for  a much  larger  area  of  surface  to  be  improved;  and,  as  my  friend 
from  New  York  says,  although  I shall  not  be  here  to  enjoy  it,  I should  like  to  see  the 
time  when  the  pilgrim  to  the  national  Capitol  may  approach  it  without  going  up  to 
his  knees  in  mud. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  A single  word  more.  I have  no  interest  in  this  matter 
except  that  which  even-  other  Senator  has;  but  I do  not  wish  the  Senate  to  misunder- 
stand the  proposition.  This  is  an  amendment  merely  to  pave  the  streets  on  the 
exterior  of  the  land  belonging  to  the  Capitol  in  front,  on  the  sides,  and  in  the  rear, 
and  it  will  take  the  whole  amount  according  to  a careful  estimate  to  do  this  much  in 
relation  to  the  grounds.  It  was  not  deemed  proper  to  be  done  last  year  because  the 
grounds  were  not  ready.  That  is  the  reason  why  it  was  not  done  last  year.  Little 
or  no  appropriation  was  made  last  year  for  this  purpose.  But  now  the  ground  upon 
this  side  is  as  fit  as  it  ever  will  be,  and  on  the  other  side  it  has  settled  this  last  year 
so  that  it  will  answer  at  all  events  to  put  down  a stone  pavement;  and  if  it  should 
settle  after  that  again,  the  same  materials  could  be  used,  and  it  would  be  very  little 
expense  to  have  it  relaid.  I do  not  think  it  will  settle  very  much.  But,  sir,  I do 
think  it  is  discreditable  to  us  not  to  have  the  streets  around  the  Capitol  paved.  I 
trust  the  Senate  will  be  willing  to  appropriate  the  full  amount  required. 

Mr.  Corbett.  I am  in  favor  of  the  appropriation  proposed  by  the  Senator  from 
Vermont.  I have  been  here  now  for  six  years  and  these  grounds  have  lain  pretty 
much  in  the  same  state  during  all  that  period.  It  is  high  time  that  we  had  them 
fenced  in,  that  we  had.  trees  set  out  and  growing.  It  takes  time  for  trees  to  grow  and 
for  the  proper  ornamentation  of  the  grounds.  It  seems  to  me  that  the  time  has 
arrived  when  those  improvements  should  be  made.  The  sooner  they  are  made,  the 
the  sooner  the  grounds  will  be  beautified,  and  when  the  trees  shall  have  grown  and 
the  grounds  thus  improved,  they  will  be  commensurate  with  the  Capitol  building. 
Although  I shall  not  be  here  to  enjoy  this,  yet  when  I return  to  the  city,  if  I ever  do, 
I desire  to  see  trees  and  walks  and  grounds  ornamenting  this  Capitol  and  beautifying 
it  so  that  every  one  who  visits  our  national  Capitol  shall  be  proud  of  it.  I hope  the 
appropriation  will  be  made. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  agreeing  to  the  amendment  to  the 
amendment  proposed  by  the  Senator  from  Vermont. 

The  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

The  amendment  as  amended  was  adopted. 

The  next  amendment  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  was  on  page  29,  line 
six  hundred  and  eighty-seven,  at  the  end  of  the  clause  making  appropriation  for 
grading  and  paving  the  streets  and  footways  around  the  Capitol,  to  strike  out  the 
words  “this  appropriation  to  be  made  available  on  the  passage  of  this  act.” 

The  Presiding  Officer.  This  amendment  will  be  considered  as  agreed  to,  if  there 
be  no  objection. 


The  Grounds. 


1149 


Mr.  Hamlin.  Ought  it  to  be  agreed  to? 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  It  is  supplied  in  the  next  paragraph. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  amendment  will  be  regarded  as  agreed  to  if  there  be 
no  objection,  and  it  is  agreed  to. 

The  next  amendment  was  on  page  29,  line  six  hundred  and  ninety-five,  to  insert: 

And  the  amounts  hereby  appropriated  for  work  on  and  around  the  Capitol  shall  be  available  from 
the  passage  of  this  act. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I suggest  to  strike  out  the  word  “hereby,”  so  that 
there  can  be  no  mistake  about  the  applicability  of  the  amendment  of  both  these 
appropriations.  The  idea  is  that  there  shall  be  no  ambiguity  about  the  matter. 

Mr.  Sherman.  My  first  impression  was  that  this  amendment  would  make  no  dif- 
ference, but  if  striking  out  the  word  “hereby”  would  make  applicable  to  this  pur- 
pose lapsed  appropriations,  or  make  a permanent  law  which  would  apply  to  other 
appropriations,  it  ought  not  to  be  done;  and  on  the  whole  I rather  think  it  would. 
I think  the  amendment  of  my  friend  from  Vermont  had  better  not  be  agreed  to, 
unless  we  intend  to  reverse  the  policy  we  have  adopted. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  The  only  purpose,  I will  say  to  the  Senator,  is  to  have 
the  appropriations  in  this  act  immediately  available. 

Mr.  Sherman.  Then  I suggest  to  the  Senator  to  say  “appropriated  by  this  act  for 
work,”  &c.  After  the  word  “appropriated,”  let  him  insert  the  words  “by  this  act.” 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  1 have  no  objection  to  that. 

Mr.  Cole.  I understood  the  Senator  from  Vermont  to  say  a little  while  ago — and 
I will  speak  of  it  now  before  the  question  is  put  on  the  amendment  as  amended,  if 
it  is  amended — that  these  appropriations  were  for  the  next  fiscal  year,  and  that  we 
did  not  see  the  necessity,  where  we  struck  out  just  above,  of  incorporating  a pro- 
vision of  this  kind;  and  I rather  think  he  was  correct  in  that.  I think  probably 
this  phrase  could  be  dispensed  with  here  as  well  as  in  the  preceding  paragraph. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  Surety  the  Senator  from  California  cannot  object  to 
having  the  appropriation  for  these  streets  made  available  at  once,  and  that  is  all  I 
desire  to  have  done. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  To  strike  out  the  word  “hereby”  would,  as  the  Senator  from  Ohio 
has  suggested,  in  my  opinion,  open  all  the  lapsed  appropriations  to  draft  from  the 
Treasury  to  carry  on  this  work.  We  do  not  mean  to  do  that. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I accepted  the  suggestion  of  the  Senator  from  Ohio  to 
insert  the  words  “ in  this  act.” 

Mr.  Edmunds.  We  desire,  I believe,  if  we  pay  attention  to  it,  in  every  one  of  these 
appropriation  bills  to  make  somewhere  a final  balance  that  shall  be  struck,  and  that 
the  money  unexpended  shall  be  returned  to  the  Treasury  according  to  the  lapsed 
appropriation  act.  That  is  the  great  safeguard  of  the  Treasury,  as  the  committees 
have  reported,  and  as  the  Senate  has  time  and  again  determined.  For  the  first  time 
we  have  at  this  very  session  got  rid  of  the  provision  in  the  Indian  bill  and  in  the 
fortification  bill  which  allowed  these  appropriations  to  run  on.  We  have  got  rid  of 
it  after  consideration;  we  have  got  rid  of  it  after  a contest  with  the  Indian  depart- 
ment, in  which,  I am  glad  to  say  for  the  honor  of  that  department,  after  a contest 
and  after  consultation,  they  cheerfully  acquiesced  in  the  propriety  of  this  measure  of 
safety  to  the  Treasury;  and  so  I may  say  of  the  fortification  bill.  Let  us  therefore 
be  careful  in  this  bill  that  we  do  not  reverse  the  just  action  of  the  Government  in 
this  respect. 

The  Presiding  Officer,  (Mr.  Ransom  in  the  chair. ) The  question  is  on  the  amend- 
ment to  the  amendment,  striking  out  the  word  “hereby”  in  line  six  hundred  and 
ninety-six. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  And  inserting,  after  the  word  “ appropriated,”  the 
words  “in  this  act.” 

Mr.  Cole.  There  is  no  difference. 


1150 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Conkling.  There  cannot  be  the  least  difference  between  “hereby  appropriated” 
and  “appropriated  by  this  act.” 

The  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  rejected. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

* * * 

[Page  1971.] 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I am  directed  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings 
and  Grounds  to  offer  the  following  amendment,  to  be  inserted  on  page  20,  after  line 
six  hundred  and  eighty-nine: 

For  10,844  square  feet  of  land  on  South  Capitol  and  South  B streets,  with  the  building  standing 
thereon,  the  sum  of  §15,000,  to  be  paid  to  the  trustees  of  the  Israel  African  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
whenever  there  shall  be,  in  due  and  legal  form,  transferred  to  the  United  States  a good  and  sufficient 
title  so  said  land  and  premises:  Provided,  That  said  trustees  may  have  the  right  to  remove  the  build- 
ing thereon,  known  as  the  parsonage,  and  the  seats  and  benches  belonging  to  the  church,  at  anytime 
within  thirty  days  after  being  notified  to  remove  the  same  by  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  President,  for  some  years  we  have  had  petitions  and  papers  in  large  numbers 
from  this  church,  which  is  visible  to  all  of  us  as  we  approach  the  Capitol  on  the  south 
side.  It  is  nearly  covered  up  by  the  amount  of  earth  that  we  have  thrown  up  on 
the  north  side  of  it,  and  when  our  streets  are  completed  it  will  entirely  shut  out  the 
light  on  that  side,  coming  up  in  close  contact  with  the  church.  The  church  was  of 
very  considerable  value,  and  it  is  apparent  that  it  is  entirely  ruined.  Certainly  they 
have  an  equitable  claim,  if  not  a legal  one.  There  are  over  ten  thousand  feet  of  land 
there,  and  in  order  to  settle  all  question  of  damages  and  also  for  our  own  accommo- 
dation the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  have  thought  it  would  be 
best  to  pay  them  a moderate  sum  for  the  building  and  the  land  and  take  it. 

The  church  can  be  used,  as  we  are  informed,  for  a valuable  object,  as  a stable  for 
the  other  side  of  the  Capitol.  It  is  wanted  for  the  accommodation  of  horses  for  the 
Sergeant-at-Arms,  Postmaster,  &c. 

The  only  question  about  the  matter  is  whether  we  have  not  driven  rather  a hard 
bargain  with  these  poor  people?  All  they  want  is  some  place  in  which  to  worship  on 
the  Sabbath.  The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  propose  to  give  them 
$15,000  for  their  land  and  their  church,  and  give  them  the  privilege  of  removing  the 
parsonage  if  they  choose,  and  the  benches  and  seats  out  of  the  old  church.  I trust 
there  will  not  be  a single  voice  against  it.  The  land  itself  is  worth  all  that  we  propose 
to  pay. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-four,  and  for  other  Purposes,”  approved 
Mar.  3,  1873.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  17,  519.)] 

For  grading  and  paving  the  streets  and  footways  around  the  Capitol,  and  running 
from  Pennsylvania  avenue  to  B streets  north  and  south,  to  the  line  of  the  east  front 
of  the  Capitol,  and  for  improving  the  grounds  within  that  area,  one  hundred  and 
twenty -five  thousand  dollars:  Provided , That  in  the  improvements  of  streets  about 
the  Capitol,  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  shall  assess  and  collect  the  cost  of  all 
improvements  made  in  front  of  all  private  property  in  the  same  proportion  as  charged 
by  the  District  authorities  for  similar  improvements. 

For  ten  thousand  eight  hundred  and  forty-four  square  feet  of  land  on  South  Capi- 
tol and  South  B streets,  with  the  buildings  standing  thereon,  the  sum  of  fifteen 
thousand  dollars,  to  be  paid  to  the  trustees  of  the  Israel  African  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  whenever  they  shall,  in  due  and  legal  form,  transfer  to  the  United  States  a 
good  and  sufficient  title  to  said  land  and  premises:  Provided,  That  said  trustees  may 
have  the  right  to  remove  the  building  thereon  known  as  the  parsonage  and  the  seats 
and  benches  belonging  to  the  church,  any  time  within  thirty  days  after  being  noti- 
fied to  remove  the  same  by  the  architect  of  the  Capitol. 


The  Grounds. 


1151 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  1.  1873:  Congressional  Globe,  42 — 3,  p.  1986.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  Deficiency  bill  for  1873 — 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 


EXTENSION  OF  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Square  six  hundred  and  eighty-seven  and  six  hundred  and  eighty-eight: 

To  enable  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  to  purchase  from  the  owners  thereof  all  the  remaining  real 
estate  and  improvements  thereon  in  square  numbered  six  hundred  and  eighty-eight,  in  the  city  of 
Washington,  necessary  to  be  taken  to  complete  the  purchase  of  said  square,  and  of  square  numbered 
six  hundred  and  eighty-seven,  in  said  city,  authorized  by  sections  six,  seven,  eight,  nine,  ten,  and 
eleven  of  an  act  entitled  “An  act  making  appropriations  for  the  legislative,  executive,  and  judicial 
expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  year  ending  June  30,  1873,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
May  8,  1872,  the  sum  of  $284,199  15  is  hereby  appropriated:  Provided,  That  such  real  estate  and 
improvements  shall  be  purchased  at  the  prices  fixed  in  the  report  of  the  commissioners  appointed  by 
the  supreme  court  of  the  District  of  Columbia  to  appraise  the  value  of  such  property,  made  to  said 
court  on  the  12th  day  of  July,  1872,  and  confirmed  by  said  court  on  the  16th  day  of  October,  in  said 
year:  Provided  further,  That  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  is  hereby  authorized  to  sell  at  public  auction 
such  materials  in  the  buildings  in  said  squares,  numbered  six  hundred  and  eighty-seven  and  six 
hundred  and  eighty-eight,  as  are  not  necessary  for  the  public  works  in  this  District;  and  from  the 
proceeds  of  such  sales  shall  be  paid,  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  all  actual  and  necessary  charges 
for  advertising,  auctioneer’s  fees,  extra  clerical  labor,  services  of  commissioners  for  appraising  the 
property  aforesaid,  and  such  other  expenses  as  may  have  been  incident  to  and  occasioned  by  the 
appraisement  and  purchase  of  the  real  estate  and  improvements  in  the  squares  hereinbefore  named, 
and  the  sales  of  the  materials  in  the  buildings  thereon;  the  remainder  of  such  proceeds,  after  payment 
of  all  such  charges  and  expenses,  to  be  applied  to  the  improvement  and  extension  of  the  Capitol 
grounds:  Provided,  That  no  money  thus  obtained  or  herein  appropriated  shall  be  used  for  changing 
the  grade  of  the  park  east  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Holman.  I move  to  strike  out  that  paragraph.  We  appropriated  §400,000  for 
this  purpose  during  the  last  session  of  Congress,  and  now  it  is  proposed  to  appropriate 
in  addition  to  that  §284,099  15.  I thought,  Mr.  Chairman,  that  Congress  ought  not 
to  have  made  that  appropriation  of  §400,000;  hut  certainly  there  is  a kind  of  fraud 
practiced  on  the  country  in  this  mode  of  making  appropriations.  You  first  appro- 
priate a sum  which  you  make  the  limit  of  the  expenditure,  and  then  you  make  that 
the  basis  upon  which  further  appropriations  are  to  be  made. 

I object  to  any  more  appropriations  being  made  for  this  purpose,  and  I wish  to  call 
the  attention  of  the  gentleman  from  Maine  [Mr.  Hale]  to  this  feature  of  the  bill 
which  is  different  from  almost  any  other  legislation  we  have  had.  This  jirovision 
authorizes  the  Commissioner  on  the  Public  Buildings  to  make  sale  of  this  property 
and  expend  the  amount  received  therefor  at  his  own  option. 

Mr.  Hale.  The  gentleman  will  observe  that  the  bill  reads  that  the  Secretary  of  the 
Interior  is  hereby  authorized  to  sell  at  public  auction  such  materials,  &c.  He  will 
find  it  on  line  four  hundred  and  forty-nine. 

Mr.  Holman.  Very  well;  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  is  authorized  to  make  this 
expenditure. 

Now,  usually  in  sales  of  public  property  you  require  the  proceeds  of  such  sales  to 
be  covered  into  the  Treasury,  but  here  you  authorize  the  sales  to  be  made  and  all 
the  expenses  thereof  to  be  paid  out  of  the  fund  received  from  such  sale  without  its 
being  covered  into  the  Treasury  at  all,  and  without  any  new  appropriation  you 
authorize  the  expenditure  of  the  balance. 

Now,  I do  not  know  what  the  value  of  this  property  may  be,  but  I should  suppose, 
when  you  remember  that  you  are  to  pay  over  §600,000  for  the  ground  and  the  mate- 
rials upon  it,  that  the  materials  must  be  of  some  considerable  value,  including  a large 
number  of  houses,  and  yet  you  allow  it  to  be  under  the  control  of  a single  officer  and 
allow  him  to  expend  the  money  without  any  appropriation  at  all.  I hoped  that  when 
we  appropriated  §400,000  for  this  piece  of  extravagance,  for  this  mere  embellishment 
of  the  public  grounds,  not  required  by  any  pressing  public  necessity,  that  would  have 
been  the  end  of  it. 

[Here  the  hammer  fell.] 


1152 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Hale.  So  far  as  the  large  item  in  this  paragraph  is  concerned,  it  is  a simple 
necessity,  as  we  have  embarked  in  this  enterprise  of  buying  land  and  improving  it 
for  the  use  of  the  Government. 

So  far  as  the  proviso  to  which  the  gentleman  from  Indiana  has  called  the  attention 
of  the  committee  is  concerned,  I recognize  the  force  of  his  objection. 

The  only  reason  that  an  exception  has  been  made  in  this  case  to  the  otherwise  gen- 
eral policy  adopted  upon  appropriation  bills,  that  of  turning  all  avails  of  sales  in,to 
the  Treasury,  is  that  the  amount  which  will  be  derived  from  these  sales  must  neces- 
sarily be  small.  This  gives  no  authority  to  sell  land,  but  only  the  structures  on  these 
lots,  and  the  material  that  may  be  upon  them.  That  is  not  valuable.  It  will  be  so 
small  a matter  incident  upon  the  occupation  and  improvement  of  the  land  that  this 
proviso  has  been  inserted,  contrary,  as  I have  said,  to  the  ordinary  policy  of  Con- 
gress. It  will  necessarily  be  so  limited  in  amount  that  there  can  be  no  practical 
abuse  growing  out  of  it.  I agree  with  the  gentleman  from  Indiana  [Mr.  Holman] 
that  the  general  rule  is  good  and  ought  not  be  broken  into;  but  under  such  circum- 
stances as  surrounds  this  case,  and  where  the  amount  is  so  limited,  there  can  prac- 
tically be  no  abuse;  otherwise  I would  not  be  in  favor  of  it.  That  is  the  real  expla- 
nation of  the  case. 

The  question  was  taken  upon  the  motion  to  strike  out,  and  it  was  not  agreed  to. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

To  enable  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  to  defray  the  expenses  incurred  in  executing  the  provisions 
of  the  eighth  section  of  the  act  approved  June  25,  1860,  entitled  “An  act  making  appropriations  for 
sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  year  ending  June  30,  1861,”  being  for  the  examina- 
tion of  titles,  surveys,  plats,  and  appraisement,  forming  the  basis  of  the  purchase  by  the  United 
States  of  squares  numbered  687  and  688,  in  the  city  of  Washington,  District  of  Columbia,  the  sum  of 
17,000,  or  so  much  thereof  as  is  necessary,  is  hereby  appropriated. 

Mr.  Holman.  I move  to  strike  out  this  paragraph,  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining,  if 
possible,  some  explanation  of  it.  It  proposes  to  appropriate  $7,000  for  the  examina- 
tion of  titles,  surveys,  plats,  &c.,  of  a couple  of  squares  of  ground  east  of  the  Capitol. 
I hope  some  explanation  will  be  given  of  that.  It  would  cost  a private  citizen 
perhaps  $100  at  the  outside. 

Mr.  Niblacic,  of  Indiana.  Under  a section  of  the  law  to  which  reference  is  made 
in  this  paragraph  the  district  attorney  was  required,  in  1861,  just  before  the  war 
broke  out,  to  make  the  examination  of  titles  and  plats  and  everything  necessary  to 
ascertain  the  exact  condition  of  four  squares  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Capitol,  with  a 
view  of  condemning  them  and  appropriating  them  for  the  use  of  the  extension  of  the 
Capitol  grounds. 

Mr.  Holman.  Do  I understand  my  colleague  to  say  that  that  was  in  1861? 

Mr.  X ni lack,  of  Indiana.  It  w‘as  the  act  of  June  25,  1860. 

Mr.  Holman.  Then  I trust  my  colleague  will  allow  me  now  to  interpose  a point  of 
order  on  this  paragraph.  I supposed  it  was  for  an  examination  made  during  the 
current  year,  not  for  one  twelve  or  fifteen  years  ago. 

The  Speaker.  The  point  of  order  is  made  too  late. 

Mr.  Xiblack,  of  Indiana.  Under  this  requirement  of  law,  the  presiding  district 
attorney  proceeded  to  have  surveys  and  maps  made  of  every  lot  or  part  of  lot  within 
those  four  squares,  and  also  employed  attorneys  for  the  purpose  of  examining  the 
title,  the  examination  going  back  to  the  time  when  the  seat  of  Government  was  first 
located  here,  and  extending  from  that  time  to  1861,  giving  a brief  abstract  of  title  for 
every  lot  or  part  of  lot.  I have  been  told  that  in  some  instances  that  required  the 
examination  of  at  least  fifty  different  conveyances.  Under  this  provision  of  law  these 
bills  were  incurred,  amounting  to  somewhere  in  the  neighborhood  of  $7,000. 

The  war  broke  out,  and  the  Government  did  not  proceed  further  in  the  matter, 
made  no  appropriations  in  regard  to  this  subject,  and  the  whole  subject  slumbered 
until  last  year,  when  we  appropriated  the  money  in  part  to  purchase  two  squares  of 
ground  near  the  Capitol.  It  is  now  proposed  to  appropriate  this  sum  of  money  to 


The  Grounds. 


1153 


enable  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  to  pay  these  hills.  Of  course  we  do  not  pretend 
to  say  how  much  of  the  hills  charged  may  be  reasonable  or  unreasonable.  We  leave 
it  to  him  to  determine  what  should  be  paid  for  those  surveys.  If  anything  is  left 
after  they  are  paid  for,  of  course  it  will  be  returned  to  the  Treasury.  This  is  as  just 
a proposition  as  anything  can  be. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  to  supply  deficiencies  in  the  appropriations  for  the  service 
of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-three, 
and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Mar.  3,  1873.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  17,  537-538.)] 

EXTENSION  OF  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

SQUARES  SIX  HUNDRED  AND  EIGHTY-SEVEN  AND  SIX  HUNDRED  AND  EIGHTY-EIGHT. 

To  enable  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  to  purchase  from  the  owners  thereof  all 
the  remaining  real  estate  and  improvements  thereon  in  square  numbered  six  hun- 
dred and  eighty-eight,  in  the  city  of  Washington,  necessary  to  be  taken  to  complete 
the  purchase  of  said  square,  and  of  square  numbered  six  hundred  and  eighty-seven, 
in  said  city,  authorized  by  sections  six,  seven,  eight,  nine,  ten,  and  eleven  of  an  act 
entitled  “An  act  making  appropriations  for  the  legislative,  executive,  and  judicial 
exjienses  of  the  Government  for  the  year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred 
and  seventy-three,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  May  eighth,  eighteen  hundred 
and  seventy-two,  the  sum  of  two  hundred  and  eighty-four  thousand  one  hundred 
and  ninety-nine  dollars  and  fifteen  cents  is  hereby  appropriated:  Provided , That 
such  real  estate  and  improvements  shall  be  purchased  at  the  prices  fixed  in  the 
report  of  the  commissioners  appointed  by  the  supreme  court  of  the  District  of 
Columbia  to  appraise  the  value  of  such  property,  made  to  said  court  on  the  twelfth 
day  of  July,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-two,  and  confirmed  by  said  court  on  the 
sixteenth  day  of  October,  in  said  year:  Provided  further,  That  the  Secretary  of  the 
Interior  is  hereby  authorized  to  sell  at  public  auction  such  materials  in  the  build- 
ings in  said  squares,  numbered  six  hundred  and  eighty-seven  and  six  hundred  and 
eighty-eight,  as  are  not  necessary  for  the  public  works  in  this  District;  and  from 
the  proceeds  of  such  sales  shall  be  paid,  by  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  all  actual 
and  necessary  charges  for  advertising,  auctioneer’s  fees,  extra  clerical  labor,  services 
of  commissioners  for  appraising  the  property  aforesaid,  and  such  other  expenses  as 
may  have  been  incident  to,  and  occasioned  by,  the  appraisement  and  purchase  of 
the  real  estate  and  improvements  in  the  squares  hereinbefore  named,  and  the  sales 
of  the  materials  in  the  buildings  thereon;  the  remainder  of  such  proceeds,  after  pay- 
ment of  all  such  charges  and  expenses,  to  be  applied  to  the  improvement  and 
extension  of  the  Capitol  grounds.  To  enable  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  to  defray 
the  expenses  incurred  in  executing  the  provisions  of  the  eighth  section  of  the  act 
approved  June  twenty-fifth,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty,  entitled  “An  act  making 
appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  year  ending 
June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  sixty-one,”  being  for  the  examniation  of 
titles,  surveys,  plats,  and  appraisement,  forming  the  basis  of  the  purchase  by  the 
United  States  of  squares  numbered  six  hundred  and  eighty-seven  and  six  hundred 
and  eighty-eight,  in  the  city  of  Washington,  District  of  Columbia,  the  sum  of  seven 
{thousand  dollars,  or  so  much  thereof  as  is  necessary,  is  hereby  appropriated. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1,  1873.  (43 — 1, 

House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  1,  p.  768.)] 

Not  having  any  practice  or  pretensions  to  skill  as  landscape  gardener,  I earnestly 
recommend  that  a first-class  artist  in  this  line  may  be  employed  to  plan,  plant,  and 
lay  out  these  grounds. 

H.  Rep.  6L6 


73 


1154 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Jan.  22,  1874:  Congressional  Record,  43 — 1,  p.  832.] 

TOPOGRAPHICAL  SURVEY  OF  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I am  directed  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings 
and  Grounds  to  report  another  bill;  and  I ask  for  its  present  consideration.  I think 
it  will  commend  itself  to  the  judgment  of  the  Senate. 

There  being  no  objection,  the  bill  (S.  No.  360)  making  appropriation  for  a topo- 
graphical survey  of  the  Capitol  grounds  and  plans  for  improving  the  same  was  read 
twice  and  considered  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole.  It  appropriates  the  sum  of 
$5,000,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary,  to  be  expended  under  the  direction 
of  the  Committees  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Rep- 
resentatives in  procuring  a topographical  survey  of  the  Capitol  grounds,  and  the 
employment  of  Frederick  Law  Olmsted,  of  New  York,  in  furnishing  plans  for  laying 
out,  improving,  and  inclosing  the  same. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  It  will  be  conceded  that  this  is  a matter  of  some  con- 
siderable importance.  We  have  enlarged  the  grounds,  and  it  is  now  proper  that 
they  shall  also  be  laid  out,  so  that  there  shall  be  some  unity  of  design  both  on  the 
east  and  west  fronts.  It  is  impossible  that,  any  plan  can  be  made  out  until  an  accu- 
rate topographical  survey  shall  be  made  of  the  grounds — their  elevation,  the  position 
of  every  tree,  and  the  walks,  and  all  about  them.  I suppose  it  is  also  desirable  that 
we  should  have  the  best  artistic  talent  in  the  country  to  furnish  proper  plans;  and  I 
know  of  no  person  who  is  superior  to  Mr.  Olmsted,  of  New  York,  who  had  the 
charge  of  the  Central  Park  of  that  city.  While  I suppose  it  may  not,  perhaps,  cost 
over  $2,500,  yet  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  have  inserted 
$5,000,  in  order  to  cover  all  possible  expense,  and  possibly  to  continue  Mr.  Olmsted, 
if  it  should  finally  be  decided,  after  plans  have  been  made  and  approved  by  Congress, 
to  employ  him  to  superintend  their  execution. 

Mr.  Sumner.  I will  ask  the  Senator  whether  the  committee  have  come  to  any  con- 
clusion with  regard  to  the  trees? 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  No,  sir;  the  committee  propose  to  leave  the  subject 
with  whoever  may  be  employed  to  lay  out  the  grounds.  On  conversing  with  Mr. 
Olmsted,  (and  I may  say  that  I invited  him  here  to  look  over  the  grounds,  and  he 
spent  a couple  of  days  upon  the  grounds, ) he  thinks  that  all  the  trees  it  wall  be  neces- 
sary to  preserve  can  easily  be  preserved  either  by  removal  or  by  sinking  them  on 
the  ground  where  they  stand.  That  is  a matter  that  will  come  up  after  the  plans 
shail  have  been  made  and  submitted  to  Congress. 

Mr.  Sumner.  I h ope  the  committee  will  act  courageously  with  regard  to  those  trees. 
I know  the  saying,  “Woodman,  spare  that  tree,”  and  I certainly  should  not  touch 
a tree  except  w ith  hesitation  and  caution;  but  still  I take  it  that  in  architecture  and 
in  the  grounds  that  surround  a great  public  structure  it  is  now'  settled  from  experience 
and  the  rules  of  taste  that  trees  are  not  advisable— they  are  not  in  place.  When  we 
have  spent  immense  sums  to  rear  an  edifice  with  an  architectural  front,  we  should 
not  place  trees  between  that  front  and  the  traveler  or  the  spectator;  all  should  be 
exposed.  Trees,  therefore,  as  a general  rule,  in  a street,  are  hardly  in  place;  but 
certainly  they  are  out  of  place  in  the  neighborhood  of  a great  public  monument, 
which  should  be  exposed  to  the  gaze  of  all.  Trees  have  been  allowed  to  grow  about 
the  Capitol  on  the  east  side  and  also  on  the  side  toward  Pennsylvania  avenue,  by 
which  the  view  of  the  Capitol  is  seriously  obstructed.  I think  that  now'  is  the  time 
when  the  subject  should  be  carefully  considered,  and  those  trees,  if  not  entirely 
removed,  at  least  so  thinned  out  as  not  essentially  to  interfere  with  the  sight  of  one 
of  the  most  magnificent  structures  of  the  globe,  for  that  I hold  this  national  Capitol 
to  be. 

There  is  one  tree,  however,  in  the  grounds  opposite  the  Capitol  on  the  east  that 
must  at  any  cost  be  spared.  It  is  a beautiful  beech,  not  an  American  beech,  but  I 


The  Grounds. 


1155 


believe  a classical  beech ; and  there  it  is,  to  my  mind,  a thing  of  perfect  beauty. 
When  it  is  clothed  in  all  its  foliage  during  the  summer  I know  of  nothing  in  the  Dis- 
trict of  Columbia  that  is  equal  to  it  in  beauty.  It  is  distinctly  seen  from  the  marble 
steps  that  conduct  to  the  Senate  Chamber;  and  I hope  my  friend  will  see  to  it  that 
that  tree  does  not  suffer. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  It  is  entirely  premature  to  discuss  these  matters  now,  • 
for  it  is  only  proposed  to  have  some  plan  by  which  the  public  grounds  shall  be  appro- 
priately laid  out.  While  there  might  be  some  difference  of  opinion  on  the  subject  as 
to  how  and  in  what  way  they  should  be  laid  out,  it  is  true  that  there  are  many  trees 
in  the  public  grounds  that  ought  to  be  taken  out.  I suppose  nearly  one-third  of  the 
trees  have  become  unhealthy  by  being  too  thickly  planted,  and  there  were  some 
trees  originally  planted  that  are  no  longer  things  of  beauty — the  poplars  or  white- 
wood,  and  some  of  the  sycamores.  But  that  question  is  not  raised  now;  and  I take 
it  there  will  be.no  objection  to  the  passage  of  this  bill  proposing  to  employ  such  a 
man  as  Mr.  Olmsted.  I will  not  consume  any  further  time  of  the  Senate  in  explain- 
ing it. 

The  bill  was  reported  to  the  Senate  without  amendment,  ordered  to  be  engrossed 
for  a third  reading,  read  the  third  time,  and  passed. 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  16,  1874:  Congressional  Record,  43 — 1,  p.  2167.] 

SURVEY  OF  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Platt,  of  Virginia.  I now  move  to  suspend  the  rules,  so  as  to  discharge  the 
Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  from  the  further  consideration  of 
the  bill  (S.  No.  360)  making  an  appropriation  for  a topographical  survey  of  the 
Capitol  grounds  and  plans  for  improving  the  same,  and  passed  the  same  with  the 
amendment  reported  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 

The  bill  was  read.  It  appropriates  the  sum  of  $5,000,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may 
be  necessary,  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  Committees  on  Public  Build- 
ings and  Grounds  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  in  procuring  a topo- 
graphical survey  of  the  Capitol  grounds,  and  the  employment  of  Frederick  Law 
Olmstead,  of  New  York,  in  furnishing  plans  for  laying  out,  improving,  and  inclosing 
the  same. 

The  Speaker.  The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  reported  this  bill, 
with  an  amendment,  which  will  now  be  read. 

The  Clerk  read  the  amendment  as  follows: 

Strike  out  the  word  '“five,”  before  “thousand,”  and  insert  the  word  “three,”  so  as  to  make  the 
appropriation  $3,000,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary. 

Mr.  Holman.  Is  this  motion  in  order  during  the  morning  hour? 

The  Speaker.  The  gentleman  moves  to  suspend  the  rules. 

Mr.  Holman.  Can  the  rules  be  suspended  during  the  morning  hour? 

Mr.  Platt,  of  Virginia.  I think  the  gentleman  will  find  that  after  the  call  of  States 
is  finished  it  is  in  order  to  move  to  suspend  the  rules  during  the  morning  hour. 

The  Speaker.  The  Chair  will  direct  the  reading  of  the  rule  on  the  subject. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

Nor  shall  the  Speaker  entertain  a motion  to  suspend  the  rules,  except  during  the  last  ten  days  of 
the  session,  and  on  Monday  of  every  week  at  the  expiration  of  one  hour  after  the  Journal  is  read, 
unless  the  call  of  States  and  Territories  for  bills  on  leave  and  resolutions  has  been  earlier  concluded, 
when  the  Speaker  may  entertain  a motion  to  suspend  rules. 

The  Speaker.  The  motion  to  suspend  the  rules  is  in  order  within  five  minutes  after 
the  House  assembles,  if  the  States  have  been  called  through  for  bills  on  leave.  The 
bill  referred  to  by  the  gentleman  from  Virginia  [Mr.  Platt]  came  from  the  Senate, 
was  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  was  reported  back 


1156 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


from  that  committee  with  an  amendment  to  reduce  the  appropriation  from  $5,000  to 
$3,000,  and  was  sent  to  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  a point  of  order.  The  gentle- 
man from  Virginia  now  moves  to  suspend  the  rules,  so  as  to  discharge  the  Committee 
of  the  Whole  from  the  further  consideration  of  the  bill,  and  that  it  be  now  passed 
with  the  amendment  reported  from  the  committee. 

Mr.  Platt,  of  Virginia.  I have  been  requested  by  some  gentlemen  to  make  a brief 
statement. 

Mr.  Holman.  I must  object,  unless  others  can  be  heard. 

Mr.  Platt,  of  Virginia.  Then  I will  not  take  up  time,  but  submit  the  question  to 
the  House. 

The  question  was  taken  on  seconding  the  motion  to  suspend  the  rules: 'and  upon  a 
division  there  were — ayes  82,  noes  7 ; no  quorum  voting. 

Tellers  were  ordered;  and  Mr.  Platt,  of  Virginia,  and  Mr.  Holman  were  appointed. 

The  House  again  divided;  and  the  tellers  reported  that  there  were — ayes  125, 
noes  24. 

So  the  motion  to  suspend  the  rules  was  seconded. 

The  question  was  then  taken  on  suspending  the  rules  and  passing  the  bill  with  the 
amendments;  and  upon  a division  there  were — ayes  88,  noes  13;  no  quorum  voting. 

Tellers  were  ordered;  and  Mr.  Platt,  of  Virginia,  and  Mr.  Holman  were  appointed. 

The  Plouse  again  divided;  and  the  tellers  reported  that  there  were — ayes  121, 
noes  27. 

Before  the  result  of  the  vote  was  announced, 

Mr.  Holman  said:  This  bill  will  lead  to  the  expenditure  of  millions,  and  I ask  for 
the  yeas  and  nays  on  its  passage. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  not  ordered,  there  being  but  14  in  the  affirmative,  not  one- 
fifth  of  the  last  vote. 

So  (two-thirds  voting  in  favor  thereof)  the  rules  were  suspended,  and  the  bill  with 
the  amendment  passed. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  18,  1874:  Congressional  Record,  43 — 1,  pi.  2211.] 

TOPOGRAPHICAL  SURVEY  OF  THE  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I ask  the  Senate  to  take  up  a bill  which  passed  the 
Senate  some  days  ago,  and  which  has  been  returned  from  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives with  an  amendment.  The  Senate  made  an  appropriation  of  $5,000  for  the 
employment  of  a topographical  engineer  in  relation  to  the  public  grounds  around  the 
Capitol.  The  house  has  reduced  the  appropriation  from  $5,000  to  $3,000'.  I think 
we  can  get  along  with  that  amount  of  money,  and  I ask  for  action  on  the  amendment 
of  the  House. 

There  being  no  objection,  the  Senate  proceeded  to  consider  the  amendment  of  the 
House  of  Representatives  to  the  bill  (S.  No.  360)  making  an  appropriation  for  a topo- 
graphical survey  of  the  Capitol  grounds  and  plans  for  improving  the  same. 

The  amendment  of  the  House  of  Representatives  was  to  strike  out  in  line  1 the 
word  ‘ ‘ five,  ’ ’ and  in  lieu  thereof  to  insert  the  word  ‘ ‘ three;’  ’ so  as  to  make  the  appro- 
priation $3,000,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary. 

The  amendment  was  concurred  in. 


[“An  act  making  an  appropriation  for  a topographical  survey  of  the  Capitol  grounds  and  plans  for 
improving  the  same,”  approved  Mar.  21,  1874.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  18,  23.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America 
in  Congress  assembled.  That  the  sum  of  three  thousand  dollars  or  so  much  thereof  as 
may  be  necessary  be  and  the  same  is  hereby  appropriated  out  of  any  money  in  the 


The  Grounds. 


1157 


Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated,  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  Com- 
mittees on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives 
in  procuring  a topographical  survey  of  the  Capitol  grounds  and  the  employment  of 
Fred  Law  Olmstead,  of  New  York,  in  furnishing  plans  for  laying  out,  improving  and 
inclosing  the  same. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  June  20,  1874:  Congressional  Record,  43 — 1,  p.  5259.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  sundry 
civil  bill  for  1875 — 

The  next  amendment  was  after  line  634  to  insert  : 

For  improvement  of  Capitol  grounds,  according  to  the  plans  and  under  the  general  direction  of 
Fred  Law  Olmsted,  to  be  expended  by  the  architect  of  the  Capitol,  $200,000. 

Mr.  Sherman.  It  seems  to  me  there  ought  to  be  some  limit  inserted  here  providing 
that  the  whole  expenditure  contemplated  by  the  plan  proposed  shall  not  exceed  the 
sum  of  |200,000,  so  far  as  the  grounds  are  concerned.  We  know  very  well  that  a 
distinguished  person  like  Mr.  Olmsted  may  lay  out  a plan  that  may  cost  many  times 
this.  He  may  provide  for  fountains  and  all  sorts  of  ornaments.  It  seems  to  me 
there  ought  to  be  some  limit.  I will  ask  the  Senator  from  Vermont  if  $200,000  is 
intended  to  cover  the  whole  improvement  of  the  Capitol  grounds,  or  is  it  a mere 
entering- wedge? 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I do  not  desire  to  take  up  much  time  in  explanation 
of  this  amendment.  The  House  have  proposed  $125,000,  as  will  be  seen  by  the  next 
clause,  and  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  Senate  thought 
that  would  be  insufficient,  and  perhaps  we  ought  to  have  proposed  $250,000  instead 
of  $200,000.  The  Senator  from  Ohio  need  not  be  under  any  apprehension  that  there 
will  be  anything  done  with  this  $200,000  so  as  to  involve  the  Government  in  any 
very  large  expenditure,  but  it  is  obvious  that  there  must  be  a considerable  amount 
expended  before  the  work  can  be  completed;  and  if  the  Senate  will  be  patient  to 
listen  to  me  five  or  ten  minutes  I will  explain  something  of  the  plan  of  Mr.  Olmsted. 

It  is  that  on  the  east  side  of  the  Capitol  grounds  the  trees  shall  be  thinned  out  so 
as  to  have  open  spaces  or  vistas,  and  leaving  the  two  clumps  of  trees  that  now  stand 
on  either  side  of  the  Capitol  mainly  as  they  now  stand.  The  surface  of  the  ground 
here  will  scarcely  need  to  be  much  reduced,  and  if  reduced  at  all  these  trees  can  still 
be  left  mainly  as  they  are.  Then  there  will  be  considerable  of  an  open  space  of  oval 
shape  on  either  side;  and  on  the  farther  or  eastern  portion  of  the  grounds  the  trees 
will  have  to  be  removed,  because  the  grade  of  the  ground  will  have  to  be  reduced 
about  six  feet.  Some  of  the  trees  can  be  saved  and  replanted.  Then  here  in  the 
front  the  idea  of  Mr.  Olmsted  is  that  the  present  platform  or  terrace  is  too  narrow  to 
support  the  magnificent  structure  above  it;  that  it  has  too  much  the  appearance  of 
a cheap  fortification,  and  the  base  is  too  thin  for  the  large  building  to  stand  upon. 
Mr.  Olmsted,  the  landscape  architect,  proposes  therefore  to  extend  the  terrace  about 
twenty  feet,  and  to  support  it  by  a granite  wall  surmounted  by  some  slight  decora- 
tion; and  that  in  the  end  there  shall  be  far  more  acceptable  stairways  on  the  east 
side  than  those  we  now  have,  something  in  better  proportion  to  the  magnificence  of 
the  building  and  equal  to  those  that  are  on  the  west  side.  The  central  walk  he  pro- 
poses to  obliterate,  and  the  trees  that  are  on  that  walk  it  will  have  been  noticed  are 
such  kind  of  trees  as  ought  to  be  removed.  They  are  no  longer  ornamental.  They 
are  mainly  poplars  or  cottonwood  trees,  that  are  a positive  nuisance  as  they  stand 
and  shut  out  the  whole  view  from  the  western  front.  The  other  two  walks  diverging 
right  and  left  will  be  left  to  remain  as  they  now  are. 

Mr.  Sherman.  I have  great  confidence  in  the  good  taste  and  love  of  economy  of 
my  friend  from  Vermont;  but  I want  to  know  whether  this  $200,000  covers  the  gross 
expenditure. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont,  I do  not  expect  it  will.  I am  free  to  say  that  I think 


1158 


Document  ary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


it  will  take  considerably  more.  These  stairways  will  cost  I do  not  know  how  much, 
but  not  a dollar  more  will  be  expended  than  is  absolutely  necessary. 

Mr.  Sherman.  The  Senate  ought  to  know  from  the  proper  committee,  before 
authorizing  this  work  to  be  commenced  under  Mr.  Olmsted’s  plans,  what  is  to  be  the 
cost  of  carrying  out  those  plans.  Those  plans,  I take  it,  are  already  prepared  and 
announced. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I may  say  that  it  has  been  impossible  in  the  short 
time  since  Mr.  Olmsted  has  been  authorized  to  make  these  plans,  to  have  them  com- 
pleted in  full. 

Mr.  Howe.  Allow  me  to  make  a suggestion  to  the  Senator  from  Ohio.  That  Sen- 
ator has  entire  confidence  in  the  economical  views  of  the  Senator  from  Vermont  as 
the  Senate  has. 

Mr.  Sherman.  But  I should  like  to  cross-examine  him  a little  on  public  buildings. 
That  is  rather  a soft  place  with  my  friend  from  Vermont. 

Mr.  Howe.  I was  about  to  inquire  if  the  Senate  would  not  be  entirely  content 
with  this  provision: 

Provided , The  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  is  associated  with 
Mr.  Olmsted  in  the  general  direction  of  these  improvements. 

Mr.  Sherman.  That  would  be  a very  good  suggestion. 

Mr.  Howe.  Then  I move  that  amendment. 

Mr.  Sherman.  I think  it  ought  to  be  under  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings 
and  Grounds  of  the  two  Houses,  as  a matter  of  course. 

Mr.  Howe.  A large  body  is  not  very  desirable  for  such  a purpose. 

Mr.  Sherman.  I think  it  ought  to  be  under  some  committee  of  Congress,  so  as  not 
entirely  to  carry  out  the  magnificent  ideas  of  an  architect,  or  a landscape  gardener, 
who  may  be  still  more  dangerous. 

Mr.  Howe.  I move  to  amend  by  adding  after  “Olmsted,”  in  line  637,  the  words 
“ and  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  Senate.” 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  Let  me  say  to  my  friend  from  Wisconsin  that  I have 
no  desire  myself  to  occupy  this  position.  I think  it  would  not  be  acceptable  to  the 
House  to  have  the  chairman  of  one  our  committees  placed  in  this  position,  or  to 
have  a committee  of  the  Senate  alone,  and  therefore  I think  it  had  better  be  omitted. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from 
Wisconsin  to  the  amendment  of  the  committee,  which  will  be  read. 

The  Chief  Clerk.  It  is  proposed  to  insert  after  “Olmsted,”  in  line  637,  the  words 
“and  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  Senate.” 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I hope  the  Senate  -will  not  agree  to  that,  for  the  reason 
that  it  might  detain  the  Committte  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  here  during 
the  coming  summer.  If  it  was  merely  for  us  to  come  here  once  or  twice  we  might 
be  able  to  do  that;  but  I think  the  Senator  from  Wisconsin  had  better  select  some- 
body else  than  put  my  name  in  there  or  that  of  our  committee.  I am  quite  satisfied 
that  the  House  will  not  consent  to  have  a committee  of  the  Senate  named  alone. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Maine.  Let  us  go  on  and  we  can  settle  this  in  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Howe.  Let  it  go  now  and  we  will  consider  it  in  the  Senate.  [“Agreed.”] 

The  amendment  to  the  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

The  amendment,  as  amended,  was  agreed  to. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  to  supply  deficiencies  in  the  appropriations  for  the  service  of 
the  Government  for  the  fiscal  years  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-three  and 
eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-four,  and  for  other  purposes,’’  approved  June  22,  1874.  (Stats,  at 
Large,  v.  18, 146.)] 

Capitol  grounds. — For  improving  Capitol  grounds,  and  for  sewers  and  street-lights 
for  same,  twenty-thousand  dollars:  Provided,  That  so  much  of  said  sum  as  is  neces- 
sary shall  be  expended  by  the  Architect’of  the  Capitol  in  forthwith  removing  from 
the  Capitol  Grounds  the  engine-building  south  of  the  Capitol. 


The  Grounds. 


1159 


[Prom  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-five,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
June  23, 1874.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  18,  214.)] 

For  improvement  of  Capitol  grounds,  according  to  the  plans  and  under  the  general 
direction  of  Fred.  Law  Olmsted,  to  be  expended  by  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  two 
hundred  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Columbus  Delano,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Oct.  31,  1874.  (43 — 2,  House 
Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  1,  p.  xxxi.)] 

IMPROVEMENT  OF  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Congress  having  provided  for  the  improvement  of  the  Capitol  grounds  “according 
to  the  plans  and  under  the  general  direction  of  Fred.  Law  Olmsted,”  important 
changes  have  been  made  in  that  direction,  in  accordance  with  a general  plan  pre- 
pared by  Mr.  Olmsted.  That  portion  of  the  grounds  lying  east  of  the  Capitol  has 
been  excavated,  in  order  to  conform  to  the  grades  of  the  adjacent  streets,  the  inferior 
trees  having  been  removed,  and  the  more  valuable  lowered  and  adjusted  in  the  places 
designated  for  them. 

The  general  plan  of  Mr.  Olmsted  provides  for  a court  upon  which  all  the  doors  of 
the  eastern  front  of  the  Capitol  will  open,  and  for  carriage  and  foot  approaches  to 
this  court  from  each  of  the  avenues  and  streets  that  open  on  the  boundary  of  the 
grounds.  The  public  thoroughfares  heretofore  dividing  them  are  to  be  abolished. 
The  treatment  of  those  portions  of  the  surface  which  will  not  be  occupied  by  road- 
ways and  other  necessary  conveniences  is  designed  to  be  very  simple,  with  a view  to 
its  perfect  subordination  in  interest  to  the  architectual  design  of  the  Capitol.  Arti- 
ficial decoration  will  be  applied  to  objects  which  serve  a distinctly  useful  purpose, 
and  then  only  where,  by  their  form  and  position,  they  may  be  made  to  appear  as 
attachments  and  supports  of  the  central  structure.  Ornamental  objects  of  this  class, 
though  substantial  and  elegant,  will,  with  a single  exception,  be  inconspicuous  in  a 
general  view.  The  exception  proposed  is  designed  to  produce  an  effect  of  greater 
strength  and  more  stately  proportions  in  the  western  base  of  the  Capitol.  The  pres- 
ent building  is  set  further  out  upon  the  hill-side  than  it  would  have  been  had  the 
design  from  the  beginning  contemplated  so  large  a structure,  and  the  scant  embank- 
ments faced  with  turf,  by  which  its  deep  basement  and  foundations  are  concealed, 
have  the  effect  of  enhancing,  rather  than  overcoming,  this  defect  of  position.  It  is 
proposed  to  substitute  a single  terrace  50  feet  wide,  with  supporting  walls  10  feet  in 
height,  of  the  same  material  and  architectural  character  as  the  main  structure,  which, 
in  a general  view,  will  apparently  give  greater  proportionate  height  and  breadth  of 
base  to  the  building  than  at  present,  and  will  also  impart  to  it  the  appearance  of 
being  seated  more  firmly  on  the  summit  of  the  hill. 

Operations  have  thus  far  been  limited  mainly  to  the  reduction  of  the  surface  on 
the  eastern  side  of  the  Capitol,  which  has  involved  the  removal  of  150,000  cubic 
yards  of  material;  the  construction  of  new  sewers;  the  laying  of  gas  and  water  pipes, 
and  the  establishment  of  a suitable  soil  on  the  new  surface.  The  new  roadways  and 
walks  on  the  eastern  side  have  also  been  graded,  and  the  foundations  of  the  road- 
beds laid. 


[Prom  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1, 1874.  (43 — 2, 

House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  1,  p.  733.)] 

IMPROVING  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

The  streets  leading  from  Pennsylvania  avenue  to  the  Capitol  have  been  paved,  and  the 
grounds  at  the  west  filled.  The  greater  part  of  the  eastern  grounds  have  been  cut  down 
to  the  grade  of  the  surrounding  streets,  many  oHhe  worthless  trees  taken  out,  and  the 
more  valuable  and  healthy  ones  let  down  and  put  in  place  to  suit  the  new  plan. 

The  fire-engine  house  located  on  these  grounds,  at  New  Jersey  avenue,  near  South 
B street,  has  been  taken  down. 


1160 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  frame  building  at  the  Eastern  Park,  used  as  the  Office  of  the  Architect,  com- 
ing in  the  way  of  the  improvements  had  to  be  moved  from  the  grounds.  It  was  cut 
in  two,  and  one  portion,  intended  for  the  Architect’s  Office,  taken  to  the  engine-lot 
corner  of  C street  and  Delaware  avenue;  the  other  portion,  used  as  the  office  of  the 
engineer,  placed  on  a private  lot  at  B street  and  Delaware  avenue. 

The  commissioners  of  the  District  of  Columbia  have  given  notice  that  so  locating 
these  buildings  is  a violation  of  municipal  law.  It  would  be  a convenience  to  the 
public  service  and  a security  to  the  records  to  locate  the  Architect’s  Office  in  the 
Capitol,  as  formerly. 

By  the  act  of  Congress  approved  June  23,  1874,  the  improvement  of  these  grounds 
was  placed  under  Frederick  Law  Olmsted,  esq.,  landscape  architect,  of  the  city  of 
New  York,  whose  works — the  Central  Park  and  the  Brooklyn  Park — place  him  at 
the  head  of  his  profession  in  this  country. 

Particular  attention  is  called  to  the  following  memorandum  from  Mr.  Olmsted, 
showing  the  general  features  of  his  plan: 

Although  the  new  wings  of  the  Capitol  have  been  long  in  use,  but  slight  temporary 
and  imperfect  adjustments  have  hitherto  been  undertaken  of  the  arrangement  of  the 
grounds  about  it,  which,  having  been  originally  graded,  laid  out,  and  planted  with  a 
view  to  a much  smaller  building,  are  necessarily  unsuitable  both  for  the  convenient 
use  and  for  the  due  architectural  effect  of  the  enlarged  structure. 

Previously  to  the  last  session  of  Congress,  the  area  of  the  Capitol  grounds  had  been 
enlarged  so  as  to  form  a parallelogram  of  1,200  by  1,800  feet,  including  the  public  thor- 
oughfare crossing  it  and  two  triangular  spaces  separated  by  them  from  the  main  body. 

Congress  in  .Time  last  appropriated  the  sum  of  $200,000  for  the  improvement  of 
this  area.  The  plan  for  the  purpose  provides  for  a court  upon  which  all  the  doors 
of  the  eastern  front  of  the  Capitol  will  open,  and  for  carriage  and  foot  approaches  to 
this  court  from  each  of  the  avenues  and  streets  that  open  on  the  boundary  of  the 
grounds.  The  public  thoroughfares  heretofore  dividing  them  are  to  be  abolished. 
The  treatment  of  the  surface  not  occupied  by  roadways  and  other  necessary  conven- 
iences is  designed  to  be  very  simple,  with  the  purpose  of  its  perfect  subordination  in 
interest  to  the  architectural  design  of  the  Capitol. 

Artificial  decoration  will  be  applied  only  to  objects  which  serve  a distinctly  useful 
purpose,  and  to  these  only  when  by  their  form  and  position  they  may  be  made  to 
appear  as  attachments  and  supports  of  the  central  structure.  Ornamental  objects  of 
this  class,  though  substantial  and  elegant,  will,  with  a single  exception,  be  incon- 
spicuous in  a general  view.  The  exception  proposed  is  designed  to  induce  an  effect 
of  greater  strength  and  more  stately  proportions  in  the  western  base  of  the  Capitol. 
The  present  building  is  set  farther  out  upon  the  hill-side  than  it  would  have  been 
had  the  design  from  the  beginning  contemplated  so  large  a structure,  and  the  scant 
embankment,  faced  with  turf,  by  which  its  deep  basement  and  foundations  are  con- 
cealed, have  the  effect  of  enhancing  rather  than  of  overcoming  this  defect  of  position. 
It  is  proposed  to  substitute  for  them  a single  terrace  50  feet  wide,  with  supporting 
walls  10  feet  in  height,  of  the  same  material  and  architectural  character  as  the  main 
structure,  which,  in  a general  view,  will  thus  have  greater  proportionate  height  and 
breadth  of  base  than  at  present,  and  will  also  appear  to  be  seated  much  more  firmly 
on  the  summit  of  the  hill. 

Operations  have  thus  far  been  limited  mainly  to  the  reduction  of  the  surface  on 
the  east  side,  which  has  involved  the  removal  of  150,000  cubic  yards  of  material,  the 
laying  of  new  systems  of  sewerage,  gas,  and  water,  and  the  establishment  of  a suit- 
able soil  upon  the  new  surface.  The  new  wheel  ways  and  walks  on  the  east  side 
have  also  been  graded  and  the  foundations  of  the  road-beds  laid. 

To  carry  out  his  plans,  it  becomes  necessary  to  move  the  frame  stables,  sheds, 
workshops,  &c.,  from  the  spaces  belonging  to  the  United  States  at  B streets  north 
and  south,  and  First  street,  at  the  foot  of  the  grounds,  as  these  pieces  of  ground  will 


The  Grounds. 


1161 


be  incorporated  with  the  main  portion,  thus  increasing  its  area  considerably.  To 
effect  this  desirable  result,  I recommend  an  appropriation  for  the  erection  of  stables 
for  the  mail-wagons  of  both  Houses,  Congress  having  purchased  sites  for  this  pur- 
pose, one  at  the  north  and  the  other  at  the  south  side  of  the  Capitol;  the  expense  to 
be  incurred  for  these  buildings  will  not  be  large.  1 earnestly  recommend  Mr.  Olm- 
sted’s plan  for  the  improvement  of  these  grounds  to  the  favorable  consideration  of 
Congress,  with  the  hope  that  the  necessary  appropriations  may  be  made  to  improve 
the  grounds  in  a manner  worthy  of  the  building  which  they  surround. 

[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  1,  1875:  Congressional  Record,  43 — 2,  p.  1998.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  sundry  civil  bill  for  1876 — 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

For  improvement  of  the  Capitol  grounds,  according  to  the  plans  and  under  the  general  direction 
of  Fred.  Law  Olmsted,  to  be  expended  by  the  architect  of  the  Capitol,  $200,000. 

Mr.  Garfield.  I offer  the  following  amendment  to  come  in  at  the  close  of  the 
paragraph : 

Of  which  sum  $50,000  shall  be  made  immediately  available. 

Mr.  Randall.  You  do  not  propose  to  put  anything  in  the  dificiency  bill  for  this 
purpose? 

Mr.  Garfield.  O,  no;  but  the  work  ought  to  begin  before  July. 

Mr.  Randall.  The  gentleman  will  see  that  last  year  we  appropriated  $200,000  for 
this  purpose.  Now,  if  you  make  this  amount  immediately  available  it  practically 
makes  the  appropriation  for  this  year  $250,000  and  leaves  only  $150,000  for  next  year. 

Mr.  Garfield.  O,  no;  not  practically.  We  did  not  pass  the  appropriation  bill 
last  year  until  the  21st  of  June  and  the  money  became  available  on  the  1st  of  July. 
This  is  merely  proposed  as  a matter  of  convenience.  They  can  do  the  work  if  they 
get  the  appropriation  earlier.  There  is  no  deficiency  asked  for;  they  only  ask  to  be 
allowed  to  use  a portion  of  this  money  before  it  would  become  available. 

Mr.  Randall.  It  is  really  a deficiency. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

[From  the  “Act  making -appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 

year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-six,  and  for  other  purposes,"  approved 

Mar.  3.  1875.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  18,  384.)] 

For  improvement  of  the  Capitol  grounds,  according  to  the  plans  and  under  the 
general  direction  of  Fred.  Law  Olmsted,  to  be  expended  by  the  Architect  of  the 
Capitol,  two  hundred  thousand  dollars. 

[From  the  annual  report  of  Z.  Chandler,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Oct.  31,  1875.  (44 — 1,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  1,  p.  xxi.)] 

IMPROVEMENT  OF  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

The  Architect  refers  to  the  report  of  Fred.  Law  Olmsted  for  details  of  the  improve- 
ments made  during  the  year  in  the  Capitol  grounds.  In  order  that  the  surroundings 
of,  and  approaches  to,  the  building  may  be  finished  in  a manner  commensurate  with 
its  grand  proportions,  the  Architect  recommends  that  due  provision  be  made  by  Con- 
gress for  changing  the  present  rustic  terraces,  by  widening  them  and  facing  them 
with  a wall,  and  for  the  construction  of  grand  stairs  approaching  the  center  of  its 
western  front,  in  accordance  with  Mr.  Olmsted’s  plans.  The  grading  required  to 
carry  out  the  plan  for  the  eastern  portion  of  the  grounds  has  been  completed,  and 
the  whole  of  the  eastern  and  most  of  the  western  portion  thereof  have  been  provided 
with  a complete  system  of  road  and  sub-soil  drainage,  gas-lighting,  and  water-supply. 
The  roads  and  walks  of  the  eastern  grounds,  together  with  the  carriage  court,  have 
been  formed  and  graveled,  and  the  approach-drives  to  the  western  grounds  formed 
and  partially  macadamized.  The  street-railroads  north  and  south  of  the  western 
grounds  have  been  taken  up  and  re-laid  outside  the  limits  of  the  Capitol  grounds, 


1162 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


and  the  stables  and  workshops,  formerly  situated  at  the  northern,  western,  and 
southern  angles  of  the  western  grounds,  have  been  removed. 

[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  extension,  Nov.  1,  1875.  (44 — , 
House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  V.  1,  p.  884.)] 

IMPROVING  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

For  full  information  relative  to  the  work  on  these  grounds  during  the  past  season, 
I beg  leave  to  refer  to  the  report  of  F.  Law  Olmsted,  esq.,  landscape-architect,  here- 
with submitted. 

After  due  consideration,  I am  now  convinced  that,  to  finish  these  grounds  in  a 
manner  worthy  the  building  they  surround,  it  will  be  necessary  to  change  the  pres- 
ent rustic  terraces  by  widening,  and  by  facing  them  with  a wall,  with  grand  stairs  at 
the  center,  as  proposed  by  Mr.  Olmsted.  Should  this  be  done,  I recommend  that  a 
provision  be  made  for  the  extension  of  the  central  portico  of  the  western  front,  in 

order  to  give  that  portion  of  the  building  due  prominence. 

* ****** 

REPOKT  OF  FEED.  LAW  OLMSTED,  LANDSCAPE- ARCHITECT. 

New  York,  September  17,  1875. 

Sir:  Since  my  last  report,  the  grading  required  to  carry  out  the  new  plan  of  the 
east  Capitol  grounds  has  been  completed. 

One  hundred  and  fifty-seven  trees  have  been  transplanted  by  means  of  the  tree- 
trucks,  and  re-arranged  in  appropriate  groups,  and  at  this  date  there  are  no  indica- 
tions of  any  of  them  having  suffered  from  the  change. 

The  old  pool  near  the  east  portico  has  been  vaulted  over  and  the  statue  of  Wash- 
ington removed. 

The  parapet- wall,  with  seat,  mosaic  walk,  and  sixteen  bronze  gas-posts  bounding 
the  east  carriage-court,  the  six  large  piers  with  bronze  lamps  forming  the  grand 
central  entrance  to  the  court,  the  flower -vases,  and  bronze  fountain-vases,  and  all 
other  of  the  stone-work,  except  an  outer  curb,  of  the  east  grounds,  are  completed,  or 
well  advanced,  under  contracts  for  early  completion  during  the  present  season. 

The  whole  of  the  east  and  most  of  the  west  grounds  have  been  provided  with  an 
elaborate  and  complete  system  of  road  and  subsoil  drainage,  gas-lighting,  and  wTater- 
supply. 

The  main  pipe  for  the  service  of  fountains,  and  the  electrical  apparatus  for  lighting 
the  lamps  of  the  carriage-court,  and  the  ornamental  shelters  at  the  termini  of  the 
car-tracks  are  in  course  of  execution. 

The  east  grounds  have  been  provided  with  a fertile  soil  1 foot  in  depth,  with  a 
friable  and  partially  fertilized  subsoil  to  a depth  of  21  feet. 

A considerable  part  of  the  west  grounds  has  been  graded  and  shaped,  preparatory 
to  treating  it  in  the  same  manner  during  this  season. 

The  roads  and  walks  of  the  east  grounds  and  the  carriage-court  have  been  formed 
and  graveled,  and  approach-drives  through  the  west  grounds  formed  and  partially 
macadamized. 

The  north  and  south  porte-cocheres  have  been  paved  with  Neuchatel  asphalt,  and 
a contract  entered  into  to  concrete  the  north  and  south  foot-approaches.  The  street- 
railroad  on  the  north  and  south  sides  of  the  west  grounds  has  been  removed  and  relaid 
clear  of  the  Capitol  grounds. 

The  stables  and  workshops  formerly  situated  at  the  northwest  and  southwest  angles 
of  the  west  grounds  have  been  removed. 

The  following  is  a statement  of  the  various  works  executed  or  under  contract  to 
the  present  date,  viz: 

225,000  yards  of  earth  and  other  material  excavated  and  removed. 

5,860  linear  yards  subsoil  drains,  1 1 to  3 inches  diameter,  laid. 

4,032  linear  yards  brick  and  pipe  drains  for  the  drainage  of  the  roads  and  walks. 

186  set-basins  and  man-holes  for  same. 

4,658  linear  yards  cast-iron  pipe,  3 to  12  inches  diameter,  for  water-supply. 

132  hydrants. 

18  stop-cocks  and  valves. 


The  Grounds. 


1163 


1,048  linear  yards  1 to  3 inch  wrought  and  cast-iron  pipes  for  gas-supply. 

46  lamps  in  east  grounds. 

15.000  cubic  yards  soil  manure  and  peat  purchased  and  used. 

15j  acres  worked  over  and  partially  seeded. 

157  large  trees  transplanted. 

649  small  trees  purchased  and  planted  and  in  nursery. 

30,700  square  yards  drives,  &c.,  formed  and  graveled. 

10,305  square  yards  of  walks  formed  and  graveled. 

800  linear  yards  roads  formed  and  prepared  for  macadam. 

1,064  square  yards  of  Neuchatel  asphalt  pavement  at  porte-cocheres. 

18,045  feet  mosaic  concrete  pavement. 

4,956  linear  yards  granite  curb  to  roads. 

2,100  linear  yards  bluestone  edging  to  walks. 

430  linear  yards  bluestone  coping  to  mosaic  pavement. 

12.000  square  feet  concrete  pavement  for  foot-approaches. 

1,792  linear  yards  street-railroad  taken  up  and  relaid. 

In  addition  there  are — 

8,900  linear  yards  subsoil  drain-pipe  in  stock. 

1,585  linear  yards  bluestone  edging  in  stock. 

724  linear  yards  of  3 and  4 inch  cast-iron  pipe. 

I have  the  honor  to  be,  your  obedient  servant, 

Fred  Law  Olmsted, 

Landscape- Architect. 

[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  9,  1876:  Congressional  Record,  44 — 1,  p.956.] 

IMPROVEMENT  OF  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I am  directed  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings 
and  Grounds  to  report  a bill  (S.  No.  417)  for  continuing  the  work  of  improving  the 
Capitol  grounds,  and  I ask  for  its  present  consideration,  for  I think  there  will  be  no 
objection  to  it. 

By  unanimous  consent  the  bill  was  read  twice  and  considered  as  in  Committee  of 
the  Whole.  It  appropriates  $25,000  for  continuing  the  work  of  the  improvement  of 
the  Capitol  grounds  during  the  present  fiscal  year. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I desire  to  say  that  the  appropriation  made  last  year 
is  now  exhausted,  the  work  having  been  done,  and  it  is  deemed  important  by  Mr. 
Olmsted,  who  has  charge  of  the  work,  that  this  appropriation  be  made  in  advance  of 
the  regular  appropriation  for  the  year  commencing  July  1.  I ask  that  a brief  letter 
from  Mr.  Olmsted,  which  I send  to  the  Chair,  be  read. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  letter  will  be  reported. 

The  Secretary  read  as  follows: 

Washington,  February  8,  1876. 

Sir:  I beg  to  call  your  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  appropriation  for  the  improve- 
ment of  the  Capitol  grounds  is  exhausted,  what  remains  of  it  being  no  more  than  is 
necessary  to  meet  existing  liabilities.  In  view  of  the  circumstances  I would  suggest 
that  an  appropriation  of  $25,000  is  desirable  in  advance  of  the  annual  appropriation. 

First.  In  order  that  planting  may  proceed,  it  is  desirable  that  all  transplanting  of 
trees  in  the  lower  grounds  should  be  done  early  in  the  spring,  not  only  because  a 
year’s  time  will  thus  be  gained  in  the  growth  of  the  trees,  but  because  if  this  work 
is  delayed  longer  it  must  go  over  till  the  fall,  and  with  it  the  finishing  of  the  grounds 
in  other  respects,  which  would  otherwise  be  proceeded  with,  must  be  postponed. 

Second.  The  finishing  of  the  second  gradient  and  of  the  water-works  is  imme- 
diately desirable.  About  three-quarters  of  the  work  is  done. 

Third.  To  permit  of  the  necessary  watering,  cultivation,  and  care  in  all  respects 
of  the  grounds.  If  this  is  neglected  until  July  much  may  be  lost  of  the  value  of 
the  works  already  done. 


1164 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  probability  that  the  Capitol  will  be  much  more  visited  by  strangers  next  sum- 
mer than  ever  before  makes  it  more  desirable  than  it  might  otherwise  be  that  they 
should  be  put  and  kept  in  as  good  order  as  practicable. 

I am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Frederick  Law  Olmsted. 

Hon.  J.  S.  Morrill, 

Chairman  Senate  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I think  that  letter  fully  explains  the  object,  and  I do 
not  see  that  there  can  be  any  objection  to  present  action  on  the  bill. 

Mr.  Davis.  One  question  only.  Does  this  bill  come  from  a committee? 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  It  is  unanimously  reported  from  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 

The  bill  was  reported  to  the  Senate  without  amendment,  ordered  to  be  engrossed 
for  a third  reading,  read  the  third  time,  and  passed. 

[House  proceedings  of  April  4,  1876:  Congressional  Record,  44 — 1,  p.  2184.] 

IMPROVEMENT  OF  THE  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Walsh,  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  reported  back 
a bill  (S.  No.  417)  for  continuing  the  work  of  improvement  on  the  Capitol  grounds, 
with  an  amendment. 

The  bill  provides  that  for  continuing  the  work  of  improvement  on  the  Capitol 
grounds  during  the  present  fiscal  year  the  sum  of  125,000  is  hereby  appropriated. 

The  amendment  of  the  committee  is  to  strike  out  $25,000  and  insert  $20,000. 

Mr.  Wilson,  of  Iowa.  I make  the  point  of  order  that  the  bill  must  have  its  first 
consideration  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  as  it  makes  an  appropriation. 

The  Speaker  pro  tempore.  The  point  of  order  is  well  taken,  and  the  bill  is  referred 
to  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union,  and  ordered  to  be  printed. 


[House  of  Representatives  Report  No.  357, 44th  Congress,  1st  session.  Improving  the  Capitol  grounds. 

April  4,  1876,  committed  to  a Committee  of  the  Whole  House  and  ordered  to  he  printed.] 

Mr.  Walsh,  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  submitted  the 
following  report  (to  accompany  bill  S.  417): 

The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  to  whom  was  referred  Senate 
bill  No.  417,  appropriating  $25,000  for  continuing  the  work  of  improving  the  Capitol 
grounds,  have  made  an  examination  of  the  various  items  of  work  for  which  the 
appropriation  is  required  by  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  and  find  that  the  various 
amounts  as  reported  to  your  committee  by  Mr.  Edward  Clark,  the  Architect  of  the 
Capitol,  are  for  work  begun  and  but  partially  completed,  viz:  For  curbstone,  edging 
for  walks,  garden-soil,  manure,  gravel,  sewers,  and  drains,  lamp-posts,  and  service- 
pipes,  and  for  the  hire  of  horses,  carts,  and  laborers  for  three  months,  aggregating 
$15,000. 

We  find  from  the  statement  of  the  Architect  that  this  amount  does  not  include  a 
further  amount  required  for  payment  of  the  bronze-work  and  granite  for  unfinished 
fountain  on  the  east  side  of  the  Capitol. 

Your  committee  find  that  the  bronze-work  and  granite  for  the  unfinished  fountain 
was  contracted  for  under  the  general  appropriation  of  March  3, 1875,  to  carry  out  the 
general  plan  for  the  improvement  of  the  public  grounds,  and  that  as  the  delivery  of 
all  of  said  materials  was  delayed,  the  appropriation  then  made  was  used  by  the 
Architect  on  other  parts  of  said  improvements,  in  order  to  expedite  the  general  work 
thereof.  It  would  therefore  seem  to  your  committee  that  the  sum  of  $20,000  will  be 
required  for  the  work  above  enumerated,  and  your  committee,  therefore,  recommend 
that  amount  be  appropriated. 

Your  committee  are  of  the  opinion,  in  view  of  the  fact  of  the  opening  of  the  Cen- 
tennial Exhibition  at  Philadelphia  on  the  10th  day  of  May,  and  that  thereafter  visit- 


The  Grounds. 


1165 


ors  from  the  Exhibition  will  he  here  in  large  numbers  to  view  the  National  Capitol, 
that  this  appropriation  of  $20,000  is  necessary  to  enable  the  Architect  to  so  far  com- 
plete the  work  of  improving  the  Capitol  grounds  as  to  give  them  a presentable 
appearance,  and  make  them,  as  far  as  the  time  will  permit,  in  keeping  with  the 
Capitol  building  and  all  its  surroundings. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Apr.  11,  1876:  Congressional  Record,  44 — 1,  p.  2368.] 

IMPROVEMENT  OF  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  There  is  a bill  just  returned  from  the  House  of  Repre- 
sentatives with  amendments  reducing  the  appropriation  for  the  improvement  of  the 
Capitol  grounds  $5,000,  and  providing  that  the  money  shall  be  expended  under  the 
direction  of  the  architect  of  the  Capitol,  as  it  would  have  been  whether  so  provided 
or  not.  As  the  bill  has  been  delayed  ever  since  February  9,  which  has  almost  made 
it  impossible  that  the  object  of  the  bill  can  be  now  attained,  I ask  that  the  Senate 
concur  in  the  amendments  proposed  by  the  House. 

The  Presiding  Officer,  (Mr.  Davis  in  the  chair.)  The  Chair  will  lay  before  the 
Senate  the  amendments  of  the  House  of  Representatives  to  the  bill. 

The  amendments  of  the  House  of  Representatives  to  the  bill  (S.  No.  417)  for  con- 
tinuing the  work  of  improving  the  Capitol  grounds  were  read,  being  in  line  5 to 
strike  out  the  word  “twenty-five”  and  in  lieu  thereof  insert  “twenty,”  and  to  add 
to  the  bill  the  following  clause: 

To  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  architect  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Ingalls.  As  the  Senator  from  Vermont  says  it  is  too  late  now  for  this  appro- 
priation to  be  of  any  service,  I would  like  to  inquire  what  is  the  use  of  concurring  in 
the  amendments  of  the  House? 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  It  will  be  of  service;  but  I say  it  is  too  late.  The  bill 
ought  to  have  been  passed  long  ago.  It  was  sent  to  the  House  over  two  months  ago. 

The  amendments  were  concurred  in. 


[House  proceedings  of  Apr.  11,  1876:  Congressional  Record,  44—1,  p.  2378.] 

IMPROVEMENT  OF  THE  CAPTTOL. 

Mr.  Holman.  I ask  unanimous  consent  that  Senate  bill  No.  417  may  be  considered 
now  and  put  upon  its  passage  with  an  amendment  recommended  by  the  Committee 
on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds.  In  the  first  place,  I ask  the  bill  may  be  reported, 
and  then  I wish  to  say  a word.  It  is  a bill  (S.  No.  417)  for  continuing  the  work  of 
improvement  on  the  Capitol  grounds. 

The  bill,  which  was  read,  provides  that  for  continuing  the  work  of  the  improve- 
ment on  the  Capitol  ground  during  the  present  fiscal  year  the  sum  of  $25,000  is 
thereby  appropriated. 

Mr.  Holman.  Mr.  Speaker,  the  appropriations  for  the  last  fiscal  year  are  $200,000 
and  $200,000  for  the  present  fiscal  year.  The  appropriation  made  for  the  present 
fiscal  year  is  substantially  exhausted,  and,  as  the  House  is  aware,  one  of  the  marble 
vases  on  the  east  front  of  the  Capitol  is  still  incomplete  and  certain  grading  and  filling 
are  necessary  to  be  done  north  of  the  Capitol  and  south  of  it  to  put  these  grounds  in 
reasonable  condition.  Twenty-five  thousand  dollars  is  required  for  that  purpose  by 
the  architect  of  the  Capitol,  Mr.  Clark.  The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and 
Grounds  recommend  the  passage  of  this  bill  reducing  the  amount  of  the  appropriation 
from  $25,000  to  $20,000,  believing  $20,000  would  be  sufficient  to  accomplish  the 
purpose. 

I wish  to  say  to  the  House  that  the  importance  of  early  action  on  this  bill  is  appar- 
ent. If  these  grounds  are  to  be  put  in  fair  condition,  such  as  is  desirable,  it  must  be 
done  in  the  early  spring.  While  I am  not  favorable  to  this  kind  of  appropriations, 
I do  not  see  how  it  can  be  avoided  in  this  instance. 

I move  to  amend  the  bill  by  reducing  the  appropriation  from  $25,000  to  $20,000,  as 


1166 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


recommended  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  and  also  to  add 
the  following  words: 

To  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  architect  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Kasson.  Does  that  change  the  way  in  which  the  work  is  now  being  done? 

Mr.  Holman.  It  is  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  architect  of  the 
Capitol. 

Mr.  Kasson.  But  under  whose  charge  is  it  to  be  expended? 

Mr.  Holman.  That  is  not  defined  in  the  bill. 

Mr.  Kasson.  The  improvements  are  going  on  under  Mr.  Olmstead. 

Mr.  Holman.  But  the  money  itself  is  to  be  expended  by  the  architect  of  the  Capi- 
tol; he  is  the  accounting  officer. 

Mr.  Kasson.  I have  no  objection  if  it  does  not  interfere  with  the  plans  approved 
by  the  two  committees  of  the  House  and  Senate. 

Mr.  Holman.  It  does  not  interfere  with  them. 

The  amendments  were  agreed  to. 

The  bill,  as  amended,  was  ordered  to  a third  reading;  and  it  was  accordingly  read 
the  third  time,  and  passed. 

Mr.  Holman  moved  to  reconsider  the  vote  by  which  the  bill  was  passed;  and  also 
moved  to  lay  the  motion  to  reconsider  on  the  table. 

The  latter  motion  was  agreed  to. 


[“An  act.  for  continuing  the  work  of  improving  the  Capitol  grounds,”  approved  Apr.  21,  1876.  (Stats. 

at  Large,  v.  19,  35.)] 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of  America  in 
Congress  assembled,  That  for  continuing  the  work  of  the  improvement  of  the  Capitol 
Grounds  during  the  present  fiscal  year,  the  sum  of  twenty  thousand  dollars  is  hereby 
appropriated  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-seven,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
July  31, 1876.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  19,  115.)] 

For  improving  the  Capitol  grounds  and  for  paving  roadway  and  foot-walks  in  the 
Capitol  grounds  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  Nov.  1,  1876.  (44 — 2,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  1,  p.  756.)] 

IMPROVING  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

The  work  of  this  improvement  has  progressed  in  a satisfactory  manner  during  the 
present  season.  Mr.  Cobb,  engineer  employed  on  this  work,  in  his  report  to  me, 
states  as  follows: 

The  grading  required  to  complete  the  north,  south,  and  west  grounds  has  been 
finished,  and  most  of  the  plantings  soiled  and  seeded  to  grass.  The  walks  have  all 
been  graveled  or  paved  with  concrete. 

The  main  drives  on  the  east  grounds  are  partially  paved  with  patent  macadam, 
and  the  two  drives  from  First  street  west  are  prepared  in  the  same  manner.  These 
are  now  under  contract  for  an  asphaltic  concrete  pavement. 

The  granite  curbing  is  all  set,  and  the  bluestone  edging  partially  so. 

Much  of  the  old  curb  was  redressed  and  used  again. 

The  gas  and  water  service  is  complete  for  the  entire  grounds. 

The  main  system  of  drainage  is  completed,  or  in  process  of  completion. 

Tile  drains  have  been  laid  in  the  west  park. 

The  trees  transplanted  last  year  are  in  a thrifty  condition,  and  the  sod  is  becoming 
firm  and  free  from  weeds. 

The  concrete  foot-walks  laid  last  year  are  in  a good  condition,  and  a large  amount 
of  the  same  pavement  has  been  put  down  during  the  present  season. 


The  Grounds. 


1167 


The  materials  purchased  have  been  exceptionally  good  in  quality  and  procured  at 
a very  reasonable  cost. 

Below  will  be  seen  a statement  in  detail  of  the  material  purchased  and  the  work 
performed : 

18.000  cubic  yards  of  earth  and  other  material  excavated  and  removed. 

12,200  linear  feet  subsoil-drains  laid. 

1,674  linear  feet  pipe-sewer  laid 

39  silt-basins  and  man-holes  constructed. 

4,795  linear  feet  water-pipes  laid. 

41  hydrants,  stop-cocks,  and  valves  set. 

4,150  linear  feet  gas-pipe  laid. 

80  lamps  and  posts  set. 

16  ornamental  bronze  lamps  and  6 granite  and  bronze  lamp-piers  completed  in 
east  park. 

2 bronze  fountain-vases  erected. 

13.000  linear  feet  electric  wire  for  lighting  lamps  laid. 

8,496  square  yards  of  Gray’s  patent  macadam  roadway  laid. 

1,983  square  yards  of  Belgian  block  pavement. 

14,800  square  yards  of  walks  graveled. 

1,800  square  yards  of  Seneca  and  bluestone  flagging  laid. 

28.000  square  feet  of  concrete  foot-walk  laid. 

4,027  square  feet  of  mosaic  foot-walk  laid. 

2,100  square  yards  of  brick  gutter  laid. 

15,900  linear  feet  of  bluestone  edging  set. 

3,350  linear  feet  of  granite  curb  set. 

3,900  linear  feet  of  old  granite  curb  redressed. 

2,180  cubic  yards  of  manure  and  other  fertilizers  purchased. 

16,796  cubic  yards  of  soil  purchased. 

12  acres  soiled  and  seeded. 

4,861  square  yards  sodding  laid. 

1,375  trees  and  plants  purchased  and  planted  or  in  nursery. 

1,750  cubic  yards  of  broken  stone  purchased. 

507  barrels  of  cement  purchased. 

3,455  cubic  yards  of  gravel  purchased. 

Preparation  is  now  being  made  at  the  intersection  of  Pennsylvania  avenue  and 
First  street  for  laying  out  the  circle  in  which  is  to  be  placed  the  naval  monument. 

To  complete  the  improvement  of  Pennsylvania  avenue  at  this  point  in  accordance 
with  plan  of  Mr.  Fred.  Law  Olmsted,  it  becomes  necessary  to  purchase  a point  of 
land  at  the  northwest  corner  of  Pennsylvania  avenue  and  First  street,  and  also  cut  a 
corner  from  the  Botanical  Garden. 

The  attention  of  Congress  is  respectfully  called  to  this  subject. 

I consider  it  of  the  utmost  importance  that  the  road  and  foot  ways  of  these  grounds 
should  be  paved,  and  hope  that  Congress  may  make  early  provision  for  the  comple- 
tion of  this  work. 

As  the  fire-engine  house  and  the  stables  for  the  Senate  mail-wagons  have  been 
completed  and  are  now  occupied,  I recommend  a small  appropriation  to  keep  them 
in  repair. 

[Senate  proceedings  of  Jan.  5,  1877:  Congressional  Record,  44 — 2,  p.  439.] 

Mr.  Morrill,  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  reported  a 
bill  (S.  No.  1113)  to  authorize  the  taking  of  certain  parcels  of  lands  for  the  public 
use  at  the  intersections  of  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland  avenues  on  the  west  front  of 
the  Capitol  grounds;  which  was  read  and  passed  to  the  second  reading,  and  ordered 
to  be  printed 


1168 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Jan.  10,  1877:  Congressional  Record,  44 — 2,  p.  528.] 

EXTENSION  OF  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I move  that  Senate  bill  No.  1113  be  taken  up  for  action  at  the 
present  time. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to,  and  the  bill  (S.  No.  1113)  to  authorize  the  taking  of 
certain  parcels  of  land  for  the  public  use,  at  the  intersection  of  Pennsylvania  and 
Maryland  avenues  on  the  west  front  of  the  Capitol  grounds,  was  read  the  second 
time  and  considered  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I will  merely  say  a word  or  two  in  explanation  of  the  bill.  It  is 
only  a proposition  to  take  a corner  of  the  land  on  Pennsylvania  avenue  and  Mary- 
land avenue  in  order  to  give  room  for  the  completion  of  the  two  circles  in  accordance 
with  the  plans  of  Mr.  Olmsted  that  have  already  been  approved  by  Congress. 

Heretofore,  in  years  long  gone  by,  bills  have  been  reported  from  the  committee  of 
the  Senate,  formerly  by  Senator  Bright,  of  Indiana,  and  subsequently  by  Senator 
Foot,  of  Vermont,  taking  the  entire  squares  mentioned  in  this  bill;  but  under  the 
new  plan  of  the  grounds  we  propose  to  get  along  with  much  less,  taking  only  small 
corners  of  the  squares,  so  as  to  give  room  and  verge  enough  for  the  travel  around  the 
circles  that  are  now  in  process  of  construction.  The  bill  further  contemplates  taking 
a small  corner  off  from  the  Botanic  Garden  on  each  side  so  as  to  complete  the  circles 
on  the  side  next  to  the  garden. 

I will  say  that  I have  a plan  here  of  just  what  we  propose  to  take.  It  is  a small 
amount  of  land  on  either  corner.  The  appraisal  of  the  cash  value  of  the  land  on  the 
southern  side  is  $1,086,  and  the  cash  value  as  appraised  of  the  land  on  the  northern 
side  is  $14,000. 

I believe  that  the  committee  of  the  Senate  were  unanimously  in  favor  of  this  bill, 
and,  so  far  as  we  know,  the  committee  of  the  House  are  of  the  same  opinion.  I 
think  there  can  be  no  objection  whatever  to  the  bill,  either  to  the  measure  or  the 
manner  of  it.  The  bill  is  in  the  precise  form  that  has  heretofore  been  used  in  obtain- 
ing the  condemnation  and  purchase  of  land  for  jiublic  use. 

Mr.  Coxklixg.  Mr.  President,  there  are  two  parties  for  whom  I feel  moved  to 
speak  in  regard  to  this  matter.  One  is  the  American  people,  and  the  other  the  horses 
of  America.  I have  observed  this  city  for  now  about  sixteen  years.  If  during  that 
time  there  has  been  one  year  when  either  the  people  or  the  horses  could  comfortably 
reach  this  Capitol,  it  is  some  year  that  I have  forgotten.  I think  it  is  rather  a 
remarkable  circumstance  that  during  so  long  it  has  been  so  difficult  to  approach  this 
building  in  any  comfortable  mode.  I do  not  say  this  to  object  to  this  bill.  I believe 
I understand  what  it  means,  that  a circular  close  now  bounded  by  a curb-stone, 
which  is  to  be  the  residence  of  a monument,  has  been  projected  in  front  of  the  Cap- 
itol grounds  so  as  to  occupy  the  beginning  of  Pennsylvania  avenue,  and  in  conse- 
quence of  that  a narrow  throat  is  left  through  which  all  the  vehicles  must  squeeze  if 
they  go  at  all;  and  that  throat  is  occupied  by  trams,  street- railroad  tracks,  among 
the  most  destructive  contrivances  to  vehicles  when  they  are  driven  across  obliquely 
that  can  be  found  in  any  street.  The  Senator  from  Vermont  by  this  bill  proposes  to 
cut  off  from  the  block  on  the  north  side  of  Pennsylvania  avenue  occupied  by  build- 
ings such  an  area  as  will  enable  him  to  make  a roadway  farther  to  the  east,  or,  more 
exactly  speaking,  to  widen  the  roadway  as  it  will  be  left,  by  extending  it  over  a por- 
tion of  this  block  now  occupied  by  building,  cutting  off  the  corresponding  tongue  on 
the  south  side,  which  is  the  Botanic  Garden.  That  is  the  plan,  I think.  I do  not 
mean  to  object  to  it;  but,  without  objtcting  to  it,  it  is  a relief  to  me  to  express  the 
hope  that  some  time  to  which  men  now  living  may  hope  to  survive,  there  will  be  a 
means  of  driving  with  comfort  and  walking  with  comfort  to  this  Capitol.  And  I 
hope  these  proceedings  are  such  that  if  the  property  shall  be  condemned  in  order  to 
give  a right  of  way  to  the  people  to  traverse  that  part  of  the  town  the  arrangement 
will  be  such  that  the  proceedings  will  take  place  expeditiously  and  that  the  thing 
will  be  done  and  done  promptly. 


The  Grounds. 


1169 


The  bill  was  reported  to  the  Senate  without  amendment,  ordered  to  be  engrossed 
for  a third  reading,  read  the  third  time,  and  passed. 

[House  proceedings  of  Jan.  18,  1877:  Congressional  Record,  44 — 2,  p.  735.] 
EXTENSION  OF  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Holman.  I ask  unanimous  consent  to  have  taken  from  the  Speaker’s  table  and 
referred  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  Senate  bill  No.  1113,  to 
authorize  the  taking  of  certain  parcels  of  land  for  the  public  use  at  the  intersection 
of  Pennsylvania  and  Maryland  avenues,  on  the  west  front  of  the  Capitol  Square. 

There  being  no  objection,  the  bill  was  taken  from  the  Speaker’s  table,  read  a first 
and  second  time,  and  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 


[House  proceedings,  of  Feb.  21,  1877:  Congressional  Record,  44 — 2,  p.  1778.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  sundry  civil  bill  for  1878 — 

The  Clerk  resumed  the  reading  of  the  bill,  and  read  as  follows: 

For  improving  the  Capitol  grounds  and  paving  the  roadways  and  footwalksof  the  Capitol  grounds, 

5100,000. 

Mr.  Piper.  I move  to  amend  that  paragraph  by  striking  out  $100,000  and  inserting 
in  lieu  thereof  $50,000.  I have,  since  I have  been  a member  of  this  House,  paid  par- 
ticular attention  to  the  improvements  about  the  grounds  of  the  Capitol.  Whether 
this  appropriation  is  intended  for  the  public  grounds  about  the  city  or  for  the  grounds 
around  the  Capitol  building,  I am  not  sufficiently  informed  to  say,  but  if  this  appro- 
priation is  intended  for  the  purpose  of  improving  the  grounds  around  this  Capitol, 
it  is  an  extravagant  appropriation  and  should  be  reduced  to  $50,000.  I have  ob- 
served the  character  of  the  workmen  employed  about  these  grounds  and  I know 
something  of  the  character  of  this  work.  I have  employed  men  for  years  and  years 
in  work  of  this  description  in  large  numbers,  and  assuredly  I could  furnish  a China- 
man eighteen  years  old  who  would  do  more  work  than  any  six  of  the  men  I have 
seen  about  these  grounds  during  the  last  two  years.  It  constitutes  an  asylum  for 
loafers,  for  beggars  paid  out  of  the  public  Treasury,  under  the  pretense  that  they  are 
doing  work  around  these  grounds.  Consequently,  if  this  appropriation  is  for  the 
grounds  about  the  Capitol  $50,000  is  more  than  ample  for  them,  for  there  is  hardly  a 
man  who  can  do  a day’s  work  or  even  half  a day’s  work. 

Mr.  Holman.  The  estimate  for  this  purpose  was  $200,000.  The  committee  has 
reduced  it  one-half,  and  although  $100,000  is  certainly  a large  sum  to  appropriate  for 
such  a purpose,  the  gentleman  from  California  [Mr.  Piper]  must  remember  that  the 
filling  in  and  improvement  of  the  grounds  west  of  the  Capitol  will  require  a very 
considerable  outlay  of  money.  There  must  be  some  fountains  established  to  perfect 
the  plan,  and  I do  not  see  well  how  this  expense  can  be  avoided. 

I do  not  think  that  there  is  any  reason  why  $200,000  should  be  appropriated,  but 
I think,  perhaps,  that  $100,000  is  not  an  excessive  appropriation,  and  I hope  that  after 
the  present  year  it  will  be  found  entirely  compatible  with  the  public  interest  to  reduce 
the  appropriation  down  to  $25,000  a year,  unless,  indeed,  Congress  enters  upon  the 
system  of  improving  the  western  front,  which  has  been  recommended  by  the  gentle- 
man employed  by  the  Government  to  present  plans  for  the  improvement  of  the 
grounds  around  the  Capitol.  I hardly  think  it  would  be  safe  to  reduce  this  appro- 
priation below  $100,000,  although  I know  it  is  a very  large  sum  for  such  a purpose. 

Mr.  Piper.  How  much,  money,  in  the  aggregate,  has  been  appropriated  for  the 
improvement  of  these  grounds? 

Mr.  Holman.  O,  well,  there  have  been  several  hundred  thousand  dollars  appro- 
priated; indeed,  including  the  appropriations  for  the  grounds  east  of  the  Capitol,  the 
amount  has  swollen  up  to  millions.  This  is  the  smallest  appropriation  which  has 
H.  Rep.  646 74 


1170 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


been  made  for  this  purpose  for  a great  many  years.  I believe  the  appropriations  for 
the  present  fiscal  year  were  $125,000.  We  have  put  the  amount  for  the  coming  fiscal 
year  at  $100,000. 

Mr.  Piper.  Is  it  not  a fact  that  the  stone  used  around  this  Capitol  is  imported  from 
Canada,  or  Scotland,  or  Sweden,  or  some  other  place  remote  from  the  United  States? 

Mr.  Holman.  I think  that  almost  all  the  public,  buildings  in  the  United  States  are 
constructed  out  of  materials  from  remote  points.  Canadian  stone,  from  the  coast 
opposite  Maine,  is  used  in  the  construction  of  the  custom-house  in  Chicago,  and,  I 
believe,  also  on  the  buildings  at  Cincinnati  and  Saint  Louis,  and  a large  portion  of 
the  granite  and  marble  used  about  the  Capitol  has  been  imported  from  remote  points. 

Mr.  Foster.  Where  else  would  it  come  from? 

Mr.  Piper.  I insist  upon  my  amendment. 

The  question  was  put  on  the  amendment;  and  on  a division  there  were — ayes  6, 
noes  26. 

Mr.  Piper.  As  this  is  a question  of  $50,000  of  the  people’s  money,  which  my  friend 
from  Indiana  is  especially  careful  of,  I think  I must  insist  that  there  shall  be  a quo- 
rum. [Cries  of  “O,  no!”]  Very  well,  sir;  I will  let  it  go. 

So  the  amendment  was  not  agreed  to. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-eight,  and  for  other  purposes,’’  approved 
Mar.  3,  1877.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  19,  348.)] 

For  paving  court  east  of  the  Capitol,  sixty-four  thousand  dollars.  And  all  sums 
appropriated  for  the  Capitol  grounds  shall  be  immediately  available. 

For  improving  the  Capitol  grounds  and  for  paving  roadway  and  foot-walks  in  the 
Capitol  grounds,  one  hundred  thousand  dollars:  Provided,  however,  That  a sum  not 
exceeding  thirty-three  thousand  dollars  of  this  appropriation  may  be  used  for  the 
improvement  of  the  heating  and  ventilating  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  to  be 
expended  by  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  in  accordance  with  the  report  of  the  board 
of  United  States  officers  convened  by  request  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings 
and  Grounds;  and  that  said  board  of  officers  be  requested  to  advise  the  Architect  in 
the  premises;  and  that  hereafter  the  subject  of  ventilation  and  heating  the  House  of 
Representatives  be  placed  under  the  direction  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  Oct.  1, 1877.  (45 — 2,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  1,  pp.  903-5.)] 

CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

For  full  information  relating  to  the  work  done  on  these  grounds,  and  showing 
their  present  condition,  I insert  a portion  of  the  report  made  to  me  by  Mr.  Cobb, 
engineer: 

In  making  the  third  annual  report  of  the  improvement  of  the  Capitol  grounds, 
according  to  the  plans  of  Mr.  Fred.  Law  Olmsted,  landscape  architect,  and  carried 
on  under  your  direction,  I have  the  honor  to  state  that  the  work  has  proceeded  sat- 
isfactorily, and  as  rapidly  as  the  amount  appropriated  would  allow. 

In  consequence  of  the  appropriation  being  small,  ($125,000,)  the  men  have  been 
kept  on  half  time  during  eight  months  of  the  year. 

The  number  of  names  on  the  pay-roll  is  126.  From  June  30,  1876,  to  June  30, 
1877,  there  were  23, 328]  days’  labor  performed  by  the  men,  and  2,771]  days’  work 
of  horses,  at  a cost  of  $54,064.85. 

This  includes,  however,  $7,473.04  expended  on  the  rolls  for  ventilation  of  the 
House  of  Representatives,  and  $1,585.45  paid  by  vouchers  for  special  work. 

All  material  has  been  purchased  at  the  lowest  market-price,  and  fully  up  to  the 
standard  called  for  in  the  various  contracts  and  specifications. 

The  intense  heat  during  the  summer  of  1876,  parched  part  of  the  grass  sown  during 


The  Grounds. 


1171 


the  spring,  and  some  of  the  plantings  were  reseeded  in  the  fall.  Most  of  the  trees 
and  shrubs  survived,  the  total  loss  being  two  large  and  twenty-two  small  trees.  The 
lawns  are  kept  closely  cropped,  and  the  sod  is  exceptionally  firm  and  compact. 

On  account  of  the  total  lack  of  police,  the  depredations  among  the  small  shrubbery 
have  been  numerous — one  hundred  and  fifty  shrubs  being  taken  from  various  parts 
of  the  grounds,  and  one  hundred  plants  removed  from  the  fountains  in  the  east  park 
alone.  Five  of  the  trees  mentioned  above  as  dying  were  destroyed  by  boys.  A large 
number  of  cattle  have  been  caught  trespassing,  but,  as  most  of  the  depredations  were 
committed  after  working-hours,  the  greater  part  could  not  be  prevented. 

During  the  year  thirty-three  large  and  fifty  small  trees  have  been  moved  by  the 
trucks. 

One  hundred  oriental  plane  trees  and  one  hundred  and  eighty-six  choice  plants 
were  imported.  Altogether  7,837  plants  and  trees  have  been  set  out. 

Since  the  last  report,  the  drives,  then  under  contract,  leading  from  First  street 
west  to  the  top  of  the  hill,  both  north  and  south,  and  the  approaches  from  Delaware 
avenue  north,  and  New  Jersey  avenue  south,  have  been  laid  with  bituminous  con- 
crete pavements. 

This  work,  as  a whole,-  is  satisfactory,  but  in  parts  exhibits  a tendency  to  soften 
under  the  heat  of  the  sun,  and  in  some  instances  has  required  extensive  repairs, 
which  the  contractors  have  promptly  made,  the  terms  of  their  contract  requiring 
them  to  keep  the  pavement  in  good  order  for  three  years. 

That  laid  on  the  west  end  of  the  north  drive  is  especially  faulty  in  this  respect, 
but  the  rapid  evaporation  of  its  volatile  oils  may  bring  it  to  the  right  consistency  in 
another  year. 

The  pavement  laid  at  the  Delaware  avenue  entrance  is  of  little  value,  except  its 
base  of  hydraulic  concrete.  This  is  excellent,  but  the  top  being  unequally  mixed, 
gives  both  good  and  bad  results. 

Bids  were  opened  June  19  for  laying  asphalt  pavements  on  the  drives  of  the  East 
park. 

After  a thorough  examination  of  the  different  proposals,  the  award  was  finally 
made  to  Crawford  & Hoffman,  for  about  6,431  square  yards  vulcanized  asphalt;  to 
W.  R.  Davis  & Co.,  for  about  12,783  square  yards  Grahamite  and  Trinidad  asphalt; 
and  to  W.  Id.  Groat,  for  750  yards  of  Van  Camp’s  patent  pavement.  This  work  is 
now  in  progress. 

I would  respectfully  call  your  attention  to  the  fact  that  heavily-loaded  wagons  are 
continually  being  driven  over  the  roadways,  injuring  them  for  pleasure-driving,  as 
well  as  destroying  the  privacy  of  the  park,  by  converting  it  into  a thoroughfare. 

There  have  been  68,708  square  feet  of  artificial  stone  foot-walks  laid.  This  has 
proved  a valuable  substitute  for  stone,  at  a cost  of  less  than  one-third.  Some  defects 
have  appeared,  due  principally  to  the  expansion  of  the  material,  but  these  are  easily 
remedied  at  a slight  cost. 

It  appears  to  wear  no  more  rapidly  than  sandstone,  and  is  much  more  easily 
adjusted  to  the  winding  walks  and  constantly-changing  grades. 

A three-foot  brick  sewer  has  been  partially  constructed  in  the  West  park,  to  extend 
from  the  center  of  the  grounds  to  South  B street,  there  connecting  with  the  large 
Government  sewer,  which,  when  completed,  will  substantially  complete  the  sewer 
system  of  the  park. 

The  fountains  in  the  East  park  have  not  yet  been  completed.  Seven  hundred  and 
thirty-five  feet  of  12-inch  water-pipe  and  300  feet  of  sewer-pipe,  besides  a double- 
acting steam-pump,  and  the  necessary  jets  and  fixtures  inside  the  vases,  are  needed, 
to  put  them  into  working  order. 

One  ornamental  iron  trellis  has  been  placed  on  the  north  walk  of  the  East  park, 
and  a similar  one  is  now  being  erected  on  the  corresponding  walk  on  the  south  side. 

A low  granite  coping  and  wall,  to  inclose  the  northern  half  of  the  East  park,  has 
been  contracted  for,  and  is  now  being  put  in  position. 


1172 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


A screen-wall,  with  ornamental  ramps  and  piers,  is  under  contract  for  the  circle  at 
the  head  of  Pennsylvania  avenue  west  and  along  First  street. 

This  will  be  completed  during  the  fall  and  winter. 

* * * 

As  the  improvements  of  these  grounds  advance,  the  necessity  of  erecting  more 
imposing  stairways  of  entrance  to  the  building  at  the  western  front  becomes  more 
apparent.  The  rustic  terraces  at  that  front  have  a plain  and  unfinished  appearance, 
and  show  clearly  the  necessity  of  the  proposed  terrace-wall,  in  order  to  connect  the 
grounds  with  the  building  in  a harmonious  manner. 

Mr.  Olmsted  says,  on  this  subject,  “that  attention  should  be  called  to  the  great 
defects  of  the  present  arrangement  for  entering  the  Capitol  from  the  west.  The 
present  stairway  was  designed  with  reference  to  an  original  small  central  building, 
and  was  architecturally  inadequate  even  for  that.  It  now  serves  as  the  only  direct 
means  of  access  to  the  Capitol  from  all  the  western  part  of  the  city,  and  is  not  only 
awkward  and  mean  in  appearance,  but  exceedingly  inconvenient,  and  rapidly 
approaching  a dangerous  condition.” 

The  obliteration  of  the  central  walk  and  the  completion  of  the  entrance  to  the 
approach  of  the  Capitol  from  Pennsylvania  avenue,  which  is  designed  on  a scale  cor- 
responding to  that  of  the  enlarged  Capitol,  will  make  its  defects  more  conspicuous. 
The  immediate  construction  of  the  new  stairways,  upon  the  plan  favorably  reported 
by  the  Committees  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  in  1875,  is  much  to  be  desired. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Carl  Scliurz,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  1, 1877.  (45 — 2,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  1,  p.  Lit.)] 

CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

The  work  on  these  grounds  has  been  carried  on  under  the  plans  of  F.  Law  Olmsted, 
landscape  architect,  and  satisfactory  progress  made. 

The  principal  roadways  of  the  eastern  grounds  have  been  paved,  and  a low  granite- 
wall  and  coping  placed  around  the  northern  half  of  the  east  park.  A screen-wall, 
with  ornamental  piers  and  lamps,  has  been  placed  at  the  circle  at  the  head  of  Penn- 
sylvania avenue  and  along  First  street. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Jan.  30,  1878:  Congressional  Record,  45 — 2,  p.  665.] 

Mr.  Dawes.  I am  instructed  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds 
to  report  a bill  proposing  an  immediate  appropriation  of  $20,000  for  the  continuation 
of  the  work  upon  the  Capitol  grounds,  and  I ask  that  it  be  referred  to  the  Committee 
on  Appropriations. 

The  bill  (S.  No.  635)  for  continuing  the  work  of  improving  the  Capitol  grounds 
was  read  twice  by  its  title,  and  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Appropriations. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  25,  1878:  Congressional  Record,  45—2,  p.  1289.] 

Mr.  Window,  from  the  Committee  on  Appropriations,  to  whom  was  referred  the 
bill  (S.  No.  635)  for  continuing  the  work  of  improving  the  Capitol  grounds,  asked  to 
be  discharged  from  its  further  consideration  and  that  it  be  referred  to  the  Committee 
on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds;  which  was  agreed  to. 

[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  27,  1878:  Congressional  Record,  45—2,  p.  1361.] 

IMPROVEMENT  OF  CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Mr.  Dawes.  I desire  to  make  a report  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings 

and  Grounds  and  to  ask  its  consideration  at  the  present  time. 

* * * 

The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  to  whom  was  recommitted  the 
bill  (S.  No.  635)  for  continuing  the  work  of  improving  the  Capitol  grounds,  have 
directed  me  to  report  it  without  amendment,  and  I ask  for  its  present  consideration. 


The  Grounds. 


1173 


The  bill  has  also  had  the  consideration  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations.  I will 
state  to  the  Senate  why  I desire  to  have  it  acted  upon  at  the  present  time. 

The  Chief  Clerk  read  the  bill. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  Is  there  objection  to  the  present  consideration  of  the 
bill,  it  having  been  reported  to-day? 

Mr.  Cockrell.  Unless  there  is  some  necessity  for  its  immediate  consideration,  1 
must  object. 

Mr.  Dawes.  I will  state  why  I desire  to  have  the  bill  acted  upon  to-day.  The  bill 
was  introduced  and  referred  to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds 
some  time  since.  They  thought  it  ought  to  have  the  approval  of  the  Committee  on 
Appropriations,  and  it  was  referred  to  that  committee  for  its  approval.  It  was 
reported  back  by  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  yesterday  and  rereferred  to  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds.  I understand,  although  no  formal 
report  was  made  to  that  effect,  that  the  bill  met  the  approval  of  the  Committee  on 
Appropriations. 

The  reason  of  asking  at  this  time  for  $20,000  is  this:  the  fund  is  entirely  exhausted, 
there  is  not  anything  even  to  sweep  the  walks,  much  less  to  take  care  of  the  shrubs 
and  the  trees.  As  spring  is  approaching,  the  care  of  the  grounds  becomes  an  impera- 
tive necessity.  A petition  for  this  appropriation  was  introduced  a month  ago,  and 
then  there  was  danger  of  even  snow  upon  the  walks  here  that  could  not  be  removed. 
There  is  nothing  by  which  the  grounds  can  be  taken  care  of  at  all,  and  every  Sena- 
tor will  see  the  absolute  necessity  of  having  work  done  here  in  the  spring  if  it  is  to 
be  done  at  all. 

I will  state  to  the  Senate  why  the  fund  is  exhausted.  The  appropriation  for  the  cur- 
rentfiscal  year  was  originally,  according  to  theestimates,  $100,000.  An  item  of  $100,000 
was  inserted  in  the  appropriation  bill ; but  at  the  last  moment  on  the  passage  of  the 
bill  it  was  ascertained  that  it  was  absolutely  necessary  to  make  an  appropriation  for  ven- 
tilating the  Hall  of  the  House  of  Representatives.  That  was  estimated  to  cost  $33,000. 
The  anxiety  not  to  increase  the  aggregate  of  appropriations  induced  the  House  of 
Representatives  (in  which  the  Senate  acquiesced)  to  quarter  it  upon  this  appropria- 
tion of  $100,000  for  the  improvement  of  the  Capitol  grounds.  That  at  once  took 
$33,000  out  of  the  regular  estimate.  The  item  was  also  made  available  at  once. 
There  was  need  of  continuing  the  work  and  they  continued  the  work  under  that, 
appropriation  till  the  1st  of  July  last,  expending  $20,000  more  of  that  appropriation. 
The  work  went  on.  It  was  thought  economical  to  press  the  work  during  the  good 
weather  in  the  grading  and  carrying  out  the  plan  of  work  about  the  Capitol  grounds 
rather  than  to  continue  it  during  the  •winter.  No  one  knew  then  that  the  weather 
for  the  winter  would  be  what  it  has  been.  Therefore,  with  the  intent  of  expending 
no  more  than  the  appropriation,  the  work  went  on,  and  the  officers  have  produced 
an  account  current  of  all  their  expenditures,  which  I will  have  read  at  the  Secretary’s 
desk  if  any  Senator  desires  it,  showing  that  the  work  has  in  all  cases  been  done  under 
the  estimate.  Under  the  authority  to  anticipate  the  fiscal  year,  $20,000  of  the  $73,000 
left  of  the  $100,000  was  expended  before  the  present  fiscal  year  began,  and  they  find 
themselves  at  this  moment  wanting  that  very  $20,000,  being  without  any  fund,  with- 
out any  means  to  prune  the  trees  during  the  winter,  to  take  care  of  the  shrubs,  to 
sweep  the  walks,  or  meet  any  of  the  necessary  expenses  incumbent  upon  the  care  of 
these  vast  grounds.  I have  the  account  current  of  every  dollar  of  that  expenditure 
here,  and  the  reasons  more  at  large  than  I have  stated,  which  if  any  Senator  desires 
I will  have  read  at  the  Clerk’s  desk. 

Mr.  Cockrell.  Will  the  Senator  permit  me  to  ask  him  whether  this  appropria- 
tion is  to  complete  and  finish  work  already  begun,  or  is  it  to  change  some  work  that 
was  done  last  year  in  order  to  do  it  over  again? 

Mr.  Dawes.  It  is  not  for  any  such  purpose  as  is  last  indicated  by  the  Senator 
from  Missouri.  It  is  to  do  just  what  the  Senator  would  do  with  his  own  ample  and 
beautiful  grounds  at  home  in  Missouri.  He  would  take  care  of  them  in  the  winter, 


1174 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


he  would  prune  his  trees,  he  would  dig  about  the  grounds,  he  would  purchase  ferti- 
lizers, he  would  sweep  his  walks,  and  he  would  adorn  and  beautify  the  home  in 
which  he  lives.  I know  the  Senator  himself,  notwithstanding  the  sentiment  that 
exists  in  some  quarters  of  his  State,  is  desirous  of  having  this  capital  the  most  beau- 
tiful capital  in  the  world.  He  does  not  desire  to  have  a dollar  wasted,  but  he  is  will- 
ing to  expend  with  a generous  hand  every  dollar  that  can  be  expended  properly  and 
for  a consideration  in  beautifying  these  grounds.  But  if  nothing  is  done,  the  shrubs 
about  this  Capitol  will  die  and  go  to  waste,  and  the  work  will  be  in  the  condition  of 
that  of  a thriftless,  careless,  and  bankrupt  man  about  his  own  estate,  a condition 
that  nobody  desires  to  have  the  Capitol  of  this  great  nation  in. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I desire  to  say  a single  word,  Mr.  President,  in  addition  to  what  has 
been  said  by  the  Senator  from  Massachusetts.  At  this  season  of  the  year,  it  becomes 
necessary  to  buy  trees  and  shrubs  that  may  be  required  further  for  the  Capitol 
grounds.  I understand  that  some  more  valuable  trees . it  is  desirable  should  be  set 
out,  and  they  should  be  purchased  and  paid  for  now  in  order  that  they  may  be  prop- 
erly set  out  at  the  right  season  of  the  year. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  Is  there  objection  to  the  present  consideration  of  the  bill? 

Mr.  Cockrell.  I do  not  object  to  it.  I desire  to  say  to  the  Senator  from  Massa- 
chusetts that  while  I feel  very  generous  in  what  belongs  to  me  individually,  I must 
dissent  from  any  imputation  being  cast  upon  my  believing  in  governmental  generosity. 

Mr.  Dawes.  Then,  Mr.  President,  I take  all  back  that  I said  on  the  subject  of  the 
Senator’s  generosity. 

Mr.  Cockrell.  I do  not  believe  in  generosity  on  the  part  of  the  Government.  I 
am  not  willing  to  put  my  hand  in  the  pockets  of  the  tax- payers  of  this  nation  and  be 
generous  with  their  money.  If  this  appropriation  be  necessary  for  the  completion 
and  finishing  up  of  work  around  the  Capitol,  I have  no  objection  to  it.  If  it  is  to  be 
expended  in  remodeling  and  undoing  what  has  been  done  and  doing  it  over  again, 
then  I am  opposed  to  it. 

Mr.  Dawes.  I have  already  stated  to  the  Senate  that  it  was  hot  of  that  character. 
The  Senator  will  find  it  difficult  to  get  out  from  under  the  policy  of  a fair  and  liberal 
appropriation  for  the  beautifying  of  this  capital  if  he  tries;  but  I know  the  Senator 
does  not  intend  to  do  any  such  thing  as  that. 

Mr.  Conkling.  Would  it  be  agreeable  to  the  Senator  from  Massachusetts  to  indulge 
me  in  a question  of  curiosity? 

Mr.  Dawes.  Nothing  would  give  the  Senator  from  Massachusetts  greater  delight. 

Mr.  Conkling.  I should  like  to  know,  as  far  as  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  does  know,  when  the  grounds  about  this  Capitol  are  to 
reach  that  point  at  which  we  may  say  they  are  finished?  What  is  the  expectation  in 
that  regard? 

Mr.  Dawes.  I will  answer  the  Senator  in  the  language  of  the  Yankee  who  told  me 
he  was  going  to  New  York  when  it  was  finished;  he  did  not  propose  to  go  there  to 
see  that-  city  when  it  was  unfinished.  I think  that  it  will  be  a good  many  years 
before  these  grounds  will  be  finished.  I think  as  the  capital  grows,  as  the  nation 
grows,  as  these  grounds  around  about  here  change,  as  time’s  tooth  wears  away  what 
is  erected,  there  will  constantly  be  expenditure  in  the  line  of  the  suggestion  of  the 
Senator  from  New  York. 

But,  to  be  more  specific,  as  I suppose  the  Senator  alludes  to  the  large  appropria- 
tions for  specific  alterations,  ( I suppose  the  Senator  had  that  in  mind  and  he  is  enti- 
tled to  a fair  answer  as  to  that, ) that  will  depend  upon  whether  Congress  shall  adopt 
one  plan  of  carrying  out  the  alterations  of  the  Capitol  or  another.  Thus  far  the 
improvements  have  gone  on  in  a way  that  would  be  proper  and  fit  for  either  of  two 
or  three  plans.  Whether  Congress  shall  hereafter  determine  upon  one  or  the  other 
of  those  three,  I cannot  say  of  course.  If  they  determine  upon  one,  it  will  certainly 
involve  considerable  time  and  a considerable  amount  of  money,  but  no  money  has 
been  expended  with  such  reference  to  that  plan  as  to  make  it  inapplicable  to  any 


The  Grounds. 


1175 


other  plan.  Therefore  none  of  these  expenditures  involve  the  necessity  of  determin- 
ing without  repetition  whether  we  shall  go  on  with  a larger  and  broader  alteration 
here  than  any  Senator  would  desire.  The  jiresent  bill  asks  for  only  $20,000  to  pur- 
chase and  trim  the  trees  we  have,  to  improve  the  walks,  to  sweep  the  walks,  and  care 
for  the  grounds.  I meant  to  answer  the  Senator  in  good  faith,  and  I hope  he  did  not 
suppose  I was  trifling  in  the  matter. 

Mr.  Conkling.  Mr.  President,  the  answer  of  the  honorable  Senator  is  so  luminous 
and  definite  that  I cannot  doubt  he  meant  to  answer  in  good  faith.  He  begins  by 
referring  to  the  man  who  thought  he  would  go  to  New  York  after  it  was  finished. 
The  absolute  justness  of  that  parallel  fills  me  full  of  light  on  this  subject.  I infer 
that  as  business  increases  and  as  population  increases  here  in  this  building,  the  area 
is  to  exjmnd  and  improvements  are  to  go  on  with  the  march  of  increase.  Everybody 
can  understand  that. 

My  purpose,  Mr.  President,  in  asking  the  question  will  be  indicated  sufficiently  by 
one  or  two  facts  which  I feel  moved  to  state.  For  now  twenty  years  I have  been 
coming  to  this  building.  During  that  time  there  has  not  been  one  year  (unless  I 
have  forgotten  it,  and  I think  I have  not)  when  either  on  foot  or  by  vehicle  anybody 
with  comfort  and  safety  could  approach  this  Capitol.  I hope  that  does  not  sound 
exaggerated.  How  is  it  now  in  front  of  the  Capitol  grounds  on  the  west,  where  a 
monument  stands  intended  to  be  a great  improvement  upon  that  quaint  and  rather 
inartificial  monument  which  I saw  first  in  front  of  the  building,  but  which  I venture 
to  hazard  my  reputation  as  a critic  by  saying  is  nothing  like  as  impressive  as  that 
was?  It  would  not  be  without  the  appearance  of  having  been  surmounted  by  some- 
thing which  has  been  broken  off.  Without  stopping  to  speak  of  the  monument, 
there  it  stands  in  the  jaws  of  that  street,  and  people  on  foot  and  people  in  vehicles 
are  unsafe  in  reaching  this  end  of  Pennsylvania  avenue.  It  is  the  best  place  in  the 
whole  city  to  wreck  a carriage  at  any  time,  incumbered  and  jammed  as  it  is  by  horse- 
cars,  and  burden-trucks,  and  all  sorts  of  things.  Then  on  another  front  is  a railroad 
embankment.  I cannot  doubt  it  is  a great  monument  of  all  the  taste  of  all  the  com- 
mittees on  all  the  public  buildings  and  grounds  that  have  belonged  to  this  genera- 
tion. That  stands  an  eyesore,  as  I think  it  is;  and  if  anything  else  in  these  Capitol 
grounds  has  stood,  if  there  be  anything  else  which  has  not  been  lifted  up  and  then 
put  down  and  then  changed  in  some  other  way,  it  is  a tree  over  here,  as  the  friend 
of  which  a Senator  now  dead  appeared  and  exempted  that  from  the  besom  of  change, 
if  not  of  destruction,  which  has  gone  over  the  Capitol  grounds. 

Mr.  President,  I mean  no  offense  to  any  artist,  however  well  reputed,  who  has  this 
matter  in  hand,  when  I say  two  things:  first,  that  if  he  would  give  us  rest,  if  he 
would  allow  the  Capitol  grounds  to  settle  somewhere  and  remain,  I should  be  thank- 
ful; and,  second,  that  if  the  board  of  public  works  in  Washington,  that  stalking-horse 
for  vituperation,  which  I have  heard  denounced  by  dint  of  nearly  all  the  adjectives 
that  signify  opprobrium,  had  done  what  has  been  done  about  this  building  and  within 
the  curtilage  since  I have  been  a member  of  Congress,  my  impression  is  that  the 
country  would  not  be  big  enough  to  hold  the  noise. 

I have  felt  moved  a good  many  times  to  say  something  about  this.  I hope  the 
Senator  from  Massachusetts  [Mr.  Dawes]  who  has  recently  come  to  the  head  of  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  or  the  other  Senator,  the  Senator  from 
Vermont,  [Mr.  Morrill,]  who  seems  now  to  be  lurking  privily  to  say  something  to  the 
Senate, — I hope  neither  of  them  takes  any  offense  at  what  I have  said;  I mean  none; 
but  if  I were  called  upon  to  file  a bill  of  particulars  as  is  said  here  sometimes,  I think 
I could  specify  year  by  year  what  I mean,  and  I venture  as  a member  of  the  Senate 
and  as  one  citizen  of  the  Republic  to  say  to  any  man,  be  he  my  constituent  or  any- 
body else’s  who  is  at  work  about  these  grounds,  that  I hope  he  will  be  able  to  settle 
two  things  first  in  his  own  mind  as  to  what  ought  to  be  done  pretty  soon,  and  then 
allow  that  settlement  to  be  followed  by  a settlement  of  the  premises  to  remain  some 
way  or  other. 


1176 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Morrill.  Mr.  President,  so  far  as  the  criticism  of  the  Senator  from  New  York 
concerns  the  western  approach  to  the  Capitol,  I think  the  Senate  and  the  Committee 
on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  Senate  are  entirely  innocent  of  any  neglect 
of  duty.  If  a sufficient  appropriation  had  been  made  by  the  House,  as  it  was  last 
year  by  the  Senate,  that  approach  would  have  been  fully  completed,  and  there  would 
have  been  no  obstruction  to  carriages  or  foot  passengers  in  reaching  the  Capitol. 
Last  year  it  was  provided  by  a bill  which  passed  the  Senate  that  we  should  have  the 
corners  of  private  property  at  that  point  condemned  by  process  of  the  courts;  but 
the  bill  was  pocketed  in  the  Plouse  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and 
Grounds,  although  I think  a majority  of  the  committee  were  favorable  to  its  passage. 
Early  at  this  session  the  Senate  passed  a similar  bill,  and  I learn  from  conversation 
with  members  of  the  House  that  that  bill  will  be  now  immediately  considered  and 
probably  passed,  and  that  this  obstruction,  as  it  is  now  at  the  throat,  as  it  has  been 
termed,  of  the  approach  to  the  Capitol  will  be  speedily  done  away  with. 

In  relation  to  other  matters,  some  four  years  ago  it  was  resolved  by  the  Committees 
of  the  two  Houses  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  with  the  assent  of  both  branches 
of  Congress,  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives,  that,  there  should  be  some 
system  adopted  by  which  there  should  not  be  an  improvement  made  one  year  to  be 
done  away  with  the  next;  apd  therefore  it  was  proposed  and  finally  arranged  that 
Mr.  Olmsted,  of  New  York,  undoubtedly  the  highest  authority  upon  such  matters 
that  there  is  in  this  country,  and,  perhaps  in  any  other,  should  furnish  a regular  plan 
and  system  for  the  improvements  about  the  Capitol  in  consequence  of  the  enlarge- 
ment of  the  grounds.  The  plans  adopted  and  proposed  by  him  have  been  diligently 
pursued  so  far  as  the  appropriations  would  allow,  and  I believe  it  will  be  conceded 
by  all  that  a vast  and  most  satisfactory  improvement  has  been  made  in  the  appear- 
ance of  the  grounds,  and  I will  add  that,  every  dollar  that  has  been  appropriated 
has  been  well  spent  and  no  dollar  of  it  wasted. 

In  relation  to  the  final  completion  of  the  grounds,  of  course  that  will  depend  upon 
the  amount  that  shall  be  appropriated  for  the  purpose.  Is  is  contemplated  that 
there  shall  be  stairways  suitable  in  dignity  to  the  Capitol,  to  approach  the  west  front 
of  the  Capitol  building  itself,  and  of  a rather  better  style  of  construction  than  those 
we  now  have.  If  an  appropriation  for  that  purpose  shall  be  made,  and  for  the  terrace 
that  is  proposed,  which  will  add  much  to  the  beauty  of  the  Capitol,  (which  is  cer- 
tainly too  thin  in  its  elevation  for  the  dome  and  for  the  immense  breadth  of  the 
Capitol,)  all  this  will  be  completed  in  the  course  of  two  years.  Of  course  it  requires 
that  an  appropriation  sufficient  shall  be  granted  for  that  purpose. 

Mr.  Dawes.  Mr.  President,  I wish,  in  view  of  the  pathetic  appeal  of  the  Senator 
from  New  York,  once  more  to  request  the  Senator  from  Missouri  to  withdraw  his 
objection  to  this  small  appropriation  of  $20,000  for  the  immediate  necessities  of  the 
Capitol  grounds.  I want  to  assure  the  Senate,  and  especially  the  Senator  from  New 
York,  that  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  have  been  alarmed 
many  times  at  the  peril  distinguished  statesmen  have  been  experiencing,  with  pranc- 
ing horses  and  elegant  equipages,  in  threading  their  way  as  well  as  they  could  through 
the  narrow  throat  at  the  foot  of  the  Capitol  grounds;  and  they  have  appealed  to  the 
Senate  more  than  once.  The  new  and  inexperienced  chairman  of  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  came  to  his  work  with  this  peril  impressed  upon  him 
by  daily  observation  and  by  a consideration  of  the  alarming  consequences  that  were 
likely  to  be  visited  upon  the  nation  by  the  slightest  catastrophe  in  the  irreparable  loss 
it  might  experience  from  any  accident  that  might  occur  there.  Now,  I appeal  to  the 
Senator  from  Missouri,  if  he  has  any  milk  of  human  kindness  in  him,  to  say  nothing 
of  public  generosity,  to  withdraw  his  objection  and  let  us  remove  this  bank  which 
frightens  horses  and  open  this  narrow  way  which  cramps  buggies,  and  with  this  lit- 
tle sum  of  money  clear  up  and  grade  the  approaches  to  the  Capitol,  and  especially  to 
the  Senate,  so  that  the  public  may  never  be  shocked  with  the  account  of  some  terri- 


The  Grounds. 


1177 


ble  accident  that  has  occurred  through  the  negligence  of  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings  and  Grounds  certainly.  The  Senator  from  New  York  will  remember  that 
I spent  a year  trying  to  convince  the  Senate  of  the  necessity  of  opening  that  way,  and 
I have  been  trying  long  enough  to  have  the  whole  work  done.  The  Senator  from 
Missouri  is  now  in.  I wish  the  Senator  would  withdraw  his  objection. 

Mr.  Morrill.  He  does  not  make  any  objection  to  consideration. 

Mr.  Dawes.  If  the  bill  is  before  the  Senate  I will  not  say  another  word. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  Is  there  objection  to  the  present  consideration  of  the 
bill?  The  Chair  hears  no  objection;  and  the  bill  (S.  No.  635)  for  continuing  the 
work  of  improving  the  Capitol  grounds  is  before  the  Senate  as  in  Committee  of 
the  Whole. 

For  continuing  the  work  of  the  improvement  of  the  Capitol  grounds  during  the 
present  fiscal  year,  the  bill  appropriates  $20,000,  to  be  expended  under  the  direction 
of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol. 

The  bill  was  reported  to  the  Senate  without  amendment,  ordered  to  be  engrossed 
for  a third  reading,  read  the  third  time,  and  passed. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  June  18, 1878:  Congressional  Record,  45— 2,  p.  4794.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  sundry 
civil  bill  for  1879 — 

Mr.  Morrill.  I now  offer  an  amendment,  to  come  in  after  line  1513,  which  I send 
to  the  Chair.  I will  say  to  the  Senate  that  although  this  amendment  is  of  some  length, 
yet  it  will  require  a very  small  amount  of  appropriation,  somewhere  about  $30,000.  It  is 
for  taking  the  corners  of  the  streets  on  the  west  of  these  grounds  communicating  with 
the  ways  of  the  Capitol.  It  has  been  passed  twice  or  three  times  by  the  Senate.  It 
was  passed  last  year,  I think,  in  a separate  bill  and  also  on  the  sundry  civil  appro- 
priation bill.  It  was  again  passed  this  year  as  a separate  bill,  and  now  lies  on  the 
Speaker’s  table  in  the  House,  though  it  has  the  entire  approval  of  every  member  of 
the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  House,  but  it  cannot  be 
reached.  I think  that  everybody  will  recognize  the  propriety  of  having  an  oppor- 
tuniry  to  reach  the  Capitol  in  some  convenient  mode  besides  what  is  now  afforded 
by  the  many  railroads  and  the  narrow  throat  and  space  there  is  between  the  Capitol 
grounds  and  Pennsylvania  avenue.  This  proposition  has  never  received  a vote  in 
opposition  to  it,  I believe,  in  the  Senate  at  any  time. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  question  is  on  agreeing  to  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Beck.  I should  like  to  hear  it  read.  I do  not  know  what  it  is. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  amendment  will  be  reported. 

The  Secretary.  After  line  1513  it  is  proposed  to  insert: 

That  in  order  to  continue  the  road- way  and  foot- walk  the  proper  width  at  Pennsylvania  and  Mary- 
land avenues  around  the  circles  at  the  intersections  of  said  avenues  and  First  street,  at  the  foot  of  the 
Capitol  grounds,  in  accordance  with  plans  of  Fred.  Law  Olmsted,  heretofore  approved  and  deposited 
in  the  room  of  the  Senate  Committee  on  Ptiblic  Buildings  and  Grounds,  and  signed  by  H.  L.  Dawes, 
chairman  of  said  committee,  November  9, 1877,  there  shall  be  purchased  portions  of  lots  numbered  1, 
2,  3,  4,  and  5,  square  575,  and  a portion  of  original  lot  numbered  9,  square  576;  that  is  to  say,  about  968 
superficial  feet  of  lot  numbered  1 ; 719  feet  of  lot  numbered  2;  573  feet  of  lot  numbered  3;  297  feet  of 
lot  numbered  4,  and  25  feet  of  lot  numbered  5,  all  in  square  575;  and  2,616  superficial  feet  of  original, 
lot  numbered  9,  square  576,  in  accordance  with  a plot  of  the  ground  intended  to  be  purchased,  a copy 
of  which  shall  be  deposited  with  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior:  Provided , That  authority  and  permis- 
sion are  hereby  granted  to  take  and  use,  for  the  purpose  of  completing  the  roadways  and  foot- walks 
around  the  circle  as  aforesaid,  so  much  of  the  corresponding  grounds  of  the  Botanical  Garden  as  may 
be  necessary. 

That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  to  purchase  the  ground  above  named  from 
the  owners  thereof,  the  value  of  the  property  so  purchased  to  be  paid  to  the  owner  or  owners  thereof, 
out  of  any  money  in  the  Treasury  not  otherwise  appropriated,  on  the  requisition  of  said  Secretary: 
Provided,  That  before  such  payment  shall  be  made  the  owner  or  owners  of  the  property  purchased 
shall,  by  good  and  sufficient  deed  or  deeds  in  due  form  of  law,  and  approved  by  the  Attorney-General 
of  the  United  States,  fully  release  and  convey  to  the  United  States  all  their  and  each  of  their  several 
and  respective  rights  in  said  titles  to  such  lands  and  property  so  purchased. 


1178 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


That  to  ascertain  the  value  of  said  property,  It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior  to 
make  application  to  the  supreme  court  of  the  District  of  Columbia  by  petition,  containing  a partic- 
ular description  of  the  property  required,  with  the  name  of  the  owner  or  owners  thereof,  and  his,  or 
her,  or  their  residence,  as  far  as  the  same  can  be  ascertained,  which  court  is  hereby  authorized  and 
required,  upon  such  application,  in  such  mode,  and  under  such  rules  and  regulations  as  it  may  adopt, 
after  notice  to  the  owners  of  the  said  property,  either  by  summons  or  order  of  publication,  once  a 
week  for  four  successive  weeks,  in  one  or  more  newspapers  published  in  the  city  of  Washington,  and 
shall  appoint  five  commissioners,  freeholders  of  the  District  of  Columbia,  to  make,  under  oath,  a just 
and  equitable  appraisement  of  the  cash  value  of  the  several  interests  of  each  and  every  owner  of  the 
real  estate  and  improvements  thereon  necessary  to  be  taken  for  the  public  use,  in  accordance  with 
the  provisions  of  this  act;  and  in  all  such  appraisements,  both  damages,  as  well  as  all  benefits  and 
advantages,  shall  be  taken  into  consideration;  which  appraisements  shall  be  subject  to  ratification 
by  said  court. 

That  the  fee-simple  of  all  premises  so  appropriated  for  public  use,  of  which  an  appraisement  shall 
have  been  made  under  the  order  and  direction  of  said  court,  shall,  upon  payment  of  the  owner  or 
owners  respectively,  or  to  such  persons  as  shall  be  authorized  to  receive  the  same  for  any  such  owners, 
of  the  appraised  value,  or  in  ease  the  said  owner  or  owners  refuse  or  neglect  for  fifteen  days  after  the 
appraisement  of  the  cash  value  of  said  lands  and  improvements  by  said  court  to  demand  the  same 
from  the  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  upon  depositing  the  said  appraised  value  in  the  said  court  to  the 
credit  of  such  owner  or  owners  respectively,  be  vested  in  the  United  States;  and  the  Secretary  of  the 
Interior  is  hereby  authorized  and  required  to  pay  to  the  several  owner  or  owners  respectively,  or  to 
such  person  authorized  as  aforesaid,  the  appraised  value  of  the  several  premises,  as  specified  in  the 
appraisement  of  said  court,  or  pay  into  court  by  deposit,  as  hereinbefore  provided,  the  said  appraised 
value. 

That  said  court  may  direct  the  time  and  manner  in  which  possession  of  the  property  condemned 
shall  be  taken  or  delivered,  and  may,  if  necessary,  enforce  any  order  or  issue  any  process  for  giving 
possession.  The  cost  occasioned  by  the  inquiry  and  assessment  shall  be  paid  by  the  United  States; 
and  as  to  other  costs  which  may  arise,  they  shall  be  charged  or  taxed  as  the  court  may  direct. 

That  no  delay  in  making  an  assessment  of  compensation  or  in  taking  possession  shall  be  occa- 
sioned by  any  doubt  which  may  arise  as  to  the  ownership  of  the  property,  or  any  part  thereof,  or  as 
to  the  interests  of  the  respective  owners;  but  in  such  cases  the  court  shall  require  a deposit  of  the 
money  allowed  as  compensation  for  the  whole  property  or  the  part  in  dispute.  In  all  cases,  as  soon 
as  the  United  States  shall  have  paid  the  compensation  assessed,  or  secured  its  payment  by  a deposit 
of  money  under  the  order  of  the  court,  possession  of  the  property  may  be  taken;  and  the  sum  neces- 
sary to  carry  out  the  object  of  this  act  is  hereby  appropriated  out  of  any  moneys  in  the  Treasury  not 
otherwise  appropriated. 

Mr.  Beck.  I desire  to  make  a point  of  order  against  this  amendment. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I will  say  that  there  can  he  no  point  made  against  it.  It  has  been 
properly  reported  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  and  referred 
to  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  and  printed.  But  I will  not  take  up  any  time. 

Mr.  Beck.  I make  the  point  of  order  upon  it  that  it  is  increasing  the  appropria- 
tions, and  that  it  is  not  reported  by  the  Committee  on  Appropriations.  It  increases 
the  appropriations  $30,000. 

Mr.  Morrill.  But  it  came  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds 
and  was  sent  to  the  Committee  on  Appropriations. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  Chair  understands  that  it  is  recommended  by  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  and  therefore  it  comes  within  the  rule. 

Mr.  Beck.  If  it  does  come  within  the  rule,  then  I desire  to  oppose  it.  I have  no 
doubt  that  it  is  necessary  to  have  something  done  for  the  opening  at  the  corner  of 
Pennsylvania  avenue  in  view  of  the  present  condition  of  things,  but  there  has  been 
erected  as  an  obstacle  at  the  end  of  that  avenue  what  is  called  a Naval  Monument. 
If  that  were  removed  there  would  be  no  obstacle  in  the  way  and  the  buildings  might 
well  remain  as  they  are.  How  that  was  put  there,  by  whom  it  was  put  there,  at 
what  cost  it  was  put  there,  I am  not  aware;  but  it  is  a monument  put  there  in  front 
of  the  Capitol  for  no  other  purpose  than  to  perpetuate  in  marble  in  all  time  to  come 
a civil  war.  That  monument  has  no  business  there,  in  my  judgment,  and  now  it  is 
causing  this  expenditure.  It  was  put  there  to  maintain  and  keep  fresh  the  memories 
of  strife.  It  is  a monument  that  never  ought  to  have  been  there.  It  is  an  obstruc- 
tion on  the  street  that  never  ought  to  be  allowed.  For  what  purpose  it  was  put 
there,  except  for  a bad  purpose,  for  the  purpose  of  keeping  up  ill-feeling  in  all  time 
to  come,  I do  not  know,  and  so  long  as  it  is  there  I for  one  shall  always  vote  against 


The  Grounds. 


1179 


it.  I shall,  however,  whenever  I have  an  opportunity,  as  I gave  notice  yesterday, 
move  to  strike  out  from  line  1467  to  line  1471  the  appropriation  of  $100,000  which 
was  inserted  by  the  House  in  these  words: 

Improving  Capitol  grounds:  For  improving  Capitol  grounds  and  for  repairing  Pennsylvania  avenue 
around  the  Naval  Monument,  $100,000;  to  be  expended  equally  and  judiciously  in  the  improvement 
of  the  approaches  to  both  the  Senate  and  House  wings  of  the  Capitol  building. 

This  is  a part  of  the  system  that  is  to  cost  millions  and  millions  of  dollars.  That 
monument  was  put  there  as  a grand  central  figure  and  the  approaches  to  the  Capitol 
are  to  be  made  to  correspond  with  it.  It  is  not  a proper  thing  to  do. 

That  is  all  1 desire  to  say  about  this  amendment.  I shall  offer  the  amendment  I 
have  indicated  as  soon  as  I have  an  opportunity  to  prepare  it,  and  I trust  we  shall  let 
this  Capitol  alone  for  a little  while  until  we  have  some  money  to  spare. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I merely  desire  to  say  that  I regret  that  the  Senator  from  Kentucky 
should  oppose  this  proposition.  If  he  inquires  as  to  how  the  monument  came  there, 
I desire  to  say  that  it  was  a contribution  of  the  naval  officers  of  the  United  States; 
but  I do  not  think  it  represents  very  much  of  a war  spirit.  It  looks  to  me  exceed- 
ingly peaceable.  There'  are  two  women  on  top  that  are  crying,  and  I do  not  see  any- 
thing but  women  around  about  it.  I do  not  think  that  the  Senator  need  be  much 
afraid  of  it. 

So  far  as  the  monument  is  concerned  it  can  be  moved  to  any  other  place  at  any 
time  Congress  sees  fit.  It  was  placed  there  by  a commission  authorized  by  Congress, 
one-half  of  which  was  democratic,  being  a member  of  the  other  House.  It  was  a 
debatable  point  as  to  whether  to  place  this  monument  there  or  the  Bartholdi  foun- 
tain. But  it  is  absolutely  indispensable  that  this  roadway  should  be  increased  in 
width.  The  expense  is  small.  There  is  no  question,  as  I understand,  in  the  House. 
The  members  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  House  have 
assured  me  that  it  would  pass  that  body  by  a two-third  vote  if  they  could  reach  it. 

Mr.  Dawes.  The  enlargement  of  the  approach  to  the  Capitol  at  that  point  will  be 
absolutely  necessary,  whatever  is  done  with  that  monument.  It  is  a point  running 
into  the  approach  there  which  I think  the  Senator  from  Kentucky,  if  this  obstacle 
were  out  of  the  way,  would  join  with  us  in  having  enlarged.  I will  join  the  Senator 
from  Kentucky  at  any  time  in  the  adoption  of  a resolution  that  will  remove  the  monu- 
ment to  some  other  place  and  keep  that  space  open.  Perhaps  T should  not  agree 
with  the  Senator  in  all  that  he  has  said  as  the  reasons  which  he  himself  has  given; 
but  for  other  reasons,  as  a question  of  artistic  taste,  it  deserves  just  about  the  treatment 
which  the  Senator  has  given  it.  But  any  monument  there  or  the  Bartholdi  fountain 
would  be  altogether  out  of  place.  There  should  be  nothing  there  at  all.  The 
approach  to  the  Capitol  at  that  point  should  be  free  from  all  obstruction  of  view.  I 
agree  entirely  with  those  who  think  it  ought  to  be  removed  to  some  other  place.  But 
the  point  of  land  there  running  into  the  approach  ought  to  be  purchased  and  rounded 
off  properly.  I will  join  with  the  Senator  from  Kentucky,  if  he  wants  to  make  the 
effort,  to  remove  that  monument  to  some  place  where  it  will  properly  celebrate  the 
heroic  deeds  of  the  Navy,  at  the  Navy  Department  or  at  the  Naval  School,  at 
Annapolis,  or  any  other  place  as  far  from  that  point  as  is  convenient. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from 
Vermont,  [Mr.  Morrill.] 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to — ayes  36,  noes  not  counted. 


[From  the  “,Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-nine,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
June  20,  1878.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  20,  226.)] 

Improving  Capitol  grounds. — For  improving  Capitol  grounds  and  for  paving  Penn- 
sylvania avenue  around  the  Naval  Monument,  one  hundred  thousand  dollars;  to  be 
expended  equally  and  judiciously  in  the  improvement  of  the  approaches  to  both  the 
Senate  and  House  wings  of  the  Capitol  building. 


1180 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Mar.  3, 
1879.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  20,  391.)] 

Improving  Capitol  grounds. — For  improving  Capitol  grounds,  sixty  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-one,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
June  16, 1880.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  21,  272.)] 

Tinproving  Capitol  grounds. — For  continuing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  grounds,  sixty 
thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  Oct.  1, 1880.  (46 — 3,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  2,  pp.  438-440.)] 

CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

The  progress  made  in  the  improvement  of  these  grounds  will  be  seen  by  the  follow- 
ing report  of  Mr.  F.  FI.  Cobb,  .engineer: 

I have  the  honor  to  report  that  progress  toward  the  completion  of  the  Capitol 
grounds  has  been  constant,  but  owing  to  the  limited  appropriation,  not  so  much  has 
been  done  as  in  some  former  years. 

The  improvements  have  always  contemplated  the  erection  of  the  grand  stairways 
on  the  west  front  as  part  of  the  original  design  adopted  by  Congress,  aud  all  work 
has  been  done  with  reference  to  the  removal  of  the  two  earthen  terraces  and  the 
substitution  of  marble.  * * * 

There  has  been  much  complaint  from  the  want  of  a resting  place  for  those  who 
walk  from  the  bottom  of  the  hill  to  the  building.  To  meet  this  want  a structure  is 
now  being  erected,  designed  to  combine  both  drinking  fountain  and  a secluded  and 
cool  retreat,  while  sufficiently  public  to  prevent  its  being  used  for  improper  purposes. 

Mr.  Olmsted  says: 

The  use  of  ordinary  park-seats,  either  movable  or  fixed,  will  be  better  avoided  in 
these  grounds,  for  reasons  of  taste  and  propriety,  as  well  as  the  disorder  and  misuse 
to  which  they  would  lead. 

If  it  should  be  attempted  to  do  without  any  resting  place,  however,  the  inconven- 
ience that  would  result  would  probably  lead  to  the  adoption  of  some  unsuitable  expe- 
dients. Hence  it  has  been  t hought  better  to  introduce  special  arrangements,  designed 
with  all  practical  precautions  against  abuse. 

The  summer-house  in  question  will  provide  for  persons  passing  through  the  north- 
west grounds  a cool  and  shady  place  in  which  a few  minutes  rest  can  be  taken  with- 
out interruption  to  the  walks  or  breaking  the  leading  lines  of  view. 

It  is  intended  to  provide  a drinking-fountain,  about  which  a number  of  persons 
may  stand  without  obstructing  the  walks;  and,  lastly,  incidentally  to  the  above  pur- 
poses, to  secure  conditions  favorable  to  certain  types  of  beauty  in  vegetation.  When 
overgrown  with  ivy  it  will  be  indistinguishable  in  any  general  view  across  the 
grounds,  being  merged  into  the  adjoining  verdure. 

On  the  up-hill  side  a deep  alcove  of  rock-work  is  provided,  looked  into  from  the 
house  through  an  oval  stone  frame.  Through  this  alcove  a rivulet  is  carried  (being 
the  waste  water  from  the  old  drinking-fountain  at  the  west  entrance  of  the  Capitol). 
The  rock-work  is  mainly  covered  with  the  more  delicate  ivies. 

The  roof  is  made  of  roughened  tile,  and  will  be  mantled  with  ivy  both  within  and 
without. 

It  will  take  about  three  years  for  the  plants  to  grow  to  a point  where  the  esthetic 
motives  of  the  design  will  begin  to  be  realized. 

To  prevent  any  misuse,  the  doorways  are  provided  with  iron  gates,  which  will  be 
closed  at  night. 


The  Grounds. 


1181 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-two,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Mar.  3,  1881.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  21,  449.)] 

Improving  Capitol  Grounds. — For  continuing  the  work  of  the  improvements  of  the 
Capitol  Grounds,  sixty  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  architect  of  the  Capitol,  Oct.  1,  1881.  (47 — 1,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  2,  p.  823.)] 

CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

The  progress,  made  in  the  improvement  of  these  grounds  will  be  seen  by  the  follow- 
ing report  of  F.  H.  Cobb,  engineer: 

I have  the  honor  to  report  that  the  improvement  of  the  Capitol  grounds,  according 
to  the  plans  adopted  by  Congress  in  1874,  has  been  carried  forward  during  the  year 
as  rapidly  as  the  appropriation  would  allow. 

When  the  work  at  present  in  progress  is  completed  the  main  features  of  that  plan, 
so  far  as  it  relates  to  the  grounds  alone,  will  have  been  executed.  There  still  remains 
certain  details  to  be  provided  for,  as  will  be  seen  in  the  estimate  for  the  coming  year. 

The  completion  of  the  lawns  and  approaches  on  the  west  side  bring  into  greater 
prominence  the  want  of  symmetry  existing  between  the  old  plan  and  the  new. 

* * * 

The  severity  of  the  past  winter  being  almost  unprecedented  in  this  climate,  a num- 
ber of  the  choice  plants  and  trees  were  injured,  but  as  far  as  possible  they  have  been 
replaced. 

The  general  condition  of  the  shrubbery  is  satisfactory.  The  long  continued  dry 
weather  of  the  present  summer  has  affected  the  growth  to  some  extent,  but  artificial 
watering  is  resorted  to  so  far  as  practicable.  Just  here  it  may  be  said  that  much 
complaint  has  been  made  of  the  use  of  Potomac  water  during  the  day,  claiming 
that  it  deprived  the  citizens  of  Capitol  Hill  of  their  ordinary  supply.  While  this  use 
of  the  water  on  the  grounds  undoubtedly  diminishes  the  pressure  to  a limited  extent, 
its  influence  is  generally  overestimated. 

The  grounds  occupy  a space  equal  to  more  than  eight  squares,  and  the  maximum 
amount  of  water  used  at  one  time  during  the  day  has  not  exceeded  ten  ordinary 
hydrants. 

There  is  probably  no  equally  improved  part  of  the  city  of  the  same  area  where  less 
water  is  used.  But  in  order  to  quiet  the  clamor  the  use  of  water  for  irrigating  pur- 
poses has  at  present  been  discontinued  during  the  middle  of  the  day. 

The  intense  cold  of  the  winter  caused  some  injury  to  the  roads,  and  slight  injury 
to  the  walk  pavements.  The  latter  are  made  of  Portland  cement  and  sand,  in  blocks 
from  2 to  3 feet  square  and  4 inches  thick,  cut  entirely  free  from  each  other,  so  that 
injury  to  one  does  not  affect  the  other.  It  was  first  adopted  as  a substitute  for  stone 
on  account  of  its  cheapness  and  the  ease  with  which  it  could  be  adapted  to  curves 
and  winding  grades,  its  durability,  and  general  good  appearance.  Time  serves  to 
confirm  the  wisdom  of  the  choice.  That  laid  five  years  ago  seems  in  perfect  condi- 
tion, and  the  frost  of  last  winter  has  not  done  it  material  injury.  Some  blocks  were 
upheaved,  but  most  of  them  returned  to  their  positions.  No  greater  injury  was  done 
to  this  than  to  stone  flagging  under  similar  conditions;  and  the  imperfections  appear- 
ing have  been  promptly  repaired  by  the  contractor,  according  to  the  terms  of  his 
contract. 

The  asphalt  road  pavement  suffered  to  a greater  extent.  The  intense  cold  caused 
it  to  crack  badly  in  the  east  park.  I have  not  been  able  to  discover  any  principle 
governing  the  occurrence  of  these  defects,  except  in  general  it  can  be  said  that  those 
parts  tamped  with  hot  pestles  are  more  subject  to  injury  than  that  compressed  with 


1182 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


rollers;  but  it  would  be  the  part  of  caution  hereafter  to  divide  large  areas,  so  as  to 
afford  opportunities  for  contraction.  The  base  of  cement  concrete  appears  to  be 
uninjured. 

The  15  per  cent,  reservation  for  three  years,  paving  on  all  contracts  finished  in 
1877,  being  due,  was  paid  after  the  paving  had  been  satisfactorily  repaired. 

No  new  road  pavement  was  laid  last  year  or  is  to  be  undertaken  this  year;  3,318 
square  yards  of  artificial  stone  footwalk  have  been  laid;  2,834  square  yards  of  this  was 
plain  and  484  square  yards  mosaic.  With  what  is  now  in  progress,  this  will  virtually 
complete  the  walks  upon  the  grounds. 

The  summer-house  on  the  north  side  referred  to  in  the  last  report  has  been  com- 
pleted, and  affords  a much  needed  resting  place  for  pedestrians.  The  work  is  sub- 
stantially done,  and  the  permanent  vines  and  shrubbery  are  growing  rapidly. 

The  southwest  and  southeast  sides  of  the  park  have  been  inclosed  with  stone  cop- 
ing and  wall  similar  in  design  to  that  upon  the  remainder  of  the  grounds.  The 
material  is  black  granite  from  Maine.  The  incompleted  portion  of  the  east  side  is 
now  under  contract,  and  will  be  finished  this  season. 

Large  granite  piers,  to  be  surmounted  with  bronze  lamps,  and  a wall  similar  to  that 
built  on  the  northwest  entrance,  is  now  being  erected  at  the  southwest  entrance 
from  Maryland  avenue. 

The  walk  entrance  from  Pennsylvania  avenue  has  been  completed  except  a small 
amount  of  coping  as  far  east  as  the  plaza.  This  is  all  that  can  be  done  here  until 
the  new  arrangement  of  terrace  is  decided  on.  The  corresponding  entrance  from 
Maryland  avenue  is  being  completed  in  a similar  manner.  The  improvements  at 
this  point  will  be  completed  during  the  present  season. 

Quite  a large  amount  of  shrubbery  has  been  purchased  during  the  year,  as  will  be 
seen  by  reference  to  the  statement  of  expenditures. 

It  will  be  necessary  to  purchase  this  fall  from  1,500  to  2,000  yards  of  manure  to 
fertilize  the  lawns. 

The  office,  sheds,  and  shops  on  the  rented  ground  at  North  B street  and  Delaware 
avenue  have  been  moved  to  the  premises  belonging  to  the  United  States  at  South 
Capitol  and  B streets. 

The  watchmen  employed  on  the  grounds  have  been  faithful  to  their  trust,  and  pre- 
vented many  depredations  being  committed,  as  well  as  preserving  good  order.  I 
would  recommend  that  they  be  required  to  wear  uniforms  while  on  duty,  and  be 
appointed  special  police  of  the  Metropolitan  force. 

There  has  been  expended  $24,570.81  for  laboror  men,  including  $1,245. 50  for  horses 
and  carts. 

It  has  been  my  endeavor  to  make  all  connected  with  the  department  feel  a personal 
interest  in  their  work.  To  this  end  the  most  deserving  have  been  recommended 
from  time  to  time  as  worthy  of  the  most  time  and  pay.  The  result  has  been  satis- 
factory, and  at  no  previous  time  has  more  work  been  performed  with  the  same 
expenditure  of  money. 


[Senate  Mis.  Doe.  No.  32,  Forty-seventh  Congress,  1st  session.  Letter  from  Mr.  Fred.  Law  Olmstead, 
Landscape  Architect  of  the  Capitol  grounds,  to  Hon.  E.  H.  Rollins,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds.  January  11, 1882.] 

Washington,  January  7,  1882. 

To  the  Hon.  E.  H.  Rollins, 

Chairman  Senate  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds: 

Sir:  I respectfully  ask  your  consideration  for  the  fact  that  the  air  of  the  Capitol  is 
always,  during  the  larger  part  of  the  year,  charged  with  poisonous  miasma. 

If  the  fact  is  questioned  I will  submit  reasons  for  asserting  it.  For  the  present  I 
assume  it,  and  also  that  no  session  of  Congress  can  be  carried  into  the  spring,  or  held 


BETWEEN  PUBLIC  GROUNDS  WEST  AND  SOUT  H 
OFTHECAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

%vt  Vu^f  .lSj4  , 


The  Grounds. 


1183 


during  the  summer  or  fall,  without  a distinct  impairment,  because  of  this  miasmatic 
poison,  of  the  health,  vigor,  and  ability  for  their  duty  of  its  members,  while,  in  the 
usual  interval  between  the  sessions  of  Congress,  the  efficiency  of  all  who  are  employed 
in  the  business  of  the  Capitol  is  lessened  by  it. 

The  source  of  the  poison  is  the  low  ground  lying  from  half  a mile  to  a mile  south 
of  the  Capitol.  Rising  from  this  locality  it  is  floated  northward  by  the  summer 
winds  to  the  Capitol. 

The  evil  may  in  time  be  cut  off  at  its  origin  by  embankments  and  drainage,  but 
adequate  operations  for  the  purpose  will  be  costly,  and  are  likely  to  be  prolonged. 
While  in  progress  their  immediate  effect  will  be  an  aggravation  of  the  evil. 

The  movement  of  the  poison  may,  however,  be  arrested  by  means,  which  will  not 
be  costly,  of  planting  the  strip  of  land  now  held  by  the  United  States  along  the  base 
of  the  Capitol  Hill  on  the  south.  The  situation  and  the  scope  of  the  planting 
required  are  indicated  on  the  subjoined  map. 

Should  there  be  doubt  with  your  committee  of  the  value  of  the  purpose  of  the 
expedient  thus  proposed,  it  is  respectfully  suggested  that  it  might  be  removed  by 
inquiring  of  the  National  Board  of  Health. 

The  proposition  originated  in  a question  addressed  to  me  in  1879  by  Mr.  Edward 
Clark,  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  my  reply  to  which,  attached  to  the  map  below, 
more  fully  defines  the  very  simple  scheme.  1 will  add  here  that  the  trees  required 
to  carry  it  out  could  probably  be  obtained  without  cost  from  the  overstock  now  in 
the  nurseries  of  the  Commissioners  of  the  District  of  Columbia;  that  the  proposition 
is  in  all  respects  a frugal  one,  and  that  it  would  have  very  desirable  incidental 
advantages,  which,  should  your  committee  be  pleased  to  entertain  the  question,  I 
would  ask  the  honor  to  be  allowed  to  explain  from  the  windows  of  the  committee- 
room. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

Fred’k  Law  Olmstead, 
Landscape  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Grounds. 


New  York,  May  23,  1879. 

Edward  Clark,  Esq., 

Architect  of  the  Capitol,  Washington,  D.  C.. 

My  Dear  Sir:  Scientific  students  of  the  subject  are  divided  between  two  theories 
of  the  nature  of  malarial  poison,  and  differ  as  to  the  manner  in  which  trees  act  upon 
it,  but  the  following  propositions  satisfy  either  theory,  and  their  soundness  is,  I 
believe,  unquestioned. 

1st.  If  malarial  poison  originates  in  a particular  locality,  and  there  is  a free  move- 
ment of  air  between  the  locality  and  a hill  a mile  away  from  it  in  the  direction  in 
which  the  prevailing  winds  of  summer  move,  the  poison  is  likely  to  be  more  felt  upon 
the  upper  part  of  that  hill  than  in  the  intermediate  valley. 

2d.  But  if  there  is  a belt  of  trees  crossing  the  direct  line  between  the  two  localities 
the  entire  higher  ground  to  leeward  is  often  found  to  be  wholly,  and  nearly  always 
partially  and  in  an  important  degree,  protected  from  the  action  of  the  poison. 

If,  therefore,  there  was  a body  of  trees  along  the  base  of  Capitol  Hill,  the  ground 
beneath  them  being  well  drained  and  not  in  itself  adapted  to  the  production  of  mala- 
ria, it  would  in  all  probability  be  an  efficient  means  of  protection  to  the  Capitol  from 
malarial  poison  originating  on  the  banks  of  the  Potomac  and  in  the  low  grounds 
between  the  river  and  the  hill. 

Your  suggestion  that  a plantation  for  this  purpose  could  be  formed  upon  the  gov- 
ernment property  along  the  line  of  the  old  canal  seems  to  me  an  excellent  one. 

I have  attempted  to  give  it  a more  definite  form  in  the  accompanying  map,  by 
which  it  will  be  seen  that  while  maintaining  with  unimportant  exceptions  the  exist- 


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Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


ing  and  intended  lines  of  public  communication,  a continuous  belt  160  feet  wide 
could  be  planted  so  as  to  connect  the  existing  plantations  of  the  Botanic  Garden 
with  another  to  be  formed  upon  reservation  17.  I have  proposed  a walk  20  feet  wide 
through  the  middle  of  the  belt,  as  the  branches  of  the  trees  standing  at  its  sides  would 
soon  meet  overhead  and  form  an  unbroken  body  of  foliage.  I think  it  desirable  to 
avoid  so  large  a.  gap  as  would  be  needed  for  a central  drive  and  walks. 

The  desired  result  would  of  course  be  much  sooner  and  more  effectively  obtained 
if  the  plantation  could  be  extended  over  the  space  between  the  proposed  belt  and 
the  Capitol  grounds,  and  this  would  give  a much  needed  opportunity  for  enlarging 
the  collections  of  the  National  Botanic  Garden,  and  add  greatly  to  the  dignity  of  the 
Capitol  itself. 

But  the  suggestion  could  be  carried  out  as  indicated  on  the  map  without  the 
purchase  of  any  land,  at  very  moderate  outlay  for  soil,  trees,  and  planting,  and  with 
confidence  in  results  of  value  to  Congress  and  to  the  public. 

Respectfully, 


Fred’k  Law  Oumstead, 

Landscape  Architect. 


[Extracts  from  volume  IV  of  reports  and  papers  presented  at  the  meetings  of  the  American  Public 
Health  Association,  in  the  years  1877-  78.] 

“ Malaria  seems  to  be  arrested  in  its  transmission  from  the  site  of  its  genesis  by 
forests  and  tree  belts.  * * * The  Romans  recognized  at  an  early  day  the  value  of 
rows  of  trees  and  masses  of  forest  as  a barrier  against  the  diffusion  of  febriferous  poi- 
son, and  that  such  defenses  might  never  be  disturbed,  they  were  placed  under  the 
protection  of  their  gods.  So  many  facts  have  been  recorded,  and  so  many  more  exist 
in  the  unrecorded  experience  of  medical  observers  residing  in  malarial  regions,  that 
this  effect  may  be  assumed  as  proved.  Professor  Flint,  says:  ‘ Malaria  has  an  attrac- 
tion for  trees  and  other  organic  materials.  It  is  found  to  be  perfectly  practicable  to 
prevent  the  access  of  malaria  to  dwellings  by  planting  large  trees  or  thick  shrubbery 
in  the  immediate  vicinity  between  the  originating  points  and  the  house  to  be  pro- 
tected.’ Professor  Metcalfe  is  of  the  same  opinion.  (Monograph  on  malaria,  IT.  S. 
Sanitary  Commission,  1862.)  * * * Forests  and  tree  belts  are  of  undoubted 

value  in  preventing  the  dissemination  of  malaria.” 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  for  fiscal  year  ending  June  30, 
1882.  (17—2,  House  Ex.  Doc.,  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  2,  pp.  909  and  913.)] 

CAPITOL  GROUNDS. 

Relating  to  the  Capitol  grounds,  Mr.  Frederick  Law  Olmsted,  landscape  architect, 
furnishes  the  following  report,  accompanied  with  an  appendix,  forming  an  index  to 
trees  about  the  Capitol,  with  advice  to  visitors  interested  in  them.  He  says: 

The  principal  construction  works  upon  the  Capitol  grounds  during  the  fiscal  year 
ending  July  1,  1882,  have  been  the  following: 

PROGRESS  OF  CONSTRUCTION. 

(1.)  The  southeast  entrance-way,  which  is  now  completed,  except  in  respect  to 
lighting  arrangements. 

(2.)  The  entrance  to  the  southern  system  of  wheel-ways  and  walks  from  Mary- 
land avenue,  the  stone  work  of  which  is  complete. 

(3. ) The  wall  and  coping  on  the  east  and  south  border  by  which  the  inclosure  of 
the  ground  is  completed. 


The  Grounds. 


1185 


(4.)  The  walls,  coping,  stairs,  and  drainage  arrangements  of  the  direct  approach 
from  Maryland  avenue  to  the  west  entrance  of  the  Capitol. 

(5. ) Foundation  work  of  the  parapet  wall  bounding  the  platform  between  the  base 
of  the  Capitol  and  the  central  field  of  turf  on  the  west. 

(6.)  Twenty-four  thousand  square  feet  of  plain  and  10,000  square  feet  of  “mosaic” 
artificial  stone  flagging. 

The  ground  adjoining  the  several  new  works  of  masonry,  heretofore  temporarily 
prepared,  has  been  broken  up,  regraded,  with  improved  modeling  of  the  surface, 
and  sodded  or  planted. 

* * * 

PROGRESS  OF  PLANTATIONS. 

At  the  beginning  of  the  year  the  effect  of  a summer  of  extraordinary  heat  and 
drought  followed  by  a winter  of  unprecedented  cold,  was  still  marked  in  the  condi- 
tion of  the  plantations;  with  the  exception  of  a few  broad-leaved  evergreens,  they 
have  since  recovered  and  are  now  growing  vigorously.  The  death  of  certain  shrubs 
the  present  year  has  been  traced  to  gas  leaks,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  time  is 
near  when  through  the  introduction  of  an  improved  economical  method  of  electric 
lighting  the  danger  attending  the  use  of  illuminating  gas  in  planted  grounds  may  be 
avoided. 

The  four  lines  of  plane  trees  on  the  west  of  the  Capitol  are  growing  very  thriftily, 
but  are  checked  and  given  lop-sided  forms  by  the  interference  of  what  remains  of 
the  old  avenues  trees  they  are  designed  to  supersede. 

This  will  be  obvious  on  comparing  the  crowded  trees  with  others  of  their  kind  not 
so  affected.  The  injury  is  not,  as  yet,  so  great  that  it  may  not  be  remedied,  but  the 
final  removal  of  the  remaining  old  trees,  nearly  all  of  which  are  plainly  diseased  or 
dilapidated,  should  not  be  delayed  more  than  another  year. 

The  temporary  loss  of  shade  will  soon  be  amply  compensated  by  the  overarching 
of  the  new  trees. 


INDEX  TO  TREES. 

There  being  trees  on  the  ground  unknown  to  many  visitors  from  distant  parts  of 
the  country,  upon  a suggestion  kindly  made  by  members  of  Congress,  labels  have 
been  placed  before  a large  number,  giving  their  names,  and  a map,  index,  and  refer- 
ences prepared  for  the  use  of  strangers.  To  further  foster,  meet,  and  lead  on  to 
more  useful  fields  any  disposition  of  inquiry  that  might  occur  upon  the  ground  in 
respect  to  sylviculture,  especially  with  those  having  little  knowledge  of  the  subject, 
an  explanatory  account  of  the  plantations  has  been  added,  with  advice  as  to  oppor- 
tunities of  fuller  information.  Copies  of  all  are  appended. 


Appendix. 

Index  to  Trees  about  the  Capitol,  with  Advice  to  Visitors  Interested  in  Them. 

The  interest  shown  by  many  visitors  in  the  young  growth  about  the  Capitol  and  the  character  of 
the  inquiries  made  by  them  is  a gratifying  evidence  of  the  growing  preparation  of  the  public  mind 
to  give  economic  forestry  its  due  national  importance,  and  also  of  a rising  disposition  to  study  the 
choice  of  trees  and  methods  of  using  them  as  aids  to  public  health  and  comfort,  and  as  means  for  the 
decoration  of  homes  and  the  improvement  of  scenery. 

As  to  citizens  from  all  parts  of  the  country  and  to  visitors  from  abroad  the  Capitol  is  often  the  first 
and  a more  continuous  attraction  than  any  other  in  Washington,  it  is  not  surprising  that  its  small 
plantations  should  receive  more  than  their  due  share  of  attention  relatively  to  other  expositions  of 
sylviculture  near  by.  It  is  for  this  reason  desired  not  only  that  such  information  about  them  as  is 
more  commonly  wanted  may  be  made  readily  attainable  and  that  misleading  impressions  of  the  pur- 
poses they  are  meant  to  serve  may  be  guarded  against,  but  that  visitors  may  be  advised  of. 

H.  Rep.  046 75 


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Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


THE  ADVANTAGES  OTHERWISE  OFFERED  IN  WASHINGTON  FOR  THE  STUDY  AND  THE  ENJOYMENT  OF 

TREES. 

The  climate  of  Washington  is  subject  to  great  extremes  of  heat  and  cold,  dampness  and  dryness, 
but,  for  some  not  clearly  established  reasons,  it  seems  to  admit  of  an  unusual  range  of  vegetation, 
and  allows  of  the  growth  in  a more  or  less  vigorous  or  depressed  way  of  numerous  woody  plants  not 
known  far  to  the  northward,  and  of  some  not  common  to  the  southward,  except  at  considerable  ele- 
vations. It  is  hospitable,  also,  to  a larger  number  of  foreign  trees  than  the  climate  of  most  other 
parts  of  the  country. 

The  Capitol  ground  is  not  planted  with  the  least  purpose  to  show  what  is  possible  in  either  respect; 
the  aim  in  the  larger  part  of  it  has  been  to  avoid  exciting  interest  through  the  exhibition  of  strange 
qualities  in  trees,  especially  of  such  as  might  be  suggestive  of  unnatural  or  forced  conditions,  or  of 
stratagems  of  horticulture,  nor  have  the  trees  to  be  found  in  it  been  given  position  with  a view  to  con- 
spicuously presenting  their  individual  qualities;  rather,  for  reasons  that  will  be  later  given,  it  has 
been  designed  to  obscure  these. 

But,  as  visitors  to  the  Capitol  often  find  trees  that  happen  to  be  new  to  them,  and  about  which  they 
wish  to  be  better  informed,  labels  have  been  placed  before  a large  number,  giving  names  under 
which  inquiries  can  be  made.  With  these  as  memoranda,  and  such  other  facilities  as  are  supplied 
by  the  maps  and  tables  herewith,  it  is  hoped  that  the  Capitol  ground  may  serve  to  many  as  an 
introduction  to  such  better  opportunities  as  are  offered  in  the  city,  there  being  few  trees  within  it  of 
which  more  instructive,  because  older,  examples  are  not  to  be  seen  near  by  and  better  exhibited 
because  planted  with  the  design  of  exhibition. 

The  several  government  plantations  in  which  they  may  be  looked  for  are  unfortunately  divided, 
fragmentary,  and,  each  by  itself,  incomprehensive  and  incomplete,  thus  marking  the  result  of 
sporadic  and  unsustained  legislative  efforts,  and  even  of  efforts  in  some  cases  a little  at  cross  pur- 
poses one  with  another.  Yet,  taken  together  and  with  the  natural  growths  accidentally  available 
to  supplement  them,  these  plantations  promise  to  be  of  no  little  value  with  respect  to  the  long  course 
of  patient  study  upon  which  the  infant  science  of  American  forestry  has  yet  to  be  brought  up.  Young 
as  they  are,  nowhere  else  in  the  country  can  as  wide  a range  of  trees  be  found  equally  advanced, 
and  this  is  of  the  more  national  value  because  of  the  close  dependence  of  the  science  of  forestry  upon 
that  of  meteorology  and  the  fact  that  nowhere  else  in  the  country  are  as  full,  accurate,  precise,  and 
scientifically  collated  local  meteorological  records  accessible  as  in  Washington. 

Of  the  government  plantations  referred  to,  that  of  the  National  Botanic  Garden  adjoins  the  Capitol 
ground  on  the  west.  Its  germ  was  a collection  made  by  the  Wilkes  Exploring  Expedition  in  1842,  of 
which  but  one  hardy  tree  remains  alive,  an  invalid  Jujube  (Zizyphus).  The  site  was  and  is  unsuit- 
able and  inadequate  for  the  purpose,  and  the  curator  has  had  and  still  has  to  contend  with  obstacles 
of  many  kinds,  the  deadliest  being  a lack  of  intelligent  public  interest  in  the  scientific  objects  of  a 
botanic  garden,  and  an  excess  of  interest  in  its  adventitious  and  recreative  incidents. 

Among  the  exposed  trees,  visitors  from  the  North  may  be  glad  to  have  their  attention  called  to 
those  named  below,  a 

The  Botanic  Garden  is  managed  directly  by  Congress  through  its  Library  Committees.6 

Half  a mile  westward  is  another  national  collection,  managed  by  the  Agricultural  Bureau  of  the 
Department  of  the  Interior.  It  includes  several  hundred  sorts  of  hardy  trees  and  shrubs,  most  of 
which  were  planted  between  1865  and  1870.  The  trees  cannot  yet,  of  course,  begin  to  exhibit  their 
mature  character,  but  they  are  well  grown  for  their  age  and  generally  of  excellent  promise,  forming 
the  most  instructive  collection  in  the  country.  As  the  first  step  toward  a national  forestry  system  it 
must  be  regretted  that  the  bureau  could  not  have  been  allowed  more  space  and  means.  In  twenty 
years,  if  thrifty,  the  trees  will  in  many  cases  be  crowding  one  another.  An  official  list  of  the  trees 
can  be  procured.  The  curator  is  Mr.  William  Saunders. 

The  ground  between  the  botanic  and  the  agricultural  collections,  originally  planned  during  the 
administration  of  the  elder  President  Adams  as  a public  promenade,  under  the  name  of  “The  Mall,” 
but  neglected,  and  its  design  gradually  lost  sight  of,  is  now  provisionally  divided  into  two  widely 
different  plantations.  That  nearest  the  Capitol  was  laid  out  and  planted  between  1872  and  1878,  by 
Orville  Babcock,  colonel  of  military  engineers.  It  consists  of  small  sections  of  mixed  forestry,  with 


«The  Bull  Bay,  or  great  evergreen  Magnolia  of  the  South  ( Magnolia  grandiflora) ; the  Pecan  ( Carya 
olwaformis);  the  Whahoo  ( Ulmus  alata);  the  Black  Maple  ( Acer  saccarinum  nigrum),  a variety  of  the 
sugar  maple  growing  better  in  the  South  than  the  common  Northern  kind;  good  sized  specimens  of 
the  Colchiean  Maple  ( Acer  colchicum),  from  Armenia;  the  Pride  of  China,  the  common  avenue  tree  of 
the  cotton  States  (Melia  azederach) ; the  Asiatic  nettle  tree  ( Celtis  orientalis) ; the  Cedar  of  Lebanon 
( Cedrus  Lebani );  the  Cedar  of  Mount  Atlas  ( C . Atlantica );  the  Cedar  of  the  Sierras  (Libocedrus  decur- 
rens)\  Christ’s  Thorn  ( Zizyphus  vulgaris)-,  European  and  Japanese  Yews  (Taxas  baccata  stricala,  T. 
adpressa  and  Podocarpus  taxifolia)-,  the  Chinese  Water  Pine  ( Glyptostrobus  sineusus );  the  Soapberry 
(Sapindus  marginata) ; and  Sterculia  platifolia. 

b ■ 1 A library  filled  with  volumes  written  by  Nature,  and  which  those  who  have  learned  the  language 
of  Nature  can  read  and  enjoy  with  a satisfaction  as  much  keener  than  anything  that  man-made 
books  can  give  as  it  is  nearer  to  the  source  of  all  truth.” — L.  F.  Ward,  Bulletin  of  the  National 
Museum,  No.  22. 


The  Grounds. 


1187 


borders  of  shrubbery  framed  within  formal  lines  of  standard  trees,  the  different  sections  separated  in 
one  direction  by  straight  streets  retained  from  the  earlier  design,  and  in  the  other  by  roads  of  formal 
curvature  with  decorative  planting  near  the  junctions.  The  surface  is  generally  low,  the  soil  better 
than  that  of  the  other  grounds,  the  trees  at  present  well  cared  for,  and,  except  a few  conifers,  the 
removal  of  which  will  be  a gain,  of  promising  appearance.  They  are  under  the  office  of  the  Com- 
missioner of  Buildings,  attached  to  the  Executive  Mansion,  at  present  Colonel  A.  P.  Rockwell,  U.  S.  A. 

West  of  Colonel  Babcock’s  work  is  what  has  been  called  the  Smithsonian  Park,  but  though 
originating  in  the  impulse  to  which  the  founding  of  the  Institution  of  that  name  gave  rise,  and  con- 
tiguous to  its  building,  it  has  unfortunately  never  been  under  the  same  enlightened  management.  It 
should  have  special  and  reverent  attention,  as  representing  the  only  essay,  strictly  speaking,  yet  made 
under  our  government  in  landscape  gardening,  for  though  the  aim  of  the  Capitol  ground  planting  is 
more  than  decorative,  it  is  necessarily  too  prim  and  niggling,  and  is  too  much  controlled  by  engineer- 
ing and  architectural  considerations  to  be  entitled  to  that  full  rank.  This  of  the  Smithsonian  was  the 
last  and  the  only  important  public  work  of  Downing,  who  was  not  only  a master  of  the  art,  but  dis- 
tinctly a man  of  genius,  of  whom  his  country  should  always  be  proud.  It  was  designed  as  a com- 
position of  natural  scenery  appropriate  to  he  associated  with  a national  seat  of  learning,  and  was 
regarded  by  him  as  the  first  step  in  a scheme  of  planting  to  be  extended  in  one  connected  design  to 
the  White  House  and  the  Potomac.  Upon  Downing’s  untimely  death,  in  1852,  the  larger  design  was 
suspended,  gradually  lost  sight  of,  and  the  ground  has  since  been  in  considerable  part  laid  out  under 
successive  acts  of  Congress  by  parcels,  with  a variety  of  local  motives,  none  of  which  have  as  yet  been 
fully  realized.  As  to  that  actually  planted  under  Downing's  instructions,  those  to  whom  he  gave 
them  soon  dropped  off;  negiect  and  ill-usage  followed;  it  is  in  parts  stuffy  and  crowded,  and  in 
others  run  down  and  poverty-stricken,  but  in  no  other  planted  ground  near  Washington  is  there,  or 
does  there  promise  to  be,  any  tree  beauty  to  compare  with  what  has  been  already  attained  in  it. 

Under  its  shades  government  has  allowed  a modest  memorial  of  the  artist  to  be  placed  by  private 
subscription.  Nowhere  will  a monument  be  found  commemorating  a riper  fruit  of  the  Republic, 
more  honorable  aspirations,  or  devotion  to  a higher  standard  of  patriotic  duty. 

Near  the  Agricultural  ground  there  is  an  interesting  collection  of  hardy  aquatic  plants  in  the 
inclosure  of  the  Government  Fish  Commission,  and  in  adjoining  buildings  of  the  Smithsonian  Insti- 
tution and  National  Museum  there  are  collections  of  woods  and  of  tree  products  and  of  fossil  woods 
and  plants. 

The  public  streets  of  Washington  have  been  planted,  mainly  between  1870  and  1880,  with  upwards 
of  fifty  thousand  (50,000)  trees  of  twenty  different  sorts.  A list  showing  where  rows  of  each  may  be 
observed  can  be  found  in  the  report  of  the  Parking  Commission.  Though  a considerable  proportion 
are  of  quick-growing  kinds,  to  which  most  experts  object  as  too  straggling  in  mature  habit,  too 
fragile,  liable  to  accident,  and  short-lived,  and  though  the  amount  and  quality  of  soil  provided  is 
seldom  adequate  to  a long-continued  vigorous  growth,  the  work  on  the  whole  is  the  best  and  most 
instructive  example  of  town-planting  to  be  seen  on  the  continent.  If  well  followed  up  in  the  care  of 
the  trees,  the  results  will  give  Washington  a distinction  among  the  capital  towns  of  the  world — a 
distinction  original,  representative,  and  historic;  natural,  racy  of  the  soil,  congenial  with  the  cli- 
mate, in  unquestionable  good  taste,  indisputably  excellent  and  admirable;  little  of  which  can  be 
claimed  of  the  results  of  most  outlays  that  have  been  made  by  government  for  the  improvement  of 
the  city. 

The  work  thus  far  has  been  done  with  even  over-strained  economy,  under  the  unbroken  superin- 
tendence of  three  professional  tree-masters,  William  R.  Smith,  curator  of  the  Botanic  Garden,  William 
Saunders,  of  the  Agricultural  Tree  Collection,  and  John  Saul,  who,  under  Downing,  thirty  years  ago, 
planted  the  Smithsonian  Park,  of  either  of  whom  information  may  be  obtained,  and  to  whom  thanks 
for  a service  to  the  nation,  as  yet  too  little  appreciated,  may  well  be  given. 

In  the  woods  of  natural  growth  about  Washington,  many  sorts  of  trees  may  be  found  that  are  not 
indigenous  in  the  extreme  north.  Among  them  there  is  the  Liquid  Amber  or  Sweet  Gum  ( L . styraci- 
flua)',  the  Willow  Oak  (Quercus  Phellos)-,  the  Laurel  Oak  (Quercus  imbricaria );  the  Persimmon  ( Dio - 
spyros  Virginiana)',  the  American  Holly  (Ilex  opaca) ; the  Black  Walnut  (Juglans  nigra);  the  Swamp 
Magnolia  (M.  glauca);  the  Red  Birch  (Betula  nigra),  (a  strikingly  rustic  beauty  of  extreme  grace,  as 
commonly  observed  on  water  banks  hereabouts);  and  the  Catalpa  (C.  bignonioid.es) . 

The  first  two.  may  be  found  in  low  grounds,  often  in  association  with  the  Tupelo  or  Sour  Gum 
(Nyssa  multiflora)',  the  White  Ash  ( Fraxinus  Americana)-,  the  Scarlet  Maple  (Acer  rubrum);  the  Scar- 
let Oak  ( Q . coccinea );  the  Sassafras  ( S . officinale),  which,  rarely  seen  except  as  a shrub  in  the  far 
north,  is  here  a stout  and  lofty  tree,  richly  furnished,  very  sportive  in  its  forms  of  foliage,  and  often 
excelling  all  other  deciduous  trees  in  picturesqueness;  and  the  Dogwood  (Cornus  florida),  growing 
with  a dense  spreading  head  to  a height  of  thirty  feet.  These,  with  other  cornels,  several  of  the 
shrubby  sumacs  (Rhus),  the  Climbing  Sumac  ( R . toxicodendron),  Bitter  Sweet  ( Celastrus  scandens), 
and  Virginia  Creeper  ( Ampelopsis  quinquefolia) , all  being  remarkable  for  their  autumnal  tints,  and 
each  in  a different  way,  form  combinations  novel  and  delightful  to  the  northern  eye.  In  a favorable 
season,  near  the  fall  of  the  leaf,  visitors  from  over  sea  will  nowhere  find  a more  gorgeous  sylvan  spec- 
tacle than  is  thus  presented  within  a mile  of  the  city,  and  this  without  a stroke  of  intentional  aid 
from  any  human  hand.  The  effect  is  often  augmented  by  lower  growths  than  any  that  have  been 
named,  as  of  huckleberries  and  brambles,  by  bright  fruits  and  haws,  and  by  golden  and  purple 
blooms  of  herbaceous  plants. 


1188 


Documentary  History  of  the  Ccvpitol. 


Of  trees  to  which  Europeans  may  like  to  have  their  attention  directed,  in  addition  to  those  already 
named,  there  are  growing  wild,  and  of  frequent  occurrence,  two  American  Elms;  the  Black  Cherry 
(Prunus  serotina) , different  examples  of  which  vary  much,  but  often  a remarkably  elegant  and  grace- 
ful tree  near  Washington;  the  American  Beech  (Fagus  ferruginia),  a neater  and  more  delicate  tree 
than  the  European;  the  Tulip  (Liriodendron  tulipifera),  growing  to  great  height  and  in  perfection; 
the  Chestnut  ( Castanea  vesca  Americana),  always,  when  well  grown,  a noble  tree,  but  when  early  in 
June  in  bloom,  the  most  glorious  object  of  our  woods;  the  Hickories  ( Carya );  the  Butternut  (Juglans 
cinerea);  and  eighteen  (indigenous)  sorts  of  oaks,  at  the  head  of  which  the  White  Oak  (Q.  alba)  is, 
under  favorable  conditions,  fully  as  noble  a monarch  of  the  forest  as  its  European  brother,  the 
Sacred  Oak  of  the  Druids  (Q.  robur  pedunculata).  Yet,  perhaps,  for  broad  landscape  values  others 
are  of  more  consequence,  and  of  these  some,  from  their  more  feminine  beauty,  reward  close  observa- 
tion also.  The  best  scenery  about  Washington  depends  for  its  character  chiefly  on  oaks.  The  Capitol 
ground  has  good  examples  of  several  (see  list  appended),  of  which  the  best  were  grown  from  acorns 
upon  it  or  in  the  adjoining  Botanic  Garden.  The  largest,  standing  alone  on  the  turf  northeastof  the 
Washington  Elm,  was  transplated  from  a distance  when  eighteen  inches  in  diameter. 

A number  of  shrubs,  known  only  as  garden  plants  in  the  North,  grow  wild  in  profusion  about 
Washington,  the  most  striking  and  beautiful,  both  in  leaf  and  flower,  being  the  Virginia  Fringe-tree 
(Chionanthus  Virginica).  This,  with  the  Silver  Bell  ( Halesia  tetraptera),  and  the  Virgilia  or  Yellow- 
wood  ( Cladrastis  tinctoria),  may  often  be  seen  in  the  form  of  small  trees,  the  last  two  attaining  a 
height  occasionally  of  30  feet  or  more,  with  graceful  forms,  and  light  and  delicate  spray  and  leafage. 
The  Chinquapin  or  Dwarf  Chestnut  ( Castanea  pumila),  also  grows  naturally  about  Washington. 

Other  small  trees  and  bushes,  all  more  or  less  planted  now  in  Europe,  but  which  foreigners  may 
like  to  see  in  their  native  wild  state,  and  which  are  common,  are  the  Shadbush  (Amelanchier  Cana- 
densis), a small  tree  of  great  refinement  of  aspect;  the  American  Witch  Hazel  (Hammamelis  Canaden- 
sis)-, several  Viburnums  and  Huckleberries  and  the  Spicebush  (Lindera  benzoin).  Wild  grapes  and 
Trumpet-creeper  (Bignonia  radicans)  are  also  common,  and  both  often  lend  a charm  to  situations 
that  would  otherwise  be  the  reverse  of  attractive. 

Such  situations  are  unfortunately  common  near  Washington,  because  mainly  so  much  of  the  land 
has  been  ravaged  of  its  natural  fertility  by  a reckless  agriculture,  and  because,  when  once  cleared  of 
its  primeval  vegetation,  it  does  not,  as  it  might  further  north,  become  naturally  clothed  by  any  form 
of  turf  or  other  close- knitting,  surface-rooting  growth,  and  is,  in  consequence,  subject  to  be  kept  raw 
and  gullied  by  the  action  of  frost  and  rains. 

Under  these  circumstances,  whatever  charm  there  might  otherwise  be  in  the  landscapes  is  often 
wholly  destroyed  by  foreground  conditions  of  repulsive  rawness  and  shabbiness.  In  most  parts  of 
Europe,  not  naturally  turfy,  such  land  would  be  systematically  planted  with  trees.  Here,  with  the 
relatively  high  market  value  of  money  for  various  other  forms  of  commercial  enterprise,  such  a use 
of  it  has  not  yet  been  proved  profitable.  It  may  be  observed,  also,  that  no  plants  are  here  indigenous 
like  heather,  gorse,  or  broom,  such  as  in  Europe  often  give  a picturesque  and  at  times  exceedingly 
lovely  aspect  to  sterile  situations,  otherwise  of  forbidding  character.  It  is  not  certain  that  these 
plants  might  not  be  naturalized  (a  few  plants  of  broom  of  several  years  happy  growth  maybe  seen  in 
the  Capitol  ground).  It  is  highly  probable  that  the  native  American  ally  of  the  broom,  called  Woad- 
waxen  (Genista  tinctoria),  found  in  a few  localities  to  the  northward,  if  introduced,  would  serve  their 
purpose.  But  at  present  woody  vines  of  various  sorts  are  chiefly  of  value  in  this  respect,  and  of  this 
value  an  admirable  illustration  may  be  observed  in  Mr.  Saul’s  nursery,  where  a large  extent  of  cav- 
ing banks  on  the  border  of  a small  stream,  occasionally  becoming  a torrent,  have  been  made  within 
a few  years  the  most  agreeable  feature  of  the  local  scenery,  the  few  plants  of  Japanese  (sub-evergreen) 
honeysuckle  (Lonicera  brachipoda) , originally  set,  having  spread  with  the  greatest  profusion,  so  that 
in  June  there  are  acres  of  ground  over  which  the  air  is  loaded  with  the  delicious,  perfume  of  their 
bloom.  A characteristic  exhibition  of  the  same  plant  may  be  seen  south  of  the  summer-house  on  the 
Capitol  ground,  and  near  it  a variety  of  plants  adapted  to  dress  rough  ground  unfit  for  turf.  Among 
the  best  of  these  is  the  Saint  John’s  wort  (Hypericum),  of  which  several  species  are  native  to  the 
region. 

The  Red  Cedar  (Juniperus  Virginiana),  near  Washington,  generally  assumes  a form  so  different  from 
that  common  in  many  parts  of  the  north  that  it  may  pass  unrecognized  and  an  effect,  distantly 
recalling  one  much  beloved  by  Turner  and  seen  in  most  of  his  landscapes  of  southern  Europe,  some- 
times occurs  (on  the  hills  north  of  the  reform  school  on  the  eastern  road  to  Bladensburg  Spa,  for 
example),  the  horizontal  strata  of  the  Italian  Stone  Pine  being  represented  by  the  Yellow  Pine 
( Finns  mitis),  and  the  fastigiate  Cypress  by  the  form  referred  to  of  the  Red  Cedar. 

Two  short  excursions  may  be  recommended  to  the  visitor  wishing  to  cursorily  observe  the  general 
character  of  the  natural  forest.  One  through  the  romantic  woods  of  Rock  Creek,  best  made  on  foot 
or  in  the  saddle,  taking  by  the  way  the  government  property  of  the  Soldiers’  Home,  which  contains 
many  introduced  coniferous  trees  of  about  thirty  years’  growth.  The  other  by  rowing  on  the  Poto- 
mac, above  West  Washington,  where  boats  for  the  purpose  can  be  had.  This  offers  a pleasing  illus- 
tration of  closely-wooded  American  river-side  scenery,  large  in  general  outline  and  mass,  with 
considerable  pieturesqueness  of  detail  under  the  shadow  of  moderately  well-grown  forest  trees.  It  is 
much  resorted  to  and  somewhat  misused  and  damaged  by  boating  and  picnic  parties.  It  is  hard  that 
in  the  interest  of  posterity  these  two  sylvan  treasures  of  the  capital,  the  wooded  declivities  of  the 
Upper  Potomac  and  the  wilds  of  Rock  Creek,  cannot  in  some  way  be  protected  against  the  destruc- 


The  Grounds. 


1189 


tiveness  which  the  hope  of  the  smallest  private  pecuniary  profit  is  liable  at  any  moment  to  bring 
upon  them.  Samples  may  be  already  found  of  the  hateful  desert  which  may  be  thus  quickly  sub- 
stituted. 

The  scope  of  the  foregoing  advice  has  been  limited  to  trees  and  woody  plants.  Those  who  wish  to 
have  a more  extended  list  of  what  may  be  looked  for,  as  well  as  all  interested,  whether  as  botanists 
or  as  lovers  of  nature  in  local  annual,  perennial  plants,  will  find  the  best  of  aid  in  a government 
publication  prepared  by  Mr.  Lester  P.  Ward,  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution  (Guide  to  the  Flora  of 
Washington — Bulletin  No.  22,  of  the  National  Museum). 

Of  the  banks  of  the  Potomac  above  referred  to,  Mr.  Ward  says:  “The  beauty  of  their  natural 
flower-gardensin  the  months  of  April  and  May  is  unequaled  in  my  experience.”  Elsewhere  he  states 
that  fifty  several  sorts  of  plants  may  usually  be  found  in  flower  before  the  1st  of  April  (p.  31 ) , that  is 
to  say,  before,  in  the  latitude  of  Albany,  the  ground  may  be  unlocked  from  ice. 


Historical  Notes  of  the  Capitol  Ground. 

The  intelligent  visitor,  reflecting  that  it  is  nearly  ninety  years  since  the  site  of  the  Capitol  was 
determined,  and  more  than  eighty  since  Congress  first  held  its  sessions  upon  it,  will  need  some  expla- 
nation of  its  present  sylvan  juvenility. 

Since  building  work  first  began  upon  it  several  efforts  for  the  improvement  of  the  ground  have  been 
made  before  the  present,  but  no  plan  for  the  purpose  has  long  been  adhered  to,  and  little  of  the  work 
done  has  been  adapted  to  secure  lastingly  satisfactory  results.  There  is,  mainly  in  consequence  of  a 
wavering  policy  and  make-shift  temporizing  operation,  but  one  tree  on  the  ground  that  yet  approaches 
a condition  of  tree  majesty,  and  beside  it  probably  not  one  of  fifty  years’  growth  from  the  seed— not 
a dozen  of  ten  years’  healthy,  thrifty,  and  unmutilated  growth.  It  may  be  added  that  many  hun- 
dred trees  are  known  to  have  been  planted  in  the  streets  of  the  city  early  in  the  century,  of  which  not 
one  remains  alive,  nor  is  it  probable  that  one  was  ever  allowed  a full  development  of  its  proper 
beauty.  Yet,  to  show  what  easily  might  have  been,  if  due  judgment  and  painstaking  had  been  used, 
it  is  enough  that  one  planted  tree  of  even  an  earlier  date  may  be  pointed  to,  which  is  yet  in  the  full 
vigor  of  its  growth.  (The  “Washington  Elm”  on  the  Capitol  ground,  originally  a street-side  tree.) 

The  following  notes,  chiefly  upon  the  past  misfortunes  of  the  nation  in  its  Capitol  ground,  have 
been  largely  based  on  conversations  with  the  late  venerable  Dr.  J.  B.  Blake,  sometime  Commissioner 
of  Public  Grounds. 

When  government,  near  the  close  of  the  last  century,  took  possession  of  the  site  of  the  Capitol,  it 
was  a sterile  place,  partly  overgrown  with  “scrub  oak.”  The  soil  was  described  (by  Oliver  Wolcott) 
as  an  “exceedingly  stiff  clay,  becoming  dust  in  dry  and  mortar  in  rainy  weather.”  For  a number  of 
years  the  ground  about  the  Capitol  was  treated  as  a common,  roads  crossing  it  in  all  directions,  and 
a map  of  the  period  indicates  an  intention  to  treat  it  permanently  as  an  open  public  place.  The  year 
before  his  death,  Washington  built  the  brick  house,  still  standing  prominently,  but  injured  by  recent 
additions,  a little  to  the  north  of  the  Capitol.  A picture  showing  this  house,  with  a young  plantation 
of  trees  (none  now  living)  between  it  and  the  Capitol,  together  with  an  autograph  letter  about  it 
from  Washington  to  his  business  agent,  may  be  seen  in  the  Towner  division  of  the  National  Library. 
The  first  local  improvement  ordered  by  Congress,  after  occupying  the  rooms  partially  prepared  for 
it  in  the  incomplete  Capitol,  was  a walk  to  be  made  between  these  and  Georgetown  (West  Washing- 
ton), where,  there  being  yet  no  comfortable  houses  nearer,  most  of  the  members  lodged.  The  Capitol 
and  the  house  of  Washington  had  both  been  built  upon  the  assumption  that  the  future  city,  which 
Washington  avoided  calling  by  his  own  name,  continuing  to  use  the  original  designation  of  the 
“Federal  City,”  would  arise  on  the  higher  ground  to  the  eastward.  Both  buildings  were  expected 
to  stand  as  far  as  practicable  in  its  outskirts,  backing  upon  the  turbid  creek  with  swampy  borders 
which  then  flowed  along  the  base  of  the  Capitol  Hill.  When  this  stream  was  in  freshet  it  was  not 
fordable,  and  members  of  Congress  were  often  compelled  to  hitch  their  riding  horses  on  the  further 
side  and  cross  it,  first,  on  fallen  trees,  afterwards  on  a foot-bridge.  There  was  an  alder  swamp  where 
the  Botanic  Garden  is  now,  which  spread  also  far  along  the  site  of  Pennsylvania  avenue.  Tall 
woods  on  its  border  shut  off  the  views  of  the  ground  south  and  west  of  it.  This  wood,  said  to  con- 
tain many  noble  trees,  mostly  oaks,  was  felled  for  fire-wood,  by  permission  of  Congress,  as  a measure 
of  economy,  sometime  after  the  war  of  1812. 

These  circumstances  may  give  a little  clue  to  the  habit  at  the  outset  adopted,  and  of  which  Con- 
gress has  since  never  been  wholly  disembarrassed,  of  regarding  the  ground  immediately  to  the  west 
of  the  Capitol  as  its  “back  yard,”  and  all  in  connection  with  it  as  comparatively  ignoble.  With  the 
city  on  the  west,  the  transformation  of  the  creek  and  swamp,  and  the  opening  of  the  magnificent 
view  on  that  side,  it  is  incomparably  the  nobler  front. 

It  is  a tradition,  and  is  probable,  that  Washington,  while  building  his  brick  house,  planted  some 
trees  on  the  east  side  of  the  Capitol,  of  which  the  elm  above  referred  to  was  one,  and  is  the  only  one 
remaining.  Another  of  equal  age,  but  rotting  prematurely,  probably  from  unskillful  or  neglected 
pruning,  was  blown  down  a few  years  ago,  and  a third  was  removed  in  consequence  of  the  enlarge- 
ment of  the  Capitol.  The  last  was  a tree  of  graceful  habit,  and  Mr.  Smith,  of  the  Botanic  Garden, 
has  distributed,  through  members  of  Congress,  many  rooted  cuttings  of  it  to  different  parts  of  the 
country.  The  surviving  tree,  having  a girth  of  but  ten  feet  at  four  feet  from  the  ground,  has  been 
of  slow  growth,  and  been  badly  wounded  within  twenty  years,  three  cavities  showing  the  removal  of 


1190 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


considerable  limbs  by  barbarous  excision.  On  the  east  side  a strip  of  bark,  the  entire  length  of  the 
trunk,  has  been  torn  off.  The  ground,  at  a little  distance  on  three  sides,  having  been  trenched  and 
enriched,  and  that  nearer  the  trunk  forked  over  and  top-dressed,  the  tree  has,  within  three  years, 
gained  greatly  in  health  and  vigor;  its  wounds  are  closing  over,  and  it  may  yet  outlive  several  gen- 
erations of  men. 

Some  years  after  the  death  of  Washington  a space  of  ground  nearly  half  as  large  as  the  present 
ground  was  inclosed  in  connection  with  the  Capitol,  and  a street  laid  out  around  it.  The  Washing- 
ton elm  stands  near  where  this  bounding  street  intersected  another  which  formed  the  northern 
approach  to  the  Capitol,  and  on  the  opposite  side,  to  the  north,  an  inn  of  some  celebrity,  long  known 
as  the  “Yellow  Tavern,''  was  built.  This  was  the  dining  place  for  members  still  lodging  at  a distance. 

Whatever  improvement  had  been  made  upon  the  original  ground  before  the  burning  of  the  Capitol 
in  1814  was  probably  then,  or  during  the  subsequent  building  operations,  wholly  laid  waste,  the  three 
or  four  trees  first  planted  alone  escaping. 

In  1825  another  plan  for  laying  out  the  ground  was  devised,  which  was  sustained  in  the  main  for 
nearly  fifteen  years,  during  most  of  which  period  John  Foy  had  charge,  and,  as  far  as  he  was  allowed, 
pursued  the  ends  had  in  view  in  its  adoption  consistently.  It  was  that  of  an  enlarged  form  of  the 
ordinary  village-door  yards  of  the  time,  flat,  rectangular  “grass  plats,”  bordered  by  rows  of  trees, 
flower-beds,  and  gravel  walks,  with  a belt  of  close  planting  on  the  outside  of  all.  So  long  as  the  trees 
were  saplings  and  the  turf  and  flowers  could  be  kept  nicely,  it  was  pretty  and  becoming.  But  as  the 
trees  grew  they  robbed  and  dried  out  the  flower-beds,  leaving  hardly  anything  to  flourish  in  them 
but  violets  and  periwinkle.  Weeds  came  in,  and  the  grass,  becoming  sparse  and  uneven,  was  much 
tracked  across,  and  grew  forlorn  and  untidy;  appropriations  were  irregular  and  insufficient  to  restore 
it  or  supply  proper  nourishment.  Foy  was  superseded  for  political  reasons,  and  his  successor  had  other 
gardening  ambitions  to  gratify. 

At  this  time,  though  even  some  years  later,  George  Combe  described  the  city  as  “ a straggling  vil- 
lage, reared  in  a drained  swamp;”  it  had  become  clear  that  it  was  not  to  grow  up  on  the  east  front 
of  the  Capitol.  John  Quincy  Adams,  on  retiring  from  the  Presidency,  had,  like  Washington,  deter- 
mined to  build  a town  house  for  himself  in  Washington,  and  had  chosen  to  do  so  far  to  the  west. 
Much  other  private  building  had  followed,  including  one  large  and  excellent  hotel,  and  government 
had  undertaken  several  important  public  buildings  in  the  same  quarter. 

It  was  then  determined  to  make  an  addition  (about  seven  acres),  and  considerable  improvement 
of  the  premises  in  the  “rear”  of  the  Capitol,  and  this  improvement  led  on,  without  any  special  act 
of  Congress,  to  a gradual  change  of  motive  in  the  management  of  the  old  ground  on  the  east,  under 
the  management  of  James  Maher,  who  is  described  by  his  friends  as  a jovial  and  witty  Irishman, 
owing  his  appointment  to  the  personal  friendship  of  General  Jackson. « 

The  soil  at  the  foot  of  the  hill  was  much  better  than  that  of  the  east  ground;  but  the  trees  planted 
by  Maher  were  chiefly  silver  poplars  and  silver  maples,  brittle  and  short-lived.  After  doing  more  or 
less  injury  to  the  more  valuable  sorts,  they  have  all  now  disappeared,  but  there  remain  of  the  plant- 
ing of  this  period  several  fine  occidental  planes,  scarlet  maples,  horse-chestnuts,  a pecan,  and  a holly. 

South  of  the  “Washington  Elm,”  adjoining  the  east  court  of  the  Capitol,  there  are  a dozen  long- 
stemmed trees,  relics  of  two  circular  plantations  introduced  in  the  midst  of  Foy’s  largest  “grass 
plats,”  by  Maher,  for  “ barbecue  groves,”  one  probably  intended  for  Democratic  the  other  for  Whig 
jollifications.  These  were  also  largely  of  quick-growing  trees,  closely  planted,  poorly  fed,  and  never 
properly  thinned  or  pruned.  Forty  years  after  their  planting  the  larger  number  of  those  remaining 
alive  were  found  feeble,  top  heavy,  and  ill  grown. 

Foy  had  planted  in  his  outer  belts  some  garden-like  trees,  very  suitable  to  his  purpose,  magnolias, 
tree-boxes,  hollies,  and  also  some  conifers,  mostly  thuyas,  it  is  believed,  but  among  them  there  was 
at  least  one  Cedar  of  Lebanon.  With  them,  however,  or  subsequently,  more  rapid  growing  decidu- 
ous trees  unfortunately  were  also  planted,  and  through  neglect  of  thinning,  the  effect  of  drip  and 
exhaustion  of  the  soil  the  choicer  sorts  were  nearly  all  smothered,  starved,  or  sickened.  A few  crip- 
pled hollies  ( Ilex  opaca)  only  remain.  The  violets  and  periwinkle  ( Vinca)  now  on  the  ground  are 
largely  of  direct  descent  from  those  planted  by  Foy. 

Most  other  trees  within  the  limits  of  the  Capitol  inclosure  before  the  enlargement  of  the  Capitol  in 
1857  were  removed  to  make  way  for  the  new  building  operations,  or  in  consequence  of  the  changes 
required  in  the  grade  of  the  ground  to  adapt  it  to  the  new  work,  or,  later,  to  the  grading  done  by  the 
District  government  of  the  adjoining  streets.  It  was  found  that  the  roots  of  most  of  the  old  trees, 
after  having  grown  out  of  the  small  pits  in  which  they  were  planted,  had  been  unable  to  penetrate 
the  clay  around  them,  but  had  pushed  upward  and  outward,  spreading  upon  its  surface  and  within 
a thin  stratum  of  looser  uid  darker  material,  consisting,  it  is  believed,  almost  entirely  of  street  sweep- 
ings which  had  at  different  times  been  laid  on  as  a top-dressing.  Though  none  were  half-grown, 
nearly  all  had  the  characteristics  of  old  age,  many  were  rotten  at  the  butt,  and  few  were  wholly 
sound.  The  more  thrifty  and  manageable  of  them  were  retransplanted  in  1875,  and  under  more  fav- 

«The  following  story  is  repeated  from  the  best  authority:  The  President  once  sent  for  Maher  and 
said:  “I  am  your  friend,  Jimmy,  but  I have  often  warned  you,  and  this  time  I must  turn  you  out.’ 
“Why,  what’s  the  matter  now,  General?”  “Iam  told  that  you  had  a bad  drunk  again  yesterday.” 
“Why,  now,  General,  if  every  bad  story  that’s  told  against  yourself  was  to  be  believed,  would  it  be 
you  that  would  be  putting  me  in  and  putting  me  out?”  He  remained  with  another  warning. 


The  Grounds. 


1191 


orable  conditions,  presently  to  be  stated,  the  larger  part  of  them  now  appear  rejuvenated.  When 
moved  they  were  generally  from  8 to  15  inches  in  diameter  of  trunk. 

Except  under  the  “barbacue  trees”  the  entire  ground  east  of  the  Capitol,  and  all  that  newly 
planted  in  the  west,  has  been  regraded.  Near  the  eastern  boundary  the  old  surface  was  eight  feet 
higher  than  at  present;  the  Capitol  standing  at  the  foot  of  a long  slope.  The  revised  grade  having 
been  attained,  the  ground  was  thoroughly  drained  with  collared,  cylindrical  tile,  and  trench-plowed 
and  subsoiled  to  a depth  of  two  feet  or  more  from  the  present  surface.  (In  the  outer  parts  where 
evergreen  thickets  under  scattered  deciduous  trees  were  to  be  attempted,  fHlly  three  feet,  and  here 
the  liming  was  omitted.)  It  was  then  ridged  up  and  exposed  to  a winter’s  frost,  dressed  with  oystei- 
shell  lime,  and  with  swamp  muck  previously  treated  with  salt  and  lime,  then  plowed,  harrowed, 
and  rolled  and  plowed  again.  The  old  surface  soil  was  laid  upon  this  improved  subsoil  with  a suffi- 
cient addition  of  the  same  poor  soil  drawn  from  without  the  ground  to  make  the  stratum  one  foot 
(loose)  in  depth.  With  this  well  pulverized,  a compost  of  stable  manure  and  prepared  swamp  muck 
was  mixed.  It  is  still  found  to  have  too  much  of  the  quality  ascribed  to  the  original  by  Wolcott, 
quickly  drying  very  hard.  It  would  seem,  however,  to  be  wholesome  and  sufficiently  friable  for  the 
growth  of  the  trees  planted;  the  death  of  all  the  few  that  have  failed  being  reasonably  attributed  to 
gas  leaks,  severe  wounds,  or  to  extraordinary  cold,  or  to  a severe  attack  of  vermin  before  their 
recovery  from  the  shock  of  removal.  It  is  hoped  that  the  more  northern  trees  have  been  induced  to 
root  so  deeply  as  to  suffer  less  than  they  usually  do  in  Washington  during  periods  of  extreme  heat 
and  drought,  and  that,  in  view  of  the  thorough  preparation  and  large  outlay  for  the  purpose,  the 
methods  of  administration  will  hereafter  be  more  continuously  favorable  than  they  had  been  for  the 
longevity  of  the  trees  and  their  attaining  the  proper  full  stature  of  their  families. 


The  Present  Design. 

Questions  why,  in  the  present  scheme,  certain  trees  and  plants  have  been  taken  for  the  Capitol 
ground  and  others  neglected,  and  why  certain  dispositions  of  trees  have  been  made  and  others, 
offering  obvious  advantages  in  some  respects,  avoided,  may  be  best  answered  in  a general  way  by  a 
relation  of  the  leading  motives  of  the  design,  some  of  which  it  is  evident  do  not  s;  ontaneously  occur 
to  many  inquirers. 

The.ground  is  in  design  part  of  the  Capitol,  but  in  all  respects  subsidary  to  the  central  structure. 
The  primary  motives  of  its  design  are,  therefore,  that,  first,  of  convenience  of  business  of  and  with 
Congress  and  the  Supreme  Court,  and,  second,  that  of  supporting  and  presenting  to  advantage  a great 
national  monument. 

The  problem  of  convenience  to  be  met  in  the  plan  of  the  ground  lay  in  the  requirement  to  supply 
ready  access  to  the  different  entrances  to  the  building  from  the  twenty-one  streets  by  which  the 
boundary  of  the  ground  was  to  be  reached  from  the  city.  The  number  of  foot  and  of  carriage 
entrances  is  forty-six,  and,  as  the  entire  space  to  be  crossed  between  these  and  the  open  court  and 
the  terrace,  upon  which  doors  of  the  Capitol  open,  is  but  forty-six  acres  in  extent,  it  had  to  be  cut 
up  so  much  as  to  put  ordinary  landscape  gardening  ideals  of  breadth  and  repose  of  surface  applicable 
to  a park  or  private  residence  grounds,  to  a great  degree  out  of  the  question.  The  difficulty  was 
complicated  by  the  hillside  position  of  the  building,  compelling  circuitous  courses  to  be  taken  as  a 
means  of  avoiding  oversteep  grades  in  the  carriage  approaches  from  the  west. a 

That  the  Capitol,  in  its  several  more  admirable  aspects,  might  be  happily  presented  to  view,  it  was 
necessary  that  the  plantations  should  be  so  disposed  as  to  leave  numerous  clear  spaces  between  the 
central  and  the  outer  parts  of  the  ground,  and  desirable  that  the  openings  or  vistas  should  be  dis- 
turbed as  little  as  practicable  by  roads  or  other  constructions.  At  the  same  time,  the  summer  climate 
of  Washington  and  the  glaring  whiteness  of  the  great  central  mass  made  a general  umbrageousness 
of  character  desirable  in  the  ground,  and  a bare,  bald,  unfurnished  quality  to  be,  as  much  as  possible, 
guarded  against.  It  was  then  to  be  considered  that  customs  are  established  that  bring  at  intervals 
great  processions  and  ceremonious  assemblies  into  the  ground,  and  that  attending  these,  vast  bodies 
of  people,  without  order  or  discipline,  surge  through  it  in  a manner  that  overrules  all  ordinary  guar- 
dianship, and  that,  with  increasing  population  and  increasing  means  of  communication,  such  throngs 
are  likely  to  grow  larger  and  more  sweeping.  This  difficulty  was  increased  by  the  long-established 
habit  of  regarding  the  Capitol  ground  as  a common  to  be  crossed  or  occupied  in  any  part  as  suited 
individual  convenience. 

These  considerations  not  only  called  for  multiplied  routes  of  passage,  but  for  a degree  of  amplitude 
in  pavements  and  flagging  unfortunate  with  reference  to  the  desired  general  effect  of  umbrageous- 
ness and  verdancy.  They  also  compelled  a resort  to  many  expedients  for  inoffensively  restraining 
the  movements  of  visitors  in  certain  directions  and  leading  them  easily  in  others. 


a Some  may  ask  whether,  under  the  circumstances,  a strictly  architectural  design  would  not  have 
had  advantages.  It  is  enough  to  say  that,  for  several  reasons,  no  such  plan,  if  understood,  would 
have  been  acceptable  to  Congress  or  the  public  taste  of  the  period.  It  would,  therefore,  have  soon 
been  ruined  in  the  treatment  of  details.  Public  taste  strangely  admits  topiary  work  to  be  mixed  up 
with  natural  forms  of  vegetation,  and  applauds  a profusion  of  artificial  features  in  what  passes  for 
natural  gardening.  Nevertheless,  it  condemns,  even  in  situations  where  they  would  be  most  par- 
donable, the  grander  and  more  essential  aims  of  ancient  gardening. 


1192 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

If  these  several  more  or  less  conflicting  requirements  are  weighed  it  will  be  seen  that  no  attempt 
to  reconcile  them  or  compromise  between  them  could  be  made  that  did  not  involve  a disjointedness 
in  the  plantations  unfavorable  to  the  general  aspect  of  dignity  and  composure  desirable  to  be  asso- 
ciated with  so  stately  a building.  Hence,  where  it  remained  permissible  to  plant  trees  at  all,  to  have 
selected  and  arranged  them  with  a view  to  exhibit  marked  individual  qualities,  would,  as  tending 
to  increase  such  disjointedness,  have  been  an  unwise  policy.  The  better  motive  was  to  select  and 
place  trees  with  a view  to  their  growing  together  in  groups  in  which  their  individual  qualities  would 
gradually  merge  harmoniously;  to  avoid  a distinct  definition  of  these  groups,  to  aim  to  draw  them 
into  broader  compositions,  and  to  secure  as  much  effect  of  depth  and  distance  as  possible  by  obscur- 
ing minor  objects,  especially  in  the  outer  part  of  the  ground. 

In  the  undergrowth,  however,  a degree  of  variety,  cheerfulness,  and  vivacity,  to  be  gained  by 
moderate  contrasts  of  form  and  color,  might  be  studied.  Hence  not  only  the  amount  but  the  range 
of  shubbery  used  has  been  considerable,  so  much  so  that  it  must  be  admitted  that  at  present  it  holds 
attention  too  much.  As  beyond  a certain  point  the  landscape  effect  of  trees  increases  with  age  many 
times  faster  than  that  of  bushes,  the  general  effect  will  soon  be  much  quieter.  The  chief  reason  for 
what  would  otherwise  be  an  excessive  proportion  of  shrubs  and  low  growth  is  the  necessity  of  miti- 
gating the  effect  of  the  large  extent  of  dead  ground  in  the  roads,  walks,  and  adjoining  streets,  other- 
wise to  be  looked  down  upon  from  the  Capitol  and  to  be  conspicuous  in  views  across  the  ground. 

Two  minor  motives  influencing  the  choice  and  disposition  of  the  undergrowth  may  be  noted. 

The  summer  climate  of  Washington  being  unfavorable  to  turf  in  situations  where,  owing  to  the 
number  of  trees  growing  in  them,  or  for  other  reasons,  the  care  of  the  turf  would  be  difficult,  the 
aim  has  been  to  cover  the  ground  with  foliage  of  creepers  and  of  low  perennials  likely  to  retain 
greenness  during  droughts  and  requiring  little  labor  to  keep  tidy.  These  low  plantings  also  serve 
the  purpose  of  connecting  and  merging  the  higher  foliage  with  the  verdure  of  the  lawns  and  of 
increasing  apparent  perspective  distance. 

The  shrubbery  has  been  selected  from  regard  to  its  fitness  in  foliage  qualities,  form,  and  size,  when 
grown,  to  serve  general  purposes  in  the  several  localities  in  which  it  is  placed.  Its  blooming  quali- 
ties have  been  regarded  as  of  subordinate  consequence,  but  simple  and  natural  bloom  has  been 
generally  preferred  to  the  more  large,  striking,  and  showy  quality  of  flowers  resulting  from  the  art 
of  the  florist,  the  design  being  always  not  to  make  a lounging  place  or  hold  attention  to  details. 

No  spruces  or  other  large-growing  coniferous  trees  have  been  included  in  the  recent  planting, 
because  if  placed  in  the  central  parts  they  would  obstruct  views  of  the  building;  if  placed  on  the 
outer  parts  they  would  disturb  the  general  quiet  and  unobtrusive  foliage  effects  desired,  and  lessen 
the  apparent  depth  of  the  local  sylvan  scene.  A few  clusters  of  junipers,  yews,  and  thuyas  ( Cham.se - 
cyparis),  of  established  hardness,  will  be  found  at  points  where  they  cannot  interrupt  views  toward 
the  Capitol,  and  where  they  will  be  obscured  and  overlooked  in  views  from  it. 

The  number  of  broad-leafed  (laurel-like)  evergreens  that  can  be  trusted  to  flourish  in  the  climate 
of  Washington  is  unfortunately  limited.  The  fact  that  the  ground  is  more  visited  in  winter  than 
in  summer  makes  this  the  more  regrettable.  For  this  reason  a considerable  number  of  sorts  have 
been  introduced,  the  permanent  success  of  which  is  not  thought  fully  assured.  All  such  are  of  low 
growth  in  this  climate,  and  should  they  fail  to  meet  expectations  may  be  withdrawn  without  perma- 
nent injury  to  the  designed  summer  landscape  character.  Should  they  flourish,  it  is  hoped  that 
others  will  be  thinned  out  and  the  evergreens  grow  into  moderate  masses.a 

The  Capitol  ground  is  declared  by  act  of  Congress  to  be  formed  “ to  serve  the  quiet  and  dignity  of 
the  Capitol  and  to  prevent  the  occurrence  near  it  of  such  disturbances  as  are  incident  to  the  ordinary 
use  of  public  streets  and  places.”  Incidentally  to  this  purpose,  however,  it  is  much  used  as  a public 
park,  especially  during  the  hot  season  or  when  Congress  is  not  in  session.  The  need  to  provide  seats 
in  which  people  could  rest  for  a moment  in  passing  up  the  Capitol  hill  from  Pennsylvania  avenue, 
which  is  the  po;nt  of  entrance  for  most,  and  the  need  of  a place  in  which  children  could  obtain 
water  being  apparent,  and  as  the  necessary  extent  of  accommodation  in  these  respects  would  other- 
wise cause  an  unseemly  obstruction  of  the  walks  or  become  too  conspicuous  a feature  of  the  scenery, 
a summer-house  was  designed,  with  a view  to  the  following  advantages:  It  is  entered  by  a few  steps 
from  three  different  lines  of  walk;  it  contains  separate  seats  for  twenty-five  ^people,  protected  under 
ail  circumstances  from  ordinary  summer  showers;  it  allows  six  children  to  take  water  from  the 
fountain  at  once;  it  is  very  airy,  the  softest  breeze  passing  freely  through  it.  The  seats  are  so  dis- 
posed as,  though  shadowed,  to  be  well  lighted,  and  to  be  each  under  constant  inspection  of  the 
passing  watchmen  and  the  public  through  an  opposite  archway.  The  house  is  closed  at  nightfall  and 
in  winter.  These  precautions  have  enabled  ladies  to  use  it  in  large  numbers,  free  from  the  annoyances 
which  often  deter  them  from,  entering  sheltered  resting  places  in  parks.  Standing  on  sloping  ground, 
the  floor  is  kept  at  the  lower  level  and  the  walls  and  roof  of  brick  and  tile  as  low  as  practicable,  so 
that  at  a short  distance  the  eye  ranges  over  them.  That  they  may  be  more  inconspicuous,  the  walls 
are  banked  about  with  natural  rock,  and  slopes  of  specially-prepared  soils  favorable  to  the  growth  of 
various  creepers  and  rock  plants,  by  which,  except  to  one  standing  opposite  to  the  entrance  arches 

« The  Evergreen  Thorn  ( Cratcegus  pyracantha) , the  Oregon  Grape  ( Berberis  aqui folium) , the  Coton- 
easter  (C.  microphylla),  the  Chinese  evergreen  Azalea  (A.  Amccna),  and  an  English  hot-house  shrub 
(Abelia  rupestris),  have  each  passed  through  without  injury  several  severe  summers  and  winters,  and 
promise  to  be  of  the  highest  value  for  the  landscape  purposes  for  which  they  have  been  tentatively 
used.  The  three  first  are  already  to  be  seen  in  profusion  and  in  vigorous  health. 


CAPITOL,  1893,  NORTHEAST  VIEW. 


The  Grounds. 


1193 


and  turning  to  observe  them,  the  entire  structure  will  be  wholly  lost  to  view.  Prom  within  the 
walls  there  opens  on  the  up-hill  side  a cool  dark  runnel  of  water,  supplied  from  the  overflow  of  the 
fountain  at  the  west  entrance  to  the  Capitol.  The  spray  of  this  rapid  rivulet,  with  that  from  the 
waste  water  of  the  drinking-fountain,  maintains  a moisture  of  the  air  favorable  to  the  growth  of 
ferns  and  mosses  upon  the  inner  rockwork.  What  is  chiefly  hoped  for,  however,  is  that  under  the 
conditions  provided,  a growth  of  ivy  may  have  been  secured,  gradually  reproducing  the  character- 
istic exquisite  beauty  of  this  evergreen  in  its  native  haunts.  Many  good  examples  of  it,  though  not  of 
its  best  estate,  may  be  seen  about  Washington.  The  visitor  interested  is  particularly  advised  to  see 
those  in  the  cemetery  at  West  Washington  (Georgetown). 

The  trees  about  the  summer-house,  though  hardy  and  suited  to  the  circumstances,  will  all  have  a 
somewhat  quaint  or  exotic  aspect.  They  include  the  Willow  oak,  the  Cedrella,  the  Oleaster,  two 
sorts  of  Aralias,  and  the  Golden  Catalpa. 

The  vistas  or  general  lines  of  view  to  which  all  the  planting  and  all  the  structures  upon  the  ground 
have  been  fitted  may  be  more  fully  stated. 

Disregarding  shrubbery,  to  be  kept  below  the  plane  of  sight  toward  the  Capitol,  openings  are  main- 
tained, through  which  direct  front  views  of  the  central  portico  and  the  dome  will  be  had  from  the 
outer  parts  of  the  ground,  upon  opposite  sides,  and  diagonal  perspective  views  of  the  entire  facades 
from  four  directions.  In  six  other  directions  from  the  center  of  the  structure  only  low-headed  trees 
are  planted,  so  that  in  each  case  the  Capitol  may  be  seen  rising  above  banks  of  foliage  from  points 
several  miles  distant. 

It  is  unnecessary  to  say  that  by  the  same  disposition  of  the  plantations,  views  outwardly  from  the 
Capitol  are  kept  open,  but  attention  may  be  called  to  the  beauty  and  breadth,  almost  approaching 
grandeur,  of  the  prospect  up  and  down  and  across  the  valley  of  the  Potomac,  and  to  the  design  that 
when  the  present  young  plantations  are  full-grown  this  great  advantage  of  the  Capitol  shall  not  be 
lost.  The  introduction  of  the  proposed  architectural  terrace  will  indeed  admit  no  trees  to  stand  so 
near,  or  on  ground  so  elevated,  that  they  will  ever  obstruct  the  present  distant  view  from  the  main 
or  even  the  ground  floor.  The  plantations  in  this  direction,  however,  will  in  time  obscure  the  nearer 
part  of  the  city  and  form  a continuous  strong,  consistent  foreground  to  the  further  sylvan  slopes. 

From  the  terrace  these  plantations  will  in  some  degree  limit  the  views  to  the  northward  and  south- 
ward, but  through  the  removal  of  the  old  central  avenue  and  the  broad  gap  left  between  the  trees  on 
the  west  an  outlook  is  obtained  between  the  northern  and  the  southern  divisions  of  the  city  in  which 
a slope  of  unbroken  turf,  seen  over  a strongly-defined  and  darkly-shadowed  architectural  base,  will  be 
the  foreground;  a wooded  plain,  extending  a mile  beyond  the  foot  of  the  slope  the  middle  distance, 
and  the  partly-overgrown,  partly-cultivated  hills  beyond  the  depression  of  the  Potomac,  the  back- 
ground; the  latter  so  far  removed  that  in  summer  conditions  of  light  and  atmosphere  it  is  often  blue, 
misty,  and  ethereal.  Because,  perhaps,  of  the  influence  of  the  cool  "waters  of  the  river  passing  between 
the  dry  hills  from  north  to  south  across  this  field  of  vision,  sunset  effects  are  often  to  be  enjoyed 
from  the  west  face  of  the  Capitol  of  a rare  loveliness. 


List  of  Trees  and  Shrubs  in  the  United  States  Capitol  Grounds. 


Habitat 

Abelia  rupestris China. 

Acer  campestre.  English  field  maple Europe. 

Acer  dasycarpum.  Silver  maple Atlantic  States. 

Acer  laetum Caucasus. 

Acerpalmatum Japan. 

atropurpureum Japan. 

versicolor Japan . 

laciniata  variegata Japan. 

rosea  marginata Japan. 

reticulatum Japan. 

micranthum Japan. 

polycristata Japan. 

jEsculus  glabra.  Ohio  buckeye Western  States. 

JEseulus  hippocastanum.  Horse-Chestnut Persia. 

Araliachinensis Eastern  Asia. 

spinosa.  Hercules’  club Atlantic  States. 

Amorpha  fruticosa.  False  indigo Atlantic  States. 

Aucuba  Japonica Japan. 

Azalea  amcena China. 

mollis Japan. 

nudiflora .Atlantic  States. 

Benzoin  odoriferum.  Spicebush Atlantic  States. 

Berberis  aquifolium.  Oregon  grape North  Pacific  States 

Fortunei China. 

Japonica.  Japan  mahonia Japan. 

Thunbergii Japan. 

vulgaris.  Barberry Europe. 


1194 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Berberis  vulgaris  atropurpurea.  Purple  barberry 

Betula  alba.  White  birch 

lenta.  Black  birch 

Buxus  Japonica 

semper  virens,  var.  Tree  box 

Round-leaved  box 

Golden  variegated  box 

Narrow-leaved  box 

Callicarpa  Americana 

Calycanthus  floridus.  Sweet-scented  shrub 

Caragana  arborescens.  Siberian  pea 

Carpinus  Caroliniana.  Water  beech 

Duinensis 

Carya  olivteformis.  Pecan  nut 

Castanea  pumila.  Chinquapin 

vesca.  Sweet  chestnut 

Catalpa  bignonioides 

Catalpa  bignonoides  aurea.  Golden  catalpa 

Bungei,  var.  nana.  Dwarf  catalpa 

Cedrella  sinensis 

Celastrus  scandens.  Bittersweet 

Cercis  Canadensis.  Redbud 

chinensis 

Chamsecyparis  obtusa.  (Retinospora) 

nana.  ( Retinospora ) 

plumosa.  (Retinospora).. 
squarrosa.  (Retinospora) . 

pisifera.  (Retinospora) 

aurea.  (Retinospora) 

Chionanthus  Yirginica.  Fringe  tree 

Cladrastis  tinctoria.  Yellowwood 

Clerodendron  trichotomum 

Clethra  alnifolia.  White  alder 

Colutea  arborescens.  Bladder  senna 

Cornus  florida.  Flowering  dogwood 

Mas.  Cornel 

variegata 

paniculata  , 

stolonifera.  Red  osier 

stricta.  Stiff  cornel 

Corylus  Americanus.  American  hazel 

tupulosa  atropurpurea.  Purple  hazel  . 

Cotoneaster  acuminata  Simonsii 

microphylla 

Crattegus  Crus-galli,  var.  New  Castle  thorn 

oxyacantha.  Hawthorn 

var.  Hawthorn 

Daphne  cneoreum 

Deutzia  gracilis 

scabra 

scabra  flore  pleno 

purpurea 

Diervilla  hortensis 

alba 

nivea  

grandiflora  variegata 

rosea 

amabilis 

foliis  variegata 

grandiflora,  var.  Van  Houttei 

Diospyros  Virginiana.  Persimmon 

Eleagnus  hortensis 

Erica  carnea 

polifolia  

Euonymus  Americanus.  Strawberry  bush 

atropurpureus.  Burning  bush 

Japonicus 

variegata 


Habitat. 

Hort. 

.North  Europe. 

Atlantic  States. 

.Japan. 

Europe. 

. Hort. 

Hort, 

.Hort. 

South  Atlantic  States. 
South  Atlantic  States. 
.Siberia. 

.Atlantic  States. 

Caucasus. 

.Western  States. 

.Southern  States. 

Europe. 

.South  Atlantic  States. 
.Hort. 

.Hort. 

.Northern  China. 

.Atlantic  States. 

.Atlantic  States. 

.Eastern  Asia. 

.Japan. 

.Japan. 

.Japan. 

.Japan. 

.Japan. 

.Japan. 

.South  Atlantic  States. 
.Kentucky  and  Tennessee. 
.Japan. 

.Atlantic  States. 

.Europe. 

.Atlantic  States. 

.Europe. 

.Hort. 

.North  Atlantic  States. 
.Atlantic  States. 

Southern  States. 

.Atlantic  States. 

.Europe. 

. Himalayas. 

.Siberia. 

.Atlantic  States. 

.Europe. 

.Europe. 

.Europe. 

.Japan. 

.Japan. 

.Hort. 

.Hort. 

.Japan. 

.Hort. 

-Hort. 

.Hort. 

.China. 

. Hort, 

.Hort. 

-Hort. 

.Atlantic  States. 

.Southern  Europe. 
.Europe. 

.Europe. 

.Atlantic  States. 

. Atlantic  States. 

.Japan. 

.Hort. 


The  Grounds. 


1195 


Euonymus  radicans 

Fagus  ferruginea.  American  beech 

sylvatica.  European  beech 

purpurea.  Purple  beech 

incisa.  Cut-leaved  beech 

Forsythia  Fortunei 

suspenaa  

viridissima 

Fraxinus  Americana.  White  ash 

excelsior.  European  ash 

Gymnoeladus  Canadensis.  Kentucky  coffee-tree 

Halesia  tetraptera.  Silver  bell 

Hedera  Helix  Hibernica.  Irish  ivy 

Hibiscus  Syriacus.  Althea 

Hippophaj  rhamnoides.  Sea  buckthorn 

Hydrangea  hortensea 

paniculata  grandiflora 

Hypericum  prolificum.  St.  John’s  wort 

Idesia  polycarpa 

Ilex  aquifolium.  English  holly 

augustifolium 

ferox.  Hedgehog  holly 

argentea 

aurea 

apaca.  American  holly 

Jasminum  nudiflorum.  Yellow  jassamine 

Juniperus  recurva  squamata 

sabina.  Juniper 

nana.  Prostrate  j uniper 

tamariscifolia 

Koelreuteria  paniculata 

Laburnum  vulgare.  Golden  chain 

Lagerstrsemia  Indica  rubra.  Crape  myrtle 

Ligustrum  ovalifolium 

vulgare.  Privet 

Liquidambar  styraciflua.  Sweet  gum 

Liriodendron  tulipifera.  Tulip  tree 

Lonicera  brachypoda.  Honeysuckle 

aurea  reticulata 

fragrantissima.  Bush  honeysuckle 

Tartarica.  Tartarian  honeysuckle 

Madura  aurantiaca.  Osage-orange 

Magnolia  acuminati.  Cucumber  tree 

conspicua.  Y’ulan 

cordata.  Yellow  cucumber  tree 

glauea.  S wee  t bay 

grandiflora.  Bull  bay 

tripelata.  Umbrella  tree 

purpurea.  Purple  magnolia 

Morus  alba.  White  mulberry 

rubra.  Bed  mulberry 

Neillia  opulifolia 

aurea 

Nyssa  sylvatica.  Sour  gum 

Ostrya  Virginica.  Hop-hornbeam 

Paulowniaimperialis 

Phellodendron  Amurense 

Philadelphus  coronarius.  Mock-orange 

grandiflora.  Syringa 

inodorus 

Pirus  coronaria 

Japonica.  Japan  quince 

Planera  aquatiea.  Water  elm 

Platanus  occidentalis.  Sycamore 

orientalis.  Oriental  plane 

Podocarpus  taxifolia.  Japan  Yew 

Populus  augustifolia.  Willow-leaved  poplar 


Habitat. 

.Japan. 

Atlantic  States. 
.Europe. 

.Europe. 

Europe. 

.China. 

China. 

China. 

.Atlantic  States. 
.Europe. 

.Western  States. 

.South  Atlantic  States. 
.Europe. 

.Syria. 

.Europe. 

.Japan. 

.Japan. 

.Atlantic  States. 

.Japan. 

Europe. 

.Hort. 

.Hort. 

.Hort. 

.Hort. 

.Atlantic  States. 

.China. 

.Nepaul. 

Northern  Hemisphere. 
.Northern  States. 
.Europe. 

.China. 

. Europe. 

India. 

.Japan. 

Europe. 

.Atlantic  States. 
.Atlantic  States. 

Japan. 

.Japan. 

.China. 

Siberia. 

.Arkansas. 

Atlantic  States. 

.China. 

.South  Atlantic  States. 
.Atlantic  States. 

.South  Atlantic  States. 
.South  Atlantic  States. 
.Japan. 

.Europe. 

Atlantic  States. 
Atlantic  States. 

Hort. 

Atlantic  States. 
.Atlantic  States. 

.Japan. 

.Manchuria. 

. China. 

South  Atlantic  States. 
.South  Atlantic  States. 
South  Atlantic  States. 
Japan. 

South  Atlantic  States. 
Atlantic  States. 
Western  Europe. 
.Japan. 

Rocky  Mountains. 


1196 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Prunus  Japonica 

flore  pleno 

Sinensis.  Sand  pear 

Padus.  Bird  cherry 

serotina.  Rum  cherry 

spinosa.  Sloe 

triloba 

Quercusalba.  White  oak 

cerris.  Turkey  oak 

imbricaria.  Shingle  oak , 

macrocarpa.  Bur  oak 

palustris.  Pin  oak 

phellos.  Willow  oak 

Prinus.  Chestnut  oak 

prinoides.  Chinquapin  oak 

Robur.  English  oak 

concordia 

nigricans 

pedunculata 

Rhamnus  Caroliniana 

catharticus.  Buckthorn 

Rhus  Cotinus.  Smokebush 

glabra  laciniata.  Cut-leaved  sumac 

Rubus  leucodermis 

Rosa  rubiginosa.  Sweet  brier 

rugosa 

Salisburia  biloba.  Gingko 

Sambucus  Canadensis  variegata.  Variegated  elder 

Sassafras  officinale 

Shepherdia  argentea.  Buffaloberry 

Sophora  Japonica 

Spirea  Cantoniensis 

ehamredrifolia 

Japonica  alba 

rubra 

Lindleyana 

Douglassii  var 

prunifolia 

Thunbergii 

Staphylea  trifolia.  Bladder-nut 

Styrax  Japonicum 

officinale 

Symphoricarpus  racemosus.  Snowberry 

vulgaris.  Indian  current 

Syringa  Josikoea 

Persica.  Persian  lilac 

vulgaris.  Lilac 

alba.  White  lilac 

Tamarix  Africana.  Tamarisk 

Taxus  adpressa 

baccata.  Yew 

aurea.  Golden  yew 

Tilia  Americana.  Basswood 

Europte.  Linden 

heterophylla.  White  basswood. 

Ulmus  Americana.  American  elm 

alata.  Whahoo 

campestris.  English  elm 

fastigiata.  Fastigiate  elm 

microphylla 

pendula.  Weeping  elm 

purpurea.  Purple  elm 

var.  Huntingdon  elm 

montana.  Dutch  elm 

Viburnum  opulus.  Guelder  rose 

plicatum 

prunifolium 

Zizyphus  vulgaris.  Christ’s  thorn 


Habitat. 

.Japan. 

.Japan. 

.China. 

.Europe. 

.Atlantic  States. 

.Europe. 

.China. 

.Atlantic  States. 

.Europe. 

.Europe. 

.Atlantic  States. 

.Atlantic  States. 

.South  Atlantic  States, 
.Atlantic  States. 

.Atlantic  States. 

.Europe. 

.Hort. 

.Hort. 

.Europe. 

.South  Atlantic  States. 
.Europe. 

.Southern  Europe. 
.Pennsylvania. 

.Japan. 

.Europe. 

.Japan. 

.China. 

.Atlantic  States. 
.Atlantic  States. 

.Western  North  America. 
.Japan. 

.China. 

.Siberia. 

.Japan. 

.Japan. 

.Himalayas. 

. California. 

.Japan. 

.Japan. 

. Atlantic  States. 

.Japan. 

.Europe. 

.North  America. 
.Northern  States. 

.Central  Europe. 
-Western  Asia. 

.Europe. 

.Europe. 

.Southern  Europe. 
.Japan. 

.Europe. 

.Hort. 

.Atlantic  States. 

.Europe. 

. Atlantic  States. 

.Atlantic  States. 
.Southern  States. 
.Europe. 

.Hort. 

.Hort. 

.Hort. 

.Hort. 

.Hort. 

.Europe. 

.Europe. 

.Japan. 

.Atlantic  States. 

Southern  Europe. 


The  Grounds. 


1197 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  the  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-five,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
July  7,  1884.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  23,  208.)] 

For  improving  the  Capitol  grounds. — For  continuing  the  work  of  the  improvement 
of  the  Capitol  grounds,  and  for  care  of  the  grounds,  including  the  pay  to  landscape 
architect,  one  clerk,  and  wages  of  mechanics,  gardeners,  and  workmen,  fifty-two 
thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  July  1,  1884.  (48—2,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  V.  2,  pp.  402-7.)] 

Mr.  Frederick  Law  Olmsted,  landscape  architect,  says,  in  his  annual  report,  that — 
*■  * * 

The  increased  breadth  and  depth  of  foliage  on  the  ground  causes  greater  obscurity, 
facilitating  depredations  and  disorder.  It  is  advised  that  two  roundsmen  be  added 
to  the  watch — one  for  day,  the  other  for  night  duty. 

Ten  years  ago  more  than  a hundred  trees,  of  considerable  size  (from  20  to  50  inches 
in  girth,  or  about  1 foot  in  diameter  on  an  average),  were  transplanted  on  the  Capitol 
grounds.  They  were  not  in  a thrifty  condition,  and  to  adapt  them  to  removal  their 
roots  were  all  cut  off  at  a distance  not  greater  in  any  case  than  3.5  feet  from  the  trunk. 
Their  branches  were  also  closely  shortened-in,  reducing  their  heads  to  from  one  to 
two-thirds  their  original  size.  It  was  considered  a question  whether  the  trees  would 
retain  enough  of  vital  energy  to  survive,  and  the  operation  was  often  referred  to  for 
some  years  afterwards  as  an  injudicious  and  disastrous  one.  It  is  therefore  desirable 
that  attention  should  be  called  to  the  results  as  now  to  be  observed. 

The  condition  of  two  of  the  trees  were  regarded  at  the  time  as  especially  hazardous, 
and  these  were  placed  where  in  case  of  failure  their  absence  would  not  be  important. 

After  three  years  they  were  still  living,  and  promising  to  live  but  not  to  flourish, 
they  therefore  were  felled. 

Of  the  remainder  no  tree  has  died  as  the  result  of  the  removal,  and  those  that  have 
escaped  serious  injury  from  causes  not  connected  with  the  removal  are  all  now  living 
and  in  a thriving  condition.  In  general,  their  heads  are  much  larger  as  well  as  much 
denser  than  they  had  been  before  they  were  shortened-in,  and  they  are  growing 
more  rapidly  than  before  their  removal.  Their  rate  of  growth  is  also  more  rapid 
than  that  of  trees  on  the  ground  of  corresponding  species  and  age,  that  have  not  been 
removed,  the  reason  being  that  the  oil  of  the  latter  could  not  be  thoroughly  improved 
without  lifting  them. 

To  more  distinctly  present  the  degree  in  which  the  operation  has  been  successful, 
twenty  of  these  transplanted  trees  have  been  measured,  selecting  those  which, 
because  of  their  size  or  other  circumstances,  presented  the  greater  difficulties.  The 
measurements  are  given  in  an  appendix,  and  supply  indices  of  the  present  thrift  of 
the  trees.  Similar  measurements  are  also  given  of  trees  of  numerous  sorts  obtained 
from  commercial  nurseries,  or  from  the  indigenous  woods  near  Washington,  these 
when  removed  having  been  generally  small  saplings. 

* * * 

Trees  of  the  list  A (below)  were  moved  by  machine  in  the  fall  and  spring  of 
1875-  76  and  (except  a few  of  the  smaller,  taken  from  the  Botanic  Garden)  from  a 
thin  soil  on  a stiff  clay  subsoil  to  a prepared  soil  and  subsoil)  described  page  15  of 
the  Report  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  for  1882).  Those  from  the  Botanic  Gar- 
den were  from  better  soil  and  more  sheltered  positions. 

The  machine  used  is  described  and  pictured  in  the  Report  on  Forestry,  prepared 
under  the  direction  of  the  Commissioner  of  Agriculture,  pursuant  to  an  act  of  Con- 
gress, approved  August  15,  1876,  pages  81,  85.  The  roots  of  all  were  cut  to  “balls” 
(not  frozen) , generally  of  a diameter  of  8 feet,  none  larger.  Their  heads  were  short- 


1198 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 


ened-in  fully  one-third,  in  some  cases  two-thirds.  Since  transplanting  they  have 
been  several  times  lightly  top-dressed  and,  in  periods  of  severe  drought,  have  been 
watered.  They  have  had  fully  the  usual  struggle  with  vermin,  and  most  of  the  elms 
have  this  year  been  denuded  of  foliage. 

Trees  of  the  list  B,  except  as  stated,  were  planted  1876-’  77.  They  had  been  obtained 
from  commercial  nurseries  largely  of  Washington  and  Baltimore,  and  when  planted 
were  saplings  from  half  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a half  in  thickness  of  stem  and  3 to 
6 feet  in  height.  Those  noted  as  ‘ ‘ wild  ’ ’ were  obtained  from  woods  near  Washing- 
ton, and  several  of  these  being  injured  or  stunted  were,  the  second  year,  cut  to  the 
stumps,  and  the  present  growth  is  from  the  ground  since  planting. 

In  the  column  “girth”  the  circumference  of  the  tree  is  given  at  2 feet  from  the 
ground;  in  that  of  “height,”  distance  from  the  ground  of  the  uppermost  twigs  of 
the  tree;  in  that  of  “sweep,”  distance  between  opposite  outer  twigs;  in  that  of 
“shoots”  measurements  of  shoots  of  this  year’s  growth  at  ends  of  lateral  branches 
(usually  the  trees  are  well-balanced  and,  except  elms,  symmetrical).  The  entire 
upright  growth  and  “lateral”  growth  on  one  side  in  ten  years  after  planting  from 
limbs  then  stumped  is  given,  where  observed.  In  the  last  column  “B.  G.”  means 
from  the  Botanic  Garden.  The  measurements  given  were  made  14th,  15th,  and  16th 
of  September,  1884.  Measurements  are  in  feet,  or  in  feet  and  inches. 

A. 


No. 

Common  name. 

Girth. 

£ 

tuo 

’a> 

Sweep. 

Shoots. 

Observations. 

1 

White  elm 

/ n 
5 10 

51 

6 

47 

0 

3 

1 

Ulmus  Americanus.  Upright,  5 feet; 
lateral,  8 feet. 

2 

do 

5 11 

66 

6 

42 

0 

1 

3 

Ulmus  Americanus.  Upright,  8 feet; 
lateral,  12  feet. 

3 

do 

6 5 

61 

0 

35 

0 

1 

11 

Upright,  10  feet;  lateral,  14  feet. 

4 

English  elm 

6 9 

60 

0 

42 

0 

2 

5 

Ulmus  campestris.  Upright,  8 feet;  lat- 
eral, 12  feet. 

5 

■Wahoo  elm 

4 2 

42 

0 

48 

0 

2 

9 

Ulmus  alata , B.  G.  Upright,  15  feet; 
lateral,  13  feet. 

6 

White  oak 

4 7 

51 

0 

27 

0 

i 

3 

Quercus  alba.  Upright,  9 feet;  lateral, 
10  feet. 

7 

Willow  oak 

3 4 

40 

0 

26 

0 

i 

8 

Quercus  phellos,  trimmed  to  a pole.  Up- 
right, 18  feet;  lateral,  16  feet. 

8 

Pin  oak 

3 7 

35 

0 

30 

0 

i 

3 

Quercus  palustris,  B.  G.  Upright,  10 
feet;  lateral,  10  feet. 

9 

Roval  oak 

3 9 

28 

0 

36 

0 

2 

6 

Quercus  robur,  B.  G.  Lateral,  14  feet. 

10 

Sugar  maple 

2 7 

38 

0 

32 

0 

0 

10 

Acer  saccharinum.  Upright,  6 feet;  lat- 
eral, 7 feet  6 inches. 

11 

do 

3 2 

35 

0 

27 

0 

1 

0 

Acer  saccharinum.  LTpright,  13  feet;  lat- 
eral, 8 feet. 

12 

Norway  maple 

3 1 

31 

0 

33 

0 

0 

11 

Acer  platanoides.  Upright,  12  feet;  lat- 
eral, 10  feet. 

13 

Scarlet  maple 

3 1 

34 

0 

36 

0 

1 

4 

Acer  rubrum. 

14 

Silver  maple 

4 3 

48 

0 

39 

0 

2 

6 

Acer  dasycarpum.  Upright,  18  feet;  lat- 
eral, 19  feet. 

15 

Box  elder 

3 11 

35 

0 

42 

0 

2 

5 

Negundo  aceroides.  B.  G.  Upright,  19 
feet;  lateral,  13  feet. 

16 

American  beech 

2 3 

30 

0 

24 

0 

i 

8 

Fagus  ferruginea.  LTpright,  16  feet;  lat- 
eral, 6 feet. 

17 

Plane 

3 10 

40 

0 

38 

0 

3 

2 

Platanus  orientalis.  B.  G.  Upright,  18 
feet;  lateral,  14  feet. 

18 

Linden 

4 4 

42 

0 

42 

0 

1 

i 

Tilia  Europea.  Upright,  5 feet;  lateral, 
7 feet. 

19 

White  ash 

4 9 

48 

0 

32 

0 

1 

9 

Fraxinus  americana . 

20 

Madeira  nut 

4 1 

32 

0 

33 

0 

1 

7 

Juglans  regia.  B.  G.  Upright,  6 feet: 
lateral,  6 feet. 

21 

American  holly 

2 4 

17 

6 

18 

0 

0 

8 

Ilex  opaca.  Heavily  fruiting. 

22 

Horse  chestnut 

5 2 

36 

0 

36 

0 

0 

7 

JEsculus  Hypocastaneum.  This  was  one 
of  two  horse  chestnuts  near  together. 
That  originally  the  larger  was  not 
moved,  and  is  now  the  smaller  in 
girth,  height,  and  breadth. 

The  Grounds. 


1199 


B. 


No. 

Common  name. 

Girth. 

Height. 

Sweep. 

Shoots. 

Observations 

, 

// 

, 

// 

, 

// 

, 

n 

1 

American  elm 

3 

4 

36 

0 

24 

0 

2 

— do 

2 10 

24 

0 

30 

0 

2 

10 

Ulmus  campestris. 

3 

( !ork  elm 

2 

9 

29 

6 

26 

0 

1 

7 

Ulmus  suberosa. 

4 

9 

1 

22 

0 

24 

0 

feet. 

5 

Over-cup  oak 

1 

8 

25 

0 

15 

0 

0 

8 

Quercus  macrocarpa. 

6 

Chestnut  oak 

1 

4 

26 

0 

21 

0 

1 

s 

Quercus  Prinus. 

7 

Spanish  oak 

2 

0 

27 

0 

15 

0 

1 

1 

Quercus  f aleata. 

8 

Willow  oak 

3 

1 

36 

0 

36 

0 

1 

6 

Quercus  Phellos. 

9 

do 

2 

5 

27 

0 

25 

0 

1 

6 

Do. 

10 

Royal  oak 

3 

4 

28 

0 

36 

0 

2 

0 

Quercus  robur. 

11 

do 

2 

5 

28 

0 

27 

0 

1 

3 

Do. 

12 

Scarlet  maple 

2 

1 

27 

0 

24 

0 

1 

10 

Acer  rubrum. 

13 

Field  maple 

9 

19 

0 

18 

0 

14 

do  . . .' 

3 10 

24 

0 

24 

0 

1 

4 

Do. 

15 

White  ash 

2 

8 

24 

0 

18 

0 

1 

3 

Fraxinus  Americana. 

16 

do 

1 

11 

23 

0 

21 

0 

1 

0 

Do. 

17 

Coffee  tree 

1 

5 

25 

0 

24 

0 

1 

8 

Gymnocladus  Canadensis. 

18 

Oriental  plane 

3 

5 

43 

0 

41 

0 

2 

3 

Platanus  orientalis.  Pennsylvania  cir- 

cie;  imported,  1877. 

19 

do 

3 

3 

42 

0 

40 

0 

2 

3 

Platanus  orientalis.  Upright,  30  feet. 

20 

Tulip 

2 

1 

26 

0 

21 

0 

i 

7 

IAriodendron  tulipefera. 

21 

Yellow  wood 

i 

0 

20 

0 

24 

0 

2 

0 

Cladrastris  tinctoria. 

22 

American  chestnut. . . 

l 

8 

21 

0 

17 

5 

1 

10 

Castanea  vesca.  Upright,  16  feet:  wild. 

23 

Shingle  oak 

2 

5 

17 

6 

13 

0 

8 

6 

Quercus  imbricata.  Damaged  plant;  re- 

covering. 

24 

Norway  maple 

3 

7 

42 

0 

35 

0 

1 

0 

Acer  platanoides.  Upright,  8 feet;  lat- 

eral.  4 feet;  1876. 

25 

Sycamore  maple 

2 11 

38 

0 

27 

0 

0 

6 

Acer  Pseudoplatanus.  Upright,  6 feet; 

lateral,  4 feet;  1876. 

26 

Sugar  maple 

3 

7 

36 

0 

41 

0 

0 

10 

Acer  sacharinum.  Upright,  6 feet;  lat- 

eral,  6 feet  6 inches. 

27 

Buckeye 

4 

10 

44 

6 

33 

0 

1 

11 

JEsculus  glabra.  Upright,  4 feet;  lateral, 

6 feet;  1876. 

28 

Turkey  oak 

1 

9 

18 

0 

14 

0 

1 

4 

Quercus  Cerris. 

29 

American  hornbeam . 

1 

6 

20 

0 

14 

0 

2 

9 

Carp-inns  Betulus. 

30 

1 

2 

17 

0 

9 

0 

growth  from  ground. 

31 

Oleaster  

2 

9 

22 

0 

24 

0 

0 

4 

Eleagnus  hortensis. 

32 

8i 

10 

0 

6 

o 

33 

Christ’s  thorn 

i 

3* 

13 

0 

15 

0 

2 

3 

Zizyphius  vulgaris.  Loaded  with  fruit. 

34 

Cucumber 

i 

2 

15 

0 

10 

0 

i 

5 

Magnolia  acuminata.  Planting  height, 

4 feet. 

35 

Yellow  cucumber 

i 

7 

16 

0 

15 

0 

l 

5 

Magnolia  cordata.  Planting  height,  3 

feet. 

36 

Great-leaved  eucum- 

10 

13 

0 

7 

0 

l 

5 

Magnolia  macrophylla. 

ber. 

37 

Sassafras 

i 

6 

17 

0 

15 

0 

l 

8 

Sassafras  officinalis,  wild. 

38 

1 

20 

0 

30 

0 

39 

Catalpa 

2 

0 

19 

0 

24 

0 

0 

10 

Catalpa  bignonoides. 

10 

Golden  catalpa 

2 

8 

23 

0 

24 

0 

2 

0 

Catalpa  bignonoides;  Var.  aurea. 

41 

Japan  catalpa 

2 

4 

29 

0 

22 

0 

3 

0 

Catalpa  Kcempferi. 

42 

Cedrella 

1 

7 

27 

6 

6 

0 

4 

0 

Cedrella  Sinensis.  Lower  laterals  re- 

moved. 

43 

Dogwood 

i 

6 

12 

0 

15 

0 

8 

0 

Cornus  florida.  Stump;  wild. 

44 

Redbud  

2 

2 

14 

0 

24 

0 

1 

8 

Circis  Canandensis.  1876. 

45 

Sweet  gum 

i 

9 

23 

0 

17 

0 

1 

3 

Liquidamber  styraciflua.  Wild;  upright, 

19  feet;  1876. 

46 

Lime 

2 

2 

22 

0 

21 

0 

1 

1 

Tilia  Europcea. 

47 

Scotch  birch 

1 

7 

28 

0 

18 

0 

15 

0 

Betula  alba.  Upright,  24  feet;  1878. 

[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-six,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Mar.  3,  1885.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  23,  497.)] 

For  improving  the  Capitol  Ground s. — For  continuing  the  work  of  the  improvement 
of  the  Capitol  Grounds,  and  for  care  of  the  grounds,  including  the  pay  to  landscape 
architect,  one  clerk,  and  wages  of  mechanics,  gardeners,  and  workmen,  thirty-five 
thousand  dollars. 


1200 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[From  an  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  ninety-two,  and  for  other  purposes,’’  approved 
Mar.  3,  1891.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  26,  970.)] 

Pavement,  Capitol  Grounds. — For  taking  up  and  resurfacing  the  asphaltic  concrete 
pavement  at  the  eastern  front  of  the  Capitol,  forty  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  July  1,  1897.  (55 — 2,  House  Doc. 

No.  5,  Misc.  Repts.,  p.  538.)] 

The  general  plan  for  the  extension  of  electric  lighting  to  the  Capitol  Grounds  pro- 
posed to  substitute  for  unsatisfactory  gas  illumination,  arc  lights,  100  in  number,  to 
be  operated  from  the  dynamos  and  engines  within  the  Capitol  building.  This  prop- 
osition has  been  carried  to  a most  successful  issue  by  an  extensive  conduit  system 
radiating  from  the  building  to  the  various  points  to  be  illuminated.  A contract  was 
entered  into  with  J.  P.  Hall,  of  New  York  City,  who  executed  the  work  in  accord- 
ance with  plans  prepared  specially  for  the  purpose  in  this  office.  This  contractor 
also  successfully  carried  out  the  work  set  forth  in  additional  plans  for  the  ceilings 
over  the  two  halls  of  Congress,  contracts  for  which  were  awarded  him. 

In  addition  to  this,  the  force  of  electricians  in  the  employ  of  this  office  installed 
38  arc  lamps  not  provided  for  in  the  original  plans,  but  which  were  placed  about  the 
terrace  and  grand  stairways  and  at  the  four  principal  entrances  at  the  east  and  west 
fronts  of  the  Capitol  for  increased  illumination  and  better  policing  of  the  building. 

The  illumination  of  the  Capitol  Grounds  is  now  excellent. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Cornelius  N.  Bliss,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  16,  1897.  (55 — 2,  House 

Doc.  No.  5,  p.  cii.)] 

In  the  Capitol  Grounds  an  extensive  conduit  system  has  been  laid,  carrying  the 
electric  service  to  various  points  on  the  roadways  and  footwalks,  and  138  arc  lamps, 
all  operated  from  the  electric  machinery  within  the  Capitol  building,  have  been  in- 
stalled and  put  in  service.  The  Architect  states  that  the  illumination  of  the  grounds 
is  now  excellent  and  that,  better  protection  to  pedestrians  has  been  given  by  this 
service.  New  machinery  has  been  added  to  that  already  in  service  to  meet  the 
demands  of  this  extension. 


VI.  THE  TERRACES. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  3,  1875:  Congressional  Record,  43 — 2,  p.  2141.] 

SUNDRY  CIVIL  APPROPRIATION  BILL. 

The  Senate,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  resumed  the  consideration  of  the  bill 
(H.  R.  No.  4729)  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government 
for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1876,  and  for  other  purposes. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  I offer  an  amendment  to  insert  after  line  1008: 

For  terrace,  with  vaults,  on  west  face  and  north  and  south  returns  to  porticos,  and  solid  wall  for 
the  remainder,  according  to  plans  and  under  the  direction  of  Fred.  Law  Olmsted,  to  be  expended 
by  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  $300,000,  which  sum  shall  be  available  from  and  after  the  passage  of 
this  act. 

Several  Senators.  All  right! 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  1 will  not  say  a word  if  all  are  in  favor  of  it. 

A division  was  called  for. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  This  is  for  the  completion  of  the  western  front  of  the 
Capitol.  It  is  in  accordance  with  the  plans  that  have  been  seen  by  most  Senators 
and  I think  approved  by  every  one  who  has  seen  them,  made  by  Mr.  Olmsted.  It 
is  to  have  a terrace  extended  on  the  western  front  and  the  ends,  so  that  it  will  be 
fifty  feet  wide  and  it  will  cover  vaults  to  the  number  of  fifty-six,  forty  feet  in  length 
and  ten  feet  wide,  that  will  answer  for  the  storage  of  half  a million  documents,  which 
room  is  very  urgently  needed  both  by  Congress  and  by  the  Departments  that  have 
accumulated  large  amounts  of  documents  which  need  to  be  stowed  away.  It  will 
require  something  more  than  another  year  to  finish  it.  This  will  finish  the  two  ends 
and  the  front  as  far  as  the  center  part,  leaving  the  center  part  to  be  appropriated  for 
hereafter. 

I trust  that,  having  increased  the  appropriations  for  public  buildings  in  the  various 
cities,  we  shall  be  willing  to  take  this  small  amount  comparatively  to  what  we  appro- 
priated for  Cincinnati,  for  Chicago,  for  Saint  Louis,  for  Philadelphia,  and  for  New 
York,  for  the  final  completion  of  this  Capitol. 

Mr.  Thurman.  I wish  to  put  a question  to  the  Senator  from  Vermont.  This  appro- 
priation that  is  suggested,  if  I understood  the  reading  of  the  amendment,  is  $300,000? 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  It  is. 

Mr.  Thurman.  To  improve  the  grounds  on  the  west  end  of  the  Capitol,  in  pursu- 
ance of  the  plan  of  Mr.  Olmsted.  Am  I right  in  that? 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  It  is  for  the  terrace. 

Mr  Thurman.  Three  hundred  thousand  dollars  for  the  terrace? 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  Yes,  sir. 

Mr.  Thurman.  For  the  terrace  alone? 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  And  vaults;  and  I will  say  that  if  we  appropriated  a 
proper  sum  merely  for  the  taking  care  of  these  documents  it  would  require  a building 
that  would  cost  a larger  amount  than  all  that  I ask  for  at  the  present  time.  This  has 
been  recommended  unanimously  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 
I have  never  yet  seen  a republican  or  democrat  of  either  House  that  did  not  approve 
of  the  plan.  I have  never  seen  an  architect  that  did  not  approve  of  the  plan.  I 

H.  Rep.  640 76 


120  L 


1202 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


have  no  doubt  that  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  would  have  brought  it  back 
here  included  in  this  bill  if  we  had  passed  the  tax  and  tariff  bill  before  they  con- 
sidered the  subject. 

Air.  Thuruav.  If  t hese  $300,000  were  to  be  expended  in  beautifying  the  Capitol  or 
the  grounds  on  the  west  of  the  Capitol 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  Perfectly  plain  work. 

Mr.  Thurman.  Then  there  might  be  something  in  this  in  the  eye  of  an  artist;  but 
if  we  are  to  expend  $300,000  to  make  some  damp  vaults  to  stow  away  old  documents 
to  feed  rats,  I think  we  shall  be  throwing  away  our  money  just  about  as  foolishly  as 
any  one  can  possibly  suppose. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  Has  the  Senator  seen  the  design  as  it  is  prepared  by  Mr.  Olmsted? 

Mr.  Thurman.  No,  sir,  I have  not  seen  it,  and  I do  not  like  to  vote  in  the  dark  on 
what  I have  not  seen. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  I think  that  if  the  Senator  had  seen  the  design  he  would  have 
been  satisfied  that  it  is  a very  great  improvement  in  the  appearance  of  the  Capitol, 
to  say  nothing  of  the  vaults. 

Mr.  Thurman.  But  I did  not  understand  the  Senator’s  colleague  as  advocating  it 
on  the  ground  of  improving  the  appearance,  but  he  wants  to  save  these  old  docu- 
ments. 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  No,  Mr.  President;  I had  supposed  that  the  Senator 
from  Ohio  had  seen  the  plan  and  understood  it,  and  that  he  knew  that  in  addition 
to  being  a great  improvement  to  the  Capitol  it  would  also  serve  the  useful  purpose 
which  I suggested. 

Mr.  Thurman.  The  useful  purpose  of  putting  these  old  documents  where  the  moth 
doth  corrupt  and  where  the  rats  do  eat  and  thrive.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  Morrill,  of  Vermont.  The  Senator  cannot  be  unaware  that  at  the  Treasury 
Department  the  corridors  are  completely  filled  with  documents  that  must  be  pre- 
served for  generations,  and  there  must  be  room  made  for  them.  They  have  got  to 
be  supplied  with  some  place.  We  can  also  take  all  the  inferior  copyright  books,  the 
duplicate  books,  and  stow  those  away. 

Mr.  Thurman.  When  the  proper  time  comes  I shall  endeavor  to  show  that,  what 
has  been  said  by  other  Senators  is  strictly  correct,  that  you  must  have  some  other 
place  to  keep  the  books;  but  a cellar  or  a vault  is  not  the  place  to  keep  books.  At 
all  events,  when  you  are  taxing  the  people  thirty-odd  millions,  now,  in  the  present 
condition  of  the  country,  I am  not  willing  to  vote  $100,000  to  make  a cellar  to  keep 
old  books  in. 

The  Vice-President.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from 
Vermont. 

Mr.  Stevenson.  I ask  for  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

Mr.  Cameron.  I would  like  to  say  a word  before  the  yeas  and  nays  are  taken. 
Happening  to  be  a member  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  I 
have  become  acquainted  with  this  subject.  The  witticisms  of  the  Senator  from  Ohio 
have  entirely  changed  the  current  on  this  question  here.  He  has  made  the  Senate 
believe  that  this  is  a mere  convenience  for  keeping  documents.  It  is  no  such 
thing.  It  is  an  improvement  necessary  for  the  protection  of  the  Capitol,  to  add  to 
its  beauty.  This  Capitol  cannot  be  perfect,  as  the  architect  says  and  as  the  experi- 
enced gentleman  who  is  employed  to  take  care  of  the  grounds  says,  without  this 
expenditure.  The  making  of  the  vaults  is  not  merely  to  take  care  of  the  documents. 
The  vaults  will  be  there  and  if  by  those  in  authority  it  is  deemed  necessary  to  put 
documents  there  they  will  be  placed  there;  but  if  there  was  not  a document  to  be 
cared  for  this  expenditure  is  necessary  to  make  this  Capitol  perfect,  and  I am  sure 
that  every  Senator  feels  an  interest  in  the  beauty,  the  strength,  and  the  perpetuity, 
I was  going  to  say,  of  this  Capitol,  for  I trust  it  will  live  as  long  as  time  shall  last. 


The  Terraces. 


1203 


Mr.  Allison.  I only  desire  to  say  one  word  in  reference  to  this  proposition.  The 
Committee  on  the  Library  have  had  under  consideration  the  extension  of  the  west 
front  some  thirty-four  feet.  Now,  as  I understand  it,  this  proposition  of  a terrace 
will  interfere  with  that  question  of  the  extension  of  the  west  front.  I think  we 
ought  not  to  engage  in  the  construction  of  this  terrace  until  we  have  settled  finally 
the  question  of  improving  the  Capitol  on  the  west  front.  Therefore  I hope  the 
amendment  will  not  be  adopted. 

Mr.  Morton.  To  test  this  question  I move  to  lay  the  amendment  on  the  table. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to;  there  being  on  a division — ayes  23,  noes  18. 


From  the  annual  report  of  Carl  Schurz,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  1,  1877.  (45 — 2,  House  Ex. 

Doe.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  1,  p.  lii.)] 

In  relation  to  the  proposed  new  terrace  and  stairways  of  approach  at  the  western 
front,  the  Architect  says:  “The  rustic  terraces  at  that  front  have  a plain  and  unfinished 
appearance,  and  show  clearly  the  necessity  of  the  proposed  terrace-wall  in  order  to 
connect  the  grounds  with  the  building  in  a harmonious  manner.” 

Mr.  Olmsted  says,  on  this  subject,  “that  attention  should  be  called  to  the  great 
defects  of  the  present  arrangement  for  entering  the  Capitol  from  the  west.  The 
present  stairway  was  designed  with  reference  to  the  original  small  central  building, 
and  was  architecturally  inadequate  even  for  that.  It  now  seems  as  the  only  direct 
means  of  access  to  the  Capital  from  all  the  western  part  of  the  city,  and  is  not  only 
awkward  and  mean  in  appearance,  but  exceedingly  inconvenient,  and  rapidly 
approaching  a dangerous  condition. 

“The  obliteration  of  the  central  walk  and  the  completion  of  the  entrance  to  the 
approach  of  the  Capitol  from  Pennsylvania  avenue  which  is  designated  on  a scale 
corresponding  to  that  of  the  enlarged  Capitol,  will  make  the  defects  more  conspicuous. 

“The  immediate  construction  of  the  new  stairways  upon  the  plan  favorably 
reported  by  the  Committees  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  in  1875,  is  much  to  be 
desire  L” 


[Senate  proceedings  of  June  17,  1878:  Congressional  Record,  45 — 2,  p.s(729.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  sundry 
civil  bill  for  1879 — 

The  Secretary  resumed  the  reading  of  the  bill,  and  read  the  following  clause,  from 
lines  1467  to  1471: 

Improving  Capitol  grounds:  For  improving  Capitol  grounds  and  for  paving  Pennsylvania  avenue 
around  the  Naval  Monument,  $100,000;  to  be  expended  equally  and  judiciously  in  the  improvement 
of  the  approaches  to  both  the  Senate  and  House  wings  of  the  Capitol  building. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I offer  the  following  amendment,  to  come  in  after  the  word  “monu- 
ment,” in  line  1469: 

And  for  the  construction  of  the  terrace  and  grand  stairways  at  the  western  front  of  the  Capitol,  to 
be  erected  in  accordance  with  the  plans  of  Fred.  Law  Olmsted,  now  on  file  in  the  room  of  the  Com- 
mittee on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of  the  Seriate,  $150,000.  And  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the 
Architect  of  the  Capitol  to  cause  the  grounds  at  the  south  of  the  Capitol  to  be  improved  in  a similar 
and  equal  manner  with  those  at  the  north  of  the  Capitol. 

I will  merely  add  that  this  amendment  would  increase  the  appropriation  $50,000. 
While  we  are  making  appropriations  for  Saint  Louis  and  a half  dozen  different  pub- 
lic buildings  which  are  increased  a hundred  thousand  dollars  each,  I merely  desire 
to  have  this  system  completed.  I hope  it  will  be  completed  during  my  service  here. 

Mr.  Conkling.  Will  the  Senator  state  where  these  steps  are  to  be? 

Mr.  Morrill.  On  the  west  front. 

Mr.  Conkling.  Of  the  center  building? 


1204 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Morrill.  Yes,  sir. 

Mr.  Beck.  I desire  that  we  should  go  through  with  the  amendments  of  the  com- 
mittee first,  because  I hope  to  come  back  to  these  items  after  a while,  and  I shall 
move  to  strike  out  this  paragraph  altogether. 

Mr.  Windom.  I was  going  to  ask  the  Senator  from  Vermont  not  to  press  the 
amendment  at  this  time. 

Mr.  Beck.  I hope  he  will  not  press  it. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  amendments  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations 
have  priority. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I withdraw  my  amendment. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  amendment  is  withdrawn  for  the  present. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  June  18,  1878:  Congressional  Record,  45 — 2,  p.  4800.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  sundry 
civil  bill  for  1879 — 

Mr.  Beck.  I move  to  amend  the  bill  by  striking  out,  on  page  60,  from  line  1467  to 
line  1471,  inclusive. 

The  Secretary  read  the  amendment  proposed  to  be  stricken  out,  as  follows: 

Improving  Capitol  grounds:  For  improving  Capitol  grounds  and  for  paving  Pennsylvania  avenue 
around  the  Naval  Monument,  $100,000;  to  be  expended  equally  and  judiciously  in  the  improvement 
of  the  approaches  to  both  the  Senate  and  House  wings  of  the  Capitol  building. 

Mr.  Beck.  I desire  to  say  a few  words  about  that.  We  have  given,  as  Senators 
will  observe  by  looking  over  the  bill,  $55,000  for  work  on  the  Capitol  and  for  general 
repairs  thereof;  we  have  given  $100,000  for  the  repairs  of  the  Interior  Department. 
We  have  ordered  a new  building  to  be  erected  in  this  city  for  the  purpose  of  carrying 
on  the  work  of  the  Bureau  of  Engraving  and  Printing.  We  are  compelled  to  expend 
several  millions  on  the  new  War,  Navy,  and  State  Department  building.  We  are 
compelled  in  carrying  on  the  public  works  all  over  the  country  to  add  largely  to  the 
appropriations  with  which  this  bill  is  loaded  down.  Here  is  an  item  of  $100,000 
more  to  tear  up,  under  pretense  of  improvement,  the  whole  of  the  west  front  of  the 
Capitol  grounds,  to  adorn  them  with  stairways  I suppose,  which  will  cost  before  we 
get  through  over  a million  dollars,  probably  two. 

It  was  proposed  by  the  chairman  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and 
Grounds  yesterday  to  add  $50,000  to  this  item,  and  make  it  $150,000  instead  of 
$100,000,  which  is  the  amount  the  House  sent  to  us.  There  is  nothing  that  requires 
us  now  to  do  this,  no  public  necessity  that  I know  of  that  requires  us  to  tear  up  the 
grounds  at  the  west  side  of  the  Capitol  and  change  the  entrance  at  a time  of  exhausted 
finances  like  this.  If  we  begin  this  work  now  we  shall  have  to  spend  for  five  or  six 
consecutive  years  two,  three,  or  four  hundred  thousand  dollars  annually  to  ornament 
according  to  the  design  of  somebody  who  thinks  it  is  going  to  make  him  immortal  to 
have  his  name  in  the  grand  plan.  We  have  now  a couple  of  Dutch  spittoons  stand- 
ing out  on  the  east  front  of  the  Capitol,  costing  forty  or  fifty  thousand  dollars, 
intended,  I believe,  for  fountains.  We  now  find  it  will  require  two  or  three  hundred 
thousand  dollars  to  furnish  them  with  water  and  fix  them  up. 

The  economical  House  is  proposing  to  spend  $100,000  on  this  item,  and  the  Senate 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  desire  to  make  it  $150,000,  to  disfigure 
for  years  the  whole  western  front,  so  as  to  make  what  they  call  the  right  kind  of 
approaches  from  that  grand  Naval  Monument  on  the  avenue  which  I spoke  of  a little 
while  ago.  If  there  is  anything  in  this  country  that  can  wait  without  detriment  to 
the  public  service,  it  is  this  disturbing  of  the  public  grounds  around  the  Capitol. 

I move  to  strike  out  these  five  lines  because  there  is  no  doubt  after  all  we  have 
done  around  this  Capitol  that  it  is  in  tolerably  good  condition  at  present;  that  is 


The  Terraces. 


1205 


obvious;  and  if  we  ever  do  get  rich  enough  to  have  any  public  money  to  throw  away 
we  can  expend  it  on  these  approaches;  but  now  what  is  our  condition?  Everybody 
knows  that  the  Treasury  is  depleted,  that  the  Government  is  almost  bankrupt;  and 
yet  there  seems  to  lie  earnest  efforts  to  bankrupt  it  absolutely  in  every  form  by  giv- 
ing to  everybody  that  asks  anything  he  wants  when  there  is  no  means  of  raising  any 
more  revenue  from  any  source  than  we  are  collecting  now  as  everybody  admits,  when 
the  receipts  are  dwindling  and  diminishing  every  day,  as  the  chairman  of  the  Com- 
mittee on  Finance  tells  us.  He  told  us  the  other  day  that  the  Secretary  was  eleven 
million  below  his  own  estimates  of  revenue  this  year  up  to  this  time.  Surely,  at  such 
a time  there  is  no  necessity  upon  earth  for  spending  this  $100,000  in  making  approaches 
to  the  west  end  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Window.  I move  to  lav  the  amendment  on  the  table. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I ask  the  Senator  to  withdraw  the  motion  for  a single  moment. 

Mr.  Window.  I will  yield  to  the  Senator. 

Mr.  Morrill.  The  Senator  from  Kentucky  having  made  Ids  record  here  symmet- 
rical I hope  he  will  be  entirely  content  if  the  Senate  does  not  approve  of  his  propo- 
sition. 

Mr.  Beck.  I shall  certainly  have  it  done  by  the  yeas  and  nays  if  it  is  done. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I have  no  objection  to  the  yeas  and  nays.  I have  never  yet  been 
ashamed  of  a vote  that  I proposed  to  give. 

Now,  Mr.  President,  I ivas  directed  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and 
Grounds  to  move  an  amendment  increasing  this  appropriation  $50,000.  I ask  is  it 
not  passing  strange,  when  Senators  here  will  make  liberal  appropriations  for  com- 
pleting public  buildings  everywhere  else,  that  they  begrudge  ever}'  little  picayune 
amendment  here  and  compel  the  completion  of  these  grounds  to  be  procrastinated 
year  after  year?  The  House  of  Representatives  has  proposed  this  appropriation  of 
$100,000,  and  it  is  for  the  purpose  of  improving  the  walks  and  to  add  curb-stones, 
and  to  add  concrete  pavements  where  they  are  needed,  and  to  finish  up  the  south- 
western approach  like  the  northwestern  approach;  and  I am  astonished  that  any- 
body can  find  fault  with  an  appropriation  of  this  kind  which  tends  to  complete  these 
grounds.  There  is  some  just  cause  of  complaint  upon  the  south  side  of  the  grounds 
that  they  have  not  been  advanced  with  the  same  care  and  rapidity  as  those  on  the 
north  side. 

Mr.  President,  1 trust  that  if  no  amendment  is  proposed  to  add  anything  to  this 
sum  we  shall  not  quite  humor  the  Senator  from  Kentucky  by  striking  out  what  the 
House  has  already. 

Mr.  Beck.  I ask  the  Senator  from  Vermont  what  is  proposed  to  be  done  with  the 
$55,000  given  in  lines  1465  and  1466?  Why  is  not  that  $55,000  ample  for  all  repairs? 

Mr.  Morrill.  That  is  for  this  building,  the  various  repairs  that  are  every  year 
called  for  and  always  must  be. 

Mr.  Beck.  They  take  those  out  of  the  contingent  fund  of  the  Senate  and  House 
all  the  time. 

Mr.  Voorhees.  Mr.  President,  I have  not  taken  any  part  in  this  debate,  for  I shall 
content  myself  with  voting  against  this  bill  in  its  entirety  when  we  get  through,  if  I 
get  a chance.  I have  been  astounded  at  the  lavish  appropriations  t hat  are  passing 
through  Congress,  and  I desire  at  this  time  to  enter  my  protest,  so  far  as  I am  con- 
cerned, against  the  scale  of  expenditures  that  we  have  entered  upon.  The  item  that 
is  now  before  us  is  one  of  a number  of  entirely  useless  expenditures  of  the  public 
money. 

In  connection  with  the  plea  which  the  Senator  from  Vermont  makes  for  the 
adornment  of  our  grounds,  I desire  to  say  that  if  the  man  who  has  been  engaged  on 
these  west  grounds  had  died  before  he  began  nature  would  have  left  the  grounds 
much  more  sightly  than  they  are.  When  I came  here  nearly  twenty  years  ago  as  a 
member  of  Congress,  there  were  pleasant  and  beautiful  approaches  to  this  Capitol. 


] 206 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Now  they  are  ragged  and  unsightly.  I would  not  vote  one  dollar  for  the  man  who 
has  planned  these  grounds  to  continue  his  work  of  sacrilege  and  desecration  upon 
Capitol  Hill. 

1 have  listened  to  this  discussion  going  on  here  this  morning  with  a very  con- 
siderable interest.  We  appropriated  money  to  put  up  a scarecrow  down  at  the 
mouth  of  the  avenue  to  block  up  the  way  and  to  make  an  unsightly  approach  to  our 
Capitol.  This  morning  we  are  asked  to  appropriate  money  to  take  down  houses  to 
give  us  room  to  get  around  that  unsightly  pile,  and  I think  we  have  done  it,  but  I 
do  not  know.  At  least,  the  proposition  was  to  take  off  the  corners  there,  in  order 
to  give  us  room  to  drive  around  that  monument  of  stupidity  and  bad  taste.  An 
appropriation  of  course  will  have  to  be  made  to  take  it  away.  It  cannot  stand 
there  long.  If  there  is  not  taste  enough  in  this  generation  there  will  be  in  the  rising 
generation  to  remove  it  and  put  it  in  some  cemetery  or  burying-ground,  where  it 
bel  ongs. 

Now,  Mr.  President,  in  behalf  of  the  people  of  this  country  I hope  that  Congress 
will  let  things  alone  a little.  This  is  not  the  time  to  be  keeping  up  a system  of  what 
we  call  improvements,  which  is  really  a system  of  defacement  of  these  grounds,  and 
solely  for  the  purpose  of  employing  some  persons  who  call  themselves  engineers  of 
public  grounds  or  something  of  that  kind,  I hardly  know  how  to  characterize  them; 
landscape  gardener  has  been  suggested  as  a proper  designation.  This  bill,  however, 
considered  in  connection  with  a bill  whose  mention  will  not  be  offensive  to  my  friends 
sitting  around  me,  the  river  and  harbor  bill,  has  startled  me.  There  was  much  in 
the  river  and  harbor  bill  that  commended  itself  to  me,  appropriations  for  many  great 
enterprises.  The  general  scope  and  spirit  were  admirable,  but  like  this  bill  it  gath- 
ered up  as  it  went  along  every  conceivable  object,  trifling,  obscure,  and  in  my  judg- 
ment unworthy,  until  we  appropriated  some  nine  millions  of  money,  and  the  way  this 
is  going  on  by  the  time  we  get  through  it  will  be  like  one  of  those  huge  snowballs 
that  gather  up  everything  in  the  way  and  become  an  unsightly  deformity  to  our 
legislation.  As  I said  when  I got  up  I have  taken  no  part  in  this  debate,  although 
I have  watched  it  closely,  content  in  my  own  mind  to  oppose  as  I shall  all  expendi- 
tures of  the  public  money  on  such  a reckless  scale  and  for  such  purposes  as  these. 

Mr.  Window.  Mr.  President,  it  requires  a good  deal  of  courage  to  state  that  there 
has  been  no  improvement  in  the  condition  of  these  grounds  during  the  last  few  years. 

Mr.  Voorhees.  Let  me  ask  the  Senator  from  Minnesota  if  he  really  believes  that 
this  scraggy,  ragged  line  of  trees  down  here  are  as  handsome  to-day  as  those  beautiful 
chestnuts  which  lined  the  walk  when  he  and  I first  came  here  together  young  men 
in  the  other  branch  of  Congress.  If  he  answers  that  in  the  affirmative,  I despair  of 
his  lines  of  beauty,  of  his  vision,  of  his  appreciation. 

Mr.  Window.  I can  make  my  speech  to  satisfy  myself  better  than  the  Senator  is 
making  it,  if  he  will  allow  me.  1 was  about  to  say  that  it  took  a great  deal  of  courage 
to  declare  that  these  grounds  were  not  improved.  I remember  those  old  scraggy 
cottonwood  trees  that  existed  in  this  place  when  I first  came  here.  I remember  how 
carriages  used  to  stick  in  the  mud  when  they  drove  around  this  building.  I remem- 
ber once  distinctly  riding  in  a stage  within  a block  of  the  Patent  Office  and  having 
to  get  out  while  the  driver  pried  the  wheels  out  of  the  mud  with  rails.  I remember 
the  old  fence  that  stood  around  these  grounds.  I remember  their  dilapidated  con- 
dition; and  looking  upon  them  now,  I should  have  to  be  very  courageous  to  say  that 
there  was  no  improvement.  I move  to  lay  the  amendment  on  the  table. 

Mr.  Voorhees.  Ah,  Mr.  President,  the  Senator  from  Minnesota  begs  the  question. 

The  President  -pro  tempore.  The  motion  is  not  debatable.  The  Senator  from  Min- 
nesota has  moved  to  lay  the  motion  on  the  table. 

Mr.  Beck.  I ask  for  the  yeas  and  nays  on  that  motion. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

Mr.  Conkling.  Laying  the  motion  on  the  table  leaves  the  lines  in  the  bill. 


The  Terraces. 


1207 


The  President  pro  tempore.  That  is  the  effect. 

The  Secretary  proceeded  to  call  the  roll. 

The  roll-call  having  been  concluded,  the  result  was  announced — yeas  24,  nays  27 ; 
as  follows:  * * * 

So  the  motion  was  not  agreed  to. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  question  recurs  on  the  amendment  of  the  Senator 
from  Kentucky,  [Mr.  Beck.] 

Mr.  Morrill.  I ask  for  the  yeas  and  nays. 

The  yeas  and  nays  were  ordered. 

Mr.  Morrill.  If  this  section  is  stricken  out  there  will  not  be  a dollar  expended  on 
these  grounds  for  a year  to  come,  and  I hope  it  will  not  be  stricken  out. 

The  question  being  taken  by  yeas  and  nays,  resulted — yeas  23,  nays  25;  as  follows: 
* * * 

So  the  amendment  was  not  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Beck.  I desire  to  again  have  a vote  on  this  amendment  when  the  bill  is 
reported  to  the  Senate. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  June  9,  1880:  Congressional  Record,  46—2,  p.  4329.] 

The  Senate,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  having  under  consideration  the  sundry 
civil  bill  for  1881 — 

Mr.  Morrill.  In  line  962,  I move  to  strike  out,  after  the  word  “grounds,” 
“$60,000,”  and  to  insert  “and  for  the  construction  of  stairways  on  the  western  front 
of  the  Capitol,  $150,000;”  so  as  to  read: 

Improving  Capitol  grounds:  For  continuing  the  work  on  the  Capitol  grounds  and  for  the  construc- 
tion of  stairways  on  the  western  front  of  the  Capitol,  $150,000. 

I desire  to  say  that  we  are  making  appropriations  for  public  buildings  all  over  the 
country;  we  have  just  made  one  of  as  large  an  amount  as  this  would  require  for  a 
light-house  on  Lake  Superior;  and  yet  the  stairs  on  the  west  front  of  the  Capitol  have 
been  neglected  for  years.  It  does  seem  to  me  that  it  is  important,  it  is  for  the  con- 
venience of  the  members  of  the  House  and  of  the  Senate,  that  we  should  do  some- 
thing to  complete  the  western  front  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Beck  rose. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I trust  that  there  will  be  no  objection  upon  the  part  of  my  friend 
from  Kentucky  to  an  addition  to  the  bill  for  the  purpose  of  the  stairways  that  we 
have  now,  which  are  a reproach  to  any  people,  and  that  there  shall  be  an  appropria- 
tion made  for  new  stairs  on  the  west  front  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Beck.  The  matter  was  considered  with  a great  deal  of  care  by  the  Committee 
on  Appropriations,  and  was  very  well  presented  by  the  Senator  from  Vermont.  The 
serious  difficulty  we  had  about  it  was  simply  this,  that  the  plan  for  the  improvement 
of  the  front  of  the  Capitol  is  not  yet  determined  on.  What  it  will  be,  what  will  be 
the  cost,  we  do  not  know;  neither  has  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and 
Grounds  determined.  While  we,  of  course,  are  compelled  to  make  very  large  expend- 
itures where  they  are  absolutely  necessary,  we  could  not  see  the  necessity  of  build- 
ing stairways  to  approach  a building  which  itself  had  not  yet  been  determined  on 
and  the  character  of  the  plan  of  which  was  not  even  yet  laid  before  any  committee 
of  the  House  or  the  Senate. 

The  plan  may  be  so  changed  before  it  is  adopted  that  the  stairways  that  we  would 
build  now  would  not  suit  at  all,  would  neither  be  in  correspondence  with  it  nor  be 
in  the  place  where  they  ought  to  be.  It  seemed  like  spending  money  simply  because 
we  had  money  to  spend  to  build  an  approach  to  a thing  that  did  not  exist  or  that 


1208 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


might  have  to  be  torn  away,  as  it  seems  to  be  the  general  plan  all  around  this  Capitol 
to  put  up  one  year  and  tear  away  the  next.  They  are.  building  a thing  down  here 
now  on  this  side  of  the  public  grounds.  I do  not  know  what  it  is.  I heard  that  it 
was  a house  for  some  man’s  monkey.  No  man  knows  what  it  is.-  It  is  an  eye-sore 
there  now.  They  have  been  changing  all  around.  They  have  a pair  of  things  out- 
side the  Capitol  here  that  look  like  Dutch  spittoons.  They  are  said  to  be  very  beau- 
tiful. They  have  built  steps  now  from  Pennsylvania  avenue,  from  the  monument 
there — what  do  you  call  it?  A war  monument,  I believe. 

Several  Senators.  The  naval  monument. 

Mr.  Beck.  The  naval  monument,  and  a beautiful  monument  it  is!  From  there 
they  have  built  steps  that  no  man  can  step  from  one  to  another.  They  are  so  badly 
constructed  that  one  cannot  make  two  steps  out  of  them.  While  a Senator  may  be 
perfectly  safe,  some  friend  coming  down  from  the  Capitol  may  break  his  neck.  They 
will- be  pulled  away  in  less  than  another  year.  Now  it  is  desired  to  put  up  another 
stairway  to  a building  the  plan  of  which  we  know  nothing  about,  which  is  simply 
going  on  and  spending  money  unnecessarily. 

It  was  the  unanimous  determination  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  that  this 
thing  could  wait  until  we  see  what  we  are  going  to  do,  and  I do  hope  the  Senate  will 
sustain  the  committee  in  their  determination. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I think  the  Senator  from  Kentucky  has  made  but  one  just  criticism, 
and  that  is  in  relation  to  the  steps  here.  I am  ready  to  agree  with  him  most  cordially 
that  there  is  a mistake  in  the  height  of  the  steps  from  Pennsylvania  avenue  to  the 
western  stairway.  So  far  as  the  building  going  up  on  the  right-hand  side  is  con- 
cerned, a place  of  rest,  I think  the  Senator  had  better  wait  until  it  is  completed.  It 
is  a very  inexpensive  affair,  costing  only  §2,200,  and  when  it  is  completed  I think 
the  expectation  is  that  it  will  prove  one  of  the  handsomest  decorations  about  the 
grounds. 

In  relation  to  the  lai-ge  “Dutch  spittoons”  I ought  to  say,  in  order  that  others  as 
well  as  the  Senator  from  Kentucky  may  know  what  the  original  purpose  was  of 
those  bronze  vases  upon  the  east  side  of  the  Capitol,  that  it  was  the  intention  of  the 
artist  that  they  should  be  filled  with  jets  of  water  so  as  to  throw  up  water  in  the 
form  of  a half  globe,  and  that  the  interior  should  be  lighted  with  gas  jets,  so  that  in 
the  evening  it  would  always  present  a rainbow.  If  this  flow  of  water  there  making 
a regular  half  circle  over  the  entire  top  shall  be  completed,  it  will  then  present  a 
very  beautiful  feature  of  the  grounds  upon  the  eastern  side  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  McDonald.  I should  like  to  ask  the  Senator  from  Vermont  what  this  struc- 
ture is,  what  is  it  called? 

Mr.  Morrill.  Which? 

Mr.  McDonald.  What  is  the  name  of  the  structure  down  here  in  the  grounds? 

Mr.  Morrill.  It  is  a summer  rest,  I believe,  sir.  [Laughter.] 

Mr.  McMillan.  Does  the  Senator  mean  that  it  has  been  resting  all  summer? 
[Laughter.  ] 

Mr.  Morrill.  The  observations  of  the  Senator  from  Kentucky  about  the  front  of 
the  Capitol  I think  have  no  foundation,  for  it  will  make  no  difference  whether  the 
steps  come  within  a few  feet  more  or  less  of  the  front  of  the  Capitol,  they  will  always 
come  upon  a parapet;  therefore,  that  objection  is  removed.  The  old  steps  are 
worn  out;  and  it  is  hardly  practicable  to  get  over  them  in  the  winter  season,  and 
they  are  unsightly  at  any  time.  It  seems  to  me  that  it  is  quite  time  that  they  should 
be  removed  and  something  better  placed  in  their  stead. 

Mr.  Teller.  I should  like  to  ask  by  whose  authority  this  summer’s  rest  was  built? 
I ask  the  Senator  from  Vermont,  as  he  seems  to  know  about  it. 

Mr.  Morrill.  It  was  built  by  authority  of  Mr.  Olmstead. 

Mr.  Teller.  Are  those  questions  submitted  to  Congress,  and  do  we  know  any- 
thing about  them  beforehand? 


The  Terraces. 


1209 


Mr.  Morrill.  No,  sir. 

Mr.  Teller.  I think  if  he  is  going  to  build  any  more  summer  rests  or  roosts,  the 
matter  had  better  be  submitted  to  Congress.  It  is  a blemish,  I think,  to  the  grounds. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from 
Vermont. 

Mr.  Anthony.  I hope  the  amendment  will  be  agreed  to.  The  steps  on  the  west 
front  of  the  Capitol  are  not  only  unsightly,  but  they  are  unsafe.  I appeal  to  my 
vigilant  friend,  the  Senator  from  West  Virginia,  whom  I do  not  see  in  his  seat,  and 
who  is  always  in  favor  of  economy,  to  support  this  amendment  on  economical 
grounds.  We  are  in  danger  of  breaking  our  necks  every  time  we  go  up  and  down 
those  steps,  and  it  costs  $5,000  to  bury  a member  of  Congress.  [Laughter.]  I think 
it  would  be  a measure  of  economy  to  adopt  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Davis,  of  West  Virginia.  The  general  rule  is  not  to  go  down  the  steps,  but  to 
go  the  other  road. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from 
Vermont  [Mr.  Morrill]: 

The  amendment  was  rejected;  there  being,  on  a division — ayes  16,  noes  23. 


[From  the  report  of  F.  H.  Cobb,  engineer,  given  in  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of 
the  Capitol,  Oct.  1,  1880.  (46 — 3,  House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  2,  p.  438.)] 

The  improvements  have  always  contemplated  the  erection  of  the  grand  stairways 
on  the  west  front  as  part  of  the  original  design  adopted  by  Congress,  and  all  work 
has  been  done  with  reference  to  the  removal  of  the  two  earthen  terraces  and  the 
substitution  of  marble. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  Oct.  1,  1881.  (47 — 1,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  2,  pp.  825  and  832.)] 

In  relation  to  the  proposed  terrace  I invite  especial  attention  to  the  letter  of  Mr. 
F.  Law  Olmsted,  which  is  herewith  appended. 

* * * 

October  1,  1881. 

Sir:  When  the  new  wings  of  the  Capitol  had  been  built,  much  of  its  due  value  was 
evidently  lost  because  of  the  incongruous  objects  by  which  it  was  surrounded  and 
the  unfavorable  circumstances  under  which  it  had  to  be  observed.  Congress  then 
ordered  the  demolition  of  the  nearest  adjacent  buildings  and  a design  to  be  prepared 
for  a suitable  laying  out  of  an  enlarged  Capitol  ground. 

At  this  time  the  earth  thrown  out  from  the  foundations  having  been  heaped  up 
within  geometric  outlines  and  grassed  over,  had  begun  to  be  known  as  the  tetrace. 
In  the  climate  of  Washington  a semblance  of  turf  laid  on  a steep  formal  bank  is  often 
for  long  periods  as  devoid  of  verdure  or  of  any  quality  of  beauty  or  architectural 
dignity  as  a dust-heap.  Under  the  most  favorable  circumstances  it  must  appear  but  a 
shabby  make-shift  for  a terrace  suited  to  the  situation  and  adapted,  as  such  a terrace 
would  be,  to  support  and  augment  the  grand  effect  of  so  august  a structure  as  the 
Capitol.  The  term  thus  rather  suggests  what  is  left  lacking  than  what  is  supplied  by 
the  earthwork  in  question. 

At  once  impressed  with  this  consideration,  when  I had  the  honor  to  be  asked  to 
prepare  a plan  for  laying  out  the  ground  my  first  step  was  to  ask  your  assent,  as 
Archcitect  of  the  Capitol,  to  the  introduction  of  a feature  at  the  base  of  the  building 
designed  to  remedy  this  defect.  Your  assent  having  been  promptly  and  cordially 
given,  and  the  general  character  of  the  structure  for  the  purpose  provisionally  agreed 
upon,  the  entire  plan  of  the  grounds  was  afterwards  worked  out  with  constant  refer- 
ence to  it. 


1210 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Before  presenting  the  plan  to  the  joint  committee  of  Congress  having  oversight  of 
the  work,  scaffolds  were  set  up  to  indicate  the  dimensions  of  the  proposed  terrace  and 
to  aid  judgment  of  its  effect  on  the  building.  The  committee,  after  taking  counsel 
with  you,  called  in,  also,  with  reference  to  the  particular  question  of  the  terrace, 
your  venerable  predecessor,  Mr.  Walter,  and  then  Architect  of  the  Treasury,  Mr. 
Potter,  both  of  whom  warmly  supported  the  proposition. 

After  prolonged  consideration  the  entire  plan  was  approved  and  favorably  reported 
by  the  committee  without  a dissenting  voice  and  subsequently  adopted  by  Congress. 

Photographic  copies  of  the  plan  and  the  prospective  sketch  of  the  terrace  have 
since  been  widely  distributed.  In  the  several  years  that  they  have  been  under 
review  but  one  criticism  is  known  to  have  been  drawn  out.  It  assumes  that  the  ter- 
race would  injuriously  intercept  view's  of  the  lower  part  of  the  Capitol  building  as  it 
now  stands.  If  the  assumption  wrere  sound  it  should  have  condemned  the  entire 
plan  of  the  grounds,  since  mainly  carried  into  execution.  To  understand  its  unsound- 
ness it  needs  to  be  considered  that  the  full  proportions  and  beauty  of  a great  building 
like  the  Capitol  can  only  be  comprehended  from  a distance  at  w'hich  its  various  parts 
will  fall  into  a satisfactory  perspective.  Accordingly,  in  planning  the  grounds,  after 
determining  as  before  stated  upon  the  general  character  of  the  terrace,  the  next  step 
was,  again  in  consultation  with  you  as  the  Architect,  to  fix  upon  twelve  points  of  view 
from  which  the  Capitol  would  be  seen  to  advantage  in  as  many  different  aspects. 
The  route  and  grade  of  the  various  roads  and  walks  leading  in  from  the  several  points 
of  entrance  determined  by  the  abutting  streets;  the  shaping  of  the  surface  elsewhere 
and  the  disposition  of  the  trees  and  shrubbery  upon  it,  as  well  as  the  planning  of  the 
terrace  in  more  detail,  was  then  determined  in  studious  adjustment  to  these  points 
of  view,  care  being  taken,  of  course,  that  no  part  of  the  building  should  be  undesirably 
obscured  from  any  one  of  them. 

To  accomplish  the  object  the  terrace  was  so  designed  that  its  upper  line  would,  at 
critical  points,  be  a few  inches  below  the  height  of  the  present  earthworks,  and  these, 
from  any  point  at  which  a pleasing  full  viewr  of  the  Capitol  can  be  had,  will  be  found 
to  barely  obscure  the  granite  base  stones  upon  which  the  marble  walls  of  the  Capitol 
rest.  An  examination  of  the  premises  can  thus  easily  be  made  by  any  one  inter- 
ested which  will  show  the  alleged  objection  to  be  groundless. 

Considering  that  the  motive  which  has  mainly  controlled  the  outlay  of  more  than 
ten  millions  of  dollars  on  the  Capitol  is  that  of  investing  the  Halls  of  Congress  and 
the  Supreme  Court  with  suitable  dignity  and  beauty,  it  will  be  found  that  the  sum 
required  for  adding  the  proposed  terrace  will,  as  the  entire  structure  now  stands, 
accomplish  more  to  that  end  than  an  equal  amount  has  done  anywhere  heretofore 
expended  on  it. 

For  example,  the  terrace  being  supplied: 

First.  The  western  front  of  the  building  will  appear  as  standing  on  a much  firmer 
base,  and  thus  gam  greatly  in  the  supreme  qualities  of  stability,  endurance,  and 
repose. 

Second.  The  marble  mass,  being  larger  in  all  its  dimensions  as  well  as  more  firmly 
planted,  will  no  longer  be  overpowered  and  as  it  were  put  out  of  countenance  by  its 
crowning  feature,  the  dome. 

Third.  The  opportunity  of  the  higher  relative  elevation,  the  more  genial  exposure, 
and  the  far-spreading,  varied,  and  charming  landscape  of  the  Potomac  front,  now 
lost  to  most  who  visit  the  Capitol,  will  be  turned  to  profitable  account,  and  the  more 
so  because  of  the  freedom  of  the  west  side  from  the  disturbance  of  carriages,  and  the 
immediate  presence  of  a foreground  harmonious  in  forms  and  color  with  the  distant 
Virginia  horizon. 

Fourth  The  larger  part  of  the  city,  the  Executive  Mansion  and  the  other  govern- 
ment buildings  will  no  longer  appear  to  tail  off  to  the  rear  of  the  Capitol,  but  what 
has  been  considered  its  rear  v ill  be  recognized  as  its  more  dignified  and  stately  front. 


The  Terraces. 


1211 


Fifth.  Yet  another  gain  is  to  be  accomplished  by  the  terrace,  the  value  of  which  is 
not  perhaps  as  readily  to  be  appreciated  in  advance  as  those  above  enumerated,  but 
which  is  assured  by  much  experience.  1 1 is  the  augmentation  of  architectural  effect  in 
a structure  of  classic  style,  where  there  stands  interposed  between  it  and  the  adjacent 
ground  a considerable  feature,  partaking  of  its  leading  characteristics  and  extending 
its  material,  yet  carrying  up  toward  it  some  outgrowths  as  it  were  of  natural  decora- 
tion. So  seldom  has  anything  been  done  with  us  to  secure  this  advantage,  and  it 
seems  so  little  a matter  of  familiar  knowledge,  that  it  is  available  that  I will  add  to 
my  assertion  of  it,  in  a note  at  the  end  of  this  report,  the  evidence  of  two  out  of 
many  masters  of  art  who  might  be  quoted  for  that  purpose. 

Of  the  advantages  of  the  terrace  as  planned  otherwise  than  with  a view  to  archi- 
tectural effect,  I will  briefly  refer  to  two  only: 

First.  The  increased  convenience  which  it  will  offer  to  all  visiting  the  Capitol, 
coming  from  the  west  on  foot. 

Second.  The  provision  which  it  will  afford  of  spacious,  dry,  fire-proof,  and  other- 
wise secure  and  suitable  exterior  vaults  for  the  storing,  handling,  and  using  of  coal 
and  all  other  supplies  needed  for  the  business  of  the  Capitol,  but  which  cannot  be 
brought  within  its  walls  proper,  without  also  bringing  dirt,  noise,  and  confusion  too 
near  its  halls  and  offices. 

Respectfully,  Fred’k  Law  Olmsted, 

Landscape  Architect. 

Edward  Clark,  Esq., 

Architect  of  the  Capitol. 


[From  the  report  of  F.  H.  Cobb,  engineer,  given  in  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of 
the  Capitol,  Oct.  1,  1881.  (47 — 1,  House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  2,  p.  823.)] 

The  completion  of  the  lawns  and  approaches  on  the  west  side  bring  into  greater 
prominence  the  want  of  symmetry  existing  between  the  old  plan  and  the  new. 

When  the  upright  marble  walls  and  central  approaches  shall  be  substituted,  with 
their  broad  landing  places  and  stairways,  carrying  the  steps  far  out  into  the  west 
lawn,  the  wide  walks  which  now  converge  towards  the  center  will  be  in  harmony 
with  them.  At  present  the  narrow  and  steep  central  steps,  being  out  of  proportion 
both  to  the  new  plan  and  the  Capitol  building,  present  a cramped  and  undignified 
appearance.  They  are  also  difficult  of  ascent,  and  dangerous  in  the  winter  months. 
There  is  about  50  feet  of  elevation  to  overcome,  and  whatever  plan  is  eventually 
carried  into  execution  must  of  necessity  follow  these  general  principles,  so  that  the 
walks  now  finished  will  be  in  their  proper  position. 

Owing  to  the  uncertainty  respecting  the  terraces,  the  lawns  immediately  surround- 
ing them  have  been  left  unchanged,  and  to  a certain  extent  uncared  for. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Aug.  1.  1882:  Congressional  Record,  47 — 1,  p.  6730.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  sundry 
civil  bill  for  1883 — 

The  reading  of  the  bill  was  resumed.  The  next  amendment  of  the  Committee  on 
Appropriations  was,  in  line  1648,  after  the  word  “grounds,”  to  strike  out  “including 
permanent  approaches  to  the  House  and  Senate  wings;”  in  line  1650,  after  the  word 
“of,”  to  strike  out  “landscape  architect;”  and  in  line  1651,  after  the  word  “work- 
men,” to  strike  out  “seventy-five”  and  insert  “twenty-five;”  so  as  to  make  the 
clause  read: 

For  improving  the  Capitol  grounds:  For  continuing  the  work  of  the  improvement  of  the  Capitol 
grounds,  pay  of  one  clerk,  and  wages  of  mechanics,  gardeners,  and  workmen,  925,000. 

Mr.  Vest.  I trust  that  the  Senate  will  reject  these  amendments  proposed  by  the 
committee.  The  Joint  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  have  considered 


1212 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


in  detail  and  with  great  care  the  expediency  of  making  these  improvements  on  the 
wings  of  the  Capitol.  Every  Senator  present  must  know  from  personal  observation 
that  these  improvements  must  be  made.  Twenty-five  thousand  dollars  is  utterly 
inadequate  to  this  work.  If  the  amount  is  reduced  from  $75,000  to  $25,000  it  is 
simply  saying  that  the  work  shall  not  be  done,  at  least  for  the  present. 

In  regard  to  the  next  amendment  of  the  committee,  which  I might  as  well  discuss 
now  very  briefly,  the  committee  propose  to  strike  out  any  appropriation  for  the  land- 
scape architect.  I undertake  to  say  that  he  is  one  of  the  best  officers  in  the  employ 
of  the  Government.  He  has  made  these  grounds  a marvel  of  beauty.  He  stands  at 
the  head  of  his  profession,  and  he  has  never  received  more  than  one  full  year’s 
salary.  For  what  purpose  the  committee  now  propose  to  virtually  abolish  this  offi- 
cer I am  unable  to  see.  They  leave  a clerk  here,  for  whom  there  is  no  necessity 
really.  There  is  not  half  so  much  necessity  for  a clerk  as  there  is  for  the  employ- 
ment of  this  architect.  It  is  simply  impossible  to  perfect  these  grounds  and  make 
the  necessary  improvements  unless  the  services  of  this  official  are  retained. 

I have  not  heard  from  the  committee  what  their  reasons  may  be,  and  I cannot 
imagine  how  the  beauty  of  these  grounds  is  to  be  preserved,  how  they  are  to  be 
made  worthy  of  this  magnificent  building  and  of  this  great  nation,  if  the  services  of 
the  man  whose  genius  and  skill  have  done  more  than  all  other  causes  combined  to 
put  them  in  their  present  condition,  imperfect  though  it  is,  are  to  be  dispensed  with. 
I hope  that  these  amendments  will  not  be  adopted  by  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Morrill.  Mr.  President,  I am  very  certain  that  the  Committee  on  Appropria- 
tions had  not  the  information  that  was  necessary  to  decide  upon  this  subject.  It 
was  very  carefully  considered  by  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  in  the  House, 
and  if  it  had  been  supposed  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  of 
the  Senate  that  there  was  any  disposition  to  cut  this  down  from  the  small  appropria- 
tion made  by  the  House  they  certainly  would  have  appeared  before  the  Senate  Com- 
mittee on  Appropriations.  Instead  of  the  full  sum  appropriated  by  the  House  it 
really  ought  to  be  a sum  very  much  larger,  for  we  really  ought  to  complete  the 
approaches  to  this  Capitol  both  upon  the  front  and  upon  the  wings.  Of  this  appro- 
priation of  $75,000,  $50,000  will  be  required  to  be  spread  over  the  grounds  to  put  on 
more  stone- work  and  to  make  various  improvements  that  are  already  in  progress; 
and  only  $25,000  was  intended  to  cover  the  approaches  from  the  two  ends  at  the 
Senate  and  House  wings  of  the  Capitol.  Every  one  knows  the  awkward  condition 
they  are  now  in,  and  it  is  very  desirable  that  they  should  be  improved  for  the  con- 
venience of  Senators  and  members  of  the  House. 

I trust  that  the  committee  will  not  insist  upon  their  amendment. 

Mr.  Allison.  Mr.  President,  I have  no  doubt  the  Senator  from  Vermont  states 
correctly  when  he  states  that  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  knew  nothing  about 
this.  Of  course  we  did  not  know  as  much  about  it  as  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings  and  Grounds,  but  we  believed  that  it  was  not  a wise  thing  to  enter  upon 
the  permanent  approaches  to  the  House  and  Senate  for  the  reason  that  we  knew  that 
to  complete  these  approaches  would  cost  about  $600,000,  and  we  did  not  believe  that 
the  sum  of  $75,000  was  worth  while  as  an  amount  to  be  ajiplied  to  such  a purpose.  I 
have  learned  that  the  only  object  of  this  appropriation  is  to  arrange  the  grounds  on 
the  north  wing  of  the  Capitol  where  we  enter  now  to  the  main  eastern  entrance  and 
also  on  the  like  wing  of  the  House  of  Representatives.  If  that  is  the  only  object  of 
the  appropriation,  I do  not  know  that  I have  any  great  objection.  I think  we  had 
better  fix  the  amount  the  same  as  was  fixed  last  year,  $60,000. 

Mr.  Morrill.  That  will  not  do  anything,  because  it  will  take  $50,000  for  the  com- 
pletion of  the  stone  walls  along  about  the  grounds. 

Mr.  Allison.  The  landscape  architect  stated  that  he  could  build  the  wall  as  sug- 
gested in  this  paragraph  for  much  less  than  $25,000. 

Mr.  Morrill.  Yes;  but  he  said  he  could  not  build  both  of  them  for  $25,000. 


The  Terraces. 


1213 


Mr.  Allison.  I know.  Is  $50,000  required  for  these  two  walls? 

Mr.  Morrill.  No;  I do  not  know  precisely  the  amount  required,  but  $50,000  is 
required  for  the  other  improvements  that  are  going  on  on  the  central  grounds  and 
other  places. 

Mr.  Allison.  I will  modify  the  amendment  of  the  committee  by  inserting  “sixty” 
instead  of  “ seventy-five,”  and  let  the  Senate  do  as  it  chooses. 

Mr.  Morrill.  That  will  not  be  enough. 

Mr.  Plumb.  I should  like  to  ask  the  Senator  from  Vermont,  not  in  any  spirit  of 
criticism,  what  is  the  cost  of  keeping  the  grounds  in  order,  if  he  knows,  without  any 
improvement  upon  them  at  all? 

Mr.  Morrill.  I know  that  there  is  not  a sufficient  amount  so  that  they  can  be 
kept  in  such  order  as  they  onght,  to  be;  but  the  precise  amount  that  is  expended  to 
keep  them  in  order  I do  not  know. 

Mr.  Plumb.  It  seems  to  me  we  ought,  at  least,  to  have,  out  of  the  appropriation  we 
make,  the  grounds  kept  in  good  fair  order.  They  look  to  me  like  an  abandoned 
patch  just  now.  Certainly  there  are  no  private  grounds  that  I know  of  anywhere 
in  any  country  where  it  rains  where  the  evidence  of  drought  is  more  visible  than  on 
these  grounds  at  this  moment.  Looking  back  now  nearly  six  years  that  I have  been 
here,  and  considering  the  large  sum  of  money  appropriated  every  year,  it  does  seem 
to  me  that  a very  considerable  portion  of  it  must  have  been  used  after  the  fashion 
that  Mr.  Girard,  I think  it  was,  was  said  to  have  employed  a man  who  wanted 
employment  to  take  coal  out  of  his  bin  and  put  it  back  again.  I cannot  certainly 
see,  with  the  eyes  I have  been  blessed  with,  that  very  much  has  been  done  with  a 
very  large  sum  of  money. 

My  idea  about  it  would  be — and  I express  it  with  the  utmost  deference,  not  only 
to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  but  the  chairman  of  the  com- 
mittee, for  whose  judgment  and  taste  I have  the  highest  respect — that  we  ought  to 
appropriate  a sum  of  money  enough  to  keep  the  grounds  in  order,  and  it  ought  to  be 
applied  to  that  purpose.  Then  we  shall  know  whether  what  we  appropriate  is 
properly  spent  or  not.  It  seems  now  we  are  appropriating  a certain  sum  which 
can  be  used  one  way  or  the  other,  according  as  the  fever  for  improvements  or  the 
fever  for  keeping  up  the  grounds  is  uppermost,  and  the  consequence  is  that  we  do 
not  get  the  grounds  kept  in  good  shape  and  we  do  not  get  the  improvements  made 
on  them. 

I have  seen  the  plan  suggested  by  Mr.  Olmsted.  I do  not  want  to  disparage  him 
by  saying  that  1 would  indorse  it  at  all,  though  it  seems  to  me  on  the  whole  pretty 
fair,  but  we  ought  to  do  the  work  in  some  way  so  that  we  may  get  during  a twelve- 
month  something  that  is  completed  visibly,  perceptibly,  for  the  money  we  spend. 
As  it  is  now,  doing  a little  here  and  a little  there,  tearing  down  and  building  up, 
putting  up  a few  curbstones  here,  and  a few  there,  we  do  not  seem  to  make  any  real, 
tangible,  substantial  progress  in  the  work  of  improving  and  beautifying  these  grounds 
and  making  this  Capitol  what  it  ought  to  be. 

I admit  much  ought  to  be  done.  I should  be  glad  to  see  that  unsightly  deformity 
on  the  west  front  of  the  Capitol  removed  or  in  some  way  modified,  but  it  seems  to 
me  that  we  are  pursuing  the  matter  now  in  a way  that  does  not  yield  any  result. 

Mr.  Morrill.  If  I shall  live,  I will  endeavor  to  have  a sum  sufficient  appropriated 
next  year  that  will  satisfy  the  Senator  from  Kansas.  But  certainly  according  to  his 
suggestion  there  should  not  be  any  diminution  from  this  little  sum  that  is  proposed, 
barely  $25,000  for  the  approaches  on  the  ends  of  the  wings  of  the  Capitol,  and  these 
should  be  made  whether  the  terrace  is  completed  or  not.  We  want  better  approaches 
on  each  end  of  the  Capitol  for  the  House  and  for  the  Senate.  I trust  the  Senate  will 
be  unanimous  in  favor  of  retaining  the  House  provision. 

Mr.  Beck.  I consented  to  striking  down  the  amount  to  the  small  sum  now  given 
in  order  to  allow  the  Capitol  grounds  to  be  let  alone  for  a year.  I knew  very  well 
that  if  the  language  “including  permanent  approaches  to  the  House  and  Senate 


1214 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


wings  ” remained,  it  could  be  construed  to  mean  to  make  the  beginning  of  these  per- 
manent approaches  of  which  we  have  had  some  beautiful  pictures  on  the  west  side  of 
the  Capitol,  which  would  cost  in  my  judgment  several  hundred  thousand  dollars — 
how  many  I do  not  know.  If  we  are  going  to  make  these  permanent  approaches, 
fifty,  or  sixty,  or  seventy  thousand  dollars  is  not  more  than  enough  to  tear  up  what 
we  already  have,  and  then  we  should  be  in  a condition  where  we  should  be  obliged 
to  give  whatever  was  asked  for.  I do  not  want  to  make  approaches  to  the  Capitol 
in  that  way. 

Mr.  Morrill.  The  Senator  from  Kentucky  will  understand  that  this  does  not  tear 
up  anything.  It  merely  appropriates  $25,000  for  these  approaches. 

Mr.  Beck.  I do  not  know  whether  it  does  or  not,  for  there  is  nothing  before  us  to 
indicate.  Approaches  have  been  made  from  Maryland  avenue  and  Pennsylvania 
avenue,  and  steps  have  been  laid  and  steps  have  been  torn  up  again,  and  sidewalls 
have  been  built. 

Mr.  Morrill.  Nothing  has  been  torn  up  since  the  present  landscape  architect  has 
had  charge ; not  a foot  of  earth  has  been  changed  or  moved  since  he  has  had  charge. 

Mr.  Beck.  We  had  steps  made  three  or  four  feet  wide  at  one  time,  and  a man 
could  not  step  from  one  to  the  other;  and  they  have  been  changed  within  the  last 
year  or  two,  I know,  and  I think  the  change  is  a good  one.  These  grand  approaches 
that  are  spoken  of  here  may  be  according  to  the  very  plan  that  the  Senator  from 
Massachusetts  [Mr.  Dawes]  has  hung  up  in  his  room  for  extending  the  west  front 
out  so  as  to  provide  for  the  Library.  I do  not  Want  to  approach  matters  that  way. 
If  we  are  going  to  invest  a large  sum  of  money  to  make  approaches  to  the  Capitol, 
say  so.  If  you  are  not  going  to  do  it,  let  them  alone. 

Mr.  Vest.  Does  the  Senator  from  Kentucky  mean  to  say  that  this  touches  that 
matter? 

Mr.  Beck.  The  western  approach,  the  plan  of  which  I have  seen,  will  cost  three 
hundred  or  four  hundred  thousand  dollars. 

Mr.  Vest.  It  will  not  cost  that,  I am  sure. 

M r.  Beck.  Will  the  Senator  tell  me  how  much  those  structures  on  the  west  side 
cost?  Will  he  guess  within  $20,000?  Will  he  say  that  $75,000  would  pay  for  them, 
or  will  he  say  that  they  are  worth  seventy-five  cents  now  that  they  are  there? 

Mr.  Vest.  That  is  not  the  question  before  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Beck.  The  question  before  the  Senate  is  the  approaches  to  the  Capitol,  and  I 
want  to  know  what  sort  of  approaches  are  to  be  made  and  what  is  going  to  be  spent 
for  these  approaches  before  I vote  money  to  tear  the  ground  up.  That  is  w'hat  I 
want  to  get  at,  and  until  it  is  determined,  until  we  have  some  plan,  some  informa- 
tion, I want  the  Capitol  grounds  to  be  let  alone  for  a little  while.  If  good  approaches 
are  to  be  given,  let  us  have  them,  let  us  see  the  plan  of  them,  and  let  us  know  what 
they  are  going  to  cost. 

I know  the  Senator  from  Vermont  has  been  extremely  anxious  to  have  grand 
approaches  made  on  the  west  side,  and  we  have  had  the  plans  laid  down,  and  I 
know  the  Senator  from  Massachusetts  has  had  a grand  plan  to  raise  the  dome  and 
extend  the  building  out  on  the  west,  and  if  these  grand  approaches  are  made  they 
may  cut  off  his  plan,  and  force  the  Library  to  be  put  somewhere  else. 

I want  things  done  directly.  Let  us  have  some  information,  and  if  we  cannot  get 
it,  I am  opposed  to  making  appropriations.  Here  was  a thing  built  down  in  the 
grounds  on  the  west  side  of  the  Capitol,  going  from  our  wing  to  Pennsylvania  ave- 
nue. What  was  that  for?  I heard  it  was  built  for  a monkey-house.  [Laughter.] 
I do  not  know  what  it  is.  Then,  what  was  that  thing  near  Senator  Jones’s  house 
built  for?  Nobody  knows,  except  to  spend  money.  Then  there  are  those  two  things 
built  of  granite  and  gilded  all  over,  on  the  east  side  of  the  Capitol,  and  no  Senator 
here  can  tell  within  $20,000  of  what  they  cost.  If  we  can  get  proper  information  I 
will  vote  any  amount  of  money  that  is  needed.  I have  tried  for  five  years  to  find 
out. 


The  Terraces. 


1215 


Mr.  Vest.  "Will  the  Senator  from  Kentucky  tell  us  why  the  Committee  on  Appro- 
priations struck  out  the  appropriation  for  the  landscape  architect?  Is  it  proposed 
that  that  official  shall  cease  to  exist?  Do  the  committee  hold  that  there  is  no  neces- 
sity for  it,  that  things  shall  he  left  to  the  laborers? 

Mr.  Beck.  We  thought  that  Mr.  Clark,  who  has  charge  of  these  grounds,  if  the 
grounds  were  let  alone,  could  see  to  it  that  they  were  well  cared  for,  and  that  until 
some  definite  plan  is  established  we  need  not  pay  §4,000  a year  for  a landscape  archi- 
tect to  come  here  from  New  York  twice  a month  to  took  at  things.  That  is  all  he 
does  as  far  as  I know. 

Mr.  Morrill.  Let  me  say  to  the  Senator  from  Kentucky  that  he.  is  entirely  mis- 
taken in  relation  to  the  compensation  of  the  architect.  He  had  but  §4,000  to  begin 
with,  and  he  had  that  only  for  one  year,  and  renounced  one-half  of  it  ever  since. 
He  is  not  a selfish  man  at  all,  and  I have  no  doubt  he  would  rather  be  retained  in 
charge  of  these  works  than  to  be  dismissed,  even  if  he  had  no  pay  at  all.  But  I 
think  he  fully  earns  his  money  by  coming  here  and  staying  as  long  as  he  does  every 
season. 

Mr.  Beck.  My  information  is  that  Mr.  Olmsted  is  a very  able  man,  and  I have  no 
objection  to  leaving  him  here  to  look  at  it,  and  paying  him  any  proper  sum  for  com- 
ing and  looking  at  it.  All  I say  is  that  unless  we  have  some  definite  plan  as  to  how 
we  shall  spend  the  money  we  had  better  let  things  alone.  Twenty-five  thousand 
dollars  will  care  for  everything  until  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds 
can  give  us  a plan  of  what  the}'  want  done,  and  what  the  cost  of  it  will  be,  and  how 
they  are  going  to  do  it;  and  until  we  get  that  let  us  content  ourselves  with  taking 
care  of  what  we  have  got. 

I am  willing,  as  far  as  I am  concerned,  to  reject  the  amendment  that  leaves  Mr. 
Olmsted  out,  and  pay  him  to  look  at  the  grounds  and  see  that  nothing  is  interfered 
with;  and  whenever  the  Committee  on  Public  Building  and  Grounds  give  us  a good 
plan  that  they  themselves  will  agree  on,  and  tell  us  what  it  is  going  to  cost,  I shall 
be  willing  to  vote  money;  but  I have  been  much  astonished  and  surprised  at  the 
structure  put  in  the  western  grounds  on  the  House  side;  it  looks  to  me  a disgraceful 
thing,  and  so  with  this  little  concern  below  on  this  side  coming  up  to  the  Capitol. 
Surely  they  are  of  no  sort  of  use.  I do  not  know  what  they  call  them. 

Then  there  is  the  Washington  statue  on  the  east  side,  with  those  granite  things 
near  it  with  gilding  on  top.  I know  they  cost  a large  sum  of  money,  more  than  is 
asked  for  in  this  bill,  from  all  the  information  I have,  and  I never  have  seen  a man 
yet  who  could  tell  me  within  §20,000  of  what  they  did  cost.  What  they  are  meant 
for  I do  not  know.  If  Mr.  Olmsted  is  going  to  do  any  more  work  of  that  sort  and 
do  any  more  of  these  things,  I want  to  see  the  plan  of  them  and  have  the  approval 
of  the  Senator  from  Vermont  and  his  committee  before  anything  is  done,  so  that 
somebody  may  be  responsible. 

We  shall  meet  here  again  in  December,  and  we  shall  find  the  whole  thing  torn  up, 
and  perhaps  it  will  cost  four  or  five  hundred  thousand  dollars  to  make  the  grand 
approaches  on  the  west,  and  we  cannot  stop  the  work  then.  I want  to  do  nothing 
until  we  are  told  what  is  wanted,  and  then  I am  willing  on  a proper  plan  to  vote 
any  amount  that  is  necessary.  I believe  we  had  better  leave  Mr.  Olmsted  in;  I 
think  perhaps  it  was  a mistake  to  strike  him  out.  I will  vote  any  amount  necessary, 
but  I want  to  know  what  it  is  for.  In  the  approaches  to  the  Capitol  from  Pennsyl- 
vania avenue  there  were  broad  steps  made  at  one  time  that  had  to  be  changed,  and 
the  wall  there  is  no  improvement  on  the  old  grade  as  it  was  when  we  used  to  come 
up  here  ten  years  ago.  I have  no  doubt  §100,000  has  been  spent  in  making  those 
changes;  I do  not  know  that  that  would  pay  for  them;  and  with  these  approaches 
the  grounds  do  not  look  any  better.  It  is  certainly  not  safe,  and  until  we  know  what 
is  to  be  done  we  can  afford  to  stand  still  and  just  keep  the  grounds  in  order. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  Committee 
on  Appropriations. 


1216 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Vest.  I understand  in  regard  to  tlie  landscape  architect  the  committee  are 
willing  to  let  that  stand  in  the  bill. 

Mr.  Van  Wyck.  I should  like  to  ask  the  Senator  from  Kentucky,  if  his  position  is 
right  and  only  money  enough  is  to  be  provided  in  this  bill  to  keep  up  the  ordinary 
repair  of  the  grounds,  on  what  he  bases  his  opinion  that  it  is  best  that  $4,000  a year 
should  be  paid  to  a landscape  architect  when  there  is  no  sort  of  necessity  for  him? 

Mr.  Beck.  My  information  now  is  that  that  architect  has  not  charged  his  full  pay, 
or  more  than  half  of  it,  and  that  his  supervision  of  these  things  is  necessary,  and 
when  we  adopt  the  plan  which  may  be  agreed  to  by  Congress  next  session  nothing 
ought  to  be  done  to  destroy  the  harmony  of  what  has  been  done.  This  present 
architect  is  known  to  be  a man  of  ability  and  a man  of  integrity,  as  all  agree. 

Mr.  Van  Wyck.  1 understand  the  Senator’s  position  to  be  that  there  shall  be  no 
change. 

Mr.  Beck.  Until  December,  when  we  can  have  a report  from  our  committee.  In 
the  mean  time  I would  rather  retain  the  landscape  architect  at  the  salary  he  wants 
for  supervision  over  the  grounds  than  to  run  the  risk  of  having  a new  man  called  in. 
All  agree  that  there  is  no  more  competent  man  than  Mr.  Olmsted. 

Mr.  Van  Wyck.  Will  any  danger  arise  from  calling  in  another  man? 

Mr.  Beck.  I do  not  know.  It  is  better  to  hold  on  to  a man  you  know  is  good  than 
to  run  the  risk  of  a bad  one. 

Mr.  Hawley.  The  Senator  from  Kentucky  does  no  more  than  justice  to  Mr.  Olm- 
sted, a man  connected  with  the  Central  Park  of  New  York  from  the  beginning  until 
very  lately;  called  in  to  take  care  of  Prospect  Park  in  Brooklyn;  now  in  charge  of  the 
park  work  of  the  city  of  Boston;  in  charge  of  the  park  work  at  Buffalo,  and  also  of 
the  Southern  Park  at  Chicago,  an  architect  the  most  expert  in  that  business  in  the 
United  States,  a man  of  charming  character  and  the  highest  ability. 

When  appropriations  were  made  some  time  ago  and  this  work  was  begun  he  was 
called  in  as  the  man  whose  advice  it  was  best  to  have.  They  put.  down  for  him  a 
salary  of  $4,000.  The  appropriations  were  not  large  enough  for  the  particular  work 
in  the  style  he  desired,  and  he  went  to  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  and  said,  “ Put 
my  salary  down.  It  should  not  be  more  than  $2,000  if  you  are  not  going  to  expend 
more  money  than  this.”  And  he  has  not  taken  it,  and  does  not  desire  it.  He  would 
rather  go  on  and  see  this  work  through  for  nothing  than  lose  the  chance  of  seeing  it 
done  and  giving  it  his  own  special  and  friendly  interest. 

The  appropriation  of  $75,000  proposed  by  the  House  is  small  enough.  It  does  not 
contemplate  entering  on  the  larger  improvements,  the  terraces  around  the  whole 
west  front  of  the  Capitol,  but  has  in  view  only  the  northeastern  corner  of  the  Senate 
wing  and  southeast  corner  of  the  House  wing.  Senators  will  remember  there  is  but 
a rough  plank  near  the  corner  of  the  building.  Something  has  to  be  done  to  make 
that  better.  Arid  then  some  of  the  work  is  to  be  on  the  east  front  of  the  Capitol. 

The  work,  so  far  as  has  been  done  within  six  or  eight  years  around  the  Capitol,  is 
admirable,  and  is  going  to  make  ultimately  of  this  building  and  these  grounds  the 
most  beautiful  spot  in  the  world  architecturally.  Nor  is  it  Mr.  Olmsted’s  own  doing. 
It  has  been  done  in  consultation  with  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  with  engineers, 
with  landscape  gardeners,  and  with  the  best  talent  and  taste  of  the  country. 

I wish  the  $75,000  might  stay  in  the  bill,  just  that  these  two  corners  may  be  put 
in  better  order  within  the  year,  and  I am  very  glad  to  see  the  disposition  to  keep 
Mr.  Olmsted  anyhow. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  Senator  from  Missouri  suggests  that  the  words 
“landscape  architect,”  in  line  1650,  by  unanimous  consent,  be  retained  in  the  bill. 

Mr.  Morrill.  Take  the  amendments  as  they  come. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  That  is  the  first.  The  words  “landscape  architect” 
may  be  retained  instead  of  stricken  out.  If  there  be  no  objection,  the  question  is 
on  the  rest  of  the  amendment  of  the  committee. 


The  Terraces. 


1217 


Mr.  Morrill.  I want  to  take  the  vote  on  the  amendment  in  lines  1648  and  1649 
first,  including  the  word  “wings,”  in  line  1650.  I trust  the  Senate  will  retain 
them  all. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  Senator  wants  a separate  vote? 

Mr.  Morrill.  Yes. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  Then  the  question  is  on  striking  out  the  words  “includ- 
ing permanent  approaches  to  the  House  and  Senate  wings.” 

Mr.  Beck.  The  Senator  from  Iowa  suggested  a change  of  the  amount. 

Mr.  Allison.  I suggested  $60,000,  the  amount,  appropriated  last  year. 

Mr.  Beck.  The  approaches  alluded  to  are  sim  those  coming  up  on  the  east  side 


and  south  side,  and  not  the  great  central  work  1 understand. 

Mr.  Allison.  That  is  the  understanding. 

Mr.  Beck.  Then  I will  not  object. 

Mr.  Morrill.  Then  leave  the  clause  as  it  came  from  the  House.  Sixty  thousand 
dollars  will  not  be  enough.  Fifty  thousand  dollars  is  really  required  for  other  things, 
and  it  will  take  more  thaii  $10,000  to  make  one  approach. 

Mr.  Allison.  I should  like  to  ask  the  Senator  from  Vermont  what  other  things 
require  $50,000? 

Mr.  Morrill.  Curbing  that  yet  has  to  be  done. 

Mr.  Allison.  Where? 

Mr.  Morrill.  At  various  points. 

Mr.  Allison.  I do  not  think  we  ought  to  spend  $50,000  in  curbing. 

Mr.  Morrill.  It  is  not  all  for  that. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  Is  there  objection  to  retaining  all  the  words  in  this 
paragraph  that  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  propose  to  strike  out,  and  then  to 
come  to  the  question  of  what  shall  be  the  amount  of  the  appropriation?  [“No!” 
“No!  ”]  There  is  no  objection  to  retaining  all  the  paragraph  except  the  amount  of 
the  appropriation.  The  question  then  is  on  striking  out  “$75,000”  and  inserting 
“$25,000.” 

Mr.  Morrill.  I ask  the  Senator  from  Iowa  to  put  that  at  $65,000. 

Mr.  Allison.  I will  compromise  on  that. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  It  is  moved  to  insert  $65,000.  Is  there  objection  to 
that?  The  Chair  hears  no  objection,  and  the  amendment  is  so  modified.  The  ques- 
tion is  on  the  amendment  as  modified. 

The  amendment  as  modified  was  agreed  to. 


[From  the  “ Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty -three,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Aug.  7,  1882.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  22,  325.)] 

For  improving  the  Capitol  Grounds:  For  continuing  the  work  of  the  improvement 
of  the  Capitol  Grounds,  including  permanent  approaches  to  the  House  and  Senate 
wings,  pay  of  landscape  architect,  one  clerk,  and  wages  of  mechanics,  gardeners,  and 
workmen,  sixty-five  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  report  of  Frederick  Law  Olmsted,  given  in  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of 
the  Capitol,  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1882.  (47 — 2,  House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  2,  p.  909.)] 


In  reviewing  the  present  aspect  of  the  Capitol  it  should  be  borne  in  mind  that  the 
area  within  a distance  of  from  100  to  150  feet  of  the  Capitol,  including  the  slopes 
beyond  the  high  earth  works,  remains  as  it  was  temporarily  prepared  twenty  years 
ago  pending  the  design  of  a general  plan  for  the  improvement  of  the  ground.  The 


INCOMPLETE  WORK.— THE  TERRACE. 


II.  Rep.  646 77 


1218 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


more  nearly  the  improvement  beyond  this  space  is  brought  to  realize  its  local  inten- 
tion, the  more  unsuitable,  shabby,  and  disorderly  must  the  central  and  more  conspic- 
uous ground  appear,  so  that  the  better  the  work  done  the  less  satisfactory  is  the 
result  as  a whole.  The  anomaly  will  be  more  and  more  marked  until  the  terrace  and 
western  stairway  shall  have  been  completed  and  the  adjoining  ground  graded  and 
finished  in  adaptation  to  them. 

The  present  Joint  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  have  reviewed  the 
plans  for  these  structures  adopted  seven  years  ago  by  Congress,  on  the  recommenda- 
tion of  their  predecessors,  and  it  is  understood  that  all  its  members  are  convinced  that 
they  should  be  carried  out  without  needless  delay.  Until  Congress  adopts  this  conclu- 
sion the  Capitol  grounds  must  both  be  seen  at  disadvantage  and  produce  impressions 
unjust  to  the  general  design  incorporating  them. 

For  the  convenience  of  the  committee  a brief  statement,  with  illustrative  sketches 
of  the  plan  of  the  terrace,  was  prepared  last  winter. 

The  construction  of  the  terrace  will  involve  no  breaking  up  of  ground  or  roads  or 
walks  already  finished,  and  need  cause  no  inconvenience  to  the  ordinary  business  of 
the  Capitol. 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  21,  1883:  Congressional  Record,  47 — 2,  p.  3081.] 

The  Plouse  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  sundry  civil  bill  for  1884 — 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

For  improving  the  Capitol  grounds:  For  continuing  the  work  of  the  improvement  of  the  Capitol 
grounds,  including  permanent  approaches  to  the  House  and  Senate  wings,  pay  of  landscape  architect, 
one  clerk,  and  wages  of  mechanics,  gardeners,  and  workmen,  $65,000. 

Mr.  Wilson.  1 move  the  amendment  which  I send  to  the  desk. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

Strike  out  the  words  “ work  of,”  in  line  1227,  and  the  words  “ of  the  Capitol  grounds,  including,” 
in  same  line  and  line  1228. 

Mr.  Wilson.  Mr.  Chairman,  my  object  in  offering  this  amendment  is  to  stop  this 
eternal  work  on  the  Capitol  grounds.  The  despoiler  has  been  here  for  ten  years  to 
my  knowledge.  The  beauty  and  symmetry  of  these  grounds  have  been  in  a great 
measure  destroyed.  Those  who  have  carried  on  these  so-called  “improvements” 
have  removed  the  most  beautiful  forest  there  was  about  the  city  of  Washington — a 
forest  containing  shade-trees  which  can  not  be  replaced  in  less  than  a quarter  of  a 
century.  In  winter  and  in  summer,  in  spring-time  and  in  fall  these  grounds  are  being 
dug  up,  trees  cut  down,  and  changes  everlastingly  made.  This  damage  to  the  public 
grounds  around  the  Capitol  has  been  going  on  for  a series  of  years.  I think  any  man 
of  taste  must  fail  to  discover  that  any  improvement  has  been  made,  though  thousands 
of  dollars  have  been  expended. 

The  amendment  of  Mr.  Wtilson  was  not  agreed  to. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  1,  1883:  Congressional  Record,  47 — 2,  pp.  3469,  3492.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  sundry 
civil  bill  for  1884 — 

The  next  amendment  was,  in  line  1532,  after  “wings,”  to  strike  out  “pay  of  land- 
scape architect;”  and  in  line  1533,  after  “workmen,”  to  strikeout  “sixty-five”  and 
insert  “fifty;”  so  as  to  make  the  clause  read: 

For  improving  the  Capitol  grounds:  For  continuing  the  work  of  the  improvement  of  the  Capitol 
grounds,  including  permanent  approaches  to  the  House  and  Senate  wings,  one  clerk,  and  wages  of 
mechanics,  gardeners,  and  workmen,  $50,000. 

Mr.  Vest.  I hope  the  Senate  will  not  concur  in  that  amendment  of  the  committee 
in  line  1532,  striking  out  “pay  of  landscape  architect.”  I know  of  no  reason  why 


The  Terraces. 


1219 


this  should  be  done,  and  I know  of  many  reasons  why  it  should  not  be  done.  This 
officer,  Mr.  Olmsted,  I will  say,  having  served  on  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings 
since  I have  been  in  the  Senate,  is  one  of  the  very  best  and  most  competent  officers 
in  the  employ  of  the  Government.  He  is  not  only  in  my  judgment  but  in  that  of  the 
senior  Senator  from  Vermont  [Mr.  Morrill],  who  has  been  for  years  on  that  com- 
mittee; the  most  accomplished  landscape  architect  certainly  in  this  country,  if  not 
in  the  world;  and  to  show  what  sort  of  a man  he  is  I want  to  make  this  statement 
to  the  Senate. 

In  1874,  upon  the  recommendation  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and 
Grounds,  the  annual  salary  of  this  officer  was  fixed  at  §4,000.  It  was  thought  to  be 
a reasonably  just  compensation  for  the  work  he  was  expected  to  perform.  The  next 
year,  upon  his  own  motion,  which  is  unprecedented  in  the  annals  of  this  Government 
so  far  as  I know,  he  declined  to  have  §4,000  and  took  §2,000,  and  has  not  received 
more  than  that  any  one  year  since.  He  conscientiously  declined  to  take  more  than 
half  the  amount  appropriated  for  his  salary.  More  than  this,  I will  state  another 
fact,  that  this  officer  has  ■ never  made  an  overestimate.  All  the  estimates  he  lias 
made  have  been  found  to  be  exact  and  correct. 

If  this  office  is  abolished — for  that  is  what  the  amendment  amounts  to — it  virtually 
stops  all  improvement  around  the  Capitol.  It  leaves  no  one  to  attend  to  these 
grounds.  Mr.  Clark,  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  building,  has  nothing  to  do  with 
the  grounds  around  the  Capitol,  and  does  not  propose  to  have  anything  to  do  with 
them. 

It  may  be  that  Mr.  Olmsted  has  made  some  mistakes  in  matters  of  taste,  and  I 
might  quote  the  old  maxim,  de  guslibus  non  est  disputandum.  In  matters  of  taste  of 
course  there  can  be  no  unanimity  of  opinion  and  feeling;  but  I do  undertake  to  say 
that  this  officer  is  invaluable  to  the  Government.  Unless  we  propose  now  to  abandon 
these  grounds,  to  say  that  the  Capitol  of  the  United  States  shall  be  treated  as  any 
private  building,  upon  economical  grounds  solely,  without  regard  to  taste  or  beauty, 
or  without  regard  to  having  such  grounds  as  are  worthy  of  this  great  structure  or 
worthy  of  this  great  Government,  I protest  from  what  1 know  of  this  gentleman  and 
of  his  services  that  this  amendment  should  not  be  adopted. 

Mr.  Allison.  I f the  Senator  will  allow  me  I desire  to  suggest  that  I agreed  with  the 
Senator  from  Vermont  [Mr.  Morrill],  who  is  engaged  in  conference  in  reference  to 
the  tariff  bill,  not  to  pass  this  paragraph,  as  he  desired  to  be  present  during  its  con- 
sideration. I hope  there  will  be  no  objection  to  passing  it  over  for  the  present. 

Mr.  Vest.  Of  course  I should  like  the  Senator  from  Vermont  to  be  here,  because  I 
know  he  would  agree  with  me.  This  same  attempt  was  made  last  year  and  he 
resisted  it;  but  my  friend  will  permit  me  to  suggest  to  him  that  the  best  way  would 
be  to  withdraw  the  amendment  and  let  this  officer  take  this  thing  which  he  has 
earned  as  faithfully  and  honestly  as  any  man  who  ever  rendered  service  to  his 
country. 

Mr.  Allison.  That  would  be  a great  relief,  but  I have  not  that  power.  I ask  that 
the  amendment  be  passedover  until  the  Senator  from  Vermont  comes  in. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  Is  there  objection  to  the  suggestion?  The  Chair  hears 
none,  and  the  amendment  will  be  passed  over. 

* * * 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  reading  of  the  bill  has  been  concluded.  The  Chair 
is  informed  by  the  Secretary  that  on  page  63  of  the  bill  the  lines  from  1529  to  1534 
have  not  yet  been  acted  on,  having  been  passed  over.  The  amendment  will  be  read. 

The  Acting  Secretary.  The  reserved  amendment  is,  in  line  1532,  after  “wings,” 
to  strike  out  “pay  of  landscape  architect;”  and  in  line  1533,  before  “thousand,”  to 
strike  out  “sixty-five”  and  insert  “fifty;”  so  as  to  make  the  clause  read: 

For  improving  the  Capitol  grounds:  For  continuing  the  work  of  the  improvement  of  the  Capitol 
grounds,  including  permanent  approaches  to  the  House  and  Senate  wings,  one  clerk,  and  wages  of 
mechanics,  gardeners,  and  workmen,  350,000. 


1220 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Frye.  That  was  left  out  on  account  of  the  absence  of  the  Senator  from  Ver- 
mont [Mr.  Morrill]. 

Mr.  Hawley.  I hope  the  Senate  will  non-concur  with  the  committee  here.  I agree 
with  the  Senator  from  Missouri  [Mr.  Vest]  in  saying  what  I am  sure  the  Senator 
from  Vermont  [Mr.  Morrill],  who  is  absent,  would  say  if  he  were  here:  that  this 
gentleman  is  one  of  the  most  valuable  officers  we  have  connected  with  our  service,  a 
gentleman  of  the  very  highest  character;  one  who  certainly  would  not  take,  if  it 
were  offered  him,  more  than  he  considers  his  services  to  be  worth;  for  the  Senator 
from  Missouri  reminded  us  a while  ago  that  when  his  salary  was  fixed  at  $4,000  and 
he  found  the  duties  were  less  than  he  expected,  it  being  then  a discretionary  appro- 
priation, he  told  the  committee  to  make  it  $2,000.  I think  the  work  done  about  the 
Capitol  in  the  last  six  or  eight  years  shows  what  his  skill  is.  He  stands  as  high  as 
any  man  in  the  world  in  that  business. 

Mr.  Frye.  I understand  that  is  what  the  Senator  from  Vermont  would  desire  to 
say,  if  here. 

Mr.  Hawley.  I suppose  so.  It  is  in  entire  concurrence  with  the  remarks  made 
by  the  Senator  from  Missouri. 

Mr.  Allison.  I am  very  glad  to  know  what  the  salary  of  this  landscape  architect 
is.  The  committee  were  unable  to  ascertain  it  in  any  way.  They  understand  he 
made  casual  visits  here,  and  we  thought  perhaps  he  might  forego  his  pay  for  a short 
time.  The  Senate  will  do  as  it  pleases. 

Mr.  Morrill.  What  is  the  question,  Mr.  President? 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment,  striking  out  “pay 
of  landscape  architect.” 

Mr.  Morrill.  Mr.  President,  I trust  this  will  not  be  stricken  out.  The  landscape 
architect  has  performed  the  most  valuable  service  in  relation  to  beautifying  the 
grounds  about  the  Capitol  of  any  man  we  have  ever  employed.  He  is  a most  unsel- 
fish man  and  has  been  in  the  employ  of  the  Government  for  some  years  at  a salary 
fixed  at  $4,000,  onfe-half  of  which  he  immediately  relinquished  when  he  found  he 
was  not  employed  all  the  time,  and  he  has  been  paid  but  half  the  salary  allowed. 
He  would  perhaps  prefer  to  continue  until  the  grounds  are  completed  without  any 
salary,  but  I trust  for  services  so  valuable  as  those  he  has  rendered  and  will  yet  ren- 
der we  may  not  strike  a blow  at  a very  deserving  man  and  one  who  confessedly 
stands  at  the  head  of  his  profession,  whether  in  this  country  or  in  any  other. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  Who  fixed  this  salary? 

Mr.  Morrill.  It  was  fixed  by  law  some  years  ago. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  Was  it  fixed  by  law? 

Mr.  Morrill.  By  law  ten  years  ago.  It  was  $4,000,  but  he  has  not  taken  more 
than  half  of  it  for  many  years. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  Is  it  still  $4,000  by  law? 

Mr.  Hawley.  I was  told  by  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  to-day  that  originally 
there  was  a lump  appropriation  out  of  which  they  paid  him  $4,000,  but  it  has  since 
been  fixed.  He  declined  that  and  requested  that  it  be  reduced;  and  it  has  since 
been  fixed  at  $2,000  a year,  as  I understood  Mr.  Clark  to  say. 

Mr.  Allison.  I should  like  the  Senator  from  Connecticut  and  the  Senator  from 
Vermont  to  tell  us  who  fixes  this  salary. 

Mr.  Hawley.  I said  I supposed  it  was  now  fixed  by  law.  Some  years  ago,  before 
the  present  rule  was  adopted,  it  was  included  in  a lump  appropriation;  but  there 
was  some  statute  passed  providing  that  there  should  be  no  salary  that  was  not  spe- 
cifically provided  for. 

Mr.  Davis,  of  West  Virginia.  Will  one  of  the  Senators  tell  me  how  much  time 
each  year  this  gentleman,  Mr.  Olmsted,  spends  here,  or  about  how  much? 

Mr.  Morrill.  1 can  hardly  tell  that,  for  I have  not  asked  him.  He  comes  here 
very  frequently  and  spends  as  much  time  as  is  necessary,  and  employs  his  time  at 
home  in  making  drawings  for  work  to  be  done  here. 


The  Terraces. 


1221 


Mr.  Ingalls.  What  service  is  to  be  performed  in  connection  with  the  public 
grounds? 

Mr.  Morrill.  How  they  are  to  be  made,  and  plans  for  the  improvement. 

Mr.  Ingalls.  Does  that  include  anything  except  the  public  grounds  about  the 
Capitol? 

Mr.  Morrill.  None. 

Mr.  Ingalls.  I had  supposed  the  practical  work  of  laying  out  these  grounds,  and 
the  ornamental  planting  was  completed,  and  it  seems  to  me  superfluous  to  continue 
a landscape  gardener  at  a large  salary  to  come  on  here  occasionally  to  inspect  the 
result  of  his  labors.  I admit  that  great  effects  have  been  accomplished,  although 
I think  they  have  been  achieved  at  an  inordinate  expense,  and  perhaps  not  in  pur- 
suance of  any  definite  and  well-ascertained  plan,  for  I observe  work  that  has  been 
done  one  year  has  been  undone  the  next. 

Mr.  Morrill.  Not  by  this  man. 

Mr.  Ingalls.  And  we  are  expending  a great  deal  of  money  that  nobody  seems  to 
know  anything  about;  and  inasmuch  as  the  $4,000  originally  allowed  him  was  con- 
fessedly so  excessive  that  he  only  took  half  of  it,  1 should  suppose  that  if  the  work 
was  done  he  might  be  willing  to  relinquish  the  remainder. 

In  this  connection  1 should  like  some  information  in  regard  to  the  amount  of  work 
going  on  at  the  north  entrance  of  the  Capitol.  I observe  that  there  is  an  approach 
and  an  ornamental  marble  terrace  that  is  being  constructed  out  of  some  appropria- 
tion. I have  inquired  a great  many  times  to  know  under  what  authority,- or  under 
whose  plan  or  by  what  sanction  that  work  is  being  done ; how  much  is  to  be  expended ; 
what  is  contemplated,  and  when  it  is  to  be  completed;  and  I have  never  yet  been 
able  to  learn  any  satisfactory  solution  of  that  problem. 

Mr.  Allison.  It  is  paid  for  out  of  an  appropriation  in  similar  phraseology  to  that 
in  this  clause. 

Mr.  Ingalls.  The  Senator  from  Iowa,  chairman  of  the  committee,  informs  me  that 
that  work  is  paid  for  out  of  some  appropriation  similar  to  the  one  we  are  now  con- 
sidering. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  The  appropriation  for  the  Capitol  grounds  year  after  year. 

Mr.  Ingalls.  If  the  outlines  of  the  work  have  been  accomplished  and  the  planting 
has  been  done,  I can  see  no  reason  for  continuing  the  service  of  the  landscape 
gardener. 

Mr.  Hawley.  Not  gardener,  architect. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I wish  to  say  in  the  first  place  that  there  has  been  no  work  done 
here  and  then  taken  away  since  this  architect  has  been  employed.  Whatever  he 
has  done  has  been  completed  perfectly  according  to  the  plan  and  remains  at  the 
present  time.  Nor  has  there  been  an  underestimate;  there  has  never  been  any 
appropriation  made  for  any  deficiency.  This  plan  was  adopted  many  years  ago  and 
accepted  by  Congress,  and  it  does  contemplate  further  service  on  the  part  of  this  land- 
scape architect.  It  included  the  approaches  to  the  west  front  of  the  Capitol,  and  I 
am  almost  ashamed  of  Congress  that  we  allow  those  miserable  stair-ways  to  remain 
there  without  making  some  appropriation  by  which  we  can  replace  them  with  some- 
thing more  appropriate  to  this  grand  building. 

Then  it  was  contemplated,  in  addition,  that  there  should  be  a terrace  entirely 
around  the  west,  north,  and  south  sides,  by  which  the  appearance  of  this  Capitol 
would  be  vastly  improved,  giving  it  the  appearance  of  another  story,  and  also  fur- 
nishing accommodations  for  many  needed  committee-rooms  and  many  rooms  that 
are  required  for  the  storage  of  documents,  papers,  &c.,  for  which  we  now-  have  no 
place. 

I may  say  that  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  this  year  offered 
an  amendment  and  sent  it  to  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  for  the  terrace  on  the 
north  side,  at  an  expense  of  only  $80,000  for  two  hundred  and  fifty  feet,  in  which 
there  would  be  eighteen  committee-rooms,  as  good  and  as  perfect  as  any  of  those  in 


1222 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


the  basement  story  of  this  building;  and  yet  notwithstanding  the  Committee  on  Pub- 
lic Buildings  and  Grounds  have  not  asked  for  a dollar  this  year,  except  in  one  single 
instance,  some  improvement  of  a building  somewhere  (I  do  not  remember  where), 
in  contrast  with  the  usual  appropriations  we  had  asked  for  of  six  or  seven  millions, 
I understand  that  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  have  rejected  even  that  contin- 
uation. 

I have  nothing  further  to  say  on  the  subject. 

Mr.  Beck.  This  matter  was  postponed  until  the  Senator  from  Vermont  could  come 
in,  and  I desired  not  to  say  anything  until  he  was  here.  He  is  here  now,  and  there- 
fore I propose  to  say  something. 

The  difficulties  we  have  had  with  regard  to  these  Capitol  grounds  have  been  that 
your  works  have  been  laid  out  without  any  appropriation  made  by  law.  The  Senator 
from  Vermont  sees  fit  to  absent  himself  after  I have  waited  on  him  all  day,  but  I 
propose  now  to  say  what  I rose  to  say  whether  he  stays  or  not.  The  Senator  from 
Vermont,  the  chairman  of  the  committee — — 

Mr.  Allison.  The  Senator  from  New  Hampshire  [Mr.  Rollins]  is  chairman  of  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 

Mr.  Beck.  Plans  have  been  laid  out  for  grand  approaches  to  this  Capitol,  which  it 
is  confessed  will  cost  8800,000,  and  which  many  of  us  believe  will  cost  twice  that 
sum.  Perhaps  it  is  a proper  thing  to  do,  but  the  law  requires  that  before  a great 
w(  >rk  of  that  sort  shall  be  entered  upon  there  shall  be  estimates  made  for  it,  that  the 
plan  shall  be  approved,  that  it  shall  be  submitted,  that  it  shall  be  considered.  The 
Committee  on  Appropriations  have  never  had  an  opportunity  of  ascertaining  what 
was  the  estimate  of  the  cost  now  referred  to  by  the  Senator  from  Vermont  of  these 
grand  approaches  to  the  Capitol  about  which  he  speaks.  If  they  have,  I have  never 
heard  of  it.  I care  nothing  about  the  wages  of  this  architect;  but  I do  insist  that 
before  we  enter  upon  a great  work  which  is  to  cost  $800,000,  or  a million  and  a half 
of  dollars  perhaps,  some  estimate  shall  be  made,  some  idea  of  the  cost  of  it  shall  be 
given  so  that  we  shall  not  be  appropriating  at  loose  ends,  a little  here  and  a little 
there,  and  the  work  going  on  in  defiance  of  appropriations. 

At  the  last  session  of  Congress  the  Committee  on  Appropriations,  not  because  they 
did  not  desire  to  see  these  approaches  made,  not  because  they  did  not  desire  to  see 
this  Capitol  fairly  improved,  but  because  they  could  obtain  no  information  in  regard 
to  it  or  the  cost  of  it,  cut  down  this  appropriation  to  $25,000.  The  Senator  from 
Connecticut  [Mr.  Hawley],  the  Senator  from  Vermont  [Mr.  Morrill],  and  others 
met  us  and  complained  as  they  are  doing  now.  I have  before  me  the  short  debate 
which  occurred  in  the  Senate  last  year  on  this  subject.  The  Senator  from  Connecti- 
cut [Mr.  Hawley]  then  said:  * * * 

We  have  given  in  this  bill  $65,000,  with  the  distinct  understanding  that  we  were 
not  to  enter  on  this  great  work  that  is  to  cost,  as  the  Senator  from  Vermont  told  us 
yesterday,  $800,000,  and  we  believe  a million  and  a half,  without  an  estimate  for  it, 
without  some  idea  being  gi,ren  of  how  it  will  be  done,  by  whom  it  is  to  be  done, 
when  it  is  to  be  done,  and  what  is  the  probable  cost.  AVe  appropriated  $60,000  last 
year,  and  now  we  have  begun  “ approaches,”  as  they  call  it  at  the  Senate  end,  which 
every  Senator  knows  is  only  the  beginning  of  a scheme.  This  work  has  been  left  in 
an  imperfect  condition  all  winter.  The  excuse  made  by  the  Senator  from  Connecti- 
cut last  session  was  that  we  had  to  walk  over  planks  to  enter  the  Senate  wing  and 
that  we  ought  not  to  do  it,  and  therefore  this  work  should  be  commenced.  The 
Senator  from  ATermont  said  $10,000  would  do  the  work  and  the  balance  w'ould  go  for 
curbing;  and  here  we  are  now  just  beginning,  so  as  to  compel  us  to  go  on  little  by 
little,  and  we  are  forced  to  do  it  whether  we  will  or  not. 

Mr.  Hale.  A\Till  the  Senator  from  Kentucky  let  me  send  up  an  amendment,  which 
I propose  after  line  1534,  which,  perhaps,  may  meet  his  objection  and  the  objection 
that  has  arisen  in  my  mind  as  well  as  his? 


The  Terraces. 


1223 


The  Presiding  Officer.  The  proposed  amendment  will  be  read  for  information. 

The  Acting  Secretary.  At  the  end  of  line  1534  it  is  proposed  to  add: 

And  hereafter  all  changes  and  improvements  in  the  Capitol  grounds,  including  approaches  to  the 
Capitol,  shall  be  estimated  for  in  detail,  showing  what  modifications  are  proposed  and  the  estimated 
cost  of  the  same. 

Mr.  Beck.  That  is  exactly  what  I want. 

Mr.  PIale.  I think  that  ought  to  be  done. 

Mr.  Beck.  That  is  all  I want.  1 desire  the  Senator  from  Vermont  and  other  gen- 
tlemen when  they  make  their  estimates  to  do  so  in  such  a way  as  to  enable  the 
Senate  committees  to  examine  them  and  give  them  their  approval  or  disapproval 
according  to  law,  and  then  perhaps  I may  vote  as  much  as  any  one  for  these  pur- 
poses. What  I object  to  is  proceeding  as  we  have  done  at  this  corner  of  the  Capitol 
to  make  a partial  approach,  leaving  it  in  an  imperfect  condition  and  in  such  a shape 
that  Congress  is  obliged  to  go  on  and  complete  it  whether  it  desires  to  do  so  or  not. 
I do  not  want  Congress  to  be  defied  in  that  way. 

In  this  very  bill  we  provide  for  the  Albany  post-office  and  custom-house,  for  which 
we  have  appropriated  heretofore  *800,000,  with  a statement  that  that  would  com- 
plete the  building,  and  now  they  advise  us  that  they  can  not  buy  the  ground  for  less 
than  §500,000,  and  a million  and  a half  will  be  required  to  finish  the  building,  and 
they  do  not  propose  to  complete  it  for  less,  though  they  got  the  bill  passed  on  the 
assurance  that  §800,000  would  cover  the  entire  cost.  Some  years  ago  we  passed  a 
bill  for  the  New  York  city  post-office  and  limited  the  total  cost  to  §3,000,000.  Three 
times  by  law  we  endeavored  to  curb  them  in  the  expenditure,  and  yet  that  building 
has  cost  us  nine  and  a half  millions.  A similar  thing  occurred  at  Boston.  We 
appropriated  one  and  a half  millions  for  a building  there  and  it  cost  us  four  and  a 
half  millions.  My  object  in  using  these  illustrations  is  to  show  the  defiance  by 
executive  officers  of  the  Government  and  others  of  acts  of  Congress. 

I want  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Maine  adopted;  and  then  when  the 
Senator  from  Vermont  comes  to  us,  as  he  did  last  year,  and  tells  us  we  are  to  spend 
§10,000  for  a little  approach  to  the  Senate  wing  in  order  to  prevent  our  walking  on 
plank  and  §50,000  for  curbing,  we  can  examine  the  plans  and  estimates  and  ascertain 
how  much  the  cost  is  to  be  and  limit  it,  instead  of  beginning  work,  as  is  now  done, 
which  every  Senator  can  see  is  but  the  beginning  of  a great  era  of  improvement. 
The  Senator  from  Vermont  says  this  will  give  us  a number  of  rooms  for  committees 
and  for  the  storage  of  books  and  papers.  That  is  all  well  enough,  but  why  not  first 
get  authority  from  Congress  to  do  it?  Why  under  pretense  of  doing  one  thing  do 
another?  Why  defy  us  and  say  that  these  approaches  at  the  west  front  of  the  Capitol 
are  a disgrace  and  that  Mr.  Olmsted  or  anybody  else  is  going  to  make  them,  as  he 
thinks,  creditable,  without  giving  (pongress  a chance  to  say  what  shall  be  done,  how 
it  shall  be  done,  and  what  shall  be  the  expense  of  doing  it? 

These  are  the  things  of  which  I complain.  I think  the  amendment  of  the  Senator 
from  Maine  will  cure  the  evil  as  far  as  we  can  do  it  by  law. 

The  only  objection  I have  ever  found  to  any  of  the  work-about  the  Capitol  is  that 
I have  never  yet  seen  any  one  who  could  tell  how  much  any  particular  work  that  is 
built  around  here  is  to  cost  or  how  much  we  finally  pa}'  for  it.  W e go  on  from  year 
to  year  forcing  a condition  of  things  which  requires  further  expenditures  that  Con- 
gress can  not  avoid  making.  Get  rid  of  that  condition  of  things  and  you  may  spend 
what  you  like. 

All  the  information  I have  about  Mr.  Olmsted  is  that  he  is  an  able  and  an  honest 
man,  a man  who  can  be  trusted;  not  an  extortionate  man;  and  I should  be  willing 
to  pay  him  something.  I do  not  quite  approve  of  striking  out  his  salary,  but  1 think 
we  ought  to  have  some  understanding  about  the  work  to  be  done,  the  expense  of  it, 
and  how  it  is  to  be  carried  on. 

Mr.  Rollins.  Mr.  President,  in  justice  to  Mr.  Olmsted  I think  a letter  which  he 


1224 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


addressed  to  the  Joint  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  on  the  30th  of 
December  last  should  be  read,  or  at  any  rate  published  in  the  Record,  and  I will 
submit  it. 

In  this  letter  it  will  be  seen  that  he  at  least  thinks  this  work  has  been  authorized 
by  the  previous  action  of  Congress.  He  has  made  a careful  estimate  as  to  its  cost. 
He  says  the  whole  work  when  completed  will  cost  $800,000,  and  that  when  com- 
pleted ninety  as  good  and  convenient  rooms  as  the  average  of  the  committee-rooms 
which  we  now  have  will  be  added  to  this  building.  The  committee-rooms  are  very 
much  needed. 

I desire  simply  to  have  this  letter  read,  as  it  explains  the  situation  very  much 
better  than  anything  I could  say  on  the  subject. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  letter  will  be  read. 

The  Acting  Secretary  read  as  follows: 

December  30,  1882. 

Sir:  The  work,  designated  in  the  act  of  Congress,  “the  permanent  approach  to  the 
north  wing  of  the  Capitol,”  has  been  advanced  as  far  as  it  was  possible  to  obtain  the 
materials  for  it  from  the  quarry,  in  the  short  interval  between  the  last  and  the  pres- 
ent sessions. 

It  was  necessary  to  the  stability  of  the  structure  that,  at  the  angle  of  the  two  lines 
of  marble  retaining  wall,  the  masonry  should  be  somewhat  extended  to  the  west- 
ward. To  have  carried  it  no  farther  than  was  strictly  essential  to  this  purpose  would 
have  left  a raw,  ragged,  and  unseemly  piece  of  work,  in  conspicuously  close  connec- 
tion wit  h the  walls  of  the  Capitol.  Enough  of  the  marble  work  upon  the  line  of  the 
north  retaining  wall  of  the  terrace  has  been  laid  to  avoid  this  result,  the  main  wall 
being  carried  out  at  the  bottom  to  the  first  vertical  line  of  the  design. 

Hearing  from  you  that  it  has  been  questioned  if  this  part  of  the  work  was  author- 
ized, I beg  to  say  that  I have  presumed  the  action  of  Congress  in  both  Houses  to 
represent  the  intention  of  your  joint  committee,  and  this  intention  to  have  proceeded 
from  the  considerations  which  I had  the  honor  to  lay  before  it  early  in  the  last  ses- 
sion. The  committee  will  remember  that  I then  exhibited  a series  of  plans,  eleva- 
tions, and  other  illustrations  of  the  entire  terrace,  and  advised  that  the  work  should 
be  begun  at  the  points  since  designated  “permanent  approaches  to  the  north  and 
south  wings.”  The  reason  for  this  advice  was  that  a moderate  appropriation  would 
enable  so  much  of  the  plan  to  be  carried  to  completion,  in  the  intervals  of  the  ses- 
sions of  Congress,  as  would  supersede  the  existing  make-shift  plank  walks,  of  which 
complaint  had  been  made  by  Senators,  and  leave  the  ground  free  from  incumbrances 
and  disorder.  Later,  I aided  the  chairman  of  the  House  Committee  on  Public  Build- 
ings and  Grounds  in  presenting  the  jiroposition  to  the  House  Committee  on  Appro- 
priations, using  the  drawings,  arguments,  and  estimates  which  had  been  prepared 
for  your  joint  committee.  At  the  close  of  the  session,  and  a few  hours  before  the 
vote  was  taken  in  the  Senate  fixing  the  appropriation,  I also  explained  the  proposi- 
tion, using  the  same  drawings  and  the  same  arguments  to  several  members  of  the 
Appropriations  Committee  of  the  Senate. 

In  neither  of  the  drawings  used  nor  in  any  argument  or  representation  made  by 
me  on  these  occasions  were  the  permanent  approaches  shown  or  considered  as  con- 
structions detached  from  other  parts  of  the  terrace.  The  only  drawing  made  espe- 
cially to  illustrate  the  proposition,  the  adoption  of  which  I advised,  distinctly  pre- 
sented that  portion  of  the  work  called  in  question.  This  drawing  now  hangs  on  the 
walls  of  the  House  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds.  I had  no  reason 
to  suppose,  nor  did  it  ever  occur  to  me,  that  any  member  of  Congress,  among  all  to 
whom  the  drawings  were  exhibited,  could  suppose  that  the  construction  ordered 
would  be  advisable  except  as  a part  of  the  entire  plan  of  the  terrace.  This,  as  a 
whole,  had  years  before  been  adopted  by  Congress,  and  the  entire  work  under  my 
direction  had  from  the  outset  been  accommodated  to  it. 


The  Terraces. 


1225 


All  of  the  essential  facts  thus  recalled  being  of  record  with  your  committee  or 
within  the  personal  knowledge  of  its  members,  I do  not  think  that  the  slight  amount 
of  work  that  has  been  done  incidentally  to  the  construction  of  what  is,  strictly  speak- 
ing, the  “ approach  ” to  the  Capitol  from  the  north,  the  object  being  as  stated,  will 
be  regarded  as  unwarrantable. 

I take  this  occasion  to  observe  that  the  stone,  brick,  concrete,  and  marble  work 
that  has  been  done  under  this  first  appropriation  for  the  terrace  exhibits  the  quality 
and  character  of  nearly  all  of  the  work  intended.  The  cost  has  been  within  the  esti- 
mated amount,  and  a new  estimate  has  been  made  for  the  entire  work  upon  the  basis 
of  prices  thus  experimentally  determined,  the  result  of  which  tallies  closely  with  that 
presented  to  your  committee  before  the  adoption  of  the  design  by  Congress  in  1874. 
At  these  prices,  the  cost  of  advancing  the  terrace  along  the  entire  north  face  of  the 
Capitol,  a distance  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  feet,  and  of  providing  within  it  an  addi- 
tion of  eighteen  large  rooms  to  the  basement  accommodations  of  the  Capitol,  will  be 
$80,000;  the  cost  of  the  entire  terrace  and  stair-ways,  with  an  addition  to  the  accom- 
modations of  the  Capitol  of  ninety  rooms  of  the  average  dimensions  of  the  present 
committee-rooms,  will  be  $800,000. 

Very  respectfully  yours, 

Fred’k  Law  Olmsted, 

Landscape  Architect. 


Hon.  E.  H.  Rollins, 

Chairman  of  the  Joint  Committee  of  Congress  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 


Mr.  Hale.  Mr.  President,  the  amendment  which  I have  offered  is  not  intended  to 
censure  Mr.  Olmsted,  nor  in  any  way  to  disparage  his  work  about  the  Capitol  aud 
the  Capitol  grounds.  I suppose  that  his  reputation  has  already  been  established, 
and  that  it  rests  upon  works  fully  as  enduring  as  any  to  be  found  about  the  Capitol 
or  in  Washington;  but  all  the  same  it  is  better  that  we  should  know  and  that  Con- 
gress should  know  beforehand  just  what  is  contemplated  in  the  future  touching  these 
grounds  and  this  structure. 

The  letter  which  has  just  been  read  shows  that  it  is  contemplated  to  make  some 
very  radical  changes  in  the  form  and  face  and  appearance  of  this  building.  It  may 
be,  and  quite  likely  is,  the  fact  that  all  of  the  work  touched  upon  in  the  letter  should 
be  done,  giving  to  this  Capitol  the  effect  of  another  story,  so  that  it  should  appear  to 
be  elevated,  so  that  the  proportion  will  to  the  human  eye  seem  more  harmonious. 
But  that  is  a matter  surrounded  by  so  much  doubt  and  by  so  many  questions  that 
it  is  very  proper  that  before  the  work  is  entered  upon  it  should  be  estimated  for  in 
detail;  and  we.  should  know  just  what  is  projected,  and  whether  it  is  better  to  throw 
out  a terrace  giving  the  effect  of  a basement  story  with  large  rooms,  committee-rooms, 
storage-rooms,  or  whatever  you  will,  t hereby  changing  the  appearance  of  this  Cap- 
itol that  has  stood  here  for  so  many  years.  That  is  a thing  which  ought  to  be  settled 
fully  beforehand,  and  it  ought  not  be  entered  upon  under  any  general  appropriation 
that  is  not  fully  understood  and  that  does  not  in  terms  teach  to  every  Senator  and 
Member  of  Congress  just  what  is  to  be  undertaken. 

I hope  nobody  will  object  to  the  amendment  I have  offered,  which  is  in  the  line 
not  of  censure  or  disparagement  but  of  security  in  the  future. 

Mr.  Rollins.  Let  the  amendment  be  read. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  proposed  amendment  will  be  read. 

The  Acting  Secretary.  After  line  1534  it  is  proposed  to  add: 

And  hereafter  changes  and  improvements  in  the  Capitol  grounds,  including  approaches  to  the 
Capitol,  shall  he  estimated  for  in  detail,  showing  what  modifications  are  proposed  and  the  estimated 
cost  of  the  same. 

Mr.  Rollins.  I do  not  think  there  is  any  objection  to  that. 

Mr.  Hawley.  It  is  right. 


1226 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Hale.  I did  not  think  there  would  be  any  objection. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  first  question  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  committee 
striking  out  “pay  of  landscape  architect”  in  line  1532. 

Mr.  Hawley.  We  do  not  wish  to  strike  that  out. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Chair  does  not  understand  that  that  amendment  is 
pressed. 

Mr.  Rollins.  1 understood  the  committee  to  concede  that  the  amendment  may 
not  be  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Hale.  The  chairman  is  not  here;  but  he  has  no  objection  I believe  to  that 
course. 

The  Presiding  Oe'ficer.  The  amendment  will  be  regarded  as  withdrawn  unless 
there  be  objection.  The  Chair  hears  none.  The  question  now  is  on  the  amendment 
proposed  by  the  Senator  from  Maine  [Mr.  Hale]. 

Mr.  Jones,  of  Florida,  I see  no  objection  whatever  to  the  amendment  of  the 
Senator  from  Maine. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Chair  understands  that  there  is  an  amendment  in 
the  summing  up  which  will  fall  with  the  other. 

Mr.  Jones,  of  Florida.  We  have  been  going  on  in  a very  loose  way  for  years  with 
respect  to  the  improvement  of  the  Capitol  grounds,  and  a great  deal  has  been  left  to 
the  discretion  of  the  architect.  It  is  not  his  fault  that  we  have  not  prescribed  the 
exact  line  of  improvements  that  ought  to  be  carried  out.  When  it  comes  to  an 
alteration  of  the  building  as  now  proposed,  I think  that  ought  to  be  done  under  the 
authority  of  Congress.  But  I wish  particularly  to  say  a word  in  reply  to  the  Senator 
from  Kentucky,  who  has  adverted  to  an  evil  hitherto  complained  of  very  generally 
in  our  legislation;  I mean  with  respect  to  the  cost  of  our  public  buildings. 

I think  a great  deal  of  the  responsibility  for  the  increased  cost  of  our  public  build- 
ings lies  with  the  Committee  on  Appropriations,  of  which  the  Senator  from  Kentucky 
is  a distinguished  member.  We  have  a Joint  Committee  of  the  House  and  Senate  on 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  that  has  usually  been  intrusted  with  the  consideration 
of  these  matters,  and  we  have  been  in  the  habit  of  making  appropriations  fixing 
precisely  the  sum  of  money  to  be  expended  in  the  construction  of  buildings.  Every 
bill,  I know,  that  was  passed  through  the  committee  of  the  Senate  while  I was  chair- 
man for  a year  or  so  limited  the  amount  that  the  building  should  cost,  and  prohibited 
any  further  expenditure  of  money;  but  it  has  happened  in  many  instances  that  after 
the  amount  appropriated  under  the  recommendation  of  the  Committee  on  Public 
Buildings  and  Grounds  was  expended  parties  would  go  before  the  Committee  on 
Appropriations,  outside  of  the  other  committee,  and  get  additions  to  the  sum.  There 
are  large  sums  of  money  in  the  present  bill  now  under  consideration  which  are 
intended  to  be  appropriated  to  finish  public  buildings  that  have  never  been  considered 
by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  and  many  of  them  without  any 
recommendation  from  that  committee. 

Mr.  Allison.  Does  the  Senator  speak  of  items  put  on  in  the  Senate? 

Mr.  Jones,  of  Florida.  Ko;  I do  not  say  by  the  Senate,  but  they  are  in  the  bill  that 
came  from  the  House.  The  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  is  a joint 
committee,  and  in  the  majority  of  cases  I think  the  items  were  put  on  by  the  House 
Appropriations  Committee  without  the  action  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings 
at  all. 

Mr.  Hale.  Mr.  President,  let  us  have  a vote. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from 
Maine  [Mr.  Hale]. 

Mr.  Rollins.  I think  there  is  no  objection  to  that. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  amendment  proposing  a change  of  the  sum  has  not 


The  Terraces. 


1227 


been  acted  on.  The  Chair  was  under  the  impression  that  it  was  a mere  footing,  but 
he  finds  that  it  was  not. 

Mr.  Hawley.  I hope  that  it  will  be  non-concurretl  in. 

Mr.  Rollins.  I think  there  is  no  disposition  to  reduce  the  amount. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  amendment  is  to  strike  out  “$65,000”  and  insert 
“ $50,000,”  in  line  1533. 

The  amendment  was  rejected. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal  year 
ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-four,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Mar. 
3,  1883.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  22,  p.  621.)] 

For  improving  the  Capitol  grounds:  For  continuing  the  work  of  the  improvement 
of  the  Capitol  grounds,  including  permanent  approaches  to  the  House  and  Senate 
wings,  pay  to  landscape  architect,  one  clerk,  and  wages  of  mechanics,  gardeners,  and 
workmen,  sixty-five  thousand  dollars;  and  hereafter  all  changes  and  improvements 
in  the  grounds,  including  approaches  to  the  Capitol,  shall  be  estimated  for  in  detail, 
showing  what  modifications  are  proposed  and  the  estimate  of  the  cost  of  the  same. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  July  1,  1883.  (48 — 1,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  2,  p.  387.)] 

As  relates  to  the  improvement  of  these  grounds,  Mr.  Frederick  Law  Olmsted, 
landscape  architect,  says  in  his  annual  report  that — 

During  the  last  year  the  north  terrace  approach  has  been  built,  and  Congress  at  its 
last  session  ordered  the  corresponding  work  on  the  south  of  the  Capitol.  In  the 
debate  of  the  question  apprehensions  appeared  that  the  plan  of  the  larger  work,  of 
which  these  approaches  are  initial  steps,  had  not  been  maturely  considered,  and  that 
its  ultimate  cost  could  be  but  vaguely  conjectured.  Directions  were  consequently 
given  that  Congress  should  be  supplied  at  the  coming  session  with  detailed  informa- 
tion upon  the  subject. 

The  plan  of  the  terrace  was  prepared  under  a commission  which  I had  the  honor 
to  receive  from  Congress  in  1874.  It  was  submitted  the  following  year  in  the  form 
of  large  drawings  of  every  part.  A detailed  estimate  of  the  cost  was  at  the  same  time 
presented,  accompanied  by  offers  from  builders  of  the  highest  standing  to  contract 
for  the  work  at  the  prices  named. 

After  prolonged  consideration  in  joint  committee,  the  proposition  was  adopted  as 
a part  of  the  general  plan  for  the  improvement  of  the  Capitol  grounds. 

Since  then  the  entire  work  of  the  terrace  has  been  twice  re-estimated  in  accordance 
with  the  market  prices  of  the  day.  The  last  of  these  adjustments  was  made  in  1882, 
and  was  based  on  the  actual  cost  of  the  work  then  under  contract  upon  the  north 
terrace  approach.  The  rate  thus  established  made  the  cost  of  the  terrace  entire  about 
five  per  cent,  less  than  the  estimate  originally  given  to  Congress. 

Early  in  the  last  session  this  last  estimate  was  laid  before  the  Joint  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  and  at  the  time  of  the  debate  of  the  subject  in  the 
Senate  was  on  file  in  your  office.  I do  not  know  that  it  can  yet  be  at  all  improved 
upon,  and  in  order  to  meet  the  requirements  of  a detailed  estimate  to  be  presented 
at  the  opening  of  the  next  session,  I will  request,  if  you  see  no  objection,  that  it  may 
be  printed  precisely  in  its  original  form. 

From  the  annual  and  occasional  reports  that  I have  prepared,  and  which  have  been 
printed  for  the  information  of  Congress,  in  addition  to  the  facts  above  stated,  it  will 
be  apparent  that  if  I have  failed  to  take  the  measures  necessary  to  secure  considera- 
tion for  the  plans  and  estimates  of  the  terrace  it  can  have  been  only  from  reluctance 


1228 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

to  exhibit  a zeal  in  the  premises  which  might  be  thought  to  carry  me  beyond  the 
proper  lines  of  my  professional  duty. 

I hope  that  the  small  section  of  the  terrace  that  has  now  been  built,  though  at  a 
point  where  the  least  advantage  of  the  work  can  be  realized,  will  be  found  to  sustain, 
as  far  as  it  goes,  the  view  of  its  value  that  I have  at  every  suitable  opportunity,  in 
concurrence  with  you,  sought  to  present. 


It  is  respectfully  urged  that  an  appropriation  may  be  made  at  the  coming  session 
for  the  construction  of  at  least  so  much  of  the  terrace  as  is  required  at  the  north  and 
south  of  the  building,  namely,  nineteen  bays,  including  the  piers,  the  estimated  cost 
of  which  is  one  hundred  and  thirty-eight  thousand  seven  hundred  and  seven  dollars 
and  thirty-three  cents  (§138,707.33). 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Dec.  3,  1883:  Congressional  Record,  48 — 1,  v.  37.] 

Mr.  Morrill  asked  and,  by  unanimous  consent,  obtained  leave  to  introduce  a bill 
(8.  402)  for  the  completion  of  the  Capitol  terraces  and  the  stairways  connected  there- 
with; which  was  read  twice  by  its  title,  and  ordered  to  lie  on  the  table  to  be  referred 
to  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  when  appointed. 


[House  of  Representatives,  Ex.  Doc.  No.  9,  48th  Congress,  1st  Session.  Letter  from  the  Secretary  of 
the  Treasury,  transmitting  estimates  for  proposed  Terrace  and  approaches  for  the  United  States 
Capitol,  Washington,  D.  C.  December  5,  1883.  Referred  to  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  and 
ordered  to  be  printed.] 

Treasury  Department, 

December  5,  1883. 

8ir:  Referring  to  the  estimate  for  constructing  terrace  on  the  north  and  south  of 
the  Capitol,  under  the  title  “improving  Capitol  grounds,”  on  page  140  of  the  Annual 
Book  of  Estimates  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1885, 1 have  the  honor  to  trans- 
mit herewith  the  details  of  the  proposed  work  submitted  with  the  estimate,  but 
which  it  was  not  found  practicable  to  publish  as  appendix  thereto. 

Very  respectfully, 

Chas.  J.  Folger,  Secretary. 

Hon.  John  G.  Carlisle, 

Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


Architect’s  Office,  United  States  Capitol, 

Washington,  D.  C.,  September  27,  1883. 

Sir:  A clause  in  the  act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the 
Government  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1884,  approved  March  3,  1883,  pro- 
vides that: 

Hereafter  all  changes  and  improvements  in  the  grounds,  including  approaches  to  the  Capitol, 
shall  be  estimated  for  iu  detail,  showing  what  modifications  are  proposed  and  the  estimated  cost  of 
the  same. 

In  pursuance  of  the  above  I have  the  honor  to  submit  the  estimate  for  the  improve- 
ment of  the  Capitol  grounds,  and  also  for  the  proposed  terrace  of  the  north  and  south 
of  the  Capitol,  or  so  much  thereof  as  is  represented  on  the  plan,  marked  A and  M, 
which  will  be  found  with  Mr.  Olmsted’s  estimate. 

No  changes  or  modifications  of  the  plans  are  proposed. 


The  Terraces . 1229 

IMPROVING  CAPITOL  GROUNDS  AND  CARE  THEREOF. 

For  pay-rolls  for  mechanics,  gardeners,  and  laborers $24,  000 

For  17,080  superficial  feet  cement  pavement  at  western  grounds,  at  40  cents.  6,  832 

For  2,248  linear  feet  bluestone  steps,  including  foundations,  at  $3.75 8,  430 

For  384  linear  feet  platforms,  at  $4.50 1,  728 

For  excavating  and  carting 500 

For  manure 400 

For  plants 500 

For  bronze  lamps 3,  200 

For  landscape  architect’s  salary 2,  000 

For  pavement  and  granite  curb  for  circle  at  Maryland  avenue  and  First  street 

west 2,  400 

For  walls,  pavement,  and  rock  work  in  circle 700 

For  plumbing  and  drainage 200 

For  brick,  lime,  sand,  and  cement 1, 110 


Total 52,  000 


PROPOSED  TERRACE  AND  APPROACHES  FOR  THE  UNITED  STATES  CAPITOL,  WASHINGTON,  D.  C. 

Bill  of  quantities  and  estimate  of  cost. 

Note. — Ninety-five  per  cent,  of  the  terrace  will  consist  of  brick,  granite,  and  mar- 
ble of  the  same  quality  and  workmanship  as  that  of  the  work  already  done  in  the 
“ north  approach.”  The  prices  in  the  present  estimate  are  in  no  case  less  than  those 
at  which  this  portion  of  the  work  has  been  actually  executed,  in  certain  portions 
remaining  to  be  done  larger  blocks  of  marble  (with  a different  treatment)  are  pro- 
posed to  be  used  than  in  the  north  approach,  and  in  these  cases  a price  has  been 
taken  at  which  such  blocks  are  offered  and  supplied  for  other  Government  works 
in  Washington. 

The  unimportant  items  not  thus  verified  are  of  common  material  and  workman- 
ship, such  as  interior  plastering  and  joiners’  work,  the  market  rates  for  which  are 
well  established. 

The  sum  of  $25,000  is  allowed  for  excavations  of  earth  and  piling,  which  may  prove 
necessary  for  the  security  of  the  foundations.  The  estimate  is  divided  into  sections 
designated,  respectively,  A,  B,  C,  D,  E,  F,  G,  Id,  I,  J,  K,  L,  and  M,  these  letters 
referring  to  the  skeleton  plan  attached  hereto. 

The  work  is  to  be  done  in  accordance  with  the  plans  and  elevations  before  the 


Joint  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 

* * * 

GENERAL  RECAPITULATION. 

Estimate  cost  of — 

, Section  A $74,  418  57 

Section  B 21,  584  47 

Section  C 85,  778  87 

Section  D 34,851  15 

Section  E 13,022  29 

Section  F 93, 174  32 

Section  G (one-half) 59,464  82 


Cost  of  north  half 

Cost  of  south  half 

Cost  of  south  approach 
Piling  and  grading... 

Total  cost 814,  588  98 

Fred’k  Law  Olmsted, 

Landscape  Architect. 


$382,  294  49 
382,  294  49 
25,  000  00 
25,  000  00 


[Diagrams  omitted.] 


1230 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  estimated  cost  of  the  terraces  and  grand  stairways,  which  is  furnished  by  Mr. 
Frederick  Law  Olmsted,  landscape  architect,  has  been  carefully  made  out  and  revised. 

The  entire  cost  of  this  improvement,  as  shown  above,  is $814, 588  88 

There  should  be  deducted  from  this  amount  that  estimated 
for  work  already  done,  viz: 

Approach $25,000  00 

Two  10-foot  bays 2,687  82 

One  bay  of  terrace 7,448  85 

35, 136  67 

Cost  of  work  yet  to  be  done 779,452  31 

The  sum  required  to  construct  the  terraces  at  the  north  and  south  of  the  Capitol, 
marked  on  plan  A and  M,  is  $138,708.47,  which  amount  is  asked  for  the  service 
during  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30,  1885. 

Very  respectfully,  Edward  Clark, 

Architect  United  States  Capitol. 

Hon.  Henry  M.  Teller, 

Secretary  of  the  Interior. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Jan.  14,  1884:  Congressional  Record,  48—1,  p.  371.] 

Mr.  Morrill,  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  to  whom  was 
referred  the  bill  (8.  402)  for  the  completion  of  the  Capitol  terraces  and  the  stairways 
connected  therewith,  reported  it  without  amendment. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Feb.  6,  1884:  Congressional  Record,  48 — 1,  p.  911.] 

CAPITOL  TERRACES  AND  STAIRWAYS. 

The  bill  (S.  402)  for  the  completion  of  the  Capitol  terraces  and  the  stairways 
connected  therewith,  was  considered  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole. 

It  proposes  to  appropriate  $777,588.98,  or  so  much  thereof  as  may  be  necessary,  for 
the  construction  of  the  terraces  along  the  north,  south,  and  west  fronts  of  the  Capi- 
tol, and  for  the  two  grand  stairways  at  the  western  front,  at  the  head  of  Pennsyl- 
vania and  Maryland  avenues;  the  same  to  be  erected  in  accordance  with  the  plan 
already  furnished  by  Frederick  Law  Olmsted,  landscape  architect. 

Mr.  Morrill.  Mr.  President,  this  is  a bill  in  accordance  with  the  plans  adopted 
by  Congress  in  1874.  It  is  to  be  regretted,  perhaps,  that  this  part  of  the  plan  had 
not  been  first  completed,  but  there  was  such  a pressure  for  roads  and  tracks  approach- 
ing the  Capitol  that  it  wras  deferred.  If  Senators  will  send  for  Executive  Document 
No.  9 of  the  present  Congress  they  wall  find  a plat  describing  the  whole  plan  and 
the  estimated  cost. 

Mr.  Ingalls.  How  much  has  been  expended  already? 

Mr.  Morrill.  About  $50,000.  I desire  to  say  that  when  this  plan  is  completed  it 
will  be  in  harmony  with  the  grounds  as  they  are  already  laid  out.  It  is  to  complete 
the  approaches  on  the  west  front  of  the  Capitol  with  more  imposing  and  handsomer 
stairways,  and  it  is  also  to  substitute  a marble  terrace  in  lieu  of  the  present  dirt  ter- 
race, which  looks  perhaps  weak  and  incongruous  with  so  large  a building  as  the 
Capitol. 

I will  say  that  when  the  terrace  shall  be  completed  there  will  be  ten  additional 
committee-rooms,  equal  to  the  very  best,  in  the  basement  of  the  Capitol,  half  of  them 
perhaps  for  the  House,  and  half  for  the  Senate.  It  will  also  have  seventy -four  other 
rooms  from  20  to  40  feet  long  and  about  20  feet  wide  for  the  storage  of  documents 
and  of  wood,  coal,  and  various  things  that  are  necessary  to  the  Capitol,  and  much  in 


The  Terraces. 


1231 


the  way  elsewhere.  Then  there  will  be  an  underground  railway  at  one  end  or  the 
other  for  the  admission  of  coal  and  documents,  without  daily  crowding  and  interfer- 
ing with  the  entrance  of  the  Senate  or  of  the  House  for  their  introduction. 

I think  any  persons  who  have  ever  fully  examined  the  matter  will  concede  that  it 
will  be  a vast  improvement  to  the  appearance  of  the  Capitol  and  a great  accommo- 
dation and  convenience  to  the  practical  operations  in  and  around  this  building. 

I ask,  as  I do  not  desire  to  take  up  time,  that  I may  have,  as  a part  of  my  remarks, 
published  in  the  Record  an  interview  of  the  landscape  architect,  who  is  confessedly 
now  perhaps  superior  to  any  person  living  on  this  continent  or  any  other  in  his 
peculiar  art  of  landscape  architecture.  \ ask  to  have  the  interview  which  appeared 
in  the  Evening  Star,  or  a portion  of  it,  printed  in  the  Record,  that  it  may  "be  seen 
hereafter  by  those  who  may  choose  to  investigate  the  subject. 

Mr.  Cockrell.  I should  like  to  ask  the  Senator  from  Vermont  what  is  the  esti- 
mated cost  of  the  entire  completion  of  tire  work  under  the  plan? 

Mr.  Morrill.  The  estimated  cost  of  the  entire  completion  is  $777,588.98. 

Mr.  Ingalls.  When  will  it  be  done? 

Mr.  Morrill.  In  two  years.  The  whole  amount  is  proposed  to  be  appropriated  at 
once  in  order  that  contracts  may  be  made  for  the  materials.  Probably  not  over  one- 
half  the  sum  will  be  required  during  the  present  year. 

Mr.  Van  Wyck.  May  I ask  the  Senator  if  he  has  the  figures  showing  what  the 
work  has  already  cost,  so  far  as  it  has  been  done? 

Mr.  Morrill.  So  far  as  this  matter  is  concerned,  about  $50,000. 

Mr.  Van  Wyck.  Fifty  thousand  dollars  for  what  has  been  done? 

Mr.  Morrill.  On  the  north  and  south  sides  and  in  front. 

Mr.  Ingalls.  Mr.  President,  I think  if  we  are  to  vote  intelligently  upon  this  sub- 
ject we  should  be  possessed  of  all  the  information  which  the  Senator  from  Vermont 
has.  The  printing  of  the  “interview”  in  the  Record  will  not  enlighten  the  intellect  of 
any  Senator  who  is  called  upon  to  vote  this  morning;  and  I would,  therefore,  suggest 
that  if  the  alleged  “interview”  contains  any  information  that  is  pertinent  to  the 
subject  or  would  be  advantageous,  the  bill  lie  over  until  to-morrow  morning  in  order 
that  we  may  read  it. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I hope  the  Senator  will  not  insist  on  that.  I think  I have  given  in 
substance  the  information  that  is  contained  in  the  interview,  but  there  are  some 
details  of  the  matter  here  that  I think  will  be  found  to  be  interesting  reading  to 
those  who  desire  to  see  it.  The  additional  space  to  be  gained  will  be  1,300  feet  long 
by  60  feet  wide.  It  states  various  other  small  points.  But  1 think  I have  given  a 
sufficient  amount  of  information  to  justify  the  Senator  from  Kansas  in  voting  for 
the  bill. 

The  “interview”  referred  to  by  Mr.  Morrill  is  as  follows: 

THE  CAPITOL  BUILDING — PROPOSED  IMPROVEMENT  OF  ITS  ARCHITECTURAL  CHARACTER. 

An  explanation  of  the  plan  now  being  carried  out — Architectural  defects  to  be  cured  by  the  marble  terrace — 

An  interview  with  Mr.  Frederick  Laic  Olmsted — The  old  plan  of  the  grounds  modified  to  meet  the  require- 
ments of  the  modern  building — A movement  wherein  Washington  city  leads  the  world,  iScc. 

The  work  on  the  marble  approaches  at  the  northeast  corner  of  the  Senate  wing  and  the  southeast 
corner  of  the  House  wing  of  the  Capitol  has  progressed  so  far  that  one  may  form  some  judgment  of 
the  architectural  effects  which  the  comprehensive  plan  of  improvement  of  which  these  approaches 
are  a part  is  designed  to  produce.  These  approaches  have  been  built  in  accordance  with  the  design 
adopted  by  Congress  in  1874,  the  chief  feature  of  which  is  a terrace  of  marble,  designed  to  supersede 
the  present  earthwork  covering  the  basement  story  of  the  Capitol.  The  general  plan  of  the  grounds 
surrounding  the  Capitol  has  been  made  to  harmonize  with  the  contemplated  improvement  in  the 
building  when  completed.  The  plan  also  makes  allowance  for  the  ultimate  completion  of  the  Capi- 
tol building  itself  according  to  Mr.  Walter’s  designs,  which  provide  for  an  advance  of  30  feet  in  the 
central  portico.  A stairway  of  graceful  design  and  imposing  dimensions  is,  according  to  the  plan,  to 
take  the  place  of  the  present  shabby  and  mean-looking  steps  leading  to  the  main  western  entrance. 

The  marble  walls  of  the  proposed  terrace  will  vary  in  height  at  different  points  from  10  to  17  feet, 
as  required  to  conform  to  the  varying  surface  of  the  ground  in  which  they  rest. 


1232 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Additional  room  to  be  provided. 

While  this  plan  is  intended  chiefly  to  enhance  the  architectural  character  of  the  building,  the  ter- 
race will  add  largely  to  the  basement  room  of  the  Capitol.  The  additional  space  thus  to  be  gained 
will  be  1,300  feet  long  by  60  feet  wide,  divided  into  rooms  opening  from  a central  corridor.  Ten  of 
these  correspond  in  form  and  dimensions  with  the  best  of  the  present  committee-rooms,  each  having 
two  or  three  windows  looking  upon  the  existing  courts  in  the  same  manner  as  those  of  the  Architect’s 
office  in  the  basement.  These  courts  are  to  be  made  attractive  winter  gardens.  There  will  be, 
besides  the  rooms  described,  seventy-four  rooms,  varying  from  20  to  44  feet  in  length  and  from  16  to  24 
feet  in  breadth,  most  of  which  will  resemble  the  present  basement  committee-rooms.  These  rooms, 
it  is  expected,  will  be  used  for  the  storage  of  coal,  for  the  keeping  of  archives,  for  the  temporary 
deposit  of  current  documents,  for  extraordinary  committee  and  clerks’  rooms  when  needed,  and  for 
other  purposes,  for  which  additional  room  is  demanded.  The  plan  of  this  floor  provides  for  a sub- 
way by  which  coal,  ashes,  and  all  goods  not  desirable  to  be  passed  through  the  upper  entrances  may 
be  conveyed  underground  to  or  from  a postern  in  the  Government  work-yard  on  South  B street.  It 
provides  also  for  an  enlargement  of  the  present  boiler-rooms. 

The  esplanade. 

The  plan  provides  that  the  esplanade  or  deck  of  the  terrace  shall  be  divided  into  two  parts,  the 
division  running  midway  between  the  outer  walls  of  the  present  building  and  the  outer  walls  of  the 
proposed  new  work.  The  inner  one  of  these  two  parts  is  to  be  level  with  the  foot  of  the  several  short 
flights  of  steps  now  opening  from  the  porticoes;  the  outer  one  four  feet  lower.  The  two  levels  are  to 
be  connected  by  flights  of  steps  opposite  those  from  the  porticoes.  In  line  with  the  lowerflights,  and 
running  parallel  with  the  division  between  the  two  levels,  there  is  to  be  a channel  8 feet  wide,  to  be 
filled  with  soil  and  planted. 

In  looking  toward  the  Capitol  from  the  grounds  this  division  of  the  terrace  into  two  decks  will  not 
be  apparent,  but  the  eye  will  range  over  it,  and  the  marble  of  the  front  of  the  terrace  be  thus  massed 
with  the  marble  of  the  main  building  just  above  the  granite  base  course  of  the  latter.  Openings  will 
be  made  through  the  outer  wall  of  the  terrace  garden  for  lighting  and  ventilating  the  corridor 
below. 

About  850,000  has  been  thus  far  expended  on  the  work.  The  cost  of  completing  it  at  the  same  rate 
will  be  about  8700,000. 

The  work  is  carried  on  under  the  joint  direction  of  Mr.  Edward  Clark,  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol, 
and  Mr.  Frederick  Law  Olmsted,  the  landscape  architect  of  the  grounds. 

The  inception  of  the  plan. 

“Eight  years  ago,”  said  Mr.  Olmsted,  when  asked  by  a Star  reporter  for  information  regarding  the 
inception  of  the  plan,  “I  was  asked  by  the  Joint  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  to 
come  to  Washington  and  examine  the  Capitol  grounds,  which  had  just- then  been  enlarged,  with  a view 
to  a general  scheme  of  improvement  in  adaptation  to  the  enlarged  Capitol.  A great  earthwork  had 
been  formed  on  three  sides  of  the  building  from  the  material  thrown  out  from  its  base,  and  this  had 
been  overlaid  with  turf,  constituting  a pedestal  for  the  building,  which  I felt  to  be  in  various  ways 
unsuitable.  I concluded  that  no  improvement  of  the  Capitol  grounds  would  be  satisfactory  while 
this  great,  incongruous  earthwork  interposed  between  it  and  the  building.  I therefore  advised,  as  a 
preliminary  step  to  a suitable  design  of  the  grounds,  the  adoption  of  an  architectural  terrace.  This 
scheme  was  approved  by  Mr.  Clark,  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol;  later  by  Mr.  Walter,  its  original 
designer;  then  by  the  Joint  Committee  on  Buildings  and  Grounds,  and  was  finally  adopted  by  Con- 
gress. The  plan  of  the  grounds  since  carried  out  is  designed  subordinately  to  it.” 

Why  the  turf  terrace  is  objectionable. 

“The  more  obvious  objections  to  the  present  earthwork,”  explained  Mr.  Olmsted,  “aside  from  its 
general  inelegance,  are:  First,  that  it  does  not  provide  an  adequately  firm  and  stable  footing  for  so 
ponderous  a building  when  placed  on  a hillside — I mean  that  whatever  the  real  security  may  be  an 
adequate  impression  upon  the  mind  in  that  respect  is  not  made.  The  architectural  terrace  will  pro- 
duce an  adequate  impression,  and  the  greater  apparent  firmness  and  more  enduring  strength  of  the 
building  thus  obtained  will  add  greatly  to  its  grandeur.  Second,  it  is  impossible  in  a climate  like 
this,  and  under  the  local  conditions  of  the  Capitol,  that  turf  shall  be  kept  in  nice  or  even  decent  con- 
dition when  laid,  as  in  this  case,  on  steep  formal  slopes.  If  it  can  be  kept  tolerably  green,  as  it  never 
has  been  at  the  Capitol  through  any  single  summer,  it  will  still  be  thin,  weak,  and  shabby,  a condi- 
tion quite  incongruous  with  the  elegance  of  the  superstructure. 

“Finally,  there  is  a common  impression,  now  obtained  by  many  in  looking  at  the  Capitol,  which 
is  expressed  in  the  saying  that  it  is  ‘squatty,’  and  that  its  dome  appears  of  disproportionate  height 
and  weight.  If  you  will  look  at  this  drawing,  which  shows  the  Capitol  with  the  proposed  terrace, 
you  will  see  that  the  grounds  of  such  an  impression  have  been  wholly  removed. 

“It  was  my  expectation  that  the  terrace  would  be  built  at  once  in  advance  of  the  improvement  of 
the  grounds.  I have  always  regretted  that  it  was  not,  because  the  design  of  the  grounds  is  discon- 
certed by  the  presence  of  so  conspicuous  a feature,  to  which  they  are  not  at  all  fitted.” 

“Why  was  this  not  done?” 


The  Terraces. 


1233 


“Simply  because  there  was  a more  pressing  necessity  for  proceeding  with  the  roads  and  other 
approaches  to  the  Capitol,  and  Congress  was  not  disposed  to  make  sufficient  appropriations  for  this 
work,  and  that  w'hich  could  be  best  done  along  with  it  and  at  the  same  time  for  the  terrace.’’ 

Objections  to  the  plan. 

“What  objections  have  been  raised  to  the  plan?” 

“I  know  of  but  two;  one,  that  the  parapet  would  from  certain  points  obstruct  the  view  of  the  build- 
ing. This  had,  however,  been  provided  for,  as  I have  already  explained,  by  the  division  of  the 
terrace,  which  allows  the  top  of  the  parapet  to  come  below  the  plane  of  vision.  The  other  is  not 
really  an  objection  to  the  terrace,  but  to  the  lack  of  more  direct  approaches  to  the  building.  There 
are  twenty-one  streets  leading  up  to  the  boundary  of  the  Capitol  grounds.  If  lines  of  direct  passage 
were  to  be  kept  open  between  all  of  these,  and  also  between  each  of  them  and  each  door  of  the 
Capitol,  it  would  be  in  every  respect  better  to  simply  pave  the  entire  area,  as  Michael  Angelo  did 
that  of  the  great  open  place  before  St.  Peter’s,  and  depend  for  scenery  solely  on  architectural  works, 
fountains,  obelisks,  and  loggias.  But  that  was  not  the  intention  of  Congress.  To  have  any  suitable 
sylvan  and  verdant  effect  it  was  necessary  to  secure  some  spaces  of  undisturbed  breadth  of  surface. 
These  have  been  secured  at  the  least  possible  expense  of  directness  and  amplitude  of  transcom- 
munication. They  are  all  too  few  and  too  limited.  To  split  them  further  into  fragments  would  be 
ruinous.” 

“ Why  is  granite  being  used  instead  of  marble  on  the  face  of  w^all  between  the  upper  and  the  lower 
terrace?” 

“Because,”  said  Mr.  Olmsted,  “marble  would  be  unpleasantly  glaring.  It  will  not  be  seen  in  any 
general  view  of  the  building,  and  there  is  no  reason  why  this  relief  should  not  be  given  to  those 
walking  on  the  terrace.” 

The  removal  of  trees. 

“I  would  like,”  said  the  reporter,  “to  know  something  about  the  removal  of  trees  on  the  Capitol 
grounds?” 

“I  have  been  told,”  said  Mr.  Olmsted,  smiling,  “that  an  impression  has  become  fixed  in  many 
minds  that  I have  ruthlessly  destroyed  many  fine  old  trees.  Near  the  close  of  the  last  session  of  Con- 
gress a member  who  shared  this  impression  held  me  up  to  public  odium  as  a vandal  on  account  of  it. 
I have  since  received  a note  from  him  acknowledging  that  he  bad  been  misinformed  as  to  the  facts 
and  expressing  regret  that  he  should  have  made  the  statement.  Some  years  before  I was  called  to 
look  at  the  ground,  the  District  board  of  works  had  lowered  the  grade  of  the  street  on  the  east  of  the 
Capitol  so  that  it  appeared  a great  unfinished  canal,  and  to  pass  from  it  toward  the  Capitol  it  was 
necessary  to  climb  a bank  in  some  places  eight  feet  high.  In  doing  this  work  the  best  of  the  large 
trees  of  the  Capitol  grounds  had  been  partially  undermined.  It  was  absolutely  necessary  that  open- 
ings should  be  made  toward  the  Capitol  on  the  level  of  the  street.  The  question  is,  was  it  worth  while 
to  attempt  to  design  a plan  by  which  these  openings  could  be  made,  leaving  ridges  between  them 
to  sustain  a part  of  the  old  trees?  I was  advised  that  Congress  had  assumed  that  it  would  not  be  worth 
while,  and  after  a careful  examination  of  the  trees  I fully  concurred  in  this  judgment.  The  trees 
had  been  grown  under  most  unfavorable  circumstances,  had  been  much  misused,  and  were  all  in  a 
decaying  condition— I mean  the  older  and  larger  trees,  the  loss  of  which  has  been  so  much  felt.  They 
had  but  a few  years  of  life  left  in  them,  and  had  been  planted  upon  a plan  adapted  to  a ground  of  half 
the  extent  and  to  a building  of  less  than  half  the  dimensions  of  the  present.  I was  instructed  to  lay 
out  the  grounds  with  reference  to  permanent  arrangements  in  connection  with  the  larger  building 
and  upon  the  larger  scale.  Before  doing  so  I had  a thorough  expert  survey  of  the  trees  made,  the 
condition  and  prospects  of  each  being  noted.  Nearly  all  of  the  larger  trees  on  the  east  ground  were 
found  to  be  in  a decaying  condition.  Such  as  were  not  were  marked  to  be  left  where  they  were  if 
practicable,  and  where  they  could  not  be  left  to  be  transplanted.  If  I remember  rightly  there  were 
a hundred  and  thirty  of  the  latter  class,  averaging  a foot  in  diameter." 

“ How  many  of  them  are  now  living?” 

“More  than  nine-tenths,  certainly.  Notone  died  in  consequence  of  its  removal.  Two  or  three 
have  been  badly  injured  by  storms,  others  by  gas  leaks,  but  nearly  all  are  now  in  a much  more  flour- 
ishing condition  than  before  their  removal.” 

“You  have  been  speaking  of  the  east  ground  only,”  said  the  reporter. 

“ True.  On  the  west  there  were  three  avenues,  like  this.  [Mr.  Olmsted  illustrated  by  drawing  a 
rough  diagram  of  the  west  grounds  as  it  originally  appeared,  with  an  avenue  through  the  center  in 
addition  to  the  two  now  existing.]  Upon  each  side  of  these  avenues  stood  rows  of  trees,  mostly  old 
silver  maples.  These  thin  w'edges  of  green  between  the  avenues  had  no  landscape  value.  The  plan 
adopted  at  my  suggestion  threw  out  the  center  avenue,  trees  and  all.  Now  there  are  two  approaches 
from  the  west,  one  from  Maryland  avenue,  and  one  from  Pennsylvania  avenue,  with  a simple,  quiet, 
unbroken  spread  of  turf  between  them.  This,  I think,  has  some  value.  The  rows  of  old  trees  W'ere 
left  on  the  old  avenues  retained,  but  provision  was  made  for  the  future  by  setting  out  rows  of  young 
trees  outside  of  them  and  widening  the  walks.  Several  of  the  old  trees  still  remain,  and  you  can  see 
what  their  condition  is,  and  from  it  judge,  what  the  condition  must  have  been  of  the  trees  that  have 
been  removed.  Nearly  every  storm  brings  down  some  of  their  limbs.” 

H.  Rep.  646 78 


1234 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


A movement  in  which  Washington  leads  the  world. 

Mr.  Olmsted,  in  answer  to  the  reporter’s  inquiries,  expressed  himself  as  much  admiring  the  general 
appearance  of  Washington  city  in  its  later  aspect.  “The  tendency  of  all  flourishing  cities  now  is,” 
he  observed,  “to  divide  into  more  and  more  distinct  districts  of  residence  apart  from  districts  of  work 
and  trade,  and  in  these  to  spread  out — to  increase  more  rapidly  in  extent  relatively  to  population 
than  cities  have  done  hitherto.  It  results  that  streets  are  made  wider,  building  sites  larger,  and  trees 
and  gardens  are  multiplied.  In  this  movement  Washington  is  leading  the  world,  and,  in  the  main, 
leading  it  finely.  More  than  any  other  of  our  cities  it  is  acquiring  distinctively  American  character- 
istics, as  of  a state  or  society  that  has  escaped  from  the  necessity  of  town  walls  and  from  the  restraints 
of  monopolizing  landlords,  that  can  afford  to  march  on  in  open  order,  and  to  straggle  a little  into  the 
woods  and  meadows. 

“Progress  in  this  rus-urban  direction,”  continued  Mr.  Olmsted,  “may  be  seen  to  have  been  very 
considerable  during  the  last  twenty  years  in  nearly  all  the  notable  towns  of  Europe — Rome,  Florence, 
Milan,  Genoa,  Paris,  Brussels,  Frankfort,  London,  and  Liverpool,  for  example.  In  all  of  these  the 
country  is  coming  into  the  town  and  the  town  stretching  out  into  the  country;  and  if  we  look  back 
a century  or  two  it  will  appear  probable  that  we  are  now  in  the  middle  of  a movement,  the  final 
result  of  which  will  be  that  to  live  in  the  compact  blocks  hitherto  characteristic  of  towns  will  be 
thought  a great  hardship,  if  not  positively  barbarous.  In  time  the  beauty  of  towns  will  be  found  to 
lie  largely  in  a form  of  scenery,  of  which  the  interest  will  consist,  not  in  what  we  now  call  their 
decorations,  but  in  the  grouping  of  stately  bodies  of  foliage  with  architectural  masses. 

Hints  about  trees  and  shrubbery. 

“You  ask  if  I have  no  criticisms  to  make  upon  what  has  been  done,”  he  continued.  “ From  my 
professional  point  of  view  there  are  two  defects  that  may  be  worth  noticing.  I am  afraid  that  the 
street  trees  have  not  yet  been  given  sufficient  spaces  of  soil,  and  that  unless  these  are  soon  enlarged 
their  growth  will  be  checked  and  they  will  become  weakly  and  stunted  as  their  roots  attempt  to 
push  beyond  the  pits  in  which  they  are  planted.  On  account  of  the  health  of  the  trees,  also,  the 
fashion  of  substituting  concrete  or  asphalt  for  brick  as  a surface  for  the  sidewalks  is  to  be  regretted. 
The  other  defect  to  which  I refer  grows  out  of  an  excessive  use  of  herbaceous  decorations  on  the 
street  fronts  of  private  houses.  These  are  to  be  seen  in  perfection  only  for  a short  period,  and  during 
those  parts  of  the  year  when  the  city  is  most  occupied  and  visited  the  ground  given  to  them  is  apt  to 
appear  positively  forlorn.  Another  thing:  it  is  difficult  to  keep  deep  grass  slopes  in  nice  order  in  this 
climate — impossible,  I may  say,  except  by  a large  annual  bill  of  expense.  Slopes  formed  upon  long, 
graceful  lines  instead  of  being  made  formal,  stiff,  abrupt,  and  angular,  as  seems  to  be  the  fashion 
for  the  time,  will  be  much  nicer.  There  is  room  for  a great  improvement  in  this  way,  and  also  in  a 
more  general  use  of  evergreen  shrubbery  and  vines.  In  the  selection  of  planting  material  for  private 
places  along  the  streets  it  is  very  desirable  that  plants  should  be  selected  that  appear  to  advantage 
early  in  the  spring  and  late  in  the  fall,  if  not  during  the  entire  winter.  The  contrasts  to  be  now 
observed  in  this  respect  as  one  drives  through  the  streets  are  instructive.” 

Mr.  Ingalls.  It  is  rather  a novel  method  of  conveying  information  on  a matter  that 
nvolves  the  expenditure  of  a million  dollars  to  have  an  “interview”  published  in 
the  newspapers  printed  in  the  Record  the  day  after  the  bill  is  to  be  voted  upon. 

I am  free  to  say  that  the  progress  of  the  work  so  far  does  not  I think  justify  any 
very  sanguine  expectations  as  to  the  great  results  that  are  predicted  by  the  Sena- 
tor from  Vermont.  As  I understand  him,  there  are  to  be  ten  additional  committee- 
rooms  provided.  I can  not  understand  how  they  can  be  provided  except  in  some 
subterranean  portion  of  the  structure,  so  that  they  will  be  practically  a part  of  the 
cellar  of  the  edifice,  rather  than  rooms  that  are  calculated  for  human  habitation. 

In  this  connection  I may  say  also  that,  without  any  pretense  to  architectural  knowl- 
edge, without  having  had  my  intelligence  trained  by  the  contemplation  of  the  great 
marvels  of  antiquity  or-  of  other  lands  than  our  own,  I am  not  able  to  see  that  any- 
thing has  been  specifically  accomplished  in  the  work  which  has  been  hitherto  done. 
The  approach  on  the  north  side  of  the  Capitol  seems  to  be  more  in  the  nature  of  an 
excavation  or  a canal  than  an  appropriate  and  dignified  approach  to  a majestic  struc- 
ture like  this;  and  the  pavement  has  been  so  arranged  that  with  every  waterfall  the 
entire  surface  is  covered  with  a rippling  stream  that  renders  the  whole  space  practi- 
cally inundated,  and  it  appears  to  me  will  result  in  serious  injury  to  the  remainder 
of  the  building  unless  other  arrangements  have  been  made  for  drainage  than  now 
appear. 

Beyond  that,  the  material  that  has  been  employed  for  the  pavement  seems  to  be 
insufficient.  It  is  already  in  many  places  cracked;  it  has  yielded  to  the  elements  or 
else  has  been  insufficiently  laid,  and  I observe  also  that  the  joints  in  that  portion  of 


The  Terraces. 


1235 


the  terrace  that  is  constructed  of  Scottish  granite,  I believe,  have  already  begun  to 
separate  and  part,  admitting  the  approach  of  water  and  the  introduction  of  frost;  so 
that  unless  something  is  to  be  done  that  differs  from  what  has  already  been  accom- 
plished, I confess  I should  like  to  be  further  informed  than  I am  at  present  upon  a 
subject  so  important  as  this. 

In  this  connection  while  we  are  speaking  about  tne  architecture  of  the  Capitol  and 
the  various  improvements  that  may  be  made,  I want  to  suggest  to  the  Senator  from 
Vermont  whether  it  would  not  be  appropriate  to  make  some  provision  at  this  time 
for  the  removal  of  that  most  incongruous  group  of  statuary  which  now  stands  at  the 
entrance  of  the  grounds  on  Pennsylvania  avenue.  Sorrow,  Mr.  President,  is  usually 
secluded;  men  do  not  go  into  the  market-place  to  weep  for  departed  friends  or  in 
consequence  of  bereavement;  and  nations  never  mourn.  So  far  as  that  group  of 
statuary  is  concerned,  it  seems  to  me  that  it  should  be  removed  at  once  to  some  adja- 
cent cemetery.  It  would  be  entirely  appropriate  upon  some  grassy  plain  by  a still 
sheet  of  water  and  surrounded  by  weeping  willows  and  other  foliage  that  indicates 
the  grief  and  melancholy  of  nature;  but  placed  at  the  very  entrance  to  the  grounds 
of  the  Capitol,  surrounded  by  fifteen-cent  lodging  houses  and  beer  shops,  and  amid 
the  continuous  din  and  uproar  of  street-cars  and  herdics  and  vehicles  going  to  and 
fro,  with  its  snowy  surface  covered  continuously  with  the  feculent  dust  of  the  high- 
ways, I confess  that  it  never  has  ceased  to  offend  my  sense  of  the  appropriate  and 
the  decorous  since  it  was  first  erected. 

I do  not  know  who  has  charge  of  these  matters,  but  inasmuch  as  this  bill  for  the 
continuation  of  the  architectural  decoration  of  the  Capitol  and  its  completion  ema- 
nates from  the  committee  of  which  the  Senator  from  Vermont  is  the  chairman,  I 
would  suggest  that  he  take  this  subject  also  into  consideration.  I hope  before  we 
are  called  upon  to  act  on  this  measure  we  shall  have  at  least  the  information  of  which 
the  Senator  from  Vermont  is  possessed. 

Mr.  Morrill.  Mr.  President,  I suppose  we  are  all  thankful  that  we  have  given 
the  opportunity  to  the  Senator  from  Kansas  to  distinguish  himself  as  he  always  can 
in  attacking  any  measure  that  comes  before  the  Senate. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Senator  will  allow  the  Chair  to  interpose.  It  is  the 
duty  of  the  Chair  to  remind  him  that  under  the  rule  he  can  speak  but  once.  The 
Chair  will  regard  it  as  the  unanimous  consent  of  the  Senate  that  the  Senator  pro- 
ceed. [“Go  on.”] 

Mr.  Morrill.  I suppose  that  the  chief  amount  of  necessary  information  is  pos- 
sessed by  every  other  Senator  if  not  by  the  Senator  from  Kansas.  I do  not  desire  to 
defend  in  connection  with  this  subject  the  statuary  that  is  at  the  foot  of  the  Capitol. 
Perhaps  the  location  is  as  obnoxious  to  my  sense  of  good  taste  as  it  is  to  that  of  the 
Senator  from  Kansas,  although  each  figure  by  itself  may  be,  and  I think  is,  a fine 
work  of  art. 

Mr.  Ingalls.  How  did  it  get  there?  Who  put  it  there? 

Mr.  Morrill.  Neither  do  I intend  to  defend  the  defective  concrete  pavement  that 
is  on  the  east  side  of  the  Capitol.  That  has  turned  out  as  a good  deal  of  concrete 
pavement  throughout  the  city  heretofore  has;  but  since  that  was  put  down  I think 
they  have  ascertained  how  and  where  to  obtain  a much  better  article  of  concrete 
pavement. 

This  is  entirely  an  independent  matter  from  either  the  concrete  pavement  or  the 
statuary  at  the  foot  of  the  Capitol.  The  document  to  which  I have  referred  as  Execu- 
tive Document  No.  9 explains  fully  the  expense  and  the  plan.  I have  stated  the 
general  results  that  will  be  effected.  It  will  be  admitted,  I think,  by  all  that  this 
plan  is  the  only  one  that  has  ever  been  suggested  which  has  met  with  almost  uni- 
versal acceptance  and  exempt  from  any  intelligent  criticism;  that  is  to  say,  it  will 
give  the  Capitol  the  appearance  of  greater  strength,  of  massiveness,  of  standing  upon 
a firm  foundation,  and  will  be  something  equal  to  the  size  andcweight  of  the  dome 
that  is  now  upon  the  Capitol.  The  general  elevations  are  confessedly  now  too  thin,. 


1236 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


too  flat.  When  this  is  done  there  will  be  an  evidence  of  strength,  of  solidity,  that 
will  be  obvious  to  all. 

Mr.  President,  I do  not  like  to  have  this  bill  go  over  upon  the  criticism  of  the 
Senator  from  Kansas.  I hope  that  every  other  Senator  will  be  prepared  to  vote  for 
this  bill  now,  in  order  that  it  may  go  to  the  House  of  Representatives  and  be  acted 
upon  at  the  present  session.  I can  say  that  it  met  with  the  unanimous  approval  of  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  of  which  I am  not  the  chairman,  and  I 
hope  it  will  meet  with  the  general  approval  of  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Voorhees.  Will  the  Senator  from  Vermont,  before  taking  his  seat  allow  me 
to  ask  him  a question? 

Mr.  Morrill.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Voorhees.  As  to  the  group  which  so  offends  the  taste  of  the  Senator  from 
Kansas,  and  likewise  my  own,  I would  like  to  know  of  the  Senator  from  Vermont 
whether  he  would  accept  as  an  amendment  to  this  bill  for  the  further  improvement 
of  the  west  front  of  the  Capitol  an  amendment  providing  for  the  removal  of  the  funeral 
furniture  off  Pennsylvania  avenue  to,  say,  the  Soldiers’  Home,  out  by  the  cemetery? 
I think  that  would  go  very  far  to  reconcile  not  only  the  Senator  from  Kansas  but 
some  of  the  rest  of  us  to  vote  for  the  bill. 

Mr.  Morrill.  I wish  to  say  to  the  Senator  from  Indiana  that  I will  not  accept  it 
as  an  amendment  to  this  bill,  because  it  is  wholly  outside  of  and  irrelevant  to  it,  but 
I will  pledge  him  that  I will  vote  for  a proposition  to  properly  remove  it,  where  it 
will  be  more  appropriate,  at  any  time  that  a bill  may  be  presented  for  that  purpose. 

Mr.  VooRnEES.  I thought  it  would  be  entirely  in  order  on  this  bill  to  benefit  the 
western  view  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Morrill.  That  is  outside  of  the  Capitol  grounds. 

Mr.  Cockrell.  How  did  it  get  there? 

Mr.  Morrill.  It  got  here  under  the  solicitation  of  the  officers  and  Admiral  of  the 
Navy,  and  before  the  monument  arrived  here.  I would  say  that  so  far  as  that  monu- 
ment is  concerned,  if  it  should  be  replaced,  as  I said  to  the  Senator  from  Kansas  this 
morning,  with  a large  representation  in  bronze  or  marble  of  a buffalo  lassoed  upon 
the  plains  or  pursued  by  dogs,  I would  much  prefer  it.  [Laughter.] 

The  bill  was  reported  to  the  Senate  without  amendment,  ordered  to  be  engrossed 
for  a third  reading,  read  the  third  time,  and  passed. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-five,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
July  7,  1884.  (Stats,  at.  Large,  v.  23,  208.)] 

Tor  constructing  terraces  north  of  the  Capitol,  section  marked  A,  as  shown  on 
printed  plan  accompanying  the  letter  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  (Executive 
Document  Number  Nine,  first  session  Forty-eighth  Congress) , sixty  thousand  dollars, 
including  wages  of  mechanics  and  laborers:  Provided,  That  the  work  under  this 
appropriation  shall  be  confined  to  the  north  front  of  the  Capitol  building,  and  shall 
not  extend  westward  beyond  the  fine  of  the  west  front  of  the  Senate  wing  of  the 
Capitol. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  July  1,  1884.  (48—2,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  2,  p.  402.)] 

The  more  important  work  in  pursuance  of  the  design  for  the  improvement  of  the 
Capitol  grounds  during  the  last  year  has  been  that,  of  the  south  approach  of  the  ter- 
race, and  a short,  section  of  the  terrace  proper,  in  connection  with  the  north  approach. 

Congress  having  evinced  its  satisfaction  with  the  result.,  it  needs  only  to  be  said  with 
reference  to  its  future  action  that  experience  sustains  the  lowest  estimates  of  the  cost 
of  the  work  that  have  been  at  any  time  presented. 


The  Terraces. 


1237 


[House  proceedings  of  Mar.  3,  1885:  Congressional  Record,  48 — 2,  p.  2549.] 

The  House  having  under  consideration  the  conference  report  on  the  sundry  civil 
bill  for  1886 — 

The  next  amendment  (numbered  140)  was  read,  as  follows: 

Strike  out  of  the  House  bill  the  words: 

“ For  constructing  terrace  north  of  the  Capitol,  section  marked  B,  as  shown  on  printed  plan  accom- 
panying the  letter  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  (Executive  Document  No.  9,  first  session  Forty- 
eighth  Congress),  including  wages  of  mechanics  and  laborers,  $21,500.” 

Mr.  Randall.  The  House  was  ready  to  appropriate  a sum  of  money  to  complete 
the  northern  or  Senate  end  as  far  as  this  terrace  was  involved.  We  prefer  to  see  the 
completion  of  the  work  before  we  begin  at  the  Senate  end.  The  proposition,  how- 
ever, of  the  Senate  includes  the  completion  of  the  north  end  and  part  of  the  comple- 
tion of  the  west.  It  involves  a much  larger  sum.  I move,  therefore,  that  the  House 
further  insist  on  its  disagreement  to  the  amendment  of  the  Senate. 

^ The  motion  was  agreed  to. 

The  next  amendment  of  the  Senate  was  read,  as  follows: 

Insert  the  following: 

“For  continuing  the  construction  of  the  terrace  and  grand  stairways  of  the  Capitol,  as  shown  on 
plan  accompanying  the  letter  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  (Executive  Document  No.  9,  first  ses- 
sion Forty-eighth  Congress),  including  wages  of  mechanics  and  laborers,  $350,000;  and  this  appro- 
priation shall  be  immediately  available.” 

Mr.  Randall.  This  is  of  the  same  tenor  as  the  other  to  which  I have  just  referred, 
and  I ask  non-concurrence  in  the  amendment. 

Mr.  Rosecrans.  That  work  ought  never  to  have  been  begun. 

Mr.  Randall.  I move  that  the  House  further  insist  upon  its  disagreement  to  this 
amendment. 

Mr.  White,  of  Kentucky.  I think  the  gentleman  is  entirely  correct  on  that  propo- 
sition. The  idea  of  appropriating  $350,000  to  be  expended  for  labor  around  this 
Capitol  is  simply  a waste  of  the  public  money  in  the  main,  as  we  have  seen  it  here 
year  after  year.  Especially  is  this  appropriate  in  view  of  what  was  done  awhile  ago 
when  a bill  to  pay  the  small  claims  running  from  twenty  dollars  to  two  or  three 
hundred  or  four  hundred  dollars,  known  as  the  4th  of  July  claims,  which  have  been 
passed  upon  by  the  accounting  officers  of  the  Department,  the  loyalty  of  the  claim- 
ants in  each  case  fully  proven,  the  amount  of  the  claim  satisfactorily  established,  and 
the  Treasury  Department  having  undertaken  the  investigation  as  well  as  the  House 
committee  and  a report  made  by  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee,  and  yet  these  claims 
receive  no  consideration  simply  because  of  objection  coming  from  members  on  that 
side  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Randall.  I am  glad  to  know  that  the  gentleman  from  Kentucky  agrees  with 
me  on  this  point. 

I now  move  to  further  insist  on  the  disagreement. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to. 


[From  tlie  "Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-six,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Mar.  3,  1885.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  23,  497.)] 

For  continuing  the  construction  of  the  terrace  and  grand  stairways  of  the  Capitol, 
as  shown  on  plan  accompanying  the  letter  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  (Execu- 
tive Document  Number  Nine,  first  session  Forty-eighth  Congress)  including  wages 
of  mechanics  and  laborers,  two  hundred  thousand  dollars;  and  this  appropriation 
shall  be  immediately  available. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  L.  Q.  C.  Lamar,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  1, 1885.  (49 — 1,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  1,  p.  63.)] 

Considerable  progress  has  been  made  in  the  construction  of  the  terraces.  Mr. 
Fred  Law  Olmsted,  landscape  architect,  giving  his  attention  to  the  improvement  of 
the  grounds  only,  has  relinquished  control  of  the  construction  of  the  terraces  since 


1238  ■ 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


the  close  of  the  last  fiscal  year,  since  which  time  that  work  has  been  exclusively 
under  the  direction  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol.  These  terraces  not  only  add  to 
the  beauty  of  the  Capitol  and  its  grounds,  but  will,  when  finished,  provide  committee 
and  storage  rooms  so  much  needed. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  July  23,  1886:  Congressional  Record,  49 — 1,  p.  7384.] 

The  Senate,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  having  under  consideration  the  sundry 
civil  bill  for  1887 — 

The  next  amendment  passed  over  was,  in  line  1416,  after  the  words  “Capitol  ter- 
races,” to  strike  out — 

For  continuing  the  work  upon  the  terraces  of  the  Capitol,  sections  marked  K,  D,  and  J,  as  shown 
on  printed  plan  accompanying  the  letter  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  (Executive  Document  No. 
9,  first  session,  Forty-eighth  Congress),  including  wages  of  mechanics  and  laborers,  and  for  recon- 
structing boiler  vaults  connected  with  sections  C and  K,  $150,000. 

That  the  unexpended  balance  of  the  appropriation  for  continuing  the  construction  of  the  terrace 
and  grand  stairways  of  the  Capitol  made  in  the  act  entitled  “An  act  making  appropriations  for  sun- 
dry civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30, 1886,  and  for  other  purposes,” 
is  hereby  reappropriated  or  rendered  available  for  the  continuation  of  that  work  during  the  fiscal 
year  1887. 

And  in  lieu  thereof  to  insert: 

All  work  upon  the  Capitol  terraces  shall  be  suspended  till  a further  plan  shall  be  submitted  to  Con- 
gress providing  for  committee-rooms  upon  the  western  front  of  said  terraces,  with  proper  ventilation 
and  light  from  windows  in  the  outer  western  wall. 

Mr.  Vest.  Mr.  President,  this  improvement  was  commenced  deliberately  by  Con- 
gress and  has  proceeded  up  to  the  present  time  very  satisfactorily.  The  original  idea 
on  which  the  appropriation  was  made  aggregated  an  estimate  of  $815,000.  The  idea 
upon  which  this  estimate  was  made  and  the  appropriation  which  followed  was  simply 
this:  The  defect  in  the  architectural  plan  and  structure  of  the  Capitol  is  that  the 
building  is  too  wide  for  its  height.  It  was  impossible  to  raise  the  Capitol  and  it  was 
impossible  to  put  another  foundation  under  it. 

It  was  thought  then  by  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  after 
mature  deliberation  that  the  only  way  to  remedy  this  matter  was  to  construct  this 
terrace,  giving  to  the  foundation  of  the  Capitol  on  the  western  approach  an  appear- 
ance of  solidity  and  of  additional  height.  That  was  the  theory  on  which  Mr.  Olm- 
stead  made  his  plan,  and  the  plan  has  proved  to  be  a correct  one. 

In  this  original  idea  as  before  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  no 
great  stress  was  laid  upon  the  proposition  to  obtain  rooms  for  the  use  of  either  House 
of  Congress.  That  was  a subsequent  matter.  I have  stated  what  was  the  principal 
idea,  and  that  was  to  remedy  this  defect  in  the  architectural  plan  and  in  the  appear- 
ance of  the  Capitol,  but,  at  the  same  time,  if  we  could  secure  additional  rooms  that 
would  be  no  objection  and  might  be  a small  argument  in  favor  of  the  appropriation. 
Mr.  Olmstead  asked  how  many  committee-rooms  would  be  necessary,  and  the  Com- 
mittee on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  told  him  that  twenty  would  be  enough. 
Under  this  plan  he  obtained  twenty-eight.  They  are  each  25  feet  by  15  in  size. 

It  is  now  proposed  by  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  to  do  away  with  the  very 
object  that  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  had  in  view  when  they 
recommended  this  appropriation,  and  which  was  the  main  feature  and  almost  the 
only  feature  of  the  architectural  plan  adopted  by  Congress  and  proposed  by  Mr. 
Olmsted.  It  is  proposed  now  to  do  away  with  that  appearance  of  solidity  on  the 
part  of  this  terrace  and  to  put  windows  into  it  for  the  purpose  of  lighting  these  com- 
mittee-rooms; in  other  words,  to  make  this  Capitol  look  like  a Pennsylvania  barn 
with  windows  in  the  lower  story. 

Mr.  Allison.  Red  lines. 

Mr.  Vest.  I suppose  so.  I suppose  hereafter  red  lines  will  be  proposed  if  this 
change  is  made  in  the  terrace.  I understand  it  is  said — I have  not  heard  the  argu- 
ment on  the  other  side  except  by  report,  but  I understand  it  is  said — that  these 


The  Ten  'aces. 


1239 


rooms  are  not  sufficiently  lighted.  I have  examined  the  rooms  personally.  They 
are  all  of  good  size  and  there  is  a window  to  each  room  opening  on  the  area.  Here 
is  the  plan,  if  any  Senator  desires  to  look  at  it. 

There  is  an  area,  and  between  the  rooms  upon  the  inner  space  and  the  outer  space, 
to  each  of  these  rooms  there  is  a window  with  a door  opposite,  giving  ventilation. 
There  is  a space  above  to  give  light  to  these  committee-rooms.  They  are  not  lighted 
as  any  outside  room  would  be.  It  is  the  same  defect  which  the  Senate  Chamber  has 
and  all  interior  rooms  must  have;  but  at  the  same  time  it  is  not  dark,  and  it  is  suffi- 
ciently lighted  for  all  purposes  of  committee  business. 

Another  objection,  I understand,  that  is  made  is  that  these  rooms  are  damp. 
They  are  damp  now  because  they  are  unfinished  and  because  no  fires  have  been  built 
there;  but  after  they  have  been  once  thoroughly  dried  out  and  completed  there  can 
be  and  will  be  no  complaint  on  this  score. 

What  would  be  thought  of  a gentleman  who  would  construct  a building  for  a pri- 
vate residence  worth  1100,000,  with  a lower  story  or  foundation  taking  the  place  of 
this  marble  terrace,  who  would  then  put  windows  in  it  looking  on  the  street? 

Mr.  -Hale.  Let  me  ask  the  Senator  a question. 

Mr.  Vest.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Hale.  Did  the  Senator  ever  see  on  this  continent,  or  elsewhere,  any  great 
building,  or  any  small  building,  that  was  intended  for  the  use  of  human  beings, 
where  around  the  bottom  of  it  there  is  to  be  a plain  unrelieved  blank  wall  such  as 
would  be  put  around  the  base  of  a monument,  without  windows  in  it;  and  if  so  I 
should  be  glad  to  have  the  Senator  tell  me  where  that  building  is  to  be  found?  I 
have  asked  a great  many  architects,  and  I can  not  find  one. 

Mr.  Vest.  Take  any  of  the  old  private  buildings  in  Washington  and  you  will  not 
find  the  thing  the  Senator  speaks  of. 

Mr.  Hale.  An  unrelieved  wall  at  the  bottom  the  height  of  a story  without  win- 
dows in  it? 

Mr.  Vest.  You  will  not  find  windows  looking  out  upon  the  street.  You  will  find 
that  in  the  lower  story  the  windows  look  out  upon  an  area. 

Mr.  Hale.  I never  saw  such  a house,  and  the  Senator  can  not  find  one. 
x Mr.  Vest.  Well,  sir 

Mr.  Hale.  They  all  have  windows  in  the  basement.  When  they  were  building 
this  Capitol  originally  with  a basement,  why  did  they  not  leave  that  without  win- 
dows? That  was  the  old  basement.  However,  I did  not  mean  to  interrupt  the  Sena- 
tor from  Missouri.  I shall  have  something  to  say  by  and  by. 

Mr.  Vest.  I find  the  letter  that  was  written  by  Mr.  Olmstead 

Mr.  Hale.  I have  just  sent  for  that,  because  I want  to  use  it. 

Mr.  Vest.  I have  it.  It  is  nothing  but  fair  and  just  that  we  should  hear  what  this 
architect  says  in  regard  to  this  matter. 

Mr.  Hale.  I should  like  to  have  that  whole  letter  read. 

Mr.  Vest.  I intend  to  read  it,  If  the  Senator  will  contain  himself  a moment. 

Mr.  Hale.  I did  not  know  but  that  the  Senator  was  proposing  to  leave  out  this 
valuable  literature.  I want  it  read. 

Mr.  Vest.  I intended  to  have  read  every  word  and  line  in  it.  I ask  the  Secretary 
to  read  it. 

The  Chief  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

Hon.  William  B.  Allison, 

Chairman  of  Committee  of  Appropriations,  United  States  Senate: 

Dear  Sir:  I respectfully  ask  that  the  attention  of  your  committee  may  be  invited 
to  certain  considerations  affecting  the  question  of  opening  windows  in  the  outer  wall 
of  the  terrace  of  the  Capitol. 

The  essential  purpose  of  the  Capitol  is  provided  for  in  a range  of  halls  for  legisla- 
tive assemblies  with  connecting  corridors,  ante-rooms,  and  side  rooms,  and  this  range 
is  manifested  exteriorly  by  colonnades  and  other  decorative  features  carried  around 


1240 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


the  entire  building.  It  is  set  well  above  ground,  and  is  held  up  and  made  more 
conspicuous  and  notable  by  a very  plain  basement  story. 

Below  this  basement  story  there  are  foundation  walls,  and  between  these  founda- 
tion walls  a cellar.  It  is  not  customary  in  buildings  of  any  importance  to  make  a 
show'  of  the  foundation  walls  or  of  the  cellar.  It  would  detract  from  the  dignity  of 
such  buildings  to  do  so.  That  the  cellar  may  be  lighted  and  ventilated  it  is  usual  to 
make  what  in  common  city  buildings  is  called  an  area,  within  which  windows  are 
opened  through  the  foundation  walls  into  the  cellar  in  such  a manner  that  they  can 
not  be  seen  in  a general  view  of  the  building  from  the  outside. 

This  is  essentially  what  has  been  done  in  building  the  Capitol,  the  area  on  the 
west  side  being  a very  large  one.  There  are  rooms  of  some  importance  in  the  cellar 
story,  but  these  rooms  are  not  designed  to  be  presented  to  view,  nor  can  they  be 
presented  to  view  with  propriety  any  more  than  the  coal  vaults  or  any  domestic 
offices  in  the  cellar  of  ordinary  fine  large  town  houses. 

The  original  design  of  the  Capitol  has  thus  been  sufficiently  explained.  Now,  as 
to  the  construction  that  is  being  added  to  it,  called  the  terrace,  it  must  not  be  sup- 
posed that  this  has  been  designed  with  the  slightest  idea  of  amending  or  reorganizing 
or  overruling  the  original  design  of  the  building.  It  has  not  been  intended  to  make  a 
more  important  feature  of  the  cellar  part  of  the  building,  to  bring  it  out  of  ground  or 
to  light  it.  Had  there  been  any  such  purpose,  had  Congress  asked  for  a plan  for  any 
such  purpose,  a very  different  plan  would  have  been  devised  for  it  from  that  of  the 
terrace.  Nothing  whatever  of  w'hat  has  thus  far  been  built  of  the  terrace  would  have 
been  proposed. 

What,  then,  was  the  object  of  the  terrace?  The  answer  may  be  given  in  this  way: 

Here  is  a great  and  costly  building,  the  greater  part  of  the  cost  of  which  has  been 
directed  to  the  purpose  of  producing  a certain  impression  on  the  minds  of  those 
looking  toward  it,  and  an  impression  that  should  be  associated  with  ideas  of  the 
strength  and  majesty  of  a great  nation. 

There  is  nothing  more  necessary  to  a successful  realization  of  such  a purpose  in  a 
building  than  that  it  should  seem  to  stand  firmly;  that  its  base  should  seem  to  be 
immovable.  There  is  a difficulty  in  making  as  strong  an  impression  in  this  respect 
as  is  desirable  when  an  extraordinarily  massive  structure  is  placed,  as  in  the  case  of 
the  Capitol,  hanging  upon  the  brow  of  a hill. 

The  object  of  the  terrace  was  to  more  effectually  overcome  this  difficulty.  How 
was  it  to  be  accomplished? 

It  was  proposed  to  be  accomplished  by  setting  a strong  wall  into  the  face  of  the 
hill  in  front  of  the  foundations  of  the  building;  that  is  to  say,  in  front  of  its  cellar 
wall.  Such  an  outer  wall,  it  was  calculated,  would  have  the  effect  upon  the  eye  of 
a dam  holding  back  whatever  on  its  upper  side  looked  liable  to  settle  toward  the 
down-hill  side.  Every  dollar  thus  far  spent  on  the  terrace,  and  on  the  grounds  in 
connection  with  it,  has  been  spent  on  the  supposition  that  this  calculation  was 
soundly  made.  If  it  was  soundly  made,  then  it  will  appear  that  the  opening  of 
holes  in  this  wall  would  leave  the  same  effect  as  the  opening  of  holes  in  a dam.  It 
would  make  the  building  behind  it  look  less  secure  in  its  foundations,  less  firmly 
based  on  the  down-hill  side. 

Another  way  of  stating  the  intended  effect  of  the  wall  is  that  it  would  seem  to 
overcome  all  tendency  of  the  upper  part  of  the  hill  to  be  squeezed  out  by  the  weight 
of  the  great  mass  of  masonry  above  it. 

Now,  such  a wall  being  seen  a short  distance  in  front  of  the  cellar  wall  of  the  Capi- 
tol, it  is  of  no  consequence,  with  reference  to  the  purpose  stated,  whether  the  space 
between  the  two  is  occupied  by  solid  earth,  or  whether  the  earth  is  excavated,  and 
in  its  place  cross-walls  built,  by  which  any  tendency  of  the  cellar  walls  to  slip  out 
would  be  resisted.  The  result  must  be  the  same,  a firmly  reinforced  base.  In  this 
case  the  arrangement  of  cross-walls  has  been  adopted,  and  it  has  been  thought  that 
an  advantage  would  be  gained  by  making  the  spaces  between  these  cross- walls  avail- 


The  Terraces. 


1241 


able  for  storage  vaults,  and  in  those  parts  where,  under  the  old  arrangement,  a 
sunken  area  had  been  provided  for  the  lighting  of  the  cellar  of  the  main  building, 
that  the  spaces  so  gained  should  be  prepared  in  a manner  making  them  equally 
suitable  with  the  best  of  the  present  cellar  rooms  in  respect  to  the  requirements  of 
light  and  air.  But  the  advantages  to  be  gained  in  this  way  have  always  during  the 
ten  years  in  which  the  scheme  has  been  under  discussion  been  presented  as  incidental 
advantages  simply,  not  as  the  main  purpose. 

With  reference  to  this  incidental  purpose,  and  more  especially  to  the  requirement 
of  additional  committee  rooms,  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds 
was  asked  to  say  how  many  additional  well-lighted  and  ventilated  rooms  were 
desirable.  The  answer  was  that  twenty  would  be  enough.  As  the  plan  stands  now, 
twenty-eight  rooms  are  provided  for.  Their  average  area  is  25  by  15  feet.  Each 
has  at  least  one  window  opening  upon  the  area,  and  the  smallest  of  these  windows 
measures  8 by  11  feet.  There  is  a large  door  opposite  the  window  of  each  room 
opening  from  a spacious  corridor,  through  which  a through  draft  can  be  carried. 
The  rooms  would  be  large,  lofty,  airy,  and  well  lighted. 

Respectfully,  Fjred’k  Law  Olmsted, 

Landscape  Architect. 

Washington,  July  15,  1886. 

Mr.  Sewell.  I desire  to  make  an  inquiry.  This  work  is  now  being  carried  on 
under  the  authority  of  law,  and  the  House  provision  is  to  conduct  the  work.  The 
Committee  on  Appropriations  strike  out  the  provision,  thereby  suspending  a present 
law.  I make  the  point  of  order  that  there  has  been  no  reference  from  the  Com- 
mittee on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  or  from  any  other  committee  recommend- 
ing this  to  the  Committee  on  Appropriations. 

Mr.  Dolpii.  I suggest  other  amendments  for  additional  work  are  not  in  order, 
being  general  legislation.  I make  that  point  of  order. 

Mr.  Hale.  In  other  words,  the  point  is  that  Congress  can  not  at  any  time  stop 
appropriating  money. 

Mr.  Sewell.  You  can  not  change  existing  law  by  an  amendment  to  an  appropria- 
tion bill. 

Mr.  Hoar.  Is  the  proposed  amendment  in  italics  now  before  the  Senate — that  is, 
the  motion  to  strike  out  and  insert? 

The  Presiding  Officer  (Mr.  Harris  in  the  chair).  The  motion  is  to  strike  out 
and  insert;  to  strike  out  the  text  of  the  bill  as  it  comes  from  the  House  and  insert 
the  words  in  italics. 

Mr.  Hoar.  Then  I rose  for  the  same  purpose  as  the  Senator  from  New  Jersey. 
I desire  to  ask  the  Chair  how  this  language — I do  not  speak  of  the  mere  stopping  of 
the  appropriation;  that  is  a different  thing — how  this  affirmative  enactment  that 
“all  work  upon  the  Capitol  terraces  shall  be  suspended  till  a further  plan  shall  be 
submitted  to  Congress  providing  for  committee-rooms  upon  the  western  front  of 
said  terraces,  with  proper  ventilation  and  light  from  windows  in  the  outer  western 
wall,”  can  be  supported  in  the  face  of  the  ruling  the  Senate  has  just  made? 

Mr.  Hale.  I give  my  own  answer  to  that.  There  is  no  law  that  fixes  the  kind  of 
work  that  shall  be  done  upon  the  terraces.  It  has  never  been  the  subject  of  any 
law.  From  year  to  year  the  Congress  has  appropriated  sums  of  money  and  has 
declared  how  they  shall  be  spent.  After  great  solicitation,  after  being  besieged  and 
beset  early  and  late,  an  appropriation  was  made  allowing  this  work  to  be  begun; 
and  while  that  is  not  important  I may  say,  in  passing,  every  appropriation  that  was 
made  was  made  upon  the  agreement  on  the  part  of  the  architect  and  Senators  who 
were  urging  the  measure  that  there  should  be  windows  on  the  outside;  but  appro- 
priations were  made  from  time  to  time,  and  each  year  the  question  whether  there 
should  be  any  work  done,  where  it  should  be  done,  and  how  it  should  be  done,  has 
been  settled  upon  the  appropriation  bills.  There  is  not  any  law  anywhere  which 


1242 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol . 


declares  that  after  an  appropriation  which  has  been  made  shall  be  spent  the  work 
shall  be  done  in  any  particular  way  anywhere  else,  but  it  has  awaited  the  action  of 
Congress  from  year  to  year  in  appropriations. 

Now  all  that  is  sought  in  this  amendment  is  no  change  of  law.  It  does  not  pro- 
pose to  change  any  law,  but  to  provide,  in  view  of  future  appropriations,  that  a plan 
shall  be  submitted.  This  is  what  is  done  with  reference  to  every  structure  that  has 
ever  been  made  by  the  Government.  From  year  to  year  when  naval  ships  are 
being  constructed,  Congress  intervenes  and  says  that  the  work  shall  not  go  on  until 
plans  shall  be  submitted  to  Congress  with  a view  to  its  enlightenment. 

It  is  a direction  as  to  the  appropriation,  and  the  power  of  limiting  an  appropriation 
and  its  uses  has  never  been  questioned  by  Congress.  That  is  not  the  question  we 
have  already  passed  upon  about  general  legislation,  about  removing  limits,  and  all 
that,  but  it  is  the  method  of  expending  the  money.  I should  be  glad  to  have  any 
law  cited  that  shows  how  this  money  shall  be  spent. 

Mr.  Test.  I have  sent  for  the  sundry  civil  act  of  1883  in  which  this  appropriation 
was  first  made;  and  here  is  an  extract  from  it. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Senator  from  Missouri  will  suspend  a moment.  A 
question  of  order  is  raised  as  to  whether  or  not  this  amendment  is  in  order. 

Mr.  Vest.  I am  speaking  on  that  question. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Chair  has  indulged  others  to  speak,  though  the  ques- 
tion is  not  debatable.  The  Chair  is  not  disposed  to  interpose  objections. 

Mr.  Vest.  The  provision  of  the  act  of  March  3,  1883,  is  as  follows: 

And  hereafter  all  changes  and  improvements  in  the  grounds,  including  approaches  to  the  Capitol, 
shall  be  estimated  for  in  detail,  showing  what  modifications  are  proposed  and  the  estimated  cost  of 
the  same. 

This  is  a clause  in  the  sundry  civil  appropriation  bill  of  March  3,  1883. 

Mr.  Hale.  This  is  the  same  kind  of  a clause,  that  there  shall  be  a plan  submitted 
to  Congress. 

Mr.  Vest.  I will  only  say  this:  So  far  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and 
Grounds  having  recommended  any  such  legislation  as  is  contained  in  the  Italics  on 
page  59,  that  committee  are  unanimously  opposed  to  any  such  legislation,  and  are 
here  to-night  protesting  against  it.  We  protest  against  taking  this  work  out  of  the 
hands  <>f  the  architect.  After  Congress  has  agreed  to  appropriate  $815,000  for  the 
construction  of  it,  and  after  completing  one-fourth  of  this  work  we  are  opposed  now  to 
stopping  it  and  retaining  it  in  this  unfinished  condition,  in  order  to  meet  the  ideas  of 
the  Senator  from  Maine. 

Mr.  Hale.  Let  me  say  to  the  Senator  from  Missouri  that  I do  not  agree  with  him. 
I do  not  admit  anything  that  he  has  stated  about  the  agreement  here  to  appropriate. 
There  has  been  nothing  of  that  kind. 

As  to  any  change  of  plan,  and  as  to  its  being  sought  now  by  the  Committee  on 
Appropriations  or  any  member  of  it  to  take  this  out  of  the  hands  of  the  architect, 
before  this  discussion  closes  it  will  be  shown  that  this  architect  has  been  going  along 
from  time  to  time  and  making  changes  that  never  were  thought  or  heard  of,  and  the 
Committee  on  Appropriations  is  only  seeking  to  maintain  the  original  design  of  this 
work.  If  I am  not  able  to  show  that  before  this  thing  is  through,  then  I will  back 
out  from  this  amendment. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  Did  the  original  design  provide  for  windows  down  here? 

Mr.  Hale.  There  never  was  a time  since  the  thing  was  started  when  the  appro- 
priations were  discussed  in  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  that  the  question  was 
not  asked  will  there  be  light,  bright,  and  well-ventilated  committee-rooms  on  the 
interior  walls,  and  it  was  always  said  that  there  would  be.  The  Senator  from  Ver- 
mont [Mr.  Morrill],  the  colleague  of  my  friend  at  my  right,  who  is  much  inter- 
ested and  has  had  the  charge  of  this  matter  so  far  as  anybody  has  had  on  the  Com- 
mittee on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  always  claimed  that  that  was  so;  and  when 
on  the  north  side  we  came  here  at  the  end  of  the  work  and  complained  and  found 


The  Terraces. 


1243 


fault  that  there  were  no  rooms  out  there  with  lights  in  them,  it  was  said  that  upon 
the  north  side  they  proposed  to  have  store-rooms  without  windows,  but  that  upon 
the  west  side,  looking  out  upon  the  sun  and  upon  the  light  and  the  air,  wre  'were  to 
have  committee-rooms;  and  never  till  we  got  here  this  winter  was  there  any  suspi- 
cion in  the  minds  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations,  who  made  these  appropria- 
tions, that  there  were  not  to  be  committee-rooms  there. 

It  has  gone  on  in  a bold  and  defiant  and  flagrant  way  in  opposition,  and  the  letter 
that  has  just  been  read  introduced  a theory  about  this  dam  or  wall  outside  that  was 
never  thought  of  originally  when  discussed  here  in  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Vest.  Now,  Mr.  President,  I hold  in  my  hand — and  it  is  the  most  complete 
answer  to  the  Senator  from  Maine  that  mortal  man  can  conceive  of — the  estimate 
and  plan  submitted  by  Mr.  Olmsted,  from  the  Architect’s  Office,  United  States 
Capitol,  Washington,  D.  C.,  September  27,  1883,  giving  the  dimensions  of  this 
terrace,  giving  all  the  details,  giving  the  estimated  cost  down  to  the  minutest  par- 
ticular, and  there  is  not  one  word  about  these  committee-rooms. 

Mr.  Dolph.  What  document  is  that? 

Mr.  Vest.  The  executive  document  referred  to  in  this  bill,  being  a “Letter  of  the 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury,  transmitting  estimates  for  proposed  terrace  and 
approaches  for  the  United  States  Capitol,  Washington,  I).  C.,  December  5,  1883 — ■ 
Referred  to  the  Committee  on  Appropriations,”  of  which  the  Senator  from  Maine 
is  a member,  and  he  voted  for  the  appropriations  under  this  estimate  and  plan;  and 
I want  him  now  to  show  me  what  he  says  was  always  discussed  in  committee. 

Mr.  Hale.  Let  me  say  to  the  Senator  that  without  consultation  with  a single  mem- 
ber of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  that  has  from  year  to  year  considered  this 
subject  (and  no  other  committee  has  reported  these  appropriations),  I appeal  with 
confidence  to  every  member  of  that  committee  in  years  past  whether  every  time  that 
that  matter  came  up  and  wre  were  solicited  to  make  appropriations  it  was  not  upon 
condition  that  these  exterior  walls  should  have  well-lighted  committee-rooms  with 
windows  on  the  outside. 

Mr.  Vest.  Is  it  possible  that  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  have  gone  on  with 
an  estimate  of  §814,000  for  this  work,  and  they  say  now  that  this  thing  rested  in  a 
verbal  understanding? 

Mr.  Hale.  We  never  adopted  that  estimate.  We  always  declined  giving  the 
§814,000. 

Mr.  Vest.  Here  is  the  estimate  placed  before  that  committee,  referred  to  it. 

Mr.  Hale.  I know  that  we  rejected  it.  We  never  adopted  that  estimate.  They 
wanted  us  to  give  §800,000  outright,  so  that  they  could  go  on  and  have  their  own 
sweet  will  here  and  do  what  they  pleased,  and  the  committee  always  declined  to  do  it, 
but  jealousy  watched  and  guarded,  and  gave  the  appropriation  piecemeal,  because  it 
felt  that  this  work  had  got  to  be  watched. 

Mr.  Hoar.  I ask  the  Senator  from  Maine  wras  there  or  not  a perspective  drawing, 
a plan,  an  elevation  of  this  work? 

Mr.  Hale.  Never  submitted  to  the  committee  with  this  line  of  blank  wall. 

Mr.  Vest.  Here  it  is,  “referred  to  the  Committee  on  Appropriations,”  the  whole 
of  it. 

Mr.  Hoar.  Has  there  not  been  all  these  years  in  the  room  of  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  or  elsewhere,  a map,  an  elevation,  seen  by  nearly  all 
he  members  of  both  Houses  of  Congress,  and  was  there  not  one  hanging  on  each 
side  of  the  terraces  half  way  down? 

Mr.  Hale.  I do  not  know.  There  never  was  brought  to  the  Committee  on  Appro- 
priations that  reported  these  appropriations  any  idea  or  suggestion  that  there  were 
not  to  be  committee-rooms  on  the  exterior  walls.  In  fact  that  was  negatived  when 
the  appropriation  was  given,  and  the  debates  will  show  that  from  time  to  time  that 
was  one  of  the  things  which  commended  the  proposition,  that  there  vjere  to  be 
committee-rooms. 


1244 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Hoar.  I think  this  is  rather  an  important  question,  and  I should  like  to  be 
sure  that  I understand  my  friend’s  measure,  and  I will  put  the  question  again.  My 
memory  is  that  there  have  been  for  the  last  two  or  three  years,  in  various  places 
about  tire  Capitol,  drawings  in  perspective  or  otherwise,  showing  this  wall,  and 
showing  it  without  windows  as  it  is  now  proposed,  and  that  there  was  a picture  in 
the  room  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  and  that  there  were 
two  of  those  drawings  on  the  second  terrace  showing  that  thing. 

Mr.  Hale.  It  has  never  been  the  understanding  either  in  the  debates  here  or  in 
the  Committee  on  Appropriations  when  the  Senator  from  Vermont  [Mr.  Morrill] 
came  from  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  and  presented  it — never. 
On  the  contrary,  in  terms  that  was  all  negatived. 

Mr.  Sewell.  Was  not  the  matter  in  charge  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings 
and  Grounds? 

Mr.  Hale.  The  appropriations  have  always  been  made  in  the  annual  appropria- 
tion bills,  and  it  was  understood  Mr.  Olmsted  was  going  on  under  the  limitations 
contained  in  these  bills. 

Mr.  Sewell.  Under  the  charge  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds. 

Mr.  Hale.  I suppose  it  was  under  the  direction  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol. 

Mr.  Vest.  There  has  never  been  an  appropriation  that  our  committee  did  not 
appear  and  urge  it.  I distinctly  affirm  here,  and  every  member  who  has  taken  any 
interest  in  the  matter  will  corroborate  what  I say,  the  Senator  from  Kentucky  and 
my  colleague  opposed  this  appropriation  as  originally  made.  The  Senator  from  Ver- 
mont [Mr.  Morrill]  and  myself — and  I acted  only  as  the  adjutant  in  the  matter 

Mr.  Hale.  I should  like  the  Senator  himself  to  ask  the  Senator  from  Kentucky  if 
he  was  not  surprised  when  he  came  here  this  winter  and  found  that  there  were  not 
windows  in  the  western  wall  of  this  structure? 

Mr.  Vest.  I affirm  this:  that  the  Senator  from  Vermont  [Mr.  Morrill]  and  myself 
explained  and  had  before  us  that  identical  diagram  now  being  examined  by  the  Sen- 
ator from  Vermont  [Mr.  Edmunds]  which  was  submitted  to  the  Committee  on  Appro- 
priations in  1883.  We  argued  this  case  upon  that  estimate  and  upon  that  idea,  and 
we  carried  the  vote  upon  it. 

Mr.  Hale.  Upon  the  proposition  that  there  were  not  to  be  committee-rooms  on 
the  outside  walls? 

Mr.  Vest.  There  is  not  one  word  in  that  paper  about  a committee-room.  It  was 
stated  by  the  Senator  from  Vermont  [Mr.  Morrill],  and  Mr.  Olmsted  had  given  the 
information  to  our  committee,  that  if  we  needed  committee-rooms  they  could  be 
made  there,  but  that  was  simply  an  incident  to  the  main  improvement. 

Mr.  Hale.  It  was  made  a very  important  matter  in  the  Committee  on  Appropria- 
tions. 

Mr.  Vest.  Mr.  Olmsted’s  idea  and  the  idea  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buidings 
and  Grounds  from  the  beginning  was  to  relieve  the  Capitol  from  the  architectural 
defect  that  was  thought  to  exist  in  it. 

Mr.  Hale.  When  did  the  Senator  first  hear  of  this  idea  of  this  being  a dam  around 
the  Capit'ol? 

Mr.  Vest.  From  the  time  I read  that  paper  in  1883  and  from  the  time  Mr.  Olm- 
sted first  appeared  before  our  committee.  I became  a member  of  the  Committee  on 
Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  seven  years  ago. 

Mr.  Hoar.  What  is  the  question? 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Chair  is  indulging  debate  on  the  question  of  order. 

Mr.  Hoar.  It  is  not  on  the  question  of  order,  but  on  the  merits. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  Executive  Document  No.  9,  Forty-eighth  Congress,  first  session, 
contains  a letter  from  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  embracing  estimates  for  this 
work,  accompanied  by  a ground  plan  and  by  a front  elevation  showing  what  the 
basis  of  this  terrace  work  was  to  be,  and  everybody  will  see  who  looks  at  it  that  there 
is  no  provision  for  windows,  but  every  provision  for  solid  blocks  of  stone  in  every 


The  Terraces. 


1245 


face  of  those  bases  on  all  sides,  and  nothing  else,  and  the  Senator  from  Maine  will  be 
obliged  to  admit  that  if  he  will  come  and  look  at  the  diagram. 

Mr.  Hale.  I do  not  dispute  that  the  diagram  is  so.  I say  it  was  never  adopted; 
never. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  Let  us  see.  I find,  opening  the  first  book  that  happens  to  be  on 
my  desk,  and  the  very  last  appropriation  I think  for  this  purpose,  which  1 presume 
is  like  its  predecessors — here  is  the  paragraph: 

For  continuing  the  construction  o£  the  terrace  and  grand  stairways  of  the  Capitol,  as  shown  on  plan 
accompanying  the  letter  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  (Executive  Document  No.  9,  first  session 
Forty-eighth  Congress),  including  wages  of  mechanics  and  laborers,  $200,000. 

So  that  the  very  last  appropriation  of  Congress,  as  I have  no  doubt  all  its  former 
ones  were,  expressly  required  that  the  work  should  be  constructed  in  accordance 
with  that  plan,  and  that  plan  excludes  windows  from  its  front  faces. 

Mr.  Hale.  If  the  Senator  will  allow  me  further,  he  will  find  that  so  careful  was 
Congress  in  guarding  this  matter  that  it  declared  no  work  should  be  done  any  more 
than  on  the  north  side,  and  that  it  should  only  come  out  to  a line  that  should  be 
parallel  with  the  extension  of  the  front  line  of  the  Capitol.  It  expressly  in  terms 
( xcluded  the  idea  that  it  adopted  that  plan  upon  the  western  side. 

The  Senator  will  find,  either  in  that  act  itself  or  in  the  act  of  one  of  the  other 
years,  how  carefully  Congress  reserved  to  itself  the  control  of  the  plan,  and  in  terms 
declared  that  it  did  not  adopt  that  plan,  but  they  should  not  go  beyond  the  line 
which  should  be  a continuation  of  the  west  wall.  Senators  who  were  members  of  the 
Committee  on  Appropriations  will  remember  how  carefully  that  was  guarded. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  That  proposition  I deny,  and  insist  upon  the  proof. 

Mr.  Hale.  I will  show  it  to  the  Senator  in  the  laws. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  Here  is  the  law. 

Mr.  Hale.  I say  it  is  either  in  that  one  or  in  the  one  for  the  next  year. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  It  is  not  in  this  one,  unless  in  a different  part  of  the  act. 

Mr.  Hale.  I will  show  it  to  the  Senator. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  At  the  time  this  law  was  passed,  the  3d  of  March,  1885,  according 
to  the  best  of  my  recollection  the  work  was  substantially  completed  on  the  north 
front,  and  this  last  sum  of  money  that  has  been  appropriated  was  for  continuing  the 
work  around  to  the  west  front  where  it  is  now  being  done.  The  very  money  that  is 
named  in  this  bill  has  been  spent  under  this  appropriation,  and  this  appropriation 
says  that  that  money  shall  be  spent  in  that  plan,  and  that  plan  says  that  there  shall 
not  be  any  windows  in  the  faces  of  it. 

I should  be  glad  to  know  by  what  authority  it  is.  If  the  Senator  can  find  the  law, 
I would  be  glad  to  see  that  statute. 

In  respect  of  putting  holes  in  this  terrace  and  spoiling  its  appearance,  I saw  in  the 
newspapers  the  other  day,  if  I may  refer  to  it,  a pretty  rough  illustration  and  state- 
ment that  it  would  be  like  asking  of  Senators  to  move  their  eyes  down  from  their 
heads  into  the  middle  of  their  stomachs.  That  is  a good  way  to  look  at  it. 

Now,  Mr.  President,  I am  for  utility.  I was  for  utility  when  a large  majority  a 
good  many  years  ago  voted  that  they  would  provide  for  a library  by  extending  the 
central  eastern  front  of  this  Capitol,  and  it  ought  to  have  been  done;  but  we  were 
finally  beaten  out  of  it  on  the  ground  that  it  would  injure  somewhat,  as  was  supposed, 
the  architectural  appearance  of  the  building. 

We  started  on  the  ground  of  utility  in  this  instance.  It  was  suggested  that  we 
could  have  rooms  which  could  be  used  for  one  purpose  or  another,  committee-rooms 
if  you  please;  but  there  was  submitted  to  Congress  before  the  work  was  undertaken 
an  exact  proposition  of  how  the  work  was  to  be  done;  and  Congress  in  its  appropria- 
tions in  every  instance,  I believe — certainly  in  this  last  one  which  I happened  to 
turn  to  at  random,  having  the  book  before  me — provided  that  the  money  should  not 
be  expended  in  any  other  way,  that  it  should  be  done  in  that  way,  because  to  do  it 


1246 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


in  any  other  would  destroy  the  effect  of  the  thing.  If  the  Senator  can  show  us  any 
law  by  which  we  changed  that  plan,  which  is  in  the  very  last  act  we  passed,  or  any- 
thing which  should  guide-the  architect  I should  be  glad  to  see  it. 

Mr.  Hale.  I have  sent  for  the  book. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  If  the  Senator  from  Maine  will  suspend  the  Chair  will 
dispose  of  the  question  of  order.  The  Senator  from  Colorado  [Mr.  Teller]  to-night 
offered  an  amendment  making  an  appropriation  changing  the  limit  of  the  cost  of  a 
public  building.  The  Senate  by  a decided  majority  held  that  that  amendment  was 
out  of  order.  This  amendment  of  the  committee  strikes  out  an  appropriation  that 
appears  in  the  text  of  the  bill  and  inserts  a legislative  provision  without  an  appro- 
priation. The  Chair  holds  that  the  amendment  is  not  in  order. 

Mr.  Allison.  Then  in  lines  1422  and  1423  I move  to  strike  out  “ one  hundred  and 
fifty ” and  insert  “ one  hundred  and  seventy-five;”  so  as  to  read:  “$175,000;”  and 
then  to  add:  “of  which  sum  $25,000  maybe  expended  for  the  completion  of  the 
work  on  sections  A,  C,  E,  L,  and  M of  said  terraces.” 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  agreeing  to  the  amendment  of  the 
Senator  from  Iowa. 

Mr.  Vest.  How  is  that? 

Mr.  Allison.  I will  state  the  object  of  that  amendment.  It  is  merely  to  reappro- 
priate what  is  the  unexpended  balance  provided  for  in  lines  1424  to  1432,  inclusive. 

Mr.  Vest.  Thai  is  right. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Hale.  I propose  to  test  the  sense  of  the  Senate  at  some  time  when  it  is  fuller 
than  now  upon  an  amendment  which  shall  cover  this  feature  of  committee-rooms  and 
that  the  money  shall  not  be  expended  in  that  direction. 

I have  found  the  provision  of  law  that  I sent  for,  showing  how  carefully  and  judi- 
ciously Congress  from  time  to  time  protected  this  matter  and  did  not  in  any  way 
adopt  or  embrace  the  entire  plan.  In  the  appropriation  act  of  1884,  the  same  the 
Senator  from  Vermont  was  reading  from  but  which  he  did  not  find,  I find  this  pro- 
viso at  the  end  of  the  appropriation: 

Provided,  That  the  work  under  this  appropriation  shall  be  confined  to  the  north  front  of  the  Capitol 
building,  and  shall  not  extend  westward  beyond  the  line  of  the  west  front  of  the  Senate  wing  of  the 
Capitol. 

And  the  consideration  of  the  Senate  and  debate  of  the  Senate 

Mr.  Vest.  What  was  the  date  of  that  law? 

Mr.  Hale.  It  was  the  sundry  civil  appropriation  act  of  July  7,  1884. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  This  is  March  3,  1885. 

Mr.  Hale.  It  was  a previous  one. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  This  gave  the  plan  on  the  left  side. 

Mr.  Hale.  It  shows  how  carefully  guarded  Congress  intended  this  work  should  be, 
that  it  never  would  adopt  or  embrace  or  admit  this  plan  as  a whole. 

I do  not  believe  that  there  are  ten  men  in  the  Senate  who  until  this  year  knew  or 
suspected  that  all  this  line  of  work  was  to  be  completed  on  the  western  side,  a plain 
blank,  dull,  staring  wall,  with  no  committee-rooms  lighted  by  exterior  windows. 
When  this  first  came  to  the  committee  which  was  considering  this  subject  and  making 
this  appropriation,  the  Committee  on  Appropriations,  there  was  not  a member  on  it 
who  was  not  surprised  and  astounded,  and  we  adjourned  and  went  out  onto  the  ter- 
race to  see  if  it  was  possibly  so,  because  from  the  beginning  that  was  a distinctive 
feature,  and  understood. 

Whether  the  architect  had  made  a plan  of  that  kind  that  was  not  submitted  gen- 
erally to  members  I do  not  know.  I never  saw  it.  It  never  occurred  to  me  that 
there  was  to  be  this  work  done  within  the  walls  upon  the  outside.  I shall  prepare 
the  amendment  I suggested. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  I will  read  the  whole  of  the  paragraph  of  the  act  of  July  7, 1884,  the 
proviso  of  which  the  Senator  from  Maine  has  read,  in  connection  with  his  remark 


The  Terraces. 


1247 


that,  the  committee  did  not  understand:  that  this  money  was  to  be  spent  in  accord- 
ance with  a particular  plan 

For  constructing  terraces  north  of  the  Capitol — 

This  was  in  1884.  The  act  I read  was  the  next  year  afterward,  when  we  had  got 
that  done. 

For  constructing  terraces  north  of  the  Capitol,  section  marked  A,  as  shown  on  printed  plan  accom- 
panying the  letter  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  (Executive  Document  No.  9,  first  session  Forty- 
eighth  Congress). 

The  very  plan  I have  shown  you  where  windows  were  excluded  all  around — 
$60,000,  including  wages  of  mechanics  and  laborers:  Provided,  That  the  work  under  this  appropriation 
shall  be  confined  to  the  north  front  of  the  Capitol  building. 

The  reason  for  that  was  as  I remember  it  in  general  (I  do  not  know  what  took 
place  in  committee,  of  course,  but  what  I heard  outside  and  in  the  Senate  Chamber) 
was  that  some  members  of  the  Senate  and  a good  many  members  of  a body  that  I 
may  refer  to  in  that  Congress,  the  House  of  Representatives,  did  not  wish  to  go  on 
with  the  work  for  one  reason  or  another. 

It  was  stated  all  the  time  that  the  House  themselves  did  not  want  that  sort  of 
thing,  and  there  was  considerable  trouble  in  getting  them  to  agree  to  an  appropria- 
tion at  all.  So  the  appropriation  of  1884  was  confined  to  the  north  front  to  see  how 
it  would  look.  That  being  done  we  came  to  1885,  and  then  the  Committee  on  Appro- 
priations, in  innocent  ignorance  of  this  plan  but  knowing  enough  of  it  to  refer  to  it 
by  name,  although  they  did  not  take  the  trouble  to  look  at  it,  said,  “ We  will  go  on 
with  the  west  front  and  spend  $200,000,”  or  whatever  it  was,  there,  in  accordance  with 
that  very  same  plan,  which  excludes  windows;  and  if  the  architect  had  proceeded  to 
put  in  windows  he  would  have  violated  the  law,  because  the  law  said  he  should  fol- 
low that  plan,  and  that  plan  confessedly  shows  that  no  windows  are  to  be  admitted. 

Mr.  Allison.  Mr.  President 

Mr.  Mahone.  With  the  permission  of  the  Senator  from  Iowa  I ask  leave  from  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  to  submit  three  amendments  to  the 
sundry  civil  appropriation  bill . I ask  that  they  be  referred  to  the  Committee  on 
Appropriations. 

Mr.  Plumb.  I suggest  that  they  be  not  printed. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  Oh,  yes;  I want  to  see  them  in  print. 

Mr.  Allison.  They  can  easily  be  printed  and  be  back  here  by  11  o’clock. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  amendments  will  be  referred  to  the  Committee  on  . 
Appropriations  and  printed. 

[Senate  proceedings  of  July  24,  1886:  Congressional  Record,  49—1,  p.  7441.] 

The  Senate,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole,  having  under  consideration  the  sundry 
civil  bill  for  1887 — 

Mr.  Allison.  Now  we  go  back  to  the  terraces.  The  next  amendment  I believe  in 
order  reserved  is  the  amendment,  on  page  58,  respecting  the  Capitol  terraces. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  There  is  no  question  pending  upon  that  amendment. 

Mr.  Hale.  When  the  Senate  adjourned  last  night  I gave  notice  of  an  amendment. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  present  occupant  of  the  Chair  was  not  in  at  the 
moment,  but  he  is  advised  that  the  then  occupant  of  the  Chair  held  the  amendment 
of  the  committee  to  be  out  of  order. 

Mr.  Hale.  But  I gave  notice  when  the  Senate  adjourned  that  I had  another 
amendment  to  offer. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  It  will  be  now  in  order. 

Mr.  Hale.  After  the  words  “eighteen  hundred  and  seventy-seven,”  in  line  1432, 

I move  to  add  the  following  proviso: 

Provided , That  the  work  under  the  appropriation  shall  be  done  so  as  to  provide  committee-rooms 
upon  the  western  front  of  the  terraces,  with  proper  ventilation  and  light  from  windows  in  the  outer 
western  wall. 


1248 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


The  President  pro  tempore.  The  question  is  on  agreeing  to  the  amendment  pro- 
posed by  the  Senator  from  Maine. 

Mr.  Hale.  Mr.  President,  I do  not.  propose  to  occupy  much  of  the  time  of  the 
Senate  upon  this  subject,  because  it  is  a thing  in  which  I can  have  no  greater  interest 
than  any  other  Senator.  I wish  to  give  in  brief  the  history  of  this  matter  so  far  as 
it  has  depended  upon  the  only  thing  that  has  given  it  life,  and  that  is  the  appropri- 
ations of  money  for  the  work. 

The  Capitol  as  it  stood  ten  years  ago  was  a most  beautiful  and  imposing  and 
majestic  structure.  People  of  taste,  of  judgment,  and  of  trained  and  discerning  skill 
in  architecture  who  had  traveled  the  world  over  were  always  impressed  when  they 
viewed  the  Capitol.  There  ivere  inconveniences  about  it.  In  its  original  structure 
not  enough  attention  had  been  given  to  the  convenience  of  Senators  and  members 
in  occupying  either  the  chambers  of  the  legislative  bodies  or  the  committee  rooms. 
The  prevalent  fault-finding  about  the  building  was  that  not  enough  attention  had 
been  given  to  the  feature  of  air  and  light  and  ventilation  from  exterior  walls.  The 
halls  of  the  two  legislative  bodies  are  castles  in  the  center  of  the  wings,  coming 
nowhere  to  the  sun,  to  the  air,  to  the  light,  and  many  of  the  rooms  in  the  Capitol 
are  subject  to  the  same  objection.  But  all  the  same  it  was  a great,  beautiful,  grand 
structure,  and  it  ought  to  have  been  let  alone.  If  it  had  not  been  for  uneasy  spirits, 
experimentalists  who  wanted  to  get  hold  of  this  building  and  to  work  out  their  own 
plans  and  their  own  devices  and  their  own  schemes,  it  would  have  been  let  alone,  as 
it  should  have  been. 

Ten  years  ago  and  more  the  plan  began  to  be  urged  and  the  idea  mooted  of  chang- 
ing the  outside.  It  came  up  first  upon  a project  to  extend  from  the  center  in  the 
form  of  a Greek  cross  wings  to  the  east  and  to  the  west.  That  was  abandoned,  but 
during  that  discussion  one  thing  was  urged  continually,  and  stress  was  laid  upon  it 
as  an  architectural  feature,  that  the  appearance  of  the  building  was  low;  that  it  was 
not  high  enough  for  its  immense  length  and  breadth.  I think  that  was  recognized 
by  architects  and  by  people  of  taste  and  judgment  in  every  way. 

When  that  plan  was  abandoned  we  first  began  to  hear  about  this  scheme  for 
extending  out  upon  the  three  sides,  to  the  north  and  west  and  south,  in  the  form  of 
a new  structure  called  the  terrace.  There  was  a bank  of  earth  which  was  called  a 
terrace.  The  question  arose  whether  anything  was  needed  to  be  done  there,  as  the 
old  Library  project  had  been  abandoned. 

When  that  subject  came  before  Congress,  Senators,  almost  everybody,  had  a great 
deal  of  skepticism  about  it.  It  was  a pretty  serious  question  to  deal  with  this  mag- 
nificent building,  situated  on  this  commanding  eminence  as  it  is.  Having  com- 
mended itself  to  the  taste  and  judgment  of  the  world,  it  was  a pretty  serious  thing  to 
begin  to  meddle  with  its  foundation,  and  it  did  not  meet  with  much  favor  at  first. 
But  like  everything  else  about  Washington,  like  everything  else  that  is  urged  upon 
Congress,  the  more  it  was  repelled  and  discarded  as  an  impracticable  idea  the  more 
persistent  the  men  became  who  were  engaged  in  it. 

At  last  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  and  more  especially  a 
long-experienced  member  of  that  committee,  the  Senator  from  Vermont  [Mr.  Mor- 
rill], for  whom  we  all  have  the  highest  respect  and  reverence,  became  possessed  of 
the  idea  that  as  well  as  being  a sound  public  man  and  a good  legislator  he  was  an 
artist  and  architect,  and  that  he  could  immensely  improve  this  building  about  its 
foundation.  He  kept  at  it  in  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  until 
at  last,  through  the  aid  of  an  architect  imported  from  New  York,  a Mr.  Olmsted,  a 
plan  was  prepared  for  building  out  terraces  of  marble  instead  of  the  terrace  made 
from  the  natural  earth  presented  before,  and  as  is  commonly  presented  about  buildings. 

The  history  of  that  move,  of  that  performance  is  rather  an  interesting  one.  When 
the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  had  succeeded,  as  that  committee 
thought,  in  perfecting  this  plan  for  improving  the  appearance  of  the  Capitol,  and 
had  got  a report,  and  had  got  estimates  made  for  this  whole  transaction,  which  it 


H.  Rep.  646 — 58-2 


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WALTER  PLAN  WITH  MODIFIED  EAST  INTERIOR  AND  PROPOSED  WESTERN  EXTENSION  ELIMINATED. 


The  Terraces. 


1249 


was  said  would  cost  $800,000  (and  which,  like  every  other  estimate  and  like  the  whole 
plan,  was  essentially  and  fundamentally  faulty  and  weak  in  the  amount  as  in  every- 
thing else) , it  became  necessary  to  secure  the  attention  of  Congress,  and  the  favorable 
attention  of  Congress,  because  Senators  as  well  as  Members  were  doubtful,  skeptical, 
hesitating,  were  afraid  that  some  grotesque,  absurd  thing  might  be  ingrafted  upon 
the  foundation  of  this  building  which  would  be  a shame  and  a reproach  to  the  future. 

The  question  came  up  first  of  giving  the  whole  plan  adopted,  and  that  was  aban- 
doned. It  could  not  be  done;  the  House  would  not  agree  to  it;  the  Senate  would 
. not  agree  to  it.  So  it  proceeded  piecemeal,  and  from  year  to  year  the  Senator  from 
Vermont,  representing  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds,  appeared 
before  the  Committee  on  Appropriations,  because  he  had  found,  as  the  committee 
had  found,  that  they  could  not  get  any  bill  through  that  committed  Congress  to  the 
whole  plan. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  It  went  through  the  Senate. 

Mr.  Hale.  They  could  not  get  it  through  Congress.  They  must  get  it  in  the  place 
where  comes  the  test  of  embarking  in  any  practical  scheme  of  legislation  requiring 
money  about  Washington,  that  is  an  appropriation  in  terms  made.  They  came  before 
the  Committee  on  Appropriations,  which  had  no  more  interest  in  this  matter,  and  has 
no  more  interest  in  it  to-day  than  any  other  committee,  and  no  member  of  the  com- 
mittee has  any  more  interest  in  it  than  the  member  of  any  other  committee — they 
came  before  that  committee  and  did  not  dare  to  propose  that  the  whole  scheme 
should  be  taken,  but  that  Congress  should  embark  in  it  and  should  test  it. 

The  first  appropriation  was  made  four  years  ago  for  starting  and  developing  to  a 
limited  extent  this  work;  and  the  appropriations  were  made  referring  in  their  terms 
to  certain  plats  and  plans  which  were  made.  Since  last  night  I have  been  hunting 
up  my  papers,  for  like  other  members  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  and 
members  of  other  committees  I have  the  fashion  after  a subject  is  closed  of  putting 
up  the  papers  and  filing  them  away  because  I may  want  to  turn  to  them  afterward. 
I remembered  in  the  discussion  last  night  that  whenever  this  subject  was  brought  to 
the  Committee  on  Appropriations  it  never  was  urged  upon  them  that  these  limited 
appropriations  from  year  to  year  were  to  involve  any  plan  that  comprehended  a 
blank,  unrelieved  wall  upon  the  outside. 

Mr.  Teller.  What  kind  of  a plan  did  you  think  it  was? 

Mr.  Hale.  I am  coming  to  that.  When  we  made  the  appropriations  we  made 
them  upon  little  maps  which  were  presented  to  us,  and  I have  one  of  them  here  that 
I found.  [Exhibiting.]  The  maps  upon  which  we  made  the  appropriations  and 
which  were  submitted  to  us  were  like  the  one  which  I have  in  my  hand. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  A ground  plan,  and  no  elevation? 

Mr.  Hale.  A ground  plan. 

Mr.  Edmunds.  And  no  elevation? 

Mr.  Hale.  And  no  elevation.  We  were  asked,  in  order  to  fix  where  the  money 
should  be  placed,  to  mention  by  letters  certain  sections  of  this  plan.  They  began 
with  A on  the  north  side,  B,  C,  D,  E,  G,  F,  H,  I,  J,  K,  L,  and  JM.  In  the  old  dis- 
cussions upon  the  Library,  upon  carrying  out  the  east  and  west  wings  in  the  form  of 
a Greek  cross,  the  question  of  committee-rooms  was  always  uppermost  and  discussed; 
and  the  moment  that  the  project  was  broached  before  the  Committee  on  Appropria- 
tions to  begin  this  work  the  question  arose  about  committee  room,  and  not  one  dol- 
lar I may  say,  and  if  I am  wrong  in  this  I ask  any  member  of  the  Committee  on 
Appropriations,  then  or  now,  present  at  any  time,  to  contradict  me — not  a dollar  of 
appropriation  would  have  been  given  unless  it  had  been  believed  that  in  accordance 
with  the  thread  of  the  discussion  on  the  old  question  of  changing  the  Capitol  there 
should  be  clean,  fresh,  and  amply-lighted  exterior  committee-rooms. 

Mr.  Vest.  Will  the  Senator  from  Maine  permit  me  to  ask  him  a question? 

Mr.  Hale.  Certainly. 

H.  Rep.  646- 


79 


1250 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Vest.  I understand  the  Senator  to  state  now  that  there  never  has  been  any 
appropriation  made  in  bulk  for  this  work,  but  the  appropriations  have  always  been 
made  by  parcels  at  the  solicitation  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and 
Grounds,  represented  by  the  Senator  from  Vermont  [Mr.  Morrill],  and  that  it  was 
always  distinctly  understood  that  there  should  be  committee-rooms  with  windows 
upon  the  outside.  Do  I understand  the  Senator  correctly? 

Mr.  Hale.  Always. 

Mr.  Vest.  I wish  to  ask  the  Senator  if  in  1884,  in  the  first  session  of  the  Forty- 
eighth  Congress,  the  Appropriations  Committee  did  not  report  unanimously  the  bill 
which  I hold  in  my  hand,  entitled  “An  act  for  the  completion  of  the  Capitol  terraces 
and  the  stairways  connected  therewith,”  appropriating  $770,588.98  for  that  work, 
which  was  the  full  amount  of  the  estimate,  “the  work  to  be  done  according  to  the 
plans  and  specifications  furnished  by  Frederick  Law  Olmsted,  landscape  architect;” 
and  if  that  bill,  so  reported  by  the  committee  of  which  he  is  a member,  did  not  pass 
the  Senate  unanimously,  as  the  Record  shows?  Now,  let  the  Senator  answer  that. 

Mr.  Hale.  I referred  to  that  before.  That  project  came  to  naught;  it  never  passed 
the  House  of  Representatives.  Look  at  the  discussion;  look  at  the  time  when  the 
bill  was  reported;  look  at  the  whole  of  the  proceedings  accompanying  it,  and  the 
Senator  can  not  find  anywhere  that  there  was  any  abandonment  of  the  idea  of 
committee-rooms. 

Mr.  Teller.  It  was  the  indorsement  of  a plan  which  never  had  any  windows  at 
all.  Olmsted’s  plan  never  had  any  windows. 

Mr.  Hale.  I wish  to  say  a word  about  that  plan. 

Mr.  Vest.  If  the  Senator  will  permit  me,  I shall  not  interrupt  him  again. 

Mr.  Hale.  The  Senator  is  himself  one  of  the  most  generous  men  in  allowing 
interruptions,  and  I think  sometimes  I trespass  upon  his  generosity.  I do  not  object 
to  his  interrupting  me  at  any  time. 

Mr.  Vest.  I am  much  obliged  for  the  compliment.  But  I say  the  Senator  stated 
over  and  over  again  last  night,  and  has  reiterated  it  again  to-day,  that  the  Committee 
on  Appropriations  has  never  recommended  any  appropriation  for  this  work  except  in 
parcels.  He  said  it  last  night,  or  the  Record  is  at  fault,  and  my  memory  is  at  fault, 
and  I undertake  to  say  the  memory  of  every  Senator  here.  I produce  a bill  which 
passed  the  Senate  unanimously,  which  was  reported  by  the  Committee  on  Appro- 
priations unanimously,  which  appropriated  the  whole  amount  of  the  estimate  accord- 
ing to  the  plans  and  specifications  which  I read  last  night,  which  I have  here  now, 
and  which  did  not  mention  any  committee-rooms  or  any  windows  on  the  outside. 

Mr.  Hale.  Neither  do  the  appropriations  that  were  made,  for  the  reason  that 
always  in  the  conferences  and  always  in  the  investigation  of  this  matter  it  was 
declared  that  committee-rooms  could  be  upon  the  outside  in  consonance  with  the 
plan.  When  Mr.  Olmsted,  the  architect,  appeared  within  the  last  ten  days  before 
the  Committee  on  Appropriations  and  was  asked  by  the  chairman  whether  it  was 
essential  in  this  plan  that  there  should  be  no  windows  upon  the  outside  of  this 
structure  that  they  have  built,  or  if  windows  could  not  be  cut  in  there  now,  he 
declared  that  they  could  be  and  that  it  would  not  destroy  the  plan;  that  it  was  not 
considered  by  him  as  essential,  but  it  was  considered  by  Congress  as  essential. 

Mr.  Hoar.  I do  not  know  that  I ought  to  interrupt  the  Senator. 

Mr.  Hale.  Oh,  yes. 

Mr.  Hoar.  I think  the  Senator  said  it  would  not  destroy  the  plan.  Does  he  mean 
by  that  to  say  that  the  architect  was  of  opinion  that  it  would  have  no  effect  on  the 
architectural  beauty  of  the  structure? 

Mr.  Hale.  The  architect  did  not  say  that;  but  it  had  been  said,  and  the  chairman 
asked  the  question  thinking  that  it  would  bring  out  that  answer  from  the  architect, 
whether  it  would  be  practical  now  to  cut  these  windows  without  destroying  the  effect 
of  the  plan,  and  the  architect  answered  that  they  could  be,  and  did  not  lay  stress 
upon  that. 


The  Terraces. 


1251 


Mr.  Teller.  It  would  destroy  the  plan,  but  not  the  effect. 

Mr.  Hale.  He  put  it  in  that  way.  But  I was  going  on  in  order.  This  plan  which 
I found  among  my  papers  is  a plan  that  does  not  give  windows  anywhere.  It  does 
not  give  windows  on  the  Capitol  itself.  It  is  under  the  background  of  this  structure 
that  is  projected  out  in  front.  It  simply  gives  the  outline.  It  does  not  give  spaces. 

Mr.  Teller.  Being  a background  plan,  it  could  not  very  well. 

Mr.  Hale.  He  had  the  diagram  in  his  hand.  The  Senator  from  Vermont  asked  us 
to  appropriate  for  section  A.  Where  is  section  A?  It  is  right  there.  Where  is  sec- 
tion B?  It  is  right  in  the  corner.  Where  is  section  C?  He  said  “it  is  right  along 
there.”  Then  in  order  that  this  work  should  proceed  not  in  an  irresponsible  way, 
they  put  on  the  appropriation  which  they  made  for  the  north  side,  after  the  little 
experiment  which  one  of  the  Senators  I know  characterized  as  a tunnel  or  a canal 
by  which  we  come  in  to  the  steps  out  here.  After  it  had  got  so  far  along  they 
wanted  to  proceed  with  the  rooms  and  the  terrace  upon  the  north  side,  and  the  com- 
mittee were  so  careful  not  to  let  it  proceed  irresponsibly  that  they  tied  up  the  appro- 
priation which  they  gave,  and  provided  that  the  work  under  the  appropriation 
should  be  confined  to  the  north  front  of  the  Capitol  and  should  not  extend  westward 
beyond  the  line  of  the  west  front  of  the  Senate  wing  of  the  Capitol.  It  did  not 
mean  that  it  should  go  on  without  from  time  to  time  holding  it  in  check. 

When  we  came  here  the  next  winter  we  found  that  that  had  been  done,  and  that 
there  were  no  committee- rooms  on  the  north  side.  When  the  Senator  from  Vermont 
representing  his  committee  came  before  the  Senate  Committee  on  Appropriations  the 
first  questions  asked  him  was,  what  had  become  of  the  plan  of  having  committee- 
rooms  there?  The  reason  was  not  that  the  plan  did  not  involve  committee-rooms 
until  you  got  around  to  the  center,  hut  that  on  the  north  side  away  from  the  sun  it 
was  thought  that  the  rooms  could  be  made  for  storage,  and  that  we  should  not  have 
the  committee-rooms  until  we  got  around  to  the  front;  and  so  the  committee  upon 
that  made  an  appropriation  for  the  work  in  front. 

I affirm — and  I ask  members  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  to  contradict  me 
if  I am  wrong — that  when  that  appropriation  was  made  and  the  plans  declared  where 
there  should  be  work,  no  plan  was  shown  to  us,  nothing  indicating  that  here  was  a 
scheme,  for  an  entire  wall  to  be  run  along,  and  that  the  desire  of  Congress  for  com- 
mittee-rooms was  to  be  disregarded. 

When  we  came  here  this  winter,  and  the  committee  found  that  this  work  had  been 
going  on,  and  the  question  arose  as  to  what  should  be  done  further  in  the  way  of 
appropriations,  it  was  a complete  surprise  to  the  committee  when  they  went  out  on 
the  western  front  and  found  that  rooms  had  been  made  there  without  a particle  of 
light  in  the  exterior  Avail  at  the  west. 

The  Senator  from  Kentucky  [Mr.  Beck],  who  is  now  with  the  Senator  from  Mis- 
souri [Mr.  Vest]  and  the  Senator  from  Vermont  [Mr.  Edmunds],  will  bear  testi- 
mony that  he  himself  was  as  much  surprised  as  any  member  of  the  committee,  and 
that  when  he  went  out  there  and  saw  that,  he  declared  that  he  had  been  deceived 
in  this  matter. 

Then  for  the  first  time  it  was  found  on  investigating  into  the  ulterior  purposes  of 
this  architect  and  this  scheme  that  the  only  rooms  which  can  be  used  for  committee- 
rooms,  as  much  as  we  need  them  and  as  much  as  the  need  constantly  is  arising,  Avere 
out  opposite  and  in  front  of  the  center  of  the  Capitol,  in  that  little  area  shaped  like 
that  before  the  Secretary’s  desk  here,  upon  which  we  look  Avhen  Ave  sit  in  the  bar- 
ber’s chair  looking  out  through  the  open  window  to  the  west,  and  not  one  of  those 
committee-rooms  is  to  have  any  outlook,  any  window,  any  light,  out  toward  the 
west  where  all  the  winds  blow,  Avhere  the  air  is  pure  and  sweet  and  clear,  but  every 
one  of  the  committee-rooms  opens  upon  this  little  area  or  court,  which  is  closed,  into 
which  no  wind  can  sweep,  which  whenever  the  sun  runs  high  and  the  weather 
becomes  warm,  is  hot  and  oppressive,  so  that  a man  in  any  one  of  those  committee- 
rooms  would  be  obliged  to  close  the  window  to  keep  out  the  accumulated  heat  that 


1252 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


would  pour  into  the  room  the  moment  that  he  opened  his  window.  No  breath  of 
life  in  the  air  from  the  heavens  or  the  winds  that  blow  can  penetrate  one  of  those 
rooms. 

Mr.  Ingalls.  Like  this  Chamber. 

Mr.  Hale.  Yes;  just  like  this  Chamber;  and  I say  that  is  one  of  the  features,  and 
the  inconvenient  and  unhealthy  features  of  this  Capitol  as  it  was  originally,  which 
seem  to  be  perpetuated  and  carried  out  by  this  plan. 

Now,  the  question  comes,  what  is  to  become  of  these  rooms  all  along  on  the  north 
side  to  the  open  air,  all  along  on  the  west  side  to  the  open  air?  Opposite  each  wing, 
where  the  Senate  sits  and  where  the  House  sits,  are  large,  spacious,  Lofty  rooms, 
connected  from  an  inner  corridor  with  a bull’s-eye  light  overhead  like  a coal  cellar, 
and  on  the  face  to  the  west  of  those  rooms  is  nothing  but  the  blank,  dark  wall,  pur- 
posely made  to  exclude  light  and  air  and  ventilation.  Yet  it  is  a part  of  this  plan 
to  make  that  portion  of  the  Capitol  which  the  architect  in  the  remarkable  letter 
which  was  read  last  night  characterizes  as  the  cellar. 

I never  heard  of  the  cellar  being  up  above  and  open,  and  15  or  18  or  20  feet  above 
the  level  of  the  ground.  But  to  carry  out  his  plan  of  dungeons  into  which  men 
might  be  immured,  rather  than  clean,  healthy,  spacious  committee-rooms,  the  archi- 
tect sticks  to  his  idea  of  a cellar.  Those  rooms  are  along  this  corridor,  lighted  from 
above,  lighted  perhaps  by  a little  window  opening  into  a court,  no  outside  light,  or 
ventilation,  or  air;  and  yet  the  plan  embraces,  as  I have  said,  the  feature  of  so  using 
that  floor  which  should  be  one  of  the  most  attractive  and  convenient  and  handy  of 
any  in  the  Capitol.  There  is  to  be  the  entrance  from  the  center. 

The  corridor  along  the  elevator  that  runs  now  is  to  run  down  another  floor;  there 
is  to  be  egress  and  ingress  freely;  and  if  these  rooms  could  have  been  given  what  a 
natural  man  would  have  supposed  as  a matter  of  course  would  be  given  to  them,  we 
should  have  found  there  some  of  the  best  committee-rooms  that  there  are  in  this 
Capitol  (I  should  be  very  glad  to  go  into  one  of  them)  the  way  that  buildings  are 
built  now,  with  asphalt  and  with  lead  linings,  and  with  subcellars  and  with  every- 
thing that  can  be  made  where  there  is  no  stint  in  money,  and  those  rooms  could  be 
made  the  best  of  any  in  the  Capitol.  But  they  are  closed,  they  are  left  cold,  dark, 
and  damp,  and  you  can  not  ventilate  them.  The  north  rooms  which  were  made  for 
storage  are  so  damp  that  if  you  put  furniture  into  them  in  one  week  the  varnish 
begins  to  drop,  the  paint  peels  off,  the  articles  become  damp.  If  you  put  papers  in 
there  they  will  not  keep,  they  become  damp  and  begin  to  rot — decay  and  putrefy. 
They  are  good  for  nothing,  because  every  element  and  every  consideration  of  con- 
venience has  been  sacrificed  by  this  plan  of  this  architect,  who  tells  us  in  that 
remarkable  letter  which  was  read  last  night  that  the  only  feature  about  the  building 
is  that  it  should  have  an  imposing  look.  He  says: 

Here  is  a great  and  costly  building,  the  greater  part  of  the  cost  o ' which  has  been  directed  to  the 
purpose  of  producing  a certain  impression  on  the  minds  of  those  looking  toward  it,  and  an  impres- 
sion that  should  be  associated  with  ideas  of  the  strength  and  majesty  of  a great  nation. 

I agree  that  the  strength  and  majesty  of  the  structure  should  not  be  sacrificed: 

It  was  proposed  to  be  accomplished  by  setting  a strong  wall  into  the  face  of  the  hill  in  front  of  the 
foundations  of  the  building;  that  is  to  say,  in  front  of  its  cellar  wall.  Such  an  outer  wall,  it  was  cal- 
culated, would  have  the  effect  upon  the  eye  of  a dam  holding  back  whatever  on  its  upper  side  looked 
liable  to  settle  toward  the  down-hill  side.  Every  dollar  thus  far  spent  ou  the  terrace,  and  on  the 
grounds  in  connection  with  it,  has  been  spent  on  the  supposition  that  this  calculation  was  soundly 
made. 

In  another  part  of  the  letter  the  architect  states  that  the  great  reason  why  this 
work  has  been  entered  upon  and  carried  out  after  the  fashion  it  is  being  carried  out 
is  that  there  was  an  impression  before  that  the  Capitol  would  squeeze  out  the 
ground  around  it  and  would  settle,  and  that  there  was  a lack  of  firmness  in  its  base. 
The  Senator  from  Kansas  [Mr.  Ingalls]  participated  in  a very  pungent  and  effective 
way,  as  is  his  habit,  in  the  discussions  with  reference  to  carrying  out  the  east  and 
west  wings  for  a new  library  accommodation;  and  I venture  to  say  that  in  all  of  those 


The  Terraces. 


1253 


discussions  he  will  bear  me  out  that  this  idea  that  the  architectural  effect  of  this 
building  could  be  improved  because  it  was  necessary  to  put  a wall  or  a dam  out  there 
to  prevent  the  impression  of  sinking  or  squeezing  out  the  ground  never  was  heard  of. 

The  thing  that  was  heard  of  then  in  the  discussions  here  and  in  the  committee  was 
that  the  building  presented  rather  a squat  appearance,  and  that  this  new  work, 
instead  of  being  a cellar,  wovdd  add  another  story  in  effect  to  the  building  and  would 
thereby  in  effect  heighten  it  and  would  relieve  that  appearance.  I wonder  if  the 
Senator  from  Kansas  in  those  discussions  ever  heard  before  this  letter  from  the  archi- 
tect of  this  idea  that  the  object  was  to  have  a dam  outside  to  prevent  the  Capitol 
from  appearing  to  squeeze  out  the  ground.  And  if  Congress  had  been  told  w'hat  this 
design  was  not  a dollar  would  ever  have  been  appropriated  for  it.  I venture  this 
assertion  that  there  are  not  ten  Senators  in  this  body  who  before  the  last  two  weeks 
ever  knew  or  heard  or  believed  there  was  a plan  here  for  running  a blank,  bare,  star- 
ing wall  around  the  Capitol  without  a window  in  it. 

Mr.  Teller.  It  was  their  own  fault  if  they  did  not  know  it. 

Mr,  Hale.  They  did  not  know  it ; and  in  the  solicitations  with  which  the  Com- 
mittee on  Appropriations  were  visited  that  was  carefully  concealed,  and  we  made  our 
appropriations  and  our  references  to  this  plan  simply  upon  the  plot  of  the  ground  in 
order  to  fix  upon  the  diagram  where  the  money  was  to  be  expended.  I never  saw 
any  feature,  nor  any  report,  nor  any  diagram  of  this  entire  plan  without  windows 
upon  the  outside  walls  until  I came  here  this  winter. 

Mr.  Haw'ley.  I would  suggest  to  the  Senator  from  Maine  that  there  it  is:  “Re- 
ferred to  the  Committee  on  Appropriations,  and  ordered  to  be  jirinted,  December 
5,  1883.” 

Mr.  Teller.  There  never  was  any  other. 

Mr.  Hale.  I know  that  document,  the  same  one  referred  to  last  night. 

Mr.  Hawley.  There  is  the  illustration  itself,  and  there  are  the  specifications,  all 
of  which  describe  exactly  that  kind  of  wall,  and  repeat  it  over  and  over. 

Mr.  Hale.  I have  read  those  specifications.  They  do  not  say  anything  one  way 
or  other  about  windows.  The  truth  is  that  at  all  the  times  when  that  feature  was 
presented  it  was  said,  “Yes,  you  can  have  your  committee-rooms,  and  your  windows, 
and  when  we  get  to  the  west  side  it  will  be  done.”  It  was  not  pretended  that  it  ivas 
a distinctive  feature  that  there  should  be  no  windows,  and  Mr.  Olmsted  himself  did 
not  pretend  that  when  he  came  last  week  before  the  Committee  on  Appropriations. 

Mr.  Hawley.  Will  the  Senator  be  so  kind  as  to  let  me  explain  a matter?  I am 
anxious  to  get  at  the  truth. 

Mr.  Hale.  I yield. 

Mr.  Hawley.  Senators  and.  members  and  everybody  visiting  the  Capitol  will 
remember  a picture  that  hung  for  years  on  the  terrace  at  the  western  front  and  at 
the  foot  of  the  entrance  near  what  is  to  be  the  grand  staircase,  and  which  thousands 
of  people  have  looked  at  as  showing  what  was  to  be  the  future  of  the  Capitol.  There 
is  a completed  terrace  in  that  picture  precisely  as  described  in  the  plan  three  years 
old,  precisely  as  it  is  partly  finished  on  the  north  and  west  sides. 

Mr.  Teller.  That  was  hung  up  at  least  five  years  ago. 

Mr.  Hawley.  I have  gone  to  the  architect’s  office  and  inquired  for  it  and  it  was 
dug  out  of  the  old  lumber. 

Mr.  Vest.  I raise  the  point  of  order  on  this  amendment. 

The  Presiding  Officer  (Mr.  Harris  in  the  chair).  The  Senator  will  state  his  point 
of  order. 

Mr.  Vest.  That  the  amendment  offered  by  the  Senator  from  Maine  is  out  of  order. 

Mr.  Hale.  If  the  Senator  will  withhold  that  for  a few  minutes,  I am  nearly  through 
what  I was  going  to  say 

Mr.  Vest.  I will  withdraw  it  for  the  present. 

Mr.  Hale.  I have  no  feeling  except  to  present  this  matter  to  Senators  and  then  let 
it  be  disposed  of.  If  the  Senate  does  not  desire  these  committee-rooms,  then  we  can 


1254 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


get  along  without  them.  I can,  lor  one,  if  other  Senators  can.  I was  only  giving 
the  history  to  show  that  this  plan  is  now  sprung  and  that  in  the  quarters  that  had 
the  responsibility  of  appropriating  this  money  this  never  was  understood  until  the 
present  time. 

Now  as  to  the  beauty  and  the  fitness  of  this  long,  unbroken  band.  I am  not  an 
architect;  I do  not  know  that  any  Senator  here  is  an  architect;  the  chairman  of  the 
Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds  [Mr.  Mahone]  is  not;  the  Senator  from 
Missouri  [Mr.  Vest]  is  not;  and  the  venerable  Senator  from  Vermont  [Mr.  Mor- 
rill] is  not  an  architect. 

I have  had  experience  enough  with  architects — and  I have  had  a good  deal  within 
the  last  few  years — to  know  that  upon  great  questions  of  the  appearance  of  a public 
building  or  a private  building,  of  a dwelling-house  or  any  feature  of  it,  as  to  how  it 
shall  strike  the  intelligent  and  cultivated  and  observant  eye,  the  judgment  of  any 
intelligent  and  enlightened  gentleman  is  as  good  as  that  of  an  architect;  and,  more- 
over, it  is  not  pestered  and  thwarted  and  disturbed  and  turned  awry  by  any  par- 
ticular scheme  or  plan  that  an  architect  has  and  that  he  is  bound  to  carry  out.  No 
man  ever  built  a house  and  let  the  architect  have  his  way  and  gave  him  carte  blanche 
who  did  not  find  afterward  that  he  ought  to  have  kept  his  own  eye,  his  master-eye, 
upon  the  subject. 

I have  asked  and  have  tried  to  find  out  from  others  who  have  professional  knowl- 
edge and  experience  in  this  matter  where  a public  building  can  be  found  with  its 
outer  base — not  a cellar,  because  the  architect  is  bright  enough  to  keep  calling  this 
a cellar  in  order  to  avoid  the  point  I am  now  making  that  this  is  an  outer  face  to  the 
base — I do  not  know  where  any  building  can  be  found  with  the  basement  out  clear 
to  view  a plain  line  of  granite  or  marble  or  brick,  or  whatever  it  may  be,  unbroken 
by  windows.  I believe  the  effect  would  be  better  to  have  windows  inserted  in  these 
rooms  all  along  in  front,  because  whatever  may  be  said  about  this  dam,  this  wall 
that  is  to  prevent  the  appearance  of  squeezing  out  the  ground,  the  general  effect  to 
the  beholder  as  he  stands  far  off  and  approaches  the  Capitol  is  just  as  it  was  said  it 
would  be  at  the  time  we  entered  upon  this  work,  that  another  story  is  added  to  this 
building,  that  it  lifts  it  up  and  makes  it  less  squat,  and  it  appears  as  if  this  wall  was 
right  under  the  continuation  of  the  old  wall.  It  will  be  improved  by  windows 
properly  put  in  with  proper  supports  and  proper  strengthenings  at  the  sides  below 
and  above. 

I do  not  believe  that  any  building  of  this  kind  can  be  found  anywhere.  The  arch- 
itect was  asked  when  he  was  before  us  if  he  knew  of  any  such  building.  He 
instanced  a building  in  England,  the  country  home  of  the  Duke  of  Devonshire  I 
believe,  and  it  happened  fortunately  that  a member  of  the  committee  had  visited 
that  place  last  year  and  he  said  at  once  that  is  nothing  but  a wall  that  rises  above 
the  ground  like  any  wall  and  is  not  in  any  way  like  this  feature,  and  the  architect 
then  was  obliged  to  confess  that  it  was  so  and  he  could  not  give  the  name. 

I have  been  to  the  Library  and  I have  been  looking  over  the  engravings  and  pic- 
tures of  stately  buildings,  remarkable  buildings,  buildings  the  structures  of  which 
have  given  renown  to  the  architects,  and  I can  not  find  anywhere  any  building  with 
a great  base  unrelieved  by  doors  or  windows,  but  precisely  in  form  like  the  base  of 
a monument. 

While  I do  not  pretend  to  have  any  architectural  education  and  may  be  all  wrong 
about  it,  I have  a profound  belief  that  if  that  is  carried  out  in  the  years  to  come  the 
question  first  asked  by  everybody  approaching  it  will  be,  why  have  you  got  that 
blank,  staring  wall  outside  there?  You  may  dam  this  building  now,  but  our  children 
and  our  successors  will  damn  it  a great  deal  worse  in  the  years  to  come.  I do  not 
believe  in  it  any  way.  I think  the  architect  is  all  wrong.  He  has  got  this  idea  into 
his  head,  and  like  all  architects  he  is  bound  on  carrying  it  out  whether  or  no. 

I do  not  know  but  that  it  will  be  said  we  have  gone  too  far,  that  we  can  not  retract. 
It  will  be  said  that  if  Senators  did  not  know  they  ought  to  have  known.  Perhaps 


The  Terraces. 


1255 


that  is  so.  Perhaps  I ought  to  have  known,  perhaps  the  Committee  on  Appropria- 
tions ought  to  have  known  more,  ought  to  have  been  more  wary,  ought  to  have 
examined  more  folly  into  the  details  of  this  plan;  but  when  every  appropriation  was 
accompanied  by  an  assurance  that  we  should  have  these  committee-rooms,  we  did 
not.  Perhaps  we  were  at  fault.  I do  not  say  that  we  were  not.  I do  say — and  in 
this  I appeal  to  the  consciousness  of  Senators  surrounding  me  now — that  I believe 
not  ten  men  up  to  this  winter  ever  had  a thought  that  there  was  a feature  here  to  be 
carried  out  of  a blank,  staring  wall  upon  the  outside  and  no  windows  and  no  com- 
mittee-rooms. I may  be  all  wrong  about  it,  but  I make  that  statement  as  my 
impression  from  the  talk  I have  heard  from  Senators  and  from  the  way  my  own 
mind  has  run.  And  with  this  I am  going  to  leave  it. 

I can  have,  as  I said,  no  more  interest  than  anybody  else,  no  more  than  the  Senator 
from  Missouri.  The  Committee  on  Appropriations  divided  on  the  subject.  They 
have  no  interest  in  it.  It  is  not  a desire  to  stop  the  work,  but  it  is  well  that  in  a 
matter  of  this  importance  Senators  should  know  just  what  has  been  going  on,  how  it 
has  gone  on,  and  what  they  are  likely  to  see  in  the  future. 

Mr.  Vest.  I now  renew  the  point  of  order,  Mr.  President. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Senator  from  Missouri  raises  the  point  of  order  that 
the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from  Maine  is  not  in  order. 

Mr.  Hale.  Let  us  have  it  read. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  amendment  will  be  read. 

The  Secretary.  After  the  word  “seven,”  in  line  1432,  it  is  moved  to  add: 

Provided,  That  the  work  under  this  appropriation  shall  be  done  so  as  to  provide  committee-rooms 
upon  the  western  front  of  the  terraces  with  proper  ventilation  and  light  from  windows  in  the  outer 
western  wall. 

Mr.  Conger.  I ask  the  Senator  from  Missouri  to  withdraw  the  point  of  order  for 
a moment. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  Does  the  Senator  from  Missouri  withdraw  the  point  of 
order? 

Mr.  Vest.  Of  course  I do  not  wish  to  prevent  the  Senator  from  speaking. 

Mr.  Conger.  I wish  to  make  a remark  or  two  in  regard  to  this  subject. 

I do  not  know  what  other  Senators  may  have  thought  during  the  few  years  in 
which  this  work  of  carrying  around  the  marble  base  in  place  of  the  earth  slope  around 
the  Capitol  has  been  going  on;  but  with  the  little  attention  that  I have  given  to  it  I 
supposed  from  the  first,  until  now  that  the  general  feeling  was  among  all  who  looked 
at  this  Capitol  from  the  west  side  and  from  the  north  side  and  from  the  east  side  that 
the  earth  embankment  against  this  Capitol  resembled  too  much  the  embankments 
around  the  little  prairie  houses  that  are  built  for  temporary  purposes,  the  commence- 
ment of  a place  to  stay  a little  while  when  a man  was  making  his  homestead,  banked 
up,  as  I have  heard  in  Ireland  and  in  Norway  and  in  other  places  some  residents 
bank  up  with  earth  or  with  snow  or  with  ice  as  a matter  of  protection.  That  wras 
the  appearance  of  the  Capitol  to  other  people  as  it  -was  to  myself. 

The  main  argument  that  I ever  heard  for  leaving  these  grass  plats  or  slopes  -was  to 
afford  a place  for  children  to  roll  their  eggs  down  on  Easter  Day,  so  that  it  was  their 
part  of  the  Capitol  on  that  occasion  for  a play-ground;  it  wras  said  to  be  convenient 
for  that  purpose.  I have  always  understood  that  the  very  length  of  the  building 
gave,  especially  upon  the  western  side  of  the  ground  against  it,  the  impression  that 
it  was  a flat  building;  and  I have  heard  it  suggested  here  and  in  Congress  that  in 
some  way,  by  some  expense,  the  old  Capitol  should  be  raised  another  story,  and 
the  dome  itself  raised  on  the  top  of  another  story  to  relieve  the  idea  of  the  flatness 
of  the  building.  That  has  been  the  criticism  of  those  who  have  had  advantages 
which  I never  did  have  of  seeing  the  famous  buildings  of  the  capitals  of  the  Old 
World. 

When  this  was  proposed  I understood,  from  all  the  conversation  I ever  had  with 
members  of  Congress  and  others,  and  I supposed  there  was  to  be  this  wall  around 


1256 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


the  building  in  the  place  of  the  earthwork,  of  the  grass  slope,  of  the  embankment, 
and  the  theory  of  it  was  that  in  looking  at  the  building  from  the  west  and  that  part 
of  it  from  the  north  and  south,  which  was  to  be  affected  by  this  wall,  it  would  to 
the  eye  and  in  point  of  fact  equal  to  some  extent  another  story  of  the  building,  and 
although  it  was  removed  far  off  from  the  building,  was  a mere  foundation  for  the 
sidewalk  and  for  the  top  of  the  promenade-ground  around  the  building,  yet  the 
effect  of  it  and  the  object  of  it  was  esthetic  almost  entirely  to  improve  the  appearance 
of  the  building. 

I have  heard  from  time  to  time,  and  innumerable  times,  members  of  Congress  of 
both  Houses  speak  of  the  work  as  it  progressed,  as  a view  of  it  from  the  north  and 
latterly  from  the  south  showed  its  effect,  that  it  did  have  the  effect  in  coming  from 
the  west  around  the  walks  of  the  Capitol  Grounds,  it  did  have  the  effect  to  the  eye — 
illusory  perhaps,  a mere  delusion  of  the  senses — of  raising  the  whole  Capitol  a story, 
these  outer  parts  of  it  taking  the  place  of  the  earthwork,  blending  in  with  the  build- 
ing and  lifting  it  another  story  from  the  earth. 

I never  heard  that  anything  about  that  building  was  to  be  used  for  committee- 
rooms,  and  I am  free  to  say  that  I do  not  believe  there  is  a Senator  in  this  body  or  a 
member  of  Congress  in  the  other  House  if  these  rooms  were  completed  in  the  best 
possible  style,  with  windows  of  any  possible  form  and  with  great  elevations  or  greater 
depth  as  it  may  be,  could  be  found  would  agree  beforehand  as  chairman  of  a com- 
mittee or  a member  of  it  to  go,  from  this  Senate  in  any  possible  mode  either  down 
through  the  engine-room  or  out  through  the  west-front  of  the  Capitol  and  into  the 
corridors  there  and  select  a committee-room  to  which  he  would  go  in  summer  and 
winter  and  hold  his  committee  meetings  there.  This  getting  committee-rooms  off  to 
other  places  has  been  attempted  from  the  necessities  of  the  case  and  has  uniformly 
failed  everywhere  and  in  whatever  building.  A committee  that  goes  away  from  the 
immediate  presence  of  the  body  is  at  a disadvantage  because  its  attention  may  be 
called  by  the  alarm-bells  of  yea-and-nav  votes,  executive  sessions,  and  all  those  things 
where  a committeeman  desires  to  be  within  immediate  reach  of  the  scene  of  his  labors. 

There  were  two  windows  on  that  subterranean  west  front  of  this  Capitol.  One  of 
them  remains  there  yet,  I think — ghastly,  unsightly  sepulchral  windows,  as  if  the 
entrance  to  the  dead-house,  the  entrance  to  the  vault  whitewashed  as  in  old  times  if 
my  recollection  is  right,  like  the  outside  of  a sepulcher.  There  is  one  now  that  has 
not  been  torn  away  right  in  front  of  the  Senate  portion  of  this  beautiful  building,  a 
great  gaping,  staring  window  whitewashed  within  and  without.  I think  it  has  been 
used  in  some  way  or  other  as  a means  of  getting  air  through  this  earth  embankment 
and  through  the  engine-room  and  through  the  heating-room,  and  the  Lord  knows 
what  for.  I have  never  explored  all  these  places  and  means  of  getting  fresh  air  to 
the  Senate.  The  window  in  the  further  end  of  this  Capitol  was  so  unsightly  to  the 
members  in  the  other  House  that  many  of  them  who  were  there  then  cheerfully 
accepted  any  proposition  by  which  the  window  could  be  removed,  and  so  they  built 
a martello  tower  away  off  on  the  grounds  somewhere  in  order  that  the  air  should  not 
come  from  the  immediate  surface  of  the  ground. 

The  Senator  from  Maine  proposes  for  these  committee-room  windows.  We  raised 
up  this  martello  tower  20  feet,  a perfectly  air-tight  building  except  at  the  top  so  that 
the  air  that  should  come  in  should  be  pure.  It  used  to  come  sweeping  along  the 
surface  of  the  humid  ground,  and  it  ivas  thought  it  should  at  least  come  up  a little 
higher  and  come  down  through  this  tower  and  then  come  into  this  old  window,  and 
come  into  the  House  in  that  way. 

The  Senate  that  is  careful  about  these  matters  of  health  and  smell  have  continued 
the  use  for  their  refreshment  and  recreation  up  to  this  time  of  a window  opening  low 
down,  the  air  coming  through  some  kind  of  a whitewashed  vault  and  coming  to  the 
Senate  Chamber,  and  it  comes  here  yet.  No  man  in  the  spring  or  in  the  winter  when 
the  beautiful  grounds  around  this  Capitol  are  properly  fertilized  by  the  fertility  of 
the  Guano  Islands  or  the  fertility  of  South  Carolina  phosphates  or  the  more  common 


The  1 "err aces. 


1257 


fertilizing  processes  that  are  secured  around  the  different  livery  stables  of  the  city 
and  piled  away  in  immense  magazines  of  fertilizers — no  man  in  the  Senate  unless  he 
has  a very  had  cold  and  his  sense  of  smell  has  been  very  much  obstructed  can  fail  to 
tell  in  a moment  when  the  fertilizers  are  scattered  over  the  grass  and  how  the  cur- 
rent of  air  coining  along  a moist  spring  day  up  this  beautiful  slope  finds  its  passage 
within  the  fan,  as  if  we  must  bring  in  by  the  aid  of  machinery  surface  air  from  the 
fertilized  grounds  around.  One  sitting  here  can  tell  with  the  ordinary  exercise  of 
his  sense  of  smell  when  the  fertilizers  are  there. 

The  same  effect  will  come  from  a window  low  down  with  the  slope,  the  air  coming 
up  to  it  from  the  immediate  surface  and  from  the  soil  whether  affected  by  fertilizers 
or  the  natural  moisture  arising  from  the  frequent  rains.  The  air  taken  from  the 
surface  of  the  ground  around  this  Capitol  is  not  healthy  and  is  not  pleasant,  and  is 
not  fit  for  the  Senate,  and  is  not  desirable  for  a committee-room,  window  or  no 
windows. 

That  striking  window  which  used  to  stare  us  like  a great  tunnel  entrance  at  the 
House  end  was  removed  years  ago,  but  the  other  window  has  remained  at  the 
Senate  end  and  is  there  to-day  if  it  has  not  been  removed  within  a few  days,  and  I 
do  not  know  how  that  may  be. 

I venture  to  say  that  the  sole  object  and  the  only  practical  object  of  the  expense 
of  building  this  marble  wall  around  the  building  was  to  sustain  the  foundations  of 
the  building  and  to  remove  the  unsightly  grass  plots  that  slope  down  from  the  build- 
ing, and  if  I may  so  say  to  substitute  the  jrure  white  marble  in  the  place  of  the  leek- 
covered  earthen  parapet.  There  never  was  a time  but  that  the  pure  air  was  impreg- 
nated with  the  leeks  and  the  garlic  coming  over  this  ground.  It  is  not  to-day, 
although  twenty  to  thirty  men  are  busily  engaged  from  early  spring  to  midsummer 
with  their  little  knives  weeding  out  these  little  roots  of  the  leek,  the  garlic,  or  the 
onion,  or  whatever  name  you  call  it  by,  and  carrying  it  off  in  basketsful  day  after 
day,  the  smell  of  the  garlic  will  linger  there  still.  Now,  do  you  want  committee- 
rooms  just  overlooking  these  grounds?  We  desire  to  have  the  view  even  from  the 
committee-rooms  down  there  hidden  by  the  already  great  trees  and  shrubbery,  and 
shut  out  from  the  view  of  the  heavens  or  the  earth  by  the  shrubbery  which  must 
necessarily  cover  that  ground. 

The  Senator  has  spoken  of  the  delightful  view  from  the  barber-shop 

Mr.  Hale.  I do  not  like  it. 

Mr.  Congee.  I do  not  like  that, view.  I did  not  hear  him  very  exactly,  but  I 
thought  the  Senator  had  expatiated  upon  the  delightful  view  from  the  window  of 
the  barber-shop. 

Mr.  Hale.  I was  saying  that  the  trouble  with  this  plan  is  that  the  committee- rooms 
provided  for  are  rooms  looking  out  on  that  space.  I do  not  like  it  better  than  he. 

Mr.  Congee.  Any  man  of  taste  wrho  can  fall  back  in  the  barber’s  chair  and  go 
through  the  soaporific  and  barberous  practices  of  a good  barber  learns  to  enjoy  that 
place,  and  gathers  around  it  even  when  there  is  no  special  barberous  necessity  for  it. 
We  associate  the  idea  of  comfort  and  nicety  with  it,  and  regard  the  place  as  being  a 
pleasant  and  a sightly  place.  There  is  my  friend  from  Nebraska  [Mr.  Mandeeson]. 
I saw  a heavenly  smile  come  over  his  countenance  when  I described  it,  even  when 
he  was  not  looking  out  on  the  beautiful  view,  with  the  Monument  in  the  distance 
and  the  grove  before  him. 

But,  sir,  there  is  something  serious  about  this,  and  I generally  when  I talk  to  the 
Senate  desire  to  say  serious  things,  though  the  Senator  from  Maine  may  consider 
these  allusions  a little  humorous.  I have  thought  that  his  remarks  about  this  para- 
pet, or  whatever  it  is  called,  were  made  with  the  intention  of  showing  to  the  Senate 
how  ridiculous  it  would  be  to  have  this  wall  all  cut  up  with  windows,  a solid  base- 
ment for  one  of  the  most  beautiful  promenades  in  the  world.  What  kind  of  windows? 
Double  windows,  Gothic  windows,  the  big  Gothic  in  the  middle  and  the  little  hang- 
ing on  at  the  side,  or  the  kind  of  windows  with  little  square  holes  like  the  windows 


1258 


Documentary  II! story  of  the  Capitol. 


in  the  upper  story  of  this  Capitol?  What  could  be  put  in  there  in  any  arrangement 
that  would  not  demand  a greater  height  of  these  walls,  and  what  could  be  put  in 
there  which  would  not,  to  the  eye  of  any  man  educated  or  uneducated  in  artistic 
things,  mar  the  harmony  and  the  solidity  and  the  beauty  of  these  walls?  How  many 
windows  shall  there  be?  How  situated?  What  is  to  be  placed  there  in  any  event 
that  would  not  take  away  the  entire  effect  if  there  is  a good  effect  in  having  these 
walls  carried  around  the  Capitol. 

Sir,  the  plan  for  what  was  to  be  done  when  we  reached  around  the  front  of  the 
main  building  and  the  entrance  to  the  main  building  was  hung  up  under  glass,  stuck 
down  along  the  walk,  and  it  was  there  for  some  years.  I had  supposed  from  it  that 
in  the  immediate  front  of  the  building  there  was  to  be  a double  staircase,  a stairway 
leading  from  the  walks  from  Pennsylvania  avenue  and  from  Maryland  avenue,  wind- 
ing up  by  some  suitable  plan  to  the  front  of  the  main  center  of  the  Capitol.  In  that 
there  might  be  ornament;  in  that  there  might  be  openings  and  windows;  in  that 
there  might  be  tracery.  Any  of  those  things  there  would  be  appropriate,  but  here 
there  should  be  nothing  except  the  plain,  distinct,  clear  purpose  of  this  work,  which 
was  to  raise  the  building  and  put  in  place  of  a mud  wall  the  white  granite  or  the 
mottled  granite.  The  stairway  would  be  the  place  for  ornament.  If  the  Senator 
from  Maine  will  exercise  his  taste,  and  I hope  he  will,  there  may  be  ornamental 
things  there  on  the  two  grand  stairways  on  which  the  visitors  to  the  Capitol  and  the 
people  of  the  United  States  coming  from  the  two  main  branching  avenues  that  lead 
up  to  the  west  front  of  the  Capitol  should  come  up  the  wTalks  that  are  already  pre- 
pared, and  come  up  to  the  Capitol  by  a staircase  which  is  appropriate  and  tasteful  in 
regard  to  the  construction  of  the  building. 

It  is  said  that  this  building  lacks  air.  It  is  said  that  it  lacks  ventilation.  It  is  said 
that  the  store-rooms  down  here  are  so  moist  that  papers  melt,  corrode,  or  mold.  Why 
not?  All  along  they  have  been  there  to  mold,  and  probably  it  is  no  worse  now. 
There  never  has  been  any  attempt  to  clean  out  that  space  to  make  it  even  free  from 
the  dampness  of  the  building.  But  there  are  many  rooms  in  this  building  that  have 
no  ventilation  that  are  occupied  for  committee-rooms  no  better  than  they  have 
to-day;  and  the  ventilation  of  those  vaults  or  rooms  must  depend  upon  the  forcing  of 
the  currents  of  air  to  them,  and  so  the  drying  of  those  rooms  depends  on  the  heat 
and  hot  air  sent  through. 

But,  sir,  I will  say  another  word.  No  man  will  wrant  to  go  to  one  of  these  rooms 
as  a committee-room  either  for  the  reasons  of  convenience  or  health  or  proximity  to 
either  of  the  Chambers.  If  they  were  there  nobody  wrould  wrant  them,  No  man 
will  say  beforehand  that  he  will  take  them  either  as  chairman  of  a committee  for  his 
committee  or  as  a member  of  it.  You  may  circulate  the  request  and  I venture  to  say 
you  can  not  get  a signature  in  a week.  So  then  I think  the  idea  of  these  rooms  for 
committee-rooms,  thus  by  openings  and  by  windows  and  by  whatever  process  mar- 
ring the  plan  and  the  design  of  the  work  itself,  ought  not  to  be  undertaken. 

We  have  no  need  to  prepare  down  under  ground  and  in  dark  places  committee- 
rooms.  Whenever  the  wTork  already  ordered  by  Congress,  the  building  of  a new 
library,  shall  be  so  far  completed  as  to  permit  the  removal  from  the  library  part  of 
this  Capitol  of  the  vast  accumulation  of  books  and  pamphlets  and  magazines  occupy- 
ing those  rooms,  there  will  be  more  and  better  rooms  in  that  one  part  of  the  build- 
ing than  all  these  front  committee-rooms  put  together. 

Besides  it  is  proposed — how  soon  it  may  come  I do  not  know,  for  these  are  things 
reaching  through  years  that  we  are  considering  now — and  I have  no  doubt  it  will  soon 
be  entered  upon,  to  build  upon  the  other  side  of  East  Capitol  street  over  w lie  re  the 
library  may  be  located  a place  for  the  law  library,  for  the  United  States  Supreme 
Court,  and  for  the  officers  connected  with  it,  leaving  for  the  use  of  the  Senate  in  the 
Capitol  from  twelve  to  fifteen  rooms  which  can  be  the  best  committee-rooms  in  this 
building.  The  uses  for  which  they  are  now  occupied  will  be  taken  away.  In  both 


The  Terraces. 


1259 


ends  of  the  Capitol,  the  prospective  buildings  for  the  library,  and  United  States 
court-rooms,  and  for  the  law  library,  and  for  the  clerk’s  office,  and  the  marshal’s 
office  connected  with  the  courts,  will  leave  rooms  that  are  desirable  and  that  will  be 
sought  by  committees  without  going  down  elevators  and  without  going  down  into 
the  engine-rooms  and  through  the  corridors  below. 

These  are  my  views.  I was  astonished  beyond  measure  when  I found  that  a com- 
mittee of  the  Senate  would  stop  the  progress  of  a work  which  to  the  mind  of  every 
man  with  whom  I have  ever  conversed  and  of  every  citizen  of  the  United  States 
with  whom  I have  talked  about  this  improvement  on  actual  inspection,  has  been 
considered  very  proper  in  its  form  and  very  desirable,  and  worthy  of  the  Capitol  and 
worthy  of  the  nation;  and  when  it  comes  to  any  vote  upon  that  I shall  vote  against 
the  report  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  stopping  the  appropriation  for  any 
purpose  whatever,  and  most  of  all  I shall  vote  against  it  Avhen  the  object  of  stopping 
the  appropriation  is  to  make  an  unnecessary  and  a useless  and  an  undesired  and  an 
undesirable  number  of  committee-rooms  far  down  in  the  bowels  of  the  earth  and 
mar  the  plan  and  mar  the  usefulness  of  the  work  as  it  is  now  proceeding. 

Mr.  Allison.  I now  ask  unanimous  consent  that  the  usual  five-minute  rule  may 
be  applied  to  amendments  to  this  bill. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Chair  did  not  hear  the  Senator  from  Iowa. 

Mr.  Allison.  I now  ask  unanimous  consent  that  in  the  further  consideration  of 
this  bill  the  five-minute  rule  may  be  applied  to  the  amendments. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Senator  from  Iowa  asks  the  unanimous  consent  of 
the  Senate  that  hereafter  in  the  consideration  of  this  bill  the  five-minute  rule  shall 
be  applied  to  the  discussion  of  amendments.  Is  there  objection?  The  Chair  hears 
none,  and  it  is  so  ordered. 

Mr.  Vest.  I now  renew  the  point  of  order  on  the  amendment  of  the  Senator  from 
Maine. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Senator  from  Missouri  [Mr.  Vest]  raises  the  point  of 
order  upon  the  amendment  proposed  by  the  Senator  from  Maine  [Mr.  Hale]  that  it 
s not  in  order.  The  bill  as  it  came  from  the  House  contains  an  appropriation  for 
continuing  the  work  on  the  terraces  of  the  Capitol  to  which  the  Senator  from  Maine 
proposes  an  amendment  changing  the  plan  upon  which  that  work  has  heretofore 
been  prosecuted  under  the  authority  of  law.  Following  the  decision  of  the  Senate 
yesterday  evening  upon  the  amendment  proposed  by  the  Senator  from  Colorado  [Mr. 
Teller]  the  Chair  is  constrained  to  hold  that  the  amendment  is  out  of  order. 

Mr.  Allison.  Now  the  pending  amendment  is  to  strike  out  from  line  1-116  to  line 
1432  inclusive. 

Mr.  Vest.  Let  us  take  a direct  vote  on  that. 

Mr.  Allison.  Let  us  take  a vote  on  that.  We  have  had  full  debate  now. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  amendment  will  be  stated. 

The  Chief  Clerk.  It  is  proposed  to  strike  out,  beginning  in  line  1416,  after  the 
words  “Capitol  terraces,”  down  to  line  1432,  as  follows: 

For  continuing  the  work  upon  the  terraces  of  the  Capitol,  sections  marked  K,  D,  and  J,  as  shown  on 
printed  plan  accompanying  the  letter  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  (Executive  Document.  No.  9, 
first  session,  Forty-eighth  Congress),  including  wages  of  mechanics  and  laborers,  and  for  reconstruct- 
ing boiler-vaults  connected  with  sections  C and  Iv,  $150,000. 

That  the  unexpended  balance  of  the  appropriation  for  continuing  the  construction  of  the  terrace 
and  grand  stairways  of  the  Capitol  made  in  the  act  entitled  “An  act  making  appropriations  for  sun- 
dry civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30, 1886,  and  for  other  purposes,” 
is  hereby  reappropriated  or  rendered  available  for  the  continuation  of  that  work  during  the  fiscal 
year  1887. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Chair  will  state  to  the  Senator  from  Iowa  and  to  the 
Senate  that  that  amendment,  as  the  Chair  understood,  was  ruled  out.  The  entire 
amendment  of  the  Committee  on  Appropriations  was  a proposition  to  strike  out  the 
words  read  and  to  insert  what  follows  in  italics,  it  being  one  amendment  to  strike 


1260 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


out  and  insert,  which  the  Chair  held  last  night  to  be  out  of  order.  So  that  amend- 
ment is  disposed  of  already. 

Mr.  Allison.  I offered  last  night  an  amendment  to  the  text  at  the  end  of  line 
1423.  I did  that  with  a view  of  moving  to  strike  out  from  line  1424  to  line  1432, 
because  my  amendment  is  intended  as  a substitution  for  the  House  provision. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  Senator’s  amendment  is  now  in  order. 

Mr.  Allison.  I then  move  to  strike  out  the  clause  from  line  1424  to  line  1432, 
inclusive. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  language  proposed  to  be  stricken  out  will  be  read. 

The  Chief  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

That  the  unexpended  balance  of  the  appropriation  for  continuing  the  construction  of  the  terrace 
and  grand  stairways  of  the  Capitol  made  in  the  act  entitled  “An  act  making  appropriations  for  sun- 
dry civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal  year  ending  June  30, 1886,  and  for  other  purposes,” 
is  hereby  reappropriated  or  rendered  available  for  the  continuation  of  that  work  during  the  fiscal 
year  1887. 

The  Presiding  Officer.  The  question  is  on  the  amendment  to  strike  out  these 
words. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Allison.  Now,  do  I understand  that  the  original  text  remains  in  the  bill  from 
line  1416  to  line  1423  with  the  amendment  that  I offered? 

The  Presiding  Officer.  That  is  the  effect  of  the  ruling  of  last  night,  in  which 
the  Senate  concurred. 

Mr.  Allison.  Then  I hope  we  shall  go  on. 


[From  the  “‘Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-seven,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Aug.  4,  1886.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  24,  239.)] 

Capitol  terraces:  For  continuing  the  work  upon  the  terraces  of  the  Cajiitol,  sec- 
tions marked  K,  D,  and  J,  as  shown  on  printed  plan  accompanying  the  letter  of  the 
Secretary  of  the  Treasury  (Executive  Document  Number  Nine,  first  session  Forty- 
eighth  Congress),  including  wages  of  mechanics  and  laborers,  and  for  reconstructing 
boiler-vaults  connected  with  sections  C and  IC,  one  hundred  and  seventy-five  thou- 
sand dollars;  of  which  sum  twenty-five  thousand  dollars  may  be  expended  for  the 
completion  of  the  work  on  sections  A,  B,  C,  L,  and  M,  of  said  terraces. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  L.  Q.  C.  Lamar,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  1 , 1886.  (49 — 2,  House 
Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  1,  p.  61.)] 

The  Architect  states  that  the  north  terrace,  section  A,  has  been  completed,  with 
the  exception  of  the  bronze  lamps  and  vases,  which  are  to  be  placed  upon  the  pedes- 
tals of  the  balustrade,  and  that  satisfactory  progress  has  been  made  in  the  construc- 
tion of  the  other  portions  of  the  terrace. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Jan.  31,  1887:  Congressional  Record,  49 — 2,  p.  1186.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  sundry 
civil  bill  for  1888 — 

Mr.  Beck.  We  doubled  the  appropriation  for  the  work  in  front  of  this  Capitol  so 
as  to  have  it  done  in  two  years. 

Mr.  Allison.  For  illustration,  we  have  added  to  the  House  appropriation  $157,000 
for  the  terraces  of  the  Capitol.  Some  of  us  who  have  been  here  for  a good  many 
years  recollect  perfectly  well  that  the  Capitol  has  been  in  an  unfinished  state  ever 
since  we  have  been  here,  and  the  Senator  from  Kansas  [Mr.  Plumb]  says  always  will 


The  Terraces. 


1261 


be;  but  we  can  contribute  our  part  to  complete  this  building.  Therefore  we  called 
before  us  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  and  said,  “ What  will  it  cost  to  complete  these 
terraces  in  order  that  we  may  not  come  here  at  the  beginning  of  each  session  and 
find  this  whole  Capitol  torn  up,  to  the  inconvenience  of  Senators  and  Representa- 
tives?” And  we  have  proposed  to  appropriate  in  this  bill,  by  way  of  amendment, 
a sufficient  sum  to  complete  these  terraces. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Jan.  31,  1887:  Congressional  Record,  49 — 2,  p.  1192.] 

The  Senate  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  having  under  consideration  the  sundry 
civil  bill  for  1888— 

The  next  amendment  was  in  line  1266,  after  the  word  “for,”  to  strike  out  “con- 
tinuing the  work  upon”  and  insert  “completion  of;”  in  line  1267,  after  the  word 
“and,”  to  strike  out  “towards  constructing;”  in  line  1268,  after  the  word  “stair- 
ways,” to  strike  out  “sections  marked  E,  F,  G,  IT,  and  I,  as  shown  on  plan  accom- 
panying the  letter  of  the  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  (Executive  Document  No.  9,  first 
session  Forty-eighth  Congress);”  and  in  line  1272,  after  the  word  “laborers,”  to 
strike  out  “one  hundred  and  sixty-five”  and  insert  “three  hundred  and  thirty;”  so 
as  to  make  the  clause  read : 

Capitol  terraces:  For  completion  of  the  terraces  of  the  Capitol,  and  grand  stairways,  including 
wages  of  mechanics  and  laborers,  5330,000. 

Mr.  Plumb.  I should  like  to  inquire  of  the  Senator  from  Iowa  having  the  bill  in 
charge  where  the  accounts  go  for  this  work,  and  where  is  the  official  evidence  to  be 
found  of  the  expenditures  heretofore  made  and  the  result  actually  accomplished? 
Through  what  supervision  does  it  go?  I should  like  to  know  if  the  committee  have 
had  any  evidence  on  that  point,  as  to  the  actual  necessary  work  and  the  cost. 

Mr.  Allison.  The  committee  do  not  enter  into  that  question  at  all.  They  took 
the  estimates  of  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  as  to  the  cost.  There  is  a document 
referred  to  here  showing  in  detail  the  character  of  this  work  and  the  estimated  cost. 
Of  course  every  expenditure  made  under  this  appropriation  is  made  by  public  letting 
and  under  contract.  I suppose  there  is  no  difficulty  in  ascertaining  what  it  costs. 
This  money  is  expended  under  the  plan  mentioned  in  the  bill,  which  we  struck  out 
because  we  did  not  consider  it  necessary.  I do  not  think  there  is  any  trouble  about 
the  expenditure. 

The  President  pro  tempore.  The  question  is  on  agreeing  to  the  amendment  of  the 
Committee  on  Appropriations. 

The  amendment  was  agreed  to. 


[Senate  proceedings  of  Mar.  3,  1887:  Congressional  Record,  49 — 2,  p.  2608.] 

The  Senate  having  under  consideration  the  conference  report  on  the  Sundry  Civil 
bill  for  1888 — 

Mr.  Beck.  * * * For  the  terraces  about  the  Capitol  we  gave  up  $125, 000.  I 
was  stubborn  about  that  myself,  and  in  favor  of  finishing  in  one  year  the  approaches 
to  the  Capitol,  but  the  House  allowed  $125,000  this  year  and  $125,000  for  next  year. 
That  meant  that  we  should  be  having  foul  air  pumped  into  our  nostrils  all  through 
the  next  long  session  of  Congress.  I said  that  work  could  be  done  in  one  year  beyond 
all  peradventure,  and  if  the  Architect  could  not  do  it  we  would  find  a man  who  could. 
They  can  close  up  the  terraces  on  the  west  end  of  the  Capitol  and  put  all  the  men 
they  want  at  work  and  do  it  this  year,  and  let  us  have  some  comfort  during  the  long 
session,  instead  of  being  annoyed  as  we  are  now.  I hope  that  if  we  have  not  got 
men  now  who  can  do  it,  we  shall  find  men  who  will  do  it. 


1262 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


There  are  many  people  in  all  these  Departments  and  superintending  this  Capitol, 
like  the  ring  that  surrounded  the  Navy  Department  and  others,  that  are  like  old  rats 
running  in  ruts  and  retiring  to  their  holes,  so  that  if  they  get  out  of  that  track  and 
on  fresh  ground  they  can  not  get  on.  The  sooner  we  get  the  infusion  of  fresh  blood 
into  a few  things  here  the  better  it  will  be  for  the  country. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-eight,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Mar.  3,  1887.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  24,  525.)] 

Capital  terraces. — For  the  completion  of  the  terraces  of  the  Capitol  and  grand 
stairways,  including  wages  of  mechanics  and  laborers,  three  hundred  and  thirty 
thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  eighty-nine,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Oct.  2,  1888.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  25,  523.)] 

Capitol  terraces. — For  artificial  pavement  and  for  fountain  in  front  of  terrace, 
pavement  in  area  between  terrace  and  building,  and  for  bronze  lamp-posts  and  vases 
for  north  and  south  terraces,  fifteen  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  ninety,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Mar. 
2,  1889.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  25,  958. )]_ 

Capitol  terraces. — For  artificial  pavement  and  for  fountain  in  front  of  terrace,  pave- 
ment in  area  between  terrace  and  building,  and  for  bronze  lamp-posts  and  vases  for 
north  and  south  terraces,  fourteen  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  ninety-one,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Aug.  30,  1890.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  26,  388.)] 

Capitol  terraces. — For  paving  terrace  and  completing  the  interior  of  rooms  and  cor- 
ridors, including  steam  heating,  and  for  the  payment  of  amounts  retained  on 
contracts,  twenty-seven  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  John  W.  Noble,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  1, 1890.  (51 — 2,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  1,  p.  xc.)] 

The  marble  and  granite  work  of  the  terrace  have  been  completed,  and  a number 
of  the  rooms  fitted  up  ready  for  occupancy  by  committee,  nine  of  which  rooms  have 
been  occupied  during  the  present  session  of  Congress.  All  the  others  will  be  made 
ready  by  the  next  meeting  of  Congress. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  ninety-two,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Mar.  3, 1891.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  26,  970.)] 

Capitol  terraces. — For  bridge,  marble  steps,  and  for  completion  of  balustrade  at 
the  main  entrance,  west  front;  for  lamp  posts  and  railing  to  main  stairway,  and  for 
general  work  on  terraces,  fourteen  thousand  dollars. 


NORTHWEST  VIEW  OF  CAPITOL,  SHOWING  STAIRWAYS  AND  TERRACES,  1903. 


The  Terraces. 


1263 


[From  the  annual  report  of  John  W.  Noble,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  1,  1891.  (52 — 1,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  1,  p.  cxxxi.)] 

The  marble  and  granite  work  of  the  Capitol  terraces  has  been  completed  and  the 
office  rooms  of  the  same  on  the  Senate  side  finished  and  are  now  occupied. 

Eighteen  bronze  lamp-posts  and  18  bronze  vases  have  been  received  and  put  in 
place  on  the  terraces. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  eighteen  hundred  and  ninety-three,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved 
Aug.  5,  1892.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  27,  368.)] 

Capitol  terraces. — For  extending  heating  apparatus  and  for  general  work  in  com- 
pleting terraces,  eight  thousand  dollars. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  John  W.  Noble,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  15,  1892.  (52 — 2,  H.  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  1,  p.  cxliii.)] 

The  stairways  and  marble  balustrades  connecting  the  Capitol  terrace  with  the 
central  doors  of  the  building  have  been  finished,  bronze  lamp-posts  and  railing  have 
been  put  in  place  on  the  main  stairways,  and  the  fountain  has  been  completed  and 
is  in  operation. 


VII.  PROPOSED  EXTENSION  OF  CEN- 
TRAL EAST  FRONT. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Thomas  U.  Walter,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1,  1864 
(38 — 2,  House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  p.  695.)] 

EXTENSION  OF  THE  CENTER  BUILDING. 

Now  that  the  new  dome  and  the  wings  of  the  Capitol  are  approaching  completion, 
it  must  be  apparent  to  every  one  that  the  extension  of  the  center  building,  on  the 
east,  to  the  line  of  the  new  wings,  becomes  an  architectural  necessity.  I have  there- 
fore prepared  plans  for  thus  completing  the  work,  in  harmony  with  what  has  already 
been  done,  and  will  place  them  in  the  Capitol  for  future  reference. 

I do  not  suppose,  nor  would  I recommend,  that  any  action  be  taken  by  Congress, 
in  reference  to  such  an  improvement,  until  the  war  is  ended  and  the  financial  con- 
dition of  the  country  becomes  settled  and  prosperous;  but,  inasmuch  as  it  is  my  pur- 
pose to  retire  from  these  works  as  soon  as  the  dome  is  finished,  I deem  it  incumbent 
upon  me  to  leave  upon  record  my  views  as  to  their  final  completion. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1, 1865.  (39 — 1, 

House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  p.  811.)] 

EXTENSION  OF  THE  CENTRE  BUILDING. 

I respectfully  call  attention  to  the  necessity  of  extending  the  central  building  and 
portico  out  to  the  line  of  the  porticos  of  the  wings.  This  is  imperatively  demanded, 
in  order  to  give  prominence  to  the  central  portico,  which  should  be  the  superior  one 
of  the  three;  whereas,  at  present,  owing  to  its  receding,  and  the  encroachment  of 
the  dome  upon  it,  it  appears  to  be  the  inferior.  Besides,  the  lower  member  of  the 
dome  overhangs  the  eastern  wall  of  the  building,  giving  the  dome  from  some  points 
of  view  an  appearance  of  insecurity. 

Mr.  Walter  has  left  plans  for  thus  extending  the  central  portico,  which  are  in  my 
opinion  judicious  and  in  good  taste,  and  which,  if  adopted,  will  remedy  the  defects 
above  mentioned. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  James  Harlan,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  December  4,  1865.  (39 — 1, 

House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  p.  xvi.)] 

Attention  is  invited  to  that  par  t of  the  report  [that  of  the  Architect]  which  relates 
to  the  necessity  of  extending  the  central  building  and  portico  to  the  line  of  the  por- 
ticos of  the  wings,  and  of  enlarging  the  Capitol  grounds.  The  architect  recommends 
that  the  plans  prepared  for  these  purposes  by  his  predecessor  be  adopted  and  carried 
into  effect. 


[Reference  was  made  to  the  Walter  plan  for  the  extension  of  the  central  east  front 
by  Senator  Buckalew,  of  Pennsylvania,  in  a debate  in  the  Senate,  July  24,  1866. — 
Congressional  Globe,  39 — 1,  p.  4072,  already  given  in  the  section  covering  the 
Capitol  Extensions.] 

1264 


. Rep.  646 — 58-2. 


VIEW  OF  PROPOSED  EXTENSION  OF  CENTRAL  EAST  FRONT. 


Proposed  Extension  of  Central  East  Front. 


1265 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  Nov.  1,  1866.  (39 — 2,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  p.  560.)] 

EXTENSION  OF  THE  CENTRE  BUILDING. 

It  is  to  be  hoped  that  some  action  will  be  taken  towards  extending  the  central 
portico,  and  I recommend  that  this  necessary  improvement  be  made  in  conformity 
with  the  plan  proposed  by  Thomas  U.  Walter,  esq.  If  this  change  is  to  be  made  at 
no  very  remote  period,  it  would  be  to  the  advantage  of  the  government  to  have  it 
done  now,  while  the  work  is  going  on,  and  before  the  eastern  grounds  are  improved. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  0.  H.  Browning,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  19,  1866.  (39 — 2,  House 

Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  p.  14.)] 

The  architect  repeats  the  recommendation  made  in  his  preceding  report  in  favor 
of  the  extension  of  the  central  portico,  in  conformity  with  the  plan  proposed  by  his 
predecessor,  Thomas  U.  Walter,  Esq.  Should  this  recommendation  be  sanctioned 
by  Congress,  it  would  be  advisable  to  commence  the  work  at  an  early  day,  while 
operations  on  the  other  portions  of  the  edifice  are  in  progress,  and  before  the  east- 
ern grounds  are  improved.  In  view  of  the  anticipated  early  completion  of  the 
Capitol,  should  the  central  portico  not  be  extended,  it  is  recommended  that  Con- 
gress authorize  inclosing  the  public  grounds  north  and  south  of  the  building,  and 
squares  numbered  six  hundred  and  eighty-seven  and  six  hundred  and  eightj^-eight, 
should  the  bill  which  passed  the  Senate  at  the  last  session  providing  for  the  purchase 
of  them  become  a law,  and  improving  the  Capitol  grounds  in  a style  befitting  the 
magnificent  edifice  which  crowns  their  summit. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension.  Nov.  1, 1867.  (40 — 2, 

House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  p.  526.)] 

I again  beg  leave  to  refer  to  the  necessity  of  extending  the  central  portico;  the 
necessity  of  this  improvement  has  been  set  forth  in  the  former  report  from  this  office. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  O.  H.  Browning,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  18,  1867.  (40 — 2,  House 

Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  p.  18.)] 

The  architect  in  charge  of  the  Capitol  extension  reports  the  completion  of  the  por- 
tico of  the  south  wing,  and  reiterates  the  opinion  expressed  in  his  previous  reports 
that  the  central  portico  should  be  extended  to  correspond  with  those  of  the  wings. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1,  1868.  (40 — 3, 

House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  p.  889.)] 

In  my  first  report  on  taking  charge  of  this  work,  I recommended  the  adoption  of 
the  plan  made  by  T.  U.  Walter,  esq.,  for  the  extension  of  the  eastern  front  of  the 
central  building;  but  becoming  more  familiar  with  the  building  and  its  requirements, 
I am  convinced  that  the  additional  number  of  rooms  for  committees  and  other  pur- 
poses which  are  required,  are  not  provided  in  that  plan;  I have  therefore  made  a 
plan  for  this  extension,  which  supplies  to  some  extent  this  deficiency  of  rooms,  and 
which  is  now  submitted  for  consideration. 

It  is  important  that  the  question  of  the  extension  of  the  central  building  should  be 
decided;  for,  in  case  it  is  not  authorized,  measures  should  be  taken  at  once  to  have 
the  space  in  front  improved  and  paved. 

H.  Rep.  6d6 80 


1266 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  0.  H.  Browning,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  30,  1868.  (40—3,  House 

Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  p.  xvi.)] 

The  architect  reports  the  completion  of  the  exterior  marble  work,  and  of  the 
arrangements  for  securing  a supply  of  water  to  the  central  building  and  south  wing 
of  the  Capitol.  * * He  submits  a new  plan  for  the  extension  of  the  eastern 

front  of  the  central  building. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  Nov.  1,  1869.  (41 — 2, 
House  Ex.  Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  3,  p.  1139.)] 

As  Congress  has  not  taken  notice  of  the  recommendations  of  my  predecessor  or 
myself  relative  to  the  extension  of  the  eastern  front  of  the  central  portion  of  the 
building,  and  as  it  is  not  likely  that  body  will  soon  take  action  on  the  subject  of 
enlargement  of  the  building,  I beg  leave  to  call  the  attention  of  Congress  to  the 
necessity  of  paving  the  space  of  the  eastern  front  with  a wooden  or  some  other  suit- 
able pavement,  and  flagging  the  sidewalks.  This  structure  has  advanced  so  near- 
completion,  its  approaches  and  grounds  should  be  embellished. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Carl  Schurz,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  15,  1879.  (46 — 2.  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  1,  p.  56.)] 

The  Architect  of  the  Capitol  reports  the  completion,  during  the  year,  of  many 
needed  improvements  in  the  Capitol  building.  * * * He  reports  the  Capitol  as 
in  good  repair,  and  suggests  the  importance  of  providing  additional  room  for  the 
growing  demands  of  Congress.  In  his  opinion  the  projection  of  the  center  portion 
of  the  building  at  the  eastern  front  would  be  in  accord  with  architectural  beauty  of 
proportion  and  furnish  the  room  required. 


[47 — 1,  House  Rep.  No.  164,  Jan.  31,  1882,  pp.  7,  8,  14.] 

REPORTS  OF  THE  COMMISSION  APPOINTED  BY  THE  JOINT  SELECT 
COMMITTEE  ON  ADDITIONAL  ACCOMMODATIONS  FOR  THE  LIBRARY 
OF  CONGRESS. 

To  the  Hon.  D.  W.  Voorhees, 

Chairman  of  the  Joint  Select  Committee  on 

Additional  Accommodations  for  the  Library  of  Congress:.. 

Sir:  The  undersigned,  a commission  appointed  by  your  honorable  committee,  in 
conformity  with  the  provisions  of  the  act  of  Congress  approved  June  8, 1880,  entitled 
“An  act  to  provide  additional  accommodations  for  the  Library  of  Congress,”  beg 
leave  to  report  that  they  have,  in  conformity  with  your  letter  of  appointment  of  June 
17,  1880,  examined  and  duly  considered  the  question  of  “what  practical  and  benefi- 
cial changes  ’ ’ can  be  made  in  the  Capitol  with  the  view  of  providing  better  accom- 
modations for  the  Library,  &c.  They  have  unanimously  agreed  to  the  following 
resolution,  and  respectfully  submit  the  same  as  their  preliminary  report: 

Resolved,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  commission'  it  is  inexpedient  if  not  impracti- 
cable to  extend  the  Capitol  building  so  as  to  provide  additional  space  for  the  rapid 
growth  of  the  Library  without  seriously  interfering  wTith  the  architectural  proportions 
thereof,  and  also  its  convenience  for  legislative  purposes,  but  that  “practical  and 
beneficial  ’ ’ changes,  such  as  mentioned  in  the  act  creating  this  board,  can  and  should 


. Rep.  646 — 58 


SOUTHEAST  VIEW  OF  PROPOSED  EXTENSION  OF  CENTRAL  EAST  FRONT. 


Proposed  Extension  of  Central  East  Front. 


1267 


be  made  at  no  distant  day  in  and  of  the  Capitol  for  the  better  accommodation  of  the 
two  houses  of  Congress.  We  therefore  recommend  the  erection  of  a seperate  edifice 
for  the  Library. 

Very  respectfully  submitted. 

Edward  Clark. 

Alex.  R.  Esty. 

,T.  L.  Smithmeyer. 

Washington,  D.  C.,  September  25,  1SS0. 

Hon.  D.  W.  Voorhees, 

Chairman  Joint  Select  Committee  on 

Additional  Accommodations  for  the  Library  of  Congress: 

* * * 

Your  commission  are  of  the  opinion  that  many,  if  not  all,  the  improvements 
required  can  be  made  to  the  Capitol  by  extending  the  eastern  front  of  the  center 
building,  so  planned  that  a connecting  corridor  may  run  from  wing  to  wing. 

This  arrangement  will  offer  at  times  a more  convenient  means  of  access  between 
the  halls  of  legislation,  and  will  at  all  times  afford  the  means  of  better  communica- 
tion between  the  wings  on  the  gallery  story. 

It  will  also  provide  additional  rooms  for  committees,  and  for  records  and  files. 

This  improvement  will  have  the  further  advantage  of  completing  the  east  front  in 
a manner  as  to  give  the  dome  a more  proper  position  when  viewed  from  an  easterly 
direction,  and  will  screen  the  present  sandstone  portion  of  that  front  with  a structure 
of  the  same  material  as  the  wings. 

The  halls  of  legislation  may  be  brought  to  the  windows  of  the  outer  walls  by  tak- 
ing out  some  of  the  interior  walls,  thus  obtaining  more  light  and  exposure  to  the 
open  air. 

Very  respectfully,  Edward  Clark, 

Architect  United  States  Capitol. 


To  the  Hon.  D.  W.  Voorhees, 

Chairman  of  Joint  Select  Committee  on  Additional  Accommodations  for  Library: 
Sir:  * * * With  the  jiossible  extension  of  the  eastern  facade  of  the  original 
building,  as  before  named,  the  number  of  committee  rooms  would  be  increased,  and 
this  alteration,  in  connection  with  the  removal  of  the  Library  to  a separate  building, 
would  afford  vastly  more  conveniences  for  legislative  purposes  than  are  now  had; 
furthermore,  should  it  be  deemed  advisable,  there  might  be  had  in  this  “extension” 
most  appropriate  space  for  the  Supreme  Court,  with  ample  retiring  and  robing  rooms 
for  the  justices,  as  well  as  rooms  for  the  officers  of  said  court,  and  with  proper  vesti- 
bules and  entrances,  all  of  which  could  be  accomplished  without  encroaching  upon 
the  area  devoted  to  committees,  &c.  An  arrangement  of  the  above  character  would 
leave  the  present  court-room  as  an  ante,  devoting  the  same  to  the  preservation  and 
exhibition  of  paintings,  statuary,  and  historically  valuable  articles;  by  this  means 
also  perfect  seclusion  would  be  secured  to  the  justices,  and,  being  far  removed  from 
the  public  passageway,  the  court  would  be  free  from  outside  sounds.  Also,  the  light 
and  ventilation  might  be  made  perfect  by  a separate  system  under  the  control  of  the 
court. 

* * # 


Very  respectfully  submitted. 
Washington,  D.  C.,  September  25,  1880. 


Alex.  R.  Esty. 


1268 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Report  on  the  Extension  of  the  Capitol  of  the  United  States. 

By  John  L.  Smithmeyek,  Architect. 

To  the  Hon.  D.  W.  Vookhees, 

Chairman  of  the  Joint  Select  Committee  of  Congress,  &c. : 

* * * 

The  truth  is  that  even  the  very  premises  now  occupied  by  the  Library,  however 
inadequate  for  its  own  specific  purposes,  are  in  the  way  of  such  necessary  improve- 
ments as  Congress  does,  or  will  soon,  require  for  its  own  indispensable  arrangements, 
and  that  even  these  premises  will  have  to  be  yielded  by  the  Library  sooner  or  later 
to  Congress  for  its  own  purposes;  therefore  the  undersigned  respectfully  begs  your 
honorable  body  not  to  hesitate  in  your  report  to  impress  Congress  that  the  removal 
of  the  Library  from  the  Capitol  is  unavoidable  and  only  a question  of  time,  with 
unmistakable  reasons  of  economy  in  favor  of  its  immediate  separation  from  its  pres- 
ent site,  which  cannot  but  result  in  the  greatest  benefits  for  the  government  and  all 
parties  concerned,  and  that  whatever  enactments  Congress  may  adopt  in  this  regard, 
the  operations  and  measures  caused  thereby  will  not  be  of  temporary  interest  or  of 
passing  expedience  and  importance  only,  but  remain  a permanent  monument  or 
index,  in  stone,  of  the  economical  wisdom  and  foresight,  as  well  as  of  the  artistic 
taste  and  skill,  of  our  age  and  nation. 

Neither  were  the  anticipations  nor  the  accomplishments  of  our  forefathers  small 
or  improvident  in  this  direction,  and  yet  before  the  very  first  century  of  our  republic 
had  elapsed,  their  grandest  conception  had  fallen  short  of  actual  realities,  and  we 
are  called  upon  to  supply  additional  provisions  for  the  further  development  of  their 
creations. 

The  best  illustration  of  the  difficulties  inseparable  from  such  a task  consists  in  a 
brief  review  of  the  fast  expansion  of  our  national  institutions  in  the  past,  and  from  it 
we  may  estimate  with  some  degree  of  accuracy  their  steady  growth  of  dimensions  in 
future,  and,  consequently,  their  requirements  after  a few  years,  for  which  Congress 
must  soon  provide  by  legislation. 

In  1793,  when  President  Washington  laid  the  corner-stone  of  the  Capitol  for  this 
nation,  which  was  then  in  its  infancy,  Congress  consisted  of  105  members  of  the 
House  of  Representatives  and  30  Senators,  and  then  one  Representative  was  allowed 
for  every  33,000  citizens  (the  colored  inhabitants  having  only  three-fifths  represen- 
tation). 

In  1872,  when  the  last  apportionment  of  representation  per  capita  was  made,  fully 
131,325  constituents  were  required  for  each  Representative,  and  yet  the  House 
counted  293  and  the  Senate  76  members.  The  number  of  committees  was  then  less 
than  30,  and  now  it  is  110  permanent  ones,  without  counting  the  many  temporary 
committees  created  in  every  session  of  Congress,  which  shows  that  in  about  80  years 
the  compass  of  accommodations  wanted  for  the  sessions  and  deliberations  of  Congress 
was  more  than  three  times  as  large  as  the  proportions  originally  required. 

Of  course  it  is  admitted  that  such  a ratio  of  increase  will  never  recur  again  under 
whatever  a proportion  of  growth  of  our  population  within  the  next  century,  because 
the  necessity  for  any  excessive  size  of  the  main  halls  may  be  obviated  by  a timely  re- 
adjustment of  the  representation  per  capita,  but  no  precautions  can  prevent  the  enor- 
mous accumulation  of  legislative  work,  which  cannot  be  stopped,  and  necessitates 
numerous  additions  in  close  proximity  to  said  halls:  such  as  rooms  for  storing  bound 
and  unbound  documents,  archives  for  manuscript  bills,  resolutions,  and  petitions; 
chambers  for  committee  labors;  apartments  for  reference  libraries;  premises  for  the 
folding,  packing,  and  dispatching  bound  documents — of  which  at  times  half  a million 
of  volumes  must  be  taken  care  of;  and  many  other  conveniences,  such  as  experimental 
researches,  investigations,  and  private  discussions  of  the  many  issues  forced  upon 
Congress  with  every  new  step  of  progress  in  our  political  or  social  economy,  and  with 


. Rep.  646 


NORTHEAST  VIEW  OF  PROPOSED  EXTENSION  OF  CENTRAL  EAST  FRONT. 


1269 


Proposed  Extension  of  Central  East  Front. 

the  natural  expansion  of  the  collateral  functions  in  the  executive,  judicial,  or  admin- 
istrative branches.  Every  year  calls  new  interests  into  life,  which  need  considera- 
tion from  our  national  legislature.  Every  new  discovery  in  our  inexhaustible  resources 
of  agricultural  and  mineral  wealth,  nearly  every  new  invention  in  industry  or  com- 
merce, and  every  step  of  our  advancement  in  literature,  science,  and  arts,  adds  new 
objects  of  study  and  additional  labors  to  the  many,  and  by  no  means  easy,  duties  of 
uor  Congressmen  and  their  assistants  and  employes;  and  inasmuch  as  they  are  the 
creators  of  our  laws,  and,  as  such,  the  central  figures  of  our  government,  representing 
in  Congress  the  will  and  majesty  of  the  whole  nation,  their  requirements  in  facilities 
as  well  as  in  personal  comforts  and  ease  are  undoubtedly  paramount  to  the  claims  of 
any  other  institution,  however  grand  and  important. 

On  the  other  side,  our  so-called  Congressional  Library,  which  is  so  deservedly  the 
pride  of  our  people  and  the  object  of  envy  to  all  the  rest  of  the  civilized  world,  has 
also  claims  of  no  small  significance  in  its  incalculable  value  and  wonderful  growth, 
and  its  removal  from  the  Capitol  might  have  been,  perhaps,  if  not  entirely  obviated, 
at  least  postponed  for  many  years,  and  our  age  might  have  been  relieved  of  the  re- 
sponsibility of  legislation  on  this  subject,  if  it  was  not  for  the  circumstance  that  its 
original  accommodations  have  been  crowded  beyond  measure  by  a series  of  events 
now  beyond  our  control. 

Not  only  the  naturally  rapid  growth  of  a library,  lavishly  endowed  by  a rich  and 
liberal  people,  but  the  nearly  unlimited  admission  of  books  and  publications  of  a 
promiscuous  character,  then  the  incorporations  of  the  specific  reference  libraries  of 
both  houses  of  Congress,  and,  further,  the  acquisition  of  the  Smithsonian  library, 
besides  numerous  private  donations,  and  finally  the  enormous  and  steady  influx  of 
literature. 

* * * 

When  examining  the  general  plan  of  this  complex  of  buildings  called  the  Capitol 
with  the  view  of  solving  the  first,  proposition  of  the  problem,  viz,  “ What  changes  can 
be  made  in  or  of  the  Capitol  building  for  the  better  accommodation  of  both  houses 
of  Congress?  ’ ’ the  technical  mind  begins  by  looking  for  a proper  starting  point  for  the 
logical  development  of  a system  of  enlargements  which  would  comprehend  the  changes 
called  for  in  this  first  part  of  said  bill,  and  finds  it  in  the  central  structure,  viz,  the 
dome.  This  grand  dome  is  the  central  feature  of  the  whole  complex,  and  from  its 
center  an  equilibrium  should  pervade  the  masses  lying  in  the  direction  of  the  minor 
axis  (east  and  west)  as  well  as  it  exists  in  the  direction  of  the  major  axis  (north  and 
south),  so  as  to  realize  a certain  strength  in  the  corresponding  parts  and  harmony  and 
symmetry  of  the  entire  structure.  In  other  words,  there  should  be  an  extension  on 
the  east  of  the  dome  equal  in  dimensions  to  that  on  the  west  of  it,  as  is  the  case  north 
and  south. 

Plate  No.  I.« 

By  the  absence  of  that  corresponding  extension  the  circumference  of  the  dome  is 
brought  tangent  to  the  outer  line  of  the  substructure  east,  and  that  fact  explains  the 
feeling  of  insecurity  which  the  present  position  of  the  dome  creates  when  viewed 
from  the  east,  southeast,  and  northeast. 

That  feeling  is  greatly  enhanced  by  another  fact,  namely,  that  the  colonnade,  gal- 
lery, and  base  of  the  gigantic  cupola  project  over  the  main  (east)  wall  almost  onto 
the  second  row  of  columns  of  the  east  portion  for  support. 

Plate  No.  II. 

The  attention  of  the  architect  is  therefore  directed  first  to  this  defect,  and  to  cor- 
rect it  would  be  his  first  aim,  when  seeking  space  for  an  addition  to  the  present 
structure.  But  the  mere  extension  of  the  central  portion  eastward  so  as  to  make  it 
correspond  in  dimensions  to  that  one  westward,  would  not  afford  sufficient  space  for 
the  accommodations  of  Congress  immediately  needed,  and  much  less  would  it  provide 


a These  drawings  have  not  been  engraved. 


1270 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


for  its  future  wants,  or  give  to  the  building  that  harmonious  and  symmetrical  appear- 
ance which  would  constitute  it  a unit. 

To  effect  the  object  set  forth  in  the  bill,  it  is  necessary  to  erect  an  extension  to  the 
east  of  the  dome,  equal  to  that  of  the  west  of  the  dome  not  only,  but  also  to  add  cor- 
ner pavilions  to  the  four  corners  of  the  central  building,  in  the  direction  of  southeast, 
northeast,  southwest,  and  northwest. 

Plate  No.  III. 

There  is  no  cause  for  apprehension  that  by  these  additions  and  improvements  more 
space  should  be  obtained  than  will  actually  be  needed. 

The  narrow  corridors  which  now  connect  the  two  wings  north ^and  south  with  the 
main  body  of  the  building  should  lie  widened  and  spacious  public  stairways  located 
therein,  leading  up  to  the  galleries  and  down  into  the  parterre  story.  This  would 
also  afford  excellent  facilities  for  more  and  better  private  communications  between 
the  respective  halls  and  the  other  parts  of  the  building  for  the  members  of  both  houses 
and  their  employes,  and  likewise  the  opportunity  lie  afforded  for  closing  the  lobbies 
against  any  undesirable  throng,  which  would  secure  that  quietness  and  ease  which  is 
so  essential  during  important  debates  of  legislative  bodies,  without  interfering  with 
the  publicity  of  the  sessions. 

For  the  purpose  of  effecting  exposure  to  the  open  air  for  better  light  and  ventilation, 
the  halls  of  the  two  houses  should  be  extended  to  the  outer  walls  on  the  north  and 
south  sides,  so  that  by  opening  the  windows  after  each  adjournment  the  fresh  air 
might  be  freely  admitted  for  the  purification  of  the  atmosphere  in  these  chambers. 

The  objection  that,  by  such  a measure,  the  discussions  of  Congress  might  be  dis- 
turbed by  the  noise  of  passing  vehicles  or  the  playing  of  bands  of  music,  &c. , is  not 
tenable,  because  the  former  is  prevented  by  the  asphalt  pavements,  which  reduce  that 
noise  to  a harmless  minimum,  and  the  great  expansion  of  the  ornamental  grounds 
around  the  Capitol  is  a bar  to  the  noise  from  the  latter,  which,  if  desired,  might  be 
entirely  obviated  by  limiting  their  approach  within  a certain  distance  during  the 
sessions  of  Congress. 

By  surmounting  the  legislative  halls  with  suitable  atticas  four  great  advantages 
might  be  gained,  viz:  1,  the  proportion  of  the  height  to  the  width  of  these  halls 
would  be  regulated;  2,  their  acoustic  properties  would  be  improved;  3,  the  exterior 
appearance  and  proportion  of  the  two  wings  containing  them  would  be  improved; 
and  4,  one  of  the  greatest  difficulties  in  the  solution  of  the  vexing  issue,  how  to  secure 
the  best  sanitary  arrangement  for  the  hall  of  Representatives,  would  be  removed.  Now 
this  chamber  only  provides  2.38  cubic  feet  of  air  per  capita,  or  12  cubic  feet  less  than 
the  minimum  allowance  according  to  hygienic  laws,  whilst  the  suggested  alterations 
would  afford  not  less  than  390  cubic  feet  or  140  cubic  feet  more  per  capita  than  the 
established  minimum,  viz,  250  cubic  feet. 

Moreover,  if  the  four  pavilions  suggested  around  the  central  structure  should  be 
surmounted  by  four  graceful  domes  of  proper  height  and  dimensions  (or,  if  preferred, 
by  eight  equally  appropriate  turrets),  the  present  disproportion  between  the  height 
of  the  building  69  feet  (exclusive  of  the  dome),  and  its  length,  751  feet  from  wing  to 
wing,  would  be  corrected  and  replaced  by  more  graceful  proportions,  and  the  present 
complex  of  buildings  with  the  colossal  dome  and  the  wings  would  be  harmonized  into 
one  imposing  structure,  from  which  the  grand  dome  would  rise  with  evident  repose 
and  majesty,  surrounded  by  the  lesser  domes  or  turrets  and  atticas. 

Plates  No.  IY,  V,  and  VI. 

These  domes  or  turrets,  accompanied  by  corresponding  courts  and  areas,  would  also 
afford  the  very  best  means  for  ventilating  all  parts  of  the  edifice. 

* * * 

Very  respectfully,  your  most  obedient  servant, 

J.  L.  Smith meyer, 

Architect. 


. Rep.  646 — 58-2. 


VIEW  OF  EAST  FRONT,  1903. 


Proposed  Extension  of  Central  East  Pront.  1271 


[From  the  annual  report  of  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  July  1,  1889.  (51 — 1,  House  Ex. 

Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  3,  p.  170.)] 

The  marble  and  granite  works  of  the  terraces  and  stair-ways  are  nearly  completed; 
and  it  is  expected  that  some  of  the  interior  rooms  will  be  ready  for  occupancy  during 
the  next  session  of  Congress. 

The  importance  given  to  the  western  front  of  the  Capitol  by  the  construction  of 
this  terrace  seems  to  require  that  the  central  portion  of  the  building  be  extended  and 
remodeled,  which,  when  done,  should  be  constructed  of  marble,  as  are  the  porticoes 
of  the  ivings. 

Plans  have  been  made  for  this  proposed  improvement. 


[From  the  annual  report  of  John  W.  Noble,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  Nov.  15, 18S  . (51 — 1,  House  Ex. 
Doc.  No.  1,  pt.  5,  v.  1,  p.  LXXXIX.)] 

It  is  suggested  that  the  construction  of  the  western  terrace  of  the  Capitol  seems  to 
require  that  the  central  portion  of  the  building  be  extended  and  remodeled. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  nineteen  hundred  and  two,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Mar.  3, 
1901.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  31,  1156.)] 

To  enable  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  to  prepare  and  submit  to  Congress  at  its 
next  session  plans,  specifications,  and  estimates  of  cost  for  reconstructing  and  extend- 
ing in  a fireproof  manner  the  central  portion  of  the  Capitol  building;  the  renovation 
and  decoration  of  the  rotunda;  * * * one  thousand  five  hundred  dollars,  to  be 
immediately  available. 


[From  the  appendix  to  the  annual  report  of  Elliott  Woods,  Superintendent  of  the  United  States  Capitol 
Building  and  Grounds,  July  1,  1902.  (57—2,  House  Doc.  5,  Misc.  Repts.,  pt.  1,  p.  441.)] 

EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

INTRODUCTORY  NOTE  TO  THE  REPORT  ON  THE  EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

The  Superintendent  of  the  Capitol  desires  to  state  that  the  matter  in  the  following 
report  relating  to  the  renovation  of  the  Rotunda  was  prepared  in  accordance  with  the 
wishes  and  ideas  of  the  late  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  Edward  Clark,  who,  while 
expressing  strong  sentiment  that  the  Rotunda  should  not  be  remodeled,  nevertheless 
expressed  a desire  to  meet  the  washes  of  Congress  by  presenting  Mr.  Walter’s  ideas 
so  far  as  possible.  There  is  no  doubt,  forming  an  opinion  based  entirely  upon  con- 
versations with  the  late  Architect  of  the  Capitol  and  his  architectural  draftsman,  Mr. 
Schoenborn,  both  of  whom  had  served  with  Mr.  Walter,  that  the  architect  of  the 
great  Dome,  W alter,  felt  that  the  appearance  of  the  lower  part  of  the  Rotunda — that 
is  to  say,  from  the  cornice  line  down  to  the  floor — wras  one  of  weakness,  due  to  the 
present  arrangement  and  dimensions  of  the  pilasters.  Mr.  Walter  therefore  proposed 
to  increase  the  appearance  of  strength  by  the  addition  of  marble  columns  and  the 
rearrangement  of  the  cornice,  by  a modification  of  the  entering  doorways,  and  by 
casing  the  walls  from  floor  to  cornice  with  marble. 

The  writer  is  of  the  personal  opinion,  which  is  not  to  be  considered  as  a criticism 
of  the  opinions  of  the  former  incumbents,  that  we  can  serve  all  useful  purposes  and 
preserve  to  the  nation  intact  the  past  work  of  its  great  architects  by  restoring  the 
Rotunda  to  its  original  sandstone  finish ; by  the  use  of  suitable  tints  on  the  upper 
ironwork,  so  that  the  whole  color  scheme  will  harmonize  with  and  preserve  the 


1272 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


frieze,  and  by  a slight  change  in  the  dimensions  of  the  present  pilasters,  which 
would  add  the  lacking  elements  of  strength  and  at  the  same  time  produce  an  appear- 
ance so  similar  to  the  present  pilasters  that  the  slight  change  would  be,  difficult  of 
detection. 

Changing  the  relative  proportions  of  the  pilasters  from  the  Corinthian  to  the  Doric 
order  would  add  about  12  inches  to  the  present  width.  The  drawing  submitted  will 
show  by  comparison  the  value  of  the  proposed  change. 

The  present  Rotunda  floor  should  then  remain,  but  would  be  resurfaced  and  put 
into  presentable  condition. 

The  writer  feels  that  subserving  the  national  sentiment  and  preserving  the  historic 
Rotunda  intact  as  far  as  possible  will  meet  with  a feeling  of  approval  among  those 
who  are  willing  to  bear  with  some  slight  defect  in  its  appearance  rather  than  with 
questionable  innovation. 

It  will  be  noted  that  in  the  latter  part  of  the  report  on  the  Capitol  extension  that 
I have  suggested,  in  the  official  capacity  at  that,  time  as  Acting  Architect,  that  the 
work  outlined  in  the  report  be  carried  forward  under  the  direction  of  the  Joint  Com- 
mittee of  the  two  Houses  of  Congress.  This  recommendation  was  for  the  purpose  of 
preserving  the  Capitol  from  untimely  innovation.  It  enables  Congress,  by  the  aid  of 
the  proposed  Joint  Committee,  to  seek  and  obtain  the  best  possible  advice  on  all  the 
subjects  connected  herewith.  At  the  same  time  it  makes  Congress  responsible  in  its 
choice  of  action. 

The  Superintendent  of  the  Capitol  building  desires  to  carry  out  the  wishes  of  Con- 
gress in  every  particular  and  to  the  best  of  his  ability,  and  should  be  aided  by  the 
best  professional  services  obtainable  provided  for  by  the  law  through  the  medium  of 
a joint  committee  of  the  two  Houses. 


[57—1,  House  Doe.  No.  586.] 

LETTER  FROM  THE  SUPERINTENDENT  OF  THE  CAPITOL  BUILDING 
AND  GROUNDS  TRANSMITTING  A REPORT  RELATING  TO  THE  EX- 
TENSION OF  THE  CAPITOL  BUILDING  AND  RENOVATION  OF  TLIE 
ROTUNDA. 

Office  of  the  Superintendent 
U.  S.  Capitol  Building  and  Grounds, 

Washington,  D.  C. , May  3,  1902. 

Sir:  In  compliance  with  the  sundry  civil  act  approved  March  3,  1901,  directing 
the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  to  prepare  and  submit  to  Congress  plans  for  the  exten- 
sion of  the  central  portion  of  the  Capitol,  for  the  renovation  and  decoration  of  the 
Rotunda,  and  for  the  erection,  on  ground  adjacent  to  the  Capitol,  of  a fireproof 
building  for  office,  storage,  and  power-plant  purposes,  I transmit  herewith  so  much 
of  the  report  called  for  as  relates  to  the  extension  of  the  Capitol  building  and  reno- 
vation of  the  Rotunda. 

Very  respectfully,  Elliott  Woods, 

Superintendent  U.  S.  Capitol  Building  and  Qrounds. 
The  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 


Office  of  the  Superintendent 
of  the  Capitol  Building  and  Grounds, 

Washington,  D.  C.,  March  11,  1902. 

To  the  Congress: 

I have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  partial  report,  in  accordance  with  the 
requirements  of  a law  passed  by  Congress  at  the  last  session  (sundry  civil  appropria- 
tion act  approved  March  3,  1901;  31  Stat.  L.,  1133),  as  follows: 


H.  Rep.  646 — 58— ^ 


VIEW  OF  PROPOSED  EXTENSION  OF  CENTRAL  EAST  FRONT. 


Proposed  Extension  of  Central  East  Front. 


1273 


To  enable  the  Architect  of  the  Capitol  to  prepare  and  submit  to  Congress,  at  its  next  session,  plans, 
specifications,  and  estimates  of  cost  for  reconstructing  and  extending  in  a fireproof  manner  the  cen- 
tral portion  of  the  Capitol  building;  the  renovation  and  decoration  of  the  Rotunda;  also  for  the  con- 
struction of  a fireproof  building  adjacent  to  the  grounds  of  the  Capitol  building,  to  be  used  for  offices, 
storage,  and  power-plant  purposes  connected  with  the  Capitol  building,  one  thousand  five  hundred 
dollars,  to  be  immediately  available. 

EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL. 

For  the  extension  of  the  east  central  portion  of  the  Capitol  I submit  designs  made 
by  the  late  Thomas  U.  Walter,  the  former  Architect  of  the  Capitol,  who  built  the 
present  north  and  south  wings.  The  studies  were  made  by  Mr.  Walter  with  due 
regard  to  bringing  the  Capitol  building  to  what  he  considered  completion. 

The  old  building,  fostered  by  Washington  and  designed  by  Thornton,  was  con- 
sidered to  afford,  when  completed  in  1830, a ample  accommodations  for  then  exist- 
ing and  jirobable  future  needs  of  the  country;  but  the  tremendous  progress  of  the 
nation,  the  increase  of  population,  and  consequent  legislative  representation  soon 
proved  the  old  Capitol  was  too  small  to  properly  accommodate  the  legislative  depart- 
ment of  the  Government. 

Then  came  the  first  extensions,  begun  in  1851  and  completed  in  1859.  Congress 
authorized  and  Walter  carried  out  the  construction  of  the  marble  additions  at  the 
north  and  south.  Walter  adhered  faithfully  to  the  spirit  of  the  original,  and,  real- 
izing that  the  future  might  again  find  the  Capitol  inadequate  in  accommodations,  he 
turned  his  attention  to  the  preparation  of  plans  for  an  extension  to  the  eastward  of 
the  present  building,  an  extension  which  would  harmonize  with  what  already  existed, 
which  would  give  additional  beauty  to  the  splendid  Dome  he  had  designed  and 
erected,  and  which  he  hoped  would  some  day  grace  a completed  structure. 

Walter  has  left  as  a heritage  the  plans  which  I now  present  you  for  consideration. 
He  has  left  us  a picture  of  his  conception  of  the  completed  Capitol.  What  greater 
tribute  to  his  remarkable  genius  could  be  paid  than  to  say  that,  if  completed  in 
accordance  with  his  plans,  the-Capitol  will  gain  a splendid  addition,  and  yet,  as  one 
views  it  from  the  view  point  supposed  in  the  perspective,  it  is  still  the  Capitol. 

It  would  seem  sacrilege  to  offer  any  other  plan  for  consideration  than  the  Walter 
plan.  We  may  safely  be  guided  by  the  thought,  the  effort,  and  the  production  of 
this  great  man’s  genius.  I do  not  think  this  plan  should  be  altered  in  any  particular, 
as  far  as  concerns  the  exterior  proportions  and  alignments.  As  relates  to  the  interior 
arrangement  of  rooms,  the  requirements  of  the  times  are  different,  and  changes  are 
essential  in  the  interior  arrangement  of  the  Walter  plan  to  suit  existing  conditions. 
I therefore  take  the  liberty  of  presenting  a plan  in  which  these  modifications  are  set 
forth.  In  the  modified  plan  it  will  be  seen  that  while  the  splendid  marble  corridor 
leading  to  the  Rotunda  is  preserved,  a rearrangement  of  the  rooms  on  either  side  is 
effected,  giving  as  great  a number  as  possible,  with  a total  of  66 — 33  for  the  House 
and  a like  number  for  the  Senate. 

The  construction  of  this  addition  will  cost,  approximately,  12,500,000,  and  while 
it  involves  the  removal  of  the  old  portico  at  the  east  it  does  not  involve  the  removal 
of  the  principal  walls  of  the  old  and  historical  portion  of  the  Capitol.  The  present 
front  wall  of  the  old  building  remains  as  the  rear  wall  of  an  open  court,  which  lights 
the  west  side  of  the  proposed  new  addition. 

In  the  proposed  addition  ample  provision  is  made  for  elevators,  stairways,  and 
corridor  connection  with  the  corridors  of  the  north  and  south  wings,  as  well  as  for 
the  direct  communication  with  the  Rotunda  from  the  east. 

The  details  of  the  construction,  such  as  arches  and  other  masonry  work,  marble  and 
plaster  work,  remain  the  same  as  in  the  wings.  No  departure  from  this  idea  will  be 


a “In  1830  when  the  architect  (Charles  Bulfinch)  left  Washington  for  New  England,  the  old  Capitol 
was  substantially  completed,”  etc.  (The  National  Capitol,  George  C.  Hazleton,  jr.,  p.  49.) 


1274 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


made.  One  should  be  able  to  pass  from  either  wing  through  the  new  portion  and 
see  the  same  general  structural  and  ornamental  features.  The  magnificent  entering 
vestibule,  108  feet  long,  will  be  but  an  enlarged  example  of  that  at  the  east  doors  of 
the  Senate  and  House.  The  rooms  will  appear  in  interior  form  like  those  in  the 
wings,  and  will  be  commodious  and  large,  approximating  22  by  30  to  32  feet  in 
dimension. 

THE  ROTUNDA. 

The  renovation  of  the  Rotunda  presents  some  exceptional  difficulties.  After  a full 
consultation  with  some  of  the  leading  artists  and  visiting  architects  the  conclusion  is 
reached  that  two  things  are  possible — either  to  decorate  it  as  it  is  and  let  it  alone,  or 
to  remodel  all  work  below  the  cornice. 

Mr.  Walter  proposed  to  increase  the  appearance  of  strength  of  the  present  pilasters 
by  the  addition  of  outer  columns  and  a modified  cornice  above.  His  ideas  were  that 
with  the  great  mass  added  by  the  construction  of  the  new  dome,  the  old  pilasters 
presented  an  element  of  weakness  and  required  rearrangement. 

Our  additional  proposal  is  that  we  add  a casing  of  marble,  suitably  disposed  as  to 
color,  and  carry  the  same  to  the  cornice  and  reconstruct  the  latter  in  marble.  Also, 
to  reframe  and  somewhat  elevate  the  historical  paintings.  The  sketches  presented 
do  not  embody  more  than  suggestions,  which  can  be  explained  and  elaborated  to  the 
proper  committee.  I should  add  that  they  are  the  handiwork  of  the  late  August 
Schoenborn,  who  during  the  whole  of  Mr.  Walter’s  connection  with  the  Capitol  was 
his  chief  architectural  draftsman.  I feel,  therefore,  that  these  sketches  will  reflect 
many  if  not  all  of  the  views  of  Mr.  Walter  on  this  subject. 

The  approximate  cost  of  this  part  of  the  work  is  $275,000. 

I respectfully  suggest  and  recommend  that  appropriations  when  made  by  Congress 
for  either  or  both  of  the  foregoing  objects,  be  placed  under  the  direction  and  super- 
vision of  a joint  committee  of  the  two  Houses. 

Elliott  Woods, 

Superintendent  U.  S.  Capitol  Building  and  Grounds. 


Estimates  for  extension  of  the  Capitol. 


Excavation $13,  643  50 

Concrete  foundation 21,  275  00 

Stone  and  brick  masonry 130,  908  00 

Removal  of  old  structure 12,  650  00 


Total  cost  foundations 


$178,476  50 


Rubbed  marble  square  faced 318, 552  00 

Main  steps  and  platforms 40,  500  00 

Arched  ceilings  and  side  walls  under  steps 10,  300  00 

Marble  floor,  portico 14,  500  00 

Columns,  pilasters,  pediments,  architraves 395,  700  00 

Balustrade  over  main  cornice $21,152  00 

Main  cornice,  modillion  and  modules 142,  600  00 

Molded  belt  course  under  pilasters , 29,  740  00 

Ceilings  under  portico  and  corridors 67,894  00 

Granite  bases,  steps,  etc 39,  650  00 

Brickwork,  walls  and  ceilings 178,  750  00 

Plaster  and  ornamental  work 82,717  00 

Painting  and  decorating 90, 000  00 

Plumbing  and  steam  fitting 51, 450  00 


SOUTHEAST  VIEW  OF  PROPOSED  EXTENSION  OF  CENTRAL  EAST  FRONT. 


Proposed  Extension  of  Central  East  Front. 


1275 


Iron  roof  work,  etc $36,  380  00 

Tile  and  marble  flooring 34,  880  00 

Electric  wiring  and  fixtures,  machinery,  etc 62,  500  00 

Copper  roofing _ 34,  800  00 

Hauling •_ 23,  500  00 

Machinery  and  tools 10,  500  00 

Woodwork,  door  and  frames,  etc 45,  460  00 

Carpenter  work  and  incidentals 46,  000  00 

Hardware 14,  500  00 

Concrete  arch  and  other  work 20,  300  00 

Contingencies 50,  000  00 


Total $2,042,801  50 

For  the  rehabilitation  of  the  Rotunda  in  marble  to  base  of  upper  col- 
umns; resetting  in  marble  frames  the  historical  paintings;  decoration 
of  upper  section;  putting  in  new  Roman-Mosaic  floor,  and  for  all 
incidenal  work  such  as  entrances,  etc. , all  to  conform  to  the  artistic 


and  structural  requirements 275,  000  00 

Total 2,  317,  801  50 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  10,  1903:  Congressional  Record,  57 — 2,  p.  2009.] 

The  House,  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union,  having  under 
consideration  the  sundry  civil  bill  for  1904 — 

Mr.  Cannon.  Mr.  Chairman,  I will  detain  the  Committee,  of  the  Whole  for  only  a 
few  minutes  touching  this  bill  and  some  matters  of  especial  interest  to  the  committee 
and  the  House,  to  which  I wish  to  call  attention. 

* * * 

Now,  without  further  discussion  of  the  bill,  I crave  the  attention  of  the  House  to 
amendments  that,  have  been  discussed  by  the  Appropriations  Committee,  and  which 
have  been  investigated  at  the  last  session  and  the  present  session  of  Congress;  and 
while  we  have  not  reported  in  this  bill  items  covering  the  matters  to  which  I shall 
refer,  I have  it  in  mind — I think  with  the  approval  substantially  of  the  committee, 
and  certainly  of  my  own  judgment — to  move  at  the  appropriate  places  the  items  to 
which  I now  desire  to  call  attention. 

Mr.  Chairman,  the  progress  of  the  Republic  is  wonderful.  If  we  stop  to  think 
about  it,  it  overwhelms  the  individual  and  all  of  us.  I am  not  an  old  man — I fancy 
I am  not — but  it  is  within  my  recollection  as  a boy,  after  I had  begun  to  take  some 
notice  of  public  affairs  as  they  were  referred  to  in  the  few  newspapers  that  we  had 
away  back  in  1850,  as  a lad  of  14,  reading  that  Congress  had  authorized  the  exten- 
sion of  the  Capitol  building;  then  year  after  year  progress  was  rep  jrted  on  the  dome, 
this  wing,  the  other  wing,  and  finally,  as  I recollect,  there  was  substantial  completion — 
not  full  completion — along  in  the  early  sixties,  when  my  friend  from  Pennsylvania 
[Mr.  Grow]  presided  over  the  House. 

Mr.  Grow.  We  did  not  have  any  roof  on. 

Mr.  Cannon.  The  gentleman  says  that  no  roof  was  on.  He  will  recollect  with 
more  accuracy  than  myself  as  to  when  the  two  wings  of  the  Capitol  were  occupied. 
But  at  the  time  the  extension  of  this  Capitol  was  determined  upon  we  had  23,000,000 
of  people  in  the  United  States,  30  States — a population  of  23,191,876,  to  be  exact. 
The  membership  of  the  House,  including  Delegates,  was  173.  Each  Representative 
represented  134,000  people.  There  were  36  committees  of  the  House.  The  mini- 
mum membership  of  any  committee  was  3 and  the  maximum  9.  The  number  of 


1276 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


States  represented  in  Congress  was  31.  In  1900  the  population  of  the  country  was 
76,000,000  plus.  The  membership  of  the  next  House,  the  Fifty-eighth  Congress,  will 
be  389,  as  against  173  a half  century  ago.  Each  Representative  will  represent  190,000 
people.  There  are  now  45  committees  of  the  present  House,  as  against  31  of  the 
House  of  half  a century  ago.  The  minimum  membership  of  the  committee  is  5 and 
the  maximum  17,  as  against  9 of  a half  century  ago. 

The  number  of  States  now  represented  in  Congress  is  45.  I don’t  know  that  it  is 
necessary  for  me  to  say  more  touching  the  increase  of  population  and  the  growth  of 
the  country,  a country  that  had  within  its  boundary  and  its  institutions  the  material 
for  everlasting  differences  and  contention  ripening  ten  years  later  in  civil  war — the 
greatest  war,  the  most  expensive  war  in  blood  and  treasure,  the  most  heroic  war  that 
was  ever  waged  in  the  history  of  the  race,  involving  an  expenditure  of  $8,000,000,000 
and  a resulting  expenditure  in  a pension  roll  of  $140,000,000  a year.  And  the  end 
is  not  yet. 

To-day  we  have  a reunited  country  with  material  progress  such  as  it  has  never 
experienced  before,  such  as  the  world  never  before  saw.  Then  we  had  the  great 
unsettled  West,  what  is  now  the  Middle  West  and  what  is  now  the  West,  reaching 
out  to  the  Pacific  coast,  an  unknown  country,  presumed  at  that  time  to  be  of  but 
little  value,  a land  of  desert,  of  wild  beasts  and  wild  men,  abounding  substantially 
in  agriculture  alone,  not  much  of  railways,  not  much  of  river  and  harbor  accommo- 
dations, not  much  of  improvements  of  inland  navigation — not  necessary.  Then  we 
had  Chicago,  with  50,000  people,  minus;  now  it  is  a city  of  nearly  two  million.  New 
York  had  a comparatively  small  population;  Cincinnati  less  than  a hundred  thou- 
sand. Nothing  at  San  Francisco,  while  the  thousands  of  prosperous  villages  that 
reach  out  along  200,000  miles  of  railway,  trading  places  as  they  are,  with  elevators 
and  factories,  were  not.  Mr.  Chairman,  no  prophet  could  have  foretold  what  has 
happened  in  that  half  century. 

Now,  to  the  gratification  of  all  of  us,  however  we  may  throw  words  and  sentences 
back  and  forth  for  partisan  advantage,  which  I do  not  deplore,  because  ours  is  a 
government  through  parties,  after  we  have  fought  our  partisan  fight,  there  is  no  man 
in  the  House  upon  either  side  who  is  not  glad  and  glories  in  the  growth  and  great- 
ness of  his  country,  its  material  prosperity,  its  intellectual  wealth.  Without  boast- 
ing, no  population  on  earth  can  equal  it.  We  are  first  in  agriculture  still,  but  in 
diversification  of  industry,  through  the  enterprise  and  the  industry  and  the  cunning 
and  the  judicious  use  of  capital,  sometimes,  perhaps,  injudicious  it  appears  as  we  try  to 
solve  some  of  the  problems  that  present  themselves,  we  leap  forward  in  competition 
with  all  the  world  until  this  country  of  ours  to-day,  for  capital,  is  many,  many,  many 
billions  of  dollars  ahead  of  any  nation  on  earth;  and  while  we  remain  first  in  agri- 
culture, as  far  as  manufactures  are  concerned  we  have,  by  virtue  of  the  skill  of  our 
people,  an  annual  product  more  than  equal  to  the  combined  product  of  Great  Britain 
and  France  and  Italy  and  Austria. 

Now,  I have  thought  proper,  as  an  American  citizen  and  as  a member  of  the  House 
of  Representatives,  to  speak  of  this  material  condition,  because  in  almost  thirty  years 
of  public  service  I have  seen  the  country  grow.  Here  we  have  our  Capitol,  every- 
body proud  of  it,  this  great  building  of  wonderful  architecture,  beauty,  and  excel- 
lence—we  are  proud  to  say,  perhaps,  the  best  capitol  building  on  earth,  everything 
considered.  Yet,  Congress  by  Congress  and  decade  by  decade,  with  the  increase  of 
members,  it  becomes  more  and  more  insufficient  for  the  purposes  of  the  Congress 
of  the  United  States,  enlarged  as  it  has  become  in  the  legislation  and  the  business  of 
the  whole  country. 

I never  have  been  an  advocate  of  extravagant  expenditures.  I have  always 
believed  that  enough  was  as  good  as  a feast.  Yet,  in  common  with  every  other 
member,  from  one  Congress  to  another,  I have  had  the  feeling  that  something  ought 
to  be  done  to  enable  the  people’s  Representatives  especially,  because  we  are  the  large 


. Rep.  646 — 58-! 


VIEW  OF  EAST  FRONT  OF  THE  CAPITOL  FROM  THE  CONGRESSIONAL  LIBRARY,  1903. 


Proposed  Extension  of  Central  East  Front. 


1277 


body,  as  well  as  the  popular  body,  to  be  better  equipped  in  the  Capitol  and  about 
the  Capitol  for  the  transaction  of  our  legislative  duties.  [Applause.]  The  salary  of 
a member  of  Congress  is  the  same  now  that  it  was  some  time  ago,  a little  less  by 
twenty-five  hundred  dollars  a year  than  it  was  when  I entered  Congress  thirty  years 
ago.  Five  thousand  dollars  is  a large  sum;  yes.  I have  always  lived  at  a hotel.  I 
have  never  been  able  to  keep  house,  I felt,  in  justice  to  myself  and  my  family, 
because  that  meant  entertainment.  It  meant  expenditures  for  rent,  in  the  absence 
of  money  to  buy  a house.  It  meant  living  in  the  house,  and  if  you  did  as  others  did 
who  keep  house,  economical  though  you  might  be,  without  frills,  it  meant  the  taking 
of  from  three  to  five  thousand  dollars  of  the  salary,  and  then  living  in  a very  plain 
way,  quite  as  plain  as  we  would  in  our  respective  homes  where  our  citizenship  is. 

Now,  then,  I want  to  drop  that  and  go  to  one  other  matter  that  I have  in  mind  to 
offer  for  the  consideration  of  the  House.  The  Capitol  building,  the  extension  was 
designed  by  Mr.  Walters,  who  died  many  years  ago.  You  know  what  it  is.  It  was 
never  completed.  The  eastern  projection,  the  size  of  which  I will  give  you,  by  the 
original  plan,  was  never  built. 

I will  just  read  it.  For  proposed  extension  of  the  Capitol  as  authorized  it  will 
make  a total  of  108  feet.  That  is  on  the  east  of  the  old  building  to  the  wall  of  the 
extension;  giving  an  addition  of  352  feet  north  and  south,  with  not  less  than  66 
rooms,  33  for  each  House.  It  will  also  add  to  the  floor  space  of  the  building,  65,247 
square  feet.  If  accommodations  for  the  Supreme  Court  room  are  provided  in  this 
proposed  extension,  the  number  of  rooms  available  added  will  be  reduced  to  55, 
instead  of  66.  Further,  the  size  of  these  rooms  will  be  about  that  of  the  room  of  the 
Committee  on  Appropriations,  about  25  by  28  feet,  corresponding  to  the  rooms  now 
in  the  House  wing  of  the  building. 

The  central  extension  would  have  55  feet  beyond  the  wall  line  of  the  present 
wing.  Now,  gentlemen  will  notice  that  the  western  extension  has  lately  been  put 
into  committee  rooms  for  the  House  and  Senate.  That  was  completed  according  to 
the  original  design.  The  corresponding  extension  on  the  east  was  never  built.  If 
gentlemen  want  to  verify — if  it  needs  any  verification — if  you  will  go  out  and  look  at 
the  Dome  on  the  east  side,  looking  at  the  main  wall  of  the  building,  you  will  see 
that  the  Dome  extends  9 or  10  feet  beyond  the  main  wall  to  the  east. 

The  whole  plans  are  in  existence.  There  is  a drawing,  which  I do  not  care  to  bring 
in  here,  that  wras  made  by  Mr.  Walters  W'hen  the  original  design  wras  made,  with 
complete  plans  in  every  respect  for  the  extension  of  the  building. 

Nowq  I submit  that  the  time  has  come,  not  only  for  an  office  building  for  the  House, 
but  for  the  completion  of  this  Capitol.  [Applause.]  It  will  cost  two  and  one-half 
million  dollars  to  complete  it.  It  can  be  completed  in  about  the  same  time  that  it 
will  take  to  build  and  complete  the  office  building.  If  larger  and  increased  room  is 
wanted  for  the  Senate,  with  or  without  the  Maltby  Building,  it  will  give  the  Senate 
all  the  rooms  that  it  will  ever  need.  Because  while  this  body  will  increase  as  the 
population  increases,  we  have  pretty  nearly  reached  the  limit  as  to  the  number  of 
States  of  the  Union.  It  would  add  to  the  architectural  effect.  It  would  give  us  the 
much-needed  room  for  the  transaction  of  business.  But,  say  some,  it  costs  a good 
deal.  Yes;  but,  gentlemen,  these  new  wings  cost  $8,000,000;  and  let  me  tell  you 
something:  The  intelligent  and  patriotic  and  industrious  service  by  every  Congress 
for  two  years,  well  equipped  from  every  standpoint  and  with  every  aid,  would  more 
than  save  the  cost  of  the  Capitol  extension  and  the  office  building  in  appropriate  leg- 
islation and  appropriate  legislation  for  the  public  service. 

So  it  is  really  economy  instead  of  extravagance.  Now,  in  my  judgment,  a pro- 
vision to  finish  the  Capitol  according  to  the  original  design  would  probably  not  be 
subject  to  a point  of  order.  I have  it  in  mind  that  this  is  the  proper  place  in  this 
bill  to  move  an  appropriation  to  commence  with  that  work  and  authorize  it  by  con- 


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Docamentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


tract,  because,  as  the  gentleman  from  Tennessee  asked,  “How  long  will  it  take?” 
We  want  it  in  this  life,  and  we  can  not  build — build  as  fast  as  we  can,  we  can  not 
more  than  half  keep  up  with  the  increase  in  population.  A large  expenditure?  Yes; 
about  three  and  one-half  millions,  four  million,  six  million  dollars.  Now,  let  us 
build  the  office  building  and  put  in  the  heating  apparatus  for  the  Capitol  in  the  new 
office  building,  put  in  the  mains  that  bring  the  heat  and  the  steam  and  the  electricity 
to  this  Capitol,  clean  out  the  old  document  room  and  get  rid  of  the  smells  and  the 
foul  ventilation  that  is  offensive  to  everbody,  our  constituents  as  well  as  others,  have 
the  Capitol  as  it  ought  to  be,  a clean,  healthy  place  with  room  enough  in  which  to 
transact  the  public  business,  and  do  it  as  citizens  do  who  transact  much  less  business 
than  we  do  on  their  motion,  and  be  prepared  for  it. 

Have  we  the  money?  Yes.  I think  this  is  the  time  for  action.  In  my  judgment, 
if  action  is  not  had  at  this  session  of  Congress  it  is  liable  to  go  over  a decade  and 
possibly  longer  than  that,  and  we  go  crippling  along  with  our  insufficient  surround- 
ings. We  have  got  a very  considerable  surplus  in  the  Treasury.  You  can  prove  by 
me  that  there  are  a great  many  people  in  the  United  States  that  want  to  relieve  the 
Treasury  of  that  surplus.  [Laughter.]  There  is  the  river  and  harbor  bill,  the  public 
buildings  bill,  in  the  main  well  done.  But  once  in  a while  there  is  an  unwise  appro- 
priation, but  in  the  main  pretty  well  held  in  hand.  In  the  main  the  appropriations 
not  justified  are  denied.  But  in  my  judgment,  having  the  money  and  the  where- 
withal for  these  amendments,  if  they  are  adopted  and  enacted  into  law,  no  better 
expenditure  of  §6,000,000  in  the  next  two  and  a half  years  can  be  made  than  would 
be  covered  by  these  amendments.  [Applause.] 


[House  proceedings  of  Feb.  il,  1903:  Congressional  Record,  57 — 2,  p.  2049.] 

The  House  as  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  on  the  state  of  the  Union  having  under 
consideration  the  sundry  civil  bill  for  1904 — 

Mr.  Cannon.  Mr.  Chairman,  I offer  the  following  amendment,  which  I will  send 
to  the  desk  and  ask  to  have  read. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

On  page  73,  after  line  22,  insert: 

'“Toward  the  extension  and  completion  of  the  Capitol  building,  in  accordance  with  the  original 
plans  therefor  by  the  late  Thomas  U.  Walter,  with  such  modifications  of  the  interior  as  may  be  found 
necessary  or  advantageous,  and  for  each  and  every  purpose  connected  therewith,  $500,000;  and  the 
said  construction  shall  be  made  under  the  direction  of  a commission  composed  of  three  Senators,  to 
be  appointed  by  the  President  of  the  Senate,  and  three  members  elect  to  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives of  the  Fifty-eighth  Congress,  to  be  appointed  by  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of 
the  Fifty-seventh  Congress;  and  the  Superintendent  of  the  Capitol  Building  and  Grounds,  under  the 
direction  and  supervision  of  said  commission,  is  authorized  to  make  contracts  for  said  construction 
after  proper  advertisements  and  the  reception  of  bids  within  a total  sum  not  exceeding  $2,500,000, 
including  the  sum  herein  appropriated,  and  said  Superintendent,  subject  to  the  direction  and 
approval  of  said  commission,  shall  employ  such  professional  and  personal  services  in  connection 
with  said  work  as  may  be  necessary.  Any  vacancy  occurring  by  resignation  or  otherwise  in  the 
membership  of  the  commission  hereby  created  shall  be  filled  by  the  presiding  officer  of  the  Senate  or 
House,  according  as  the  vacancy  occurs  in  the  Senate  or  House  representation  on  said  commission.” 

Mr.  Stephens  of  Texas.  Mr.  Chairman,  I make  the  same  point  of  order  against 
that  amendment  as  I did  against  the  other. 

Sir.  Cannon.  Mr.  Chairman,  as  to  that  amendment  I do  not  confess  that  the  point 
of  order  is  well  taken. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  will  hear  the  gentleman  from  Texas  on  his  point  of 
order. 

Mr.  Stephens  of  Texas.  The  point  I raise  is  that  it  is  new  legislation.  It  has  not 
been  provided  for  in  any  other  act  of  Congress,  and  the  fact  that  it  is  brought  here 
at  this  time  shows  that  it  is  new  legislation — asking  that  this  extension  of  the  Capi- 
tol building  be  made.  It  is  certainly  new  legislation. 


H.  Rep.  646-58-2. 


VIEW  FROM  ATTIC  STORY,  HOUSE  WING,  SHOWING  PROJECTION  OF  THE  BASE  OF  DOME  OVER  EAST  WALL,  1903. 


Proposed  Extension  of  Central  East  Front. 


1279 


Mr.  Cannon.  Mr.  Chairman,  there  is  a Capitol  building  and  the  original  plan  for 
the  Capitol  building  was  made  by  Mr.  Walter  a half  century  ago.  The  same  are  in 
existence.  From  time  to  time  we  have  appropriated  for  its  completion,  even  during 
my  service.  I am  inclined  to  think  that  it  is  not  subject  to  the  point  of  order.  It  is 
a continuation  of  work  in  progress,  I think,  in  the  language  of  the  rules.  I think 
this  is  such  work.  It  is  true  that  it  provides  some  machinery.  It  says  under  whose 
supervision  it  shall  be  done. 

Mr.  Stephens  of  Texas.  Will  the  gentleman  yield  for  a question? 

Mr.  Cannon.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Stephens  of  Texas.  The  gentleman  will  not  insist  that  there  is  a Capitol 
building  in  process  of  construction  now? 

Mr.  Cannon.  Oh,  yes;  that  is  what  I do  insist. 

Mr.  Stephens  of  Texas.  At  the  present  time? 

Mr.  Cannon.  Yes;  and  there  has  been  for  fifty  years. 

Mr.  Stephens  of  Texas.  Under  existing  law? 

Mr.  Cannon.  As  a fact. 

Mr.  Stephens  of  Texas.  But  as  a legal  question,  as  a matter  of  law? 

Mr.  Cannon.  I will  say  to  the  gentleman  that  the  Capitol  never  has  been  com- 
pleted. The  designs  were  made  under  the  law  and  from  time  to  timework  has  been 
done  upon  it  which  looks  toward  completion.  Now,  it  does  provide  some  machinery 
there,  which  I am  inclined  to  believe  is  a mere  incident  by  way  of  limitation  of 
expenditure  of  money.  It  seems  to  me  that  is  the  only  question.  I want  to  state, 
however,  that  if  the  Chair  has  any  doubt  about  it  I am  quite  willing  that  it  should 
be  ruled  out  of  order.  I am  aware  that  these  rules  should  be  strictly  construed  and 
any  member  can  invoke  them.  My  best  opinion,  however,  is  that  it  is  not  subject 
to  the  point  of  order. 

Mr.  Little.  Mr.  Chairman,  will  the  gentleman  yield  for  a question? 

Mr.  Cannon.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Little.  I want  to  inquire  if  the  proposition  pending  has  been  considered  by 
the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds.  I understand  that  we  have  such 
a committee. 

Mr.  Cannon.  I am  not  aware  of  its  ever  having  been  so  considered. 

Mr.  Little.  I did  not  know  that  that  committee  had  capitulated. 

Mr.  Cannon.  I will  say  to  my  friend  that  the  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  and 
Grounds  never  did  consider  anything  touching  the  Capitol.  All  appropriations  for 
progress  of  work  upon  it  have  not  been  under  the  jurisdiction  of  that  committee. 

Mr.  Stephens,  of  Texas.  Does  not  the  gentleman  think  that  when  we  spend  such 
a vast  sum  of  money  the  matter  should  be  investigated  by  some  committee  of  this 
House  and  reported  in  the  regular  way,  instead  of  being  attached  to  an  appropria- 
tion bill,  when  there  can  be  no  consideration  given  to  it? 

Mr.  Cannon.  I will  say  to  the  gentleman  that  it  is  a matter  that  has  been  elabo- 
rately considered  for  two  sessions  of  Congress  by  the  Committee  on  Appropriations, 
and  a report  made  by  direction  of  Congress  by  the  Superintendent  of  the  Capitol. 
That  report  is  upon  our  desks . and  is  very  exhaustive.  It  is  indeed  rare  that  any 
question  involving  an  expenditure  has  received  the  exhaustive  investigation  that  this 
proposition  has  received. 

Mr.  Stephens,  of  Texas.  Will  the  gentleman  permit  me? 

Mr.  Cannon.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Stephens,  of  Texas.  Was  it  investigated  by  the  same  authority  that  investigated 
the  different  attachments  made  to  the  White  House? 

Mr.  Cannon.  No. 

Mr.  Stephens,  of  Texas.  Does  not  the  gentleman  think  we  wasted  a great  deal  of 
money  there  unnecessarily? 

Mr.  Cannon.  Well,  if  that  were  true,  it  could  not  be  pleaded  in  set-off. 


1280 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 


Mr.  Stephens,  of  Texas.  It  might  be  a warning,  however. 

Mr.  Cannon.  I am  inclined  to  think,  if  you  will  except  the  office  building,  all  the 
improvements  of  the  White  House  have  been  apt.  I do  not  mean  in  all  their  details. 
Nothing  that  is  human  is  perfect.  We  will  never  have  perfection  anywhere  until  the 
millennium  comes. 

Mr.  Little.  Do  I understand  the  gentleman  to  maintain  that  the  Committee  on 
Appropriations  have  jurisdiction  of  this  subject? 

Mr.  Cannon.  Absolutely.  It  was  referred  to  us  by  the  action  of  the  House,  and 
here  is  the  report. 

Mr.  Loud.  I speak  of  the  jurisdiction  of  the  committee  under  the  rule. 

Mr.  Cannon.  This  is  a work  in  progress,  and  the  whole  subject-matter  has  been 
referred  to  the  committee  by  the  action  of  the  House. 

Mr.  Little.  By  the  action  of  the  House? 

Mr.  Cannon.  Yes. 

Mr.  Loud.  Will  the  gentleman  yield  to  me  one  moment? 

Mr.  Cannon.  Yes. 

Mr.  Loud.  Because  the  decision  of  this  question  maybe  of  considerable  importance 
in  the  future. 

Mr.  Cannon.  Yes. 

Mr.  Loud.  Has  the  gentleman  so  carefully  examined  the  law  now  upon  the  statute 
books  providing  for  the  construction  of  the  Capitol  that  he  is  absolutely  satisfied  that 
the  law  now  in  existence  would  warrant  further  extension  of  this  building? 

Mr.  Cannon.  I will  say  to  the  gentleman  that  the  construction  of  this  Capitol  stands 
almost  by  itself,  as  to  these  tv'o  wings.  There  never  was  a separate  legislative  act 
standing  by  itself  that  provided  for  it. 

Mr.  Loud.  Then,  of  course,  an  extension  would  not  be  in  accordance  wdth  law. 

Mr.  Cannon.  It  commenced  in  1850  by  an  appropriation  upon  the  diplomatic  appro- 
priation bill,  with  authority  to  make  plans,  followed  by  appropriation  after  appro- 
priation substantially  the  same,  making  progress,  and  under  the  authority  given  and 
the  appropriation  of  money  plans  were  made  for  the  extension  of  the  Capitol,  embrac- 
ing the  western  extension  where  the  old  library  used  to  be,  this  where  we  are  now, 
and  the  Senate  extension.  The  plans  gave  an  extension  on  the  east  similar  to  the 
western  extension.  That  was  never  completed.  The  Dome  has  been  completed; 
and,  as  proof  of  it,  there  the  Dome  stands,  9 or  10  feet  over  the  wall.  In  addition  to 
that,  the  plans  are  in  existence.  Now,  if  it  is  in  order  under  the  rule  at  all,  it  is  in 
order  because  it  is  a work  entered  upon  and  not  finished. 

Mr.  Loud.  Well 

Mr.  Cannon.  The  gentleman  recollects  the  exception  as  to  public  works  in  progress? 

Mr.  Loud.  The  danger  I want  to  call  the  attention  of  the  gentleman  to  is  as  to 
public  buildings.  Somebody  might  contend  that  they  are  not  completed,  and  in 
any  appropriation  bill  you  might  carry  a further  appropriation  of  a very  large  amount 
of  money.  And  I can  not  refrain  from  suggesting  that  the  determination  of  this 
point  of  order  shall  go  over  until  the  bill  is  completed.  It  is  a question  of  great 
importance  to  the  House. 

Mr.  Cannon.  I want  to  say  to  the  gentleman  that  in  all  public  buildings,  as  a rule, 
there  is  a limit  fixed. 

Mr.  Loud.  But  there  never  was  a limit  named  for  this  in  the  statute. 

Mr.  Cannon.  Precisely.  In  all  public  buildings,  as  a rule,  there  is  a limit  fixed, 
and  whenever  you  exceed  that  limit  you  stop,  because  there  is  positive  law.  Here 
it  is  an  appropriation  in  which  there  never  was  any  limit,  and  a public  work  upon 
which  there  has  been  no  limitation  placed. 

Mr.  Loud.  Hence  each  appropriation  is  an  act  by  itself. 

Mr.  Cannon.  No,  for  the  completion  of  a public  work  already  in  progress.  Now, 
in  my  judgment  this  is  not  subject  to  the  point  of  order,  but  I am  entirely  careless, 
so  far  as  I am  concerned,  whether  the  point  is  sustained  or  whether  it  is  not  sustained. 


H.  Rep.  646 — 58-2. 


VIEW  TAKEN  DURING  CONSTRUCTION  OF  DOME,  SHOWING  OVERHANGING  COLONNADE. 


Proposed  Extension  of  Central  East  Front. 


1281 


Mr.  Richardson  of  Tennessee.  Will  the  gentleman  yield  to  me  for  a moment? 

Mr.  Cannon.  Certainly. 

Mr.  Richardson  of  Tennessee.  I am  informed  that  Mr.  Cos,  a very  celebrated 
parliamentarian,  on  the  question  of  the  building  of  a new  building  at  West  Point 
held  that  the  amendment  was  in  order. 

Mr.  Cannon.  I think  such  a ruling  was  made;  but  I do  not  care  to -resort  to  that 
ruling.  Many  rulings  have  been  made  crisscross.  I put  this  upon  the  ground  that, 
I say,  in  my  judgment,  it  is  not  subject  to  the  point  of  order;  that  it  is  a public  work 
in  progress,  the  cost  of  which  was  never  limited  as  to  expenditure,  and  has  been 
entirely  made  under  a law  which  has  never  been  complied  with,  and  the  building 
never  completed.  Now,  that  is  my  best  opinion  about  it.  [Cries  of  “Rule!”] 

Mr.  Loud.  I ask  unanimous  consent,  Mr.  Chairman,  that  the  determination  of  this 
point  of  order  may  go  over  until  the  bill  is  completed. 

Mr.  Cannon.  I do  not  want  to  do  that. 

Mr.  Loud.  I do  not  care  for  it  myself,  but  in  the  future  it  may  come  to  trouble 
you.  For  myself  I shall  not  be  in  the  next  House. 

Mr.  Cannon.  I want  to  dispose  of  these  two  matters  before  we  go  much  further, 
one  way  or  the  other. 

The  Chairman.  The  Chair  is  ready  to  rule.  Section  2 of  Rule  XXI  provides: 

No  appropriation  shall  be  reported  in  any  general  appropriation  bill,  or  be  in  order  as  an  amend- 
ment thereto,  for  any  expenditure  not  previously  authorized  by  law,  unless  in  continuation  of  appro 
priations  for  such  public  works  and  objects  as  are  already  in  progress;  nor  shall  any  provision 
changing  existing  law  be  in  order  in  any  general  appropriation  bill  or  in  any  amendment  thereto. 

The  amendment  offered  by  the  gentleman  from  Illinois  [Mr.  Cannon]  proposes  to 
appropriate  a certain  sum  for  the  completion  of  the  Capitol  building  in  accordance 
with  the  original  plans  and  specifications  and  in  accordance  with  existing  law.  That 
the  construction  of  the  building  is  incomplete  is  conceded,  but  the  work  necessary  to 
its  completion  has  been  interrupted  for  a series  of  years.  This  interruption  or  delay, 
in  the  opinion  of  the  Chair,  does  not  operate  so  as  to  take  this  proposed  amendment 
out  of  the  operation  of  the  exception  to  the  general  rule  just  read,  which  is  “ unless 
in  continuation  of  appropriations  for  such  public  works  and  objects  as  are  already  in 
progress.”  If  the  work  incident  to  the  completion  of  the  building  was  now  in  prog- 
ress no  one  would  claim  that  this  amendment  would  not  come  within  the  exception 
just  mentioned. 

On  February  19,  1885,  the  House  was  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  House  on  the 
state  of  the  Union,  considering  the  naval  appropriation  bill.  A paragraph  “For  the 
completion  of  the  NeiO  Tori:,  $400,000,”  had  been  reached  when  Mr.  Joseph  G. 
Cannon,  of  Illinois,  made  a point  of  order  against  it.  The  Chairman  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  the  Whole  [Mr.  Olin  Wellborn,  of  Texas]  ruled: 

Now,  the  Chair  must  believe  that  the  construction  of  this  ship  is  a public  work.  The  Chair  also 
believes  that  it  is  in  progress.  The  mere  fact  that  this  vessel,  begun  in  1865,  is  confessedly  still 
incomplete,  the  Chair  thinks,  so  far  as  this  rule  is  concerned,  does  not  show  that  that  work  is  not 
now  in  progress.  The  fact  that  the  actual  construction  is  temporarily  interrupted  for  want  of  appro- 
priation or  some  other  reason  does  not  interfere  with  the  idea  that  the  work  is  in  progress.  The 
Chair  therefore  overrules  the  point  of  order. 

In  the  opinion  of  the  Chair,  therefore,  the  amendment  is  not  obnoxious  to  para- 
graph 2 of  Rule  XXI  upon  the  ground  that  the  appropriation  is  not  in  continuation 
of  such  public  works  as  are  already  in  progress. 

But  the  point  of  order  made  by  the  gentleman  from  Texas  goes  further.  It  is 
claimed  that  the  amendment  is  not  in  order  because  it  involves  new  legislation  or 
would  be  legislating  upon  an  appropriation  bill.  It  provides  that  the  completion  of 
the  Capitol  building  as  originally  proposed  shall  be  “ under  the  direction  of  a com- 
mission composed  of  three  Senators,  to  be  appointed  by  the  President  of  the  Senate, 
and  three  members-elect  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Fifty-eighth  Con- 

H.  Rep.  646 81 


1282 


Documentary  History  of  the  Capitol. 

gress,  to  be  appointed  by  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  Fifty- 
seventh  Congress,  and  the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  building  and  grounds,”  and 
authorizes  this  commission  to  enter  into  contracts  for  the  said  construction  “after 
proper  advertisement,  ’ ’ and  also  authorizes  said  commission  to  employ  such  profes- 
sional and  personal  services  in  connection  with  said  work  as  may  be  necessary,  and 
then  specifies  how  vacancies  upon  said  commission  hereafter  occurring  are  to  be 
filled. 

This,  in  the  opinion  of  the  Chair,  is  legislation  inhibited  by  the  last  paragraph  of 
the  clause  of  Rule  XXI  which  the  Chair  has  just  read. 

This  question,  almost  identical  in  form,  was  decided  on  February  28,  1898,  by  the 
Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  House  on  the  state  of  the  Union,  Mr. 
Sereno  E.  Payne,  and  for  the  information  of  the  committee  I will  read  from  para- 
graph 513,  Parliamentary  Practice  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United 
States,  page  289: 

Provided  also  for  the  appointment  of  a commissioner-general  and  other  officials,  with  specified 
dutes  and  salaries;  authorized  certain  heads  of  departments  to  prepare  exhibits  under  certain  condi- 
tions and  regulations,  etc. 

Mr.  Levin  I.  Handy,  of  Delaware,  made  the  point  of  order  that  this  was  legislation  on  an  appropri 
ation  bill. 

After  debate,  during  which  the  act  of  1897,  in  which  the  invitation  of  the  French  Government  was 
accepted  and  a special  commissioner  was  authorized  to  make  report  on  the  subject,  was  referred  to 
as  authority  for  the  provisions  of  the  section,  the  chairman  ruled: 

“The  Chair  thinks  the  act  of  1897  is  sufficient  foundation  for  an  appropriation,  but  not  for  legisla- 
tion. The  Chair  is  unable  to  see  wherein  it  authorizes  the  office  of  commissioner-general  or  assistant 
commissioner  from  the  reading  of  the  law  by  the  gentleman  from  Illinois.  The  rule  in  regard  to  the 
continuation  of  public  works  simply  authorizes  an  appropriation  in  the  continuance  of  public  works 
and  not  the  appointment  of  officers.  * * * The  rule  would  simply  authorize  an  appropriation,  but 
would  not  authorize  legislation  upon  the  subject  in  a general  appropriation  bill.  There  are  in  this 
paragraph  several  clauses  which  are  distinctly  new  legislation,  and  if  in  a paragraph  any  clause  or 
provision  is  out  of  order  the  point  of  order  against  the  whole  paragraph  must  be  sustained.  Of  course 
after  the  paragraph  had  gone  out,  it  would  be  in  order  to  offer  any  provision  relating  to  the  same 
subject  which  might  be  in  order;  but  when  the  point  is  raised  against  the  whole  paragraph,  and  the 
paragraph  contains  a clause  obnoxious  to  the  rule,  the  whole  paragraph  must  go  out,”  etc. 

The  facts  in  the  case  just  read  being  almost  identical  with  the  facts  in  the  case  now 
before  it,  the  Chair  is  clearly  of  opinion,  after  a careful  reading  of  the  proposed 
amendment,  that  it  proposes  new  legislation  in  connection  with  the  proposed  appro- 
priation, which  is  not  permissible  under  the  rule,  and  that,  therefore,  the  amend- 
ment is  not  in  order. 

Mr.  Cannon.  Mr.  Chairman,  I move  that  the  committee  do  now  rise. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to. 

The  committee  accordingly  rose;  and  Mr.  Lacey  having  assumed  the  chair  as 
Speaker  pro  tempore,  Mr.  Tawney,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  the  Whole  House 
on  the  state  of  the  Union,  reported  that  that  committee  had  had  under  consideration 
the  bill  H.  R.  17202,  and  had  come  to  no  resolution  thereon. 

* * * 

EXTENSION  OF  THE  CAPITOL  BUILDING. 


Mr.  Grosvenor.  Mr.  Speaker,  I submit  the  following  privileged  rule  from  the  Com-' 
mittee  on  Rules: 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

The  Committee  on  Rules,  to  whom  was  referred  the  resolution  of  the  House  No.  443,  have  had  the 
same  under  consideration  and  report  it  herewith  with  the  recommendation  that  it  be  agreed  to. 

Resolved,  That  it  shall  be  in  order  to  consider  as  an  amendment  to  the  bill  (H.  R.  17202)  making 
appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  a proposition  to  provide  for  the  extension  and  completion  of 
the  Capitol  building. 

Mr.  Grosvenor.  Mr.  Speaker,  I presume  there  will  be  no  desire  for  debate  on  this 
motion.  I therefore  ask  for  a vote. 


. Rep.  646 — 58-2. 


NORTHEAST  VIEW  OF  PROPOSED  EXTENSION  OF  CENTRAL  EAST  FRONT. 


Proponed  Extension  of  Central  East  Front. 


1283 


The  question  was  considered;  and  the  resolution  was  agreed  to. 

Mr.  Cannon.  Mr.  Speaker,  I move  that  the  House  resolve  itself  into  Committee  of 
the  Whole  House  on  the  state  of  the  Union  for  the  further  consideration  of  the  sun- 
dry civil  appropriation  bill. 

The  motion  was  agreed  to. 

Accordingly  the  House  resolved  itself  into  Committee  of  the  Whole  House  on  the 
state  of  the  Union,  with  Mr.  Tawney  in  the  chair. 

The  Chairman.  The  House  is  now  in  Committee  of  the  Whole  House  on  the  state 
of  the  Union  for  the  further  consideration  of  the  sundry  civil  appropriation  bill. 

* * * 

Mr.  Cannon.  I offer  the  amendment  which  I send  to  the  desk. 

The  Clerk  read  as  follows: 

Toward  the  extension  and  completion  of  the  Capitol  building  in  accordance  with  the  original 
plans  therefor  by  the  late  Thomas  U.  Walter,  with  such  modifications  of  the  interior  as  may  be  found 
necessary  or  advantageous,  and  for  each  and  every  purpose  connected  therewith,  8500,000;  and  the 
said  construction  shall  be  made  under  the  direction  of  a commission,  composed  of  three  Senators,  to 
be  appointed  by  the  President  of  the  Senate,  and  three  Members-elect  to  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives of  the  Fifty-eighth  Congress,  to  be  appointed  by  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Representatives  of 
the  Fifty-seventh  Congress;  and  the  superintendent  of  the  Capitol  building  and  grounds,  under  the 
direction  and  supervision  of  said  commission,  is  authorized  to  make  contracts  for  said  construction 
after  proper  advertisements  and  the  reception  of  bids,  within  a total  sum  not  exceeding  82,500,000, 
including  the  sum  herein  appropriated,  and  said  superintendent,  subject  to  the  direction  and 
approval  of  said  commission,  shall  employ  such  professional  and  personal  services  in  connection 
with  said  work  as  may  be  necessary.  Any  vacancy  occurring  by  resignation  or  otherwise  in  the 
membership  of  the  commission  hereby  created  shall  be  filled  by  the  presiding  officer  of  the  Senate  or 
House,  according  as  the  vacancy  occurs  in  the  Senate  or  House  representation  on  said  commission. 

The  question  being  taken,  the  amendment  of  Mr.  Cannon  was  agreed  to. 


[From  the  “Act  making  appropriations  for  sundry  civil  expenses  of  the  Government  for  the  fiscal 
year  ending  June  thirtieth,  nineteen  hundred  and  four,  and  for  other  purposes,”  approved  Mar.  3, 
1903.  (Stats,  at  Large,  v.  32,  pt.  1,  1113.)] 

For  the  Capitol. — For  work  at  Capitol,  and  for  general  and  special  repairs  thereof, 
including  wages  of  mechanics  and  laborers,  and  not  exceeding  fifty  dollars  for  the 
purchase  of  technical  and  necessary  books,  two  hundred  and  ninety-five  thousand 
nine  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  to  be  immediately  available,  of  which  sum  not 
exceeding  seven  thousand  dollars  may  be  used  for  models,  but  nothing  in  this  appro- 
priation shall  be  considered  as  initiating  any  change  in  the  East  front  of  the  Capitol 
or  in  any  way  committing  Congress  to  the  same. 


INDEX 


A. 

Abbott,  Dr.  A.  C.,  966. 

Abert,  Col.  J.  J.,  408,  410,  416,  417,  422,  424,  506,  525. 

Abuses  and  frauds  alleged  in  contracts,  550,  551, 
567,  569,  574,  575,  576,  577. 

Accommodation  of  Congress  in  Washington,  90. 

Acquia  Creek,  Ya.,  quarries  at,  11. 

Acquia  freestone,  115,  1018,  1019. 

Acropolis,  Athens,  1131. 

Adams,  John,  79,  82,  86,  89,  91,  92,  182,  1186. 

Adams,  John  Quincy,  279,  294,  1190. 

Adams,  Stephen,  Senator  from  Mississippi:  De- 
bates, 548,  549,  576,  607,  1056. 

Addresses  of  the  President,  86,  89,  91,  92. 

Adjutant-General,  Acting,  U.  S.  Army,  1026. 

Advertisement  for  plans  for  Old  Capitol,  14,  15. 
for  extensions,  445. 

Agriculture,  Bureau  of,  1186. 

Agriculture,  Committed  on,  House,  decorations 
in  room  of,  670. 

Aldrich,  Nelson  W.,  Senator  from  Rhode  Island: 
Report  by,  391,  392. 

Alexandria,  Ya.,  7,  8,  10,  11. 

capture  of,  by  the  British,  172,  173. 

Alexandria  County,  Va. , retroceded  by  the  United 
States,  11. 

Allen,  John,  Representative  from  Connecticut: 
Debates,  79. 

Allen,  Philip,  Senator  from  Rhode  Island:  De- 
bates, 601,  602,  603. 

Allen,  William,  Senator  from  Ohio:  Debates,  339. 

Allison,  William  B.,  Senator  from  Iowa:  Debates, 
939,  940,  941,  942,  946,  947,  950,  951,  958,  1030, 
1031,  1203,  1212,  1213,  1217,  1219,  1220,  1221, 
1222, 1226, 1238, 1239, 1246, 1247, 1259, 1260, 1261. 

Alston,  Willis,  Representative  from  North  Caro- 
lina: Amendment  offered  by,  161;  Debates, 
104,  124,  155,  161,  181,  185. 

Alterations  in  plans,  Old  Building,  after  con- 
struction was  begun,  31,  35,  37,  108,  109. 

Alterations  of  public  buildings  authorized,  189. 

Ambler,  Jacob  A.,  Representative  from  Ohio:  De- 
bates, 1140. 

America,  statue  of,  737. 

American  artists  in  Italy,  737. 

American  artists,  memorial  of,  729,  733. 

Ames,  Fisher,  746. 

Ames,  J.  T.,  348,  840,  859. 

Anderson,  Charles  F.,  833,  834,  835,  842. 

Anderson,  Joseph,  Senator  from  Tennessee:  De- 
bates, 111. 


Anderson,  William  C.,  Representative  from  Ken- 
tucky: Report  by,  743, 

Andrei,  Giovanni,  132,  164,  265,  266. 

Angelo,  Michael,  701,  730,  1233. 

Anthony,  Henry  B.,  Senator  from  Rhode  Island: 
Debates,  853,  1092,  1209. 

Antisell,  Dr.  Thomas,  842,  846. 

Appropriation,  first,  for  completing  the  public 
buildings  (1798),  debate  and  proceedings 
on,  82,  83. 

act  authorizing,  83. 

Appropriation  toward  payment  of  Maryland  loan, 

102. 

Appropriations  for  Capitol  and  grounds,  see  under 
Extensions,  Dome,  Grounds,  Old  Build- 
ing, and  Terraces. 

Aqueduct,  the  Washington,  609. 

Archer,  Stevenson,  Representative  from  Mary- 
land: Debates,  1139. 

Architect,  Government,  664. 

Architect  of  the  Capitol,  206, 207, 211,  212,  214,  217, 
227,  228,  234,  238,  239,  240,  241,  242,  244,  245, 
251,  252,  254, 257, 259,  265,  266,  270,  272, 274, 281, 
283,  284,  287,  294,  296,  297,  306,  307,  311,  320, 

325,  342,  344,  346,  369,  372,  376,  391,  392,  396, 

402,  906,  907,  913,  922,  923,  924,  926,  928,  929, 

930,  932,  933,  934,  937,  938,  939,  941,  942,  943, 

945,  946,  948,  949,  954,  955,  956,  958,  959,  963, 

970,  971,  972,  973,  975,  979,  980,  981,  985,  987, 

1037, 1038, 1039, 1170, 1180, 1181, 1183, 1184, 1197, 
1200, 1201, 1203, 1209, 1211, 1216, 1217, 1218, 1219, 
1220, 1227, 1230, 1232, 1236, 1237, 1241, 1242, 1247, 
1261, 1267, 1271, 1272, 1273. 

Architect  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  347,  348,  350, 
361,  366,  368,  369,  449,  452,  454,  459,  461,  464, 

475,  477,  478,  479,  481,  482,  487,  494,  500,  516, 

517,  518,  520,  523,  525,  531,  551,  552,  570,  573, 

574,  575,  577,  578,  579,  580,  581,  682,  594,  607, 

612,  621,  623,  624,  635,  639,  641,  749,  752,  753, 

774,  794,  799,  808,  811,  814,  820,  822,  826,  830, 

833,  838,  842,  858,  859,  860,  861,  862,  870,  872, 

873,  875,  876,  878,  881,  883,  884,  890,  891,  892, 

893,  905,  961,  962,  990,  991,  993,  998,  999,  1000, 
1003,  1021,  1022,  1023,  1024,  1026,  1027,  1072, 

1073,  1074,  1080,  1082,  1084,  1086,  1087,  1105, 

1106,  1144,  1145,  1153,  1158,  1159,  1160,  1161, 

1162,  1164,  1165,  1166,  1264,  1265. 

Architect  of  the  public  buildings,  335,  338,  344,  346. 

Architectural  Iron  Works,  365. 

Architects,  critical  references  to,  19, 1254. 

Architects  of  the  Capitol,  sketch  of,  11. 

Area  wall  and  terrace,  west  front,  300,  301. 

1285 


1286 


INDEX. 


Areopagus,  court  of,  885,  1131. 

Arlington  Heights,  1098. 

Arms,  coats  of,  States’ , 691. 

Army  bakery  in  Capitol,  removal  of,  811,  813. 

Army  officers  in  charge  of  public  works,  609  et 
seq.,  619  et  seq.,  634  et  seq.,  639,  670,  791,  792, 
795,  799,  802,  808. 

Art  Commission,  671  et  seq.,  691,  701,  702,  706,  722, 
729,  736,  743,  744,  752,  753,  754,  755,  756,  757, 
770,  771,  772,  773,  774,  775,  776,  777,  784,  888. 

Artists,  foreign,  employment  of,  731. 
memorial  of  American,  729,  733. 

Art  Metal  Construction  Company,  987. 

Art  works,  see  under  Extensions  and  Old  Build- 
ing. 

list  of,  and  cost  of,  862,  863. 

Ashley,  James  M.,  Representative  from  Ohio: 
Debates,  335. 

Atchison,  David  R.,  Senator  from  Missouri:  De- 
bates, 503,  504. 

Atkins,  John  D.  C.,  Representative  from  Tennes- 
see: Debates,  890,  897,  898,  905,  923,  926,  927, 
928,  929,  930,  931,  932. 

Attorney-General,  285,  287,  310,  320,  591,  1074, 1083, 
1177. 

Augur,  Major-General,  1026. 

Averill,  P.  L.,  406. 

B. 

Babcock,  Col.  Orville,  1186. 

Babcock,  Joseph  W.,  Representative  from  Wis- 
consin: Debates,  380, 381. 

Babylon,  729. 

Bache,  Prof.  A.  D.,  587,  587,  592,  846,  992. 

Bacon,  Ezekiel,  Representative  from  Massachu- 
setts: Debates,  168,  169. 

Bacon,  John,  Representative  from  Massachusetts: 
Debates,  104. 

Bacon,  Samuel,  1077. 

Bacon,  William  J., Representative  from  New  York: 
Amendment  offered  by,  923. 

Badger,  George  E.,  Senator  from  North  Carolina: 
Debates,  443,  500,  510,  511,  512,  513,  514,  647, 
548,  550,  567,  605,  606. 

Bailey,  Joseph  W.,  Representative  from  Texas: 
Debates,  394. 

Ball,  Edward,  Representative  from  Ohio,  645; 
Debates,  631,  632,  633,  634,  635,  636,  637,  638, 
639,  640,  641,  645,  646,  647,  648,  649,  650;  Reso- 
lutions of  inquiry  by,  631,  632,  633,  643,  645. 

Baltimore  and  Potomac  Railroad,  1135. 

Bank  of  Columbia,  loan  by,  96. 

Banks,  Nathaniel  P.,  Representative  from  Massa- 
chusetts: Amendment  offered  by,  1115;  De- 
bates, 902,  903,  904,  1115, 1116,  1128, 1135, 1138, 
1139,  1140,  1141,  1142. 

Barbour,  James,  Secretary  of  War,  285;  Senator 
from  Virginia:  Debates,  176. 

Barbour,  Philip  P.,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Debates,  173. 

Barry,  Sir  Charles,  471. 

Bartlett,  Ichabod,  Representative  from  New 
Hampshire:  Debates,  269, 277,  278,  281, 293. 

Baird,  Prof.  Spencer  F.,  913,920,  922. 

Bakery  for  the  Army,  787. 

Ballard,  Commodore,  556. 

“Barbacue  trees,”  1191. 


Barksdale,  William,  Representative  from  Missis- 
sippi: Debates,  648,  650,  672,  774. 

Barnard,  Daniel  D.,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Resolution  by,  408. 

Barry,  Gen.  W.  F.,  1026. 

Baths  in  the  Capitol,  number  of,  13. 

Bartholdt,  Richard,  Representative  from  Mis- 
souri: Debates,  381,  386,  388. 

Beauty  and  grandeur  of  the  Capitol,  1248, 1276. 

Bayard,  James  A.,  Senator  from  Delaware: 
Amendment  offered  by,  1057;  Bill  reported 
by.  1055;  Debates,  161,  352,  354,  355,  596,  597, 
598,  599,  603,  604,  608,  724, 764,  1006, 1055,  1056, 
1058,  1059, 1063,  1064. 

Bayley,  Thomas  H. , Representative  from  Vir- 
ginia: Debates,  444. 

Bayne,  Thomas  M.,  Representative  from  Pennsyl- 
vania: Debates,  927, 936. 

Beaman,  Fernando  C.,  Representatve  from  Mich- 
igan: Debates,  1103. 

Beale,  Charles  L.,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Amendments  offered  by,  770,  771,  775;  De- 
bates, 770,771. 

Beale,  James  M.  H.,  Representative  from  Virgina, 
559;  Debates,  460,  472,  479,  486. 

Beals  & Dixon,  638. 

Beck,  James  B.,  Senator  from  Kentucky,  928; 
Amendments  offered  by,  1204;  Debates,  370, 
371,  372,  928,  942, 943,  944,  954, 1177,  1178,  1204, 
1205, 1206, 1207, 1208, 1213, 1214, 1215, 1216, 1217, 
1222,1223,1251,1260,1261;  Motion  by,  1179. 

Beckwith,  A.,  789. 

Beebe,  James  & Co.,  345,  347,  348,  1011. 

Beech  tree  in  grounds  described  by  Senator 
Charles  Sumner,  1154,  1155. 

Benjamin,  John  F.,  Representative  from  Mis- 
souri: Debates,  1101,  1102,  1103, 1104. 

Benjamin,  Judah  P.,  Senator  from  Louisiana: 
Debates,  1063. 

Bell,  John  C.,  Representative  from  Colorado:  De- 
bates, 390.’ 

Bell,  Hiram,  Representative  from  Ohio:  De- 
bates, 455. 

Beecher,  Philemon,  Representative  from  Ohio: 
Debates,  277. 

Bellinger,  Joseph,  Representative  from  South 
Carolina,  211. 

Benton,  Thomas  H.,  Senator  from  Missouri,  276; 
Debates,  299. 

Berkshire,  Mass.,  marble  quarries,  516. 

Berry,  Campbell  P.,  Representative  from  Cali- 
fornia: Debates,  925. 

Bigelow,  Abijah,  Representative  from  Massa- 
chusetts: Debates,  184. 

Bigler,  William,  Senator  from  Pennsylvania: 
Resolution  offered  by,  743. 

Billings,  Dr.  John  S.,  891, 893, 907,  913,  920,  922,  966, 
970. 

Bingham,  Henry  H.,  Representative  from  Penn- 
sylvania: Debates,  387. 

Bingham,  John  A.,  Representative  from  Ohio: 
Debates,  780,  1136,  1140. 

Bird,  John  T.,  Representative  from  New  Jersey: 
Debates,  880,  881. 

Blackburn,  Joseph  C.  S.,  Representative  from 
Kentucky:  Debates,  926,  927,  928,  958,  959, 
960,  961,  962,  963,  964,  965. 

Blagden,  George,  35,  108,  143,  147,  279. 


INDEX, 


1287 


Blaine,  James  G.,  Representative  from  Maine: 
Debates,  1028,  1029. 

Blair,  Frank  P.,  1091;  Representative  from  Mis- 
souri: Debates,  807. 

Blodget,  Samuel,  jr.,  19,  22,  24,  26. 

Blount,  James  H.,  Representative  from  Georgia: 
Debates,  925,  926,  933,  935,  936. 

Borland,  Solon,  Senator  from  Arkansas,  550; 
Amendments  offered  by,  534,  567,  569,  573, 
623;  Debates,  350,  351,  462,  463,  497,  498,  499, 
500,  501,  502,  503,  504,  509,  510,  511,  512,  513, 

514,  515,  521,  522,  523,  524,  529,  530,  531,  532, 

534,  535,  536,  538,  539,  541,  547,  549,  550,  567, 

568,  569,  570,  571,  575,  676,  578,  579,  580,  583; 

Reports  by,  551,  636;  Resolutions  by,  505, 
509,  1052. 

Bowen,  John  H.,  Representative  from  Tennessee: 
Debates,  181. 

Bradley,  Stephen  R.,  Senator  from  Vermont:  De- 
bates, 149,  160. 

Brooke,  Walter,  Senator  from  Mississippi:  De- 
bates, 351. 

Brooks,  James,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  1130,  1131,  1134,  1137. 

Browne,  Thomas  H.,  Representative  from  Indi- 
ana: Debates,  934,  936. 

Blackledge,  William  S.,  Representative  from 
North  Carolina,  243,  244,  245;  Debates,  249, 
255, 1035. 

Blake,  John  B.,  1053,  1065,  1066,  1189. 

Bliss,  Cornelius  N.,  376,  972,  1200. 

Bloodgood,  S.  De  Witt,  341. 

Board  of  Internal  Improvements,  1048. 

Bocoek,  Thomas  S.,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Debates,  649. 

Bogardus  & Hoppen,  348. 

Bonham,  Milledge  L.,  Representative  from  South 
Carolina:  Debates,  778. 

Boston  Iron  Company,  338. 

Boilers  in  the  Capitol,  number  of,  13. 

Boteler,  Alexander  R.,  Representative  from  Vir- 
ginia: Debates,  778. 

Boteler,  Charles  W.,  jr.,  1077. 

Botanic  Garden,  330,  1167,  1168,  1184,  1186,  1197. 

Bourne,  Benjamin,  Representative  from  Rhode 
Island:  Debates,  60. 

Boutwell,  George  S.,  Representative  from  Massa- 
chusetts: Debates,  829. 

Bomford,  Lieut.  Col.  G.,  220,  221, .222,  228. 

Bourdeaux,  France,  municipality  of,  21. 

Bowen,  John  H.,  Representative  from  Tennessee: 
Debates,  174. 

Bowman,  Captain,  636. 

Boyce,  William  W.,  Representative  from  South 
Carolina:  Debates,  693. 

Boyd,  Linn,  Representative  from  Kentucky,  347. 

Bragg,  Thomas,  Senator  from  North  Carolina: 
Debates,  761. 

Bradbury,  James  W.,  Senator  from  Maine:  De- 
bates, 526,  583. 

Branch,  John,  Senator  from  North  Carolina:  De- 
bates, 298. 

Branch,  Lawrence  O’B.,  Representative  from 
North  Carolina:  Debates,  696,  697. 

Brandt,  John  D.,  1077. 


Breckinridge,  John  C.,  bust  of,  973. 

Vice-President,  United  States,  752. 

Brent,  Richard,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Debates,  44,  47,  48,  49,  52,  55,  56,  58,  59,  72, 79, 
104. 

Brenton,  Samuel,  Representative  from  Indiana: 
Amendment  offered  by,  490. 

Bricklayers,  importation  of,  16. 

Bricks  discarded  for  outer  walls,  29. 

Bridges,  S.  A.,  Representative  from  Pennsylvania: 
Debates,  918. 

Bridport,  George,  146. 

Bright,  Jesse  D.,  Senator  from  Indiana:  656,  743, 
754,  1016,  1168;  Amendments  offered  by,  721, 
722,  757,  760,  763,  766;  Bills  introduced  by, 
752,  1066, 1067;  Debates,  442,  711,714,718,719, 
721,  722,  757,  758,  762,  763,  1013,  1067;  Resolu- 
tions by,  711,  714,  721,  740,  1013. 

British,  burning  of  the  Capitol  and  other  build- 
ings by  the,  171, 172, 173. 

British  Parliament  Houses,  614. 

Brodhead,  J.  M.,  1077. 

Brodhead,  Richard,  Senator  from  Pennsylvania: 
Amendment  offered  by,  525;  Debates,  349, 
352,  497,  625,  527,  545,  603,  606,  1055,  1056. 

Brooke,  Walter,  Senator  from  Mississippi,  550. 

Brooks,  James,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  829,  834,  835,  836,  837,  838. 

Brown,  Albert  G.,  Representative  from  Mississip- 
pi: Debates,  477,  712,  717,  1055;  Resolution 
introduced  by,  1054. 

Brown,  Glenn,  376. 

Brown,  Henry  K.,  749,  755,  773. 

Browning,  O.  H.,  367,  855,  862,  1028,  1082,  1265. 

Browning,  W.  J.,  979. 

Brumidi,  Constantino,  372. 

Buchanan,  James,  641,  702,  743,  790,  825. 

Buckalew,  Charles  R.,  Senator  from  Pennsylva- 
nia: Amendments  by,  842,  850, 854;  Debates, 
842,  843,  844,  845,  846,  849,  850,  851,  852,  853, 
854,  1264;  Report  by,  843. 

Buckner,  Aylett  H.,  Representative  from  Mis- 
souri: Debates,  906. 

Buffinton,  James,  Representative  from  Massa- 
chusetts: Debates,  633. 

Bulfinch,  Charles,  12,  201,  206,  207,  212,  214,  216, 
217,  227,  228,  234,  236,  237,  240,  242,  244,  245, 
251,  252,  254,  257,  259,  266,  270,  272,  274,  284, 
285,  287,  294,  296,  297,  306,  307,  308,  310,  311, 
320,  1037,  1039. 

Bumford,  Lieutenant-Colonel,  198. 

“Buncombe,”  ad  captandum,  speeches,  726. 

Bunker  Hill  Monument,  555. 

Burch,  Frederick  A.,  591,  592. 

Burd,  George,  Representative  from  Pennsylva- 
nia: Debates,  326. 

Burges,  Tristam,  Representative  from  Rhode  Is- 
land: Debates,  293. 

Burnett,  Henry  C.,  Representative  from  Ken- 
tucky: Debates,  647,  648,  649,  726,  728,  1010. 

Burning  of  the  Capitol  and  other  buildings  by 
the  British,  171,  172,  173. 

Burr,  Aaron,  Senatorfrom  New  York:  Debates,  74. 

Burton,  Theodore  E.,  Representative  from  Ohio: 
Debates,  388,  389. 

Busey,  Samuel  C.,  memorial  of,  1060,  1061, 


1288 


INDEX. 


Butler,  Benjamin  F.,  Representative  from  Mas- 
sachusetts: Amendments  offered  by,  875,  878, 
1102,  1105,  1112;  Debates,  875,  876,  877,  878, 
881,  882,  883,  881,  885,  886,  887,  916,  917,  918, 
919,  920,  921,  922,  1102,  1103,  1112,  1120,  1124, 
1125,  1130,  1132,  1133,  1137, 1141. 

Butler,  Matthew  C.,  Senator  from  South  Carolina: 
Debates,  956,  957,  958,  959,  960,  961,  962,  963, 
964;  Resolution  offered  by,  956. 

C. 

Cabot,  George,  14,  17. 

Cadwalader,  John,  Representative  from  Penn- 
sylvania: Debates,  649. 

Calhoun,  John  C.,  697,  1146;  Representative  from 
South  Carolina:  Debates,  1032. 

Calkins,  William  H.,  Representative  from  Indi- 
ana: Debates,  922,  935,  936. 

Call,  Wilkinson,  Senator  from  Florida:  Debates, 
945,  961. 

Camaron,  George,  1041. 

Cameron,  Simon,  Secretary  of  War,  786;  Senator 
from  Pennsylvania:  Debates,  1146, 1202. 

Campbell,  James  H.,  Representative  from  Penn- 
sylvania: Debates,  772,  773,  774. 

Campbell,  John,  Representative  from  Maryland: 
Debates,  110. 

Campbell,  John  P.,  Representative  from  Ken- 
tucky: Debates,  647,  648. 

Campbell,  John  W.,  Representative  from  Ohio: 
Debates:  269,  288,  290. 

Campbell,  Lewis  D.,  Representative  from  Ohio, 
998,  1000,  1003,  1004,  1005. 

Camp,  John  H.,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  937. 

Canaday,  W.  P.,  938. 

Canadian  stone,  1170. 

Canal,  330,  1040,  1042,  1043. 

Cannon,  Joseph  G.,  Representative  from  Illinois, 
981,982;  Amendments  offered  by,  1278, 1283; 
Debates,  387, 1275,  1276,  1277,  1278,  1279, 1280, 
1281,  1282,  1283;  Reports  by,  978. 

Capital,  resolutions  for  removal  of,  to  Mississippi 
Valley,  1089  et  seq. 

Capitals,  marble,  from  Italy,  215,  218. 

Capitol,  beauty  of,  referred  to,  1248, 1276. 
constructively  unfinished,  1279,  1280. 
facts  concerning,  11,  13. 
plans  of,  see  Extensions  and  Old  Building. 

Capitol  Square,  see  Grounds. 

Capitolum,  Rome,  1131. 

Carlisle,  John  G.,  Representative  from  Kentucky, 
1228. 

Carnley,  King  & Co.,  348. 

Carpenter,  Matthew  H.,  Senator  from  Wisconsin: 
Debates,  1099. 

Carpenters,  employment  of,  20. 

Carrara  marble,  707. 

Carroll,  Daniel,  14,  16,  17,  18,  19,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25, 
26,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35. 

Carroll,  Law  & May,  185. 

Carroll  Row,  1076. 

Carson,  Samuel  P.,  Representative  from  North 
Carolina:  Debates,  318. 

Carstairs,  Mr.,  26,  27,  28. 

Carter,  Luther  C.,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  778. 


Carter,  Mrs.,  1076. 

Cartter,  David  K.,  Representative  from  Ohio: 
Debates,  454,  455,  488,  492. 

Casey,  Lieut.  Col.  Thomas  L.,  893,  907,  922. 

Casparis  House,  1088. 

Cass,  Lewis,  Senatorfrom  Michigan:  Debates,  442, 
443,  461,  462,  463,  502,  52S,  530,  533,  535,  536, 
545,  597,  598,  599,  602,  604,  605,  618,  1006,  1056; 
Resolution  by,  461. 

Casserly,  Eugene,  Senator  from  California:  De- 
bates, 1096,  1097. 

Castle  Garden,  New  York,  588. 

Cate,  Lieutenant,  787. 

Causici,  Enrico,  262. 

Centennial  Exhibition  at  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  1164. 

Central  East  Front,  Proposed  Extension  of: 

Additional  rooms  to  be  afforded  by,  1265, 1266, 
1267,  1268, 1269,  1273,  1277. 

Advocated  by  Joseph  G.  Cannon,  Representa- 
tive from  Illinois,  1275,  1277,  1278, 1280. 

Appropriation  for,  discussed  and  passed  by 
House  of  Representatives,  February  11, 
1903,  1278,  1282,  1283. 

Commission  proposed  to  supervise  construction 
of,  1278,  1283. 

Debates  on,  in  House,  1275, 1278,  1282. 

Debates  on,  in, Senate,  1245, 1248, 1249, 1252, 1264. 

Estimated  cost  of,  1273,  1274,  1275,  1278. 

Estimates  of  cost  of,  authorized  to  be  prepared, 
1271,  1272,  1273. 

Models  of,  authorized  to  be  made,  1283. 

Necessity  of,  1264,  1265,  1269,  1277. 

Plans  for,  1264,  1265,  1266,  1271,  1272,  1273. 
authorized  to  be  prepared,  1271, 1272, 1273. 

Plan  by  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol 
Extension,  1266,  1271. 

by  Thomas  U.  Walter,  Architect  of  the  Capitol 
Extension,  1264,  1271,  1273,  1277,  1278,  1279, 
1283. 

Recommendation  of,  by  O.  H.  Browning,  Sec- 
retary of  Interior,  1265,  1266. 
by  Commission  on  Accommodations  for 
Library  of  Congress,  1267. 
by  Edward  Clark,  Architect  of  the  Capitol 
Extension,  1264,  1265, 1267,  1271. 
by  James  Harlan,  Secretary  of  Interior,  1264. 
by  John  W.  Noble,  Secretary  of  Interior,  1271. 
by  Carl  Schurz,  Secretary  of  Interior,  1266. 
by  John  L.  Smithmeyer,  1268, 1269. 
by  Thomas  U.  Walter,  Architect  of  the  Capi- 
tol Extension,  1264. 

by  Elliott  Woods,  Superintendent  of  the  Capi 
tol  Building  and  Grounds,  1271,  1272,  1273 
1274. 

Referred  to — 

by  Charles  R.  Buckalew,  Senator  from  Penn- 
sylvania, 853. 

by  Norton  P.  Chipman,  Delegate  from  the 
District  of  Columbia,  1108. 
by  George  F.  Edmunds,  Senator  from  Ver- 
mont, 1245. 

by  Eugene  Hale,  Senator  from  Maine,  1248, 
1249,  1252. 

by  Charles  O’Neill,  Representative  from 
Pennsylvania,  911. 

References  to,  406,  1108. 

Report  on,  by  John  L.  Smithmeyer,  1268. 

Space  for  Supreme  Court  in,  1267. 


INDEX. 


1289 


Central  Park,  New  York  City,  1154,  1160,  1216. 

Cession  of  district,  10  miles  square,  by  the  State 
of  Maryland,  5,  7,  9,  10. 
by  the  State  of  Virginia,  5,  7,  9. 

Chamberlain,  J.  P.,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Debates,  804. 

Chambers,  Ezekiel  F.,  Senator  from  Maryland: 
Debates,  301,  319. 

Chambers,  Henry,  Senator  from  Alabama:  De- 
bates, 1037. 

Chandelier,  old  Representatives’  Hall,  336, 337,338. 

Chandler,  John,  Senator  from  Maine:  Debates, 
299. 

Chandler,  Joseph  R.,  Representative  from  Penn- 
sylvania: Debates,  486,  487,  488,  609. 

Chandler,  William  E.,  Senator  from  New  Hamp- 
shire: Debates,  960. 

Chandler,  Zachariah,  1161. 

Chapman,  John  G. , 335,  341. 

Chase,  Salmon  P.,  Senator  from  Ohio:  Debates, 
442. 

Chastelain  & Ponvert,  336. 

Chepultepec,  Storming  of  (painting),  706,  816. 

Chesapeake  and  Ohio  Canal,  1040, 1041,  1043. 

Chimney  pieces  from  Italy,  215. 

Chipman,  Norton  P.,  Delegate  from  District  of 
Columbia:  Debates,  1107,  1116,  1117,  1126, 
1127. 

“Cincinnatus  leaving  the  plow,”  670. 

Circular  Church,  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  587. 

City  of  Washington,  plan  of,  10, 11,  14,  101. 

Clagett,  Clifton,  Representative  from  New  Hamp- 
shire: Debates,  225. 

Claiborne,  Thomas,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Debates,  82. 

Clark,  Daniel,  Senator  from  New  Hampshire:  De- 
bates, 753,  761. 

Clark,  Edward,  11,  12,  366,  368,  369,  372,  376,  396, 
402,  858,  859,  860,  861,  862,  864,  870,  872,  891, 
893,  905,  907,  922,  924,  929,  930,  933,  942,  948, 
949,  956,  970,  972,  973,  976,  981,  987,  1027,  1074, 

1076,  1082,  1153,  1159,  1162,  1164,  1165,  1170, 

1180,  1181,  1183,  1184,  1197,  1200,  1209,  1211, 

1215,  1217,  1218,  1219,  1220,  1227,  1230,  1232, 

1236,  1264,  1265,  1267,  1271,  1272. 

Clark,  Horace  F.,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  709,  779. 

Clark,  John  B.,  Representative  from  Missouri: 
Debates,  728. 

Clarke,  John  II.,  Senator  from  Rhode  Island,  445; 
Debates,  502,  521;  Report  by,  448. 

Clark,  Joseph,  29. 

Clarke,  M.  St.  Clair,  286. 

Clay,  Clement  C.,  Representative  from  Alabama: 
Debates,  326. 

Clay,  Henry,  697;  Representative  from  Kentucky: 
Debates,  1032,  1033;  Secretary  of  State,  284, 
285,  286,  287;  Senator  from  Kentucky:  De- 
bates, 319. 

Clay,  James  B.,  Representative  from  Kentucky: 
Debates,  728. 

Clemens,  Jeremiah,  Senator  from  Alabama:  De- 
bates, 538. 

Clemens,  Sherrard,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Debates,  700. 

Clements,  Isaac,  Representative  from  Illinois: 
Debates,  886. 


Clerk  of  Public  Works,  119,  161. 
death  of,  in  collapse  of  Senate  floor,  147. 

Clerk  of  the  House,  618. 

Clingman,  Thomas  R.,  Representative  from  North 
Carolina:  Debates,  453,  477,  478,  490,  613, 
644,  645,  670;  Senator  from  North  Carolina: 
Debates,  722,  762,  763. 

Clock,  allegorical,  256,  262,  269,  274. 

Cluskey,  C.  B.,  425,  430,  990,  1005. 

Clymer,  Hiester,  Representative  from  Pennsyl- 
vania: Amendment  offered  by,  921;  De- 
bates, 897,  899,  909,  910,  921,  922,  927. 

Coal  vaults,  884. 

Coats  of  arms  of  States,  691,  980. 

Cobb,  F.  H.,  1166,  1170,  1180,  1181,  1209,  1211. 

Cobb,  Howell,  Representative  from  Georgia:  De- 
bates, 631,  647. 

Cobb,  Thomas  W.,  Representative  from  Georgia, 
220,  223,  224,  225,  228;  Debates,  225. 

Cobb,  Williamson  R.  W.,  Representative  from 
Alabama:  Debates,  460. 

Coburn,  John,  Representative  from  Indiana:  De- 
bates, 887,  1134,  1138. 

Cochrane,  Admiral,  171. 

Cochrane,  John,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  728,  775,  776. 

Cockburn,  Admiral,  171. 

Cocke,  John,  Representative  from  Tennessee: 
Debates,  249,  268,  281,  288,  1036;  Motion  by, 
1035,  1036. 

Cockeysville,  Md.,  quarries  at,  11. 

Cockrell,  Francis  M.,  Senator  from  Missouri,  390, 
391,  392;  Debates,  370,  371,  951,  1173,  1174, 
1231,  1236. 

Coit,  Joshua,  Representative  from  Connecticut: 
Debates,  61,  63. 

Cole,  Cornelius,  Senator  from  California:  Debates, 
874,  1098,  1099,  1100,  1107,  1146,  1147,  1149. 

Colfax,  Schuyler,  Representative  from  Indiana, 
862;  Bust  of,  973. 

Collamer,  Jacob,  Senator  from  Vermont,  830,  832; 
Debates,  677,  678,  684,  714,  800. 

Colonnade,  East,  extension  of,  437,  448; 

West,  extension  of,  437,  448. 

Columbian  Institute,  use  of  a room  by,  263. 

Columbia,  Territory  of,  15. 

Columbus,  events  in  history  of,  illustrated  on 
bronze  door,  817. 
figure  of,  proposed,  26. 

Combe,  George,  1190. 

Commissary-General,  Army,  789. 

Commissioner  of  Public  Buildings,  189,  190,  193, 
194,  195,  200,  204,  206,  207,  211,  212,  214,  215, 

216,  217,  219,  220,  223,  224,  225,  227,  228,  229, 

232,  234,  238,  239,  240,  241,  242,  243,  244,  247, 

250,  251,  254,  255,  256,  257,  258,  259,  262,  265, 

266,  267,  268,  279,  284,  294,  296,  297,  301,  312, 

315,  317,  327,  328,  330,  331,  333,  336,  339,  342, 

344,  356,  362,  368,  567,  568,  574,  577,  578,  579, 

581,  582,  584,  623,  636,  762,  763,  764,  787,  788, 

789,  790,  792,  793,  794,  796,  798,  812,  813,  814, 

842,  1032,  1033,  1034,  1035,  1036,  1037,  1041, 
1042,  1049,  1050,  1051,  1052,  1053,  1054,  1055, 
1058,  1065,  1066,  1071,  1072,  1073,  1128,  1140, 
1151,  1187,  1189. 

Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds, 
12,  15,  29,  62,  96. 


1290 


INDEX 


Commissioners  of  Public  Buildings  and  Grounds — 
Continued, 
abolished,  101. 

letters  from,  14,  10,  17,  18,  19,  21,  22,  24,  25,  26,  29, 
30,  31,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36,  37,  38,  79,  85,  86,  89, 91, 
94,  97, 101. 

letters  to,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  20,  22,  23,  24,  27,  28, 
36,  76,  77,  82,  96. 
memorials  of,  38,  79,  97. 

Commissioners  of  the  City  of  Washington,  96. 

Commissioners  of  the  District  of  Columbia,  1160. 

Commission  in  charge  of  improvements  to  Rep- 
resentatives’ Hall,  929. 

Commission  on  Accommodations  for  the  Library 
of  Congress,  1266. 

Commission  to  refurnish  House  Wing,  975, 978, 981. 

Committees  on  Public  Buildings  of  House  and 
Senate  to  confer  on  extensions,  438,  440. 

Committee  Reports,  see  under  Extensions, 
Grounds,  and  Old  Building. 

Completion  of  Capitol  announced,  1106. 

Comptroller  of  the  Treasury,  482. 

Condict,  Lewis,  Representative  from  New  Jersey, 
194,  195,  196,  197,  264;  Debates,  174;  Reports 
by,  189, 1035;  Resolution  offered  by,  1035. 

Conger,  Omar  D.,  Representative  from  Michigan: 
Debates,  867, 891, 892, 902, 905, 919, 922, 923, 924, 
925, 926, 930, 931, 1255, 1256, 1257, 1258. 

Conkling,  Roscoe,  Representative  from  NewYork: 
Debates,  856,  857;  Senator  from  New  York: 
Debates,  873,  874,  875,  1085,  1147,  1150,  1168, 
1174,  1175,  1203,  1206. 

Connolly,  J.  F.,  742,  743. 

Conservatoire  des  Arts  et  Metiers,  Paris,  898. 

Constitution,  provision  of,  concerning  Federal 
buildings  at  seat  of  government,  5. 

Contracts,  abuses  and  frauds  alleged  in,  550,  551, 
567,  569,  574,  575,  576,  577. 

Contracts  for  marble,  see  under  Extensions. 

Cook,  Daniel  P.,  Representative  from  Illinois: 
Debates,  278. 

Cook,  Orchard,  Representative  from  Massachu- 
setts: Debates,  127. 

Cook,  Philip,  Representative  from  Georgia:  De- 
bates, 909. 

Coombe,  Griffith,  143,  227,  228. 

Cooper,  Henry  A.,  Representative  from  Wiscon- 
sin: Debates,  380. 

Cooper  Institute,  New  York,  903. 

Cooper,  James,  Senator  from  Pennsylvania:  De- 
bates, 505,  542,  543,  570,  571,  577. 

Cooper,  William,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  61. 

Cooper  & Hewitt,  629,  630. 

Corbett,  Henry  W.,  Senator  from  Oregon:  De- 
bates, 874,  1088,  1095,  114s. 

Corner  stone  of  Extensions,  laying  of,  448. 
of  Old  Building,  laying  of,  29. 

Corning  E.,  & Co.,  348. 

Corwin,  Thomas,  347,  494. 

Costagini,  Philip,  372. 

Cost  of  the  Capitol,  11. 

Court  of  Claims,  1068, 1108. 
rooms  asigned  to,  Senate  wing,  710. 

Courts,  James  C.,  979,  987. 

Covode,  John,  Representative  from  Pennsylva- 
nia: Debates,  804,  805. 


Cox,  J.  D.,  1106. 

Cox,  Samuel  S.,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Amendment  offered  by,  888;  Debates,  882, 
888,  889,  923. 

Coyle,  Randolph,  1070,  1071,  1109. 

Crabb,  Jeremiah,  Representative  from  Maryland: 
Debates,  45,  48,  50,  51,  59,  61,  73. 

Craige,  Burton,  Representative  from  North  Car- 
olina: Amendment  offered  by,  1053;  De- 
bates, 607,  619,  622,  623,  624.  625,  636,  639, 1053; 
Resolution  by,  607. 

Craig,  Robert,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Report  by,  1048. 

Craik,  William,  Representative  from  Maryland: 
Debates,  79,  82,  83. 

Cranch,  W.,  94. 

Crawford,  Martin  J.,  Representative  from  Georgia: 
Debates,  355,  695,  697,  698,  699,  767,  768. 

Crawford,  Mrs.  Thomas,  782. 

Crawford,  Thomas,  613,  630,  653,  655,  668,  680,  702, 
736,  737,  744,  747,  755,  770,  771,  774,  777,  778, 
779,  782,  783,  785,  809,  810,  816,  825,  826,  840, 
1015,  1020,  1023,  1025. 

Crawford  & Hoffman,  1171. 

Credit  Mobilier  investigation,  883. 

Cropsey,  Jasper  F.,  341. 

Crystal  Palace,  New  York,  996. 

Culpeper,  John,  Representative  from  North  Caro- 
lina: Debates,  155. 

Cummings,  Amos  J.,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Debates,  380,  389. 

Cummings,  Thomas  S.,  341. 

Cummins,  Rev.  G.  D.,  704. 

Cushman,  Joshua,  Representative  from  Maine: 
Debates,  259,  261. 

Curtis,  Samuel  R.,  Representative  from  Iowa:  De- 
bates, 701,  776. 

Cuthbert,  Alfred,  Representative  from  Georgia: 
Debates,  1032. 

Cutts,  Richard,  Representative  from  Massachu- 
setts: Debates,  110,  114. 


D. 

Daggett,  David,  Senator  from  Connecticut:  De- 
bates, 176. 

Dallas,  Alexander  J.,  171,  187. 

Dalzell,  John,  Representative  from  Pennsylvania, 
978:  Debates,  379,  380,  381,  382,  386,  387,  388; 
389,  390,  391,  392,  394,  395,  396;  Reports  by, 
378,  391. 

Dalton,  Tristram,  97, 101. 

Dana,  Samuel  W.,  Representative  and  Senator 
from  Connecticut:  Debates,  139, 176,  180. 

Daukes,  S.  W.,  614,  615. 

Davis,  David,  Senator  from  Illinois,  943;  Debates; 
1164,  1165. 

Davis,  Garrett,  Senator  from  Kentucky:  Debates, 
1100. 

Davis,  Henry  G.,  Senator  from  West  Virginia: 
Debates,  1209,  1220. 

Davis,  Henry  Winter,  Representative  from  Mary- 
land: Debates,  699,  700,  784:  Report  by,  784. 

Davis,  Jefferson,  Secretary  of  War,  585,  587,  591, 
594,  616,  618,  627,  631,  642,  645,  650,  651,  656, 
657,  659,  663,  665,  704,  705,  790,  795,  797,  799, 


INDEX 


1291 


Davis,  Jefferson,  Secretary  of  War — Continued. 
805,  806,  874,  997,  998,  999, 1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 
1007;  Senator  from  Mississippi,  437,  445,  584; 
Amendments  offered  by,  681,  683,  722,  710, 
752,  753,  766;  Debates,  441,  442,  674,  675,  676, 
677,  678,  679,  680,  681,  682,  683,  684,  687,  688, 
689,  710,  715,  716,  717,  718,  719,  720,  723,  750, 
752,  753,  754,  757,  758,  759,  763,  764;  Report  by, 
446,  448. 

Davis,  Reuben,  Representative  from  Mississippi: 
Debates,  728. 

Davis,  Shadrach,  194. 

Davis,  Solomon,  219. 

Davis,  Thomas  T.,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Debates,  858. 

Davis,  W.R.,  & Co.,  1171. 

Dawes,  Henry  L.,  Representative  from  Massachu- 
setts; Debates,  866,  868, 870, 871, 877, 883, 1103, 
1127, 1130, 1131, 1132, 1133, 1134, 1137, 1140, 1141, 
1142;  Senator  from  Massachusetts:  Bill  re- 
ported by,  1172;  Debates,  371,  942,  957,  1172, 
1173,  1174,  1175,  1176,  1177,  1179. 

Dawson,  John,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Debates,  104,  119,  170. 

Dawson,  William  C.,  Senator  from  Georgia:  De- 
bates, 531. 

Dayton,  Jonathan,  Representative  from  New 
Jersey:  Debates,  48,  50,  52,  54,  58. 

Dearborn,  Henry,  Representative  from  Massachu- 
setts: Debates,  55,  56,  59,  60. 

Dearborn,  Henry  A.  S.,  Representative  from  Mas- 
sachusetts: Debates,  317. 

Debates,  see  under  Old  Building,  Extensions, 
Dome,  Grounds,  Terraces;  and  Central 
East  Front,  Proposed  Extension  of. 

Decoration  of  the  Capitol,  concerning  the,  889. 

Delano,  Columbus,  1159. 

Dennis,  John,  Representative  from  Maryland: 
Debates,  101. 

Densley  & Lisle,  89. 

Department  buildings,  referred  to,  41. 

De  Russy,  Gen.  G.  A.,  1026. 

Destruction  of  Capitol  and  other  buildings  by  the 
British,  171,  172,  173. 

Development  of  building  referred  to,  1268,  1273, 
1275. 

Dickerson,  Mahlon,  Senator  from  New  Jersey: 
Report  by,  262;  Debates,  300,  301. 

Dickins,  Asbury,  438. 

Dickinson,  Daniel  S.,  Senator  from  New  York: 
Debates,  441,  442. 

Dickinson,  Edward,  Representative  from  Massa- 
chusetts: Debates,  621,  622,  623,  624,  625,  626. 

Dimensions  of  the  Capitol,  11. 

District  attorney  of  the  United  States,  1069,  1070, 
1074,  1077,  1083,  1086,  1109,  1111,  1143. 

District  of  Columbia,  5,  6,  7,  9.  10,  11. 

Dobson,  John,  96. 

Dobson,  Mr.,  33. 

Document  Room,  House  of  Representatives,  402, 
403,  404,  407. 

Dodge,  Augustus  C.,  Senator  from  Iowa:  Debates, 
529,  531,  532,  533,  534,  544,  545,  548. 

Dodge,  Grenville  M.,  Representative  from  Iowa: 
Debates,  1028,  1029;  Motion  by,  1028,  1029. 

Dolph,  J.  N.,  Senator  from  Oregon:  Debates,  1241, 
1243. 


Dome,  The: 

Apparent  disproportionate  height  of,  from  one 
point  of  view,  1232. 

Appropriations  for,  800,  993,  997,  998,  1006,  1007, 
1009,  1010,  1012,  1023,  1024,  1025,  1028,  1029, 
1030. 

Beauty  of,  referred  to,  1273. 

Calculations  and  measurements  respecting,  373. 

Cast-iron  columns  for,  994,  1005,  1008, 1009,  1011, 
1012,  1016,  1019. 

Construction  authorized,  993. 

Contractors  reimbursed  for  damages  occasioned 
by  suspension  of  work  on,  1030. 

Debates  on,  in  House,  639,  640,  990,  993,  1004, 
1010, 1028. 

Debates  on,  in  Senate,  1005, 1013. 

Design  for,  991,  993,  994, 999, 1000, 1008, 1014, 1015. 

description  of,  994  et  seq. 

modification  of,  999,1000,1006,1009,1013,1014. 

Drawings  and  sketches  of,  999, 1015. 

Estimated  weight  of,  1000, 1002, 1003, 1013, 1014, 
1016, 1019. 

Estimate  of  cost  of,  999, 1000, 1024. 

Expenditures  on,  998, 1007, 1010, 1012, 1020, 1021, 
1023, 1024, 1025, 1027. 

Finishing,  1029, 1030. 

Freedom,  statue  of,  697, 681, 685, 688, 802, 820, 994, 
997, 1015, 1020, 1021, 1023, 1024, 1025, 1026,  1030, 
1137. 

proposition  to  gild,  1030. 

raising,  1025,  1026. 

Insecurity  of,  apparent,  1264,  1269,  1271,  1277, 
1280. 

Ironwork  on,  800,  994,  996,  1005,  1006,  1007,  1008, 
1009,  1011,  1012,  1014,  1015,  1016,  1019,  1020, 
1021,  1022,  1023,  1024,  1025,  1026,  1027,  1030. 

Liberty,  statue  of,  see  Freedom,  statue  of. 

Lighting,  1025,  1027,  1028. 

Old  Dome,  see  under  Old  Building. 

Overhanging  eastern  wall,  1264,  1269,  1271,1277, 
1280. 

Plan  for  raising,  373. 

Progress  reported,  1855,  993,  997. 

1856,  998,  1005,  1006,  1008. 

1857,  1009. 

1858,  1011. 

1859,  1012. 

1860,  1013,  1019. 

1861,  1020. 

1862,  809,  1021,  1022,  1024. 

1863,  1024. 

1864, 1026. 

1865,  1027,  1028. 

Proposition  to  complete,  804,  805,  806,  807,  808, 
820,  821. 

Protection  of,  from  the  elements,  804,  805,  808, 
813,  820,  821,  830. 

References  to,  11,  362,  369,  372,  376,  639,  640,  641, 
724,  755,  769,  790,  796,  800,  803,  820,  830,  1280. 

Stability  of,  demonstrated,  1014, 1115, 1116  et  seq. 

questioned,  866,  868,  870,  1013,  1014  et  seq. 

Strength  of  supporting  walls,  1000,  1001,  1002, 
1003,  1007,  1008,  1014,  1015,  1016  et  seq. 

Suggestion  of  design  for,  990,  1005,  1006. 

Supervision  of,  transferred  from  War  Depart- 
ment to  Interior  Department,  790,  800,  803, 
808,  813,  815,  821. 


1292 


INDEX. 


Dome,  The— Continued. 

To  complete  and  repair,  861. 

Work  on,  suspended,  1861,  in  consequence  of 
civil  war,  815,  1021,  1022. 

Dome,  old,  see  under  Old  Building. 

Donations  by  Maryland  and  Virginia,  96, 184, 187, 
188,  229,  230. 

Doorkeeper,  House  of  Representatives,  402, 403, 404. 

Douglas,  Stephen  A.,  Senator  from  Illinois: 
Amendment  offered  by,  1060,1063;  Debates, 
527,  1058,  1060,  1062. 

Dunlop,  Mr.,  1040. 

Doolittle,  James  R.,  Senator  from  Wisconsin:  De- 
bates, 720,  754,  756,  757,  760,  766. 

Doorways  in  the  Capitol,  number  of,  13. 

Downing,  Mr.,  1187. 

Downing,  A.  J.,  558. 

Drainage  of  the  Capitol,  967,  970. 

Drake,  Charles  D.,  Senator  from  Missouri:  Debates, 
1099,  1100. 

Dumeste,  J.  A.,  313,  315. 

Duncan,  James  H.,  Representative  from  Massa- 
chusetts: 559:  Debates,  470,  478,  480,  481,  482. 

Dunlaps  Spring,  314,  315. 

Dunnington,  Captain,  427. 

Durand,  A.  B.,  340. 

“ Dutch  spittoons,”  1208. 

Duval,  Willliam  P.,  Representative  from  Ken- 
tucky: Debates,  181. 

Dwight,  Henry  W.,  Representative  from  Massa- 
chusetts: Debates,  293,  299. 

Dynamo-electric  machines  for  Representatives’ 
Hall,  922,  923,  924,  925. 

E. 

Easby,  William,  344,  636. 

Eastern  Penitentiary,  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  587. 

Eastlake,  C.  L.,  734. 

Echoes,  old  Representatives'  Hall,  406. 

Eddy,  Samuel,  Representative  from  Rhode 
Island,  264. 

Edie,John  R.,  Representative  from  Pennsylvania: 
Debates,  726. 

Edmonds,  F.  W.,  341. 

Edward  I,  of  England,  preservation  of  body  of, 
302. 

Edwards,  Pierpoint,  20. 

Edmunds,  George  F.,  Senator  from  Vermont: 
Debates,  943,  944,  945,  951,  952,  953, 1088,  1149, 
1202,  1220,  1221,  1242,  1244,  1245,  1246,  1247, 
1249,  1250. 

Egg  rolling  on  Easter  Day,  1255. 

Electric  call  bells,  971,  979,  986. 

Electric-light  plants,  Capitol  and  Grounds,  exten- 
sion of,  970,  971,  972,  973. 

Electrician  of  the  Capitol,  924. 

Electrician  of  the  House  of  Representatives,  922, 
923. 

Elevators  in  the  Capitol,  number  of,  13. 

Elgar,  Joseph,  248,  249,  250,  251,  254,  255,  256,  257. 
259,  262,  265,  266,  267,  279,  294,  296,  297,  301, 
312,  315,  317,  325,  330,  331,  1036,  1037. 

Ellicott,  Maj.  Andrew,  16,  26. 

Eldredge,  Charles  A.,  Representative  from  Wis- 
consin: Debates,  888. 

Elkins,  Stephen  B.,  Senator  from  West  Virginia, 
390,  391,  392. 


Elliott,  Charles  L.,  341. 

Elliott,  John  M.,  Representative  from  Kentucky: 
Debates,  646. 

Ely,  William,  Representative  from  Massachusetts: 
Debates,  118. 

Emerson,  Ralph  Waldo,  775. 

Emery,  Matthew  G.,  575,  638,  810. 

Emory,  John,  91. 

Engineer  Corps,  Army,  585. 

Engineer  in  charge  of  the  Capitol  Extension,  750, 
752.  See  also  Superintendent  in  charge  of 
construction  of  Capitol  Extension. 

Engineer  in  charge  of  enlargement  of  Capitol 
Grounds,  1166,  1170,  1180,  1181. 

Engineers,  Chief  of,  United  States  Army,  1080, 
1105,  1106,  1144. 

English,  James  E.,  Representative  from  Connecti- 
cut: Debates,  834. 

English  school  of  painting,  734. 

Eppes,  John  W.,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Debates,  139. 

Erechtheium,  Athens,  1131. 

Esty,  Alex.  R.,  1267. 

Eustis,  William,  Representative  from  Massachu- 
setts: Debates,  103,  104. 

Evans,  Alexander,  Representative  from  Mary- 
land: Debates,  453. 

Evans,  George,  Senator  from  Maine:  Debates,  339. 

Evening  Star,  The,  1231. 

Everett,  Edward,  Representative  from  Massa- 
chusetts: 271;  Debates,  277,  278,  279,  281,288, 
289,  293,  294,  299,  300,  301,  318,  326,  1049. 

Ewbank,  Thomas,  558,  559. 

Ewing,  John,  Representative  from  Indiana:  De- 
bates, 326. 

Executive  offices,  referred  to,  77. 

Extensions,  The: 

Acoustics,  notes  on,  592. 
improvement  of , in  Halls  of  Congress,  834, 835. 

Advertisement  inviting  pitas  for,  445. 

American  marble,  777,  778,  779,  781. 

Appropriations  for,  445,  550,  552,  553,  584,  585, 
608,  616,  618,  627,  642,  659,  663,  665,  669,  670, 

690,  702,  709,  736,  780,  785,  810,  811.  814,  822, 

833,  838,  842,  854,  859,  862,  865,  869,  871,  872, 

875,  884,  889,  890,  906,  907,  924,  929,  933,  938, 

939,  9.54,  955,  970,  971,  974,  978,  987,  988,  1170. 

Appropriations  for,  suspended  on  account  of 
condition  of  Treasury,  780. 

Architect  of,  see  Architect  of  the  Capitol  Exten- 
sion. 

Architecture  discussed,  692,  698,  868. 

Art  works  in,  613,  630,  637,  653,  654,  655,  671,  672, 
674,  676  et  seq.,  683  et  seq.,  691  et  seq.,  696, 
701,  702,  706,  716,  722,  729,  736,  744,  749,  755, 

756,  770,  771,  774,  775,  776,  777,  778,  779,  780, 

781,  784,  801,  826,  827,  854,  867,  875,  884,  888, 

889,  907,  924,  929,  933,  938,  939,  973,  975,  976, 

979. 

Authorized,  September  30,  1850,  445. 

Bathrooms,  removal  of,  House  wing,  934  etseq., 
937,  938. 

Bricklaying,  591,  592,  616,  629. 

Bricks,  supply  of,  591,  592,  611,  612,  615,  638. 

Brickwork,  661,  667. 

Bronze  doors,  630,  654,  767,  778,  809,  810,  817,  825, 
831,  840,  856,  857,  859,  865  et  seq.,  870. 


INDEX, 


1293 


Extensions,  The— Continued. 

Building  stone  used  in  foundations,  tests  of, 
559,  593. 

Capitals  of  marble  columns,  654,  660. 
mutilated  by  visitors,  806. 

Chandeliers,  House  wing,  889. 

Changes  in  plans  of,  594,  595,  613,  635,  650,  657, 
658,  659,  664,  7(05,  790,  791,  795,  797,  799,  800. 
proposed  by  Jefferson  Davis,  Secretary  of 
War,  592. 

Columns,  marble,  mutilated  by  visitors,  806,  816. 

Committee  Reports  on,  House,  421,  424. 

Committee  Reports  on,  Senate,  430,  446. 

Contract  for  marble  columns,  supplemental, 
607,  608,  613. 

Contract  system  adopted,  449,  451,  638. 

Contracts,  698,  699,  700. 
frauds  alleged  in,  550,  651,  567,  569,  574,  575, 
576,  677, 643, 645, 650. 

Corinthian  capitals,  628. 

Corinthian  columns,  654,  656,  660. 

Corner  stone,  laying  of  the,  448. 

Day’s  work  system,  638,  639. 

Debates  on,  in  House,  438,  443,  444,  452,  454,  459, 
460,  463,  468,  478,  493,  582,  607,  619,  631,  632, 

633,  643,  645,  650,  664,  669,  670,  690,  709,  710, 

725,  752,  766,  777,  780,  784,  803,  820,  821,  827, 

830,  833,  838,  842,  855,  856,  860,  865,  875,  881, 

885,  888,  890,  906,  925,  926,  929,  930,  933,  934. 

Debates  on,  in  Senate,  441,442,461,496,505,  509, 
515, 521, 550, 567, 569, 572, 583, 595,  608,  609,  618, 
674, 684, 702, 710, 711, 722, 743, 749,  752,  757,  779, 
795, 803, 822, 842, 850, 858, 872, 928,  937,  938,  939, 
956. 

Defacement  of,  by  visitors,  813, 816. 

Design  and  plans,  description  of,  464, 495. 
alteration  of,  759. 

Design  of,  pronounced  an  “architectural  mon- 
strosity,” 524,527. 

Drainage  of,  968. 

Eastern  porticoes  of,  830,  831,  832,  833,  841. 

Electric  lighting,  House  wing,  922, 923, 924. 
Senate  wing,  939. 

Elevators,  House  wing,  377,  890,  904,  905,  926, 
927,  928,  929,  930,  931,  932,  933,  955,  971. 

Senate  wing,  884,  902,  907,  938,  939  et  seq.,  954. 

Engineer  Corps,  Army,  586,  591,  592,  594,  610, 
615,  616,  617,  618,  620,  623,  627,  631,  642,  651, 

656,  657,  659,  660,  665,  669,  702,  708,  736,  740, 

743,  758,  763,  764,  766,  781,  784. 

Enlargement  of  doorways  between  House  and 
Senate  wings,  865  et  seq.,  870,  871,  872. 

Estimates  of  cost  of,  437,  448,  467,  583,  656,  657. 

Expenditures  on,  468,  552,  853,  591,  618,  643,  651, 
652,  663,  669,  709,  783,  785,  786,  792,  793,  799, 
800,  806,  810,  814,  820,  826. 

Exterior  stairways  of,  782. 

Foundations  declared  defective,  455,  460,  463, 
469,  470,  471,  472,  473,  474,  475,  476,  477,  479, 

480,  481,  484,  485,  486,  488,  491,  494,  506,  506, 

523,  528,  574,  575,  578,  587. 
pronounced  sound,  506,  507,  508,  525,  551,  552, 
559,  585,  587,  592. 

Foundation  stones,  tests  of,  559,  593. 

Frescoes,  670,  716. 

Furniture,  659,  670,  690,  691,  711,  722,  781,  974,  975, 
978  et  seq.,  981,  985. 

Gas  fixtures,  781. 


Extensions,  The — Continued. 

Gas  lighting,  668. 

“Gingerbread  and  tinsel,”  698. 

Granite,  638. 

Granite  work,  specifications  for,  518. 

Heating  apparatus,  662, 

Heating,  413,  666,  702,  842. 

Historical  paintings,  677,  683,  745. 

House  wing,  boilers  for,  955,  971. 
changes  proposed,  934  et  seq.,  937,  938. 
electric-light  plant  for,  970. 
elevators  for,  377,  890,  904,  905,  926,  927,  928, 
929,  930,  931,  932,  933,  955. 
furniture,  supervision  of,  981. 
heating  apparatus,  978,  987,  988,  989. 
heating,  1170. 

metal  file  cases,  974,  978,  981,  988. 
refurnishing,  974,  975,  978  et  seq.,  981,  985. 
ventilation  of,  782,  973,  974,  980  et  seq.,  988,  989, 
1170. 

Iron  work,  629,  661,  667,  758. 

Marble,  660,  661,  663,  667,  737,  738,  739,  767,  783, 
815,  818,  819,  822,  823,  831. 
advertisements  for,  592. 
contracts  for,  635,  743. 
for  exterior,  740,  741,  742. 
for  windows  and  doors,  cost  of,  652,  653. 
from  Massachusetts,  707,  708. 
selected  for  walls,  450,  451. 
supply,  616,  617. 

tests  of,  551,  554,  558,  586,  591,  636,  740,  743,  766, 
777,  778,  779,  780,  781,  782,  810,  823,  831,  832, 
833,  858,  859. 
for  porticoes,  707,  708. 
supplemental  contract  for,  607,  608,  613. 
Marble  work,  628,  838,  841,  859. 
exterior,  bidders  for,  658. 
specifications  for,  519. 

Mechanics  and  workmen  suffer  from  suspen- 
sion of  work  on,  in  1851,  452,  454,  459,  461, 
462,  468,  488,  489,  492,  493,  498,  522,  534,  541, 
542,  544,  545,  546,  547,  548. 

Monolithic  shafts,  bids  for,  737. 

Monolithic  columns,  857,  858,  859. 

North  wing,  437. 

completion  of  room  No.  3 in,  643. 
completion  of  rooms  Nos.  4 and  11  in,  656,  665. 
furniture  for,  711  et  seq. 

Painting  of,  722,  729,  736,  824,  840. 

Paintings  in,  662,  668,  670,  671,  674,  676,  677,  683, 
685,  692,  693,  694,  696,  706,  716,  745,  752,  755, 
756,  770,  771,  774,  777,  778,  779,  780,  781,  784, 
976,  977,  978. 

Panels,  decoration  of,  677,  707. 

Pictures,  638. 

Plans  and  designs  for,  408,  410,  412,  416,  417,  421, 
422,  424,  428,  429,  431,  441,  443,  445,  700,  753, 
790,  799,  833,  834,  835, 962. 
adopted  by  President  Fillmore,  452. 
change  of,  in  1853, 594,  595, 613,  635, 650, 657, 658, 
659,  664,  705. 

history  of  development  of,  594, 613, 614, 635, 650, 
664,  705. 

Senate  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  au- 
thorized to  invite,  443. 
advertisement  by,  inviting,  445. 

Porticoes,  740,  743,  782,  855,  859. 

Progress  reported,  1851,  452,  464. 


1294 


INDEX. 


Extensions,  The — Continued. 

Progress  reported,  1852,  495,  516,  651,  652,  566. 

1853,  585,  586,592. 

1854,  616,  617. 

1855,  627. 

1856,  642,  650,  651,  656,  657,  660,  663. 

1857,  665. 

1858,  702. 

1859,  736. 

1860,  781. 

1861,  785. 

1862,  809,  813,  814,  815. 

1863,  822,  826. 

1864,  830,  838,  841. 

1865,  841. 

1866,  855. 

1867,  859. 

Proposed  in  1843,  408,  410,  412,  416.  417. 
in  1844,  421,  422,  424,  429. 
in  1850,  430,  438,  441, 442,  443,  444,  445,  446. 

Protection  of,  from  exposure,  803,  804,  805,  808, 
810,  811, 813,  820,  821,  827,  828,  829. 

Reference  to,  11. 

Removal  of  Army  bakery  from,  811,  813. 

Representatives’  Hall,  586,  588,  589,  590,  616,  617, 
627,  629,  661,  663,  666,  685,  688,  736. 
acoustics  of,  726,  881,  882,  883,  885,  886,  887,  888, 
908  et  seq. 

alteration,  enlargement,  and  refitting,  875,  et 
seq.,  881,  et  seq.,  884,  922,  923,  924. 
arrangement  of  seats  in,  709,  725,  726,  728,  738. 
changes  in,  proposed,  869. 
coats  of  arms  of  States  in,  980. 
first  occupied  Dec.  16, 1857,  704. 
heating,  705,  890,  et  seq.,  906,  907,  908,  922. 
lighting,  705,  884,  885,  886,  887,  888,  922,  923, 924. 
plans  of,  432,  447. 

changes  in,  594,  613,  614,  615,  635,  705. 
proposed  removal  of,  873,  911  et  seq. 
proposed  in  1843,  408,  410,  412. 

in  1844,  421,  422,  424,  429. 
ready  for  occupation,  669. 
removal  of  desks  from,  709,  710,  725,  726,  728, 
738,  781,  783,  877  et  seq.,  881  et  seq.,  908,  et 
seq. 

ventilation  of,  705,  738,  855,  869,  872,  878  et  seq., 
881,  884,  885,  886,  887,  888,  890,  891,  892  et  seq., 
906,  907  et  seq.,  922,  923,  924,  929,  935,  972,  973, 
974,  980,  981,  982  et  seq.,  988,  989. 
suggestion  as  to,  1270. 
report  on,  892,  907. 

Resolution  of  inquiry  concerning,  631,  632,  633, 
642,  645. 

Sanitation  of,  842,  859. 

Sculpture  in,  630,  653,  662,  668,  671,  674,  683,  685, 
722,  729,  736,  747,  755,  770,  774,  777,  778,  779, 
780,  781,  782,  784,  840. 

Senate  Chamber,  590,  616,  617,  627,  629,  661,  663, 
667,  675,  688,  698,  706,  736. 
changes  in,  proposed,  842  et  seq.,  850  et  seq., 
869. 

first  occupied  January  4, 1859,  736. 
furniture  for,  711  et  seq. 
heating  of,  938,  939. 
plans  of,  432,  447. 

changes  in,  598,  613,  614,  635. 
pronounced  “an  utter  failure,”  759. 


Extensions,  The— Continued. 

Senate  Chamber — Continued, 
proposed  removal  of,  749,  750,  758,  759,  760,  812, 
873,  874,  911. 

ventilating  apparatus  for,  938,  955,  956. 
ventilation  of,  759,  781,  842  et  seq.,  850  et  seq., 
855,  871,  872,  873,  874,  875,  884,  890,  901,  955, 
956  et  seq.,  966,  967,  970. 

Senate  wing,  furniture  for,  722. 
heating  apparatus  for,  890,  971,  972. 
plumbing  in,  955,  956. 

proposed  improvements  in,  842  et  seq.,  850  et 
seq. 

refrigerating  apparatus  for,  971. 
steam-boilers  for,  906,  907,  939,  955,  989. 
steel  shelving  in,  987,  989. 
ventilating  apparatus  for,  971,  972,  973. 
ventilation  of,  966,  970. 

South  wing,  437. 
corner  stone  of,  laid,  448. 
furniture  for,  659,  670,  690. 
interior  decorations  of,  670. 

Specifications  for  granite  work  in,  518. 
for  marble  work,  519. 

Statuary  in,  613,  630,  637,  644,  645,  653,  680,  693, 
752,  770,  774,  777,  778,  779,  780,  781,  782,  784, 
824,  825,  826,  975,  976. 

Stoppage  of  work  on,  1851,  452,  454,  459,  461,462, 
468,  488,  489,  492,  493,  498,  522,  534,  541,  542, 
544,  545,  546,  547,  548. 

resumption  after,  468,  478,  493,  496,  505,  521, 
550,  567,  569,  572,  582,  595. 

Stoppage  of  work  on,  1861,  incident  to  civil 
war,  785,  790,  798,  815. 

Superintendency  of,  transferred  from  Interior 
to  War  Department,  797,  799,  805. 
from  War  to  Interior  Department,  790, 795, 796, 
800,  803,  808,  813,  815,  821. 

Used  as  a bakery  for  the  Army,  787, 788, 789, 790. 

Used  as  quarters  for  troops,  785,  786. 

Ventilation  of,  413,  614,  615,  666,  698,  702,  703, 
704,  738,  795,  834,  835,  836,  837,  838,  840,  842 
et  seq.,  850  et  seq.,  855,  858,  859,  869,  871,  872. 

Wings  practically  completed,  785. 


F. 

Faneuil  Hall,  Boston,  Mass.,  588. 

Faris,  George  W.,  Representative  from  Indiana: 
Debates,  379,  380. 

Farnsworth,  John  F.,  Representative  from  Illi- 
nois: Amendments  offered  by,  865,  870,  871; 
Debates,  856,  865,  866,  867,  868,  870,  871,  875, 
876. 

Farrow,  Samuel,  Representative  from  South 
Carolina:  Debates,  181,  184. 

Fenwick,  Mr.,  21. 

Fessenden,  William . Pitt,  Senator  from  Maine: 
1146;  Bills  reported  by,  1080,  1083;  Debates, 
622,  676,  753,  792,  793,  794,  795,  796,  802,  803, 
851,  852,  858,  1055,  1056,  1064,  1065,  1078,  1080, 
1083,  1084,  1085. 

Ficklin,  Orlando  B.,  Representative  from  Illinois: 
Debates,  455,  456,  457,  458,  459,  460,  478,  492. 

Fitch,  Graham  N.,  Representative  from  Indiana. 
Debates,  478,  492,  582,  583. 


INDEX. 


1295 


File  cases,  Clerk’s  Office,  House  of  Representa- 
tives, 924. 

Fillmore,  M.  P.,  515. 

Fillmore,  Millard,  448,  451,  452,  464,  515,  613,  635, 
638,  767,  797,  799,  804. 

Findley,  William,  Representative  from  Pennsyl- 
vania: Debates,  45,  126. 

Finkelnburg,  Gustavus  A.,  Representative  from 
Missouri:  Debates,  1103,  1104,  1113,  1114. 

Fire-engine  building,  1158. 

Fire  engines,  purchase  of,  226. 

Fireplaces  in  the  Capitol,  number  of,  13. 

Fish  Commission,  1187. 

Fish,  Hamilton,  Senator  from  New  York:  De- 
bates, 568. 

Fisk,  James,  Representative  from  Vermont:  De- 
bates, 181,  185. 

Fisher,  Thomas  J.,  1077. 

Fitch,  Graham  N.,  Representative  from  Indiana: 
Amendment  offered  by,  582. 

Fitzpatrick,  Benjamin,  Senator  from  Alabama: 
Debates,  722. 

Flanagan,  J.  W.,  Senator  from  Texas:  Debates, 
1094. 

Florence,  Thomas  B.,  Representative  from  Penn- 
sylvania: Debates,  457,  470,  471,  488,  489,  622, 
633,  641,  644,  645,  649,  752:  Resolution  by,  452. 

Floyd,  John  B.,  669,  709,  740,743,  744,  784,  785,  790, 
793,  799,  805,  806,  1010,  1012,  1020,  1021. 

Floyd,  John  G.,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  491,  492. 

Folger,  Charles  J.,  1228. 

Foot,  Samuel  A.,  Representative  from  Connecti- 
cut: Debates,  225. 

Foot,  Solomon,  Senator  from  Vermont,  806,  809, 
830,  831,  832,  833,  1168;  Debates,  790,  791,  792, 
793,  794,  795,  798,  800,  801, 802, 803;  Resolution 
by,  787. 

Footwalk  from  the  Capitol,  258,  267. 

Foreign  artists,  employment  of,  731. 

Foreign  workmen,  employment  of,  14, 16,20, 21, 22. 

Forsyth,  John,  Representative  from  Georgia: 
Debates,  184,  277,  291;  Senator  from  Georgia; 
Debates,  318. 

Forsyth,  William,  1144. 

Fort,  Greenbury  L.,  Representative  from  Illinois: 
Debates,  900,  922,  923. 

Forum,  Rome,  1131. 

Foster,  Charles,  Representative  from  Ohio:  De- 
bates, 1170. 

Foster,  Dwight,  Representative  from  Massachu- 
setts: Debates,  57. 

Foster,  Lafayette  S.,  Senator  from  Connecticut: 
Debates,  725. 

Fountain  by  Hira.m  Powers,  1050,  1051. 

Forward,  Chauncey,  Representative  from  Penn- 
sylvania: Report  by,  1041. 

Fowler,  Mr.,  807. 

Fowler,  Orin,  Representative  from  Massachu- 
setts: Debates,  460. 

Francis,  David  R.,  971. 

Frank,  Augustus,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  362,  363,  364,  837. 

Franklin,  Benjamin,  statue  of,  825,  826,  827. 

Franklin,  Capt.  W.  B.,  374,  740,  743,  750,  752,  753, 
759,  781,  783,  1016,  1019,  1020,  1021. 

Franzoni,  Giuseppe,  132. 


Frauds  alleged  in  contracts,  550,  551,  567,  569,  574, 
575,  576,  577. 

in  construction  of  Extensions,  613,  645,  650. 

Freedom,  statue  of,  679,  681,  685,  688,  802,  820,  994, 
997,  998,  1015,  1020,  1021, 1023, 1024, 1025, 1026, 
1030,  1137. 

proposition  to  gild,  1030. 

raising,  1025,  1026. 

Freestone,  Aquia,  115,  120. 

Freestone,  island  of,  in  Virginia,  80,  187,  229,  232. 

Frye,  William  P.,  Representative  from  Maine: 
Debates,  888;  Senator  from  Maine:  Debates, 
1220. 

French,  B.  B.,  356,  362,  787,  788,  789,  790,  812,  813, 
814,  1052,  1071,  1072,  1073, 1077. 

French  workmen,  importation  of,  21. 

Fromentin,  Eligius,  Senator  from  Louisiana:  De- 
bates, 176. 

Fuller,  Philo  C.,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  1049. 

Fuller,  Thomas  J.  D.,  Representative  from  Maine: 
Debates,  459. 

Furnishing  held  to  be  an  incident  to  erection  of 
a building,  674. 

G. 

Gaines,  John  Wesley,  Representative  from  Ten- 
nessee: Debates,  381,  384,  394. 

Gallatin,  Albert,  Representative  from  Pennsyl- 
vania: Debates,  44,  48,  51,  53,  61,  83;  Secre- 
tary of  Treasury,  99. 

Galway,  James,  812. 

Garnett,  Muscoe  R.  H.,  Representative  from 
Virginia:  Debates,  697,  698,  699. 

Gartrell,  Lucius  J.,  Representative  from  Georgia: 
Debates,  693,  725. 

Gaston,  William,  Representative  from  North 
Carolina:  Debates,  183, 185. 

Gazette  of  the  United  States,  Philadelphia,  Pa., 
15. 

Garfield,  James  A.,  Representative  from  Ohio: 
Amendments  offered  by,  884,  1161;  Debates, 
364,  365,  876,  877,  878,  881,  884,  885,  886,  1113, 
1114,  1116,  1119,  1120,  1121,  1122,  1129,  1130, 
1133,  1134,  1135,  1136,  1138,  1140,  1141,  1142, 
1145,  1161;  Motion  by,  1085. 

Gentry,  Meredith  P.,  Representative  from  Ten- 
nessee: Debates,  488. 

Georgetown,  7,  10. 

German,  Obadiah,  Senator  from  New  York:  De- 
bates, 176. 

German  workmen,  importation  of,  14,  16,  20. 

Gholson,  Thomas,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Debates,  174. 

Gibson,  Randall  L.,  Senator  from  Louisiana:  De- 
bates, 950. 

Giddings,  Joshua  R.,  Representative  from  Ohio: 
' Debates,  460. 

Giejewus,  Regis,  341. 

Giles,  William  B.,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Debates,  44,  49,  52,  55,  56,  57,  59,  60,  61. 

Gillies,  Theo.  J.,  348. 

Gilmer,  John  A.,  Representative  from  North  Car- 
olina: Debates,  778. 

Girard  College,  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  587,  1002,  1019. 

Girard,  Stephen,  1213. 


1296 


INDEX 


Glass,  imported,  86, 121. 

Gliem,  C.  P.,  988. 

Goddess  of  Freedom,  see  Freedom,  statue  of. 

Goldsborough,  Charles  W.,  Representative  from 
Maryland:  Debates,  173, 181. 

Goldsborough,  Robert  H., Senator  from  Maryland: 
Debates,  200. 

Goode,  William  A.,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Debates,  1010. 

Goode,  WilliamB.,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Debates,  631,  639,  640,  649. 

Goodenow,  Robert,  Representative  from  Maine: 
Debates,  490. 

Goodhue,  Jon.,  341. 

Goodwyn,  Peterson,  Representative  from  Vir- 
ginia: Debates,  114. 

Gordon, William,  Representative  from  New  Hamp- 
shire: Debates,  82. 

Gott,  Daniel,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  440. 

Government  architect,  664. 

Graham,  William  A.,  566. 

Grand  Basin,  Skinner’s,  1041,  1044,  1048. 

Grahamite,  1171. 

Granite  quarries,  516. 

Green,  Bernard  R.,  979. 

Green,  James,  Senator  from  Missouri:  Debates, 
779. 

Gregg,  Andrew,  Representative  from  Pennsyl- 
vania: Debates,  126;  Senator  from  Pennsyl- 
vania: Debates,  144,  152,  153. 

Greenleaf,  James,  32. 

Greenough,  Horatio,  317,  318,  339. 

statue  of  Washington  by,  317,  318,  325,  336,  338, 
339,  1162. 

Greenwood,  Alfred  B.,  Representative  from  Ar- 
kansas: Debates,  633,  646,  647,  991,  1004, 
1054;  Resolution  by,  1054. 

Grimes,  James  W.,  Senator  from  Iowa:  Debates, 
752,  753,  754,  795. 

Griswold,  Roger,  Representative  from  Connecti- 
cut: Report  by,  95. 

Groat,  W.  H.,  1171. 

Grosvenor,  Charles  H.,  Representative  from  Ohio, 
390, 391,  392;  Debates,  1282;  Rule  reported  by, 
1282. 

Grosvenor,  Thomas  P..  Representative  from  New 
York:  Debates,  174,  181,  182,  184,  185. 

Grounds,  The: 

Additional  land  acquired  for,  1877,  1167,  1168, 
1177. 

appraisement  of  additional  land  for,  1069,  1070, 
1071,  1074,  1077  et  seq.,  1083,  1084,  1087,  1136, 
1143,  1153,  1168,  1178. 

Approaches  to  plateau,  1102, 1105, 1106, 1145, 1159, 
1160,  1161, 1172,  1176,  1179,  1182. 

Appropriations  for,  1033,  1035,  1049,  1050,  1051, 
1052,  1053,  1069,  1082,  1085,  1086,  1106,  1144, 
1150,  1153,  1156,  1158,  1159,  1161,  1165,  1170, 
1179,  1180,  1181,  1197,  1199. 

Area  of,  in  1861, 1071. 
in  1872,  1109. 

Asphalt  pavement  in,  1171, 1181. 

Beauty  of,  referred  to,  848,  1095,  1098,  1099,  1212. 

Beech  tree  described  by  Senator  Charles  Sum- 
ner, 1154,  1155. 


Grounds,  The — Continued. 

Bills  to  improve,  extend,  etc.,  669,  1032, 1033, 

1035,  1049,  1050,  1051,  1052,  1053,  1054,  1055, 

1057,  1066,  1067,  1068,  1069,  1074,  1080,  1081, 

1083,  1085,  1086,  1105,  1106,  1107,  1112,  1143, 

1144,  1145,  1150,  1151,  1153,  1154,  1157,  1158, 

1159,  1161,  1163,  1164,  1165,  1166,  1167,  1168, 

1169,  1172,  1179. 

Bronze  lamps  in,  1229. 

Bronze  vases  in,  1208. 

Changes  in,  not  to  be  made  without  estimates, 
1223,  1225, 1227,  1228, 1242. 

Condemnation  proceedings  proposed  for  acqui- 
sition of  land  for,  1057,  1068,  1074,  1075,  1077 
et  seq.,  1083,  1084,  1087,  1136,  1143. 
Continuing  improvement  of,  925. 

Coping,  1184,  1185. 

Criticism  of  appearance  of,  1205,  1206. 

Curbing  and  flagging,  1101  et  seq.,  1106,  1144, 

1145,  1162,  1163,  1164,  1166,  1167,  1169,  1170, 
1171,  1172,  1181,  1184,  1191,  1229. 

Debates  on,  in  House,  1032,  1033, 1035,  1049,  1053, 

1054,  1067,  1080,  1081,  1101,  1105,  1107,  1112, 

1129,  1145,  1151,  1155,  1161,  1164,  1165,  1169. 

Debates  on,  in  Senate,  1036,  1037,  1052,  1054, 

1055,  1056,  1057,  1066,  1067, 1074,  1080,  1083, 

1086,  1088,  1105,  1107,  1142,  1145,  1154,  1156, 

1157,  1163,  1165,  1167,  1168,  1172,  1177. 

Design  of,  1191. 

Drainage  of,  1229. 

Electric  lighting  of,  971,  1200. 

Engineer  of,  1209,  1211 . 

Estimates  for  inclosing  and  improving,  1034, 

1036,  1039,  1229. 

Extension  of,  848,  1050,  et  seq.,  1065,  1066,  1068, 
1070  et  seq.,  1074,  1080,  1081,  1082,  1086,  1089, 
1095  et  seq.,  1107  et  seq.,  1112  et  seq.,  1143, 
1151,  1153,  1159,  1168. 

Fire-engine  building  in,  1158. 

Fountains  in,  859,  1162,  1164,  1165,  1171,  1180, 
1208. 

Graduating,  239,  241,  243,  244,  246,  247,  248,  250, 
253,  254,  256,  258,  261,  267,  269,  273,  274,  277, 
278,  279,  280,  282,  283,  288,  294,  295,  296,  297, 
301,  317,  325,  328,  1052,  1053,  1054,  1058,  1066, 
1074,  1075,  1076,  1080,  1082,  1084,  1086,  1105, 
1106,  1144,  1145,  1150,  1151,  1155,  1157,  1159, 
1160, 1161,  1162,  1165,  1166. 

Historical  notes  concerning,  1189. 
Improvement  of,  referred  to,  895,  898. 

Inquiry  as  to  extension  of  (1852),  1052,  1054. 
Lamps  and  gas  pipes,  1052. 

Landscape  architect,  12,  1153,  1157,  1158,  1162, 
1163,  1170,  1182,  1183,  1184,  1197,  1199,  1215, 
1216,  1217,  1218,  1219,  1220,  1225,  1227,  1229, 
1230,  1231,  1232, 1237,  1250. 

Laying  out,  etc.,  1154,  1155,  1157,  1159, 1161, 1166. 
Lights  for,  1158,  1159,  1160,  1161,  1200. 

Open  plaza,  1159,  1160,  1161,  1162,  1191. 

Paving,  1052,  1082,  1101  et  seq.,  1106,  1144,  1145, 
1150,  1162,  1163,  1164,  1166,  1167,  1169,  1170, 
1171,  1172,  1181,  1182,  1184,  1191,  1229,  1234, 
1235. 

Plan  for  extension  of,  by  Thomas  U.  Walter, 
1072, 1073,  1074. 
modification  of,  1231. 


INDEX. 


1297 


Grounds,  The — Continued. 

Plan  for  improvement  of,  by  Frederick  Law 
Olmsted,  1159,  1160,  1161. 

Planting,  1144,  1154,  1155,  1159,  1162,  1171,  1185, 
1197. 

Progress  reported,  1827, 1037. 

1829,  1038. 

1836,  1050. 

1837,  1051. 

1855, 1053. 

1857,  1065. 

1867,  1082. 

1874, 1159,  1160. 

1875,  1161,  1162. 

1876,  1163,  1164,  1166. 

1877,  1170. 

1880,  1180. 

1881,  1181. 

1882,  1184. 

1884,  1197. 

Prohibition  against  railroads  crossing,  1115,1128, 
1138,  1140,  1144. 

Proposition  to  inclose  and  improve,  1815,  1032. 
References  to,  448,  848,  873,  1095,  1098,  1099, 1212. 
Removal  of  asphaltic  concrete,  1200. 
of  fences  from,  1052,  1053,  1066. 
of  minor  buildings  from,  1160,  1161,  1162, 1182. 
of  railroad  tracks  from,  1161. 

Roads  in  and  to,  1052,  1144,  1150,  1159, 1161, 1165, 
1166,  1168,  1171. 

Rustic  terraces  in,  1159,  1161,  1162. 

Seats  in,  1180. 

Sewers  for,  1158,  1159,  1160, 1161,  1162,  1166,  1171. 
Shrubbery  in,  1173,  1181,  1182,  1186  et  seq.,  1234. 
Smith’s  spring,  purchase  of,  1050, 1051. 

Space  occupied  by,  1181. 

Statue  of  George  Washington  in,  by  Horatio 
Greenough,  976. 

Stone  steps  criticised,  1209. 

Summer  houses  in,  1182,  1209,  1214. 

Survey  of,  1154,  1155,  1156. 

Topographical  survey  of,  1154,  1155,  1156. 

Tree  planting,  etc.,  in,  1148,  1154,  1155,  1157, 
1159,  1162,  1163,  1166,  1171,  1173,  1183,  1185, 
1197. 

Trees  in,  1051. 

appearance  of,  before  remodeling,  1233. 

imported,  1171. 

index  to,  1185  et  seq. 

labels  on,  1185. 

list  of,  1193. 

removal  of,  1146,  1147,  1154,  1157,  1159,  1171, 
1218. 

transplanted,  1233. 
list  of,  1198. 

Water  supply  for,  1038,  1040,  1041  et  seq.,  1045  et 
seq.,  1048,  1049,  1050,  1051,  1161,  1162,  1163, 
1181. 

Work  on,  215,  218. 

Grow,  Galusha  A.,  Representative  from  Pennsyl- 
vania, 814;  Debates,  769,  275. 

Growth  of  the  country  represented  in  the  devel- 
opment of  the  Capitol,  1275, 1276. 

Gurney,  Goldsworthy,  854. 

Guthrie,  James,  646, 698, 767. 

Gwin,  William  W.,  Senator  from  California:  De- 
bates, 497, 637, 538, 542, 546, 548. 

H.  Rep.  6i6 82 


H. 

Hadfield,  George,  12, 36, 37, 38, 76, 78, 84, 108. 

Hale,  Eugene,  Representative  from  Maine:  De- 
bates, 871,923, 1151, 1152:  Senatorfrom  Maine: 
Amendments  offered  by,  1222, 1223, 1255, 1259; 
Debates,  946, 947, 94s,  949, 9.50, 951, 957, 959, 960, 
1222, 1223, 1225, 1226,  1239, 1241. 1242, 1243, 1214, 
1245, 1246, 1247, 1248, 1249, 1250, 1251, 1252,  1253, 
1254,1255,1257. 

Hale,  John  P.,  Senator  from  New  Hampshire: 
Amendment  by,  758;  Debates,  526,535, 536, 537, 
540,  542,  543,  549,  550,  721,  758,  759,  760,  761, 
762,  795,  797,  798,  802,  812,  848,  1013;  Resolu- 
tions by,  749,  1005. 

Hall,  Edward,  645. 

Hall,  J.  P.,  1200. 

Hall,  Robert  B.,  Representative  from  Massachu- 
setts: Debates,  633. 

Hall,  Willard  P.,  Representative  from  Missouri: 
Debates,  453,  489. 

Hallam,  Mr.,  735. 

Hallet,  Stephen,  12,  17,  18,  19,  21,  22,  23,  25,  26,  28, 
29,  30,  31,  32,  33,  108. 

Hall  of  Representatives,  see  under  Extensions 
and  Old  Building. 

Hamlin,  Hannibal,  Senator  from  Maine:  Debates, 
549,  761,  1013,  1149;  Vice-President,  78g. 

Hamilton,  James,  jr. , Representative  from  South 
Carolina,  264. 

Hammond,  James  H.,  Senator  from  South  Caro- 
lina: Debates,  759. 

Handy,  Levin  I.,  Representative  from  Delaware: 
Debates,  1282. 

Hanson,  Alexander  C. , Representative  from  Mary- 
land: Debates,  174. 

Hardin,  Benjamin,  Representative  from  Ken- 
tucky: Debates,  326. 

Hardin,  Martin  D.,  Representative  from  Ken- 
tucky: Debates,  1032. 

Harbough,  Leonard,  19,  62,  96,  194. 

Harlan,  James,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  367,  841, 
1028,  1264;  Senator  from  Iowa:  Debates, 

1088,  1089,  1090;  Resolution  offered  by,  1088, 

1089. 

Harkness,  John  C.,  551,  553. 

Harper,  James,  341. 

Harper,  Robert  Goodloe,  Representative  from 
South  Carolina:  Debates,  44,  49,  82. 

Harris,  B.  W.,  Representative  from  Massachusetts: 
Debates,  896. 

Harris,  Ira,  Senator  from  New  York:  Debates,  851, 
852. 

Harris,  Isham  G. , Representative  from  Tennessee: 
Debates,  459,  951,  952,  953. 

Harris,  John  T.,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Amendment  offered  by,  1128;  Debates,  911, 
914,  1128,  1129,  1135, 1139,  1140. 

Harris,  J.  Morrison,  Representative  from  Mary- 
land: Amendment  offered  by,  777,  778;  De- 
bates, 770,  771,  773,  777. 

Harris,  Thomas  L.,  Representative  from  Illinois: 
Debates,  671,  672,  673. 

Harrison,  Carter  H.,  Representative  from  Illinois: 
Amendments  offered  by,  890,  904,  906;  De- 
bates, 890,  891,  892,  893,  893,  895,  896,  897, 
898,  900,  901,  903,  906. 


1298 


INDEX. 


Hart,  William,  16. 

Hartnett,  Mr.,  199,  222. 

Hawk,  Robert  M.  A.,  Representative  from  Illi- 
nois: Amendment  offered  by,  933;  Debates, 
929,  931,  932,  933,  937;  Resolution  offered  by, 
929. 

Hawkins,  Joseph  H.,  Representative  from  Ken- 
tucky: Debates,  181. 

Havens,  Jonathan  N.,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Debates,  B3,  56,  58,  69. 

Hayes,  Mr.,  496. 

Hayes,  Philip  C.,  Representative  from  Illinois: 
Debates,  912. 

Hayne,  Robert  Y.,  Senator  from  South  Carolina: 
Debates,  319. 

Hawley,  Joseph  R.,  Representative  from  Con- 
necticut: Debates,  880, 881, 885;  Senator  from 
Connecticut:  Debates,  965,  1216,  1220,  1221, 
1222,  1225,  1226,  1227,  1253. 

Haynes,  Charles  E.,  Representative  from  Georgia: 
Debates,  301. 

Heating  apparatus,  12.  See  also  under  Exten- 
sions and  Old  Building. 

Hemphill,  Joseph,  Representative  from  Pennsyl- 
vania, 264. 

Henderson,  John  B.,  Senator  from  Missouri:  De- 
bates, 858. 

Hendricks,  Thomas  A.,  Representative  from  In- 
diana, 559. 

Henn,  Bernhardt,  Representative  from  Iowa: 
Debates,  463,  489,  619. 

Henry,  J.  B.,  private  secretary  to  the  President, 
692. 

Henry,  Prof.  Joseph,  558,  585,  587,  592,  840,  842,  846, 
891,  893,  907,  908,  920,  992. 

Hewitt,  Abram  S.,  Representative  from  New  York, 
922,  929;  Debates,  897,  898,  899,  900,  901,  903, 
910,  911,  921. 

Hibbard,  Ellery  A.,  Representative  from  New 
Hampshire:  Debates,  8.82, 884, 1126, 1127, 1145. 

Hibbard,  Harry,  Representative  from  New  Hamp- 
shire: Debates,  998. 

Hickman,  John,  Representative  from  Pennsylva- 
nia: Debates,  649. 

Highlanders,  employment  of,  14. 

Hilgartner  & Sons,  397. 

Hill,  Joshua,  Representative  from  Georgia:  De- 
bates, 768,  769. 

Hill,  Mark  L.,  Representative  from  Maine,  251. 

Hill,  Ralph,  Representative  from  Indiana:  De- 
bates, 857. 

Hillhouse,  James,  Representative  from  Connecti- 
cut: Debates,  48,  50,  51,  52,  56,  58,  67. 

Hillman,  Henry,  194. 

Hills,  Wallace  H.,  979. 

Hitchcock,  Ethan  Allen,  401. 

Hoar,  George  F.,  Representative  from  Massachu- 
setts: Debates,  1113,  1125;  Senator  from 
Massachusetts:  Debates,  953, 1241, 1243, 1244, 
1250,  1251. 

Hoban,  James,  12,  18,  22,  26,  28,  29,  30,  31,  32,  35, 
36,  38,  84,  85,  87,  88,  92,  96,  97,  99. 

Hoffman,  Michael,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Debates,  294. 

Holdsworth,  Richard,  328,  330,  331. 

Holland,  importation  of  workmen  from,  20. 

Holland,  James,  Representative  from  North  Caro- 
lina: Debates,  143. 


Holman,  William  S.,  Representative  from  Indi- 
ana: Amendments  offered  by,  895,  900,  904, 
1128, 1165;  Debates,  357,  820,  821,  822,  838,  883, 
890,  893,  895,  900,  901,  902,  905,  906,  936,  937, 
1081,  1121,  1122,  1126,  1127,  1128,  1129,  1140, 
1151,  1152,  1155, 1156,  1165,  1166,  1169,  1170. 

Holmes,  John,  Senator  from  Maine:  Debates, 
1036. 

Holt,  J.,  785. 

Homestead  land  laws,  689,  690. 

Hone,  Philip,  341. 

Hooper,  Henry  N.,  & Co.,  337,  338. 

Hopkins,  Albert  J.,  Representative  from  Illinois: 
Debates,  379,  380. 

Hoskins,  Col.  J.  A.,  1026. 

House  carpenters,  employment  of,  20. 

House  of  Commons,  726,  854,  878,  881,  909. 

House  of  Lords,  726,  891. 

House  of  Representatives,  Chamber  of.  See  under 
Extensions  and  Old  Building. 

House  of  Representatives  Office  Building,  1272, 
1277. 

Houses  in  Washington  in  1801,  number  of,  98. 

Houston,  George  S.,  Representative  from  Ala- 
bama: Debates,  478,  582,  584,  619,  640,  643, 
644,  645,  646,  648,  649,  990,  1004. 

Houston,  John  W.,  Representative  from  Dela- 
ware: Amendment  by,  584;  Debates, 438, 439, 
440,  444;  Report  by,  424,  430. 

Houston,  Samuel,  Senator  from  Texas:  Debates, 
550,  557,  679,  680,  681,  685,  1060,  1061;  Resolu- 
tion offered  by,  550. 

Howard,  Jacob  M.,  Senator  from  Michigan:  De- 
bates, 1077,  1078,  1095,  1096. 

Howard,  John  E.,  Senator  from  Maryland:  De- 
bates, 100. 

Howard,  Thomas,  194. 

Howard,  William,  Representative  from  Ohio:  De- 
bates, 778. 

Howe,  John  W.,  Representative  from  Pennsyl- 
vania: Debates,  460. 

Howe,  Timothy  O.,  Senator  from  Wisconsin:  De- 
bates, 1158. 

Huger,  Benjamin,  Representative  from  South 
Carolina:  Debates,  110,  114. 

Hughes,  George  W.,  Representative  from  Mary- 
land: Debates,  776. 

Humphreys,  Lieut.  A.  A.,  409,  410,  412,  413,  416. 

Hunter,  RobertM.  T„  Senator  from  Virginia;  445; 
Debates,  349,  351,  353,  442,  461,  462,  505,  514, 

515,  521,  522,  525,  529,  531,  535,  536,  539,  540, 

547,  568,  569,  570,  572,  573,  575,  578,  581,  582, 

583,  597,  674,  675,  676,  682,  684,  713,  724,  725, 

1063, 1064,  1065;  Motion  by,  643;  Reports  by 
342,  430,  505,  506;  Resolution  by,  443. 

I. 

Illinois,  resolutions  of  constitutional  convention 
of,  on  removal  of  capital,  referred  to,  1091. 

Importation  of  foreign  workmen,  14,  16,  20,  21, 
22. 

Imported  stone,  1170. 
trees,  1171. 

Incandescent,  lamps,  13. 

Ingalls,  John  J.,  Senator  from  Kansas:  Bill  in- 
troduced by,  1030;  Debates,  938,  946,  948, 
949,  1165,  1221,  1230,  1231,  1234,  1235,  1252. 


INDEX. 


1299 


Ingersoll,  Charles  J.,  Representative  from  Penn- 
sylvania: Debates,  181. 

Ingle,  Henry,  113. 

Ingham,  Charles  C.,  341. 

Ingham,  Samuel  D.,  Representative  from  Penn- 
sylvania: Debates,  277,  1033. 

Inman,  George,  335,  340. 

Institute  of  Technology,  Boston,  Mass.,  972. 

Interior,  Department  of  the,  585,  790,  795,  799, 
800,  803,  804,  805,  806,  808,  815,  816,  821. 

Interior,  Secretary  of  the,  344,  346,  347,  348,  366, 
367,  376,  398,  401,  450,  461,  463,  464,  468,  477, 

515,  516,  517,  518,  552,  558,  566,  585,  743,  786, 

792,  793,  794,  795,  805,  808,  809,  811,  813,  814, 

820,  826,  830,  833,  841,  842,  854,  858,  862,  863, 

907  , 971,  972,  1022,  1023,  1024,  1025,  1028,  1054, 
1057,  1060,  1066,  1068,  1071  et  seq.,  1080, 

1082,  1083,  1084,  1086,  1087,  1106,  1113,  1136, 

1143,  1144,  1145,  1150,  1151,  1152,  1153,  1159, 

1161,  1172,  1177,  1178,  1200,  1203,  1230,  1237, 

1260,  1262,  1263,  1264,  1265,  1266,  1271. 

Inscription  on  plate  deposited  in  corner  stone, 
Old  Building,  29. 

Iowa,  resolutions  of  the  general  assembly  of, 
1089. 

Iron,  structural,  introduced  in  reconstructing 
Library  Room,  345,  347,  348. 

Ironwork,  Library  Room,  bidders  for,  348. 

Israel  African  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  1150. 

Italian  artists  employed,  797. 

Italian  marble,  660,  707,  741,  783, 819,  823,  628. 

Italian  painters  employed,  691. 

Italian  sculptors,  164,  169,  261,  266. 

Italy,  marble  capitals  from,  215,  218. 
chimney-pieces  from,  215. 

Iverson,  Alfred,  Senator  from  Georgia:  Debates, 
682,  683,  719,  754,  1006;  Resolution  offered 
by,  1005. 

Ittner,  Anthony,  Representative  from  Missouri: 
Debates, _914,  915,  920,  923. 


J- 

Jackson,  Gen.  Andrew,  1190. 

Jackson,  John  G.,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Debates,  126,  127,  128,  155,  1032. 

Jacobs,  Cornelius,  551,  553. 

James,  Charles  T.,  Senator  from  Rhode  Island: 
Debates,  599,  600,  601,  602,  604,  605. 

Janes,  Fowler,  Kirtland  & Co.,  1030. 

Jarvis,  Leonard,  Representative  from  Maine:  De- 
bates, 317;  Report  by,  319. 

Jefferson,  Thomas,  104,  111,  115,  119,  124,  131,  145, 
146,  173,  436,  1039;  Letters  from,  14,  16, 17,  20, 
23,  26,  28,  96,  145,  173;  Letters  to,  16,  17,  97, 
103, 104,  157;  Messages  of,  100,  103;  Statue  of, 
825,  826,  827. 

Jeffris  Company,  985. 

Jenckes,  Thomas  A.,  Representative  from  Rhode 
Island:  Debates,  868,  869. 

Jewett,  Luther,  Representative  from  Vermont: 
Debates,  186. 

Johnson,  Andrew,  Representative  from  Ten- 
nessee: Debates,  458,  489.  Senator  from 
Tennessee:  Amendment  offered  by,  723; 
Debates,  684,  685,  686,  687,  688,  689,  690,  713, 
719,  720,  721,  722,  723,  724,  760. 


Johnson,  James,  Representative  from  Virginia; 
Debates,  225. 

Johnson,  Prof.  Walter  R.,  551,  559,  566,  1001,  1019. 

Johnson,  Reverdy,  Senator  from  Maryland:  De- 
bates, 846,  1055,  1078,  1079. 

Johnson,  Richard  M.,  Representative  from  Ken- 
tucky. Debates,  173,  326;  Report  by,  173. 
Senator  from  Kentucky:  Debates,  298. 

Johnson,  Robert  W.,  Senator  from  Arkansas:  De- 
bates, 595,  596,  597,  604,  605,  606,  714,  720,  761, 
762,  765,  766;  Motion  by,  595. 

Johnson,  Thomas,  14,  16,  17,  18,  21,  22,  24,  25,  26, 
29,  30,  31,  32. 

Johnson,  William  Cost,  Representative  from 
Maryland:  Debates,  336. 

Jones,  Alfred,  341. 

Jones,  Charles,  Senator  from  Florida,  1226. 

Jones,  Frank,  Representative  from  New  Hamp- 
shire, 922,  923. 

Jones,  George  W.,  Representative  from  Tennes- 
see: Debates,  444,  454,  463, 645,  701,  728, 1053, 
1054. 

Jones,  James  C.,  Senator  from  Tennessee:  Resolu- 
tion offered  by,  595. 

Jones,  J.  Glancy,  Representative  from  Pennsyl- 
vania: Debates,  672,  674,  690,  691,  692,  693, 
700,  701, 1010. 

Jones,  John  W.,  Representative  from  Virginia, 
408. 

Jones,  T.  A.,  938. 

Judiciary  building,  referred  to,  41. 

K. 

Kalbfleisch,  Martin,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Debates,  837. 

Kasson,  John  A.,  Representative  from  Iowa: 
Debates,  364,  856,  857,  1166. 

Kearney,  John,  91. 

Kearney,  Lieut.  Col.  James,  506,  508,  509,  525. 

Keitt,  L.  M.,  Representative  from  South  Carolina: 
Debates,  611,  616,  624,  633,  639,  640,  664,  990; 
Report  by,  729. 

Kellogg,  Stephen  W.,  Representative  from  Con- 
necticut: Debates,  1128, 1137. 

Kenna,  J.  E.,  Senator  from  West  Virginia:  De- 
bates, 951,  952. 

Kennedy,  Anthony,  Senator  from  Maryland: 
Debates,  762,  763. 

Kensett,  John  F.,  749,  755,  773. 

Kent,  Joseph,  Representative  from  Maryland, 
264:  Debates,  174,  1036. 

Kernan,  Francis,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Amendment  offered  by,  827,  830;  Debates, 
827,  828,  829. 

Kerr,  Joseph,  Senator  from  Ohio:  Debates,  176. 

Kerr,  Michael  C.,  Representative  from  Indiana: 
Debates,  878,  879,  880. 

Kelsey,  William  H.,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Debates,  728,  1102,  1104. 

Key,  Philip  B.,  32;  Representative  from  Mary- 
land: Debates,  161. 

King,  John  B.  & Co.,  348. 

King,  Preston,  Senator  from  New  York:  Debates, 
753. 

King,  Rufus  H.,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  649. 


1300 


INDEX. 


King,  Rufus,  Senator  from  New  York:  Debates, 
1S9. 

King,  William  R.,  Senator  from  Alabama:  De- 
bates, 339. 

Kitchell,  Aaron,  Representative  from  New  Jersey: 
Debates,  47. 

Klotz,  Robert,  Representative  from  Pennsylva- 
nia: Amendment  offered  by,  925,  926;  De- 
bates, 925,  926,  927,  928. 

Knowles,  William,  470. 

Kremer,  George,  Representative  from  Pennsyl- 
vania: Debates,  260. 

Kunkel,  Jacob  M.,  Representative  from  Mary- 
land: Debates,  767. 

L. 

Labels  on  trees,  1185. 

Labor,  wages  of,  from  1793  to  1818,  232,  233. 

1818  and  1820, 240. 

1821, 247. 

Laborers  employed,  33. 

Laborers,  importation  of,  16. 

Lacock,  Abner,  Senator  from  Pennsylvania:  De- 
bates, 176, 180. 

Lamar,  L.  Q.  C.,  1237,  1260. 

Lambdin,  James  R.,  749,  755,  773. 

Lane,  Samuel,  190,  193,  194,  195,  198,  200,  204, 
206,  207,  211,  212,  214,  215,  217,  219,  220,  221, 
223,  224,  227,  228,  229,  232,  234,  239,  240,  241, 
242,  243,  244,  247,  267,  1034. 

Landers,  Franklin,  Representative  from  Indiana: 
Debates,  891. 

Landscape  architect,  12, 1153,  1157, 1158, 1162,1163, 
1170,  1182,  1183,  1184,  1197,  1199,  1215,  1216, 
1217,  1218,  1219,  1220,  1225,  1227,  1229,  1230, 
1231, 1232, 1237,  1250. 

Lathrop,  R.  H.,  348. 

Larabee,  Charles  H.,  Representative  from  Wis- 
consin: Report  by,  743. 

Latrobe,  Benjamin  Henry,  12,  104,  107,  110,  111, 
114,  115,  119,  120,  126,  129, 131,  142,  145,  146, 
151,  154,  155,  156,  157,  160,  162,  163,  167,  169, 
185,  190,  191,  193,  194,  196,197,  198,  199,  210, 
220,  221,  222, 374,  436. 

Latrobe,  Henry  I.,  161. 

Law  Library  Room,  see  under  Old  Building. 

Law  Library,  757,  763,  764,  765. 

Law,  Mr.,  16. 

Leavenworth,  Elias  Warren,  Representative  from 
New  York:  Amendment  offered  by,  904; 
Debates,  890,  902,  904,  905,  906. 

Leckie,  Robert,  199,  228,  1041. 

Lee,  Mass.,  marble  from,  11,  819,  823,  825. 
marble  quarries  at,  740,  741,  742. 

Lee,  Capt.  Thomas  J.,  506,508,509,525. 

Lee,  — , 1037. 

Lee,  Richard  B.,186. 

L’Enfant,  Maj.  Peter  Charles,  101. 

Lenox,  Mr.,  89. 

Lenthall, , death  by  collapse  of  Senate  floor, 

Old  Building,  147. 

Leonard,  Stephen  B.,  Representative  from  New 
Y'ork:  Report  by,  336. 

Letcher,  John,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Debates,  639,  640,  641,  673,  691,  693,  767, 1010; 
Report  by,  727. 

Leutze,  E.,  810,  816. 


Levant  marble,  819. 

Lewis,  Joseph,  jr.,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Debates  126,  127,  128,  138,  155,  161,  165,  174, 
180,  181,  184,  185,  186. 

Liberty  cap,  correspondence  concerning,  997. 

Liberty,  Goddess  of,  see  Freedom,  statue  of. 

Liberty’s  helmet,  998. 

Library  Room,  12.  See  also  under  Old  Building. 

Library  section,  remodeling,  377,  378,  379,390,391, 
392,  396,  398,  399,  401,  402,  404,  406.  See  also 
under  Old  Building. 

Librarian  of  Congress,  373,  377,  378,  379. 

Library  of  Congress,  852,  854,  911,  1108. 
building  for,  referred  to,  1258, 1259. 
report  of  Commission  on  new,  1266. 

Library,  Joint  Committee  on  the,  755,  771,  772, 
854,  875,  884,  888,  889,  907,  924,  929,  933,  938, 
939. 

to  have  supervision  of  selection  of  art  works, 
671,  674,  676,  683,  691,  701,  702,  706. 

Lighting  Capitol  and  Grounds,  13,  924,  925,  939. 

Lincoln,  Abraham,  791. 

Lincoln,  Levi,  Representative  from  Massachu- 
setts, 337. 

Little,  John  S.,  Representative  from  Arkansas: 
Debates,  1279. 

Little,  Peter,  Representative  from  Maryland: 
Debates,  299. 

Livermore,  Arthur,  Representative  from  New 
Hampshire:  Debates,  225. 

Livingston,  Edward,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Debates,  82. 

Livingston,  Leonidas  F.,  Representative  from 
Georgia,  391. 

Lloyd,  James,  Senator  from  Massachusetts:  De- 
bates, 149,  153,  276. 

Lloyd,  James  T.,  Representative  from  Missouri: 
Debates,  384. 

Loan  asked  for  by  the  Commissioners,  38. 

Loan  authorized  for  restoration  of  public  build- 
ings destroyed  in  1814, 185. 

Loan  recommended  by  House  Committee,  40,  62. 

Loan  by  the  Bank  of  Columbia,  96,  223. 

Loan,  act  authorizing,  75. 
act  supplementary  to  act  authorizing,  83. 
debate  on  in  the  House,  43,  45,  47,  49,  53,  57,  63. 
proceedings  in  the  Senate,  74,  75. 

Loan  from  bank,  223. 

from  State  of  Maryland,  98,  99,  100,  102,  103,  150. 

payment  of,  referred  to,  100,  102, 103. 
recommended  by  the  President,  38. 
references  to,  33,  36, 100,  102,  103,  125, .126. 

Location  of  Capitol,  etc.,  24,  25. 

Logan,  John  A.,  Senator  from  Illinois:  Debates, 
873. 

Loring,  G.  B.,  Representative  from  Massachu- 
setts: Debates,  910,  912,  913,  914,  915,  922,923. 

Lots,  sale  of  city,  39,  41,  43,  96,  97, 100, 102, 103, 150, 
187,  188,  229,  232. 

Love,  John,  Representative  from  Virginia:  De- 
bates, 161. 

Lovejoy,  Owen,  Representative  from  Illinois:  De- 
bates, 670. 

Loud,  Eugene  F.,  Representative  from  California: 
Debates,  1280,  1281. 

Lowndes,  William,  Representative  from  South 
Carolina:  Debates,  173. 

Lukie,  Mr.,  222. 


INDEX. 


1301 


Lyman,  William,  Representative  from  Massa-  [ 
chusetts:  Debates,  50. 

Lyon,  F.  B.,  402,  403,  404. 

Lyon,  Matthew,  Representative  from  Kentucky: 
Debates,  127,  155,  161. 

M. 

Machen,  Thomas,  143. 

Macomb,  Capt.  J.  N.,  785. 

Macon,  Nathaniel,  Representative  from  North 
Carolina:  Debates,  45,  127,  155,  165,  166,  184; 
Senator  from  North  Carolina:  Debates,  301, 
1036. 

Maddox,  John  W.,  Representative  from  Georgia: 
Debates,  381. 

Maher,  James,  1190. 

Mahon,  Right  Hon.  Viscount,  736. 

Mahone,  William,  Senator  from  Virginia:  Amend- 
ment offered  by,  1030,1031;  Debates,  942, 1030, 
1031,  1247,  12.54. 

Madison,  James,  President,  162,  163,  166,  169,  171, 
172,  185,  186,  746;  Messages  of,  162,  163,  166, 
169,  186;  Proclamation  of,  171;  Representa- 
tive from  Virginia:  Debates,  48. 

Malarial  poison,  1183, 1184. 

Mall,  the,  1186. 

Mallary,  Rollin  C.,  Representative  from  Vermont: 
Debates,  278,  1036. 

Mallory,  Robert,  Representative  from  Kentucky: 
Debates,  358,  359,  838. 

Mallory,  Stephen  R.,  Senator  from  Florida: 
Debates,  713,  762. 

Mangum,  Willie  P.,  Senator  from  North  Carolina: 
Debates,  499,  502,  503,  504,  529,  531,  537. 

Mapes,  James  J.,  341. 

Maps  of  Federal  City,  182. 

Marble,  222,  635,  707,  708. 

Marble  columns,  215,  220,  221, 607,  608,  613. 

Marble  from  the  Potomac,  23, 

Marble  quarries,  191,  204,  516,  558. 

Marble  selected  for  walls  of  Extensions,  450,  451. 

Marshall,  Edward  C.,  Representative  from  Cali- 
fornia: Debates,  454. 

Marshall,  Humphrey,  Representative  from  Ken- 
tucky: Amendments  offered  by,  672,  673, 
701;  Debates,  632,  671,  672,  673,  695,  696;  Re- 
port by,  729. 

Marvin,  Dudley,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  299. 

Maryland,  cession  of  district  10  miles  square  by, 

5,  7,  10. 

President's  message  concerning,  7,  10. 

President’s  proclamations  concerning,  7,  9. 

Maryland,  donation  by,  96,  150,  184,  187,  188,  229, 
230. 

Maryland,  loan  from,  98,  99,  100,  102,  103,  125,  126, 
150. 

Maryland  marble,  628,  660,  818,  819,  823. 

Maryland  marble  quarries,  781. 

Maryland  side  of  Potomac,  public  buildings  to  be 
on,  9. 

Mason,  James  M.,  Senator  from  Virginia  : Amend- 
ment offered  by,  721;  Debates,  497,  690,  711, 
712,  713,  714,  715,  716,  717,  718,  721,  725,  750, 
764. 

Mason,  Jeremiah,  Senator  from  New  Hampshire: 
Debates,  176. 


Mason,  John  C.,  Representative  from  Kentucky 
Amendment  offered  by,  490,  491,  492. 

Mason,  Lieut.  Col.  J.  L.,  506,  508,  526. 

Mason,  Mr.,  21. 

Masons,  importation  of,  16,  22. 
employment  of,  21. 
memorial  of,  30. 

Massachusetts  marble,  667,  707,  708,  738,  739,  740, 
742,  819,  823,  825. 

Masters,  Josiah,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  126. 

Materials,  prices  of,  from  1793  to  1818,  232,  233. 
1818  and  1820,  240. 

1821,  247. 

Mausoleum  for  remains  of  Washington,  referred 
to,  317. 

Maynard,  Horace,  Representative  from  Tennes- 
see: Amendments  offered  by,  693,  784;  De- 
bates, 693,  694,  777,  784,  820,  856,  857,  871,  881, 
882,  885,  886,  888,  889,  1114,  1115,  1122,  1127, 
1128,  1136;  Resolution  by,  729. 

Mayor  of  Washington,  D.  C.,  1105. 

McArthur,  Duncan,  Representative  from  Ohio: 
Debates,  260. 

McCleary,  James  T.,  Representative  from  Minne- 
sota: Debates,  381. 

McClellan,  Abraham,  Representative  from  Ten- 
nessee: Debates,  336. 

McClellan,  George  B.,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Debates.  384. 

McClellan,  John,  1021,  1023. 

McDonald,  Joseph  E.,  Senator  from  Indiana:  De- 
bates, 1208. 

McDowell,  Gen.  Irwin,  789. 

McDuffie,  George,  Representative  from  South 
Carolina:  Report  by,  268. 

Mclntire, , 16,  17. 

McKean,  Thomas  V.,  618. 

McKeon,  John,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Report  by,  335. 

McKim,  Alexander,  Representative  from  Mary- 
land: Debates,  181,185. 

McKnight,  Robert,  Representative  from  Pennsyl- 
vania: Amendment  offered  by,  820;  De- 
bates, 806,  807,  820. 

McLanahan,  J.,  Representative  from  Pennsylva- 
nia: Debates,  478. 

McLane,  Louis,  Representative  from  Delaware: 
Debates,  269. 

McLane,  Robert  M.,  Representative  from  Mary- 
land: Debates,  440. 

McLean,  William,  Representative  from  Ohio;  De- 
bates, 299. 

McMillan,  S J.  R.,  Senator  from  Minnesota:  De- 
bates', 1208. 

McMillin,  Benton,  Representative  from  Tennes- 
see: Debates,  926,  927,  932. 

McMullin,  Fayette,  Representative  from  Virgin- 
ia: Debates,  460,  478,  492.  647,  648,  649. 

McNair,  John,  Representative  from  Pennsylva- 
nia, 559,  1001;  Debates,  459,  460,  463,  469,470, 
471,  472,  473,  475,  476,  477,  478,  480,  485,  486, 
487,  490,  493,  494,  495,  496,  499;  Resolution 
by,  459. 

McPherson,  Edward,  Representative  from  Penn- 
sylvania: Debates,  803,  804,  805,  807. 

McRae,  John  J.,  Representative  from  Mississippi: 
Debates,  728. 


1302 


INDEX, 


Meaeham,  James,  Representative  from  Vermont: 
Debates,  459. 

Meads,  S.,  143. 

Mechanics  and  laborers,  importation  of,  14, 16, 20, 

21,  22. 

Mechanics  and  workmen  suffer  from  stoppage  of 
work  on  Extensions  in  1851,  452, 454, 459, 461, 
462,  468,  488,  489,  492,  493,  498,  522,  534,  541, 
542, 544,  545,  546,  547,  548. 

Mechanics  and  workmen,  employment  of,  14,  16, 

20,  21,  22. 

Medal  offered  for  plan  of  Capitol,  15. 

Meigs,  Capt.  Montgomery  C.,  585,  586, 587,  591,  592, 
594,  602,  610,  611,  613,  614,  615,  616,  617,  618, 

627,  631,  634,  635,  636,  638,  639,  641,  642,  651, 

656,  657,  659,  660,  665,  609,  673,  692,  695,  698, 

699,  702,  705,  708,  714,  726,  727,  736,  740,  741, 

742,  753,  754,  785,  786,  991,  992,  993,  997,  999, 

1000,  1002,  1004,  1005,  1006,  1007,  1009,  1010, 
1011, 1012, 1019;  General,  12,  373,  376,  791,  792, 
793,  794,  796,  797,  798,  802,  805,  806,  807,  820, 
821. 

Meigs,  Henry,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Report  by,  230, 

Melodeon,  The,  Boston,  Mass.,  588. 

Memorial  of  American  artists,  729,  733. 
of  Commissioners  of  the  Public  Buildiings,  38, 
79,  97. 

of  Masons,  30. 

Mercer,  Charles  F.,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Debates,  278,  290,  294,  299,  300,  326,  333,  1050. 

Meriwether,  David,  Representative  from  Georgia: 
Debates,  104;  Senator  from  Kentucky,  550. 

Merriam,  Clinton  L.,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Debates,  887. 

Merrick  & Sons,  1019. 

Messages  of  Presidents  of  the  United  States,  7,  10, 
11,  38,  79,  100,  103,  104,  111,  115,  119,  124,  131, 
146,  162,  163,  166,  169,  172,  186,  199,  200,  206, 
214,  215,  234,  241,  250,  256,  265,  279,  294,  452, 
515. 

Metal  file  cases,  House  wing,  974,  978,  981. 

Metropolitan  Hall,  New  York,  587. 

Metropolitan  Railroad  Company,  1073, 1075,  1076, 
1084,  1087,  1144. 

Miasmatic  poison,  1183. 

Miles,  William  Porcher,  Representative  from 
South  Carolina:  Debates,  709,  725,  726,  728, 
729;  Report  by,  727;  Resolutions  offered  by, 
709,  728. 

Miller,  Morris  S.,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  173. 

Miller,  Stephen  D.,  Senator  from  South  Carolina: 
Debates,  319. 

Miller  & Coates,  739. 

Mills,  Clark,  776,  1023,  1025. 

Mills,  Robert,  304,  307,  316,  319,  320,  324,  328,  334, 
335,  338,  366,  430,  431,  446,  448, 1045, 1047, 1051. 
memorial  of,  431,  437. 

Miner,  Charles,  Representative  from  Pennsyl- 
vania: Debates,  280,  281. 

Minton,  the  Messrs.,  739. 

Mitchell,  James  C.,  Representative  from  Tennes- 
see: Debates,  294,  300. 

Mitchill,  Samuel  L.,  Representative  from  New 
Y'ork:  Debates,  103,  104. 

Monroe,  James,  198,  199,  200,  £06,  214,  215,  220,  222, 
223,  234,  241,  250,  256,  265. 


Monument,  the  Washington,  499. 

Moody,  William  H.,  Representative  from  Massa- 
chusetts: Debates,  381,  382,  383,  389 
Moore,  Jesse  H.,  Representative  from  Illinois: 
Debates,  1121, 1122, 1130, 1135. 

Moore,  Henry  D.,  Representative  from  Pennsyl- 
vania: Debates,  460,  491. 

Morgan,  Edwin  B.,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Debates,  670,  696,  726. 

Morgan,  George  W.,  Representative  from  Ohio: 
Debates,  1131, 1137. 

Morgan  & Rhinehart,  1021,  1023. 

Morin,  General,  854,  898. 

Morrill,  Justin  S.,  Representative  from  Vermont: 
Amendment  offered  by,  837;  Debates,  359, 
365,  834,  835,  836;  Resolution  by,  356;  Sena- 
tor from  Vermont  : Amendments  offered  by, 

872,  1107,  1112,  1150,  1177,  1203;  Bills  intro- 
duced by,  1086,  1088,  1105,  1107,  1154,  1163, 

1167,  1228,  1230;  Debates,  369,  370,  371,  872, 

873,  874,  875,  938,  940,  941,  942,  943,  944,  945, 

946,  947,  948,  949,  950,  1086,  1087,  1088,  1090, 
1091,  1092,  1096,  1107,  1142,  1146,  1148,  1149, 

1154,  1155,  1456,  1157,  1158,  1163,  1164,  1165, 

1168,  1174,  1175,  1176,  1177,  1178,  1179,  1201, 

1202,  1203,  1204,  1205,  1207,  1208,  1209,  1212, 

1213,  1214,  1215,  1216,  1217,  1219,  1220,  1221, 

1222,  1230,  1231,  1235,  1236,  1242,  1244,  1254; 

Motion  made  by,  938. 

Morrill,  Lott  M.,  Senator  from  Maine:  Debates, 
1158. 

Morris,  Edward  Joy,  Representative  from  Penn- 
sylvania: Report  by,  727,  729. 

Morris,  George  P.,  341. 

Morris,  Greenleaf  & Nicholson,  98. 

Morris  & Greenleaf,  86. 

Morris,  James  R.,  Representative  from  Ohio: 
Debates,  829. 

Morris,  Thomas,  Representative  from  New  Y'ork: 
Debates,  104. 

Morse,  Samuel  B.  F.,  340. 

Morton,  John  L.,  341. 

Morton,  Oliver  P.,  Senator  from  Indiana:  Debates, 
1100,  1203. 

Moses,  W.  B.,  & Sons,  985. 

Motors  in  the  Capitol,  number  of,  13. 
Muhlenberg,  Frederick  Augustus  Conrad,  Repre- 
sentativefromPennsylvania:  Debates, 47, 53. 
Mullet,  J.  B.,  923. 

Munroe,  Charles  E.,  376. 

Munroe,  Thomas,  96,  99,  103,  124,  141,  145,  150,  167, 
173,  189. 

Murray,  William  Vans,  Representative  from  Mary- 
land: Debates,  44, 49, 60, 51, 53, 59,  60, 61, 69, 71. 
Music  Hall,  Boston,  Mass.,  588. 

N. 

Nason  & Dodge,  666. 

National  Academy  of  Design,  341. 

National  Board  of  Health,  1183. 

National  Intelligencer,  The,  615. 
advertisement  in, inviting  plans  for  Extensions, 
445. 

National  University,  1033. 

“Naval  Monument,”  1049,  1178,  1179,  1203,  1204, 
1208,  1235,  1236. 

Navy,  Secretary  of  the,  338,  566, 1137. 


INDEX. 


1303 


Neal,  Henry  S.,  Representative  from  Ohio:  De- 
bates, 936,  937. 

Negro  laborers,  22. 

Nelson,  Jeremiah,  Representative  from  Massa- 
chusetts, 255:  Debates,  1032,  1036. 

Nelson,  Roger,  Representative  from  Maryland: 
Debates,  114,  155. 

Nelson,  Thomas  M.,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Debates,  1033. 

Newcomb,  Carman  A.,  Representative  from  Mis- 
souri: Debates,  862. 

Newlands,  Francis  G.,  Representative  from  Ne- 
vada: Debates,  385,  394. 

New  York,  battle  ship,  authorization  of  comple- 
tion of,  1281. 

Nicholas,  John,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Debates,  45,  48,  56,  58,  59,  66,  82. 

Nicholson,  Joseph  H.,  Representative  from  Mary- 
land: Report  by,  100. 

Niblack,  William  E.,  Representative  from  Indi- 
ana: Debates,  1152. 

Niblo’s  Theater,  New  York,  587. 

Nineveh,  729. 

Noble,  John  W.,  1262,  1263, 1271. 

Noland,  W.,  327,  328,  330,  331,  833,  336, 1051,  1052. 

O. 

Occupation  of  Capitol  by  troops,  812,  813. 

Office  building  for  House  of  Representatives, 
1272,  1277. 

Old  Building,  The: 

Alterations  in  plans  after  construction  was 
begun,  31,  35,  37,  108,  109,  189,  336. 

„ acts  authorizing,  104,  189. 

Announced  complete,  301. 

Appropriations  for,  104,  111,  115,  119,  125,  128, 
129,  144,  155,  156,  161,  169,  170,  185,  198,  200, 

206,  213,  230,  231,  233,  239,  241,  246,  248,  250, 

256,  261,  267,  268,  279,  294,  301,  325,  326,  329, 

331,  335,  336,  339,  341,  344,  352,  356,  361,  366, 

367,  368,  369,  372,  376,  396,  404. 

for  restoration  of,  after  burning  in  1814, 185. 

Area  wall  and  terrace,  Western  front,  271,  273, 
275,  276,  277,  278,  282,  293,  294,  295,  296,  297, 
299,  300. 

Art  works  for,  975,  994,  1027. 

Bricks,  33. 

to  be  used  for  walls,  15, 
discarded  for  outer  walls,  29. 

Burning  of,  by  the  British,  171,  172,  173. 

Capitals,  marble,  215,  218. 


Center 

building,  152, 

, 186, 

205, 

206, 

, 207, 

208, 

211, 

212, 

213, 

214,  216, 

217, 

218, 

224, 

226, 

229, 

231, 

233, 

234, 

235,  237, 

238, 

239, 

241, 

242, 

243, 

244, 

246, 

247, 

248,  249, 

250, 

251, 

253, 

254, 

255, 

256, 

258, 

261, 

262,  264, 

265, 

266, 

267, 

311, 

361, 

368, 

374, 

376. 

distribution  of  rooms  in,  263,  264. 
enlargement  proposed  in  1844  for  a Repre- 
sentatives’ Hall,  421,  422,  424,  429. 
fireproofing,  377,  402,  405,  406. 
heating,  710. 

new  committee  rooms  in,  401,  402. 
new  roof  on,  369,  402,  405,  980. 
reconstructing  roof,  402,  405. 
remodeling,  377,  378,  379,  390,  391,  392,  396, 
398,  399,  401,  402,  404,  406. 


Old  Building,  The— Continued. 

Chimney-pieces,  215. 

Committee  Reports  on,  House,  80,  95,  100,  106, 
173,  174,  189,  202,  205,  210,  216,  225,  230,  235, 
237,  242,  246,  247,  251,  252,  253,  254,  258,  261, 
264,  266,  268,  270,  271,  282,  379. 
concerning  the  public  buildings,  etc.,  95,  100. 
on  loan  to  Federal  City,  40,  62,  100. 
recommending  first  appropriation  for  com- 
pleting the  public  buildings,  80. 

Committee  Reports  on,  Senate,  149,  153,  213,  262, 
342. 

Committee  rooms,  Old  Library  section,  401,  402. 

Completion  of,  272,  282. 

Contractors  for  stone  work  discharged,  35. 

Cornerstone  laying,  29. 

Covered  way  between  North  and  South  wings, 
99. 

Debates  on,  in  House,  43,  45,  47,  49,  53,  57,  63, 110, 

118,  124,  126,  128,  138,  143,  144,  161,  165,  168, 

170,  174,  180,  181,  184,  225,  249,  259,  269,  280, 

288,  299,  300,  301,  317,  318,  326,  355,  356,  357, 

362,  378,  390,  391,  392. 

on  appropriation  for  completing  the  public 
buildings  (1798),  82,  83. 

Debates  on,  in  Senate,  110,  111,  128,  143, 144,  149, 
152,  154,  160,  161,  176,  276,  298,  318,  339,  349, 
352,  369,  372,  390,  391. 

Decorations,  988. 

Destruction  of,  by  the  British,  171,  172,  173. 

Dimensions  of,  11. 

Dome,  198,  201,  221,  243,  244,  245,  249,  250,  251,  253, 
257,  279,  327,  329,  335,  447,  724. 
enlarging,  437. 

removal  of,  638,  990,  993,  1003,  1005,  1006,  1008, 
1009,  1015. 

Donations  from  Maryland  and  Virginia  for,  150. 

Drainage  of,  967,  969,  970. 

Drawings  and  plans  for  Capitol,  15,  85,  108,  151. 

Eastern  portico,  27,  28,  253,  257,  259,  266, 267, 268, 
269,  271,  274,  279,  295,  375,  447. 
prominence  of,  needed,  1264,  1269,  1277. 

Employment  of  workmen  and  mechanics  on, 
14,  16,  20,  21,  22. 

Enclosing  square  around,  226.  See  also  under 
Grounds. 

Expenditures  on,  125,  137,  149,  150,  162,  166,  173, 
186,  187,  188,  193,  197,  200,  202,  207,  219,  224, 
229,  230,  232,  234,  239,  248,  249,  253,  254,  255, 
256,  262,  267,  279,  280,  294,  301,  311,  327,  329, 
346. 

for  rebuilding  wings,  311. 

External  work  on,  pronounced  nearly  finished, 
1822. 

Foundation  of,  34,  35. 
found  defective,  35,  36. 

Fountain,  329. 

Freestone,  walls  ordered  to  be  of,  29. 
work  begun,  36. 

Frescoes,  372. 

Historical  paintings,  755,  756. 

Improvements  on,  335. 
recommended  in  1848,  425,  429. 

Inscription  on  plate  deposited  in  corner  stone,  29. 

Law  Library  Room,  352,  355,  356,  368,  382,  384,  385, 
386, 388, 390, 392, 393, 394,  395,  757,  763,  764, 765. 

Leaks  in  roof,  91,  122,  129,  161,  332. 


1304 


INDEX, 


Old  Building,  The— Continued. 

Library  Boom,  12,  153,  154,  257,  263,  266,  269,  270, 
279. 

burning  of,  in  1851,  341,  342,  347,  361. 
enlargement  of,  proposed  in  1844,  fora  Repre- 
sentatives' Hall,  421,  422,  424,  429. 
enlargement  proposed  in  1850, 431, 433, 437, 448. 
enlargement  of,  in  1852,  341,  344,  347,  348,  349, 
352. 

enlargement  of,  in  1865,  362,  366,  367,  368. 
Library  section,  new  committee  rooms,  401,  402, 
980,  988,  989. 

Lime,  33. 

Marble  columns  for,  215,  218,  220,  221. 

Masonry,  30,  31. 

time  work  and  piecework,  31. 

North  wing,  80,  105,  106,  112,  115,  117,  121,  122, 

123,  125,  127,  130,  134,  136,  145,  146,  147,  149, 

150,  152,  155,  156,  157,  158,  159,  160,  162,  163, 

164,  165,  167,  168,  170,  191,  196,  207,  210,  212, 

213,  218,  225,  230,  233,  297. 
defective  roof  of,  116,  121, 161. 
roof  of,  129,  209,  369. 

Offices,  external,  etc.,  269,  272,  273,  275,  276,  282, 

283,  284, 288,  289,  290, 291, 294, 295, 296, 297, 299. 
Paintings,  in,  301,  302,  335,  340,  369,  372,  373,  376, 

976,  976. 

Passageway,  of  wood,  between  North  and  South 
wings,  99. 

Plans  of,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18,  19,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26, 
27,  28,  80,  31,  35,  107,  127. 

Plastering,  breaches  in,  89,  91. 

Portico,  East  front,  27,  28,  253,  257,  259,  266,  267, 
268,  269,  271,  274,  279,  295,  447. 

Premium  for  plans  of,  25. 

Progress  on,  reported,  1796,  62,  76,  78. 

1798,  80,  84. 

1799,  86,  87,  88,  89. 

1800,  92. 

1801,  99. 

1802,  103. 

1804,  104,  107,  111,  114. 

1805,  115. 

1807,  129. 

1808,  131, 141,  146,  151. 

1809,  155,  157. 

1810,  160, 162. 

1811,  162,  167. 

1816,  190. 

1817,  193,  197. 

1818,  201,  205,  207,  209,  2117 

1819,  210,  215. 

1820,  225,  234. 

1821,  238,  244. 

1822,  242,  247,  251. 

1823,  253,  254,  255,  257. 

1824,  258,  261,  265,  266. 

1826,  272,  279. 

1827,  282,  294. 

1852,  344,  347. 

References  to,  41. 

Repainting,  812,  813. 

Representatives’  Hall,  12,  96,  112,  114,  119,  129, 
131,  133,  150,  159,  160,  161,  164,  170,  198,  201, 
206,  212,  218,  220,  222,  685,  688,  868. 
acoustic  defects  of,  133, 134,  235,  236,  260,  268, 

284,  285,  286,  287,  288,  304,  307,  310,  319,  320, 
429,  439,  526. 


Old  Building,  The— Continued. 

Representatives’  Hall — Continued, 
alterations  in,  234, 235, 236, 238,239, 241, 244, 251, 
252,  256,  257,  268,  284,  285,  286,  287,  288,  295, 
304,  307,  310,  319,  320,326,331,  333,  334,  369. 
ceiling,  119,  122,  132,  237. 
chandelier,  336,  337,  338. 
details  of  construction  of,  96. 
echoes,  406. 
furnaces  for,  339. 
furniture  for,  252. 
inadequacy  of,  425,  699. 
in  1843,  408. 
in  1844,  421. 
in  1848,  429. 
in  1850,  430,  439. 

used  as  Statuary  Hall,  356,  357  , 361,  362,  366, 
369,  372. 

ventilation  of,  377. 

Reservoirs,  329,  330. 

Restoration  of,  173, 174, 176, 180, 181, 184,  185, 191, 
192,  200,  201,  204,  225. 

Rotunda,  12,  218,  228,  234,  244,  251,  257,  259,  263, 

265,  266,  269,  274,  277,  285,  288,  291,  293,  295, 

296,  297,  318,  327,  331,  335,  336,  338,  362,  369, 

374,  376,  377,  391,  392,  396,  397,  402,  406,  446, 

745,  1001,  1006,  1009,  1014,  1018. 
estimated  cost  of  renovating  and  decorating, 
1274,  1275. 

ornamentation  of,  994,  1025,  1027,  1028. 
paintings  in,  301,  302,  977. 
proposed  remodeling  of,  866,  867,  868,  870. 
renovation  and  decoration  of,  1271,  1272,  1273, 
1274,  1275. 


statuary  in,  976. 

Sculpture  in,  164, 169, 170, 266, 269, 274, 277, 293,296. 

Senate  Chamber,  12,  106,  122,  145,  146,  147,  153, 
154,  155,  156,  157,  158,  160,  161,  170,  189,  198, 
201,  212,  213,  215,  218, 221 , 222, 430, 526, 685, 688. 
allegorical  clock  in,  256,  262,  269,  274. 
alterations  in,  233,  234,  238,  239,  241,  244,  276, 
285,  295,  298,  331. 

altered  for  use  of  Supreme  Court,  352,  355,  356, 
757,  758,  759,  760,  761,  762,  763,  764,  765. 
declared  large  enough  in  1852,  526. 
defective  ceiling  of,  121, 122,  134. 
floor  of,  collapse  of,  147. 
inadequacy  of,  599. 
new  roof  over,  369. 
seats  in,  298. 

Skylights,  122. 

South  wing,  80,  96,  105,  106,  114, 115, 117, 118, 119, 
120, 121, 122, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 131, 135, 136, 
137, 140, 144, 145, 146, 147, 149,150, 152, 157, 158, 
159, 164, 165, 167, 168, 190, 196,  205,  207,  210, 212, 
213,  218,  225,  230,  233. 

enlargement  of,  proposed  in  1843,  408, 410,  412, 
416,  417. 

fireproofing,  369. 
furniture  for,  136. 

House  Document  Room,  402,  403,  404,  407. 
necessity  for  rebuilding  walls  of,  105,  112,  113. 
new  roof  over,  369. 
rebuilding  walls  of,  112,  113. 
steel  shelving  in,  404,  407. 

Statuary  Hall,  356,357,  361,362,366,369,372,909, 
975, 976, 980. 

fireproof  ceiling,  402,405,406. 


INDEX. 


1305 


Old  Building,  The — Continued. 

Statues  in, 278, 975, 976. 

Supreme  Court  Chamber,  122,  127,  162,  205,  206, 
258, 259, 367, 368, 447,  755, 757,  758,  759,  760, 761, 
762, 763, 764.765,980. 
elevator  for,  971. 

explosion  and  fire  under,  in  1898, 376 
fireproof  ceiling,  402, 405. 
inadequate  in  1850,  430, 431. 
statuary  in,  975. 

ventilating  apparatus  for,  971,  972,  973. 

Water  supply  of,  210,  213,  224,  311,  312,  313,  316, 
325,  327,  329,  330,  331. 

Work  begun  on,  29. 

“Old  Put  leaving  his  plow,”  670. 

Olin,  Ctideon,  Representative  from  Vermont:  De- 
bates, 124. 

Olmsted,  Frederick  Law,  12, 1154, 1155,  1157, 1158, 
1159,  1160,  1161,  1162,  1163,  1164,  1167,  1170, 

1172,  1176,  1177,  1180,  1182,  1183,  1184,  1201, 

1202,  1203,  1209,  1211,  1213,  1215,  1216,  1217, 

1219,  1220,  1223,  1224,  1225,  1227,  1228,  1229, 

1230,  1232,  1233,  1234,  1237,  1238,  1239,  1241, 

1243,  1244,  1248,  1250,  1253. 

O’Neill,  Charles,  Representative  from  Pennsyl- 
vania: Debates,  911,  912,  916. 

Orr,  James  L.,  Representative  from  South  Caro- 
lina, 669,  705:  Debates,  459,  490,  491,  633. 

Orth,  Godlove  S.,  Representative  from  Indiana: 
Debates,  829. 

Ould,  Robert,  1070,  1074,  1077,  1083,  1086,  1143. 

Owen,  Doctor,  555. 

Owen,  Robert  Dale,  Representative  from  Indiana: 
Resolution  by,  421. 

P. 

Page,  John,  Representative  from  Virginia:  De- 
bates, 70. 

Page,  Horace  F.,  Representative  from  California: 
Debates,  935, 936. 

Paine,  William  W.,  Representative  from  Georgia, 
1099. 

Paintings  in  the  Capitol,  list  of,  976. 

Palmerston,  Lord,  854. 

Pantheon  of  Agrippa,  995. 

Parker,  James,  Representative  from  New  Jersey: 
Debates,  326, 1049. 

Parker,  Richard  Wayne,  Representative  from 
New  Jersey:  Debates,  388,  389,  395. 

Parking  Commission,  1187. 

Parliament,  English  Houses  of,  657,  854,  920. 

Parliamentary  Papers,  Great  Britain,  731,  734. 

Parthenon,  The,  730,  1131. 

Patterson,  David  T.,  Senator  from  Tennessee: 
Bill  introduced  by,  1080. 

Payne,  Sereno  E.,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  1282. 

Pearce,  James  A.,  Senator  from  Maryland,  430, 
676,  684,  690,  755,  756,  757. 

Pearce,  John  J.,  Representative  from  Pennsylva- 
nia: Debates,  633;  Resolution  by,  341. 

Pearson,  Joseph,  Representative  from  North 
Carolina:  Debates,  181. 

Peel,  Right  Hon.  Sir  Robert,  736,  847. 

Pendleton,  George  H.,  Representative  from  Ohio: 
Report  by,  727,  729. 


Penniman.  Ebenezer  J.,  Representative  from 
Michigan:  Debates,  463. 

Pennington,  William,  Representative  from  New 
Jersey,  744. 

Pericles,  730. 

Perkins,  John,  jr.,  Representative  from  Louisi- 
ana: Debates,  612. 

Permanent  seat  of  government,  act  establish- 
ing, 6. 

address  of  President  on,  10. 
amendatory  act,  9. 

message  of  President  concerning,  7,  10. 
proclamations  of  President  concerning,  7,  9. 

Perit,  P.,  341. 

Perry,  Aaron  F.,  Representative  from  Ohio:  De- 
bates, 1118. 

Persico,  Luigi,  318. 

Peters,  John  A.,  Representative  from  Maine:  De- 
bates, 1102,  1103,  1127,  1142. 

Peters,  Thomas,  1040. 

Pettit,  John  U.,  Representative  from  Indiana: 
Amendments  offered  by,  774,  775,  777;  De- 
bates, 770,  771,  772,  774,  775. 

Phelps,  Dodge  & Co.,  1021,  1023. 

Phelps,  John  S.,  Representative  from  Missouri: 
Debates,  632,  633,  634,  725,  768,  778,  779. 

Phelps,  Timothy  G.,  Representative  from  Cali- 
fornia: Debates,  821. 

Phidias,  701,  730,  1131. 

Pickens,  Israel,  Representative  from  North  Caro- 
lina: Debates,  173. 

Pickering,  Timothy,  Representative  from  Massa- 
chusetts: Debates,  184,  1032,  1033. 

Pickman,  Benjamin,  jr.,  Representative  from 
Massachusetts:  Debates,  165. 

Pierce,  Franklin,  585,  642,  643,  650,  656,  664,  790, 
795,  797,  799,  804,  805,  806. 

Piper,  William,  Representative  from  Pennsyl- 
vania: Debates,  169. 

Piper,  William  A. , Representative  from  California: 
Debates,  890,  1169,  1170. 

Plans  of  the  Capitol,  see  under  Extensions, 
Dome,  Old  Building,  and  Terraces. 

Plan  of  city  of  Washington,  10,  11,  14,  101. 

Plater,  Thomas,  Representative  from  Maryland: 
Debates,  114. 

Platt,  James  H,,  jr.,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Debates,  876,  877,  879,  886,  887,  1155,  1156. 

Plumb,  Preston  B.,  Senator  from  Kansas:  Debates, 
939,  940,  941,  945,  947,  949,  950,  951,  952,  1213, 
1247,  1260,  1261. 

Plumbing  of  the  Capitol,  956  et  seq. , 965  et  seq. , 970. 

Pnyx,  Athens,  1131. 

Poindexter,  George,  Senator  from  Mississippi: 
Debates,  318,  319. 

Poinsett,  Joel  Roberts,  Representative  from  South 
Carolina,  Minister  to  Mexico,  306. 

Poland,  Luke  P.,  Representative  from  Vermont: 
Debates,  1124,  1125,  1132,  1133,  1134. 

Polk,  James  K.,  Representative  from  Tennessee: 
Debates,  317. 

Polk,  Trusten,  Senator  from  Missouri:  Debates, 
675,  762. 

Pomeroy,  Samuel  C.,  Senator  from  Kansas:  De- 
bates, 1088. 

Pool  & Hunt,  994. 

Porter,  J.  M.,  408,  410,  424. 


1306 


INDEX. 


Portland  cement,  1181. 

Post-Office  Department  building,  referred  to,  41. 

Potomac  marble,  819. 

Potomac  River,  316,  1012. 

Potter,  Mr.,  1210. 

Potter,  Gen.  Carroll  H.,  1026. 

Potter,  Clarkson  N.,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Debates,  876,  879,  880,  1122,  1133. 

Powers,  Hiram,  613,  630, 637,  655, 825, 827, 1050, 1051. 

Pratt,  Thomas  G.,  Senator  from  Maryland:  De- 
bates, 1055,  1060. 

Pratt,  Zadock,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Report  by,  421. 

Praxiteles,  1131. 

Premiums  offered  for  plans  of  Capitol,  15,  445. 

President’s  House,  referred  to,  14, 15,  24,  41,  86. 

Presidents  of  United  States,  7, 9, 10, 11,  29, 104,  111, 
115,  119,  124,  131, 146, 157, 162, 163, 166, 169, 171, 
172,  182,  198,  199, 200, 206, 214, 215, 220, 222, 223, 
234,  241,  250,  256,265,279,294,301,344,445,448, 
449,  450,  451,  452, 471,  475, 493, 494, 509, 510, 511, 
513,  514,  515,  523, 525, 567, 568, 581, 584, 585, 594, 
610,  612,  613,  619, 620, 622, 623, 626,  631, 635, 637, 
638,  642,  643,  644, 650, 651, 656, 657, 659, 664, 665, 
671,  673,  692,  700, 702,  742, 743, 771, 772, 790, 791, 
797, 799, 804, 805, 813, 814, 825, 992, 993, 998, 1033, 
1034, 1035, 1048, 1049, 1063, 1069. 
addresses  of,  86,  89,  91,  92. 
letters  from,  15, 18,  20,  22,  24,  27,  28,  36,  76,  77, 96, 
145, 157, 185,  186,  198,  220. 
letters  to,  14,  25,  33,  35,  36,  37,  86,  97,  103, 104, 146, 
221,  223. 

messages  of,  7,  10,  11,  38,  79,100,  103,104,111,115, 
119,  124,  131,  146, 162, 163, 166, 169, 172, 186, 199, 
200,  206,  214,  215, 234,  241, 250, 256, 265, 279, 294, 
452,  515. 

portraits  of,  907. 
proclamations  of,  7,  9,  171. 

Preston,  Jacob  A.,  Representative  fromMaryla 
422. 

Price,  H.  G.,  615. 

Price,  Hiram,  Representative  from  Iowa:  Debates, 
358,  359,  360,  828,  860,  1028. 

Prices  of  materials,  from  1793  to  1818,  232,  233. 
in  1818  and  1820,  240. 
in  1821,  247. 

Pringle,  Benjamin,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Debates,  641. 

Proclamations  by  Presidents,  7,  9,  171. 

Propyltea,  Athens,  1131. 

Prospect  Park,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  1216. 

Provest,  Winter  & Co.,  628,  644,  651,  658,  659,  810. 

Prudhomme,  J.  F.  E.,  341. 

Pruyn,  John  Y.  L.,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Debates,  365, 834, 835, 862. 

Public  buildings  and  grounds,  officer  in  charge 
of,  884. 

Public  Buildings,  Committees  on,  of  House  and 
Senate,  to  confer  on  Extensions,  438, 440. 

Public  Buildings,  Senate  Committee  on,  adver- 
tise for  plans  for  Extensions,  445. 

Public  works,  clerk  of,  119, 161. 

Pugh,  George  E.,  Senator  from  Ohio:  Debates, 
710, 761, 762, 1063. 

Pumps,  steam,  number  of,  13. 

Puryear,  R.  C.,  Representative  from  North  Caro- 
lina, 645;  Debates,  644. 


Putnam,  Herbert,  377,  378,  379. 

Putnam,  Israel,  picture,  etc..,  670. 

Q- 

Quarries,  120,  187,  191,  204,  220,  221,  222,  229,  232, 
516,  558. 

Quartermaster-General,  Army,  791,  806,  807. 

Quarles,  James  M.,  Representative  from  Tennes- 
see: Debates,  767,  768,  778. 

Queen,  John,  194. 

Quitman,  John  A.,  Representative  from  Missis- 
sippi: Debates,  649,  692, 

R. 

Ramsey,  Alexander,  Senator  from  Minnesota, 
1100. 

Randall,  Samuel  J.,  Representative  from  Penn- 
sylvania, 930;  Debates,  934,  935,  936,  937. 
1161,  1237. 

Randolph,  Edmund,  34,  35,  36. 

Randolph,  John,  jr.,  Representative  from  Vir- 
ginia: Debates,  103,  104,  124,  138,  139,  143, 
161,225,637;  Senator  from  Virginia:  Debates, 
276,  277;  Report  by,  276. 

Ransom,  Matt.  W.,  Senator  from  North  Carolina: 
Debates,  1149. 

Reagan,  John  H.,  Representative  from  Texas: 
Debates,  774,  912,  914,  931,  932,  933;  Resolu- 
tion offered  by,  932. 

Redemptioners,  German,  importation  of,  20. 

Reed,  Philip,  Senator  from  Maryland:  Debates, 
144,  153. 

Reese,  Captain,  222. 

Reference  library  proposed,  377,  378,  379,  390,  391, 
392,  396. 

Removal  of  Capital  to  Mississippi  Valley  dis- 
cussed, 1089  et  seq.,  1104. 

Removal  of  the  Government  to  Washington,  act 
providing  for,  90. 
referred  to,  86,  91,  92. 

Renwick,  James,  341. 

Representatives  Hall,  see  under  Extensions  and 
Old  Building. 

Retrocession  to  Virginia  of  a part  of  the  District 
of  Columbia,  11. 

Reynolds,  James  B.,  Representative  from  Ten- 
nessee: Debates,  1032. 

Revier  Copper  Company,  1021,  1023. 

Rhea,  John,  Representative  from  Tennessee: 
Debates:  165,  166,  181,  185,  225,  1036. 

Rice,  Alexander  H.,  Representative  from  Massa- 
chusetts: Resolution  by,  842. 

Rice,  Baird  & Heebner,  628,  660,  667,  766,  740,  741, 
742,  743. 

Rice,  John  H.,  Representative  from  Maine:  Bill 
reported  by,  1080;  Debates,  357,  834,  835, 837, 
856,  857,  1080. 

Rice  & Heebner,  777, 778,  779,  780,  781,  810. 

Richards,  Matthias,  Representative  from  Penn- 
sylvania: Debates,  162. 

Richardson,  James  D.,  Representative  from  Ten- 
nessee, 978;  Debates,  383,  384,  385,  386,  387, 
388,  389,  390,  391,  392,  394,  1281. 

Richardson,  William  A.,  Representative  from 
Illinois,  438;  Debates,  453,  454,  804. 


INDEX. 


1307 


Richmond,  Va.,  granite  quarries,  516. 

Riddle,  George  R.,  Representative  from  Delaware: 
Resolution  by,  459. 

Ridgely,  E.  R.,  Representative  from  Kansas:  De- 
bates, 381. 

Ridgley,  Henry  M.,  Senator  from  Delaware:  De- 
bates, 301. 

Riggs,  George  W.,  1077. 

Rinehart,  William  H.,  825. 

Ringold,  French,  186. 

Robbins,  Asher,  Senator  from  Rhode  Island:  De- 
bates, 318. 

Robbins,  John,jr.,  Representative  from  Pennsyl- 
vania: Debates,  492. 

Robbins,  William  M.,  Representative  from  North 
Carolina:  Debates,  922. 

Roberts,  Anthony  E.,  Representative  from  Penn- 
sylvania, 645,  650. 

Roberts,  Jonathan,  Senator  from  Pennsylvania: 
Report  by,  213. 

Roberts,  W.  R.,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  1121,  1122,  1126. 

Robertson,  E.  W.,  Representative  from  Louisiana: 
Debates,  925. 

Robertson,  Thomas  B.,  Representative  from 
Louisiana:  Debates,  1032. 

Robeson,  George  M.,  Representative  from  New 
Jersey:  Debates,  931. 

Rochester,  William  B.,  Representative  from  New 
Yrork:  Debates,  1036. 

Rock  Creek,  316,  1046,  1047. 
woods  of,  1188. 

Rockwell,  Col.  A.  F.,  1187. 

Roe,  C.  McDermott,  29,  30,  36. 

Rogers,  J.  H.,  924,  925. 

Rogers,  Randolph,  655,  702,  736,  737,  744,  747,  755, 
770,  771,  774,  777,  778,  779,  782,  785,  809,  810, 
817,  825,  827. 

Roebling,  Mr.,  996. 

Rollins,  Edward  H.,  Senator  from  New  Hamp- 
shire, 1182;  Debates,  937,  938, 1223, 1225,  1226, 
1227;  Report  by,  937. 

Rooms  in  the  Capitol,  number  of,  13. 

Ross,  Edmund  G.,  Senator  from  Kansas:  Debates, 
1094. 

Ross,  General,  171. 

Roosevelt,  Clinton,  341. 

Roosevelt,  Robert  B.,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Debates,  1122,  1123,  1125. 

Rosecrans,  William  S.,  Representative  from  Cali- 
fornia: Debates,  1237. 

Root,  Erastus,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  1032. 

Rotunda,  see  under  Old  Building. 

Rusk,  Thomas  J.,  Senator  from  Texas:  Debates, 
442,  521,  522,  531,  536,  538,  543,  544,  545,  546, 
548,  1062. 

Rust,  Albert,  Representative  from  Arkansas:  De- 
bates, 633,  648. 

Rutherford,  Robert,  Representative  from  Vir- 
ginia: Debates,  50,  68. 

Rutledge,  John,  j r. , Representative  from  South 
Carolina:  Debates,  82,  94. 

S. 

Sackett,  William  A.,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Debates,  455, 456, 458. 

Sanderson’s  block,  District  of  Columbia,  1108. 


Sanitary  condition  bf  the  Capitol,  956  ei  seq.,  965 
et.  seq.,  970. 

Sanitary  experts,  report  of,  965. 

Sargent,  Aaron  A.,  Representative  from  Califor- 
nia: Debates,  870,  871,  876,  1118,  1119,  1120, 
1128, 1129, 1137, 1140, 1142'. 

Saul,  John,  1187. 

Saulsbury,  Eli,  Senator  from  Delaware:  Debates, 
954. 

Saunders,  William,  1186,  1187. 

Sawyer,  Philetus,  Senator  from  Wisconsin:  De- 
bates, 1148. 

Schenck,  Robert  C.,  Representative  from  Ohio: 
Debates,  360,  866,  1104. 

Schneider’s  Sons,  C.  A.,  398. 

Schoenborn,  August,  1271,  1274. 

Scofield,  Glenni  W.,  Representative  from  Penn- 
sylvania: Debates,  828,  855,  856,  1080,  1139, 
1140,  1141,  1142. 

Schurz,  Carl,  907,  1172,  1203,  1266. 

Scott,  Gen.  Winfield,  640,  789. 

Scott,  Gustavus,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36,  38,  79,  85,  86, 
89,  91. 

Scott,  Thomas  A.,  789. 

Scottish  workmen,  employment  of,  14,  16,  20. 

Scurry,  Richardson,  Representative  from  Texas: 
Debates,  492. 

Seat  of  Government,  act  establishing,  6. 
address  of  President  on,  10. 
amendatory  act,  9. 

message  of  President  concerning,  7,  10. 
proclamation  of  President  concerning,  7,  9. 

Secor  & Co.,  1137. 

Sedgwick,  Theodore,  Representative  from  Mas- 
sachusetts: Debates,  48,  53,  56,  61. 

Selye,  Lewis,  Representative  from  New  Y^ork: 
Debates,  860,  861,  862,  1028. 

Senate  Chamber,  see  Extensions  and  Old  Build- 
ing. 

Senate,  Chief  Engineer  of,  938,  939. 

Senate  Committee  on  Public  Buildings  author- 
ized to  invite  plans  for  Extension,  443. 
advertise  for  plans  of  Extensions,  445. 

Seneca  stone  for  flagging,  1049. 

Seward,  James  L.,  Representative  from  Georgia: 
Debates,  709. 

Seward,  William  H.,  Senator  from  New  Yrork: 

^ Debates,  531,  535,  541,  544,  676,  679,  683, 

, 1006, 1062, 1065;  Resolution  offered  by,  702. 

Sewell,  William  J.,  Senator  from  New  Jersey: 
Debates,  1241,  1244. 

Seymour,  David  L.,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Debates,  470. 

Seymour,  Origen  S.,  Representative  from  Con- 
necticut: Debates,  468,  478,  484. 

Shafroth,  John  F.,  Representative  from  Colorado: 
Debates,  382,  385,  386,  387,  389,  392,  393,  394, 
396. 

Shallenberger,  W.  S.,  Representative  from  Penn- 
sylvania: Debates,  934,  935,  936,  937;  Report 
by,  934 

Sharp,  Solomon  P.,  Representative  from  Ken- 
tucky: Debates,  174. 

Sharpe,  Peter,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  261. 

Shee,  Sir  Martin  Arthur,  731,  734. 

Sherburne,  John  A.,  Assistant  Adjutant-General, 
812. 


1308 


INDEX. 


Sherman,  John,  Representative  from  Ohio: 
Amendment  offered  by,  752;  Debates,  355, 
356,  698,  7 5‘2,  776,  777,  778,  780,  784,  1C67,  1068; 
Senator  from  Ohio,  806,  853;  Amendment 
offered  by,  803;  Debates,  803,  1085, 1149, 1157, 
1158. 

Shields,  James,  Senator  from  Illinois:  Amend- 
ment offered  by,  546;  Debates,  461,  462,  496, 
497,  502,  540,  542,  544,  546,  547,  548. 

Shipherd,  Zebulon  R.,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Debates,  181. 

Shuman,  F.,  891,  893,  907,  922. 

Shumway,  Henry  C.,  341. 

Sickles,  Daniel  E.,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  692,  695. 

Sinks  in  the  Capitol,  number  of,  13. 

Sitgreaves,  Samuel,  Representative  from  Penn- 
sylvania, 56,  65,  71,  72,  79. 

Skinner,  I.  L.,  1044,  1048. 

Skinner’s  Grand  Basin,  1041,  1044,  1048. 

Skirving,  John,  340,  349. 

Skylights,  13. 

Slidell,  John,  Senator  from  Louisiana:  Debates, 
757. 

Slight,  Pringle,  330,  332. 

Sloan,  James,  Representative  from  New  Jersey: 
Debates,  155. 

Smallwood,  Mr.,  89. 

Smilie,  John,  Representative  from  Pennsylvania: 
Debates,  110,  127,  143,  155. 

Smith,  Caleb  B.,  786,  809,  811,  813,  814,  820,  1022, 
1023,  1024,  1071,  1072. 

Smith,  Capt.  Frederick  A.,  506,  508,  525. 

Smith,  David  H.,  Representative  from  Kentucky: 
Debates,  389. 

Smith,  Hezekiah  B.,  Representative  from  New 
Jersey:  Debates,  925. 

Smith,  Hoke,  971. 

Smith,  Jeremiah,  Representative  from  New 
Hampshire:  Debates,  43,  44,  47,  48,  49,  51,  52, 
56,  57;  Reports  by,  40,  62. 

Smith,  John  A.,  327,  328,  331,  1051. 

Smith,  John  Cotton,  Representative  from  Con- 
necticut: Debates,  114. 

Smith,  Mr.,  of  New  York,  350. 

Smith,  Samuel,  Representative  from  Maryland: 
Debates,  49,  51,  82,  249,  1032;  Senator  from 
Maryland:  Debates,  149,  298,  1036. 

Smith,  Samuel,  Representative  from  New  Hamp- 
shire, 173. 

Smith,  William,  Representative  from  Virginia, 
673. 

Smith,  William,  Senator  from  South  Carolina: 
Debates,  298,  299. 

Smith,  William  J.,  551,  553. 

Smith,  William  F.,  1187,  1189. 

Smith’s  Springs,  313,  314,  315,  327,  330. 
purchase  of,  1050,  1051. 

Smithmeyer,  John  L.,  1267,  1268,  1270. 

Smithsonian  Institution,  841. 

Smithsonian  Park,  1187. 

Sollers,  A.  R.,  Representative  from  Maryland: 
Debates,  991,  992,  993,  1004. 

Somerville,  Mr.,  132. 

Southern  Park,  Chicago,  1216. 

Spalding,  Rufus  P.,  Representative  from  Ohio: 
Debates,  364. 


Spaulding,  Elbridge  G.,  Representative  from 
New  York:  Debates,  778. 

Speaker,  House  of  Representatives,  302,  328,  332, 
347,  362,  379,  381,  404, 408, 453, 454, 455, 456, 458, 
459,  460,  463,  669,  705,  744, 814, 862, 926, 928, 929, 
930, 1034, 1041, 1051, 1052, 1228. 

Spencer,  Frederick  R,,  341. 

Spofford,  A.  R.,  373,  394. 

Spooner,  John  C.,  Senator  from  Wisconsin:  De- 
bates, 377,  390;  Resolution  by,  377. 

Sprague,  William,  Senator  from  Rhode  Island: 
Debates,  843,  875. 

Springer,  William  M.,  Representative  from  Illi- 
nois: Debates,  899,  900,  904,  905,  936. 

Springs,  see  Water  supply. 

Square,  Capitol,  see  Grounds. 

Stanford,  Richard,  Representative  from  North 
Caroline:  Debates,  79,  138,  143,  144,  155,  165, 
184;  Report  by,  140. 

StaDly,  Edward,  Representative  from  North  Caro- 
lina: Debates,  478. 

Stanton,  Benjamin,  Representative  from  Ohio; 
Debates,  674,  696,  766,  767. 

Stanton,  Edwin  M.,  791,  798. 

Stanton,  Frederick  P.,  Representative  from  Ten- 
nessee: Debates,  440,  457,  459,  491,  619. 

Stanton,  Richard  H.,  Representative  from  Ken- 
tucky,578,  615,  616, 639, 641, 999;  Amendments 
offered  by,  468,  990,  993;  Debates,  454,  455, 
456,  468,  469,  471,  472,  473,  474,  475,  476,  477, 

478,  479,  482,  483,  484,  485,  486,  487,  490,  491, 

492,  493,  609,  611,  612,  613,  614,  615,  619,  620, 

621,  622,  623,  624,  625,  626,  640,  990,  991,  992, 

1004,  1053. 

Star,  The,  Washington,  1231. 

State,  Secretary  of,  11,  14,  16,  17,  20,  23,  26,  28,  34, 
35,  36,  284,  285,  287,  288,  304,  310,  320,  448. 

Statuary  Hall,  see  under  Old  Building. 

Statuary,  list  of,  975. 

Statue  of  Washington,  Greenough’s,  317,  318,  325, 
336,  338,  339. 

Statues,  States  invited  to  contribute,  357,  361,  366. 

St.  Bartholomew’s  Church,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  588. 

St.  Genevieve,  Paris,  1002,  1019. 

St.  George’s  Hall,  Liverpool,  657. 

St.  Paul’s,  London,  670,  1002,  1019. 

St.  Peter’s,  Rome,  730,  1002,  1019,  1233. 
dome  of,  995. 

Stedman,  William,  Representative  from  Massa- 
chusetts: Debates,  139. 

Steele,  John  B.,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  359. 

Steele,  W.  L.,  Representative  from  North  Caro- 
lina: Debates,  910. 

Stephens,  Alexander  H.,  Representative  from 
Georgia:  Debates,  460,  478. 

Stephens,  John  H.,  Representative  from  Texas: 
Debates,  1278,  1279,  1280. 

Stephenson,  John  G.,  787. 

Stevens,  Thaddeus,  Representative  from  Penn- 
sylvania: Debates,  357,  359,  362,  453,  454,  778, 
820,  821,  822,  827,  828,  830,  834,  837,  855,  857, 
858,  1081, 1082. 

Stevenson,  Andrew,  Representative  from  Vir- 
ginia: Debates,  278,  279. 

Stevenson,  Job  E.,  Representative  fromOhio:  De- 
bates, 877. 


INDEX. 


1309 


Stevenson,  John  W.,  Representative  from  Ken- 
tucky: Debates,  355;  Senator  from  Ken- 
tucky: Debates,  1202. 

Stewart,  R.  H.,  790. 

Stewart,  William  M.,  Senator  from  Nevada:  De- 
bates, 1093. 

Stockton,  John  P.,  Senator  from  New  Jersey: 
Debates,  1097,  1098. 

Stockton,  Richard,  Representative  from  New 
Jersey:  Debates,  173. 

Stockton,  Robert  F.,  Senator  from  New  Jersey: 
Debates,  497. 

Stone  carvers,  32. 

Stonecutters,  32. 
importation  of,  16,  22. 

Storm,  John  B.,  Representative  from  Penn- 
sylvania: Debates,  1114,  1115,  1117. 

Strickland,  William,  284,  285,  286,  287,  288,  310, 
320,  409,  416,  417,  421,  422,  424. 

Strobeek,  Charles  H.,403,  404. 

Strong,  Mr.,  574. 

Stuart,  Alex.  H.  H.,  346,  347,  348,  450,  451,  461,  464, 
516,  517,  518,  552,  558,  566. 

Stuart,  Charles  E.,  Senator  from  Michigan:  De- 
bates, 679,  681. 

Stuart,  David,  14,  15,  16,  17,  18, 19,  21,  22,  23,  24,  25, 
26,  29,  30,  31,  32. 

Stuart,  David,  Representative  from  Michigan: 
Debates,  993. 

Stuart,  General,  Chief  Engineer,  U.  S.  Army,  481. 

Sumner,  Charles,  Senator  from  Massachusetts: 
Debates,  846,  847,  848,  849,  850,  851,  1154. 

Sumter,  Thomas,  Representative  from  South  Caro- 
lina: Debates,  79. 

Superintendent  in  charge  of  construction  of  Cap- 
itol Extension,  727,  740,  741,  743,  758,  763,  764, 
766,  778,  781,  783,  785,  786,  993,  997,  999,  1000, 
1002,  1004,  1005,  1006,  1007,  1009,  1010,  1011, 
1012,  1013,  1016,  1019, 1020. 

Superintendent  of  House  Document  Room,  402, 
403,  404. 

Superintendent  of  Public  Works,  1010. 

Superintendent  of  Public  Buildings,  639,  640,  641. 
house  for,  299. 

Superintendent  of  Washington,  101,  103,  124,  140, 
141,  149,  150,  161,  162,  167,  169,  173,  189. 

Supervisor  of  Buildings,  etc.,  22. 

Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States,  911,  1108. 
accommodations  for,  352,  355,  356,  367,  368. 
building  for,  referred  to,  1258. 
quarters  asked  for  and  provided  in  Capitol,  94. 
space  for,  in  proposed  Extension  of  Central 
East  Front,  1267. 
to  use  old  Senate  Chamber,  433. 

Supreme  Court  Chamber,  see  under  Old  Build- 
ing. 

Supreme  court  of  District  of  Columbia,  1136. 

Superintendent  of  the  Capitol,  76,  78,  84,  87,  88, 92, 
96,  97,  99. 

Superintendent  of  the  Capitol  Building  and 
Grounds,  12,  13,  403,  405,  406,  407,  987,  988, 
989,  1271,  1272,  1274,  1278,  1279,  1283. 

Surgeon-General  of  the  Army,  813. 

Surveyor  of  the  Capitol,  190,  191,  193,  196,  197,  202. 

Surveyor  of  the  Public  Buildings,  104, 107, 110,  111, 
114,  115,  119,  120,  126,  129,  131,  140,  142,  146, 
151,  163,  154,  155,  156,  157,  160,  162,  163,  167. 


Sutherland,  Joel  B.,  Representative  from  Penn- 
sylvania: Debates,  326. 

Swann,  Thomas,  Representative  from  Maryland: 
Debates,  867,  868,  1117,  1118. 

Swanwick,  John,  Representative  from  Pennsyl- 
vania: Debates,  47,  50,  55,  60,  68,  70. 

Swift,  Gen.  ,1.  G.,  198,  199,  220,  221,  222. 

Swift,  Zephaniah,  Representative  from  Con- 
necticut: Debates,  43,  45,  47,  48,  53,  58. 


T. 

Tabernacle,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  588. 

Taliaferro,  John,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Report  by,  1048. 

Tallmadge,  Benjamin,  Representative  from  Con- 
necticut, 166. 

| Tawney,  James  A.,  Representative  from  Min- 
nesota: Debates,  387,  1282,  1283. 

Taylor,  Col.  J.  P.,  789. 

Taylor,  George,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Amendments  offered  by,  691,  692;  Bill 
introduced  by,  669;  Debates,  670,  691,  692, 
693,  695,  696,  699,  701;  Report  by,  729. 

Taylor,  John  L.,  Representative  from  Ohio: 
Debates,  991,  992,  993,  1004. 

Taylor,  John  W.,  Representative  from  New  York, 
284;  Debates,  185,-225,  250,  264,  299, 1035, 1036; 
Reports  by,  264. 

Taylor,  Mr.,  18. 

Telegraph,  connection  of  Capitol  with  the  Depart- 
ments by,  884. 

Teller,  Henry  M.,  Secretary  of  the  Interior,  1230. 
Senator  from  Colorado:  Debates,  940,  942, 
945,  1208,  1249,  1250,  1251,  1253. 

Temporary  and  permanent  seat  of  government, 
act  establishing,  6. 

address  of  President  on,  10. 

amendatory  act,  9. 

message  of  President  concerning,  7,  10. 

proclamations  of  President  concerning,  7,  9. 

Temporary  building  for  committee  rooms,  205, 
206,  226. 

Tennessee  marble,  628,  661,  818,  819. 

Terraces,  The: 

Account  of  development  of  plan  for,  1248  et 
seq. 

Approaches,  1203, 1204, 1212, 1213, 1214, 1217, 1218, 
1219, 1221, 1222, 1223, 1227. 

Appropriations  for,  1217,  1227,  1236,  1237,  1260, 
1262. 

Balustrade,  1260,  1262. 

Bill  for  completion  of,  1228,  1230,  1242. 

Bronze  lamps,  1229,  1260,  1262,  1263. 

Bronze  vases,  1260,  1262,  1263. 

Changes  not  to  be  made  in,  without  estimates, 
1223,  1225,  1227,  1228. 

Committee  rooms  in,  1221,  1223,  1225,  1230,  1232, 
1238,  1239,  1241,  1242,  1245,  1246,  1247,  1250, 
1251,  1252,  1255,  1256,  1258,  1262. 

Completion  of,  1263. 

Condition  of,  reported,  1882,  1217. 

Construction  of  proposed,  1201,  1203. 

Debates  on,  in  House,  1218, 1237. 

Debates  on,  in  Senate,  1201,  1203,  1204,  1207, 1211, 
1218,  1228,  1230,  123S,  1247,  1260,  1261. 


1310 


INDEX. 


Terraces,  The — Continued. 

Estimates  in  detail  for,  1228,  1229,  1230,  1243, 
1244,  1245,  1247,  1253,  1259. 

Esplanade,  1232. 

Flagging  on,  869,  875. 

Fountain,  1262,  1263. 

Grand  stairways  on,  1230,  1237,  1253,  1258,  1259, 
1260,  1261,  1262,  1263. 

Heating  apparatus  for,  1263. 

Lighting  of,  1238. 

Marble  recommended  for,  1180. 

Necessity  of  constructing,  1074, 1076. 

Necessity  of  marble,  pointed  out,  1203, 1209, 1210, 
1231,  1235. 

New  roof  over,  377. 

Objection  to  Olmsted  plan,  1233,  1248  et  seq. 

Pavement  of,  1262. 

Plans  of,  by  Frederick  Law  Olmsted,  1201, 1202, 
1203,  1213,  1224,  1227,  1232,  1240,  1244,  1245, 
1247,  1248,  1249. 

Progress  reported,  1882,  1224. 

1883,  1227. 

1884,  1236. 

1885,  1237. 

1886,  1260. 

1S92.  1263. 

References  to,  11, 1082. 

Removal  of  earthen  terraces,  1209. 

Rooms  in,  referred  to,  956,  959,  965,  967,  969. 

Rustic  terraces  criticised , 1203,  1232. 

Stairways,  1157,  1162,  1172,  1176,  1180,  1203,  1207, 
1209,  1211,  1221,  1229,  1230, 1250. 

Steam  heating  of  interior,  1262. 

Ventilation  and  lighting  of  rooms  in,  973,  1238, 
1250  et  seq.,  1261. 

Vaults  in,  1201,  1202,  1211,  1260. 

Tests  of  building  stone  for  foundations  for  Ex- 
tensions, 559,  593. 

Tests  of  marble,  Extensions,  551,  554,  558,  586,  591. 

Thames  Tunnel,  England,  1007. 

Thatcher,  George,  Representative  from  Massa- 
chusetts: Debates,  60, 82. 

Thomas,  Isaac,  Representative  from  Tennessee: 
Debates,  186. 

Thompson,  J.,  1066. 

Thompson,  Jacob,  Representative  from  Missis- 
sippi: Debates,  439,  440. 

Thompson,  Philip  R.,  Representative  from  Vir- 
ginia: Debates,  110,  114. 

Thorington,  James,  Representative  from  Iowa: 
Debates,  633. 

Thornton,  Dr.  William,  12,  19,  22,  23,  24,  25,  26,  27, 
28,  29,  32,  33,  34,  35,  36,  38,  79,  85,  86,  89,  91,  94, 
97,  101,  108,  1273. 

Thurston,  Buckner,  Senator  from  Kentucky:  De- 
bates, 153. 

Thurman,  Allen  G.,  Senator  from  Ohio,  943;  De- 
bates, 1201,  1202. 

Tiber  Creek,  316,  330, 1040,  1044,  1045,  1046,  1047. 

Tipton,  Thomas  W.,  Senator  from  Nebraska:  De- 
bates, 1092. 

Tod,  John,  Representative  from  Pennsylvania, 
264. 

Todd,  Lemuel,  Representative  from  Pennsyl- 
vania, 645,  650. 

Toilets  in  the  Capitol,  number  of,  13. 

Tombs,  Prison,  New  York,  874. 


Tompkins,  C.  B.,  Representative  from  Ohio: 
Debates,  726. 

Toombs,  Robert,  Senator  from  Georgia:  Amend- 
ment offered  by,  752;  Debates,  754,  757,  760, 
764,  779,  1065. 

Totten,  Gen.  Joseph  G.,  506,  525,  558,  559. 

Toussaint,  church  of  Angers,  1002, 1019. 

Townsend,  Washington,  Representative  from 
Pennsylvania;  Debates,  883,  1120, 1121,  1122. 

Topographical  Engineers,  Army,  408,  410,  411,  413, 
416,  421,  422,  424,  506,  525,  585,  592,  785. 

Topographical  Survey  of  Capitol  Grounds,  1154, 
1155, 1156. 

Townsend,  Martin  I.,  Representative  from  New 
YTork:  Debates,  915,  916,  917,  918. 

Tracy,  Uriah,  Senator  from  Connecticut:  Debates, 
92. 

Trafton,  Mark,  Representative  from  Massachu- 
setts: Debates,  631. 

Train, Charles  R.,  Representative  from  Massachu- 
setts: Debates,  804,  805,  807,  808;  Resolution 
reported  by,  803. 

Transfer  of  Government  to  Washington,  86. 
act  providing  for,  90,  91,  92. 

Treasury,  Comptroller  of  the,  482. 

Treasury,  Secretary  of  the,  99,  186,  187,  347,  493, 
646,  647,  664,  698,  699,  767,  769, 1228, 1237, 1238, 
1243,  1244,  1245,  1247,  1259,  1260,  1261. 

Tredegar  Iron  Works,  629. 

Trees,  see  under  Grounds. 

Trinidad  asphalt,  1171. 

Trinity  Church,  Washington,  D.  C.,  1059. 

Trowbridge,  Rowland  E.,  Representative  from 
Michigan:  Debates,  820,821. 

Trumbull,  John,  301,  302,  304. 

Trumbull , Lyman,  Senator  from  Illinoi ~ : Amend- 
ment offered  by,  858;  Bill  introduced  by, 
1074;  Debates,  354,  763,764,848,858,  873,  1074, 
1075,  1076,  1077,  1078,  1079,  1088. 

Tucker,  Henry  St.  George,  Representative  from 
Virginia,  220:  Debates,  1032,  1033;  Motions 
by,  1032,  1033;  Report  by,  202. 

Turner,  Judge,  17,  18,  19. 

Tweed,  William  M.,  Representative  from  New 
Y’ork:  Debates,  993. 

Tyner,  James  N.,  Representative  from  Indiana: 
Debates,  881. 

U. 

Underwood,  Joseph,  Senator  from  Kentucky,  550; 
Debates,  533, 534, 536, 540, 541, 546, 548, 571, 573, 
574, 575, 577, 578, 579, 580, 581, 582. 

Underwood,  Warner,  L.,  Representative  from 
Kentucky:  Debates,  728. 

Urinals  in  the  Capitol,  number  of,  13. 

Usher,  J.  P.,  814,  826,  833,  1025,  1073. 

V. 

Valk,  William  W.,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Resolution  by,  664. 

Vallandingham,  Clement  L.  Representative  from 
Ohio:  Debates,  356. 

Van  Buren,  Martin,  Senator  from  New  York: 
Debates,  298. 

Van  Camp's  patent  pavement,  1171. 


INDEX, 


1311 


Van  Cortlandt,  Philip,  Representative  from  New 
York:  Debates,  126. 

Vanderlyn,  John,  335. 

Vanness,  John  P.,  186. 

Van  Rensselaer,  Stephen,  Representative  from 
New  York:  276,  297,  1036,  1039;  Debates,  299; 
Reports  by,  271,  282,  1038. 

Van  Riswick,  J.,  1077. 

Van  Stephorts  & Hubbard,  16. 

Van  Wyck,  Charles  H.,  Representative  from  New 
Yrork:  Debates,  860,  1029;  Senator  from  Ne- 
braska: Debates,  1216,  1231. 

Van  Wyck,  William  W.,  Representative  from  New 
l7ork:  Debates,  1035,  1036. 

Varnum,  Joseph  B.,  Representative  from  Massa- 
chusetts, 79:  Debates,  48, 49, 51, 82. 

Venable,  Abraham,  Representative  from  Virginia: 
Debates,  55, 56, 57. 

Venable,  A.  W.,  Representative  from  North  Car- 
olina: Debates,  456,  457,  458,  459,  489. 

Ventilating  apparatus,  see  under  Extensions  and 
Old  Building. 

Ventilating  fans  in  the  Capitol,  number  of,  13. 

Ventilation,  see  under  Extensions  and  Old 
Building. 

Vermont  marble,  628,  660,  819. 

Vermont  Marble  Company,  397. 

Vernet,  Horace,  694. 

Verplanck,  Gulian  C.,  Representative  from  New 
York,  341:  Debates,  293;  Report  by,  1045. 

Vice-Presidents  of  United  States,  155,  788,  956. 

busts  of,  746. 

Vest,  George  G.,  Senator  from  Missouri:  Debates, 
941,  942,  946,  956,  957,  958,  961,  962,  964,  965, 
1211,  1214,  1215,  1216,  1218,  1219,  1220,  123S, 
1239,  1242,  1243,  1244,  1246,  1249,  1250,  1253, 
1254,  1255,  1259;  Report  by,  965. 

Vinton,  Samuel  F.,  Representative  from  Ohio: 
Debates,  444,  1050. 

Virginia,  cession  of  district  10  miles  square  by, 
5,  7. 

President’s  message  concerning,  7,  10. 

President’s  proclamations  concerning,  7,  9. 

retrocession  to  by  the  United  States,  11. 

Virginia,  donations  by,  96,  150,  184,  187,  188,  229, 
230. 

Von  Muller,  F.,  816,  840. 

Voorhees,  Daniel  W.,  Senator  from  Indiana,  1266, 
1267;  Debates,  958,  961,  962,  963,  1205,  1206, 
1236;  Report  by,  372. 

W. 

Wade,  Major,  556. 

Wade,  Benjamin  F.,  Senator  from  Ohio:  Debate, 
683,  720,  1063. 

Wad  worth,  Brigadier-General,  812. 

Wadsworth,  Colonel,  20. 

Wadsworth,  William  H.,  Representative  from 
Kentucky:  Debates,  365. 

Wages  of  labor  in  Washington,  from  1793  to  1818, 
232,  233. 

- from  1818  and  1820,  240. 

in  1821,  247. 

Walker,  Gen.  Duncan  S.,  29,  448. 

Walker,  George,  76. 


Walker,  Isaac  P.,  Senator  from  Wisconsin:  De- 
bates, 351. 

Walker,  James,  706,  816. 

Wallace,  Daniel,  Representative  from  South 
Carolina,  559;  Debates,  482,  483,  484,  485, 
486,  487,  489. 

Wallace,  William  A.,  Senator  from  Pennsylvania: 
Debates,  928. 

Wallach,  Richard,  494,  1077. 

Walsh,  Philip  F.,  Representative  from  Maryland: 
Bill  reported  by,  1164. 

Walsh,  Thomas  Yates,  Representative  from 
Maryland:  Debates,  459,  489. 

Walter,  Thomas  U.,  12,  342,  346,  347,  348,  358,  361, 
366, 405,  449,  461,  464,  468, 475,  479, 482,  493,  494, 
516,  517,  518,  520,  531,  551,  552,  558,  559,  570,  571, 
575,  578,  580,  581,  582, 583,  588,  594,  602,  607,  611, 
621,  635,  636, 638,  639,  641,  754,  793,  794,  799,  807, 
808, 811,  814,  820, 822,  826,  830,  833, 838,  841,  842, 
961, 962, 963, 990, 991, 992, 993, 998, 999, 1000, 1003, 
1021,  1022,  1023,  1024,  1026,  1072,  1073,  1074, 
1210,  1231,  1232,  1264,  1265,  1271,  1272,  1273, 
1274, 1277,  1278, 1279,  1283. 

War,  Acting  Secretary  of,  789. 

War  Department,  585,  787,  788,  790,  791,  793,  794, 
795,  796,  799,  800, 802,  803,  804,  805,  806,  807,  808, 
815,  820,  821,  1015. 

War  Department  building,  referred  to,  41. 

War  of  1812,  destruction  of  Capitol  and  other 
buildings  in,  171,  172,  173. 

War,  Secretary  of,  285,  287,  310,  320,  408,  410,  421, 
422,  424,  585,  587,  591,  592,  594,  595,  610,  612, 
613,  616,  618,  623,  627,  631,  635,  638,  642,  644, 

645,  648,  650,  651,  656,  659,  663,  664,  665,  669, 

673,  677,  702,  704,  705,  709,  740,  742,  743,  744, 

754,  772,  784,  785,  786,  787,  789,  790,  791,  793, 

797,  798,  799,  805,  806,  807,  815,  997,  998,  999, 
1002, 1003, 1004, 1005, 1007, 1010, 1012, 1014,1020, 
1021,  1019,  1052. 

Ward,  L.  F.,  1186,  1189. 

Waring,  George  E.,  965,  970. 

Wash  basins  in  the  Capitol,  number  of,  13. 

Washburne,  Elihu  B.,  Representative  from  Illi- 
nois: Debates,  356,  357,  358,  362,  363,  364,  365, 
644,  709,  725,  728,  804,  835,  860,  861,  862,  1028. 

Washburn,  Israel,  jr.,  Representative  from  Maine: 
Debates,  709,  725,  727,  728;  Report  by,  727. 

Washington  and  Georgetown  Railroad  Company, 
1073,  1075,  1076,  1084,  1087,  1144. 

Washington  Aqueduct,  609. 

Washington  Canal,  330,  1042,  1043,  1044. 

Washington  City,  plan  of,  10,  11,  14,  101. 

Washington  Evening  Star,  1231. 

Washington,  invasion  of  by  the  British,  171,  172, 
173. 

Washington,  George,  7,  9,  10,  11,  29,  182,  446,  1273; 
Address  of,  10. 

elm  tree  reputed  to  have  been  planted  by,  1189. 
Greenough’s  statue  of,  317,  318,  325,  336,  338,  339, 
428,  976. 

removed  from  grounds,  1162. 
letters  from,  15,  18,  20,  22,  24,  27,  28,  38,  76,  77. 
letters  to,  14,  25,  33,  35,  36,  37,  38. 
messages  of,  7,  10,  11,  38. 
proclamations  of,  10. 

Washington,  George  C.,  Representative  from 
Maryland,  312,  313;  report  by,  311. 


1312 


INDEX. 


Washington  Monument,  499, 1257. 

Water  supply  of  the  Capitol  and  grounds,  210, 224, 
311,  312,  313,  316,  325,  327,  329,  330,  331,  583, 
609,  686,  687,  689,  859,  1038,  1040,  1041  etseq., 
1045  et  seq.,  1048,  1049,  1050,  1051. 

Watmough,  John  G.,  Representative  from  Penn- 
sylvania: Debates,  1050. 

Watts,  R.,  jr.,  341. 

Wax,  preservation  of  pictures  with,  302. 

Wayne,  James  M.,  Representative  from  Georgia: 
Debates,  318. 

Webster,  Daniel,  697;  Representative  from  New 
Hampshire:  Debates,  181,  183, 184, 1032, 1033; 
motion  by,  1032;  Secretary  of  State,  448.  Sen- 
ator from  Massachusetts:  Debates,  298. 

Weems,  John  C.,  Representative  from  Maryland: 
Debates,  301. 

Wellborn,  Olin,  Representative  from  Texas:  De- 
bates, 1281. 

Weller,  John  B,,  Senator  from  California:  De- 
bates, 540,  542. 

Wendell,  C.,  591,  592,  611,  612,  615,  616. 

Westminster,  paintings  in  palace  at,  735. 

Westward-Ho!  (painting),  810,  816. 

Wetherill,  Dr.  Charles  M.,  841,  842,  844,  845. 

Wever,  Mr.,  325. 

Wheeler,  John,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  649. 

Whispering  galleries,  305. 

Whitcomb,  James,  Senator  from  Indiana:  De- 
bates, 521. 

White,  Albert  S.,  Representative  from  Indiana: 
Debates,  821.  • 

White,  Alexander,  36,  38,  43,  62,  79,  80,  82,  85,  86, 
94,  97,  101. 

White,  Hugh,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  439,  440. 

White,  John  D.,  Representative  from  Kentucky: 
Amendment  offered  by,  901,  904;  debates, 
894,  895,  898,  899,  900,  901,  902,  903,  904,  1237. 

Whitney  house,  1088. 

Whitney’s  block.  District  of  Columbia,  1108. 

Whittlesey,  Elisha,  482;  Representative  from 
Ohio:  Debates,  278,  279. 

Whittlesey,  Frederick,  Representative  from  New 
Y’ork:  Debates,  317,  326. 

Wickliffe,  Charles  A.,  Representative  from  Ken- 
tucky: Debates,  269,  290,  291,  293,  299,  300, 
805,  806. 

Weir,  Robert,  335. 

Wilcox,  John  A. , Representative  from  Mississippi: 
Debates,  478. 

Wilde,  Richard  Henry,  Representative  from 
Georgia:  Debates,  1033. 

Wilkes,  exploring  expedition  of  1842,  1186. 

Wilkins,  William,  421,  422., 

Willey,  Waitman  T.,  Senator  from  West  Virginia: 
Debates,  853. 

Williams,  John,  Representative  from  New  York: 
Debates,  49,  54,  82. 

Williams,  Colonel,  27. 

Williams,  David  R.,  Representative  from  South 
Carolina:  Debates,  119, 124,  126, 127,  138, 139. 


Williams,  John  Sharpe,  Representative  from  Miss- 
issippi: Debates,  389. 

Williams,  Robert,  Representative  from  North 
Carolina:  Debates,  82. 

Williamson,  Collin,  26,  27,  29,  30,  33. 

Wilson,  Benjamin,  Representative  from  West 
Virginia:  Amendment  offered  by,  1218; 
Debates,  1218. 

Wilson,  Henry,  Senator  from  Massachusetts: 
Debates,  355,  801,  1059,  1147. 

Wilson,  James,  Representative  from  Iowa:  De- 
bates, 893,  1164. 

Wilson,  James  F.,  Representative  from  Iowa: 
Debates,  1029. 

Windom,  William,  Representative  from  Min- 
nesota: Debates,  1081;  Senator  from  Min- 
nesota: Bill  reported  by,  1172;  Debates, 
1204, 1205, 1206. 

Windows  in  the  Capitol,  number  of,  13. 

Wirt,  William,  285. 

Witte,  William  H.,  Representative  from  Pennsyl- 
vania: Debates,  993. 

Wolcott,  Oliver,  76,  78,  84,  87,  1189. 

Wood,  Fernando,  Representative  from  New  Y’ork: 
Amendment  offered  by,  919,  921;  Debates, 
868,  908,  909,  912,  914,  919,  921. 

Wood,  Silas,  Representative  from  New  Y’ork,  236; 
Debates,  301, 1116, 1117;  Report  by,  237,  238. 

Woodbridge,  Prof.  S.  H.,  971,  972,  973,  987. 

Wooden  passageway,  Old  Building,  between 
wings,  99. 

Woods,  Elliott,  12,  ;i3,  403,  405,  406,  407,  979,  987, 
988,  1271,  1272,  1274. 

Woods,  John,  Representative  from  Ohio:  Debates, 
299. 

Woodward,  Joseph  A.,  Representative  from  South 
Carolina:  Debates,  438,  439,  440, 469,  470,  485. 

Workmen  and  mechanics,  employment  of,  14, 16, 

20,  21,  22. 

Workmen  and  mechanics  suffer  from  stoppage  of 
work  on  Extensions  in  1851,  452,  454,  459, 
461,  462,  468,  488,  489,  492,  493,  498,  522,  534, 
541,  542,  544,  545,  546,  547,  548. 

Wren,  Sir  Christopher,  474,  670. 

Wright,  Joseph  A.,  Representative  from  Indiana: 
Debates,  806,  807,  808. 

Wright,  Robert,  Representative  from  Maryland: 
Debates,  181,  184,  185,  1032;  Motions  by, 
1032, 1033;  Senator  from  Maryland:  Debates, 
100. 

Y. 

Yates,  Richard,  Senator  from  Illinois:  Debates, 
1091,  1092,  1100. 

Y’ellow  Tavern,  1190. 

Y’orktown,  Surrender  at,  painting,  775. 

Young,  Brigham,  tabernacle  of,  917. 

Young,  Casey,  Representative  from  Tennessee: 
Debates,  907,  908,  909,  910,  912,  919,  920,  921, 
922,  923,  924;  Report  by,  907. 

Young,  Mr.,  801. 


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